It's just soo hot in Copacabana!

after a quick day at work, I decided to go against rush traffic and head to copacabana... Gotta love how close I work to Copa/Ipanema. Holler!!!

Brazil - Day Two

cool video on helicopter at copacabana


and a tour of the crib I'm staying at.

Brazil baby! Day ONE

Miami airport laid out the red carpet for my departure! Well at least that’s what it felt like.. My cousin works at the airport (he’s the guy that gives you a ticket for leaving cars unattended – aka make him your new BFF-LOL) and got the head of curbside to check me in. Let’s just say I got away with more than if I were to go inside and deal with the mess that American Airlines had within their international check-in. Once I checked my luggage, I went to security and NO ONE WAS IN LINE. I had to confirm I was in the right side of the airport because I just never… After security I decided to use my coupon granting me a free entrance to American Airlines Admiral club, but for what I needed I would be just fine waiting at the gate. It was now time to board and I walked into what seemed like a zoo, at gate E8. People were everywhere, bumping into me and everyone and I just rolled my eyes (ahh gotta love traveling to 3rd world countries). Luckily I still have status with AA and got to board right after biz class folks did, yay!

The flight left relatively on time, trip was smooth (thanks to 2 bottles of Jack Daniels) and I arrived on-time and thanks to my status I got to sit right behind biz-class, hence got to customs first. Actually, that was also weird because there is usually a flight ahead of us and we would have to wait behind them but again, I walked right to a customs agent and headed to my luggage. I was the first to get both my pieces and as soon as I walked outside Alessandro was walking towards me, talk about perfect timing! (and talk about the perfect flight!)

So who’s Alessandro? I met him in 2001, when we both worked for the same company. I in Atlanta; he in Rio de Janeiro. He came to the US for 3 months to learn how we operate in the states. To make long story short, we became instant bro’s. Since then, I would either go to Brazil or he and his wife would come to the US. A few years ago, I became his only son’s godfather, making us family! On my last trip, I finally decided to come out to him because I knew that he either already knew or just wouldn’t judge/care and I was right. Our friendship continues to grow and I continue to become closer to his family, especially his little ones. I just can’t believe how big they continue to get, just makes me feel old really LOL (but it’s aiight).

After the airport, we went to pick up his wife and kids and headed home to have lunch, which the maid prepared. That’s right, “maid” gurllll, holler! As soon as I was done with lunch I picked up my plate and headed towards the kitchen, but was stopped by Alessandro as he told me to leave it there, the maid will get it. OH I CAN GET USE TO THIS! LOL. After lunch, I had a shot of cachaza and took my much needed afternoon nap but not before showering because I have NOT STOPPED SWEATING!! For those that don’t know, Rio is south of the equator AKA it is summer here while it is winter in the US. I mean my skin feels so thick/moist and my sweat glands apparently have an ON switch. I can totally understand why most people I saw today on the streets were wearing close to nothing and I APPROVE! (teehee)

The day is slowly coming to an end and I am now sitting next to Alessandro blogging away, while he tries to fix this wireless issue we’re having. Ate logo gente!

Last night in the Miami (and country) and WOW!

Lyrics from a classic: "Oh, what a night. Late December back in '63. What a very special time for me, 'Cause I remember what a night….. "

Last night was WOW (I just can’t find the right word to describe it). I mean, WOW!!! Arguably, it ranked on my TOP 3 moments of my life!

The night started out pretty normal. My cousin/brother, Eli, and I went to our favorite spot (dive bar next to Miami airport). I will take a moment to describe this bar because it really is just the best place ever. I do know that other cities have something like this, specifically Chicago near Talena’s crib. So the spot is basically a liquor store with an additional area for dining. You walk right into the liquor side, pick out your bottle and pick a table where a Columbian waitress takes your food order (if you so incline to order solids-LOL). The food they serve is out of control GOOD and the fact that you are paying liquor store prices for your favorite brand, I mean you just can’t beat it. This has been my #1 choice for pre-partying then head to South Beach or downtown Miami/Fort Lauderdale because the bar is strategically located next to a highway entrance and you can get to all nightlife in less than 20 minutes.

We decided this was a special celebration and Johnnie Walker Green Label was in order. Along with 2 empanadas and a churrasco (getting ready for Brazil baby), our night was off to a good start. Slowly but surely the posse began trickling in. Marco, Manu, Janet, Madeline, Roxane, Henry, Johan and China were in attendance, with a brief cameo from Ryan. We had three tables, which were constantly full with bottles of Goose/Walker and an abundance of food. It was a night filled with great stories from both family and friends. The bar closed at 10p.m. and the owner provided a bottle on the house, along with some VIP passes to the local strip joint, HOLLER!!

