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Just arrived! I thought that travellers may welcome the latest news on what's happening at Suvarnabhumi, particularly in the light of the taxi situation and the impact of the conference taking place. My EVA flight was on time and,walking towards immigration, I was surprised how quiet the airport was. As for Immigration itself, my intention had been to head for the Fast Track but no need; there were no queues and I waltzed through. A charming young woman welcomed me warmly. It made a change from the usual Officer Grumpy I encounter! A good start but the luggage was very slow. As slow as it was when the airport was brand new and suffering teething problems. However, a SIM station is newly open directly next to the luggage belt and so I was able to buy one as I waited for perhaps thirty minutes. Now the taxis. As forecast , a huge queue. i walked further along- that's left from the exit- and to my surprise there was another taxi station I've never noticed before. And with no queue. So future travellers should ignore the queue directly in front of the exit. It's only fifty metres or so extra to walk. Feeling smug about this, i enjoyed thirty minutes of the journey ....until we arrived at Rama 4, Silom and Surawong. A frustrating crawl. The driver pointed out the Army on stand-by but I can't say that security was the issue. It was, of course, rush- hour. Back in dear old Tarntawan eventually, after three years away. Sixty visits? not sure. i recognised not one of the staff. Pleased to see that those old carpets had gone, at last. The rooms are much the same but the beds and linen are first class, better than at more expensive hotels I've stayed in here. And Tarntawan is certainly well-priced.

Yeah, food and basic supplies.....I've been to Cuba at least 40+ times......there's better places to go now, why go there when you can have a real fuckfest vacation in so many other places....that have ice, soda, cups, straws, medicine if you get sick, comfortable beds, shopping bags, things to put in shopping bags, the list goes on..... I feel that way with a lot of posters....

From CNN Editor’s Note: Isaac Humphries is a professional basketball player for Melbourne United, part of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). He previously played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion on CNN. Opinion by Isaac Humphries One of the best feelings in the world is playing a game of professional basketball while on peak form.to perform in front of nearly 10,000 people a night; they’re cheering your name, they’re wearing your jersey. And all while you throw down a powerful dunk and flex to the crowd. Well, it should be the best feeling in the world, right? And for a brief moment, I guess it was. That was in 2020. I was 22 and playing with the Adelaide 36ers, two years before signing with my current team, Melbourne United. Now imagine what happens when all of that adrenalin comes to an end after a game. For me, the euphoria was gone the moment I drove out of the arena. I’d get home to my apartment in Adelaide’s coastal suburb of Henley Beach, and be all alone. I felt I had no choice but to be by myself. That’s when my wave of depression would hit the hardest. Over my entire career, there was no reality that existed where I could be an openly gay man while playing basketball. Until now. I’ve played everywhere – Kentucky, the NBA, Europe, the Australian national team – and it’s all the same: for the most part, being an athlete at that level is about making money, dating girls and being the best basketball player you can be. So I fell in line, no matter how awkward and weird I felt doing it. I just wanted to fit in and not draw any attention to myself. There were almost no examples of a male pro basketball player doing anything other than that, so I was resigned to the fact that my true life would start after I retired. Continues with video https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/15/opinions/gay-australian-basketball-player-isaac-humphries/index.html

Again apologies about pieces. Right after he left there was phone from airport that my luggage arrived and they plan to deliver it tonight to my hotel but I had better idea. Since I, m flying out tomorrow I, ll pick it up in the airport on my way. My laundry dried in meantime so I was set. Reader siganalzed he will be in Hotmale beer bar tonight so I rushed there around 8 to find him and paulsf as well. Paul showed me new waiter there, good looking guy indeed. I took note to get acquainted with him when stars align. Than after having drink with my friends I went to complete task nr. 2 of this trip, to go to Jupiter and check if Handsome Cambodian, long time my one-sided love is there but he was not. Music not as loud as before, AC also set at pleasant level. Boys, as always, shining handsome and unsmiling but one or two at least looked as trying to show interest, nice change. I don, t understand their format with boys hidding in corners after their walkabout and time filled by listening to singer but I assume bar knows better. Watched show but before finished I left for my next destination tonight, Tawan. As always I was greeted with smiles and enthusiasm due always when new shiny ATM arrives. Dum and Mas, resident twink invited themselves to my table so I treated them with drinks. K was already in the know he will be taken tonight to took my NO for drink question with understanding. I was hoping Tiger will be back but not yet, still another Lao guy Petch is back, he recognized me right away. For me he is remarkable specimen as all in, he is my second worst and the best off ever few years apart. When I advocate giving second chance I always have him in mind. If I did not fix K for tonight he will be one to go with me probably. After about 1 HR K and I jumped on his motorbike, I noticed that being new one and went to Happy Beer Garden for a meal and of course out of 1000 baht tab about 140 only was mine dish. Those guys sometimes really are testing my patience, lol. But in the room I got my money, s worth and in the morning woke up happy. Went to UNESCO Foodland alone for breakfast, packed very little I had and went to airport. Collected my luggage without any issues being provided instructions where to go by phone yesterday only to learn that my flight to Phnom Penh with ThaiVietAir was moved from 11 am to 17.30pm. Joy of flying with discounts I guess. So blood pressure up again and quick decision to check who flies to PP next and for how much. Bangkok Airways it was, in 90 minutes. Quick trip to mezzanine to check price, 5500 baht, sold. Other ticket may be wasted but half day in Phnom Penh gained. If I left at 17.30 I, d be there well after dark so no, I rather lose ticket. Straight to check in and shortly I was in the air, after about 36 hours there ending my 23rd trip, shortest ever but not boy deprived, leaving Thailand forever (until next time of course)

Thanks for the report. And don't worry about not teaching some of us anything new. For those of us who are not able to go to Rio right now, it is very nice to hear that things are still running as we remember them.

Rougher around the edges than Freshboys with no attitude or drama.. Tbh, I don’t recall much in the way of attitude from guys from Freshboys, either.

I recently took my first cruise as well. Mine was a Mediterranean cruise on Virgin. Tons of gay couples and small groups of gay friends. Lots of lesbian couples as well. Very gay crew. They even have drag shows. I was traveling solo. Didn't feel obligated to interact with anyone. It was worth doing once but not really for me.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQ6LEkS/ https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQ6dFEY/ So much to choose from if you like Twinks like I do.

