Brazil on a Budget - A Nutty TotallyOz Adventure

[TotallyOz]

I always enjoy my travel to Brazil and I always try to find the most reasonable hotels and flights that will accommodate my budget. On this trip, 3 weeks duration, I have decided to do my best to spend as little money as possible (other than at the saunas). So, I will be using miles and points in as many places as possible. This is not something that only I do but it is something that everyone should do. FlyerTalk and FatWallet and other sites are dedicated to making sure you get the most points and miles for your dollar. They also have great schemes to get free points and miles and all of this end up meaning FREE nights and FREE flights.

The night before I left for Sao Paulo, I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dallas. I was in Texas visiting friends and Dallas was the airport I needed to leave from. I used 30,000 points for a free room at the hotel. I have accumulated points for years but I do not mind spending them from time to time. They upgraded me to a free 2 story duplex suite that is fabulous. They upgraded me even though I used points. Why you wonder? They don’t mind if you use points at the hotel. The hotel still gets paid. I am a Royal Platinum Ambassador with the hotel. That requires that I spend at least 50 nights per year in their hotels, which include Intercontinental Hotel, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, etc. It also requires that you stay in at least 4 different Intercontinental properties. If you do the above, you will obtain Royal Ambassador status. This means that they will upgrade you to a suite and you get free Internet at all their hotels and that you will get free refreshments in their rooms. These are all nice perks and they also give you access to the lounges in the hotels. All of these things mean savings in the long run. If you don’t stay with them for 50 nights a year, find someone with Royal Ambassador status and ask them to trade that with you for something else as when one reaches Royal Ambassador status each year, they can nominate one person to receive it for free. IMHO the Royal Ambassador program with IHG is the best priority program in the industry.

My suite at the Intercontinental was great. I had a free breakfast in the VIP lounge. I also had free fruit that was delivered as a gift. I had great Internet all night and it was a nice stay at this hotel. Final cost: 18.00 for valet parking.

I went to DFW airport to fly to Brazil. I use Delta the most and have accumulated miles over the years. They have initiated a new thing for me called upgrade certificates, which lets me fly first class and pay for coach fare. The trip to Brazil would have cost 2400.00 USD for the fare class that would be needed to use the certificate. But, I am on a cost savings trip and I used miles to purchase a round-trip ticket to Brazil. This first class ticket cost me 150,000 miles and 61.00. I normally travel with 7 large pieces of luggage but I am on a budget trip so I am taking only 3 bags for check in. First Class passengers get 3 free bags so the cost for luggage was zero.

I have been talking with Tomcal about my flights once I get to Brazil and I’ll use Gol when I am there. I tried to book my tickets last night but the website was down and I’ll try again later. I am flying into Sao Paulo and then back to USA from Rio. Delta did not care where I traveled from and being Platinum with them means I do not pay to change my tickets. Last night I called and changed the round trip from Sao Paulo to leave from Rio on the return. The change was free and thus the entire cost of my airplane ride was 61.00 USD.

I have several credit cards that I use for gathering points and miles. I also register for EVERY game or extra perk I can. For example, IHG is having a game that asks you to unlock a box. If you complete 5 tasks in the next year, you get extra points. The total I was offered (it is different for all depending on level) is 119,000 points. Just by enrolling in this game and doing a few things that I normally do, I’ll get enough points to stay 4-5 nights at any of their 5 star hotels. In my mind, these things are really worth the extra time and effort. I always read e-mails that are sent to me from the airlines and hotels and I keep up with the best ways to make more points by following the advice of others. All in all, every year for the past 5 years, I have gotten at least 4 free weeks in Brazil with these games. In my mind, it is worth it to swipe your card even if for a soda to get the points. I use my card for every transaction possible.

So, I am now at the airport and I used points for my hotel the night before my trip. I got points when I paid for the valet parking. I checked into the airport and got a first class ticket using points. I had drinks in the VIP lounge at the airport. I ate lunch at Dicky’s BBQ for 8.00 (again used CC. No cash for me when I can swipe). So, thus far in my Brazil on a budget, I have spent 61.00 (ticket), 18.00 (hotel) and 8.00 (lunch).

