Gay Travel Guide ad Gets Yanked from LinkedIn
Canada’s XTRA reports, “The professional networking site LinkedIn has pulled an ad for a gay travel guide, claiming it contains “inappropriate content or language.”
“It’s baffling,” says Robert Christofle at Open Mic Press/Icon Empire Press.
Google Ad and Facebook haven’t objected to the ad, Christofle notes. “Out of the three different advertising sites, only LinkedIn has a target gay networking site, and they are the only ones to pull the ad.”
Christofle says he’s been promoting The Gay Travel Guide For Tops and Bottoms on a variety of sites, many of them straight, without incident. But LinkedIn, which has networks ostensibly catering to gay professionals, censored the ad.
Though the book cover contains no overt sexual imagery, the letter A in its title could subtly suggest two people having sex doggy style. “It’s very tongue in cheek,” says Christofle.
LinkedIn says it pulled the ad due to its sexual content.
Read the full article on XTRA
BUY THE BOOK! The Gay Travel Guide For Tops And Bottoms
Air Repair SkinCare Kit
Air Repair is the only travel skin care system created specifically to combat the effects of flying and the environmental changes of travel that take a toll on your skin.
Ceated by Denise Spanek, a renowned skin care expert and acclaimed beauty industry entrepreneur.
Denise owns VIAGE Studio in San Francisco and over the past 2 decades, has built a successful skin care practice by providing clients with customized skin care methodologies.
The Air Repair products were designed to meet the specific issues of skin care for the traveler. – But it also works if you’re skin is feeling fatigued like from a night of sleeplessness or over indulging.
Spanek has researched highly effective skin care brands and successful performance regiments – with the goal of creating her own products that are effective, luxurious, and…effortless.
She says, “ I was doing a lot of international traveling and felt like I was landing looking like a Shar Pei! I realized that out of all the beauty brands to choose from, none of them addressed the issue of flight fatigue and environmental stresses that take a toll on the skin. So, I went on to create a line of comprehensive and streamlined skincare products with targeted ingredients to address these issues.”
Flying takes a toll on your body and your skin. Dry and dehydrated skin, fine lines, redness, dull appearance and irritation are quickly and effectively treated with the kit. The Air Repair Kit contains ground-breaking formulations which are petroleum, mineral oil and paraben free. Targeted ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid (moisture retention), Cloudberry Seed Oil (a powerful anti-oxidant) and Heat Shock Proteins (climate-adjusting) deliver superior results that are ideal for any and all skin types.
Whether in the air or on the ground, Air Repair is the premiere “take care anywhere” skincare kit choice available. Plus, the kit is packaged in a see-through travel bag for carry-on convenience, so it conforms with the 3-1-1 policies. The best part; the PRICE!
Grab & Glow Skin Care Essentials for Travel and Beyond $34.95 for the 5 pack kit –
Air Repair Beauty Boost of mini’s $9.95
Bone Church…A short trip from Prague
Kutna-Hora is a small village located just a few miles east of the Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague.
Kutna-Hora would be a fairly anonymous town were it not for its bizarre, and some might say macabre attraction, THE BONE CHURCH OF KUTNA-HORA. Built in the 12th Century by monks, the Bone Church, or “Ossuary” had a small cemetary, which over the years, soon ran out of burial space.
The monks’ solution?
Decorate the Church with the bones of deceased parishoners.
40,000 human bones–mostly from the plague years in the 14th century–artistically arranged.
Soon, it became a status symbol of sorts to have your bones on display at the Church. Today, visitors climb the winding, craggy hill to view this most unusual of places of worship.
GETTING THERE- A train stops at the town’s Hlavní Nádrazí (main train station); a smaller commuter train will take you onward to local stops. Get off at the first stop, Kutná Hora-Sedlec, and follow the signs to the Kostnice, or ossuary (a 10-minute walk from the main train station).
AFTERWARDS, Back at Kutná Hora-Sedlec, grab another commuter train to the station called Kutná Hora-Mesto, near the old town (or walk–the ossuary is a mile and a half away). Kutná Hora was an ancient center of silver mining and minting. Those riches paid for the stunning Cathedral of St. Barbara, founded in 1388; the flying buttresses and soaring spires make it one of the best examples of late-Gothic architecture in Central Europe.
A three-minute walk down Barborská Street, the Czech Museum of Silver offers tours of the remaining mines and displays of historic coins. When it’s time to recharge, wander over to Dacický Pivnice, where the hearty meat-and-potatoes fare is updated from medieval recipes and the boisterous taproom pours five types of beer–the pilsner is excellent with the buttery roasted trout. Get in a quick game of ninepins in the pub’s backyard before heading over to the creepy Alchemy Museum, devoted to the times when people tried to convert base metals into gold. Finally, for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, pick up a colorful handmade hat by milliners Bára Jelínková and Lucie Franková at the Salon Meluzína.
More details online.
Hocking Hills…SouthEast Ohio’s Hidden Gem of Nature and Waterfalls
Surrounded on three sides by Hocking Hills State Parks, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, in Logan, Ohio, features a setting that puts guests in tune with the harmony of nature, the peace of solitude and the simple joys of the Earth’s beauty. It was beautiful! And they have been green certified, by the Hocking Hills Tourism Assoc. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is THE place you want to make sure you stay at! It is the original, in this area. Over the years, many mom and pop inn’s have sprouted up, but this one is THE BEST. And it has a wonderful history. After two and a half years in the making, the vision became a reality when The Inn opened in 1987. Those two plus years were not without struggle. Located in each room at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, is a brief history of The Inn. It states: “This is not a Pollyanna-glad-girl story, however, the struggle to withstand backbreaking work, mind-bending discouragement, seemingly countless physical, emotional and financial blocks, is a long tale…” A story not unlike many great entrepreneurs. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is distinguished by the 1840′s log houses that are homes to The Inn’s gourmet kitchen, dining rooms and tavern. Constructed with 18-inch wide logs and the original plank floor, the main dining room offers a romantic setting. Outside dining on the gorgeous and lush patio offers guests the opportunity to view hummingbirds at feeders and dine under the stars. The Inn is a barn-like structure housing 9 antique-furnished rooms each with its own private bath. The porch and veranda feature a spectacular view of the Hocking Hills. A large common room is available for guests or business meetings. Ideal for a tranquil romantic getaway, each Hocking Hills Cozy cottage is situated on two acres of natural wooded beauty and has the charming ambiance of a gas log stove and private deck. Relax and unwind in a whirlpool hot tub for two after a day of hiking the Hocking Hills. Sit on the back deck and sip a glass of wine and admire the brilliant evening sky full of stars. The new Rooftop Garden is a 1000-squarefoot rooftop herb and flower garden with walking paths. There is a small gazebo and it is ideal for smaller weddings of up to 20 people. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls provides the PERFECT romantic backdrop for ceremony/dinner/honeymoon. Owner Ellen says, “We’ve created an environment that makes the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls an ideal place for your ceremony. The Inn’s 75 acres is perfectly suited for small, intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. Make your day unique and unforgettable by allowing us to help you envision, create, plan, and fulfill your special day. Your every last wish is delightfully anticipated!” Each season, the Inn, presents a new menu. “We have incorporated Ohio’s vast cultural influences into our style of preparation. Local Ohio products inspired by classic, culinary traditions yield a delicious way to explore our national heritage.” – Breakfast, lunch and dinner’s available. Full bar and extensive wine list.