Wow, it goes all the way from your throat to your anus now, that's impressive!

Do you realize that you are talking to a deceased person?

I agree with pong2, vinapu and gerefan change at Suvarnabhumi airport only what you need to get through your first 12 hours. Thereafter whether in Bkk or Pattaya, look out for exchange kiosks (not banks). Super rich is almost always good. In Pattaya TT Exchange is the one I usually visit. Don't fret too much about getting the absolute best rate. The differences aren't that significant in the larger scheme of things.

You also need to calm down. The individual in question was a respected member that got obsessed with trolls after some bad personal experiences. He properly denounced racist remarks and many fabrications by some posters and some real trolls. This obsession led him to loose his balance, his last deleted post was indeed inappropriate and filled with assumptions. But this is an unfortunate outcome. I hope he can recover his good senses and return.

As I've said before, I'm not a good trip report writer...thoughts run around in my head and I'm not as detailed as others to remember boys numbers etc.... So I'll give a rundown on what my trip was like...... I'll break it into a Pattaya - a BKK- and a Bali thread I flew from JFK-TPE-BKK on EVA Air, business class using UA miles. EVA left JFK an hour late which only resulted in a shorter connection time in TPE. Their service was flawless, as usual, one of my favorite airlines. Arrived on time Sat Oct 8th @11am ...made my way to the Fast track lane, regular immigration didn't look too bad either and was through in about 8 mins. Luggage was already coming out and mine was one of the 1st bags out. Off to look for Mike Taxi, they had someone there with my name and only waited about 5 mins for the car to arrive....no big conversation since the driver spoke zero English. Only traffic was arriving in Pattaya, 1.5 hrs from the time I left the airport, not bad. I would be staying 10 nights in Classroom hotel with various food discounts and credits since I booked directly with them.....no issues at all during the stay, had a 4th floor room with a standing room only balcony. I unpacked and took a nap since it was still early, so I'd be well rested for the night. When I finally went out, I was surprised at how depressing it was with so many businesses closed up....not just bars, but restaurants, clothing stores, straight places (I'd feel the same way on Suriwong in BKK) Many places that I used to go to , weren't there anymore. My friend from NYC wouldn't arrive until the next day, so I was on my own....walked Boyztown and had a drink at Panorama, was really quiet there and went to Nice Boys, the chubby guy mamasan was drunk and annoying, so I left to walk around Sunnee. More depressing, lol....So I went back to Nice Boys and told the mamasan outside that I'll go back in if she keeps the fat guy away from me...she called him outside and yelled at him in Thai, obviously being scolded. She told him to apologize and he just looked down at the ground....what a relief, he didn't even look in my direction the rest of the night. I can usually find one guy in any bar and make a selection, the choices were pretty limited, about 5 guys, so I took one that had a tattoo on his face and I was laughing thinking how many here hate tattoos and what they'd think of this 😝 Stopped at the metal table restaurant (Pakboong loy Fah), which I'll refer to as prison table restaurant for a drink and Back to my room, was fun but not a repeat off in the future. I was well rested and not satisfied, so I went to Jomtien Super Complex (has a ring)....met with gayinpattaya had some drinks, no one was grabbing my attention and when the bars were closing the waiter at Cocka2 said he was going to the beach and drink with friends, if I wanted to go. I was wide awake and hadn't done that in a long time so I said sure. Was fun, nice how his group of friends watched out for me, making sure I was having fun and not left out....we stayed until about 5am and decided to go to my room, he needed to make money after all. We stopped on the way at a 7/11 and an old lady was cooking on her food cart, so we ordered 2 dishes and went back to my room. Was maybe the worst tasting Thai food I've had anywhere, disappointing. Sex with the waiter was ok, would work as a backup/emergency but not 1st choice...plus was older than my liking, but very nice guy. The 2nd day, my friend arrived, was staying at the Hilton so we went for lunch at Jasmin's Cafe only a few blocks from his hotel and a favorite place for me to eat. Then off to Jomtien beach, via Bolt taxi, prices so cheap and very comfortable cars. Went to the "gay" part of the beach near the toilets in the road and Chit saw me and thanked us for coming. Manicure/pedicure (those old ladies do a better job than most spas). Went to FRA Pattaya on S. Pattaya Beach road, as recommended here, was awful. Two bad meals in 2 days...couldn't believe it. Then for a foot massage at Relax massage, I got a cute/fun Cambodian and my friend ended up with a no personality older Thai guy. We hung around in Boystown and my friend wanted to see EVERY bar and show there was, because unlike me, he wants to look for the greener grass somewhere else thinking it might be better. I like a waiter from Classic boys and felt like drinking some more, so we went to Jomtien had some drinks, he seemed to enjoy it because he had never been there. One thing I make sure of is that the guy knows how to do a massage, because if the sex is mediocre, at least I can enjoy a massage for the money I am paying 😏 He ended up being a emergency backup in case I didn't find anything some night. The rest of the nights were the same, almost every bar In BT, he wanted to see if anyone new showed up although only BBB 1 time, that was enough my friend likes good restaurants, we ate at Cafe des Amis for his B'day, was nice (my steak on the EVA flight was better) the service was top notch, May's Pattaya was very nice, I'd recommend, VERY INEXPENSIVE lunch was Thai food good taste (Google it) , Alibaba Tandoori was very good and fun waiter, had breakfast at Hilton hotel a couple of times, great buffet but my favorite was prison tables....convenient and very tasty food. Dreamboys had the best, for me....I did 3 different offs from there....one was a couple of times and my best sex of the trip. Passionate, nice dick , hot sex....but the next 2 times, boring and into his phone....hate that. Pattaya is typically low on the sex satisfaction scale for me, has been for over 20 yrs. I still like coming to go to the beach, mani/pedi, massage, food and not spend a ton of money. I know this going in, so no high hopes for Pattaya. As someone from here pointed out, I'm more work than most because I want to drink, have fun, FULL SEX not just hand/blow jobs.... My friend had more luck on the apps.....I still need to see the person walk and talk to see if they're a fit for me, an ongoing issue on apps is lying about age and sex role and sending fake/photoshopped pics, makes me crazy and is a waste of time. I'll do BKK and Bali later....

