tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66987396561506316852024-03-13T07:51:28.551-07:00GAYography Blog - gAytlas.comGenuine connections and authentic experiences for gay travelers across the globe!Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-83656294894961647392019-10-16T13:01:00.001-07:002019-10-16T13:01:56.645-07:00Croatia Part 2: Don’t Split your time – Head directly to Hvar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSL-L8kCFXMhcB2MVmJJTYGBzKYWQAoMW-Fkz7TSdaAHSo0yNGjp_MjhxMMYYfN6E576uSfICYanSUYHYdpR5Eb1XAQBWGs5VfuSSbsHoAlYIG0_Ar-om-GVXtvk-b-Dn-zeH7j1LLljc8/s1600/IMG_5467.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSL-L8kCFXMhcB2MVmJJTYGBzKYWQAoMW-Fkz7TSdaAHSo0yNGjp_MjhxMMYYfN6E576uSfICYanSUYHYdpR5Eb1XAQBWGs5VfuSSbsHoAlYIG0_Ar-om-GVXtvk-b-Dn-zeH7j1LLljc8/s320/IMG_5467.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When my boyfriend and I planned our trip, we weren’t really
sure where to go in Croatia – we just heard the country was beautiful. So we
noted the major cities, but also knew we only had a week and wanted a beach
trip – so focused on Dubrovnik (definitely must-see, <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2019/09/croatia-do-you-hate-sand-part-1.html">as my part 1 attests</a>) and
Split, which we learned is more a transit-hub. Besides these, I’m certain that
in-land, Zagreb would be interesting (I’ll get there next time). However, if
your goal is exploring the beaches of Croatia, I suggest making Hvar your
home-base.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">But you will have to go through Split – so here’s what I
found:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diocletian Palace internal square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6TwpV1ZPVh1-cQ-w5ZP73IxsByU4O1g3v0ByNOE0E_yPkNvryD4qSNLdk0CNNXGKZUMEXQn8nouFdc8YcSlTiF0q8tJqTf6FbEWCT_yV8dhFAa5n-wr4mqcwA-Tfqag8IuBbgyATsW8F/s1600/IMG_5217.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6TwpV1ZPVh1-cQ-w5ZP73IxsByU4O1g3v0ByNOE0E_yPkNvryD4qSNLdk0CNNXGKZUMEXQn8nouFdc8YcSlTiF0q8tJqTf6FbEWCT_yV8dhFAa5n-wr4mqcwA-Tfqag8IuBbgyATsW8F/s200/IMG_5217.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St. Lawrence <br />(Trogir)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Split provides the incredible <a href="http://www.diocletianspalace.org/">Diocletian</a> Palace – a UNESCO
site that’s integrated with day-&night-life of the city as shopping mall, diverse
cafeteria, and concert venue (as it clearly has operated for millennia).
Another nearby highlight is another UNESCO site at Trogir. It’s worth a stop to
see the incredible carvings at the <a href="https://split-excursions.com/attractions/cathedral-of-st-lawrence-in-trogir/">Cathedral of St. Lawrence</a> (don’t forget to
bring something to cover your shoulders, or don’t wear a tank!) and another
beautiful Palm-laden promenade. We skipped the small fort, which didn’t appear
to have much inside (it was all about the view from outside).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw67l61oIGTW8Bfmxk1SYUSTgVqGSsDpnd2t7lWGA__PzKEL5MEztPZUYL-GXHfxDI-Qsipnn2KGllPQ9WR8SdMwhZ0OQPAQd1BKn11OsdEd1azRx9-4niGSb0ZOeEW50R9ae2vgebel8B/s1600/IMG_5247.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw67l61oIGTW8Bfmxk1SYUSTgVqGSsDpnd2t7lWGA__PzKEL5MEztPZUYL-GXHfxDI-Qsipnn2KGllPQ9WR8SdMwhZ0OQPAQd1BKn11OsdEd1azRx9-4niGSb0ZOeEW50R9ae2vgebel8B/s320/IMG_5247.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm promenade of Trogir</td></tr>
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After returning to Split we headed east of downtown,
attempting to find a gay “beach” down a cliff-side (upon a google gay-map
recommendation) but it was just a couple of naked old men trying to get handsy.
Important tip: When a naked old man gestures for the sunscreen you’re putting
on, expect he wants to rub it on you (not that he needs some). Plus the water
was for the first time murky! So, we abruptly left and checked out Kasjuni
Beach, likely the best beach in Split (and the only one with a gay/nude part).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Tvrdava Fortica - Hvar</td></tr>
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After a day for Split – we felt that more beaches beaconed on
nearby islands! So, despite booking 4 nights in Split, we ended up spending a
night in Hvar when we realized it would be too time-consuming to go back and
forth to visit the nearby islands (and with the heat, a inland, zipline trip or
hike wasn’t on our to-do list). We set out to Hvar early, and walked up to Tvrdava
Fortica (the Fort) above the port city, with expansive views of another
beautiful Palm promenade and old city below. Back in the city (before it got
too hot), our fort ticket also provided entrance to one of the oldest theaters in
the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CVL0omGtcwovWOEatH0p3gp_-jBAH1aMv_OSYP2Sn54lL8ZJa2Bb2ohfCvOwZKwer4pO4bu-g6Tq3V7AKuCtlkP_K0fLBcY71DzyOmBI4uLnM05qsoa0HbVx1pzaT27cio2TIkCTjlS3/s1600/3BA99F6F-DD72-4AAC-BE13-34F32B6EF4AA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CVL0omGtcwovWOEatH0p3gp_-jBAH1aMv_OSYP2Sn54lL8ZJa2Bb2ohfCvOwZKwer4pO4bu-g6Tq3V7AKuCtlkP_K0fLBcY71DzyOmBI4uLnM05qsoa0HbVx1pzaT27cio2TIkCTjlS3/s320/3BA99F6F-DD72-4AAC-BE13-34F32B6EF4AA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quick meal, we took a quick water taxi to the gay (and
thus of course nude) beach on <a href="https://www.visit-hvar.com/destinations/hvar/jerolim">Jerolim Island</a>. Finally, after meeting very few
people on beaches, we found gay friends and people our age! With a floating
raft in the middle of the bay, we lounged and met 4 guys, including one couple
(2 traveling parties) all from Paris.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRHtWyRviuNS0am0uykV0yrCUt6Fi4-sJrN3Jy8Vdgeh7DmeIXqfWXrrxQ7LDZPgfmIKjHve9A5goLSEKO5hxODHFvK_adFXM_tSZv6V2mmqn2Hhm8wCEjtrspR02PihZgwC9h6EwZhaT/s1600/IMG_5522.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRHtWyRviuNS0am0uykV0yrCUt6Fi4-sJrN3Jy8Vdgeh7DmeIXqfWXrrxQ7LDZPgfmIKjHve9A5goLSEKO5hxODHFvK_adFXM_tSZv6V2mmqn2Hhm8wCEjtrspR02PihZgwC9h6EwZhaT/s200/IMG_5522.JPEG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating raft at Jerolim</td></tr>
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Becoming fast friends (how can you
not when you’re naked?) the 6 of us spent the evening together – enjoying gay pool
time (and I think shocking some straight Brits who made fun of our frivolous
femme water frolicking). Later we grabbed squid ink pizza and then drinks al
fresco at <a href="https://kalavanda.com/">Ka’lavenda</a>, mainly just an expensive bar. It seems many gays
mentioned it as a hangout, but it’s just generally a popular spot for a drink.
No, Hvar isn’t about the nightlife – but there’s always Grindr, where one of
our new single friends made-out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdx_6-S8-Z2hyphenhyphenQoZsTjpuB0LezxLNTMOEeS3uSYoozjk_r4uzkW8aKeza83LTrRflTEMiU2z5XY_0JJBIyd8sRJS2jlmphLhqY1LoFHuGC5lBn3wc2ewxZs-p3yEFwOvbnlk2M9AVrS14/s1600/IMG_5580.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdx_6-S8-Z2hyphenhyphenQoZsTjpuB0LezxLNTMOEeS3uSYoozjk_r4uzkW8aKeza83LTrRflTEMiU2z5XY_0JJBIyd8sRJS2jlmphLhqY1LoFHuGC5lBn3wc2ewxZs-p3yEFwOvbnlk2M9AVrS14/s200/IMG_5580.JPEG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of 6 of us, 3 had had NYC hats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next morning while the French crew (some of whom spent
entire week there in Hvar) rented a boat together and visited new islands – we
travel-anxious Americans took off for Brac (pronounced Brach). Our plan was to
visit what some blogs said was a top beach in Europe – <a href="https://www.visitbrac.com/destinations/bol/zlatni-rat">Zlatni Rat</a>. Besides its
natural beauty, there are also cute food stations. But we just headed directly
to the gay (and thus naked) spot at the far western edge, and chatted with guys
there, including more Parisians and a couple from Chicago. The couple
disappeared for some time swimming and I had to help save their stuff from a
big wave that hit. It’s good to note: you need not worry about leaving your
belongings on the beach – but don’t place them near the waters edge!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC912MKbPKRrf2c5EKUlixf19J4KAPTcqLCmqgA0sRpkSrSIz02hgI9PsiR2bluz1T62j4_v6PkQKiEGknybry8JxLLWgeLue1Ct_GcDg0PgqrmsR2gyaLeqjY685W6sa_blidpxJ9Y2pZ/s1600/IMG_5611.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC912MKbPKRrf2c5EKUlixf19J4KAPTcqLCmqgA0sRpkSrSIz02hgI9PsiR2bluz1T62j4_v6PkQKiEGknybry8JxLLWgeLue1Ct_GcDg0PgqrmsR2gyaLeqjY685W6sa_blidpxJ9Y2pZ/s320/IMG_5611.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To be honest, the beach was not so different than many
others, what’s incredible about all of these beaches (beyond that they are
rocky, not sandy) is that you’re on the salty Mediterranean so you can easily
lay back and float! No need for a raft, just relax and listen to the sea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next time, I’m hoping to explore more on the island of Hvar,
which has another beautiful old port city, Stari Grad – and I’ll be happy to
dart around to other beaches as well. I suggest arriving via air in Split
spending the night there so you can see Trogir, the Palace and have fabulous meal
(there certainly are a multitude of options). Then the next day, you can head
to Hvar for the main part of your stay in the area. You could easily spend a
week, especially if you enjoy lots of beach time. It’s not the gayest locale, but
there will always be some. Still, consider it more of a get-away than a place
to socialize.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My next trip to Croatia will have to include Zagreb – and a
return to take in rays in Hvar. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcfggu7laQ_Nu2VpiToTqKttT2wkvUUKSpoDkqndm24kRpNOZ3ha0jcLPSpBoUh3NUZRkiRaU_h69FIM0xcfvnAOU8z-xDHEnZ7zf9zp1QPM-jrFiVmc9yeKAhcSGR41erkBvMGxREnqF/s1600/IMG_5670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1600" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcfggu7laQ_Nu2VpiToTqKttT2wkvUUKSpoDkqndm24kRpNOZ3ha0jcLPSpBoUh3NUZRkiRaU_h69FIM0xcfvnAOU8z-xDHEnZ7zf9zp1QPM-jrFiVmc9yeKAhcSGR41erkBvMGxREnqF/s400/IMG_5670.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view from the tip of Zlatni Rat - popular beach on the island of Brac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-30298646862994766962019-09-11T22:25:00.000-07:002019-10-07T19:05:25.134-07:00Croatia: Do you hate sand? - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm57BJq-ulAWriuByh3T-sgYJn9vqFGvXRqzFTndN5ldDzllIpdFxhvE78wl9tc_tmFnFN1GWnJ-pn5cpk0XyCubg9ZIJaC9JsnF53Yts4wfde_dqsqv5C0asfkGOTR27QO_bt0F9fei9R/s1600/IMG_4521.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm57BJq-ulAWriuByh3T-sgYJn9vqFGvXRqzFTndN5ldDzllIpdFxhvE78wl9tc_tmFnFN1GWnJ-pn5cpk0XyCubg9ZIJaC9JsnF53Yts4wfde_dqsqv5C0asfkGOTR27QO_bt0F9fei9R/s400/IMG_4521.JPEG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Airbnb of the Old City of Dubrovnik</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Croatia is the beach-country to avoid that pesky substance
that permeates all. Here you only need the right footwear – watershoes – to get
around the pebbles and rocks (and sometimes cliffs) that outline the beautiful,
clear water of the Adriatic. With over 1,200 islands there’s no shortage of
shoreline to explore – plenty of secluded areas if you wish, but you can also
find the most beautiful (and thus popular) swimming spots.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As far as I can tell, there’s only one major blog out there that
explores gay Croatia – so I’m glad to add to the body of LGBTQ knowledge of
this must-see country. While the nation itself is impeded by a soviet past, its
beauty and inherited historical artifacts ensure a thriving tourism industry
that keeps the economy afloat. That’s typified in its prime tourist destination
– and yes, a must see for us all: Dubrovnik.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banje Beach, just outside Dubrovnik City Walls</td></tr>
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If you’re coming from the US: My boyfriend and I wanted to
make sure we still could enjoy gay Europe (and shopping!) so we booked our trip
to Croatia through Spain. Flying the exquisite Dreamliner on Norwegian into
Madrid, we then (after tapas and some late nights) took lower-cost, but not
terrible, Iberia over to Dubrovnik. We dared to visit close to the busiest
time, but things were manageable the last week in August. Spring and fall are
quieter times, yet you won’t get as sufficiently hot beach weather. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5189080?source_impression_id=p3_1568256398_E3WHMx2nL37x56gz">Airbnb cost us over $120</a> each night during this period, which was spacious and also
provided an incredible view (but we earned that view each day walking up the
hill). We could have paid more, but we were just above the popular Banje
Beach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik on approach</td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pro-Tip:</i> When
flying into the city under normal conditions, if you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sit on the left side</b> (when facing forward, usually seat A) you’ll
get to see the “Pearl of the Adriatic” as you land. Just keep in mind not to
sit near the wing (like I did). And if you forgot to reserve specific seats on
your flight, Iberia let us do it a few days before for just about $10 each.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After getting through customs, a cab into the city will cost
you around $40 – or you can take the bus for around $8 (55 Kuna). We opted for
the bus, which is great for the views – be sure to get seats on the left side
again as the city peaks out on the daring mountainside drive. There is just one
bus that drops off in the old city (the other goes to the bus station).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus to Dubrovnik Old Town</td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Airport warning:</i>
Know the exchange rate for Kuna to your currency. The ATMs provide exorbitant options
making it look reasonable to take out hundreds or maybe event thousands of Kuna
– as a way to confuse tourists. And of course, also remember to charge your card
in the local currency. Note, when paying at times if you don’t have local
currency they may take Euros or Dollars, but you’ll certainly lose out on the
exchange rate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We decided one should probably stay in Dubrovnik to see at
least 3 sunsets – and if you’re an early bird perhaps a sunrise (not us!). It
may be pretty – but that means crowds and inflated prices (without significant
value) so longer is just not necessary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Dubrovnik's Old City from Fort Lawrence</td></tr>
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For the first, must-see sunset: walk atop the City Walls.
Remember: your ticket also includes Fort Lovrijenac (or Lawrence) which you
should do first about 2 hours to 90 minutes before sunset. Enjoy beautiful
views across the entire city from the Fort (which really isn’t more than views)
and for a good selfie (or a great picture if you find a friendly, talented
photographer like we did).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The fort is just a few minutes walking to Pile Gate, where
no later than 1 hour before sunset you should begin your city wall walk. Try to
get to the eastern, taller side for sunset across the city in front of you (the
walk happens only in the counter-clockwise direction). Whenever you do it, the
spectacular views of the sea and old city are unrivaled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAPxZJ_J1PA6Y9YoaFKmLlyflSYAmXngW3CUdgO2ZDJm0Bm94R0xPVimAtP-PrxdPruSLjy2-q6jpWR4hwoxGp5XigiqgCWGB2BlStN2rM9ykxD3NSHQzmzMmRjGsXED3qdZ8vvZpbofR/s1600/IMG_4526.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAPxZJ_J1PA6Y9YoaFKmLlyflSYAmXngW3CUdgO2ZDJm0Bm94R0xPVimAtP-PrxdPruSLjy2-q6jpWR4hwoxGp5XigiqgCWGB2BlStN2rM9ykxD3NSHQzmzMmRjGsXED3qdZ8vvZpbofR/s320/IMG_4526.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FKK - Naturist Beach, Lokrum Island</td></tr>
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Your second sunset should be spent upon return from Lokrum
Island (the last ferry leaves at 7pm) or afterwards – because you need to spend
the day here! Lokrum is beautiful, and you can even spend the day hiking to a
monastery or fort. Bring food or snacks at least because food is expensive. Most
importantly in August, the island offers great swimming, as well as the only
gay (and naturist) beach in the area. The mind-set of the country doesn’t quite
accept queer culture. However, one area where other European influence has
broken through – critical since there are so many beaches – is in the area of
FKK, Freikörperkultur or Free Body Culture, which means naturism/nudism. Thus,
the nudist beaches also are often frequented by gays and all are welcomed
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5h7m_Wos-z8dqmNDnXKqHPPR-t2dFBMCbMHgOmEwyBcDhkiCzZepM7yMwNEsLt37ESz36Lb7OXK25jxv9IuegVGlqvb8Ie28MXJML5D8gJaIQ65ZTYAbTaiAFdjy12IYRqhaRNGn74bn/s1600/IMG_4991.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5h7m_Wos-z8dqmNDnXKqHPPR-t2dFBMCbMHgOmEwyBcDhkiCzZepM7yMwNEsLt37ESz36Lb7OXK25jxv9IuegVGlqvb8Ie28MXJML5D8gJaIQ65ZTYAbTaiAFdjy12IYRqhaRNGn74bn/s320/IMG_4991.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the sea of Lokrum Naturist "Beach"</td></tr>
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However, the Lokrum beach is more than just for the nudist –
it’s also for the exhibitionist! The beach is next to a stop on the tourism
tour – a pretty cool cave you can jump in and swim to naked if you like (there are ladders to get out of the water). But
know, tour boats as well as kayakers will pass your butt by. And of course, many
won’t be afraid to just snap your picture too! I just smiled and waved – and
one guy covered his bits and playfully yelled as he threw his hands in the air.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFSibuhI-_5ycjKesp5LbZRi8xTAx17grHxJDG_VBsuKq0f7B2XzSixCiYZHHhpQl2mm9UJ1FJS5Jq9B_vbFWvuoMlLRG6_53nd5XC5S8CUeE0dhwmJXo3T0-HXRKWGrA_OB-6KgDderf/s1600/IMG_4602.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFSibuhI-_5ycjKesp5LbZRi8xTAx17grHxJDG_VBsuKq0f7B2XzSixCiYZHHhpQl2mm9UJ1FJS5Jq9B_vbFWvuoMlLRG6_53nd5XC5S8CUeE0dhwmJXo3T0-HXRKWGrA_OB-6KgDderf/s320/IMG_4602.JPEG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Finally, your other sunset should be spent (if you like
being on the water, and enjoy a little physical activity) on a kayak tour! We
opted for the AirBnB sunset tour but I think X Adventures may work as well. In
any case, dozens of groups leave from the same location around the same time no
matter what way you book a sunset tour – your trip is simply better if it’s a
smaller group or with a better guide. See if you can find a reviewed guide –
but, unless you’re going in mid August, you can probably book that day (it
should be around $30). The groups follow a similar route – to the Bedhai Cave (for
an included ham sandwich) and you can opt to go around Lokrum or just paddle
into the sun to return. You set off in tandem kayaks, if you’re going solo
you’ll be paired off or perhaps get your own if you are fit enough. Of course,
you could also rent a boat with a skipper for a group and spend that sunset on
the water that way too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08l4RKzb44lZsAMRLDcUzfhb3ikJ19gSvASHhyphenhyphen76u2EGGHriCuaams8Ceyjo3lJGdnNIyQa26YIhVjNzggZVveGW0P89CQ6czMm64GxoISmPQM_QdufuC_d5DiF2yhyphenhyphenHQYWjk1txHgIKM/s1600/IMG_4784.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08l4RKzb44lZsAMRLDcUzfhb3ikJ19gSvASHhyphenhyphen76u2EGGHriCuaams8Ceyjo3lJGdnNIyQa26YIhVjNzggZVveGW0P89CQ6czMm64GxoISmPQM_QdufuC_d5DiF2yhyphenhyphenHQYWjk1txHgIKM/s320/IMG_4784.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GAYographer and boyfriend Alex & Lokrum Island behind</td></tr>
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We also did a day trip to the local Elaphiti Islands – which
was just fine – and a great way to get out on the water as well. The tour
boasted seeing a blue and a green cave. We probably overpaid. Don’t be fooled,
every city on the Mediterannean has a “blue cave” so sure it’s fun to swim into
these shore-line rock-formations, but not so unique. What’s nice is on one of
the islands called Lopud there IS a sandy beach! One of the few – though it’s
SO shallow that you have to wade far to actually swim. Here there is also a far
(to the south, left if looking out to sea) FKK naturist spot if you so wish to erase
those tan lines.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS0jVw14NgOHcGkTzSMlN_Zhn2YjGms-MxyhzqviihGz0WyXoteYAGxZ9u-88TYqw7-NRpK1Bjg_CA5CQ1Dbd9K4s8-JkLhyPm3zu_J4sc-ZbuY70yDfVO0-jak3ruFiaC2NwDl7IeLXF/s1600/IMG_5149.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaS0jVw14NgOHcGkTzSMlN_Zhn2YjGms-MxyhzqviihGz0WyXoteYAGxZ9u-88TYqw7-NRpK1Bjg_CA5CQ1Dbd9K4s8-JkLhyPm3zu_J4sc-ZbuY70yDfVO0-jak3ruFiaC2NwDl7IeLXF/s320/IMG_5149.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See you on the next island!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, for dining in the Dubrovnik area don’t forget to consider
restaurants like <a href="http://www.konobaveranda.com/en/">Veranda</a> that are outside the city – you can easily uber. Prices
are more reasonable, or comparable to city prices, with better food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Find out where we headed next – as well as the destination
we most treasured (and where we decided we’ll base our trip next time) next
week in part 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-46277553769136320522019-04-17T12:13:00.002-07:002023-12-23T06:25:39.586-08:00Get Naked (or almost) in San Juan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB__XNDHFekTUFb6ujVPZHl7UBQp7-_tboauOmR9rndJQmZ4oDY4OAAgEv9Iw-2wsB1facKPtabtm9yIUfRvCuR39TCK-hUAujMijY3eSpe3cgQGwCR-guumN08TI_avH1UD6ZuxO2BHcK/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB__XNDHFekTUFb6ujVPZHl7UBQp7-_tboauOmR9rndJQmZ4oDY4OAAgEv9Iw-2wsB1facKPtabtm9yIUfRvCuR39TCK-hUAujMijY3eSpe3cgQGwCR-guumN08TI_avH1UD6ZuxO2BHcK/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll leave the (rainbow) light on for you :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking for the quickest, warmest place to remove some clothing - where your US passport (or visa!) can still work? Come to San Juan! Plus, you will support the critical tourism industry that helps to fuel the economy of Puerto Rico - because while tourist areas are back, the broader island remains in rough shape! You can also come down and support a gay-owned guesthouse, <a href="https://coquidelmar.com/">Coqui Del Mar</a> - conveniently located near all of San Juan's landmarks (and a block from the beach). Five years since <a href="https://gayography.blogspot.com/2014/12/san-juan-representin-gay-capital-of.html">my last blog</a> - all the best reasons to go remain the same, despite Hurricane Maria - but I'll explain why its never been better to return to this beautiful Caribbean outpost.<br />
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Five years ago, I focused on San Juan as the leading gay destination - and that has not changed - despite some progress in the region on LGBTIQ issues. Puerto Rico remains the most safe for us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzdm3PsA8-ra6sPuJ96JF6x5HaMxbUq6WnMq6cmCFTxB_EQ-xcXjwphs-AUunJrc7edeZRkIpuTTYmIYIrnCT365FfOXhKyI0zz-y3c7WicyFJvfwcGJSdXBkNVt1n02uTs1xqKwAY0dm/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzdm3PsA8-ra6sPuJ96JF6x5HaMxbUq6WnMq6cmCFTxB_EQ-xcXjwphs-AUunJrc7edeZRkIpuTTYmIYIrnCT365FfOXhKyI0zz-y3c7WicyFJvfwcGJSdXBkNVt1n02uTs1xqKwAY0dm/s320/IMG_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a>Still, the first reason to go to Puerto Rico (they are even holding the <a href="https://www.meetings-conventions.com/news/convention-and-visitors-bureaus/puerto-rico-world-travel-tourism-2020-global-summit/" target="_blank">2020 global tourism summit</a> here) - is for the warmth and the beaches. Especially when it's still cool up north, escaping to the Caribbean could not be easier (and cheap from major cities in the US). Just a block from the cozy Coqui Del Mar, is Ocean Park Beach, often considered San Juan's second queer or queer-friendly beach. The water could not be more perfect in terms of temperature - and the waves don't toss you too much. Word of warning - if you're trying to sneak a skinny dip, the water is pretty clear... Technically there are no nude beaches in Puerto Rico, but I'm sure many informal ones!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolo_GEh5mN8bTgb9NtTLdmcw2ZSphoROMBw_rl8fXOOW5EuslfLvSVWKlz5i5LYp-0YUSNo6rP69M-XNO6r7N6MMGqkwYcMKq8lC4EHDiebL3GsgXJDd16NLqaGdMpcnQWQkv9u9hWKOc/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolo_GEh5mN8bTgb9NtTLdmcw2ZSphoROMBw_rl8fXOOW5EuslfLvSVWKlz5i5LYp-0YUSNo6rP69M-XNO6r7N6MMGqkwYcMKq8lC4EHDiebL3GsgXJDd16NLqaGdMpcnQWQkv9u9hWKOc/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condado Beach - the gay beach alongside Atlantic Beach Hotel</td></tr>
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While you can walk along the beach, it's even easier than it was before with Uber as the best form of transport. Head over to Condado Beach, where the LGBTQ community congregates - especially on Sundays near the Atlantic Beach Hotel. Formerly an exclusively gay hotel - it no longer is; but the queer rep alongside remains. And if you need a break from the sun - go over to the beautiful <a href="https://www.laconcharesort.com/">La Concha</a> hotel for a drink or food (or sneak a dip into their gorgeous pools). I easily made friends with locals - as well as tourists down from all parts of the US. Gay boys from across the country (and world) come down to this beautiful get-away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuLPYucrwm7SWL0wwo3nIOKntbh7WgvmOPRksrRPYAimP95fE9JRFtNOn86gAVbApyqMxfETAn13N1LUwBHI9qvzW_x16ofHnPwsxICTOpXEjxQ1tceo8rzsNTTY1OMWAHQKmuCvkTHZ3/s1600/IMG_0294.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuLPYucrwm7SWL0wwo3nIOKntbh7WgvmOPRksrRPYAimP95fE9JRFtNOn86gAVbApyqMxfETAn13N1LUwBHI9qvzW_x16ofHnPwsxICTOpXEjxQ1tceo8rzsNTTY1OMWAHQKmuCvkTHZ3/s200/IMG_0294.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsqe_3YfxiVYKfhCosJcbqtho6mybi7CrJ6PuqfaZZPY2kQK_rhzcCc93oAEswkNTrnet7CQ2PEHsvWPS16T3Uu_v_0PHTnzbQ33IgqTg652u_gKISih5VLwg1CJuORza36hNzXQ5zdBU/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsqe_3YfxiVYKfhCosJcbqtho6mybi7CrJ6PuqfaZZPY2kQK_rhzcCc93oAEswkNTrnet7CQ2PEHsvWPS16T3Uu_v_0PHTnzbQ33IgqTg652u_gKISih5VLwg1CJuORza36hNzXQ5zdBU/s200/IMG_0377.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish tacos almost anywhere!</td></tr>
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And as I noted, if you're looking to go with a group, single or with that special one (or ones),<a href="https://coquidelmar.com/"> Coqui Del Mar</a> offers the best location - along with 2 pools and a hot tub to relax after a long day! I'm so glad I had the pleasure to stay there with leading global LGBTQ travel blogger <i><a href="https://travelsofadam.com/">Travels of Adam</a></i> just last month! The guesthouse not only offers its prime location - but its also 420 friendly! Legally you're able to have weed for medical purposes (but of course, that's not stopping anyone interested in this form of recreation). You also can book tours, enjoy classes on mojitos, and take bikes out for no extra charge. It's like your own small community on vacation - whether you want to make friends or just snuggle with your significant other(s).<br />
<br />
