SouthOfTheBorder

these type events used to be free-spirited & fun, before crystal meth took over.  
after crystal use was normalized & went mainstream- the vibe became super aggressive, bitchy & 100% sex.  And that was on Day 1.  After a few days of “partying” it just gets exponentially worse & no fun to be around whatsoever 
btw - the insatiable desire for sex created by crystal never actually gets satisfied, no matter how much sex the user has. it can never be enough.  almost every person I’ve known using it has told me they know how to handle it - and inevitably gets messy - they're just not aware
if you can tolerate hundreds of rude drugged-out zombies - then maybe the parties would be fun.  there seems to less of it during day parties tho

LOL - much prefer someone with a strong opinion vs the passive/aggressive types.
and prefer those who speak to the subject - at least they’re contributing whether others agree or not.
the worst are the passive/aggressive who lurk around (several forums - not just this one) and live to pick apart opinions or real experiences posted by others, while offering none of their own. the constant negativity appears fueled by jealousy as they often target those who are well-traveled & having fun, then posting about it.
perhaps Pride events or something similar would be helpful for those caught in a cycle of depression - to actually experience something in the real world vs just reading about it here. 
the internet, unfortunately provides ample outlets for negativity and further decline.  very sad indeed for those afflicted 

Yes, it’s inherently dangerous in that you’re alone (and often in a vulnerable position) with a stranger!  He could rob you, hurt you, or even kill you!  And beyond that, the potential embarrassment and/or illegality that comes with the encounter makes it less likely for the client to report the crime.
My vetting process on Grindr involved chatting over the course of several days.
My vetting process with an escort would involve ensuring he has multiple reviews by people who gave other reviews on RM and on here.  The reviews don’t necessarily have to be positive but it’s important that he look like his pics and not be deceitful.  For the one escort I have met, I was able to figure out his real-life identity and confirm that he was a real person with friends, family, etc.

it does feel like many of these Pride “events” are hyper-sexualized & pushing an agenda vs the original intent  
I don’t think it’s productive to have sex openly in public spaces as some sort of a statement.  It becomes a spectacle and works against the community.  
rampant drug use & alcohol at these events doesn’t help either.  it’s a perfect storm for the backlash we are experiencing now

Folsom always seemed a little desperate to me for whatever reason. Dore Alley in SF was more fun - smaller & more local.
Agree w @BenjaminNicholas - Black Party and other similar have turned into crystal meth events. Not everyone, but enough that there is a very different energy & it’s not nice. 
 

yes - that was his name !

Maybe it was TOny?

it does feel like many of these Pride “events” are hyper-sexualized & pushing an agenda vs the original intent  
I don’t think it’s productive to have sex openly in public spaces as some sort of a statement.  It becomes a spectacle and works against the community.  
rampant drug use & alcohol at these events doesn’t help either.  it’s a perfect storm for the backlash we are experiencing now

I was at Thermas last night.  They had one of the private parties last night so they had a soft closing at 11p, meaning nobody was asking people to leave, but almost all working guys were gone by 10:30p and major clean-up had begun.  They advertise the parties start at 11p and go until 3p the next day.  
I don’t think there is much overlap between the two crowds that go the the night parties and regular sauna hours.  The guys really had no complaints about the parties, they just adjusted and seem used to it.
I arrived yesterday about 3;30p and it was very active - more so than I remember at same time on previous visits.  It seems like the guys have almost completely changed with many of the regulars either have gone back to home countries for a bit or have just moved on.  Only a few familar faces compared to last visit a couple months ago.  And the guys there now seem to be consistently a bit older, more masculine/macho types.  I didn’t see any early 20s, it was more like most were early 30s or appeared that way.
There seems to be confusion among staff when parties are being held - a few weren’tsure there was one happening last night.  After a few minutes back & forth they got it straight.
it seems more clean than before too - the parties seem to have forced a more thorough cleaning protocol.
the men were friendly as usual, all quoted 50euros for their time and it was great.  Still the best sauna imo in terms of quality & quality of men, costs, safety/security and ease of access.  The parties don’t really change much for vast majority of clients although I always liked the late mornings & afternoons there.
Mainly Brazilians yesterday with a Venezuelans, Colombians and a few Dominicans in the mix. 

certainly !  
next up, deposits & condoms 

good question re; types of guys.
From my recent visits - most of the working men are guy next door types, depending on your country of residence Most were very fit and lightly muscled with a few twinks and a few I’d consider bearish.  It was not overrun with twinks as some posts here indicate.  I can see where some older guys may perceive “twink” just because as a whole, it’s a younger group of men working - I didn’t see it that way tho.  There were no steroid bodybuilders or huge muscle guys. Thermas did have some bodybuilders around before the pandemic, I haven’t seen them there since.  The majority of the working guys are Brazilian & same as you’d find at Lagoa - a few have actually worked at Lagoa which is not surprising.  Age range is 20 -35 with the majority in the middle. 