Those apps that are blocked in Indonesia (i.e. most gay dating apps) won't display any Indonesian profiles when you use their explore option from outside Indonesia. This is done for local people's safety: the fact that apps are banned/heavily restricted there is a sign of persecution, and showing local profiles even in explorer mode exposes the locals to extra risk. When you are over there physically, the local profiles will be displayed but most likely, you won't be able to take any screenshots and distance won't be showing either (other than that, the apps will work normally). Again, it is done to ensure safety of the locals who are online. For the apps to work normally, all you need to do is to install a VPN app on your phone. Locals @ Bali prefer Betternet (or, at least, they used to 3-4 years ago) but there are many other apps of a similar nature. You don't need to have a paid version of a VPN app either - just a bog-standard free version will suffice. You need to install a VPN app, activate it and only after that open Grindr or any dating app - and it will work normally (regardless of whether you are using WiFi or mobile signal) apart from, most probably, not displaying the distance to the profile. Hope it helps!

What to say! My trip was amazing. One week was definitely not enough – but that means I have to come back! I had some great meals (even tried the street food a couple times – that was a big thing for me). Saw the Palace, took the boat ride (which I had remember seeing in the James Bond movie years ago). I even walked out onto the glass at the top of the King Power tower. I made it to 4 massage places. I kind of felt I owed it to K-Man Spa since they keep sending me messages with pictures to select. I went to a different club each evening – DreamBoys, Moonlight, FreshBoys, Tawan, Hot Male, and Jupiter. Oh what times I had. Each club fun, and each provided an “off” to spend the evening with. I even tried 2 guys at the same time (remembering to let the first pick the second – as recommended on this blog). I have to thank everyone on this blog. If not for this, I don’t think I ever would have gone. Reading the posts and trip reports gave me the courage to know I could do it. Thanks again. Looking forward to my next trip!

I have had more than a few of these over the years. Often the guys are shy and need direction. However, last night, I had two amazing guys that were simply perfect with each other and want I wanted. They fucked and sucked and rode and kissed passionately. Sperm was everywhere and my sheets needed changing. They were both from Laos and married with kids but not one bit of hesitation in either of them. I have them booked again this weekend just to see if I had as good of a time as I remembered the next day.

Part 1 First of all, I want to say that this little report on my recent stay in Rio will teach nothing to those of you who already know this city and its places of perdition. For the others, keep in mind that these are subjective assessments and that everyone will experience their stay in this city in their own way. Finally, I apologize for the delay in writing this review. Since my return, work has again taken up most of my time. The neighborhood of my hotel I had chosen a hotel in the Leme district. I did not regret my choice. This slightly boboized district is pleasant. Like almost everywhere in Rio, there are plenty of places to eat or have a drink. There is no insecurity there. In fact, Leme is the northern end of Copacabana. If you are a walker, it takes 20 to 25 minutes to get to Pointe 202 and 10 minutes to the nearest metro station: cardeal arcoverde. I walk slowly. The metro will take you quickly either to tip 202 or to 117. The beach is much less densely frequented than copacabana, including by thieves. I swam several times leaving my things on the beach. Travel Walking is very pleasant in Rio and the neighborhoods where you can walk safely (until 11 p.m.) are very extensive. Taxis are honest and cheap ( except airport) The metro is convenient and bus even cheaper.

I arrived yesterday to Rio. Both flights were packed with no one single seat available. I had been flying for several years in the extra room class, but this time I did it in regular tourist class. The drop in quality service was remarkable (American). In the flight from Miami to Rio they did not even serve breakfast, and I think they did not do it not even in first class. I have a good sense of smell, and I did not smell any coffee or bakery being reheated. In the hope of having a free seat next to me, I booked the 13 row. It did not work. To make it worse, apparently it did get me bad luck. My rolling bag handler broke and (before boarding in DC my flight to Miami) I ended checking the bag to move comfortably in Miami. I will buy a new bag here. More airport bad luck. I was planning to settle in Rio's Admirals Club to telework, as my airbnb check in was at 3pm. Well, the Admirals Club was closed until 3pm, and the other VIP lounge I found would not take my Mastercards or visas to purchase a day pass. Remember, I was carrying my backpack and my bag formerly known as rolling. The most comfortable place I found was a Starbucks. So I spent my first hours in Rio sitting in a USA chain. Close to my check in time I called an Uber and was in my airbnb in Copacabana at 2:55. The place was not ready, the host was still cleaning up the mess left by the previous guests. He came down to pick me up about 3:30, and I was able to finish my teleworking in my unit while he was finishing the cleaning. The apartment is better than it looks in the website's pictures, so I am happy with that. Additionally, an extra surprise that made this airbnb really extraordinarily good. I chose it because of its location, just a few blocks away from Point, my favorite local GP sauna. However, is better than that. When I was in the lobby, Rhyheim Shabazz texted me and we found out that I rented my little one BR in the 13th floor, while he had rented a huge top roof apartment to host his collaborators and film while in Rio. We knew we were going to be together in Rio, but learning that we would be in the same building was a huge surprise for both of us. When I finish teleworking at 6pm local time (4 pm USA ET), I took the elevator to visit the crew. I arrived in the middle of this scene. After chatting a while, I wanted to go to Point. It started to rain, so I hurried up soon after 6:45. I made a mistake in my way to the sauna. A sin of overconfidence, I think. This is only my 4th visit to Rio, and although it is a fact that I feel at home and comfortable, it is also a fact that I do not know the city well. If you have walked your way to Point walking up Siquiera Campos from the beach, you know that shortly after the Atlantico Hotel, Siqueira curves towards the left, and another street starts following Siqueira previous straight trace. It was raining, I was in semi zombi status after my poor sleeping during the flight, and I took the wrong turn. Soon I realized that I was walking into a favela. I loved it. I walked up to the 700s in the hope of finding a perpendicular street cutting down back to Siquiera, but at the 800s I decided to turn around not because I was scared, but because the slop was very acute and I was sweating like a pig. I wonder what could have happened if I looked like a tourist, which I do not. Everyone seemed super friendly and greeting me with a smile. I turned back and I loved walking down after the demanding climbing. When I was close to the sauna the rain got worse and I could see the boys running away from the blue entrance, so I canceled my sauna plans and went back to my nest. I rejoined Rhyheim and went for a quick diner. At 8;30 I felt exhausted and tried to sleep unsuccessfully, my brain was still 2 hours earlier. Once I fell asleep, I am not sure what time, I slept with no interruptions not even for peeing until 7 am. I am confident I slept more than 8 hours. Needless to say, it was a sexless first day in town. I am unsure about my plans after 6 today. I am talking with an IG boy and perhaps we meet. Otherwise, I will weight what plan sounds then more appealing: hanging out with Rhyheim & friends or going to 117. I do know what my plan is tomorrow, I cannot miss a Wednesday at Point.