But of course, you'll also need to try out the local cuisine - mofongo and really anything with fish or plantains! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lacasitablancapr/">La Casita Blanca</a> was a quick ride from the Coqui. Even <i>Buzzfeed</i> agrees; <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/javiermoreno/gotta-eat-them-all">Puerto Rico has the best food</a>. We especially enjoyed the fish tacos - and fruity drinks. Plus, they even have to-go liquor! Check out these drink boxes don't exist back in the contiguous 48. I found my favorite to be the Rum Punch :)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl0q26xePbAnr5YGgDRxDYfPhubV-u2UHIgc2wxt074Q-2JIHdNvECAryuYKw5rGmTWshCf_Amlk0FPR9DCcmnNDhy1AF2VyrF5f7kyP1AKoeWXk-QPQpfNm3X3ptbaxCfI8KNxlqCQqn/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl0q26xePbAnr5YGgDRxDYfPhubV-u2UHIgc2wxt074Q-2JIHdNvECAryuYKw5rGmTWshCf_Amlk0FPR9DCcmnNDhy1AF2VyrF5f7kyP1AKoeWXk-QPQpfNm3X3ptbaxCfI8KNxlqCQqn/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To-go liquor pouches <br />
are perfect for the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're also looking to make this a full-on gaycation, you can also explore the bars. Be sure to check websites, but the gay bars are semi close to the general party square called <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/puerto-rico/san-juan-around/nightlife/la-placita-de-santurce/a/poi-dri/1482634/358130">La Placita in Santruce</a>. For a local (str8) start to the evening (remember it starts late, around 10 or 11pm), enjoy live music, dance with the locals at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taberna-Los-Vazquez-la-Placita/134038483323978">Taberna Los Vazquez</a> and get yourself one of the best-made mojitos in the world! </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When the live music ends – head over to <a href="http://puertorico.gaycities.com/bars/1313-tia-maria-jose-de-diego">Tia Maria's</a>, a classic gay dive and after cross the street to chill on the roof of the gay-friendly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SantosRooftop/">Santos Rooftop</a>. Then everyone will eventually end up at <a href="http://clubfly.com/venue/7266/circo_bar_san_juan.html">Circo</a> though it never seems to get too busy, despite its the space. Maybe it was less busy when I was there because most were making a friend a bit quicker, in the dark corners at <a href="http://www.dailyxtratravel.com/puerto-rico/puerto-rico/san-juan/sx-san-juan">SX bar</a> around the corner from Circo. For a more local dive-y scene check out closer into the city at <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/venue/el-cojo-san-juan-puerto-rico/">El Cojo</a>.<br />
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But you won't even need to go far to find the party if you stay at Coqui Del Mar for Pride weekend <a href="https://coquidelmar.com/nakedweekend/">May 31-June 3 because they will hold a completely clothing optional weekend</a> - and also hold parties many of the evenings. Enjoy a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GayPridePuertoRico/">Pride</a> that's not your typical one here in the US - and show your solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in San Juan.<br />
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Hope to see you there! You might even see a rainbow on your way...<br />
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-56317203877932003452019-01-03T05:39:00.001-08:002019-01-03T08:38:09.699-08:00Straight-friendly Survival Guide to China<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4wglhrTSon8fyXNCYjz_sp6ZY3jzw27AYTetZT6MbyEto-1HAO1PtgDZPvrdBOP9xpqsEuxq3Lo6UcO1SbXwhREc69HZ8QswgIY5OJr8ecHOtc1vjQn40-EydKwJUKoZELPfr2qBrQ9W/s1600/IMG_7977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4wglhrTSon8fyXNCYjz_sp6ZY3jzw27AYTetZT6MbyEto-1HAO1PtgDZPvrdBOP9xpqsEuxq3Lo6UcO1SbXwhREc69HZ8QswgIY5OJr8ecHOtc1vjQn40-EydKwJUKoZELPfr2qBrQ9W/s320/IMG_7977.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This incomplete rainbow in Beijing is a perfect symbol - China<br />
has a lot to do to achieve equality (also note the pollution!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For those of us who don’t speak Chinese, skipped Chinese history, think your local Chinese food is authentic (it’s NOT!) -- and perhaps never aspired to rule the Kingdom of Rice - as King or Queen -- visiting China might be off of your radar. But you must consider that China is basically the size of the US, with as many different cultures and ethnicities inside. Despite erasing the identities of many - and outright destroying some - the Chinese State media often calls attention to this wide diversity (at least they realize they should!). This reason alone is why you should consider making the trip - there’s so much incredible food, unique culture, along with boundless natural beauty in this big country.<br />
<br />
But if you don’t have time to memorize the 3,000 Chinese characters needed to adequately read, write and get around - let alone the 50,000 that exist - the following list will help you immensely with your trip to China.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepV-Fcr5za5oimF2U8RTesnOZYDFzJzYZmTxJ-Yp2fxDmdZj5aAozXLFyiHNmmGI7YVMQhZ5HbCFpfqz0EP2WGt2VhM4pjZ5hE7JDYr992KekuvvWZmLK-k0WHfn4qKakrkmZANI1r7bV/s1600/IMG_8361.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepV-Fcr5za5oimF2U8RTesnOZYDFzJzYZmTxJ-Yp2fxDmdZj5aAozXLFyiHNmmGI7YVMQhZ5HbCFpfqz0EP2WGt2VhM4pjZ5hE7JDYr992KekuvvWZmLK-k0WHfn4qKakrkmZANI1r7bV/s320/IMG_8361.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Destination nightclub in Beijing - definitely the most gay spot<br />
in the country.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first thing of course is to at least know some simple phrases, and of course <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=thank+you+in+chinese+translation&oq=thank+you+in+chinese+translation&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4309j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">Thank you</a>. Like people of all cultures, Chinese folks appreciate when you can speak some of their own language. Knowing a few phrases (with the right pronunciation and tone) will get you heaps of praise. You can always start on <a href="https://www.duolingo.com/">Duolingo</a>.<br />
<br />
Be forewarned, being LGBT in China still has its challenges - and one of the main ones is a lack of places to meet up. Beijing has <a href="https://www.travelgayasia.com/venue/destination/">Destination</a> and a couple smaller venues like <a href="http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/venue/Bars-Cocktail_Bars/157554/Red-Dog.html">Red Dog</a> that provide places to socialize. Chengdu is considered by many to be a <a href="http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1528/chengdu%2C-the-questionable-queer-capital-of-china">gay Mecca of China</a> - but even there gay life is led by the expat community. Every city has some gay bar - or gay friendly space - but often they get shut down.<br />
<br />
<b>Quick 6 things before you go:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2itw7RKJHiKrf8QYXcFasvbNEG1edRUAxUjAwDJ_UEKI7azZJUOv2e7drWicWXH2v1V4HYIXkG5zAGcBcia98SN8yaHk-KWXCb-HdPCmtXrQLdSmneluDSXk5Jt46nJC-4Jb5oeUZatp/s1600/IMG_7770.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2itw7RKJHiKrf8QYXcFasvbNEG1edRUAxUjAwDJ_UEKI7azZJUOv2e7drWicWXH2v1V4HYIXkG5zAGcBcia98SN8yaHk-KWXCb-HdPCmtXrQLdSmneluDSXk5Jt46nJC-4Jb5oeUZatp/s200/IMG_7770.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the gate for my flight, Delta <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">nearly</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">turned me away; my visa was </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">printed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> a little off, making it look expired</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>US Citizens (and nearly everyone else) need a <a href="https://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/chinese-visa-information/">visa</a> before entry. You will have to go to your nearest consulate to submit paperwork. Be sure everything is filled out properly! And you’ll need a destination (hotel name) where you’re headed in China (even if you don’t yet have a reservation). As a tourist, you will likely be able to get a 10 year visa - good for multiple entries if you want to return for a visit over the next 10 years.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Download VPNs (computer and phone). These operate outside of the “Chinese Firewall” to protect your communications as well as enable access to Instagram, Facebook, and all Google platforms, news sites, and anything politically sensitive (although it appears if you’re just using data on your US cell plan, you may be able access these sites). I used <a href="https://www.expressvpn.com/">Express</a> VPN which worked well - also there’s a 30-day money back guarantee with most VPNs - so you can use it for your trip and cancel afterwards. Remember: You’ll have to contact customer support to get a refund, but this just takes a few minutes online.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Download <a href="https://web.wechat.com/">WeChat</a> app on your phone and create the handle and name you’ll use to meet anyone and everyone in China. WeChat is the Facebook/Venmo/Messenger App of China. China is mostly a cashless society now, because with WeChat you also pay for everything via QR code, but you need a Chinese bank account to be able to do this (apparently, that’s not hard to get but doesn’t seem necessary for a weeks long adventure). Warning: The Chinese Government also reads your WeChat (and thus may access your phone through it, who knows!) - don’t send anything you don’t want them to read - and definitely don’t send information of a political, organizing nature to anyone here (this includes LGBT related statements).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9qqBZZTKoo_VN1_aKt66hQdqG2tWs4-uWR89fnhTWzM19yGe0eCszeRMtSzlrjOcrFJshvG_vuR4JLxPNJsZrGyX7-jogwj7VC-37BndEBgnEYKkUGOeKJxaO8EdkLbJuCk7Tz0SApS4/s1600/IMG_0628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9qqBZZTKoo_VN1_aKt66hQdqG2tWs4-uWR89fnhTWzM19yGe0eCszeRMtSzlrjOcrFJshvG_vuR4JLxPNJsZrGyX7-jogwj7VC-37BndEBgnEYKkUGOeKJxaO8EdkLbJuCk7Tz0SApS4/s320/IMG_0628.jpeg" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DiDi is China's Lyft/Uber - it has<br />
in-app translation so you can<br />
communicate with drivers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>Download <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/didi-greater-china/id554499054?mt=8">DiDi</a> (on your phone) - the Uber/Lyft of China. Especially with the fact that Chinese cabbies don’t speak any English (and will be hard-pressed to recognize destinations on your Google Maps) this app is gold. It offers translated communications with your driver. Using an app also helps because often at night cabs overcharge customers in major tourist destinations. The tough part can be getting the destination correctly loaded (usually copied in Chinese characters from a friend) or you can use landmarks nearby where you want to go.</li>
</ul>
<i>Side Note: </i>When I arrived in China, the government had just “punished” the app (and all of us!) because a DiDi <a href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/start-ups/article/2162766/didi-suspends-late-night-ride-hailing-services-week-after-second">driver allegedly raped 2 women who he picked up</a>. So, for a week between the hours of 11pm and 5am there was no way to get a car (perfect since this is the most vulnerable time for anyone, especially foreigners who are faced with overpaying for gypsy cabs). So (like anything) you might run into problems, but for the most part DiDi saves you! And you can also ensure a nicer car by paying about $0.50 more (DiDi Express).<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Add a Chinese Keyboard to your phone (pretty easy through settings). Although you may not be able to use this keyboard, if you find yourself in a bind, others can help send messages or enter the characters you need for a destination or communication with someone else. I also used it to send basic phrases to people (they appreciate you knowing their language, of course).</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<li>Get a translation scanning app. Websites list <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pleco-chinese-dictionary/id341922306?mt=8">Pleco</a> - but I just used Google Scanner (I got lazy) - for scanning Chinese Characters in real time. It’s pretty cool to wave your phone in front of a sign and see english show up on your phone!</li>
</ul>
You will find that often - even in hotel lobbies - Chinese attendants are using Google Translate to ensure they are properly communicating with guests.<br />
<br />
<b>When you arrive:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG79KLjoc3wlHc-rubvxbkWMILLJaSHyvB6rvbklUKlk3Sy0JAU-m5FKJZ_tdmI1JEveES5Tgk3ceOkc2JEGgfw5wH_JwY5NeARwAxPKVecpazTnPdEGUTqPe0AwwoAm0O9flKT_j18Ai/s1600/IMG_8901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG79KLjoc3wlHc-rubvxbkWMILLJaSHyvB6rvbklUKlk3Sy0JAU-m5FKJZ_tdmI1JEveES5Tgk3ceOkc2JEGgfw5wH_JwY5NeARwAxPKVecpazTnPdEGUTqPe0AwwoAm0O9flKT_j18Ai/s320/IMG_8901.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always carry tissues! And do eat yummy<br />
waffles and ice cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Buy Tissues (cheaper in China of course!) - for 2 important reasons: 1) Restaurants often do not have napkins and 2) especially if you like using this privately in the bathroom; there is NO TOILET PAPER in public restrooms (and often when using facilities at restaurants). Plus, you’ll have an experience with the squatter toilet if you decide to poo in public restrooms. Don’t sit down on it. You’d be sitting on the ground! You squat to poop in China - and a lot of the Eastern world. But Western-style toilets (like those in our bathrooms) are ubiquitous in hotels and many western establishments. Just don’t expect to have a nice long sit on the toilet. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Have lots of patience. In China, things often take longer - there are just millions of people in any one place so you must consider that. Traffic is often horrendous - and subways can be challenging during rush periods. Just be patient with people - and also remember that it wasn’t too long ago that these people had to literally fight for everything - even to eat - just to survive (a Chinese person mentioned this to me). They often are unbelievably generous and kind - but in passing they may cut you off, que in crazy ways, and of course, charge you (a foreigner; “farang”) a foreign price for everything.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtrKcxvQlJvsHSWZFMlY4A8X-6nHXd3OyzaeinBIoFe0Phvqug78oTbabb6-sQOHpUZX1Lnbc5CwZfWgzeCytZCOlt9p1uSV98ZQirjsndZ42q3m2Bf738LmvzPlIYAK68wkQGg7JpwIz/s1600/IMG_9264.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtrKcxvQlJvsHSWZFMlY4A8X-6nHXd3OyzaeinBIoFe0Phvqug78oTbabb6-sQOHpUZX1Lnbc5CwZfWgzeCytZCOlt9p1uSV98ZQirjsndZ42q3m2Bf738LmvzPlIYAK68wkQGg7JpwIz/s320/IMG_9264.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a busy subway train in Guangzhou!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Triple check destinations and meeting points. Often names and things sound the same so just pay extra attention to where you are going and when - this will cut down on more than half of the miscommunications you will inevitably have. And of course, allow for extra time to take the subway the wrong direction - or if the DiDi/cab didn’t understand your destination.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Keep your ticket. Will you be taking a bullet train? Or any train around? For some reason, you need your ticket to both get in and out (Keep it like your DC Metro card). And you also must pick up your tickets, so you should arrive at least 45 - even 1 hour - before your train departure to make sure you can get your ticket, get into the building (like airline security) and get to your gate.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<li>Carry cash. There are a lot of banks that are useless to you in China - often the specific ones definitely don’t serve foreign cards. But “Bank of China” seems to work and is around a lot. Sometimes, when you arrive at the airport, there’s one ATM where you’ll see all the foreigners congregating. That’ll be your sure sign. Also, don’t forget your card! Chinese (and often many foreign ATMs) will wait until after you get your cash, to release your card - unlike US banks which make sure you have your card before you run off with the cash (I’ve done this at least twice - thankfully once in an airport where some other foreigner noticed and yelled after me!). </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3OIETegv0QZxnEz9BZzuzLwQbKd4dfwOzKK2SbYvnI_PwxmvstGoGC2Ju4M_qOKBGm0SfS2sWqCTebCUpogPaYc7IXPgsbZq99NZyKEaJdF2Z2KKNP-xCijkXj8kyhMj0Lx0Jft1mLc/s1600/IMG_8807.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L3OIETegv0QZxnEz9BZzuzLwQbKd4dfwOzKK2SbYvnI_PwxmvstGoGC2Ju4M_qOKBGm0SfS2sWqCTebCUpogPaYc7IXPgsbZq99NZyKEaJdF2Z2KKNP-xCijkXj8kyhMj0Lx0Jft1mLc/s320/IMG_8807.mp4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small gay bars provide entertainment!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Be wary of random strangers wanting to meet and practice their english or take you to a fake “tea house.” Like all tourist destinations, China has its scammers. I experienced (and even fought back) against a group that I met in 2013. You can read that <a href="https://gayography.blogspot.com/2013/10/tea-house-scam-ashtons-revenge-part-1.html">crazy full story in 3 parts</a> here. But suffice it to say, don’t follow a random, seemingly friendly Chinese person into an establishment. They are likely looking to scam you out of some cash.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Be sure to meet LGBT people where they are in coming out. Chinese gay guys are often in the closet to their family as well as to even their closest friends (or at least in part). So just be understanding. Not unlike other places, It’s typical to ask and discuss whether you’re a “0,” “0.5,” or “1” - a fun code for bottom, verse, or top, respectively. In China, gay socialization for many is in a place where its challenging to have relationships; few LGBT people can be out to their parents - so sometimes talk goes right to sex. Don’t immediately expect them to be comfortable holding hands in public, for example. However, it depends on each individual. Many can be adamant about who they are -- it’s clearly tough to be openly LGBT in China. The government is watching and reading your WeChat! And if you’re a foreigner that gets too involved in organizing locally, Public Security forces might come knocking on your door.</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu-jj8jVQtpGd2sdX0Uehnu-sr5eYajfXlitL47ckRlxGCqePC-zS03qwcIwrRXfUVV0GbQDngdnsU9qM3NkhA-UMkYe0WcZnYP-VGGF2HVj9TjL42hjJ4E8vyPGlh0HYlu1QKG6eTtmZ/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu-jj8jVQtpGd2sdX0Uehnu-sr5eYajfXlitL47ckRlxGCqePC-zS03qwcIwrRXfUVV0GbQDngdnsU9qM3NkhA-UMkYe0WcZnYP-VGGF2HVj9TjL42hjJ4E8vyPGlh0HYlu1QKG6eTtmZ/s320/IMG_9495.JPG" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flyer for my event in Guangzhou</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I visited Guangzhou in September, the weekend after what was supposed to be a number of celebrations for Pride at different venues. However, the authorities heard about it - and they came after a westerner who played some role in managing the event, and threatened them with deportation if all of the events were not cancelled. Also, in Guangzhou, a number of gay bars had just been shut down.<br />
<br />
While I didn’t experience any harassment by the authorities while I visited - I didn’t stay very long anywhere I went. The US Consulate in Guangzhou held a speaking event where I discussed where I work at <a href="https://www.outrightinternational.org/">OutRight Action International</a> - it was well attended. However, I’ve heard that often colleges dissuade students (even threatening removal of their scholarships!) from attending events like these and Chinese authorities record when Chinese citizens visit foreign embassies. They are very wary of anything that could be a “foreign influence” even though outside support is sometimes desperately needed by local LGBT NGOs.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qfuNHKm86Eqzp84cPCzE1_gZ645s4hDK2zaez7b3cnnUeJ-oDPiKBMT2L7ObFpSQJgUPkvlPn3o3j439sZMlGY5GLYsgtSIdgfjN-HgKbVLjVGi7_XAKVxgvOBp_YiPokMP1nCBtnUSQ/s1600/IMG_8914.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qfuNHKm86Eqzp84cPCzE1_gZ645s4hDK2zaez7b3cnnUeJ-oDPiKBMT2L7ObFpSQJgUPkvlPn3o3j439sZMlGY5GLYsgtSIdgfjN-HgKbVLjVGi7_XAKVxgvOBp_YiPokMP1nCBtnUSQ/s320/IMG_8914.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical gay bar in China - filled with tables and a big stage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Often gay bars don’t have much space for socialization. You come with a group of friends, sit around a table and play dice, and order essentially what we would call bottle service. For the establishment, this probably works well as you are forced to order a round of beers or a bottle of liquor. But you wouldn’t just come out alone -- so challenging for a guy visiting alone! Still, clearly as a foreigner, you’re often desired at these spaces (and at clubs) because you’re expected to have more money to spend (even if you don’t) and clubs see an expat community as validation for locals to believe it's a happening place. Still, what's cool about most small gay venues, is that they have almost continual entertainment - drag queens or sexy male dancers.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuzFDFDdiOZpJNhh8oH91FzWLUZEjVXXEBE4eAJw9dT3b1HTCmmdqsk2b7Y_3DV68pvVkGtn8y24jcLUXX3e1asrwbWjXy0Z_u5Dc3XzLwJzuMLa_R2Lvpct2kMPu6USYjrnOGXo7ec0k/s1600/IMG_8970.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuzFDFDdiOZpJNhh8oH91FzWLUZEjVXXEBE4eAJw9dT3b1HTCmmdqsk2b7Y_3DV68pvVkGtn8y24jcLUXX3e1asrwbWjXy0Z_u5Dc3XzLwJzuMLa_R2Lvpct2kMPu6USYjrnOGXo7ec0k/s200/IMG_8970.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Side Note: </i>While walking to one of those gay bars in Xi'an, I passed by a big straight club called “Area 51” (which was a pretty cool space, admittedly) and one of the promoters still asked me to come in. I told him I would look around. He got my WeChat and essentially schemed to get me to come back the next night - telling me he had a bunch of gay friends who would join me a table. When I arrived, there was no one else, and he expected me to buy a bottle ($80 USD) for the one poor gay guy he eventually found (only after I asked where his alleged gay friends were). He just happened to find him on the street; he was from Thailand. We got along, but he said he had to leave shortly after arriving - so a total bust of a night (remember the bullet above about being too naive with people).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLHdl6lUN1QPKPBGRhqqwqUxrYUEw4u-pGE6AOrMK2D7yCD3YLkVf33tR1uKZdMThyqemSEK4n8WUVbVTw1SnF37_vMPPJMALer8ATzgOMTkkz1MzF3LK5jpfrdG_J-S0gM8ILzmyX0R/s1600/IMG_8365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLHdl6lUN1QPKPBGRhqqwqUxrYUEw4u-pGE6AOrMK2D7yCD3YLkVf33tR1uKZdMThyqemSEK4n8WUVbVTw1SnF37_vMPPJMALer8ATzgOMTkkz1MzF3LK5jpfrdG_J-S0gM8ILzmyX0R/s320/IMG_8365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th annual Great Wall China AIDS Walk 2018<br />
always held in mid-September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
Despite challenges and often unavoidable miscommunications when you don't speak the language, visiting China can be an incredible experience - there's so much yummy food - the people connect with will be very very friendly - and don't forget the many sights of China. The Terracotta Warriors (outside Xi'an) are amazing - you watch archeologists putting the pieces back together before your very eyes. And the Pandas (in Chengdu) are super cute and amusing to watch. And especially after rainfall, the air clears of pollution like this incredible day we had participating in the 7th annual Great Wall China AIDS walk outside of Beijing. One daring individual even chose to do it in heels!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6nMglml-wiHrpNH1DjuwgBttvAUsklZMCw-22NtjtQMeWk-m0EYP3S1GRiFcO2UUyzUI4Ab-TMi853GJYeyT1U29n787tSOgSy6ywpjy61pJSQfDQDrs2L5oeKTIQfTHojXUSZZuMaJp/s1600/IMG_8150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6nMglml-wiHrpNH1DjuwgBttvAUsklZMCw-22NtjtQMeWk-m0EYP3S1GRiFcO2UUyzUI4Ab-TMi853GJYeyT1U29n787tSOgSy6ywpjy61pJSQfDQDrs2L5oeKTIQfTHojXUSZZuMaJp/s320/IMG_8150.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Wall China AIDS Walk - in heels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>Disclaimer: The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gayographer/">GAYographer</a> visited China in 2013 and recently in September 2018 as part of a US government-funded exchange under the auspices of the US-China Commission. His primary goal during this time was to meet with LGBT activists for an exchange of non-profit best practices. All of the views and information expressed here are his personal views and do not in any way reflect OutRight Action International, the US-China Commission, or the US government. You can reach out to him for more information by clicking here.</i><br />
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-60878901769764792272018-02-19T10:46:00.000-08:002023-12-23T06:25:56.996-08:00Puerto Vallarta: Best Beach for New Year's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM5nN6ovAh7_LZjUX4-J-VM1zWGDsO-I3v2GhvwjPXYepsxUNi6jI4RvwK7foW16WYLHGY-EMbXTyA7cV3RJszz4JyFBnDWd9PLmnjjblWlzpO9JBkNQ23CvjKd9hyphenhyphen5ns2CRJZc5X98xk/s1600/IMG_8885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM5nN6ovAh7_LZjUX4-J-VM1zWGDsO-I3v2GhvwjPXYepsxUNi6jI4RvwK7foW16WYLHGY-EMbXTyA7cV3RJszz4JyFBnDWd9PLmnjjblWlzpO9JBkNQ23CvjKd9hyphenhyphen5ns2CRJZc5X98xk/s400/IMG_8885.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexicans bring the fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The scene is palm-tree adorned, sandy beaches - where the
sun sets in the west, late into the evening, over beautiful mountains –
providing the perfect light for those beach pics. Plus you’ll find all your
favorite latin foods – and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">demasiado</i>
tacos (who doesn’t like tacos?). Yet what sets the “Fire-Island” or more apt, “Rehoboth
of Mexico” apart is its fun loving (and looking for fun) people. Whether it’s Mexican
families from all over meeting together for the holidays or packs of friends
from Guadalajara – they are smiling, open and ready to share in the celebration
of the New Year. And share they will with tourists from the DF to DC, Los
Angeles to London, and Vancouver to Venezuela all ready for fun and relaxation.
Puerto Vallarta provides an escape – and its Zona Romantica provides a gay
ghetto bursting with boys from all of the Americas’ biggest cities (and even
Europe!). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m writing this after my second trip to PV for New Years –
and I don’t plan to stop going. One major motivation is getting to a beach to
escape the cold – and of course <a href="https://www.google.com/flights/#search;f=JFK,LGA,EWR;t=PVR;d=2018-12-27;r=2019-01-03;sel=EWRPVR0UA1521,PVREWR0UA1525;a=UA" target="_blank">United’s</a> direct flight from Newark this time of
year helps! Sitting on a beach nearly naked is simply no my go-to option now.
And I’m also overjoyed to plant that fleeting new year’s kiss on a cute
Mexican of the moment. But one major help is also that this trip, once the
flight is booked (as early as possible) can be very inexpensive. Both of my
adventures fully cost about $1000 each (all inclusive) for nearly a week each –
if you go with a friend or a group this is very doable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR54R8NXbyCVr74xqp5C54fRFEBPa9MzUAXzxu-JVayWKueH26Z-fkwvO7vvt-j9ihorZ1lS0Eq8dBWNd3R_FvnPOcoPjn1Ss7CTv-uF-vg1M_qQxFZ6HeLd1_cFvX9O4WcYpPpUYDgVI/s1600/IMG_8902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR54R8NXbyCVr74xqp5C54fRFEBPa9MzUAXzxu-JVayWKueH26Z-fkwvO7vvt-j9ihorZ1lS0Eq8dBWNd3R_FvnPOcoPjn1Ss7CTv-uF-vg1M_qQxFZ6HeLd1_cFvX9O4WcYpPpUYDgVI/s320/IMG_8902.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can even bring your drone...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Be warned – the old-city infrastructure isn’t perfect.
