Heading for Rio - September 27>October 6. 2025

[Mavica]

DAY 2 IN RIO

After sleeping for 10-hours I was up and ready to wander the area, in particular the weekly outdoor market Feria adjacent to the Glória Metro station which is a 5-minute walk from my apartment.  Describing the market as large is an understatement.  100s of vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, ready-to-eat cooked foods, all sorts of alcoholic drinks, clothing, housewares, etc. I’m familiar with the Sunday Feira Hippe de Ipanema but that pales in comparison to what happens at Glória.  If you haven’t visited Glória on a Sunday, do so and you won’t be disappointed.  Lots of eye candy, too!

[SEE PHOTOS BELOW]

Before leaving the Feira I stopped at a stall with a lengthy line that sold pastel and caldo de cana (sugar cane juice).  My pastel was filled with frango com catupiry (chicken and cheese). R16 for the snack. R$16, paid in cash (+/- US$3).

[SEE PHOTO BELOW]

I e-Mailed the apartment owner / agent again to say I would not stay in the apartment longer or pay to stay unless the wi-fi and internet was connected.  Neither my cellphone nor the TV / Cable work in the apartment due to lack of signal; I’m surrounded by concrete walls outside and in.  She told me she would stop by after 6 p.m. today; this is annoying.

Not having gone to dinner I stepped outside the apartment building to a small café next door for a sandwich.  Later, I watched one of the Prime Video I had downloaded before the trip:  The Boys in the Boat; Callum Turner is easy on the eyes!  Off to bed at midnight, unfulfilled!

[buttercawan]

Sauna Carioca is very near where you stay. Their famous FestaDoApe was last Saturday, not sure when the next one. They do offer massages (different massage therapists on different days) that can play with tips.

https://www.instagram.com/saunacarioca/ 

[Mavica]

DAY 3 IN RIO

I started the day aggravated.  Still no wi-fi, etc., so I sent a final message to the Owner / Agent to say if the situation was not corrected immediately I would pack and move to a nearby hotel, dispute the rental charges and post negative reviews online. Within an hour the Owner / Agent who said she had meetings all day showed up and claimed innocence that the cable bill had not been paid, the equipment was faulty, etc.  This after suggesting that at my age I might not understand how to connect to the wi-fi.  She connected me with a neighbor’s wi-fi which I have been using successfully today.  The Owner / Agent and a technician will be back tomorrow afternoon to work on the technical stuff.  However, a half-day was devoted to this stuff because I had to remain in the apartment.  I think that the issue will be amicably resolved and I am staying put.

Early-afternoon I set out to walk along the waterfront from the apartment into Centro and over to Cinelandia to reacquaint myself and have lunch at a por kilo restaurant: Curta Carioca.  I did not eat much: some fish, sausage, onion rings, potatoes, vegetables, and a small bottle of Coke Zero to wash it down. The food was tasty. Ambiance is good. Waitstaff brings your beverages including beer and wine. Cost: R$33.28 (+/- US$6.25).

From Cinelandia I walked over to Arcos da Lapa, then to Catedral de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, back through Lapa to Escadaria Selarón and returned to my apartment in Glória.  The steps were mobbed by tourists.  Back at the apartment I crashed for a while, due to all of the walking; I experienced some back spasms.

About 6 p.m. I headed for Point 202 by Metro from the Glória station.  Bought a Metro card and was on my way, getting off at Siqueira Campos and walking the relatively short distance to the sauna.  I agree with comments of others that the lounge / bar area of 202 is pub-like in ambiance and camaraderie between GPs and those looking to off them. Though 202 has been around for a long time (I was in Rio the night it opened but did not attend because we had a flight home in several hours) I have not visited until today.  I did not like the feel of the place and prefer Club 117 more – especially what I think is a higher quality GP to choose from.  Between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. when I left, there seemed to be more customers than GPs.  I understand that Monday nights might be one of the slowest of the week but I was not attracted to even one of the possible 15 GPs.  The GPs were respectful, several a little pushy, with one approaching me as soon as I left the locker room promising he would fuck me with leche for R$100.  I thanked him and said I would consider it, later.  On check-out I paid R$99 (+/- US$18.60) for the entry fee and one Corona brand beer.  

