numazu

Getting out of the Rio/Sao Paulo Bubble Even in non-COVID times, some of the other cities in Brazil are unfortunately neglected when it comes to the general public’s knowledge about visiting Brazil. Which would be a mistake, obviously, because there are untold riches out there that are not found in the doorsteps of Lagoa or Point 202, and even during the pandemic, this fact is still true. The BF and I were discussing possible getaways to the Northeast (Nordeste) of the country to get away from the Southern (Santa Catarina) and the Southeastern (Rio and SP) parts of Brazil that we were staying in. With COVID still a big thing, not all cities had all the usual services open. At the time of our research, the usual reliable Salvador had their beaches still “officially” closed with the pandemic still raging there. The one city that held promise, as well as having open beaches and allowing street vendors, was the other big Northeastern city: Recife. We have been to this city once before, trip report here, and we had much fun traipsing through the beaches and I had fun with one of the saunas: Termas Boa Vista, report here. So its my own damn fault that I decided to get a BF, while at the same time, whoring it up in Brazil. I’ll spare you the details, but as our Recife trip drew closer, the BF tells me to just go to the city alone, as we needed to “evaluate” our relationship. So I find myself getting on the plane to Recife, from Rio, alone, without my sidekick all this time. In all honesty, the break was necessary, and there was nothing like Recife’s beaches and sun, to help clear one’s mind of one’s mistakes and wrong-headedness. So my trip went from a lover’s getaway, to a whore trip, or so I thought. More on that later. I’m gonna reserve my comments on Recife’s COVID response on maybe a future post, but for now, let’s focus on my first trip to Recife’s main sauna, Termas Boa Vista. It is named as such because it is in the Boa Vista district in the main part of Recife. I’ve been to this sauna only once before, and have no qualms going back, especially since I am suddenly alone this trip. As with what other posters here have commented, even if this was a Brazilian sauna, this was not Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, so therefore, maybe, there are less of the painfully perfect adonises here than in those other two cities, and, maybe, Recife saunas were filled with more of the cute boy-next-door types. Which meant that the boys here were a little bit cheaper, starting at 50 reais (!) to the standard 100 reais for a good programa with a decent boy. Signage at the front door shows the hours and entrance fee: At other saunas, the opening hours of 3 PM to 10 PM seems standard, but this is Recife, and pre-COVID, the closing time was 6 AM (!). Yes, they have a per noite rate here, like a motel, and you can stay with your favorite boy toy till the morning (or you) came, for less than what you would in RJ or SP for an hour. If you go to their Facebook site for Termas Boa Vista, you see some regulars lamenting the fact that their per noite system is temporarily unavailable due to COVID. I don’t see any reason for me to stay in a sauna for that long, knowing that I find saunas, in general, kind of gross and unappetizing, but still, the option was at least intriguing. OK, I take back the “gross and unappetizing” part of my comment earlier. Indeed, certain saunas need a little cleaning up (I’m looking at you Point 202), but Termas Boa Vista was then, and is still now, perhaps the cleanest saunas I’ve ever been to in Brazil. Also, the space itself reminds me of my days in Sao Paulo's Thermas Lagoa (the old location), which had more than ample open space, enough that you can get lost in, to frolic and mingle. They don’t have a pool here (unlike Thermas Lagoa), but everything else was pretty open and had its place. For example: The nightclub part of the sauna (every sauna has them), where there is a stage and seating are, is in a separate part of the building. There is even a short corridor that separates it from the rest of the sauna. Which is useful sometimes if you want to avoid this part of the sauna, or at least to avoid the "noise" of the entertainment. Places like Espaco Lagoa has both the main bar and the stage area in the same place, so if the upstairs bar was closed, you’d have to go to the fairly busy stage area to get a drink. A pain sometimes, especially if you just want to get a drink and not see the show. The bar is, as I said, separate from the stage area and everything else: And drinks are cheap(er) than what you see in SP and RJ: If you were ever worried about COVID (and looking around in this sauna, it seems that no one is worried about it, due to no mask wearing, among other things), the bar area had very ample ventilation, as seen below. You can see the sky and there was a healthy breeze going through the area, to mitigate transmission (I guess). The gods blessed the Northeast of Brazil with great weather, so they can afford to be open like this: There’s a lot of other things I can say about this sauna, but let’s talk about the boys. There are less boys here than in SP and RJ. And there are way more clients, proportionally (it is the opposite in the RJ saunas these days). And there are even less boys I would consider to be hot enough for me to pay for it. Last time I was here, I got a hot boy to fuck, but he would be considered average in Club 117. But I am not in RJ, so I have to adjust my expectations accordingly, otherwise I’d be just doing the comparison game (i.e. RJ has better looking boys!), which will make me wonder why I am in Recife in the first place. So I order myself my usual drink – the Cuba Libre, and drink to my heart’s content while observing the clientele. I get some weird looks, and I am used to that, since I am probably atypical of what the average client is like. Still, the main reason they were looking was probably because I still had my tank top and shorts on. Everyone else in the sauna was in a towel. I was not ready to do that yet. I was just observing, drinking, biding my time. I see about one or two boys that was a maybe for me. But noone really stood out, so I just sat there, waiting. And then, I feel a hand on my left shoulder. “Boa noite,” a deep voice behind me said. I turn around. I see a tall guy in a towel, with an outstretched hand. And he looked like he belonged in Rio de Janeiro, not in Recife. So next, my night with him…

Another Few Days in Rio, Part 2 – 23 is the Golden Age This sounds horrible, but I feel that this pandemic in Brazil has been good to me. With seemingly more options this quarantine – more available boys in saunas with fewer client competition, more free Grindr options with less tourist traffic and more boys eager to hook up, and me being able to work remotely and thus I am able to stay in Brazil longer, I’d say that this has been one of the more enjoyable trips I’ve had so far. Some personal storms coming in the horizon, unfortunately, since whoring it up and having a BF at the same time is certainly not the way to do things, but I’ll resolve that in due time. I’m sure it is true for everyone who has been a fan of the saunas: we all have met boys there who seemingly “get” our sexual proclivities, and therefore we hire them over and over, whenever possible, in between searching for new meat. I’ve certainly collected a handful of these boys, who I have handy in my Whatsapp, who are ready to swoop in when necessary, whenever it is a slow day at the sauna, or if I need a reliable long timer who I know what to expect, and sometimes charge me less for being a “cliente fixo”. So two of these boys, these boys that I would go back to and dip back into their pools, I was eager to hire again this trip. Boy 1, a total top, straight, but oh so passionate in bed, was a stunner. He was tall, about 6’4, lean muscular, had a third arm for a cock, and is now 23. Last year I finally got him for the first time in Club 117, after seeing and missing him in Sao Paulo’s Thermas Lagoa, and seeing and missing him in 117. I knew he was popular, why would he not be. A branquinho, with his natural boyish Carioca charm, he was very very passionate when he wanted to be. He was also very chill, and week-long stays with him were very relaxing, like hiring your own personal spa. He is game to do just about everything, in sex, in tourist activities, even what to eat, except bottoming. Which was a shame, but really, a fairly small blemish in an otherwise great (and big) companion. Boy 2, a versatile bottom, straight-ish (more bi), and frenetic in bed, was also a stunner, but of a different variety. He did everything in bed, probably more towards the bottom part of the spectrum. He was 5’10, more twinky with 0% body fat but developed musculature, an average cock, but a fairly plump butt. I met this guy in Lions last year, and he was also 23, but looked younger. He looked whiter than most Brazilians, and could be mistaken for anyone I’ve grown up with in my mostly white neighborhood in my native California. As a companion, he was more demanding, had more of an opinion of what he wanted to do than most, but everything was enjoyable and fun with him and sometimes I let him run me roughshod. After winter last year I hired these two for a two day stretch, and they played pretty nicely together, which was a good thing, since when we all met in my apartment that time, it was the first time they met each other, and have not even encountered each other in any of the saunas (Boy 1 the top only went to Club 117, and Boy 2 the vers went mainly to Point 202 and Lions). They humored my request to fuck each other, for my viewing pleasure, and they let me even film them to add to my personal (and to never be shared) collection. And more importantly, they also complemented each other, with Boy 1 able to temper Boy 2’s sometimes frenetic pace, and Boy 2 was able to add some variety to the usual mellow demeanor of Boy 1. So I wanted them again this trip, but not together this time. Instead, I asked both to find a friend for us to play and stay with, a friend that would be like them. So that’s how I ended with two tops the first day, and two bottoms the second day. Day 1: When Big Horse met an even Bigger Horse Life is hard during the pandemic everywhere, but especially with the GPs that relied on the sauna scene. Boy 1 (Lucas) only went to Club 117, and said he does not like Point 202, even when it opened early, and would rather rely on some local clients to support him, than going there. He recommended someone who was a sometime GP who worked at a pousada (like a motel). He gave me photos of the guy, as well as the guy’s Instagram. The guy was good-looking for sure, but the one thing that stood out, literally, was his gigantic cock. It was fat and long, even bigger than Lucas’, which was saying something I agreed to meet the guy, if only to get this gift horse in my mouth. I met Lucas at the AirBNB. Handsome as always. 20 minutes later, his friend, Marcus, arrives as well. We meet him just outside the AirBNB. He was shy at first, but indoors he quickly warmed up, as he quickly took off his shirt. It was a warm Rio afternoon, so pretty soon we all lost the shirts, popped open some beers, and just talked. I got to hear about life in Rio during COVID for the two 23 year old boys who were super hung and devastatingly handsome. Which was the same everywhere, and for everyone else. I count myself lucky for still having a job and getting to travel the way I do. Marcus was very chill, as chill as Lucas. He was also a moreno, and, perhaps this is splitting hairs – hotter than Lucas. I have a soft spot for Cariocas, and Marcus was the ultimate Carioca – casual, easy-going, with golden skin and a warm demeanor. Sex was also easy-going, except for the penetrative part. There was nothing easy-going about these pair of jackhammers. I almost couldn’t take it, but somehow I did. They allowed me to film them cumming on my chest, towering over me like a couple of waterfalls – Cachoieras das Cariocas – the twin gushers. After that, a well earned dinner at a Churrascaria, which was long and lovely, with beers and some laughter afterwards. A nighttime stroll in Copacabana, and then some Netflix and some more beers and fun. The next day was some almoco and some farewell fucks. 400 each was the fee. I asked Marcus for his Whatsapp. I am sure I will see him again. Lucas chose well. Day 2: Politics and Sex Don’t Mix Boy 2, let’s call him Henrique, was a student in a Rio University when I met him last year. Burning the candle at both ends meant earning the moneys in the sauna and then the next day, having to attend class in the morning. The pandemic meant the halt of both sauna money and a pause of school, but school restarted in earnest, and he had to earn money in the sauna as well. He thanks Point 202 for reopening early in July, as he was having a hard time getting money for rent and food, and he had to move back with mom in far away Recreio just to get by. But since the sauna reopened, he has moved back to Santa Teresa in Rio, which is closer to his University and the saunas. As a third, he invited one of his school and sauna buddies, who was also 23 years old. He sent me photos of the boy, gorgeous, golden skin, again typical Carioca. His cock was fine but clearly he knew what his money maker was: that gigantically perfectly round ass. That night I meet this guy, Tiago, for the first time, and he was wearing a speedo, just having gone from a programa in Point 202. He said he would just take a quick shower and we could go to Lions (from the previous post). He knew what he was doing by wearing this speedo. His skin was flawless, bronzed, and with curves in the right places. Big powerful thighs, and developed torso and abs. But it was that face: boyish, big watt smile, and somewhat innocent look that drew me to him. So Henrique and Tiago were my dates at Lions. When we got there, Tiago was immediately greeted by clients and boys alike. He was popular for sure. During the Lion’s show, he would sometimes leave my side to say hi to a client, but he would scurry back into my arms after a while. After Lion’s we all decide to get some food at Siquiera Grill, a popular after sauna haunt for the boys. The food was fine, but after the meal, I mistakenly asked them about how they thought Bolsonaro fared at coping with the COVID crisis. Oh boy, do not talk about politics, anywhere! Henrique was pro-Bolsonaro, and Tiago was against the guy, and the two argued for their sides as only two passionate Brazilians can. I even filmed some of the discussion to be viewed later. It sounded like some typical partisan stuff I am familiar with at home. But the argument went on long after the ice in our drinks melted. It was an engaging discussion, and they asked me what I thought of things as they went along, but it was near closing time, and there was still a whole night to contend with. All three of us finally got home, and thankfully the boys calmed down enough to kiss and make up. Tiago mentioned that, yes, political discussions can seem heated at times, but in the end, this does not ruin any friendships they may have. Which came to the sex part of the evening. One, and then the other, prepared for the act, and since they were bottoms, it took them longer to prepare and <ahem> clean down there. By the time we were all naked, in bed, it was almost 2. No matter, the wait was worth it. The two wore me out. As I had, and wanted, to be one of the tops in this Carioca sandwich, I had to have the stamina. The two were very obliging and passionate. The one thing I must say is that they are used to bareback sex, a departure from my two tops just earlier. I won’t say that I partook of this practice or not, but it sure looked hot while I was filming them. I came once, they both came twice each. The bed was a mess. We woke up around noon the next day, totally spent from the night before. Lunch, and then some more fun after, before I had to rush to Santos Dumont to get to Recife for a night flight. They both went with me to Santos Dumont, and then I let them use my Uber app to get them home. 350 each. So, what have learned, children? That it is good to get boys you already know and like, to get more boys for you, as they already know what you like, and they can advise their friends on your own proclivities for a smoother experience. Oh, and 23 is the perfect age for a boy to be in. In a trip where I am chasing perfection, this was as close to perfect as I could in any point of this trip so far. Next, Recife!

