Paseo de la Diversidad, Rosario, Argentina

By Roy Heale

Rosario is a radiant city on the move with a tolerant and gay-friendly population. The city is nestled in a gentle twist of the mighty Paraná River about 300 km northwest of the city of Buenos Aires. Due to this close proximity to the Capital City, it is often overlooked as a potential gay vacation destination by first time LGBT travelers to Argentina.

However, Rosario freely displays its natural ‘water-world’ of the Upper Delta with its magic islands covered by lush vegetation and the many desirable sandy beaches. In the city proper there are a number of museums, a curious blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, lovely parks harboring beautiful statues and monuments. The rainbow adorned LGBT Paseo de la Diversidad walk and monument is proudly located on the river boardwalk—located between Corrientes and Paraguay streets—for all to see. There are numerous beaches along the river front, restaurants with international cuisine, and steakhouses where you can sample the renowned Argentine beef cooked on a parilla, or taste the local gourmet speciality—fresh river fish.

Vacation activities abound for the LGBT traveler to enjoy in Rosario. Night life is exciting with several gay discos—mostly open only on weekends— gay-friendly bars, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants in a balmy, romantic atmosphere.

The local gay map and guide De Ambiente is an excellent source of Rosario LGBT information which is updated and published four times per year. It is readily available around town including the Official City Tourism Information Centers—another sign of how gay-friendly this city really is!

You know that you have arrived at a gay-friendly Hotel when the De Ambiente is displayed prominently in the hotel lobby along with other tourist information brochures. Such is the case with The Plaza del Sol Hotel in the heart of downtown Rosario where the local gay guide is readily available in the foyer. The welcoming gay-friendly staff are also extremely helpful and it is nearby all the historic attractions, including the Paseo de la Diversidad, Independence Park Theatre, and El Círculo Opera House, plus numerous gay-friendly cafes, bars, and clubs.

Florida Beach, Rosario, Argentina

Beach Cafes

A short City Bus ride—costing less than two dollars—on the special “de la Costa” bus route will take you from downtown to the extensive sandy beaches of La Florida neighbourhood. Here sun worshippers gather around the umbrellas, beach volleyball games are everywhere, outdoor bars and cafes are dotted along the shore, nautical sports and bathers catch the eye. Were it not for the calm river and the lush islands in the background, it would seem akin to a tropical ocean resort beach.

For relaxation, you can take a leisurely cruise on the Paraná River and thread your way through a maze of vegetation-rich islands in the delta or, if you are more adventure-minded, paddle a kayak across to one of the islands. Many tourists and locals alike ride bicycles or horses around the parks.

Rosario is the city where General Manuel Belgrano, one of Argentina’s most important forefathers, designed the country’s flag. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the impressive Flag Monument placed in the Parque Nacional de la Bandera (National Flag Park). There is also the possibility of heading to the top of the monument’s tower for a great view of the city and river valley.

National Flag Monument, Rosario, Argentina

The history of LGBT Rosario is extensive and fascinating. According to local historian and long time Rosario resident Carlos Italiano—writer, history and Italian teacher—even during the oppressive dictatorships and religious influences the gay community in Rosario continued to thrive in secret. Some of their clandestine meeting places still exist today like the Hotel Savoy lobby bar. Although it has been renovated and upgraded it still seems to have a gay atmosphere inherited from those early days. Even Ricky Martin chose this hotel for his gay home-away-from-home when he visited Rosario. What could establish a gay reputation more than a “Royal Visit”?

In those early days the main gay cruising street was San Juan Street dating back about forty-five years when there were no bars or clubs in which the LGBT community could gather and no internet for instant hook-ups. Coincidentally, the gay-friendly Plaza del Sol hotel is located on this street today.

The renowned El Cairo Cafe was also a gathering place for the gay community along with local famous artists and authors. Today the Cafe has undergone a major restoration and is still a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

The journey from Buenos Aires by bus, train, or rental car takes about three hours. It is well worth a side trip to Rosario for LGBT city life with some great opportunities for a change of pace and some relaxation during a gay vacation to Argentina.

