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This year 2021 marks 20 years of going to Brazil, usually 4 times a year, sometimes 5. I wanted to write about some of the friends i have made. this is about “boys” i have met that are now men in successful careers! i have stayed in touch with them . 1) A.F. was a guy who at 19 ended up in Rio from the small town a 100 miles from São Paulo. He is gay and became the boyfriend of one of the sauna owners and a year after that ended, worked in the sauna as a “boy” for about a year and then moved to Paris to be a gogo boy with 2 other sauna guys. about a year after arriving in Paris he could speak conversational French and enrolled in college and 1 year ago graduated with a accounting degree, and looks physically like a beautiful muscle god! 2) in 2013 the manager of Mezziniu sauna in Porto Alegre approached me and asked if i would be interested in a friend of his that was Not a sauna guy but needed to make some extra money that weekend? i told him no that usually guys doing it the first tine are not that good or that much fun! then he said why don’t you just talk to him? He is sitting at the bar in street clothes! He was handsome 21 and attending law school the following year! i saw him every trip i made to Porto Alegre! He became a lawyer 2 years ago, i saw him last a year ago, i remember it well because we were drinking and we had sex 4 times that night, the most ever with one guy in one night! 3) 12 years ago i was in Rio and met who i thought was one of the most handsome guys i had met, he was in his early 20’s and told me he was in college and going to go to med school. It turns out he didn’t go to med school but Dental school and is now a dentist in Rio! Dentists are allowed to give Botox in Brazil and when i was there 3 weeks ago he did a session on me and i have to say he did a great job! I met what was and still is one f the nicest guys ever! a year later he joined the French Foreign legion. At the time he was already a black belt in Brazilian JuJitsu and has been living in the FFL base in Corsica and traveling the world with them! he messaged me yesterday messages me that he has put his 4 years in and is getting out finishing his degree in 1-1/2 years and opening a Brazilian JuJitsu school in France! He is going to a international competition in Mexico next year! there are more stories but these mare my top 4 who i have kept in contact with! here are non face photos of the 4

A Sao Paulo Interlude Ugh. I got derailed with the posts because life just got busy. With the USA fast opening and personal stuff with my own life getting in the way (read: I am finding new distractions), I both haven't had the time to update this thread or go to Brazil in the same frequency as since Brazil opened up in July. I will still update when I can, or maybe not, we shall definitely see. But I do find my self in Brazil this Memorial Day week (in the USA) for some reason. I've chosen Sao Paulo as my main location for this trip (for now), based on the two positive days I spent in the beginning of May before I headed back home. I have frequented Rio since December, and even with the never-boring charms of Rio's beaches and boys, I have to admit that I have become bored with the tedium of the 117 and 202 merry-go-round. While some American friends have introduced me to the very specific charms of Meio Mundo (probably due for a post at some point), it is time for me to concentrate on Sao Paulo. A lot has changed since I was in Brazil about 4 weeks ago. I have found a country that is more restless, more fed-up, and possibly ready to burst at any moment. And probably because I am in Sao Paulo, a city that is less touristy than Rio, it is harder to paint over the seams that are forming from the suffering of its citizens with the whiplash of COVID restrictions, with the lack of good paying jobs, and the slow rollout of vaccination. I met up with my gorgeous ex in my first few days here, and even with the distraction of the always great sauna Lagoa, which has been busy these days, I cannot ignore the other things that are happening. A casual stroll in Paulista Avenue on tis gloomy Sunday revealed some interesting street graffiti: "Out with Bolsonaro" "Down with the dictatorship" "The Emergency Assistance is not enough to buy food." "Out with Bozo" While passing by the "Fora Bozo" graffiti, I explained to my ex that "Bozo" was a name of a famous clown in the USA. The ex says its the same in Brazil, and for him, Bozo is a fitting name for Bolsonaro because he thinks he is also a clown. A sad state of affairs in Brazil for sure. Pretty worse than normal, even. That's probably why there is always more boys than clients in the sauna. So hopefully, next, I will continue with the Rio posts...