(Photo Left-Joe Braun)
Hocking Hills Ohio,
where waterfalls, remarkable hiking trails and amazing wildlife await!
We just discovered this hidden gem last month – and WOW! What a treat!
This is a photographers paradise. Hikers will love it. Take a deep breathe of fresh air….and just relax with nature.
Whether it’s antiques, fine art, breathtaking scenery, a hike to Old Man’s Cave or a getaway in a woodland cabin, you’ll find it all just outside Logan in southeast Ohio. Just 60 minutes from the beautiful city of Columbus!
There is so much that makes Hocking Hills State Park unique. Cascading waterfalls, breathtaking cliffs, deep recess caves and forestland as far as the eye can see are just a few distinctive features of the region. And everything to see is FREE.
Located in the picturesque sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio,
The natural history of this region is as fascinating as the caves are beautiful. Here, in these sandstones and shales, one can read Ohio’s history from the rocks. The scenic features of the six areas of the Hocking Hills State Park complex are carved in the Blackhand sandstone. This bedrock was deposited more than 350 million years ago as a delta in the warm shallow sea which covered Ohio at that time. Subsequent millions of years of uplift and stream erosion created the awesome beauty seen today.
And of course, you can still see the erosion at work when the spring rains fill up Queer Creek near Old Man’s Cave and she pours her excess into what is called Cedar Falls.
The Cedar Falls area is where we stayed. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is recognized by SELECT REGISTRY, as one of the distinguished Inns of North America.
Mammoth rock formations, caves and waterfalls native to the Hocking Hills, Ohio region share their breathtaking beauty with the Inn’s charming cottages, log cabins and antique filled bed and breakfast rooms.
It is ran by Ellen Grinsfelder and her husband Terry Lingo. It was Ellen’s mother, Anne Castle who had a vision in Hocking Hills. Anne was a well respected businesswoman who gave up her corporate life to establish a place where the ever-growing number of urban dwellers could retreat to a natural setting.
Over the years, 12 Cozy cottages were added and nestled into the woods, affording privacy and tranquility.
For large groups or just more space, 5 larger renovated, fully equipped 19th Century log cabins feature privacy and cooking facilities. So you really have 3 choices when selecting your place to stay.
Plush robes, fine soap, lotions, and lip balm add an extra touch for cottage guests. Towel warmers and hair dryers are also provided. Fresh baked cookies await your arrival in the cottages.
The Sumac Cottage is handicap accessible. Two Dog Friendly Cottages are Trillium and Yarrow. Children of all ages are welcome in some of the cabins. The rooms and cottages are not set up to accommodate them. Additional features offered in the Supreme Cottages.
And what about a commitment ceremony? The Hilltop Garden is simple, but beautifully landscaped with local flowers, fruit trees and benches. Couples desiring an outdoor wedding make this an ideal setting. It offers sitting or standing room for up to 50 guests.
SPA! AHHHHHHHH. A quiet retreat awaits those seeking the luxury of spa services gently balanced with a closeness to nature. There’s a moment when it all comes together — when you discover the best in yourself. In the middle of your busy schedule, it’s easy to miss these special times that can awaken you to life’s possibilities. Open daily, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers packages, treatments and gift certificates for men, women, couples and groups.
The Inn continues to grow and review its mission, constantly evolving. It’s idea has remained the same throughout 23 years of operation. Simply put, it says, “We are a Country Inn in a peaceful, natural setting, where people can connect with the earth and universe. We are dedicated to high standards — standards of Excellence. We have committed ourselves to quality food, quality surroundings, quality service and quality employees.”
WHEN TO GO? Pretty much anytime during the year. In the winter it’s like a wonderland, in the summer it looks like something us city dwellers, only see in magazines. Witness the fall colors in Autumn or the magic of the holiday season.
Insider hint – WEEKDAYS are better than weekends, in my opinion. It is less busy.
Editors note – No TV or computers here. This is about GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL! ESCAPE! There is wi-fi available in the main building, should you absolutely feel the need to check in with the rat race!
Hocking Hills Official site
Hocking Hills State Park
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls
Inn’s and Spa’s Special Event Calendar
Hidden Arrival and Departure Travel Fees
Argentina: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. The entry fee will be collected at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and is payable in pesos, US dollars, credit card and travelers checks. For complete details with regard to the entry fee, visit migraciones.gov.ar/ Belize: $20 Bolivia: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency upon checking in for flight Brazil: None (Included in ticket price). Chile: Fee to be paid in USD, Visa, Master Card or American Express upon arrival at customs. For US passport holders, this fee is currently $131 per person and is good for the validity of the passport. Costa Rica: $26 to be paid in USD, major credit card, or local currency prior to checking in with the ticketing booth. Ecuador: Mexico: The Mexican airport departure tax of approximately $20-30 will be collected at the airport as you leave for home if it is not already included in your ticket. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Mexican Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Panama: Passport required. U.S citizens are required purchase a tourist card in the amount of $30 at the airport in Panama City before clearing customs. Peru: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency after check-in before entering gate area Uruguay: $31 (if it is not already included in your ticket) to be paid in USD after check-in, before entering gate area. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Uruguayan Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Jordan: JD 5 ($7 approximately) for land crossing from Jordan to Israel (Arava South Border, Sheikh Hussein North Border and King Hussein Bridge/Allenby Bridge). There are no departure taxes when departing via an international airport. Cambodia International Flights: $25 per Adult, $13 per child under 12, and Infants under 2 are exempt, to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Cambodia Domestic Flights: $6 per person to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Indonesia International Flights: 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Indonesia Domestic Flights: 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Nepal: Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1356 per person (approx. 19 USD). The departure tax in Katmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and Prior to checking in to the flight. New Zealand: $17 to be paid upon checking in for international flight from New Zealand.
DID YOU KNOW…..
Some foreign airports may charge you an ARRIVAL FEE or DEPARTURE FEE?
The biggest are Argentina, U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. And also Chile, this fee is currently $131!
Other fees…..
Central and South America
Mediterranean
Asia
Pacific
Gay Travel to Havana Cuba Growing
A new revolution is quietly brewing in Havana, Cuba which could make it the next great gay travel destination. Even more surprising is our visit to Café Cantante, behind the National Theatre on the highly symbolic Plaza of the Revolution. Tonight is the one-year anniversary of a disco night called El Divino attended by hundreds of men and a handful of women.” Cuban restaurants have traditionally been dismal, however this is changing rapidly. You can expect to pay eight to fifteen dollars for an entree and not much more than three dollars for a drink in an upscale restaurant Public antipathy towards LGBT people is high, reflecting regional norms. This has eased somewhat since the 1990s. Educational campaigns on LGBT issues are currently implemented by the National Center for Sex Education, headed by Mariela Castro.
