In Europe, what city is closest to "Bangkok" in terms of providers?

[Marc in Calif]

4 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

You forgot to mention (again) obesity as one of out greatest problems.

Somehow they love our music, movies, books,  inventions, etc.

Yes, very true! Many Americans have no idea how to maintain their health. You don't see this in many other countries at all.

Yet it's not only the obesity that's unhealthful for a huge number of Americans. It's also the jealousy that others are enjoying health and a quality of life that they themselves can't attain. They will snipe from their basements and ridicule those who (they believe) have attained a better health and lifestyle due to healthy diets, hard work, effort, and study. When you look at social media, the disdain for science, learning, and personal accomplishment is astounding. 

In both Bangkok and Barcelona, I find that the British, Australians, and Germans are much less obsessed with their fellow countrymen who successfully live as expats in Thailand and Spain, respectively. This is another area where Americans are so jealous and envious of other Americans. They'll do anything to try to deflate the accomplishments and success of others.

Edited February 28 by Marc in Calif

[Marc in Calif]

13 hours ago, MscleLovr said:

FWIW my two cents -

I find that it’s easy in Barcelona to meet nice young men (whether paid or free).

As it happens, I live not far from Thermas - no judgement but I’ve not visited as I have a young partner - and it’s widely known about as a safe and reliable venue for paid male sex; the management is honest. (I know of a hot young American who visited, looking to hook up for free, and was outraged when he was expected to pay for sex. He complained to management and was promptly refunded his entrance fee).

I don’t get into political debates about Catalan identity/independence even though my best friend is Catalan. I don’t see why any visitor would express an opinion on the matter. I’m told I speak Castilian at an advanced level and I have a smattering of useful Catalan phrases. Again, foreign visitors are not expected to speak Catalan. 

IMO London has a more diverse offering of male companions to Barcelona but their cost is much higher.

I too have an apartment in Barcelona (in the Eixample district).

I prefer Barcelona to Madrid as I find it easier to navigate socially and culturally. And in the Summer, I prefer to be by the beach and sea.

I cannot relate to Bangkok as I’ve spent no time there.

I'm glad that you find the quality of life in Barcelona so conducive! That's how I felt many years ago when I first visited. It seemed like the ideal place to settle down, and eventually I did. 

You're correct about the cost of providers in BCN compared to London and other places in Europe. It's a bit more reasonable, and the quantity never disappoints. Yet, as you say, it's quite easy to meet local guys for 'normal' encounters without spending any euros. 😊 

[Marc in Calif]

4 hours ago, Axiom2001 said:

I had wonderful and memorable experiences in both, but if I were to choose today, I'd opt for BCN, for this older gent would NOT look out of place while in public with an escort, or as in Bangkok, a guy "you've offed" from one of the clubs.  I also prefer men/guys who are fairly endowed, something that is not the norm, for the most part, in Asian countries , and I AM NOT BEING JUDgmental or prejudiced.

When I was in BCN on three different occasions, I DID NOT encounter too many Americans, and I went all over this fantastically beautiful city.  While there I stayed in two different apartments and at an upscale (very modern) hotel in the Ex.....neighborhood/barrio.

My recommendation would be to travel to Barcelona first; then for your next sojourn, go to Bangkok: The Land of Smiles.  

Try to make the better of your travels and experiences devoid of comparisons.

Agreed on all counts! We must look at the social and cultural context of hiring providers in both Bangkok and Barcelona -- and the local interpretations of being seen with them in each place. 

[sydneyboy]

About a month ago I booked my next trip. Leaving in May 14 nights in Barcelona followed by 14 nights in Bangkok.

[Marc in Calif]

2 hours ago, sydneyboy said:

About a month ago I booked my next trip. Leaving in May 14 nights in Barcelona followed by 14 nights in Bangkok.

Please be sure to carry a notebook so you can count the exact number of providers in both Barcelona and Bangkok.

Some people here will want to argue about precisely how many providers there are in each city. 😉

[sydneyboy]

16 minutes ago, Marc in Calif said:

Please be sure to carry a notebook so you can count the exact number of providers in both Barcelona and Bangkok.

Some people here will want to argue about precisely how many providers there are in each city. 😉

From past experience there are plenty in both!

[SouthOfTheBorder]

10 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

You forgot to mention (again) obesity as one of out greatest problems.

correct - widespread obesity in the US is another true American stereotype.  Mainly due to the poor food supply and weak regulations re; additives & preservatives.  The food in the US is designed to make people want more & eat more.  The politicians are paid off so nothing will change except maybe some recent legislation in CA.
I can shop in the most expensive organic specialty store in NYC and typically the local produce in an average European market is better and a fraction of the cost.

Interesting because labor costs in the EU are more, so it doesn’t cost more to deliver the food to market.  It’s simply that people will pay more in the US for quality food while the vast majority will accept the garbage.  
 

[SouthOfTheBorder]

9 hours ago, Marc in Calif said:

I find that the British, Australians, and Germans are much less obsessed with their fellow countrymen who successfully live as expats in Thailand and Spain, respectively.

it’s that their behavior abroad is generally less offensive vs the Americans.  Although the British are a close second.

you’ve confused being “obsessed” with embarrassment

btw - another typical American thing is to boast about ones “accomplishments” and/or seek validation via acquired things.  and when that happens - it’s a sure sign of not much at all. typically a poser trying to prove something, which seems to be the case here

there are always a few telltale signs that give it away


 

Edited February 28 by SouthOfTheBorder

[SouthOfTheBorder]

returning to the topic - I think Bangkok is preferable to Barcelona for providers, venues &  overall ambience.
The only drawback for Bangkok is the distance for most people and then going when the weather is more pleasant  - for me, that would be November until end of March only.  And even during the high season, it’s not insanely crowded with tourists where it’s an unpleasant experience.  There is also a diversity among the tourists where one nationality doesn’t seem to take over.  

In Barcelona - it’s the hordes of tourists at all times that makes it unpleasant. And it’s all the very loud Americans that seem to be everywhere. Then add in the daily multiple cruise ships coming & going - not exactly relaxing or enjoyable. In context of this discussion and the OPs original question  - Thermas is the one stand-out that makes BCN worthwhile. 

all that said - I find it puzzling that some here stalk these type forums & contribute nothing about the main subject matter.  But rather looking for arguments about things that are unrelated. It must have something to do with getting older, out-of-touch and desperately seeking some type of outlet.  obviously they’re not having any real sex. 

Edited February 28 by SouthOfTheBorder