Point has been open for 2 months now and Club 117 has been open for 2 weeks. LOL. Is this so shocking to you @floridarob Unsure. ALL the saunas have been slow for what they were pre-COVID. Which is kind of shocking. Maybe I'll post about it, but 117 was so empty when I went, and Point 202 is still below what it usually is. Weekends are always good I think, but still lower than normal. Contrast that with Espaco Lagoa. They seem to be doing well. Tho I do think the smaller space in Espaco Lagoa makes it look more packed. And there was a line to get rooms one Saturday. Maybe because Rio is more dependent on tourist traffic than SP, and tourist traffic is low these days? Thanks man. I saw your guy that one time in Point 202 and had to let you know. Hopefully tings work out for you guys in a few months!

I met @ChristianPFC and @bcdaron at Espaco Lagoa last week by chance... And I join you guys in asking both to write about their experiences. It definitely is interesting, I believe.

Finally, some downtime to write. Here are other parts of my trip. This post is about my night 2 weeks ago: Another Few Days in Rio, Part 1 - The Sauna Duds After my two weeks all holed up (and remotely working) the BF at his apartment in cold and wet winter in Santa Catarina, we were all set up to take a week off in Recife, a northeastern city. But first, I carved out a two night stay in Rio to play around a bit, before reuniting with the BF to jet up to Recife. As Brazil (and most of the world) reopens, with precaution for COVID, there is word that the two other saunas in Rio are reopening as well, to give Point 202 a run for its money. With the tourist numbers still depressed, it will be interesting to see how these three vie for the local market. What I’ve seen in Point 202 has been tepid at best, a few stunners, but overall a bit mediocre, not to mention, the crumbling infrastructure and shoddy cleaning procedures is not impressive. So there is word that Lions was opening the Friday I’m gonna be in Rio, and Club 117 is opening the next Monday, unfortunately I’d be in Recife already. I guess I’d just have to check it out next Rio visit. I made two overnight dates for the two nights I was going to be alone in Rio, with two boy pairs, for the one pair was a pair two tops, and the other, a pair of two vers-bottoms. I know that does not make any sense, pairing a key with another key, and having the two slots together, but this perceived incompatibility is actually an interesting experiment I’m willing to take. More on this next post. I get to Rio at night, at meet up with the two tops at the AirBNB. The next day I met the two bottoms at 202, because I wanted to get a boy in the sauna before retiring to the apartment with my two dates. I run a volume business, apparently. Insatiable sex drive + increasing dollar value = never ending possibilities. Anyway, as I was prepping to go to the sauna, Bottom 1 texts me: He then called me to tell me that Point 202 is actually pretty empty, and he said it was better to go to Lions tonight, as it is its first night to reopen. I told him to stay put, because I wanted to at least get one boy in 202, but agreed that we should go to Lion's afterwards. So I haul my ass out of my post-coital bliss with the two tops I just played with, showered and got dressed, and headed to Point 202. Getting to Point, I was expecting a Friday crowd, which in the pandemic meant at least a decent crowd but not standing room only. I was wrong. The sauna was dissapointingly empty, with a few boys, and with really just one boy hot that I would be just OK with fucking. Bottom 1 finds me and gives me a big hug, and then a big wet kiss. I told him he was right, that the sauna was empty, even if it was a Friday night: The sauna was veeerrrryyyy slow. Slow enough that when I was looking around, I noticed something for the very first time, and I would not have not noticed if the sauna was busy and my attention would be elsewhere: a big mural of the sauna owner on display. I would not have noticed this in a million years. Has this always been there? : Bottom 2 joined us and invited us to go to the upstairs bar to smoke. Again, super-duper empty: After 30 minutes of searching, in vain, for my Point prince charming, I said fuck it and told the two boys that we should check out Lions. It was Lions first night back, and they said it will be super busy with festivities tonight. So we all check out of the empty Point, and we get the Uber to Lions. 20 minutes later, we were there. The alleyway where Lions had some mask-less agglomeration already, so I knew the club at least had some action tonight. And indeed, they are open! Finally, another sauna open to compete for Rio’s business: And compared to Point 202, they seem to have their COVID health theater down. Samples: At the door, signage telling people that masks are required, reduced capacity crowds indoors, promoting social distancing, and sanitization of the facilities: At check-in, hand sanitizer with foot pedal for application to hands (with Lion’s branding!): The tables had this signage, saying the tables and chairs were cleaned, which is reassuring, even if it was more or less accurate: Everything was decked out for the reopening, and the festive music and atmosphere was fairly exciting: Looking at the fairly healthy sized crowds of both customers and boys, I was quite surprised. I know that masks are mandatory, but most if not all customers and boys had no masks on. The employees, and the owner, had masks on, though. There was a good crowd inside, almost to a point that I felt transported to another time, pre-COVID. Lots of agglomeration, lots of contact, and lots of drinking, dancing, and merry-making. At this point in my trip, I was less queasy about the whole COVID precautions thing, having been lulled into a false sense of security by surviving a month in Brazil without any health scares, but still, this was new. I just rolled with it and drank and laughed and flirted with the rest of the folk. Life is short, have fun when you can. Yeah you might get sick and die tomorrow, but you only have right now that you can control. There was a show with some drag queens and a stripper that was heavily decked out in indio gear. Not my cup of tea, but I rolled with it: As for hunting boys, the place was a dud, for me. There was one or two that caught my attention, but with the atmosphere more geared towards being a bar to hang out in, rather than a sauna that you got boys from, I was just not feeling the motivation to pick a boy to fuck in the sauna. After a few drinks and merriment, and with the two bottom boys in hand, I felt that I had enough, without fucking a boy, and just told the boys that we should just go home and continue our festivities there, hopefully with all of us naked. Two saunas, one super slow, one busy and lively, but both not quite good enough for me to get a boy to fuck. Oh well, can't win them all. Next post, a date with two tops, and then a date with two bottoms.

All I can say is: Past performance is not indicative of future results, which is the classic investment adage that can be applied to going to the saunas here in Brazil. WIth the frequency in which I visit the saunas, I rarely get surprised anymore. But when I do, its because my assumptions were challenged. Just when I thought I've seen and heard everything, hear comes a boy that knocks my socks off, which makes the trip worth it. And its not all about sex either, its everything. I am in Recife now, and I met a boy that has gave me the biggest surprise of my Brazil life. I've always thought Termas Boa Vista, the main boy sauna here in Recife, as mediocre with boys but superior in sauna facilities. But the boy I met last night, oh boy, I was genuinely surprised in the encounter. DIDN't SEE IT COMING. Maybe I will share in a future post on here. Last night's encounter alone made the whole trip worth it. And I am not easily impressed. I simply prefer Club 117 simply because they have "quality control" i.e. they are not araid to ban boys that have behaved badly in the past. Point 202 seems to be have less scruples, and welcome all-comers, which sometimes is problemactic. Even Lions Club bans boys if a customer complains about them. As for the quality of boys, maybe Club 117 "gets" my taste in men, but when Point 202 delivers the goods as well, it delivers well. All I can say is, I don't discount something because of past performance. I try and try, until I find that one encounter that takes my breath away. Last night was that night. Hopefully more to come. And it will only come if I try. LOL, i know right. You have seen me in action. That other guy has ninja like reflexes and got to the boy before I did. sad This was two weeks ago. Yup Copa beach can get deserted. We took some beers to the beach that one night and just drank and talked till early morning. Copa can be a nice and tranquil place at night. Thanks for the reminder. I have been told by other boys about the impending opening, which is tomorrow. I am Recife at the moment so I will have to catch them when I get back to the SE of Brazil. Indeed, I am loving my times in Latin America. On Grindr I sometimes get a line like "I've never been with an Asian guy before" etc. I guess its nice to be fetishized once in a while? Indeed, Brazil has a fairly big Japanese settlement, especially in Sao Paulo (and thus you get gorgeous half asian boys that have the best of everything - the asian smooth skin, the Brazilian heat, the asian face, the Brazilian cock etc etc). I've probably had the craziest reaction in Colombia, where there are even less asians. I love Grindr there. Mexico city too is another city that I like too. San Juan, CR as well. I guess what I am saying is, its nice to be asian and in Latin America LOL. I appreciate it as well when a long read is at least readable with the white space to separate paragraphs and moments. I write like how I like reading something. Makes sense. When is Fragata opening? Thanks for the kind words. New and unexpected is the key. Why do something if you already know the results? Its better if you are surprised, and you get to push yourself further. More, next. I wish I had more time to write. The balance of experiencing things and wanting to write about it is always a struggle.

