Pink Banana World at Gay Days Orlando - June 2009

We wanted to update you all on what a wonderful weekend we all had at the recent Gay Days 2009 event held in Orlando recently in June. The weather was mood-setting, stormy and crazy, with lightning and thunder all around. As we all arrived at the event to get set up for the accompanying Gay DaysExpo, with this tumultuous weather, lo and behold the power went out. But turning lemons into lemonade, not only did we all have a great time hanging out poolside waiting for the power to come back on, but the folks putting on Gay Days (thanks Chris and Tommy) arranged for free hot dogs and burgers for everyone waiting. Suffice it to say, hanging out poolside with our friends from Bud Light was one of the highlights of the trip... one never knows where some of the best networking can be had!

Of course, the power came back and the event continued on without a hitch. The Expo itself was a success, as it is every year, since it's one of the key GLBT events held in the US where people truly interact with those of us in the booths. Our fellow "booth mates" included IGLTA, the Grand Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Club Orlando, Instinct Magazine, Centaur Music and a whole host of various GLBT and GLBT-friendly companies choosing this event as one of their top events to attend and exhibit at every year.

The poolside activities went on every day and into the evening, with various DJs entertaining us all along the way. Not only was Bud Light (and the new lemon Bud Light, which was my new favorite) flowing, but poolside our friends Sami and Peter of Pistol Pete Menswear were holding a fun "trade in your swimwear for some Pistol Pete swimwear for free" event which had hot boys going in and out of that poolside suite the entire weekend.

There were so many events going on this weekend it would make your head spin if you tried to attend them all. Between film release parties, lesbian comedians and bear events, there truly was something for everyone. Also partying it up in Orlando was One Mighty Weekend's various events including the House of Blues party on Thursday, the Luau on Friday and the big blowout party they held on Saturday night. Other event highlights of this weekend included the Typhoon Lagoon event, which, just like in years past, had boys frolicking on water slides while dancing the night away late in the wee hours of the evening. For the girls, the Girls in Wonderland event was a huge hit, bringing together some of the hottest lesbians from the US South for a night to remember.

That's it for now, but be sure to check out the photos linked below and stay tuned for upcoming photos from some of the various events we attended this weekend, all going up online and being brought to you here on this blog in the coming days.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattskal/sets/72157619241821525/

IGLTA Gay Travel Symposium in Florianopolis, Brazil

We recently had another fantastic IGLTA Symposium in Florianopolis this past week, March 26th - 28th, 2009.  As you can see from the photos, we had a wide variety of attendees (see list below) and we were well taken care of by Clovis Casemiro and locally by Joceli and Martin Desmaras.

Florianopolis is like a mini-Rio... a local summer playground for folks coming in from Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires.  Officially, it's a

n island connected to the mainland by two bridges.  Gay life there is quite vibrant during this tourist season, with a variety of gay bars and clubs, one of the largest gay Carnival celebrations in the country, and a very cool gay beach at Praia Mole.

I arrived midweek after an incredible overnight flight on TAM Airlines from Miami through to Sao Paolo.  Their business class service was over the top and the way the shell seats reclined, I got a good night's rest on the flight down.

We began our tour on the south side of the island, hiking across a mountain trail (and yes, a big black snake did cross our path... how exciting!) and ending at a remote and beautiful beach tucked away amongst the hills.  We then took a boat to a remote restaurant in Porto do Contrato and had some fantastic seafood and oysters on the half-shell.

We continued the next day, investigating more of the island and then spending some quality time on the gay beach at Praia Mole.  I'm told that during the summer, this beach is packed... off season, it's a very pleasant spot with some hot gay men lounging in the sun and enjoying food and drink from the local beachside restaurant.

The weekend ended with a complete change of pace with a gay travel trade show and a subsequent conference about the state of the GLBT marketplace in southern Brazil as it relates to tourism.  Both the trade show and the conference were well attended, with presentations given in both Portuguese and Spanish to over 100 attendees.

It was another fantastic trip, and it has again highlighted a destination in the world that should be high on anybody's list to return to again.

Symposium Attendees:

Tom Nibbio IGLTA Headquarters

Ylan Chrem Lima Tours

Matthew Skallerud Pink Banana Media

Bryan Herb Zoom Vacations

Kenneth Coolen Alpenglow Productions / GayWhistler.com

Dean Nelson Alpenglow Productions / GayWhistler.com

Roy Heale Freelance travel journalist

Walter Rey Vamos Colombia Tour

Mark Chesnut Passport Magazine - Jornalista

Michael Luongo Jornalista

César Maschmann International Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Alfredo Ferreyra Bue Gay Argentina

