NEW YEAR FANTASY

As we approach the start of a new year it is important to remember our experiences and lessons of the year that's going out. This is what shapes us, gives us character and matures us. When we celebrate another year we are reminded that the situations we encounter are temporary, bad or good. Seasons change, so enjoy the good times and make the best of the bad times. As the saying goes..."and this too shall pass."

Having said that, I wish all of you a bright and prosperous, happy and blessed 2007!

This pic is my tribute to the mature Papi as we exit 2006 and await the "babe" of the new year to arrive.

FRIDAY FANTASY 21

I do love the caribbean. You never know what you'll find in the water. Knowing los muchachos bathe and frolick in the rivers and such, stumbling upon a scene like this may not be just a fantasy for too long.

OUT AND ABOUT

These photos were taken at various times and locations in Santo Domingo.

FRIDAY FANTASY 20

This Brazilian bombshell is Ricardo Milos. YUMMY!!

MI PRIMERO EXPERIENCIA

So many people ask about the D.R. experience, which causes me to reflect on my first time. Of course, things were very different then. The exchange rate of pesos/dollars was only 16 to 1, so bargains weren't as easy to come by. By the same token, the prices of services and goods have sky-rocketed so much now that bargains can still be scarce to the inexperienced traveler, even though the exchange rate is 33 to 1.

Also, the Dominican gay community seemed to be more prevalent in social circles years ago. Today the buggarones seem to dominate the scene, which makes it more difficult to have an encounter based on attraction alone rather than financial opportunity.

Considering all, the beauty of the island and of the people, along with its history and culture make the D.R. an awesome place to visit. I hope the following poem captures the excitement, fear and eventual pleasure of my first experience. (When the airport and infrastructure were much more third world)

It Was Then That I Loved You

As I awakened from a nap you were beneath me. I was not immediately impressed,

as I had seen others that resembled you.

As I entered your portal I thought of the countless others who had been there, those

sojourns who desired to escape within the respite of you.

As I penetrated your passageway I became aware of what my brief visit would

be like. I was now overcome with the anxiety and curiosity of knowing you.

As I exited your portal I could not contain the emotion that had welled up inside

me. There was an explosion that rocked my senses, a transcendent spiritual experience.

My eyes beheld your beauty, I inhaled your tropical allure and I surrendered to you.

As I made my trek into the fray of the countless others, I was a Johnny come Columbus in this "new world." The descendants of centuries-old inhabitants are more hospitable now.

And there in the frightening exchange of linguistics, in the maddening convergence at

my welcome, it was then that I loved you.

FRIDAY FANTASY 19

Being a tall man, I used to get frustrated at times when vacationing in the Dominican Republic. It seems I was surrounded by not-so-tall hombres. In the last couple of years I have noted a definite change and have been quite pleased. Young Omar is a testiment to the fact that Tall, Dark and Handsome does exist in the DR. Indeed!

BOCA CHICA: Sun, Sand & Sex

Boca Chica is an exciting place to visit. However, it has a reputation as a sex town. It is possibly the sexiest place in all of the Caribbean. Though it's a place for families with children, you can't ignore the fact that it is a sexy destination.

A unique combination of atmosphere and intents; mutual attractions between foreigners and Dominicans, sexuality, money and love all blend and blur to create quite an interesting experience.

Offers ranging from massage to tour guide, done in exchange for money, gifts, opportunity or just dinner and drinks. At times it is explicit enough to be called prostitution by some, subtly enough to be called romance when described by others.

Here you have Dominican people, internationally recognized as being very attractive. The men tend to be lean, muscular, macho, forward, great lovers and sexually uninhibited. When added with gyrating-stlye dances, lively music, rum and coke or ice cold beer, you have an atmosphere with sexual overtones that is typical in this tourist town.

This short video clip explores the "Sankipanki" culture in Boca Chica, that of the male hustler. It's in Spanish, but you still get the jist of it even if you don't speak the language.

BACK 2 THE BEACH

FRIDAY FANTASY

Today we pause to reflect on the lives lost to AIDS and to assess our position in the fight against it.

There have been significant strides made in research, for those living with HIV/AIDS as well as in its prevention. There has even been discussion of a possible immunization.

Though things appear to be more hopeful than they were 20 years ago, there is still much to be done. As you go about your routine today please take a moment to meditate, to pray, to chant or whatever it is that you do. My prayer is that the irradication of this dreaded epidemic is more than fantasy, but becomes reality.