Maybe you have heard the phrase “Brazil is not for beginners,”and this may be true. I think it is more “The Real Brazil is not for beginners,”and it takes dedication and time to truly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy your first trip here. But remember: forget everything you assume about Thailand. This is not Thailand. Sometimes that is good, sometimes that is bad. I’d approach Brazil with an open mind, and an eye on your belongings, and pretty soon you’ll fall in love with it (or not, and run screaming back to Guarulhos). I’d be curious how you get along, knowing your types and peculiarities. My suggestion is actually go to Mexico first, which will have the Twinks you are looking for, and perhaps Mexico has a smooth learning curve than Brazil. But if you must: Some questions for my upcoming trip. When taking a taxi, can you sit in front? (In Thailand, I always sit in front for better view and comfort, but most people sit in the back.) As has been said before, not recommended during COVID. Some drivers even have a plastic barrier that isolates him from you, so riding in the front defeats the purpose. Uber has provided this plastic barrier in their Rio offices. Does anyone here drink tap water in Brazil? (I do so everywhere in SEAsia without negative effect.) From my experience, I am always told to not drink the Rio tap water, recently by the BF, tho he has used Rio tap water for the coffee maker. I’ve heard this in SP as well. In the northeast, and southern states, seems like we have used tap water without incident. Some AirBNBs that double as homes for the owners (and not career rentals), there are water purifiers that you can use. Are hotels cheaper when booked on hotel booking websites online or walk-in? (Strangely, in SEAsia generally cheaper online, but I had a few that were cheaper in walk-in.) Who does walk-in’s anymore? Anyway, I’ve only needed to do a walk-in once, when the BF and I needed lodging in Curitiba. We did a walk in in a nice apart-hotel type property, but upon checking online, we found it was about 15% cheaper online. Small sample size, but there you go. I will get a Brazilian SIM-card, not so much for calling and SMS, but mainly for data, at least 2 GB for my two week trip. I hope my experiences will entice me to come back to Brazil, for that case I want to to extend the validity. Which operator is particularly easy/cheap for long validity? 2GB? That’s tiny. Anyway, this is not Thailand (it’s not even Costa Rica, which has SIM cards for sale at baggage claim in San Juan), and places to buy SIM cards are not in the Brazil airports. You may be able to find SIM cards in the Lojas Americanas or a Pharmacy in the airport, but its hit or miss. Best place to get one is a major shopping mall in the center of the city, where the possibility of having English-speaking attendants are higher, like Shopping Paulista in SP or Rio Sul in RJ. I suggest TIM as cell operator, and they seem to be the most common IMHO. You can see the plans for tourists here: https://www.tim.com.br/sp-interior/para-voce/planos/pre-pago/tim-visitor If you encounter PT-only speaking people, show them this. Chip is SIM Card (pronounced ship): Any hotel recommendations for SP and Rio? I like public transport, so it should be in walking distance to metro station and no problems to bring back boys. Price up to 20 USD per night. Can’t help you here. The hotels I stay in are at least $40 a night. AirBNB is your best best, and for that price you’ll get some bare-bones room in the tourist areas, or something good in outlying areas like Centro in RJ or Tatuapé etc in SP. The more posh hotels wont let you accept visitors to your room, for security reasons. That is why I choose AirBNB everything, and check their policy. Again, most of the AirBNB language in Brazilian listing are in PT, but google translate is your friend. Internet says you can bring one mobile phone, but with two you might get questioned at immigration/customs. Any experiences? Because of the draconian import taxes Brazil imposes on imported goods, customs sometimes cracks down on people who may bring extra cellphones to sell for 30% less than what it would be in Brazil, but still get a nifty profit. I’ve only been questioned once by customs, and they will scan your luggage for extra electronics, so its best if you have those extra cellphones on your person. Not that I sell cellphones or anything, wink wink. I will fly with hand luggage only (hold luggage would cost 80 EUR more for round trip). Is laundry service widely available? I will need to buy a full set of clothes in SP, recommendation where? (And afterwards leave them in Brazil, or try to sneak them into the plane as overweight/oversize hand luggage.) Laundry service that is widely available is also expensive, especially in the tourist areas, like those 5 a Sec places. Best bet is getting an AirBNB with a washer and dryer, a must for me these days, but that would probably be over your $20 a night limit. Bras in São Paulo is the ultimate place to buy super cheap and nice clothes. I go crazy there sometimes. But like anywhere else in Brazil, it will take some getting used to haggling prices in Bras, and 25 de Marco. Most popular app for online dating is grindr, most popular messenger is whatsapp, most popular taxi is grab? Yes, yes, and no, Uber

The Assembly line of fucks I got another opportunity to check out Espaco Lagoa before heading to southern Brazil with the BF. It was a somewhat chilly day in Sao Paulo, but I was lucky to have skipped the cold temps that visited the city days before. Still, it was still cool weather, so I decided to visit the Frei Caneca shopping mall to have a cup of coffee. The good thing about the Frei Caneca shopping mall is that it is pretty close to Espaco Lagoa. There is probably a reason for the closeness. The walk from the mall to the sauna, you will encounter the unofficial gay street of Rua Frei Caneca, the gay hotel, and other gay locations. So its always an interesting time to see the patrons of this mall. You will see various gay people loitering, checking each other out. No surprise that when I open Grindr, it lit up like a Christmas tree with hits. I settled with my cup of coffee, subtly checking out a guy across from me, who I saw on Grindr (51 feet away!) while enjoying my cup of coffee: After my coffee, I let @floridarob know that I was going to the sauna. It was almost 6 PM, so I would think it was prime time to wrap it up and head to Lagoa. At the sauna, I see @floridarob already seated and enjoying his drinks. I get another cup of coffee, and I remarked that this was the 3rd continent that I’ve seen him in. After some gossip, and acknowledging what big world-traveling sluts we both were, I start my hunt in earnest. It was pretty busy in the main bar area. The public showers were opened up and all the tables were occupied. It was Sunday, karaoke night, so it was hard to have a decent conversation from all the loud singing, unless if you were up close and personal with the person you were talking to. So I had to leave the area if I was going to catch anything I wanted. At first, I was not finding anything, or I was hesitant in approaching with all the activity in the bar. Programa #1: The Wily Veteran But in the corner of my eye, by the entrance near the stage, was an interesting blonde and blue eyed guy, as white as can be, that stood out from everyone. No one was in towels (COVID), but he went one better: he was wearing a nice shirt and pants. I quickly excuse myself and chase after the guy. I go to the hallway to assess his hotness. Paulistano. 26 years old. He took off his mask while he was talking, which helped because it sealed the deal. He looked more German than Brazilian, but his Paulista accent gave him away. We get a suite (always) and got to our room. Wow, this place is so clean and more put together than Point 202. It is not hard to do. And they had towels and flip flops carefully packed in plastic for use. So hygienic. He quickly disrobes and plops himself on the bed. I join him clothed, and he quickly disrobes me. With me naked, he tells me “much better,” and gives me a kiss. That was when I realized that I forgot to ask him the requisite questions: does he kiss? Top or bottom? How much? That never happens to me, I usually do my due diligence before commiting, but no time like the present to ask. I know he does kiss, he says he is versatile, and the usual 150 for the programa, or 200 with cum. He delivered in all respects. Fairly passionate, and had an amazing ass. I had him pose for me, squatting with his ass in the air. Perfect. I’m not a super top, but this guy did it for me in the moment. The pale, smooth skin helped, and it came with a smooth ass. He sat on me, and I came really quickly. It took a while for him to cum tho, as he said it was hard to cum after getting fucked. Afterwards we talked for a bit. He has been doing sauna work for a while, and even did a stint in European saunas. Took a break and was back in the business. Saving up money for a trip back to Europe, when it opens up, and beefing up in the process for more exacting European clientele. He certainly knows what he’s got. No doubt he earns a lot of money. I don’t know how long I was away, but going back to @floridarob, it seemed like an eternity. He told me I act fast, just disappearing and doing the programa. “I know what I like and I go for it,” I say. I get a cocktail. I think I was seated in the perfect spot in the bar area at Espaco Lagoa. We were seated close to the door, and my seat was angled such that I was facing the door and can see who came and went, while having a view of the stage. Understandably I would miss some of the public shower guys who would entice customers with their third legs, but until I grow a third eye in the back of my head, I’d choose to be facing where the guys came and went. Programa #2: The Casual Passers-by The current location of Espaco Lagoa is both a blessing and a curse. It is so much more central, located in the Frei Caneca, and close enough to Paulista and Bela Vista. The bad thing about it is, any casual guy can just stop by and try to sell their wares. In the old location, it was more or less more residential, and you actually had to want to be there in order to be at the sauna, and not just casually drop by on the way somewhere else. So I find that there are more casual GPs than the usual, career quality GPs, in this location, that in the old location. I noticed a fresh batch of guys come in, milling about. They were just in the periphery and not going in the main area. They were fully dressed, like everyone, but not smartly as to accentuate any of their body parts, like the career GPs. They probably just wandered off from the street over to see if they can score a few reais. Two of them were nice looking. The shorter one was more muscular, was looking more like a brute, and his biceps were bulging out of his shirt. The taller one was tall indeed, more lanky, but had a very pretty face. I’ve never seen them before. Probably their first time here. After trading more gossip with @floridarob, I see the shorter one making eyes with me. I made eyes back. He took off his mask and smiled at me. I looked at his friend and his friend was being felt up by another customer. A few more minutes roll by, and the guy kept making eyes, but would never approach or even enter the bar area. After finishing my drink, I make a decision, and tell @floridarob I will be back. I lock eyes on the shorter one, and we congregate in the hall. I motion to the taller one to also come so I can inspect both. After introductions, the shorter one was trying to sell himself, with descriptions of what we would do together and such. The taller one was way more shy, just standing there. He was gorgeous tho, brown hair and green eyes. Such a killer combo. I ask them if they were friends and went here together. They both said yes. I asked them how much. 150 for each. I ask them what they did. Only tops but passionate. I can work with that. I told them I want to get a room. The shorter one asks: “which one?” I tell them, both of you, of course. The taller one smiles, as if to say: “really?” Is that OK? The shorter one says, “of course!” So we get a suite and the two tail me as I lock the door behind me. We started with just standing there. Obviously this was a bit manufactured, nothing organic about it. I started to break the ice by asking a few questions. They’ve been friends for a long time. It was the taller guy’s first time here, and didn’t really know what to do here. It was the shorter one’s second time, and I was his second customer as well. The taller one was nervous, maybe unsure he wanted to do it. I ask if they have seen each other naked before. “Not totally,” the shorter one answers. I laugh. Everyone laughs. “So what will we do now?” I ask. The shorter one takes command, and asks the taller one to undress. He takes off his shirt. The shorter one unbuttons the taller one’s pants. His briefs appear through his opened zipper. I take it further by pulling down his pants. He is just in his underwear. The shorter one disrobes to his briefs as well. I do as well. And then the shorter instructs the other to start kissing me. After some hesitation, he does. I take a hand to his groin. Big boy. He make it grow. We were off to the races. The shorter one turned to be fairly dominant, and the taller one passionate. It worked out, somehow weirdly. Both came on my chest, while towering over me on the bed. It was somewhat an awkward encounter. It’s kind of what you expect from just casual passers-by I guess. Programa #3: The Reason Why I’m Here Getting back to @floridarob, I realized that I’ve already came with three different people in a span of 1.5 hours, and floridarob was just getting started. I guess my speed is really fast. We both notice a nice looking moreno in the public shower, and he had the perfect pair of (1) giant cock and (2) nice round ass. @floridarobnoticed him too and commented on him being nice looking. When the toweled off and got out of the shower, I quickly motion to him to sit down with us so at least @floridarob had some company. All three of us soon got to laughing and joking, mostly about how much of a slut I was. Fair enough. I see someone in the corner of my eye again. Uh oh. He was a beautiful moreno. Nice facial hair. Prerry face. Wearing a tight t-shirt and tight jeans. He filled those nicely. There was something about him that just draws one to him. Something magnetic. Of course I acted fast, as I do. I bid both goodbye for now and headed for him. When we were in the hallway, he takes of his mask and smiles this million watt smile. He introduces himself. A Carioca, of course. I journey all this way to Sao Paulo to be hooked by another Carioca. He talks to me in a whisper, and he draws me close so he can hear me. I press my hands on his shoulders, and his back. Big broad shoulders, hard sinewy back. We settle on 150, or 200 if he cums. I couldn’t say no. I was impressed by how he carried himself. In the room we both sit on the bed and he takes my hand and caresses it. We talk for a minute. His deep voice was soothing. He takes off his clothes, even underwear. He wanted me to see. Big thighs, big plump ass, and of course, hung like no other. He kisses me deeply. And soon I was naked myself. Damn, this was a good start. After some hot foreplay he asks me what I liked. I said since he was just a top, that I couldn’t take his length and girth, since he was pretty big. He said fine, and we did more foreplay. After getting hot and heavy and him rimming me, he takes the condom and lube and started to sheath himself. I laughed. I reminded him that I didn’t want to take him. He said he understood, but he was just going to “show me something.” Fine. What could happen, right? We did more foreplay. He got me really warmed up. And then he started to put it in. Slow. While working on me. Got me relaxed. Put it in more. More working on me. I got even more relaxed. Until he was all in. Until he was able to get a rhythm in. Until he pulled out and fed me his cock to explode in my mouth. Well that was amazing and unexpected, and simply mesmerizing. When you hire someone, they will do what you tell them to do, since you are paying and you callall the shots. It’s something else when you pay someone to do what you want, but they know what you actually want more than you did. I am rarely surprised anymore in these situations, sadly, but this programa was indeed a surprise. We shower together. We get dressed. Before we left, I tell him that he had something unique, something that was hard to come by in the sauna, and he had something that just can’t be replicated anywhere. He smiles that million watt smile again, and told me he has heard this from others before. I give him my phone, to get his Whatsapp. I’ve met 4 guys in the sauna today, and this was the first guy I wanted to get a second meeting. I emerge from the programa. I tell @floridarobI had to run, as the BF was awake and waiting for me. Not bad for a 3 hour stay in Espaco Lagoa.

