Riobard

I don't perceive any actual disclaimer here, but just to add, since wages as well as local providers and customers were brought into the conversation: factoring in purchase power parity, gringo customers paying "local" rates are essentially pocketing 60-75% discounts relative to local customers. After all, the average wage is an equalizer among Brazilians if not between Brazilians and outsiders. These de facto discounts are, I think, a pretty pretty pretty good deal and good thing going for visitors or expats receiving origin pay. Purchase power parity also impacts on the cost of goods and services and on what any single expense is subjectively worth. If you decide you will pay on a par with what locals put out, you may spend considerably less than what you might be prepared to spend in a different context. Of course this will also depend on the value you place on money itself. I think that many additional variables other than being at price war with providers and romance war with oneself come into play in measuring the meaning of cash.

I was having lunch in Candelaria today and dropped in NMM close to 17:00 to have a look-see poke-around with the attendant and to compare the after with the before. It is a disaster, far worse than I imagined the change, though admittedly I had never seen the 18 TO address before dark in the cold light of day. The metal spiral staircase up to the 3rd level bank of cabins is I believe the one that was rarely formerly used. I cannot envision anyone the least bit portly getting up there, though they'd have sweated off a few during a programa. If you are caught dead in this club (I won't be) there'd likely have been a fire. Gotta say, though, the operators have some balls to keep it going in its current form. One can understand not putting much effort into it if casing new locations.

Thems two probably had to struggle to dig themselves out of the wall-to-wall shag carpet that characterized Pnt202 last night. A madhouse! Mixed feelings about it. But certainly some high points. Hmmm, let me try to give an example of the mayhem. Having pushed my way through to reception to try to make change from a 100 (fugetabbudit, was not goIng to happen, the guy ended up with sizeable tip), the staff looked at my key and started to check my account out. I had to explain to them that I usually do not wander around north Copacabana in a towel and flipflops and that I had not finished depositing my share of the profit margins into Junior's pocket, who by the way told me his Partée was expected to be THE highlight of the sauna social season. St Nicholas? St ReDICKulous!

I suspect the rivalry among the sauna clubs may not be as great as some of us might think, or perhaps it is healthy competition. The rivalry related to determining, and vying for, the most superior set of objective criteria about when and what is best seems to be a potentially fiercer and contentious one, about which I don't see much point.

The clue would be the extended complicated massage menu card downstairs at Pnt202 that includes tantrica. If the masseur is wearing all white, a happy ending is typically not within your (his) grasp. The beachgoers flocking to the rainbow flag could be My Little Pony fans.

Hahahahaha. The Tao of Tomcal somehow works!

Pnt 202 is open Tues. This can be determined by: attending (I have and do), google (it indicates open today terca 5th), or FB where marquees and post-show images confirm it.

I have not had Bernardo at 117 give me a pro massage, but Wellington who covers Wed and Fri there is very decent and has helped my lower back spasms. You pay the house 70 for 30 mins, 100 for 60 mins. The one thing I find about it, though, is that the hall outside is like an echo chamber with the guys yammering at full volume throttle. The massage room is Zen-like enough, but be prepared for loud talking. Somewhere basement level south zone would be more appropriate. Still, the price unbeatable. Of course, regarding the guys, it tends to undo Wellington's benefits if minutes later you end up a human pretzel getting forcefully pounded I realize that this part of the thread is not NMM specific, but wanted to give a shout out about my Welly to add to pauleiro's point (not Point).

If I find the right local who has his own vehicle and is up for it, I will def consider next SoHem winter. I heve extended one feeler.

I have been here for a short enough time that I would find it difficult to even begin to describe the challenging stunning bitch that is this city, but a long enough time to be of the view that your well intentioned précis was overgeneralized. I think I would leave it to the likes of Jane Jacobs, Richard Florida, etc. It would be interesting to know what you 'took in' outside of the corridors of "pau", though. Just a soupçon for a little balance. Really, nobody here wants so much detail as to crowd out the nonsparing details of your X-rated experiences Again, you have 60 minutes to log in and edit a post for corrections, you will see the edit prompt during that time ... there is an optional field to say you edited it (I choose not to) and a field, I believe mandatory, to explain in a word or two the edit reason, spelling, clarification etc. If you backspace the entire text I believe it will nullify that one post.

Kkkkkk. I live here for big chunks of Northern Hemisphere winters. My descriptive notes, for Rio as a city, would be appreciably different from yours posted here. I would stick to the 2.5 sauna clubs we know unless you are curious to see how the 'other side' lives.

I like that you know and stand by your philosophy and preference in this regard.

Sorry I cannot help with excursion tips, but I wonder: how are you identiying Grindr lads for hire? I am in highly populated areas in Brazil but cannot sort them out. Are you audaciously, skillfully reaching out and casting the net, texting your openness to both hire and non-hire species, or are they flocking to your profile? Yes, I did not find PA very interesting either. After some epic fail visits to Mezzaninu, I finally did score with a GdeP who met my type-preference. But the weather was nice and a half-day on-off tourist double-deck bus to the art gallery s/w area on river was pleasant. Good luck with your adventures!

Classy digs, for sure ... thought about a drink on the terrace if permissible, but it is complicated if you are not a guest there integral to the BRZ-side park. You were certainly not self-deprivational! Too bad about the vid ... I did capture my own double rainbow shot, though, as most visitors do.

Narratives, myths, legends, truisms do tend to have potential for thematic variations down here ... like this art deco statue angle that slants the resurrection story

Loving your thoughtful, insightful, eloquent, elegant posts, Darkseraphim. Regarding Peru: I understand visitors to Machu Picchu had a rough go of it recently due to wildcat bus strike and had to walk back a long trek to the stage of transport still operating. Can happen anywhere but resonates with your commentary. Just so you know, I am Tristan's 1st dibs Isolde.

Sorry, the video seems to have been downloaded, but I myself cannot get it to play. It is only one minute, 18 MB.

I took these Thanksgiving week. Great excursion potential with your favorite BT from SP, Rio, BA, etc. No guy would turn down the invite. Many have not had the chance. 48 hours noon to noon worked well. It is also offers a chance to try out a travel companion short-term. The area has muito mucho tourist dollars pumped in. the most manicured district of Brazil I have seen. The drive in to the ARG side parque is pretty. I recommend Hotel Pousada Guata Pora ... family-friendly, gay-friendly but I liked this time that it was low-season and no kids, just a small mixed array of couples. Great breakfast, and they rotate in evening chefs for optional hearty dinner buffet. Incredible grounds and location. Huge Chalets built like brick shithouses. A steal. Sweetheart staff. IMG_8499.mov

Dios Mio Peru ...

Yeah ... thumbs up on the green-lighting of his A-rod and juicy butt!

PS: Now I do think the pics are the same guy, Tristan, of La Diosa ... Peruvian.

Very good report. pics #34 (neon yellow speedo, ballcap) and #41 (Tristan caption) have me worked up, same guy?, source? I too am keen to visit accessible cities where gogo stripper dancer boys are available in the club or private dates. CDMX has been a bust in this regard. PV was also not impressive (Wet, Anthropology) when last visited. Consider me also interested in answers to Alaskabear's Qs.