Category Archives: Places outside US
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
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.
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!
Best Gay Beaches Around the World
here Boys and Girls!
In no particular order, here are some of our favorite gay beaches from around the world!
CHICAGO – When you think of Chicago, you don’t usually think of beaches! You’ll almost mistake Lake Michigan for an ocean with its vast expanse and seemingly endless shore. 28 miles with 29 beaches!
The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach. Weather permitting, the gay boys will be out sunnning themselves late April thru October! But any given Sunday in the summer there are about 200-400 people out here.
FORT LAUDERDALE AND MIAMI –
Warm your toes in the golden sands of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 23 miles of sun-kissed beaches.
Stroll, jog, or rollerblade along Fort Lauderdale’s palm tree fringed, brick-lined beachfront promenade. Pass by the world famous Elbo Room, site of the 1960’s “Where the Boys Are” movie starring George Hamilton and Connie Francis.
Gay Fort Lauderdale has four popular gay beaches. The Ft. Lauderdale gay beaches include:
Sebastian Street & A1A- the most popular
Located between Sunrise Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard.
Terramar Street & A1A
Located three traffic lights south of Sunrise Boulevard. This is the place where all the tourists staying at the gay resorts tend to go.
NE 18th & A1A
A beach popular with the locals. Out and About recommends this as a nice cruisy beach.
John Lloyd State Park (Dania)
US1 to Dania Beach Boulevard. There is an entry fee.
Haulover Beach – for the more daring
A clothing-optional beach is located at Haulover Beach four miles south of Hallendale. In North Miami.
In Miami, South Beach is not nearly as gay or as fun as it was in the late 90’s, early 2000’s – however, gays still go there. 12th Street Beach, which is just off Ocean Drive, across the street from the Palace Restaurant and Bar and beyond the grassy landscaped area. Nudity is not permitted here, but that doesn’t stop the many sexy sunbathers here from wearing the skimpiest possible swimsuits and g-strings.
Speaking of Skimpy suits – Copacabana beach and district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the winner!
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Rio has quite a vibrant gay life and is famous for the New Years Eve celebrations at the Copacabana beach, the gay beach at Ipanema and of course the Rio Carnival, which is celebrated in the streets and in the massive Sambadrome. The boys in Brazil like to wear next to nothing!
SITGES SPAIN – Unspoiled by the tourist boom of the 1960’s, Sitges has retained that “picture-postcard” look, with narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Spanish architecture and unspoilt scenic views; a world away from the plastic and the concrete of the more traditional Spanish resorts along the Costa Brava and Costa Del Sol. With a microclimate of its own Sitges has over 300 days of Sunshine with temperatures ranging from 26 C. to 33 C. degrees (70-90 F) during the Summer months. This is Spain as it was meant to be… but even better!
17 beaches total! There is 1 main gay beach and 2 nudist beaches. The Gay Beach – Playa De la Bassa Rodona. 5 minute walk from the town center. Directions: Turn right when you get to the sea front. The beach is located between the Life Guard Station and Picnic restaurant.
La Playa De La Bossa Rodona, directly below the Picnic Restaurant, opposite the Hotel Calipolis. Over the past number of years it has been attracting more of a straight clientele, but it still is packed with gay boys during the peak season. You will know when you get there! Its not difficult to miss the bronzed bodies, the skintight speedos and the designer glasses and beach towels.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico –
Sundrenched beaches, vibrant cultural festivals and menus of exotic cocktails allure 2 million visitors a year to Puerto Vallarta from around the world.
For years the Puerto Vallarta gay beach has been known simply as the Blue Chairs, the popular beachfront bar, restaurant and resort located near the southern end of Playa Los Muertos, the principal Vallarta beach. The gay beach in PV also includes a good portion of the Green Chairs next door at Ritmos Beach Cafe restaurant. The friendly clientele at these gay beaches sit under the many round, thatched palapas for shade or lay out on their towels to soak up the tropical heat and Mexican sun. On any day of the winter high season, there are several hundred gay men sunning, partying, talking, eating, drinking, cruising and playing in the water.
MAUI HAWAII – Little Beach. Tucked behind Pu’u Ola’i and separated from Big Beach by a 30-foot bluff. The water was crystal clear,warm,and inviting.Clothing is optional but one can leave something on. Lots of interesting people. People with families,straight couples,gay couples,people who looked like they live on the beach,friends,loners,and everything inbetween! A very fun time!