Only two hundred miles from Miami, the gay scene in Havana is beginning to sizzle after years of repression. Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela, has even participated in a gay rights march and Brokeback Mountain has been seen on government television.
FENUXE reports, “While gay life is still largely underground, one of the most amazing scenes occurs every night in Havana starting at about 11:00 pm where La Rampa Street and the Malecon, an ocean front walk, intersect. On weekends you’ll see hundreds of guys strolling, chatting, and playing guitars all night until the sun rises. Talk to the right people and you’ll get an invitation to one of the private home parties that pop up in different locations throughout the week.”
MONAGA site says, “Our destination is a bar called Habaneciendo where the marquee advertises, “Estrellita Jaime Jimenez.” Gay Cuban men of all ages fill the small space until the show begins with Chantal, a cross between Dolly Parton and Wonder Woman, who persuades the audience to sing along while tucking plenty of money down the front of her dress.
Six years ago, on my last visit to Cuba, this scene would have been unthinkable. Back then, most parties were illegal and were held in semi-secret locations under the constant threat of police raids.
Havana is a great walking city and a photographer’s paradise. The architecture is stunning. There is a wide diversity of art, music and museums which could take weeks to explore.
Put this on your watch list!
Tell us if you have been here yet…..
Gay Travel to Prague – Still Wonderful and Affordable
“I considered it my duty to secure that the minority’s right to be tolerated did not end in front of the mayor auspices’ gate,” Svoboda added. Dancing House has daring, curvy outlines, which led its architects, Vlado Milunc and the American Frank O Gehry, to initially name it the “Astaire & Rogers Building”, after the legendary dance duo. The top floor of Dancing House is home to one of the city’s leading restaurants, Celeste Restaurant. Diners can enjoy delightful cuisine and magnificent views over the river and up to Prague Castle. You can have a lovely prix fixe lunch there for about $32 US. Dinner Tasting Menus can run $100. Wine here can run $10+ a glass EASILY. But the atmosphere and views are worth it. The hotel is situated in historical building and besides the unique design and comfort it also offers a great location – only 1 minute walk to Wenceslas Square and 3 minutes from Old Time Square. With its 11 boutique rooms, Jewel Hotel offers a high-end LUXURY design accommodation for sophisticated customers. Each room in Jewel Hotel has a unique personal atmosphere. The Café and Restaurant with breakfast service are located on the ground floor. Prague represents a unique collection of historical monuments dominated by the Prague Castle which towers high above the city. It is a display of all artistic styles and movements. More than 20 years after the fall of communism and the Velvet Revolution, the popularity of Prague (Praha in Czech) as one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations shows no signs of slowing down. And while it’s no longer the travellers’ bargain it was in earlier days, the Czech capital’s combination of a thrilling history and glorious architectural overachievement remains as compelling as ever. It is still much much cheaper than say London or Paris, both of which are on the Euro!
PRAGUE PRIDE
is happening for the first time this week! Wish we were there….but we were just in Prague in June, and then went over to Budapest Pride. (American Airlines now flies JFK to Budapest. Then we got a small plane to get over to Prague).
It was our third time in Prague and we just love it there. Prague got a lot of bad press this last week as the President of the Czech Republic and Deputy Chancellor made some very negative comments towards the gay community and gay pride.
HOWEVER, Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (Civic Democrats, ODS) said last night he will NOT withdraw the auspices he granted to the August 13 Prague Pride march of homosexuals! Kudos to him!!
But back to why we love Prague…it’s beauty, it’s people and it’s still a terrific travel value for the US dollar.
The official currency used in Prague, the Czech Republic, is the Czech crown (Kč, CZK). The Czech Republic has slowly been preparing itself for its transition to the euro, which is expected to happen around ….who knows when?! Some rumors say it may never happen. Some countries that have transitioned to the Euro, are not happy they did so.
Nonetheless, it is already common today that many shops and restaurants will accept payment in euros (but the exchange rate is less favorable than in exchange bureaus), or even in U.S. dollars. SO BE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR MONEY TO CZK.
For instance, we saw one sign that said entry was $10 US or 100 CZK or 10 Euro.
10 euro is about $14 and 100CZK is about $6 in US. So CZK is always the best way to pay.
There are many exchange bureaus in the Czech Republic. Exchange services are of course provided by banks and at most hotel receptions, but the exchange rates are not very good. The best exchange rates are offered by private exchange offices, but you should always compare their current rates and fees that may apply. There are a few really good ones right in/near Old Town that charge 0% fee. I feel it is best to take US dollars over there and exchange them over there. Your credit card and bank cards WILL CHARGE fee’s to withdraw and convert the money for you. Chase charges $14 in fee’s for every $300 you withdraw!
There are so many reasonable places to eat and drink. Especially if you like beer or wine. Many places offer beer and wine for $2 ! Mixed drinks will cost a lot more. $6-$10 on average.
On this recent trip, we wanted to go somewhere 5 star…a little on the fancy side. Dancing House (Tančící dům) occupies a fine position by the Vltava River. This stunning building, constructed between 1992-1996, is somewhat of a rarity in Prague; a modern, glass building surrounded by historic architecture.
One of our favorite restaurants is right in the gay district. CELEBRITY CAFE serves up amazing good food for breakfast lunch and dinner. A swell-elegant gay restaurant in heart of the Vinohrady nightlife district, right next to Club Valentino, Celebrity Cafe (Vinohradska 40, 420 222 511 343) is a wonderful, atmospheric place with a couple of rooms lighted by candle and dim lamps, fun-kitschy faux-leopard walls and chairs, gilt mirrors, cozy round tables, and disco balls – it’s a study in high camp, yet it’s surprisingly cozy and tasteful. In warm weather they have a great outdoor patio and sit on the street and watch the boys going by.
Two people can eat and drink like a king (or queen) for less than $30US. Excellent!
Another favorite spot we LOVE is PIZZERIE ROMA UNO – which is near Alacatraz bar/club. AMAZINGLY good thin crust pizza and very tasty beef carpaccio. And open 23 hours! (They close for 1 hour) I think this is the ONLY place in Prague serving food and drinks round the clock. Jagellonska 16, Prague 3 , Tel: 222 714 154
We love it here. And so affordable!
Sauna’s / Bath Houses are very big in Europe, and Prague is no exception. A favorite of our is Sauna Babylonia. It’s big, it’s clean, it’s nice, people are very friendly. It’s about $12 US entry fee and they offer a full service bar inside.
Leaving the Sauna one evening, we were hungry and just 2 blocks away found this amazing hidden gem of a restaurant/cafe called JEWEL. Delicious food and great wines. Very reasonable and 5 star presentation. The aroma’s wafting out into the streets lured us in. We’ll that, and the hunky blonde waiter standing in the doorway!