I am on my way to paradise and hope that I’ll be able to keep up with this budget (except for the saunas).

:)

[Lucky]

Geez, I am exhausted! All that saving money is hard work!

Oz, have a great time in Brazil, BUT,

more importantly, tell us all about it!!!!

[Guest tomcal]

OZ, I do the same thing with the loyalty programs for hotels and airlines! I use Starwood for Hotels(Sheratons/Westons/W's). I have been fortunate in that I fly alot for business and that gives me my Exec. Plat. status with American each year. If you fly 100,000 miles a year with them they give you domestic upgrades free unlimited. Internationally they give you 4 R/T upgrades to business/first on coach tickets. When I went to Prague and Barcelona a couple of weeks ago I paid $800. for LAX to PRG to BCN back to LAX and was upgraged to business. That ticket would have cost 6200. if I was paying Business class fares! I have accumulated almost 3,000,000 miles on American in the past 15 years, but most of those have gone to my Kids! but this trip to Brazil next week I splurged and used 125,000 miles for first class to Brazil, since it's a Boeing 777, that means the pod sleeper beds which even fit a 6'5" guy like me! So when I see you in Porto Alegre on Friday the 22nd I will be well rested and ready to hit the saunas!!

[JKane]

Final cost: 18.00 for valet parking.

I *hate* that! Maybe it's because I've never lived in a city, but I'm not used to paying for parking very often, or if I do having it only be a couple dollars with validation. I was shocked when I stayed at a 5-diamond rated hotel and they wanted another $25/night to park (self park at that!). I'm currently at a *Best Western* that wants $30/night for valet! **Really** should be mentioned when you make your reservations!

Why the fuck *Best Western* is operating a 10-story city Hotel with no parking when it's nothing like what one expects when one books a Best Western is another question. They really don't know what they're doing either, no bell service, for example--so get everything you need from your car, maybe you can use our on rickety luggage cart when the 5 guests before you are done with it... Fun trip so far though, but I wish I was in Brazil for 3-weeks instead!!

And I'd echo that even if you don't have a lot (or any) travel for business you can get plenty of miles or perks other ways, as FlyerTalk documents. You can easily get a 100k+ miles on American for just signing up for and using two of their credit cards, for example--enough for a *business class* round trip to Rio if booked in advance!

I still need to pick a hotel program and join--it would help if I didn't stay at places like Best Western though!

[TotallyOz]

BUT, more importantly, tell us all about it!!!!

I will share all.

So when I see you in Porto Alegre on Friday the 22nd I will be well rested and ready to hit the saunas!!

Can't wait. I am excited but will NOT be well rested if I keep seeing 2-3 guys a day.

I still need to pick a hotel program and join--it would help if I didn't stay at places like Best Western though!

Agree with all you said about valets. 100 percent!

I suggest the Intercontinental Group as they have Holiday Inn Express that is priced along the lines of Best Western and I love the Holiday Inn Express. They also have some all suites hotels and I have always had good rooms with all their hotels.

Day 1 in Sao Paulo

The plane ride was horrible. A crying baby in business class. I thought business class was for business people? Are baby’s business people? Why don’t they have a family area? I’d love to know in advance so I can avoid the area. Sorry for those of you with kids, but on a long plane trip, it sucks!

Leaving Atlanta, the exchange rate was 1.36. Yes, that is right. I am sure. I checked twice. I avoided that booth and checked with another one and it was same rate. When I got to Sao Paulo, I just took cash from ATM and the rate was 1.68. A nice savings.

When flying, I think there are some things that you need to take with you on a long haul flight.

Comfy shoes. I always take a pair of Birkenstock with me as I love the feel and don’t want to put shoes on every time I get up to move around.

Extra Clothes – I like being able to change after dinner and get nice and clean smelling.

Essentials – My own toothbrush, toothpaste, small cologne and a bottle of hand sanitizer. I find all these are required to feel good during the flight.

Computer – I take both a laptop and an IPad. I play with the IPad most of the time but can use the computer when I want to work.

