mvan1

Last night I bought a LAX - GRU ticket for $657.00, taxes included. I can use an American Airlines "system wide upgrade" to upgrade to business class. That makes this round-trip flight $328.50 each direction. Usually, a round-trip business class fare runs in excess of $6,000.00. That $657.00 fare is incredible. It is truly a gift from the airline. I read that other air carriers are now competing with American Airlines in air fares to Brazil. Unquestionably, an air fare war is in progress. Check United and Delta and you will see similar fares to Brazil. Eventually, these incredible fares have to come to an end. The matter will soon be like the words of an auctioneer - going, going - gone! "Strike while the iron is hot" as the idiom is said.

Thank you very much for your interesting posts of your visits to Thailand. My reading of various reports related to the gay scene in Thailand, together with reading your reports, causes me to conclude that it is now a standard procedure for the police to visit gay establishments merely to harass sex workers. What changed or what happened to cause this behavior of the Thai police? Is the target of the harassment or raids limited to only at the sex workers? Does the harassment also extend to patrons of the bars or establishments? The current behavior of the police cannot be good for tourism in the gay areas. It has been several years since I last visited Thailand. In the days I visited Thailand, there were no raids and there was no harassment of gays or of establishments. The Thai people seemed to live and let live. Considering the current attitude and behavior of the Thai police, I think I will stay away from Thailand. Instead, I will continue to visit other countries where gays are not considered pariahs and/or members of a low class of people that need to be harassed.

See the below sited article from today's Rio Times. The article is disturbing in several ways. I was not aware of the huge number of violent deaths reported in Brazil each year. I also was not aware that Blacks were a major portion of those reported violent deaths. The article mentions the "arbitrary" behavior of police when it comes to dealing with the poor, particularly Black poor people. Based on the article, it appears that police in Brazil "shoot first, then ask questions later" when it comes to the poor Blacks. The article also discusses other causes for the disparity of death ratios. This is a very ugly side of Brazil. We tourists tend to only see the fun and glory of Brazil. To use a famous idiom, "all the glitters, is not gold." http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-politics/study-finds-black-brazilians-killed-by-gunfire-2-5-more-than-whites/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRioTimes+%28The+Rio+Times%29

For those who visit Rio and like the convenience of the Metro over taxis, here is good news. Of course, there could be another delay (there have been many) between now and next month when Line 4 is scheduled for completion. http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-real-estate/rio-de-janeiros-new-metro-line-4-on-track/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRioTimes+%28The+Rio+Times%29

I think that his comment makes sense. He indirectly commented on earlier posts (made by me and by others) wherein it was discussed that there isn't enough work for the garotos to keep them employed in ordinary jobs, hence the sauna work. The idiom he quoted also means garotos (or all persons) need to keep busy so that they will not be "idle" and possibly get into trouble. His point totally coincides with this thread

The two guys in your photo are supposed to be twin brothers. There are lots of photos of them throughout the internet. I wonder if they really are twins. They do not look alike, in my opinion. They perform in various cities in the world. Here is another link to one of many found on the internet. http://thenewsgayper.com/2014/07/25/ohalley-brothers/ "The Brazilian twin brothers, Bachir Mendez Maroff and Fabiano Mendez Maroff known under their DJ/Producer moniker the O’Halley Brothers have become rising stars in the House and Circuit club scene around the world. Their consistency in maintaining a “Peak Hour” house sound throughout their performances give the audiences exactly what they want. In addition to performing at World Pride in Toronto, Canada, they’ve also performed in London, Zurich, Milan, Amsterdam, Ireland, Prague, Greece, Turkey, Kiev and throughout Russia numerous times. Currently based in Moscow, Russia the twins are getting ready to make their US debut in the fall. They recently signed an overall management deal with Nader Group International in Los Angeles, California. With their talent, showmanship, remixes and original productions the sky is the limit for these Brothers, but they’ll always remain humble."