Now that I am remaining in the apartment, I stopped for groceries at a market across the street from the Siqueira Campos Metro entrance, rode the Metro back to the Glória station and walked home somewhat, but not completely disappointed.  Tomorrow is another day!

... to be continued

 

VLT Carioca (Rio de Janeiro Light Rail) 

Marina da Glória

Curta Carioca

Curta Carioca

Curta Carioca

Aqueduto da Carioca (Arcos da Lapa)

Escadaria Selarón - Lapa

[Mavica]

DAY 4 IN RIO:

I had purchased supplies on the way home from Point 202 last night and when I was ready to cook breakfast this morning, I discovered the electric cooktop did not start and there were no directions.  Oh, well.

Walked to the Glória Metro station and took the Metro to the Cardenal Arcoverde stop in Copacabana, walked the short distance to the Copacabana Palace Hotel, crossed the street and walked along the beach until I reached Rua Miguel Lemos (where I had rented an apartment for a prior visit), turned inland and walked to the Cantangelo Metro station for a ride to the Catete stop where I waked to Rio Restaurant, a por kilo place – for an early lunch – a restaurant I first ate at probably 15 years ago and never has it disappointed me.

The restaurant was beginning to fill.  I selected some thinly sliced well-seasoned beef, a small slice of sausage, au gratin potatoes, rice with a green vegetable mixed in, a cheese empanada and sliced tomatoes.  To drink I ordered a still water.  Everything had an excellent taste. Cost of the meal:  R$39.66. equivalent to US$8.37.

I took much of the afternoon to rest, hoping the spasms in my back subside.  I took some extra strength Tylenol substitute. 

Tonight (Tuesday) is a big night at Club 117 and I arrived at 5:30 p.m.  There were probably 25 GP there at the time, mostly congregating in the bar behind the stage in the main showroom; smoking is allowed in that space, it seems.  There was a steady stream of suitors making their way to me, one first quoting R$300 for full service and when I said no the price immediately dropped to R$200 without discussion, then to R$150.  I declined the offer. 

117 is the place to go if you want to get fucked hard by big-muscled guys, most of whom tonight were dark brown or black.  Impressive bodies and cocks on display.   By 6:30 p.m. the place was filling. Probably an additional 20+ GP and a large number of customers many of them fully clothed and who seemed they might need oxygen machines to move about!  There was a broad age range in what appeared to be the 45+ age group.   During my Saturday visit and again today one guy in particular caught my eye:  maybe 24 yr.., soft hairless and muscled gym body, great smile, etc.  Just before 8 p.m. we struck up a conversation and I offed him.  Tonight was the free cabin night so it was just the R$200 I would pay him.  He first asked for R$300 and immediately dropped the price when I said no.  This was another cock-sucking night for me and I played with his body and sucked on him for a half-hour before calling it quit; I had satisfied myself.  When I left at 8:30 p.m. I will estimate there were 45+ GP wandering about.  One stop shopping, something for anyone.

When I checked out there were errors on my bill: a charge for condoms and lube which I did not request or receive; a R$38 charge for two beers, when the price for each was just R$11.  I doubt I caught all of the questionable charges but the end result was R$118 (equivalent to US$22.25).  The 3 hours of entertainment, sex, drinks set me back US$59.77.  Not bad for an evening out!

… to be continued

Club 117

Copacabana Palace Hotel

Copacabana Beach

Rio Restaurante

Rio Restaurante

[PeterRS]

Great series of photos - thank you. One question. When I was in Rio I also stayed in a hotel on Copacabana but I did not use the beach because I wondered what might happen to my simple clothes and even the hotel beach towel once I was in the water. I assume leaving them safely in a small heap would be rather stupid!

[Mavica]

6 hours ago, PeterRS said:

Great series of photos - thank you. One question. When I was in Rio I also stayed in a hotel on Copacabana but I did not use the beach because I wondered what might happen to my simple clothes and even the hotel beach towel once I was in the water. I assume leaving them safely in a small heap would be rather stupid!