What’s your favorite gay beach from around the world?
Gay Nude Beaches Around the World
and then there are GAY NUDE BEACHES!
Gay Nude Beaches are few and far between, but they do exist. I have listed a few of the gay nudes beaches I have enjoyed….as well as a few we have read about.
San Diego – Blacks Beach – Probably one of the most famous gay nude beaches. There is no easy to get there! It’s a bit of hike, a climb and a jump! There is info online with suggested routes to access Blacks Beach.
Both Province Town, which has Herring Cove Beach and Saugatuck, MI, (the Provincetown of the Midwest) has Oval Beach. Both have sort of a nude beach area. TECHNICALLY, at both beaches, laws prohibit nudity. But it seems no one really seems to care and it is not enforced by the authorities.
At Herring Cove beach, full nudity is usually only found about 3/4 mile further down the beach at the end of the gay men section. At Oval Beach, gays head towards the the back dunes area of Oval Beach, which is perfect for sunbathing in the nude.
Just south of North of Miami, you will find Haulover Park and Beach.
South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association, Inc. founded the clothing optional section of Haulover Beach Park in North Miami in 1991. There is a straight section on the right, and the gays hang out on the left! It is super busy on holiday weekends! I was there on a non holiday weekday, and there were about 200 gays out there!
If you go down under to Australia, Sydney has Lady Jane Beach. Lady Jane Beach (official name is Lady Bay Beach) is located just at the mouth of the Sydney Harbour, where Sydney Harbour meets the open sea, the Tasman Sea. From Lady Jane beach you have the most spectacular views which any beach can boast to have. Apart form the gorgeous naked man frolicking around you; you also have the Sydney Harbour in the background, Obelisk Gay Nude beach just across the harbour directly opposite Lady Jane, Manly Harbour to your right and the open ocean if you walk to the lighthouse.
If you know some more, please feel free to share in the comments section!
NewGayTravelGuide
BestGayCities
Central Queensland to host First Ever Fair Day
I have never been to Australia…yet.
So when I read about The very first Central Queensland Fair day will raise its rainbow flag this weekend on the 21st of May. – I Googled it.
I came up with 2 VERY DIFFERENT photos! So I am not sure which is more accurate!
The very first of its kind for Central Queensland, the CQ Fair Day is a chance for locals to celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities. Head of the organising committee Ric Stumpf has commented the celebration of the LGBT community will be the running theme of the day, and he hopes it attracts crowds from all over central Queensland.
Live entertainment, including hosting duties from drag diva Vanessa Wagner, market stalls and fun activities will be set for the course of the day with the Rockhampton Campus of CQ University playing as the hosting ground.
With the Tropical Alternatives Film Festival (TAFF) already a key event in Rockhampton for the gay community, organisers are no doubt hoping the CQ Fair Day is a success so the Central Queensland LGBT community have two key events on their calendars, as well as bringing awareness to local gay-friendly businesses, health services, performers and entertainers.
QAHC Health Promotion Officer Tim Spratling welcomes the new event. “For the first time in Central Queensland, in one spot, the opportunity exists to raise awareness of local gay-friendly businesses, health services, performers and entertainers. The CQ Fair Day will allow the LGBT communities to gain access to information on health, sexuality and support services.
Central Queensland Fair Day takes place on Saturday 21st of May at the CQ University, Rockhampton campus. Let us know how the day goes! And take some photos!
Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Vacation to India for 2012
Spirit Journeys’
offers a chance to experience
India as it was meant to be experienced.
This is an extensive 16 day exploration of some of the best that India has to offer in October of 2012. From Delhi to Haridwar, Rishikesh to Jaipur, Pushkar to Varanasi and so much more!
Participants will of course visit sites of incredible historical, archItectural and spiritual significance, staying at some of the finest hotels available. Even more importantly they will explore and experience the spiritual roots of this magical land and culture.
As with all Spirit Journeys’ adventures, the joys and benefits of gay vacations are provided but with a “stop and smell the roses” kind of attitude. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty of India. This adventure holds the possibility for you to reconnect to, or discover, your own spiritual roots and at the same time experience all the flavors and fun of India.