This is true. I personally know several garotos who make only 50 to 75 reais per day after 8 - 10 hours of hard labor. If the labor involves outdoor construction or other outdoor work, the garotos get no work for that day, if it rains. And, the garotos do not get paid for the day. Going back to the idiom, "half a loaf is better than none" applies to garotos and the saunas.

While it is possible that some of the decrease in Brazilian passengers is attributable to bargain airfare specials, there is no getting around the fact that unemployment in Brazil, together with the devalued Brazilian currency, are the major causes of less Brazilian passengers on the planes between the U.S. and Brazil and vice versa. Economies are somewhat like a teeter-totter. One economy goes up while another goes down. And, the changes continue. That is just the way things are. A dozen years ago, Americans (and some from other countries) could visit Brazil for little money. Hotels, food (and garotos) were dirt cheap. Then, the Brazilian economy improved and things became expensive for Americans and other tourists. Many Americans stopped visiting Brazil, totally. Prices in hotels tripled or quadrupled, food in restaurants tripled or quadruped and so forth, as did other commodities and necessities that are found in Brazil. The only thing that did not triple or quadruple is the price asked by garotos. The price of garotos has increased a little but no where near the rate of inflation. Despite that small increase, most garotos are pleased with what they earn because the money they earn is far greater than what they would make if they had a conventional job, or no job at all. Although prices for most things in Brazil have increased, this is partially offset by the current favorable exchange rate to foreigners for the local currency. By no means does the favorable exchange rate cancel out the inflation that took place over the past decade. Once again, the teeter-totter has made visiting Brazil a bargain. The present air fare war only adds to the savings for visiting Brazil.

A dozen years ago, it was rare to see more than a few Brazilians on flights between the U.S. and Brazil. Then, about five years ago or so, the Brazilian economy expanded. A new group of "middle class" was formed and those people were given credit cards by major Brazilian banks. The change to "middle class" status created a lot of opportunities for Brazilians that were never before available to the general rank and file Brazilians . Some of the fallout to the increase in "middle class" was a drop in the number of former and new garotos in the saunas. During the high point of the "middle class" it was usual to see at least half of each flight between the U.S. and Brazil filled with Brazilians. However, during the past year, there are noticeably fewer Brazilians aboard flights between the U.S. and Brazil. Wouldn't you know, there is a study for just about everything, including why Brazilians are taking their vacations within Brazil rather than taking foreign vacations. Here is an interesting article that discusses a little of the above. Of course, the article does not discuss the changes to the rent boy saunas. Those in the know are aware of those statistics. http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-business/more-brazilians-opting-for-domestic-travel/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRioTimes+%28The+Rio+Times%29

When the guys have no jobs, many go to the saunas - http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-business/unemployment-in-brazil-increases-in-q1-2015/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRioTimes+%28The+Rio+Times%29

The high increase in unemployment in Brazil is blamed for a 24% drop in auto sales, year over year. This is a bad sign for Brazil's economy, for sure. Many Brazilians who only a few years ago were classified as "middle class" are no longer in that category because of being unemployed. Many of those former "middle class" who had jobs and bank credit cards, no longer have credit because they are unemployed. Credit that was available to the "middle class" stimulated the economy. Now things have changed. In light of the high unemployment in Brazil, I suspect that we will be seeing more garotos in the saunas equal to or greater than the quantity we saw eight or ten years ago. Below is a link to an article that discusses the auto decline and some of other Brazilian economic decline - http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-business/sales-of-new-vehicles-in-brazil-decline/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRioTimes+%28The+Rio+Times%29

Price wars can be fun!

