The Euro is challenging “Inexpensive” Brazil

[imrthr]

Around 2003 and 2004 Americans could get about 3-1 reais for each dollar. The favorable exchange rate made Brazil a very inexpensive place to visit for fun and such (meeting “escorts” so to speak).

 

Americans used to stay in Rio at the gay friendly Atlantico Hotel for around sixty dollars each night and could engage a young man in the saunas for less than the equivalent of twenty American dollars if the American chose to pay that little to the escort.

 

Over the next few years, the dollar began to slide down the slope. The exchange rates tumbled and the effect was that many prices in Brazil for Americans (and Europeans) more than doubled.

 

However, the recent decline in the exchange rate of the Euro should stimulate some travelers to consider a visit to Spain (Barcelona and Madrid). As I write this post, the Euro is trading at 123.9 for each American dollar. Escorts in the sauna in Barcelona and Madrid charge between 40 and 50 Euros (average - fifty-six American dollars).

 

In Rio and Sao Paulo a client pays anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-five reais for a room at the sauna. In Spain, there is no charge for a simple room. A “good” room at the sauna costs about eight dollars.

 

The entrance fees to the saunas in Spain average 15 Euros (or about eighteen dollars). In Brazil, the entrance fees to the saunas average around 30 - 39 reais (Lagoa is 39) or about thirty-five reais which is equivalent to about $20.00. Given these averages, the entrance fees to the saunas in Rio and Sao Paulo are about the same as the entrance fees to the saunas in Madrid and Barcelona.

 

Some of the hotels near the saunas in Spain are four star and are far less expensive than shabby higher-priced hotels in Brazil. Furthermore, there is no hassle with bringing in visitors to a guest’s room in Spain.

 

Those who think Europe is more expensive than Brazil for escorts in saunas should give the current financial market some consideration and look into a trip to Spain.

 

By the way, in Barcelona and Madrid, Brazilians make up about 70% of the guys in the saunas.

 

Spain is far more safe than Brazil. There are so many more things to see in Europe than in Brazil. Other nearby countries are only hours away from Spain by train or one hour by plane.

 

Despite what I wrote above, I still love to visit Brazil and I will continue to visit there. However, I will make more trips to Europe than I have in recent years.

 

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[orbital sander]

So I take it you like Spain? Are you a travel agent that specializes in Spain? I have always heard Spain was nice, but I skipped it and went directly to Portugal instead. Little in terms of escort, but a wonderful place for many other things, and very down to earth and relaxed. I love Lisbon and Porto is a great town too.

[imrthr]

Spain - try it, you'll like it!

 

So I take it you like Spain? Are you a travel agent that specializes in Spain? I have always heard Spain was nice, but I skipped it and went directly to Portugal instead. Little in terms of escort, but a wonderful place for many other things, and very down to earth and relaxed. I love Lisbon and Porto is a great town too.

 

 

 

Yes, I like Spain. There is much history there in addition to the fun we can have in Barcelona and Madrid saunas.

 

No, I am not a travel agent, nor do I specialize in Spain. I visit many countries.

 

Each year I spend a lot of time in Brazil. I visit different cities of Brazil but mainly stay in Sao Paulo.

 

I love Brazil but I also like to visit other places (countries). Spain has lots of Brazilians working in the saunas of Barcelona and Madrid.

 

Another reason I like Spain is because it is so close of other European countries that I like to visit.

 

Most other European cities are only about one hour or so from Madrid or Barcelona by air. The train is also an option for seeing other close by countries.

 

Cheers-

[orbital sander]

Well they certainly have good wine in Spain. I almost moved to Madrid for work some years ago, but ended up elsewhere. Everyone I know who has been to Spain raves about it. I am stuck on Argentina lately, but I go for the mountains, and the small towns and remote areas. Buenos Aires (and the boys) hold little interest for me these days. I will spend a day or two at most.

 

Is the Gaudi Museum in Barcelona or Madrid? I have seen pictures of his work, and I think that would be amazing to see.

 

Have a nice weekend!!

