dcool1,

saw on the calender that you will be in rio the dame week as i. drop me an e-mail if you feel like hookin up. i was there last jan and lost my mind....in a good way. sonnyp23@hotmail.com

Hombres,

Will land in Rio 9 a.m. Aug. 17. Will be there through the 27th. Anyone want to hook up and show a rookie around, get in touch.

Ducky

duckyinrio@hotmail.com

Ducky,

I'll arrive in Rio August 25th, though I'm a rookie too.

Saint,

That's cool -- I'll find a way to get us into trouble by the time you arrive! :-)

You planning on visiting anyplace else? I've got reservations for the Debret, but I'm thinking of hitting Fortaleza for a few days, too.

Throw me an email and let me know what your plans are!

Ducky
duckyinrio@hotmail.com

Heck, I am doing Brasilia on business. Starting 7/15, I am there for at least three weeks. Is there any hope of my having as good a time as the reports tell of Sao Paulo and Rio?

Ducky,

I'll email you.

Since this is my first trip, I thought I'd concentrate on Rio this time.

I'm still deciding between Copacabana and Ipanema for the hotel. I have it narrowed down to two places, though I might check out an apartment or two for future reference.

Hey guys...I'm new to the boards, and new to mongering, heh...In Brazil (first time) from August 24th thru September 7th. I stay in Rio for 3 days (8/24-8/27), head to Recife for a week (8/28-9/3 or so) then fly to Sao Paolo for a couple days (9/4-9/5) then back to Rio for my final day (9/6) before flying out for home on 9/7...My first trip, at this point I'm travelling solo, so I'd love to hook up with anyone that's around (I belong to the WSA and TSM boards too- board name is Rexxx). Prolly gonna' use Don @ riotrips as a guide (although Jose @ Rioturist is a close second) and Kenn @ EZ-Rio rentals to find an apartment (a much better deal and set-up compared to hotels as far as I can tell). Let me know if you guys are down to meet up and at least grab a beer or something. Email me at: maidenvoyage@hotmail.com

I just booked tickets to Rio. I'll be arriving the morning of Sept 18th and departing the evening of the 23rd. Not sure where I am staying yet.

We my finally meet then...I am scheduling for around 2 weeks in mid sept...

Sounds like a plan. You've got to show me the ropes in Barbarella's (I took too long in negotiations last time I think or wasn't decisive enough) and I NEED to see 4x4.

Me too! After careful consideration, I think that I will stay 2 full weeks this time. I also think that Don Gringo might be there also. Could be a great time.

BT

DonGringo will be there with bells on. I originally booked my trip for Sept 21-29, however I am now considering extending trip to 19th-29th.
I have yet to "crack the books" on the Rio threads to learn the ropes down there. If anyone knows of how I can lease an upscale penthouse apartment near the termas, let me know.

Damn, I'm gonna' miss you guys...coulda used some knowledgeable vets for help...oh well, maybe next time...

-Rexxx

Sounds like we have a good crew going then...

BT--what the heck 2 weeks ..ya only live once.let me know entry date and I will try to match it closely...of course dood will be waiting on us if he is not married by then...

uwphoto--by all means 4x4 as I will want to run there on day one to beat BT to my fav...and BT likes barbarellas as well...

Londonrec--thats a lot a city jumping..pretty impressive for first time out the gate..many of us will want to hear how the other places worked out...how is your portuguese?

Dongringo--no ropes needed in Rio..the place will be a walk in the park for you after cuba...I have heard of a 3br penthouse loaded with jacuzzi/pool beach front for $150 night...

Hey Layne, yeah, I really wanted a good cross section of the country (and of course the women) during my first trip to Brazil. I figured since I had two weeks, I might as well hit the true hot spots (considering I have a Brazil Airpass). After spending a lot of time combing this board, and TSM/WSA however, I'm getting more and more mixed up, lol.


I keep hearing that the north has darker women, more African influenced, but I'm more into the Latin or European look, so Recife may not be the best choice (plus I've heard it's a violent, unsafe town). Fortaleza is supposed to be more scenic and have a decent crop of women, but Curitiba seems to have a better mix of the fairer Euro chicks, and the hot Brasileiras, and it seems to be a safer, cleaner, nicer city. Ah, decisions decisions, if anyone has any input to help me decide, please feel free to contribute.