I haven't been to the beach this trip, yet.  Maybe tomorrow.

The advice of locals has always been, or at least for the past couple or more decades, not to bring valuables with us as we visit the beach.  In the times we're living, smartphones, etc., that's not practical for most. Obviously, the challenge is greater for those of us who travel solo. Previous to this current trip I didn't travel with a smart/cellphone, so I'd have had shorts, t-shirt, towel, book, water and a snack. I'd have arrived with a small over the shoulder canvas bag with these things.  Though I don't go into the water I do take a few walks up and down the beach - admiring the eye candy!  I attempt to offer a greeting to persons sitting nearby to establish some sort of relationship and have asked and have been asked to watch belongings.  There are times I'll bring my things to the young men in whose concession area I'm sitting to watch my things while I walk.  I do the same things when I'm on a beach just about anywhere.  I've found that there's almost always someone around you can take a chance with, but I wouldn't leave anything I'd really miss if stolen.

[Keithambrose]

5 hours ago, Mavica said:

I haven't been to the beach this trip, yet.  Maybe tomorrow.

The advice of locals has always been, or at least for the past couple or more decades, not to bring valuables with us as we visit the beach.  In the times we're living, smartphones, etc., that's not practical for most. Obviously, the challenge is greater for those of us who travel solo. Previous to this current trip I didn't travel with a smart/cellphone, so I'd have had shorts, t-shirt, towel, book, water and a snack. I'd have arrived with a small over the shoulder canvas bag with these things.  Though I don't go into the water I do take a few walks up and down the beach - admiring the eye candy!  I attempt to offer a greeting to persons sitting nearby to establish some sort of relationship and have asked and have been asked to watch belongings.  There are times I'll bring my things to the young men in whose concession area I'm sitting to watch my things while I walk.  I do the same things when I'm on a beach just about anywhere.  I've found that there's almost always someone around you can take a chance with, but I wouldn't leave anything I'd really miss if stolen.

On my last visit to Rio, now 4 years ago, I stayed at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. Nostalgia, as I had stayed there on my first visit over 40 years ago, and offed an amazingly  sexy boy from one of the gay bars then round the corner.  The hotel was run down then, but still impressive.  In it's new incarnation it is very smart indeed, with excellent  restaurants,  one having a Michelin  star. I restricted  myself to boys off the apps, in my room, which worked well. I was attending  a conference,  and giving a talk, so free time a little limited! No chance to go to saunas. I chatted to the concierge, discussing old times, and asked if it was safe to walk along the sea front. He said, no! I pointed out I was in jeans, etc, so he said, OK, but turn right! I had  a perfectly  nice time just having a couple  of beers. I would say, however, that the ordinary eye candy on display had gone down a bit over the 40 years, More overweight young guys, etc. Not sure if that was just me. Still, a great place.

[Mavica]

DAY 5 IN RIO:

First, I need to mention something:  the weather.  The stunningly peasant weather.  Breezy, all day and into the evening. High-70sF / low-80sF daytime and high-60sF overnight.  Pleasant surprise for me because I live in Coastal Central Florida.  The week before I arrived for this trip it was hot here, in the 90sF.  Other trips of mine to Rio have been mid-Summer when it is hot, and in September when I encounter rain.  This has been nice.  Real nice.

Secondly, I meant to comment in my remarks for Day 4 at Club 117:  It seems obvious that the free cabin nights draw out the local residents vs. the tourists and I assume the GPs discount their fee requests (from what foreign visitors are asked to pay) because the locals attended multiple times throughout the year.  Makes sense but I was thinking about it as I moved about today.

Now, for the rest:

I laugh at my inadequacies, in particular my inability to understand and communicate effectively (or at all) in Portuguese.  Still unresolved is how to get the electric cooktop to turn on.  This morning’s challenge was figuring out how to use the in-apartment washing machine.  There are no instructions (the agent is AWOL) and all of the labeling is written in Portuguese.  Finally figured it out but I still do not know how to dry the clothes.  So, hanging on furniture around the apartment are my damp clothes drying.  It is all too funny!

