Gaycation Magazine Issue 9 September 2014 by Gaycation Magazine

Buenos Aires New York City for the 21st Century

Visiting Paris

September 2014 Issue 9

www.gaycationmagazine.com Founder/Editor-in-Chief DJ Doran dj@gaycationmagazine.com Editor/IT/Marketing Joe Morales joe@gaycationmagazine.com Social Media/Circulation Tony Guadagnino @tonyguad tony@gaycationmagazine.com Art Director Steve Dixon @SteveDixonJr steve@gaycationmagazine.com Contributors Roque Caston James Clark Donovan Hall Gregory L. Kiep @gregorykiep Doug White Advertising Department sales@gaycationmagazine.com Subscription Department subscriptions@gaycationmagazine.com Article and Photo Submissions editor@gaycationamagazine.com General Info travel@gaycationmagazine.com Social Media GaycationMagazine GaycationMag +Gaycationmagazine1 GaycationMag gaycationmagazine gaycationmagazine

About the Cover Photo: Busy day out on street. The photo is courtesy of our contributor Roque Caston. See his article New York Cit for the 21st Century on page 22.

September 2014 Issue 9 Send address changes and subscription info to: Gaycation Magazine 931W 75th St Suite 137-215 Naperville, IL 60565 4

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Feast 36 An in-depth exploration of local dishes. Postcards 42 Gaycation photos from the world over Visiting Paris, The City of Lights

There’s This Place... Recommendations of unusual LGBT destinations.

What Was I Thinking? 64 Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences Book It! 68 Recommnedations of LGBT friendly hotels and resorts. Gaycationers 72 Meet some of the incredible people The above photo is an ariel view of the Grand that have become part of our family of Canyon as we are flying over it on our way to Gaycationers. Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos... Advertising Index

CONTENTS

Letter from the Publisher

The Wire 10 LGBT travel news and information, ranging from hotel openings to travel planning tips. New York City for the 21st Century

EVENTS 31 Found It! 33 Travel products to help you get through your gaycation with ease. www.gaycationmagazine.com

COLUMNS Greg’s Gaycations 16 Gregory Kiep takes you on an adventure Cruising Corner 76 Doug White’s cruise ship travel guide Gaycation Magazine

Letter from the Publisher

This issue of Gaycation Magazine focuses on the travel style and accoutrements must haves as we pack our bags and trek across the globe. Gaycation Magazine continues to strive to bring you mature content regarding gay travel, scouring the globe for insights and resources that will both inspire and encourage you to explore destinations that are off the beaten path. As Joe and I have traveled we have discovered that gay travel is a lot more than just parties and prides. As gay travelers we have all experienced various situations where we suddenly became keenly aware of how far we have yet to go toward acceptance. One example that immediately comes to mind and that a lot of us have experienced is that awkward moment when you check into a supposedly “Gay Friendly” resort or hotel which you booked online. You chose a single room with a King bed, but upon arrival and check in you politely remind the front desk person that, yes you do indeed want a King sized bed for two… 6

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Gaycation Magazine is your resource for everything that you need to know about destinations and travel from a fresh perspective. Our goal is to provide you content and resources about the things that are important to you when you travel using witty and sophisticated writing and plentiful, vibrant photography. Alas, as with anything new and different there will be bumps along the way, but the future is filled with bright new adventures and opportunities to develop our relationship with you and to create a publication together that continues to push the boundaries of the stale and predictable in order to deliver something truly unique. 2014 has been a year of learning, growth and perseverance and we look forward to the new and exciting things ahead of us. So, sit back and enjoy our latest issue of Gaycation Magazine and as you prepare yourself to be transported to new adventures as we continue to explore our world together… www.gaycationmagazine.com

PROVINCETOWN your vacation just got sexier

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The Wire

LGBT travel news and information, ranging from new hotel/resort openings to cruise itineraries and travel planning tips and products and services that we like

Go or no? Should LGBT travelers visit hostile places? By Abe Peck LGBT travelers take between five and seven trips a year. One survey found that 71% of gay U.S. respondents possessed valid passports, as opposed to 25% of the total population. Many LGBT travelers have ample disposable income.   Yet for those who travel internationally, the world can seem polarized into gay-welcoming and gay-hostile environments.   Europe west of Russia is free of legislation against homosexuality, and Argentina and Spain may be lightening up on machismo stereotypes. This month alone, a baker’s dozen pride events were scheduled around the world, from Athens to Zurich, Paris to Shanghai, Oslo to Tel Aviv.   But citing religious beliefs, anticolonialism and general disapproval, as many as 81 countries and territories currently limit or forbid same-sex relations.   Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has described homosexuals as “worse than dogs, pigs, goats and birds.” Russia legislated against vaguely defined gay “propaganda” and saw a rise in anti-LGBT violence. And the ongoing Beverly Hills Hotel boycott resulted from Brunei’s impending Shariah legal code suggesting death by stoning of, among others, homosexuals.   How should LGBT Americans deal with the realities of traveling in potentially hostile environments? Four approaches emerged from interviews with more than 20 LGBT (and a couple of straight) agents, travelers, organizational officials and media types as well as hoteliers. • Visit non-welcoming lands that still might offer natural beauty, ancient history, economic 10

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benefit or academic enrichment. • Boycott countries that deny LGBT people their full humanity. • Travel wisely to what might be called “gray zones” of LGBT acceptance, to experience the destination and exchange ideas that lead to mutually improved understanding of conflicting values and cultures. • Be an implicit ambassador for LGBT acceptance.

Travel Tip: Gay Marriage Boosts Tourism As more states legalize gay marriage, we’re starting to see more destinations capitalizing on this when it comes tourism. It’s simply a matter of dollars and cents. A study from the University of Hawaii found that the gay marriage could boost tourism spending by about $217 million in the next three years. After all, Hawaii is one of the leading honeymoon spots in the world. And under the new law, couples can actually register for a license and get married the same day, which is a bonus for tourists. Two of the biggest gay-marriage destinations in the country are New York and California. And it’s not just honeymooning. It’s an economic boom for wedding venue, photographers, hotels, and all the other mechanics that go into a wedding. Same-sex marriage generates nearly $260 million for New York in the first year that it was legalized. And it’s been estimated that gay weddings in California will generate $492 million in the next three years, between wedding spending and tourism dollars, plus another $46 million in taxes and fees. www.gaycationmagazine.com

Gay people still suffer problems at hotels, survey finds Around 20% of respondents to a survey on a gay travel website say they have experienced a problem at a hotel because they were a same sex couple. The results, based on the opinions of 350 survey respondents, combined with an analysis of 5,000 gay travel reservations, were compiled by gay Asia travel website Travel Gay Asia www.travelgayasia. com Respondents said the most consistent issue reported was a hotel providing a twin room, when a double had previously been booked. Meanwhile around 89% of respondents said a country’s “gay-friendly” reputation had an impact on holiday spending decisions. Elsewhere, demonstrating the power of the “pink pound”, more than half of respondents – 62% – said they had taken three or more trips for pleasure during the previous 12 months, which involved a least one night in a hotel. Some 32% said they had taken six trips or more for pleasure in the previous 12 months. With regards to most popular destinations, Bangkok remains Asia’s top, with 40% of respondents stating that the city was their favorite Asian destination.