We lost 4 from the crowd and headed to Hialeah for a quick change in clothes. By now I was pretty much gone because I just don’t do strip clubs but I was leaving to Brazil the following day and decided WHY NOT! Lord only knows where we ended up because it was not only dead, the staff was less than desirable and one of our crew members was beginning to not feel well. Ohhh lordie lord. Manu and I had to get Madeline out of the restroom because she was praying to the porcelain gods. We got in the car and long and behold Manu was sitting on my laps……….

Before I go on, let’s explain who Manu is. Manu a Cuban immigrant and speaks Spanish like he just got off the boat (and if u know me, you know THAT IS SOOO MY TYPE). Manu moved next door to my uncle’s crib a long time ago w/ his family. I have always had a crush on Manu, but alas he was straight and always going out with beautiful girls. Manu is also Eli’s boy, long time friend, both guys are straight and in my mind Manu was just untouched territory. I mean, lately he has been dressing up a lil to metro sexual for my taste but alas when he opens his mouth my heart skips a beat (or two).

…back to sitting on my laps. So since there were six of us riding in a 5 seater, Manu decided to get on my laps. This took me by surprise, despite the light flirting between us throughout the night, because up until now he was sitting on the girls laps. Of course a great jam came on the radio and next thing you know he was jumping up/down my laps. I was so confused it just didn’t make sense, but luckily I was highly intoxicated and went with the flow. Everyone in the car either had a grin on their face or a look of “I knew it”.

And so we lost 3 more members of our crew and now were left with just Eli, Manu and I. We all decided to go to a better strip club, but before heading there we took a quick break at a nearby gas station for some much needed hydration (Gatorade!). Eli and I went in to get the stuff, and I quickly returned to the car to see if I was reading the cards correctly. As soon as I got back, I looked back at him and we began making out. :-O OMG OMG OMG! I was kissing/making out with the man (he’s 6 yrs older than I) whom which I have had a crush since I was in high school. The man I never knew shopped on the gay aisle and has an impeccable body, with the exact accent (Cuban ref) that makes my heart skip a beat, is KISSING ME! But Eli was nearby and we stopped.

Gurlll, you know I am about to jump off some bridge to make this feeling go on! LOL. As soon as I went into strip joint #2, I told Eli and Manu that I am going to the bathroom (giving Manu a wink indicating to follow me). I actually did have to go and did my business, but when I got out he was there waiting for me. That was such a great feeling, especially considering he totally could have dissed me and focused on the nude girls. PS Manu is bi. So we started making out in the hallways, the club was not empty but it wasn’t full either. I wanted more privacy and noticed a black curtain and said lets go in there. STOP- for those strip joint regulars, you clearly know what this room is but I seriously don’t like going to these places nor do I know the layout. Needless to say, 3 security guards said, OUT and out we went ROFLOL. Eli was about to say why are you guys getting…before he could finish his sentence he stopped (at this point I think he was putting 2-and-2 together). I kept on walking outside, Manu followed me and Eli took his sweet little time giving us more KISSING TIME (YAY). Apparently we both lost track of time because before we knew it, Eli caught us kissing and all he could say was I KNEW IT!!!(directed at Manu) So as we got into the car, I was about to get into the front and Manu grabbed my hand and said, no go to the back. I thought, ok I’m guessing you want some private time with Eli and I didn’t think anything of it. But no, I got in the back and he got in behind me giving us WHAT? MORE KISSING TIME! I was literally on CLOUD NINE! Eli drove us home, Manu and I making out in the back and Eli screaming I KNEW IT the entire time.


When we got home, Manu and I wanted more time together and since neither one of us are out to our family or have private quarters, we decided to drive around. At this point, we sobered up a lil, and just drove on the highway with his jeep. We just talked about how we both were interested in each other for years but never crossed the line and of course continued making out. He is such a great kisser! On our way home, we pulled aside on a relatively quiet street. We kept on talking and reminiscing, WOW I still can’t believe I was making out with my childhood crush. After sometime, we noticed a guy screaming get out and we were like, what is he talking about? Then noticing we pulled next to a tow truck with 2 brand new cars (I’m guessing he thought we were trying to steal them). We were like, let’s just go and next thing you know the car is not starting up. Manu said, “we’re out of gas”, so we tried to call Eli and no answer then realizing we had to walk to the gas station.

