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PART 1, common stuff This trip came even as surprise to myself. I was planning to go somewhere lese but things did not work so I was left with both free time and untouched travel fund allotted for that trip not to even mention desire to travel. So I decided to look for some last minute options and one of my friends who actually spent December there suggested Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. Him not being gay did not even realize how illustrious that advise sounded to me in view of supposed vast gay scene there and 273 clicks later my package consisting flight , hotel, breakfast and airport transfer in PV both ways was purchased. All I had to do was to pack, get some information both tourist and about the scene and wait few days for an actual flight to take that week long vacation. This was my third visit to Mexico but last being 20 years ago almost to the day and then free from any boy hunting made me feeling I’m discovering uncharted territory specially that previously I was in different parts of country. Puerto Vallarta is on Pacific coast in the bottom od quite vast Banderas bay and is quite big city of about 200 000 which was good new meaning there’s something to do if weather interferes. September is not a best time to go there according to my information as it is rainy season but it turned much better than expected. City was still full of vacationers , mainly Mexicans, but not crowded, flight both ways was about 2/3 full and rainy season turned quite pleasant with sunny mornings and afternoons, it was raining daily early evening but with exception of one day rain lasted 1-2 hrs max. One day deluge lasting from 6 pm to at least 3 am, perhaps longer but I fall asleep so don’t know did not stop me from having fun, all I need was to wring my shirt before entering strip bar . More about that later. City is neatly divided into 4 parts , from airport going south Marina section , then Hotel Zone changing into Centre and than after crossing the river , Zona Romantica, main entertainment and above everything else, gay entertainment part. Small island between that Zona and Centre has best art crafts market in whole city in my opinion and no souvenir shopping should be done without visiting there. Speaking about crafts , after my previous visit to Mexico out of all countries I visited and I visited more than one I rated that country along with Peru , Morocco , Iran , India and Myanmar as best place to shop but not any more as , like almost everywhere cheap, Chinese produced stuff , uniformly looking takes most of space of shelves although still a lot of interesting stuff can be found. It’s quite possible that situation in other parts of country like Mexico city is much better but PV did not impress me that much when comes to that stuff. Communication is easy, taxis are everywhere and bus system easy to master with fares of 10 peso = 50 US cents. What to do there other than shopping , strolling along Malecon and of course enjoying the ocean’s warm waters ? ( gay part will come in a while ). Out of 6 full days there I stay in the city for first and last , middle part of stay devoting to day time trips visiting attractions listed below. Vallarta Botanical Gardens, 45 minutes bus trip, fare 1.50 USD one way, cut out of jungle with trekking and river bathing options with good restaurant on the site. Take bathing suit and towel. Jungle trek along the shore from Boca de Tomatlan ( 30 minutes by bus , 50 cents ) taking about 3 hours with possible sunbathing and swimming on few secluded small beaches , including one I had just to myself for good hour. It end in Las Animas where you can have a lunch and return by boat ( 200 peso = 10 USD ) to Boca and back to PV by bus for another 50 cents. Sayulita , small but very popular city with good beach and plenty of attractive boutiques for shoppers and known for good surf. Buses from Wal Mart in Marina part of PV going there every ½ hr , trip takes 1.5 hr one way and cost heart stopping 1.5 $ USD = 30 peso. Yelapa, secluded beach village accessible only by boat, 400 peso = 20 USD round trip from PV. There’s beach , restaurants and 2 waterfalls, smaller close to the village , bigger one requiring 1-1.5 hr trek one way. I opted for big one and it was not a right decision in rainy season as getting there requires crossing the river which after last night rain was quite swollen and I backed up afraid that if something would happen to me , nobody knew as I was there alone. So wait for dry season to get there. My package included stay in Tropicana hotel very conveniently located on the beach , just south of Zona Romantica, 15 minutes walk to Anthropology ( soon you will learn why it’s important ), steps from Blue Chairs gay hotel and beach. In short location was excellent. When combing gay sites I learned they hotel is very gay friendly so it made me even more excited. I was assigned room on the last floor with view almost to die for. Room was spacious , had balcony, hotel had not one but two pools. What for with ocean just outside the gate I don’t know but both were occupied heavily during day. Disappointing part for hotel of this class and first quarter of 21 century was no internet in the room , only in common areas on ground level. I solved it by buying SIM card with data for 150 peso = 7.5 USD but still was disappointed. There was no kettle in the room to make tea or coffee , again I solved it by bringing my own immense water heater and metal cup. Drinking water was provided but only 2 bottles for the whole stay, not daily. And final, gay friendly doesn’t mean guest friendly. Guest was required to register, obtain bracelet removed subsequently on departure and host was supposed to pay 300 peso -= 15 USD joiner fee. All this in place charging 80-130 $ per night !!! When compared to Thailand we can see that hotel value there is much , much , much better. Still I would stay there again, mainly because of location and view – almost all rooms have unobstructed ocean view but only as part of package. Having flight and hotel cost me only 260 $ more than just flight only for the same dates so daily rate was slightly above 30 $, it’s why I’m not complaining. Finally before we move to more interesting subject , since this is Mexico we need to mention crime situation and here I have very good news for you. In Puerto Vallarta it is not your concern. I was walking nightly through in parts very deserted streets very late , sometimes at 1-2 pm and never ever had reason for concern. On the first day I arrived in hotel at 7 pm , by time I settled it was dark and went about the completely unknown to me city and it was all peaceful and quiet , of course with exception of being close to raucous gay and straight bars ( gay ones were noisier ). I had one more attraction included in the package , unknown to me. When we landed we were greeted with news that 3 hours earlier there was earthquake. Then when about the city on my fist night I went to restaurant I was told that they may close soon as they expect tsunami warning which did not materialize fortunately. Finally , deep into night when I arrived from Anthropology ( soon , soon , relax ) around 3 am and went to bed before I fell asleep I felt hotel dancing and it lasted good 40 seconds if not more. It was pretty strong but not strong enough to create damage. Not a first earthquake in my life but still memorable experience. Gay part coming most likely tomorrow

