The exchange rate hit 3 - 1 friday. Great time to visit rio. Personally I think life is cheap in Rio whenever the rate is better than 2 to 1. Here is a link that dood found that shows the exchange rate over the last 6 months.

http://finance.yahoo.com/m5?&a=1&s=USD&t=BRL&c=0

Lots of fun chatting with everyone earlier. If any of you have any questions, etc. just post 'em. Somebody will either know the answer & be able to help you out.

Lots of good basic info over here; check it out.

For all your travel needs in Rio, drop by: www.rioturist.com or just drop Jose (copaking) a line and I'll be more than glad to answer any questions about Rio. I'm a personal guide with lots of useful info on the city and its "activities"

take care

jose

Oh no Jose.. you're starting over here now???

Dood,

stop your winning as i am not bothering you or anyone else for that mater. I provide a valuable service. If you got an issue with that then thats your problem. I came in fair and square as a service provider.

ciao

thats smooth attacking one of our beloved members jose...tag team ..I'm it...

YT, thanks a bunch for the info in the chat room, you and the other vets, like Blues Traveller, Artist, et al really helped answer a ton of pent up questions quickly and tactfully...as a newbie, I can't tell you how important that is...

let's not get in spam wars with Jose again...Jose, please just post relevant information instead of ads and people will naturally head towards your services when they see the information you provide (a la Don's posts)...it's the blatant advertising that annoys members and admins, which I thought was made patently clear at WSA...You seem like a good guy, and I'm actually planning on using your services for at least a day to see what I think and post the results for the other mongers, but you do yourself a disservice by merely plugging your services with no substance behind the post...

Copaking,
Get a real job!!!!
Capisce!? Go away!!!!

Copaking. You could always jump out of the cable car on the way to Sugar Loaf. You would not have to say "I am sorry", and no one would care.

No Pain, No Loss.

CP

I believe that Rexxx stated the current obvious situation as elequently as possible.

I doubt that you will understand this point but u should try to add a bit of value. once that happens, the garotas will start showing up like "swiss cheese"

Canonperdido and Stayawayjoe,

I'm a regular contributor to a variety of sites including Club Hombre. Dont be so quick to criticize people you dont know. I bet none of you have gone into my site or know anything about me or my services. Stay ignorant is your prorogative. Once you get to know me in person then you can and should pass judgement on me as I have nothing to hide and provide a needed service for those that appreciate a bit more culture and value for their hard earned buck. I became a Club Hombre member as a tour guide for Rio with full understanding of Admin and I'm here to stay and contribute to those that will appreciate. I invite you and all to visit my site as well as my competition in Rio as we all have something different to offer, get informed and, should your budget and time allow, come on down for a visit and the drinks are on me. Till then please refrain from disrespectful commentaries.

tchau from rio

jose aka copaking

Copaking,

You come accross as a bit touchy my friend. No judgements are being leveled at you personally...only at your presentation on the site. As a group we seem to respond poorly to those who blow their own horns too loudly. We would react the same to a garota who came on and agressively posited her virtues. One's praises are better sung by ones's customers...this approach carries a great deal more weight than self serving ads. I'm sure you will understand this when you think about it.
Good luck in your business and I hope to read glowing reports about you in the upcomming months.

the_artist

Can Copaking lead a tour walking up the cables of Sugarloaf? If so, he must really be good.

CP

Ok Ok OK,

you guys want info so here you go!


Termas Aeroporto Centro Av.Beira Mar, 216 - C 2220-6267
Termas Copacabana Copacabana Av. Copacabana, 583 / 203 2257-2172
Termas L'Uomo Copacabana Rua Siqueira Campos, 143/ 15 2549-4113
Termas Centaurus Ipanema Rua Caning, 44 2523-4088
Termas Monte Carlo Copacabana Rua Hilário de Gouveia, 19 2255-4489
Termas Solarium J. Botânico Rua J.J. Seabra, 21 2274-2741
Pigalle Recreio Av. das Americas, 15.105 2473-7947
Termas 44 Centro Rua Buenos Aires, 44 2283-1009
Termas Rio Antigo Glória Rua Joaquim Silva, 2 2224-9591
Termas 65 Centro Rua do Rosário, 65 2203-1338