Jewel Café Bar and Restaurant is a place that will absorb you with its uniqueness and ambient atmosphere. More than 10,000 crystals will attract your eyes. Sense of smell and taste will be satisfied with modern cuisine. Every two months you can look forward a new menu prepared by their chefs. Similarly, famous cocktails and special collections of Martinis will fulfil your passion for taste.
So on our third meal there we had the opportunity to met the manager Jakub, who gave us a tour of the attached Jewel boutique hotel! Which we had no idea was even there!
Jewel – design boutique hotel (U Klenotníka) was originally built as an old bourgeoisie house. Some of the original brickwork from the beginning of 13th century can be found in it’s basement. Over the centuries the house was been rebuilt many times and therefore many architectural styles can be found here.
The gold painted ceiling with the motifs of jewels in the ground floor is very unique and is also heritage listed. This decoration was created at the beginning of the 20th century when a prestigious jeweler come into the building. The repair of the crown jewels of Czech Monarchs was one of his many commissions. Therefore the name – Jewel (U Klenotníka).
The whole building was reconstructed and turned into a hotel in 1994. The house kept it’s historical look, but at the same time it is elegantly furnished with modern interior and some art pieces of contemporary artist were installed. very nice indeed!
On this most recent trip, we stayed with our dear friend Joseph Brewster who owns Club Temple and Hotel Temple. And now Little Temple bar, right next door. It’s in a great convenient location. Seifertova 32/3, 130 00 Praha 3. Close to Old Town and close to the gay district, plus lots of hot young gay guys – and straight guys, all over the neighborhood.
Temple is like staying in someone’s home, not a hotel. And it has a very “old world” feel. Old Europe. Huge ceilings! (15ft?) and big large windows, which you never see in a hotel. There is a large community dining room and a TV area and lounge area also for you to enjoy. They offer a selection of suites and standard rooms to match all tastes and budgets. The friendly and helpful staff are on hand to take care of your every need round the clock, 24/7.
Downstairs is a big nightclub – but you never hear the music in your room, not to worry. Club Temple has superb state of the art sound and lightshow, along with live DJ’s playing a wide variety of music both old and new. The interior is like being inside an ancient stone Temple. Very cool!
The nightclub is open in the evenings, and during the day, there is Little Temple, right next door, where many locals come and have afternoon and early evening drinks.
I love Prague for it’s amazing architecture. In 1992 the historical core of the city covering 866 hectares was listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register.
While the city centre is a mélange of stunning architecture, from Gothic, Renaissance and baroque to neoclassical, art nouveau and cubist, beyond the medieval lanes of the Old Town and the Castle District, there’s an entire other cosmopolitan city to explore. Search out the riverside parks, lively bars and beer gardens, music clubs, museums and art galleries! The people are nice and welcoming and there are many gay establishments.
There is so much to talk about, we could go on for pages!
More soon!
Prague Tourism GAY PAGE
Prague Tourism regular pages
GOGOBOT Makes Travel Fun and Different
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Whether it is a week’s vacation, a business trip or a weekend getaway, we believe planning your trip should be almost as fun as the trip itself. We believe the best advice comes from people you trust – people like you – and not from anonymous strangers on the internet. We believe sharing your experiences should be as simple as touching the screen on your phone. We are passionate about technology and design and their power to reshape our world for the better.”
Gogobot Makes Foursquare and Facebook Check-ins Travel-Worthy
Gogobot is a travel website that makes it easy for people to find and get recommendations from friends about what to do and where to stay while traveling in specific destinations. People can ask a question to their friends on Gogobot or ask all their Facebook friends and Gogobot pulls the answers back and organizes the information into a travel plan, with the addresses, phone numbers and other information about specific attractions, restaurants, hotels, and the like.
Gogobot basically does what services like TripAdvisor should have already been doing–giving you reviews of travel destinations from your trusted friends, rather than having you rely on the advice of strangers. It’s something that Yelp has done for local businesses, though Yelp is not as much a travel service.
A Gay Ol’ Time in the South of France by Guest Author Davey Wavey and GayTravel.com
Special Guest Author:
I just got back from a week-long Pilates adventure in the south of France, and I have only one word: Wow.
Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about the trip. For one, it was a group trip with planned day excursions—something I’ve never done. Second, as someone who enjoys warm, friendly people, I was put off by the reputation of rudeness that the French people seemed to have earned. Third, the trip was gay—and the idea of being surrounded by a group of gay men for a week was nothing short of overwhelming.
In my mind, group trips were to travel what McDonald’s is to food. Everything seemed packaged, processed and lacking flavor. I was wrong; traveling with friends-to-be enhanced the trip several-fold. As someone who has only traveled alone, I quickly realized that group trips are safe, easier and free from logistics. All the work was done for us. We’d start each day with a Pilates class and the hop of the van for the day’s adventures. There was no thinking, planning or fretting over maps. It was all the fun of traveling without the stresses and tensions.
When it comes to rudeness, the reputation of the French people precedes them. I anticipated upturned noses and well-honed attitudes, but found only warm, loving and hospitable people. In fact, shopkeepers, waiters and residents alike were all genuine and friendly. After buying some cheese, a storeowner gave us some free samples of her Parmesan frits for the car ride home. Another, a complimentary bottle of wine to serve with dinner. Maybe it’s different in Paris—but the south of France is teeming in good energy and loving people. I couldn’t help but think that some sort of cosmic karma was at work; if you are warm and friendly, people will tend to mirror that back to you. Maybe a smile really can go a mile.
Not only was the trip a group experience, but it was also gay. Very gay. The trip was organized by a husband-husband team and all the vacationers were gay men. That’s a lot of gay, and the idea of being surrounded by so much gayness seemed a bit overwhelming—but my hesitation proved to be unfounded. The organizers were incredible and each of the vacationers brought something amazing to the experience. We bonded over our gayness, and it was insightful and empowering to hear the stories of our varied experiences and across different generations. We made something of a community within a community, and I’ll cherish the connections we forged.
The moral of the story is pretty-straight forward:
Challenge yourself, what you believe and what you’ve been told. Despite the concerns of myself or others, my Pilates adventure in the south of France proved to be one of the best vacations of my life. If you’ve never taken a gay group trip, do it. And if you’re looking for a place to visit, I hear that the French people are very friendly.
Gay Key West – Island House Celebrates 35 Years with Sweepstakes
the longest continuously operated gay guesthouse in the world, proudly announces its 35th anniversary in business and its 10th anniversary under its current owners, Jon Allen and Martin Kay, who transformed it into a leader among the world’s premier gay guesthouses.
To mark this milestone, Island House is offering all 39 rooms at $13, the price it charged when it opened in 1976, for the night of June 25, 2012. The special offer is available exclusively through a special sweepstakes. 39 winners will be chosen randomly among those who complete the entry form at http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/141910. Sweepstakes participants are also encouraged (but not required) to “like” Island House Key West at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-House-Key-West-Gay-Hotel-Resort/56402142064 and post a comment with the phrase “35 and fabulous.” The offer is valid through midnight on Labor Day (September 5, 2011).
