TotallyOz

Porcao in Ipanema is one of my favorites. Scenarium is also fun and lively. ihpguy took me to a few unique places and one was within walking distance of the JW Marriott and was very good por kilo and I ate there many times but can't remember the name.

I love visiting them and see them everywhere I go. It is not about religion for me, it is about the experience and the history. I just visited some in Istanbul and I was in awe! Also, visited a few in Jordan last month and also loved it.

The Hippie Market on the weekends is always fun for me. There is always paragliding in Sao Conrado. I did it once and it was memorable. Scary but memorable. Ihpguy took me once to a great park that had tons of hustlers and was across the street from a very old fire station. That was fun and great to see. I think there is a thread here with photos from that day. I hope other contribute as I love Rio but often get stuck in the saunas.

IMHO, one person should not be allowed more than one persona on any board. I have always said that when there is definitive proof of a person using multiple handles, they should be deleted. But, that is a high burden.

For some reason I rarely find upgrades using miles on the USA to Brazil flights. I always do going to Asia. I think that is always one of the main reasons I spend more time in Asia.

Perhaps I am naive or just an idiot, but I have never understood the idea of saying all new members are trolls. I don't see this and don't understand it. Yes, someone like Z is a reliable source and when he speaks, I know he speaks from information that is obtained over years of travel to Thailand. But, one day he was a newbie on the boards as well. I think it is hard to tell when someone has multiple personalities unless they are the constant yes man to another name's opinion. But, without an admin to verify this, it is very had to tell. We can all speculate and guess. But, that is not definitive. Z is often right on many things but I often think a little too quick to jump the gun on trolls.

BFE is boyfriend experience. But, I find the BFE always enjoyable. I have had about 100 in Thailand that failed for one reason or another and 2 that succeeded. That is OK in my book. I like the ones that succeed and the failures were often for compatibility reasons. One boy had lived with me for 3 years and I sent him to English school to be able to talk with him and after 3 years the most he could say was "hello, how are you?" After a long time, this just was not enough for me. However, had the sex not gone downhill, it would have been sufficient. But, with 2 issues, 3 years was long enough.

The new season of Hannibal just started. Off to a good start but the show does have some building to do after last season's final.

I like them both but I love the show and the music. Perhaps the best show of last year!

Interesting article / editorial from Edward Snowden today: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/05/opinion/edward-snowden-the-world-says-no-to-surveillance.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=opinion-c-col-left-region&region=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region

As this is a Gay Thailand forum, I assume this is a Thai guy we are speaking of. If so, why worry. If you are good to him, he will be back. I guess I got lost in the worry over what someone is doing when I am not there phase years ago. I like my own freedom and I want my partners to have theirs. I think only fair. I have been with my 2 guys from Thailand for well over 10 years. Both are great and live with others when I am not there. They have sex with who they want and they do where they want and they spend money where they want. The last of the 3 is the one that hurts me the most as one of them I just can't seem to stop spending money on his mother. But, I have accepted it and moved beyond it 10,000 times over. (I guess that means I have not fully moved beyond but I do try) What are you worried he will do?

The new list of the worlds 50 Greatest Restaurants in the world is out. Bangkok has some of the top selections! http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/01/travel/worlds-50-best-restaurant-awards-2015/index.html I have eaten at Nahm and enjoyed it. But, never been to Gaggan.

mvan, I love the Hippie Festival and during Carnival over many years I collected some great pieces of art from artists that were Brazilian but living abroad and came only for Carnival every year. I have really enjoyed the pieces I bought and think of Brazil when I see them. When I was in Sao Paulo, I always try to go to the galleries and have seen some amazing exhibits over the years. Brazil is very cultures and has great art!

For me, living in the middle east for a most of this year, I have to say that I hope it does not expire. I NEVER would have said that one year ago. In fact, I would have said the opposite. However, having seen things this year has changed my mind. I don't mind a little or a lot of privacy violation in order to keep us safe.

What do you want to see happen? Do you want to see this expire? Or, renewed?

A Bronx Rabbi liked to work out and then have sauna sessions with boys and then with men over the years. He said this was part of the ancient tradition of his people. Having spent time in the middle east, I know they do place value on men bathing together and doing sauna and steam rooms together. I am not sure what will become of this, but the NYT article was a very interesting read. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/nyregion/fresh-debate-over-whether-a-rabbi-acted-inappropriately.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

It has been a big month for gay rights and for marriage equality. In the USA, the SCOTUS heard oral arguments. (I never argue with oral) In Ireland, they voted a resounding yes for legalization of marriage by popular vote. In Brazil, the Court of Justice order all notaries to issues couples the ability to marry. Big victory in 3 places! http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/15/world/americas/brazil-same-sex-marriage/index.html?eref=edition

I was in NYC many years back and had to pay for a visa that was more expensive than other countries. I was told this was in reciprocity. I was also fingerprinted one time as there was a special line in Brazil for US citizens with the fingerprint. They seem to really enjoy this reciprocity thing.

That would last 20 years for Tomcal in Brazil but last me a few lifetimes!

100 USD is a great deal. I still think a shitty hotel. But, I judge mainly based on Internet and when I was there, it sucked. Has it improved over the years? How are the other hotels in the area doing? All going down as well?

So sorry to hear this happened to you. I know the stats are high for someone that visits so much but it still sucks and I hope you are OK soon! I was robbed in Sao Paulo 2 times many years back at ATM's. The hotel told me not to go there alone. I did and paid for it. I was robbed once in Rio by police when coming to hotel from Samba Gay about 4AM and they told part of my money in my wallet when they could find no drugs in the hotel car. Shit happens and I got over it very fast and have returned many times since. But, I am a bit more careful where I go and what I do every time.

If it is just for one trip, use your ATM from your home country and get cash out. I'd take 30k baht which is less than 1K. That will last days. If you are going over and over, open a Thai bank account and transfer money there. It is easy to do and cheap. It doesn't pay high interest but worth it. I have always used ATM with no issues there.

Thanks guys. I'll have to think about it but I don't see safety issues as I am slow and careful but you are right that motorcycles do make a difference. Years back there was talk of changing the location of the steering wheel in Thailand and the side of the road. I guess nothing will ever come of this.

Lets calm down. I have been to both places. I enjoy both. But, I also understand the police situation. I was stopped one year at Carnival by the police and money was stolen from me in Rio. Yes, Rio. I have been in Thailand WHEN raids happen and not once ever asked for ID or anything and just left the place and went to another bar. Shit happens and you either get over it and move on or you live in fear. I prefer to continue traveling to both places and enjoying life. The last several posts in this thread are a bit too aggressive for me. I like an aggressive guy in bed but not in the forums. Relax.