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There seems to be a readership for days gone by. This forum has several threads about gay Bangkok and gay Pattaya, but I do not recall one on Japan. As my first of many dozens of visits was in the summer of 1981, I will give a short outline. Some of the anecdotes have been included over the years in other threads. Apologies in advance to those who are reading them for a second time. For reasons that I totally fail to understand, on moving to Asia the one country I had zero desire to visit was Japan. I have no idea why. It was certainly nothing to do with WWII. Perhaps it was more the fact that I knew little about the country, no idea how to get around, nothing of the language etc. So I was perfectly happy getting to know many South East Asian countries, their histories, cultures and not a few of their wonderfully beautiful young men. Working for an international company which had links with Japanese companies, it was perhaps not surprising that my Chairman told me a visit to Tokyo could result in more business. So on the way home from a trip to the USA, I stopped over in Tokyo for 4 nights. I arrived in a Friday afternoon to give me the week-end to explore, find the gay area and help to get over jet lag. I can only recall the Spartacus Guide from those days, a thick publication covering the entire world and not infrequently inaccurate. I had chosen the large Keio Plaza Hotel in the middle of the Shinjuku skyscraper district as I imagined that somewhere in that forest of buildings I'd find Ni-chome, not that i knew then what a chome was! On a subsequent visit I found one of the bilingual maps of Tokyo which became my constant companion on my many future visits. Friday night was a wash-out. After checking in, I was taken up in the lift by a beautiful bellboy. He explained everything in the room and placed my bag correctly on the luggage rack. I found some ¥100 coins in my pocket and offered them to him. The look of horror was such a surprise. I had not read about tipping being anathema in Japan. I learned my lesson! Later I looked in so many places but could find not one gay bar. Tired, I had an early night. Being interested in classical music and opera and knowing that Tokyo was a tour date for many western orchestras and opera companies, I found how to get on to the subway where I should have found the Bunka Kaikan close to Ueno station. Not many subway stations had names in English and of course i had got on at the wrong side of the platform. So I ended up miles fro my intended location. Moral: make sure you check and copy out the script of the Japanese names. Eventually I found myself at the Bunka Kaikan where I looked over the many posters plastered around the lobby area. And it was there that I saw the opera company from La Scala was to be visiting four months later. I was determined to return to see at least one of the operas. But how to get a ticket, for there was no box office in the lobby or anywhere in the complex. And that is where serendipity came into play. Deciding that I would visit a hotel in the centre which had a great view of the entire city from its 40th floor, I got back on the subway. It was a bright, sunny day. Coming out of the subway meant climbing a long set of stairs from the relative darkness of the station to the brilliance of the street. As I was about half way up, I happened to notice a tall young Japanese guy wearing a white shirt that was gleaming in the sun going down on the opposite side. "Wow, he's handsome," I thought. As I passed him I thought I saw his eyes look at mine. Then what to do? So I turned and looked back. He had also turned and was looking at me. But the crowds on each side of the stairways were packed and there was no chance of stopping. So what to do? Having reached the top, I turned around and looked back down into the darkness. Because of that shirt, I thought it must be him. Lust took over! I went back down and sure enough he was waiting for me. His English was limited but enough to make a rendezvous for that evening. Not only was he to show me the bars in Ni-chome, he came back to the hotel and stayed with me for the next two nights. As importantly he showed me where to get the opera ticket. As soon as I returned to Hong Kong I booked a package tour around that date - 2 days in Kyoto and 4 in Tokyo. We kept in touch for a few months but he was leaving to spend 3 years studying in Paris. No doubt he quickly found a lover there and I lost my first Japanese friend. Others were to follow though - many! Having found the gay bars, on my soon to be regular four visits each year, I met a number of very cute young guys. Mostly in the Regent bar, long since demolished, or across the road upstairs in the Fuji bar. There was then still a tradition that young Japanese really wanted to meet foreigners. Perhaps it was a result of social conventions in Japan still making it difficult for young Japanese guys to be seen with other guys rather than girls. As today, there were hundreds of bars catering exclusively to Japanese. A few would be open to westerners and Japanese who liked being with westerners. I once went with friends to one of the Japanese only bars. Maybe a dozen seats around a U-shaped bar and six tables for two patrons each. My friends were a couple - a Japanese and a westerner and they frequently visited this bar. So I was welcomed as a guest. Almost as soon as I walked through the door and introduced to the mamasan, he whispered in my ear, "Are you top of bottom?" I was not quite sure how to answer such a personal question. The reason soon became obvious. If you said top, he would rearrange the Japanese customers to make sure you were seated between two guys who were bottoms! Very practical! It seemed to be that on each visit it was very easy to find company. But I had a craving to find a Japanese sauna. I had started reading a few photo books of Japanese gay porn and the saunas looked, well, interesting. Just as Japanese in general are very group-oriented and the individual is often frowned upon, so in the saunas sex took place in dark medium-to-large sized rooms with long mattresses on each side. Two guys could be enjoying a passionate encounter with half a dozen or so just kneeling around them watching the action. The first I was shown was Oban sauna in the Kabukicho (sex) entertainment district. Small and compact, I remember being pleasantly surprised when, having changed and made my way upstairs to the bathing and steam room area, out from the steam room came a gorgeous slim porn star! Anyone who has been to the popular 24 Kaikan in Shinjuku in recent years will also have seen these long mattresses, although it has added some bunk beds in the area. The most amazing sauna experience I had was in one in the trendy Shibuya district. I now have no idea exactly where it was and almost certainly it will have been redeveloped. I met a young Chinese in a small dark area. After a long time on a mattress, we moved to the roof where all sorts of activities were taking place. We continued there for what must have been another half hour of total pleasure. Again we swapped contact details - and again we lost track of each other. I am not sure when hattenba were introduced in Japan. I suspect soon after gay saunas. These were much smaller, usually a one floor apartment than had been curtained off with sheets. They were there purely for quick sex. There might be small mattresses or occasionally a couch. When you were finished there could be one small shower. I only ever went to one - Treffunkt in Akasaka-mitsuke. I really did not enjoy it. I prefer the larger saunas where you can actually see guys as they walk around. Inevitably AIDS changed the sauna scene - but not immediately. At first it was regarded as a foreign illness and as few foreigners attended saunas, nothing was done. Then foriegners were banned, although by then the horse had bolted. And if you were from another Asian country but looked a bit like a Japanese, you would still be let in. SInce then Promenade cruising saunas opened up although like some saunas and hattenbas you have to be on the look out for age restrictions. Body Breath is one of the most popular with young guys now but it not only has an Asian-only policy, you have to be younger than 40 and have short hair! Not that any of this should put you off. A lot has changed in recent decades and, although more Japanese now want to form relationships with their fellow countrymen, there is plenty for the visiting foriegner to enjoy. Over almost 4 decades I have rarely failed to have a good time - and I look forward to the next visit.