Throughout this journey there will be daily optional yoga practice (usually in the mornings) led by world famous yoga instructor David Moreno. David has studied extensively in India and he will share his in depth knowledge and understanding of India, the Hindu spiritual traditions and mythology, as well as Ayurvedic medicine. These times with David are an invaluable addition to your time in India.
David Moreno is a long time Spirit Journey’s facilitator and has lead men’s workshops, retreats, and international travel trips worldwide – including several to India. He is recognized internationally as a senior yoga instructor and has taught at international yoga conferences, and universities. His commentaries on yoga have been published in various yoga journals and his recently released yoga DVDs are featured on Amazon and as electronic books through iTunes and iBook.
David began practicing yoga in the late 70’s studying the Iyengar, Ashtanga, Anusara, and Bihar styles of yoga, currently studying the primordial tantric roots of the yogic tradition. When not traveling, David teaches in the San Francisco bay area.
Howie Holben is also a co-guide for this journey with David Moreno. Howie is the owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spawned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them “step outside their box”. A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master, Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free.
The Magic of India – 2012
Sixteen Days Exploring Some Of The Best India Has to Offer!
October 25, 2012 to November 10, 2012 Limited to 16 people.
Spirit Journeys Mission:
To create opportunities for participants to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually; to create environments where they can feel safe enough to grow and move towards living a freer, more joyous life.
For additional information on Spirit Journeys’ special gay vacations and gay retreats, contact Howie Holben at (800) 754-1875 or visit SpiritJourneys.com.
Gay Travel in the Fairy Tale City of Prague
If you ever wanted to walk through a fairy tale city then Prague is the place to go.
Home to the world’s largest castle, Prague Castle which took 700 years to complete and is like a whole town in and of itself. It is really remarkable!
The castle was the seat of countless princes, kings and emperors and is now the seat of the modern Czech government. The city was founded in the 9th century and in the 14th century the city really came into it’s own thanks to Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor. King Charles turned Prague into the imperial capital even refusing the Catholic Church’s request to move the capital to Rome. He is responsible for building Pragues most famous landmarks like Charles University (oldest university in East Europe). Talk about history!
The Charles Bridge, Charles Square and much of the mega huge Cathedral of Saint Vitus in the castle area which overlooks the whole city in impressive panoramic view.
A short stroll down from the castle and over the Charles Bridge will lead you right into the eye catching Prague town square. The main attraction of the town square is the famous Astronomical clock (the 3rd oldest in the world and the only one from that era that still works).
Another fascinating part of the city is the Jewish Quarter (a neighborhood now called Josefov) which is remarkably preserved including the oldest synagogue in Europe that is still in service which is called the Old New Synagogue built in 1260 and is one of Prague’s first gothic buildings. There are six synagogues in the city, the old cemetery, and the Old Jewish Town Hall (now all part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and described below). With the Nazi occupation of WWII it could have been expected to be completely destroyed but the area was preserved in order to provide a site for a planned “exotic museum of the extinct Jewish race”.
The Nazis gathered Jewish artifacts that they stole from their victims from all over Europe for display in Prague so ironically they are responsible for leaving the Jewish buildings untouched here. The 15th century Pinkas Synagogue alongside the Old Jewish Cemetery is famous for being the world’s first Holocaust Museum and memorial started in 1954. The names of the 77,297 Jewish Czechoslovak victims of the Nazis were written on the synagogue’s walls to keep forever the names of the Jews who were murdered. Prague is a must do city to visit next time you find yourself in Europe, it is easy to get to and full of stuff to do and visit, I loved it.
The Saints bar is a small but perfectly-formed bar located right in the heart of the Prague gay quarter of Vinohrady, around the corner from Termix gay club and in close walking distance to several other gay bars and nightclubs.
“We aim to provide a fresh and distinctive twist to the Prague gay scene and pride ourselves on our warm atmosphere, friendly service, excellent drinks and great music. We also offer free wifi and a selection of gay magazines.
If you are new to Prague, drop in and see us and our friendly barmen will let you know what’s going on and where to go on the Prague gay scene.”
The owners also run Prague Saints – a leading British owned gay-run travel company providing accommodation and tour services for gay visitors to the Czech Republic. They offer great rates on Prague hotels, beautiful apartments, private tours of Prague and the Czech Republic, private airport transfers, river cruises and of course, their own gay bar, The Saints.When we go to Prague next month, we’ll be staying with The Temple. Ran by Jospeh Brewster from the US, It is actually three separate venues. Club Temple, Temple Hotel and the newly-opened Coffee Bar.