Stairs are often misaligned and mis-measured – and if you stay up from the gay
beach (with some incredible views) plan to ascend to get home. Your best bet is
to book early on AirBnB – but be warned sometimes there’s only one set of keys
and often in Mexico you’re locked in without those keys! Be sure to clarify
with your hosts and know what to expect (this goes the same with groups in hotels!).
If you’re going all-out (or a daddy is paying) for sure stay at <a href="https://mantamarvallarta.com/en" target="_blank">Mantamar</a> – but I
like visiting Mexico to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in</i> Mexico
– and practice my Spanish – so I prefer keeping a more local company, at least
focusing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">some</i> time away from los
gringos. It’s best if you remember and expect to be going to a dusty beach town
– because the old part is the most fun – unless you really want more secluded resort
life up to the north of the city center.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMuze2WPsBl3GEnd4aO9nWjCmFqtVBpchJh0AdW5KDdQaqODAPFjWqAJTHmgtmVOZbNt4xn0WiK7NzLIcOeeNdtrJIdkvleWgVA6I4PAul1e5-7lygZ6yhGNyBfAoWssu5aXLHnaVCyIx/s1600/IMG_9414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMuze2WPsBl3GEnd4aO9nWjCmFqtVBpchJh0AdW5KDdQaqODAPFjWqAJTHmgtmVOZbNt4xn0WiK7NzLIcOeeNdtrJIdkvleWgVA6I4PAul1e5-7lygZ6yhGNyBfAoWssu5aXLHnaVCyIx/s320/IMG_9414.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset brings the best light to the gay beach...</td></tr>
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Nothing can be better than stepping off a plane from the
frozen north – to tropical heat – and thinking about the polar vortex you’re
escaping – as you sip mojitos on the sand. Of course, it all comes down to who
you’re with – but in Puerto Vallarta – you can always easily find friends. If
you don’t want to practice your Spanish with the locals, there are people from
all over the world in town to enjoy the weather too. But it’s always fun to do
the trip as part of a group, as you all compliment each other – and plan
activities you can opt-in or out of. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Of course, I’m the social director/party planner – always
seeking out the best group to hang with and the best party to attend. That’s why
you should keep tabs on my weekly news brief - subscribe to <a href="http://facebook.com/gaygeography" target="_blank">GAYography</a>. </h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Though I have to admit, for daytime, I’m a beach bum – happy
to spend each day laying in the sand, so I don’t need extra activities to fill
the day. Of course, at the beach you can ride the “banana,” try your luck on
the precarious-looking parasail, take out a jet-ski – or do the gay (very
gringo) booze cruise. I choose to just float in the water – and sometimes ride
the waves in. My activities include drinking, socializing, and maybe even doing
a little work on the sand. But of course, there are Art Galleries, a fair
number of museums, horseback-riding in the mountains, even zip-lining and just
walking along the Malecon.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkDU7u2sSCQugrcAENtV6It-0cpknlsF-JomNhRH_NoZKEpgN6xygPJVT3B632VGw1IjW6rx7Gg_h_2o7iziO-aPntpxZI23Xbz1Z6qp6cntmuMHvm37YxHUVEAuAojhCHiH9NkDAMKv0/s1600/IMG_8835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkDU7u2sSCQugrcAENtV6It-0cpknlsF-JomNhRH_NoZKEpgN6xygPJVT3B632VGw1IjW6rx7Gg_h_2o7iziO-aPntpxZI23Xbz1Z6qp6cntmuMHvm37YxHUVEAuAojhCHiH9NkDAMKv0/s320/IMG_8835.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing on platforms at CC's!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When you want to go out at night – you have a plethora of
differing venues. Of course, its always fun to hang out street-side at Flamingo
– with it’s fruity drinks and blaring music, you will be forced into the
fun-zone. Amigos is the more local Mexican scene – along with Paco’s as the Mexican
dance club – with Drag shows in Spanish and English depending on the time
(12:30 and 3:30am). CCs is the more upscale dance club where you’ll find
everyone – from circuit queens rolling to Mexi-twinks and their girlfriends. My
favorite spot is the bar along the street at CCs – and when it’s really crowded
you can always just hang outside on the street. For view with a small group of
friends, head into La Noche – I never stand downstairs for the shows, but I go
up to the roof for the nighttime vista across the dilapidated, but energized
old town, including a view kitty-corner of the Sauna.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddTGzLWSq4urep5Z6fcQfNJURNNMqpY1Xw2YruS7vjC5-jhr2i7GKqBC68z-DwgXFPGKs0p6iCbget3P71nBSsYw9gTrHyQT879i6zldxjHgsHsrotKRYMY3OPIR7PRcp7-9Tpec7OZp2/s1600/IMG_8860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddTGzLWSq4urep5Z6fcQfNJURNNMqpY1Xw2YruS7vjC5-jhr2i7GKqBC68z-DwgXFPGKs0p6iCbget3P71nBSsYw9gTrHyQT879i6zldxjHgsHsrotKRYMY3OPIR7PRcp7-9Tpec7OZp2/s320/IMG_8860.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love at first sight...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you’re looking to relax – in different ways - <a href="http://www.spaspartacus.com/prices-hours.html" target="_blank">Spartacus Sauna</a> will surprise you, it’s not very big – so lines are long on wild nights
like New Years – but it is clean and modern-looking (a contrast with the look
of the building). Of course, it may be more fun to take that special guy home
with you – but sometimes there are no other options for you and a local boy who
has limited time (and is with his friends…). For a fun quickie (or a romantic
walk) there is also the beach – but there are often guards about and it is a
little too quiet. Whatever you do, don’t lose your wallet or phone in the sand
(both happened to friends of mine; yes, you’re going to get a little messy)!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-10518359752928152612017-10-22T18:35:00.000-07:002017-10-23T08:38:18.268-07:00Copenhagen: Blondes & Bikes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Copenhagen: Blondes & Bikes<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25aDqr-B67D7W7__zsaLjL5ei9y97mUkNwtbLlqd6iqhz1dF5JOfB6sXi7iiHHfnkddGuUKIOfeM6G7bHeCYE-Jru0JXekXcIaD_F7pLPQKF-hW6GPIpem73h4yip7WcaRVBFHNre7xDW/s1600/IMG_4942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25aDqr-B67D7W7__zsaLjL5ei9y97mUkNwtbLlqd6iqhz1dF5JOfB6sXi7iiHHfnkddGuUKIOfeM6G7bHeCYE-Jru0JXekXcIaD_F7pLPQKF-hW6GPIpem73h4yip7WcaRVBFHNre7xDW/s200/IMG_4942.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Round Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This beautiful city on the water is home to the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/7-reasons-denmark-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world-a7331146.html" target="_blank">happiest people on earth</a> – which makes sense given Tivoli, an
amusement park in the city center! With great food, beautiful boys, and even
the city square named for LGBT equality, Copenhagen provides much for the gay (as
well as not gay) traveler – but don’t come without being ready to part with
some cash.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmd7DJXPwF5BDYNW0IlayT87IO5N1HW5rZE2HiNjvVC9DR3B4EatPQuKQ0x48NYesjHQh8ahhjGfPmGmKTJU6FHVwSiVZKcWRZeGxpNVMQqxkU0j-x64Lih9B5k5VIZAeOJ6R6l4m8sJX/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmd7DJXPwF5BDYNW0IlayT87IO5N1HW5rZE2HiNjvVC9DR3B4EatPQuKQ0x48NYesjHQh8ahhjGfPmGmKTJU6FHVwSiVZKcWRZeGxpNVMQqxkU0j-x64Lih9B5k5VIZAeOJ6R6l4m8sJX/s200/IMG_2356.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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I visited Copenhagen just for one weekday (and weeks later,
a few hours on a layover). With incredible luck, my day was a Tuesday with an
annual celebration that ensured late-night partying: high school graduation! Of
course, in the US this would have meant house parties – but here, where the
drinking age is 16 and you can drink openly on the street (remember happiest
people…) meant an exuberant evening until at least 4am.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC2I40n79371eXqvWBdrCdIcyVTwedhT5Hmm4KUnsN5usgAjFJQ1h92hrBbpTMlBHls0VPQBRYWVRvIIwMi51SfP3blvkBMlElFCI-1HdyQSdm9-D9Qj75udKhm-LOvf4_3m5zAkKLkhZ/s1600/IMG_2465.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC2I40n79371eXqvWBdrCdIcyVTwedhT5Hmm4KUnsN5usgAjFJQ1h92hrBbpTMlBHls0VPQBRYWVRvIIwMi51SfP3blvkBMlElFCI-1HdyQSdm9-D9Qj75udKhm-LOvf4_3m5zAkKLkhZ/s200/IMG_2465.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell what his custom <br />
message is?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here, high school graduates (and some from
specialty schools) wear special caps – rounded (usually white) hats with a
custom message or your name on the back. Of course, you can only really wear
these hats around graduation time – they are a one-time-thing – but it’s a sort
of rite of passage – so the city was filled with these youngsters, including, of
course, each gay bar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VQa7hxcBDXZwxNyZU_P5938dwy3BtpTHYYHI49UQTNxa0mxWgdTt6UH-opb0D1rfiZ9WwyMnDLLIm8qe5HXZDjJxai3TeyIokjWEwLRaKguGadulOF6_NGrqAS5rSWEjOhooMLO_U-KW/s1600/IMG_4830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VQa7hxcBDXZwxNyZU_P5938dwy3BtpTHYYHI49UQTNxa0mxWgdTt6UH-opb0D1rfiZ9WwyMnDLLIm8qe5HXZDjJxai3TeyIokjWEwLRaKguGadulOF6_NGrqAS5rSWEjOhooMLO_U-KW/s200/IMG_4830.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Swans are in protect mode!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My local friend walked me through the maze of shopping
streets in the center – he also pointed out the “lakes” dotting the city center
where I found these incredible swans on my return trip. Also we were too late
to go up the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rundetaarn" target="_blank">Round Tower</a> - I saved for my layover – the best
view of the whole city. As we walked, we ran into graduates with their hats –
and more than some shouting - “The right hat is red” (Den rigtige hue er rød) –
because the national high school uses red – other schools and
vocations are not. Finally, our destination was yummy dinner along
<a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/07/06/denmark-copenhagen-quietly-renames-city-centre-rainbow-square/" target="_blank">Rainbow Square</a> – recently renamed to commemorate LGBT equality - eating outside
(it was almost warm enough as the sun set) at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oscarbarcafe/" target="_blank">Oscar Bar & Café</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXQbZ3ju_AYx0EZLkAeSCdGvMimK86Uh1i60bsZkLEZK9B6iJ_RjIIRAJi0eJzdlEVJNJrbh4iCSLQWWYhPeEidfY7e11mUmIyDCROpk3mVoLHp-CkOgapL6kdK9hyphenhyphenRfWgdTKsYNOqr-i/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXQbZ3ju_AYx0EZLkAeSCdGvMimK86Uh1i60bsZkLEZK9B6iJ_RjIIRAJi0eJzdlEVJNJrbh4iCSLQWWYhPeEidfY7e11mUmIyDCROpk3mVoLHp-CkOgapL6kdK9hyphenhyphenRfWgdTKsYNOqr-i/s320/IMG_2405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G-A-Y Club Copenhagen (weekends only)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi8dfCbxm_NorgbTBvTW-EZA3yaP9pYJ1jZfDVmnu-kHQzUn7mog_xIAKqHyLzZai-7pzPJ1xf2LLV8oumKsqn096UvWvlpW699I3D_52slAvxs-PwkYLzDWJYnQn1QoWKl74cAQB717J/s1600/IMG_2446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi8dfCbxm_NorgbTBvTW-EZA3yaP9pYJ1jZfDVmnu-kHQzUn7mog_xIAKqHyLzZai-7pzPJ1xf2LLV8oumKsqn096UvWvlpW699I3D_52slAvxs-PwkYLzDWJYnQn1QoWKl74cAQB717J/s200/IMG_2446.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar Bar & Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then it was time to bar hop. What surprised me most was that
these bars were the smokiest I’ve observed in Europe (well, at least since
Prague) – the law allows smoking in bars of a certain small size – but it
appears exact size that now only can financially exist, at least on a Tuesday.
Sadly I missed the gay club <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CopenhagenGAY/" target="_blank">G-A-Y</a> - open only on weekends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnlFTr52dw3U73dwj22I2SFPlTC8MjKFipuPmz0-ExJ2qDATCL7y3AWva4dXkbTXd0VWqWC9u0SMWRv7HT8g1LjGEpSoHpQ8MxAGjsIqVsrkhQiTenMkRJTtaIcY-EdPGg_j_f13OmF8O/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnlFTr52dw3U73dwj22I2SFPlTC8MjKFipuPmz0-ExJ2qDATCL7y3AWva4dXkbTXd0VWqWC9u0SMWRv7HT8g1LjGEpSoHpQ8MxAGjsIqVsrkhQiTenMkRJTtaIcY-EdPGg_j_f13OmF8O/s200/IMG_2373.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gay Street - Studiestraede</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most unique, chill bar is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jailhousecph.dk/" target="_blank">Jailhouse</a> – located on the
main LGBT-filled street, Studiestraede. More of a bear-friendly bar, its simply
a non-pretentious gay bar – where friendly tourists and locals chatted us up.
All the kids were at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CosyGayBarCopenhagen/" target="_blank">Cosy</a>, smoking and dancing up a storm. For this celebratory
weeknight – everyone seemed to end up at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nevermindbar.dk/" target="_blank">Never Mind</a>, where I enjoyed a private mirrored
bathroom – and met a couple out for one of the boys’ graduation celebration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Book your accommodations early – even I held out thinking I
would just grab a hostel, but that cost $40 for a bunk in an 8 person room. Of
course, I only slept a couple of hours – after walking home from Never Mind as
the sun was rising. But I stoped into the room early on long enough to catch a
conversation with a Thai guy traveling across Europe. Sadly, I didn’t use the free drink on the rooftop bar at the Generator.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xaJcOm1JvSPJzkcnKUJsmyA2ttH0ZREd-EnTdNpaS-adxGcoTjtKJk_Ufn6tFm_ldc23Qoo6jhVquo0LlJrQSbESKcARraWxlBDZ3BYz6-O2er9VYPHLjVw5wwFBXo9uwc7BUgDhW-qz/s1600/IMG_4910.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xaJcOm1JvSPJzkcnKUJsmyA2ttH0ZREd-EnTdNpaS-adxGcoTjtKJk_Ufn6tFm_ldc23Qoo6jhVquo0LlJrQSbESKcARraWxlBDZ3BYz6-O2er9VYPHLjVw5wwFBXo9uwc7BUgDhW-qz/s200/IMG_4910.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjYLccZHdNX2b6k2yVD7Cvv7fDKMzkh3c1IgU5EeK_WdEocrRJDPUW3HuSN8wZ6OqMS7CNJ5n2xPn3oEpTNb6xWL5SNOAY26sWNn3HcVjh-lMnwz3y2qfOTXILXz46dgeoDq-0WkPYxuU/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjYLccZHdNX2b6k2yVD7Cvv7fDKMzkh3c1IgU5EeK_WdEocrRJDPUW3HuSN8wZ6OqMS7CNJ5n2xPn3oEpTNb6xWL5SNOAY26sWNn3HcVjh-lMnwz3y2qfOTXILXz46dgeoDq-0WkPYxuU/s200/IMG_4897.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real castles from this roller-coaster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the world’s oldest amusement park isn’t in Copenhagen
(it’s called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyrehavsbakken" target="_blank">Bakken</a> just 10 km north!), but the second oldest is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tivoli_Gardens" target="_blank">Tivoli</a> and
opened in 1843 – right in what’s now the city center! My return layover
included a few afternoon hours here. What struck me most about this locale: they
didn’t need to build a fake castle nearby for scenery (a la Disney); real
castles nearby date to the 1600s. There is one decent roller-coaster, a drop and
of course swings that take you very high – but otherwise, the rides are for
young kids. Still the park is more about sitting on the green, enjoying a wine,
taking in a concert and watching the world go by.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpMelDK_ptEMjVW-URH9Wda1ts6CNeVhFg0hqdq4Ahvht8ZNfpOQ1haWqrgC-l2bULIQrOajmLyVYQ5gw_RvsXL3NNsGLNAOmuyCHUtu6pob3yl0JTS85PajocIhIqlAf4ddzdGvOH-60/s1600/IMG_4938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpMelDK_ptEMjVW-URH9Wda1ts6CNeVhFg0hqdq4Ahvht8ZNfpOQ1haWqrgC-l2bULIQrOajmLyVYQ5gw_RvsXL3NNsGLNAOmuyCHUtu6pob3yl0JTS85PajocIhIqlAf4ddzdGvOH-60/s320/IMG_4938.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nyhavn Street/Docks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tivoli Tourist Note: Whatever you do, don’t be fooled into
partaking in the “virtual” roller-coaster – they give you a headset that blinds
you to the beautiful sights – as you watch a virtual reality chasing a dragon –
that’s about as good video quality as a Nintendo 64 game. Enjoy the beautiful
sights you wind rapidly through the park – it’s a quick ride, but the best one
I could find.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Gq94ydjTIEXnisU3JvIbGYcSr6ikdmZpsFJNOME7Vn4yTe53x4nb9cRD1Y0_ZwLi3Z_5ukpx_tVECbKi1AmKHrnlIEgnk1Z3DI4qamZLUUCgAubDKGNaHvJu_SnESi9CQ4HSvJb4fVb/s1600/IMG_2490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6Gq94ydjTIEXnisU3JvIbGYcSr6ikdmZpsFJNOME7Vn4yTe53x4nb9cRD1Y0_ZwLi3Z_5ukpx_tVECbKi1AmKHrnlIEgnk1Z3DI4qamZLUUCgAubDKGNaHvJu_SnESi9CQ4HSvJb4fVb/s320/IMG_2490.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least I got a pic with the hat...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally don’t forget to get your picture at the docks at
Nyhavn street – where beautiful alternating colors stand out against the
(typically) grey skies. Also, for new cheap (and not so cheap) eats visit the
Meatpacking District – where I ate a great burger and wandered around at this
hipster zone that’s revitalizing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Copenhagen’s beautiful architecture, friendly people, and
ease of life will attract you back – I didn’t get my white cap, so I’ll have to
be back in June next time!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-88903044658065958862017-06-06T20:07:00.000-07:002017-06-06T20:07:00.444-07:00Cyprus: Crossing borders with Cocktails<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2sNk9_vXH-msyV-2XzJTOJ4jZKk6aM7JJfyKelHqqP0ohkjwQswwskoHYBhPiVBPgRgVNNMAg5dk8nCv80vuimNWlsETmiqXjNvkPbjp7pVT68PKZxsGdZVMF2R0qJHYBS6Wo_j70lR_/s1600/IMG_4564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2sNk9_vXH-msyV-2XzJTOJ4jZKk6aM7JJfyKelHqqP0ohkjwQswwskoHYBhPiVBPgRgVNNMAg5dk8nCv80vuimNWlsETmiqXjNvkPbjp7pVT68PKZxsGdZVMF2R0qJHYBS6Wo_j70lR_/s200/IMG_4564.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible food at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dionysusmansion" target="_blank">Dionysus Mansion</a></td></tr>
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How can you get as close to the Middle East as possible, but
still be in Europe? If you’re not counting Israel (Eurovision does!) then it’s
Cyprus. Honestly, until I arrived, I actually didn’t realize how close I was to
the death and destruction happening just a few hundred miles away (in Syria).
But this lovely beach-island-town has most of the comforts of Europe – at least
those appreciated by other Mediterranean parts – plus incredible food expected
from the Med – although with quite a conflicted LGBT community.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cwHf7QjreDBzdV0Gewuog2iELFcTCxFK74IAjJ_ofnUOOSa5NiW0lLCXHLEOnM_uk-LbgDiV2Uyxg7uvJXifc9CUrJsctVAQurIjv41jr4V-fkzW342_3zn9r7fEbaE8YoLGPT5zKZyf/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cwHf7QjreDBzdV0Gewuog2iELFcTCxFK74IAjJ_ofnUOOSa5NiW0lLCXHLEOnM_uk-LbgDiV2Uyxg7uvJXifc9CUrJsctVAQurIjv41jr4V-fkzW342_3zn9r7fEbaE8YoLGPT5zKZyf/s320/IMG_4466.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaics of Ancient Korion near Limassol</td></tr>
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Cyprus not a place a great deal of young people flock to –
or remain – but it definitely has tons of potential, especially with the beautiful
beaches and fabulous Mediterranean food. It was a great destination for <a href="http://www.ilga-europe.org/conference/nicosia-2016" target="_blank">ILGA’sEuropean Conference</a> I attended last October. For now, it’s a tourist
destination for many Russians – and also a good spot for money laundering
(guess which new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/mar/23/wilbur-ross-russian-deal-bank-of-cyprus-donald-trump-commerce-secretary" target="_blank">Cabinet member was also Vice-President of the Bank of Cyprus</a>?)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, many ancient sites, including mosaics, line the island - the major one near a city is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kourion" target="_blank">Ancient Kourion</a> on the west side of Limassol. But nothing is as spectacular as the seafood is good! The ILGA conference marked the first time an LGBT event was held at the Presidential Palace - which has a large public space outside for celebrations and I enjoyed making a new friend with one of the members of the traditional dance group... :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional dancers at the Presidential Palace</td></tr>
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Gay Cyprus is difficult – but of course I made attempts with locals. I got disappointed when a Grindr guy offered to drive me to the beach,
but then backed out when his friend wanted to go (he didn’t want to have to
explain how we met). These guys are shy – worried about their image (typical in
any small place) and of course many still very closeted. Yet gay bars exist and
of course, you’ll have even more luck perhaps with Grindr (if you can get
anyone to commit).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nicosia – the divided capital - does not have a dedicated gay bar,
except in the Turkish-controlled North. Gay bar Lorenzo’s is part of a strong if small community! However back down in Europe,
Ithaki bar goes gay on Friday nights. What’s great is that you can cross the international border with a beer or a cocktail in hand - this is the last divided city in the world! With the amount of new boys in town,
due to the Conference, it was difficult to make out the locals – but it was
cool to see the bar was a mixed, diverse crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends from around Europe...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prices in Cyprus – like other Med & Middle East
destinations - depend on your circumstances. I paid 10 Euro for a taxi through
a neighborhood (at 2am – and the driver was drunk), then 11 for a (terrifying) mini-van
across the country – 6 for a taxi 4 blocks down Larnaca beach (he asked for 7
at first!) and 5 for a taxi across the Capital city (when my hotel called).
Just remember, try to keep them a little honest (and be sure the meter is
working) – otherwise tourist prices can only go higher!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayia Napa - Kermia "Beach"</td></tr>
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As far as Beaches, one of the best is Limnara Beach in <a href="http://www.gaywingscyprus.com/index.php/entertainment/gay-beaches" target="_blank">Ayia Napa</a> where there’s also a “nude” gay beach along the trail – but honestly, it
probably has to be a busy time to find anyone but some older gentlemen cruising.