I grew up on the Japanese version of Italian food. On my trip to Italy I was really looking forward to trying the real thing. I was very disappointed as the food was quite bland compared to the Japanese-style. My Italian "friend" here told me the originsl delicious food can be found only in the home, and preferably cooked by nonna. Next time I go to Italy I think I'll take my own Dolmio sauce! BTW, the Japanese Western-style food (called 'youshoku') is better than anything else I've eaten in any Western country, including France. Their beef stew is to die for!

Well certainly. After all, you wouldn't want fake fake watches, would you? Don't be satisfied with anything other than the genuine fake. Speaking of underwear, another good place to try is Lucky Underwear in Bangkok's Platinum mall. It's mostly bar boy sizes, but they also carry sizes for us folks who have somewhat wider girths . . . http://bangkok-wow.blogspot.com/2015/09/underwear-for-guys-platinum-mall.html https://www.facebook.com/people/Lucky-Underwear/100071222963403/

Republica is both a park and a general area. It's similar to how Central Park in New York is both a park and a general area in New York. Republica is a park that has a mini lake with a police station in it. The district also features Clydesdale horses that the police ride because it's a historic area. During the day and night, the park is heavily trafficked by transwomen openly looking for clients as well. You often see guys from the Cabins sitting in there in addition to run-of-the-meal homeless people. This park also has some youth programs operating during the day, so you will see mothers with strollers dropping off kids. On Sundays, the street near the park is shut down so people can exercise. The park during this day will also have vendors and live Capoeira. The park is a reference point for a lot of gay businesses, being in the general vicinity of three gay adult theatres, two cabin gloryholes/ adult computer labs, and about five or more gay bars on either side of the park.

from Pattaya News Pattaya City officials sent out a letter to Walking Street business owners earlier this week informing them of an upcoming change to current policies and procedures. As of Monday, June 3rd, street vendors and stalls not part of a licensed building business will need to be entirely removed from Walking Street, according to the below notice from Pattaya City officials. An exact reason for the change was not given by Pattaya City although some speculation on social media was that it was aimed at unauthorized cannabis and alcohol vendors selling throughout the street. However, this was merely speculation. It is unclear if food and clothing vendors would be allowed to operate on side sois or if it would be applied to all of the Walking Street area. This is not the first time Pattaya City has attempted to ban street vendors and food carts from Walking Street over the years and it is unclear how permanent a change this will be.

I grew up in Japan at a time when everyone wanted to have sex with a foreigner - not a relationship or even a friendship, just sex. No matter where I went, I was the centre of attention and it did wonders for the self -esteem! I was pounced upon as soon as I walked into the gay cinemas and I actually had guys fighting to get to me. I was touched up on the crowded train virtually every day and if I was able to figure out who was "molesting" me and I found him attractive, we'd often get off at the next station and go back to his place for sex. My cock was getting a real workout, morning, non and night. Then everything changed. The Japanese appeared to lose their inferiority complex vis-a-vis foreigners and started looking at each other. The days of standing back and waiting for the hordes to go straight for my cock were over. Sure, I still got more sex than I could poke a stick at, so to speak, and I still got touched up in the train but it wasn't the same. How I miss those days!

A new sauna called Lux has just opened in Porto Alegre! Investors took over the seedy shell of the old Plataforma and have substantially renovated it, and I gather more upgrades are in the works. The new manager is outstanding. They have started a virgin Instagram account but no website yet: https://www.instagram.com/saunaluxpoa/ Old location is now new again: Av. Pernambuco, 2765 in Porto Alegre Open every day except Monday. Sunday when I was there, Lux had a good crowd of clients and maybe 10 (most very appealing) GPs. It seemed almost like time travel back to the building's glory days in the first decade of the 2000s. Alas on Sunday, it seemed like a wake at old Mezzanino which had few clients and few GPs in its big building. They have made a few decorative improvements on the rooftop terrace and elsewhere but it may be too little, too late. Don't see how PA can support two such saunas these days when even SP can only manage to have one serious sauna.

Here are two GP saunas that were going strong last year and are still shown as open in Google Maps: Sauna Opiniao R. Amintas de Barros, 749 - Alto da XV, Curitiba - PR, 80045-155 Club 773 (far more upscale) R. Ubaldino do Amaral, 1664 - Jardim Botânico, Curitiba - PR, 80060-092 The GPs at both are hit and miss are unlikely to be the Nordic Vikings and Iberian Idols you are seeing on the street.