Solarium: www.solarium.com.br
Aeroporto: www.termasaeroporto.com.br/usa/start.htm
L'uomo: www.luomo.com.br/english/english.htm
Solarium: www.solarium.com.br
Quatro X Quatro: home.openlink.com.br/termas/index.htm
Termas Rio Antigo (in the Gloria neighborhood):
http://www.termasrioantigo.com.br/en/index2.htm

Termas Centaurus (a favorite of many):
http://www.centaurusnet.com.br/



http://www.gatasexecutivas.com.br/modelos/index.htm - great girls, many same as other site. Here you have to bargain too but they will accept 100.
Remember daytime and off peak hours(early evening) are good. Don't wake a girl up at 2:00am and expect to bargain.

http://www.pontosex.com
http://www.barravips.com.br
http://www.brazilgirls.com
http://www.escortgirl.com.br/protect
http://www.contatos.com.br/
http://www.hotside.com.br/hotside.htm
http://www.bianca.gata.as/
www.destack.com.br
www.ciaplus.com
http://www.riovips.com.br
http://www.haremmodels.cjb.net
http://www.bairroonline.hpg.ig.com.br/harem/haremmodels2.htm
http://www.barrabeautiful2002.cjb.net/
www.karlamodels.com.br
http://www.scortshow.com.br/
http://www.companygirl.com.br/
http://www.agenciaroberta.com.br/
http://www.sexyhall.com/
http://www.paraisoescort.com/
http://www.panterasrio.hpg.ig.com.br
http://www.solarium.com.br/
http://www.classisex.com.br/adriany.html

http://80.78.233.178/index.htm - Help disco
www.discoteca-help.com
www.buttmanmagazine.com


Useful websites:

www.rioturist.com (jose's site)
www.blameitonrio4travel.com
www.ipanema.com
travel.state.org
www.brasilemb.org
www.freetranslation.com/
www.survivalinstinct.com
www.mapmyway.com
finance.yahoo.com/m3

If you really want to check out the non-pro scene then check out these websites. You'll get an idea of what to expect as far as the girls, styles, schedules for clubs, etc... It's all in Portuguese.

www.fotosefestas.com.br/

www.tananoite.com.br


later

jose

Woohoo!!! enough info to last me ALL weekend at least! Redeemed! Now everyone be nice to Jose, he's got the hang of it...lol...Thanks Jose...great post...

What's the best sports bar to watch nfl games in Rio? If that's available at all. During the world cup, they mentioned Lord Jim in Ipanema on CNN, but that's soccer.

Athos,

I spent 20 min searching sportsbars and sportsbooks in Rio, Ipanema & Copa and came up empty.

There are a few college games 8/31. NFL starts Thursday 9/5, and on 9/7 Bama v Oklahoma then Miami at Florida, full NFL schedule on 9/8. I'd like to find a place too.

Jose??, Copaking?? Maybe you could help????

If not I'll have some time to research at the end of the month and I'll post what I find.


HC1

Athos. Last year over New Years the Marriot had NFL Ticket in the lobby bar upstairs.Don't know if they'll have it this year.

Athos,
Lord Jims is a cool intimate place with an upstairs and downstairs. I had an apartment right around the corner from there. I watched some World Cup games there. Great atmosphere, pretty waitresses. I imagine they'd show NFL games there too.

H1
Worse come to shove, you can listen to all NFL games live on nfl.com at Internet Cafe. Sunday kickoffs are 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm after time change, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm in Sept/Oct.
Rio Roiss had a flyer in its lobby about an American bar with Satellite but stupid me I did not grab it last May.
The Marriott sounds great, it's a couple of blocks from Help.
Sun night and mon night games (ABC/ESPN) are on cable tv on espn international if your hotel carries it (probably does).

Hey Guys:

Since the summer season is leaving us shortly, I thought it a smart move to buy some clothes for the trip to Rio.

What do you guys where there when you go to a terma (shorts, khaki's and short sleeve shirt or t-shirt), dinner (slacks, cotton shirt..), or just to tool around to do sight seeing. I am thinking of bringing some cottong shorts with hawaiian type shirts and then some pants and nice shirts for dinner - any thoughts here?

c

How about a suite and tie?