[imrthr]

 

snip snip

 

Is the Gaudi Museum in Barcelona or Madrid? I have seen pictures of his work, and I think that would be amazing to see.

 

 

Casa Museu Gaudi is located in Barcelona.

 

Although it is called a museum, it is merely a small pink funny looking house (I think it only has about six or eight rooms) and it is where the artist/architect lived during his final years.

 

By the way, there are more than 55 museums in Barcelona.

 

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[+ Lucky]

What's the name of that Gaudi church that is supposed to be endless in construction? That and a lot of other Gaudi designs can be seen in Barcelona besides the museum. As for saunas, Thermas is a great one, and I did find several Brazilian guys there.

Madrid is also a delightful city. In fact, I love Spain and have traveled a bit there, going south to Granada and over to Seville. I found no escorts outside of Barcelona and Madrid, but maybe I didn't look hard enough.

I sure would like to return.

[imrthr]

 

What's the name of that Gaudi church that is supposed to be endless in construction? That and a lot of other Gaudi designs can be seen in Barcelona besides the museum. As for saunas, Thermas is a great one, and I did find several Brazilian guys there.

Madrid is also a delightful city. In fact, I love Spain and have traveled a bit there, going south to Granada and over to Seville. I found no escorts outside of Barcelona and Madrid, but maybe I didn't look hard enough.

I sure would like to return.

 

 

It is called - La Sagrada Familia.

 

Construction began around 1882 and it is expected to be completed sometime this century. The "church" is quite a center-piece in Barcelona and nearly every tour of the city includes a visit to this landmark.

 

You are correct, I am not aware of any "escorts" outside Barcelona and Madrid although there must be some. I just don't know where they are.

 

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[imrthr]

I am flattered -

 

It is sometimes said that “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.”

 

Along those lines, I just learned that my initial post that opened this thread was copied and posted to the GTB site by another poster who I do not know.

 

I am pleased that the poster thought my post was worthy of being entered into a related site.

 

There was one response to my thread that was copied to the other forum. In the response, the poster mentioned Prague in addition to Madrid and Barcelona.

 

I have been to Prague several times. Prague is nothing like Madrid or Barcelona. I do not recommend Prague although it is a beautiful city to visit. It is the obvious and heavy drug scene in Prague that prevents me from wanting to return there.

 

In Barcelona, the sauna scene is similar to what is found in Brazil. In fact, as I indicated in my initial post, of the guys working in the saunas, about 70% are Brazilian. Therefore, if you like Brazilians as much as I do, you can still have Brazilians and also visit interesting places in Spain and other parts of Europe. Barcelona and Madrid have awesome history as well as interesting architecture and other things to see. In Barcelona alone, there are more than 55 museums. In Madrid there are slightly fewer.

 

There are many nice four-star hotels near the rent-boy saunas both in Barcelona and Madrid.

 

While the Euro is presently in the tank, so to speak, you might want to schedule a visit to Spain (and surrounding countries).

 

Considering the current low price to exchange Euros, a trip to Spain (including sauna visits and guys) costs about the same (or less) as a similar trip to Brazil.

 

Like I previously wrote, I have no plans to abandon Brazil. I love the place and have made some wonderful friends in that country. I already have a plane ticket to return in late July. However, too much of a good thing sometimes needs a temporary break which I will do this week in Europe.

 

-

[orbital sander]

It is sometimes said that “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.”

 

Along those lines, I just learned that my initial post that opened this thread was copied and posted to the GTB site by another poster who I do not know.

 

I am pleased that the poster thought my post was worthy of being entered into a related site.

 

There was one response to my thread that was copied to the other forum. In the response, the poster mentioned Prague in addition to Madrid and Barcelona.

 

I have been to Prague several times. Prague is nothing like Madrid or Barcelona. I do not recommend Prague although it is a beautiful city to visit. It is the obvious and heavy drug scene in Prague that prevents me from wanting to return there.