Did you leave out Thailand for some reason....afraid of deportation?😆

A continuation of my little Japanese story. The two nights I spent with the young Japanese I met on my first-ever visit were eye-opening. Japanese can seem so reserved and polite in general conversation. Get a young guy into bed and he can become a tiger. I was sorry my new friend had left Tokyo by the time I returned but just by visiting the bars I was able to meet several more, although none was as athletic in bed as my first. A year later I was again in Tokyo after a trip to the US arriving on a Saturday afternoon. After dinner, this time I went straight to the Regent Bar which was packed with a nice mix of young Japanese and foreigners of various ages. I was with a young guy I had met on a previous trip and had arranged to spend the night in his small room. Masayuki was a lovely guy and I really enjoyed his company. But there was another young guy amongst the crowd who clearly spoke good English and seemed to be the life and soul of the party. He soon came up to me and said be had not seen me before. What was my name and was I new to Tokyo? He then asked what we'd like to drink and it became clear he was one of the bar tenders. Over the course of the evening, I found myself drawn to him. He was not the most beautiful guy in the bar - Masayuki was definitely the better looker - but there was something about him. This bartender exuded massive charisma to the point where you almost had to look at him. Still, I had made arrangements for the night and turned my attention to my lovely date. Masa was much more gentle in bed, but still clearly eager and quite delighful. We had a lot of fun. As he had to spend Sunday with his parents outside of the city, I decided to return to the Regent in the eveing to see if i could have a longer chat with that bartender. It so happened it started to rain quite heavily and I was nearly soaked by the time I reached the Regent. Getting there about 8:30pm, there was only one other punter sitting at the bar. So I sat down, ordered a drink and was delighted that Yuji was on duty. Over the next nearly three hours, we drank and chatted together - me on a stool and he behind the bar. That charisma, his sense of fun and the ease with which we chatted completely enveloped me. I really wanted to ask him back to the hotel but something held me back. I found myself totally backward in coming forward. Having been relatively free and easy during my previous visits to Japan, here I felt like a young teenager almost afraid I'd be rejected. Finally around 11:20 it was time for him to leave to catch his train home. Having put on his rain jacket, he came around the front of the bar, said he'd really enjoyed meeting me and trailed his hand ever so lightly over my ass. Still I did not move. I should have recognised all the signals but it was like this was all way too good to be true and he'd just say 'no'. And so he left the bar and I was left with a host of memories and a feeling of utter stupidity. Since it was still raining and taxis were always expensive, I decided to stay in the area. Next door to the Regent up on the first floor was a small disco named New Sazae. I had never been inside. But I thought I needed another large drink to drown my sorrows. I hesitated at the door before opening it and looking inside. You walked in by a small dance floor. The bar was at the other end on the left. Whisky in hand, I looked around the dance floor, wondering if anyone could possibly be a companion for the night, even though I doubted he would match what could have taken place with Yuji. And then I saw him. He had not gone home. He'd come to the disco and was dancing on the floor on his own. I was amazed - and then he saw me. With a smile on his face he stretched out a hand and beckoned me to join him. Thus we danced bodies pressed to bodies for some time, initially both reallising we were rock hard! I think I need say no more than we ended up in bed in my hotel where neither of us slept a wink. In the morning we had to part as we both had work. But this time we did promise to meet again - and we did. The following month I spent a week's vacation with him in Tokyo. I then visited for long week-ends once a month thanks in large part to very cheap air fares on Pan Am which was then still flying in the Pacific. Yuji even came to spend 3 weeks with me in Hong Kong. I knew I was in love, but I knew too that it was doomed never to last. Young Japanese needed sex much more regularly than once a month, as truth be told did I. Sure enough. By the time of my last visit when i stayed with him in his little room, he told me he had met a much older westerner who lived in Tokyo and was able to offer him a nice apartment and all the perks of expatriates then based in Japan. I will never forget that last night with him in his single bed as we hugged and cried as the hours slipped away. One of the benefits of knowing Yuji was been being introduced to several of his Japanese friends. Later I was to have a smaller affair with one of those cute friends. But he made it clear soon after meeting that he was not looking for any form of longer term relationship. As @A-447A pointed out above, sex was much more on his mind, not that was any disincentive whatever. Although my Japan adventures have continued ever since, there was one episode that I can never forget. Three of Yuji's friends happened to have birthdays over four days in October. A few years later, they decided to have a joint birthday party and very kindly invited me. I really wanted to join them, but another trip to Tokyo was going to stretch my finances, so I declined. As the date neared, I thought this is silly. They are dear friends and have been extremely kind to me. So I purchased a Pan Am ticket and decided to turn up unannounced. When the door to the apartment opened, there were wonderful smiles all round. I handed out small gifts and was introduced to many guys I did not know. As the evening came to an end, I paired off with one of the guests for another tigerish evening. What makes that evening such a special one is that within 5 years all three birthday boys were dead. AIDS! Like so many all over the world, I cried buckets when I learned.

I saw sign in Efes market in Turley " genuine fake watches''

and surely they will and I think so called 'elites' realized that already

Last Saturday an expat friend walked around the complex at 9-10pm, and out of the 31 bars, counted 46 farang. Keeping in mind Jomtien Complex is usually a lot busier than Sunee or Boyztown, one can only guess the numbers there. The simple fact is, there is nobody here, and with the airfares as high as they are people are staying away. Low season's new name will no No Season. So why not start up a business? If there was money to be made, I am sure they would. A friend of mine did a complex cost analysis on this just to see if it was viable. While I don't remember the exact figures it was something like averaging 100 drink sales a night, year round. Rent, Utilities, Bribes, Licences, Staff, Stock turnover. Possibility of tax and work permit costs depending on ones situation. The lists of costs is endless. There isn't a lack of people who want to open a bar. There is just a lack of people stupid enough to do it in this climate.

I agree that I find too much oil in several basically Chinese dishes offered in Thailand. But then I am used to the superb Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong where it does not get any better. I certainly would not expect Thai chefs to follow Hong Kong recipes to a T and I assume Thais prefer more oil. I recall an excellent italian restaurant opening in a major city in England. Friends and I thought the cuisine quite wonderful. One guest who travelled extensively in Italy dismissed it as Italian food as the English like it!