my readers may be interested in report of my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico (my apologies for shameless promotion ) I posted it in Latin America forum here : https://www.gayguides.com/forums/topic/38379-another-trip-report-this-time-from-puerto-vallarta-mexico/

Since the South China Morning Post (Hong Kong's main English Language newspaper) has a paywall, I am printing below an article from September 26. What tourists need to know about Covid restrictions in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore without a Covid test and no quarantine. Malaysia allows all tourists to enter regardless of vaccination Removal of hotel quarantine measures for ‘zero-Covid’ holdouts Taiwan and Hong Kong means outbound travel will be easier during the holiday season Travellers from Singapore to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia can finally start putting together travel plans, as a number of destinations from across Asia look to welcome tourists after a lengthy period of border restrictions. For “zero-Covid” holdouts Taiwan and Hong Kong, the latest removal of tough hotel quarantine measures has meant that outbound travel will be much easier during the holiday season. After Hong Kong’s long-awaited announcement that overseas travellers will no longer need to be confined to hotel rooms for quarantine starting on September 26, flight orders out of the city surged, according to Trip.com. In fact, bookings for trips to Japan’s Osaka by Hong Kong travellers soared 7,300 per cent from the previous weekend, according to the travel website. Nonetheless, some Covid 19 restrictions still remain in place in key asian tourist destinations,. here are some things you need to know if you are planning to visit Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong or Taiwan in the coming month. Singapore Now a year into its ‘living with Covid’ strategy, Singapore allows fully vaccinated travellers and children under 12 to enter the country with no pre- or post-arrival testing and no quarantine requirements. Face masks are not required in indoor settings, except in healthcare facilities, public transport and on board some flights and ferries. Unvaccinated short-term visitors aged 13 or older will also be able to enter the country with no need to apply for approval. However, they will be required to provide a negative test 48 hours before arrival in Singapore and must buy travel insurance to cover the duration of their stay. There are stipulations to not being fully-vaccinated, as you will not be allowed to enter events with more than 500 attendees. All visitors will also need to download the TraceTogether app to verify their vaccination status and submit their electronic health declaration form at least three days before arrival. Malaysia Malaysia has kept things simple – all travellers are allowed to enter the country regardless of their vaccination status. Also, no pre-departure or post-arrival Covid-19 tests are required. Malaysia also does not require tourists to use the country’s contact tracing app, MySejahtera. How is Malaysia doing this? The Health Ministry said they will increase the monitoring of traveller’s health symptoms at all international points of entry. The government is also trusting travellers to self-monitor their health and go to a medical facility if they are unwell. Malaysia has also scrapped its rule requiring masks indoors, but they remain mandatory on public transport and in healthcare facilities. Thailand Travellers to Thailand can show their proof of vaccination on entry, or for those who aren’t fully vaccinated, a negative Covid-19 test issued within 72 hours of departing for the country. Visitors no longer need to apply for the Thailand Pass – an online platform to submit documents – before entry into the country. Masks are now voluntary in the popular tourist destination, and nightlife venues have begun operating at pre-pandemic levels, remaining open for longer hours. Japan Since June, Japan has allowed some tourists to visit on package tours organised by travel agencies. However, the country is set to abolish a slew of border controls starting on October 11 to revive its tourism industry. Japan will allow individuals to enter and reinstate visa waivers for travellers from some countries. It will also scrap its cap on daily arrivals, currently set at 50,000. Travelling to the island country might still be a bit of a doozy for the uninitiated. Only those who have received their third vaccine shot are exempt from providing proof of a negative Covid test on entry. For all other travellers, a Covid test conducted within 72 hours before departure is required. There is no law in Japan requiring people to wear masks, but they are still near-ubiquitous in public places like trains and shops. Hong Kong Hong Kong has lifted one of the world's toughest pandemic control regimes by ending mandatory hotel quarantine for overseas arrivals on September 26. Incoming travellers will still be required to go through three days of home medical surveillance, and tourists can stay in a hotel for this period. During the monitoring period, visitors will be able to go outside but will be restricted from entering places such as bars or restaurants. Incoming travellers also need to take a PCR test on days 2, 4 and 6 after arrival, and a rapid test every day for seven days. Overseas entry into Hong Kong also requires that tourists be fully vaccinated, and a pre-departure test will still be required. However, a self-administered rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 24 hours before boarding the flight will suffice, replacing the existing PCR screening requirement. At the airport, tourists can expect to get tested for Covid-19, but no longer have to wait for their results there. Face masks continue to be mandatory both indoors and outdoors in Hong Kong, and a vaccine pass will still be required to visit most premises and to dine out in the city. Taiwan Starting on September 29, Taiwan is set to resume visa-free entry for citizens of countries that previously held that status. It will also increase its weekly arrival limits for international travellers to 60,000, with no more PCR tests required upon entry. Travellers must undergo a three-day quarantine followed by four days of self-monitoring. However, things might be looking up for keen visitors. Taiwan is aiming to end mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from around October 13. It is also set to raise its weekly limit on international visitors to 150,000 people and lift its ban on tour groups. Like Hong Kong, the mask mandate remains in place in Taiwan, but contact tracing and vaccinations checks are no longer required.

