tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post6695215032310891160..comments2023-08-13T06:57:11.892-04:00Comments on Monaga: DR vs. Brazil?Santo Domingo Colonial Zone Aptshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12238371732341945647noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-90441033059408583472006-11-19T14:45:00.000-04:002006-11-19T14:45:00.000-04:00Two weeks ago I returned from Brasil (Rio and Sao ...Two weeks ago I returned from Brasil (Rio and Sao Paulo). This was my sixth visit since 2002. I truly love "Mother Brasil" and her people, culture, diversity, and yes, her gorgeous men in all shades, body types, personalities.<br /><br />The crime situation has been escalated; as an African American, I've been taken as being a local. Thus, I've been able to avoid some misfortunes; I guess the way I handled myself in the cities: Rio, Sao Paulo, and Salvador has enabled me to function without encountering any unexpected negatives; I guess if one manages to manuver (sp) in the way that he handles himself in big cities in the States, he will not have any trouble.<br /><br />I went all over Bahia with a tour guide; I also ventured out alone via taxis and walking and managed: the same in Rio but less so in Sao Paulo due to its vast size.<br /><br />Guys, before you go, do your homework; read about the culture, the history, etc. Find out about the gay venues: Rio is more than Point 202 and LeBoy (a gigantic but fun dance club). Check out a lot of good gay websites.<br /><br />If you'd like to know particulars, I am most eager to answer via email.<br /><br />I've traveled to Santo Domingo and plan to return one of these days, but, more than likely, and traveling from the West Coast, I probably will find myself back in Brasil first.<br /><br />...have been all over from Curitiba (the most European of cities in that country to Bahia, the most African, the Amazon, etc. <br /><br />Start planning and find yourself in "Mother Brasil."axiom2001https://www.blogger.com/profile/00739021852838102460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-91899862028256398192006-11-09T23:12:00.000-04:002006-11-09T23:12:00.000-04:00I definitely want to see Rio, too. But, I feel lik...I definitely want to see Rio, too. But, I feel like I'm called to see Bahia especially. Another friend, who learned to speak Portuguese, is in love with Recife. <br /><br />God willing, I will see that country next year.Santo Domingo Colonial Zone Aptshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12238371732341945647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-62663588242383573172006-11-09T18:29:00.000-04:002006-11-09T18:29:00.000-04:00Anthony, you said that you definitely want to get ...Anthony, you said that you definitely want to get to Bahia. Let me advise you to not discount Rio de Janeiro. And when you get there, make it all of your business to visit Point 202 and LeBoy. I guarantee you thee time of your life. LorinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-76131695432721458072006-11-07T16:40:00.000-04:002006-11-07T16:40:00.000-04:00I have been to both places and I agree, it is unfa...I have been to both places and I agree, it is unfair to pit them against each other. They both have different and unique attributes. But I like the topic and discussion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-32142947367987229202006-11-07T13:40:00.000-04:002006-11-07T13:40:00.000-04:00I don't know if being in Rio twice really counts a...I don't know if being in Rio twice really counts as having been in Brazil given the enormous size of the country and its diversity of customs. But one thing that I highly recommend is experiencing New Year's on Copacabana Beach and the Carnaval parades in the Sambodromo at least once in your life. You will not regret it and the memories will live on in your mind forever!<br />From Puerto Rico,<br />RafaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-49337961483862464922006-11-07T07:18:00.000-04:002006-11-07T07:18:00.000-04:00BOTH COUNTRIES HAVE THEIR OWN BENEFITS AND ACTUALL...BOTH COUNTRIES HAVE THEIR OWN BENEFITS AND ACTUALLY CAN NOT BE COMPARED TO EACH OTHER. BRASIL IS IN A LEAGUE ALL BY ITSELF FOR SEVERAL REASONS. THE DR IS EASY TO GET TO. HOWEVER, BRASIL WIN HANDS DOWN. THE CULTURE THERE IS UNBELIEVABLE. THE BOIS ARE FABULOUS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. THE SERVICE YOU RECEIVE IS UNLIKE NO OTHER. THE FLIGHT IS LONG, BUT WORTH EVERY AIR POCKET ONCE YOU LAND. BRASIL IS A MUST AND A TEN DAY VISIT IS WHAT I ADVISE.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-17516319492656394572006-11-06T12:28:00.000-04:002006-11-06T12:28:00.000-04:00I have just been introduced to your blog and let m...I have just been introduced to your blog and let me say how interesting it is. I have been reading past entries to catch up and I want to come down for a visit. And now I want to visit Brazil also. Thanks for this resource and please continue what you do.<br /><br />Respectfully,<br />J.T from MinneapolisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-66104728503695616262006-11-06T02:05:00.000-04:002006-11-06T02:05:00.000-04:00I never imagined that I would travel thousands of ...I never imagined that I would travel thousands of miles away from home and be assaulted….but that is what happened. When thinking of Salvador da Bahia, the word “sensual” comes to mind.