Irish grapple with gay rights in New York and Ireland Unlike his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will sit out this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade ...We’ll start in New York City, where Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he will be sitting out the city’s massive St Patrick’s Day parade next month because the event organisers do not allow gay www.gaycationmagazine.com

Irish-American groups to openly participate. For homosexual rights organisations, and many of the city’s left-wing activists, it was yet another sign that Mr de Blasio is living up to his reputation as an unabashed liberal crusader, in contrast to his predecessor, multi-billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who governed with the firm backing of the city’s establishment. ...The presence of uniformed police and firefighters in such a procession sends a clear signal to LGBTQ New Yorkers that these personnel, who are charged with serving and protecting all New Yorkers, do not respect the lives or safety of LGBT people. ...The great myth has always been that the parade is anti-gay: in previous years, I have gone on the radio inviting gays to march with the Catholic League, provided they do not draw attention to themselves or to some extrinsic cause. ...Cahir O’Doherty in the New York-based Irish Central website counters that it’s important for gay Irish-Americans to be able to carry a banner in the parade “because if you are not seen you are not heard. ...The parade is just a blip compared to the larger debate going on in Ireland over gay rights, as a national referendum on same-sex marriage is scheduled for next year. ...The Irish national broadcaster, RTE, paid $116,000 (£70,000) to settle defamation charges stemming from the interview, prompting Panti (Rory O’Neill when not in drag) to take to the stage at a Dublin theatre and offer an impassioned speech Gaycation Magazine

about feeling oppressed as a gay man in Ireland and the meaning of homophobia. ...”And so now Irish gay people, we find ourselves in this ludicrous situation where are not only not allowed to say publically what we feel oppressed by, we’re not even allowed to think it because the very definition, our definition, has been disallowed by our betters.” ...He writes that just because you’re against gay marriage doesn’t mean you’re a homophobe - any more than President Barack Obama was a homophobe up until a few years ago, when he came out in support of gay marriage. ...The Irish Times’ Fintan O’Toole, on the other hand, thinks it’s just a matter of time before “an honest belief that it is OK for the law to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples” is considered homophobia. ...”They are the ones who have a healthy dose of contempt for the strident, tedious militants who have hijacked the debate from the original participants and are duking it out in an increasingly ridiculous war of words,” he writes. *Photo courtesy of Getty Images *Original story found at http://www.bbc.com/ news/blogs-echochambers-26251647

Moscow conference calls for global anti-gay laws

law; Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church; Pavel Astakhov, the children’s rights commissioner; and Vladimir Yakunin, head of state-owned Russian Railways and his wife. ...The Sept 10-11 conference issued “an urgent appeal to the nations of the world” to develop and implement “legislative bans on all types propaganda concerning homosexual relationships in the environment of children and juveniles,” and to “oppose the cynical utilization of women as surrogate mothers in the interests of same-gender liaisons and alliances.” ...“I follow the cases of violence and harassment of LGBT people, and what I’ve noticed is that not only the violence is on the rise — it definitely has escalated since the passage of the propaganda law — but also the brutality of the violence is more intense.” *Photo courtesy of Daily Xtra *Original story found at http://dailyxtra.com/ world/news/moscow-conference-calls-global-antigay-laws

Representatives from conservative, US-based organizations like the World Congress of Families were among 1,500 people from 45 countries who reportedly attended a recent conference in Moscow entitled “Large Families: The Future of Humanity” held in the Kremlin and at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. ...Among the conference’s high-profile attendees were Yelena Mizulina and Olga Batalina, the reported authors of Russia’s “gay propaganda” 12

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Greg’s Gaycations

The Côte d’Azur By: Gregory L Kiep

The South of France, or the Côte d’Azur which sounds so much more fabulous, has long been a vacation haven for Europeans who flock to the insanely beautiful beaches and exciting tourist towns. Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, this part of the world is home to gorgeous homes, vistas, and people. Having spent numerous weeks in many of its towns, I would like to share some “insider favorites” on where to go and what to see in three of my favorite stops on the Côte d’Azur.

At night, it is bustling with lights and music and great fun. The city is a college town and extremely liberal, with many gay couples holding hands while walking around. There are a few nightlife options that cater to the gay community as well such as The Heaven and Café de la Mer. An interesting aspect of Montpellier is the amount of pubs that are scattered around the town and the extensive amount of people that come from England and Ireland to grace these establishments. Many a night was spent by my friends and I dancing and laughing in pubs, which I highly recommend. Do yourself a favor and add this to your list of places to see, especially if you are in the area. You can fly into Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport and take a quick train ride into the city. A long weekend would be perfect here, although I spent over two weeks and loved every minute. Each of my friends that took my recommendation to check out Montpellier have been pleased with their choice and thanked me upon their return.

Montpellier You may not have heard of this destination, as it is a smaller stop about midway between Nice and Barcelona. I happened upon it a few summers ago as a place to stop along the train ride between these two cities (which I highly recommend, it is beautiful). Stepping off the train, you are greeted to a quintessential French town full of life and energy. The main square has delicious restaurants and bars as well as a Merry-Go-Round for the kids. 16

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Nice Everyone loves Nice. Well, what is there not to love? The beaches, albeit rocky, are spectacular and the nightlife is more than fun. The gay scene in Nice is vibrant and it’s the perfect place to grab a bottle of rosé and toast the night away with friends. The only thing that rivals the beautiful sights are the stunning people – but who can complain about that?! The gay beach in Nice is Castel Beach, all the way to the end with bars and shops only steps away. While you are there, make sure you check out some of the gay bars, especially Kult and Le Bar Bitch. (I don’t make the names up!) Both have been around for years and are a ton of fun. Monaco Oh, the rich kids’ playground! Although the best way to check out this city is on a yacht, don’t let what you have heard discourage you from going to see its splendor. There are few places in the world that are as blatantly expressive of wealth and the lifestyle that is associated with it. It is interesting to just walk around and take it all in with the MonteCarlo Casino, Japanese Gardens, and some simply amazing restaurants. There is nothing really exclusively gay in Monaco, but Nice is only a quick jaunt away for nightlife options. I recommend checking out the hotel bars that are great for people watching. Not a city I would spend weeks upon weeks unless you just want to throw money around, but a destination worth checking out at least once.