@vinapu Was my guess as well, but thought it might be a trick question ....

not sure what Londoner answers but my guess will be in 6 days

PeterRS's allusion to Soi Twilight reminds me of my first visits, back in 1997. I recall Blue Star, on the Hotmale side of the soi, which was unique in that it had two troupes of guys, one of twinks and the other of more muscular guys. They would combine occasionally au naturel; some of the twinks would keep their hands strategically -placed while the more hefty guys let it all hang loose. A year or so later, Screwboys set up shop there for a short time while its Patpong premises was (I believe) being refurbished. It too was very raunchy compared to what came later. Alas, those times will never return. One question; is my memory of the soi not being completely paved true? Can it be that it was partly dirt-road? It certainly had the air of an area that was being developed piecemeal. And yes, for people- watching, Dick's was unbeatable. I can recall spending many evenings there. I liked the food too, particularly the chicken and cashew -nuts.

I just spent six days in Fortaleza (i.e. mid-June 2023) and I can confirm that everything reported by bcdaron from early February this year was still 100% accurate! California Thermas was still thriving with 12-15 handsome, toned GPs (and only a couple were not ready for prime time) and enough clients to lure them there. One thing to add: The GP gene pool at California was far more European than you might expect for the Brazilian northwest. Sadly, Dragon is still a spacious, empty shell with only two GPs (both overweight) in my brief visit. By the way, you get fingerprinted there. The beach was long, clean, and uncrowded and the city has come a long way since my only previous visit twenty years ago. I'll be returning!

Excellent news and about time as he is 97 years old. He is one of only 18 people to have already achieved EGOT status - winning at least one Emmy, one Grammy, One Oscar and One Tony Award - athough he has won quite a few. Of all the stories he has told, this is one of those I think his best. He is talking to his Jewish mother about his decision to marry the Roman Catholic Anne Bancroft. Wonderful actor. His mother looked at him, said nothing except rather dismissively- "Oh! Why don't you invite her over for Sunday lunch. I'll be in the kitchen - wth my head in the oven!"

From CNN KathmanduCNN — As Nepal’s first openly gay parliamentarian, Sunil Babu Pant educated his colleagues on LGBTQ topics. More than a decade later, the former lawmaker and activist is sharing similar knowledge with locals and tourists on the capital’s streets. On Saturdays, Pant hosts a heritage walk through the heart of Kathmandu, which is dotted with ancient temples, stupas and decrepit old houses that have withstood haphazard urbanization. The three-hour tour introduces the city’s matriarchal religious sites while exploring elements of gender and sexuality. These sites, some in Hindu temples, feature paintings and wooden carvings with deities engaging in sexual acts, along with homoerotic illustrations and hermaphroditic figures. “You’ll see a lot of nudity, it’s very normal … living in Kathmandu, it should be taken as pride, not shame,” says Pant. As he navigates the dusty streets, the aroma of incense, along with freshly brewed chiya, or milk tea, and traditional morning breakfast items – gwara mari, or fried dough balls, and the sweet fluffy malpuwa – in nearby shops fills the morning air. Pant’s heritage tour, which he pioneered in 2010, is a personal endeavor, partly aimed at promoting LGBTQ tourism in the South Asian country. Now, the Nepal government is showing interest in investing in LGBTQ-specific services to tap into the multi-billion dollar “pink economy” and promote LGBTQ inclusion in the country’s tourism industry. As an initial step, the Nepal Tourism Board – a quasi-government organization – partnered with the government-run Nepal Mountaineering Academy to launch the country’s first trekking guide training program for LGBTQ individuals in April. With Nepal banning solo trekkers this year, organizers say the new graduates will help meet demand from tourists specifically looking to hire LGBTQ guides. Two male figures engage in a sexual act in this carving at a Kathmandu temple Bibek Bhandari Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 10 highest mountains, is considered to be an ideal trekking destination. Though there is no official data, anecdotal evidence suggests many LGBTQ travelers visit the country, making it “important to train people who are comfortable with them and understand them better,” says Himal Pandit, coordinator of the training program. The 25 trainees gathered for their final lesson at a Kathmandu wall-climbing center on a hot June morning hope to bridge that gap. Four trainees told CNN they participated after recognizing a lack of government-licensed LGBTQ trekking guides and wished to work in the field while catering to the LGBTQ community. Continues at https://edition.cnn.com/travel/nepal-lgbt-tourism-intl-hnk-cmd/index.html

I don't have Biden at all. I'm not a Democrat. Also, I'm in the middle (fiscally slightly right of centre, socially slightly left of centre). The reason politicians don't do that is it takes 5 minutes of negative attention to destroy a year long campaign of telling people how good you are. It shouldn't be that way but it is. My tactic isn't to make Trump into anything. He does that entirely on his own. How come you fluff for Trump so hard?

A lot of you say this but when I end up going I see nothing but packed out bars with farangs! I will be there next week, and I will report my findings 😁

The guys today would be lost without Google maps, no idea how we made our way around back in the days, no message boards to share info and WITHOUT Google translate 😱 The advantage of "social media".... we've all lost contact with so many people we wish we could speak with today, but thankfully is much easier now.

I was in Curitiba in March, and I found zero GP saunas. I went to DOMO Sauna, and it had a sign forbidding prostitution. Curitiba was way more conservative, so hanky panky was hard to find outside the Apps. The only options I found were Grindr and Garotocomlocal. Unfortunately, the guys I wanted from Garotocomlocal were in Sao Paulo then. I think a lot of the talent from Curitiba migrated to SP because it was hard to meet guys there.

Recently tried a Bangkok restaurant known for combining Thai and Italian cuisines. The result was dishes that looked Italian but tasted like Thai. And the portions may have been small but you couldn’t say that about the check. I love both cushiness but trying to get one to impersonate the other I do not.