<br /><br />Immediately I was seduced by the sun, the tranquility of the Bay and it’s surroundings, then by the zest for life in the people I encountered. True we should not compare the DR and Brazil, after all, they are two distinct places separated by thousands of miles but there was one major difference. The difference is the people of Salvador da Bahia are graciously living their heritage. I realized this through the Candomble woman selling their sweets on the corners, enrobed in glory. Before visiting a holding pen for slaves I said to a friend “we live in an east coast city and walk over history every day, perhaps without even knowing that we are doing so”. When we arrived at the site there was no tourist proclamation engraved in bronze to tell us that this was where slaves were held captive in three or four feet of saltwater, or that they lowered and raised the slaves in and out of this dungeon through a series of holes in the ground. It was simply just there, sobering, underneath the Modelo, intact. I was shown a local market that is still referred to as the African Market. Kids in vacant lots entertained themselves with who could do the highest flip as they practiced Caporeia, One night in Pelohrino, as I stood I watched people hundreds of years old going about their business. On another night it came across through the people moving in tandem while Olodum reminded my body over and over again through the beat of their drums. <br /><br />I didn’t fully realize that Bahia was happening to me until I’d left.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-27026588114907118882006-11-05T16:06:00.000-04:002006-11-05T16:06:00.000-04:00Great post Ant. I have been to both places and lov...Great post Ant. I have been to both places and love them both but for different reasons. I feel each has something different to offer. It's true that I come to the Dominican more than I go to Brazil but then I can go down for a long weekend. I also love Costa Rica which I think is one of the most beautiful countries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-19687798784979139182006-11-05T11:17:00.000-04:002006-11-05T11:17:00.000-04:00As one that went on the Bahia trip and a visitor t...As one that went on the Bahia trip and a visitor to the DR and other caribbean islands....totally different vacations and experiences.<br />Brazil should never been done for less than 10days, it's not cost effective, LOL<br /><br />I don't recall that part of the beach near the hotel where we stayed in Salvador Bahia.Nena Nuyoricanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16378731984254786442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-88107379767117187172006-11-03T23:55:00.000-04:002006-11-03T23:55:00.000-04:00I have been thinking of visiting Brazil. Your pho...I have been thinking of visiting Brazil. Your photos really have cinched the deal. The curfew has really dampened my enthusiasm for SDQ and I am willing to fly a few hours longer in order to not be so repressed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-52025711421027284632006-11-03T21:59:00.000-04:002006-11-03T21:59:00.000-04:00Anthony, a great post. I agree with you that it's...Anthony, a great post. I agree with you that it's hard to compare the two countries, because while they do have some things in common, they're very different. I also always tell people that if they can, don't just visit either Salvador or Rio de Janeiro, but visit both. Even though they're in the same country and share a great deal of history, they're also very different in many distinctive ways, and in both these cities in particular, you see the different aspects of Afro-Brazilian culture. People often leave Rio out when discussing Afro-Brazilian culture, but it's one of the most important sites for Afro-Brazilian popular culture and also one of the cultural capitals of the country. And it's spectacularly beautiful. Bahia is a treasure as well, and always worth visiting and really spending time in. One of the things I hope Curtis and I do is spend more time in each city, but especially Bahia; a number of friends have spent time at the Sacatar Foundation in Bahia, and really gotten a chance to experience the life there not as tourists, but as longer-term residents. I feel like every time we come to DR, we see another aspect of the culture that was hidden, which you don't really get if you're just there for a brief visit.John Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08073378940347627766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13621344.post-63828421876488089852006-11-03T21:17:00.000-04:002006-11-03T21:17:00.000-04:00Hey Anthony. Like you said, comparing the two cou...Hey Anthony. Like you said, comparing the two countries is unfair for a host of reasons. While we love Brazil, the length of the trip makes it impractical for weekend getaways (like you said above). However, given the rising cost of tickets to sdq (continental pushing over 638.00 rt- coach nonetheless) makes those weekend trips fewer and far between.<br /><br />I kind of enjoy the low key-not yet developed-gaylife of sdq. It's a welcome change from time to time. If you get the chance, visit brazil. It's well worth the trip!<br /><br />See you soon.<br /><br />Cthe Allen galleryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08064101135272851599noreply@blogger.com