As for my Portuguese, unfortunately, I've got about 5 weeks to finish Pimsleur's Portuguese I and prep for the voyage. I speak a bit of Spanish, and maybe my Portuguese blood will help me pick up the language quicker, lol. I sure hope so. Without fluent portuguese am I going to be screwed? I know I'll be fine in Rio at least, as I'm hiring Don, Luis or Jose to take me under wing as a guide. Let me know if any of you have experience with these guys. And Layne, let me know if you have a line on that penthouse, it sounds like exactly what I'm looking for At this point, Kenn @ EZ-RIORENTALS or Don @ RioTrips will likely be finding me an apartment.

-Rexxx

P.S. does anyone know how I can change my username? i want to post as Rexxx (my name on WSA) but I can't seem to change it...thx...

Rexx- Yes I believe your research is correct on north part being darker than southern..I met a couple of guys on trip #2 who ventured into curibita..one was rumered to have fallen in love and has been back on several trips bypassing rio...hit wsa on this subject as he was on that board if I remember correctly...I met a couple of brazilians from porto alegre which is supposed to have the European look but they were in rio because of the vast playground rio has over the smaller cities..I keep hearing this and is main reason I have not ventured into the outside arena until I have the language at a comfortable level...I am shooting for pimsluer #3 and then I will go explore.

Don is just suited for what we do for the most part on your first trip...as you have obviously read from combing the boards..many have used him on their first trip and still hang out with him on return trips because he is fun especially if you like to party..he loves to...he has the artist's apartment which is a penthouse I stayed in on the last trip and I liked it alot...I met kenn on the last trip as he was putting together one of his boat trips...seemed nice enough...just never used one of his apts yet...I am sure either of these guys can find the high dollar penthouse you seek easy enough...stay away from Luiz,,used him on trip 1 and he will take you for a ride...

your help is invaluable Layne...I'm definitely getting the best vibe from Don and his sister, so that's who I'm gonna go with...Luiz feels a bit desperate and his grasp of english isn't so hot (though obviously better than my portuguese, heh) so I'm gonna' pass on him.

Jose seems nice enough, but people tend to either love him or hate him, and he's definitely not as established as Don.

I've emailed Ken, but gotten pretty thin responses, so again, I think Don comes recommended the highest, and he'll have my business (his rates are very fair compared to the others as well).

Have you ever dealt with John Thompson? He seems like a nice guy too, though I'm not really sure if he's a true guide, or just a helpful ex-pat (we've swapped a few emails and he's offered to give me the scoop on the city if I wanna drop by and visit him and his friends at Meia Pataca).

I'm thinking Curitiba makes more sense for me, but honestly, if I'm having enough fun in Rio, maybe I'll just stay put for the two weeks and not hassle it. I just wanna have a good, fun, relaxing vacation that isn't JUST a sex trip, but a lot of sun and fun as well.

I still havent' received my pimsleur cd's, but I should have about 5 full weeks to study lesson 1. How long did it take you to get to lesson 3? I'm pretty good with languages and pronunciation (speak a bit of spanish...always got by in Europe with German, Italian and French phrase books, etc.) do you think I'll be able to pick up much of the language in the short time I have before my trip? I just really wanna have fun, and I'm told that you're at a severe disadvantage without knowing at least a tiny bit of the language.

One last thing, I'm leaning towards staying in Ipanema as I'm told it's cleaner, safer and more upscale than copa. Has anyone had any experience with the Arpoadar Inn in Ipanema? It's the only other beachfront hotel besides the Sheraton, and I'm told it's very nice, and very low hassle (female-guest friendly). Just trying to figure out if this is a better accomodations choice than doing the apartment thing...

- Rexxx

Rexxx,
I used Arpoardor Inn. It is basic to have a place to lie down. Do not expect much. But I love its location and the almost private beach of Arpoardor right 20 feet in front of the hotel.

Arpoardor is a bit out of the way w.r.t Copacabana. One would have to schlep back and forth using taxicabs.

Life in Rio is going to be very different than life in Curitiba. In Rio, things are well mapped out Kenn or Don can get you a great apartment & then it should be pretty obvious where the termas are (if not then read some more),and there is help, and the lido bars (barbarellas/franks).

