Amigo 16

Victor is 19 years old, enjoys spending time with friends and going to discos. He would like to meet a nice guy.

BY POPULAR DEMAND

This young hottie caused quite a stir. I received many emails and comments. So, he is back by popular demand. Have a great weekend!

Point Of View

This young Cuban speaks about the politics of the day.

FRIDAY FANTASY 93

Dominicanos Caliente

FAVORITE NIGHT OUT

I had seen Henry (a straight friend) many times for many years on the Conde, on the Malecon and other spots. I don't know why, but I always avoided him. It may have been some of the company he kept, it may have been his swagger. It was the "I know you want me" kind of stride and attitude.

It always seemed like he wanted to penetrate our closely knit group, but for some reason we would never give him the time of day. Until a couple of years ago.

I guess he had had enough of being ignored and overlooked. We were all sitting in a bar having a drink and having a great time when he just walked over, smiled and said "Henry" as he offered his hand for the customary shaking. I looked at my friend who said, "well Lord, after all these years." After we all had a good laugh, Henry included, we had such a good night that he offered to take us to a different club the following night. We were cautious, but since we usually travel as a pack we felt it would be okay.

We arranged for Ready Freddy to be our driver since he seemed to know everyone in Santo Domingo and he had gained our trust. We had never had any problems with him. Henry met us at our hotel and we loaded in the van and went to an area of the city we had never been. It seemed like we went over the hill and through the woods. We kept waiting for the big, bad wolf to jump in front of the van. It was certainly nowhere we would have gone alone.














However, when we pulled up to O-Side we were quite pleased. We were treated like celebrities. Doors were opened for us, people were all smiles and friendly, a couple of gents even gave up their seats so our pack could sit together. Our host, Henry, was quite popular at the club. He certainly had his female admirers. They kept him on the dance floor. He did come to sit, drink and chat with us often. And at one point waved a few ladies away so he could be with us. We discovered that Henry is quite the party animal. He is not at all what we had thought him to be. He's very personable and so very uninhibited.

I noticed that at this club there seemed to be a live and let live attitude. I saw some guys I had seen at gay bars. I saw a few that looked as though they would be comfortable at a gay bar. And of course, there were the discreet glances. The "I could be your buggie tonight" glances. There was even an impromtu rump shaker contest in one corner between two or three guys. It was all so interesting for a straight club. It was a welcomed change of pace from the same routine. We actually hated to leave at the end of the night.

O-Side must mean "the other side," whether in locale or in orientation remains a mystery. I guess we'll have to take another look on our next visit. Thanks Henry!

Grand Deal

CheapCaribbean.com just released another one of its unbelievable sales -- this time to the beautiful island of Grand Cayman. For just $499 per person, you can get 3 all-inclusive hotel nights plus air for about the cost of airfare by itself. Travel is valid select dates through Dec. 19 at the beachfront Beach Club Colony.

Here's everything that's included for just $499:
Roundtrip air on a major airline to Grand Cayman
3 nights at the all-inclusive Beach Club Colony
All meals, drinks (incl. alcoholic), nonmotorized water sports
25% off tours and excursions
All tips and gratuities

Depart from the following cities:

Add $0 from Miami, Add $40 from New York City, Add $60 from Boston and Chicago, Add $70 from Washington D.C. and Atlanta, Add $130 & up from more than 50 additional departure cities; see Web site for details.

IMPORTANT: When booking online or by phone, be sure to use the promo code below. The pricing above already reflects this discount (based on double occupancy), but prices as they appear on CheapCaribbean.com's page will not yet be discounted -- just enter the promo code CAYMAN150 at checkout.
Book by Sept. 17: Click here for more information on the Grand Cayman sale and to book online through CheapCaribbean.com. Or call CheapCaribbean.com at 800-915-2322 and mention you saw this offer on Travelzoo.

Note: Additional taxes for this package are $140 per person.

Dancing In The Street

Here is a dance challenge in the streets of the Dominican republic. Gay vs ???

FRIDAY FANTASY 92

In search of perfection we present...

Merengue Festival

The Puerto Plata Merengue Festival, sponsored by Brugal Rum, will take place 26, 27 and 28 September in Puerto Plata. Legendary merengue band leader, Wilfrido Vargas will have the closing of the festival, on occasion of celebrating his 40 years in merengue. The event will bring together merengue bands for live presentations at La Puntilla, off from the Puerto Plata San Felipe Fort. The Ministry of Tourism is sponsoring the festival. Confirmed so far in addition to Vargas are Jose Pena Suazo, Bonny Cepeda, El Prodigio, Rubby Perez, La Kerubanda, those performing in "Los Anos Dorados del Merengue de los 80", Maria Diaz.