2006 Rio de Janeiro Reports

[Weekender 123]

Hello,

I have booked my first trip to Rio and will be there at the end of March. This site has been invaluable for learning all about the activites in Rio. Having been to Costa Rica and Peru, I am sure they will pale in comparison. I am counting down the days.

One thing I wasn't able to find in the threads was satellite co-ordinates/images of the Terma's. I saw the shots of VM, but it would be great if someone could post the co-ordinates for the Termas.

Thanks in advance to anyone who is able to help out a newcomer to Rio.

[Amerioca]

I just checked oanda.com and the rate is down again. 2.14. this really blows. There has been some debate about where this rate is going. some said about 1.80 and some said back up to 2.40. It looks like we are on our way to 1.80. at least 2 to1. If this baby ever hits1 to1,how many guys would have to stop going to brazil.its a depressing thought,i know,but it could be a possibility. i would imagine tourism would come to a halt. i dont care if you have euros or dollars.to pay 250.00 dollars to get into a terma is crazy. It seems like the less we get in reals, the more the prices of termas go up.

Yes, I too have been monitoring the exchange rate for some time. And the outlook for the debt heavy dollar is not very good. I would not be surprised to see 2R for 1USD in the very near future.

[Gatorman]

Anyone lucky enough to be in Rio at the moment might want to check out the free Rolling Stones concert on the beach at Copa on Sat. night. There will be tons of women of all types, and can be a good way to meet locals you might otherwise never encounter on the "circuit". If nothing is happening you can always bail out and catch the late show at Help. Damn I wish I was there.

[Kenn]

Thursday. Feb. 9th... GDP news, Hooker swan dives out of her window at 4AM and lands on the sidewalk in front of Frank’s Bar... DOI, (Dead on Impact)..

[Big Dick]

TJ,

I agree with you completely. I often walk around Copacabana and get to know a lot of the people there. One guy really impressed me. He had his leg in a cast and was on crutches but that didn't prevent him from doing his car parking job rain or shine. When it rained he put a plastic bag around his foot to keep it dry. He always said hi to me and had a great attitude. One day I walked over to him, handed him R$20 and told him how much I admired his work ethic. This is a guy who never asked me for anything.

I must admit I have a soft spot in my heart (and often my wallet) for people trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. People might think I am crazy for giving money to the street cleaners, but that is just how I am. However, I routinely walk by the street beggars without a thought. And, I too get royally pissed with the attitude, "you are a rich American, you can afford it." Yeah, I worked my ass off and if you tried it once in awhile you might have something too -- yes, even in Brazil.

I'm not American, as you may have noticed, but indeed I've observed that a number of Brazilians really fight for their living - think about the old people and entire families collecting empty cans on the beaches - and others don't. Unfortunately most of the GDPs belong to the second category, according to my humble opinion. There are maybe tens (or hundreds) of thousands of hookers in Brazil, but that's still a ridiculous minority, if you think about the overall population. The vast majority is earning their living for themselves (and their families) in some other way. Tougher, but more respectable.

It was an interesting theory a GDP told me (about the reasons for her poverty and the necessity to practice her profession): "All the best jobs in Brazil are taken by rich foreigners (=expats), so there are no more opportunities left for the local people!" LOL

I've met some GDPs, though, who are executing a very decisive plan to accumulate some capital and then buy a house and start their own business. Others just waste the huge amount of money they earn (in their very limited "golden years") into clothes, drugs and easy living.

BD

[Sunset Strip]

Exec Talent said," One guy really impressed me. He had his leg in a cast and was on crutches but that didn't prevent him from doing his car parking job rain or shine. When it rained he put a plastic bag around his foot to keep it dry. He always said hi to me and had a great attitude. One day I walked over to him, handed him R$20 and told him how much I admired his work ethic. This is a guy who never asked me for anything."

Is this a black guy on Prado Jr. near Mabs?
If so, I know him, too.


I think you have the right attitude. I help people who are trying to. And I actually do not mind helping those who are not trying. My problem, like you, is with those who do not even try and resent what others have.

A lot of this is no doubt part of Brazilian politics. If you keep the povo (masses) focused on America, they will remain complacent about things at home!

TJ

[Full Throttle]

After six hours at the terma, we headed to Help. As has become my defacto habit, we didn’t go in, but enjoyed the spectacle outside of Help. We had no plans for further activity, which probably left us a bit vulnerable. To make a long story a medium-sized one, we spent 3+hours talking to various girls. There was one that looked like Lisa Bonet, and some other attractive girls. However, most of the girls outside are of rather poor quality, and seem to border on being panhandlers. Of course, that is because there are people like us waiting to be “handled...”

We ended up with 2 girls. Both started at $R300. Every hour or so, they came down a little. Finally, they agreed to our low-ball offers of $R120 plus taxi. Oops, now what? Well, we only had a little time in Rio, the restaurant had closed around us, Help was emptying out, and we had 2 girls that were willing to come to the hotel for the price that we offered. The experience is a reminder that you shouldn’t negotiate unless you want to take them.