In England penalising homosexual activity had been the official law of the land for centuries. Being accurate, it was not an issue of common law but enacted law. The 1533 Buggery Act affected both men and women. Those found guilty were put to death. That clearly did not stop the upper classes from enjoying the act. The son of Mary Queen of Scots, King James VI of Scotland who became King James ! of England from 1603 till his death in 1625, was a noted homosexual and had multi-year affairs with several of his courtiers. The 17-year old Robert Carr, later the Earl of Suffolk, was one. But the love of his life was the Duke of Buckingham. The 17th century French poet Theophile de Viau commemorated the liaison in a poem that ended, "And it is well known that the King of England / Fucks the Duke of Buckingham." That 1533 law was superced by Parliament during the Victorian era in 1861 when it was replaced by the Sexual Offences Against the Person Act. This removed it as a capital punishment offence and replaced sodomy with a term in prison. It was this Act that the English gradually spread to all its colonies. The first irony is that in many of those colonies, particularly in Asia, homosexuality had been far from uncommon. As is well known, many colonial masters thereafter still took male locals as their lovers. The second irony is that having got rid of most of its colonies, England then repealed the 1861 Act in 1967 and effectively decriminalised homosexuality. But that was too late for it to change the laws in its former colonies. Hence, countries like Singapore and Malaysia still have that 19th century law on their statue books! A few years ago, parliament in London passed another law offering pardons to around 50,000 who were penalised under the 1861 Act. Oscar Wilde is one who was somewhat belatedly pardoned. Another was Alan Turing, and the Pardon Act is now commonly referred to as the Turing Act. Like Totally Oz, personally I dislike the term queer. To me it was a definition at its time and of its time - and these were not good times for gay men and women.

From The Thaiger / Thai Examiner PHOTO: Chinese media argues with Thai police over the handling of last week's luxury mansion raid. (via Facebook/ ตำรวจห้วยใหญ่) Controversy is swirling around the police raid on the Pattaya luxury mansion last week where a Chinese National shot 2 police officers, as the man and Chinese media claim that the raid was “executed poorly”. Senior Thai police officers claim the raid was carried out appropriately, while the Chinese man claims he panicked after being approached by suspicious men who were not clearly identified as police officers. The Chinese media has claimed that proper procedures were not followed and a search warrant was not obtained in advance. Video footage has been circling online showing a group of plain-clothes men coming through the rear of the property, where the owner was relaxing by the pool before fleeing to lock himself in his home. From the upstairs bedroom, he shot more than 60 rounds from a 9mm automatic pistol licensed to his Thai girlfriend. He also released tear gas on the storming police officers, and investigations later revealed that another Chinese man in the house had a concealed gun. 2 police officers were critically injured, one shot in the stomach and 1 shot in the leg, though the most recent information is that both will recover from being shot. The deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai police says that the court issued a search warrant after reviewing the evidence from a special operations squad, so police would have prior knowledge of who might be inside and what to expect during a raid. He argues that raid procedure was followed with uniformed police officers and 4 police cars at the front of the property while police entered from the rear to stop anyone from fleeing. The shooter in custody, a Chinese man known as Leo carrying a passport for investment haven Saint Kitts and Nevis, claims that he fired on the intruders for fear of being kidnapped or harmed with no knowledge that the people storming his property were police. The police contradict his statement and argue that all officers had proper ID displayed during the raid and had already identified themselves to a gardener when they entered the property. While Leo’s lawyer maintains that the search was executed without a warrant and run improperly, police maintain they had gone through proper procedures while investigating money laundering and illegal online gambling operations believed to be going on in the luxury mansion. His lawyer claims that Leo has no involvement with any illegal business or organised crime, and is merely a businessman who made money in gold, property, Bitcoin, and is in Thailand to develop a luxury real estate market. Police argue that bulletproof vests found during the raid and the use of teargas imply more nefarious activities. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/chinese-media-thai-police-argue-over-handling-of-mansion-raid

Initially i didn’t think sauna life would last this long as i started going to the saunas just when places like the Gaiety and Stellas in NTC and Numbers in LA were slowing down, but culturally Brazil was different how they viewed them! they were busy and in fact had 6 saunas in Rio around 2005/6. today both Rio and São Paulo each have 2 to service a metro area of 9 million and 23 Million respectfully! Economics certainly are playing a big part, so the short answer i see them surviving for the next 5 years just because of economics! there are and will continue to be a lot of young Brazilians out of work! Actually cities a lot smaller then Rio or SP have 2 saunas!(Porto Alegre, Belo Horzonte, , Salvador are 3 examples). As far as quality goes that is “in the eye of the beholder”! Certainly Lagoa would multiple Gorgeus guys on any night 15 years ago(and some are still there just more wrinkles)but there are still stunning guys to be found! if i could have shown the faces on the photos i posted i think you would agree! This trip i just got back from i found a stunning guy at Pointe and was told by the owner that was his first night working and he was amazing! I admit that 5 of the guys i currently see there do not work the saunas or online. They have regular jobs and see me when they have free time to meet up and they do cost about $50,r more then the sauna guys, but to me they are worth it! Sorry for the long reply!