Before taking the 5th step, 5 police cars blocked us in and we were like, oh boy!! The cops said, why were we there and we told the truth, we ran out of gas. Unfortunately, Manu sounded drunk because of his accent, I still crack up when I hear him talk in English. The cop asked me to put my hands on the cop car and asked where I lived. I said 32nd and 24th. He repeated the question and I repeated the answer. After the 4th try, I gave him my exact address and apparently it’s what he wanted. I’m thinking, why didn’t he ask what my address was – ughhh. Manu was a chatter box and I was constantly telling him to just shut up, they have nothing on us. The cops actually told Manu that he reeked of alcohol and Manu’s response was “but you didn’t see me drive so you can’t do shit”. Ohh but he did ladies/gents. The cops took our IDs and ran it through the system and dismissed us. My guess is that they thought we were trying to steal the cars on the tow truck, but once they determined it wasn’t the case they were done w/ us. And so we walked to the house, woke up Eli, got gas and within the hour everyone was home sleeping. Thank the LORD!

Today, Eli was reminiscing on the past and started to point out various times when Manu did something “gay”. I just kept laughing and seriously, not an hour has past without cracking up thinking of EVERYTHING that happened last night. Talk about a proper send-off. Last night is arguably one of the best nights I have ever had in my life. EVER! As for the boy, I leave today and will not making anything of it. If anything transpires in April then so be it. I am extremely happy with what happened and will leave it at that. Good bye folks, next time you hear from me I will be in RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL BABY!

Hialeah, Allapattah and Superbowl Sunday

This Sunday turned out to be a family day, which is always a fun day! I started out the day hanging out with my mom, aunt and 2 cousins at Casa Ortega (where I’ve been staying out since I left NYC). We chatted “chismotiando” until it was time to visit my uncle’s grave. Till this day, my heart still hurts when I think about his death. He just died June ’08 and everyone is still dealing with his death, both emotionally and financially. On our way to the cemetery, Janet went to buy flowers (which she apparently does on a weekly basis). My cousin (uncle’s son) on the other hand has yet to visit his grave. This just goes to show you that everyone deals with death differently.

The story of my uncle is a unique one for me because my uncle has been the father figure in my life. I lived under his roof for the first 5 yrs of my life, and then we moved blocks away and would always hang out at Casa Ortega. He was always there in my life, unlike my biological father. Ironically, my biological dad died 2 years ago and I experienced a pain unlike no other I’ve encountered in my life. I have been through a lot and nothing could have prepared me for the day I went to the wake and experienced a pain so deep in my heart I couldn’t do anything but scream and cry to make it go away. That been said, I have yet to visit my dad’s grave since the day I carried his xxx to his tombstone. Again, everyone deals with death differently.

After visiting my uncle, the natural next stop would be Hooters for some pre-super bowl activities. LOL. My cousin was inviting and I was all for watching some basketball (hehehe). I was nicely dressed and couldn’t help but notice a few heads turn (both guys and girls – gotta love Miami!). I flirted with the waitress because it’s the least I can do considering she’s wearing close to nothing – HOLLERR. After eating some great buffalo chicken wings, pitchers of bud lights (girl I’m getting ready for brazil-lol) and people watching, we headed back to Hialeah to watch the game. Well my cousins did, I went for some much needed zzz’s.

After waking up, I ate my #1 most favorite dish – Arroz con candules! My aunt makes them just like the natives (Puerto Rican signature dish). And after 3 shots Johnnie Walker Green Label and one shot of the Blue label, I called it a night and slept like a baby. LOL

Monday was another relaxing day and I finally received my W2, the day before I am leaving the country. Talk about perfect timing!

A night out in SoBe and Downtown Miami

It's a good thing I took it easy yesterday during the day because last night was out of control. I was dropped off at great "new" bar on Lincoln Road called Halo. If you're from DC and thought you heard of this place, you are right. The owners of DC's Halo, decided to recreate the success down south and that they did. Halo had quite the mix. On any given corner of the bar, I saw someone in their 50's and their boy toy, a model, fashionista, wannabees, black/white, an exotic indigenous guy and last but certainly not least -ME! LOL.

I went with Johan, who is one of the few card holding members of Halo. I won't say how he got it, but let's just say you will see Halo at least once or 10x on his credit card bill. LOL. If I had to pick a time last night, when I knew it was going to go downhill, it would be 12:00a.m. Why is it that I know the exact time, you say. Well apparently it was one of the bartenders b-day and since Johan is an extended member of the staff there, LOL, we all had bday shots! And the celebrity guest for the evening was PATRON! Needless to say it was literally just downhill from there. I mixed too many liquors, my stomach thought I was just having long island ice teas, HOLLERRR.