Flying Domestic in Brazil these days Just a quick post about my experience jetting from Rio to Sao Paulo. After my 3 days of solitude in Rio, it was time to reunite with the BF again in Sao Paulo. We drove to Rio together in his car, and now I have to go back to him through plane. Availability: I spent 9500 miles on United for an award ticket for a one-way flight from Santos Dumont in Rio, to Congonhas in Sao Paulo on Azul airlines, which was 2000 miles more than before COVID. Probably not worth the points redemption, but then again, because of the last-minute need, the tickets on the times I needed to fly were $150 or more, whici I guess made it worth it. I wanted to arrive at Sao Paulo at a reasonable hour to both get lunch with the BF, and possibly get some sauna time in before heading to southern Brazil. Noticeably, there were fewer flights available, at sparse times, so my choices were limited. I guess travel, while picking up, was still slow. I guess I was lucky to still have Azul be redeemable through United. Seating was numerous, so I got a choice seat in the front. Traffic: Car density on the road has been sparser during these times, although Sao Paulo is perpetually trafficky for some reason. My Uber ride from Copacabana to Santos Dumont was pretty straightforward and fast and there was no traffic whatsoever. $4 for the almost 13 minute ride to the airport. It must help that it was a Sunday and raining so not a lot of people out. Airport: The airport was deserted, both in Santos Dumont and Congonhas, and it actually eerie to see both so empty. I was the only one trying to get through security during the time I went, which was 45 minutes before take off. There were restaurants open in Santos Dumont but I’d say 50% of the stores were closed. Most of the ones open were deserted, and I don’t know how they keep in business. There was only one page in the upcoming flights screen in the airport, and flights only went tofour places: Sao Paulo (GRU and VCP), neighboring Vitoria, the capital Brasilia, and Salvador in the Northeast. I’ve never seen it this slow: Boarding was swift, with few passengers getting on the flight: Getting to Congonhas, it was the same. The place was deserted. I’ve never seen Congonhas this empty before: The flight: Like all the flights I’ve been on this pandemic (Delta, American and United – all American carriers), they give you a sanitizing towel at entry, I guess so you can sanitize your seat yourself, if you need more peace of mind. Noticeable though, their hand towels was super tiny compared to the Delta (left) and United (middle), so they gave me two to be sufficient (right): At the airport, and for the whole flight, everyone is required to wear a mask. The flight itself was only a third full, and almost everyone was able to have rows to themselves, helping with social distancing: It was a short flight, between Rio and Sao Paulo, but during pre-COVID times, they would have a fairly brisk beverage service. There was no beverage service in this flight for some reason. I know flight carriers everywhere are cheapening out on their snack services, but haven’t seen one where they have gotten rid of it entirely. Shuttle Service: even with the reduced flights, we had to take the shuttle bus from the plane to the terminal in Congonhas. Everyone was still in masks as it was in the flight, so at least everyone is still taking this seriously: The BF was waiting for me in the terminal at arrivals. With a hug and a peck on the cheek, he said he just parked at the curb and left his hazards on. That’s how slow it was in Congonhas. He whisks me away to our hotel in Frei Caneca. Next, a night in Espaco Lagoa with @floridarob

Rio Inside Part 2 Day 2: A night with Instagram boys The majority of the people I follow on my Instagram are Brazilians, and almost all are super hot and sexy Brazilian thirst traps that are nice to look at for sure. Some of the boys I follow are GPs and/or pornstars that are known to be for hire, but probably 98% of the guys I follow run the gamut of gym trainers to TV actors to just regular guys. I always wonder about this other, non-GP 98%, if some of them are for hire, since this is Brazil. While I am sure some of them are, I wonder if messaging some of them to make an indecent proposal is appropriate. In the end, I err on the side of being respectful and not message them if they don’t seem like to be for hire, like these guys: Sometimes tho, you get confirmation in real life. Last year, when I was in the beaches in the southern part of Sao Paulo state, my friends and I hung out in one of the more popular beach quiosques in Santos/Sao Vicente. It was a warm summer night, and the place was hopping with people drinking/swimming/dancing and having general merriment. One of my best friends, a super sociable Paulistano who knew all too well my obsession with beautiful Brazilian boys, introduced me to this absolutely stunner of a Carioca. He was 20 at that time, super tan, and like many others during the summer, had his hair bleached blonde for the season. After I picked up my jaw off the floor, I got to talking to this young lad, and got utterly charmed. All the while I was talking to him, I always thought he looked familiar but couldn’t place why I think I knew him. We got a conversation going, with me nursing my 3rd caipirinhna, and him chugging a gin cocktail. He seemed to have a lot of questions about the USA in general, and other things about my life, and he was super accommodating with my queries about his life. Currently, he was a soccer player for a Series B or C soccer club in Rio, and that explained why he had an athletic frame. He had a lean muscular frame, as I could see with him shirtless, and his cum gutters were on display, and I could also see his big soccer playing thighs escaping out of his trendy shorts. But it was his face: handsome, young, and with a boyish quality that is hard to find, that stood him apart for me. After a while he bid me farewell to join his other friends who were leaving, but not without asking me for my Whatsapp. Later that night he sent me a message saying that he wanted me to have his contact too, and sent over a link to his Instagram page. It just so happens that I was already following him on Instragram, and that’s why he looked familiar to me. He had more than 200k followers, which usually meant that he was pretty and the lots of the followers were there to gawk at his beauty. Over the ensuing months, we would talk once in a while, but again, out of respect, I did not ask if he was available to be hired, and let the friendship just as it was, and that was good enough for me. Fast forward to early March of this year, and the BF and I were having a farewell dinner during my Carnaval trip, with music and drinks at the quioque Xodozin: I posted a photo of drinks to my Whatsapp status. After 5 minutes, I get a reply to my post: He also sent a photo of him with his main friend, also a very young, pretty and fit Carioca. It was a photo of both shirtless during the celebration of Carnaval, looking very very yummy. After a few replies through dinner, I told him that I could not invite them over to drinks because I was with my BF, but we could set a date to meet in my next trip. I then asked the question about the possibility having a little fun with them, since they would not send me that photo if not to entice me to ask. He admitted that programas was not something he did, but thought he’d try to at least meet again me since it seemed like a good guy and “normal”, whatever that means. He said he was only a top, but his friend could do it all, so he said we could all have a good time, trying it all, over drinks. I tell him that I could meet them in my next trip in late March, and I promised him the night of drinks and frolic he was asking. He also sent me the Instragram page of his friend. Another Instagram boy with 200k followers. Then COVID happened of course, so my next trip was just with the BF in quarantine. I had to tell the Carioca that I could not meet, which he was OK with. Over the next four months, we would still talk, and his posts on Instagram noticeably slowed down, probably because of COVID isolation. When the country reopened, I let him know that I was going to be in Rio and will try to get some alone time. He told me that I still owed him a night of drinking, and that he was still game to meet. He admitted that money has been tough due to the pandemic and he actually will need the money I was offering him. We settle on 400 for each guy for an overnight, which to me seemed low, considering the quality I was getting and the strength of the dollar. After a nice nap till the afternoon (I needed it after the Grindr exertions), I prepared the apartment for the two Cariocas to invade my apartment. In turn, hottie guy was sending me photos of his prep as well, including photos of him shaving his body. I told him he didn’t have to do that, but he told me he wanted to look good for me. When they were ready, I called them an Uber from Barra de Tijuca. I met them at the lobby of the apartment, and we all walked to the nearest Rio Sul grocery store to get $35 worth of alcohol and food: What followed was a chill and relaxing evening. The alcohol of choice was gin, with red bulls and tonic. With Portuguese language music in the background, and some lively and sometimes fairly intense heart-to-hearts about life in Rio, and the difficulties of being unemployed during the pandemic, I got something better than just physical release: a genuine connection. Sure, I got physical release as well, that was the draw, but nothing is better than doing it with guys you have connected with. And indeed, after all the merriment, we retired to the bedroom, and they were pretty generous with sharing their bodies with me. They stayed till noon the next day. $150 on these two seemed cheap. Day 3: Pointing fingers It was my last day of solitude in Rio, so a trip to Point 202, the only sauna that was open in Rio, was I order. I get there at around 6 PM, and in this Saturday night, there were more customers and boys present than last week. Since it was cold, I ordered a coffee to wake me up. Unfortunately, they didn’t have coffee in the menu, which to me seemed odd. One of the bartenders however, told me to wait a minute as he went in the back to look for something. He emerged with a hot cup of coffee for me. I showed him my locker number to pay, but he said it was free. I finally got something for free in a Brazilian sauna! It actually turned out to be a great cup of coffee: Looking around, no one jumped out to me like last time. There was one cute boy who was a branquinho who looked nice, but was snapped up by a customer before I got the chance to chat him up. After a second cup of coffee, two nice looking morenos chatted me up, one much better looking than the other. After the usual BS banter, I invited the better looking guy over upstairs to talk more. He smoked like the rest of them: He checked a lot of boxes for sure: tall, great kisser, hung, great ass, and magic abs. I was probably less enthused about this one but I didn’t think I would get anything better tonight. So we head back downstairs to get a suite. Don't forget to use a mask guys, even if no one in sight was wearing a mask: We got to the room and find a unmade bed filled with used condoms, condom wrappers on the side table, and wet footprints on the floor. GROSS. The boy fetched the cleaning guy, who upon getting there, got a mop to clean up, yelled a half-sincere “SORRY” in English in my general direction. That mop looks like its dirty. After he changed the sheets and gets rid of the previous programa’s evidence, I finally get some alone time with my boy. It was fine. He fucked me. Not a barnburner. After the programa, he kept hanging out with me while I perused the other boys. I was right, I could not have done better than what I had tonight, which was kind of disappointing. We watche the drag queen show and then the strip show, which was just fine. Overall: meh. I thought i'd appreciate anything that resembled real life, after months of getting by without it, but it was just not working for me tonight. I go home, sadly, alone. So as not to be alone, I send a message to a boy I previously met last year in Club 117. He got here an hour later. He still looked the same, the young and tan (and hugely hung) Carioca I spent 4 days with last year, and he didn’t disappoint then. I told him about my so-so night in Point 202, and he laughed. He told me that there was a reason why he does not go to Point, and only sells his wares in 117. I knew a lot of boys like that. They all had their reasons why. I told him that we were in the middle of a pandemic, and Point was the only game in town, and I had no other choice. He then said: “I am a better choice” pointing to himself. And then he showed me why he was the better choice. He spent the night, fucked my brains out, and had lively conversation. I could have skipped Point and just spent the night with this stud. Then again, I will continue visiting Point in the future. Because like I said, if it’s good, it’s great, and when it’s bad, it’s gross.