Island House Key West began operating as a modest, 16-room all-men’s guesthouse in 1976. When Allen and Kay took possession in the late ’90s, the ramshackle 39-room guesthouse sprawled languidly across several dilapidated buildings, sorely in need of abundant TLC.
“We are honored to have served more than 125,000 guests in more than a third of a century,” says Allen, “We’ve never rested on our laurels. We pride ourselves on our focus on customer satisfaction and professional, attentive service. We’ve invested well over two and a half million dollars since purchasing the property. If you haven’t visited us recently, come see all that’s new at Island House Key West.”
After a massive investment of capital and time, they unveiled the new and much improved Island House Key West in 2001, transforming it into Key West’s most luxurious and pampering oasis for men. Having spent $2.5 million in award-winning upgrades over the past decade, Island House is unmatched in its class. Recent upgrades and renovations include:
Transformed rooms with new ceilings, walls, floors, furniture, bathrooms and beds;
The poolside Café and Bar, including an extensive wine list, serving continuously 24/7;
A well-equipped gym and health club with Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna;
Spa services available at the resort or en suite;
An extensive clothing-optional sundeck on the 2nd floor with a refreshing misting system; and
One of the highest staff-to-guest ratios among any resort in Key West.
With rates ranging from $124 in low season to $529 for the largest suite in high season, the resort is packed with upscale amenities at rates far less than comparable mainstream hotel properties, including: WiFi throughout the property, parking (as available), coffee, tea, an evening social hour (with wine and cocktails) and purified water – all available on a complimentary basis. The luxurious value offered by the resort has been noted in the foremost LGBT travel media, which has bestowed the following accolades:
“Best gay resort in the world” (OutTraveler.com)
“Gay travel’s first five-star resort” (Passport Magazine)
“Four Crowns,” their highest rating (Spartacus Hotel Guide)
In parallel with Island House’s stunning transformation, Key West has also undergone a quiet metamorphosis. America’s most beautiful tropical island is becoming a must-stop destination for connoisseurs of sophisticated yet relaxed tropical getaways boasting dozens of casual yet topnotch new dining spots; urbane wine bars and cocktail lounges; new galleries and performance spaces; and luxurious new mainstream hotel resorts.
“Come experience the new-and-improved Key West,” says Steve Smith, Sales Manager at Florida Keys Tourism. “Just be sure to sample a little of what makes this a special destination for LGBT visitors, like our hot gay bars and clubs, snorkeling and kayaking adventures, Fantasy Fest, Gay Spring Break, Key West Gay & Lesbian Visitors Center and Tennessee Williams Museum, the AIDS Memorial, and more.”
To book, call 800-890-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.
Join the online discussion with Island House Key West:
Sweepstakes entry form
FACEBOOK PAGE
Twitter @IslandHouseKW
Curacao Jazz Fest in September 2011
Selected as one of the ‘Top 21 Places We’re Going in 2011’ by Fodor’s, one of the ‘Hottest Destinations for 2011’ by AOL Travel and one of the ‘Destinations to Watch in 2011’ by SmarterTravel, Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic mix of history and culture. Explore the vibrant, culturally diverse capital city of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. Indulge in Curaçao’s vast selection of flavorful restaurants, with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines.
Time is running out for travelers to reserve a spot at the hottest concert series of the season, the highly-anticipated second annual Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, September 2-3, 2011! This year, the star-studded line-up already has many hotels across the island almost completely booked, but some limited rooms and packages are still available at hotels, including the Plaza Hotel Curaçao & Casino, Atlantis Diving & Apartments, Royal Sea Aquarium Resort and Breezes Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino.
Acclaimed Jazz musician Branford Marsalis and his quartet have been added to the A-list line-up of musicians performing this year. Marsalis will join 16-time Grammy award-winner Sting and 25-time Grammy award-winner Stevie Wonder, who are headlining the sizzling, soulful event.
Marsalis, a three-time Grammy award-winner and brother of famed jazz artist Wynton Marsalis, will bring his world-renowned sounds to the World Trade Center Curaçao in Piscadera Bay, where the event will be held. Two of the Branford Marsalis Quartet albums, Braggtown and Eternal, have been nominated for Grammys.
“Our incredible line-up of iconic award-winning artists, including Stevie Wonder, Sting and now the Branford Marsalis Quartet, will be a huge draw for this year’s Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival,” says Curaçao Tourist Board Marketing Manager North America André Rojer. “Building on the success of last year’s Festival, this year’s event is sure to heighten awareness of Curaçao as the hottest island in the Caribbean, as evidenced by the many hotels that are already fully booked for the Festival dates.”
Having recently been named one of the ‘Best Islands in the Caribbean for Bar-Hoppers’ by The Huffington Post, it is no surprise that Curacao and its Festival have attracted so many followers. Living up to its title, the island’s popular party spot Mambo Beach will transform into a week-long music-inspired, social extravaganza, with pop-up concerts and events happening every day until the kickoff of the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.
The first-class jazz and blues concert series will also incorporate soul, rock and Latin music this year with performers including Dionne Warwick, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ruben Blades, Roberto Fonseca, Juan Luis Guerra, Terence Blanchard, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Poncho Sanchez, Danilo Perez Trio, Levi Silvanie, Chucho Valdes Afro Cuban & Messengers and Ronchi Matthew.
Day passes for this year’s event are priced at $185 and may be ordered online at www.curacaonorthseajazz.com. For more information on Curaçao or to book your trip to the 2011 Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, please visit Curacao.com.
Discover Curaçao’s abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling at secluded beaches – including Cas Abao Beach, selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011’ by SmarterTravel. Curaçao offers idyllic weather, situated on the fringe of the Hurricane Belt. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curacao.com. To request a FREE Curaçao information package click here or call toll free 1.800.328.7222.
Confused by Foreign Menus? New Food App will Help!
Guay tiaw khua kai. ???
A visit to Thailand has unearthed this dish on a menu. Is it tastebud-tingling spicy? Does it include parts of an animal one has never considered eating before? Is it an appetizer, main course, or dessert, or for that matter, is it animal, vegetable, or mineral?
The new free MyCityCuisine app now available through iTunes answers these questions and more. This informative, interactive app provides descriptions and photos of traditional local dishes from cities around the globe.
After downloading the app on iTunes, users can search for local dishes from over 66 cities, with more cities added weekly. Each dish includes a description that lists the main ingredients and other interesting facts such as its history and distinctive characteristics. Colorful photos also accompany each dish, which will make mouths water in anticipation!
Dishes are organized into several easy-to-navigate categories, and users can search either by city or by the name of a dish. The app is a mobile companion of the web-based MyCityCuisine.org, a Wiki project, and content is provided by contributors from all over the world.