Tonight thursday is my last full day in Rio and then off to São Paulo! Not a lot has changed in the 21 years i started coming to Rio!(oct.21,2001)! both Pointe and 117 were busy on their respective nights! with guys for everyone’s tastes!Last night for example at pointe there were somewhere over 50 working guys and that many customers + it was packed! Before anyone asks how much the guys are charging…it depends on your negotiating skills! put on your big boy pants and learn the obvious clues, busy night, slow night early or later. i say this because for all the years i have been writing reviews this comes up! it is very individual! I did 4 guys each day usually 1 at my apt and 2 or 3 at the sauna and someone always slept over. most of the sleepovers are guys i have known for a few. years or longer and don’t work the saunas! con’t

@speedoo1 You are right. BBVA waved the fee again. (300k COP max, 900k COP max / day). I also used davidienda (2 million max, but didn't work with my visa debit card) and servibanca (18k fee, 1 or 2 million max, depending on the ATM). On a side note, Medellin was amazing. Three days of free concerts (altavoz festival 2022 on the parque norte grounds), a great party in industry club and a bunch of gorgeous chicos from the webcam sites and grindr. Sex, drugs & rock 'n roll.

Thank you tartegogo for coming back to the purpose of this topic

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

That one had to pay indeed when leaving @ airport. Long gone-you pay it now with the airticket. Many cases were this was an unpleasant surprise for some who did not realise it-or had never encountered such a thing-and were penniless then Indo has longest sticked to cash payment at airport. Of course these Sin levies are simply also worked into the airfare to pay. Some airlines may list it separately-and some are even that nasty to add it after you have chosen your fare-which as such is forbidden in my country.

E hah! - Be very careful how you use it and who it is directed at. The recipient is unlikely to take it lightly or think it's funny. Don't confuse that with Yee haw. Yee haw means brand name Just out of curiosity, why did you want to know that one?

Myself arrived MON-2 days ago by now, and as a tiger-senior was now able to use the priority lane anyway-with an utmost polite and efficient immi-veteran. I did see a fair Q at the normal gates and loads of signs for this APAC meeting to come up. And yes-then the wait for the luggage also took some 20 mins-it was an AB380 from EK-so the biggest plane there is. All over the airport and also in the luggage hall are dozens of stalls offering various SIMs. Took RailLInk into town and was in it just <60 mins after deplaning.

A friend just arrived in Cuba for the first time. I hooked him up with a boy I know from 3 years ago. I actually just texted him with some question that need to be answered. He will do so after the weekend. I do know that there is a new club, but I forgot the name. I hope to get some good info to post here. If been to Cuba 3 times and always stayed in an Airbnb. Never had a problem to bring boys. Some nights we took a few boys after Myxto closed. When @floridarob says "there is nothing there," I don't know if he means food. There are plenty of boys. Food doesn't have to be a problem. When no other option, go to Havana Libra to eat. The atmosphere is like in a school cantina, but they have half decent food. But yeah, you don't go to Cuba for the food 🙂 Ohh, why not go on Gayromeo and find out for yourself? You can talk with some boys and they can tell you the situation. Grindr doesn't work in Cuba.

If you going straight to Pattaya, exchange in airport only as much as you need to get you there. I Pattaya best rates have yellow units called TT EXCHANGE ( don,t confuse with similarly colored CURREBCY EXCHANGE )

Just a short extra: M15 was mentioned and to my surprise-just passing by-it was not along Intramara-but just off Pradipat-near the BTS Sapan kwai-there is a soi as a kind of square U-west side, just north of praysanee=post office+ filatelic Thai museum (for those who still know that some people may do collecting stamps from letters)- turn left and see G-beat (left hand side, near end of soi), then turn right-there are 2 posh looking hoStels there-for those who like to stay cheap and midst the action-then turn right again and on left hand side (north side going To Phahon rd) is M15-shop windows all closed off. G beat looks quite plush and has open windows-/it is indeed where once long ago the Bridge used to be, which moved there when it was expelled from a hotel compound along Pradiphat as thenine-where now yet another high-rise condo monstrosity stands. Cross rd by BTS-overpass there-on other side in a side soi is K-man. K-manB (or KB) seems rather now to be their main drag and is off Lard Prao-soi 101/corner of subsoi 8. Buses 8 and 44 run along Spn Kwai and the whole of Lard prao till Happyland. Along main rd are Amor and U-Sabay, side by side, but I think these do not offer ´extra´ as given..

I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics. I was sitting next to a gay couple, and one of the two men carried on a hilarious commentary throughout the ceremony. We were also sitting in the midst of a group of couples, the husbands all being the managers of tire shops in small town B.C. and Alberta. The wives were laughing at all the jokes, but the husbands were probably all thinking this is what happens when you come to the Sodom and Gomorrah that is Vancouver.

Did you watch "Not me" with Off/Gun? That would be my highedt recommendation. I recently watched the first 2 episodes of "Till the world ends" and decided I will continue to watch it. Very unusual scenario - it has been announced that the world will collapse in 13 days because the moon crashes into the earth Still going on so you cant binge watch it. Also started watching "Between us", classical university BL with some characters from"Until we meet again".