Hey thanks @bcdaron. I have not seen these two since COVID, and I’ve been to Lagoa twice this trip now. I’ve seen them multiple times as dancers who do strip teases, but never on the floor like the regular GPs looking for customers. Unsure if they can be acquired tho maybe they can be at a (premium?) price. I do know that some gogó dancers at saunas are only dancers and noT for hire for more (hung out with a couple to know), but unsure if these two are for hire or not. Good looking both, tho the second one always looks like he needs more sleep whenever I see him at the sauna. He always looks like he just woke up when he appears in Lagoa. Make sure your travel insurance covers exactly your dates that you intend to stay. They are very exact for some reason this time. They do write on your entry stamp the number of days you intend to stay based on either what you say or what is in your insurance or date on your return ticket. @floridarob can shed more light on this. Awww, maybe I’ll see you then @Latbear4blk. The BF and I may drive over where you intend to stay. I don’t use them, but the ones in Guarulhos airport were open. Oh god LOL. As if I am not super long-winded in my regular trip posts already. Don’t ask me to write about the times I almost got killed/arrested/robbed/drugged/deported/suspected as a robber. Brazil does give one experiences one does not find anywhere else, whether you like it or not. I sincerely apologize for disappearing numerous times LOL. I will write about it. It was nice hanging out with you before you returned home. Hehe well clearly some of us are traveling, probably foolishly, but time will tell. We are your guinea pigs.

Rio Inside, Part 1 This was only going to be one post about 3 rainy days in Rio, and what I did. But because I can’t shut up, I am breaking this up into two posts. Late last week, a cold front of polar air suddenly pushed its way through the southern states of Brazil. Since it is winter, and I am always unprepared for winter whenever I go to Brazil during this time , it meant more than a good chance of the arrival of the occasional cold air and rain. This weather is obviously not conducive for most outdoor activities, which is the one thing I do whenever I can when I am in Brazil. But not when one has to be dressed like this (from the news last Thursday): So this was the weather forecast for Thursday to Saturday, with comments by me: This 3-day of rain and cold coincided with a 3-day break from the BF, as he had to scurry back to Sao Paulo. So I am left alone in Rio with the weather being bad. So, there is nothing to do but to look for trouble, or have trouble look for me. Day 1: Getting Back in the Grind “Putaria Agora” – the definition of my weekend in Rio Just my experience: I’ve always found Grindr in Sao Paulo to be much better with hooking up with locals than Grindr in Rio. My guess is, because of the larger tourist flow in Rio, there is more competition from “fresh blood” than the relatively less touristy Sao Paulo. Nowadays, with COVID decimating the tourist numbers, I’ve found that i was getting way more messages from non-GP locals in Rio, than even in Sao Paulo, so I was keen on taking advantage of this change. I’ve been discreetly looking at Grindr with the BF still with me (he does not have Grindr in his phone, to the best of my knowledge), and I was finding the same burst of activity that I have found last week in Sao Paulo. I call it “the COVID bump” - gays looking to bump and grind, as the gays are not finding their usual outlets to let loose available to them (clubs, parties, crowds), so hooking up, tho very risky COVID-wise, is one of the few things to do these days. So after lunch, when the BF drove away, I switched on the Grindr. It didn’t take long to get messages. The first guy who I thought was cute that messaged me, I replied back. cute 24 year old Carioca, latino looks, floppy hair. And it went like this: Hello. What are you looking for? Sex. Host? Yes. Nudes? And then I got a barrage of nudes. And then this intersting question: You like dominating? Dominating? This was interesting. This kid had a gigantic dick but wanted to be dominated by this Asian. Very very interesting. An hour later he was here. Handsome and lean. Very nice and tan, with the expected tan line where his sunga would be. Was very innocent looking. Aaaaaand... I tried my best in being “dominant”. Pushing, shoving, slapping, topping. Thought about what best swear Portuguese swear words I knew, with some English thrown in. I think it went well. It was nice seeing that big dick flop around while I was play-acting. I might like this dominating thing. Afterwards we walked the beach front of Copacabana. While the sex was good, his story was better. We had coffee. I paid for the coffee (a grand total of $2). Exchanged Whatsapp. Bid farewell. Getting back to the apartment meant opening up Grindr again, while watching TV. Some time passed and I got a message from a profile that had one green eye in focus. I open the messages sent and he sent 5 photos of himself, fully clothed. He was very handsome, branquinho, and those green eyes leapt out of the phone. He was 28, fairly tall. Very clean cut. The face alone was the selling point, and he new it. He wanted to kiss and cuddle. I invited him over. He wasn’t built like a Greek god or anything, but he was fit, big ass and thighs, which is a turn on. Big chest. Lots of cuddling, kissing, nibbling. Fairly low key and relaxing. He stayed for about two hours and left. While ordering in Uber Eats (sushi, yummy), I took another look at my conversations so far. Lots of good choices and convos, but I was looking for someone who could potentially stay the night, since it was getting late, and I was in the mood for overnight company tonight. I zeroed in on an 18 year old, lean and smooth looker who was very good conversation on Grindr. He was far away tho, in northern Duque de Caxias, north of Galeao airport, and needed a way to get to me. \ After weighing all my options, and possible risks (and looking at the many many nudes he sent me – nice face, fat dick, giant ass, big thighs, yummy abs), I asked him to get on a quick video chat with me. He quickly obliged. He was a cutie! Killer smile also. I decided to call him an Uber. 45 minute trip for $5. I ran to the closest 24 hour Zona Sul grocery store to replenish the alcohol supply. The good thing about calling an Uber for a trick is you can track when they are close by. When his Uber was close, I ran down to meet him outside. As advertised, and taller than I thought. He looks more indio than white, but because of Brazil’s amazing racial mixing, his tall nose and light brown eyes made his look more like the typical mixed Brazilian. When he got out of his Uber, he was reserved and shy, but once we got indoors, he showed me the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. Very attentive and charming. Wore me out, as only an 18 year old can. He stayed the night. With all the horror stories about crime in Brazil, it is naturally unnerving to have a stranger stay with you for an overnight. But it is something I have done before, and I do what I can to (1) do my due diligence to find someone I can trust and (2) make sure I am in a place that is secure enough (like with cameras or a porter that asks for ID) for peace of mind. I wouldn't recommend this for newbies. I say this as someone who invited someone over on their first ever night in Brazil. He didn’t kill me in my sleep (actually woke me up once for sex). He didn’t rob me. He didn’t ask for money in the end. He only asked for an Uber back after Café da Manha. He came 5 times total, as only an 18 year old can. Up next, Instagram boys, and another sauna visit.

Brazil Health Theater: Rio de Janeiro Edition (come to Rio) The greater powers of Rio (and the world) have a conundrum to solve: how to get life and the economy back up while still trying to mitigate the spread of COVID. With the rates of transmission decreasing and deaths declining as well, I can see why Brazil decided to open its borders when it did. The virus is far from solved here (or anywhere) of course, and there is still a lot of suffering happening, but I do see the powers that be here are trying to forge a way forward, Bolsonaro notwithstanding. So here are some more things I’ve noticed on the Brazil Health Theater front, this time around Rio, while it tried to forge a new normal: Shopping Mall Temp Checks This seems to be above what Sao Paulo was doing – the two shopping malls I’ve been here, mainly Shopping Rio Sul in Botafogo, and Barra Shopping in Barra da Tijuca, are employing these temperature scanners: Coupled with people lanes to direct crowds and avoid agglomeration, and signage to social distance, I guess these would be good enough for mitigation in a shopping mall. Not sure how effective these are, but its something, right? Restaurant Measures The fact that indoor dining is allowed here is light years from what is allowed in most of California where I live. How it's executed with mitigation measures, however, is a mixed bag. Some old-timey padarias have social distancing measures like prohibiting seating in every other table, others just exist as usual with no such distancing at all. But a few observations: 1. Those “por quilo” buffets are ripe to become disasters with COVID transmission, but so far I’ve seen these plastic gloves available at the start of every buffet line, so at least you are handling those community utensils to shovel your food on to your plate with a clean barrier from your COVID hands. Around the “quiosques” in Copacabana and Ipanema, you can encounter these good housekeeping “seals of approval” posted, and if you follow the QR code, will show you a website that states that the establishment is following current city guidelines for mitigation of COVID. Again, unsure if one can just print one out and pretend to be compliant, but it’s a nice things to have. The signs are in Portguese, Spanish, and English (three signs total), geared towards the tourist set, obviously. Whenever I am in Copa, I am partial to a shrimp and strawberry caipirinha lunch, for some reason: There’s multiple things happening in this next photo, which was taken at a usual café near the Copacabana beach front: 1. Hand sanitizer in every table 2. Mask wearing required for every restaurant worker 3. Tables spaced further away to promote distancing 4. Menus now available online via QR codes so you don’t have to handle a physical menu I appreciate the effort. It made this $1.25 cup of coffee worth it. Even with COVID Changing Everything, Barra da Tijuca Is Still The Best This week I’ve been to the beach complexes of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Botafogo. While all three are excellent and largely popular with tourists, to me, the beaches of Barra da Tijuca is still the best among the Zona Sul of Rio beaches. Sure, Copacabana will be the one teeming with tourists during Reveillon, or the stretch of Ipanema near Farme de Amoedo street will be teeming with slutty gays, or the Botafogo beaches boasts views of both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf mountain, capturable in one photo, but to me, it is the Barra da Tijuca beaches that blends the best combination of it being a more of a beach for locals, with better services, and less tourist troubles. Some reasons: 1. Some barracas are connected to the qiosques, so you get better food, drinks and access to their bathrooms if you need it, to join your umbrella and chair rentals in the beach: Coisa linda. And it tasted even better than it looked. I contrast this with less exciting food found in Copa and Ipanema, which is usually from barracas with less resources and skills, than you find in a full blown restaurant. 2. The street vendors are less pushy and less annoying for some reason. Maybe because less tourists and more locals are here, and they are less enthused with bullshit. Also, we were in for a treat this trip. The day we went, we recognized one of the street vendors, selling biscuits, from a news show we were watching days ago. His story is a cute one. He is an engineering student who is trying to help his parents who lost their jobs by selling “biscoitos” in Barra Beach. He is being celebrated as a sample of Brazilian resiliency in the face of crisis. I was thrilled that we spotted him in Barra, and had a good chat with him about his newfound fame, selling biscuits, and his future plans. I even got a selfie with him: The biscuits were $1 each bag. 3. Barra has more sporty people coming to play and surf. Not bad to look at as well. In closing, even with all the uncertainty in the world today, I am glad this fact still remains: The best summer I’ve ever experienced, is a winter in Rio.