Vinapu wrote: "As for the dish, that's the beauty of it, with few ingredients which can be mixed in different proportions and meat which can be added cooked or fried there's possibility of multitude of variations." I've always been happy to follow Vinapu's recommendations - the Classroom hotel in Pattaya, the Raya in Silom - but am reluctant to try the chicken and cashew dish. I find stir-fry dishes in Asia use way too much oil. I once went to the Central Festival foodhall in Pattaya where you can watch them cooking your meal. I saw the chef pour a huge ladle of what I thought was water into the wok. When I sat down to eat it, it turned out to be oil! The food was literalky swimming in it. Yuk!! I learnt how to say "just a little oil" in Thai and they were quite happy to accommodate me, but it was still too much for me. When I used to cook at home - I eat out these days - I used a little water instead of oil to stir -fry. One of my favourite Chinese dishes is fried rice; well, it used to be until I saw how it was made. Never again!

Just as long as the watches are still genuine article.

Therese Coffey is right wing so certainly not in my camp and she isn't the health minister.

Yes mostly right about Rome club Peter. The two owners, partners, tried to reopen it as gay again when straight failed. No luck, gays have long memories. It failed. The two then moved to one of the islands and were murdered in their home. As stories go.

So beautifully written. Thank you.

After getting massage in Saphan Kwai, I like to stop by Beer Park eatery for their version:

like that ?

I'd say that future is already there. During recent trip I just returned from , for fun I pay attention to who clientele in bars is and definitely always farangs , young and old, were minority. On at least two occasions I was only farang in audience , fact actually noticed by Tawan boy sitting beside me " no farang, only you". I for one don't mind that at all, it doesn't matter who keeps bars running as long as somebody does. Surely, at one point in future is may lead to situation when we may not feel welcomed but that is very theoretical prospect now. I also don't mind ladies in boy bars. Surely, they are competition and chances are we are on losing end in many cases but they oil industry and feed boys. Sure all that screaming is annoying but so it loud music , pesky mamasans, drink prices, heat and traffic outside, double pricing, packed BTS trains and so many things annoying us but never to a degree we look for an alternative.

I think Screwboys in Soi Twilight was the first gay bar I visited in Bangkok. A tout approached me in Patpong market and took me there - for a fee, of course. I still have very vivid memories of a handsome young guy in white briefs coming towards me, clutching his junk. And there was a fuck show happening right in front of my eyes. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I wonder what they charged for drinks back then? Anyone remember? I think I gave the tout 200 baht.

From CNN Seoul, South KoreaCNN — More than 51 million people in South Korea awoke on Wednesday to find themselves a year or two younger – at least, according to the law. Under legislation that came into effect Wednesday, “all judicial and administrative areas” across the East Asian country will adopt the “international age” system used by most of the world, ending years of debate about the problems caused by the formerly common use of “Korean age” and “calendar age.” Standardizing ages will “reduce various social confusions and disputes,” said Lee Wan-kyu, the Minister of Government Legislation, at a news briefing on Monday. The law, passed by South Korea’s Parliament last December, is also expected to “greatly reduce social costs that have been unnecessary due to the mixed use of age standards,” Lee said, adding this had been a major pledge by President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office last May. Three systems In South Korea, “international age” refers to the number of years since a person was born, and starts at zero – the same system used in most other countries. But when asked their age in informal settings, most South Koreans will answer with their “Korean age,” which could be one or even two years older than their international age. Under this system, which has its roots in China, babies are considered a year old on the day they’re born, with a year added every January 1. In some circumstances, South Koreans also use their “calendar age” – a mash-up of international age and Korean age – which consider babies as zero years old on the day they’re born and adds a year to their age every January 1. Take “Gangnam Style” singer Psy, for example. Born on December 31, 1977, he is considered 45 by international age; 46 by calendar year age; and 47 by Korean age. If this sounds confusing, it is, with daily life in the country often switching between the hodgepodge of different systems. New standard Even with the new standardization, the old systems will still be used in some circumstances, the government said on Wednesday. For instance, children typically enter elementary school in March of the year after they turn 6 years old (in international age), regardless of which month their birthday falls – which will continue. Laws on age-restricted products like alcohol or tobacco will also be based on the year someone is born, regardless of month. This means two people born in January and December 1990 are judged to be the same age. Under this law, people are allowed to buy alcohol starting in the year they turn 19 (in international age). The same method will continue to be used for South Korea’s mandatory military service – meaning people are eligible based on the year they were born, rather than their specific age or birth date.

From VN Express Many foreigners are happy and preparing plans to return to Vietnam after Vietnamese legislators finally agreed to extend the validity of tourist e-visas to 90 days and allow multiple entries. "[The extension] is indeed very good news," said American Michael Burger. He said allowing visitors to make multiple entries was "the most valuable" as he could travel to other ASEAN nations from Hanoi and HCMC, without having to apply for a new visa each time he returns to Vietnam. "It's so great and I am planning to return to Vietnam this August," Burger added. After months of eagerly waiting, the National Assembly approved on Saturday a government proposal to extend the validity of tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days and allow visitors multiple entries, effective from August 15. Pawel Dejmek from Poland plans to return to Vietnam in September or October and stay there for a long time after hearing that Vietnam had resumed its three-month e-visa policy. “Before the pandemic, the e-visa was valid for 90 days already and it could be extended three times. So, I did 'visa run' once a year, not every month," he said. Since Vietnam reopened its borders to foreign tourists in March 2022 and only allowed 30-day e-visa, many of his friends moved to Thailand because of being tired of border runs every month that cost them much time and money. During his upcoming trip to Vietnam, Dejmek plans to stay in Mui Ne, famous for beach adventure activities along the central coast. He said he will look for a place for rent as he wants to open a bar and conduct other business activities.