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Gregory grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived in Hyde Park and Downtown during his 24 years there. Upon receiving his MBA from Xavier University, he launched a marketing firm specializing in LGBT lifestyle services and products. He has travelled all over the world to over 60 countries independently and in conjunction with Atlantis Events. When he is not on an adventure, he calls Boston home. Read more about his gaycations at gregorykiep.com

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Un rendez-vous élégant L’escale française par excellence, que ce soit pour des vacances ou un voyage d’affaires. Dans le confort luxueux d’une demeure historique située en plein centre-ville de Saint-Pierre, à 200 mètres du traversier. Une expérience exquise vous attend.

For a holiday, getaway or business trip... NSP is the quintessential French experience. Indulge yourself in modern luxuries. In the centre of town and a mere 200 meters from the ferry terminal our heritage building is a haven of elegance. An exquisite experience awaits you.

À Nuits Saint-Pierre le petit déjeûner est inclus At Nuits Saint-Pierre, breakfast is included

orial du To rrit

isme ur

Prix Te

Une petite faim? Besoin d’un cadeau ou d’un souvenir? A tad hungry? Need a gift or a souvenir? Rendez-vous au rez-de-chaussée de l’hôtel aux Délices de Joséphine Visit Les Délices de Joséphine on the main floor of the hotel

10 rue du Général Leclerc, BP 4445, 97500 Saint-Pierre et Miquelon 011 508 41 20 27 | 011 508 55 59 82 (cell)

nuitssaintpierre.com info@nuitssaintpierre.com

vos hôtes

The other kind of gay cruising. Caribbean Windjammer

INTIMATE Our private charter is host to just 24 guests, not 2,400 passengers. And our crew of ten is always ready to attend to your needs.

RELAXING Kick off your shoes while you feel the warmth of the Caribbean sea breezes. Leave the world-class DJ behind and enjoy the sounds of island tranquility.

INCLUSIVE Surrounded by like-minded gay men, let the camaraderie fuel your sense of adventure with breathtaking hikes on the islands of Nevus and St. Barths, snorkeling the crystal clear waters of St. Kitts or floating on a noodle in the shadows of our ship. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all included, no sticker shock bar tab at the end of the week! Pricing includes all onboard meals and snacks, beverages, beer and wine, snorkel gear, guided hikes, taxes and port charges.

Inaugural Sailing October 19-25, 2014 From $1,699 per person OutingsAndAdventures.com or call 727.776.5213 for more information

New York City for the 21st Century by Roque Caston

New York City

continues to be one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Most people can’t give it a simple explanation as to why that is. There is this spark that is hard to put into words about the spirit of New York City. But just as centuries change, so is the way we travel. If you are going to travel to New York, you must know the everyday style and accoutrements that should accompany you during your visit. These are not just popular fads, but it’s a recommendation in order for the everyday citizen to survive the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. New York City didn’t receive the reference “fast life” for nothing. In this city’s book, there’s no time to waste, for life seems to speed up more quickly when you walk down these streets. One minute, it’s two in the afternoon. Before you know it, you look at your clock again and it’s three-thirty in the afternoon, and all you did during the day was eat a chicken gyro. It’s time to travel and here some things you’ll need: The first thing you should have is a tote bag. Tote bags are the everyday style and accessory in New York City. Our daily lives are so busy the average person spends more time having a business dinner or hanging out at bars & restaurants with friends than they do spending time cooking and lounging in their own apartments. People walk around with tote bags because everything they need is in one place. From the water they need to drink, the folders and paperwork for their next meeting, to the snack they kept for a tiny break. You can put your hair and makeup kits in it for a sweaty day and you can also put in some of the extra stuff you bought after a tiny stop at Duane Reade or Rite Aid. A tote bag is the everyday purse/murse in New York City. It could be named the signature item for the city at any second. Another important thing to have is a pair of sneakers. Sneakers are one of the most diverse shoes in New York City’s clothing styles. You can 24

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wear them with jeans and a t-shirt, or pull it all together with a suit & tie if you’re feeling fancy. If you take a minute to walk down the streets of Wall Street, you’ll be surprised by how many men & women are wearing sneakers. You could even put them in your tote bag for later on. After a long day of work and your feet are killing you, you can pull out those sneakers, take off your dress shoes, put on the sneakers, and put the dress shoes in your tote bag with no problems whatsoever. Most of it is because sneakers are good for your feet in many ways than one. When you’re in New York City, you’re on your feet most of the time. Why would you want to leave bruises on your feet by wearing uncomfortable shoes when you can wear shoes that are built for running? Fashion is painful, but it’s ridiculous in many cases. Another thing to have is a cell phone charger. A lot of people rarely tell this to others, but a cell phone charger is a key item to have. Just think.

You’re on your phone 24/7; reading text messages, playing Angry Birds, using the navigation system to not get lost, checking your social media pages such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. That’s a lot of battery power you are wasting, and you need your cell phone turned on all day until you go inside. Make sure your cell phone charger is in your bag, that way you can charge up at a nearby outlet. Or better yet, get yourself a portable external battery charger power bank. It’s shaped like a tube of lipstick, but it’s a battery charger for cell phones. You can recharge it overnight, then in the middle of day when you’re phone is draining power, you can link your phone with the charger, and your phone will charge itself while you’re still on the move. Technologies such as cell phones are very important to our everyday lives. It’s best to keep them on. Be sure to install some of the best mobile apps such as Yelp and Foursquare. Both of these

apps have reviews written by fellow citizens of New York City, telling you about the best and worst places to dine at, go sightseeing, and live events that are happening at that very moment. Free newspapers are being distributed across the city as well, but make sure you have those apps on you just in case. If you ever have any questions or want more information about the City That Never Sleeps, Zenbiz Travel is one company that can give you pointers on the ins and outs. Their job is to balance your life with leisure (zenbiztravel.com)

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Roque Caston is a writer, blogger, and journalist who resides in New York City. He’s a college student majoring in Writing & Literature. He created the humor blog “Roque’s Reality” from 2009-2014 (www.roquesreality.net).

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Wilmington Vermont Fall of 2013

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EVENTS

Here are the some you should be aware of. Gaycation Magazine may attend or have a presence at some of these events. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always adding more and looking for that special event for us to be at. If you would like us to attend your event, please let us know by emailing travel@gaycationmagazine.com. SEE YOU SOON!

September 20 2014 The Thomas O Cash AIDS Walk www.aidstaskforcenh.org/events October 4 - 8 2014 Maui Pride www.mauipride.org October 4 - 9 2014 Vision of the Seas Facebook Group Event at: http://ow.ly/BPAwx October 19 - 25 2014 Caribbean Windjammer Cruise Facebook Group Event at: http://ow.ly/BPB4F December 14 2014 Allure of the Seas Facebook Group Event at: http://ow.ly/BPBwm

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Found It! We search the world over for “must have” travel items for everyone from the novice weekender to the seasoned globetrotter.