Once again, thank you for posting your report. I have comments to some of your remarks: On one of my two-week visits to the city I rented a beachfront apartment in Copacabana, several streets from Leme. On that visit and during others, I walked around Leme. Smallish in size, it's considered an upper middle-class section of the city. I won't describe the area as "There is no insecurity there." because I think there are varying degrees of safety risk throughout Rio. I observed many tourists, foreign and national, who wandered about and had lodging in Leme. I haven't swam at the Leme beach but leaving anything of value behind as I entered the water isn't something I'd personally do. I'm a walker when I visit Rio. I've extensively explored Centro, Copacabana, Ipanema, Urca, Catete, Botaforo, Flamingo and Niteroi on foot ... but I don't walk in certain sections of the city after dark or on streets where many others aren't also walking or aren't well-lit. After one visit I don't think it can be said "you can walk safely" as a general statement (particularly in Centro and Lapa). The challenge for us when we're newbies is we don't know what we don't know. Being able to select from a stable of very handsome young men for the price equivalent of US$30 is just one of the reasons so many of us enjoy visiting Rio. The relatively low cost helps to offset the oftentimes high cost of airfare. At least it is for me. In addition to paying the young men, before leaving for the night I always give a tip to the individual who takes care of the locker room, hands-out the sandals/flip-flops and towels, etc. I don't like to visit on the free cabin nights. Lots of competition for the guys and when I select one I've often had to wait an hour before getting into a room. I also think the rooms aren't cleaned well those busy nights. I always use the sauna/steam rooms. When I lived in Mexico City - where gay and straight saunas are plentiful - I'd go to one once weekly. Once, while in the sauna/steam at 117 I had a lengthy discussion with a Brazilian (in English) who discussed at length the history of saunas/steam baths and clients having sex with handsome young men ... starting with the Greeks ever so long ago. It was a great opportunity. Other than that opportunity, I've spoken with only several foreigner customers over the years. I don't patronize the saunas with garotos to socialize with other customers. I don't like the straight porn on the video monitors, because, my experience has been, most of the garotos are focusing on the straight porn sometimes more than me. Maybe they're having a better time watching the video, than having sex with me! 😁 I'm supposing our assessments are relative to our prior experiences. For me, I see a lot of diversity amongst the garotos. What I don't know won't bother me. However, if I knew a garoto was rimming customers ... I would not select him, no matter how awesome he looked. I don't understand why you think that. What experience with an English speaking garoto makes you think that way? Now, I can't think of many garotos I've been with who were fluent English speakers. Many I've been with do know some limited English. I've been with some who are Spanish speakers, and I can easily communicate with them. I know relatively few words in Portuguese as spoken in Brazil. I'm just the opposite. I prefer places ... be they in Rio or in Thailand ... where the young men are naked,or nearly so. I want to see as much of a young man's body as I can before making my choice. For a first-timer I think you did well. I've never thought of Rio as being a place to be fearless. If I'd lived there, if I had friends who live there with whom I was staying, I'd take some chances. But it's a destination that's not without safety risks. I'm not yet ready to pick-up a guy in Campo de Santana and invite him to one of the nearby hotels, and certainly not to my apartment! Over the years, I've developed a sense of comfortability in places and at times in the city ... but I remain cautious. Thank you.

I beg to differ, Rob; I think u r a VERY good trip report writer. Who says a good report has to focus on numbers.....? I'll arrive in 2 weeks time. Ur report both unfortunately and fortunately downgraded my expectations. I got the feeling that the sex bored u. For me it'll be 3rd time in Thailand, 1st time in P. Hope I wont be bored.

Your next trip? "Trips" more likely. Once bitten by the Thailand bug, you won't be able to escape its allure. In my case, it led me to taking early retirement so that I could spend more time there. The best decision I ever made.

Here is a photo I took at Esan when I was there last early morning Friday:

Japan is great, and you can find guys everywhere, I think. They have a lot of oddities of where you can and cannot go, for a number of different reasons. Too old, too young, too thin, too fat or too foreign. It was hard to figure out sometimes. I was there in 2015 on business. It was after a back surgery, so I had a hard time walking. Anyway, I was still taking in the sounds and sights when I saw this boy looking at me before the train came. This photo is after he got on the train and me, obviously still outside. So I decided to take a picture head on to see what he would do. And yeah, he kept staring. Was this not the perfect opportunity to make a hand gesture waving him over? Or at least I could have gotten in the train because he seemed to be waiting. I have messed up opportunities that were much clearer than this one. But this is the only time I got pictures of it.

Even though we've battled a bit, nice review. Don't regret not going to street cruising or some other places....you don't need to have the headaches/problems some of those places bring.

Part 5 The boys They are really numerous. I did not stay long enough to know if the impression of always seeing the same faces could arise. As for me, I have always been surprised by new appearances. They are young, shapely and often very well hung (not all of them). Do not expect to find the diversity that you can find in European cities or the splendours of the rim of the Mediterranean. But lot of cute guys most often very courteous. There are three dominant physical types: - blacks and mixed black (from very dark to very very light) - The same ones with a hint of Indian blood (the ones I would call very Cariocas) - Typical Portuguese whites but rarely hairy. Often with a hipster beard that I found a little old fashioned. You will find cute bodybuilders, tall skinny guys with a third leg … All very clean. Smokers even use mouthwash before kissing you. They are very open-minded in the cabin, generally doing what was planned before entering the cabin. They kiss and I haven't had my ass licked so much in 30 years. On the other hand, they are very bad suckers of nipples. Those who speak English are to be avoided, they are the stickiest. Some impressed me a little more than others. Both meet at Pointe 202: - The first one I will call the cowboy. Boorish, some would say vulgar. Sexy, gorgeous body, portuguese peasant face. He was acting like an elephant in a china shop. Always wearing long nylon shorts. Natural hair. The other boys looked at him with contempt because he wasn’t as distinguished as them. I loved him, he was divine in bed. - The second, tall, thin and muscular. Metis. Literally sniffed me when we entered the cabin. A great fucker.