Yes i really fell for the dentist i mentioned and it does get complicated for several reasons! He had gone to my home in Mexico 6 times with me over the last 2 years and we actually talked about getting married but i broke up with him 2 weeks ago after getting back from my latest trip to Rio! it was hard but for the best and i do wish him much happiness! Everyone is different and for me the best thing i can do is not being in a long term relationship but rather enjoy the great time Brazil provides! About 2/3 of the guys i see on a given trip are guys i know from previous visits and the majority don’t work in the sauna anymore, so it is more like dates with them! As an example this last trip i was with 21 guy of which 13 were guys i knew from previous trips!

Killer arrested Serial killer suspected of murdering young gay men is arrested in Curitiba; The individual exchanged photos with the victims and later traveled to the residence, when they arrived at the place, strangled them. by Josué Calebe May 29, 2021 José Tiago Correia Soroka, 33, suspected of being the serial killer responsible for the deaths of three young homosexuals, was arrested by the Civil Police on Saturday morning (29), in Curitiba. He was in a pension in the Capão Raso neighborhood. The chief delegate of the Homicide and Personal Protection Division (DHPP), Camila Cecconello, explained that the suspect will now be questioned at the police station. “He was arrested by DHPP officers around 7 am and is being taken to the police station, where he will be questioned about the facts. And soon after, Chief Thiago will give a press conference to give more details about this arrest and about the suspect's interrogation ”, she said. The victim's victims are David Júnior Alves Levisio, killed on April 27, and Marco Vinício Bozzana da Fonseca, murdered on May 4, both in the capital of Paraná. He is also suspected of the death of Robson Olivino Paim, on April 16, in Abelardo da Luz (SC). Still on May 11, the man tried to kill another homosexual, in the Bigorrilho neighborhood, in Curitiba. At the time, the victim managed to resist the attack, but had some assets stolen. All the victims were homosexuals and lived alone. The three men were found dead on the bed of their homes with signs of suffocation and had belongings taken away. According to the investigations, the serial killer scheduled meetings using gay relationship apps. At first, the individual exchanged photos with the victims and later traveled to the residence, when they arrived at the place, strangled them. After suffocation, then covered them covers.

Maybe. That would depend on Mark Burnett's contract. Since Burnett is now the Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group, he would never allow for the release of the outtakes. The last thing Burnett wants to do is piss off millions and millions of Trump voters, who do watch TV. And what does it matter? Even if the outtakes show Trump shooting a child on 5th Avenue (especially a Black, Mexican, or Asian child), his cult following will still love him, claiming the action showed "strength." The cult is the most worrisome thing to U.S. security, and those who work in security know it. The sooner Trump drops off the face of the earth, the better for everyone.

From the BBC website Sunday 30 May Vietnam has detected a Covid variant that appears to be a combination of the Indian and UK variants and can spread quickly in the air, officials say. Vietnam's Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long described the latest mutation on Saturday as "very dangerous". ... Mr. Nguyen said the new hybrid variant was more transmissible than previously known versions, especially in the air. He said it was discovered after running tests on newly infected patients, online newspaper VnExpress reported. He added that the genetic code of the virus would be made available soon.

Bad luck, to be sure. At least it is out of the way, so to speak. I was briefly sick with classic COVID symptoms 5 weeks ago, fever etc, almost felt let down when repeated testing two days apart was negative. Moderna’s mRNA-1273 —> 90-94% protection, and the difference related to prevention of asymptomatic vs symptomatic is negligible. A sobering reminder that breakthrough cases happen. Maybe if you are able to access facilities, lab(s) doing genetic sequencing, you can assess for variants of interest in your sample. Or at least search for what they are in the location where you likely acquired infection. If Quintana Roo, could be any strain developing globally. The incidence spike is likely the mixology of folks flocking there cuz the doors have long been flung open to tourists, now pay the piper. Hope you didn’t get terribly dinged on cancellation charges.