Historic Buildings, Rosario, Argentina

With such a rich LGBT history, the Paseo de Diversidad, and a thriving LGBT community, it is no wonder that Rosario is recognized as an extremely gay-friendly major city in Argentina.

Contact De Ambiente Gay Guide:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/dambiente

Contact Plaza del Sol Hotel:

http://www.hotelesplaza.com/hotelplazasol/hotelplazasol.html

Azur Real Boutique Hotel, Cordoba, Argentina

By Roy Heale

In the center of Argentina—about 700 km northwest of Buenos Aires—with a student population of more than 300,000, Cordoba is a bustling, gay-friendly city. With nearly 1.5 million people, and 3.2 million in the region, Cordoba still has a small town feel to it with a variety of neighbourhoods and parks to enjoy. Nueva Cordoba is the heart of the university scene, full of gay life and community hang-outs. Just a short walk from here is Viejo Cordoba where the historic part of the city includes the San Martín square, the Cathedral, Córdoba´s Townhall, and the Jesuit Block which was declared by UNESCO in 2000 as a World Heritage Site with a group of buildings dating from the 17th century.

The most gay-friendly living quarters in the city is surely the Azur Real Boutique Hotel located just two blocks from the heart of Viejo Cordoba and a ten minute walk to the Nueva Cordoba community. The historic hotel exterior proffers an unassuming entrance, but the short elevator ride to the hotel lobby reveals an elegant, calm, and tranquil haven in the heart of the city. Stylish and comfortable with gay-friendly, English speaking staff, the 24/7 reception area will immediately make you feel right at home.

Hotel Lobby

The original house, where Azur Real Boutique Hotel is located, was built in 1915 as a traditional home-store, where the household members and the family business co-existed. The property evolved over the years, becoming a Drugstore, a Restaurant, and later a Students Residence. Part of the building was used by Dean Funes National School, where personalities from the City of Cordoba attended classes. Perhaps its most famous student was Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

The current owners began restoration work in 2004 and after five years finally the hotel opened its doors in 2009. However, the property is so well maintained and cleaned it appears to have made its debut yesterday.

Stylish Rooms

Azur Real Boutique Hotel has fourteen spacious rooms each with a unique architectural style and exquisite modern design, equipped with LCD TV, Internet Wi Fi, computer sized safety deposit box, mini-bar, multi-function shower, and American percale 180 thread count sheets. The attention to detail is luxurious including bath robes, slippers, and nightly turn-down service. Comfort is combined with an opulent ambiance to make every guest feel pampered while staying here.

Home Comforts

A sumptuous daily breakfast buffet is served from a civilized 7AM to 11AM in the top floor restaurant, or by room service, or outside on the comfortable rooftop sun deck. The restaurant is also open for À La Carte lunch and dinner with exquisite local Argentine specialities being served. The Deli Lounge lobby bar also serves refreshments throughout the day and evening.

Throughout the property there exists a peaceful aura of relaxation combined with the total professionalism of the gay-friendly staff. A rare combination today in many hotels.

Roof Top Sun Deck

One of the many attractions of Cordoba is the surrounding Sierras (hills) where many smaller towns and Villas (villages) offer unique tourist attractions and historic buildings from the earlier Spanish Colonialism and Jesuit Orders. Most of these communities can be visited as day trips from Cordoba via local buses or on organized tours. The Azur Real front desk staff will be happy to provide you with additional information.

The Hotel is also conveniently located close to the main Omnibus Terminal and the Mercado Sur Bus stop for easy access via local transit to the Sierras. A visit to Cordoba is not complete without at least one excursion into these hills to enjoy the scenery and local history. Of special note is the Villa General Belgrano, a small mountain village named after the creator of the Argentine flag—Manuel Belgran—and located in the lush green valley of Calamuchita. The Alpine architecture of the village attracted immigrants from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria which gives this small town a truly European atmosphere and charm.