In BCN, there seems to be some cross-over between sauna guys and online guys, however very few.  The sauna guys can be taken off-site for 100euros, but that’s not for a full hour - more like 40 minutes. Standard rate for online guys is 150/per hour - if they think you are American/Canadian/Australian the quote is frequently higher. Research all the online sites in Spain (Hungz, Telechapero, Rentmen) & when making contact do not tell them you found them on RM - that’s almost always a much higher rate because it’s the go to site for Americans.  Also helps if you contact people from a non-US identifiable phone number if possible. And use google translate to Spanish even tho that is obvious sometimes.  If an online guy quotes more than 150hour, find someone else because there are plenty.  
A provider friend in BCN recently gave me a stern warning to be very careful with online guys because of frequent & heavy drug use (crystal meth) it’s very common and leads to other things like petty theft, performance issues, etc. There is some drug use in the sauna too, but mostly just smoking weed. 

In BCN, the sauna is the best choice for most as you can see exactly what you’re getting in a controlled safe environment with lots of options.  I like to stay very close to Thermas so I can come & go as it’s open 24/7.  They don’t allow re-entry, so that’s an extra cost but minimal for what you get. Lots of good restaurant options within a block or two makes it all very easy, safe & civilized. 
PM me if you need hotel recommendations.  Enjoy !

fyi - the going rate at Thermas is 50euro. Not 40, not 70.  It’s 50 now (as of a week ago) and it’s been 50 for as long as I can remember.   Keep in mind that for 50, you get about 30 minutes, more or less.  It’s absolutely not for one hour.
Instead of asking how much, it might be better to just confirm that you know it’s 50.  If you’re told otherwise, then walk away from that person because they just failed the first test & it’s unlikely to improve. 
I could potentially see some discussion for a higher rate if requesting something specific that is not routine.  And I’d be careful about that because the very best guys will usually decline the moment something gets complicated. 
And be careful of the guys that approach you immediately with pressure.  The guys in demand don’t operate that way. 

btw - Thermas is better than ever.  Something for everyone, very clean facility, polite staff & completely safe. No drag shows or other distractions.  Majority of guys are Brazilian, Venezuelan, Colombian & Dominican.  All things considered, it’s way better than Lagoa or any of the Rio saunas.  

the “provider” is providing a service.  do you care if your dentist or mechanic is attracted to you ?
no - it’s only about the job you hired them to do.
if you’re getting the service you paid for, confused with feelings or attraction- than that’s on you.

interesting thread with different views -
some advocating “live & let live” aka sex in public at Pride type events and those who don’t want women in traditional gay spaces for sexual freedom 
which is it - you want everyone to see in public or you want privacy in certain spaces open only to a select few ?  
being gay means equal treatment- not special treatment with everything exactly how you want it to be in every space according to your exact desires & wishes 

patterns like this 

it does feel like many of these Pride “events” are hyper-sexualized & pushing an agenda vs the original intent  
I don’t think it’s productive to have sex openly in public spaces as some sort of a statement.  It becomes a spectacle and works against the community.  
rampant drug use & alcohol at these events doesn’t help either.  it’s a perfect storm for the backlash we are experiencing now

some Thermas tips 
1. go early - before it gets crowded.  Thermas is big and spread across 3 floors - it can be disorienting to arrive when filed with providers & clients. Plus - it’s competitive & the locals/regulars will always go for their favorites who are usually the most in-demand. Arriving when it’s crowded puts you at a disadvantage. I like to arrive at opening about 3p and watch as providers/ clients arrive. 
2. get familiar with the layout - because it is confusing.  I’d recommend a complete walk-through of the entire place at least once to take note of spa facilities & bar (first floor), all showers (first & second floors).  And the one private bathroom on first floor with a douche - the key to that bathroom is at reception and depending on the attendant, they may require you buy an attachment or if you have your own, then a tip to get the key.  Return the key asap as there may be others waiting.
3. there will always be guys hanging around the reception area & watching the clients locker room.  the game is to snag clients in that area & before they can see the other providers.  don’t fall for it.
4. like anywhere else - be cautious if anyone offers you anything to ingest. last time I was there, a provider offered candy between sessions - upon inspection it was potent edible marijuana. there are a couple guys there routinely selling things - I’d avoid them & whatever they have.  they are obvious & likely will make an approach at some point. 
5. the free cabins are fine for 30 minutes & the staff cleans continuously- but that doesn’t mean you’ll always get a fresh cabin.  If you want to make sure it’s clean - then private rooms. Again - getting there early ensures access to private rooms - when it’s crowded you may wait and sometimes they don’t open up at all. 
6. you dont need ID to get in - leave passports & valuables in your hotel safe.  I carry a set amount of cash, one credit card & phone.  I don’t leave those items in the locker - I carry them with me in a small pack at all times.  you need cash for the guys - everything else can be on credit card.
7. bring your own condoms & lube.  the condoms provided are the most basic & the lube is almost nonexistent.  the guys appreciate good quality condoms & it makes a big difference.  I like to bring my own antibacterial soap along too - just to be extra careful between sessions.  availability of soap in the showers is not a sure thing.
8. if smoking bothers you - avoid the area on the second floor where smokers congregate.  for people who smoke, it’s ideal place to engage the guys in a more relaxed environment.
9. don’t be afraid to say no.  you will be approached many times by guys who may not be your type.  there’s not pressure per se, but they are direct and don’t want to waste time.  they are used to no & it’s just part of the environment.  polite & firm gets the message across.  