Daylight hours were mostly concentrated on exploring the Central district. Using the Metro from Glória to Uruguaiana at one end of the Polo Saara shopping district.  Before exploring the market, I strolled Praça da República (Campo de Santana).  When in the park I always remember the commentary from years ago of both Tomcal and Trilingual about their escapades in search of the big dicks they had acquired there.  After the short walk in the park (not meant to cruise for sex) I crossed the street to Polo Saara.  There’s probably no more comprehensive and inexpensive market area in the city: clothing, household goods, tourist trinkets, etc.  The market runs primarily on Rua Senhor dos Passos from Campo de Santana on one end to Uruguaiana on the other, spilling over to cross streets.  Only two purchases today:  a Rio ball cap, and lunch at Restaurante Sírio e Libanês (Lebanese).

Restaurante Sírio e Libanês came as a complete surprise to me. You can easily miss the entrance set back from the pedestrian street clogged with merchants and salespersons hawking their wares.  After walking passed, I circled back, entered, and ate.  It was on the early side for lunch but more and more customers entered during my meal.  Acknowledging that I did not speak Portuguese, the waiter brought me a menu in English and misjudging the quantities of the distinct items I was presented with a Mix Individual for one, that would feed two people easily and more food than I have eaten recently.  Hummus, a long cafta, rice with lentils, tabbouleh, stuffed grape, and cabbage leaves. The food was authentically prepared and presented and was tasty.  I left with half the meal in a container.  My beverage was a glass of draft beer. All-in, the cost was R$129 (+/- US$25).

Walked back through the Saara market area to Uruguaiana, down Avenida Presidente Vargas to Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião, over to the ferry terminal, crossed to Niterói where I walked around, back on the ferry to Central, over to the Carioca Metro station and rode the Metro back to Glória which got me back to the apartment.  No sauna for me tonight, even though it will be busy at Point 202.  My throat needs a rest!

Before settling in for the night I walked from Glória to Flamengo and back, stopping for some food supplies on the way.  With all the moving about I will sleep well tonight!

… to be continued.

Praça da República (Campo de Santana)

Saara shopping district

Restaurante Sírio e Libanês

Restaurante Sírio e Libanês

Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião

Ferry Terminal

Arrival at Niterói

Arrival at Rio

[Mavica]

20 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

 I chatted to the concierge, discussing old times, and asked if it was safe to walk along the sea front. He said, no!

Staying in a Copacabana hotel my first visit to Rio, I recall staff warning me not to walk out of the hotel alone and wherever I went I should do so in a taxi.  On Trip Advisor and other web travel forums people were writing the same thing.  That is because as tourists to this beautiful city we unconsciously flash nice watches, have in-hand expensive cameras and do not pay attention to our surroundings - and some have fallen prey to thieves.  I think some of those warnings are still being voiced.  I do try to avoid undertaking risky behavior here and elsewhere I travel but take my current visit in Rio, as an example, I move about areas not customary for a lot of foreign visitors to frequent and I have felt safe. I have not been wandering about late night in unfamiliar areas.  Walking on the sidewalk along the beaches in Copa and Ipanema daytime and until maybe 9 p.m. in the evening?  I would not hesitate to do that.  I will not, however, walk in the sand close to the water after dark; my own rule.

Quote

I would say, however, that the ordinary eye candy on display had gone down a bit over the 40 years, More overweight young guys, etc. Not sure if that was just me. Still, a great place.

As I've already said, I've been out and about a lot this week and like any self-respecting gay man I do my fair share of cruising and sizing up guys.  I suppose that it is true there are more overweight young men in Rio today than there were a couple of decades ago, most likely because fast/snack foods are more prevalent now than then. I am seeing guys who, the vast majority, are mostly fit and trim.  Mayve it's just that my gaydar blocks-out the heavier guys!  I have noticed, though, the abundance of tall (6 ft. +) dark-skinned handsome guys.

[Xclay]

On 9/29/2025 at 11:01 PM, Mavica said:

... About 6 p.m. I headed for Point 202 by Metro from the Glória station. Bought a Metro card and was on my way, getting off at Siqueira Campos and walking the relatively short distance to the sauna....

