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.