 

In Barcelona, the sauna scene is similar to what is found in Brazil. In fact, as I indicated in my initial post, of the guys working in the saunas, about 70% are Brazilian. Therefore, if you like Brazilians as much as I do, you can still have Brazilians and also visit interesting places in Spain and other parts of Europe. Barcelona and Madrid have awesome history as well as interesting architecture and other things to see. In Barcelona alone, there are more than 55 museums. In Madrid there are slightly fewer.

 

There are many nice four-star hotels near the rent-boy saunas both in Barcelona and Madrid.

 

While the Euro is presently in the tank, so to speak, you might want to schedule a visit to Spain (and surrounding countries).

 

Considering the current low price to exchange Euros, a trip to Spain (including sauna visits and guys) costs about the same (or less) as a similar trip to Brazil.

 

Like I previously wrote, I have no plans to abandon Brazil. I love the place and have made some wonderful friends in that country. I already have a plane ticket to return in late July. However, too much of a good thing sometimes needs a temporary break which I will do this week in Europe.

 

-

 

I have made over 20 trips to the Czech Republic, and for the life of me, I cannot get why people go there just to check out Prague. Prague is nice to see for a day (one or two times), but there is so much more outside of Prague in the CR. Chesky Krumlov, Moravia, Lednice Valtice, Plzen, on and on. The gay for pay boys are a tourist trap, and what is fun about crossing Charles Bridge and see young people blitzed out of their minds or watch the heroin addicts lay around Vaclavske namesti on the church steps

 

I get to Ruzyne, get my rental car, and get out of Prague as quick as I can. I would take so many cities in Europe over Prague, and most other places in the CR have more pleasant environments, amazing history and culture...ok rant over:)

[imrthr]

I agree with you about Prague

 

 

I have made over 20 trips to the Czech Republic, and for the life of me, I cannot get why people go there just to check out Prague. Prague is nice to see for a day (one or two times), but there is so much more outside of Prague in the CR.

 

I agree but I have not been there 20 trips. The times I went to Prague I enjoyed the tourism and the sights but the drugged out people on the streets were a turn off to me.

 

 

The gay for pay boys are a tourist trap, and what is fun about crossing Charles Bridge and see young people blitzed out of their minds or watch the heroin addicts lay around Vaclavske namesti on the church steps?

 

 

The hustlers in Prague become very jaded in only a short time working. Those who work out of the bars are just as bad as those who work from the train station. Yuk, who needs them!

 

As you wrote, there are so many other cities in Europe one can visit. (Like in Spain, for example).

.

[Reed]

imrthr, I totally agree. I also love Brazil and try to travel there several times a year. For the last few years I've also been working in trips to Spain, both Madrid and Barcelona. The economics have gotten decidely better this year with the drop in the euro.

 

I was in Rio in January and May, each time staying at the Hotel Atlantico. With the strengthening of the real and inflation, the cost of staying there has more than doubled through the years. I'm leaving for Madrid next week and my hotel there, near the sauna, costs 25% less than the Atlantico and it is infinitely nicer. My luxury hotel in Barcelona in March was similiarly priced, much less than the Atlantico. As you mentioned the saunas are less expensive in Spain and I find the quality of the boys equal to those in the Brazilian saunas....and there is more variety, with the sprinkling of Europeans and North Africans. Besides the saunas, you can visit one of the "house of boys" in Barcelona and Madrid and avoid entrance fees and room costs entirely. There, full service costs 60 euros (approximately $75), slightly more than you'd find in the saunas but maybe a more comfortable atmosphere.

 

Like you, I will continue visiting Brazil, though no longer exclusively. By the way, I've been interested in the observations about Prague. I've never been, but after 5 nights in Madrid, I am flying to Prague for 4 nights. There are posters here and on other sites that love the Prague scene so I'm looking forward to checking it out myself. The hotel I have booked also appears much nicer than the Atlantico and costs considerably less per night.

[imrthr]

 

imrthr, I totally agree. I also love Brazil and try to travel there several times a year. For the last few years I've also been working in trips to Spain, both Madrid and Barcelona. The economics have gotten decidedly better this year with the drop in the euro.