Thinking back more than a few years, Soi Twilight did not really come into its own until the 1990s. Then it was not just go-go bars but massage spas staffed by cute guys and the much lamented Dick's Cafe where people watching could be an enjoyment all on its own. Until then it was basically only Twilight Bar (later remodelled as Hotmale around 2000). There were go-go bars dotted around including the wonderful Barbiery just across from Soi Twilight, but Silom Soi 4 seemed the place for gay men to go, with Rome Club being a magnet and especially when Telephone opened. Overall the clientele certainly seemed to be younger than today with many from Hong Kong at week-ends. And then there were more Thais than farang. But back in the 1980s, there were considerably fewer long flights from Europe and the USA and there were far fewer cheap tickets. In Europe the gay spots in Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg and other cities were cheaper and easier to get to. Those who discovered they had a liking for Asians could find many Indonesians in Amsterdam, Vietnamese in Paris . . . and so on. I have written elsewhere of meeting young men of both nationalities in large saunas in both cities. But I am always curious how Thailand found its way on to the mass gay tourist travel map. I guess the reputation of the country had something to do with it. The number of prominent gay men who had visited and stayed in the country - the Somerset Maughams, Noel Cowards and many others - must have spread information. Word of mouth from Hong Kongers and other Asian-based westerners probably also had something to do with it. Then there were those stopping over when flying the kangaroo route from Australia and New Zealand. But if my recollection is correct, it was the 1990s when gay tourism started to explode. Is that other members' view? I have no idea if Eastern Europe and South America were attrative to larger numbers of gay tourists back then. I certainly wish I had discovered some South American countries much earlier. But I am happy that a career change saw me move to Asia and discover a world of gay entertainment I never imagined existed. Like others, I fear that the younger generation of western guys have too much choice for Thailand now to be top of their list. On the other hand, the increasingly richer guys from North and South East Asia that I have met seem to love the gay scene in Thailand. They - and repressed Chinese ladies - are likely surely to be the punters of the future.

for me Istanbul is the best European city but I would not go there men hunting

Then the… alarm went off and my dream ended.

Neither, Fortaleza now.Guys, I think I just accidentally stumbled upon a secret gold mines of stunning muscular Brazilian studs living in Fortaleza. Fortaleza all the way baby!

I concur. The only exception (and can sometimes be confusing) is when a Rio boy migrates to SP to temporarily work; and vice versa.

I just left São Paulo and I’m currently in Rio until Sunday then I return to SP on Sunday and Monday before I go to another city in Brazil on Tuesday but I’d love to maybe meet up to look for some guys lol so far I’ve only met up with someone from messsge to message forum in Dominican Republic, but I’d be down to meet up if you are. I’ve been to Lagoa in São Paulo. Club 117 has more options but i find the men to be more refined and traditionally handsome in SP at Lagoa.

What I like about Copa, besides their good service and young F/A's, lot of very good looking male F/A's, btw. You can buy basic economy and then "bid" for upgrades for money. I got 3 out of my last 4 legs to Brasil confirmed...and they have lie flat seats in Business to Brasil and EZE from Panama. Plus, if you get upgraded on the check in legs, you get 2-50lb luggage for free. Most Copa travelers are Central and S. American non frequent or budget travelers, many don't bother with the bidding or don't know about it because they buy from a Travel Agent.