Here is another side to mistake fares. If you are a frequent flier of an particular airline and you opt in to take advantage of the mistake, you will not get any mileage credit for taking the flight. Take a look at this additional article written last month concerning mistake fares: http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/07/flying-on-a-mistake-fare-youre-not-a-customer-whose-business-we-want-to-incentivize/

Thanks for the info. It makes sense for an airline to route people through their hubs and in the process, offer lower fares because of odd routing. That $381 fare sure seems like it is a one-way fare, but it might not be. There are lots of "mistake fares" that the DOT makes airlines honor. Just last month American Airlines had to honor a confirmed business class fare to Beijing that cost about $1,100. That fare is generally around $6,500. Mistake fares are rare but they do happen. Here is something to read concerning mistake fares and how you might go about finding one. http://www.extrapackofpeanuts.com/airline-mistake-fares/ If you google "mistake fares" you will find other articles discussing how to find these fares. -

Is that fare for round-trip or only one-way? I agree, that routing is "crazy ass" and I am wondering how in the world you got an airline computer to give that routing and fare.

The cheap American Airlines fares are also available from the west coast for about one hundred dollars more than from New York. The fares are valid even for flights months from now. As you wrote about the cheap fares, "you need to jump on it." These fares won't last long.

Check out this offer today - To Sao Paulo and Rio - Now is a good time to visit Brazil and experience first hand (and see) all the things you have been reading about in this forum. American – $640 – $675: New York – Sao Paulo / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Roundtrip, including all Taxes

Thanks for the information. It is good to know that Luis is still doing well. On the other hand, the other person you mentioned (Edgard from Lagoa) - died last year. Lagoa is now owned by Rodolfo. Out of the original three founders of Lagoa, only Rodolfo remains. Maybe Junior and Luis can convince Rodolfo to help finance the revived Estacao. Rio could use another sauna.

The video is clear and it shows a place where there is lots and lots of fun. -

Citibank has something they call "virtual account number" which is a throw away or limited use credit card NUMBER that is linked to your "real" credit card number. For those big spenders in Brazil who pay in cash because they are concerned their credit card will be compromised or your privacy will be breached, might consider this option from Citibank. The "virtual account number" can also be used in the U.S. or on-line and in a variety of other places, including paying escorts that advertise they accept credit cards. Here is a link to a little more about how to set up this service, if you bank at Citibank. http://www.doctorofcredit.com/create-a-virtual-account-number-van-with-citi-limit-it-to-one-use-spending-limit-and-more/? Think of all the lost airline miles and hotel points we gave up simply because we did not want to use our credit cards in certain instances.

Speaking of Pointe 202 and Junior, there used to be a partner at Pointe 202, named Luis (also an attorney) seen often at Pointe. Admittedly, I rarely go to Pointe anymore, but I have not seen Luis at least for the last five or six visits. Does anyone know what became of Luis?

I was there several times last year (two different trips -many visits to the sauna during those trips). There were lots of Brazilians, lots of Cubans, several guys from Africa and perhaps, 20% Eastern European - Thermas Barcelona was remodeled a couple of years ago and the remodel shows that a lot of care went into the design. The first floor and the floor where the swimming pool and bar are located are very nice. The "cruising level" could use a bit more lighting, but it is okay. Who ever told you "most of the guys in the saunas there are East Euro or Russian" were mistaken. I have been going to that sauna for many years. I have never seen it with "most" being as you stated. -

How did you arrive at your conclusion about "guys that visit from the states?" When I was there, I was interested in the local scene and culture. The chief difference I noticed (comparing the guys in Santo Domingo versus guys in Brazil) was the lack of "charm" of the Dominican hustlers, as I already reported above. I did not pay much attention to other tourist visitors to Santo Domingo. I was there to do my own thing. I heard occasional complaints from Americans alleging that hustlers were asking too much. I also heard similar complaints from Americans who visit Brazil. Same tune, different orchestra! I am puzzled how you concluded that visitors to Santo Domingo from the states are a "lower budget" than those visitors to Brazil. Just curious.