You can do all the above without knowng any portuesge . In order to strike out to the more distant places, you should know some of the language (or at least my guess is that you'll end up being very frustrated). Of course, you europeans always have 10xs as much vacation as us poor American guys so enjoy your trip. But if you are only going for 1 week or so, just stay in Rio. With more than 1 week, then striking out (if you've gotten around to studying those tapes) might make some more sense.

In regards to John Thompson, all I know about him is that someone once asked a question about him & then someone else jumped in & said that "John was an asshole & had screwed him" but on further questioning refused to elaborate. As far as I am aware John is not one of the well known apartment brokers for Rio; the well know ones are Kenn, Don & to a lesser extent Bobbie (I belive bobby is more into hotels & travel arrangements) so I do not have any futher knowledge of John Thompson. So in any event, John is a very unknown agent whereas Kenn and Don are well known. Unless someone posts something otherwise John, I would recommend using one of the other guys ( my vote would be Kenn; he will take care off you- he is a personal friend; of course I prefer staying in hotels but that is my choice).

YT
Wait I thought Euros were getting only between 4 to 6 weeks vacation per year... plus all the Catholic holidays if living in Latin country, plus the country's national holidays, plus all the worker's holidays, plus all the end of war's holiday.
I believe other cities in Brazil all have Clubs where you can find garotas on the program. SP has also mp's option while Rio has high end termas. Other cities should be cheaper than Rio except SP which is expensive.

Athos: In Europe, folks take their annual vacation in about the same time - summer; and in one go -- i.e, all 5-6 week at a time.

I met John on the last trip but that is all ..have not used him for apartments...he is a well connected man in Rio..

the Arpoardor Inn is basic but many love its quiet location...personal taste I suppose here..I prefer the apt route myself at this point...more bang and room for your dollar...the girls feel more comfortable also...

Ipanema is cleaner by far but be careful your girlfriends may have trouble getting in ...we had very wealthy guy staying there and could not get anyone in the hotel on his stay...and the apts frown on bringing in different GF's in their buildings every day and night in their cleaner spot of Rio...

I am terrible with language skills and picked up basic knowledge ok with the cd's you are getting...5 weeks will be a cram session unless you are a sponge but doable...

Rio for 2 weeks..yeah ....not a problem...I am thinking 8 days was perfect time on the ground there...you will hit a wall after awhile but plenty to do for a day or two before going back to the fun...so maybe a side trip for 2/3 days would be in a plan....I have planned this myself on trip #4 in sept...

Thanks as ever guys, and Layne, your input as usual is very helpful...I'm working closely with Kenn to find an apartment in Ipa, and I'll be sure to check that my revolving door of g/f's won't be a problem...they can frown if they'd like, but as long as they don't PREVENT me from bringing the girl's up, I won't be overly concerned. I'd hate to pay good money for a place and have it backfire.

As for the side trips, it seems that these are jose's forte, so I may use him for one of his excursions, or do one of the boat trips that I believe Don or Kenn sets up.

I'm pretty good with languages, so hopefully 5 weeks will at least provide me with the basics (I've printed out the "naughty" words on a cheat sheet, heh) How long did you spend on Pimsleur before you got the hang of Portuguese Layne?

Citydude
You should become our in depth reporter...I can only imagine staying 5 weeks in Rio.

Yes a boat trip with Kenn should be worth the $100 just for seeing Rio from a different prospective....he uses Mea Pataca girls but there is always one who will do nicely I suppose...I plan on it next time myself...

I really dont have the hang of portugueses yet like many others here...I am only 4 hours in part II...I am just a redneck from tennessee with little knowledge of languages so you will be fine with #1 under your belt...the taxi drivers were the best for learning for me...and also of course if you find a regular girl to hang with for a few days is always educational...just be careful and read from my mistakes on trip #1 and #2...these girls are awefully good at what they do...

I talked to Ken my last day so I could not go on the boat ride. I also talked to a guy that went on the ride the prior day. He said there was 30 girls and 5 guys. For $100, it seems like the girls are sort of a bonus. He includes food and drink in the price and the boat is out for 3-4 hours. Just the view would be spectacular. I definitely think it would be a great time, plus Ken seems like a very good guy from NYC.

Don't Layne87 fool ya! He speaks Portugese better than most.

