Can the Saunas Be Avoided?

[Mike_M]

I disagree with you, Axiom. I think this turn of conversation in this topic has led to some of the most intelligent and insightful discussions I have read on this sight.

 

I think we have read numerous times how the saunas work and the recommended hotels and the oohs and ahs over the favorite escorts, but seldom has the discussion aimed so deep.

 

I travelled to Rio for 10 days in November and was charmed to death and have tried to figure what makes it so facinatingly different from the other countries I have visited in Latin America. I thank those that have so eloquently shared their insights and feelings.

[Mike_M]

I disagree with you, Axiom. I think this turn of conversation in this topic has led to some of the most intelligent and insightful discussions I have read on this sight.

 

I think we have read numerous times how the saunas work and the recommended hotels and the oohs and ahs over the favorite escorts, but seldom has the discussion aimed so deep.

 

I travelled to Rio for 10 days in November and was charmed to death and have tried to figure what makes it so facinatingly different from the other countries I have visited in Latin America. I thank those that have so eloquently shared their insights and feelings.

[Guest Gringo]

Mike--

 

>I travelled to Rio for 10 days in November and was charmed to

>death and have tried to figure what makes it so facinatingly

>different from the other countries I have visited in Latin

>America.

 

I too have enjoyed the direction and thoughts this thread has lead to. I also agree that there is a unique magic to BZ. After many trips, in my attempts to explain this to friends, the closest I can come is this: Brasilians have an infectious enthusiasm and joy that transcends age and sexual orientation that is refreshing and unique in all the world.

;-)

[Guest Deweywop]

If we want to get back to the topic question, yes the saunas can be avoided. In these cities of 10 million (Rio) and 20 million (SP), there are the usual huge loud discos, smoky little bars, amusing restaurants, gay ghettos, etc. you'd find in any metropolis. I guess the comments on the board gravitated toward why would you *want* to avoid the Brazilian-style saunas? They're the one thing you're not likely to experience anywhere else. As far as cruising guys on the street or in casual encounters, I didn't sense as much as I expected. And HooBoy, I don't know how my previous comments came across, but I was merely interested in more of your views on Brazilian guys vs. American guys, knowing that your view is probably different.

[jivau3930]

Axiom mentioned my name in a post. I spent 2 weeks in Rio in September 2002 and plan on spending another 2 this coming September. I think (thought) I must be the only gay to visit Rio and not go to the saunas. I had some concerns regarding my weight, being white as a sheet, and totally out of shape. Before I left for Rio I spent months looking at websites, sending e-mails, etc. I made a list of escorts with phone numbers, etc. There was one that I was determined to see - if I didn't spend time with anyone else. As fate(?) would have it, he lived in the apartment complex where I stayed so I spent 11 days with him. That's not to say I didn't see anyone else. Luckly I met on escort through an agency who would phone me daily and say "Jim, I have a beautiful boy for you..." These boys were Alex's friends and not agency escorts. He knew what I liked and made necessary arrangements. I didn't go near a sauna. In fact, I didn't leave my apartment for sex - they all came to me. Of course, My number 1 was the apartment resident since we were seperated by one floor. I may have had 1000% more fun at the saunas but I was more comfortable with the arrangement I had.

Visit the Apollous and netgay websites. Apollus is more expensive than other agencies. Apollus rate is US$80.00 for 90 minutes ($40. to th escort, $40. to Apollus). Alex at Apollus does speak English. I didn't find anyone who spoke English at other agencies.

Actually, you pay the agency once. The boy will give you his cell number and you can call him direct if you want to see him again.

Anyway, the bottom line is - you can have an absolutely wonderful time in Rio without going near a sauna.

[Guest bam]

>Brasilians have an infectious enthusiasm and joy that transcends age >and sexual orientation that is refreshing and unique in all the >world.

 

gringo you have the heart of a poet and the wisdom of the ages

[Guest Gringo]

BAM--thanks for the compliment....from your lips to His ears. I should be so lucky...;-)

[Guest needtraining]

Hey, I have really enjoyed BOTH the practical advice and info AND the more thematic discussions as well! The site is a wealth of knowledge and sharing. My first Brazil travel guides have just come in the mail so I'm starting my reading. I've even ordered the intro language CD recommended (Pimsleur). It sounds like a unique approach. But the follow-up CDs are VERY expensive. Are they worth it? I expect to be coming back to this discussion often. Cheers.

[jivau3930]

I ordered Pimsleur Brazilian Portuguese I on cassette - 30 cassettes. That's all I listen to when in my car. I've just started the course - I'm on cassette 5. I actually try to spend 1 week on each cassette. I ordered the course on-line through Barnes and Noble. Is it worth the $299.?? Depends on the depth. There are advanced courses. The Pimsleur method is definitely the only way to go. The only thing Pimsleur doesn't provide is a 19 year old hottie to converse with!

[jivau3930]

Correction - not 30 cassettes but 30 lessons,,

[CT Dick]

>The only thing Pimsleur

>doesn't provide is a 19 year old hottie to converse with!

 

Aquele não é um problema em Rio.

 

Dick