2004 Rio de Janeiro Reports

[Dark Knight]

My apartment problem:

My buddy booked a two-bedroom apartment with a local that he met. The problem was that he didn't actually SEE the apartment, nor did he get digital photos via e-mail. When we arrived, we were completely dismayed at the small size, age and overall poor condition of the apartment. When we complained, the local broker agreed to transfer us to a nicer apartment, and, in fact, he did. The problem was that the original apartment owner had received a deposit and was hell-bent against returning any money.

The second apartment owner was very cool on Day 1, but by Day 2, the situation became untenable. Apparently, the broker somehow neglected to actually PAY her, and she was in our apartment IN TEARS. Mind you, we had paid the broker.

So, we're now in Rio for 36 hours and haven't unpacked our bags. We went scouting for apartments, and found a nice place on Atlantica, near the Copacabana Palace. I took a significant financial hit, but I just wanted to get my vacation started. In the end, I was disappointed at myself for having a 'newbie' problem.

The lessons:

1) Do not send money to someone you do not know well, or who doesn't have a reputable, established business. If things go poorly, you have little legal recourse. You can't go to a Brazilian court in the 2 or 3 weeks you are down there.

2) Minimize the deposit you send in advance. Many people will ask for a 50% deposit. Don't do it. They ask for this because they are generally cash-poor, and even if return of your money was warranted, they don't have it to give to you.

3) Get contracts, receipts, photos, and as many documents as possible. You will get a sense of who is on the up-n-up based on the way they do business.

Regarding Blame-it-on Rio: I used them for 3 years, and I found Bobby to be honest, and his business practices were fair. My first year, I spoke no portuguese, and I appreciated doing business with an American. The reason I have stopped using Bobby is because his prices are on the high end. The longer I stay, the less inclined (or able) I am to pay a premium. I DO still use Blame-it-on-Rio for cell phone rentals, side trips to Bahia/Buzios, etc.

You won't have those kind of problems with Bobby.

[Ropes]

Hello Dark Knight,

[I had some apartment problems which caused a housing shuflle]

What kind of problems did you have? I am arriving in Rio on the 19th and have arranged a one bedroom apt. with the "blame it on rio" staff.

TIA

[RxHammer]

Hey Dark Knight,

What was the girls name at Monte Carlo...was it Luanna??? If so she is a Hottie and a very cool girl....just curious.

General question for L'uomo visitors....

Trying to find out if a girl named Isabella still works there....She has collar length straight black hair, big ta ta's, kinda on the thick side with a big dragon tattoo from knee to ankle on one leg. Want to hit L'uomo on my next visit in 2 weeks but want to avoid this chick for lotsa reasons....

Thanks, Hammer.

[Dark Knight]

Hello All,

Long time reader, first time poster. Thanks to all of you for your advice which I have "stolen shamelessly" over the past year.

I spent the month of February in Rio (and vicinity). When I first arrived, I had some apartment problems which caused a housing shuflle. Resultingly, I spent the first 2 days garota-less. That situation was quickly resolved upon my first visit to the Balcony. A buddy and I met two tender , young things and invited them to our apartment (which was quite close to the Balcony). Typical drinks/photos/giggles activity. Fortunately, my buddy's portuguese is about an 8, and mine is about a 6 (on our common 10 scale).

Well, it appears that I chose wisely, because my mulata was so cool, and so attentive, that she became my "Rio wifey" for the next three weeks. Pretty face, dark/caramel skin, black hair, 5'6, 110lbs. Our typical deal was that she'd head home to Barra most days, while I did the beach thing with my buddies. She'd call late afternoon, and we'd meet and do dinner (well, SHE barely eats), go dancing in Ipanema or Leblon , and spend the night together. On several days, she just went out and did some souvenir shopping for me away from the touristy beach. Saved me a bundle on stuff for the "real" wifey. She thought she was shopping for my sister (or knew better, and didn't complain).

This was a very different Carnaval for me. This was by far the most time I've spent with an individual girl. On previous trips (five years running), my ratio would be roughly : 10 days/ 15 garotas. Hit-n-run. That being said, I did use the opportunity to explore some of the places you guys have suggested. As you know, it was a rainy Carnaval week this year, so indoor activities were a must.