Part 3 Places (services, atmosphere and cleanliness) The two places include a reception, a room with broadcast of heterosexual porn (+ mainstream tv at 117) 2 bars (1 indoor bar + 1 smoking bar at 117) (1 bar on the ground floor and 1 bar on the 2nd floor at the tip) 1 sauna or steam room (I haven't tried it I hate it) the pointy jacuzzi doesn't work and that's good. As for the musical atmosphere, the peak passed on the screens of the bar on the ground floor of English-language video clips from the last 5 decades. Almost always the same (I still have the remix of it's not right it's ok by Whitney Houston in my ears) which give the place a very particular, nostalgic and pleasant mark. At 117, nondescript music in the rather depressing and freezing indoor bar and more Brazilian music in the outdoor bar where young people pretend to have fun. The rooms are air-conditioned with a TV that broadcasts porn, most often with a shower, they smell more or less good. The fitted sheets are changed between each client. Customers Mostly Brazilian regulars. They are the ones who bring these places to life. In any case during my stay, very few foreigners, a few Anglo-Saxons, Spanish speakers and French speakers. But always in the minority. My shyness prevented me from exchanging as much as I would have liked with other customers, but a certain complicity was born with a Brazilian who I initially took for a German.

Part 2 The places of perdition (point and 117) I would have liked to try new meio mundo or some cinemas but as it was my first trip I preferred not to spread myself too thin. It was probably a mistake. Prices: I almost always paid 150 reals to the boys. However, two offered me the pass at 100 euros to convince me to choose them. Others asked me for 200 because they felt that I liked them very much. I did not accept, they settled for 150. I think Brazilian customers pay a maximum of 100 reals. I've seen some only give out a 50 ticket. So if you want to bargain you can get, I think, the 100 euro pass. I don't like to negotiate and 150 seemed fine to me. When a boy interests you, you ask (or he asks) for a room key at reception. They give you the key with condom and gel. You pay the boy immediately after the pass. While he returns the key, you go and get his money from the changing room. When there is a crowd, you have to wait your turn to access the cabins. When you leave the establishment you pay the entrance + the use of rooms + the drinks you have consumed.

Americans are generally tired of Trump's schtick and if we never had to hear his whiny voice saying something moronic again it would be too soon. Example?

The trip from Bkk to Pattaya and our brief visit there was a lot of fun. The driver (who was paid for his work) was a friend of one in our group and did a really good job of escorting us to the various venues when there. He also knew the quickest route to get to Pattaya. Once out of Bkk we had a hassle free easy journey. On the way to Jontiem Complex (JC) we stopped off on Beach Road for some sea air. Driving around Pattaya I get the impression a lot of Indian visitors much more than previously. Anyway: At JC we had a stroll up and down that soi. Had a drink at @homebar jontium before having a very tasty Thai meal at Diverium bar which is in the complex. Speaking for myself I was impressed with JC. Mainly open air "bar beers". Comfortable seating and plenty of eye candy. I got good vibes from the area, cute twinky type lithe guys and apparently the JC stays open until 2.00am so I am told- though some establishment in the complex may close earlier. I get the impression that JC is on the whole well run and managed, very much geared to appealing to the farang customer who likes a certain type. And also: Whilst in Soi 4, Silom, Bkk there is a constant stream of mainly straight tourists walking up and down the soi wanting to be shocked; none of that -or a lot less --in JC. Next stop Boys Town (BT). Walking around got a bit dismayed by the area as Covid really did devastate and the surrounds with abandoned out of business places an eye sore. That said every individual bar we went to had some nice lookers in varying numbers. Actually went inside for drinks at Toy Boys, BBB, Dream Boys and X Boys .Did not have time to get to A-bomb and walked past Pikky bar (open air bar) though did not see many guys there. It was a Thursday night and overall a distinct lack of customers.We caught the show at BBB which was not bad.The night I was there despite some women customers they were not an irritation but maybe different on other nights. A lot of those on the stage in BBB trying to give the impression they are "real men" but quite frankly the likes of Tawan , Jupiter, Dream boy Patpong, and so on in Bkk much nearer the mark on the score. And as to the Dream Boys near BT it was so lacking customers the boys were sitting inside and outside waiting for a customer to arrive before going on the stage.Yet some head turning cuties when they did get on the stage. Nevertheless to quote gayinpattaya who writes above: "The fact is, Jomtien Complex is where it's at now" Difficult to argue with that ; though of course some people find BT a more convenient location. Anyhow by now after midnight 30 , next stop (it was set to close at 2.00am) : Sinlapin Esan Third Road. Lively place with live music, singers and dancers on the stage. Customers a mix of straights and gays. A lot of dancing in the aisles and some nice lookers around. Better to go there in groups or with others. Very much Esan music style. Seems you either buy beer or a bottle of whisky. If you like neither can only go for non alcoholic. Nearing closing time we had just about had enough and off we go to be chaffeured back home, with many nice memories.

From the Thaiger The Ministry of Transport yesterday approved a motion to increase taxi fares in Bangkok after recent protests by the capital’s cab drivers. The new fares are expected to come into operation in the next two weeks. The Transport Ministry announced a month ago that taxi fares in Thailand would be increased after eight years of stagnation. The department of transport made the price increase conditional – taxi drivers must improve their service and avoid refusing to serve passengers. More than 200 taxi drivers gathered in front of the Transport Ministry office yesterday morning to demand an answer on the fare increases as there had been no development for a month. Last month taxi associations asked the government to increase the standard fare rates. Drivers asked for the basic fee to start at 45 baht for 1,600 to 1,800cc taxis and 50 baht for 2,000cc taxis and above. At the moment, basic fares for every taxi in Thailand start at 35 baht. A journey between 2 to 10 kilometres costs 5.5 baht/kilometre, and a journey between 11 to 20 kilometres onwards costs 6.5 baht/kilometre) The advisor to the Minister of Transport, Wirut Pimpanit, met with four taxi associations yesterday afternoon. Wirut told the associations that the government could not increase the fares they proposed but would compromise. The meeting concluded in an agreement on the new rising price stated below: 1,600 to 1,800 cc taxi cars: The basic fee starts at 35 baht | 2,000 cc taxi cars: The basic fare starts at 40 baht A journey from 2 to 10 kilometres costs 6.5 baht/kilometre A journey from 11 to 20 kilometres costs 7 baht/kilometre A journey from 21 to 40 kilometres costs 8 baht/kilometre A journey from 41 to 60 kilometres costs 8.5 baht/kilometre A journey from 61 to 80 kilometres costs 9 baht/kilometre A journey from 81 kilometres onwards costs 10.5 baht/kilometre In traffic jams or in case taxi cars travel less than six kilometres per hour, the cost will be 3 baht/minute, up 1 baht. The new fares will come into effect in two weeks. Wirut reported that the new fares will apply to about 80,000 taxis in Bangkok only. For taxis in other provinces, the ministry said it would consider fare prices according to the cost of living and the consumer price index (CPI) in each area, especially in touristy areas like Koh Samui in Surat Thani and Phuket.