Extra Extension Cord – I have a cord that is 12 feet long and splits into 2 outlets for more access. I find that sometimes the airplanes do not have a socket working near you and if a full plane you are screwed. But, if you have one of these, you can use another one near by. It is also handy in lounges when you can’t find a seat so close to the outlet. This thing has come in handy more times than I can count.

Extra Eyeglasses – You never know when you may loose a pair and I have on planes and this helps me in case of emergency.

Eye Covers – I know most of the airlines give you one in business class but they are cheap and not comfortable. I take my own as well as a pair of earplugs in case the airline doesn’t give them to you.

Drugs – nothing illegal here. But, I always have Valium and muscle relaxers in order to knock me out and sleep. I also take Sudafed in case I need it as my sinuses do not like traveling with the rest of my body. PLEASE keep your Valium and Viagra separate. I once got them mixed up and it made for an interesting flight.

Water – I always stop and get 2 bottles of water for my long trips. I know the plane will have some for you but I like my own and I always keep myself really hydrated on a plane. I find taking my own is easy and it really does help with the ride (other than having to pee all the time).

My own pillow – Yes, I am a pussy and I want my own pillow and blanket.

Flashlight – In case you need a powerful light to fill in customs forms. (I think I just like having a hard object with me all the time).

Headset – in case you want to listen to music or watch movies on your own.

If you have other things that I have not mentioned, let me know.

I checked into the Renaissance Hotel. The average rate for my time period was 400 USD. I refuse to pay those rates so I used points. 7 days with points cost me 110,000 point. That saved me over 3,000 USD. I am Platinum with Marriott so I get free Internet, breakfast, snacks, etc.

When I got to the hotel they put me in a room that was tiny. It was a regular standard room. I was sad. I almost cried. Less than 2 minutes after I got to the room, the manager called to welcome me (they do this often with Platinum Premium members). I told him it was fine but it was the smallest room I have ever slept in and I wish I had booked elsewhere. He said he would make a call and he did and 20 minutes later I had a one-bedroom corner suite.

Now, I would not have complained with a free room being small. But, since he asked, I shared my thought on the situation. He appreciated my candor. I am not sure why I was not upgraded before I checked in. That is the major difference between Marriott and Intercontinental chains. The Intercontinental upgrades me immediately upon booked (even if using points). The Marriott does not do this at booking and it is up to each individual hotel. Sometimes you win and sometimes you loose. I much prefer the consistency of the IHC.

I took the subway to LaGoa. The cost is about 3R each way. I don’t have exact numbers as I used tickets from last trip. I’ll get exact details in a day or two when I run out of the other tickets.

I spent 88.00R in LaGoa. This was my entrance fee, a short time suite, 3 drinks and 2 snacks.

I met an 18-year-old punk kid with spiky hair and piercings. He was yummy and I had to see him. He said 120R and I said sorry. He went down to 100 and foolishly I agreed. I normally hold out for 50R and then tip if they are good. He would have gotten 100 or more as he was good and kinky. I like him. UNTIL afterwards he asked for 120 again. I gave it to him and told him I would not see him again and wished him luck.

On my way out, I met a guy from years gone by and asked him to go to eat dinner with me. He got back on his motorcycle and met me at the hotel. After I paid and walked out, my all time favorite from here was walking in. I agreed to meet him tomorrow. I like afternoon appointments so we were set.

I did take the subway back to hotel, as it is faster than a taxi. During rush hour here, it is crazy to take a taxi. Each trip today would have cost me 25-35R each way if I had taken a taxi.

My friend and I ate at Galletos. He and I were both hungry and I forgot to get a receipt for the food. But, it was about 100R for the food/wine and tip. For a nice meal there I thought reasonable and it was my first splurge of the trip. Plus, I took my date there the first time we met and when he asked, I could not say no. Lucky for me as when we were in the room again, he would not say no to me. I think a good trade. He is still with me now as he is trying to talk me into going out to dance and I told him I am tired and for him to go home to his wife. LOL He doesn’t find it as funny as I do.

My only not cheap thing was the taxi to the hotel. It was 103R. I think too high. I should have checked before about best and cheapest way to get to hotels in downtown but I didn't do that in advance so I got hit hard. For those of you traveling here, what is cheapest way to get to hotel?