Based on a few of your comments my guess is that you might qualify for free transportation. If so, no need to buy a Metro card.

If you are over 65, public transportation is free in Brazil! 

I'm not sure how it works in São Paulo, but in Rio I just show the the scan of my passport in my phone to the attendant standing near the Metro entry gates and state my age in Portuguese. Sadly, they usually do not feel the need to inspect my year of birth too closely and wave me on through. (Once in a while a woman attendant will smile and feign shock.) 

Having done this smoothly hundreds of times, on my last trip for the first time I encountered a prissy, officious guy at the Glória station who insisted that I must show my actual physical passport which I never carry around with me. And that may be the law, but my scan has worked 99.7% of the time. Unless when I return in December I find there is a new crackdown, I'll continue to just use my scanned passport to ride free in Rio. 

[Latbear4blk]

Sometimes I carry not my passport/booklet but my passport/card. When I got my citizenship they gave me both. 

[Keithambrose]

8 hours ago, Mavica said:

Staying in a Copacabana hotel my first visit to Rio, I recall staff warning me not to walk out of the hotel alone and wherever I went I should do so in a taxi.  On Trip Advisor and other web travel forums people were writing the same thing.  That is because as tourists to this beautiful city we unconsciously flash nice watches, have in-hand expensive cameras and do not pay attention to our surroundings - and some have fallen prey to thieves.  I think some of those warnings are still being voiced.  I do try to avoid undertaking risky behavior here and elsewhere I travel but take my current visit in Rio, as an example, I move about areas not customary for a lot of foreign visitors to frequent and I have felt safe. I have not been wandering about late night in unfamiliar areas.  Walking on the sidewalk along the beaches in Copa and Ipanema daytime and until maybe 9 p.m. in the evening?  I would not hesitate to do that.  I will not, however, walk in the sand close to the water after dark; my own rule.

As I've already said, I've been out and about a lot this week and like any self-respecting gay man I do my fair share of cruising and sizing up guys.  I suppose that it is true there are more overweight young men in Rio today than there were a couple of decades ago, most likely because fast/snack foods are more prevalent now than then. I am seeing guys who, the vast majority, are mostly fit and trim.  Mayve it's just that my gaydar blocks-out the heavier guys!  I have noticed, though, the abundance of tall (6 ft. +) dark-skinned handsome guys.

Thanks comments. As I mentioned, I was underdressed, and I don't wear a watch. No camera, and phone firmly in pocket! New York 40 years ago taught me to avoid eye contact,  and stay in the main, lighted Streets. And, as you say, stay alert!

[Mavica]

DAY 6 IN RIO:

This was an off day for me.  Like in bed sick kind of off.  The night before I was experiencing a sore, scratchy throat, and runny nose.  I had a slight cough, too, but I did not detect a fever. The situation only worsened overnight and I did not sleep much.  Instead of my plan to spend much of the day at the beach at Ipanema, I was in and out of bed.  In the refrigerator had some yogurt, Lebanese restaurant leftovers so I could get some nourishment. Late afternoon, the cable / internet repairman showed up with several other people, fixed the technical problems, and then asked what was wrong with me (we were using the Google Translate app).  They all thought I might have gripe (flu) and I should go to the pharmacy for some meds.  I have had both the COVID-19 booster and flu shot in the USA recently.  I walked 15 minutes to a pharmacy, told the pharmacist of the symptoms, when I had my recent shots and was given medications.  Back in the apartment I took the meds and was in bed by 8 p.m.

[hornyfrog]

23 hours ago, Xclay said:

If you are over 65, public transportation is free in Brazil! 

In São Paulo (city and state), the minimum age for free public transit is only 60. 

