Blogging Fusion

Gay Cruise with Atlantis this week - MAN OVERBOARD

It seems that a passenger has fallen overboard from an Atlantis cruise off the coast of Mexico on Friday.

ABC7 photojournalist Sean Patrick Lewis aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Allure of the Seas said passengers were awakened Friday morning by an emergency announcement, saying a man was believed to be overboard.

The ship's captain confirmed the incident to passengers and said all rescue attempts were being made.

An emergency assembly was called so passengers could be counted.

Royal Caribbean has aid a passenger witnessed another passenger going overboard at about 7 a.m. According to the statement, footage from the ship's closed-circuit camera showed the passenger, a 30-year-old British man, going over the balcony railing in his stateroom.  More details at ABC NEWS.

THE ALLURE OF THE SEAS holds the record for the largest passenger ship ever constructed -  though her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas,  is just 2 inches smaller!

The ship features a two-deck dance hall, a theatre with 1,380 seats, and an ice skating rink. Many of the ship's interiors were extensively decorated by muralist Clarissa Parish.

Steven Barry Krumholz, 51, was arrested while on board the Allure of the Seas while it was docked in St. Thomas.  - last year, on their 2011 cruise.

News reports said  that  Customs and Border Protection agents boarded the ship and found drugs on another passenger, who said he had purchased them from Krumholz before the trip and picked them up while on board.

Agents who searched Krumholz?s cabin reported finding more than 140 ecstasy pills, nearly three grams of methamphetamine, a small quantity of ketamine and about $51,000 in cash. While waiting for the suspect in his cabin, two more passengers came to buy drugs, according to agents!

I never have liked cruise ships.....

Ideas for Exploring Hawaii

Hawaii attracts visitors of all kinds throughout the year, and with the vast array of shops, nightclubs, and activities forming a conglomeration of possibilities, it is not a stretch to suggest that there truly is something for everyone. The island of Oahu's LGBT community has built a particularly active and thriving scene, which has made it one of the most popular gay friendly tourist destinations over the years. Waikiki, with its buzzing beach and active nightlife, features a large array of gay friendly Hawaii hotels and plenty of gay bars and clubs waiting to be explored. The rest of the island follows suit, with plenty of gay friendly activities that are aimed at locals and visitors alike, ensuring that the Aloha spirit is felt regardless of where you're from! And with the recent recognition of same-sex unions in Hawaii, why not come and celebrate under the island sun. As is the case with any vacation, the problem is finding time to take it all in, and for someone hoping to experience the vitality and energy of Hawaii, here is a list of some of the favorite LGBT activities and hangouts so you can streamline your schedule while meeting fun and interesting people from all over!

The Right Starting Point

A close proximity to the sights and sounds of this dynamic island will ensure that your schedule is fast and action packed. A series of boutique, LGBT-friendly Waikiki hotels offering comfort and luxury just minutes away from the best spots are there for your choosing, and are a great place to call home during your island visit.

Bars and Nightclubs

Honolulu features a host of gay bars and nightclubs that, depending on your mood, can either energize you or help you unwind after a long day. In Between, a karaoke bar near the famous Kuhio and Kalakaua Avenues, is a favorite for those hoping to relax, have a drink, and sing in a very casual, friendly environment. Locals and tourists mingle here in perfect harmony. Fusion, on the other hand, is a high-energy, buzzing night club that promises a late night of fun and dancing. Open till 4am, this locally-owned club is sure to entertain with its drag show, loud music, and diverse crowd.

Beaches

While all beaches on Oahu promise a fun time in the sun, Queen's Surf Beach has emerged as one of the best-loved gay beaches on the island. Work your tan to a state of perfection while enjoying the warmth and endless bliss of the water!

Hiking clubs, shops, and other gay-friendly ventures help make Oahu the accepting, diverse paradise that it is. Come forge memories and friendships that you'll never forget!

HOT Mens Swim Suits from DOWN UNDER

Looking for the perfect square-cut swimsuit?

2wink Australia has created one exclusively for you!

 

With its premiere 2012 swimwear range, the only Western Australian underwear company, 2wink Australia, has created a line of swimwear called Aussie Defence AUS12 as a follow-up to its first ever swimwear range launched in 2011, which included styles named after famous Aussie stars.

 

?We?ve created comfortable swimwear that?s perfectly Australian: sexy and stylish,? says 2wink Australia co-owner Carl McNeill. ?We hope that guys around the world will catch on to the AUS12 theme with AUS representing Australia and 12 being the current year; 2012.?

The company intends to release their Aussie Defence range year after year.

 

Popular fitness model Lee Stram modeled the new line, and is featured in some of 2wink Australia?s videos on youtube. Watch AUS12 behind-the-scenes footage!

AUS12 swimsuits are made from imported Italian fabric, which is 80% nylon and 20% lycra, but 100% Aussie-made. The masculine square-cut swimsuits are fully lined on the inside and include a tie cord and elastic waist. The range is available in three different colors, including light blue, orange and red. Each swimsuit retails for around $40 USD (free worldwide shipping), and are available online.

 

For more information about 2wink Australia, please visit: 2wink.com.au.

ou can also keep on top of special promotions and news updates by following 2wink Australia on Facebook  and Twitter at @2wink.

Airplane Do's and Dont's Etiquette

Airplane Etiquette

  2  words. Common Courtesy.
Use common sense people.

I can't believe I am even writing about this. And I hate to stereotype, but honestly, I don't think I have seen a gay person on any of my flights, do any of these.

But on a flight this past week, I was offended by at least 4 of these situations, and maybe, for what it's worth, this advice may help someone out there.