Some people are fond of wasting precious vacation time

lthis trip i did one of the gogo boys, originally he wasn’t on my radar but one night we left pointe to go to dinner with Junior the owner 2 friends of mine and the Gogo boy accompanied junior, later we went back to the apartment and one of the guys i was with and i went to a bedroom and hi assumed other then my roommate everyone had left! I was wrong! the gogo dancer was sitting on sofa waitling for me! He was lean muscular build and sex was great! someone s the unexpected turns out to be the most fun!!

I'm in BKK with a flight to DPS in a week .....I'm not good at trip reports, but will post anything that stands out.....

I hesitate to reply to this because my visit was 10 years ago (sorry, I thought it was 6 - 8 years ago in my earlier message, but on checking my notes, it's evidently even earlier). My recollection from a one-week stay in Ubud was that there weren't many massage places obviously visible along the streets (almost surely many more tucked within resorts), and what there were had female staff - with one exception. The one exception was a place called Nur Salon, a property that comprised about 3 or 4 houses in a (cramped) garden setting. It catered to both genders and there were male and female staff. Naturally, I asked for a male masseur. A 90-minute body scrub and massage cost about 250,000 rupiah. What was memorable about it was the setting and the tub. The massage room was open to the sky, with privacy provided by 2-metre high walls. So, I was in a little private garden. One one side was the massage table, on the other side was a tiled pool, just big enough for one. It was just a little bigger than a bathtub. After the body scrub, the masseur led me to the tub/pool in which rose petals had been added to the water. I don't remember whether it had water jets, but I think it did (gentle ones). After a soak of about 15 minutes, the masseur came back to the room/private courtyard, helped me out of the tub/pool and led me to the massage table. But there was absolutely no extra service. A quick google search shows they're still in business. Although there's no website and their Facebook page has not been updated since 2012, Tripadvisor has reviews dating from as recently as August 2022.

Thank you @macaroni21. First of all, I do distinctly remember many full-on-body contact during massage while in Bali. The way it happens differs from what normally happens in Thailand (I do have some Thai experience but it is more limited than my Balinese one). During the 'regular' massage session (i.e. the first 45-60 min of your 'massage' experience), nothing happens. The masseur remains dressed and he will - very gently but firmly - place your hands and arms on the massage table in a way that guarantees no 'accidental' touches. Then, when you are on your back (and most likely, fully erect by that time) and he is finishing your regular massage, he will ask you 'Do you still want extras?' Remember, you have to pre-agree the extras - be very specific what you want - before the regular massage session starts. When you say yes, he will lock the door to the room/cubicle and remove all his clothes very quickly. Now, if you want a full naked body-to-body massage, you should tell that to your masseur before the regular session starts. If he refuses (that happens very rarely), you simply go back to the front desk and request another performer. As the full body-to-body massage has already been pre-agreed, this is what he will start with now - and 15-20 min later, he will move to other parts of the 'extras' that you've pre-ordered. He will definitely climb onto the table for the extras. I've had this service many dozens of times over many years, and I have been very rarely disappointed. As to the traffic and where to stay... The trafic was still bad in 2019 though they did try to introduce one-way streets with dubious results (it will take you much less to get to your destination but then it will take you twice as long as before to get back to your hotel — so overall, you still spend the same time in traffic jams). My advice is to walk. If you place yourself strategically (see below), it won't be more than a 40 min - 1h maximum leisurely stroll from your hotel to the massage parlour. It not only saves the money but is very pleasant, actually. I always stay at beach front hotels, which means I'll have to walk 5 min to Seminyak Square and about 40 min to Jl. Sunset Road. Massage parlours are rather scattered all over Kuta/Seminyak but the bars - if that's what you are after - are very compactly packed by Marriott Courtyard, which is about 10-15 min walk from the beach. As I recall, Primera Hotel Seminyak (it is a 3-* place, I think) and Marriott Courtyard (slightly more upmarket but still very affordable) are - literally - nextdoor to the bars, they are within 1-3 min walk from them and are on the same street. Elegantz and Adam's Apple are on the same street (effectively) but within 30 min walking of each other. It is slightly to the north of Seminyak proper and about 1h walk from the bars. They are on a street that goes away from the beach into the island (Jl. Batu Belig that later on becomes Jl. Tangkuban Perahu). If you stay somewhere near W Hotel and take the short route, it will be a 10-15 min walk from the hotel to Adam's Apple (Adam's Apple is closer to the beach while Elegantz is much further down). Generally speaking, walking makes much more sense than taking a cab: you'll spend the same time getting to your destination but walking is free. If you choose to stay near the bars, it will be about an 1h walk to get to Elegantz and Adam's Apple. This is when you should consider if taking a cab will be more sensible. You can take a cab to get there and walk back, for example (popping into a restaurant or a bar on your way back to your hotel). Overall, there isn't a magical place where you can stay and be within 5-10 min walking distance from everything: while (almost) all the gay bars are compactly located at the same place, massage parlours are scattered all over, and depending on which one you'll end up fancying more, you'll still need to travel there. Having said that, the scary reports of hours spent in Balinese traffic jams are often exaggerated: it might be true if we are talking long-distance travel but if we are talking covering a distance of 3-5 miles maximum, it is most certainly a huge exaggeration. Yes, you might spend 25 min in a cab doing a journey that normally takes only 7-10 min, but it is not that bad. I hope the above helps! I'd still be very much interested to know how Seminyak looks now, in late 2022: remember, all my information is based on my personal experience of November 2019. I do wonder how the pandemic affected them all. I did a quick Google search and it looks like all the places mentionned above (apart from M-Spa at Paul's Place) are still operational and, surprisingly, their price level is still (approx) the same as I remember from 3 years back. But what about the level of service? Any recent trip reports, anyone? Thank you all in advance!