The rocky shores are beautiful – but a little difficult to traverse without
proper footwear. I made a friend who helped me take some good glam shots – and
showed me the best vista for sunset.</div>
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Cyprus isn’t big – but it’s more than just another beautiful
island of the Med – it’s got a complicated history. But the food and the
beaches provide great uncomplicated reasons to stop by – you’ll be certain to
make fast friends!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJszV72nD0a_Xlkh6-HjNnoJ21Yl1s04DhhAcsvbn4MaQ81QcZhdDgBp4SRkaGq98EsGrqnym5l7CpNezK020q-oSpAsiwcRFaIx4-inhV4kifhYFkbMX-RKdeDMIedkZnTRtn_jevK0h/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJszV72nD0a_Xlkh6-HjNnoJ21Yl1s04DhhAcsvbn4MaQ81QcZhdDgBp4SRkaGq98EsGrqnym5l7CpNezK020q-oSpAsiwcRFaIx4-inhV4kifhYFkbMX-RKdeDMIedkZnTRtn_jevK0h/s640/IMG_4801.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset near Ayia Napa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-36517792456360672042017-02-15T19:46:00.000-08:002023-12-23T06:26:14.668-08:00P-town Part 3: Whale of a Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo4LSzs2HBBWsAKBHa8GNefPU8zjReXk8wVvn3b-R_311YKaBGXPTJAO6gA2UCXdyvVRTXZdvs1Ru4X65mHZvwI3mJ8WQemBCQxMVuukfj0jNFlTxUSu7KLDC_5EnTALYzHpvQS20vqI_/s1600/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo4LSzs2HBBWsAKBHa8GNefPU8zjReXk8wVvn3b-R_311YKaBGXPTJAO6gA2UCXdyvVRTXZdvs1Ru4X65mHZvwI3mJ8WQemBCQxMVuukfj0jNFlTxUSu7KLDC_5EnTALYzHpvQS20vqI_/s320/IMG_0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing at the close of the BoatSlip's Low Tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Theme parties are of course some of the main attractions during your time in Provincetown – especially if you’re in town for <a href="https://onlyatthecrown.com/event/756-independence-2017/" target="_blank">4th of July Week</a>, <a href="http://www.ptownbears.org/" target="_blank">Bear Week</a> (second week in July) or <a href="http://ptownevents.com/event/ptown-carnival-2017/" target="_blank">Carnival</a> (the 3rd week of August). If you enjoy some fun with heels or a wig – these are definitely mandatory. One group I know came to their first BoatSlip happy hour as Disney Divas!<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><i>Don't forget to subscribe to the weekly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GAYgeography/" target="_blank">GAYography brief<span id="goog_963061979"></span><span id="goog_963061980"></span>,</a> for updates about LGBT events, travel insights and global advocacy.</i></b><br />
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Saturday night, for example is the big underwear (or jock!) party at <a href="http://www.giffordhouse.com/pages/club.html" target="_blank">Purgatory</a> (at the Gifford House Inn) – where naturally, I met an older gentleman who quickly bought me a drink (and later some yummy lobster dinner!). But each night has a different theme party of some sort – and if you want to belt to show-tunes, do so any and every day of the week at Crown and Anchor. And you can always go to classic A-House – the oldest bar in the city – either to the bar, where the upstairs bar sometimes gets naughty or over to the larger dance hall. After that early 1am curfew, everyone finds themselves outside Spiritus for Pizza (or ice cream if you prefer) or of course observing or participating under the Dick Dock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't I look like I'm having fun!?</td></tr>
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Generally, the crowd of course is not typically a young one – but workers or those kept boys brought out with a group or their “special friends” keep some twinks around. It’s an experience built especially for those near 30 and above – but of course there are also straight families and vacationers of all sorts. Everyone should definitely go at least once – and if you go once, I’m certain you’ll come again.<br />
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The only minuses are the water temperature (which makes late August or Labor Day an ideal time), the pebbly gay beach (a cute look upon your attempt to confidently walk (naked) out of the water). But you’re not going to find a more beautiful, relaxed gay beach. If you want to change it up – the further beach is sandier (and more lesbian than gay) – and from there you can often see whales. Also, it’s tough to save money at all during your trip (hey, it’s vacation, after all) – but of course, you can always cart out some liquor to help. I actually met guys camping who were from Canada – they simply hauled everything in (easier when you take the beautiful (if long) drive in up the Cape).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise from the Jetty</td></tr>
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My daily routine typically consisted of 1) getting moving around 11am 2) a specialty cream donut at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Happy-Camper-794341717326368/" target="_blank">Happy Camper</a> (yumm), 3) walk or bike over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RELISH-Bakery-and-Sandwich-Shop-138133790649/" target="_blank">Relish</a>, where I purchased a huge Italian sandwich. This would last me all afternoon (the best option to stay fresh all day). Then 4) hike or bike to the gay beach, to see what trouble I could get myself into. One day I decided I would walk all the way across the jetty (which can be treacherous at low tide) out to Long Point and back to the gay beach. It took me 3 hours or more… so I would not recommend that unless you truly want a walk (and I don’t recommend doing this in sandals, opps!). Then of course, 5) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BoatslipResort/?hc_ref=SEARCH" target="_blank">BoatSlip</a> happy Hour (you can get a week-pass for $40). 6) Out to dinner, 7) some shows, the bars, and the parties…</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shows & Stars advertised outside the Art House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Herring Cove Beach</td></tr>
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For food – any seafood will do - the lobster, of course, is to die for! It’s also relatively easy to find an older friend that might even pay – but be sure you’re clear about what that means for afterwards! Maybe he’ll just want you to say “maybe.” Or he might take you to the VIP section (first few rows) of the <a href="http://www.ptownarthouse.com/" target="_blank">Art House</a> for Well Stung – or any number of stars in town that will keep you entertained during your stay. During my time <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cher+hillary+fundraiser&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwif1ujV2JPSAhWlz4MKHVX5Df4QsAQINA&biw=1366&bih=545" target="_blank">Cher visited with Hillary</a> for an incredible fundraiser at the Pilgrim’s monument – which actually was visibly protested… if only we knew then what we know now!<br />
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This first trip to Ptown was more solo for me – I couldn’t be gone too long – my arrival was seeing friends on their way out post-Carnival and my last day didn’t align with others. My last evening there – mid-week for everyone else – I couldn’t convince anyone from BoatSlip’s low tea to go to my final sunset. When I arrived, a husky – straight, but definitely not narrow guy – invited me for fire-cooked cobbler. His young kids, wife and friends welcomed me to their beach sunset spread. Turns out he got his Ph.D. researching the effects of party drugs and HIV! We chatted in the twilight – our worlds so far apart, yet solidly connected on a warm August evening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting course on the Dolphin VII!</td></tr>
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My final day, I saw whales for really the first time – in the most amazing way. Watching whales breach and seeing them flip those tails up close is definitely worth the 3-4 hours. It makes the most sense to go out in the morning when the seas are calmer – then have the rest of your day to get back to your tan. I was fortunate to see nearly 15 different whales very up close.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ekeCjUI_Zrji1uwJja1LYKn8VOi-y8ae6moJZZwYdFY5hi5gOnz93AZmqITEKtskQvQUZEj-us4JXjw2T-5Izhml64NFcFLZZyTPtEyvJOLkNMTB8EyyKrClwE3-IZ6nlgXYiqhwLofa/s1600/Whale+Breech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ekeCjUI_Zrji1uwJja1LYKn8VOi-y8ae6moJZZwYdFY5hi5gOnz93AZmqITEKtskQvQUZEj-us4JXjw2T-5Izhml64NFcFLZZyTPtEyvJOLkNMTB8EyyKrClwE3-IZ6nlgXYiqhwLofa/s320/Whale+Breech.jpg" width="320" /></a>And just one more reason why Ptown has so much to offer – don’t forget - the miles of bike trails through beautiful forest. You’ll use this to reach the far beach - Race Point - where often you can also see whales directly from the shores (if you don’t have time for that whale watch). You will need to rent a bike – count on that – which is relatively inexpensive and discounted for the week or multiple days.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_CxPadELSZVSeFw_vQ_ibmW2TSo_xUb3n4u3Iv3lKOrZvV8GuZJC_YCu3T13vEtP0iXRxcGsR1TwmPlTm4eXt6U-3Gd1DvuJZ3NqGZzwmwpgUJqNFbY8kgl0l44Uk0K4Y4c58mo9-JUK/s1600/Ptown+Whale+and+Pilgrim+Monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_CxPadELSZVSeFw_vQ_ibmW2TSo_xUb3n4u3Iv3lKOrZvV8GuZJC_YCu3T13vEtP0iXRxcGsR1TwmPlTm4eXt6U-3Gd1DvuJZ3NqGZzwmwpgUJqNFbY8kgl0l44Uk0K4Y4c58mo9-JUK/s640/Ptown+Whale+and+Pilgrim+Monument.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilgrim's Monument in the background - with three of the biggest mammals on earth!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Taking that ferry back – is just as beautiful – as you blow back into reality from a week of revelry and relaxation. Conveniently, you can take a water taxi right from the ferry port directly to Logan Airport! Don’t forget to read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lands-End-Provincetown-Michael-Cunningham/dp/125001770X" target="_blank">Michael Cunningham’s book</a> before you go (and no I’m not getting royalties!). That will complete your full tour of this history and current picture of life at “Land’s End.”</div>
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And <a href="mailto:gayographer@gaytlas.com" target="_blank">be in touch</a> if you’re interested in setting out in August!<style>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-35506080237898364382017-01-18T23:36:00.000-08:002023-12-23T06:26:22.563-08:00P-town Part 2 -- Summer is for fun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEahpPJKnNuOw6j8hh4bxh3i4cfA0B6ADMmJGWHo3dn84D3ZhOovHJX-XNmFvHfCGyoYmKRRJGGRaKIJYPUf043cWT41Vb7RwztJsa6waROTKYSxv2hDXw2L2nvMrbbaU7pvk6JG-zjOWw/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEahpPJKnNuOw6j8hh4bxh3i4cfA0B6ADMmJGWHo3dn84D3ZhOovHJX-XNmFvHfCGyoYmKRRJGGRaKIJYPUf043cWT41Vb7RwztJsa6waROTKYSxv2hDXw2L2nvMrbbaU7pvk6JG-zjOWw/s320/IMG_0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-interrupted-meet-up before his ferry left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>Read <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/12/ptown-gaytown-usa-most-to-do-and-do-it.html" target="_blank">Ptown Part 1</a> first!</i></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in the middle of “connecting” with a new pal – in this
great centrally located Ptown accomodation. Clearly, he only came – I mean – visited me
because it was near the dock where he ferry would depart shortly. However, my housemate
was also trying to catch that same ferry....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.....And his laundry was drying in the washer/dryer unit in my
room…. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>KNOCK! KNOCK! –
Frantic housemate<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Really! – Now?!...” – under the blankets Ashton<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Yes! I have to catch
the ferry!” – Frantic housemate<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What?!” – Confused twink<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96iba1AH0uqmIKFT4n2U9vmiXVs2Igdg26k59uLgVPoK29aRNRFbL3SYn_Dx145dPAnyoDkLQtjoA9Nnb-zAcHoYZmDemtpSIn0uAhyphenhyphenHYa74VwpVy1dwjeIy-UC0fv79oyiGYDouIf8FH/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96iba1AH0uqmIKFT4n2U9vmiXVs2Igdg26k59uLgVPoK29aRNRFbL3SYn_Dx145dPAnyoDkLQtjoA9Nnb-zAcHoYZmDemtpSIn0uAhyphenhyphenHYa74VwpVy1dwjeIy-UC0fv79oyiGYDouIf8FH/s320/IMG_0001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planter's Punch at the BoatSlip Inn</td></tr>
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If you’re interested in staying <a href="https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4427609" target="_blank">at this home this summer</a> (if
not this room!), please be in touch and we can arrange a group!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But keep in mind that P-town isn’t exactly about nightlife –
besides, you can party inside all winter; now is the time to be outside! <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bars
are only open until 1am – thus the main social gay event is earlier from 4-7pm at
<a href="http://boatslipresort.com/boatslip-events/" target="_blank">Low Tea at the BoatSlip Inn</a>. This likely is the best gay happy hour in the
world. An expansive balcony holds hundreds – and it feels almost like an
“infinity” outdoor patio – with the water beyond, seemingly, it feels like
you’re floating (especially when you’re tipsy from the Planter’s Punch). It’s HUGE
compared with Fire Island’s Low Tea and no other place I’ve been can compete
with this large outdoor space. Plus there’s a dancefloor adjacent to the large
deck – with the latest songs of the summer to jam to. This is the best time of
day to party.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<i><b>Here's a little taste:</b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bkEjNu4kIwI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Afterwards, you’ll go home or out to eat for dinner, perhaps
out to one of the many shows – and then back out for drinks & more dancing.
Of course, it depends who you’re with – or who you aim to be with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YreCmn_2mAxzE49y2USg4cw_NA81TwklmMGf2IiXTCPj-yujZUPcG7fy0VYFBCMpo2Roo4ebqXfaU4n9-dj6aHFfTSXl4m5yA58zTFY1dy-BGac6ckPJWACzS9cvtpH8LjwktbZhzYIH/s1600/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YreCmn_2mAxzE49y2USg4cw_NA81TwklmMGf2IiXTCPj-yujZUPcG7fy0VYFBCMpo2Roo4ebqXfaU4n9-dj6aHFfTSXl4m5yA58zTFY1dy-BGac6ckPJWACzS9cvtpH8LjwktbZhzYIH/s320/IMG_0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Also to note, later after 1am, below that infinity balcony at
Boat Slip is what’s referred to here as the Dick Dock – the largest collection
of let-loose gay boys (really children here) I’ve very seen – it’s basically
the biggest darkroom in the world. Whether you want to observe or participate,
it’s a must see at least once. Even the friendly father who invited me to join
his family at sunset with this wife and kids brought it up! Of course, some
folks also have hot tubs and there are plenty opportunities for late night
canoodling – it’s a trip you typically want to do with a group, a boyfriend or
at least one other person.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mhNfNOJN4tO3Va2QPTIUK1RHaKTyJA8jFee0hQn4bne3WSoe9EUnToMj9TsjpPiB5VL-H23Jmcx9DYMIImrzTR4o2R5A3Cdem_fJ4_rFaPoSrmhKFcu3xfNkb_r8aMXJBxFby60P461w/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mhNfNOJN4tO3Va2QPTIUK1RHaKTyJA8jFee0hQn4bne3WSoe9EUnToMj9TsjpPiB5VL-H23Jmcx9DYMIImrzTR4o2R5A3Cdem_fJ4_rFaPoSrmhKFcu3xfNkb_r8aMXJBxFby60P461w/s320/IMG_0011.jpg" width="320" /></a>But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great parties!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday night, for example is the main underwear (or jock!)
party at <a href="http://www.giffordhouse.com/pages/club.html" target="_blank">Purgatory</a> – where naturally, I met an older gentleman who quickly
bought me a drink …<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TBC...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Read the <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2017/02/p-town-part-3-whale-of-party.html" target="_blank">final part</a> to this blog, with tips on bars, beaches & much more fun!</b></i></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br /></div>
Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-46498836586571553102016-12-28T23:27:00.002-08:002023-12-23T06:26:29.184-08:00Ptown = Gaytown, USA - the most to do - and do it gay! - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV6PKv4VwkA4BA_qsEKoxD2gjsIkpYUJKGmlMRlBcUK05AU53eu4rMMi5ExsvdIl3X5QVqy1M5n1Fq4kVUhcBfQHJLPWK487IwtL0W2YGbVu7vyOLmTxBZGpg1MgIy99uf0XDgEWzpR-b/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV6PKv4VwkA4BA_qsEKoxD2gjsIkpYUJKGmlMRlBcUK05AU53eu4rMMi5ExsvdIl3X5QVqy1M5n1Fq4kVUhcBfQHJLPWK487IwtL0W2YGbVu7vyOLmTxBZGpg1MgIy99uf0XDgEWzpR-b/s320/IMG_0016.jpg" width="320" /></a>You might have to trudge 20 minutes through the salt marsh –
at times watching your feet for crabs and mussels – but you’re rewarded by a
gay beach where you wear as little as possible (maybe nothing) plus (as the
afternoon light changes) looking back in-land, one of the most beautiful views
I’ve seen. Ptown has it all – from fabulous shows, incredible food to the most
perfect parts of nature possible. It might be <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lands-End-Provincetown-Crown-Journeys/dp/0609609076" target="_blank">Lands End, according to Michael Cunningham</a> (your must-read book before departure) – but it’s always the
beginning of a make-your-own-adventure gay week; don’t just go for a weekend!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first challenge is getting out here – but it’s not so
complicated, with 2 ferry companies operating from Boston 3 times daily, the 90
minute ride is beautiful – and you get a chance for about $90 round-trip to
look out over the ocean and cleanse your mind (whether coming or going) the
fresh sea air seems to blow all your troubles away. However, unlike going to
Fire Island, it’s much more diverse and touristic – I even chatted with (some
very hipster) gay Bostonians who were simply day-tripping. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tip: Take the ferry
that makes the most sense for your travel times, but I suggest <a href="http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/provincetown-ferry/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA4o3DBRCJsZqh8vWqt_8BEiQA2Fw0eSSCosiVfGmIREBx1cJs5Yy5iUg_dJhkdMaUOGnBXU0aAq_h8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Boston HarborCruises</a>, they have done it the longest and employ an awesome concierge desk.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Because most rentals still remain Saturday to Saturday, I
arrived at noon on the Saturday after Carnival week – where I found thousands
of (very hung over) gays lined up to leave – it was clear some didn’t sleep!
Many guys I met stayed an extra few days to recover from the week of fun –
although I didn’t experience it, I’m certain I will have to: an (even more)
incredible, inebriated weekend – with the available natural distractions (like
biking, whale-watching and walking the beach for miles).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While it might be a gay town – truly – here, unlike Rehoboth
where gays seem to be more of an addition – more tolerated, I would say – and
whereas Fire Island is solely gay-gay-gay – Provincetown is seemingly queer-owned
and operated (lesbians too) AND straight people are tolerated. As an example,
at the piano bar gays are belting out tunes late into the night – but they held
a party on an off night (Wednesday) for Bulgarians – who (strangely) make up a
large potion of the summer workers. At the end of the day, gays are everywhere
and while still maybe a minority here – it’s the minority that matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rainbow flags decorated the main road,
Commercial, as I arrived. It looked like gay Christmas had just ended (red and
green glitter sparkled in the road). I made my way to my friend’s place, a cute
4-bedroom home behind the Puzzle Place. Big comfy beds make up the majority of
the space here – but I didn’t spend much time at home! Its central location is its prime selling
point – right near the wharf for quick departures so you can make the most of
your time (and not lug your things far!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This also proved useful when I wanted
to “connect” briefly with a new friend from the night before who had a ferry to
catch...</span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Click <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2017/01/p-town-part-2-summer-is-for-fun.html" target="_blank">here for Part 2</a>!</i></b><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Get LGBT news each week with the GAYography brief - Signed up yet? <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1461564603"> </a></i></b><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://facebook.com/GAYgeography">Facebook.com/GAYgeography</a></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a hint:</span></i></b></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-39698255037368181432016-07-21T04:00:00.000-07:002016-07-21T04:22:58.472-07:00Toronto: Too efficient, too friendly? - Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU_5i3lxA9ndb5X9K1MuFwCZEqTKHinBdjjKRVIKdXfwXssIYV5COmhaaZp91IEn5-Mxb3WyHgEUv_RBfoQAN773GIDypwL7ArCuwLeHVj66Zcw6qH_lPJmrhNXedqzqO8RefwlirP7eF/s1600/3Newspaper+Toronto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjU_5i3lxA9ndb5X9K1MuFwCZEqTKHinBdjjKRVIKdXfwXssIYV5COmhaaZp91IEn5-Mxb3WyHgEUv_RBfoQAN773GIDypwL7ArCuwLeHVj66Zcw6qH_lPJmrhNXedqzqO8RefwlirP7eF/s200/3Newspaper+Toronto.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free subway newspaper even celebrates <br />
Pride!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">Note: The following blog is part of a series of blogs about Toronto, made possible by </span><a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;"> Magazine and the Toronto as well as Ontario Tourism Board, visit </span><a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;"> for a FREE 3 month subscription and download the app for your Phone or Tablet today, to keep up with all the best news in LGBT travel from global correspondents, like myself around the world.</span></div>
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Europe and US collide in this magical, northern city.
Whether you’re dealing with transportation – much more convenient and efficient – or just picking up the bill at your table, Canada (and Toronto specifically)
is the spot to be for a city-feel that’s openly friendly and welcoming! Plus,
they know how to celebrate Pride the right way – all encompassing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcqjIO8iDwCPscoIIE7f2yhnZQfLbhjLzWbMZUYR_HDet_gcFK1U3-ZF2B1Go0ylLJ0o_-5g1sZnEpkN_aYOXmvpzglZY2R88t_Q4hS2W8NLaON2bhF-H3osksXkyfTqMZ-5790Izhzi-/s1600/3AirportArrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcqjIO8iDwCPscoIIE7f2yhnZQfLbhjLzWbMZUYR_HDet_gcFK1U3-ZF2B1Go0ylLJ0o_-5g1sZnEpkN_aYOXmvpzglZY2R88t_Q4hS2W8NLaON2bhF-H3osksXkyfTqMZ-5790Izhzi-/s200/3AirportArrival.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing the Airport at <br />
Baggage Claim<br />
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Whether it’s the money that’s enticing, or it’s simply
genuine, Toronto knows how to properly welcome people into the city. I easily
got downtown on the <a href="https://www.upexpress.com/" target="_blank">UP Express</a> – but only that, I was greeted after customs by
a rainbow flag on the exit doors – and a welcome to LGBT travelers at the final
station. Rainbow flags were not only at the gay spots, but at <i>every</i> business in
the city. And EVERY new person I met who heard that I was visiting told me
“welcome” and wished that I had a great time there. </div>
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In New York we expect you
to come and it’s assumed that you’ll be having the time of your life, because
simply – you’re here; it’s New York after all. In Toronto, you get
reminded constantly; you have fun because the people are all cheering for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuwmAo5rd1AizhfvV6ctE3z0AL4ygoC4-6PguIEO559I9oCpR3Xs9e40thLdoUplrJ04ct77VpBiEvu1CfL52rkWvIFj2-44m7TCCtjFIngaJNZfv1fW6FP-ZDcXo0zIlDJHm9de8hI6i/s1600/3UP+Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuwmAo5rd1AizhfvV6ctE3z0AL4ygoC4-6PguIEO559I9oCpR3Xs9e40thLdoUplrJ04ct77VpBiEvu1CfL52rkWvIFj2-44m7TCCtjFIngaJNZfv1fW6FP-ZDcXo0zIlDJHm9de8hI6i/s320/3UP+Welcome.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Toronto guide Felipe Welcomes me</td></tr>
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However, one thing might be too efficient: individualized
Credit Card swipe/chip machines. Getting our Thai food (my first meal, of course) – I knew
we would split it – but I didn’t realize it would be exact! She came to our table,
presumable to collect cards – but suddenly she held out the hand-held reader to
me and when I reached up to swipe my card in her machine – I didn’t realize,
she was handing it to me (dramatically, I dropped it). Only in
Europe and – well maybe even Asia – they have systems (and the semi-rude
practice) of paying at the table. While perhaps it’s more efficient for us all,
I like the 1) requesting of the check – 2) receiving it (time to read and
process) – 3) putting down a card – 4) get it returned and – 5) not being
stood over while giving an appropriate, but still generous tip. It’s much more
refined – and you close your conversations at dinner, not abruptly leave!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel & the GAYographer at the Treehouse, note<br />
#NYC Pride Orlando bandana</td></tr>
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Anyway, back to my next chapter in the Pride weekend-story –
I’ve now<a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/07/toronto-pride-parade-from-inside-part-2.html" target="_blank"> explained up through the Pride Parade</a> – afterwards, I met college
junior Daniel – just standing at a soda machine at a Pizza shop. As he stood there in a confident but relaxed way, he knew exactly what he was doing. We bonded over
nothing – probably something to do with Canadians and their amicability – and
quickly he won a new friend. Nothing turns me on more than a twink who knows
what he wants (here namely me) and isn’t shy about it. He not only came back to my
table – but returned for my number and a hinted to join us (I was floored). While
I usually do the advances, I guess these are the only boys I ever really connect
with. The shy guys I scare – or don’t across my path (nor better, fall in it).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I helped to connect some friends and sought out some final
dance moves at the party at <a href="http://www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/events/treehouse-party/" target="_blank">Treehouse</a>, an open-air finale of wild beats on a
grassy college quad (of Ryerson College; Daniel’s campus). The best Pride finale I've likely seen, we were just loving
it as we stripped down to not much to get our grove on in the dwindling twilight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmXs0Am2yL9xTa7lmQc6rOgF_qm7474G_gf8yrQ5TrhStzppBbF71WL_LtWJSmbRNoamzSXW8XYM9YhXn6eGqc9tbXPu45oNpDxPHHCOWkZTJ-ZDOlzkfyA1WAZU4xKz66rsGgWH1vS3/s1600/3BackGordoBrian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MmXs0Am2yL9xTa7lmQc6rOgF_qm7474G_gf8yrQ5TrhStzppBbF71WL_LtWJSmbRNoamzSXW8XYM9YhXn6eGqc9tbXPu45oNpDxPHHCOWkZTJ-ZDOlzkfyA1WAZU4xKz66rsGgWH1vS3/s320/3BackGordoBrian.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Jonas' DNCE performs as I look on with friends.</td></tr>
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Still one of my greatest friends was in Toronto, with his
fiancé – so I had to dip out and meet up with them to see Joe Jonas (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNCE" target="_blank">DNCE</a>). We
all thought it would just be a few songs – but they played for an hour! A
free concert in the main Dundas Square – capped of by his big hit “Cake by the
Ocean” – Daniel also joined us for this other simultaneous end to the weekend. </div>
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We walked along Church Street trying to find somewhere
outside, somewhere open – and not packed – and ended up at a a small bar where
we celebrated and chatted (and frankly I was exhausted). Sadly the (mostly, but now intoxicated) suave,
confident boy told me he would need to head back home (eventually) so we called
it a night, as my friends did too. We caught an Uber back to the InternCon – you always
meet your favorite people on the last day right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pbg_VP6ITcDTgn8znzMSjsPeqBLnR5u53ocaBdDhRgDBkQP7h8GWpBIScEu8nBZ_KbTeh1w46VpfgXUYFIAEqrgmojzR2WdYFFusXuS2e5EBJqJMnWQP-1pLywnlj2JEP6pzUWgABB4c/s1600/3Gordo+and+Brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pbg_VP6ITcDTgn8znzMSjsPeqBLnR5u53ocaBdDhRgDBkQP7h8GWpBIScEu8nBZ_KbTeh1w46VpfgXUYFIAEqrgmojzR2WdYFFusXuS2e5EBJqJMnWQP-1pLywnlj2JEP6pzUWgABB4c/s320/3Gordo+and+Brian.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Gordon post-Jonas</td></tr>
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Happy Pride Toronto!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Postlogue: Upon departing the country (as you’re headed into
customs), don’t get angry with the (uncustomarily rude and inefficient) security
line staff, you’ll be so upset that (karma will strike and) you’ll forget your
wallet, like I did. </div>
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Thankfully, you can still depend on the kindness of strangers - and the great Canadian friends you've made: you’ll be certain to get it back (in due time!).</div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Don't forget to subscribe to the <a href="http://facebook.com/Gaygeography" target="_blank">weekly GAYography brief</a>, for updates about LGBT events, travel insights and global advocacy.</i></b></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-67572826409924493992016-07-14T04:01:00.000-07:002020-01-04T21:11:23.816-08:00Toronto: Pride Parade from the Inside - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LSCidPFBiXnoh3QIU8bXjnYZCrQ-xBcmbM0g6yYG_j6yLy0ya0f-N4l1bkgeeXfjr7FjY4aIh5RkIQYqOXRsBclqzhooYm-E8xDft3dNUrMz4o6E2x3u_4fPLjAZSJ3ELjiSpXPZ2kB3/s1600/2Toronto+Press+Crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LSCidPFBiXnoh3QIU8bXjnYZCrQ-xBcmbM0g6yYG_j6yLy0ya0f-N4l1bkgeeXfjr7FjY4aIh5RkIQYqOXRsBclqzhooYm-E8xDft3dNUrMz4o6E2x3u_4fPLjAZSJ3ELjiSpXPZ2kB3/s320/2Toronto+Press+Crew.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final LGBT media brunch at the 180!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thankfully Toronto’s Pride parade does not cover the entire
city! As I <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/07/toronto-best-all-around-pride-for-its.html" target="_blank">noted in part 1</a>, it’s a manageable event and accordingly its parade
only covers about 1.5 miles over what should be about 3-4 hours. That proved
useful so I could reach and march with Prime Minister Trudeau – and still
return for a fun filled afternoon taking in all of the parade!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Arriving late to the route, because I was enjoying company at our last
meal courtesy of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto" target="_blank">Toronto</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visittoronto" target="_blank">Ontario Tourism</a>, on top of <a href="http://www.the51stfloor.com/" target="_blank">The 180</a> – go for the
view (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHZ_JHVBsJz/?hl=en" target="_blank">and if you like this Coron-ita</a>). Since the parade just kicked off when I found it a few blocks away, I was trapped
on one side. So, I ran around the whole staging area which included lots of
government-looking vehicles (with no one in them). I realized this meant I must have just