[Latbear4blk]

3 hours ago, Mavica said:

DAY 6 IN RIO:

This was an off day for me.  Like in bed sick kind of off.  The night before I was experiencing a sore, scratchy throat, and runny nose.  I had a slight cough, too, but I did not detect a fever. The situation only worsened overnight and I did not sleep much.  Instead of my plan to spend much of the day at the beach at Ipanema, I was in and out of bed.  In the refrigerator had some yogurt, Lebanese restaurant leftovers so I could get some nourishment. Late afternoon, the cable / internet repairman showed up with several other people, fixed the technical problems, and then asked what was wrong with me (we were using the Google Translate app).  They all thought I might have gripe (flu) and I should go to the pharmacy for some meds.  I have had both the COVID-19 booster and flu shot in the USA recently.  I walked 15 minutes to a pharmacy, told the pharmacist of the symptoms, when I had my recent shots and was given medications.  Back in the apartment I took the meds and was in bed by 8 p.m.

I think we all are getting that bug. I did it. I am very appreciative of Brazilian pharmacists and the local meds industry. Very effective advise and drugs, and very cheap.

[Mavica]

DAY 7 IN RIO

This day started better than yesterday when I was sick.  Though I am not 100% yet, I do feel better.  I took it easy and spent the afternoon under an umbrella at Praia de Ipanema.  From the Gloria Metro Station, I traveled to the General Osório Station and walked through Praça General Osório and over to the beach between Posto 8 and 9.  One change quickly noted is gone are the gay flags denoting the principal gay locations in this area. Each vendor kiosk is similar with the only difference being the name of concessionaire and number of the location.  Walking the sidewalk along the beach area I came across “Marlon” whose English is far better than my Portuguese.  He is a sidewalk salesperson, drawing people into the kiosk he works for.  I listened, walked past then turned back because I did not really know where else to go.  This was a good choice.  Not exclusively gay, but probably 50/50.  Weather was fantastic; constantly cool breeze.  Those who went into the water said it was cold, but I observed maybe a dozen brave souls doing so.  As usual, the variety of vendors was fun to watch.  As I watched I admired the vendors and their hard work to earn a living.  Four and a half hours at the beach was enough for me.  My bill came to $60.  R$30 for the chair, umbrella and small table and R$15 for each of the two beers.  +/- US$11.25, not bad for a day at the beach. BTW, I slipped Marlon R$10 on my way out because he checked on me several times.

Then it was back on the crowded Metro and to the apartment.

Since I had not eaten all day, with the exception of some yogurt at breakfast, I walked into Catete towards Largo do Machado checking out restaurant possibilities.  I chose Le Dépanneur which is adjacent to the Largo do Machado Metro Station.  Bad choice, it turned out. One of the worst pizzas I have ever eaten.  Throughout the meal the taste that permeated was flour from the crust, not the Caprese topping … which, by the way, slipped off the crust every time I lifted a piece.  I washed the flour taste out of my mouth with a bottle of Stella Artois beer.  The only positive thing about the dinner was it only cost the equivalent of US$11.91.

I walked back to the apartment and am in for the night.  No sauna, no playing around.  Just trying to recover from whatever it is/was I contracted.

… to be continued.

 

 

Rio de Janeiro Metro

Praia de Ipanema

Praia de Ipanema

Not saying this young man is gay, but he certainly made my time on the beach delightful.

Praia de Ipanema

 

[sydneyboy1]

On 10/2/2025 at 10:57 PM, Mavica said:

Staying in a Copacabana hotel my first visit to Rio, I recall staff warning me not to walk out of the hotel alone and wherever I went I should do so in a taxi.  On Trip Advisor and other web travel forums people were writing the same thing.  That is because as tourists to this beautiful city we unconsciously flash nice watches, have in-hand expensive cameras and do not pay attention to our surroundings - and some have fallen prey to thieves.  I think some of those warnings are still being voiced.  I do try to avoid undertaking risky behavior here and elsewhere I travel but take my current visit in Rio, as an example, I move about areas not customary for a lot of foreign visitors to frequent and I have felt safe. I have not been wandering about late night in unfamiliar areas.  Walking on the sidewalk along the beaches in Copa and Ipanema daytime and until maybe 9 p.m. in the evening?  I would not hesitate to do that.  I will not, however, walk in the sand close to the water after dark; my own rule.