Gonzalo Eduardo Aja Espil Bue Gay Argentina

Rod Stringer Horizons at Peregian

Jay Allen Mercier Horizons at Peregian

Rodney Dean Kruit Horizons at Peregian

Sam Vella Horizons at Peregian

Jonathan Klein Now Voyager Travel

Ed Cosman FLL Hospitality Consultants

Pablo de Luca GMAPS360

Gustavo Noguera GMAPS360

Jered Barclay Journalist - www.jeredtravel.com

Dane Steele Green Steele Luxury Travel

Pablo Casse Andesescape Ski Tours

Federico Garcia Torres Andesescape Ski Tours

Juan Carlos Villafañe Andesescape Ski Tours

André Fischer Mix Brasil / Revista Junior

Augusto Rossi Guia Gay Brasil

Sérgio di Pietro Revista A Capa

José Roberto Sato Revista Aimée

Valdeck Belarmino de Souza Junior Revista DOM

Alex Bernardes Pereira Revista Via G

Marta Dalla Chiesa Brazil Ecojourneys

Lesley Cushing Brazil Ecojourneys

Ricardo Calache Brazil Tropical Travel

Ricardo Saes Moreira Brazil Tropical Travel

José RC Junior Tam Viagens

Clóvis Casemiro Embaixador IGLTA no Brasil / Tam Vacations

Heitor Ferreira Filho Gay Travel Brasil

Oswaldo Luiz Gay Travel Brasil

Joceli Marina Cardozo IBI / Santur

Martin Desmaras IBI / Santur

Link to photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattskal/sets/72157615956568258/

The Pink Banana Shreds @ Telluride Gay Ski Week

It's been a long time since I've had such a good time on the slopes with a few hundred of my new favorite ski buddies!

I arrived in Telluride on a Saturday, February 21st, just as the Telluride Gay Ski Week was beginning.  Flying in direct from LA made it all that much smoother, and after a relaxing evening of getting settled in, I was ready to shred the slopes on Sunday.... and shred I did, from the sunny early morning slopes to the still sunny late afternoon runs.  I couldn't believe it... the weather was absolutely gorgeous at 10,000' elevation.

But as they say, no rest for the wicked, and that's the way this week began... as Sunday night was Oscar night, the folks hosting the Telluride Gay Ski Week spared no expense in making sure that everyone there had a great time.  With the Oscar party pre-show at the Apres Ski Logo Lounge to the Oscar Ball shortly thereafter, everyone arriving early to Telluride had a great time celebrating Dustin Lance Black's presentation speech for Milk together.

And this is the way the entire week went... ski by day and party by night.  On Tuesday night, the first blowout party was held at Tommy's.  Everyone was there, including the star of the night, Reichen Lemkuhl, debuting his Fly Naked line of jewelry.  Most of us stayed until 2 am, dancing the night away.  The hosts of this week also ensured that there was plenty to do during moments of downtime, including recommended restaurants in town for all of us to enjoy, as well as a special Spa Day for that necessary day off of relaxation from the slopes.

Thursday skiing was fun, as there was a very entertaining "Drag Race," with the winner strutting the finest ski drag costume I've seen in years... Miss Harlot O'Scara!  Thursday night was the biggest party, by far, however... the legendary White Nights party with the Perry Twins Doug and Derek Perry spinning and getting the entire crowd going strong.  This party was a packed house, with locals arriving and mixing with all of us out-of-towners, straight and gay alike.

Of course, like troopers, we were all ready to ski again, and that's the way this entire week went, until by Saturday we were all wiped out but grinning ear-to-ear with big smiles on our faces from having had such a great time and meeting such wonderful people.  And Telluride, true to form, made sure we left with a bang... with their annual Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show.  I don't think I ever saw a fashion show like this... it was the New York chic of Ugly Betty meets some of the most whacked out looks and styles from the edges of Berlin... and all on display for us in the mountains of Colorado!

And that's how I'd like to wrap up this summary of Telluride Gay Ski Week... the people.  I met some of the best people on this trip, and made true lifelong friends along the way.  There were so many different "scenes" to remember... like when the timid straight man with his girlfriend and her best friend all meekly came into the Apres Ski Lounge not knowing what to expect.  By the time they left, they were all posing for photos, sitting on our laps and having a fantastic evening.  That's the way the entire week went, and as the crowd changed day by day with some folks arriving early and others a bit later in the week, the mix of people just got better and better.  There was no one type of guy or girl there, either... it was a very healthy mix of some very cool lesbian skiiers... some hot, young skiiers... some older, muscular bear skiiers... and the rest of us in between!

I can't wait to return next year!

Thanks again to Scott Barretto and John McGill of StraightOut Media & Marketing for putting on such a wonderful event!

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattskal/sets/72157614641015311/

Budapest Trip - Feb 9-12 2009

My trip to Budapest, although short, has been incredible as it's the first time I've been this far east in Europe.  Budapest, one of the true capitals of Europe, is a fascinating reflection of history and the blends of culture that have crossed this land both over the past few millennia and in recent history.

As part of a country which is now part of the European Union and set to adopt the euro shortly, Budapest is an incredible symbol of east meets west, in this case European east meets west, with recent history thrown into the mix.  Having emerged from Communism in 1989, the buildings have only slowly been restored to their original grandeur, with some edifices reflecting their original lustor while others are still black from decades of soot and pollution, with others still displaying facades that have continuously decayed over the years and have yet to be touched.