Temple hotel has some beautiful rooms – suites and standard rooms, something for everyones budget. And you can stumble upstairs, after a night of drinking with the boys! The club is huge and totally remodeled. I CAN’T WAIT!
Right next door to the Temple complex, used to be a little Herna Bar called Monty. (FYI a Herna Bar is place with slot machines).
Local boys would hang out here by play and play the slots. It closed the first of the year, but now has re-opened as Little Temple.
(Photo above shows a cemetery were bodies literally stacked on top of each other)
And a bit of interesting information…. In the back of the Temple building is a small hill .. 400 years ago it was the place for guillotine (sp) executions.. Because it was the highest part of the city away from the castle.. The Nazi occupied the building during the war…this city is filled with stories with like that!
Prague and the Czech Republic have earned a (generally accurate) reputation of being more liberal than its neighbours to the east like Poland or the Baltic States, and Czechs’ attitudes towards issues like gay rights or drugs are far more tolerant. The biggest example of the Czech Republic’s progressive policies towards the homosexual community would be its passing of historic legislation legalizing registered partnerships for same-sex couples in July 2006.
This means that Prague has far more gay and gay-friendly clubs than most Eastern European cities, and has quickly becoming a popular travel destination for gay tourists, over the last 10 years.
Two decades after the fall of Communism, Prague’s gay community seems to be making up for lost time.
The NY Times travel section covered the Prague gay scene last year.
“Every gay friend I have lives here in Vinohrady,” said Grant Maxfield, a student from Connecticut who moved to Prague two years ago and now helps run Come2prague.com, a gay-oriented tourist site. The maple-lined streets of Vinohrady, are peppered with gay-owned businesses.
“People don’t care what other people do in private,” said Petr Vostarek, a drag queen who goes by the stage name Chi Chi Tornado. Mr. Vostarek performs several nights a week at Tingl Tangl (Karoliny Svetle 12; 420-224-238-278; tingltangl.cz), a restaurant cabaret in Prague’s Old Town. And while some social stigma remains, especially among the older generation, that, too, seems to be fading.
“From the eastern part of Europe, Prague is the place where there is the most freedom for gays,” said Mr. Vostarek, who bills himself as the first drag queen in the post-Communist Czech Republic. While touring in Poland and the former Yugoslavia, Mr. Vostarek says, he encountered considerable homophobia. But in Prague, he added, “I don’t have problems when I go to expensive restaurants. With or without makeup, I do whatever I want.”
Budapest PRIDE 2011 will Go On June 11-19
Earlier this year, Police gave Budapest Pride and it’s organizers a little bit of drama! But everything has been ironed out and all events are moving full speed ahead!
WE are very excited, we’ll be attending and covering the main events this year!
Our friends at Budapest – gay.com can help you with your stay!
Hungary offers easily affordable restaurants and bars, making this the perfect place to go for a bachelor party or wild weekend away. Expect to pay around $13 for a meal out with drinks and $3.50 or so for a pint of beer. Do look out for restaurants without prices on the menu, however — this is a known tourist trap and should be avoided at all costs. Budapest isn’t only great for night owls; as it also offers a great cultural scene — most of it cheap or free, such as the Danube River, Buda Castle and Fishermen’s Bastion. Before you leave, make sure you pay a visit to the Szechenyi Turkish Baths, which you can get for $4 if you take less than two hours.
We’ll be giving you some more reports, as it gets closer!
More details and information at BUDAPEST PRIDE!
Tel Aviv Israel Gay Pride 2011
National Geographic named Tel Aviv the 9th best beach city in the world in 2010.
Tel Aviv is known as one of the hippest, hottest, funnest and friendliest destinations for GLBTs!
Every June for the last 11 years, the gay community in Israel celebrates gay pride in the streets of Tel Aviv. The city of Tel Aviv is bedecked in the rainbow colors for a week with the pride flag weaving from the flagpole all over the city.
This year the 11th of June will be the highlight of Tel Aviv’s pride month, with the biggest parade ever. The parade will be accompanied by various events and parties, and is a must to participate. Join the party and enjoy, because everyone else will.
