Medellin vs Barcelona for solo Xmas?

[shadowcatzxxx]

I find myself facing a lonely, cold and dark New England holiday season, and am itching to go somewhere warmer, sunnier, interesting on its own right - and of course, sufficiently gay to provide entertainment - for about a week between Christmas and NY

I've been vacillating back and forth between Barcelona (love the food and architecture, in addition to Spanish men; offers the opportunity for easy Xfer to warmer, sunnier, southern Spain) and Medellin -- which I've never visited, but which I've heard a lot about (mostly about the men).

This would (unfortunately) be a solo trip.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Experience?

[SirBillybob]

I recently went to Medellín for close to two weeks and will be returning to Colombia for most of the winter, but not Medellín, though I enjoyed Medellín for its non-sexual (non “sex tourist” features); once being enough in terms of my general travel bucket list. An excursion to Guatapé area is a must, but will be mobbed at that time and DIY basis may present obstacles as far as getting there by regional bus due to its popularity among city dwellers during the season.

I actually don’t mind being solo for extended periods as there is usually so much to do in a new place and I combine self-catering with dining out. No bar scene for me; in my 70s and early to bed-and-rise. 

I have been to Barcelona many times. The difference, from my point of view, is the degree to which you prefer the convenience and structure of a more curated and trade-specific setting, such as Sauna Thermas in ‘Geixample’ BCN, or the greater effort and challenge of hooking up through other means, as would be the reality in Medellín. … depending on your specifications.

Additionally, the physical appearance selection aspects, but since you have not specified any preference, I see no point at this time providing my comparative take. What I can say is that written or image depictions provided on our various punter sites would not impel me to choose Medellín over Barcelona for trade, though equivalency based on subjective preference (if one can unearth it) would typically be less expensive in Colombia. Similarly, the few hotel brothel outfits will oblige with a photo inventory via WhatsApp but nothing of appeal to me or what I would shell out for. I had to drill down and try not to waste valuable sightseeing time to yield a bit of success. However, I had made sure to immediately follow up my recent trip with travel to a destination where accessing the type of trade I prefer was a sure thing. Really hot Colombians often discover they can earn so much more bank abroad. And nationally, Bogotá affords the curated setting of Sauna St-Moritz & Gigolo Erotic House nightclub/ stripper venue with private dance etc, in the same Chapinero-district building. 

Otherwise, my preferred accommodations mode, Airbnb, is extremely more expensive in Barcelona compared to Colombian cities based on the same overall quality. For example, Barcelona was 3-4 times the rate per night, meagre selection, in May relative to Medellín this Fall. 

In short, Medellín is a good bet for general travel; and sexually if your hunting is solid, organized and flexible and you are far more ambitious and less lazy than me. Time Out lists it as 3rd globally for tourism destinations. The holiday season would likely be as good a time as any, save the aforementioned challenges getting to further afield where the locals like to relax.

——

Finally, be aware that one must complete the online CheckMig for both entering and leaving Colombia; some have found it to be a breeze, while others have found it glitchy and stressful. 

Edited December 1, 2022 by SirBillybob

[SirBillybob]

In contrast to Spain, Monkeypox virus remains more active among urban Colombian MSM, and MVA-BN vaccination has not been widespread. However, incidence has been consistently on the downturn and the % probability of minimally one active case among N number of sexually active susceptibles is approximately [1 - (.9994 to the exponential power of N)] x 100 … for example about 1.5% for any aggregate of 25 behaviourally at-risk gay (including presumably gay-for-pay) men. You’d likely have to have a great deal of unprotected sex to be unwittingly exposed. 

Edited December 1, 2022 by SirBillybob

[menaughty]

On 12/1/2022 at 1:05 PM, SirBillybob said:

I recently went to Medellín for close to two weeks and will be returning to Colombia for most of the winter, but not Medellín, though I enjoyed Medellín for its non-sexual (non “sex tourist” features); once being enough in terms of my general travel bucket list. An excursion to Guatapé area is a must, but will be mobbed at that time and DIY basis may present obstacles as far as getting there by regional bus due to its popularity among city dwellers during the season.

I actually don’t mind being solo for extended periods as there is usually so much to do in a new place and I combine self-catering with dining out. No bar scene for me; in my 70s and early to bed-and-rise. 

I have been to Barcelona many times. The difference, from my point of view, is the degree to which you prefer the convenience and structure of a more curated and trade-specific setting, such as Sauna Thermas in ‘Geixample’ BCN, or the greater effort and challenge of hooking up through other means, as would be the reality in Medellín. … depending on your specifications.