missed Trudeau.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxQXDgtjXIksWcQ-1DrRV8XFYCQf0NF6z7j2ME2mhUXTFxvN61gt9u5WirFhxQOTKWg1PxAp0zCtTbEBreA5JISRu-7WXiGvh9ltATOeafXGytdeytqNc3UWiqwKim_jYpFOu0fMzcJlN/s1600/2Justin+Close+W+Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxQXDgtjXIksWcQ-1DrRV8XFYCQf0NF6z7j2ME2mhUXTFxvN61gt9u5WirFhxQOTKWg1PxAp0zCtTbEBreA5JISRu-7WXiGvh9ltATOeafXGytdeytqNc3UWiqwKim_jYpFOu0fMzcJlN/s320/2Justin+Close+W+Flag.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I raced down the already closed gay street in the village Church
Street to find a way to get ahead of the parade (they keep this parallel street closed for whats basically a Pride Fest). Vendors, non-profit’s, kids
selling Rainbow bandanas and corporations promoting to LGBTs all stood in my
way. But, as I approached a "Media area" on the south side of the route, police
waved me into the route with my pass.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that point the Black Lives Matter truck had already slowed
the progress of the parade, as they chanted “Shut it down” (which was confusing
to everyone until just short of the end, they <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/black-lives-matter-toronto-pride_us_577c15aee4b0a629c1ab0ab4" target="_blank">did just that</a>) – but I ventured
further north to find the Prime Minister, looking for that best
shot of the parade lined with Rainbow & Canadian flags.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5Nv_Z-ZTM0MgrSRxMYLIkb63mu8IPvtJ_hVb-zsQokpYfy3LXf1obMU96RA-M0MM0_7foUG5bBdYfKKTcScNXRi2STLDlVoTgG989jZLWsB9hxLesc-KFni-aJHDNy_FyukMuYqCF6XY/s1600/2Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5Nv_Z-ZTM0MgrSRxMYLIkb63mu8IPvtJ_hVb-zsQokpYfy3LXf1obMU96RA-M0MM0_7foUG5bBdYfKKTcScNXRi2STLDlVoTgG989jZLWsB9hxLesc-KFni-aJHDNy_FyukMuYqCF6XY/s200/2Friends.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friend on the route...</td></tr>
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After chilling with Trudeau (during the parade's stoppage) – and marching along behind him
for some time, I wanted to take the opportunity to see the rest - and really enjoy
the parade. After all, parades are basically huge street parties! So, I
unleashed my rainbow suspenders and ventured to the start of
the parade again, with media pass and camera in hand – somewhat hoping to see
friends I could join, but mainly excited to experience it all.</div>
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Walking through the parade gives you the opportunity to
quickly see everything, take selfies with new friends (: – and dance around the floats
with the best music. I found every group you could imagine - from the corporate to the totally naked protestors & naturists. And of course, everyone welcomed me – I know not everyone has the
guts, stamina and relative insanity that I do for wandering around inside a pride
parade – but I highly recommend it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCSIIsc-iRxC1zKt1_JniWUJXaS2tIszMBgY93d07Z3lqiM6zGcQiMkdYRCPx3Q-si2Ng_rPvMRmFLpGUvzJW-qF8BQ7jJ9n440YBkg1bUU18C9OBrhxOYqNfUAWV6eFmtKX0UAmpoQkT/s1600/2rooftop+spectators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCSIIsc-iRxC1zKt1_JniWUJXaS2tIszMBgY93d07Z3lqiM6zGcQiMkdYRCPx3Q-si2Ng_rPvMRmFLpGUvzJW-qF8BQ7jJ9n440YBkg1bUU18C9OBrhxOYqNfUAWV6eFmtKX0UAmpoQkT/s320/2rooftop+spectators.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectators on every surface!</td></tr>
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I've enjoyed parades this way from Tel Aviv to Berlin, DC to NYC - but this time I was official thanks to my status as a <a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld</a> Global Correspondent - which made it easier, especially given the Prime Minister's presence. However (shhhhh!) don't tell everyone, but with a little confidence you can usually look like you belong in the parade anyway and join in.</div>
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In the end, I finished the parade with dozens of LGBT employees of the Royal Bank of
Canada – where one member stopped to give me a rainbow bracelet, that I’m
still wearing weeks later. It says “Show Your Pride Every Day” and after the recent violence – from Orlando to Baghdad and Istanbul to Dallas – I intend to,
to keep celebrating diversity and to remember such an incredible weekend
in Canada’s downtown.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZnbw5TVX9ZbOeP-_yrQoVFt31E1K7J1prKo-5fzEBiJIgypf-G8Ktp1ca_tdH02xD98sTlJN-Yyit7CE5_se9vPklEuqmHShwzaopbobSSMDZKNx7vF3_tEkAFdtP78TVRytjc34kKgR/s1600/2show+your+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZnbw5TVX9ZbOeP-_yrQoVFt31E1K7J1prKo-5fzEBiJIgypf-G8Ktp1ca_tdH02xD98sTlJN-Yyit7CE5_se9vPklEuqmHShwzaopbobSSMDZKNx7vF3_tEkAFdtP78TVRytjc34kKgR/s200/2show+your+pride.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Bank of Canada Pride band</td></tr>
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Find out about my final shenanigans - and the hot (and of course friendly) guy I met during #PrideTo's closing hours in <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/07/toronto-too-efficient-too-friendly-part.html">Part 3</a> of Toronto Pride next week, all made possible by <a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld magazine</a> - and don't forget to <a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" target="_blank">click to get your 3 month subscription</a> to this great resource for LGBT travel exclusively for GAYography readers.</div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-31429554133733686082016-07-07T05:00:00.001-07:002020-01-04T21:11:52.930-08:00Toronto: Best all-around Pride (for its size) - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuIG-PN_dKCbBuZQjVWrIpsUKVgPN-b5YIFzzGJg05LX7ioUDKymtMogAfclJVzi6f6V7QzAhFSk5aPpJnP_8kZ3O8cbXsEMB6RA3i1d-4A8onBKYMRLa4hbpiScm4K0TPjg7ral3z2tK/s1600/Justin+Trudeau+Pride+Main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuIG-PN_dKCbBuZQjVWrIpsUKVgPN-b5YIFzzGJg05LX7ioUDKymtMogAfclJVzi6f6V7QzAhFSk5aPpJnP_8kZ3O8cbXsEMB6RA3i1d-4A8onBKYMRLa4hbpiScm4K0TPjg7ral3z2tK/s320/Justin+Trudeau+Pride+Main.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Marches in Toronto Pride</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following
blog is part of a series of blogs about Toronto, made possible by <a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld</a>
Magazine and the Toronto Tourism Board, visit <a href="http://www.manaboutworld.com/your-free-subscription/" target="_blank">ManAboutWorld.com</a> for a FREE 3 month subscription and download
the app for your Phone or Tablet today, to keep up with all the best news in
LGBT travel from global correspondents, like myself around the world.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Are you looking for a Pride that’s not overwhelming but
includes a variety of parties and events for everyone – also still with the <i>cred</i> to attract top performers? Come to Toronto! From its relaxing
outdoor opening at <a href="http://www.the519.org/" target="_blank">The 51</a>9 to the closing beats at the <a href="http://www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/events/treehouse-party/" target="_blank">Treehouse</a>, Toronto has
the best organized, compact (and friendly!) event with some of the coolest venues for Pride anywhere. This year included Ru Paul, of course, Canada’s young (hot?) Prime
Minister (the first national leader to march in Pride), and even Joe Jonas who closed the weekend with an hour-long free
concert - if they're going, wouldn't you?</div>
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New York might have the biggest, San Francisco the coolest –
but Toronto has the best all-around event, and it’s bite-sized!</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Air arrival</b><br />
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<br />
Billed as Canada’s downtown, Toronto doesn’t disappoint – with awesome clubs,
bars and restaurants – even a stadium with a retractable roof! Still, this is
no concrete jungle – its beautiful parks and tree lined streets keep the
skyline green. Architecturally it may not have as much variety to offer (they
destroyed what would be a historic city center to make way for progress in the
1960s). But the shiny tall glass buildings with that eclectic <a href="http://www.cntower.ca/intro.html" target="_blank">CN Tower</a> give
this progressive city a futuristic look. My favorite transportation feature is one of the most modern, clean and efficient airport trains, the <a href="https://www.upexpress.com/" target="_blank">UP express</a> (that takes
you right downtown from Pearson Airport) – Toronto is only rivaled by European trains – and of course
there’s wifi at the airport and in the train. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgYrw5gVmt_C4Tjdg2RSgPHSHGB6bGLvwjADJfLAjvex3CHUwkXNz4zz-ctAeNClM6rdSPH474LXrThnrVHo0xXtVgFmWkQo-_YQEOtV20LXs0pLR_DPUoJITqXmrUKRHs5xzxM2c3Qv-/s1600/City+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgYrw5gVmt_C4Tjdg2RSgPHSHGB6bGLvwjADJfLAjvex3CHUwkXNz4zz-ctAeNClM6rdSPH474LXrThnrVHo0xXtVgFmWkQo-_YQEOtV20LXs0pLR_DPUoJITqXmrUKRHs5xzxM2c3Qv-/s320/City+view.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftop pool at the Thompson Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Also, you can fly even more conveniently via Porter into Billy Bishop Airport
and simply ferry and walk to your hotel!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pride<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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After daily events all of June – the final Pride weekend
(now cleverly arranged for the first weekend in July, vice the previous busy
Stonewall-anniversary weekend) begins with an open event called <a href="http://www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/events/starry-night/" target="_blank">Starry Night</a> – with a DJ set
and performances by Drag Queens (led by Kim Chi) as well as a special kick-off with reps from all levels of government in a grassy outdoor area called the Green Space that
surrounds The 519, Toronto’s diverse community center. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ontario is currently being led by a lesbian Premier, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Wynne" target="_blank">Kathleen Wynne</a> who took
office in 2013 as both the first woman premier of Ontario and first openly gay premier
in Canada. So she and her partner were both there, along with the Mayor and a
federal minister (all levels of government are currently being run by the LGBT-friendly Liberal Party).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also this evening was the perfect party for Canada – “Asian Express” or AX, which bills itself as the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHOWv4MD7ev/" target="_blank">main monthly event for the Toronto Gaysian community</a> (for the last 15 years!). Little is more
beautiful to me than a (or being in a) mixed white and Asian couple – and all
were present here (including the incredible guys who brought me). I didn't end up with take-out, but I definitely dined-in and enjoyed this high-energy party, with a number of performances.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnfk_87ub3Z69-hgxXg5SsD3kySKrEEsca2cc7uIr0EgMDkzA-5lRxWDD32pWZSDBDBRO2sTwk-xJqAafcEhHmH-CWuK2SKhtuK51nxS7TpDlHxhJC0IbvgKPpatqteYaT-MjsEx5GmVT/s1600/Asian+Express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnfk_87ub3Z69-hgxXg5SsD3kySKrEEsca2cc7uIr0EgMDkzA-5lRxWDD32pWZSDBDBRO2sTwk-xJqAafcEhHmH-CWuK2SKhtuK51nxS7TpDlHxhJC0IbvgKPpatqteYaT-MjsEx5GmVT/s320/Asian+Express.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AX (Asian Express) Party at Mercier Maison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Friday Church Street – the main LGBT street in “the Village”
– starts to close down to traffic as vendors, promoters and non-profits set up
to advertise to the masses. That evening after the always vocal Trans March (and various parties in houses, patios & rooftops) the main alternative party
was a mixture of a hip-hop event called Big Pimpin’ and a jock party – so they
called it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1542779186025645/" target="_blank">Fit Primpin</a> – held at the original Steam (no not <a href="http://www.steamworksbaths.com/toronto/" target="_blank">Steamworks</a>, which
is also a standard staple, right on Church Street) Whistle Brewery. Also, the
thumpa-thumpa <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prism-170990522944975/" target="_blank">Prism/Matinee Party</a> was held at the incredible Sound Academy – with one
of the best sound and light systems to titillate all your senses (especially when
consuming illegal substances).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday everyone is rainbow-clad, walking Church Street –
picking up give-aways, winning prizes people watching and eating. At 2pm is the
Dyke march – similar to the Trans March running the length of Yonge Street
(pronounced simply “young”) - it runs parallel to Church. Also, there are <a href="http://www.pridetoronto.com/pride-month/events/drag-on/" target="_blank">all-day Drag performances at Drag On</a> in
Dundas Square – basically Toronto’s much smaller, and more intimate Times
Square. At 6pm, over 70 Draq Queens gathered to break the record of most queens
in a single performance (previously held by Columbus, Ohio).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH-QS5UIppJb9xFFaG6hy3dP2egQKx_UQtartJMdUnS1QIm4_QSErezMeQpW6E9_QC4iqhXcZqZpl5g6l-FgAXZn6OajkmDAGFqvSmNgDfkoAQkPbZ1aBh6oWcSTagEY6ZP5TdQZKKICO/s1600/CN+Tower+rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH-QS5UIppJb9xFFaG6hy3dP2egQKx_UQtartJMdUnS1QIm4_QSErezMeQpW6E9_QC4iqhXcZqZpl5g6l-FgAXZn6OajkmDAGFqvSmNgDfkoAQkPbZ1aBh6oWcSTagEY6ZP5TdQZKKICO/s200/CN+Tower+rainbow.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CN Tower goes Rainbow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Later the biggest mixed event – attended by a great variety of people: <a href="https://www.timeout.com/toronto/things-to-do/the-glitter-ball" target="_blank">GlitterBall</a> at Church street’s only real club, Fly. Here, secretly adjacent to the men's bathroom, is one of the few dark-rooms I've seen in (puritan) North America! There was also a Brooklyn-y alternative-queer event called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/474662792723899/?active_tab=posts" target="_blank">Hot Nuts</a>, as well as a local-recommended <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PitbullEvents/photos/a.10150178487831947.306547.294367016946/10153772973201947/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">PitBull</a> for the fetish crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday the parade did not snake exhaustingly through the city, just from above the main Village to Dundas square. However, this year
it ran far longer, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/black-lives-matter-toronto-pride_us_577c15aee4b0a629c1ab0ab4" target="_blank">since Black Lives Matter held up the parade</a>.</div>
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Delayed
for about 30 minutes, I simply hung around with Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau, who just continually shouted “Happy Pride” waved a Canadian Rainbow
flag and waved at the crowds. He took the time to snap pictures with a number
of people while being delayed. His security detail was noticeably stressed –
but the parade for Trudeau was without incident (except for a plethora of water pistols).
Apparently, unmarked cars along side streets lined the route in case he needed
to be quickly evacuated...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fZ7vYPBuzy0ourUU6gVOnI98A_SRMD9z3zZicCPcm4tlBQ_9fdkzrzIvxtNarqUgwFU1hcIWwftziGy0VuEUe5P8By8bC1NNTKTcjecWADuXksVa4HLuaD5MehmQatdYfLVS0Qt_P9kk/s1600/Justin+%2526+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fZ7vYPBuzy0ourUU6gVOnI98A_SRMD9z3zZicCPcm4tlBQ_9fdkzrzIvxtNarqUgwFU1hcIWwftziGy0VuEUe5P8By8bC1NNTKTcjecWADuXksVa4HLuaD5MehmQatdYfLVS0Qt_P9kk/s320/Justin+%2526+me.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i><b>More about the Toronto Pride parade in <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/07/toronto-pride-parade-from-inside-part-2.html" target="_blank">part 2</a> and Ru Paul, Joe Jonas and more in <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2016/07/toronto-too-efficient-too-friendly-part.html">part 3</a>!</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-5322123239308855412016-06-02T04:31:00.003-07:002016-06-02T04:31:57.809-07:00Pensacola Pride: Best Memorial Weekend in the United States<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">From its beautiful, calm beaches to never-ending party atmosphere, Pensacola Pride - it's Memorial Day celebration - is THE PREMIER party for homos for Memorial weekend! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">It's only disadvantage is being a little difficult to access. But purchase your flight early enough - or simply make the drive (or hitch a ride) from Atlanta with the large number of attendees from there. Either way Pensacola is a must-go for anyone who enjoys the beach, copious amounts of gays, booze and more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">No where in the US has as beautiful a beach mixed with a remote-enough party scene that remains so inexpensive, yet still so much fun. All the best things here are naturally provided, sandy beach, perfect calm, warm waters and the best guys the South can offer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">How it works is you rent fabulous rooms at the <a href="http://www.portofinoisland.com/" target="_blank">Portofino Island Resort</a> (or a less-central option is to rent a house, but that's not as near the beach), a beautiful 5 tower complex that's the last physical structure on Pensacola Beach. Then you set up your spot on the beach, leaving a canopy to designate your area all weekend. Due to its popularity - and huge economic might in the area, after a law was passed that no items could be left on the beach (last year a storm sent beach material across the entire island creating a huge mess), organizers managed to pass a special exemption for Memorial weekend - to ensure attendees could leave items there (like the canopy, tables or other larger items).</span></div>
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So during the day you chill and party on the beautiful white sand beaches, carrying on and walking the sands with your <a href="http://www.shopbubba.com/" target="_blank">Bubba keg</a> to keep your drink cool. Don't be surprised (or shy) you'll be offered shots to see your cock along the way! There's also a specific dance tent that basically holds parties all weekend. But around 5 or 6 you return to the Portofino where the pool party has already begun - if you're already turnt, perhaps you'll just skip dinner and end up there (and then shortly asleep if you don't pace yourself!). The best staying strategy is to organize some food in the condo or there in the resort restaurant and then go to the pool party that ends at 10 or 11 -- or whenever enough Portofino residents complain. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s4Gtao3N9LaPiudnNrKFJdW9qzLCdpD6zK2XsHm7AUko1TIamDmJ-UCR0uYd2fnQmmis6xgt0-XrXl_x7L3YXZr2TxadCom77BwHO2C4iAl-h8NbN8oSZLF2NG2kKQ3HOG_81MzhNMKX/s1600/Portofino+Pool+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0s4Gtao3N9LaPiudnNrKFJdW9qzLCdpD6zK2XsHm7AUko1TIamDmJ-UCR0uYd2fnQmmis6xgt0-XrXl_x7L3YXZr2TxadCom77BwHO2C4iAl-h8NbN8oSZLF2NG2kKQ3HOG_81MzhNMKX/s320/Portofino+Pool+Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After this of course are plenty of parties organized in the large condos - with lovely wrap-around balconies. There's always a late night beach party <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1587421401" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> and again this year <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1587421402" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday that goes until 4am. Plus you can also get a taste of the local area by catching a shuttle bus (or uber) into town to the one gay bar, Emerald City. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Apparently, often protesters are outside the club - but this year none came.</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Its biggest night on Sunday with an underwear party. But I recommend staying at the beach where the (somewhat illegal) free parties beneath a starry sky are incredible and very unique.</span></div>
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Not only does the party never end but I just love the southern friendly vibe. It's true you might not find the most intelligent conversation (one friend was honored to be told that he helped a group have the longest, most engaging discussion they had all weekend, the final day!) but as another friend said, basic is all you need to have fun -- and especially at the beach, I'll add. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Plus, it's a mixed event - many guys I met were there with their crew of lesbians, who originally started the event as a getaway on this </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">remote part of Pensacola Beach.</span></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-7114162010857054292016-02-03T22:13:00.000-08:002016-02-03T22:13:57.725-08:00Cairo: Expedited Arrival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_LbPp7xyLU3EG9jeDvWKh9bPXxUBjJlyaoFmsy5tbn6UJan4_uPARqZAXUeX-YCj6JCQD5HmsYdBkVGFMCqMbyiqKjSlSku46_oqnjCGn4HvOMiEsZnqFYlFbqjbG2jRiiYeIFMxhXRG/s1600/Istanbul+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_LbPp7xyLU3EG9jeDvWKh9bPXxUBjJlyaoFmsy5tbn6UJan4_uPARqZAXUeX-YCj6JCQD5HmsYdBkVGFMCqMbyiqKjSlSku46_oqnjCGn4HvOMiEsZnqFYlFbqjbG2jRiiYeIFMxhXRG/s320/Istanbul+City.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transferring in Istanbul on Turkish Air</td></tr>
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Yesterday I arrived in Cairo, but not before a lovely stop-over in one of my favorite cities of the world. If you enjoy diversity, Istanbul has it all! Walking through the airport is like a trip through culture - and time - with bands of religious pilgrims, tourists, families - and of course unmistakable glances from the gays (or just curious guys?) - I love Istanbul. Plus, it's one of the most beautiful cities too. I had the chance to spend extra time here - well over it - because we circled the airport for an extra 20 minutes before landing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JFK-IST-CAI</td></tr>
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My arrival in Cairo was dark - but the city was ablaze with light - much of it from the incredible traffic below. I knew it wouldn't be a quick trip into the city - but thankfully it was a simple trip through the airport. With only carry on luggage and help from an expediter (clearly the only way to arrive in an airport in the Middle East). You don't even need to speak with immigration or customs officials & I was to an (also arranged) driver in less than 10 minutes. Normally I like to act like a local on arrival - but my friend said with things as they are - not a good idea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_ZffOhyphenhyphenVbf-XwFjxiJZ5Ig0TxTyPoeIPb235Kd75a0IDQB8lSZ1uXF6KatMilnAvlzljKRZo03jXVfRYn4ekVm6I5tSy1bw1dUMpg_x8rZW18V2DGPFhOQdLT3NC82GBup58Rvgwn21c/s1600/Cairo+Traffic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_ZffOhyphenhyphenVbf-XwFjxiJZ5Ig0TxTyPoeIPb235Kd75a0IDQB8lSZ1uXF6KatMilnAvlzljKRZo03jXVfRYn4ekVm6I5tSy1bw1dUMpg_x8rZW18V2DGPFhOQdLT3NC82GBup58Rvgwn21c/s320/Cairo+Traffic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note where the white dotted line is here...</td></tr>
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"How are things in Cairo?," I asked my expediter in line for Immigration. "Great.." he began to say, said, but was quickly interrupted by a young Egyptian who emphasized with passion that things were not good (clearly he meant the political environment). They exchanged words in Arabic, and he left us - my new friend told me not to listen to him: he was rude to interrupt us; I had simply asked a general question - not a broader political one. Things here were good, he relayed (just different than perhaps the US, France etc...). I just smiled - clearly, a proud Egyptian wanting to give me a friendly experience here versus a youthful agitator (?) perhaps. Guess which one I would rather have got into a discussion with... this would be the only disadvantage of said expediter: you're at his will.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Vp8pCWtw-u8XIc9mtm9pJMGGO3H25HHn7lFlwrDf96TiZPqTmZf1_MpGe9AvD2WqCRalFsv5K09_T1gRwwM7-3k_B1tIb_xtVY7GaVW_Ce-PwCwuFc4vLqenUkx9kPvuKanubh-lbEV/s1600/Sunrise+in+Egypt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0Vp8pCWtw-u8XIc9mtm9pJMGGO3H25HHn7lFlwrDf96TiZPqTmZf1_MpGe9AvD2WqCRalFsv5K09_T1gRwwM7-3k_B1tIb_xtVY7GaVW_Ce-PwCwuFc4vLqenUkx9kPvuKanubh-lbEV/s400/Sunrise+in+Egypt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first sunrise in Egypt over the Nile!</td></tr>
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Driving in the Middle East is pure excitement - unless of course you're new at it. It's like floating on lazy river - here of course you're not bumping off each other - but it almost feels that way as cars do get very close - and sort of wobble back and forth together. Dotted lines are totally ignored as traffic floats along - jamms up - but then releases; cars simply go where their space, or where they want to. Don't expect to get many places quickly in Cairo - but at least taxis are cheap! Accidents happen of course - but in the US given similar patterns, you'd have constant collisions! Drivers seem somehow to think as one, moving together - yet apart, almost like musical dissonance; it's not stop-and-go, it's speed up, coast, slow and then go again. If you're new, just don't look ahead, enjoy the view to the side at the sights - or up above at the endless billboards - you'll be ok (but I definitely wore my seatbelt).<br />
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<b>Important Tip:</b> Don't forget - it's customary to sit up front with the driver if you're riding solo in a taxi in the Middle East.</div>
Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-7465713030694047932016-01-13T22:13:00.000-08:002016-01-14T04:45:08.401-08:00Orlando Gay Days: Crashing the Family Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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“I’m at the Host hotel lobby. Where are you?”<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gay Days' original party at the DoubleTree near Sea World</td></tr>
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It’s the tale of two celebrations – and actually many more –
in Orlando for Gay Days. Always the first weekend in June, the party kicks off
with a combination of all things fun! Water slides, friends from all over the
country (dressed in as little as possible), music and of course your choice of
enhancement – be that drink or drug – it’s the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/950249791690604/" target="_blank">Riptide Party at Typhoon Lagoon</a>.
And that’s the main reason I left NYC in the (near) summer; to make new friends
on water-slides!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i><br />Refer friends now to the <a href="http://www.gaytlas.com/brief" target="_blank">GAYography brief</a> for a chance to win a 3 night stay for Gay Days in Orlando this year!</i></h3>
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About 25 years ago, Gay Days started with no corporate
approval – just some parties and the wearing of red shirts into the Park.
Disney tolerated it – and to some degree they still do. But there are plenty of
Disney rainbow souvenirs now! Plus the area hotels and tourism board are now
onboard with the LGBT – with a big G. Florida also has plenty of pink cash to
go around – all of the parties and hotels were full! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DqRUXLPCQr2shJGUQXRxBUFUUUPBVRN-BRh8PSe_dLOJL5Vd4ZCK62CuoBdQgBbS2nC6wgGR_c9j__BiituBBuZ6kLwrjh65rC1_fR3bq2GLjgLBKf6kYHi53uQhyphenhyphenxkphMCTVVywt8XO/s1600/Gay+Days+DoubleTree+Pool+from+Above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DqRUXLPCQr2shJGUQXRxBUFUUUPBVRN-BRh8PSe_dLOJL5Vd4ZCK62CuoBdQgBbS2nC6wgGR_c9j__BiituBBuZ6kLwrjh65rC1_fR3bq2GLjgLBKf6kYHi53uQhyphenhyphenxkphMCTVVywt8XO/s320/Gay+Days+DoubleTree+Pool+from+Above.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-Day Pool Party at the DoubleTree from a swanky room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The competing gay options are the original, <a href="http://gaydays.com/" target="_blank">authentic “GayDays”</a> set up at the DoubleTree Hotel, and despite its distance from Disney,
it’s closer to the airport as well as downtown (maybe not first thing for my
Orlando visit). Yet the B Hotel on Disney property (but not Disney, note) now
holds (this year again) the <a href="http://www.onemagicalweekend.com/" target="_blank">“One Magical Weekend” party</a>. The only difference –
really more rainbows and maybe more local or younger (and much more fun) folks attend
the DoubleTree; it includes the twinks 18(ish) to 24 as well as the bears 45-65.
The B hotel was a slightly more “you can’t sit with us” 28-45 crowd with much less
rainbow, more circuit boy, which might mean a tad more “class” but in the end
it’s basically more judgment. That’s not a hit on anyone of course, I enjoyed
(and connected with old & new friends) at each event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlA0YfkXL9-aKk_OJZGTW21qg3IFjl0E9SwiapeTekrAeqfsVvzCHipBV21G6kJwHPvNsFAQdG_jyQ_jVxwdF2bARhCBAceppbVEVXdGFKkykVDz5sTHpJf6qRJJptV5BVSTJkyKn8A6m/s1600/GayDays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlA0YfkXL9-aKk_OJZGTW21qg3IFjl0E9SwiapeTekrAeqfsVvzCHipBV21G6kJwHPvNsFAQdG_jyQ_jVxwdF2bARhCBAceppbVEVXdGFKkykVDz5sTHpJf6qRJJptV5BVSTJkyKn8A6m/s320/GayDays.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Mighty Weekend Circuit pool party at the B Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I arrived in Central FL (quite far from the happiest place
on earth in my book…) in typical Ashton-style:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>no plans whatsoever. Friends were arriving later and checking-in to
where we were staying at a different on-Disney property, which is fun if you
want to have your own party with close buds; there are always plenty of couples
and other gay groups staying at these more posh spots, but it’s not the party
scene.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
At the airport, I spotted a fellow gay – looking lost and forlorn – so I
decided to join him & get my Gay Days weekend off to a fun start. Initially awkward in making a new friend (really, me?
Scare people?), he began to relax and we agreed to taxi to the Doubletree –
where I thought I had friends (I was informed they would be at the “host hotel”).
But of course, I did find friends there! – I wandered through the conference,
got tipsy on some drinks and met up with some travel-industry buddies who snuck
me briefly into the pool party for a look before my group picked me up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wFHG3NUJC1z4PM0QqDiZpgI7EGfT-XJP_J8ANsPJYdKsbrp8WEk4tlMLiLr29_8lrdRybdpITdywQJnfyx_F0oKHg1uapsDFH4K-AgTcvX4BMtfPy792gCs7G4dIACKVcVuU96f2Qqg7/s1600/CockSox+Pic+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wFHG3NUJC1z4PM0QqDiZpgI7EGfT-XJP_J8ANsPJYdKsbrp8WEk4tlMLiLr29_8lrdRybdpITdywQJnfyx_F0oKHg1uapsDFH4K-AgTcvX4BMtfPy792gCs7G4dIACKVcVuU96f2Qqg7/s320/CockSox+Pic+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was supposed to get some free underwear for this - <br />
but someone stole them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly, the main event – and real motivating reason for my
trip – the Riptide party started out with a thunderstorm (bigger than most of
the daily drips that hit this part of the world). This meant a pretty cold
& damp event – but I still had a great time hitting the water-slides sloshed
– borrowing a wristband to sneak into VIP – and meeting all kinds of new people!