10. you will pay for everything at the end & check your final bill carefully.  if buying drinks for providers, make sure you are clear at that time what you’re offering. an offer for a drink can easily turn into a full meal - and that’s fine if that is what you’re offering.  if spending a few hours there, the charges can add up quickly. 
11. don’t be afraid to tell the provider exactly what you want - they’re professionals and have seen it all, several times.  no reason to be embarrassed.  If there is a language barrier - use google translate or show them a video of the type of scene you want. a video is easiest way to get the clear message across & I’ve seen several clients do it.

 
 
 

this is my opinion only based on alot of experience in Ft Lauderdale & Miami - both cities tend to be very transient in terms of providers, but for different reasons.  
Miami gets a lot of providers that travel extensively around the world and those guys have already left Miami for the season.  They probably wont be in Miami for next several months. My two favorites that fall into that category are Marco_XL and MGXXL (formerly MegaXXL) on RM.  A reputable guy that is in Miami most of the year is Derick_XXL - he has tons of great reviews & I’ve met him.
As for Ft Lauderdale - well, it just tends to be transient with lots of providers moving in/out for whatever reason. Lots of guys dabbling for awhile in the business and they’re gone.  One guy that has been around a long time w lots of reviews is ScottB on RM. All the others I knew personally are no longer working in Ft L.
I’d suggest being very careful in S Florida in general and only going with guys that are very well-reviewed and/or referrals.  Florida draws the very best providers and the very worst. Summer months will make it a bit more difficult than in the high-season in winter. 

What's really strange is that these events are highly segregated within a community that loudly preaches wide acceptance.
The circuit muscle guys don't want the overweight guys at the event who have their own bear circuit events where they shit talk the steroid queens and twinks.
And then there's the subset of party guys who all look alike, fuck alike and only hang out with what might be considered their twin.
It's dizzyingly fucking stupid.

I hate to say it, but some states in the US are probably going to start being dangerous for gay escorts and hookups soon. Low hanging fruit for ambitious and amoral prosecutors.
I think the current slowdown is due to economic factors.

I have clients who are involved in politics. One of them is a member of our upper chamber (I’m in 🇬🇧). Here it doesn’t matter too much. We don’t have those religious conservatives …they left a few hundred years ago by boat. Not sure where they went 😉. 

 
 


 

first - there is a big difference between Ft Lauderdale & Miami.  Most of the guys on RM list under both cities, but they really won’t travel between the two cities unless you’re paying a premium - and some just won’t travel at all.  I-95 connecting Miami & Ft Lauderdale has some of the worst traffic in the country.  I’d decide where you’ll be staying first and then focus on guys in that city.  It can be difficult to figure out who is really based on Ft L & who is in Miami.

Miami tends to have more of the providers that travel internationally & more expensive.  Ft Lauderdale tends to have more providers that cater to a mature clientele.  Both cities have extensive choices and some of the best.

an announcement from Middleton 

pic.twitter.com/VZe4ws07NU

certainly !  
next up, deposits & condoms 

first - there is a big difference between Ft Lauderdale & Miami.  Most of the guys on RM list under both cities, but they really won’t travel between the two cities unless you’re paying a premium - and some just won’t travel at all.  I-95 connecting Miami & Ft Lauderdale has some of the worst traffic in the country.  I’d decide where you’ll be staying first and then focus on guys in that city.  It can be difficult to figure out who is really based on Ft L & who is in Miami.

Miami tends to have more of the providers that travel internationally & more expensive.  Ft Lauderdale tends to have more providers that cater to a mature clientele.  Both cities have extensive choices and some of the best.