Sounds like a movie....lol

I sense that, in the Arab world as well as the Latin world, some guys consider it macho, a testament to their virility, both that they are desirable enough to be paid money and that they can get it hard, stick it into anything, and keep it hard. Plus, in the Arab world, the tradition of wealthy patrons and "young men in need of protection" goes back to the medieval and ancient eras.

another point that gayness is converging with mainstream and reflects whet is prevalent everywhere else ?

Thanks @Tomcal for the great trip down memory lane and for the sexy photos. I have always enjoyed your stories and the amazing times you shared on the forums. It has brought so many to Brazil. And, I was lucky enough to be there with you and I can say without question that @Lonnie comment about great friendships extends beyond just the guys, but to all the old men (like me) who have met you over the years.

From the Tourism Authority of Thailand Bangkok, 30 May, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update that the Thai Cabinet agreed to extend the Emergency Decree nationwide for two more months until 31 July, 2021. Approved by the Cabinet on 25 May, 2021, and officially published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 27 May, 2021, Thai Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha signed the announcement on the twelfth consecutive extension of the state of emergency for two more months after it expires on 31 May, 2021. =========================== ============================================= From Bangkok Post 73% of Thais feel 'hopeless' amid pandemic About three-quarters of the population feel anxious and hopeless about their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the result of an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll. The poll was conducted online on 1,713 people throughout the country during May 24-27 to gauge the population's mental state in the "Covid-19 era". Regarding their state of mind, 75.35% said they were under stress and worried; 72.95% felt hopeless; 58.27% felt irritated; 45.19% frightened; and 13.50% were in a normal mental condition. Asked about the causes, 88.33% cited the worsened Covid-19 pandemic; 74.53% pointed to the economic slump; 51.89% cited concerns over vaccination; 36.50% mentioned travel and traffic conditions; and 15.98% cited health concerns.

how much he charges ?

Wow Tomcal...so many classy and handsome guys...can we change lives for awhile. It speaks to the fact of you being a truly terrific guy yourself to have and maintain such great friendships over the years.

Nice recollections @Tomcal

I have always preferred the term gay to queer. I do not like the word questioning because I am not and have not been questioning in ages and it also makes me think that I might not be gay if I am not sure myself. But, great read @Latbear4blk

I do not think you have read beyond the headline.

When I went to Sto Domingo the first time, almost 20 years ago, there was a chic nightclub in the colonial district. It drew a mixed crowd, as in many countries hip young straights head to the gay clubs. Several very hot guys made their availability known, and I picked out one of the wildest romp in my life. That club is no more, but there is news on these forums that a similar one is opening up. I love these kind of places. I suspect the OP would like them too, but they are so few. My guess is to find the most chic gay club anywhere you go and check out the vibe. Colombia has the friendliest, most gregarious people. That can present many opportunities, but also mixed signals, everywhere.

From Thai PBS World Govt move to restrict freedom of information is a mandate for corruption, critics warn Proposed amendments to the Official Information Act are aimed at protecting state secrets, contrary to the law’s original goal of securing the public’s right to access government data, critics warn. The draft amendments would prohibit the disclosure of any official information deemed potentially damaging to the monarchy or its security. They also cover information on military affairs and national security, among others. The prohibitions are listed in an added chapter titled “Information Prohibited from Disclosure”. The controversial bill also sets much harsher penalties for violators of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Bt200,000, compared to the current maximum three months jail time and Bt5,000 fine. Critics say the tougher punishment is likely to act as a deterrent against disclosure of official information, as officials opt to err on the side of safety. Proposed by the Prime Minister’s Office, the bill gained Cabinet approval on March 24 and could be debated during the new parliamentary session, which started on May 22. The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) on May 20 asked the government to review the draft amendment following widespread opposition and claims that it violated constitutional clauses requiring transparency of the state. In an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, ACT warned that preventing transparent disclosure of official information would undermine his government’s policy of fighting corruption. ACT secretary-general Mana Nimitmongkol, who sits on the regulatory Official Information Board set up under the law, said state agencies and politicians often attempted to delay or limit disclosure when asked for official information like government budget spending. “The current law is a serious obstacle. State agencies and politicians intentionally interpret the law and regulations in a way that benefits them,” he said. Already unhappy with the current law’s limits on access to official information, critics warn the amendments will restrict freedom of information for Thai citizens even further. Law Professor Worachet Pakeerut of Thammasat University said he was “rather shocked” on reading the contents of the draft bill. “The state is going to control the flow of news and information more intensely,” said Prof Worachet, who sat on the regulatory Official Information Board for 16 years. Continues at https://www.thaipbsworld.com/govt-moves-to-restrict-freedom-of-information-is-a-mandate-for-corruption-critics-warn/

@t0oL1Thanks for posting this. I sent my donation just now.