I’m planning to give it a go again this year, to see if warmer weather makes it
even more exciting. Plus, I missed visiting a park – and I want to see Harry
Potter World – even though I’ve never even picked up the book (it must that I'm drawn to what could only be twink-heaven, I guess).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of the weekend is kinda blurry – but no doubt worth
the free hotel stay you’ll win if you sign up for the <a href="http://www.gaytlas.com/brief" target="_blank">GAYography brief</a> – and
refer others to sign up! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB-OPzbDHZsGawi7SUihasaiffGELmcyGdKDc2-VQ3xUqhIafrOVx-Yi838NCCcBZraG-LPDLL6mThs9tE8PQ7KXODc9jJ1pxQVhKojyX0_oodKKkwjH5PJcK2NwZpf1BVrhtwpoTkGxE/s1600/One+Magical+Wknd+Pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYB-OPzbDHZsGawi7SUihasaiffGELmcyGdKDc2-VQ3xUqhIafrOVx-Yi838NCCcBZraG-LPDLL6mThs9tE8PQ7KXODc9jJ1pxQVhKojyX0_oodKKkwjH5PJcK2NwZpf1BVrhtwpoTkGxE/s320/One+Magical+Wknd+Pool.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always great to run into long lost friends <br />
in Florida!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you'll be in Chicago for Creating Change next weekend - I'll be announcing the winner there at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1658514724436300/" target="_blank">Scarlet on Sunday</a>! More soon about why Chicago - and particularly Boystown - is my favorite gay neighborhood in the US.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-43522297336142645272015-11-11T15:19:00.001-08:002015-11-11T15:53:27.037-08:00Warwick Rowers Exposed: Running naked to stop homophobia in sports<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1RN_1vKwTQV7595Cu18e7LMX6dFzjvOVH1CCGU2rt85WyOX24MZb2Lm8eWloU-C4HLfFPp5cRDbWbBiUuIqLpQkbjla6qznaulBxScbP4ghCKBKf1UVl7XSt7s7NpYqz5chgBp0ys0Q/s1600/Event+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO1RN_1vKwTQV7595Cu18e7LMX6dFzjvOVH1CCGU2rt85WyOX24MZb2Lm8eWloU-C4HLfFPp5cRDbWbBiUuIqLpQkbjla6qznaulBxScbP4ghCKBKf1UVl7XSt7s7NpYqz5chgBp0ys0Q/s320/Event+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Rower Tristen, my friend Mike & I </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I never thought I would get to interview 3 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hot, straight </i>college guys about how
they get naked to stop homophobia! Last week three of the <a href="http://www.warwickrowers.org/" target="_blank">Warwick Rowers</a>
visited NYC to celebrate the British issue of <a href="http://www.outthere.travel/" target="_blank">OutThere/Travel</a> Magazine – and I
had the chance to ask them about their work to end homophobia in sports as well
as taboos about being naked. </div>
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These sweet, hunky boys with incredibly sexy
accents sat with me for a few minutes at the exquisite <a href="http://manhattan.marmaranyc.com/" target="_blank">Marmara Hotel</a> and
exposed a lot about who they are (everyone has already seen everything else).<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">For more great LGBTIQ Travel news every Thursday – </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://facebook.com/gaygeography" target="_blank">subscribe to the GAYography brief</a></i></b><span id="goog_1205899968"></span><span id="goog_1205899969"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">!</i></b></h3>
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Even though the boys are (still apparently) not gay, I started
off by asking asked each of them what they thought might be their favorite gay
destination:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD4nEbnNA816MHyyaaMXlpL_FVpn8HggFzny5-9maExKwUgNq5mRJtF18tTGcC4NVeamo67JCuZRzNW-ZAOgY_p2WVRU8HogCq8w3PNqPwTT6YHfyxp311oLp5uwFxCopc22KY2OF4dgm/s1600/12191335_10156441260830001_6021467596047317172_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYD4nEbnNA816MHyyaaMXlpL_FVpn8HggFzny5-9maExKwUgNq5mRJtF18tTGcC4NVeamo67JCuZRzNW-ZAOgY_p2WVRU8HogCq8w3PNqPwTT6YHfyxp311oLp5uwFxCopc22KY2OF4dgm/s320/12191335_10156441260830001_6021467596047317172_o.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Rowers <a href="https://www.facebook.com/outtheremagazine/photos/a.10150365952745001.434787.10150147076185001/10156441260830001/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">pose for OutThere/Travel Mag</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://instagram.com/willj_wr/" target="_blank">Will</a>: <i>For gay
destinations I would say <b>Brighton Beach</b> – [which has an awesome Pride event]
and great shopping but of course it’s not a beach very rocky, not much sand & the water
is really cold.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.warwickrowers.org/tristan/" target="_blank">Tristen</a>: <i>I went to <b>West
Hollywood </b>last year (promoting our calendar) and that was amazing fun so much
going on, really a great time. But I also want to plug home, <b>Cornwall</b>, England
– big beautiful touristy area [the southwestern tip of the UK].<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/luucas_etienne/" target="_blank">Lucas</a>: <i><b>Mykonos</b> – is
quite nice – a pretty high standard place – you’ve got quite a good mix of gay
culture and more global culture. </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>What I quite like about LGBT+ people is they do
like to party more than we do and I’ve been to gay clubs not only in Mykonos
but in <b>Melbourne</b> and London. </i></h4>
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<i></i><br />
<i></i></div>
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<i>The atmosphere is crazy; I really like it. I don’t
go [to places like that] all the time but it’s always a great experience.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Also, <b>Australia</b> is an amazing place to travel to I’ve lived
there for a year and went back since and it’s just beautiful.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AvHL1KQgdKhMYWySEOOQwPeMMDd9g5MqDk6ODZpSwJkac7UmQmIYdKpmao-aoNDAu3TBjW_BmzS87eAFvWjlQAZTQJ7rgivJL0KIPZzFzkq49DZZEVpksAzdr1_F-YnCTo_bjH7adTLU/s1600/Austin+%2526+Frank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AvHL1KQgdKhMYWySEOOQwPeMMDd9g5MqDk6ODZpSwJkac7UmQmIYdKpmao-aoNDAu3TBjW_BmzS87eAFvWjlQAZTQJ7rgivJL0KIPZzFzkq49DZZEVpksAzdr1_F-YnCTo_bjH7adTLU/s320/Austin+%2526+Frank.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Rowers & <a href="https://www.instagram.com/austingregorio/" target="_blank">Austin</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fffffrank" target="_blank">Frank</a> & Alex!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Question 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
naked is taboo in the US. Do you think it’s different in the UK?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>It’s more of
a big deal in England then the rest of Europe. We had members of the club come
over from Germany and France we’ll go for a sauna session and they will come in
without wearing anything! We have to tell them, that’s not the rules here.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>I wouldn’t say that the UK is that open to nudity.</i></h4>
<i>
<o:p></o:p></i>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>For example when we went to Spain, we took off our clothes
and started running on the beach – and people applauded us. </i></h4>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ3OhF9Q5rmPPhMwud3ogPqWagvaR_ytZAZhT3J0Ab8RRj7oCaavHrJRgbN6g2DdmEoewlUjWDIAW0vHttcXZGta3cGqgBmNaXST_MXTVUadOdilnOQQZ9_rp2KJqCyk-cY8DxUOPKiv7/s1600/That+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ3OhF9Q5rmPPhMwud3ogPqWagvaR_ytZAZhT3J0Ab8RRj7oCaavHrJRgbN6g2DdmEoewlUjWDIAW0vHttcXZGta3cGqgBmNaXST_MXTVUadOdilnOQQZ9_rp2KJqCyk-cY8DxUOPKiv7/s320/That+big.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How big? Warwick Rowers interview continues...</td></tr>
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<i>Y</i><i>ou do that in
England and I don’t think you’d get that response. Definitely mainland
Europeans are a lot more accepting.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lucas [who’s French]:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i>Coming from France, it’s totally true – when we went to Spain to shoot and
guys were like whoa: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those girls are
topless. I [said] ‘its not that big a deal get over it.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any country
in Europe is quite more relaxed than Britain is UK – Where the US gets it is
from the UK – it is the “proper side” of the monarchy. We’re very apologetic as
a culture.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Also, that’s why it does work pretty well; the naked
calendar is not something common – people really like it people like the fact
that you have a bunch of university students out there who are comfortable
[being naked] and it works very well.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Question 3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
your parents feel about you doing it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>My mom loves
it, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the beginning she was not so thrilled
about it. I also told her the documentary which she thought was going a bit too
far but now she gets it and really appreciates what we are doing.</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Rowers - clothed version at the Marmara Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Lucas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>My dad [tells
me] it’s a great cause, it’s with your mates [friends]; just do it – if u don’t
do it now then you won’t do it.</i></h4>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tristen: <i>His mom sends me emails – she entered a contest we
held!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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William:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>My parents
both love it, they are really supportive and really proud of me Grandparents
find it a little – bit – too much. Grandma doesn’t quite want to see it!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>We originally
started the calendar to fund our club. We needed to find a way to make some
money – it didn’t really work initially – but when it did we realized that’s
where it was from (the LGBT community).</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>We found out we were gaining from the gay community – so we
wanted give back to the community who has helped us so much. </i></h4>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>We started up a foundation and our own organization Sport
Allies; it’s really started to shape the values and the ethos of our club.</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Question 4: What do you think is different about sports in
the UK and in the US?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GAYography Interviews the Warwick Rowers at the Marmara</td></tr>
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Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>It’s
actually pretty similar. In football {I mean soccer) the professional leagues
of UK soccer; in the top 4 or 5 divisions professional leagues there are no out
professionals. It’s a big problem. Whenever any sportsman of any type comes out
no matter what level, it’s a huge deal in the media.</i></div>
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<i></i><br />
<i></i></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>With <a href="http://www.warwickrowers.org/sport-allies/" target="_blank">Sport Allies</a> – we want to get to a place in the world
where sport is a the beacon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of promoting
diversity in life.</i></h4>
<i></i><br />
<i></i>
<i>With sports allies we can get to a place where that’s not a
big deal anymore.</i><br />
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<i></i><br />
<i>
It’s a world culture problem – specifically in it’s in team sports. It’s easier
to come out in individual sports and there are a lot of professional athletes
that come out only after they retire.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Question 5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are their
many gay members of the club? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tristen:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Not many but
some – not more than in the general population; a few have been in the calendar
in previous years.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Rowers & the OutRight Action gang!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>We actively tackle homophobia in the club I’m in charge of
inclusivity and diversity. We run talks on how our club wants to act, what our
policies are and how we expect our members to behave.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Being involved with the project makes people feel like that
being inclusive is important.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Question 6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does
does the rowing universe look like in the UK?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tristen: <i>All the big universities have clubs, about 30-40. It is seen
as an elite sport – I would say at Warwick it’s less so because of the
calendar, we made it accessible so it’s not as expensive for people who want to
participate.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Question 7:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has
being involved in the calendar changed your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucas:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>As a student
the calendar it’s made me realize that it’s a big problem – if you’re not gay
then you don’t especially feel it or witness it. Getting the support and
messages made me realize that nudity is not the big a deal. Now I probably get
naked a lot more. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i>My parents noticed that I was a lot more naked around the
house when I was home.</i></h4>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Ctwr9-zoWtYuWIqyC9vv40y7zTGxCI-W3BJIXqLoShfRtsRjnb8zDFUBTa0C8YDOp66BaI0bX3JmeqI_qy8vvYVpJ1uQ8dxL9TEzV10w2AXJUd2hg60R_2TijcOeljicNpkGOIHi9OG/s1600/Warwick+Rowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Ctwr9-zoWtYuWIqyC9vv40y7zTGxCI-W3BJIXqLoShfRtsRjnb8zDFUBTa0C8YDOp66BaI0bX3JmeqI_qy8vvYVpJ1uQ8dxL9TEzV10w2AXJUd2hg60R_2TijcOeljicNpkGOIHi9OG/s320/Warwick+Rowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin & I look so small!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was incredible getting to know these young guys – and yes
– they are just college kids – even though they are giant guys! It’s clear that
they are having a lot of fun – and will do just fine with the ladies (or
whomever if they change their mind). They clearly more than tolerate the gay
community (it’s mostly the G of LGBT for them) – so it was fun getting to know
them & enjoy the event with them the next day at <a href="http://www.benerialto.com/" target="_blank">Bene Rialto</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A special thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/AustinGregorio?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">Austin Cartagena</a>, one of our great interns at <a href="https://www.outrightinternational.org/" target="_blank">OutRight Action International</a> who assisted with photography and had the best (final) question
for the crew!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Don't forget to follow <a href="https://instagram.com/tristan_wr" target="_blank">Tristen</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/luucas_etienne/" target="_blank">Lucas</a> & <a href="https://instagram.com/willj_wr" target="_blank">Will</a> and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/warwick_rowers/" target="_blank">Warwick Rowers</a> on Instagram and...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get the best LGBTIQ travel news every Thursday – </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://facebook.com/gaygeography" target="_blank">subscribe to the GAYography brief</a></i></b><span id="goog_1205899968"></span><span id="goog_1205899969"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">!</i></b></h3>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-86676500209618411402015-10-28T11:58:00.001-07:002015-10-28T12:02:06.435-07:00New Orleans: Decadence or Halloween?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEVYqQ0lKrQdFfa5sRi0ZZPKhnIx6wFXYy0CDGq484fxkNP2elD7P3dwBoyfiMJiRHyITqdfn6EvXH5-2xJ6hoRVQgwtkPSSnh_Pi2-ElaQChHncQ4bsJ0-PQqczfhCNZPqv4Kt5yqoY-/s1600/Southern+D+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEVYqQ0lKrQdFfa5sRi0ZZPKhnIx6wFXYy0CDGq484fxkNP2elD7P3dwBoyfiMJiRHyITqdfn6EvXH5-2xJ6hoRVQgwtkPSSnh_Pi2-ElaQChHncQ4bsJ0-PQqczfhCNZPqv4Kt5yqoY-/s320/Southern+D+Sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Decadence - New Orleans largest gay event!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After returning from another fabulous time in the Big Easy (way
too easy!) for Southern Decadence, I thought a lot about the differences
between this uber-gay “music” festival and other great times I’ve had in NOLA.
Previously, I only visited around Halloween. This time I was excited to see the
much smaller parade that drives right through the “Gay Corner” at St. Anne
& Bourbon – but I dipped out of my perch at Oz for a hand grenade with a
friend – and somehow got in a “long conversation” with some Tulane students.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get the best LGBT travel news every Thursday – </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://facebook.com/gaygeography" target="_blank">subscribe to the GAYography brief</a></i></b><span id="goog_1205899968"></span><span id="goog_1205899969"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">!</i></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxeTTW4VxxuLHTVUAqedT9bU-GmYKrH8dzjEL5NPYB0AE3qEXU9hyphenhyphenO8qXoWlSW6s01Fh9HnqkNFK24aqhPxdmPshB3-t9O_A0kahVXxvW8nrGbWC8qhtfFpxRadJzTad2PmGXq5xk0yIu/s1600/293445_790541102134_1187993688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxeTTW4VxxuLHTVUAqedT9bU-GmYKrH8dzjEL5NPYB0AE3qEXU9hyphenhyphenO8qXoWlSW6s01Fh9HnqkNFK24aqhPxdmPshB3-t9O_A0kahVXxvW8nrGbWC8qhtfFpxRadJzTad2PmGXq5xk0yIu/s200/293445_790541102134_1187993688_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me dancing on stage at the <br />
Halloween Lazarus Charity Ball!</td></tr>
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My new Crescent City friends put it succinctly: Halloween in
New Orleans is much more playful –still there’s enough play (in the usual
ways) – but Southern Decadence has a much more loud gay (& gay male) – sex, drugs, repeat – circuit-party element. This is accompanied by the rainbow flags on
every single French Quarter building, while Halloween offers a bit more substance & creativity
with costumes as well audiences from all over. It’s true the Halloween circuit
event for charity is certainly a larger party – but that’s about costumes and a bit more than the (lovely) carnal desires. Halloween
is also (nicely) just a step less crazy from Mardi Gras; not as crowded or cliché. Locals
create an incredible Decadence parade too – but it simply doesn’t involve as
many people (or as much of the city).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgybNvI-stBW1kFjtinuI-QR-1jTBn1BEEL92FRPsSl3PzIgMthc8js8QuTmS1VEfl-4xkWzzg8V0t-NvinOwU0e2dwRLG3hvdQtpn8ZgL8mCpGfbSxRFPhGdxUmxalP9RUjrrPh5T2mVI/s1600/379920_790778541304_445173803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgybNvI-stBW1kFjtinuI-QR-1jTBn1BEEL92FRPsSl3PzIgMthc8js8QuTmS1VEfl-4xkWzzg8V0t-NvinOwU0e2dwRLG3hvdQtpn8ZgL8mCpGfbSxRFPhGdxUmxalP9RUjrrPh5T2mVI/s200/379920_790778541304_445173803_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View from Oz on Halloween - <br />
I'm forever Peter Pan!</td></tr>
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Either way, New Orleans (pronounced correctly as <i>Neew-<b>war</b>-lens</i>,
not <i>New, <b>Or</b>-leans</i> or <i>Nawlins</i>) is always an incredibly different and refreshing
place to go. First, the weather – my favorite – hot & humid – happily I stepped off the plane from an early cooling-off New York over Labor Day; there's an even better contrast for Halloween and most US destinations. Although its not beachy, New Orleans is definitely America’s most cultural & picturesque Party City – where the bars don’t
close; the fun never ends (no, I'm not a Vegas fan; though its the only other great spot you can drink in public). There's nothing better than sitting out on a balcony
above it all (Hurricane in hand) listening to jazz (or just chaos) emanating from the city below.
That’s the key element of this city – live jazz on the streets and
constant classic music at a number of clubs, such as <a href="http://www.maisonfrenchmen.com/" target="_blank">La Masion</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-onEQLz_C48p2P5YE1CAOv69PdmrcduDI8FQG4hpbsULFnnDNppSP-IFShaBAYqi5QDqPbVuUclHZFiYU55apywXSvxPb59AXmNzpZ-qklwEADE__D483g8biZ-hHborlZ1mKXen53dE/s1600/Pat+Obriens+Hurricane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-onEQLz_C48p2P5YE1CAOv69PdmrcduDI8FQG4hpbsULFnnDNppSP-IFShaBAYqi5QDqPbVuUclHZFiYU55apywXSvxPb59AXmNzpZ-qklwEADE__D483g8biZ-hHborlZ1mKXen53dE/s200/Pat+Obriens+Hurricane.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic to-go Hurricane</td></tr>
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While you pay extra as a tourist here (maybe you should, since the area has only <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-orleans-economy-ten-years-after-katrina-1440628953" target="_blank">just recovered to a pre-Katrina level of economicgrowth</a>) I don’t mind the higher priced drinks during these party
periods – but apparently you can buy $3 drinks most of the time. Frankly, I
don’t mind Pat O’Brien’s famous Hurricane or slurping down an official Hand
Grenade at Tropical Isle – both about $10. I’m on vacation after all; I can drink
a vodka-soda (splash of cran) anywhere! And of course, head down for beignets
at Café Du Monde – early in the morning is a great time to avoid the lines and have these fancy doughnuts soak up the alcohol (it’s open 24/7 I learned after a lengthy eve).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnM8OC4SXiT9wmPVvFUukhyphenhyphenqA_lY8PgkBnKR_Ins2DIrQTXmRex8coCvOpgUKuMxOkpR9Di46hYEPcoI1Xq0iNfvmu3pl29cUKjQPqf1ubmexk0Xg16dljeDwNMy8TxXE6Gsj0AiR1hob/s1600/Southern+D+Parade+St+Anne+and+Burbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnM8OC4SXiT9wmPVvFUukhyphenhyphenqA_lY8PgkBnKR_Ins2DIrQTXmRex8coCvOpgUKuMxOkpR9Di46hYEPcoI1Xq0iNfvmu3pl29cUKjQPqf1ubmexk0Xg16dljeDwNMy8TxXE6Gsj0AiR1hob/s320/Southern+D+Parade+St+Anne+and+Burbon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anne & Bourbon Street - the center of gay fun!</td></tr>
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The “Gay Corner” at St. Anne & Bourbon Street has standby’s
<a href="https://www.bourbonpub.com/" target="_blank">Bourbon Pub</a> and <a href="http://www.ozneworleans.com/" target="_blank">Oz</a> – as well as <a href="http://www.goodfriendsbar.com/" target="_blank">Good Friends</a> not far up St. Anne. This is where
the magic happens – and both bars compete. Oz is definitely the younger crowd –
and more of a club with the large dance floor and balconies above. Further down
Bourbon is <a href="http://www.lafittes.com/" target="_blank">Café Lafitte In Exile</a>, the oldest continually operating gay bar in
the US and further down (for party weekends) the <a href="http://www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com/" target="_blank">Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop& bar</a> serves a classic “purple drank” made with whiskey.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Also a must-visit is <a href="http://www.nola.com/bar-guide/index.ssf/2015/08/corner_pocket.html" target="_blank">Corner Pocket</a>, the trashiest of fun bars
a few blocks away. Well-endowed (or well-in-need) guys from all over the south come here to get
paid for their not so hidden parts as they dance & strip on the bar. An
older crowd typically tips the boys at the bar & fully enjoys while tourists and younger guys chat & look on.