 

I was in Rio in January and May, each time staying at the Hotel Atlantico. With the strengthening of the real and inflation, the cost of staying there has more than doubled through the years. I'm leaving for Madrid next week and my hotel there, near the sauna, costs 25% less than the Atlantico and it is infinitely nicer. My luxury hotel in Barcelona in March was similiarly priced, much less than the Atlantico. As you mentioned the saunas are less expensive in Spain and I find the quality of the boys equal to those in the Brazilian saunas....and there is more variety, with the sprinkling of Europeans and North Africans. Besides the saunas, you can visit one of the "house of boys" in Barcelona and Madrid and avoid entrance fees and room costs entirely. There, full service costs 60 euros (approximately $75), slightly more than you'd find in the saunas but maybe a more comfortable atmosphere.

 

Like you, I will continue visiting Brazil, though no longer exclusively. By the way, I've been interested in the observations about Prague. I've never been, but after 5 nights in Madrid, I am flying to Prague for 4 nights. There are posters here and on other sites that love the Prague scene so I'm looking forward to checking it out myself. The hotel I have booked also appears much nicer than the Atlantico and costs considerably less per night.

 

 

Hi Reed,

 

I enjoyed reading your post. I enjoyed reading it because it was well written and because you are someone who has actually experienced the comparison of costs between Brazil and Spain rather than someone who is disinclined to accept that costs in Brazil have changed over time. I was pleased to read that you have no plans to abandon your future trips to Brazil.

 

I think you are wise to experience Prague for yourself. Obviously, we all have personal likes and dislikes. When you visit Prague for the first time, you can evaluate the city for yourself rather than rely on what another person or persons told you about the city.

 

Although I have no plans to return to Prague, I am not sorry I visited there. It is a beautiful city for sightseeing and history. However, for night life, it does nothing for me because of the heavy drug use of the guys who are available. Not all the guys are into drugs but a good percentage are.

 

Furthermore, the main hustler bar in Prague is little more than a tourist trap. A customer is taken advantage of at any opportunity by the owner and employees.

 

In the four days you have planned for Prague, you will be able to determine if Prague is compatible with your likes. Four days should be sufficient for you to see many of the landmarks of the city. The night life (there are no saunas like in Spain and Brazil) will be interesting but you will know immediately if Prague meets your expectations.

 

I hope you have a grand time in Prague but I suspect you will concur that Spain and Brazil are far more pleasurable than is Prague.

 

By the way, would you mind mentioning the name of the hotel you selected in Madrid? If you prefer not to say, I certainly understand.

 

Cheers,

[gaptoronto]

Hi, Reed:

 

Thanks for sharing the information. Would you mind let me know where I can find the "house of boys" in Barcelona and Madrid. Planning a trip there next month. Many thanks.

 

imrthr, I totally agree. I also love Brazil and try to travel there several times a year. For the last few years I've also been working in trips to Spain, both Madrid and Barcelona. The economics have gotten decidely better this year with the drop in the euro.

 

I was in Rio in January and May, each time staying at the Hotel Atlantico. With the strengthening of the real and inflation, the cost of staying there has more than doubled through the years. I'm leaving for Madrid next week and my hotel there, near the sauna, costs 25% less than the Atlantico and it is infinitely nicer. My luxury hotel in Barcelona in March was similiarly priced, much less than the Atlantico. As you mentioned the saunas are less expensive in Spain and I find the quality of the boys equal to those in the Brazilian saunas....and there is more variety, with the sprinkling of Europeans and North Africans. Besides the saunas, you can visit one of the "house of boys" in Barcelona and Madrid and avoid entrance fees and room costs entirely. There, full service costs 60 euros (approximately $75), slightly more than you'd find in the saunas but maybe a more comfortable atmosphere.

 

Like you, I will continue visiting Brazil, though no longer exclusively. By the way, I've been interested in the observations about Prague. I've never been, but after 5 nights in Madrid, I am flying to Prague for 4 nights. There are posters here and on other sites that love the Prague scene so I'm looking forward to checking it out myself. The hotel I have booked also appears much nicer than the Atlantico and costs considerably less per night.