Great trip report (as always) so far! But we are all very anxious for the Cashew Chicken part Pollo con casatañas de caju? Jokes apart it is always good to now a bit more about the cities here

Wayufilm. 2 episodes about a male escort, interview style. Prepare some tissues!

If we’re just talking about Cuba then why are we mentioning Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Cambodia and various African countries. The inescapable truth is that when shit hits fan, it will be America that its allies—and once enemies—will call first. And if folks want to pile on, add America’s decision to provide arms and intelligence to Ukraine that’s enabling it to remain in the game against against Putin’s desire to resurrect the Soviet Union peacemeal. Of course America has made its share of stupid choices. But much of the free word continues to depend on its largess to keep sea lanes open and belligerents at bay. When bad guys are at your door, you’re not going to be reciting a litany of past sins to those coming to your rescue.

I find it more than staggering that one group of businessmen whose businesses in pre-Castro Cuba seemed mostly be be slightly shady at best (or who took advantage of and did little for Cuban labour) and another group of individual exiles who number a mere fraction of those living in America are able to exert such influence on the politics of both parties. It's another example of US politics being massively out of date and requiring a complete overhaul as I have suggested in previous posts. Lest I am accused again of USA bashing, what has been happening re the politics in my country - the UK - is another total shambles. That a party leader can be elected by a tiny fraction of an ageing die-hard electorate is nonsense. Sterling crashing through the floor in her first actual work week is an example of the type of idiot this procedure can elect to high office.

If you don't tune in to this guy you are missing one hot number. I suggest you try him out. https://twitter.com/THESAVAGEJOHNSO

Not just Thailand, bar owners in the Philippines (Angeles city) have been doing that for many years now (at least since the early 1990's). The moment business drops off up go the prices, funny enough it's the bars that are owned by foreigners that started the trend over there.

Guatapé with El Penõl capture, Antioquia lake country; 2-minute reel: IMG_6255.MOV

no worries , I saw advertisements when there but no, I wouldn't participate. I'm not a beach person and beach for me is just strip of sand I need to cross going to or from water. I did nude bathing in the river in Botanical Gardens though as a substitute I guess.

I forgot to tell you about this company.....would you have done it? https://www.facebook.com/jetsNakedBeachTours

few pictures, including my private secluded beach before we start whoring

Great report @vinapu. It’s very useful to have such a detailed report, especially for people like me that have not visited PV. I look forward to reading your report on the gay scene.