My biggest pet peeve; the plane lands and stops and EVERYONE jumps up and crowds the aisles. Really People? Where do you thin you are going?     For God's sake, please wait until your row has arrived to leave the plane. There is no need to jump on and clog the aisles.  Waiting patiently, in your seat, will make the deplaning process much easier.They can only empty a plan so fast. And I find it SO RUDE, when someone from behind me, jumps up into the aisle ahead of me. UNLESS your are connecting and running late, stay seated and wait like civilized humans.

 Cell phones really should not even be used on a plane. Is your call THAT important?

  Bathe. I don't care if your flight is at 6am and you had to be up at 3am - take a bath or shower. We're going to be in close quarters for the next few hours!

 Seats seem to get smaller and smaller! If you are on an aisle or window, try to be conscientious of that person in the middle. Maybe lean a little that direction and give the person in the middle more breathing room. And if you are in the middle - remember that. If you doze off, you don't want to end up laying to the far right or left!

Armrests are so tiny! But try to share. If there are three seats to a row, the middle person should have first rights to armrest space because the person on the aisle and window gain a little extra space. However, those in middle seats should also understand that people to the left and right of them will also want a small bit of space to lean their arms or place their elbows; the middle seat person should adjust slightly for their travel companions so that everyone is as comfortable as possible

  With the pressure in the cabin, sometimes peoples ears get "clogged"  or "stuffed up"  and they have a tendency to talk louder. Use your indoor voice. Try to talk softly.

Attire. Remember when people would "dress up" to fly? Probably not - you're too young.  Dress comfortably, but appropriately. Remember you will be sitting next to strangers and they do not need to look at your cleavage the whole plane ride. And avoid strong perfumes and colognes.

Speaking of attire....

Flip Flops?  Really?  Flip flops were made for the beach - and the gym shower. That's about it.

If you have a really long flight, you might want to take off your shoes. Are your feet clean and smell-free?? But DO NOT take them off if you have sweaty smelly feet. And DO NOT take your socks off.

Speaking of smells... Do not bring food on the plane that will have a strong or lingering smell. Like Thai Curry Shrimp!  EWWWWWWW!


Some  travelers do not want to talk to others.
It?s reasonable and courteous to briefly acknowledge the traveler next to you so that they may increase their comfort level with sitting by you for the duration of the flight.Offer polite chitchat or a hello  with your seatmate, but know when the conversation should end.  Do not go on and on.


Consider using the bathroom when other folks in your row are using it as well. Avoid making people get in and out of their seats several times.

Unless you are challenged in some way, do not  grab  onto the seat in front of you when you are getting up from your seat. You will yank the seat back and bother the person in front of you.

Look at the seat in front of you; there is not much room right?  If you recline your seat, do it slowly and gently as to not smash the person?s knees behind you. Or maybe they have a drink on their tray top -  and you wouldn't want to spill it everywhere. They have the same amount of room as you do. Be considerate of space.

Many travelers feel entitled to recline their seat as much as possible to gain a few more inches of room, but never consider that the business traveler behind them may be using the tray table for reading or working on their computer.

When there is not enough legroom, as is the case when flying economy class, it is polite to limit your movements according to the space available. For example, instead of stretching out the pages of a newspaper, read a pocketbook instead.

Passengers should always store only one item in the space above their seats; however, some who board the plane first may inappropriately choose to store both of their items in the overhead bin so that they have more leg room during the flight. Be considerate.

    Use headphone for electronic devices. People around you do not need to listen to your music or movie.

       Be aware of how much you drink as to not get tipsy or drunk. A drunk on then plane is not pretty.

    Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle. If you have a back pack, take it off, and hold it down in front of you. This will help you avoid hitting other passengers as you walk by them.


Those are most of violations I see on a regular basis! It's not rocket science to be courteous to fellow travelers!

Wieliczka Salt Mine outside of Krakow

I have not been to Poland yet -  but I would like to go one day. I am told it is not the most gay friendly place on Earth.   Someone from Krakow told me, "Being gay in Poland is like being a Michael Bolton fan at a metal concert: it's looked down on, not something you announce in a crowd of skinheads, and might get you beaten up."

Historically, unlike in many other Central and Eastern European countries, homosexuality was never punished by law in Poland - but to say it was tolerated is a stretch.  Until 1991, homosexuality was listed as a disease. Today, legally homosexuality is allowed, and the age of consent for gay (or straight) sex is 15 years. Gay and lesbian couples do not need to register their partnership, but adoption by gay or lesbian couples is not permitted. Prostitution, however, is legal.

But for a country as homophobic as Poland, the gay rights movement is surprisingly strong and well-organized, especially in recent years.

There is a site called  Cracow Life which provides LGBT information. Everything from clubs to restaurants.

I AM TOLD that Krakow's Wieliczka salt mine is no less magnificent than the Egyptian pyramids. A subterranean world of labyrinthine passages, giant caverns, underground lakes and chapels with sculptures in the crystalline salt and rich ornamentation carved in the SALT ROCK!  Pretty Amazing!  Visitors   also marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient mining equipment in the Wieliczka salt mine. And the unique acoustics of the place have made hearing music here an exceptional experience.








The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland, lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. The mine, built in the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation.

The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and an entire chapel that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by actual artists. About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually.



FOR  900 years, it used to be one of the world's biggest and most profitable industrial establishments when common salt was commercially a medieval equivalent of today's oil. Always a magnet, since the mid-18th century Krakow's Wieliczka salt mine has become increasingly a tourist attraction in the first place. Today visitors walk underground for about 2,000 m in the oldest part of the salt mine and see its subterranean museum, which takes three hours or so.

Gay Travel Around the World

TRAVEL -  is such an amazing experience!
You can meet new people, experience new cultures, travel feeds the soul!


Mark Twain said,  ?Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from YOUR  safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.            
Explore. Dream. Discover.?

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