sydneyboy

Opera Australia have done 2 productions of Lulu. I saw the second in 2003 starring Emma Matthews conducted by Simone Young with an excellent supporting cast. The production by Simon Phillips was gently updated to the twentieth century. In summary it was in my opinion a near flawless performance of this opera which I although you don't leave the theatre whistling the tunes (like Traviata) I found the music quite approachable. Regrettably the production has never been revived.

Last night I attended a performance of the umpteenth revival of Elijah Moshinsky's very handsome 1994 production of ''La Traviata''. What makes it worth reporting was the sensational performance of the leading lady, the Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho. The critics reviewing the opening night ran out of superlatives to describe her performance which culminated in a spontaneous standing ovation. This was repeated last night. The audience went wild at the final curtain. Stupendous singing and the lady is an excellent actress. If she should ever come your way don't miss her.

More of number 2 please!

The report from Despardo contains one observation I find extraordinary. Suvarnabhumi is one of the best airports he has experienced. From my experience it is arguably the worst. Signage is almost non existent, if you walk in the wrong direction you can be literally kilometres from your desired destination (it happened to me once trying to find a business class lounge). I did read once but forget the detail of how far it is from one end of the airport to the other. The distance is staggering with no means of transportation to take you where you want to go. If you find someone who can speak English all they will do is point out how out of the way you are and offer their condolence (again I speak from experience). The airconditioning is shocking the ''coolers'' appear to be cheap humidifiers hopeless in a tropical climate. I recall the time it was constructed (under Thaskin) there were criticisms it was done on the cheap something that is all too obvious. It you want to experience a magnificent airport try Dubai. Perfect signage, staff who speak English that roam around to assist anyone who appears lost and rail system to take you from one part of the airport to the other.

I have stayed at the Tarntawan in years gone by but the the more recent reviews on TripAdvisor give horror a meaning it never had before.

One London escort that sounds interesting is Giovanni the Italian. He has an astounding 296 guestbook entries on Gay Romeo.

What do you mean by ''solid'' in this context?

Goodness gracious! JacobLDN is enough to make you want to catch the next flight to London.

Very, very cute.

Just a general observation. Reading Sleepy Boy and Gay Romeo it never ceases to amaze me the range and quality of escorts in London. So many have fabulous reviews that reek of authenticity. Is there any city in the world with such a choice, albeit at a price.

I don't know about ''just legs'' there is nothing wrong with the tops of any of these characters either.

It was interesting to read the recent review of cover boy Magnus in London. He always looks stunning and it was encouraging to know his performance matched his looks. Has anyone else engaged Magnus?

imrthr

Thank you again. Ant updates on the Black and White and Fragata appreciated.

With respect to the Black and White bar, is there scope for ''action'' on the premises?

Thank you imrthr. Even when smoking was allowed in the Brazilian saunas (and with respect I think it was a little more than 2 years ago) Lagoa at least had a non smoking TV lounge which was a blessed relief. That TV lounge is what I mean by ''relaxing'' which seems to be lacking at Thermas. On the subject of Brazil and smoking I recall on my first visits smoking in restaurants was permitted. At the Fasano in Sao Paulo, one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city, their idea of a non smoking section was to remove the ash tray from your table but people in tables around you could smoke to their hearts content. How times have changed.

I hate to be contrarian but after a number of visits to Thermas during a 2 week stay in Barcelona in May I found the place a little disappointing. Part of the ''problem'' is that I have been to Brazil 7 times and after Lagoa, Fragata etc anywhere else is likely to be a bit of a let down. I did not like the layout of Thermas (I found it almost creepy) and they allow smoking, one of my pet hates. The place lacked an indefinable relaxing atmosphere. In fairness I have friends in Sydney who have been to Brazil and Spain and don't entirely agree with my assessment but there it is.

These pictures remind me of why I have honoured that country with my presence 7 times.