I was nearly in tears watching that vdo. These guys are absolute saints. I am sure there are others in other parts of the city. All need our help. Let's get out our wallets or credit cards or whatever way is easy to make contributions. They need and deserve our help - as do all those thousands of Thais they themselves are helping. God bless them!

Funny! A Chevy Cruze would also work as well as any brand of pickup.

I was able to read Part Three because the liberal use of white space kept my eyes focused. Could not read parts one or two. Part three sure turns me off of visiting there, but I do appreciate the report. Well done!

Was supposed to leave tomorrow for Brasil....I've had both vaccines (Moderna) and the last few days I thought I had a cold or flu, got tested today for the trip and it was positive for Covid. Hearing many people being vaccinated yet asymptomatic , yet I had symptoms. So, I'm not being very optimistic about cruises re-opening and latest reports of Asian countries having more outbreaks.....Cancun is going into red stage Tomorrow.......

Today cases is 9020 and 98 death. Shouldve done the lockdown way earlier.

From Channel News Asia COVID-19 sweeps through Thailand's overcrowded prisons The Thai prison population stood at around 311,000 earlier in 2021, more than two-and-a-half times the system's official capacity. (Photo: AFP/WILLIAM DAVIES) BANGKOK: A coronavirus surge sweeping through Thailand's prisons has thrown the spotlight on the kingdom's overcrowded penal system, where some inmates have less space to sleep than the inside of a coffin. More than 22,000 people have tested positive inside jails, where inmates living cheek by jowl have been encouraged to keep wearing their masks even while they sleep. Authorities have floated plans to give early releases to prisoners with underlying medical conditions and have announced funding for more testing and medical care in recent days. But those behind bars say they have been kept in the dark about the seriousness of the outbreak. "Prisoners don't have the knowledge to protect themselves," said Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, a high-profile activist facing charges under Thailand's harsh royal defamation law. Somyot was bailed last month and told AFP that he had not been tested for COVID-19 once during his 10-week stint in custody. He was not worried about contracting the disease while in jail because he had no idea about the level of risk. "But after this I'm so scared (for everyone still inside) ... if you are inside the prison you are at risk, it's unavoidable," he said. Thailand's prison outbreak has skyrocketed from just 10 publicly announced cases a month ago and sparked growing public concern after a handful of prominent activists contracted the illness. The Thai prison population stood at around 311,000 earlier this year, the International Federation for Human Rights said - more than two-and-a-half times the system's official capacity. Four inmates in every five are serving time for drug charges because of harsh anti-narcotics laws that can see offenders jailed for a decade for possessing just a few methamphetamine pills. Many cells are so packed with bodies that some inmates only have half a metre of space. "That is less room for a body than the inside of a coffin," Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin told local media in February. Somsak said he was examining ways to give early releases to prisoners with underlying medical conditions, possibly through a royal pardon. Even if the plan goes ahead, prisoners will still have to complete a quarantine before returning home. "For us to bail anyone or do anything, it has to be done properly," Somsak told reporters on Monday. "We can't allow them to spread infections." Rights groups say the plan should go further and urged authorities to also free non-violent offenders in order to reduce overcrowding. "Authorities should reduce the detainee population... of those held on politically motivated charges or for minor offences," said Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-thailand-prison-jail-overcrowded-outbreak-14909396 ================================= From Tourism Authority of Thailand

I do speak from my privilege and understand if someone still needs to grabs to an outdated way to understand sexuality. However, if you arre living in an urban area in a progressive city in most Western countries, and still feeling a thrill for Gay Pride, I humbly think you are setting the barre too low for yourself.

Living in the post HIV/AIDS pandemic era, and considering the rising of awareness around intersectionality and the cultural nature of humanity, maybe it is time to question again whether or not "Gay" is the right place to be and to fight for. I do not think so. GAY IS NOT GOOD