BT

Ken:

If you're on this board please send me a message, I'd like to talk to you about the boat trip. Will be in Rio in two weeks,

Ixtoc

Will be in Rio Spet 4 thru Sept 9. Anyone interested in keeping a newbie to Brazil from screwing it up the wrong way?

la

Hey bud...shoot me an email at maidenvoyage@hotmail.com...i get into Rio on 8/24 and am there until 9/7...hopefully by the time you touch down I'll have somewhat of a feel for the city (it's my first trip too) and would be more than happy to team up...

Will be visiting SP 7/27-7/31. This will be my first time in Brazil. Would like to find a partner
in crime, especially one who can take some time and show me the ropes for SP. Drop me a message in my inbox here!

doh...that's like two days from now...or did you mean august?

1st trip to Rio on september 24-29th.Have spent a lot of time in TJ but looking forward to upgrading. Anyone going to be there then,Any help would be great

Hottub1,

I will be there from Sep 20-29. Let's hook up. There are quite a few that will be down there including DonGringo, UW Photo, and Layne87. Should be fun.

BT

will be in Rio from 8/14 to 8/21. Could not wait 7 or 8 months before coming back and making 2nd trip. Too long, too crual for me...First trip was so, let's say,...encouraging. Plus can't wait to check Luomo, Solarium, Franks, love motels like VIPs,...

BT Thanks, would love to hook up.I have read your reports and have really enjoyed them.my e-mail is
dale11107@hotmail.com
Can"t wait to check out Rio

Latasian, saw on the calendar you get into rio 9/4...drop me a line if you want to hook up:

maidenvoyage@hotmail.com

Several other mongers from this and other boards should be there at the same time:

Brazil Specialist, Young Tom, Oi812, Sphere, Duckman and myself are the one's I know off the top of my head..

my trip to rio is 8/24 to 9/7 fyi...

God,

I feel sorry for you guys, going to BR and not knowing Portuguese. I lived there for two years, still take twice weekly tutor particular lessons here in the states, have a Brasileira for a GF, a Stanford MBA and Cal-Poly Enginnering BS so no dummy and I still feel like a babe in the woods when with nothing but Brasileiros to talk to. But as they say, feel free to jump in and try to swim.

GCD,

Impressive credentials, but look at the audience.

Are we trying to have deep meaningful conversations, or are we trying to have sex with the most beautiful women in the world? Lighten up a bit

Dood

Gcd
You lived 2 years in Brazil and you still need tutoring...

yes please feel sorry for me also...help a brother out with his language lessons...wire transfers gladly accepted...

Look guys. There is nothing more that you need to learn. Just learn how to say in perfect Portuguese, "Lay down. I think I love you". The garotas will smile, you will smile, and the world will be happy.

CP

PS: Of course, you should be somewhat particular who you say this to.

Of course, the exact translation from English to Portuguese for the phrase "Lay down dear. I think I love you." would be "Coloque para baixo querido. Eu penso eu amo-o."

With these words, you will never have to say anything else. Of course, you need to have a shit eating grin on your face to may you honey believe you.

CP

lol, nice one CP...I'll have to try that one...

and thank you GCD for your completely elitist and non-constructive post...the thread title is "Trip Buddies" not "Arrogant A-Holes", maybe your fluency in English is faltering as your fluency in Portuguese increases...I dare to say that the bulk of us mongers are hardly fluent in Portuguese, yet judging from the pictures and posts, the Universal languages of sex and money are spoken by ALL of us...Please also post your SAT and ACT scores and GPA as we all really give a shit...

-Rexxx (Magna Cum Farthest)

Rexxx
You're to be commended for the thoroughness of that slam. Hopefully GCD's ass will heal after such a reaming!
Hey GCD, I'd like your IQ while you are at it.

LOL...thanks DonGringo, coming from a vet like you I take that as a major compliment...I'm just tired of board trolls offering no real input and attempting to intimidate the newly initiated like myself...despite the fact that I've yet to actually go to Rio (2 weeks and 1 day before I rectify that problem, lol) I do try to share what info I've gleaned from this and other sites, and I definitely don't pass judgement as I hate to be judged myself...not sure why the golden rule is so difficult to follow for some people...

Just got my airline ticket for my third Brazilian trip. Rio from Nov 16 to Nov 30 with probably a 4 to 5 days excursion in SP. Got AA SAN-GIG for $620.50.

You are avoiding meeting me arent you?
11/7-11/12....

Trip number 7 coming up Sep4 through 11th. It's gets better and different all the time.