In addition to learning all about local cuisine, app users can help add to this already extensive foodie directory by voting for their favorite dish or submitting comments about dishes tried — love ‘em or hate ‘em. The app also makes it easy to upload photos of dishes and post them for all users to see. If a dish isn’t included, users can report it to MyCityCuisine, so the community can contribute information on the dish.
Armed with the MyCityCuisine app, on their next visit to a new city, visitors will know exactly what local dishes to try in order to satisfy their culinary curiosity. And as for Guay tiaw khua kai, it’s a delicious stir-fry noodle dish with chicken and egg, seasoned with a light sauce. A must-try taste of Thai cuisine!
HOW COOL IS THAT?!
Gay Travel Tips from David Bromstad and Passport Magazine
HGTV’s David Bromstad has been adding color to our lives since 2006, when he won
the first season of the network’s Design Star competition show.
His popular
interior makeover program, Color Splash, begins its seventh season in July,
2011. David resides in Miami, where he currently lives
with a boyfriend of almost seven years and their French bulldog, Dozer. – We met David last year in Chicago – he is just as charming as you imagine he would be!
He tells PASSPORT MAGAZINE this month…
You can own any hotel room in the world, which
would it be and why?
Of course I love Miami. I’ll have to say The
Setai’s presidential suite. It’s 10,000 square feet, $30,000 a night, and the
pool up there overlooking the ocean is unbelievable. The design is really classy
and classic and a little bit of Asian overtone— very contemporary.
If you were hired to make over an airline, which fashion designer would
you bring along to create the outfits?
Oh, Dolce & Gabbana for
sure.
What is your number one travel tip?
I would say, be prepared. Always bring
something to read and liquids to drink onto the flight because you don’t know
what you’re going to get served, when, or how often. If you’re in coach, they’re
going to come by once with a tiny little cup of water and that’s not going to
last you a four, five, or six-hour trip. If I’m flying coach I always bring
food, water, drinks, and lots of stuff to do.
Read More at PASSPORT.
Gay Travel to Playa Del Carmen Mexico
Just 60 kilometers from Cancun, a similar distance from the archaeological Maya site of Tulum, is Playa del Carmen, an old fishermen’s suitege known as Xaman H’a in the Maya language.
Playa, as it is called by its inhabitants and visitors, has now become the second most popular destination on the on the Riviera Maya. Look at that water!!
Playa del Carmen provides everything one could wish for in a Caribbean location with all the amenities that international travelers require, as well as smaller personalized establishments, numerous bars and discotheques, shopping centers, restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine, cultural centers, water sports and golf.
It is a fascinating town that attracts visitors from all over the globe who want to see for themselves what it’s all about: to immerse themselves in its atmosphere, feeling the soft white sand underfoot, enjoying the bohemian nightlife on sandy shores and listening to waves break on the beach of Playa del Carmen as they sip a tropical drink. Young people all over the world identify it as the place to go to get to know other cultures and ways of life.
Playa del Carmen lures painters, musicians, dancers and poets looking for ways to leap the boundaries of the every day and enter a fantastic universe, where ideas flow like rivers and creativity springs inspired by nature. The streets of Playa del Carmen are the favorite stage for anyone with a mission: folk dancers, concheros in pre-Hispanic costumes executing their mystic ritual dance, street performances, strolling minstrels who narrate local legends and artisans working at their craft to the fascination of passers-by.
All along its busy promenades lined with handcrafted stores a mere sampling of Mexican and International creativity and on the city’s famous Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue, meeting place of extravagant characters, visitors can taste the delicious local dishes at any of numerous sidewalks cafes, where a marimba, trio from Veracruz or heavy rock band entice diners inside. Playa del Carmen, once a sleepy fishing suitege, ensconced in the very heart of the Riviera Maya, Mexico is now one the fastest growing communities in the world. Playa del Carmen has a first-class hotel infrastructure and all the services of a cosmopolitan tourism destination.
On the horizon, the hazy outline of the legendary island of Cozumel beckons. Regularly scheduled ferries take visitors from Playa del Carmen to the Mexico’s largest island and world renowned diving site, where turquoise blue waters entice divers to discover the coral wonders hidden beneath the surface.
Playa del Carmen has been transformed in recent years in the most popular destination for the gay community. This Mexican paradise offers the gay community all the services necessary for their stay, from hotels, restaurants, private beaches, bars and discos. Mexico is considered a destination gayfriendly, and Playa del Carmen is adding gay clubs and restaurants, all the time.
TO STAY – we recommend Acanto Boutique Hotel, known as one of the best boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen. Set behind Hacienda style gates and built around a lush tropical courtyard with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sun decks and chaise lounges for sunbathing, we offer a cozy Romantic yet family friendly atmosphere where their experienced staff will cater to your every need.
All of the guestrooms are very deluxe! And include Full kitchens, Granite counter tops, air conditioning, ceiling fans, Plazma TVs and phones, balconies or terraces and private bathrooms. There is free wireless Internet access in the lobby area, free on-site parking beach club access and discounted Gym and spa rates.
Just one block from the beach which is adorned with miles of powdery white sand and clear blue waters and just 1/2 block from Playa’s popular 5th Avenue which offers an array of shopping and dining experiences!
Playa del Carmen, magic, eclectic and yet steeped in tradition is the doorway to those who want to enjoy the natural beauty and culture of the Mayan World, explore the region, mingle with its people and discover the parks of the Riviera Maya.
Today, the new alternative to traditional tourism is eco-adventure travel that offers everything from walks through exuberant jungles to millenary cenotes (sinkholes) and Mayan suiteges, cave diving in the underground river system to solitary lagoons, refuge of monkeys and other marvelous wildlife.
Try it! You will love it!
Playa Del Carmen Acanto Boutique Hotel
Buenos Aires Argentina Still Leader in LGBT Gay Travel…but More of Latin America is Expected to Follow
Latin American cities
jockey for gay tourists
For the last few years, Buenos Aires has been growing in popularity with gay travelers. Plus, will the fall of the Peso, it is super affordable!
It is estimated that this year, 20% of the travel revenue flowing into Argentina, is from LGBT travelers.
Global Post writes, “Rio de Janeiro is trying to lure tourists with pictures of muscular men.
But the brochure, with the slogan “live the Rio sensation,” isn’t aimed at women.
It’s for gay men.
And it’s part of an effort by Rio to position itself as the global capital of gay tourism.
Brazil is the largest nation to recognize same-sex civil unions and this week marks Rio’s inaugural diversity week. It follows months of gay-friendly initiatives, including vocational training for transvestites, anti-bullying projects aimed at gay and lesbian students and legislation outlawing discrimination in nightclubs.
The country is hoping that its openness will also prove a moneymaker, drawing gay men — and their money — from around the world. Last year 25 percent of Rio’s tourists, or about 880,000 people, were gay, reports the Guardian.
But Rio isn’t the first Latin American city to try to lay claim to the gay tourist market.
After Argentina legalized same-sex marriages, Mexico City offered a free honeymoon to the first couple of wed under the new law.
