Mavica

Aside from the perpetuation of the terror the Russian leadership has engaged in, in the Ukraine ... I have an affinity for the Russian people. I previously had the opportunity to travel in Russia (40+ years ago, in the 1980s) and just prior to its indefensible attacks on the people of the Ukraine I'd been in the final planning stage of extended rail travel from London to Beijing crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway - with stops along the way.

Lest we forget, it was Donald Trump in his first term as President, turned deaf ear to Ukraine before this war started, withheld more than $400 million in arms build-up aid because Ukraine wouldn't help him go after Hunter Biden, the Bidens, etc. Trump's delaying of aid greatly benefited the Russians. There have recently been delays in supplying material, also.

Okay. I'll make an exception ... for him!

I prefer a shower before, then again after. That doesn't always work, not so much with GP/Escorts but with guys met when out at a bar or elsewhere. Many years ago I'd cruise the bushes in a couple of the Chicago public parks at night and hooked up with a great many guys there. So, obviously, no shower beforehand.

Bumping the discussion, for no other reason but to remind me of the good 'ol days! 😀

A word about reviews. How many of us post reviews of businesses, hotels, restaurants, etc. to google, trip advisor, booking.com, etc.? I suspect not many. I've posted reviews to booking.com for each hotel I've booked through the site. I have more than 100 reviews posted at tripadvisor. Some people are quick to complain about reviews but don't post their own. Overall, I carefully review the reviews, the posting history of those providing them, and find them, generally, to be worthwhile. Don't complain if you don't participate, is my opinion.

Great photos, thank you for sharing!

Yes.

I check / research pricing information before I use any reservation site and read guest reviews extensively. We can find many complaints about just about any third-party booking sites. There are places that don't have their own reservation site and have been available only on booking.com. I've personally seen no discrepancies when using Booking.com and I am not saying others haven't. I've also read through many of the complaints included in the links above; many aren't a fault of that booing site IMO.

I've successfully used booking.com a score or more times in the USA / Mexico / Ireland for more than a decade without negative incidents and I expect to continue to use the site for bookings if I don't use the lodging's own website. Sometimes I've paid via booking.com for the lodging but most of the time payment has been made at the lodging site itself.

Off your meds, again?

Yes. Bend him over.

How did the trip to Marrakesh go? I ask because visiting Marrakech is a possible destination for me in September. Just possible, at this point in time. Thank you.

I've been to Xi'an once: 1980. Because there wasn't a foreign tourism network developed yet the small group I traveled with was housed in a military/VIP guesthouse compound. As I left the compound and walked the streets nearby people gathered around me. Several students of English spoke with me and the others around me were so impressed with them. I had a good camera with me and let people look through the lens, and they were fascinated. I also had a Polaroid camera, took a couple of photos of individuals and there was quite a commotion when others viewed them. It was as if they'd never seen a photo of themselves before - which I don't think they had. The Terracotta Warriors were stunningly impressive.

I lived most of my life in Chicago and during the Summer months, and into early Fall, I and several friends would rent a house in Saugatuck usually for a week at a time. 2 or 3 times during the Summer. There were occasions, though, that we'd rent individual rooms at Douglas Dunes and for several years the restaurant there was one of the best i the area attracting gay and straight. I haven't been there in the past 15 years, though. The beaches at Saugatuck are fantastic and the Lake Michigan water can be warm into late September; I came close to buying a small cottage nearby. I have many great memories of Douglas Dunes and the area (particularly in the 80s/90s).

About three decades ago there was a serial killer targeting gay men in Acapulco; Mexican and foreigners. At the time, it was estimated two dozen gay men had been murdered. An American friend of mine living in ACA at the time was one of those victims. There was never an arrest.

One of the greatest entertainment shows on television, at the time. Totally fraudulent, but Tammy Fay, Jim ... the drama! Her makeup! I watched it for entertainment value, only. Drag Queen friends of mine loved Tammy Fay. Who could tell the difference? Drag or a real woman?

It hasn't dawned on you that you were, are the rude old man in this situation? Mind your own business.

I have no tats. However, on occasion I've asked guys with them, about them. Then again, when I lived in Chicago and rode the subway to/from work ... I'd ask an amputee sitting next to me about the loss of their limb(s). In both those situations, those I asked seemed appreciative with the question. I think the tone of voice makes a difference.