Thermas Lagoa Sauna Bar

Rua Borges Lagoa, 287 - São Paulo - SP, 04038-030, Brazil

Phone: +55 11 5573-3923

Google Map:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lagoa+sauna+sao+Paulo&fb=1&hq=lagoa+sauna&hnear=Sao+Paulo+-+S%C3%A3o+Paulo,+Brazil&cid=13021637820572287161

[MsGuy]

Thanks for these posts from Brazil, OZ. I am really enjoying reading them.

That bit about sending your date home to his wife was priceless!

[axiom2001]

Thanks for these posts from Brazil, OZ. I am really enjoying reading them.

That bit about sending your date home to his wife was priceless!

Glad to read that you made it safely after your long journey. Keep us posted, please but remember to do it at YOUR leisure. This trip is yours to enjoy!!!

[TotallyOz]

That bit about sending your date home to his wife was priceless!

But, so true!

Glad to read that you made it safely after your long journey. Keep us posted, please but remember to do it at YOUR leisure. This trip is yours to enjoy!!!

Thanks. Don't worry about me. I'll enjoy it a great deal.

Day 2 Sao Paulo

I ate my free breakfast in the hotel lounge. I had eggs, bacon, sausage and a muffin. The coffee in Brazil is the best anywhere. I just love it and I had 3 cups (I never have more than one anywhere).

I met my friend for Lunch and we walked around the Jardins today. I found a few lovely things for my niece that I bought and we returned to the hotel for a programa. He knows he can stay with me all day and night but when I come, I am ready for him to go. He is such a great date. I would bring him to the USA with me in a heartbeat if only he spoke one word of English.

After he left, I went to Fragata. I have always had great luck at this sauna. Most of the people I know that visit here only go to Lagoa and I have never really understood that. Fragata is great and the boys are very easy to chat with and very down to earth.

I was there REALLY early and there were few customers. There was the absolutely adorable blond twink there that I had to be with. He walked past me and did not acknowledge my presence. (hard to do when there are only 3 customers there). So I got up and followed him and chatted. He is gay, 19 years old from South of Brazil. I went with him for a programa and Oh My. He was just as yummy as I hoped. He is a bit of a diva and thinks he is "all that and more." Well, I agree with him. He is all that and more. I had a great time and will be back to see him again. He asked for 60R and I agreed without hesitation.

Afterward, he brought a few friends over to say hi and they all tried to get me to do a programma. I said no as I had already been with two. But, the insisted and I said, "Ok, how about my friend fucking each of you?" They said OK and we were off for a 4 way. Well, it was really a 3 way as I didn't much participate except to direct.

I had a good time. I am not really sure why my bill was over 160R. I had 2 rooms and lots of drinks but I didn't keep up with the drinks as he had about 5 friends at one point at the table.

Loverboy got paid 2 times and was thrilled and as I was leaving, so was he. I tipped him well on both occasions. His friends were happy as well. The one thing I say about Brazil is that the boys never mind a 3 way. They seem to be OK with it with anyone. Money is money to them. In Thailand, many of the boys are very shy about this. Not here.

I got back to my hotel around 8 or so and didn't want to go out again so I ordered room service. I'll not add the cost of that to my budget trip as I always feel I am getting fucked when I order hotel food and they don't wait for me to orgasm.

Day 2 was a success. I have another date tomorrow at lunch with the same guys as today at lunch and we are headed to the mall.

http://www.termasfragata.com.br/

Rua Francisco Leitao 71

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Jardim Paulista

+55 (11) 8537-061

[TotallyOz]

Interesting side-note: I was checking my Marriott account today and noticed I was up over 50,000 points. That is almost half of what I spent for the week at my hotel. I looked around and it said Mega Bonus Points. I don't even remember what I registered for but my last stays at a Marriott (last week) apparently let me hit the jackpot and I went up 50k points. As stated in the first post in this thread, be sure to register for everything out there every-time. You never know what good stuff you will get.

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

things must be going exceptionally well.. It's been 36 hours without an update..I guess too busy with all the beautiful boys.