Last year, the city opened an office that caters to gay tourists with the goal of turning Mexico City into the No. 1 gay-friendly destination in Latin America, reported CNN.
And Buenos Aires isn’t about to give up its reputation as a gay mecca. Last year Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage.
Gay tourism makes up about 20 percent of overall tourism to the country, according to the tourism ministry.
“Whichever angle you look at — be it travel, be it where you stay, be it dancing tango — there’s everything for gays now,” said Welsh tourist Kalervo Barker. “We we gays tourists feel really comfortable here.”
There is an informative video at Global Post, worth watching.
Rail Europe LGBT Discount to FAB FOUR
The “Fab Four” deal gives travelers a 10% discount on rail passes to European countries well known for gay and lesbian travel. The “Fab Four” countries are Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Germany.
These “fab four” countries are well-known as top destinations for charming gay and lesbian travelers. Switzerland has a lively gay scene and offers travelers an exciting mix of bars and restaurants, shopping, and beautiful sites. Denmark also extends a warm welcome to gay and lesbian travelers, as it was the first country to fully recognize same sex marriages. The Netherlands and Germany aim to celebrate gay pride at its finest as well, with Amsterdam and Hamburg’s biggest gay pride festivals taking place in August.
Offering travelers easy and seamless travel throughout these destinations, Rail Europe’s ‘Fab Four’ promo is valid for more than 25 of Rail Europe’s rail passes. Whether you’re savoring Germany’s best brews, gliding along the Swiss Alps, biking around beautiful Amsterdam, or enjoying bustling Copenhagen, Rail Europe offers the best way to travel around Europe’s most iconic gay destinations this summer.
Not only are there wonderful events happening all the time in these fab countries, but the gay and lesbian nightlife and overall acceptance of gay people makes them wonderful travel destinations. Check out Passport Magazines World Beat section for events you can check out while hopping from country to country.
The rail system runs throughout Europe, making travel between these countries quick and easy. Flaunt your spontaneity, hop on a train, and make your own unforgettable gay tour of Europe.
Gay Pride Around The World
Top Pride Festivals Around The World In honor of National Gay Pride Month!
The following list will help travelers decide what European pride festivals they won’t want to miss this summer:
Sao Paulo , Brazil
The Sao Paulo Gay Pride Parade is still the largest of its kind on the planet.
The Parada do Orgulho GLBT de Sao Paulo, in Portuguese, has grown from 2,000 participants in 1997 to 3 mi. the 2000’s. They made to the Guinness Book in 2006 for the world’s biggest Gay Pride celebration. 4 million people are expected for 2011! Main event is June 26th. GAY PRIDE BRAZIL.
Amsterdam is probably one of the most exciting!
Gay Pride Amsterdam is the yearly highlight for gay Amsterdam. This year the main Amsterdam Pride weekend will be from August 4-7th, 2011.
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.
The Red Light District doesn’t hold a candle to the debauchery that is the Amsterdam Pride Festival. G, L, B, T, whatever you are, there’s a party going on during the festival that celebrates every person flying under the rainbow flag.
Berlin Germany.
Berlin Gay Pride 2011:in Germany called CSD (Christopher Street Day). Destination of the parade and closing event at the world-famous Brandenburger Tor. Events take place the last weekend of June.
Traditionally, there have been gay areas in the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg (both in the western part of Berlin) as well as in Prenzlauer Berg (eastern part). Recently, the district of Friedrichshain developed as another area with a couple of gay-friendly clubs and restaurants. Most of the gay hotels, bars, cafes and shops in Berlin are located in the Schöneberg district (which had dance halls for men already back in the 1920s).
Stolz ist höchste. Pride is supreme—that’s the feeling anyone traveling to Berlin might have if visiting during the second half of June. It can be a zoo (quite literally, as Zoo Berlin hosts a gay night with a swing dance party during the event). In addition, the Schöneberg district doesn’t disappoint with dancing in the streets throughout the festival. Berlin Pride.
London
London is a Mecca for pride festivals. The calendar of events is measured in weeks, not days, and it’s jam-packed with fun. This year, Soho will come alive with an open-air dance floor, and in 2012, London will host the third World Pride event just before the Olympic Games held July 27th thru Aug 12th.
Pride London aims to promote equality and diversity through all of its campaigns. The Pride London festival uses theatre, music, debate, art and entertainment to raise awareness of discrimination and the issues and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people around the world. The Parade is an explosion of Pride in the heart of the capital, attracting over 1,000,000 people in a celebration of diversity. Pride London.
Rome Italy
Hundreds of thousands of people marched through central Rome in a gay pride parade earlier this month, and was capped by a brief Lady Gaga performance in the ancient Circus Maximus stadium.
With scores of GLBT fans, it only seems fitting that Lady Gaga performed at the closing ceremonies for Rome Pride. Rome has a complicated history with gay rights (it’s proximity to the Vatican doesn’t help), but things are becoming more and more liberal. Gaga’s performance came at the end of a week of club parties and parades. Euro Pride Roma
NEW – UP AND COMING!
PRAGUE!
This year Prague will have its first pride festival. The Czech team is confident they will put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity, even though Prague is the last capital in the European Union to organise a pride. The organizing team is preparing a programme covering five days of events from August 10th to 14th that will be interesting for all, not just the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to participate in the event.
I think this is one Pride which will really grow into something big! Prague is an amazing city.And Pride should attract a big international crowd.
TRAVEL TIP – The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (koruna), abbreviated as Kč, with the international abbreviation CZK. Most businesses will accept EUROS, but you DO NOT want to pay with EUROS. Convert your currency to CZK. It will go MUCH FURTHER.
GAY TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD
Budapest Pride Declared a Success Despite Problems with the Police
We went specifically for their Gay Pride March.
The Budapest Pride is Hungary’s largest annual LGBT event. It has historically been known under several names, including Budapest Gay Dignity Procession (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet) or simply “happy parade” (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet). The parade has taken place each year since 1997, usually on the first Saturday of July, proceeding along Budapest’s most expansive thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue, between the City Park (Városliget) and Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet tér). Though much smaller in scale than similar gay pride parades in Western Europe and the Americas, between a thousand and two thousand marchers typically participate in the Budapest procession. Radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans have severely disrupted the Budapest gay parades held in 2007 and 2008, casting concerns with the Police in Budapest.
In the past, sometimes anti-gay groups threw eggs, smoke bombs and bottles into the crowds. Several years ago, Gábor Demszky, Budapest’s mayor from the Alliance of Free Democrats party, condemned the violence against the event for which he had expressed unambiguous support. However, three non-governmental organizations accused the government-supported police of doing little to stop the fascists.
I will say this, this year, we saw Police stopping people dressed in all black clothes, asking for ID and detaining them somewhat, from certain areas.
This year, nearly 1500 Police! protected the marchers. It is estimated that 2500-3000 marched. It was wild to see. Side streets were being blocked off with fences and there were 20 police here, 30 police there…it looked like soimething out of a movie, like we were under attack or something.