As I've already said, I've been out and about a lot this week and like any self-respecting gay man I do my fair share of cruising and sizing up guys.  I suppose that it is true there are more overweight young men in Rio today than there were a couple of decades ago, most likely because fast/snack foods are more prevalent now than then. I am seeing guys who, the vast majority, are mostly fit and trim.  Mayve it's just that my gaydar blocks-out the heavier guys!  I have noticed, though, the abundance of tall (6 ft. +) dark-skinned handsome guys.

You would not hesitate to walk along the sidewalks in Copa up to 9 at night. Think again. I was mugged by 3 thugs almost in front of the Copacabana Palace at about 6:45 barely dark, with a group of locals watching and numerous passers by ignoring my screams for help. Be warned. Rio has a crime problem.

[Mavica]

I omitted photos I'd intended to include in my Day 7 report.  Here they are:

 

 

[Mavica]

7 hours ago, sydneyboy1 said:

You would not hesitate to walk along the sidewalks in Copa up to 9 at night. Think again. I was mugged by 3 thugs almost in front of the Copacabana Palace at about 6:45 barely dark, with a group of locals watching and numerous passers by ignoring my screams for help. Be warned. Rio has a crime problem.

Sorry to learn of your victimization.  Have you returned to Rio since?

What then is your suggestion for persons intending to visit Rio, or many other popular destinations where visitors (and locals) have been victimized?

[Docbr01]

That’s for the report Mavica… hope you recover soon to enjoy your trip. Rio is one of the worst places to get sick, just because you have to turn down having fun on the city. 

Hope you have some more adventures in saunas to tell us during your stay … the reports are surely kindling my desire to go back to Rio soon. 

[sydneyboy1]

8 hours ago, Mavica said:

Sorry to learn of your victimization.  Have you returned to Rio since?

What then is your suggestion for persons intending to visit Rio, or many other popular destinations where visitors (and locals) have been victimized?

This was on my first visit to Rio and I have returned older and wiser. An American gent came to my rescue after my attackers had fled. I am tall and he saw he from a distance between cars parked at right angles to the kerb and realised what had happened. This kind gentleman lived in Rio. In the preceding months he had been mugged 3 times once by an assailant carrying a gun.
My advice is don’t think you are safe because an area is “busy” and be on guard at all times. Liberal use of taxis is in order. 

[Mavica]

1 hour ago, sydneyboy1 said:

My advice is don’t think you are safe because an area is “busy” and be on guard at all times. Liberal use of taxis is in order. 

Thank you for sharing your perspective.

I always think about personal risk assessment and how I will react if I am confronted - because I have previously found myself in those situations when traveling.  Usually, when we fall victim it is to a crime of opportunity.  A wrong place at a wrong time.  I have had it happen to me in Chicago; Mexico City (multiple times) and I came close to it happening to me in Rio during my first trip maybe 20 years ago.  We should do our best to remain informed and aware.  I do a fair amount of pre-trip research in local news sources, social media, etc. I walked extensively today along the beach avenues. Along the length of Copacabana there are military police and local police throughout both on foot, standing still and in vehicles - in groups of three.  It is the weekend and a lot of people are out. Another marathon along the waterfront tomorrow, too (in honor of the UAE?). Travel behaviors are going to be individual decisions.  For me, I am not going to travel mostly or only to ride in taxi's / uber at my destination; that is not me.  If the overall risk is too great, I will not visit a destination.

I am in Rio for more than the sex opportunities.  I enjoy the city and its residents, and to enjoy it I have to see and feel it as close as practical.  I respect the decisions of others that differ from my own.

Wish us all well!

[sydneyboy1]

2 hours ago, Mavica said:

Thank you for sharing your perspective.