[TotallyOz]

LOL Sorry, for the delay.

Day 3: Sao Paulo

I had my regular for lunch. No, I didn't eat him. Well, perhaps I did. He is tasty.

Then, a good friend, Danilo picked me up and took me and his boyfriend for ice cream. We walked around Ave. Paulista. There is a great antiques fair there every Sunday that I love and I like to see all the things I would love to buy if I ever stopped living in hotels.

I went to Fragata at night and had a nice time. I did not get there till late and found one boy I like that I met yesterday. I then returned to the hotel.

Day 4: Sao Paulo

I went to the mall this AM shopping and had lunch there. I was bad and had McDonalds. I ate a Quarter Pounder with NO cheese. Cheese adds about 110 calories to the meal and it is just not worth it to me.

I have dinner plans with Danilo tonight and we are going to eat with his family.

For those that don't know Danilo, he is the ultimate tour guide in Sao Paulo. I met him many years ago when he as a young lad. He has turned into a handsome muscle boy (believe it or not guys) and very stable and reliable. He has his own car and knows how to talk to the sauna boys and knows all the hot spots in Sao Paulo. He has always been great to me when in Rio or Sao Paulo. He has a review on this site!

The eye candy at the mall is amazing. IMHO this is where the models go. I almost broke my neck twisting and turning.

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

come on now, OZ, we want details.. not the cliffnotes version...

[TotallyOz]

come on now, OZ, we want details.. not the cliffnotes version...

LOL I'll try to do better tomorrow. I see the same boy for Lunch EVERYDAY I am in Sao Paulo. When I go to the saunas, if I find someone I like, I like to see them over and over. I'll look for a new boy tomorrow to add some spice to the routine. Or, if I can get Danilo to take me to the park tonight, I might have a story for later. I love the gay park at night. But, he doesn't like me to talk to all those thuggy boys. He thinks I am fragile.

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

LOL I'll try to do better tomorrow. I see the same boy for Lunch EVERYDAY I am in Sao Paulo. When I go to the saunas, if I find someone I like, I like to see them over and over. I'll look for a new boy tomorrow to add some spice to the routine. Or, if I can get Danilo to take me to the park tonight, I might have a story for later. I love the gay park at night. But, he doesn't like me to talk to all those thuggy boys. He thinks I am fragile.

As everyone knows, I am a visual person. How about some pics to spice up your stories..??? How about one or more pics of Danilo to show us how he has evolved from the cute twink to the handsome muscleboy. Did you get a pic of the punky boy from your first sauna visit or the blond boy from second visit??

[TotallyOz]

As everyone knows, I am a visual person. How about some pics to spice up your stories..??? How about one or more pics of Danilo to show us how he has evolved from the cute twink to the handsome muscleboy. Did you get a pic of the punky boy from your first sauna visit or the blond boy from second visit??

No pics yet. However, I think you and Firecat are in Kahoots. I charged my camera battery and will be taking it from now on. However, I am more shy than TomCal and have never asked a boy from the sauna to take pics. I take the ones that come to my hotel but that is about it.

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

No pics yet. However, I think you and Firecat are in Kahoots. I charged my camera battery and will be taking it from now on. However, I am more shy than TomCal and have never asked a boy from the sauna to take pics. I take the ones that come to my hotel but that is about it.

Last year, I took my camera with me but left it in my locker at the sauna. But when i returned to my locker to get payment for the boys, I asked then if I could take a picture.. It wasnt a nude pic at that point, but usually shirtless and something I could enjoy at a later time.

[TotallyOz]

Last night I went to LaGoa late after dinner and had a nice time. I met one of my old flames and we hooked up. He is a sweetie and I always enjoy the time with him.

It as around 10PM and the place was still fairly busy. Lots of boys and several clients. The atmosphere was a bit more relaxed than on the weekends!

I did have to take a taxi there and back and the rate was about 22R both ways as there was no traffic. I also took some photos but none were clear in the room and after the 4th I gave up. I think I need to reset my camera to inside. I'll keep trying.