Usually a place to stop by early in the evening for a drink – and you might
even make a very popular friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want an older
crowd, head to <a href="http://www.phoenixbarnola.com/" target="_blank">The Phoenix/Eagle</a> a bit further away and enjoy the leather
parties – and upstairs if you dare; I don’t think they even have underwear!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1d47IvPV4g5lRUWKufwMpi4B_uVkijyIq6s0rZQN2OgMwMDzyrUbupDja7Iu3BhzFLZybb11-yJhbvHVWywOcv-A1edds2ETWjgMdlY23up9h_kHx2J-ZNTzrnEgR4Z9IUk-qGPvHr3e/s1600/Country+Club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1d47IvPV4g5lRUWKufwMpi4B_uVkijyIq6s0rZQN2OgMwMDzyrUbupDja7Iu3BhzFLZybb11-yJhbvHVWywOcv-A1edds2ETWjgMdlY23up9h_kHx2J-ZNTzrnEgR4Z9IUk-qGPvHr3e/s320/Country+Club.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Country Club - for daytime relaxation on an <br />
otherwise busy party weekend</td></tr>
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But don’t just stay in the Quarter – venture beyond Canal & Esplanade to <a href="https://tulane.edu/" target="_blank">Tulane</a> & <a href="http://www.loyola.edu/" target="_blank">Loyola</a> & tour the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwjf-tCAzOXIAhUGHT4KHTElBYY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fodors.com%2Fworld%2Fnorth-america%2Fusa%2Flouisiana%2Fnew-orleans%2Fneighborhoods%2Fgarden-district&usg=AFQjCNEQOrvO0eSAmcAICydKi7tBwVEcow&sig2=tozZUpYG0pDd51Qrw2Gm-g" target="_blank">Garden District’s</a> beautiful homes. Spend a lot of time eating great food - you can't miss Green Goddess for food & awesome drinks. I happened upon a lovely lunch-time show at <a href="http://www.buffasbar.com/" target="_blank">Buffa's</a> and you must wander Frenchman Street! It’s a wild time in this no holds bar rainbow-clad weekend
and the fun doesn’t stop – each day there is also a pool party not too far away
– it used to be <a href="http://www.vice.com/read/the-sad-downfall-of-new-orleans-best-nude-swimming-pool-199" target="_blank">clothing optional but a drugged girl & overzealous city policing ruined the party</a>. Still you can relax with friends in the hot tub - toast away your hangover and find new friends before heading back to the fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMcZOSu6arRNXeQDUcFOgfZYt-BPtMXrSD1rm8J-Yyhom06ZXZb4bs-XNtqVsO6kxvWmxgf6DBAoy5K0jcYfwzsbLvAAHEG3E4qOCi8HzqPnM9sRP7pQZS8Y8nfzF0BmP6Kfdrys-s5TQ/s1600/Ashton+St+Anne+and+Burbon+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMcZOSu6arRNXeQDUcFOgfZYt-BPtMXrSD1rm8J-Yyhom06ZXZb4bs-XNtqVsO6kxvWmxgf6DBAoy5K0jcYfwzsbLvAAHEG3E4qOCi8HzqPnM9sRP7pQZS8Y8nfzF0BmP6Kfdrys-s5TQ/s200/Ashton+St+Anne+and+Burbon+Parade.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashton with a Hand Grenade</td></tr>
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For hospitable weather nearly year-round (except for those pesky Hurricane's and of course this is not for the heat-sensitive), incredible music - and a gay ole time - New Orleans should always be on your calendar for yearly or at least periodic adventures, be they for <a href="http://www.southerndecadence.net/" target="_blank">Southern Decadence</a>, <a href="http://www.gayhalloween.com/" target="_blank">Halloween</a>, <a href="http://www.gaymardigras.com/" target="_blank">Mardi Gras</a> (for the huge crowd lovers), <a href="http://nolareddress.com/" target="_blank">Red-Dress Run</a> (in August) or just any other time of the year!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4WvuRRSd4MiBZ2Vr5XA3MzME0mdltFyghMixF4cnECXi4wTFNTWVBwmGeGYWFb-Fo-nx1M45JDioh9A-q36CLxbEUnoNK00QUMFWdqhawU7GNFCNzcS60Ks4JtzeS-D9TYyKZ9QClC3b/s1600/Burbon+Pub+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4WvuRRSd4MiBZ2Vr5XA3MzME0mdltFyghMixF4cnECXi4wTFNTWVBwmGeGYWFb-Fo-nx1M45JDioh9A-q36CLxbEUnoNK00QUMFWdqhawU7GNFCNzcS60Ks4JtzeS-D9TYyKZ9QClC3b/s640/Burbon+Pub+Bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourbon Pub - St. Anne & Bourbon Street</td></tr>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-79464623498320423502015-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:002015-07-31T08:17:15.099-07:00Guide to the Concrete Jungle -- GAYographer's first published article!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Check out my <a href="http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=70786" target="_blank">first published article at the San Francisco Bay Area Reporter</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ9BaPJArHeh4apkBbieCo0PUxJIkEthDyQILmEOxSbRtgJjQUujh4IQjC5q9L2XAgGbVUzjfAUk8t_Pgo3TbtUh1gbCtcM6Ux7g5DZiIHndxIyvEkYIadJtgonN2gRCRa2mjZHYlEqDa/s1600/Rooftop+Party+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ9BaPJArHeh4apkBbieCo0PUxJIkEthDyQILmEOxSbRtgJjQUujh4IQjC5q9L2XAgGbVUzjfAUk8t_Pgo3TbtUh1gbCtcM6Ux7g5DZiIHndxIyvEkYIadJtgonN2gRCRa2mjZHYlEqDa/s320/Rooftop+Party+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></h2>
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Fall Offerings Abound in the Big Apple</h2>
by Ashton Giese<br />
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It's been a cool California summer in New York, which means perhaps the heat might hit us now. Come enjoy smoldering late nights at some of the best parties on the planet, but only after your soul is warmed by the toppest of top-notch theater and your appetite satisfied by your choice of any cuisine from around the globe. Whether or not you're visiting in August, September or later this fall, if the concrete jungle doesn't keep you warm the people, events, and excitement will keep you on fire.</div>
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Where to disco nap and store your bag</div>
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Don't yet have close friends willing to host you? It's certainly always more fun to stay with a friend, but if you're traveling with the beau or your friends, Hotel Tonight could be an easy last-minute option to find a solid room at slightly less than outrageous prices. Of course, now there's Airbnb – and Mister Airbnb, if you want a gay host. But let me help you choose from NYC's endless locales.</div>
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You'll certainly get a good rate up in Harlem or Washington Heights; near the A-C-E or 1-2-3 subway lines you can zip down to "gay central" Hells Kitchen in 20 minutes (or get lazy and meet Colombia students at dive-bar Suite). Also you can crash across town in Astoria, Queens – always a thriving neighborhood – yet there's only one real gay bar, Icon. On the far-east side in Brooklyn, Bushwick will also be inexpensive if you enjoy the hipster experience. Or if you'd rather see strollers than skateboards, stay with the lesbians in Park Slope (on Brooklyn's south side) and go out to Ginger's.</div>
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From Brooklyn, at least you can reach New York's newest "Times Square": Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. Weekends here are jam-packed and the subway stop is filled with buskers. Enjoy good eats at <a href="http://www.smorgasburg.com/" target="_blank">Schmorgasburg</a> () on Saturdays and any night of the week you will love the scruffy, hot hipster crowd at gay bar/club Metropolitan. Of course, if you truly want to live like a local, East Village is the best 'hood that feels like a neighborhood and where you'll even find vegan pet food. Eat some of the most different food in the world – from Ukrainian <a href="http://veselka.com/" target="_blank">Veselka</a> ("Rainbow") to fancy celebrity-favorite Japanese at Robataya.</div>
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Even more, from here, you can walk over to the West Village – arguably the world's best place to wander. Stand in line for famous baker Dominique Ansel's original cronut shop (usually sold out by 9:30 a.m.), browse at uber-designer boutiques and chill out in Washington Square Park as theater troupes, and piano and jazz musicians entertain you. In addition, if you walk south, you're in the heart of all the big stores of Soho. Get those designer tees at Uniqlo and Top Shop and dive into the New York dark, gray style at All Saints.</div>
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But of course the most popular location – with still OK rates – is the Times Square area (especially for those short weekend trips). This gives you access to the popular Hells Kitchen area as well as one last critical element of your New York adventure: Broadway.</div>
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What's on Broadway this fall</div>
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The now on-Broadway production of LGBT musical, <i>Fun Home</i> , is the current Tony Award holder for best musical, and also won awards for best actor, director, original score and best book. Not only is this a must-see for LGBT audiences, but also its intimate – though low-key – presentation will make you cry and laugh. It's not a big number or big production show, but it's special, cute and extremely well arranged for the Circle In The Square Theatre (where every seat is practically on stage).</div>
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<i>... Read the rest at the <a href="http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=70786" target="_blank">Bay Area Reporter</a></i></h4>
</div>
Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-54253895829662241342015-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:002015-07-02T06:42:03.210-07:00Riga: EuroPride where it’s needed!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow over Riga after Pride weekend on June 22</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the heavy influence of Russian “news” and many people
who still consider Russian their main language, it’s difficult to change hearts
and minds in Riga – as well as the other Baltic states. That's part of the reason EuroPride organizers decided to hold it here - the first EuroPride in a former USSR country! Thankfully, after nearly 10
years of sometimes dangerous Pride events, there were only a few protesters, a couple thrown items and (pleasantly) many smiling faces & waving hands
that lined the route – even a party on a balcony! People here can be and are
generous and friendly – yet you won’t immediately be welcomed and making
friends, I imagine, takes time. Thankfully, there’s an incredible hipster
culture here (<a href="http://www.skyscanner.net/news/20-most-hipster-neighbourhoods-world" target="_blank">Riga's central 'hood was named the most "hipster" in the world!</a>) that in most instances is at least gay-neutral if not friendly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Pride route in Riga</td></tr>
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This is a part of the world known for dreary cool weather –
but the sun also shone down on this Saturday for Pride! Locked closed and lined
with police for the duration of the day’s activities, Vērmanes Dārzs Park served as the
staging ground for the main Pride events. I was prepared (per tradition of late) to wear my rainbow suspenders with shorts – but I realized that not only was the weather not quite
warm enough to go without a shirt – that’s the stereotype organizers hoped to
avoid. So I wore my Stoli tank top (Stoli is bottled Latvia, not <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/world/europe/facing-fury-over-antigay-law-stoli-says-russian-not-really.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Russia like DanSavage had you believe</a>!) with an open white button-down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police in full riot gear protect the parade route!</td></tr>
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The route was lined with police – at key points in full riot
gear (though not as many as <a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">I witnessed for Warsaw Pride in 2013</a>) – and shoulder
high barricades (not tape) prevented onlookers from really participating. Yet
it was also lined with people sometimes watching sternly, but more often
smiling or waving; sometimes accepting rainbow flags I helped hand out and
even cheering. Let’s face it, here was not the place where I would get to
make-out on the route with my “pride boyfriend” those would only be accessed
later at the bar (or via Planet Romeo, Grindr or Hornet). Several times I had to check myself, because new friends even balked at public hugs!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with Country star Steve<br />
Grand <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">& US Embassy </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Berlin </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Spokesperson, Tim Standaert</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The route took us around the main city center in a circle –
and a return to the Park for speakers - (including the US LGBT Envoy & Chargé at the US Embassy), songs and cute US (gay) country singer <a href="http://www.europride2015.eu/guests/steve-grand/" target="_blank">SteveGrand</a>! The week before Saturday’s celebration included dozens of workshops and
events at a (truly) hipster local venue known as the Culture House – or as we
called it the “Pride House.” All week long, documentaries were shown, speakers
explored LGBT issues and people had a constant meeting place to connect. I saw
an incredible expose about Baltic Pride as well as a beautiful story of
the first gay-married couple in Switzerland. Organizers also held an
international conference on Friday – bringing European parliament leaders and
major media experts to explain the current (difficult) picture for LGBT people
in the Baltics & Eastern Europe. Yes there were a lot of tourists - including many Dutch & Swedish guys here - and even Americans, but I also made an effort to get a taste of local culture.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Bar - Riga</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.mygoldenclub.com/lv/jaunumi/" target="_blank">Golden</a> bar and club served as Mozaika’s main Pride Sponsor –
with some entertainment and great music all weekend long (even a late-night
Sunday close for EuroPride participants!) Competitor <a href="http://www.xxl.lv/en/" target="_blank">XXL</a> (which gets points
from me for actually having rainbow visible to passersby) rudely interrupted
one of the early Pride press conferences presumably because they were not a sponsor. Sadly, everyone I talked to pretty much bad-mouthed this sleazy bar – and I can see why. Perhaps the bar with sauna upstarirs is not the aspect the broader LGBT
community does not want to be associated with – but at least they are willing
to put forth a public presence.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends in Lithuania!</td></tr>
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Besides the dozen or so Latvians involved and volunteering with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mozaikalv" target="_blank">Mozaika</a> – the local LGBT organization
– I met no other locals who actually participated in the events (besides of
course the parties) - though even Russians traveled to participate. It’s still difficult for all to be fully and openly
gay here. While some may have opposed Pride – questioning the need to "advertise" – most
realized its importance even if they decided that they would not march down
the street. And that’s the true purpose of Pride – to show some visibility –
and to show those that fear that they have a reason not to – that they can be
visible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancakes & Rhubarb</td></tr>
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Not only did I get to party and participate in helping to show some of that visibility, but I had the opportunity to experience Latvia - and nearby Lithuania as well. The food is hearty - and potato heavy - but I especially enjoyed Rhubarb drinks & potato pancakes - and of course the variety of sausage! Vilnius is also particularly beautiful - and one daring new friend was even willing (perhaps making his own stand) to hold my hand through the city center on a weekday evening. We had some surprised or confused stares but nothing untoward. The weather may be cooler than I would like - but the people here are warm and their desire for change burns bright.</div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-54431161558362826452015-06-10T11:10:00.000-07:002015-06-10T11:10:04.361-07:00Secrets of NYC: Getting Around - Colossal Calf Muscles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQubazoNMHxlw7-zblPdjO-_UhejZ2o33gFqxMVqv12abbLUlYNuZ5CYXlJP-AR5-pQNMAiE1y0KdqbKTcwmiHGZcP4DOIQvg15UdEqVe1nVuilXqnPB9YtcK9BdywHgmfl9uauSFYVqs7/s1600/Nathan+Lane+Steve+Buscemi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQubazoNMHxlw7-zblPdjO-_UhejZ2o33gFqxMVqv12abbLUlYNuZ5CYXlJP-AR5-pQNMAiE1y0KdqbKTcwmiHGZcP4DOIQvg15UdEqVe1nVuilXqnPB9YtcK9BdywHgmfl9uauSFYVqs7/s1600/Nathan+Lane+Steve+Buscemi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stars show up at 12am in the East Village!</td></tr>
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I love the East Village because it has the most balance
between a neighborhood feel, food and fun – plus it’s still very central.
Sure, you’ve got to exit on foot to reach the subway but walking is the
main-stay of New York. Not only is it more social (great people watching) but
it keeps you fit (as long as you don’t get hit by a taxi). Plus you never know
whom you’ll run into. Walking through my hood, I happened upon Steve Buscemi and
Nathan Lane filming a scene for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GaffiganShow?v=timeline&filter=2&_rdr" target="_blank">Jim Gaffigan Comedy Show</a> on my way to a
(thus) interesting but in the end unsuccessful Grindr date.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<i>Subscribed to gay travel updates each week? Get the <a href="http://gaytlas.com/brief" target="_blank">GAYography brief</a> - for all the best insights for LGBT travelers around the world.</i></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But of course you can’t walk always – this is a big city! After
my first night in the EV (<a href="http://gayography.blogspot.com/2015/05/secrets-of-nyc-moving-into-east-village.html" target="_blank">and my first post</a>), I decided to investigate my
subway commute – a pretty penny at $2.75 to enter but weekly (for tourists) or
monthly passes are smart to get. A quick 20 minutes down to Wall Street for me;
Union Square is a 10 minute walk – and the 4/5 Express can zip you right down.
Unless of course there are delays, when it’s likely that the 6 local trains
work faster. For the most part, you should remember that “express” trains in
Manhattan only get you places 2-5 minutes faster (in the best circumstances) –
they are usually slower moving even if they make less stops – and are subject
to more delays during rush hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3bVE7ytUg4qjgU51E144FGYBh18pjKPt7iKHpcWL0DkP-p6WNXc1rnZPUVxAPaWucSoVuAchx5ATUrO3pZDxGjikiriTLaEc3shI6LQdH9jUsCZitEkaL4lSF3fxIXtrpEHmBsLN9Dn0/s1600/Bike+share+on+FDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3bVE7ytUg4qjgU51E144FGYBh18pjKPt7iKHpcWL0DkP-p6WNXc1rnZPUVxAPaWucSoVuAchx5ATUrO3pZDxGjikiriTLaEc3shI6LQdH9jUsCZitEkaL4lSF3fxIXtrpEHmBsLN9Dn0/s200/Bike+share+on+FDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citibiking along the FDR Bike-way</td></tr>
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I’ve seen smartly dressed commuters leave the 1 local train
from up in Harlem (when I was living there) while I decided to continue riding;
15-20 minutes later they would re-enter my same train to get to local stops in
lower Manhattan. Their attempt to ride “express” failed!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the summer I try to avoid the subway, especially for a
commute. Trains can work effectively for many trips – especially from Wall
Street to the uber-gay Hells Kitchen area - but the subway can wear you down,
especially at crowded & delayed rush hour. Not only is it dirty – but it’s
smelly. Of course, the buskers make it fun – and I always hand over a few
dollars for making this dreary place livelier. Still, you have to face facts –
the NYC subway maybe the longest, most “efficient” US subway system but there’s
little competition – and it’s the largest default homeless shelter in the world
as well!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVBkB_DjvcN-wlatJDJzAQ8bSEijVlFsy4RbWDxwXtgobpXxwweXgHhyePojU8BE7o_wdRJi9Y0yPOFcM7OzzwThPj9qkOY7qmrF8uQxQGc9X5X-F8SpnJTVaL1WeO04p21Oj01jUuyS5/s1600/Manhattan+%2526+Brooklyn+Bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVBkB_DjvcN-wlatJDJzAQ8bSEijVlFsy4RbWDxwXtgobpXxwweXgHhyePojU8BE7o_wdRJi9Y0yPOFcM7OzzwThPj9qkOY7qmrF8uQxQGc9X5X-F8SpnJTVaL1WeO04p21Oj01jUuyS5/s320/Manhattan+%2526+Brooklyn+Bridges.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful East River views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides walking, what also builds great NYC calf muscles is
cycling; <a href="https://www.citibikenyc.com/" target="_blank">Citi-bike-share</a> is also an available option for traversing – though fraught
with peril as you compete for space from delivery guys speeding (on electric
bikes) the opposite direction on one-ways. Yet there are protected lanes in the
city and picturesque spots that you only see while riding.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4B91HAupDyRJhCKkpzUYEbnxt9-2fJp09k-AEve5XwSTS6hkCyg3rMNhjyXYa3Kf5czvVI-mjTQtzsyIh4suAMtdr_K9GqhUT5Ay6h8i2E_r9qQFFTvp5RGpVJzS2sLpoTeWYt2K52Hj/s1600/Brooklyn+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4B91HAupDyRJhCKkpzUYEbnxt9-2fJp09k-AEve5XwSTS6hkCyg3rMNhjyXYa3Kf5czvVI-mjTQtzsyIh4suAMtdr_K9GqhUT5Ay6h8i2E_r9qQFFTvp5RGpVJzS2sLpoTeWYt2K52Hj/s200/Brooklyn+Bridge.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing beats the Brooklyn Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thus on my return commute, I discovered my new top option
for the summer’s commute! My bike trip takes me down the FDR Bikeway – sadly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">under</i> the FDR expressway. A blessing in
the summer heat (I’m sure) – but on this cool spring day I wanted some sun. The
trail isn’t located in an ideal space, but the view out is beautiful with the
Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge flowing out to Brooklyn and the East River
before you. The Westside has a more open outdoor bike trail – and a few major
streets are ok to bike down (at least late at night!) definitely avoid the 8<sup>th</sup>
Avenue bike lane – it’s just too full of taxis, pedestrians or food carts!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow cabs are everywhere!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, New York is known for its taxis – and there are
obviously times – and places - where they are the most effective means. But
certainly not during rush hour periods in midtown or weekend evenings. Uber can
be an alternative as well – but usually you can get a cab more quickly and the
price is not so different. Getting across town may be a good time to cab –
especially if you’re with people – but don’t forget about buses too. Just
remember to pay for your fare before you enter the bus at certain (usually busy)
places – look for ticket dispensers or signage at the bus stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is very critical on the M60 bus – if you fly into (or
depart) LaGuardia Airport (LGA) (and don’t want to spend $40-60 on a cab) you
must be sure to purchase your fare and get a receipt before boarding the bus.
MTA transit police love to harass tourists in the city who don’t know better – police
have boarded my bus on 3 different occasions! It’s a $150 fine if you don’t
have your receipt. Flying into JFK is easier – but you can’t avoid paying $7.75
to take the AirTrain and Subway to get into the city.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUhesQZUFmJ8mH9e6N0MfNnovYhyphenhyphenRVC9wyYXXxThSUmDsJEiqUAmq-N5i6BoI1wsUwSdu537GA6kL72Pvpv0MKIgiN7GH4pvqWyVPNk6Ewg0QT2FR2z-qP3ayNflRAdMbc_bS8sQxiT6h/s1600/Subway+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUhesQZUFmJ8mH9e6N0MfNnovYhyphenhyphenRVC9wyYXXxThSUmDsJEiqUAmq-N5i6BoI1wsUwSdu537GA6kL72Pvpv0MKIgiN7GH4pvqWyVPNk6Ewg0QT2FR2z-qP3ayNflRAdMbc_bS8sQxiT6h/s200/Subway+Pic.jpg" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy was in the ad!</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So build up those calf muscles – also by carrying your suitcases
up and down subway stairs – this is the city where you don’t need to worry
about implants; you’ll have strong, sexy "calves" in no time living here. Whether
that’s walking, biking or just standing & “surfing” on the subway. Besides,
who knows who you might meet in any of these public places – if you’re willing
to smile or say hello – I’ve had a few subway “boyfriends” and met more than
one group casually on the street; secretly, New York is also friendly if you’re
willing initiate.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-61444396763257963332015-05-06T19:18:00.000-07:002015-05-06T20:19:06.958-07:00Secrets of NYC: Moving into the East Village - Day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Last night was my first night in the East Village – and I’m
going to start by attempting to make a (almost?) daily blog the best venues for dining & drinking as well as my adventures in the Big City.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A tame but still engaging first evening in the East Village
neighborhood included discovering my (likely) hang-outs as well as finding exactly
where I can take my (college) dates. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8SUvThrA5cu-zlJk9Nx_gWy2izIYwYSuhgEQKTKdNjxBxb4h10Jx7NAGdAksIm-DEZ2OvN8YY7E9giBeg94yx2SAfZ9MTGvDjcxCKWU9NyzsaqLzmxjww-teIagutVucAdQfdwzW5y2t/s1600/11223958_10102998609584204_6871525850853028625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8SUvThrA5cu-zlJk9Nx_gWy2izIYwYSuhgEQKTKdNjxBxb4h10Jx7NAGdAksIm-DEZ2OvN8YY7E9giBeg94yx2SAfZ9MTGvDjcxCKWU9NyzsaqLzmxjww-teIagutVucAdQfdwzW5y2t/s1600/11223958_10102998609584204_6871525850853028625_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My likely go-to spots - fro-yo & Thai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yelping along 2<sup>nd</sup> Ave – after moving in – I quickly lined up the restaurants that I will
(eventually) have to try (4 Yelp starts is my minimum). A seafood place with
outdoor seating – <a href="http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/mermaid-inn/" target="_blank">The Mermaid Inn</a> – and Mexican called the Black Ant – more on
those soon. However, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/16-handles-new-york-2" target="_blank">16 Handles</a> I know will be where I spend most of my time –
hanging with Vincent – and (apparently) a new girl, Nikky (just a guess at the
spelling). I’m sure you already know, you just ask for those tiny taste cups and “taste” all 16 handles – it’s fro-yo ‘til you’re full!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Just a block away, will be my go-to Thai place (a definite
requirement for me) – a hole-in-the-wall for just take out (unless you like
hangin’ with the staff?) that’s cheap and (from the ratings) very good, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/east-village-thai-new-york" target="_blank">EastVillage Thai</a>! However, I can imagine that Thai food is better in Hells Kitchen
– I know that it can’t beat my favorite NYC Thai place, <a href="http://www.seamless.com/food-delivery/v-iv-new-york-city.21255.r" target="_blank">V{iv}</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEve9QaKvVGHtw2-2JjZw0W4ySJw0shWycRIPMZZrhSjuKF6z041-0CDrrYL5uzi8j6kj5mcWEbdMuJU2tmfF7kvEoHMQAb35KBhe2coper-QLKu_IDzqrTfqdIrbYmG7Wwwyc9TDGUaw/s1600/11188234_10102994275609524_9221058943563930965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEve9QaKvVGHtw2-2JjZw0W4ySJw0shWycRIPMZZrhSjuKF6z041-0CDrrYL5uzi8j6kj5mcWEbdMuJU2tmfF7kvEoHMQAb35KBhe2coper-QLKu_IDzqrTfqdIrbYmG7Wwwyc9TDGUaw/s1600/11188234_10102994275609524_9221058943563930965_n.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my birthday event last week in HK with the Jakes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what’s more important – is I’ve discovered where I can
take my boys to drink – I ran into a boy and his girls (literally, 8 of them) waiting
for a table at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/dahlias-fine-mexican-cuisine-new-york" target="_blank">Dahlia’s</a> for Cinco de Mayo. I ran my hand through my hair – and
with a crowd of folks hugging the sidewalk, waiting – I found my line:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hey how long did she tell you the wait was?!”<br />
<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adorable, smiling and pock-faced Brian, student at Pace
humored me, and his (one of many) girlfriends said she had a friend with the
middle name Ashton too! However, he definitely a LI/Pace gay – when I told him
I’m from outside Minneapolis he said, “oh Indiana?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went and checked the wait – yep 45 minutes. Well I returned
and told him that my friend (who “was coming”) probably couldn’t wait that late
to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXi_x_9mI_fy0ank_we2_wU7Z4TnsDDlR6DQfTyok3ZS6dlwQl6iBts7rBPM9U-fKZ4fL187IeHpjGdWvmNczQF3CFr_n3laeCBOJpBMiz0ozRd5wZysoVXphlFeSaZYaC6qnjmbCMjC3/s1600/East+Village+apt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXi_x_9mI_fy0ank_we2_wU7Z4TnsDDlR6DQfTyok3ZS6dlwQl6iBts7rBPM9U-fKZ4fL187IeHpjGdWvmNczQF3CFr_n3laeCBOJpBMiz0ozRd5wZysoVXphlFeSaZYaC6qnjmbCMjC3/s1600/East+Village+apt.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new place in the East Village - <br />
233 E 9th St</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That’s when I somehow scared him off, though I remained to chat
with two of his girlfriends about the neighborhood. Did he suddenly realize my
motives? Who knows. I never can seem to earn the trust of boys who have too
many girlfriends (or are a little too blonde). Anyway – thankfully I can take
my boys out here, since word is they often attract the young college crowd (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
So I got my hand-shake and “nice to meet you” (after an
awkward few moments behind him as I tried to “say goodbye”), I found some tacos
myself over at the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-box-new-york-2" target="_blank">Taco Box</a> at Bowery & 4<sup>th</sup> Street; $4 is a lot
for a few bits of meat – but it’s nice to eat out along the street (now that
the weather makes it possible).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The neighborhood is truly bro – but the gays are poking
around for sure - and the college crowd is in force (thanks Grindr)! I think (maybe) I’ll find it easier to handle than the “sea of twinks”
that is 9<sup>th</sup> Avenue in Hells Kitchen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But it’s only day 1!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-54343091199308032722014-12-17T09:53:00.000-08:002015-10-28T12:01:48.322-07:00Iceland: Land of Fire, Less Ice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The following is a guest post by <a href="http://www.instagram.com/brandovescovotron" target="_blank">Brandon Vescovo</a></span></i></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Leave your tank tops, but bring your swim-trunks & camera – escape to Iceland!</b></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiCsb8SP5mgCAMk07qiR0XpQUIKw2Nd1NFIOyBiwc4Qyvk16cdj55rbp9LI7a1Iz_1cXKmdxCBnqo1A7BB-Pb-V9mneae6Iy2O-ZNysVC0SzZ3tXDgWMYK3YHMORkBwXbelshM4UCkC4/s1600/Reykjavik+up+high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiCsb8SP5mgCAMk07qiR0XpQUIKw2Nd1NFIOyBiwc4Qyvk16cdj55rbp9LI7a1Iz_1cXKmdxCBnqo1A7BB-Pb-V9mneae6Iy2O-ZNysVC0SzZ3tXDgWMYK3YHMORkBwXbelshM4UCkC4/s1600/Reykjavik+up+high.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reykjavik as seen from atop the Hallgrimskirja cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After landing at Keflavik International Airport at 7am, I stepped outside to pitch darkness
and a blustering, horizontal rain. As I followed a British family out into the gale, our cute rental car shuttle bus driver shouted over his shoulder, “welcome to <i>lovely</i>
Iceland!”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Iceland may not figure into most people’s
imaginations as a vacation hot-spot. This spacious but sparsely populated "Land of Fire & Ice" has always been a
popular destination for adventurous nature-lovers and photographers, and regular tourist traffic has been increasing. Still, the country is often forgotten (except, of course, when its hard-to-pronounce volcanoes disrupt air traffic); even mapmakers historically neglected to include it on European <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maps</span>!<br />
<br /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get the best LGBT travel news every Thursday – </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://facebook.com/gaygeography" target="_blank">subscribe to the GAYography brief</a></i></b><span id="goog_1205899968"></span><span id="goog_1205899969"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">!</i></b></h3>
</div>
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<br />
Due to Iceland’s invisibility, the question “how do you like
Iceland?” has taken on inside-joke status, as natives deploy it to put foreigners
on the spot. But the sentiment is sincere – fiercely proud Icelanders want you to fall in love, too. Most descend from the original
Viking settlers and fewer than half a million people worldwide speak <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_language" target="_blank">Icelandic</a>; the national and cultural pride is tight-knit and feverish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They also have quite the objective right to be proud. By
every possible measure used to gauge the success of nations, Iceland is one of the
happiest, safest, greenest, and most peaceful countries to ever exist. But what
does it offer the traveler? You can do things in Iceland that cannot be done
anywhere else on earth, and find the finest examples of other things which can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In essence, Iceland offers you the ability to drive for
hours, pull off the road, walk into an expansive field surrounded by mountains and/or glaciers, and wonder if you’re the first
person to ever stand in that exact spot. Then, you can update your <a href="http://instagram.com/gayographer" target="_blank">Instagram followers</a>, who will be extremely #jealous – plus, with the amazing light &
vistas here, #nofilter is required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Want to go snorkeling between two continental plates? You
<a href="http://straightondetour.com/drift-between-two-continental-plates-diving-silfra/" target="_blank">can do it here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oCGiym8yK71t2KI0-uiN6ZdrBSswslXaNhb-9F5AxJsIDxIROAvdkHUDH-9tQGk9ie4YxAtkSbfgZ1cfPOYhJBL50hiqy_St3VMPzN15ShEeOPBr3LSNAD_w7QApxedVmV55SGoY8mw/s1600/akranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oCGiym8yK71t2KI0-uiN6ZdrBSswslXaNhb-9F5AxJsIDxIROAvdkHUDH-9tQGk9ie4YxAtkSbfgZ1cfPOYhJBL50hiqy_St3VMPzN15ShEeOPBr3LSNAD_w7QApxedVmV55SGoY8mw/s1600/akranes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expect a lot of sights like this</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Want to drive a modified jeep across a glacier, camp out
under a crystal clear night sky and watch the aurora borealis dance, or take
photographs of scenery so awe-inspiring and ancient and unspoiled that it feels
downright alien? Check.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How about swim in a geothermal hot spring or heated pool
under the midnight sun, or, conversely, experience a 4-hour day where the sun
appears just long enough to cast the soft light of morning onto the dramatic
snowcapped peaks surrounding Reykjavik, before slipping away?<o:p></o:p></div>
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You get the point – the extremes
of nature are Iceland’s main selling point, and it’s impossible to overstate how
naturally beautiful this place is around every corner, along every road, from the
edges of Reykjavik to far-flung fjords and lava fields. Pick a direction and
forge your path – it’s impossible to go wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET5kksqGivaEKIHrSfB5HnIPL0xEAgaRAUmj2qqlVwMEnsVk54WCEic0bEfe2X1A4WE5SJO29IGZdrKmD7pfRJH3zU4krhrxNl6UcedQYOgSNIfefGwyYi1Z5YhVYYKD0lNXJuE9MUcA/s1600/gulfross+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET5kksqGivaEKIHrSfB5HnIPL0xEAgaRAUmj2qqlVwMEnsVk54WCEic0bEfe2X1A4WE5SJO29IGZdrKmD7pfRJH3zU4krhrxNl6UcedQYOgSNIfefGwyYi1Z5YhVYYKD0lNXJuE9MUcA/s1600/gulfross+selfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An #Instagram #Selfie at Gulfoss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The most popular time of year to
visit is the summer, when the sun is up for nearly 20 hours a day and weather
is slightly warmer. It’s never <i>warm</i> mind you, but it’s also rarely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">frigid</i> – the North Atlantic current
keeps the country’s temperatures relatively moderate for its latitude. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course, the country offers plenty
of activities unique to its seasons and you shouldn't fear an off-season trip – you have no hope of seeing the northern
lights when the sun is up at 11pm, for instance. Prices are also much lower in
the off-season, sometimes shockingly low if you book well enough in advance.