Tugo A cup holder that keeps your drink suspended between the upright handles of your rolling bag. Its unique design keeps your cup level to prevent sloshing. Easily attached and removed, tugo collapses to fit in any pocket of your carry-on luggage

The Quartermaster Taking its inspiration directly from a century’s worth of sturdy military jackets, the Quartermaster brings a trimmer fit and careful detailing to a tried and true outerwear design. Take it with you wherever you go, and don’t be afraid to get caught in the rain. $295.00 www.bonobos.com

$9.95 to $12.95 www.goodtugo.com

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Travelon Set Of 2 Smart Tubes, 3-Ounce The set of 2 smart tubes, are perfect for creating and transporting travel size quantities of personal care products, beverages, and condiments, simply fill and go, each smart tube is leak-proof and spillproof, made from BPA free, food-grade TPR, great for travel, sporting events and outdoor use, each tube holds 3 ounces (89 ml) of liquids so they are 3-1-1 carry-on compliant • • • • • • •

100% Silicone Imported Spill proof and leak proof Made from food grade silicone BPA free and reusable 3-1-1 carry-on compliant For travel, sports, and outdoors use. Includes stickers to identify contents

$11.99 http://www.amazon.com/TravelonSmart-Tubes-Ounce-Green/dp/B00AT8E9UA/

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LAY-N-GO TRAVELER BLACK Lay-n-Go Traveler Bag. An Innovative Organizational Solution for Life, Play, & Travel! Layn-Go is perfect for home, but durable enough to hold up wherever your travels take you. The Lay-n-Go Traveler is a 20” diameter patent pending tioletries mat that converts into an easily transportable handled clutch, allowing for quick and effortless clean-up of your cosmetics. No more dumping your toiletries onto a towel or having to worry about your grooming items rolling off the counter and onto the floor! The ultimate travel bag ... smart, durable, and washable! Shell/ Liner is 100% polyester, and provides a water repellent/wipeable and washable surface. One 7”x 5” zippered pocket on the inside surface provides a place to store phone charges or other electronic cords, or use it as a hide-a-way for pills, cash, or jewelry. Nylon handle adds both comfort and convenience for carrying. Toiletries and accessories not included. Materials: 100% Polyester. Dimensions: 20” Diameter x 1” H; 0.25 lbs • Machine washable • One 7”x 5” pocket on the inside surface to discreetly stow small items • Durable nylon cord and cord lock provide a quick and easy opening / closing system • A special designed “lip” around the bag keeps products contained in a small space • A Velcro front storage pocket provides a place to stow the drawstring $29.95

http://www.layngo.com/

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Summer in Salem! Go Out Loud Ushers Summer Sea Cruise Events For EVERYONE This Summer! For the latest events, merch, news & tickets :

GoOutLoud.com

Feast

An in-depth exploration of a traditional local dish and how it connects to the culture, with recipes and recommnedations where to eat. by James Clark

Photo Courtesy of André Ribeiro at flickr http://ow.ly/Br6Tx

Mercado del Puerto – Let’s eat the whole cow!

We were completely unfazed by those who laughed at us and suggested we were crazy for travelling all the way from the UK to Montevideo, Uruguay to try the best barbecue meats in the world. My mouth was watering as we walked up the steps of the plane at Heathrow airport that would take us to Buenos Aires via Madrid, where we’d pick up the Buquebus to Montevideo. We looked at each other and smiled each knowing “there’s no going back now.” Montevideo may not be splashed all over the glossy high street travel brochures of South America, like it’s stunning by-the-sea neighbour 36

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Punta del Esta, but Montevideo has nothing to feel ashamed of. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay’s political and commercial heart. A few skyscrapers may blaze into the sun filled sky, but for the visitor there are a collection of small museums and a busy old city and port area to enjoy. With only a few tourists roaming the streets, Montevideo’s 1.3 million residents are keen to show off their city to visitors, but not promote it too much incase it gets overrun. We met our bilingual tour guide Alberto Rodriguez from the Ciudad Vieja Tour Company outside the Mercado del Puerto in La Ciudad Vieja www.gaycationmagazine.com

Photo Courtesy of André Ribeiro at flickr http://ow.ly/Br7bo

(the old city). “Welcome to Montevideo, my city,” he greeted us warmly “I am keen to show you it from a local perspective.” From the outside the market looks like any other tourist attraction in a relatively shabby looking area surrounded by restaurants and other eateries, the area outside home to vendors selling paintings and other Uruguayan crafts. At the doorway stood a couple of men energetically playing the guitar and singing a tune, but all I could concentrate on was the delicious smell of barbecue meats coming from within the markets walls. The building reminded me of an old-fashioned railway station with its glass roof and metal structure that resemble what you will have seen on TV if you’re an old black and white movie fan. That’s where the similarity stops, you’ve never seen anything like Mercado del Puerto, and it is literally teaming with hungry hoards and the smell of barbecued meats. The smoke fills the entire building and escapes through open windows and entrances whilst the delicious smell attracts more www.gaycationmagazine.com

and more workers from the surrounding streets into the market. Each venue within the market serves the same or very similar dishes, steaks, kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, blood sausage, intestines and lots more which are cooked over wood fired grills. Some places are small, some are family orientated, some have swivel chairs for you to sit and eat at the bar, many have white table clothed seating areas and a few even have enclosed dining room (best of luck getting one of these). Alberto explained enthusiastically that each place had its own reputation and specialties for us to try and reconfirmed what we already knew; beef was the favorite dish. There is very little (in English) on the Internet regarding specific places to eat within Mercado del Puerto, so we were glad that we’d arranged to spend the afternoon with Alberto. We wandered through the market, taking in the energy, sites and enjoying meats at some of the busier looking Gaycation Magazine

Photo Courtesy of André Ribeiro at flickr http://ow.ly/Br7WC

venues. I don’t think we would have managed to order as successfully without his help. We ordered mouth-watering steaks that were succulently perfect and huge cattle kidneys (I’m not a fan of kidney). I found myself pleasantly surprised, as they tasted like the steak. I enjoyed delicious chunky liver (cattle must be huge in Uruguay), sweetbreads that were light and tasted a little like bacon (an expensive treat and delicacy) and blood sausage barbecued to perfection. The only thing I could not eat were the intestines, the tubes looked like something out of an alien movie, the blubbery consistency felt wrong to me, so I politely spat it into my hankie. Swallowing really was not an option. Two hours into eating we were stuffed and could hardly be bothered to move. It was at this point that half the market erupted into applause. Alberto explained to us that it is customary to give the burly beef filled cook a round of applause when he has made a good job of the meat. If you want to get really involved just copy what the locals do, they’ll appreciate it and want to engage with 38

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you. The Mercado del Puerto is located a few minutes walk from the port area, so you shouldn’t have any problems locating it from the passenger terminal. We recommend giving it a try. We can see why Uruguayans boast that this is one of South America’s greatest food experiences. “What about Mate, have you tried it?” Alberto asked. We had heard a lot about yerba mate tea, its invigorating properties, and the local obsession with mate and were keen to give it a go. “Only one problem” he laughed “there’s only one place in Montevideo that sells it and it’s closed. Come to my apartment.” We were surprised that there was only one place that prepares and sells mate as the guidebooks wrongly suggest that every cafe and bar is full of mate drinkers. We were happy to follow Alberto to his apartment that was five minutes walk from the Mercado del Puerto in La Ciudad Vieja along the residential street Pérez Castellano.