Police effectively sealed off streets and protected the route. I am surprised, this much money was spent “protecting gays”…perhaps the fear of bad press? if another bad incident was to occur??
We did not want to participate in the entire 3 hour event. We had a previous appointment that day, but planned to join the marchers at the Opera House. Police told us at 4pm, we could join in. At 4:30 Police told us we could NOT join in, and they began “sweeping” the streets, clearing and pushing everyone away from the oncoming parade. – I am told that over the last 2 months, Police kept chaging the plans and even up to the final hour of the march, police kept changing the rules.
We thought perhaps we could cut through the park, and meet up with marchers at the stage at the end. So we ran over to the ending spot, and found a fence up, with another 30 Police keeping eveyone back. As marchers came into the blocked off area, protesters began gathering around us! Yelling DIRTY GAYS, DIRTY GAYS. We decided it best to leave!
So unfortunately, we got to see nothing. But we are told the event was successful and was the biggest turnout they have had yet!
However, news reports online say there fights and attacks right after the event.
According to the latest information, the attack that took place on 18.6 at Gay and Lesbian Pride in Budapest was well planned and prepared for. Those involved were obviously members of the right-wing extremist organization 64 Burgkomitate Youth Movement (HVIM), which organized and registered the counter-demonstration at Oktogon, as well as the representative of Hungary’s right-wing extremist party Jobbik, Gyula Györyg Zagyva, and Jobbik’s lawyer, Andrea Borbély. The right-wing extremist demonstrators had already had violent confrontations with the police during the parade and attempted to disrupt the parade with homophobic and anti-Semitic chants.
In addition to an attack with an irritant spray, which was carried out by two women, there were verbal and gestured threats, such as non-verbal death threats and Nazi salutes by members of 64 Burgkomitate. In spite of the previous attacks, the right-wing extremists posed as victims, and from then on the police treated the group from Vienna as suspects, obviously due to intervention from the Jobbik representative. Jobbik systematically implements this reversal of guilt as a legal strategy.
I think many of us take our freedom for granted. Walking around Budapest I always felt safe. And we met many young straight men who were nice to us and offered us directions when lost.
Budapest has a significant gay and lesbian community, whose social status has seen great improvements since the fall of Communism. While there’s no specific gay neighborhood in Budapest, the city has plenty to offer the gay visitor. Budapest has a wide selection of bars and clubs, restaurants and cafés and baths and saunas, which are gay-friendly or frequented mostly by gays and lesbians. Budapest is one of the most popular cities in Central and Eastern Europe for gays and lesbians. The city is also seeing a revival of the monthly gay parties attracting gays and lesbians from neighboring countries.
One must always be aware of their surroundings and never take things for granted, no matter what city you are in.
Gay Travel to Amsterdam Pride Discount Packages
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest and most special gay prides around the globe! With street parties all weekend long, the best club circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade on Saturday.
Last year Amsterdam Gay Pride drew in a record amount of visitors. Some 500,000 people watched the Canal Parade, where a record 80 boats took part.
Our friends at Travel Leaders have negotiated amazing rates for an 8-day/6 night package running from August 1-8th.
Roundtrip airfare from Boston (other departure gateways available, pricing upon request)
6 nights hotel – a deluxe hotel in the city center near all attractions
Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
All taxes and surcharges
Local escort from Travel Leaders to show you around
The price is $1998.00 per person based on double occupancy.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
Join DAVE for an unforgettable 8-day/6-night getaway to exciting and beautiful AMSTERDAM, a city that is easy to get around by bike, canal boat or on your own two feet! You will be impressed with its eclectic architecture, excellent museums, mazes of canals, great shopping and its SERIOUS PARTY SCENE! The mix of people and cultures is like no other in Europe.
Come with me and be introduced to the unique history, PARTY SCENE and spirit of Amsterdam – from the historical city center to the heart of the famous RED LIGHT DISTRICT to the many “COFFEE SHOPS” to the AMSTERDAM PRIDE festivities – you will be amazed at its unique, laissez faire attitude. You won’t be disappointed.
$1998!
AUGUST 1 – BOSTON – AMSTERDAM: Depart Boston’s Logan International Airport aboard your overnight, transatlantic
flight to Amsterdam with full meal and beverage service available. (other departure cities available).
AUGUST 2 – AMSTERDAM: Morning arrival at Schipol airport in Amsterdam where we board our private motor coach for
the drive into Amsterdam. We will check into deluxe hotel in the heart of Amsterdam.
AUGUST 3-7 – AMSTERDAM: Buffet breakfast is included at our hotel each day and all other meals are on your own. All days
are at leisure to explore Amsterdam. Dave can assist you in choice of activities. Enjoy the many Amsterdam PRIDE festivities
– throughout the city and the famous Canal Parade on Saturday, August 6. Thousands from around the world flock to
Amsterdam for the many parties, street festivals and other special events.
AUGUST 8 – AMSTERDAM-BOSTON: Buffet breakfast and hotel check-out. Transfer to the Amsterdam airport to board our
return flight to Boston with full meal and beverage service.
This is an awesome way to experience Amsterdam and Pride!
Call David for all of the details 1-800-942-1280 or email him.
First Gay Pride Celebration Comes to Prague!
GAY PRIDE COMES TO PRAGUE!
This year Prague will have its first pride festival. The Czech team is confident they will put Prague on the map as Central and Eastern Europe’s capital of diversity, even though Prague is the last capital in the European Union to organise a pride. The organizing team is preparing a programme covering five days of events from August 10th to 14th that will be interesting for all, not just the LGBT community. Everyone is invited to participate in the event.
“We want to show the general public and of course visitors from abroad, Prague can host a complete pride festival. Prague is one of Europe’s main LGBT travel destinations and we are organising a festival the city can be proud of” the organizing team explains. “By now we already know there will be a wide variety of events organized by our many partners.” All of the five days promise to be full of interesting happenings. From corporate workshops on diversity in human resource management to a sports event, theatre performances, exhibitions, cinema, a kids event, guided city tours, disco and circuit parties etc. “It is really great to see organizations and venues from the community, as well as mainstream bars and clubs, really want to make it work. They all plan to organize something interesting to add to the programme” the director of the festival says.
The highlights of the festival are the parade and concert on Saturday the 13th of August. There will be a festive parade through the city centre in the early afternoon. Individuals, companies and organizations will all join the celebration. The route will take the participants to Střelekcy Island where many local and international stars will perform. The line-up is still a secret but we promise it’s impressive. “The parade is new for Prague and we expect about 1500 people to take walk with us, many more people will be interested in the concert and festival venue, where we hope to receive thousands of guests.” the organization tells us.
On the organizers’ PRAGUE PRIDE and their Facebook profile there is a preliminary overview of the programme; more informations can be found soon.
NEED A PLACE TO STAY?
We highly recommend – The Temple Club and GuestHouse!
