Soiree Logistics

[Guest jeffsd]

Guys who attended the last Soiree...wow all I can say is I wish I was there. I would love to join a few from this board on the next trip. I think a few have mentioned October. This would be my first time there.

 

I do know, however, that you guys will probably want to limit the number going as a group since it makes things much more diffcult to coordinate logictically. And the competition for all the hot men may become heated..LOL

 

A couple of questions about your soiree:

 

1) Did you guys just send out an open invitation at one of the Saunas? Or did you issue specific invites to men that you hit it off with?

 

2) Did you guarantee each guy a certain dollar amount for showing up to the Soiree?

 

More info on Santos please...I think I'm in love...LOL

[sf traveler]

In answer to your specific questions,

1. We invited only specific people. We very definitely did not issue a general invite. Of course, Brazilians being Brazilians, they all wanted to bring their friends, but we tried, with some success, to limit it to the people we wanted there. A few uninvited friends showed up, but they turned out to be very nice and there was no problem at all. It turned out so well in fact that I'm a bit concerned that if word gets out about a second, or subsequent affair, we may have more problem limited the guest list.

 

2. We were fairly specific that this was a party not an orgy and that they were not being paid to show up. At the very beginning one of the more mercenary guys, Flavio, took me aside and started complaining about how he needed to make money etc etc. I told him that it was a party and he wasn't getting paid unless he did some programmas. He tried to insist although I didn't really understand if he was asking for something specific or just generalized assurances. I parked him with friend, who later fucked him and thereby cured the problem. Right after my conversation with Flavio I was fairly annoyed but his friends told me not to worry about it, that he was just nervous. And if fact everything turned out fine--I think the only boys who didn't get any business were ones who were married to their gringo boyfriends already.

 

3. Crass as it may sound, don't worry about competition--there's always more where the first one came from.

 

SF Traveler

[Guest Tomcal_]

I agree with everything that my friend SFTraveller said! but most importantly, there are way more boys then there are customers(even with customers like me! lol ) If word gets out that there are 15+ Americans at the saunas, you can bet boys who normally don't work there that often will show up! On Friday and Sats. at 202, 117 and Estacio it's not uncommon to have 30+ boys there, and if they know there are more customers in town it will swell to over 40+. Plus don't forget, there are towel boys(the one at 202 is cute and available) plus another dozen or more at midnight at Corujinha's restaurant. Also Oct is there spring and still slow tourist wise so availability won't be a problem...I promise not to monopolize more then a couple of them! I can't think of a better time to go for your first trip when you will have all the friendly expertise of the M4M's that will be there, Gulliver, Florida Robb, SFTraveller, Robbguy, etc. The dates are Thurs./Fri/ Oct 23/24th to Sunday 11/2

[+ Axiom2001]

It's five months until Soiree 2, and the excitement is already heating! Bravo! TomCal and SF Traveller and others-- if the contingent from the States balloons, do you think you'll hold the party in another venue? Just curious based on what was intimated in Carlo Romano's response regarding boats and farm houses... :)

[sf traveler]

I think the boats and farm house ideas sound wonderful but they're a bit impractical for what we really have in mind, which is a party setting where boys and clients can pair off for a programma or two. For thise the hotel is perfect. On a boat where would you go? If you went farther afield, I think you'd have to guarantee the boys a certain minimum income, and if things weren't happening for a certain boy he wouldn't be able to just leave. To my mind, these things sound nice for a smaller group where the clients could pair up with one boy (don't cry Tom) for the day or two days the trip would take. And I'd also like to say that I've already got my reservations at the Altantico for Oct 24 to Nov 1--I think the week before I'm taking by Brazilian namorado to Iguacu Falls for a couple of days and then maybe Paraty if we can manage it. After a week of monogamy, I'm sure I'll be ready to head out with Tomcal and the boys again! SF Traveler

[Guest Tomcal_]

I agree, the Hotel is the ONLY venue that would work well! You have the food, drinks, socializing AND the ability to haul a boy(or two, I did a 3 way at our party) to your room, then head back to the roof and rejoin the party. We initially planned it for 7:00 to 10:00 pm

(which gave some of us time to go the 1/2 block to Estacio from 5:00 to 7:00 to get warmed up for the party!!)but it went until about 11:30

The cost was divided up among the M4M's that were there, and was cheaper then a going out for dinner in the states and a hell of lot more fun. This initial group of M4M's are really a nice group of guys...in spite of what they say about me!! Easy going, personable, fun and always willing to help fellow M4M's.

[trilingual]

But Tomcal, I'm sure we meant "round-heeled" in the NICEST possible way!