I took a taxi into Centro one day, and went to Hollywood at Rua de Carioca, 59. Actually, I was pretty surprised that you guys would frequent this joint. I'm a big guy, from NYC, and I've been in some rough areas. Still, climbing those stairs in that building felt like a bit of an adventure. This joint is kinda grungy, and I was a bit skeptical initially. I had a choice of two girls, and I chose a thicker one - she had a prettier face. She was a Brazil 6 (what's that? A USA 8?). She gave me the option of R$20 for 20 mins or R$30 for 30 mins. Uh, let's go for the half-hour. The sheet on the makeshift massage table was quite frightening, so I opted for a standing doggy-style. She was enthusiastic, and obviously very professional. I got right to it (not kissing those boobs, hun). I used up most of my time, and tipped her (sorry, guys) R$10. The only downside is that the taxi ride was $R15 each way, so that means my total investment was $R70. I've paid that for relaxed sessions in my apartment. But if you don't venture, you don't learn, so I was fine with it.

On another free day from my "wife", I went to Monte Carlo with some buddies. I'm not a cheapskate, but the termas costs really start to add up. I paid R$255 upon leaving, which included a coupla rounds of drinks for my boys. Comparatively, you can grab two mab's/pataca/balcony/praia honeys and make your own party for the same amount and, likely less. My fridge was stocked with beer/cachaca/liquor, so I could have approximated the experience. What I couldn't approximate was the absolute STUNNER that I hooked up with at MC. Damn, she was smokin'. When we got to the cabine, I kept telling her in english how fine she was and she kept laughing and answering in portuguese. She was about 5'2, 99.7 lbs, fair skin, morena with a perfect little body. I couldn't draw a hotter little body. The drinks had the unfortunate effect of putting TOO much delay ("whiskey-dick"). A very nice session ended badly with me wailing away at this little thing as she is reaching to answer the phone (40 minutes just FLIES).

On Monday night of Carnaval, I hung out with a topless, busty Mineira I met in Help. She was wearing only gold glitter, and she had a pretty face. A bit thicker than I like 'em, but she was a good dancer with a great attitude. I took her home and talked quite a bit. She told me about the boites and clubs in Juiz de Fora and Minas Gerais. I've been to JDF, but was escorted with no free time. Next go'round in MG, I know what to do. She turned out to be a great kisser and was alot of fun. She almost brought me to the point of no return with a BBBJ, but I recouped and had a very nice, very slow, grind with her on top. Despite the shower beforehand, I spent the next two weeks cleaning glitter from my room.

On my only other free night away from "rio wife", we went to VM. I love the raw energy and perceived danger of hanging at VM. Sometimes, I just go down to eat some wings and drink Skol with the locals. And to practice my portuguese. Well, we were wandering up the hallways when I stopped short after spotting a bundle of dynamite: brown, 5'1, 95 lbs, bowling ball under her skirt, face cute as hell. I don't dig the "rooms" at VM, so I negotiated for her to come to Copa the next day at 2pm. 2pm. TWO. P.M. The next morning, as I'm sleeping with 'wifey' at 945am, the doorbell goes off. Not only does this little cutey/lunatic arrive super early in the morning, but the genius portero sends her up without notice. I surreptitiously give her $R20 for a taxi back to her home. THAT, my friends, was a friggin' disappointment.

BTW, the grand total I gave "Rio wifey" for an estimated 16 nights was roughly R$600, plus whatever meals (few), drinks, and cover charges I picked up while hanging out. I felt pretty good about that. She was kind to me, and she said I was fun and thoughtful. I'd like to see her again.

[Doc Bill]

I've been here a little over 24 hours now. There are no signs of any trouble or problems at or around ground zero, or anywhere that I can tell, for that matter. It's all good, and the candy around Help looks better than ever, if you can imagine that.

Went to Luomo first off yesterday, my favorite terma, and hooked up with a slim brunette named Rubia (go figure!). Service was very good, but I've been spoiled here and expected better. Would not repeat. I'm off to Montecarlo in a couple of hours and Help tonight, the latter only because I'm with a friend who's here for the first time. The weather is beautiful and it's not too crowded. More later.

[Rio Bob]

Yes the Haagan Dazz in front of the Miramar Palace Hotel on Ave Atlantica but the slum is not on Ave. Atlantice it is several blocks from Ave Atlantica and even though too close for comfort for me too lets just hope this mess doesn't spill out to the main tourist area near Help. There is always something going on in Rio isn't there? But it will keep on going, maybe Doc Bill who is in town now can comment on the current atmosphere when he logs in.