After trying the suggestions of traveller123 and fedssocr I have reached the conclusion that it is not possible for me to get britbox on my TV here in Thailand. While I was able to register an account in the US I could not port it to my TV. So I Cancelled my account. Still I want to thank those guys who tried to help me with their suggestions:

slowly, slowly but surely....

It's nice to defend one's country reputation and USA achievements are plenty , main being green color on American money, magnet to many you mentioned in 2nd sentence. But your blanket is too big, we are talking about Cuba here, not whole world. If you think USA's Cuban policy is right all I can say I feel jealous.

Still my favourite getaway from Medellín and there are many options. A 90 minute car ride and you feel like you are in another country. Look like you are doing some serious exploring of Antioquia. Enjoy.

I understand that America can not do anything right. What I can’t understand is why so many citizens of so many other countries risk life and limb to come to America. Stupid America twice saved Europe from one of its own nations. How dumb was that. Crazy Americans saved much of east Asia from rampaging Japan. FDR and Truman should have been impeached.

Whatever it may be, fact is that USA policy is taken hostage by that group as USA was and is much friendlier with much nastier regimes than Cuban and for example geographically close to our hearts , did not have any problems of supporting so called Democratic Kampuchea i.e Pol Pot's murderous regime claim on UN seat representing Cambodia well after Khmer Rouge were chased to jungles by Vietnamese. We will not even mention Saddam Husain nomination to a Man of The Year of Time magazine , Somosas , Truillos, and numerous African kleptocrats and Arab autocrats.

I agree. The series has almost play-like qualities. Camera work is also different from other BLs, resembling more that of an art house or indie movies. It’s currently streaming on GagaOOLala with the episode 8 (finale) to be aired on October 3. The son - Pond - who debuted as Danny in Bangkok Love Stories 2: Innocence - is all grown up at 23 and looks quite a bit different from his debut role, where he was just 18 or 19. Surprisingly, Win, who played JC (parkour traceur) is 10 years older than Pond, but looked younger in Innocence - another mystery of Asian appearance. Spoiler alert: if you are looking for usual BL “action”, you’d be disappointed - none of that, so far, in the first 7 episodes leading up to the finale.

Best Venue for a Night Out in Chiang Mai "Adam's Apple Club" ... hip, trendy and popular Show Bar in the North of Thailand So, without further ado, here is where you should go if you’re ever in Chiang Mai and itching for a special night “Adam’s Apple Club”. Our recommendation of what to do after dinner to have an unforgettable Night is “Adam’s Apple Club” in Chiang Mai. This unique Venue OPEN every Night 9:00 PM and the Show START 10:00 PM. FREE ENTRY Make a reservation and ask for more information: Phone: 082 208 8292 LINE ID: adamsappleclub LINE Group: Adams Apple Club CNX

Surely the answer is simple. If you really prefer and want to be with Thai and/or Asian boys, you have no choice. It has to be Thailand or another Asian destination. If you prefer Spanish-speaking South American boys, you have no choice. It has to be Brazil or elsewher ein S. America. I read in other forums here that Columbian boys are very much an attraction. The fact that Brazil is cheaper than Thailand is hardly likely to persuade many to switch their vacation plans in my view.

Does gay nightlife only mean GoGobars to you? I have lots of places that I frequent which are not "expensive." Bangkok: DJ Station and the rest of the bars in the Soi. God Balcony, Circus etc. Pattaya: Tamnan kon E-san, not 100% gay but a very good percentage. Dave Man Club (not sure if it is still there) Jomtien Complex There are many other places that I visit that are inexpensive. However, because I like Twinks, even GoGo bar visits are reasonably inexpensive for me.

There is a short documentary BL: Broken Fantasy with Bright and Win of 2gether and Still 2gether, as well as a couple of series that address the BL industry: Call It What You Want (2 seasons, 6 episodes each - allegedly based on the controversy with 2 Moons) as well as War of Y which is currently streaming on GagaOOLala (8 of 20 episodes available) - pretty telling.

Really love this place and visit every second day . Catch up with all the straight old expats for a yarn

Strangely I have the same feeling when looking in the mirror every morning

The Pride Parade is a wonderful day. I have been to 7 of the Parades since my first in 2011. My latest was in 2018 when there were more than 160,000 marching. The parties over that weekend are also packed. Other gay venues are also totally full. For my second Parade, I decided to go to a hot spring in the evening. For the first time ever, I experienced a 20-minute queue to get inside the door and then it was another 20 minutes before I could get to the locker area. Glancing at the main pool on the left, I was so surprised I could see no water. It was just packed with naked young guys, almost all Asians. A few photos of previous parades. The first was taken by me but has been stolen from a chat site and is now used in at least two commercial gay sites!