Next stop was megaclub in Downtown Miami, now in hindsight, we should have taken cab over but Johan drove and God was watching over us because it was just careless. DRINK/DRIVE don't mix and I should have known better! We got into the club and it was jammed packed with hot latin boys, yay! I was quite the hit because I kept on getting approached, but this was a girl's night out and I wasn't looking to meet anyone. All I wanted to do is JUST DANCE...Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmmJust dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmmJust dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-danceDance, dance, just, j-j-just dance. LOL, those were the lyrics from my favorite song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M65zI9LH-as

And dance I did, from the hip-hop room to the house side, from ground floor to stage. I really had a blast, thanks Johan! Now I did meet a boy last night, but was turned off when he said, "Hi my name.....I make $120k...I'm about to be offered a great job....". I'm like, whatever happened to "Hi, how's it going?" -ughhh.. He went on to say how he just got divorced 6 months ago and is exploring his new found sexuality. He actually had an interesting story, he and his wife hung out with another couple. He was never attracted to guys until he met this couple and he and the guy started hanging out a lot. That eventually lead to them having sex, but it didn't last because the couple moved back to Argentina. I find his story facinating because he's now 29 and "coming" out and I've been out since my teens. I just can't imagine living a double life and only feel sorry for people that do.

Well I didn't get home until 6:30a.m. and was up by 10a.m. mainly because my body woke me up and said, "Good Morrrrrrrrrrrrning! you liver is about to collapse, please drink some water...Thanks" LOL. I took my aunt to church and went to Hialeah to get some good Cuban treats (and some food too, teehee) and visit the family. On my way to Vicky's bakery, great spot for any tourists coming through Miami, I was listening to a gospel radio station and before I decided to change stations I listened in. It spoke about change and how some people feel like it's the end of the world when a drastic change occurs in our lives.

I started to think about my life and how life has changed since unemployed. What if I don't get into any schools, what will become of my life. I can't tell you how many times I've been told, don't worry you'll get in.... But you know what, I JUST MIGHT NOT! I have friends that applied to the first round in Oct '08 and they were rejected. This is the toughest year, EVER, to apply and/or get accepted into B-school. So yeah, I'm scared right about now. I also have some friends that have been invited for interview already and I haven't heard a peep.

But right when I feel like I'm about to lose control, I remember who is the one driving and then I feel a little better. If I don't get into school, then it wasn't meant to be and I just have to continue searching for my purpose in life. I can't worry about the things I can't control, all I can do is act/react/learn/listen and leave the rest to God.

More South Beach

After blogging in Hialeah, Thursday night, I found myself wanting to go out. I txt’d my go-to guy in SoBe and was notified that tonight the “it” spot was Buck 15 in South Beach (off Lincoln Road). So I went home, put on my gear and off I went with China. We both were exhausted from a long day at the beach, but we were curious how good the night would be. As soon as we drove into the parking lot, we found a spot and that’s when I knew the night was gonna be a good one. The line to the bar was long and barely moving but alas we went to the front of the line, VIP style (Thanks China!). After waiting for 15 minutes, we finally got in and our posse (better said, China’s posse) had a table in a corner spot. The music was ok and crowd was interesting to the say the least, but one thing was certain, this was the “it” spot in SoBe. Aside from two HOTTIES, the crowd was not my thing but I had a blast with the crew, especially since the drinks kept on flowing and my pockets untouched. HOLLERR.

The following morning, Friday, we all woke up early at 11a.m. and headed towards the beach. Matt, a NYC friend, was in town and I was looking forward to catching up with him. China and Johan picked up lunch food and I went to Wet Willie’s for a liquid lunch (Superman – yum!!). The beach water, bods and weather was gorgeous! We enjoyed it up until the usually 2p.m. South Beach storm, when we decided to leave and meet up with Matt. Apparently, Mr. Matt was staying at a condo on South Point and Ocean (literally across from Nikki Beach). Johan bought the vodka and off we went to free valet parking at an amazing high rise bldg. I met Matt’s friends and we all had a gay ole time and as usual whenever you put Matt/Melvin together it usually leads to a piss ass drunk event. LOL. Needless to say, it took me 12 hours to recover and even as I write my head hurts a lil.

Now I’m in Allapattah blogging away, preparing for a great night in SoBe and downtown Miami.