So be sure to stay at the gay positive Azur Real Boutique Hotel while you enjoy the LGBT life and the Sierras of Cordoba. It will be the perfect, memorable gay get-away during your visit to gay-friendly Argentina.

Azur Real Boutique Hotel Services:

• Deli Lounge
• Room service
• Roof-Top Terrace with splash pool
• Meeting room
• Wi Fi
• Transfers
• Maid service twice a day
• Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing
• Luggage Storage
• Safety deposit box in rooms
• Bilingual Staff
• Pillow Menu
• Massages
• Shoe shine service
• Gays and Lesbians Welcomed

For More Information Visit: www.azurrealhotel.com

Plaza del Sol Hotel, Rosario, Argentina

By Roy Heale

You know that you have arrived at a gay-friendly Hotel when the local gay guide is displayed prominently in the hotel lobby along with other tourist information brochures. Such was the case when I arrived at The Plaza del Sol Hotel in the heart of downtown Rosario and the De Ambiente gay guide was readily available in the foyer. The welcoming staff were also extremely helpful and spoke English, which is not always the case in Argentina.

Located on San Juan Street near attractions such as Plaza Montenegro, The National Flag Monument, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and the Cordoba Street Pedestrian Mall, this is a perfect place to explore Rosario. Also nearby are Independence Park Theatre and El Círculo Opera House plus numerous gay-friendly cafes, bars, and clubs.

Of course the renowned riverbank promenade is also just a ten minute walk from the Plaza del Sol Hotel. Here you will find spacious and beautiful parkland with cafes overlooking the Rio Parana plus the islands and beaches of the Westbank.

Spacious Rooms With Balconies

Plaza del Sol is a comfortable hotel with all the necessary amenities for a perfect trip. Hotel guests can enjoy a free buffet breakfast served daily on the second level. The staff provides concierge services, tour assistance, ticket purchases, business services, and translation services. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, swimming pool, sun deck, laundry, and room service during limited hours. There is also a computer located in the hotel lobby for guest use.

The spacious guestrooms have views of the city with cable television including free movie channels. All rooms have personal safes and telephones. Internet access is provided with free high-speed wireless connections. Beds have down blankets and the bathrooms have shower and tub combinations with jetted tub and rain shower head. They also offer bidets and hair dryers. The rooms include air conditioning and private balconies. In addition, guests may request iron and ironing board, bathrobes, and wake-up services.

During my visit to Rosario I learned that San Juan Street was one of the original gay cruising streets in the city, dating back about forty-five years when there were no bars or clubs in which the LGBT community could gather and no internet for instant hook-ups. Although times have changed it is interesting to find a gay-friendly hotel located on a street with such gay history.

Hotel Lobby

Rosario is situated only 300 kilometers from Buenos Aires making this an easy destination for a visit during an Argentine vacation or business trip. By car the journey takes just over three hours and slightly longer by bus or train. The River Parana with its islands and beaches makes for an ideal relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.

With moderate prices for room rates Plaza del Sol Hotel is perhaps the best option for staying “gay” in Rosario.
For More Information Visit: http://www.hotelesplaza.com/hotelplazasol/hotelplazasol.html

If you are in Sydney this week or next catch Tom Ballard’s latest show “Since 1989″.

Ballard is best known for co-hosting TripleJ’s breakfast radio show.

Tom’s life has gone for just over 21 years. In that time he’s been skinny dipping, had his heart broken and experienced dermatological issues.

This is a show about youngness from one of Australia’s brightest new talents.

More information:

• Tom Bollard Website – Facebook – Twitter
• Belvoir Theatre
• SMH Review
• Sydney Accommodation

Now in its third year, the festival is full of mind-blowing events and hosts the hottest boys in the world and the best DJs, stars, and performers.

The Tropical Fruits New Year’s Festival is a four-day queer celebration held in the city of Lismore in sub-tropical northern NSW – an area known suitably as the Rainbow Region.

The NYE Party and the Recovery Party are held at the retro-chic Lismore Showgrounds, lovingly transformed by hundreds of volunteers into a sumptuous smorgasbord of our own unique culture.