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At Alberto’s apartment we gathered around the kitchen table and met his wife Veronica where she performed the mate ceremony and explained and demonstrated every step of the process to us: • Pack the dry mate leaves into the gourd (cup) to just over half way. • Place your hand on top of the gourd and turn it upside down making sure that any fine pieces of leaves are near the top. This will ensure that you don’t swallow all the powdery bits through the bombilla (straw) later. • Turn the gourd on its side and give it several light shakes. • Insert the bombilla into the gourd. • Pour hot, not boiling water into the gourd. Boiling water has a habit of making the mate taste bitter. • Don’t play around with it, when its handed to you drink it and pass it on to the next person to prepare. • Keep repeating until the mate looses its taste.

James Clark, UK Based travel writer, exploring the world everyday.

Photo Courtesy of André Ribeiro at flickr http://ow.ly/Br7ra

After a couple of hours of mate drinking and light hearted conversation Veronica said that we could stay with them for the four nights that we were planning on staying in Uruguay. The second floor apartment was large and had a bedroom with two single beds and a shower and toilet for our use only. It was their plan to start renting out the room to tourists and we were lucky enough to be the first..

Photo Courtesy of André Ribeiro at flickr http://ow.ly/Br7Bd

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Postcards

Upper: The House of Seven Gables Salem, MA Right: Ye Olde Pepper Companie Salem, MA

Show off your Gaycation by sending us your photos and we might put `em here!

Tree lined streets of Savannah Georgia. December 2013. Warm sunny and beautiful!

One of the BEST cities in the world! Chicago and the SEARS Tower. On our way to Gay Days Six Flag 2013

Calm waters of Lake Champlain, Burlington Vermont. It was a very warm October day in 2013.

Beautiful church in downtown Bennington, Vermont during the fall foliage tour 2013. Such a warm and sunny day!

Somewhere along VT-100 during touring Weston, Ludlow and Killington Vermont for the fall foliage 2013. Making our way through the Green Mountains of Vermont.

January 2014 on a sunset cruise in Key West, Florida. Sailboats out watching the sun go down.

Driving along the highway in Vermont. Colored hills and lake houses sitting on the shore of a smooth glass lake.

Gaycation Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Publisher, DJ Doran hanging out with a REALLY large dinosaur in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada!

Ala Moana Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Horse and Carriage in New Orleans, LA.

Hawaiian Sunset on the Island of Kauaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i.

Street signs and traffic walking downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Visiting Paris, The City of Lights By Donovan Hall

you’ve probably made a promise to yourself at one point or another to visit Paris, right? You’ve been dreaming about strolling down the Champs-Élysées, basking in the majestic shadow of the Eiffel Tower, maybe even taking a boat ride down the Seine. As the world capital of romance and art, Paris is high on any traveler’s list. But in order to fully experience all the city has to offer, you must prepare wisely. A trip, even in a place as fabulous as Paris, can be tarnished by poor planning. Here is some helpful fashion and accoutrement advice to consider before you buy that plane ticket. First of all, the season during which you visit will naturally affect what you should wear, and I suggest a trip to Paris should be made in late spring or summer. This is the time when you can see the city in full bloom. Every garden, courtyard, and balcony will be blossoming with vivid displays of colorful flowers, adding the sublime atmosphere of the city. The weather will be warm, but not too overbearing, and considering the amount of time you’ll be outside, you’ll probably be a lot happier not freezing your toes off. Paris itself is a living art museum, full of gorgeous monuments, gardens, landmarks, and overall splendid architecture. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not take the time to walk as much as possible to soak in all the finery. Therefore you will want to get yourself a good pair 46

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of walking shoes, shoes that are both comfortable and durable. I suggest finding a pair from ECCO or Ahnu Rockridge. If you are new to traveling, I cannot stress enough how important keeping your feet happy will be to keeping you happy. As a side hint, most major European cities offer free walking tours that take you to all the major landmarks. Just ask the front desk of your hotel for more details. However, whether you chose to follow an organized tour or not, do yourself a favor and take some time to go on your own little adventure through the city. It’ll personalize your experience in the city, and besides, you’ll never know what romantic little surprises you might find. Another useful tip to remember is to make sure you download an app for metro map of Paris on your smart phone. It will come in handy. Summer time is a sunny time, so you will need to bring a stylish pair of sunglasses. Ray-Bans are always a good choice, and they go with most outfits. I don’t think I need to stress the importance of sunglasses, but in Paris they will be especially useful since a good portion of your time will be spent craning your head upward. During that time you’ll want to be careful not to burn your precious retinas. Besides, old European cities like Paris have very few tall buildings, meaning that shade will be hard to come by during most of the day. So it’s best that you bring your own. Next on the list of things you will need is a camera, but not just any old camera will do. A place as beautiful as Paris deserves, nay, demands a camera capable of capturing all it has to offer. Don’t waste your time snapping pics with your www.gaycationmagazine.com

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smart phone. They’ll turn out uninspiring, blurry, and you will probably run out of memory space in your phone way too quickly. You’ll want a camera that’s good for landscapes and panoramas, so when you go to the Tuileries Garden for a picnic, or find yourself on the apex of the Grande Roue (Giant Ferris Wheel), gazing out over the entire city, you won’t be caught unprepared. The camera should take good nighttime pictures as well to catch the illuminated Eiffel Tower after dark. A compact, interchangeable lens camera such as the Sony NEX-3N or a Nikon D3200 DSLR should do the trick. They take beautiful, detailed pictures without requiring too much photography experience. As another side note, when you do find the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre and Le Marais won’t be too far off. Le Marais is the main gay area of the city, with many gay bars which I will talk more about in a minute. Now, we’ve established that you’ll be exploring the city in the middle of summer, going here and there, building up a thirst. Of course you’ll need a bottle of water, but where will you keep it, and your snacks, and everything else you’ll be carrying with you? It’s time for totes! Now, when it comes to choosing a travel bag to carry around with you on your adventures, it is important to have a few tips in mind. Not to step on anyone’s style, but keeping your bag inconspicuous is a good thing when you’re traveling, as every major city has its fair share of pickpockets eager to prey on inattentive tourists. I would also advise to get a bag that zips, buttons, or latches closed to help deter unwanted hands from sliding inside. Zenness offers a wide selection of cute, but inconspicuous travel satchels, totes, and backpacks that look good without being too eye-catching. In Paris there is no such thing as being too flamboyant, and in the heat of the summer, you can let your sense of fashion free no matter how particular your taste may seem in the States. Paris is one of the international centers of fashion, so whatever you chose to wear is probably nothing www.gaycationmagazine.com

the city hasn’t seen before. Depending on how much space you have in your luggage and how long you plan on staying, I would recommend bringing a few outfits for both day and night activities. Have a priority of keeping your clothes light and breathable during the day, but know that at night things will get a little cooler, so bring something to change into or throw over yourself when you start to feel chilly. Remember Le Marais? Well if you do decide to go out for a little nighttime adventure then Le Marais will be a good place to start. It’s where you can find bars like Les Souffleurs or RAIDD, the former offering affordable drinks with a classy atmosphere, and the latter being famous for its shower strippers. Whatever you chose to do, day or night, you’ll never have a boring moment. Just remember to be safe as you should always be away from home, follow these helpful tips, and your Parisian tour will be très magnifique!

