hank75

I did not know this, actually. Very good tip. I will likely have opportunities to return but not family members. So it has to happen first trip, if at all. Thank you I will keep in mind.

I’m asking because it’s also possible I may travel with family members instead - their safety is paramount, more important than my own!

pong, while I generally enjoy your forum input, the masks you keep dismissing could also be hospital grade surgical masks which are effective for their specific purposes, not by any means “old style” and more immediately accessible to most people than the “Europe painter” masks you suggest. Please don’t scare members into assuming their surgical masks are good for nothing.

Does he work regularly in any bar?

Interested to know what made Luang Prabang more enjoyable than Vientiane? Never been to either

Based on my personal experience mixed in with tips from friends, these can all be very successful holidays with a little advance planning. Taiwan is a great gay destination, especially during pride week. No problems at all if you choose to hold hands in public. Lots of cultural sights, night markets which he may enjoy to compare to Thai night markets, and some good but easy hiking just a short commute from the city. If you’re willing to plan an overnight, there are hot spring resorts an hour or two drive. Meals may require some advance thought but shouldn’t be an issue.

Definitely had some work done (maybe that’s where prize money was invested) and increased muscle mass. Both versions cute.

Per person or per balloon? At any point did you feel unsafe or the operator was unskilled? I generally dislike heights but would be willing to take a risk for this magical experience, would want a very professional and safety focused operator to ease my mind.

Quieter Response to Coronavirus in Countries Where China Holds Sway

Point taken, and maybe I should elaborate. Boy in question - like most Thais - is an avid temple goer. Once we were in the vicinity of the Four Face Buddha and I suggested going together for him to make merit, this received a very grudging reaction and an “Up to you”, upon prodding I received a somewhat garbled explanation that the shrine was good for foreigners but Thai people could go elsewhere (untrue I know, many Thais worship there too but this is just specific to the same boy who wanted to go to Shwedagon). My assumption from his response was, either he thought the hordes of tourists compromised the efficacy of the Buddha (on his personal level, as no Thai would ever say the Four Face was not efficacious) or he disliked the crowds too or else he thought it was just too expensive with falang pricing on the offerings. Never got to the bottom of this. But my point with Shwedagon was, if he didn’t enjoy the Four Face Buddha experience (and even Wat Hua Lamphong which I enjoy visiting and he visibly does not) he would likely not enjoy the equally touristic Shwedagon. But you are right and I will do more research on the relics too in case this balances out the stress of braving crowds.

Inspired by CurtisD’s wonderful trip report to Myanmar, I thought I would continue the spin off discussion as to where one could travel with a boy companion to mutual enjoyment. I’m interested for any recommendations or suggestions within Myanmar as I’ve only been once to Yangon and don’t recall it as being easy to navigate particularly with a Thai boy in tow who has a specific palate. Philippines or KL are not for me as I find neither city charming, few sights, and if going to the beach, Thailand’s beaches are equally beautiful with the bonus of, well, being in Thailand with the food and language familiarity. So I guess I’m looking for either an easy adventure or a nice escape from the daily grind. Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong are all good suggestions. If anyone has successfully planned a trip there with your Thai companion I’d be keen to hear about it.

Could not agree more. I was not captivated by initial promo pics but the actual show pics are Woww! Pity they didn’t see fit to upload a video

I would happily stand to be corrected if anyone can affirmatively tell me that they have been to Shwedagon in the past year, it was not crammed with tourists and touts, and had locals worshipping. My own memories are hazy but I recall tour buses, and Buddhas draped with fairy lights and neon halos. Not what I would travel a distance and incur expenses to visit. But admittedly it has been some years. Western tourists are not my worry, Asian tour groups are especially the Chinese and Korean who are everywhere in great quantities (well with the exception of this month. I have some thoughts and questions on the other suggestions you, GWMinUS and spoon kindly made and will start another thread so as not to clutter up CurtisD’s report which I am enjoying as much for his writing as for the content.

I’m sorry if I missed this part in your reports. Did you fly in to Yangon or it a direct flight to Mandalay? A while ago I discussed with a boy about taking him on a short trip, but couldn’t find any nearby country that held his attention. In his words “Thailand good, have everything” and upon being shown photos of Bagan he in return showed me photos of Ayutthaya lol. But recently he enthusiastically Line’d me photos of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Turns out one of his friends told him this was the place to go to pray for a financial windfall. No idea where these barboys are getting their information. He was rather crestfallen when I told him Shwedagon is extremely touristy and he’d be better off at the Four Face Buddha in Bangkok. Mandalay could be a good option for us if there is enough to see and do, apart from 1700 steps which I already know he won’t be up for. Is it still less touristy and can the food be adapted for a Thai palate? However I do want to see Bagan too so another option is to leave him out entirely.

What I’ve been told is, surgical masks (worn by hospital staff) are effective at blocking out the flu viruses which are transmitted through sneezes and coughs. The droplets need to be inhaled deep into the lungs for infection to transmit. So shielding mouth and nose is sufficient. People are not at risk through air passing around the sides of the mask as the viruses don’t transmit this way. They ARE at risk from still touching contaminated surfaces and bringing their hands to their face around the mask, or sloppy removal of the mask which still conveys droplets to their nose/mouth And as you’ve pointed out, there are other more aggressive viruses are airborne and that surgical masks offer less protection against. The particle size is much smaller. Against cases like these you need the N95/99 masks or those very fitted heavy duty masks with a build in respirator. But if you’re not familiar with how to wear a N95 mask properly, you may not be protected. The regular man on the street may possibly be better off with just a regular surgical mask. and I have heard so many differing opinions about which category the coronavirus falls under that I’m thoroughly confused too.

Pong, the “old style cheapees” could possibly be legit surgical masks (worn by hospital staff) which are actually encouraged to wear in times of virus contamination. They have a water resistant filter to shield your nose and mouth if you are in close contact with an unmasked patient who may be coughing/sneezing. many of the stylish, high tech masks are only for pollution and industrial environments.

Mr Ohm is a hulk! Makes all the other guys look like midgets

More of Mr Bank

Yes the tattoos are very large and distracting, not sure why handsome guys like to camouflage themselves like this. But hopefully the posture is only a trick of the camera angle.

I had the same thoughts. In fact there are many customers from Wuhan city. Some boys I know have been taken there on trips. I hope the bars are disinfecting after every show but I doubt it.

Poppy is an amazing singer and that is a very difficult song. I often wonder why he does not audition for one of the record companies and become a real pop star instead of making his career singing in bars. He has the looks and talent for sure.

I noticed two new models in the Wednesday video. One of them is a stunner! Apparently he is named Bank. I hope he will be featured regularly and is available for offs.

So you had longtime from 2 guys from Jupiter? Congratulations! And company too for Laos.

Each time I watch the Jupiter videos I think this is a very unflattering camera angle. All the boys look short and chunky even the tall lean ones like Arm. Someone should point this out to the bar. Many of the new boys seem to be sporting Elvis quiffs too!

I find Songkran a great opportunity to hook up with other gay Asian travellers. Some of the most attractive men I have ever seen are there! Plenty of action everywhere. Easy to make friends. So the bars do not hold my attention. I noticed the hot French guy at Le Meridien too he wasn’t there on my last trip and must have been transferred over from another property recently. There was some issue with my room and he promised to try and upgrade me on my next visit. Time to plan a return! If you want to stay here during Songkran, book it now! Lots of Grindr action within this hotel alone. My friend room hopped every night during Songkran. LOL.