Anyway, one, Roberta, was particularly annoying. I’ll try to include a photo. She is of medium-toned skin and littered with tattoos. The most pronounced is one of a dolphin playing with a ball while diving through waves. The detail took most of her neck and shoulder. It looked to be drawn by a kindergartner. She was an incredibly hard bargainer up to that point, which is why we were surprised at her last-minute acquiescence. On the way to the hotel, I almost sent her home. She was chewing out the taxi driver for using the meter Minutes before, we turned down a generous offer from a private driver to transport all 4 of us for a mere $R70. We also passed on his counter offer of $50. This stupid chick was telling our taxi driver that he could get 50 or 70 if he wanted. Our meter read less than 15 when we arrived at the door. Anyway, all’s well that ends well, as the tension apparently followed her to the bedroom, where my friend and she had a very energetic interlude.

The girl I brought was Katiuscia. She is a morena, which is an unusual choice for me. But, she was consistently pleasant during the evening, and I didn’t regret inadvertently contracting for her services. Once in the room, she was a maniac. The bathtub seemed to turn her into some sort of obsessed sexual beast. While so many girls seem to shy away from fingers, she basically treated my hand like her own personal power tool. For about an hour and a half, I was just along for the ride. She had four fingers from both of my hands busy simultaneously, then my entire hand – another first (fist?) for me. I didn’t even have sex with her, mainly because I realized that I’d be docking a tuna boat in a slip designed for a cruise ship. Plus, she fell quickly and completely to sleep after having one of those “O” things Macna***ia (or whatever) claims don’t happen.

Around 11:00, I awakened here with a little tickle on her back, which she immediately parlayed into round 2. This time, she finished me with a BBBJCIM, NSNQ. We then took a nice, long bath together. She was actually quite sweet, spending considerable time making the bath an enjoyable, soapy-fun experience. She left a little after noon. All-in-all, a nice time, although my next 10 girls are going to be non-smokers.

FT

[Full Throttle]

I was able to spend Friday afternoon and night enjoying Rio. A great time and a couple of recommendations...

First, public apologies to ExecTalent. We planned to meet at the Balcony Bar at 3:45. Between coordinating with colleagues, traffic, and being dropped off in the rain about 5 blocks from the bar, we were an hour late. It is a GOOD place for beer (many choices), for the beach atmosphere, and for the pros. According to a new acquaintance from Houston, the girl quality gets better in the evening. It’s about a mile past Help heading away from Impanema. Large beers and bottles $R6, smaller draft beer $R4.50.

Since it was my colleagues first trip to Rio, I decided on one of the “Big 3 for the terma experience. Had I known what gluttons we would be, I probably would have chosen 4X4 for the economics, but we went to Monte Carlo. $R60 entrance, $R130 + $R60 for the 40 minute sessions. Beers $R5, Cappareinia’s $R9.

It’s been 5 years since I’ve been to Monte Carlo, so it was like going for the first time. A quick comparison to L’uomo’s:

1. Ambiance and layout. Favors L’uomos. If for no other reason, having everything on one floor is nicer. You can go from the shower/sauna, to the relaxing room by the masseuse’s quarters where the buffet food is located, locker room and terma bar without encountering a single stair. In fact, at least some of the rooms are on the floor, as well. At Monte Carlo, the locker is on zero, the masseuse, bathroom and shower on 1, the terma and cigar room (or whatever it is) on 2, and the chica rooms on 3 and 4 (at least). For gringos, you can read these numbers to be 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (at least). The music was not quite as blaring as L’uomo’s, which I, for one, appreciated.

2. Customer service. Can’t complain about either. The bar staff at Monte Carlo was more active, checking to see if you needed anything even when sitting away from the bar. And, we always seemed to need something... The bathroom attendant was rarely around at Monte Carlo, and he had the disposable toothbrushes hidden away, so I had to track him down a couple of times. The girl at the Monte Carlo front desk is very attractive, and has a fun, sharp sense of humor.

3. Girls. Practically homogenous. In fact, I recognized one from L’uomos. All of the girls we encountered had great personalities, and were a lot of fun in the rooms. The level of service is so consistently good at the termas, that recommending specific girls is almost unnecessary. That said, I had a fun, spirited session with Elena. She was blondish (fake, but very soft hair), about 5'4 , small up top, but a very firm and exercised body. I think she said 24, but I could be wrong. She has sharp, slavic features. The interesting facet of the session with her was that, after oral stimulation, she only wanted sex on side B, which was a first for me. In fact, I found the concept a little TOO exciting, leading to a rather truncated experience. Damn. Julian is also fantastic, as she had a genuine smile on her face from 4pm to midnight. And, I was with a girl with an impossibly complicated French name. She was tall and fair-skinned. Again, I think you have to work to go wrong.

Then, off to Help...

