I've spent a LOT of time in Sao Paulo and never had a problem. it's by far my favorite big city. the energy, the people, the food, and the nightlife are really unrivaled.

that said, I do agree, it's NOT a place to go spend 10 days on vacation unless you know people there or unless you know Portuguese. you DO have to be careful when you go out. leave anything flashy at home, and have the hotel, or wherever you are staying, arrange transportation for you.

Brazilians are, in my opinion, hte warmest, most sincere, and friendliest people there are. if you meet some, and you will, you'll be all set. have fun, take smart precautions, and have a great trip!


QUOTE=RyanMiles;11585129]Dear saint82,

I had the same problem that you had going to Brazil. I heard all of the stories about muggings and violence. My friends said I would end up coming back in a body bag, lol. My main problem was the Brazilian Visa. It's the biggest pain in the a*s. You have to appear at the embassy, they charge like 130 dollars and only payable in cashier's check or money order. You need a photo and the biggest inconvenience of all is that they hold on to your passport for 2 weeks (I almost didn't get the Visa because of this fact ... There was no way I would let someone have my passport for 2 weeks, but I finally relented). Then you have to appear at the embassy to pick it up (make sure you get there early because the line gets huge). (Yes, I know you can pay a passport agency to do it for you, but I'm not paying $200 extra.) It's just awful what they do to you (Yes, I know about "reciprocity"). Also, there is no expediting. After all of that bulls*it, I was like Brazil better be good. Anyways I went in November last year for 4 days. I stayed in Rio for 2 nights and then I flew to Sao Paulo (on Gol Airlines) and stayed there 2 nights. In Rio, I used my Marriott Rewards points at the JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro on Copacabana. (I heard that it's better to stay up in Ipanema, but Copacabana was fine for me.)

Rio is very beautiful in terms of the scenery. I went to Sugarloaf Mountain and took the tram up and I went to the Christ the Redeemer statue (these are spectacular sights, and I definitely need to go back again). I went to a couple gay clubs in Rio that were fun. I went to Le Boy. The music was very good and the guys are very good looking.

The only advice I give you for Rio is that the ATMs close at like 10PM so make sure you have enough cash for the night. Also, take taxis wherever you can because it is safer. Brazil is not like Europe where you can walk around and feel totally safe and carefree. There are a lot of prostitutes and trannies walking the streets, which actually made me laugh. Just keep your eyes peeled. I did not see any muggings but I am sure if you are stupid then you will get mugged. When I got to Rio Airport I couldnt find the ATMs for awhile but I finally found them upstairs hidden in a corner. Almost all were broken except one that I finally got to work. Make sure you take the bus to copacabana and don't take a taxi. The airconditioned bus is only 6 Reals. The taxis charge like 80 Reals and are a rip off.

I flew to Sao Paulo on Saturday because I was mainly there to go The Week. I had read wonderful things about The Week. I thought to myself this better be f*cking good. Anyways, the flight on Gol Airlines was nice and was cheap. I stayed at the Downtown Sao Paulo Hostel. It was an average hostel. I met another gay guy from Canada on the bus to downtown Sao Paulo. We met for dinner and then we went to The Week. It was awesome. The people in Sao Paulo dress up big time and party big time. The music was so good. I left the club at 7am Sunday and the people were still partying. They are insane. Sunday night I went out to Clube A Loca, which is a club that locals go to. At first I was kinda scared because it's like a dungeon. But then I had a couple of drinks and I had a lot of fun. They play a mix of pop and dance music. I met a local and he took me around town and to eat. The people in Brazil are very nice by the way. The guy I met spoke almost perfect English with an American accent. They learn from watching American TV.

Anyways, my suggestion is yes go. The food is great and the scenery is amazing in Rio. The clubbing in Sao Paulo is amazing, even better than Europe. I want to go back, but I want to check out Buenos Aires first. Do not spend 10 days in Sao Paulo. I would suggest the you spend at least 3 nights in Rio and at least 2 nights in Sao Paulo. Make sure you are in Sao Paulo for Saturday night whatever you do so you can go to The Week. There really isn't much to do in Sao Paulo, except for eating out and going clubbing at night so spend minimum time there. Definitely be there Saturday night and possibly Sunday night, then fly home Monday.

If you have any questions please send me a message.

P.S. I didn't go to the Bathhouse in Rio because I didn't have time. In Sao Paulo, I checked out a sauna called Labirinttus 2. It was awful. Does anyone know which ones to go in both Sao Paulo and Rio?[/QUOTE]