Category Archives: Brazil

After spending nearly two weeks in Brazil, Sergio and I are heading back to Boston (please don’t be cold, please don’t be cold…) It has been fun and I look forward to writing more about the vacation.

After spending a week in Rio de Janeiro, Sergio and I packed up to drive to Paraty, Brazil – a Portuguese colonial town on the coast approximately 2.5 – 3 hours drive South from Rio de Janeiro.  I plan to completely decompress by sleeping constantly, reading when I’m awake and doing nothing more strenuous than ordering a cold beverage from the beach.

This marks the last leg of the trip for Sergio and me before we drive back on Friday to fly back home to Boston. While I’m looking forward to returning home, I have to admit I’ll miss the sun and warmth. I’ll write more about that and my other adventures after I return home, but until then you can read about last year’s trip to Florianopolis, Brazil.

Praia Mole: Where the gays are

Jurere and Jurere International

Bistro Isadora Duncan Suite

This afternoon I leave to fly to Brazil where I will meet up with Sergio in his hometown, Belo Horizonte. I’ll spend a few days with his family then early next week we’ll head to Rio de Janeiro.

I’ve missed you Rio. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.

Lonely Planet has named Brazil the most exciting place to visit in 2014, and I totally agree. Brazil is preparing for two of the world’s premiere sporting events, 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

In a little more than three weeks I will be flying back down to Brazil where I’ll spend a few days in Belo Horizonte to visit family.  I’ll then fly over to Rio de Janeiro where Sergio and I will spend a week with a couple we’ve become friendly with over the past 18 months then just the two of us will drive down to Paraty; a Portuguese colonial village on the water three hours south of Rio for some rest and relaxation before heading home.

My trip to Florianopolis Brazil in 2012

Want to see what other destinations rounded out Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit in 2014?  Link here: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014.
.

Pronounced Para-chee, this quiet coastal town just a few hours drive from Rio de Janeiro is where I will spend several relaxing days and nights after what I’m sure will be a fun week in Rio de Janeiro in late November / early December.

You may recall that last year’s trip to Brazil took me to Florianopolis or “Floripa” as Brazilians call it. I’ll have more to share about Paraty in the coming months and after I return but until then you can read about my trip to Florianopolis here:

Praia Mole: Where the gays are

Jurere and Jurere International

Bistro Isadora Duncan Suite

Are you contemplating a trip to South America’s largest (and in my opinion most beautiful) country? Have questions about Brazil? Feel free to shoot me an email at bosguymail@gmail.com or leave a comment.

It is official, last week Sergio and I booked our tickets to Brazil and we will be returning to Rio de Janeiro in late November / early December for some rest and relaxation – and I can’t wait.

I have not been in Rio since 2008 and that is far too long to wait. Rio is one of the most amazing cities I’ve ever visited.  This aerial photo over the shoulders of the Corcovado overlooking the city pretty much says it all doesn’t it?

I recently returned from a trip to Brazil, and the last two nights of my vacation were spent at the Renaissance Sao Paulo so I thought I’d share  my thoughts about this Marriott property.

Americans accustomed to hotels in the United States will appreciate the comfort of the Renaissance Hotel as well as the location just a few blocks from Avenida Paulista and near the beautiful Jardins District.  The rooms are well appointed and provide ample space as shown below.  The higher rooms also provide amazing vistas to view Sao Paulo – one of the largest cities in the world.  

The property offers a lot more than just a convenient and comfortable room.  The hotel gym is large and has helpful staff as does the pool and spa and there are several restaurants and bars for you visit should you not want to leave the property.

There happens to be a Starbucks just a block away,  but I would encourage you to visit the gay-friendly cafe next door, Fran’s Cafe, which also provides a great option for a quick breakfast or lunch if you are on the go.  If you will need the Metro, the hotel is just a couple of blocks from the Consolação metro station.