ANCHORS AWAY

Many people are setting sail for Brazil this weekend for the Bahian Heat event. I'm sure the organizers will make sure everyone has a grand time.

FRIDAY FANTASY 8

I had heard stories of how open and free-spirited the guys were in the area, but never believed it. As I was taking my late afternoon walk I had the feeling I was being followed. Maybe it was just the heat, so I stepped into the bodega to have a Presidente. When I came out I immediately felt someone watching me. I turned to look back and our eyes met...

NOTEWORTHY

I had a blast in Dallas this weekend. Met people from all over the U.S., no Dominicans that I know of.

I was recently refered to, and accepted by, bestgayblogs.net
Tropical Desires is in the sidebar under Great International Blogs. You should check them out.

dr1.com reports that the Sans Souci Port project just added a new development to the mix. The company in charge of developing the area recently purchased more land, meaning the project will be even larger in scope. The Sans Souci project will revitalize the current terminal (to be complete this October), build another terminal on the Sans Souci side of Ozama River including retail/shopping area, restaurants and housing.

This is expected to make the Sans Souci area a "mother port" for cruises where people fly into Santo Domingo to board ships. Of course, they anticipate more tourist dollars as most people spend a few days in these areas before cruising. They are targeting next September/October for completion of the second terminal.

FRIDAY COMES EARLY

As I am headed to Dallas, Texas tomorrow for the weekend I thought I would post this Fridays Favorite today.

Randall is someone I met on my first trip to Santo Domingo. He was so sexy. He always looked so well-groomed, well-dressed and smelled so nice. Very charming also and a pleasure to be around. Oh well, things change. We only have a brief "hey, how are you?" these days due to some unfortunate choices on his behalf. (nothing that involves theft or other drama) He's still one of the most favorite guys I have met and had the priveledge of hanging out with in SD.

FRIDAY FANTASY 7

Awww the river. It sure makes a wonderful backdrop for...fantasies.

PERHAPS...

People have asked me many times why the guys you meet in the D.R. seem to always have their hand out.

First, let me say emphatically that not all of them have their hand out and not all of them steal.

Similar to anywhere else in the world, socio-economics play an instumental role in behavior. And while poverty doesn't necessarily lead to crime or poor behavior, it is definitely a factor when you consider ones level of desperation and education.

What does this have to do with the guys you meet in the D.R.? Well, while most of us enjoy the comforts of the Colonial Zone, the Malecon and the beach areas, there is much poverty in the city and throughout the country. A study just released by dr1.com reports that 45% of rural citizens and 31% of urban citizens live below the poverty level. Therefore, the guys are just businessmen trying to get the highest dollar for their product.

FRIDAY FANTASY 6

I'm sure I'm not alone in having this fantasy. Have you ever seen sexy brothers, twins, triplets and thought "hmm, I wonder..."

Well, being the conservative I am, I would never persue making this a reality. But it sure is nice when those occasions come up, you make that wicked grin and think "hmm..."

Alas, this is fantasy.

CUBA

Just in case we Americans are about to embark upon a new era and be able to travel freely to Cuba, I thought I'd post some pics to help dispel the myth that the entire island is impoverished and frozen in time.

Much of the capitol of Havana resembles scenes you might find in Santo Domingo. There are nice hotels, old architecture and a nice Malecon.