 

I agree that the Hotel Atlantico's setup works well for such a party, because the roof is spacious. I gather that the next time the hotel will make arrangements to actually grill food up on the roof, rather than just send it up (but things did get a bit confused in the food ordering department for this first party, which we can just chalk up to experience). I'd strongly suggest that you make arrangements with the hotel to have a bilingual "CLOSED - PRIVATE PARTY" sign at the stairs to the penthouse to avoid the stray straight guests who wandered in an out of the last party!

 

SF Traveler's points about a party at a fazenda are well-taken, but a day-long boat cruise could be fun. That wouldn't tie the boys us too long (in spite of Flavio, the rest of them are always up for a party and good time) and one can retreat below deck on most of the schooners for some quality time with a particular favorite! (That's how it works on Apollus's Carnival Cruise.)

 

By the way, for refreshment planning, bring lots of PRINGLES, which the guys love and have now become an expensive imported snack. If you forget to bring them from the U.S., I found them at Lidador, an imported wine and food shop on av. Barata Ribeiro just across the street from Modern Sound. Of course, be sure Kevin never finds out where you're keeping your Pringles supply, or they'll never last until the party!

[+ Axiom2001]

Guys--thanks for addressing my query! I really want to be a part of S2 since I changed plans for April travel which would have allowed me to be part of the "one that was missed!"

 

Is Kevin the escort whose been mentioned in previous responses? He speaks English and has been a translator for some of his friends at the saunas where he himself works? Some M4Mer's liked him; others did not...? Again, just curious again!

[Guest jeffsd]

Thanks to all for giving much needed info to a newbie:)

 

Now more than ever I want to join the Soiree 2 event...getting aroused just thinking about it!

 

BTW I was thinking of staying at the Copacabana Palace...how far is that from the Atlantico (or do u guys recommend against that and just staying at the Atlantico?). And finally what do you guys recommned as a reasonable budget for a one week trip? Assuming an appetite try try many HOT guys, but not as prolific as Tomcal:)

 

Jeff

[gulliver]

i would never stay at the copacabana palace again - it was a nice place but inconvenient when compared to the atlantico and you can not have overnight guests. i had a beautiful suite at the copa for $300.us and the view was stupendous. But nowhere else is as much fun, as comfortable, convenient, secure, inexpensive etc etc etc as the atlantico - and i have stayed there five times since november.

[Guest Tomcal_]

I agree with Gulliver!! I have stayed at several other hotels in my first two visits to Rio, that were 4 times more expensive then Atlantico and it isn't worth it, considering how much money you will have left to use on the boys!!!

Budget for one week, Hotel Atlantico, approx. $55 U.S. night = $385.

Food & drink = typical day $25.?(that includes 3 Caprihinas a/nt 175.

Subtotal U.S.$560.

Boys????? figure $16.00 each or 32.(if you do 3 somes depending....X the # of boys = ______

for me that figure was...........wait, cant' say it's embarrasing

(Bring $2,000.) !!! LOL

[robbguy]

Hi, guys,

Sounds like Tomcal should be a VIP guest of Lula; look at what he contributes to the Rio economy! Seriously, I agree that $2000 should be more than enough for a 7-10 day trip. (And I can pretty much keep up with Tom, too!) I've decided to stay at the Atlantico for my October trip. I know the info is in past posts, but what is the best way to book a room? Telephone or online? Who do I contact? What are the best rooms? I stayed at the Olinda Othon the first two times I went but there policy has changed and they now charge $30US every time you take someone to your room. Extortion! Never again. And since the soiree will be held at the Atlantico, why not? I liked what I saw at the hotel the last time I was in the city and it would be so convenient for entertaining. I would be happy to help out with the soiree plans or any way I can. Take care. Robb

[sf traveler]

The one thing I'd add is that my suite was on the quiet side of the building, while Sucker's room (half the price) was located on the street, i.e., noisy, side. I'd very much recommend bringing earplugs in case your accomodation is on the noisy side. And as a long time devotee of high end hotels, I have to agree with Gulliver and Tomcal about the cost benefit issues. If you're not interested in socializing a lot with the other M4Mers and/or you won't be bringing boys back to the room, then maybe you might think a beach view is worth it to book at another hotel. But given the convenience and the price, I'd be hard pressed to stay anywhere else, unless perhaps I was going with a boyfriend and wanted something more conventionally romantic.

[+ Axiom2001]

The Atlantico Copacabana Hotel was recommended on this board in February or March of last year. Once I noted this, I made my first reservation through ipanema.com and got an exceedingly good rate last October. Rene gave me room 1308 on the quiet side which I found delightful. In February of this year, my travel agent in Miami listed rooms that TomCal had suggested when he was there during his fourth visit. Rene used these when my friend and I checked in.