Try this on Youtube...

Glad you said that. You'll never regret being polite and smiling. It has to be about 12 years ago that I was approached by a gorgeous guy on Soi Tarntawan who was hawking for Super A bar. I can still remember his line" "You don't have to buy drink. Just go take a look." I had been to Super A before and knew I'd never find a guy this good inside so I replied, "you're a really cute guy; would you like to come to my hotel?" He seemed taken aback and after a few seconds responded with. "OK, 4,000 baht." I'd never heard a number like this before and I said, "you're not that cute." I regret it to this day. Not only because it was unkind, but it wasn't true. He was that cute. Those four words abruptly ended any opportunity I may have had with him. That I can still recall the exchange a dozen years ago makes it all so clear to me that I've never really forgotten him. When I passed by him a week or so later, he just looked down and shuffled his feet. Why didn't I just make a counter offer? Why didn't I apologize when I saw him again? Because I was stupid.

you or somebody else recently voiced similar concern in another thread I guess. Your Singaporean friend most likely overpaid but if he liked boy and experience nothing wrong with that. I rather pay 10000 and be happy then find somebody for 2000 who turns out to be low skilled sand bag. Being quoted 20000 is overboard but it may happen and come to realization, after all 4 off at 5000 equals 1 off at 20000 and only boy would know if that makes sense for him or not. I think it was fishing. None of us flies to BKK to pay that much and very few to pay that 10000. My last LT offs from there were 3000 in Dec and 5000 in May. In both cases guys were not in bar so I asked mamasans to bring them over. In 3000 case it was my offer after his 'up to you " answer to my question about his fee. 5000 was quoted by boy and I accepted right away because I liked him. Like reader above, I think each boy has his own rate depending of his popularity, client , phase of moon and so on. Nothing is written in stone though and may be negotiated. If guy is open to negotiation given day depends of the same criteria I listed. I met my '5000 ' guy before and then LT was out of question, even ST he was somewhat apprehensive with all that girls in audience but luckily changed his mind post-covid as we can see. in my opinion 5000 is a maximum, specially for untested guy, even in Jupiter, Moonlight or Tawan. If you have hots for guy you may go for more but be prepared to be disappointed. Alternative is to meet him ST first and see if you clicked There are few guys in various places I adore but none warranting more than that fee IMHO. 5000 is a lot of money and it's still easy to find somebody suitable for 3000, perhaps even 2500. Keep that in mind when you get too hot under the collar. When boy asks for more and is not yielding , tell him politely that 5000 or whatever is all you can pay and stick to that. Don't tell him (face !!! ) he is too expensive or that you can find guy for less. Tip him for his time and move on. Don't hold it against him , he knows better what his financial position is and may stick to his quote the same way we stick to ours. Next time you are in bar he may smile at you which will be good sign to try once more or will ignore you which means your offer was too low indeed. Be firm but polite and keep negotiations to minimum in order not to kill the fun. My rule is max 3 strikes "his quote, my quote, his quote, yes or no" or " my quote, his quote, my quote, yes or no" Keep in mind that quote from reader above The guy you like will have a price range in mind and you should, too.

Received this photo today from KK Massage (the same outfit that operates K-Man Spa in Saphan Kwai). It boasts a large stable of guys from twinks to hunks. Although its location is more out of the way than K-Man, I believe it can be reached by BTS / MRT. If I was lucky enough to book this guy, think I'd spent a good portion of the time massaging him. 😉 For more pics, check out KK's Twitter site.

my comment below is not directed at you or your guy but just reflection triggered by your post. it did happen more than once for me that guy who was star on one trip lost his luster on the next one for reason known ( usually lost shape or asked for additional money at the wrong moment ) or unknown. It works in reverse too at at times , rarely but it does happen , guy well known from last time clearly tries to avoid my eyesight next trip. One guy when confronted " you don't like me anymore ?" answered honestly that he knows I like Long Time and he can't offer it as he has a job now. of course there's consolation - guys overlooked last time , all of the sudden are attractive this trip. Again sometimes reason is only our better eyesight, sometimes it's more to it i.e. he did not like us last lime so tried not to look engaged , this time bar friend told him we are good guy (speaking human means we tip well but that's only part of reason in some cases) so he wants to get piece of cake too and works harder on his promotion.

Asking anyone to take photos in exchange for a “free shoot” is one of the shittiest tricks used by the lower rungs and dirtbag predators masquerading as legitimate photographers.