Day 5:

I walked around Paulista and the Jardins today. I was by myself all afternoon. I saw some really hot guys on the street but I was just shopping and browsing around the area.

I had to go to a travel agent as I booked my airline tickets online, did not get an e-mail confirmation, called them and they said they have no record of it. The bank says they took the money. So, I didn't want to attempt another online transaction and I went to a travel agent.

Being so late, the cost was 460R for a seat from Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre. I could have saved 300 if I had listened to TomCal and bought weeks ago. I just wanted to be sure I was going first and the prices kept jumping. I tried to book online a few days ago for 230 but it didn't go through. I wonder if that was because I had all my USA bank information and was from a Brazil IP? I don't know but I went with the travel agent to be sure.

I went tonight with Danilo and his BF to dinner. We went to Bovinus Churrascaria. It is not the same as the one near the Renasissance as that is not the meat place but it is the same name. We had all you can eat and the food was excellent. The deserts were included in the price which is not true at many of these places. The cost is about 50R per person. Not cheap by any means but really a great meal, great atmosphere and lots of cute guys to look at.

Bovinus

Av Reboucas, 1604-Jardins

http://www.bovinus.com.br

Danilo and I are meeting up in the AM to shop. Yeah! One of my favorite things to do. He is also going to introduce me to his real estate friend who is looking for an apartment for me. Wish me luck!

[TotallyOz]

Day 6

A very pissed off Oz. I went to Fragata to see my blond boy. He wasn't there. None of his friends were there. Sitting at one table with a customer was an adorable twink. I saw down and waited patiently. Then, over the next hour over 10 beautiful twink came in. 5 of whom I wanted. Guess where ALL 5 sat? At the same fucking table. They sat and drank and smiled but would not get up and work. I don't know what this guy was doing. I know he wasn't paying them all but maybe I am a foreigner and not welcome?

Was he paying them all? When he left the table to go to bathroom, one boy turned around and said, sex? I said yes. We talked about active and passive and agreed on a price. The man came back and he said, "one momento." That lasted another hour. So, I had basically wasted 3 hours waiting for one boy. I left.

Went outside to wait for a taxi. NO taxi's anywhere to be found. I was out of luck. I walked for about 5 minutes to the restaurant Bovino's and they found a taxi for me. It is a very short walk in case you ever get hungry at a Fragata.

Now, this twink magnet reminded me of the famous Marc Anthony. But, he always invited me to his table. This bastard today, didn't. He didn't like me. I know I smelled good as I wore my best cologne.

What happened? How did I fuck up so bad?

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

Was Tomcal in town already? His popularity with the boys might attract the kind of attention this person had, but I doubt Tomcal would greedily hog all the boys to himself.....

[TotallyOz]

Was Tomcal in town already? His popularity with the boys might attract the kind of attention this person had, but I doubt Tomcal would greedily hog all the boys to himself.....

Nope, he was a local. Tom may get all the boys, but I think he would let me have just one.

[Guest tomcal]

Nope, he was a local. Tom may get all the boys, but I think he would let me have just one.

I am a very sharing type guy! I would have let you have Two of them!! LOL

See you Friday in Porto Alegre!

[TampaYankee]

Day 6

What happened? How did I fuck up so bad?

I don't know Oz, sometimes a day just turns to shit for no apparent reason.

[firecat691614502759]

Poor Oz.

At least if you had your camera you could have taken pics of boys you could not have!!! Guess you should have brought Danilo with you . He could have told that nasty Brazilian what a good guy you are and how you share willingly!!!!

[TotallyOz]

LOL I did get the boys name. It was Gabriel. Doesn't that just roll off your tongue? Today is my last day in Sao Paulo and I can't decide if I want to go back there to find him, or go to LaGoa. I have had really great luck with Fragata this trip. I think much better than Lagoa. But, last night left a bad taste in my mount (and I didn't need to gargle afterward).

[TotallyOz]

I got my final bill from the Marriott today. I stayed 7 nights with them in a one bedroom suite. Free breakfast every day and free Internet. The final cost of this stay 42R. That was the cost of the cheeseburger I ordered late one night. No other charges. YIPPEE!

PS. They also sent me a nightcap every night for free!