After completing college, Donovan Hall proceeded to backpack across Europe for two months, visiting twelve countries including: Ireland, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Germany, The Netherlands, and others. He has taken advantage of every new technology, social media, and quite a bit of old-fashioned luck and ingenuity, to see the world on less than a luxurious budget, proving that now more than ever, the world is accessible to those who have the desire and fortitude to see it. Gaycation Magazine

Gaycation Magazine brings the world of gay travel to your fingertips. Explore new and familiar gay destinations. Learn what to do, what to eat, and what to wear. All this information wrapped up into a magazine which brings the culture of gay travel to life.

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Submission Guidelines Editorial Features

What was I thinking?: Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences that left them scratching their heads and opining, “What was I thinking?”

Cruising Corner: Tips and insights from cruising experts and short stories from our readers about their cruising experiences.

Book It!: Recommendations of LGBT friendly hotels and resorts that help you engage with the identity of a destination.

Feast: An in-depth exploration of a traditional local dish and how it connects tot he culture, with recipes and recommendations where to eat.

There’s This Place: Where to go next? Gaycation Magazine’s recommendations of unusual LGBT destinations off the beaten path.

Threads: The latest style trends, insights and tips from our fashion experts for the world traveler in all of us.

Postcards (Photo Section): Photos of Experiential LGBT travel moments captured by Gaycationers worldwide. Gaycationers: Photos of real LGBT travelers and explorers who have gone before you providing insights and resources which inspire you to pursue your personal travel passion.

The Wire: Brief LGBT travel news and information about new hotel/resort openings, cruise itineraries, travel planning tips, and products and services. Found It!: Short description of “must have” travel items for everyone from the novice weekender to the seasoned globetrotter.

Any articles, photos or information submitted to Gaycation Magazine become the sole property of Gaycation Magazine. The views and opinions stated throughout the magazine are not necessarily the view and opinion of Gaycation Magazine. Gaycation Magazine and its affiliates will not knowingly publish or advertise information, which is fraudulent or misleading. The Publisher reserves the right to edit, limit, revise, or reject any submission without cause. Gaycation and its affiliates assue no financial responsibility for typographical errors. If any arrors are found, please notify Gaycation Magazine immediately. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. Pay rates can be found on our website. Please send images in hi-res and articles to editor@gaycationmagazine.com

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This Place Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America

by Sebastian Strozza

Generally when you arrive in Buenos Aires from Europe or North America you are tired. There are between 9 to 13 hours on a direct flight and the first thing you want after that long trip is a nice hot shower. Then you start discovering the city and you fall in love with Buenos Aires and the Argentine people in general. You’ll discover the architecture on Avenida de Mayo, Recoleta, Palermo or the San Telmo neighborhood. You won’t feel like a tourist here. Due to immigration during the first half of the 20th century, people arrive mostly from Spain and Italy. But actually you have people from different parts of the world that decided Buenos Aires is their place in the world (China, Russia, Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, US among others). The La Boca neighborhood was settled and built up by immigrants. Part of La Boca’s 58

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color comes from the brightly painted houses of Caminito a two-block pedestrian walkway that was once a rail terminus and takes its name from a popular tango song. You also have The Bombonera which is the Boca Juniors soccer stadium. One of the most important stadiums in the world if you like soccer! You will watch fans singing during most part of the match and the vibe is very interesting. A match is an experience of a lifetime! Buenos Aires is a gay-friendly city and was the first city in Latin America to accept same-sex marriage. You will see teenagers on the street holding hands. If you have the chance to meet some Porteños (Buenos Aires locals), you will see that they are very friendly, warm and remarkably affectionate. Embracing friendship is an important value for Argentine people. Gay or not, they will www.gaycationmagazine.com

always make you feel very comfortable and help you during your stay. Everyone mostly speaks English, and if they don’t, they are happy to practice to improve it. A must during your stay in Buenos Aires is Recoleta Cemetery. The cemetery is best known for its breathtaking necropolis where deceased Argentine elite rest, which is similar the Père Lachaise in Paris. Walk on May Avenue from Plaza de Mayo Square and you’ll discover Casa Rosada (Pink House), the Buenos Aires Cabildo, the Cathedral where Pope Francis celebrated mass prior to becoming Pope and finally to Argentine National Congress. Among the Spanish architecture is a must visit, Café Tortoni the oldest bar in Buenos Aires. Upon entering, you feel as if you were in the 1940’s. During Sundays you can enjoy the flea market where Calle Defensa becomes a pedestrian walkway between Plaza de Mayo Square and San Juan Avenue. It is here you can buy antiques and www.gaycationmagazine.com

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souvenirs. Dining in Buenos Aires is a lot different compared to the US and Europe. In Buenos Aires you go late for dinner, generally you go to dinner after 8.00 pm. You will be surprised while watching restaurants with people at midnight (specially on Friday and Saturday). An Argentine barbecue is a must (sorry if you are reading this and you are vegetarian). You can choose beef, pork, and chicken. For the most courageous, you can choose sausages. The sausages are from small and large intestines, thymus gland or sweetbreads, kidneys, and blood sausage. You can order a Parrillada de Achuras and you will have some pieces of each one. Do not forget to add the Chimichurri, a tasty marinade often made of olive oil, garlic, parsley, and red pepper. Serve with a good red wine such as Malbec or Syrah, which I usually order. If you have space, ask for a Dulce de Leche pancake and you

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will be in heaven !!!! (and with a few more pounds on your body!) You have a lot of Parrillas to choose from. I recommend LA CHOLITA (Rodriguez Pena 1165) or GRAN PARRILLA DEL PLATA (Chile 594 in San Telmo) or Cabana Villegas in Puerto Madero (Alicia Moreau de Justo 1050). You must experience one of our nightly tango shows. Shows generally start around 10 pm and have the option to include dinner or not. Some tango houses offer the option of a free tango lesson one hour before dinner so you can learn the basic steps and have a moment of fun! Puerto Madero is the newest area in the city; during the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s they recycled the docks near the river that attracted several restaurants to the area with modern architecture. You can take a walk to the Reserva Ecologica (Ecologic Reserve), an oasis in the city where you have walking paths.