Mark your diary, as tickets go on sale September 1st for a potentially sold-out event.

Some highlights:

• An on-site camping facility, replete with themed areas.
• For the dance party, there are two massive, proto-industrial dance spaces featuring top Australian and international DJs.
• Also on are an Art Show & Cabaret plus the Queer Fruits Film Festival in Lismore’s grand old Starcourt Theatre.
• At midnight, enjoy an over-the-top fireworks spectacular.
• Rejuvenate on New Year’s Day at our sensational, slippery, sexy Pool Party held in the post-deco ambience of Lismore Baths, booked exclusively for Tropical Fruits.
• Back at the Showgrounds, as the sun starts to set on New Year’s Day, feast on a BBQ and get set to groove the night away at Recovery.

• Gay Travel North Coast
  Other Tropical Fruits Events

Downstairs @ Sportsman

Affectionately known to regular patrons as “Sporties” the Sportsman Hotel and club is located in the heart of Brisbane, and now noting its 21st year of serving Brisbane’s gay community.

Downstairs @ The Sportsman Hotel is the section that caters to MEN ONLY and MIXED events throughout the year. During the pride festival, it has a different theme on Saturday nights. On 5 June, it is hosting T Bar (transgender and mixed) and on 18 June is BrisBears (men only).

For more information, see the events calendar for Sportsman Hotel. Both locals and visitors will find this is a great place to party during Brisbane Pride Festival.

If travelling to Brisbane check out the Rainbow Tourism Australia Brisbane page

“International Male” is just one of many films focusing on gay men at this year’s Reel Queer Film Festival, held in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, and also screened in Auckland, which boasts the largest gay community in the country.

Auckland: ‘International Male’ 5 Jun 4:30pm at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket
Wellington: ‘International Male’ 11 Jun 2:40pm at Paramount Theatre

If you’re visiting the North Island between 26 May and 12 June, be sure to catch a flick or two and meet up with the locals who support this annual fest.

For more information see the film trailers and descriptions online.
Rainbow Tourism Accommodation: Auckland, Wellington

Over the Victoria Day Weekend, HARD 2 Leather Fetish Ball is on for Sunday, 22 May in Vancouver, BC. Time to party, and leave your streetware at home. This is a leather party only.

Men in Leather’s annual HARD – Leather Fetish Ball – is an epic event and party, for just $25 a ticket! Itwill be held at FIVE SIXTY (560 Seymour St.). The former historic A&B Sound store has been transformed into one of Vancouver’s hottest new clubs. With multiple levels and various rooms you can expect many a surprise including a “Dungeon Play Area.”

Special performance by Mantra, on deck DJ Nick Bertossi, Marcus Purnell & Ntectect will have the dance floor pulsing. Dress code enforced: Leather + Fetish only.

Visiting Vancouver for HARD 2 (May 22), the OUTGAMES (25-31 July) or PRIDE Festival (31 July)? Check in at these Rainbow Tourism Accommodations in Vancouver and Whistler.

For more information visit Men In Leather Vancouver.

Songbirds Rainforest Retreat offers a serene but purely decadent experience in idyllic surrounds less than an hour’s drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast in Australia’s Sunshine State (Queensland).

Songbirds’ boutique accommodation has luxurious views inside and out. There are six spacious and beautifully appointed villas scattered over the 51-acres of pristine rainforest on Mount Tamborine.

Picture you and your partner or group of friends in your own private sanctuary, arrange a massage or beauty treatment, enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the double spa bath, walk through the rainforest property, or simply relax by the gas-ember fire or the rainforest views from the private balcony.

Breathing clean mountain air and awaking to the sound of birds – kookaburras, whipbirds and lorikeets -is as heavenly as ating in the award-winning restaurant. Songbirds in the Forest restaurant has won many awards and has an international reputation for its food, wine and high standard of service as well as its spectacular ambiance.

Visit the Website: www.songbirds.com.au