Additionally, the physical appearance selection aspects, but since you have not specified any preference, I see no point at this time providing my comparative take. What I can say is that written or image depictions provided on our various punter sites would not impel me to choose Medellín over Barcelona for trade, though equivalency based on subjective preference (if one can unearth it) would typically be less expensive in Colombia. Similarly, the few hotel brothel outfits will oblige with a photo inventory via WhatsApp but nothing of appeal to me or what I would shell out for. I had to drill down and try not to waste valuable sightseeing time to yield a bit of success. However, I had made sure to immediately follow up my recent trip with travel to a destination where accessing the type of trade I prefer was a sure thing. Really hot Colombians often discover they can earn so much more bank abroad. And nationally, Bogotá affords the curated setting of Sauna St-Moritz & Gigolo Erotic House nightclub/ stripper venue with private dance etc, in the same Chapinero-district building. 

 

Is there like a Sauna Thermas in Colombia?

I am lazy too...lol. I would much rather prefer guaranteed action like in bcn thermas.

[SirBillybob]

Like I said above, this, only fairly reliable venue in all of Colombia. Saint Moritz Sauna in Chapinero gay district in Bogotá.

More info on the  “other site”, not so much on this board even under Latin Amer travel. I note that this topic is under Europe, so I made sure to embed key search terms in this text.

Not the same structure/arrangements or number of escorts as Thermas, but I usually find what I want even though I tend to be picky about build and looks. It’s good enough that I will visit Bogotá twice this winter, but also extended time in Brazil and its saunas, so if St Moritz does not live up to its previous promise … 

https://instagram.com/saintmoritz.bog?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://twitter.com/saintmoritz_bog?s=21&t=MZSqEPZdNWO24a-W6gmDDg

Edited December 26, 2022 by SirBillybob

[menaughty]

1 hour ago, SirBillybob said:

 

Not the same structure/arrangements or number of escorts as Thermas, but I usually find what I want even though I tend to be picky about build and looks. 

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by that? 

I guess what I mean to ask is that if it is a GP sauna then how is the structure not same?

And if it is Not a GP escort sauna then how is it similar to Thermas in Barcelona?

Thanks 😊

[SirBillybob]

19 hours ago, menaughty said:

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by that? 

I guess what I mean to ask is that if it is a GP sauna then how is the structure not same?

And if it is Not a GP escort sauna then how is it similar to Thermas in Barcelona?

Thanks 😊

As I indicated, there are elaborate descriptions on the other site many of us read, as the South America scene is more emphasized.  

I will outline a few key points of distinct difference. Otherwise, the social media links provide clues as to its contrast. 

As much a regular hookup bathhouse as an escort venue, though as saunas go it’s quite small. Not known for hotter young crowd. Most customers are not there to pay. The regular cabins are dark cubicles with nothing to lie down on. In short, sucks. 

The escorts work only in 3 small separate massage table compartments. No option for a  more conventional mattress/bed so sexual choreography is awkward. You pay the venue COP60K for basic massage and he gets a cut. You pay the masseur directly for extras. Most of them double as dancers (& private dance if desired) in the linked club that opens 3-4 nights: Gigolo Erotic House. Most seem to be “tops”. 

Three of seven days are designated as full nudity. You may need to pay a few more bucks for the option to wear a towel or briefs, etc. 

The “upsell over-charge hustle” directed at ‘gringos’ is more pronounced, whereas Thermas rates are comparatively invariant. A non-manipulative guy typically accepts COP60-100K tip; others may request up to 300K. As per usual, caveat emptor as far as negotiations and avoiding surprises. 

I’ve been to Thermas dozens of times and often left without tricking with trade, hence, blue balls. Saint Moritz about ten times and, so far, pleased each time. All so far agreeable to giving phone number, though I haven’t met any off site. There are very decent inexpensive short-time ‘love/sex’ hotels nearby, catering to heteros but MSM-friendly, if that is a desired option. I took a bar server to one for paid interaction; the room&ensuite was very nice and he could not leave the premises unless I accompanied him down at reception where staff unlocked the door electronically for exiting.

Edited December 27, 2022 by SirBillybob

[Marc in Calif]

 

On 12/1/2022 at 9:02 AM, shadowcatzxxx said:

I find myself facing a lonely, cold and dark New England holiday season, and am itching to go somewhere warmer, sunnier, interesting on its own right - and of course, sufficiently gay to provide entertainment - for about a week between Christmas and NY

I've been vacillating back and forth between Barcelona (love the food and architecture, in addition to Spanish men; offers the opportunity for easy Xfer to warmer, sunnier, southern Spain) and Medellin -- which I've never visited, but which I've heard a lot about (mostly about the men).

This would (unfortunately) be a solo trip.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Experience?

I wonder what shadowcatzxxx (the OP) decided to do. 😎

[shadowcatzxxx]

39 minutes ago, Marc in Calif said:

 

I wonder what shadowcatzxxx (the OP) decided to do. 😎

Thanks for asking.  Given a short time frame and outrageous short-notice holiday airfares, I decided to head for Miami instead. I have friends there, and the city has enough latino talent to keep me interested/occupied. Saving Medellin for another time, when I can get better travel deals.