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Palermo is the trendy area that is divided into 4 parts: Palermo Viejo (Old Palermo), Palermo Freud (where the psychologists are), Palermo Hollywood (where the television producers and stations are), and Palermo Queens (a clothing outlet). Just like dinner, you go dancing later in the evening; normally arriving between 1:30 and 2:00 am and dance until sunrise. The best option for your late night dance is Rheo by Crobar. If this is too late for you, there are some Irish pubs where you can listen to live music. The live music is especially popular during the weekdays after office hours where you will see colleagues from work chatting and relaxing. If you need an escape, you can go to Tigre City (45 minutes from town) via tour group or by yourself. In Tigre City you can explore the Delta, which is around 500 islands that people live year round. There are some restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments and places to relax. This is a very popular place for tourists. www.gaycationmagazine.com

Sebastian Strozza is travel agent and director of Heima Tours, a GLBT travel agency based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sebastian speaks Spanish, English, some French and Portuguese and loves to travel and eat! If you are in Argentina, or planning on a trip, contact him and he can help you during your travel. You can follow him on Facebook at Heima Arg, visit his website www.heimatours.com. ar or E-mail him at sebastian@heimatours.com.ar Gaycation Magazine

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What Was I Thinking? Stories submitted by Gaycationers about crazy experiences that left them scratching their heads and opining, “What was I thinking?”

Disneyland, the Safest Place on Earth? by Joe Morales I have no idea how many times I have been to Disneyland. It has to be around 10 or more for sure. It has always held a special place in my heart. I think my mother and I love Disneyland the most and talk about it often. It’s a place to let go and have a chance to really be a fun-loving kid again. Sometimes it’s sensory overload and you have no other choice but to just let go. If I close my eyes, I can trace my steps through the park and recount certain memories of pure happiness and sadness. I know, there shouldn’t be anything sad about Disneyland but there was this one time… I can’t remember the year, but I do recall DJ and I taking our daughter and her school friend on an extended family vacation. The clan consisted of the four of us, my parents, and my brother and his wife and their two children. We arrived at the Howard Johnson hotel and got settled in. This is the difficult part. You’re literally several hundred feet from the Disney entrance and here you are sitting in a hotel exhausted because your travel day started before the sun came up. Basically it was a time for relaxing before those long hot all-day park events. With 4 kids and a couple of adults just itching to get inside the park, relaxing was going to be tough. When we arrived at the park for our first day of festivities, we passed the souvenir shop. I picked 64

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up a photograph and autograph book for DJ, our daughter Courtney, her friend, our niece, and nephew (and of course for me). When I handed everyone their autograph book they gave me the strangest look. I asked “What?” They asked me what the book was for. I explained that inside the park would be the characters from their favorite Disney movies and we need to collect their autographs and get a photo with them. I don’t know how many “I’m not going to do that” answers I got but I told them they had to since I went and purchased the books for them. The first few autographs were like pulling teeth. Eventually everyone got into it as soon as they watched me, the quiet one, walk up to each and every character to grab a photo and autograph. Soon it became a competition to see who could get the most signatures. Here I was, a grown man, father, and uncle, running around the park asking characters for their autograph and getting a picture. Sometimes I would get these looks from the kids and DJ like WHAT are you doing?? But it didn’t matter because we were ng so much fun. I remember walking through Tomorrowland with everyone and we came across this marble rock water feature. The marble itself weighed about 6 tons. That’s 12,000 lbs in case you didn’t know (I had to look it up). It was spinning because of the water pressure beneath it. It was pretty cool. Then we heard a child crying. He was no more than about 4 or 5. His mom and boyfriend wanted him www.gaycationmagazine.com

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to touch the spinning ball but it was freaking him out so he refused. Then for some reason the mom got angry and started yelling at him. She called him an F’g faggot crybaby and smacked him. We just stood there in a stupor. Are we really seeing this? Then she dragged him back to the ball and took his hand and was making him touch it all the while he’s screaming and crying. He was terrified. She still was yelling at him calling him a faggot crybaby and the father did nothing. We were mortified and felt so bad for the kid. NOBODY should be crying or afraid at Disneyland. The worse part: NOBODY should treat children like that. We couldn’t stand it so DJ walked over to a security guard and told them what just happened. The security guard walked over to the family and ended up escorting them out of the park because of the way they were acting. She didn’t go quietly either. It took us a while to get over the initial shock and horror but was so glad that it was over. I remember getting off Splash Mountain and Courtney was made because she didn’t want to get wet and we lied to her and said nobody gets wet. She asked why all these other people were soaking wet. I told her it was another ride connected to the one we were going on…oops. Okay, but if I told her the truth, she never would have gone on it and had a great time! Anyway, leaving the ride I saw Winnie the Pooh. We were going to stand in line until I realized he was busy. Pooh was on his knees and there was this little girl, around 6 or 7 years old standing in front of him. She was rubbing his face, his cheeks, and the top of his head and then I realized she was blind. Right then I started getting all choked up because it was one of the most tender and sweetest things. I told everyone we would get Pooh’s autograph later and to let the girl take her time. I guess it was after that the things started getting crazy. We ended up going through every inch of Disneyland. Some areas more than once! From there we moved on to California Adventure. I can’t remember the first character we came upon www.gaycationmagazine.com

at this park but I do recall seeing Mulan and Mushu the dragon. I remember pulling somebody’s arm over to them so we could get a group photo and autographs. We went on some rides and were walking through Hollywood Land to get to the rollercoaster, California Screamin’ when I saw him. It gets a little hazy here, but I recall yelling “Hey! There’s Sully!” from Monsters, Inc. and I tried getting everyone to come with me to get his autograph. I could have sworn they were all behind me but I was so excited I walked right up to Sully and gave him the biggest bear hug I could possibly give him and rubbed his furry back. Sully patted me on the head and I turned to go with a smile from ear to ear. As I was walking back, I noticed my family just staring in disbelief and then laughing their butts off. I asked what was so funny and they explained it to me. APPARENTLY there was a line to meet Sully and I just cut in front of a bunch of first graders who were waiting for him! They were looking at me like What were you thinking…

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BOOK IT!

Recommendations of LGBT friendly hotels and resorts that help you engage with the identity of a destination.

