Mavica

When in Rio de Janeiro last Fall I rented an apartment with one of the combination washers/dryers - but there were no instructions. The rental agent was unresponsive, on this and other issues (like no wi-fi).

Thanks for the Queretaro report. I've been there a handful of times in past decades. It has a sizeable foreign-born population because of the large number of international corporations. Primarily, I view it as an industrial city once you get away from the historic center. It's well-located to visit other cities in the Central Highlands as well as a relatively short jaunt to Mexico City. I've traveled extensively in Mexico for many years and though each of us has different criteria QRO wouldn't be on my list of places to relocate. It's good to check out the possibilities before moving; it's the smart thing to do. I returned, yesterday, from a two-week trip in Mexico: Mexico City (CDMX), Toluca, Atlixco and Puebla (in Puebla State), and Tlaxcala.

You intended to be evil, and you were/are. What an arrogant POS.

What am I missing? Have you read the reports posted to the Dominican Republic forum? I think you may find what you're looking for in the DR.

The timing isn't right.

I'll be in CDMX and maybe Acapulco for two weeks early-February. I can't help with the CDMX stripper locations. It's been ages since I've been at Tom's, but back in the day it was fun. Yes, be cautious in the dark area. Sex store / glory hole / cabin activity in CDMX is where a lot of anonymous action is taking place.

Yes, on previous visits I made my way up to the church, on Sunday. EDIT: The apartment I rented in Gloria this last trip was at the base of the Hill, and around the corner from the famous steps, which were locked/closed during my stay.

I tend to stay off the beaten path of other (foreign) tourists - and my reason for visiting Rio is not just the sauna's. I'm an explorer. Experience at a destination should result in being inquisitive and wanting to venture further from areas frequently recommended in guidebooks, travel forums, etc. In my first several newbie visits to Rio I stayed in Copacabana (i.e., Atlantico, etc.). Future trips have taken me to Catete and Gloria. I stayed in Gloria for two weeks at the end of September/beginning of October 2025 and enjoyed it. The only Uber I took was at the end of my trip, to the airport. Everything else was on foot or by Metro. I walked a lot. I've traveled outside the USA, extensively. Age and experience should allow us to develop a gut feeling when things might not be right; risk warnings. First visits to a destination can cause anxiety, particularly if we read the most sensational news stories and I understand that. Regarding a comment in the discussion that streets are quiet/dead after dark: not so in my experience. That's when residents really come out and enjoy themselves in so many sections of the city. A future visit might find me based in Leblon, however. It's an area I explored on foot during my last visit to Rio and I really liked the vibe, the beach, the people ... but, yes, it's more expensive. Probably a splurge trip for me.

I agree.

A close/good friend of mine was a (gay) Roman Catholic Priest, Pastor of a parish church being demolished as part of the Archdiocese downsizing. I assisted with his move out of the Rectory. Some teenage altar boys helped with packing his personal belongings. One of the 14 y.o. boys was in the bathroom and let out a screech when he came upon two dildos in the cabinet under the sink. I grabbed them and said they were mine! Shocked, he believed me thinking that I, too, was a (perverted) Priest. It saved my friend the embarrassment. [Nothing improper ever happened between illicitly between the Priest, or myself - with the Angelic altar boys].

Can I order him via Amazon?

If you haven't seen / read it yet, check this out: LOS SAUNAS GAY BRASILEÑOS - Jose Soplanucas

Great reports, and photos @Latbear4blk . Thank you!