Crafter
You're on vacation, wear whatever makes you comfortable. Except at Help and Barbarella, no shorts allowed. Just remember it is winter over there so you'll probably be wearing pants at night anyway.

How's the shopping in Rio? I'm actually thinking about buying the bulk of my vacation clothes while I'm there. Figured I could utilize the favorable exchange rate, lack of tax and it would obviously help me to fit in a bit better. I've heard their shoes are great, but anyone find any good linen pants, or nice shirts when out at the "shopping" places?

Hombrecito1,

You got me on this one. I called a friend and he also mentioned the Marriott. Believe it or not. On major games NBA and NFL were redily broadcasted in the huge giant screen at HELP. I saw an NBA final game there with almost lifesize image. Sportsbars arent that popular here in Rio. Cariocas like the great outdoors of BARZINHOS, outside pubs on almost every corner of street. Their favorite past time is hangging around drinking beer. Getting laid is a close second.


later

jose aka copaking

Jose
NBA is on ESPN international and Help likes to show ESPN International early in the evening.
NFL is a different story for regular season games, but yes you can watch sun and mon night games at Help.
Marriott must have a Directv satellite dish.
But heck one garota at Aeroporto was telling me how great the NFL game was so some Brazilians must have access to the games.

Rexxx, I think it's cool for the most part. I utilize that kind of strategy as I prefer to travel light, be it Asia, Central America, South America, or Mexico. Everything is in my carry-on.

One thing seemed kind of strange, though. I had some difficulty finding underwear and socks in the Copacabana area. I'm sure it would have been no problem at the mall, but I never made it there. Also, the socks I found in Copacabana I thought were relatively expensive. The jeans I purchased were a good deal.

d'Artagnan,

Unless you got a lot of time to walk around looking for just the right store, go to one of the malls for all your shopping needs in the clothing department. In copacabana there are plenty of specialty clothing shops but its hard to know where they are. Rio Sul is a few minutes away by cab or you can take their FREE BUS that runs every 1/2 hour to (on atlantica) and from (on Barata Ribeiro) the shopping.

Take care

jose

hey kids:

thanx for the comment on the appropriate clothes to wear - hope it was not a stupid question, but my real concern was being overdressed and attracting attention. will leave the zoot suit and hip hugging polyester bell bottums at home on this trip. yup, it will be winter so i guess shorts will be out for the nights.

shorts work in Rio almost year around. if it is rainy, then sometimes a pair of jeans might be more comfortable especially in the evening. When people use the terms Winter & Rio in the same sentence, I kinda laugh after all on a typical "winter" day in Rio the temperature will hit at least 80.

http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=064738&refer=

Kind of odd that the time of lowest precipitation is their "winter"...kind of encouraged that while it won't be as hot as the rest of the year (fine by me...70-80ish is perfect) I also shouldn't have to worry too much about rainfall during my Aug-Sept. trip...

yt:

thanks. agree about the "winter" in rio as sounds like a nice summer in the us. did not think about bringing jeans - looks like will bring a variety of things.

Crafter,
I would lay off the hawaiian shirts though. Blending in is my motto.

saj:

blending in is my concern also - will leave those hawaiian at homes - would short sleeve button down shirts work or t-shirts with khaki's work?

c

Crafter & Stayawayjnow.

Are you guy preduiced against hula skirts

I have neve seen any in Rio, but I am sure they would be welcome.

You guys should chill out. Buy some for you next visit. I am sure the garotas would lover ther.

C)

cp:

you smart ass! just kidding, like your sense of wit and sarcasm. hula skirts can chaffe like hell in certain areas...so I have heard.

might as well break out those yellow wide bottoms and brown polyester shirt with wide collars for this trip - the garotas are gonna love me.

anyone in belo horizonte? arriving there tonight from recife. the non-pro scene up here in recife is absolutely ridiculous.

jarule2night@yahoo.com

Hey jarule, good to hear from you...so are all the girls in Recife really dark? What's the quality like overall? And how much are the programa girls charging? Have fun bud, I'll be in Rio in less than a week....woohooo...

naw, in fact, the mall + fashion club is probably filled with centauras quality non-pros...leaning towards the european side in terms of looks...i´m talking hundreds of really hot girls.