That comparison can also be seen in the attitudes of the people here.  With English being spoken more prevalently by the younger Hungarians, the story told quite often is of the clash of cultures between the more westernized youth of today and their middle-aged counterparts who grew up with Communism and have had a tougher time adapting to the more free spirited and customer service-focused social-capitalist culture of today.  Thus, it may take generations to pass before this part of Europe reflects the more western spirit now instilled in its youth, and will hopefully always include at least some of the culture inherent in eastern Europe as Budapest serves its role of gateway to the east, at the edge of the Carpathian Mountains and the vast plains of the Carpathian basin, with the Slovakian and Polish borders within site on a clear day.

The history of this city can be seen not only in the various buildings and their state of repair (or disrepair) throughout the city.  With some of the most beautiful churches in eastern Europe restored to their original grandeur, the city gleams rooftops with striking colors and patterns, and buildings such as Parliament becoming more and more completed in their restoration and showing a city with ever increasing wealth.  In the old city, around the original palace and castle, restoration is still going strong today, yet some buildings can be seen with bullet holes and cannon blasts dating back to 1945!

One part of Budapest famous the world over is the Turkish Bath.  With one of the most famous being Széchenyi, the best way to enjoy this natural hot spring is in the outdoor pools heated to various temperatures ranging from warm to perfectly soothing and hot.  Going later on in the evening allows for a more exciting crowd that is nicer on the eyes as well.

http://spasbudapest.com/furdo.php?idx=14&menu=8

For one of the most gay-friendly stays in Budapest, check out Kapital Inn.  Run by Albert Marton, a trained Hungarian chef and former executive of a 5-star hotel, the Kapital Inn provides for a really comfortable, clean, modern and spoiled stay in the heart of Budapest.  I'm not typically a big fan of the B&B-style of inn or guest house, but this one, with its layout along with terrace, won me over!

http://www.kapitalinn.com/

For gay life in Budapest, there are several really good online sources, including:

• http://budapest.gayguide.net/
  
• http://www.budapestgayvisitor.hu/
  
• http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/free_time/gay_and_lesbian_budapest
  

Budapest is typical of a European city in that gay life is really more focused on clubs open over the weekend rather than gay bars.  Budapest has its mix of gay bars, but the ones I popped into were very good if you were looking to rent an escort for the night... not your typical "gay pub" or neighborhood bar where you can meet the locals.  My favorite night spot was Szimpla Kert (Simple Garden), a mostly straight multi-room bar set in an old unrestored building.  Decorated from that eclectic, unrestored point of view, it was one of the coolest bars I've gone to in years, and the crowd was HOT!  My gaydar was on and I could definitely pick out some cute gay boys in the crowd!

http://www.szimpla.hu/

My photos from this trip:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattskal/sets/72157613549045528/

New Gay Ski Social Networking Site

If you're gay and into skiing or snowboarding, this site is for you... bringing together information on all of the major gay & lesbian ski weekends, as well as gay & lesbian online ski resources, this site goes above and beyond by integrating social networking features including forums, blogs and a great venue from which to meet other gay & lesbian skiiers and snowboarders out there online.

http://gayski.ning.com

Interactive Male Launches Video Chat

As a leader and pioneer in the GLBT community, Interactive Male knows what men want and need in a gay chat service and has provided it for many years. With a variety of awards and recognitions in the community, Interactive Male continues to consistently provide their customers and members with innovative products. The most recent of these products is the ability to see the person you’re talking to, available at http://www.interactivemale.com.

In order to use the software, members call into the service like they normally would; only now they can logon to Interactive Male’s video chat site as well, found at http://www.interactivemale.com/videochat. When a user connects with somebody on the phone, they can also connect via the website to see that person via webcam. This integrated system allows customers to now meet people the usual chatline way, while providing availability for the video component.



Interactive Male continues to lead the industry as it has for over fifteen years bringing men together through access via 750 local phone numbers in cities across North America, offering Interactive Male in English and Spanish. The addition of video capabilities to the product only strengthens this service to a further degree. Interactive Male boasts that they allow gay men to find what they want, where they want and these new steps make that even more feasible.

Interactive Male’s website , http://www.interactivemale.com, is a starting point to signing up for the service, learning more about the company and getting a free trial to experience the phone chatline with the new video capabilities. Interactive Male definitely continues to provide its members with the ability to find what they want, where they want it.

Our Client, TheClubs.com, Launches New Website

Be sure to drop on by TheClubs.com to check out their new website we've helped them launch. With saunas in 9 locations around the US, you can now get a better feel for what they are like, inside and out!

Also, check out the new Clubs Locker Room at http://the-clubs.ning.com - a whole new social network just for TheClubs.com fans!

Enjoy the site: http://www.theclubs.com