The upcoming parade will take place on June 10th 2011. A few weeks before the parade itself, the organizers will publish a full list of events which usually take place before and after the parade. As soon as this list is available, it will be published by Tel Aviv Pride.
The vibrant scene is alive year-round, with dazzling nightlife, hip restaurants, stylish boutiques, and busy streets hopping with clubs and cafés: perfect for people who love to get out and about. Catch lesbian and gay film festivals, GLBT Pride celebrations and arts and culture festivals. What more could you want? Experience the pride of Tel Aviv Israel today.
Tel Aviv is famous for it’s neverending beach-line. A magnificent 14km of blue sea, open horizon, sun and lots of people, make the Tel Aviv beach a perfect place for spending many hours of your vacation.
Along the seashore you will find a promenade which is always busy with people around the clock. Take a bike ride, jog, go for a swim, or enjoy the dozens of restaurants, cafe’s, pubs, discos and more, there is always action at the beach.
Tel Aviv, the 24hour non-stop city, has actually a population of only 400,000 people, most of them are young in age. With the #1 gay scene in the whole mediterranean area, amazing beach, good weather and other attactions in the country like Jerusalem and the Dead sea, Tel Aviv is definately a place you should check out on your next trip.Phallological Penis Museum in Iceland
One of the most beautiful countries on earth!
Iceland is closer than you think. This mid-Atlantic island is the USA’s closest European neighbor. With a flight time from New York less than five hours, you’re ready for action as soon as you arrive.
There’s also plenty of choice for relaxing indulgence and pampering yourself. The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name! In January, the average temperature in the capital Reykjavik is higher than that in New York. And Iceland’s welcome for tourists is always warm. Almost everyone speaks fluent English and Icelanders aren’t really given to formalities. The telephone directory even lists people by their first name!
As Iceland is a very small country with population just over 300.000 people the gay scene is relatively small and mostly limited to Reykjavik. There are usually one or two gay bars/cafes and one or two clubs.
But they do have a PENIS MUSEUM!
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is probably the only museum in the world to contain a collection of phallic specimens belonging to all the various types of mammal found in a single country.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Húsavík, (formerly in Reykjavík) is a museum devoted to penises. As of September 2009, the museum houses 272 specimens from 92 species of animals displayed, like hunting trophies, embalmed in formaldehyde, or dried in display cases. The museum attempts to collect penis specimens from every mammal in Iceland, including several species that are endangered or currently extinct in Icelandic waters.
How wild is that?!
Mekong River Cruise and Vietnam Tour 2012
The river is said to be about 2,703 miles long. Because of the seasonal changes that cause variations in flow as well as the appearance of rapids and waterfalls in the river, the Mekong is extremely difficult to navigate.
This river so strong that the level of the river located in Cambodia is lower than the high tide at sea! In 2000, the river’s rapids and tides became so overwhelming that it flooded, killing about 90 people.
LOVE TO TRAVEL is a gay travel service who plan unqiue travel excusions around the world.
Feb 9 – 25, 2012, they will take 16 guests with them to Vietnam and the Mekong River aboard the new JAHAN boat.
The brand new flagship: The JAHAN brings river cruising on the Mekong River into a new realm. The singular touches of a luxury boutique hotel, the leisurely pace of a river cruise, and the opportunity to collect new experiences, are the signature style of First Choice. – This boat is still being constructed! The maiden voyage will happen this fall!
This new boat is said to spearhead a new trend in luxury river cruising!
Deposit must be received by April 21, 2011
Visit LOVE TO TRAVEL for all of the details.
Stunning Tower Design for Summer Olympics 2016 Rio de Janeiro
The 115m tall piece, named the ArcelorMittal Orbit, will be placed in the Olympic Park and will be 22m higher than New York’s Statue of Liberty. The £19.1m design incorporates the five Olympic rings and will offer visitors panoramic views of London.
They are also now preparing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with a Solar Powered Waterfall.
An innovative Solar Powered Water Fall – ” Solar City Tower”, located atop the island of Cotonduba is said to be the welcome symbol to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
This renewable energy generating tower is created by RAFAA Design. They say, “At night, the water is released to power turbines, which will provide nighttime power for the city. On special occasions water is pumped out to create a waterfall over the edges of the building” and it is “a symbol for the forces of nature.” Info on the size of the solar and pumped water storage system is not available yet.
Cost? A LOT!