The Grand Mayan - Inspired by Ancient History

by Joe Morales

Image courtesy of http://www.thegrandmayan.com

The entrance of the hotel is a little unassuming as you arrive in your sitio (taxi). The concierge and bellhops are readily available to assist you with luggage, direct you to the front desk or give you advice on the best activities around. As you make your way into the resort, you turn the corner into an almost pitch black room. It seems as if the world melts away. You hear the faint sounds of a waterfall, Mayan music, the smell of incense and you are greeted by the great Mayans themselves. It only takes you a moment for your eyes to adjust 68

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before you see the wonders of the ancient world coming to life. Each visitor is required to wear a Grand Mayan Bracelet, which is given to you upon check in. This bracelet is for security purposes and gets you access to various amenities at the resort. There are 2 choices in room views, both equally stunning. The first view is the 18-hole Golf Course of Nicklaus Design that is surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, several natural lakes and the Sierra Madre Mountains. The second view is of palm www.gaycationmagazine.com

trees, swimming pools, and the most wonderful sweeping views of Banderas Bay. The first thing you do after arriving to your room is open the glass double doors and walk out onto the balcony and soak up the warmth and the amazing views. Our 1,900 square foot Grand Master Suite has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Each bedroom has a turn down service as well as LCD televisions. Both bathrooms have water closets separate from the shower and sink area and soaking tubs. The main area is an open floor concept and offers a living room, dining room, a full kitchen complete with cooking utensils and dishes. Your private balcony has a large plunge pool and chaise lounge chairs for those relaxing and quiet moments of your stay. What can you expect to find at The Grand Mayan Resort? There are plenty of activities to keep you busy such as Spanish classes, Culinary Tours, tennis

clinics, arts and crafts, and various daily events. There is an onsite spa and fitness center, a Pro Golf Shop and plenty of restaurants and lounges. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for some fun in the sun, you can opt for a few laps on a float tube in the Lazy River. Take a ride on The Mayan Pyramid waterslide, or visit the wave pool. If you prefer beach time, you can lounge the day away soaking up the rays on the sandy beach and a chaise lounge chair. During specific times of the year you can participate in whale watching, experience the beauty of female sea turtles returning to nest, or the baby sea turtles leave the nest to venture into the ocean. Nighttime brings a few options as well. You can choose between a Mexican Fiesta on the beach complete with Mariachi music, Mexican buffet and an open bar. There is also a Beach Party with Mexican barbeque, open bar, and fire show.

Image courtesy of http://www.thegrandmayan.com www.gaycationmagazine.com

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Image courtesy of http://www.thegrandmayan.com

No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed a great time. If you are looking for a more quiet evening, you can venture over to the Santuario. Located in the heart of the resort, the Santuario is an open air space surrounded by waterfalls and jungle vegetation. The morning hours offer you a nice respite while having coffee and pastries while the night brings you cocktails and live music from around the world. You can spend the entire day outside golfing, swimming, lounging or participating in the many available activities. No matter if you are seeking adventure or relaxation, you are sure to find it at The Grand Mayan.

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Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta Av. Paseo de las Moras s/n Fraccionamiento NĂĄutico Turistico C.P. 63735 Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, MĂŠxico Telephone +52 (322) 226.40.31 Fax +52 (322) 226.40.66 Email: conciergenv@grandmayan.com.mx www.thegrandmayan.com

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Image courtesy of http://www.thegrandmayan.com

Gaycationers

Meet some of the incredible people that have become part of our family of Gaycationers. They can usually be spotted pretty easily by their warm smiles and willing to help attitude when you arrive in their towns or cities. Here are just a few that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen. Have you seen any lately? If so send a photo to editor@gaycationmagazine.com

Boating in Capri.

Supermodels during Superhero Week (Carnival) in Provincetown!

Atlantis Cruise Staff Yachting in Ibiza. 72

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Atlantis Cruise Dance Show

Enjoying some fun in Gay Copenhagen.

Atlantis Cruise Beachgoers

Left and Above: The boys from GLAM Vermont, DJ and “Priscilla” taking a break from climbing Snake Mountain.

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Gaycationers

Gaycation Magazine’s Publisher, DJ Doran with some Key West friends. On a boat... Gaycationers enjoying some frozen yogurt at Sweet Frogs in Syracuse, New York

Left Middle: DJ standing at the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park in Buffalo, NY. Above photo: Joe’s suitcase. Packed. With all the essentails for a tropical vacation! Left: Joe Morales trying to eat a meal in Puerto Vallarta while DJ Doran interrupts...

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2014 EVENT CALENDAR MAY 24-26 ~ NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Display JUNE ~ Chamber Music Festival, Lifeguard Dash JULY 4 ~ Independence Day Fireworks! AUGUST 21 ~ Annual Sidewalk Art Show & Sale AUGUST 30 ~ Annual Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale SEPTEMBER ~ Festival of Kites, Lobster Dash OCTOBER 24-26 ~ Annual OgunquitFest NOVEMBER 9 ~ Celebrations by the Sea Wedding Expo Photo Credits: Robert Dennis, David Sullivan and Ogunquit Beach Inn

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Cruising Corner Guys World Travel by Doug White

Tune in next month to catch up with Doug and Guys World Travel. Doug is off on another adventure and crusing somewhere around Iceland...He said that he was flying out to Hamburg Germany to catch his ship and then on to colder waters. Hopefully the volcano in Iceland holds out so they can make the trip! He wanted to let you know that he’s doing more investigative work so he can bring you the very best of information... We think it’s just an excuse to get on a ship anyway. He’s been on a billion cruises already! you would think he was the ship’s Captain by now! But then again, who’d want THAT responsibility? It’s much better being a passenger and taking advantage of all the ship’s amenities anyway! Tune in next month and catch up to what Doug has been up to. You can also follow along on his Guys World Travel Facebook Group too!

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Doug White has been a TraveI Consultant and Group Specialist for over 14 years. He’s traveled around the world, both land and sea, to over 45 countries and sailed on over 100 cruises. Doug will be bringing you articles on the What, When, Where and Why of travel to make your vacation the best possible. Doug runs a group called Guys World Travel where gay men enjoy traveling together in small groups. His group is open to anyone. Their tagline is “Travel with Friends, Some You Know and Some You Have Yet To Meet”.© The group is growing and has nearly 1,000 members. www.facebook.com/groups/GuysWorldTravel and our website www.GuysWorldTravel.com coming soon. www.gaycationmagazine.com

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Crossword

Solution can be found on page 96

80www.gaycationmagazine.com | Gaycation Magazine

www.gaycationmagazine.com Gaycation Magazine | 80

Travel series “Trip Out” Showcasing Luxurious Destinations & Events for the LGBT Community

Hosted By: Kristin R. Thomas

www.TripOutTV.com www.gaycationmagazine.com

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Advertising Index Here’s a list of FABULOUS people that want you to visit. So much so, they wanted to be in Gaycation Magazine! If you’re interested in reaching a fiercely loyal audience, then contact us at sales@gaycationmagazine.com. We’re sure you won’t be sorry. Atlantic Escapes

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Solution to Crossword on page 89

The Thomas O Cash HIV/AIDS Walk 40 Trip Out 81 ZenBiz Travel

Gaycation Magazine

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Steve Dixon

UP NEXT Food & Spirits October 2014 Issue 10 Where can you get the best foods and cocktails? Salem, Massachusetts New Orleans, Louisiana West Hollywood, California

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INTERNATIONAL GAY CELEBRATION IN LAS VEGAS! 3 days of receptions, shows, parties and special events with men from 30 countries.