For the best compromise between daylight, weather (winter is wet), and price,
you might look to late September-early November and March-April. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even if you’re not really the outdoorsy type, you’d be
wasting a trip to not spend at least one day driving the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Circle_%28Iceland%29" target="_blank">Golden Circle route</a>
(or taking a tour – but I prefer driving). This popular tourist trek takes
you to three of Iceland’s most notable sights, all accessible in a day-trip from
Reykjavik: <a href="http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx" target="_blank">Thingvellir</a> (Þingvellir)<span style="background-color: white; color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>national park, a field of geysers at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haukadalur" target="_blank">Haukadalur</a> that erupt like
clockwork, and the waterfall at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Gullfoss+iceland&es_sm=91&biw=1245&bih=682&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=_rORVPj4B838gwT3nYHYAg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&dpr=0.9" target="_blank">Gullfoss</a>.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVRNeI_WdWFTyd00v21kLQ0HkZj1CreXPzOJwXg10zj3DhDDRavu7cqGsnR9sT22wxCwL-dBzX1HjGXgs3EkBDHtmNPN3PFPEOar-G8fI22tSXwfx3rl4dEg7d3bhhsk6dhn0MpbuBOQ/s1600/Thingvellir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVRNeI_WdWFTyd00v21kLQ0HkZj1CreXPzOJwXg10zj3DhDDRavu7cqGsnR9sT22wxCwL-dBzX1HjGXgs3EkBDHtmNPN3PFPEOar-G8fI22tSXwfx3rl4dEg7d3bhhsk6dhn0MpbuBOQ/s1600/Thingvellir.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thingvellir National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The major roads all over the country are well-maintained and
easy for an attentive and cautious driver to navigate in any standard vehicle,
but they are usually two lanes and rather twisty at times. Thankfully, there
are many places you can pull over and safely take photos. Most roads to the
deep (and uninhabited) interior of the country are closed in the off-season and
require a 4-wheel drive to navigate even when they’re open, but driving the
major highways around the country will be enough for most – the diversity of
scenery will impress, and you won’t be outside your comfort and safety zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Outside of the outdoors?</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is enough to do in <a href="http://www.visitreykjavik.is/" target="_blank">Reykjavik</a> for a few days, from
world-class dining, cute shopping, striking architecture, and museums that
range from the historical to the…err, unique! Try the <a href="http://www.phallus.is/en/" target="_blank">Icelandic Phallological Museum</a> for an educational display of 200 types of mammalian penises! I bought a
cute wooden penis bottle-opener from the (I assume, very lucrative) gift shop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With quality and geographical isolation comes relatively high
prices for commodities – food and drink is expensive year-round, especially
alcohol, so be prepared for a little sticker shock. Even fast food tends to be
as pricey as a casual sit-down chain back home. Iceland uses its own version
of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">krona</i>, which is slightly
weaker than the dollar. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but don’t even
bother bringing your Discover or American Express. Carry some cash.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Living in a Post-Gay
world<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Don’t expect mega clubs or circuit parties. Being a very
small, politically progressive, Nordic country, Iceland typifies the post-modern
gay world. <o:p></o:p>However, regardless of whether Iceland has a lot of capital-G Gay activities, there is nowhere that you need to feel unsafe. Gays have equal rights and the vast majority of Icelanders agree with this. <a href="http://www.pinkiceland.is/">Pink Iceland</a> is a good resource to help direct you to establishments and activities geared toward Iceland’s LGBT community and visitors.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNd7U2Psky0AvmkmPiIcwbOm_5iQkaknATYU9Ld5hibC9pz7aJ7Q4pTjbgFBvSQ8B9pFITJ0QzssDmS1mv7yJ-tOx8QK4POB5NRGRRA2sZ49u9u3QdZQPd5SdJkjbQb4TfCEyG678rTE/s1600/Kiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNd7U2Psky0AvmkmPiIcwbOm_5iQkaknATYU9Ld5hibC9pz7aJ7Q4pTjbgFBvSQ8B9pFITJ0QzssDmS1mv7yJ-tOx8QK4POB5NRGRRA2sZ49u9u3QdZQPd5SdJkjbQb4TfCEyG678rTE/s1600/Kiki.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiki - the very obviously gay bar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pride occurs the first or second weekend of every
August, and late January also brings us the <a href="http://www.rainbowreykjavik.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Reykjavik Festival</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiki-queer-bar/524995824201595">Kiki</a>, the
official gay bar, located off Laugavegur street in downtown Reykjavik, is open
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and plays a hot mix of top-40 and dance
classics on the second floor, with space to chill on the third floor. I found
the crowd to be very diverse, friendly, and energetic, full of tourists and
Icelanders alike. There’s no standing and posing – people come here to dance!
Also, there’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dollyreykjavik" target="_blank">Dolly</a>, which bills itself as gay-friendly with engaging (and
hot!) bartenders and a gay enough crowd.</div>
<br />
I found Grindr to be active, so don’t be afraid to use any
of those “networking” apps. I met a British student out for a drink – as a
foreigner in the post-gay world, sometimes apps are the easiest way to seek out
new friends with public meeting spots few and far between.<br />
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<br />
One last thing – either upon your arrival or on your way to
the airport, drop by and refresh yourself at the <a href="http://www.bluelagoon.com/">Blue Lagoon</a> geothermal spa! A
perfect way to begin or end your trip! </div>
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However you do Iceland, whenever you do
Iceland, it will be a trip to document and brag about. Go once, and then come
back with all your friends who called you crazy the first time!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08818253401514080405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-12791348481531133182014-12-03T08:23:00.001-08:002014-12-03T08:23:32.659-08:00San Juan: Representin' the Gay Capital of the Caribbean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRen37oUcHduJejxAr2DD9g2RgNdC1k3SigaMmV9UZgwYBY7rU5ROSbsFXzJR6kg0ycN3YaVhGP3cTQVcFFfEtoKKbEQnKvgtqRu660nDpq3v4gysjjbrwgvGyITUpzhM8-dmjZHd6xctU/s1600/Old+San+Juan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRen37oUcHduJejxAr2DD9g2RgNdC1k3SigaMmV9UZgwYBY7rU5ROSbsFXzJR6kg0ycN3YaVhGP3cTQVcFFfEtoKKbEQnKvgtqRu660nDpq3v4gysjjbrwgvGyITUpzhM8-dmjZHd6xctU/s1600/Old+San+Juan.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Streetscape of <br />Old San Juan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Walking through Old San Juan feels like an old town on the
Spanish coast – except with even more color and heat (plus, the over-sized cars hardly fit on these cobblestone streets)! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Juan,_Puerto_Rico" target="_blank">San Juan, Puerto Rico</a> offers (even)
warmer beaches and people, and a touch spicier food! This island get-away while
not economically booming or particularly organized, is typical of any
beach-touristy-town with some incredible historic highlights combined with a
thriving local culture. For the easiest, most inexpensive beach get-away from the US anytime of year, San Juan should be your go-to gay spot!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Book your beach trip now!
gAytlas tours <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/724093024307095/" target="_blank">“Alumni Spring Break”</a> March 26-30<sup>th</sup>!</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXF0z47T66c7BYXdty6GmC11UqUkWYHiCauwyvqmRMJNLPpkmwYKnOeuhu1M77pG50YobxSiHxHIGFLXReHgEKfviSF5cDdpwSnNeb_dwohx6jfGc-XLovqEE4eGoeCx79_ZGJ2v8-1TR/s1600/Phones+at+the+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXF0z47T66c7BYXdty6GmC11UqUkWYHiCauwyvqmRMJNLPpkmwYKnOeuhu1M77pG50YobxSiHxHIGFLXReHgEKfviSF5cDdpwSnNeb_dwohx6jfGc-XLovqEE4eGoeCx79_ZGJ2v8-1TR/s1600/Phones+at+the+Beach.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking Grindr at gay Atlantic Beach in Condado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let’s start with San Juan’s most attractive resource, it’s
beaches! Ripped kite-surfers fill the waves between the main gay hot-spots that attract
locals and foreigners alike (though don’t look for locals when it’s cooler –
like 80!). The water is the perfect bathwater-like temperature, the waves
typically provide fun, but not danger (but swim with a buddy!) and the sandy beaches are well maintained. Alongside what used to be a gay-operated and frequented <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g147320-d151833-r62110316-Atlantic_Beach_Hotel-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html" target="_blank">Atlantic Beach Hotel</a>, which is now a mediocre and restrictive (no guest policy!) inn, the
beach remains very gay daily – but best of course on weekends (or even at night!). Ocean Park
beach, near <a href="http://puertorico.gaycities.com/hotels/" target="_blank">Numero Uno Guesthouse</a> also attracts the rainbow especially in high
season (Dec – April). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach-ready boys arrive at Ocean Park</td></tr>
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During the peak season in March, I’ve organized a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/724093024307095/" target="_blank">gay group trip to San Juan</a> – “Alumni Spring Break” at a gay-owned
guesthouse near Ocean Park. Come stretch your legs on sandy beaches – and your dollar on the inexpensive drinks! Reviewers called the cozy <a href="http://www.coquidelmar.com/" target="_blank">Coqui Del Mar</a> a hidden gem
because it’s still close to everything, with private apartments with kitchens, jacuzzi and of course that local feel you get from staying on a real
street in San Juan – not tourist-land! For less than a weekend at Fire Island, enjoy a short weekend break where the only ice is in your margarita. Of course, if you wanna spend g's and
be fancy then drop some at the beautiful <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147320-d677598-Reviews-La_Concha_Resort_A_Renaissance_Hotel-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html" target="_blank">La Concha</a> – the premier spot on
Condado – also not far from the traditional gay Atlantic Beach.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <b><i>Gay</i></b>ographer at Castillo <br />de San Cristobal</td></tr>
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Traversing San Juan is easy by foot or bike – it's a compact area and taking a lovely beach stroll basically gets you where you need to go. Yet, if you want to move fast – you can't rely on public transportation – unless you
really want to get to know the locals (which I did) waiting for buses; better to cheaply rent a car or use taxis. Though cabs do (unsurprisingly) take advantage; it's <a href="http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/getting-around-by-taxi/" target="_blank">$15 to go just about anywhere</a> between Old San Juan and the
airport. Please negotiage – though you may get a “well the standard
rate...” but they will be friendly and may come down a bit. The airport is close to everything, practically on top of (beautiful, but touristy) <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=isla+verde+beach+puerto+rico&espv=2&biw=1517&bih=683&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=0-99VKCdM834yQSKpYKwBQ&ved=0CB0QsAQ&dpr=0.9" target="_blank">Isla Verde beach</a> and just a few minutes to Ocean Park – so renting a car is both cheap and practical
since everything is close.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Old San Juan holds the main historical (and must-see) sites,
including <a href="http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/el-morro/" target="_blank">El Morro</a> and <a href="http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/historicsites/gr/san_crisobal.htm" target="_blank">Castillo de San Cristobal</a> – the largest fortress system
in the Americas (which adequately protected San Juan for centuries!). Allow
about 3 hours to see all of both – and enjoy a meal to stay motivated in
between – bring lots of water and sunscreen (they are huge places)! Nothing could be finer than
walking the old cobblestone streets inside Old San Juan with the warm tropical
breeze blowing in! Swing by <a href="http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/23956/" target="_blank">La Taberna Lupulo</a> afterwards for the best fish tacos I could find in the whole city, local Puerto Rican rum and dozens of beers on tap.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View East from El Morro</td></tr>
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Along with fabulous drinks the island comes truly <a href="http://www.topuertorico.org/culture/foodrink.shtml" target="_blank">unique food</a>, a fusion of African, latin and north American cuisines. Here plantains are key; be sure to try <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Mofongo&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JKF-VNDVD4WsyASw6IGABw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=682&dpr=0.9" target="_blank">mofongo</a><span id="goog_1675214959"></span><span id="goog_1675214960"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=puerto+rico+tostones&oq=puerto+rico+tostones&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5223j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">tostones</a>. Mornings
(for the beach-conscious) start with an Acai bowl – fruit, nuts and coconut mix – a easy breakfast or snack. Quick meals out can be spent at the local <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-b-de-burro-san-juan" target="_blank">La B de Burro</a> (2 for 1 Wednesday margaritas) <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Kasalta+bakery+obama&espv=2&biw=1517&bih=682&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=0qp-VKGVH4WjNuyBg_AK&ved=0CFcQsAQ&dpr=0.9" target="_blank">Obama-visited</a> <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/kasalta-san-juan-2" target="_blank">Kasalta Bakery</a> or try <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-cueva-del-mar-san-juan-2" target="_blank">Cueva del Mar</a> for reasonably priced seafood. Beachside <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/oceana-san-juan" target="_blank">Oceana</a> provides a great meal in style; make an early reservation to catch sunset (between 5:30 and 6:30pm in high season) next to Atlantic Beach - you likely won't be able to get a later reservation anyway! In Old San Jan, Drink at the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-parrot-club-san-juan" target="_blank">Parrot Club</a> and try those duck nachos at <a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/puerto-rico/san-juan/review-120995.html" target="_blank">Dragonfly</a>, incredible latin-asian fusion.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tia Maria's "Liquor Store" bar</td></tr>
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Weekends the gay bars are semi close to the general party
square called <a href="http://places.eyetour.com/whatToSee/san-juan/176/la-placita-de-santurce" target="_blank">La Placita in Santruce</a>. For a local (str8) start to the evening (late, around 10 or 11pm)
with live music, dance with the locals at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taberna-Los-Vazquez-la-Placita/134038483323978" target="_blank">Taberna Los Vazquez</a> and get yourself one
of the best-made mojitos in the world! When the music ends – head over to <a href="http://puertorico.gaycities.com/bars/1313-tia-maria-jose-de-diego" target="_blank">Tia Maria's</a>, a classic gay dive and after to <a href="http://clubfly.com/venue/7266/circo_bar_san_juan.html" target="_blank">Circo</a> where all
the gay boys always end up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jirafaverde" target="_blank">La Jirafa Verde (</a></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jirafaverde" target="_blank">Green Giraffe)</a> is another venue (if you like EDM) but it never seems to get too busy,
despite its class and superior decor. <a href="http://puertorico.gaycities.com/bars/303037-oasis" target="_blank">Oasis</a> (formerly Splash) is near the beach
if you don’t want to bother traversing inland. If you make a friend a bit quicker, cut to the chase at <a href="http://www.dailyxtratravel.com/puerto-rico/puerto-rico/san-juan/sx-san-juan" target="_blank">SX bar</a> around the corner from Circo. While outdated, <a href="http://babylonsanjuan.com/" target="_blank">this map provides</a> a good overview and directions!</div>
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Don’t tell mom, the other alternative way to get around –
no, it’s not Uber – is Grindr. Guys here are extremely friendly – and I owe
them a debt of gratitude. They will often not mind giving you a lift and there
need not be strings attached, though here you might want them to be! Grinder,
Scruff, Adam 4 Adam or ManHunt – this is how I had a truly local experience –
though I was a touch worried driving downtown as I watched my little blue dot
float inland away from the beach, with someone I just met. But then he pointed
out (in Spanish) the largest mall of the Caribbean – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Las_Am%C3%A9ricas" target="_blank">Plaza Las Americas</a> and
we got out and saw (very) local <a href="http://la%20esquina%20de%20polo/" target="_blank">El Cojo</a> and La Esquina de Polo, both gay bars – and even a lesbian
spot here called Flavor – the local hangouts, away from tourists (but never fear, they'll buy you drinks if you make it here!).<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset cuddle at Atlantic Beach<br /></td></tr>
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And San Juan isn't the whole island! Puerto Rico has even more in-store for day trips or longer. From pristine beaches on <a href="http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/culebra/p/FlamencoBeach.htm" target="_blank">Culebra</a>, iconic <a href="http://islandsofpuertorico.com/gilligans-island-guanica/" target="_blank">“Gilligan’s Island”</a> to the only tropical rain forest within the US – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Yunque_National_Forest" target="_blank">El Yunque</a> and the incredible <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieques,_Puerto_Rico" target="_blank">bioluminescent Mosquito Bay</a> in Vieques – a whole other blog’s worth of info for next time!</div>
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From the beaches, people, historical sites, food and the nightlife, San Juan comprises the best combination (at a much lower cost) for a gay get-away! No-where else can you find constantly warm temps (80s) and warm water so close to home. I look forward to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/724093024307095/" target="_blank">seeing you in March</a>!<br />
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698739656150631685.post-34740644838451156572014-11-26T10:10:00.000-08:002014-11-29T16:59:44.873-08:00Mexico City: Gay Gringos Engorge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends at Tom's Leather Bar!</td></tr>
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The frenetic, friendly La Cuidad de Mexico is among my top 5
favorite land-locked destinations – rivaled in the Americas only by Sao Paulo
and Bogota. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be a gringo – that is, exotic in such
a spot. Whether they offer each other seats on a bus – or even to you first –
or eagerly provide directions (even if they don’t have the right ones) everyone
tries to help you. Mexico City offers the most inexpensive, manageable big
city with a giant gay scene in the Americas – with amazing food and the best people in the world.<br />
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<h3>
<i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more Free LGBT news & info - <a href="http://www.gaytlas.com/brief" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to my weekly <a href="http://www.gaytlas.com/brief" target="_blank">gay travel news brief</a>!</span></b></i></h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yumm molé!</td></tr>
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While the temperature here at a higher altitude stays relatively
constant (and never very cold, or very hot) heavy rains from June through
October (though the sun shines through between downpours) mean you should plan
your visit for early spring or late fall. Pride in June is typically includes
rain – but when you’re around so many smiling faces, the rain doesn't matter! My recent 2 week visit around Halloween and <a href="http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/media/dia-de-los-muertos/?ar_a=1" target="_blank">El dia de los Muertos</a> (another
exciting – and gay – period; you know gays love costume!) only had a couple brief
periods of rain – definitely my recommendation for a time to go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't beat those tacos - just drink them with beer, not the water!</td></tr>
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While the first reason to come to Mexico City is for the
people – the second is definitely for the food. Try the 6 different types of
Mole – or have the incredible tacos or tamales. You like spicy things right? That’s what
truly makes some of the foods – but others won’t need it. For a reasonable good
place in the center try the sopa at <a href="http://laparroquiadeveracruz.com/" target="_blank">La Parroquia</a> (Centro Historico
location). Feeling like kitsch-old fashioned but yummy meal? Get the Chiles de
Nogada at the <a href="http://gomexico.about.com/od/mexicocity/gr/sto_d_review.htm" target="_blank">Hosteria de Santa Domingo</a>. It’s true that especially for those
with untraveled tummies may have trouble here. My advice is always just to have a beer with your meal – or
perhaps a margarita or mojito! Although I’m not a beer drinker most everyone is
here – try Indio or Victoria for great darker selections (that’s usually my
choice) – and add the <a href="http://www.everintransit.com/mexican-michelada-recipe/" target="_blank">michelada</a> (usually lime & spices) to make it more Mexican! Remember in mexico our limes (green) are called "lemon" - I'm still unclear if they have (yellow) lemons!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dependable fun, each night of the week, karaoke & drag!</td></tr>
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The gay scene is divided basically into three areas – enough
to truly provide something for everyone, the traditional <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zona_Rosa,_Mexico_City" target="_blank">“Zona Rosa” (PinkZone)</a> has a number of bars and a few clubs where you can go anytime. <a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/2039-papi-fun-bar" target="_blank">Papi</a> or next door at Candyland for a drink and lively music or <a href="http://www.cabaretito.com/web/index.php/homepage" target="_blank">Cabaré-Tito</a> for a drag show any
night, karaoke also there or over at <a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/2032-touch">Touch</a>. Country Western? <a href="http://gaycity.mx/main/mexico/vaqueros-bar/" target="_blank">Vaqueros</a>. Weekends
find the 18+ crowd (who can drink here) at <a href="https://twitter.com/lollipopdf" target="_blank">Lollipop</a> or try <a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/2031-kinky-bar" target="_blank">Kinky</a>. The
problem is that there are few places to get decent food in this area. However,
I used <a href="https://plus.google.com/115193210324906847354/about?gl=us&hl=en" target="_blank">Kemi</a> Pizza as my base of operations because they had dollar (13 pesos) slices and
free wi-fi that worked next store at Papi.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gritty gay clubs in the center!</td></tr>
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In the city center, <a href="http://gaypartylife.com/place?pID=1310" target="_blank">La Purisima</a> and <a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/3210-marrakech-salon" target="_blank">Marrakech</a> on the weekends
(especially on Thursday nights, when it's still packed but not ridiculous) anchor a grittier gay section.
Honestly, I stayed in the grittier parts – and attended Halloween parties – so
I missed the regular weekend in the city. After hours, meaning 4am and on - go to Teatro Garibaldi - friends will guide you there. Across town in the rich area, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polanco,_Mexico_City" target="_blank">Polanco</a> is where you’ll find posh
clubs, drink prices on par with NYC and you should probably wear more than
just graphic T. Main clubs <a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/305220-envy-night-club" target="_blank">Envy</a> for Friday’s and
<a href="http://mexicocity.gaycities.com/bars/304981-guilt-night-club" target="_blank">GUILT</a> every Saturday both require $20 cover – and come early – at 11pm since it fills up fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you truly want to be fancy you can reserve a table!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 bucks for a vodka pitcher!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Outside of any particular area - but still downtown - include <a href="http://www.gaymexicomap.com/detail.php?l=Toms-Leather-Bar" target="_blank">Tom’s Leather bar</a> which is packed full of not only older but younger guys on Tuesday nights (and often gives out free entry if you stay till the end, for the following week) and <a href="https://foursquare.com/v/club-52/5216973e11d2ce87415456e0" target="_blank">Club 52</a>, a cool venue and decent party on Wednesdays (enjoy one of these cocktail pitchers - like 4 drinks for $8! If you want a map of every spot - <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?err=1&msa=0&mid=zJkzlhEu0qUU.keTUtiUWGE48" target="_blank">check out this google map of the many flagged locations</a> - but be sure to double check things often change. Also <a href="http://www.timeoutmexico.mx/df/gay" target="_blank">Time Out has a great section on gay Mexico City</a> - if you speak spanish!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Friendliness abounds – but sometimes (especially as a
gringo) this might also mean drama. As I drunkenly danced (as well as up on
stage) with new friends La Purisima on a Thursday – an adorable (young) guy and
I started to exchange glances – but when I approached his friend pointed out
his (also dashing) boyfriend. I backed off – but my guy still kept grabbing me
behind his bf’s back! Somehow I managed to give him my card (yep, it does take two) and days later he Facebooked me and we met up in Zona Rosa for dinner. He told me
he broke up with his boyfriend – but guess what happened when we sat down at the
only decent, very popular & gay spot in the pink zone <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-casa-de-to%C3%B1o-m%C3%A9xico-3" target="_blank">Casa de Toño</a> and - his
ex sent a picture of us, moments earlier –
walking arm and arm along the main gay street Amberes…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still messages me daily – and I’m thankful
for the great Spanish practice! He wants me to come live with him in Mexico
City… I’m sure you can guess how old he is.<br />
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzOGgaGnMEJMNb22u2NTowoL9Ymx3_gFneyLKFYRTwR3XZxjsX6zIr1i0ikFUwNm4V4Zw-9uJps6Cf0UMKpYV0S2Ay8vNUEx5MmQKc2P5xIOX1UP2ZpB3s5WaKvmKkbJxwJZUwU7wlgFa/s1600/Protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzOGgaGnMEJMNb22u2NTowoL9Ymx3_gFneyLKFYRTwR3XZxjsX6zIr1i0ikFUwNm4V4Zw-9uJps6Cf0UMKpYV0S2Ay8vNUEx5MmQKc2P5xIOX1UP2ZpB3s5WaKvmKkbJxwJZUwU7wlgFa/s1600/Protest.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protests for the disappeared close the city center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite all the fun and frivolity – Mexico City can be but an
island of functionality, [marriage] equality and general prosperity juxtaposed
against a backdrop of drug-cartel-controlled surrounding areas. September 26
will go down in history as a major flash-point – that day Iguala city police (just
130 miles outside of Mexico City) rounded up 43 student protesters and handed
them over to brutal drug traffickers who allegedly <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/world/americas/mexico-missing-students/" target="_blank">then tortured and killed the students, burning and dumping their remains</a>. Thousands of Mexicans have
disappeared (even a friend noted he knew someone hiding from drug lords because
he refused to pay a tribute). This egregious massacre turned heads and
hearts. Yet, with the drug trade alive and well – (due also to use in the US)
it’s still unclear what it will take to change the power of drug cartels.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
While I was there, students from every school in Mexico City marched in a
protest-parade to call attention to the many disappearances across the country.
It was incredible to see the main thoroughfare of the city closed and filled
with agitated people shouting for justice – this may disrupt transportation –
be wary of the subways during these periods – and also rush hour (especially
the central pink line). Unless you don’t mind being squeezed into subway cars and
jostled!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXuNel3uEnbq_mELPGnQL5PkYpvcq-lRwT8Ck_06TIRMM_QxnAqRK9h92YKOCWNMnp8HYGV4hqRgIy59KWPdZs2Jnn2DHWe8LrF2b7Thx1cRSudr15859h84iBV_gE_Kx3QyK26HkPQQF/s1600/Tetithuacan+Ashton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXuNel3uEnbq_mELPGnQL5PkYpvcq-lRwT8Ck_06TIRMM_QxnAqRK9h92YKOCWNMnp8HYGV4hqRgIy59KWPdZs2Jnn2DHWe8LrF2b7Thx1cRSudr15859h84iBV_gE_Kx3QyK26HkPQQF/s1600/Tetithuacan+Ashton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teotihuacan - Pyramids of the Americas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you need to duck out from the hustle – take a trip over
to UNESCO site <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414" target="_blank">Teotihuacan</a> to see some of the “Pirimides” some of the oldest structures in North
America. Definitely worth the 1-2 hour bus trip (and $4 ride) take a friend and enjoy the
beautiful stonework – and the grand sight. Although this is one of those,
check-off-the-box places – meaning I’m not likely to go back unless I’m showing
a close friend – it’s definitely worth seeing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While it may be in some general (justified) upheaval over
the recent disappearances– Mexico City itself seems as safe as any big city can be – and the vast majority of its people will always bend over backwards to help you if you do find yourself in a
jam (although don’t trust those taxi-drivers, watch for your destination on GPS!). And you don’t really need to worry about the narcos if you’re not Mexican – but of
course be mindful of your surroundings. Easier still to simply find yourself a
guide – some Mexicans are so generous they will beg you to be at your side!<br />
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL-kQpL_QqSVw4X53c6ANyhWtiVLhUxIMZVtdqNbOBFOuQbyX6C0Vm6D8syebv7SDgxFbvih3wwFFoX3JapqRKys1BiPyEWw3MsPqvU3yDmHj4An2daf3S5z118pWScyAHC8yXqNAfw34/s1600/QTRita+Stage+Best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL-kQpL_QqSVw4X53c6ANyhWtiVLhUxIMZVtdqNbOBFOuQbyX6C0Vm6D8syebv7SDgxFbvih3wwFFoX3JapqRKys1BiPyEWw3MsPqvU3yDmHj4An2daf3S5z118pWScyAHC8yXqNAfw34/s1600/QTRita+Stage+Best.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Video coming soon - my coup - dancing on stage with <br />
Spanish DJ/drag group "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuetrabajeRitaclub" target="_blank">Que Trabaje Rita</a>" in Mexico City</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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Ashton, the GAYographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11723611262166719300noreply@blogger.com5