Preparing for Rio trip

[robbguy]

Hi, guys,

To the guys who have visited Rio, I have a few questions: What type of camera would you suggest I bring? I really want to take a lot of pictures of the sites and photos of the sauna boys and didn't know if I should bring a 35mm, digital, Polaroid... And I have also heard that I should wear long pants most of the time, as only tourists wear shorts and I am going to try to blend in as much as possible. Are the sauna boys available as guides to the city? Do you think it would be easy to find one of the guys willing to hook up as a companion for a few days? (Some of these questions may seem dumb to some of you, but I really am curious.) I am getting psyched about going, will be there for 10 days, and will report back to this site from Rio, if any of you are interested. Again, if any of you will be in Rio around the same time (Oct. 6-16) and are interested in touching bases, you can contact me at Robbguy1001@aol.com. Take care.

[+ Lucky]

Well, you shouldn't need a zoom lense. As I remember it, those cocks zoomed on their own!:9

[CT Dick]

I took my regular 35mm push-and-shoot camera for touring. I'm still kicking myself for not taking my digital for pix in the sauna.

 

As to touring, I met Ernani and found him delightful (we didn't have an 'escort session' but I'd love to have him guide me around the city.)

 

Many (most) of the sauna boys are not sophisticated. They probably wouldn't have any idea what might be interesting to a tourist in Rio. They are delightful in the sauna but I doubt that they would meet your needs outside. (This is not meant to be any kind of putdown of those wonderful boys.)

 

Dick

[Guest alanm]

I have a fairly cheap camera ($300) and was warned many times by Brazilians passing by to be careful with thieves, even in Ipanema. I never had any problems and generally think the crime problem in Rio, although clearly present, is exagerated. When complete strangers warn

me to be careful, however, I pay atention. But, you should have no problems in the saunas.

[trilingual]

Yes, wear long trousers. You can wear bermudas in the summertime in Copacabana/Ipanema, but if you're going downtown or doing other sightseeing you will be severely out of place, especially if you're going into a church, a museum, or a nice restaurant. Except for the immediate beach areas Rio is NOT a resort. It's a city of 12,000,000 people, so plan to dress accordingly.

 

I'd suggest bringing a compact, unobtrusive camera, whether digital or 35mm. Something you can slip into a pocket. Security IS an issue. If you want to take pictures at the beach, go take your pictures, then take the camera back to your hotel room. Don't just bring the camera to the beach and expect to leave it while you go swimming. The odds of it being there when you get back are low! ;-) If you're going around town sightseeing, a good idea is to pick up a plastic bag from a local supermarket or similar establishment. Carry the camera in the bag. It'll be less obtrusive than a camera case, and you'll also blend in a bit better carrying a bag from Pão de Açucar or Lojas Americanas.

 

Before you take pictures of guys at the baths (or anywhere else) be SURE you've gotten their permission. It shouldn't be a problem, because most Brazilian guys LOVE having their pictures taken (they're SO vain) but they don't like people, and especially foreigners, to assume they can just shoot away without asking. It's disrespectful, and respect is a major value in Latin culture. Show people in Brazil that you respect them and you'll be treated royally in return.

 

By the way, as long as the pictures aren't really hard core, there shouldn't be any problem developing your film in Brazil. They aren't shy about nudity or nude photos. A ubiquitous chain of photo shops is called DePla. I've taken film to the branch in Copacabana that's on Barata Ribeiro (or is it Tonelero?) near Siqueira Campos. No difficulties at all. Get a second set of prints and give copies to the guys. They'll enjoy them.

[+ Axiom2001]

When I visit Brasil next month, I plan to take those one time cameras as well as my 35mm Pentax. Would the former type cameras suffice?

[+ Axiom2001]

I have been away from this board for some twelve days. ...must be going slightly batty or perhaps I am still on east coast time-- just returned to California...

 

I sent an email to Apollus Agency two weeks ago asking about guides/escorts. In my reply email-- the manager or someone wrote that my escort could also serve as a tour guide. In my requests to him, I mentioned that I needed someone who was conversant in English.

...just thought I'd relay this to you although I want Ernani to take my on two tours provided he'll be available.

[trilingual]

If you're not planning on photos for publication in a magazine or doing special effects the one-time use cameras can be fine and are a good way to reduce temptations generated by expensive foreign cameras.

 

If you find someone who can be a good guide who's reasonably fluent in English, let us know. Rio's a very big city and Ernani certainly isn't the only person there who can speak English! It never hurts to have some alternatives, especially when Ernani is busy or out of town.