I always think about personal risk assessment and how I will react if I am confronted - because I have previously found myself in those situations when traveling.  Usually, when we fall victim it is to a crime of opportunity.  A wrong place at a wrong time.  I have had it happen to me in Chicago; Mexico City (multiple times) and I came close to it happening to me in Rio during my first trip maybe 20 years ago.  We should do our best to remain informed and aware.  I do a fair amount of pre-trip research in local news sources, social media, etc. I walked extensively today along the beach avenues. Along the length of Copacabana there are military police and local police throughout both on foot, standing still and in vehicles - in groups of three.  It is the weekend and a lot of people are out. Another marathon along the waterfront tomorrow, too (in honor of the UAE?). Travel behaviors are going to be individual decisions.  For me, I am not going to travel mostly or only to ride in taxi's / uber at my destination; that is not me.  If the overall risk is too great, I will not visit a destination.

I am in Rio for more than the sex opportunities.  I enjoy the city and its residents, and to enjoy it I have to see and feel it as close as practical.  I respect the decisions of others that differ from my own.

Wish us all well!

I have been to Rio and more frequently Sao Paulo for the same reason as you. The Brazilian rent boy saunas are wonderful. I am certainly not seeking to deter anyone from visiting after all I have been back 8 times since my mugging. My point is be careful. If it can happen to me it can happen to anyone.

[Mavica]

DAY 8 IN RIO

Several observations from the travel and walk: 

• Rio residents have been cordial, accommodating and respectful throughout my stay – especially so due to my inability to communicate in Portuguese.  Each time I ride the Metro someone is standing up or motioning to me to sit in their seat.  Maybe I am really looking my age or just worn out from all of the walking!  It is everywhere, the cordiality, welcoming attitudes.
• Maybe I am naïve, but people working in businesses seem to take pride in their work, and they are working hard for what they earn.
• Beaches are clean.  Very clean.  Thank you in large part to the men and women who collect cans and plastic for recycling.
• Police presence has not seemed overbearing but they are out there:  military police, municipal police, state police.  Where I am seeing them is not deep into the city districts, but more or less in neighborhoods bordering the waterfront areas from Leblon to Centro.  Today many officers from different jurisdictions were present on foot and in vehicles as I walked from Leblon through Copacabana beachfront, and inland the several blocks where I was walking.  Outside a hotel next to my apartment building a Military Police car/officer has been parked there for the past week (obviously, knowing I am in town!).

Having slept reasonably well, but I was up and down several times overnight.  I relaxed in the apartment until Noon, going out for lunch once again at Rio Restaurant in Catete where I ate earlier in the week.  After lunch I walked the short distance to the Catete Metro Station, boarded a train, and got off the train at the Jardim de Alah Metro Station in Leblon.  From the station I walked a short distance to Praia do Leblon.  I had forgotten how nicer this beach is, in comparison to those at Copacabana and Ipanema.

From Leblon I walked the sidewalk through Praia do Ipanema, turned the corner and from Praia do Ipanema to Praia do Copacabana and all the way to the beach opposite Copacabana Palace Hotel, across Av. Atlantica to Cardeal Arcoverde Metro Station, on to the Gloria Metro Station and walked to my apartment.  Whew!  I do not know what the distance is in miles, but it was l-o-n-g!

Stopping frequently as I walked, I observed most of the sidewalk restaurants were full, the beaches were crowded and the prices seemed reasonable. The crowds diminished markedly mid-way between Postos 9 and 8 in Ipanema and as the Copacabana beaches widened the crowds obviously seemed smaller than those closer to the transition from Ipanema.

There is another marathon tomorrow, sponsored by or in recognition of the United Arab Republic.  Go figure.  There must be a strong trade relationship between the two countries.  I did not return at night to visit, but part of the parkway between traffic lanes was being set for what I remember is a night market of some sort.  Once, I rented an apartment overlooking Copacabana Beach and this particular market.

Resting in the apartment for a few hours before walking outside again, I walked for a half hour, returned and am in for the night.  No visit to the saunas because I am still not feeling 100%.

Tomorrow is my last day.  My flight leaves after Midnight Monday.  Smartly, I have rented the apartment until mid-day Monday and will not have to sit around somewhere with luggage waiting to go to the airport.  Likely, I will take an Uber to the airport.

… to be continued.

Praia do Leblon - Table Soccer

Praia do Leblon - Cars for Sale

Praia do Copacabana

Praia do Copacabana - Sample of Prices at Beach