Not Exactly On Point Generally, at least with what I saw in my small sample of visiting the two great Brazilian cities, I would say that Sao Paulo is treating this pandemic more seriously than Rio de Janeiro. Maybe it's because I spent more time in the more upscale confines of Itaim Bibi, Moema, and Paulista in Sao Paulo, to contrast it with the relatively quaint Botafogo and beachy enclaves of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio, that I see the obvious reasons why Rio is more casual with its pandemic theater (masks/distancing/hand sanitizer), than Sao Paulo. Also, it maybe because Sao Paulo, like its analog to the USA, New York City (both gigantic cities with the huge crush of people living on top of each other and having a connection to Italy, the once epicenter of the pandemic), was the center of the pandemic early on, so therefore you can see the average Paulista treating this pandemic more seriously than the average Carioca. Coupled of course with the difference between Rio and SP, culturally/economically/style etc etc etc, I can see why Rio is reacting the way it is. This comparison is actually much more like Los Angeles vs San Francisco in California (same 6-hour drive to and from, casual vs buttoned up, beaches vs the City etc etc etc), with similar COVID outcomes as well. I probably then shouldn’t be surprised with the similar disparity in pandemic readiness between Sao Paulo’s Espaco Lagoa, and Rio de Janeiro’s Club Point 202, the only saunas in the two cities open as of this week. Yes, my preferred Club 117, and my least preferred Lions, are still closed. The middle of the sauna pack, Point 202, can be a great time or a shit show, depending on the day, weather, and other things. But again, in the age of COVID, beggars can’t be choosers, and in this late Saturday afternoon, after the BF said he needed to sleep off yesterday’s <ahem> exertions, it was my cue that I can stray and check out pandemic-era Point 202 sauna. As teased, the familiar entrance to the club, which is a fall-risk when it rains: Upon entering, I get checked-in by an unfamiliar face, younger guy wearing a mask, who tried very hard to speak to me in English, even when I answered his every question in Portuguese. To my surprise, he gave me a towel to change in and flip flops, which is a departure with Lagoa, where they had everyone clothed in the sauna, and had the towel and flip flops available fresh in the cabins, rather than at check-in. I think Lagoa’s approach is more hygienic, having fresh stuff every time. Lagoa 1 Point 0. He pointed me to the door behind me, like it was my first time here, letting me know that the lockers were just behind that door. I see the big hokey “USE MASCARA” handwritten in black marker. Very ad hoc: Getting to the lockers, I can see some customers already here, dressing down to just their towels. Damn, so everyone was in towels in this place? Very unlike Lagoa, yet again, where everyone was clothed. I kept my clothes on, because I was feeling vulnerable. After I put my wallet (and towel and my shoes) in the locker, still wearing my mask, I venture to the main bar area to find none of the customers, and none of the boys, were wearing masks. The massage boys were wearing masks, however. The owner, the enigmatic Junior, was wearing one as well, except down to his chin. The bar guy, who recognized me and greeted me warmly, had his mask down to his chin as well. It was nice to see his smiling face, but why even wear a mask at this point. I get my usual cocktail. So, in keeping score, I guess this is a point for Point since towel wearing and no masks means we can see actually boyflesh like before? But maybe a point to Lagoa in that we are in an indoor space so therefore more effort on COVID mitigation is in order? Some of you will fall into the former camp of “since the sauna is open why not have the boys naked” and some others will fall into the camp of “the sauna will not be helped by increased transmission within its walls so mitigate the virus whenever possible.” So it’s a wash, Lagoa 2 Point 1. While I waited for my drink, another ad hoc “use mascara” sign at the bar. The moment I sit down, 4 boys, who were milling around the general area, immediately make their way toward me. They were all in towels. No masks. Which was strange to me these days. Two of them were clutching their hard ons through their towels. Hmmm, this is working for me. Introductions and then flirting. I forget about COVID for a minute. Compared to Sao Paulo, Rio really is the more extroverted city, and this fact extends to their sauna boys. They have no scruples about making an introduction and immediately gunning for your business. So unlike Lagoa, at times. Boys there are sometimes aloof, and with masks it makes them even further to me than ever. Right now, I am liking the attention, and the feelings of previous fun times in Brazil saunas came rushing back. Having boys whisper in your ear and laugh with you and massage your shoulders and grabbing your hand to have you feel their hardons: all things not to do during a pandemic. Yes I am here, liking it. Is it bad? Sue me. Lagoa 2 Point 2. I’ve talked before about a certain aesthetic that I see and like in Rio (and in Brazil in general, but much more in Rio): bleached blond Carioca boys with tanned skin. I do not know what is it about this look. It looks hideous in other places, but in Rio, it just works. If you have forgotten, it is much like Pietro Balthazar and Elthon Charles in this GIF, they are the blonde ones on both sides of the singer below: During our Copacabana beach day the day before, I have noticed these “cabelos loiros” pop up once in a while. A sample: So among the 4 boys that were chatting me up, on of them was like these blonde beauties. Of course he caught my eye right away. Out of the four who were crowding me and trying to get my business, this blondie was in the back, quiet, playing along with his more extroverted friends, but staying in the background. His sauna “name” was Jonny. I began talking to him and he draws closer. He is tall, with a tight body and insane abs. He is tanned like the others, but his face was what got me, so pretty. 21 years old he says. Looks young for sure. He whispers something in my ear “let’s go upstairs.” I oblige. He wanted to make his case in private. So be it. It was 7 PM on a Saturday and the sauna was still deserted for some reason. We get to the upper level bar, and the light weren’t even turned on yet. We both sit down in one of the table setups and he starts to smoke. We talk about the days since the sauna opened. Still very few customers. Few boys as well. Sometimes it picks up, like last night, Friday, even with the sauna open since July. To him, business is still far away from what it was, and what he needed. He mainly sustains himself with his “clientes fixos”, customers who he has repeat business with. His demeanor was smooth and soothing. He enjoyed making you feel good being with him. He had no qualms when I reached into his towel. Big boy. His money maker is certainly worth the price of admission. Suddenly, the emptiness of the sauna actually was to my advantage. I made it grow. All I can say is damn. Of course we get to this part: we settle on 150 reais with cum. He finishes his smokes and we head back downstairs to get the suite key. We go back up where the suites were, and we were probably the only ones who got a room. Familiar Point surroundings. Hardly anything that would mitigate COVID, but that was furthest from my mind. I had penis on the brain. He immediately takes the towel off and his dick swings back and forth. Oh boy. I was still in my clothes so I take them off and my shorts fall to the ground and I get on the bed and join him. He takes my shorts from the floor and tells me that the “floor is super gross and they hardly clean it” and hangs my clothes on a clothes hanger. Gross. Lagoa 3 Point 2. I must say what happened next was why I keep coming back to this crazy country. Fully versatile! Fully passionate! Kissed my mouth off. Ate my ass off. Fucked like nobody's business. Superlatives all around. 150 seems like a steal, more with the dollar the way it is. Whatsapp exchanged because of course. As I prepare to leave, I see more customers and boys start filling the sauna. No doubt I arrived early. Maybe tonight was going to be a good night. I won’t know, since the BF is waiting for me. So, overall, the sauna scene seems less than what it was before COVID, as with everything else in the world. I found the handwritten “use mascara” signs in Point a little bit less reassuring than the more professional Espaco Lagoa constant signage, and the largely available hand sanitizer: Coupled with the dirtiness of the sauna, and the crumbling infrastructure, if we are comparing, I’d say Espaco Lagoa is better prepared and has put more thought into this pandemic thing, than Point 202. So for me: stay in SP where more mitigation efforts are being done. Then again, the Carioca style is very hard to replicate anywhere else. One only has to see it in action once, to understand why the Brazil hype is real, and maybe worth risking a lot, even a pandemic, for. Also me: There is still a pandemic, so don’t go just yet.

How dare you! LOL. Seriously tho, thanks for sharing your trip, hope to hear more! I am also glad, whenever I come. Wait till the end of this week... polar air is coming to push more cool air to the southern states as well as Sao Paulo and some of Rio. Some are hoping for snow in SP, but temps are projected to be only down to 10 celsius: https://exame.com/ciencia/neve-em-sp-o-que-e-o-fenomeno-que-derrubara-as-temperaturas-no-brasil/ They project there will be snow in the southern states tho, maybe I'll finally see snow in Brazil since I'll be making the journey next week. It will be warm at times for sure, tho Weather Spark summarizes Rio weather like so: I still prefer being in a rainy day in Rio than stuck at home, and it is more conducive to indoor activities.

I haven't seen these UV devices yet, or maybe I haven't been paying attention. There are other technologes that I've encountered in the shopping malls, which I will show later. Well, I mean, there are excellent hospitals in Sao Paulo that are world-class, as well as hospitals in the southern states, including one in my BF's city where I will park myself for a few weeks, to work remotely. But there are still a lot of unknowns with this virus, so the quality of the hospital will help you fight this for sure, to a point. People with comorbidities are especially susceptible to go down with a serious case, but also people normally healthy but having underlying susceptible physiology may be in trouble as well. A lot has been made in the news about a 38-year old singer here who seeimingly was heathy as a horse, handsome, athletic, but is down with a grave case of the COVID. His GF, seemingly more frail, has only come down with a fever and nothing else. I'd say if you are in the high-risk group for this virus, don't go to Brazil now. But even if you are a seemingly healthy and horny guy who can't wait to get back on the horse, maybe don't go anyway since it is still fucking risky. https://g1.globo.com/go/goias/noticia/2020/08/14/cauan-da-dupla-com-cleber-esta-internado-com-coronavirus-em-goiania.ghtml All this worries me, of course (and that is why I don't watch much news anymore, for mental health). But I always go back to this: Life is a series of calculated risks – nothing more. Everything that you decide to do has a margin of risk. No outcome is ever 100 percent certain and, therefore, any attempt at anything has a chance of complete failure. We risk everything, every day of our lives without knowing it. So I stop worrying, try to make the best decisions that I can, and just live life and have a good time. Not offended hehe. In fact, going to Brazil during COVID-times is one of the less-risky things I've done on this continent. I've risked waaaay more. Maybe I'll share at some point.

Where My Beaches At? I can understand that this thread is by and large problematic, not the least of which because we are in a global pandemic and any activity that does not mitigate the spread of the disease is seen as irresponsible. I agree with that to a point, and as I have stressed before, the risks taken are solely my own, and this thread is made in the spirit of imparting information to some of you who either are thinking of taking the Brazil plunge in these very uncertain times (for which I do not recommended doing), or just want a good read and to live vicariously through my modest exploits. I thought I’d briefly post something about the RJ beaches since the question was asked, and since today is a cloudy day and not conducive to much beach going. This is about yesterday's beach trek. Oh, this is a non-sex post. Its OK right? Not everything has to be about sex right? <Listens to the crowd> What? Everything is about sex? OK then, feel free to skip this post if you do not want to read about non-sex observations. Oddly enough, my favorite time to go to the Rio beaches is during their winters. Probably the best fun I’ve ever had in the gay parts of Ipanema beach was on a late August Friday. The sun was out but it never got sweltering hot, humidity was low, and the men were out in full force in their tiny speedos. I had similar hopes for this trip, though if you know winter weather in RJ, it may be susceptible to some cloudy days and some rain. It’s good when it’s good, like yesterday, and it’s bad when it wants it to be, like today. The BF and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day by walking the 30 minutes from Botafogo, where our AirBNB rental is, to Posto 2 of Copacabana. Along the way, we generally saw that people were wearing masks, and making <some> effort to social distance when possible. There would be the usual agglomeration of youth in our path where both mask wearing and social distancing were nowhere to be seen, but in general people have been pretty respectful of city ordinances. We get to Avenida Atlantica where we find a healthy mix of people walking, running, and bike-riding. It seems like any normal morning in Copacabana, except (some) people were wearing masks. The mask wearing in this strip of Rio was about 30%, and the majority were not wearing their masks, or were wearing it down to their chins, so that might be problematic for some. Still, it was sunny, windy, and outdoors, so we braved through this possible COVID cluster and just enjoyed the day: This Saturday in Rio was suppose to be the day where everything in the beaches would get back to normal, or the COVID version of normal. It is mainly the return of the "barracas", or those makeshift stores in the middle of the beaches where you can get anything from chair and umbrella rentals, to churrasco, grilled shrimp, and even sometimes drugs (it is Brazil after all). The Rio City ordinance still prohibited the rental of chairs and umbrellas to beachgoers, and just adviced people to bathe in the water, bring their own chairs or beach towels to sit on, and buy food and drinks from the storefronts. But as the BF has stressed “This is Rio. People will do the fuck they want.” So lo and behold, in some parts of the beaches, we find some barracas with chairs and umbrellas: At this point, on the sand, by the water, there was zero mask wearing, except for *some* of the street hawkers, as well as all the barraca employees. You were almost transported to a time before COVID, which was nice. Among them: Beach street hawkers, some wearing masks: Some not: You can get a (tourist-trap) Caipirinhas again: Food (like grilled cheese on a stick): and a million other things that was sold before. It seemed to be that there were no restrictions to ambulantes (street vendors) at this point, and everyone was back to normal, with masks, and some hand sanitizer. Even normal beach activities, with no mask wearing, are back: The water was freezing, this being winter, but that hardly mattered. It was just nice to be out, even if I may pay for it later. Then again, I can think of 1000 other things that I partook in the past days to get to this beach, that would have exposed me to that virus. Is it risky? 100%. Is it irresponsible? Most probably. Is it reckless? Maybe. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. Next, a quick trip to somewhere familiar, that may have been a mistake. Everyone can probably guess where this is:

Echoing what @floridarob said about Squaremouth. If you go to their webpage, you'll eventually find these filters, which shows COVID is covered:

Yes, the scene in Thailand is not cheap at all. It's still fun tho. Too bad tho that they don't seem to be opening anytime soon, like Brazil did. You must be traveling now as I type this. Too bad I am now in Rio for the foreseeable few weeks. Maybe next time in Mexico. Ugh, how dare they impose "Ley Seca" on you. And no I can't imagine you staying put in a dry anything. Not much sexperience talk for this trip, as I have grown weary of sauna shenanigans, but I will share when I can for sure. Is everyone being smart and staying home and I and @floridarob are the only fools risking the COVID wrath? Old Lagoa really did have so many stunners concentrated in one place. I would say Clube 117 in Rio would place in that same rank a few years ago. I am hopeful that Espaco Lagoa can reclaim this old magic, or maybe some sauna can pick up the slack. And ahem, "4-5 to have a blast" per trip? How about per day? If you compare the 90s to what you saw in 2017, how did both eras compare? Do you miss the old days? Was the quality better in your opinion? I'm always curious to compare eras from peope who have been in those times. Well, just like Lagoa, the bars are allowed to be open for 6 hours a day till 10 PM, with the usual mask requirement and social distancing guidelines. However, the Frei Caneca gay-ish bars are really just store fronts, and the patrons drink in the streets. I saw about 20% of what it was before, much less, but still free of any COVID mitigation. Just like with other gay bars, trade really isn't the main thing with the patrons. My BF has been propositioned a number of times for a free in bars, so it happens. I've never tried to ask anyone if they would do it for a fee. For free tho, I've done it numerous times. We just arrived in Rio. Its gonna be a hot and sunny weekend so looking forward to some (COVID-era) beach time!

Brazil Health Theater – Sao Paulo Edition Some thoughts about the COVID-caused changes that I’ve seen here in Sao Paulo. We are indeed living in a changed world. Brazil Bans Pillows https://onemileatatime.com/brazil-bans-pillows-airplanes/ This seemed ridiculous at first when I innocently asked a flight attendant, while I was getting setup for my Houston to Sao Paulo, why there are no pillows, and there are extra duvets available in Business Class. Apparently Brazil has waged a war against pillows, but not blankets and duvets. Thank goodness I always take a travel pillow with me in case I need more extra cushioning, but the duvets were enough to act as a pillow as well. I wonder why did Brazil banned pillows on flights. I am unsure what the exact science in behind the decision was, but here we are. Sao Paulo Hotel Measures I’ve considered the Staybridge Suites in Itaim bibi, Sao Paulo, to be a good first hotel to stay to start up a Sao Paulo trip, before I spend time in my main AirBNB digs. This is primarily because with my IHG status, checking in at 9 AM is no problem for them and I get a room in no time to sleep the flight off. Some interesting measures they have executed for COVID: There was a Health questionnaire at check-in, which was pretty standard I think. Just asking if you have a fever or ever been close to a COVD positive person n the past 14 days. And also a plastic barrier at check-in. Very common nowadays: At the room, you see a lot of things wrapped in plastic, I guess to show that those items have been sanitized and you don’t have to worry about getting COVID though them: Remotes: The free coffee: Utensils, carefully wrapped individually: Also you get a complementary COVID kit, with a mask, mini hand-sanitizer, and moist towelettes. They even had hand sanitizer dispensers powered by foot everywhere: I did feel that the hotel was doing its best to assure their guests that they take COVID seriously. I felt pretty safe and COVID was the furthest from my mind. This is all well and good, but then again I invited guys over to my room numerous times during my 3 night stay, so this COVID-free façade of mine may not have lasted long. Oh well, you can’t win it all, you can minimize risks, not eliminate them, unless you just stay home forever. Uber Safety I haven’t used the Metro in SP yet, but Uber here had varying degrees of engineering controls and COVID equipment to protect drivers and riders from each other. Uber has a mask requirement now for both rider and driver, and I’ve seen all drivers with masks. And all the rides had hand sanitizers available in the car as well. But I’ve been in one ride that took things further and installed a plastic shield, separating you from the driver, and also advising you to keep the windows open for ample ventiltion, which is smart: The drivers will just go ahead and help you with your luggage, so if you’re pretty sensitive with having others handle your stuff, make sure you handle the baggage yourself. Ghost Towns and Half Measures I did not expect things to be normal, or even half normal, upon my return, but I mainly saw fairly deserted spaces with chairs taken out so people can’t conglomerate. The two main restaurants that were my favorites when staying at the Staybridge were super sad: The gay bars in Frei Caneca were populated, albeit probably 20% of normal, and no one had a mask on, because people were drinking: Sunday is always exercise day for SP, and during COVID, this was still the case, with Uber making sure everyone exercising were wearing masks, and most of them were: Finally, grocery stores also had plastic barriers, and alcool gel at the ready: What Not To Do: 25 de Marco and Bras Shopping These two shopping areas, filled with street vendors and vendors with shops, and filled with cheap Paraguayan and Chinese (and Brazilian) swag, has been open since June, and while everyone was wearing masks, if you know how the mix of street vendors, hawkers, narrow alleyways and shop fronts, and people eager to find a deal, looks like, then it is impossible to do any meaningful social distancing in this type of setup. Not sure what the city of Sao Paulo was thinking with reopening this, and I am not sure what we were thinking when we went as well, but I guess we were also very eager to find deals. I would not recommend going to anyone, but yet, I did, and will probably go back before the trip is done. What Not To Do: Clandestine Parties AGAIN don’t do this, but I must admit that I wanted to see what it looked like, which is a dance party in the middle of COVID. There are many reasons why Sao Paulo has the most cases and deaths among states in Brazil. One of them are the clandestine dance parties that has happened, and continued to happen, during this COVID times. Once the BF and I reunited, and in the succeeding days met with our friends, we immediately got invited to the next “balada clandestina” or secret parties that usually happen in smaller towns just outside the city limits of Sao Paulo. We did not want to go, but at least wanted to see what it looked like. Photos and videos were frowned upon, but going into the party, I saw a world before COVID, as in no one was wearing a mask, nor social distancing, no anything. We didn’t stay long, probably best we didn’t go at all. https://www.sbt.com.br/jornalismo/sbt-brasil/noticia/144528-estabelecimentos-funcionam-de-forma-clandestina-durante-pandemia-em-sp What To Do: Parque ibirapuera One of the places I love in Sao Paulo, even more than Lagoa, is Ibirapuera Park. I’ve been numerous times before, but the current BF had a way to make this place a must-go every trip. And outdoor places are having a renaissance nowadays with the restrictions in indoor gatherings during the age of COVID. Everyone seemed to get the memo too, as there was a lot of people waking the trails of the park. There is strict mask wearing all throughout, and with the winter in Sao Paulo making the sun bearable with a mask, it was actually a pretty amazing time just being in Brazil, with Brazilians, in a way that does not make you want to wash your hands 20 times afterward. And with the sun out this week, not a bad venue to eye many a hot Brazilian running shirtless. Probably the best thing I’ve done here this trip, so far. I’m off to Rio tomorrow. I’ll update when I can. Beaches during COVID should be fun.

Money Makes the World Go Round I realized that maybe I've focused on the negative on my previous posts, so I thought I’d talk briefly about ONE positive thing that has happened out of all the bad so far this year: The Brazilian Real’s exchange rate versus the US Dollar’s has been on free fall since February (it rebounded some in May but has stayed steady in the low side), and I’ve watched this freefall while in the confines of my own home, unable to do take advantage of it, till this trip. I’ve exclusively used my fee-free ATM for my international travel, and in Brazil, I’ve always taken out 1000 reais (the limit, usually) out at a time every time I needed the urge to go to the sauna, or to start out when I arrive at the airport. I only exclusively use the “Banco 24 Horas” ATMs that are a familiar sight in almost every corner of Brazil: Here are my 1000 reais withdrawals in 4 different times, reflected in dollars in my account through time (taking out the date): July 2019 in Recife: February 2020 in Rio de Janeiro: March 2020 in Sao Paulo: And this week, August 2020: So in a year, the Real free fall has gained me $76, which in today’s rates is 400 reais, or almost 3 programas, per 1000 reais I take out. And from the cost of boys I was quoted this week, the rates have not changed, so the savings is real for the Real, and a welcome positive change, from everything else that changed in the world. I usually don’t watch pennies, as @floridarob can attest, but I am impressed by how much this savings is. Next, I am going to show 3 separate itemized receipts I was charged in Espaco Lagoa, so you guys can see the prices charged for each thing I've availed in the suana. Here were the charges I’ve had in reais, and corresponding dollar amount directly below, as reflected in my credit card statement: January 2020: February 2020: August 2020: So you can see, even with the dollar gaining, the prices in Lagoa have stayed the same, as well as what the boys were charging. And so far, with spending money in other places like Grocery stores and restaurants here in Sao Paulo, the prices have stayed more or less the same as well. Sometimes one has to look for the silver lining, no matter how small. Next, more changes in Sao Paulo.

I certainly do not recommend doing this to anyone. There are still a lot of risks out there, and I've calculated my own risk and here I am. It is not worth coming here if you are super risk averse. The public showers are closed, unfortunately. The public shower in the entertainment area is roped off, and the level with most of the suites is off-limits to people who are not getting a suite. The upper bar is open and the seating is still there. Less space and facilities available, but then again, less people going to the sauna anyway so it should even out. The clothes wearing does not bother me as much as the mask wearing. I am a face guy more than anything else. Looks are a subjective thing for sure, but yes, he is super gorgeous, to me. Very unassuming at first, which helps for me. It's easy enough for me to share his Instagram here, but of course, I don't do that. Yes, again, beggars can't be choosers. For me, in the end, they can wear a mask or a full-on haz mat suit, I don't care. At least this venue is open and an option for anyone who’d want a one stop shop to get boys in SP.