[Lancer520]

For those who are complaining about prices in Rio and the weak dollar, I thought you might appreciate this photo taken from my front door this morning. 95 and sunny sure sounds good right now. I'd probably pay 600 Reals today to have a nice Help garota. 31 More days. )

[Exec Talent]

TJ,

I agree with you completely. I often walk around Copacabana and get to know a lot of the people there. One guy really impressed me. He had his leg in a cast and was on crutches but that didn't prevent him from doing his car parking job rain or shine. When it rained he put a plastic bag around his foot to keep it dry. He always said hi to me and had a great attitude. One day I walked over to him, handed him R$20 and told him how much I admired his work ethic. This is a guy who never asked me for anything.

I must admit I have a soft spot in my heart (and often my wallet) for people trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. People might think I am crazy for giving money to the street cleaners, but that is just how I am. However, I routinely walk by the street beggars without a thought. And, I too get royally pissed with the attitude, "you are a rich American, you can afford it." Yeah, I worked my ass off and if you tried it once in awhile you might have something too -- yes, even in Brazil.

[One Wing Low]

Kick their asses and they will know their proper places.

Also, Brazil is now the richest Latin American country. But it has gross poverty. Tell these people to tell their rich politicians and leaders to do something about it instead of blaming somebody who lives thousands of miles away!

TJ

[Scotob]

I will be heading to Rio in mid-March. I have always stayed at the Praia Ipanema a moderate hotel with a GREAT location. I have always enjoyed my stay there. The staff has always been friendly, and I have never had a problem bringing a "guest" to the room for an overnight stay. I have been traveling to Rio for over 20 years. In all my visits, I have always stayed in Ipanema. Money, fortunately, has never been an issue. I am thinking that maybe I should give the J.W. Marriott, in Copacabana a try. Is it DEFINITELY girl friendly? The Praia Ipanema is fine, but I would like to "treat" myself to some better accomidations. Any thoughts??? What is a MUST is that it MUST be girl friendly.

[Sunset Strip]

Exec Talent said, "We can do a lot, one on one to change the attitude toward Americans."

100% True and I work on this myself.
But I also think a BIG part of the probem is the resentment Brazilians have of our money. I told you all about the garota in MABS (she is over 40 actually) who recently yelled at me that she was hungry and needed me to by her dinner. How is this MY problem?
She also threatened to call the cops if I did not pay her bill. She had somehow contrived in some way that I, the Americano, had caused her hunger.

When I was 18 I joined the military and put up with much shit (although I did visit Brazil for the first time this way) to earn money for college. I used the GI Bill and worked two jobs to get through a really good school.

Now this Brazilian garota is telling me about the lack of opportunities in Brazil and acting as if it is my problem! I did not just click my toes and get where I am. So instead of being angry with us they need to be a little more respectful because I DO NOT OWE them ANYTHING. And many Americans started with very little and worked their way up.

I cannot respect people who ask for handouts! And that is what many of these girls in Copacabana want.

So, yes, Americans can be less arrogant, but many Brazilians need to stop worrying about our MONEY and get some themselves.

Also, Brazil is now the richest Latin American country. But it has gross poverty. Tell these people to tell their rich politicians and leaders to do something about it instead of blaming somebody who lives thousands of miles away!

TJ

[Franga]

Cost of night out is R30.4 Full Service with the "7" (or lower!) of your choice, and includes "transfers" (ie metro plus some walking).

This worked for me last time, and is only recommended if you have visited VM at least once by taxi in and out, as you will probably get lost. As a VM veteran (I have been 3 times you know!), here is the shoestringer´s scoop.

Preparation:
Take R26 for the girl plus room fee, and R4.4 for the metro. Make sure you have exact amounts and carry in your wallet or pouch.

Take lube (essential item, as usually the girls don´t carry it.), 500ml water bottle as you will need a drink during the night as perusing the alleyways can be hot work, plus tourist map of the streets. Carry this stuff in a disposable bag.

Take extra R20 hidden in your favourite hiding place for emergencies.

Recommended items: a sheet, the girl may not have one and all of the "beds" are of cracked vinyl.
foam ear plugs: really noisy music sometimes.

Getting there and away: Take metro to Sao Cristovao station. (I usually buy 2 tickets on entry). The trip there will be packed with commuters, but empty on the way back. You will have to change trains at Estacio.

Exit SC on the southern side and walk about 7 minutes along the main road there towards Centro (sorry can´t remember the name of the road but it is a major road). You are looking for Rua Ceara which will appear on the left and is an underpass. In Ceara take the first street to the right and walk the cobblestoned road to the end. To the left is the road Rua Sotero dos Reis leading to VM. And you are there. All up it takes about 10 minutes to walk from Sao Cristovao station.

I did this 2 days ago and nobody bothered me. As I only have minimal cash on me I wasn´t worried.

Enjoy your time in VM, do the deed, and then return the same way. This way you get to avoid those maniac taxi drivers which will add at least R30 to your bill for the night. Use this for a good night of groping (at you!) at HELP.

Thanks to Cunlinguist who provided the impetus for this trip, with his great report and maps.

[Full Throttle]

Anybody up for fun TOMORROW, FRIDAY, in Rio, PM!

Contemplating beer, 4X4 in the afternoon, beer, eventually Help or something, beer... whatever.

Although, I'm not married to the specifics. In fact, south of the equator, I'm not married to ANYTHING!

FT