if you´re young (20s) and willing to spend some time there, you´ll have a great time. in terms of language, you gotta find a girl who speaks some english. even intermediate portuguese makes it hard to connect with a chick.

on the other hand, the program scene in recife sucks IMO. unless you like the street scene, i wouldn´t recommend the place.

do you know (or can find out) anything about raul braco (bracotours.)
>
>http://members.fortunecity.com/bracotur/index.html
>
>is he reliable?

never heard of him, but keep in mind pimping is HIGHLY illegal, and if he's making promises of providing a girl, technically he is pimping...facilitating a meeting or translating/ negotiating for you is one thing (and a service many legit guides provide) but this guys deal sounds like it could land you in hot water...stick with Don in Rio, he seems to come the most highly recommended...

I think that you are probably better off finding a hotel/apt & then finding your own girl(s).

If girls were difficult to find (for example - I've heard there aren't many pro's to be had in Buzios so one is better off bringing a girlfriend), then it might make more sense. Beautiful girls are not hard to find in Rio & you probably have a better idea what your own tastes are & pay less than via any service.

hey guys,
which guide would you recommend for a first timer in rio?
how's don?

JK

I have only tried Don and like many things...I will never go back. He has been great to me on my two trips there. A wealth of information, fun guy to hang with, he will constantly be looking out for your wellbeing. I maintain he has not cost me a penny as he has saved me and my buddies on several times from being ripped off. He knows which girls give poor service so can steer you away from them, which girls are extraordinary. He knows a fake cigar from the real thing, and he knows many of the club owners. I recall walking into one place that was standing room only and the staff saw Don and moved people away from tables to allow us to sit there. As his guests we enjoyed great treatment whereever we went.

thanks Gcl.
what's his fee?
JK

JK--I think he told me his rate is increasing to $225 after Nov 1st, but until then I believe his fee is $200 for the duration of your stay. Included in that he gives you a cell phone so you will have your own number during your stay. You can email him at riotrips@hotmail.com or call him at (011 55 21) 91081502. He can also set you up in an apartment if you prefer that over a hotel. I prefer an apartment and have been pleased with the ones he hooked me up with.

I dont want to sound like an advertisment for Don because I am not. I do not know the other guides so my knowledge about this subject is rather one sided. However, Don has said nothing but nice things about Kenn and a few others that I cannot remember off the top of my head, so I know there are other good choices available.

Read the board & save yourself some money. Buy some drinks for your trip buddies with that extra money.

Have never used a guide (but then I go to BR on business and we have locals for non-puntering; and mongering/puntering is based on past experiences and clue).

I am surprised that my cuz from NYC has high praise for don -- (Never met him, and a NewYorker tends not to give high praise easily)

So, GF (Go Figure) -- I know London, but that does not mean I can help a bloke ? YMMV

Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso announced the creation of the world's largest tropical forest protected area - Tumucumaque (pronounced too-moo-koo-Mah-kay) National Park - in the Brazilian Amazon. World Wildlife Fund, a partner in the development of the park, called the event an unprecedented achievement in conservation.

Located in the Brazilian state of Amapa, Tumucumaque National Park covers just over 15,000 square miles (3.8 million hectares), more than six times the size of the Florida Everglades and 770 square miles more than the current largest tropical forest park, Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Entire article: http://www.worldwildlife.org/news/headline.cfm?newsid=419

THIS IS ONLY MY SECOND POST: I Am sorry if I hurt any of you guys feelings but, someone have to tell you the TRUTH !!! You getting taking for a RIDE, A GUIDE GET REAL FOR WHAT??? TO GUIDE YOU AWAY FROM YOUR $250.00 AND YOUR HARD EARN MONEY: (THIS IS WHY THE REST OF THE WORLD WHEN THEY SEE SOME OF US COMING THEY SAY HERE COME THE DUMB AMERICAN GRINGO, IT'S TIME FOR US TO GET PAID, LET'S SEE HOW MUCH I CAN MAKE OFF THIS DUMB GRINGO TODAY)

WHY would ANYONE that can get on THIS WEBSITE AND OTHERS, with ALL THE INFO you need, TO HAVE A GOOD TRIP TO RIO, WITHOUT NEEDING OR PAYING FOR A GUIDE FOR RIO?? let's see you got:

1. TERMAS
2. BARBARELLA'S
3. HELP
4. MEIA PATACA
5. THE BEACH'S etc.

NOW I WILL GIVE YOU A DISCOUNT ONLY $150.00 OK!!!I will take a check, (HA,HA) that's what they are doing lauging and drinking off your money, I was in the US NAVY for over 15 years been and lived around the world been to RIO many times I NEVER I MEAN NEVER HAD TO HAVE A SO-CALLED GUIDE TO SHOW ME OR ANY SAILOR WERE TO GO, WE WASN'T FOOLS, WE TOLD THEM GET REAL GET OUT OF OUR FACE, (LISTEN YOU SO CALLED TOUR GUIDES (CON-ARTISTS) NOT EVERY AMERICAN IS THAT DUMB OK, GET YOUR DRINKS, AND YOUR GIRLS PAID FOR FROM SOMEONE ELSE) DO YOU EVER SEE ANY OTHER GUYS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES PAYING MORE FOR GIRLS OR PAYING FOR A SO CALLED GUIDE. (NO JUST US) !!!

SO WHAT !! THE BAR OWNER'S LET YOU HAVE A TABLE UP FRONT DO THAT MAKE YOUR FEEL IMPORTANT, THEY JUST GIVE THE SO CALLED GUIDE A kickback $$ for bringing in another (DUMB AMERICAN GRINGO) the girls DON'T RESPECT YOU ANYMORE JUST THINK YOU ARE A WEAK DUMB TRICK/JOHN that's all, they will LINE UP TO GET MORE OF YOUR $$$$$ after they find out what you paid the SO CALLED GUIDE.

JUST TALK WITH SOME OF THE GUYS AT MEIA PATACA, OR TERMAS THAT GOT THERE DAYS BEFORE YOU, they will tell you what THE INTEL AND INFO IS ABOUT THE PROGRAMA IN THE AREA OK SAVE YOURSELF SOME $$$$$ don't be so fast spending your money like a DRUNKING SAILOR OUT ON SHORE LEAVE.

WHENEVER ME AND MY FELLOW SAILORS WANTED SOME INTEL WE JUST GO IN ASK THE TAXI DRIVERS, THEY KNOW ABOUT THE RED LIGHT AREA,GIRLS, ETC. and it want cost you $250.00 usa dollars OK, maybe 5 reals= below $2.00 usa dollars. (I am sure after paying some guy $250.00 to drink off your money and getting laid off your money you can afford it)

DON'T GET MAD AT ME JUST THINK ABOUT WHAT I AM SAYING, AND DON'T BE THE NEXT DUMB AMERICAN GRINGO GETTING TAKING I HAVE TO TELL SOME OF THESE SO CALLED GUYS ON THE STREETS WHEN I AM DOWN THERE LOOK DO I LOOK LIKE A DUMB GRINGO THEY JUST SMILE AND ASK IF I SEE ANYONE THAT NEED SOME HELP FINDING GIRLS I TELL THEM I DON'T HANG AROUND FOOLS, THERE GIRLS EVERYWHERE WHY I NEED YOU, I TOLD ONE SO CALLED GUIDE THE LAST TIME I WAS DOWN IN RIO, TO GO AND GET A REAL JOB (YOU NOT GOING TO GET ANY $$$ FROM ME) (AFTER A FEW YEARS THESE SO CALLED GUIDES WILL RETIRE FROM THE $$$$$ THEY MADE OFF SOME OF YOU) BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING IF YOU WANT A APARTMENT CHECK AROUND WITH SOME OF THE GUYS AROUND MEIA PATACA, (THAT'S DIFFERENT) FIND OUT WHO GIVE THEM THE BEST SERVICE ETC. BUT NOT FOR GIRLS STOP THROWING AWAY YOUR MONEY !!!!! YOU MAKE IT HARD ON US SMART (AMERICANS) GUYS THEY THINK WE ALL ARE FOOLS.

PS: IF I DIDN'T CARE I WOULDN'T WASTE MY TIME,TRYING TO TELL SOME OF YOU GUYS, AFTER ALL IT'S NOT MY $$$$, But I DON'T LIKE ANYONE GETTING TAKING.

KidCisco