I can confirm that there are many available Brazilians in London. Last year I reported in the forum, my experience at a facility in London that offers lots of Brazilian escorts. In this response, I will include some of the information of my prior post. There are various ways to meet Brazilian escorts while in London. You can connect through the internet or visit the long existing “brothel” called Villa Gianni. Villa Gianni is located at #32 Nevern Place, four blocks from the Earl's Court underground station. To find Villa Gianni, take the underground to Earl’s Court station. Exit the underground station, make a left turn, then walk two blocks then turn left on Nevern place, then walk to # 32. At arrival at the facility, ring a door bell at the red painted door that has a 32 on it. The place is in the lower basement of the building. You will not need to say anything when the person answers the door. The person knows why you are there. You will be guided down a hall to a room that has a one way glass that allows a viewer to see the rent boys but the rent boys cannot see the viewer. Each guy stands in front of the glass window and demonstrates and shows off what he has to offer to entice you to choose him. The manager tells you what each guy likes to do. If you like what you see, you advise the manager. You and the garoto you like will be directed to a private bedroom in the villa. The price for one hour is 90 pounds, Sterling, payable after the event concludes. That price is cheap considering it is London, one of the most expensive cities in the world. The nearly non existent risk to clients (not being scammed by fakes and bogus ads), this facility is awesome. If the escort is more than satisfying, a handsome tip to the escort is definitely in order after the session, even though the escort does not ask for a tip. During my first visit, the only guys there were Brazilians. On later visits there were other types and other nationalities. A good thing about an operation like this is, we do not have to contend with fake ads and bogus/stolen photos or escorts demanding money up front then not performing.

I visited Santo Domingo only once a couple of years ago. Although I liked my time spent there, I have no plans to return. There are lots of hustlers in the city. I was lucky to avoid any crooked ones or scam artists. All were clean, polite, performed as agreed and asked for little money in exchange for their services. Prior to going to Santo Domingo, I had heard warnings of scams in certain areas of the Colonial Zone where tourists are supposedly targeted for scams. Consequently, for the most part, I avoided that area except to see it as a tourist. There is a small, family-owned hotel in Santo Domingo. Many guests are tourists who bring back "visitors" (hustlers or female prostitutes) to a room. The hotel staff and owner appear non judgmental about guests bringing visitors to rooms. The hotel I chose is one of a few decent hotels in Santo Domingo that allows a hotel guest to bring back a visitor. There is a five or six dollar charge for bringing back a visitor to a guest room. The charge includes the front desk registering the visitor and retaining the visitor’s identification, which is returned to the visitor after the hotel guest confirms that everything is in order (you were not robbed, killed etc). The name of the hotel is Hotel Duque De Wellington. If you read Trip Advisor reviews about the above-named hotel, don't be put off by some of the guests complaining about the hustlers and hookers in the lobby or in the area of the hotel. I found the experience entertaining. Yes, the conservative site TripAdvisor.com reports on gay venues. Hustlers can be engaged in bars in Santo Domingo or along the streets near the hotel and/or in other areas in the city. There are many hustlers that hang around the area of the above-mentioned hotel and they are, by and large, friendly and good looking but are lacking in charm. Knowing Spanish is a plus (my Spanish is terrible). However, some of the hustlers know a bit of English. If you know Italian or Portuguese (I am okay with Portuguese), there is enough similarity in the languages for you to communicate (at a basic level) with the Spanish-speaking hustlers in Santo Domingo. Using a smart phone to translate would not be a good idea while trying to negotiate with a guy in the open areas of Santo Domingo. As to Rio being a rich mans’ Dominican Republic, I must disagree. Those two places are nothing alike. The most obvious difference between Brazilian garotos and the Santo Domingo hustlers was the lack of “charm” that is found with the Brazilian garotos but not with the Dominicans. While it is true that the guys in the Dominican Republic were friendly, they lacked the special charm that the Brazilian garotos have. The old musical (My Fair Lady) contains a song that has words that fit the Brazilian garotos but not the guys from the Dominican Republic. The words are “oozing with charm from every pore” definitely applies to Brazilian garotos. If anyone has a desire to check out Dominican Republic, I heartily recommend it as a place to visit. As a place for continuing and/or repeat visits, that possibility must rest with each person after the first visit. Some will like it while others will not.