Hey, since this is my first trip to Brazil I thought I'd give a report of what my experience has been like as a newcomer. Started off with a week in São Paulo. Was going to stay at a lovely Airbnb in Consolação but when I got there the owner didn't respond to me when I tried to check in. Ended up having to get Airbnb to refund me and getting a crappy little room at the Ibis Budget Frei Caneca (which was more expensive than the Airbnb), since I knew I wanted to be close to Lagoa. So I went to Lagoa several days. As a first-timer, I was impressed with the number and quality of the guys there. I also felt like it was relatively clean, compared to for example Sauna Thermas in Barcelona. I would post up in the bar reading a book and drinking a beer, enjoyed that they had the glass shower next to the bar. The men there were friendly but not too pushy, which I appreciated. I ended up having 3 programas total at Lagoa. I'm a bottom who prefers big guys with big dicks, and I prefer BB but I didn't bother asking as I assumed most of these guys would not be open to it. All three guys quoted 300 reais, and I didn't negotiate. (I guess that is the going rate in SP, but when I was in Rio they all charged 200.) Funnily enough, the guy I was most attracted to was the bar manager (hot as fuck). It was convenient staying nearby as I could just pop over for an hour or two to see what the crowd was like and have a beer before going out somewhere else. While in SP I also hit up a couple other places. I went to Bar Queen and Hot House, both of which had fun strip shows. I have now learned that in Brazil basically every strip show includes this very bizarre (to me) specific thing where the guys do their striptease, then leave the stage for a drag number or another stripper, and then they come back out with a hardon in underwear, and they walk around the room and have one customer take their underwear off, then they go to the next customer and hand them their underwear to put it back on. They go around the whole room doing that. I thought it was a funny thing the first time I saw it at Bar Queen, but literally every strip show I went to had that. I also found that the same strippers were showing up over and over. I saw the same ones at Bar Queen, Hot House, and Lagoa. Makes sense, if you're doing this as your main gig you're going to do multiple shows a night/week. Since I've seen so many of my favorite Brazilian pornstars show up at Hot House on their social media, I was hoping to get to see some of them. Unfortunately none of them made any appearances while I was there. I also had a session with Rico Marlon at his apartment. He was incredibly hot in person and just the sweetest guy. I saw him out on the street twice in Consolação afterwards and both times he stopped me to say hello. I also went to the SP Eagle twice, where I met and had some fun with an extremely attractive daddy, and to Chili Pepper Hotel, which is one of the nicest bathhouses I've ever been to. Unfortunately I think I had my timing wrong. I went on a thursday evening (bear night) and got there around 8. There weren't a ton of people there. Left around midnight, and I think that might have been when more people were starting to show up. I worked remotely several days, and then explored the city. I did some exploring downtown, and found the Galeria do Rock (a full shopping mall of all streetwear, hip hop, and rock music stores) interesting, but in general this (around Praça República and Sé) is where I felt the least safe while I was in SP. I probably will avoid next time I'm in town. The areas I really did enjoy were along Avenida Paulista, where there are (mostly free) museums on basically every block, and on the weekend they shut the avenue down to cars so it becomes a pedestrian and bikeway, and Pinheiros, which has so many different little shops and restaurants to stumble on. Also worth walking around Parque Ibirapuera, and across the bridge to the Contemporary Art Museum. I did go to Restaurant Spot because of the recommendations on this board, and it was indeed delicious. I mainly used public transit, because I love public transit, and found it safe and pretty easy to navigate. The metro is a bit weird in that if you're not a resident, you can't get a card, so you have to go to the ticket booth and buy individual tickets, which are basically little receipts with QR codes on them. Overall, outside of the República and Sé areas, I felt pretty safe the whole time I was there. It probably helps that I'm a larger guy, and not to be classist, but in general whenever there were a lot of middle-class people around going about their lives, that to me signified that they were choosing to be there and they felt safe. I flew from SP to Rio on Saturday. I took the light rail and metro to my hotel in Copacabana, and my first impression of the city was that it was bizarrely dead. Both on Saturday and Sunday when I was in the downtown area, it felt like I was in a postapocalyptic movie where there was just no one around, and I did feel a bit vulnerable. But once I got to Copacabana it was clear where everyone had gone. I stayed at the Mercure Boutique Rio Copacabana, which was both inexpensive and lovely. Located right on the beach. I didn't try to have guests over to either of my hotels, but I don't think it would have been a problem at either of them. Just walk right on by the front desk to the elevators and scan my card to go up. I went to 117 multiple nights. Usually took the metro there as it's very conveniently located a few minutes' walk from the Gloria station, and in an area that is bustling with locals and feels very safe. The first thing that struck me is that it did feel noticeably dingier than Lagoa. And the second thing that struck me is that several guys whom I'd seen at Lagoa all came up and said hi. I guess a lot of the guys go back and forth between the two. When I first got there (around 5 on a Saturday) I thought it was empty other than the guys hanging out in the front hallway. I had a drink at the inside bar, and then noticed the sign for the smoking bar. Went out there and there were like 25 garotos hanging out out there. I had no idea. 117 definitely had a higher proportion of my type of guys than Lagoa did. In total I had 4 programas there, 2 of which were with the same guy. A tall, bearded Black man with big muscles and tattoos. We had to wait a bit for a room, and he made out with me while we did. One of the best kissers I've ever met. Super great in bed — I did find his dick a little odd, it was big, hard and felt great, but it also felt a little lopsided, like a silicone injection gone wrong maybe? I did go on their big night (Tuesday) and it was indeed packed, but not noticeably more so than Saturday. The staff were very helpful and friendly — at one point my key fell off my strap and got lost, and they took care of it, helped me move my stuff to another locker. My biggest annoyance at 117 was how loud the music was during the drag shows and strip shows. My apple watch immediately notified me it was too loud, and I had to plug my ears, otherwise it was painful. As I sit here typing this the next day I have tinnitus. I also went to Point 202 for their big Monday night. Point is very conveniently located in Copacabana, but compared to Lagoa and 117 it is a shithole. It felt so much dirtier and I felt gross the whole time I was there. Even on their "busy" night it was really dead. There was, however, an incredibly hot, muscular latino guy with a baby face wearing a "massagista" shirt. I asked him for a massage, and for 150 reais I got a long, very legitimate feeling massage, with some sensual elements. He performed it in his underwear, and that combined with the massagista shirt made me think he was not a garoto, but after he finished and I took a look at him I was like "you are incredibly sexy," and his response was "oh do you want to have sex?" I was not expecting that and it threw me off and I said no thanks, but looking back on it he was by far the hottest guy from the whole trip and I should have said yes. I'd planned to go to a dance/sex party called Hole on my last night, but I developed a bit of a cough and decided to stay in. (I brought my own covid tests and have tested negative so far, plus I had covid 2 months ago so it's probably not that.) So I didn't really get a feel for the gay scene in Rio outside of 117 and 202, sadly. The rest of my Rio time included trips back downtown during the week, at which point it was waaaaaaaay busier, to work and go to the Museo do Amanhã, which is very interesting architecturally if not so interesting exhibit-wise. I also checked out the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is very interesting, as well as taking the Bonde de Santa Teresa, which is a nice ride, but not much to do up there. Cristo Redentor was exhausting and IMO not worth the trip. I bought "skip the line" tickets via Viator, and took the Corcovado train up. That was interesting, and then you get to the top and there are SO MANY PEOPLE. The views are great, I'll give it that. But getting back down was a shitshow. The line for the train (which you could not skip on the way back down) went halfway up the stairs to the statue. I'd estimate I waited about an hour to get on a train back down, and by the time I did I had to go back to the hotel and take a nap. I also checked out the Museum of Modern Art (not worth it in my opinion), and walked around Leblon in Ipanema, which is a much nicer area than Copacabana, with lots of shops and restaurants, and where I'd consider staying next time. I'm not much of a beach person, so I just took a lot of walks up and down the sidewalk next to the beaches, stopping for drinks and food at the many beachside bars and restaurants, and peoplewatching. I never actually touched the sand. I had thought about renting a car to go to Abricó Beach, which is a nude beach outside of Rio, but driving in a foreign country seemed unnecessarily stressful so I decided against it. In terms of food, my hotel had a great restaurant in it, Q Ceviche, and I went to O Grego twice because it's open late (12 AM) and was delicious. I did go to Fogo de Chão and the meat was my least favorite part. It just wasn't very flavorful. I much preferred the salad bar, which actually had a tray of pork belly with crackling, which was the best meat by far. Both of my hotels had The Coffee stands nearby, which is very convenient because ordering is done via an iPad which makes it much easier than speaking to a cashier. I found myself going to The Coffee over any other coffee place around the city because of this. One thing that did make an impression on me is how gay Brazil is. I've seen so many gay couples holding hands walking down the street, even outside of gay areas. The first two times I turned on the TV I saw a drag queen and a gay love scene. There are antidiscrimination notices all over, and on the metro there's an ad for a show called Tunnel of Love that has straight and gay couples making out. I didn't realize how openly gay friendly Brazil is, especially with all the terrible things I'd heard from Bolsonaro. And overall, everything here is just so inexpensive. A nice dinner rarely cost me more than $40. I'd spend 3-4 hours drinking at Lagoa or 117 for $30. I had 9 sessions with men, including a pornstar, for the same price as 2 would have been in the US. Ubers cost between $5 and $10, even with surge pricing. Overall, I've had a great trip and I'm excited to come back. Since it's only an hour ahead of east coast time, it's pretty easy for me to work remotely from here, so I think I may plan to come back for a month or so at some point. Let me know if you have any questions!