DONDE ESTA JULIUS??

If you've tried to contact Julius regarding an airport pick-up or if you've simply missed seeing him at the usual haunts in Santo Domingo, don't worry he's doing just fine. Life as a former Broadway diva living in Santo Domingo while maintaining dual citizenship isn't all glamour! Sometimes one must take care of business. But, rest assured, he will be back in the Dominican Republic granting audience to his loyal following. And if you're lucky, you may get some of his southern fried chicken!

He did take time out in October for a weekend get-away. We met in Dallas to spend time with mutual friends. We had a wonderful lunch at Pappadeaux's, a cajun and seafood restaurant. This photo was taken in the courtyard. Yes, it was a bit brisk that afternoon.

FRIDAY FAVORITE 8

It's about time to mention Angelo. He is one of my favorite familiars in Santo Domingo. He is a true gentleman with an unassuming attitude. This guy has a bright smile, a great personality and a very nice physique, obviously.

Angelo is a pleasure to hang out with for a night on the town. He loves to dance, but you don't have to practice your merengue or salsa for him. He prefers freestyle dancing and House music. If we could just work on his english he'd fit right into any bar in New York or London.

He's a true macho man, no pretense. Plays basketball, very well, and has no interest in local DRama. One of my most favorite things about Angelo is his walk. I often fall behind a bit just to watch his sexy stroll.

PLAY BALL !!!

22-year old Santo Domingo-born Hanley Ramirez of the Florida Marlins has won the Rookie Of The Year award for the National League. Ramirez becomes the sixth Dominican player to win the prestigious award.

Also in the MLB, Dominican-born Manny Acta has been appointed as manager of the Washington Nationals. Acta led the Dominican Republic to victory in the 2003 Caribbean Baseball Series. He's the fourth Dominican to be appointed to a managerial position in the Major Leagues.

Tourists visiting the Dominican Republic through January have the opportunity to attend Dominican style baseball games, with all the enthusiasm of the local crowds! In Santo Domingo games are played at the 25,000 seat Quisqueya Ball Park. Check here for game times.
www.lidom.com/calendario.htm


BREAKING NEWS: Today Alfonso Soriano, from San Pedro De Macoris in the Dominican Republic, has signed an eight year contract worth U.S. $136 million dollars. That makes him a billionaire in Dominican pesos!

Soriano is now an outfielder with the Chicago Cubs and will surely be a great replacement for Sammy Sosa in the hearts of Cubs fans.

FRIDAY FANTASY 18

Here's to the darker hombre: moreno, midnight, blue-black. Latinos are like a box of chocolates. They come in various shades. Add that urban swagger and you've got todays Fantasy.

THE BEACH

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Many people are familiar with this Cuban dream. Alex Castro is a model/stripper who has been in several layouts and calendars. He's also appeared on the Ricki Lake Show, Christina and others. At over 6 feet tall and with a smile that would melt the polar ice caps, this guy definitely deserves a spot here!

Este fantasia para Viernes esta Alex Castro de Cuba.

FRIDAY FANTASY 16

On a recent trip to Sao Paulo I met a gracious young Brazilian executive that shared the company suite with myself and two others during a week-long shareholders meeting. We were drawn to one another from the start and spent most of our evenings together exploring Sao Paulo and each other.

I was to leave for home on Saturday afternoon so Iran planned to surprise me with "breakfast" in bed that morning. But alas, the company had changed my flight due to a crisis in the Madrid office. They had arranged for a cab to pick me up at dawn.

When Iran snuck into my room and discovered I had gone he was quite grieved, fighting to hold back the tears. Imagine both our surprise and delight when the company transfered me to the Sao Paulo office six months later!

GLOBAL AWARENESS/AYUDAR

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FRIDAY FAVORITE 7

One of my favorite things is a man pageant or body contest. Mr. Caribbean International showcases some of the regions best-looking guys. They have qualifying contests in many Caribbean countries as well as in North America. The finals are held in Jamaica every year.

ANIVERSARIO DE UNA ANO

Set off the fireworks and slice the cake!! It's hard to believe that it's been a year since I began blogging. It's been an interesting, sometimes challenging, journey. Thanks to everyone for your support, input, critisism and comments.