[Max Candy]

Went to Centarus yesterday, and cannot decide if I like it or not.:

Pros were:

Hottest girls per square inch I have seen in Rio, Full stop.

Drinks were priced ok (although every guy seems to have small bill problems on exit,

Clean place

Cons

290 for 40 min

Too many punters

Maybe girls were a little too prof, my girl was sucking dildo as I did her, the show must go on.

Bottom line

I would say check it out, but probably once is enough, but thermas in general are great for guy that does not have the lingo, still my fave is Lúomo

Any other options?

Cheers

maxc

[Cutting Edge]

Rio Bob, Expat mentioned Rua Sa ferriera, I think thats the road that runs up the side of the Haggen Dass. Apparently the riot was in response to the cops entering the favela and executing three locals.

[Rio Bob]

Cutting Edge,

Im not there now but from what I can see in reading Oglobo it seems like a little war going on between the traffficars and Anthony Garinthino the secretary of security. Looks pretty bad but I don't think they are close to Help so hopefully no worry for us.

[Cutting Edge]

Whats the deal with all these riots down in Copacabana as reported on Oglobo, Expat? Apparently only 2 blocks from Help with 3 people shot dead. Anybody see this first hand?

[Doc Bill]

Ok, my brethren, I'm off to Rio tomorrow morning, arriving Friday morning Brazil time. I'll be sure to post reports en vitro. Cheers!

[Java Man]

Tuesday morning, agents of the Federal Police went on strike for better salaries. The decision delayed six of the eleven international flights that flew out of the country yesterday, from Cumbica International airport, in Guarulhos, São Paulo, for up to four hours . Only five flights were on time. The same happened in Rio de Janeiro, where the strike provoked long lines at the international airport Antônio Carlos Jobim.

The agents on strike checked all documents of all people either arriving or leaving the country, instead of performing random checking, as is usually done. Francisco Sabino, from the Federal Police Union, in São Paulo, said that the standard procedure calls for verification of all documents of all passengers, but that this is not done due to lack of personnel.

Those interested in obtaining passports also had to endure long lines throughout the country. The agents, however, refused to attend the public, dealing only with the most urgent cases. In Foz de Iguaçu, another standard operation was carried out at the bridge Amizade, at the border between Brazil and Paraguay, creating a huge traffic jam.

[Antoninho]

CUTTING EDGE- yes i will be staying away from help for a while . i am heading back to europe tomorrow after a long trip here . help is really going down the toilet fast . too many hardened pros and the brazilian dj who is on for most of the night really sucks . his style of electronic music which he plays for most of the night is really contributing to the clubs decline . i hope it does'nt turn out to be like one of those ibiza style clubs - that would surely end it for me .

[Max Candy]

I was in Lúomo yesterday right a 4pm, love the place good girls, normally fare prices, although I did paid a 30R$ cover, do not remember paying that before, but I am scuba diving now and not drinking, so maybe i just did not notice before?

Still highly recommend Lúomo.

Only 28 more days to get to the 50 girl body count

PM me if any fellow bad boys want to hook up

Cheers

Max Candy

http://www.maxcandy.com/Portfolio/

[Ceylon1]

'Oui Ogun

Muito Obrigardo por your comments & informacao - specially from a lucky guy living in "Cidade Maravilhoso" - with all those fabulous-facinating-fantastic Garotas available each & every day for fun.

Thanks for the new places - will check them out - next visit - may be together with you.

IMHO - Praca 75 is worth a visit - do go and check out the talents - remember the Garotas keeps changing.

Termas 4 X 4 - entrada, drinks & 1 hour in a cabin will cost near R200. But the club has non stop strip shows and a great party fun time - specially on Thursdays

Since you live in Rio - maybe you will some day visit Sao Paulo - if you have not already done so - suggest you read my 8 recent reports on Sampa - it will be helpful -

Posted - in the Sao Paulo section -

Posted 11/13/03 - Sao Paulo - Clinicas Massagems.........

Posted 11/16/03 - Sao Paulo - Prive's Casa's.........

again follow thru to the next report -
after SP, reports on Santos & Curitiba.

When you check out new Cheapo casa's - Por favor post a report.

I like to wear a robe & participate in the "fun" at a Termas
BUT
there are a lot of friendly "Gems" - available at the cheapo casa's.

I will also send you a private E-mail.

Ceylon1 - ( WorldTraveller aka Charles )