Despite changes mentioned by OP in this thread, things remain the same along gay Soi Patpong. Tuesday night but no lack of customers. In fact many were casual tourists who went inside the bars for the shows. Hot Male beer bar downstairs remains best spot for people watching as they walk up and down the soi. And of course it's a great spot to perv at the shirtless Dreamboys guys on the balcony. Hot Male beer bar staff are as friendly and chatty as ever. Freshboys 10.30pm show was well attended - a group of farang tourists comprising one guy and three ladies, a gay Taiwan couple, a big spender with bottle service and two Freshboys guys (who have changed out of Freshboys white shorts) and a mamasan around him and an eclectic Asian group in their 40s/50s (5 men, 3 women). The lead guy was seated with the women and dispensing tips to performers on stage. The other men called down a Freshboys guy to sit with them. Later before second show, two farang ladies came in, with one of them using crutches as her leg was in a cast. She must have heard many good things about the show because she was willing to climb up the narrow stairs to the bar! As for Freshboys guys mostly twinks and some twunks. Many familiar faces from last year. Mamasans and waiters also same, including one lanky handsome waiter with a number tag. Show was same as well. Mix of ladyboy lip synching, shower show and big cock show (4 of them). Drinks at 400 baht.

While eating at Shenanigans on Surawong (corner Patpong One), waitress who remembered us from now closed Paddy Field (next to Foodland) stopped by table to say hello. Paddy. Field was run by same manager of popular Shenanigans. One of the classic lady bars of Patpong Two, Black Pagoda, appears to have closed. It was the only venue with a bridge that spanned the soi. Passed Screw Boy at 11:12 last night and it seemed that the entire stable (sans those serving customers inside or those who’d been already offed) were lounging around outside after show. It was an impressive and lively group.

Visited Screboys yesterday with another member right after they opened for a night. At least 16 boys on duty already. All twinky but some bit better built. At least 3 offable for me, #26 looked the best and was subject of vinapu tuck of 100 baht note. Did not show, any resistance. Boys in boxers, most bareceted, drink 350 Then went upstairs to Freshboys, right in time for show to begin. At least 20 boys on duty, best looking shockingly also #26. At least 6 acceptable for possible off. Show progressive, simulated sex but cock certainly not simulated, stimulated, possibly by machine, for sure though. Big cock show with parade of solicitors of feel for a tip. 8 participants. Sexy shower number. At least 20 spectators in the beginning with more arriving later. One spectator, nice chested and seriously drunk tried to imitate vinapu tuck after seeing how it, s done distributed at least 12 red notes, some using mouth to mouth technique. It was fun.

Bogotá has incredible history and many sites to see. To get acquainted with the city, I would suggest 4-5 days including a Saturday night so you can attend Theatron, the largest gay club in South America. Know that traveling north-south in Bogotá takes time as the roads are congested so plan you time by neighbourhood-section of the city so you do not spend all your time in traffic. Day trips to the Salt Cathedral in Zipiquira or the sacred Laguito de Guatavita (the origin of the El Dorado legend) are exceptional. Medellín has a rich history (beyond what you see on Netflix) and is the centre of entertainment and film production, as well as being a rising tech centre (four universities) and tourism destination. I would suggest 3-5 days to get acquainted with the city and see some highlights. An overnight in Guatapé - El Peñol is also a great experience. Climb the rock to the summit and then explore the water on a boat tour before finishing up in Guatapé. There are tour buses continually between Medellin and El Peñol so you could make it a day trip. I would also suggest a day trip to coffee country (eje cafetero) to see traditional farming villages, but it requires a flight to Manizales or Pereira. Salento is the most famous coffee town and you can see the wax palms that are native to Colombia. For a day trip to the coffee region from Medellín, you can travel to Amagá where there are a dozen local coffee fincas you can tour. Cartagena is the gem of the Caribbean coast and is worth 2-3 days. Most find that they get bored of the tiny streets and plazas of Getsemani and El Centro (old city) so I would consider either a day trip to the beach clubs of Barú or Tierra Bomba. If you want to get completely away, take a few days in the Islas de San Bernardo where you have crystal clear warm water to swim in all day while you soak up the sun. Other cities to consider. Calí is on the pacific coast and is the home of Salsa music. Caleños love to enjoy life and have a good time. Go salsa dancing in Parque de los perros (free lessons each night) or hang out in Versalles neighbourhood. Santa Marta is another beach town at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain and the start of the trail to the Forgotten City. Barranquilla is a shipping port and home the second largest Carnival in Latin America and to Shaquira, for whom they erected the worst possible statue of her image. And I would also consider visiting Santa Crux de Mompox if you are a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez (hire a driver - the roads are brutal), or La Macarena to see the Amazon from the Colombian side and visit the famous Caño Cristales river and waterfalls. Hope that helps get you started.