In an effort to monitor blog traffic I installed a counter. I've been pleasantly surprised at how many people visit, and how often. And now, in celebration of this milestone, I have installed a feature that I hope will bring us closer together and perhaps spark new friendships.

Again, thanks for your support and LET'S CHAT!! the counter feature let's you know when others are logged onto the blog

BIRTHDAY FANTASY

This young Dominican hottie is my birthday wish!! I sent a preview to those of you on my email list and a friend of mine, who resides in the Dominican Republic, replied with the hotties name and where he lives. So, maybe my wish will come true on my next trip!

















































these pics were on one of the Yahoo Groups

FROM PRISON TO THE WORLD

This info was sent to me by one of the Yahoo Groups. The article discusses HIV in Dominican prisons and was written by Antigone Barton, staff writer for the Palm Beach Post. It makes you appreciate how far we've come as it pertains to healthcare and human rights, but have compassion for those who are still struggling.

The caribbean has the second-highest prevalence of the virus in the world. The island of Hispaniola, which the D.R. shares with Haiti, has the highest prevalence of HIV in this hemishere.

Inside the gates of La Victoria Penitentiary 4,000 inmates live packed into a space built to hold 1,000. The stench of pit toilets fills dark, barely vented cells. Concrete slabs and floors serve as beds. Meals are scooped from a dirty plastic barrel. Many call this place a hell on Earth. Human Rights is a work in progress.

Efforts to control the spread of infectious diseases lag even further behind. The rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis is known to be one of the highest in the world. Twice as many people are infected with HIV in the caribbean each year than in all of North America, but doctors at La Victoria don't have any idea how many prisoners actually have the virus.

Of course, consequences of the prisons failings aren't contained within its walls. Wednesdays and Sundays are visiting days with about 2000 visitors: wives, girlfriends and hundreds of prostitutes who serve a dozen men or more during each visit. The supply of condoms at the prison ran out five months ago. Prison officials deny any inmates have the virus, but an American doctor has been providing needed services.

Dr. John May, chief medical officer at Armor Correctional Health Services in South Florida, provides medical care for inmates. His non-profit brings donated supplies and expertise to prisons in the Caribbean and Africa.

At any prison where people of high risks and low resources are concentrated, the rate of HIV can be as much as five times higher than that of general population. As the AIDS epidemic turns 25 years old, sex tourism and immigration continue to speed the spread of the virus from one country to another.

May thinks of the bigger picture when performing his services. Improving treatment of infectious diseases in developing countries, he says, not only helps otherwise abandoned people but also can stem the spread of HIV and tuberculosis in the U.S.

Why the concern? The D.R. has 66,000 of the nations 8.7 million people known to be infected and estimates as many as 95,700 actually carry the virus. At the same time, resources to treat the virus and prevent its spread are reminiscent of the early 1980's in the U.S. when most were still in denial and stigma thwarted major response to the epidemic.

FRIDAY FANTASY 14

This big guy is Morris Mendez. He's another bodybuilder/model of mixed heritage. Check out his sexy layout and video at
Muscle Gallery.

HOPE FOR HAITI

Haiti has long struggled with various ills that have crippled the nation and been a threat to the survival of its people. Because of lack of resources the practice of gathering timber has created a severe deforestation problem which not only effects Haitians, but ultimately the ecology and air-quality of the hemisphere.

Now, thanks to various factions, there is hope for Haiti and for us all. There is an active movement to restore the landscape which involves all generations, teaching them to honor the land and take care of it for the survival of all Haiti. It's my hope that this new spirit will inbed itself socially and politically as well.

HAITIAN FANTASY

Todays Friday Fantasy is a blast from the past. Here is the answer for those of you who got an email teaser last weekend. These photos were taken by the photographers of Third World Studios while on a trip to Haiti. TWS is now defunct, but released many magazines and coffeetable books in the early to mid 80's. They featured men of color exclusively.

HAITIAN LIVING

There seems to be a great disparity among the people in Haiti. Most people live below poverty level, many in shanty towns of the cities or along rivers. There are those who have managed to maintain a degree of wealth.

With the lack of industry, agriculture has been the livelihood for many Haitians.

Even though they recently elected a new president, political tensions continue and military presence is commonplace.

HAITIAN SITES

1. Port au Prince
2. Sans Souci palace
3. the Citadel