 

Although I want to experience other hotels, I found the Atlantico to be quiet (during both of my stays), reasonably quiet, highly accommodating, convenient to saunas and the metro system; it has a personable staff and is secure. During both of my visits (as has been alluded to by other respondents)--one HAS NOT experienced any difficulty with having guests.

 

It looks like there will be quiet a few guys in October of 2003; I have not made any definite plans in terms lodging, etc., but I guess I better get started before those choice rooms become full by May. I was waiting to finalize plans to the Amazon and Manaus through Riopridetours before making arrangements for my Rio adventures, but they have yet to get back to me.

[CarloRio]

Soiree Logistics: other good options of hotels in Copacabana

 

If anyone by any chance isn't able to stay or want to stay in Atlântico, there are some other hotels with similar prices in the same region that I do recommend: Copacabana Atlantis (in the border with Ipanema) and Rio Orla on Posto 6, with a wonderful sea view... In both hotels you can take guests (but you have to pay a fee for visitor). And you always have the option to rent an apartment if you are staying for a longer period (Pointless if you are staying for just a week...).

 

:7

[Guest Tomcal_]

RE: Soiree Logistics: other good options of hotels in Copacabana

 

Carlo, I agree with you, as I know both those hotels and they are in the same price range. The advantage to the Atlantico, is it's 1/2 block to Estacio, 2 blocks to Pointe 202 or Rogers(if it's still opened)and 100 feet to the metro/subway entrance, which is only 10 minutes and 6 stops to Club 117 in Gloria! Especially for first timers, this makes it easy and safe to get where they are going! Being 4 blocks from the beach as opposed to right across the street is a disadvantage if you are truely a beach person, but since you are able to rent umbrella/chair/towel/suntan lotion and drinks from the vendors on the beach, means you don't have to carry anything with you to the beach and makes the short walk very easy! You don't have to pay for a guest to spend the night, and the staff is very gay friendly!! If you are a light sleeper,The rooms ending with 09 and 10 are the very quiet rooms facing the courtyard/condos behind the hotel. Most of the rooms are on the street side which is noisey during the day, however by keeping the A/C running it really acts like "white" noise background and sleeping wasn't a problem and I am a light sleeper(of course all the physical activity and Caprihinas each night, might have contributed to me sleeping sounder!!)

[CarloRio]

M4M boat trip

 

After speaking with some M4Mers and having suggested it myself, I really think that a gay boat trip would be worth having in October, for a number of reasons:

 

In October the weather is fantastic, and that would definitely provide a tourist trip unparallel to none that you probably had in Rio;

 

The function would take place during the day and it would offer something extra for both M4Mers as well as for the lovely marronzinho boys... We could have it set for a Monday which is a pretty slow day at the saunas (except for Meio Mundo)...;

 

This function wouldn't interfere at all with the soirée... that I hope to be invited again attend....;-)

 

I've already spoken to some of the boys and they showed big interest in participating in it, even though I mentioned that if they are not as charming to the participants they might go home without any $$$$, but they doubt that this might happen to them and many of them were never on a boat before... So I felt that they were willing to risk..

 

 

My suggestion is that if there's enough people I could hire a real nice boat with cabins downstairs so that whenever people feel... let's say dizzy... they could go down with a helpful boy to give them a hand...

 

I can arrange for the boat, the buffet etc..., you just have to pay, as for the boys I can contact and invite a few, depending on the number of participants... and as long as people like TomCal are willing to limit their appetite to 3 boys at most ;-)

 

As for the payments to the boys, that should done directly by you to them, 'cause as I told I am not an escort agent... thus I don't really want to have a participation on the boys' private matters. Albeit I think you gentleman should agree on a set price for them, so they can be told upfront prior to going onboard, and that would avoid any ego battles in the ship...

 

I've done a number of gay boat trips before, specially during Carnival and New Year's Eve (when we even had 2 boats out in a day!!!), but never done it with boys only with Brasilian and foreign tourists... but I think that with such a fun group like you, it would work great.

 

Another thing, the boat would leave from downtown Rio to Cagarras Islands (in front of Ipanema beach), thus we should be leaving the hotel by 7:30 hs. and should be arriving at 6:00 p.m. and there would be a tropical lunch on board, though there would be no need to travel away in a bus to faraway places like Angra or Búzios.

 

If you think this sound as a good idea, I can arrange for all that. Just need the merry crew...

 

As for a party at the farm, it would also be great, but I have to agree with SFtraveller, it's not very practical because we'd have to stay there for at least one night and some of the boys probably wouldn't be able to... But again nothing is impossible just have to find the appropriate crowd...

 

:7