A Shell of a Shell I had 3 days of freedom from the BF at the start of this trip, due to some of his commitments, and because I wanted some time by myself to accomplish some things I have not been able to do while "stuck" at home for 4 months. Day 1 was set for sleeping the long flight off (and finally doing so without a mask on), and then checking the Grindr scene, which was interesting. Before COVID, I would guess about 40% of the messages I got were from Garotos de Programa. This trip, I got a total of 1(!) message from the GPs. But I did get a lot of messages from all sorts, and had 3 nice encounters with local guys, including a nice low-key evening with a pretty cutehot engineer and we shared stories on how we, and our countries, fared during COVID. Lots of Bolsonaro and Trump analogs, hydroxychloroquine, and mask wearing stories. I’d say overall that Grindr was as active as ever, if not more, which was a welcome surprise to me. Maybe people were just stir-crazy and just needed the release. Day 2 was devoted to spending the day with my friend, a sometime sauna GP, sometime pornstar, and everytime horny guy, who was fired from his day job a month after the pandemic started and is in desperate need of cash. He took 2 of his friends (who were sometime GPs as well) with him to meet with me at the hotel. All versatile and passionate, which is what I like. After a trip to Mambo Supermercado in Moema to get some snacks and beers, I spent a pretty chill time with these sexy motherfuckers. I got some insight on what they thought of the new Espaco Lagoa (worse than Thermas Lagoa before COVID, and during COVID not a lot of people and even sadder). My friend and one other stayed the night to morning, and more shenanigans were had. 200 reais for the one guy who left after dinner, and 400 reais each for the other two. Pretty standard rates I think. Day 3 was the day my BF was going to arrive late that night, so I decided to check Espaco Lagoa before he got here, to see how the sauna has fared with all the COVID restrictions. The two hotties bid me goodbye after a late breakfast, and they expressed their regrets to not accompanying me to Lagoa, so I had to tough it out alone, which is preferred anyway. I’m glad that the sauna has amended their open hours from a ridiculous 11 AM to 5 PM, to a better 4 PM to 10 PM: I arrived at 5:30 PM and saw a pretty solemn scene. Very few boys and clients. The vibe was more early Sunday afternoon, instead of early evening Saturday. Probably about 10 customers and about 10 boys to start. Maybe I arrived super early. Almost everyone was wearing a mask, except for the guys who were in the main entertainment area where they were having drinks and therefore the masks were off. The waitstaff were wearing masks and face shields as well. Even with the mask on I got recognized by one of the waitstaff that I liked and he took my drink order and talked to me for a bit about how things were. It did pick up somewhat as the night wore on, but still less than before. Some observations: As seen in the FB page, some of the sauna facilities were closed, to avoid agglomeration and mitigate transmission: There were alcool gel hand sanitizers and advisories on mask everywhere: And each table w/ chairs setup had this as well: I have been to the new Espaco Lagoa four times before COVID, and I thought it was a shell of the former Thermas Lagoa. The old sauna, though messy and showing its age, was airy and the extra space would have lended itself better to more ample ventilation and social distancing. Instead, in the new sauna, with all the ramps and levels and with people coming in and out, it was hard to not bump into people, even with the lower current occupancy. And before COVID, I thought the boy selection was poorer that before, up until my February visit, were I met 3 new boys that blew my socks off (one big mountain of a man, one boy who looked like a Belami model, and a gorgeous soccer player who was smarter than the average GP). I was willing to give Espaco Lagoa more of my business after that visit, but COVID happened and I was wanting to come back ever since. This time though, I think the one thing that bothered me the most was the whole climate of the sauna. Everyone was wearing masks (which I prefer anyway, in a mitigating transmission kind of way), and everyone, even the boys, were wearing clothes, so I didn’t feel the whole setup was as sexy as a boy sauna should be. Some boys with the better bodies had their shirts off, which helped a lot with sussing out their hotness, but with a mask on, it was hard to determine handsomeness when you can only see their eyes. Some of the boys took the masks off when they approached you. Some of them were trying to show their big erections trapped under layers of clothing, which I guess if you have a big dick, it will show through no matter how thick your trousers were. I am not big on the sauna scene as it is, but with the sparse occupancy, the solemn atmosphere, everyone wearing clothes, and the mask-wearing as a cruel reminder that there still was a pandemic raging outside these walls, were enough to almost kill my sauna hardon. I say almost, because I was able to find what I wanted anyway, twice. First programa I had was with a super muscular built guy with a big dick (very old Lagoa quality), who proactively approached me and knew how to draw me in, and who was super passionate and didn’t clock watch. 200 reais with cum, and to me was worth every cent. The second guy was the super gorgeous soccer player from before, and most of our programa consisted of a very insightful back and forth on the value of mental health during these times. Also he fucked my brains out. It was like a trip to a therapist without the hefty price tag, and with the gorgeous boy who came in your mouth. 200 again. Super cheap, cheaper with today’s exchange rate. One note about the rooms: towels and slippers were available in every room, instead of available at the check-in desk. A good number of the boys were obviously just gays who wandered off the gay area of Frei Caneca and stopped by the sauna to earn a few more bucks, or to get free drinks from patrons. I could find much better choices on Grindr for free. I saw some of the mainstay boys as well, and it was weird to see them trying to look sexy wearing a mask and trying to get your business. But again, we are in unique circumstances, so even if Lagoa is a shell of a shell of what it was once, during COVID times, I’d rather have this option available to me, than not having it at all. More, next.

I thought I’d put in some thoughts on here about my experiences since Brazil opened its borders on July 29. The last time I was in Brazil was the first week of April, some days after Brazil closed its borders to foreigners due to the coronavirus cutting through the planet. I remember those days, as the BF and I were stuck quarantining near Paulista Ave in Sao Paulo , with everything closed except for some restaurants and grocery stores, and the streets were more or less empty. A far cry from my stay over Carnaval in February. That was when Brazil identified its first ever case of coronavirus. People weren’t freaking out back then, with all the festivities and general drunkeness, and COVID just seemed to be something benign, versus what we are experiencing now. I’ve had a Google alert for the words “Brazil estrangeiros” ever since I came back from that April trip. Yes, the virus has been wreaking havoc on the world’s people and economies, but I was eager to come back, even with the known, and mostly unknown, risks, complicated by Brazil’s own inability to contain its own pandemic. I figure that the measures taken by Brazil are not any more worse than the ones taken by home country anyway (the good ole USA), and I’d rather be stuck in someplace fun and exotic, whatever that means nowadays, in the age of COVID. The Google alert came up with a lot these past 5 months, including the 4 different times Brazil had prolonged its closure to foreigners. But finally, in late July, came the Google Alert that mentioned the reopening, but not before getting some more alerts on conflicting reports mentioning a prolongation of the closure. After a quick chat with the BF,, we decided it was worth me going, and soon, so I quickly booked 3 possible flights to Brazil as soon as I could be free to fly from California: a Delta award redemption connecting through Atlanta, and United and American Airlines paid flights that were both in the $450 economy roundtrip connecting through Houston and Miami, respectively. Within the 24-hour refund period, I cancelled Delta and AA, and after some minor date adjustments, found a $2100 RT Business Class ticket on United. That cost would have been unheard of pre-COVID, but in the new economy, beggars can be airlines. For good measure, I booked 2 other RT on United to Sao Paulo in September and October, taking advance of the $450 price tag. With their change fee waiver still in effect till July 31, I can amend the dates later without any change fees. With all the news that was circulating about the reopening, there were two things I thought I needed to be able to enter Brazil: Medical Insurance without COVID exceptions, and a recent negative COVID test. I bought the Travel Insurance from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which cost be $95 for my entire stay (plus a few days), and also got a COVID test which I received the results in 2 days with a PDF letter saying I tested negative. I made printed copies for both, in case they didn’t accept copies in my phone. I’ve flown a number of times during this COVID era, and have become accustomed to the extra precautions the airlines and passengers were taking. I particularly commend Delta for sticking to their guns in ensuring no one was sitting next to you in First Class, as well a blocking the middle seats in Economy. So, to my surprise, after checking the seat map for my flight, found a fairly full United fight with most middle seats taken. Luckily most of business was still open so maybe I won’t have to sit with anyone. United really is cheaping out on this. Since I am not a Brazilian citizen or resident (yet), I could not retrieve my boarding pass as usual via the United app, and had to go to the check-in counter for a travel document check, even if I didn’t have any checked luggage. At the airport, the check-in counter person asked if I had “a medical card”. I gave her the printed PDF of the insurance details. She took her time flipping through the pages, until I interrupted her, pointing to the front page with the specific dates of coverage/travel. That seemed to please her and she issued me my boarding pass. COVD times meant not as many long lines at the airport. Downside of this is sometimes the TSA Pre-check dedicated lines are consolidated with the regular lines. At the flight gate, boarding was also by row number, with the rear of the aircraft getting boarded first. Everyone at the airport was wearing a mask, and the gate agents made sure everyone was wearing one, and properly, when entering the aircraft. Before boarding, the gate agent informed everyone that if one did not have a Brazilian passport, they needed to get their medical insurance confirmed with the gate agents. Again? Oh well. About 30 of us made a “social distancing” line to get our documents checked at the counter. About the time half of the line had their check, everyone who had a Brazilian passport were already boarded. They were really taking their time checking documents. When it was my turn, the agent again took her time flipping through the pages until I pointed to the dates of coverage. She took my paper boarding pass and stamped “International Documents Verified – IAH”. Maybe this stamp was available at check-in and I did not have to get in line? Economy was almost full, Business was half full, with some seats blocked off for the flight attendants to rest. There was alcohol on board, but was in those little "hotel minibar" bottles instead of the usual bigboy liquor bottles. Business meals were a little bit spartan and brought all at once, but more than I expected during these time. I had the salmon: The one thing I had difficulty with was sleeping with both a nose/mouth mask, AND an eye mask on, since I need it to be completely dark to sleep. I think it took me 2 hours of tossing and turning before I got used to having my whole face pretty much covered in an uncomfortable way. The new normal. At immigration, my immigration officer asked more than the usual questions that I usually got. What is the purpose of your trip? How many days are you staying? Have you lived in Brazil before? Where is your medical insurance? I showed him the printed insurance copy, and proactively pointed to the dates of coverage lines, and again this seemed to please him. Another addition: he put the exact number of days of my stay on the entry stamp, so I guess I can’t stay longer in Brazil than what was written on the stamp. Good thing I put in more days in the insurance document than I planned, in case I wanted to stay longer. He didn’t ask to see my return ticket though, so he had no proof I was exactly leaving in those number of days. We will see. And no one asked for my COVID test. I guess I was misinformed there. Next: Brazil Health Theater, and Espaco Lagoa during COVID, next.

After a few days, 23 respondents have now spoken, and it looks like the pro-BKK crowd is pulling away: I am still on the fence, and still keeping an eye out for any news positive or negative, but it seems that the conditions are a little bit worsening, at least in the USA. Still no adequate testing, still a lot of confusion, and the stock market tanking. It makes me just want to stay home and hide. But I am keeping positive and I haven't cancelled anything yet. This is the crux of the issue. I've probably experienced every permutation of Bangkok a Westerner could ever experience, and I continue to enjoy Bangkok to my heart's content, but this trip's main objective is me seeing Bangkok through the eyes of my BF, who has never been outside of South America. I want to show him the messy Songkran water fights, the full-strength stable of boys in Lucky Boys, the hubbub of Chatuchak Market, the amazing variety of the street food, and everything else that made me fall in love with the city. I want to see the wonder in his eyes, similar to what I had during my first time 6 years ago. A muted version of the Land of Smiles, partially obscured by a face mask, and unfortunately sterilized by hand sanitizer, is less ideal for anyone who visits the city expecting more, and even less ideal for a first-timer who has heard so many wild Bangkok tales from me. My latest long haul was last week, a 12 hour flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles fresh off Carnaval. The flight was 2/3 full and a lot of middle seats were empty, but I didn't get an inkling that COVID-19 had made the flight any worse. It was the next flight - Los Angeles to San Francisco - that showed signs of the paranoia and tension you're talking about. Some passengers were giving their seat a thorough wipe down using Clorox wipes, and even more showed up in face masks. And the flight was half-full, which made "social distancing" easier. I have a flight to the east coast in a few days, and then it is another long haul back to Brazil next week. Let's see how things have deteriorated. It might make my conundrum here easier if the flights are horrible. I can share my routing with you now. Since I was booking for me (coming from California) and the BF (coming from Brazil), I had to be creative. I wanted to meet him at a connection, since I thought it would be nice to fly with him on a long-haul, on the second leg. After playing around with some itineraries on United's pretty good award bookings site, I chose a routing that had us meeting in Zurich, with him leaving Sao Paulo to a direct to Zurich, and me leaving San Francisco direct to Zurich as well. We would meet in Zurich at the layover, and we would fly together, seated together, as we make our way to Bangkok. This is my booking. I booked last December, and they still had business class saver for 75k points: I feel so bummed if I have to cancel this (I was mistaken, award points redeposit fee is free with 1K status), because I like the Swiss business class lounge in Zurich airport, and that's where I will meet the BF during the layover, and also I was able to book seats next to each other in the leg going to BKK. It's a great romantic getaway, but if we shall arrive at an abbreviated version of Bangkok, then it might not be worth it. Who knows. I know that Puerto Vallarta is great this time of year. But back to routing, @ggobkk if you want to stay with Star Alliance and skipping the asian cities, you can go through Swiss Airlines through Zurich, Lufthansa going through Frankfurt or Munich, or a United-Austrian Airlines combo through Heathrow and Vienna. This will tack 2 hours or more to the usual 20 or so hours going through Asia, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The updates and advice have been awesome so far. Keep them coming!