I think it might be a good time to revive this topic and see if there are any up-to-date reports on what's happening in Bali now (Seminyak and Kuta in particular). I was visiting Seminyak for many years and my last time there was in November 2019 and I can only confirm the excellent succinct summary of @camsi1975. I've never been a fan of bars but Mixwell, BaliJoe and the bars nearby were still going strong then. (If you don't know, gay bars are tightly packed next to each other at Jl. Camplung Tankuk within 2-3 min walk from Marriott Courtyard. If you are into this kind of entertainment, it is both convenient - you don't have to cross the island to get from one bar to another - and inconvenient as it might be quite some distance from where you are staying.) The easiest and safest way to find company over there is to use M2M massage parlours, of which there are many. M-Spa at Paul's Place (Jl. Kayu Aya, just opposite the flea market and 2 min walk from either the Seminyal Square or the Oberoy Hotel, Ku De Ta club or Seminyak Hotel) has always been my favourite for the simple reason that it was - literally - 2 min walk from my favourite hotel. Admittedly, it was the main attraction of Paul's Place: the place was a bit seedy but the quality of the massage was generally quite high. It was a proper massage parlour rather than a poorly disguised knocking house though a happy ending at the very least was always implied in their service. Sadly, Paul's Place (i.e. both M-Spa upstairs and a lovely antiques' shop downstairs run by the same gang) was closed in early 2019 - to my utter devastation. I'd be very much interested to know if the place has been re-opened: Google says it is only 'Temporarily Closed' now while several months ago it was marked as 'Permanently Closed'. When I was there in November 2019, some preparations for a full refurbishment of the building were taking place (that was long overdue in any case) but, presumably, because of COVID, nothing was happening (as far as I know) for more than two years. It will be a huge shame if Paul's Place is gone for ever as it was a legendary institution of Bali serving the clients for several decades, as I was told at the time. When I was there last time, the price of a 90 min massage was circa IDR 300-400k (proper high-pressure full body massage, done very professionally) with IDR 200-400k expected for the 'extras'. Overall, you should expect to pay IDR 600-700k for the whole experience, which, as I was told, might go up to IDR 1000k or even more if you have some very particular requests. I've never paid more than IDR 700-750k though. To get the most of your experience, it would be most advisable to explain to the manager downstairs (very briefly) what your expectations are, as far as the physical/anatomical characteristics of your masseur are concerned, so that he could point the right guy to you. As soon as you are in the room, it is most advisable to be very direct and, firstly, order the 'extras' in advance of the massage and agree on their details. The boys there never looked too close at the clock and in most cases, delivered what was requested quite well. The selection was also reasonably wide-ranging: up to 4 guys working the shift, mostly in their early 20s but professionally trained as masseurs; once or twice a week, a daddy was there too (mid-40s, good shape, surprisingly well-endowed, good masseur but rather cocky and arrogant). I've never had any problems with them asking for additional tips/more money (sadly, this is rather common in other establishments) as, as a regular client, I was even given a 15% discount from my 2nd or 3rd visit of the season (the discount covers the official price of the massage only, not 'the extras'). You pay for 'the extras' to the boy on copletion and, having had your shower and dressed, you pay for the massage bit at the till on your exit - you can even be given a till receipt, if you need it. Normally, it wasn't necessary to book your time in advance - you just turn up at your pleasure and see if the goods on the display during this particular shift take your fancy. Four-hands massage was also available there (approx. 1.5-2 times the price of a regular massage). Their opening hours were from about mid-day till about 8-9pm the latest, and the last couple of hours were not the best time to turn up as there were only 1 or 2 boys available. Their working hours surprised me first but then it was explained to me that they simply don't want the drunken clientele who could turn up on their way from the restaurant or a bar back to their hotel for a messy quicky as they are difficult to manage. Pretty much any massage parlour I've visited in Kuta and Seminyak operates the same way. They differ only in terms of their interior (some are more upmarket and new, others are less glamourous) and some have more emphasis on massage while others have massage only as an afterthought. I'd strongly recommend go for the former rather than the latter: guys are much more professional there, and you get two services for the price of one (an excellent massage and some good sex to follow). I've never been a huge fan of the Elegantz Spa (I think they simply overcharge for the same service) but if you fancy a more upmarket experience and want to visit a sauna (why would you when you are in the tropics?), then it is the place to go. M2 Spa at Jl. Raya Patitenget would be my preferred choice, under these circumstances, though: in my opinion, they beat Elegantz. Banana Spa and Adam's Apple are on the other side of the spectrum: they are more about sex than about massage and consequently, they don't do either well enough - that's my personal opinion based on my personal experience, of course. Banana Spa position themselves as a club but their concept of a club is an outdoor pool where you are free to splash after your session (why would you?). Adam's Apple is so unremarkable that, while I've been there before, I can hardly remember the experience (it is not necessarily a bad thing, of course). All of these places offer outcalls to your hotels but, in my opinion, it is not worth it: it will be easier and cheaper for you to get a cab to go there by yourself and return back to your hotel. And of course, there is plenty of offer on online apps - disguised as 'massage', mostly. In some cases, they will be professional masseurs but 80-90% of them are not, and what they offer is not worth the money they are asking for it (I am not talking about massage now). Taking them into your room is possible but a bit of a hassle (you'll have to go downstairs to fetch them from the security post at the hotel's entrance). Generally, it is not worth it: just go to one of the (many) massage parlours and have fun safely and cheaply there. I'd be interested to know if anyone has been to XXL Men Spa? What are your impressions? And most importantly, how has the scene changed since 2019? Are M2, Elegantz, Banala Spa, Adam's Apple, etc still open? Are they what they used to be? Or are there any changes? I hope to visit Bali again next year and some up-to-date information will be most helpful. Thank you in advance!

movies are selling dreams , not only about handsome guys with big bulges but also with shiny cars

Sansuk has reopened. See the thread on here and the one on Sawatdee.