Where Llamas and Guinea Pigs Thrive

I was once again lucky enough to be assigned for work to go to Lima, Peru. I know nothing much about Peru except for the Incas and of course Macchu Picchu. I was quite weary about the country since I didn't have a good experience in Sao Paulo. I expected Lima to be the same way, dirty, polluted, unsafe and certainly a concrete jungle.

Few days before my flight to Lima, I managed to dig thru the internet sites to look for lesbian or gay location. After searching thru 100 websites, I finally found one which was quite useful. The 1st problem was that it was just links to Gay Clubs, the other problem is that its all in Spanish. I found a lesbian group in Lima and decided to write to them instead.

After a day or so, I got a reply from one of the members of the group. Nice girl. Gave me plenty of recommendations. Peru isn't really a gay mecca but there are plenty of gay friendly bars/clubs/restaurants.

One area that I adored very much is Laco Mar. Although it is not a special gay area, but it is certainly a good place to have coffee or seafood accompanied by best view of the Peruvian coast. It has a shopping center, cinema, bowling alley and also 2 amusement centers there. The place is indeed more catered towards the upper class Peruvians and it is a little bit touristy, but the locals seems to be fine with it. In fact, I was told, it was the place to see and be seen. And I can't think of a better place to eat fresh seafood in Peru. If you would go to this area, I would certainly recommend going to Mango. The best service that I ever had and most delish seafood. I felt like a queen, the way the waiter was dotting towards us.

Anyways, I met up with the girl from the Lesbian group and she was super friendly. I have to admit she definitely doesn't look gay at all. Later on, I realized that most women in Peru are not very butch looking at all. There are of course a token few, but mostly are girls who love wearing tight, revealing clothes, shaking their bums to salsa and meringue songs.

So where is the place to be? Unfortunately, there is no exclusively lesbian hangout, but there is a BIG GAY club which has plenty of girls and guys hanging out there. The place is called Downtown. It is situated at Pasaje Los Pinos 168, Miraflores. It is the biggest gay club in Peru. It has 2 dance floors. One is for the Latin Lovers and the other is for the House Music Lovers. Guess which ones are the women's favorite? The only problem is, most of the women are just standing drinking and not many are boggie-ing the nite away...

Since I am too shy to shake my not-so-latin-like-booty, I decided to go to the House Music section instead. The DJ is great. He plays the contemporary house music and has good eye for what delights the crowd. It was a Friday night and it was packed to the brim. There was even a drag show which is at the 2nd level of the dance floor. I mean, the drag show wasn't anything to shout about, but I guess, it was great that they are quite with the "program". I mean, the show constitutes of 3 drag queens dressing up as nurse, an S&M fan covered in black leather suit and an innocent school girl strutting their butts on the catwalk. Is that considered as a drag show? hmm...oh well, I did enjoy winking at one of the drag queen, so that was fine.

Friday nites are the best especially since they have this special: buy 2 jugs of beers for only 5euros. That's madness. Oh, and you should try looking for people who are selling you tokens to get into the club for a cheaper price. It costs only 1 soles as opposed to paying at the entrance. Girls are also SUPER friendly over there. It would be a plus though if you could speak Spanish because a few girls came up to me, but I could not strike any conversation with them. Then again, you don't require spanish when you're just sucking face...hehe..

I had such a good time there that I went back on a Thursday and it was super full as well. Not so much girls, but men are a plenty. And music is consistently awesome.

Oh, warning ahead though, if you would like to try their local special drink, make sure you are a fan of raw egg. Otherwise, just don't look at how they prepare the drinks. For those in the dark, the name of the drink is Pisco Sour. It tastes great...but once you know it is made with raw egg, somehow, it doesn't taste as good anymore....

During one of the weekends, I went with my colleague to Cusco.

A city which is the closest to Macchu Picchu. It is about 3000meters above sea level. Although it is a quaint little city, it has lots of character. The architecture of the place is just fabulous, lots of Spanish influence. The Peruvian girl told me that there is a famous gay club in Cusco. We were looking around and I noticed that there were many gay flags hanging outside of the hostels. I was quite proud to see so many gays are living in Cusco. But when I kept seeing flags all over the place, I started to question. People say, 10% of the mass population could be gay, but I think I have seen more than 50% of the buildings here with gay flags flying proudly. This can't be gay heaven. True to my instinct, rainbow is actually Cusco's national symbol. It has something to do with the rain giving them good harvest and sometimes, after the rain, they could always see a rainbow and therefore, rainbow symbolizes good times.

The trip to Macchu Picchu from Cusco took us 7 bloody hours (including flight, train ride and bus ride) but it was certainly all worth it. We only had 3 hours in Macchu Picchu, but it was an awesome trip indeed. The area where the temple ruins are is amazingly breath-taking with the backdrop of the mountain covered in mist. I felt like I was Indiana Jane and found the lost city of Inca. I wish we had more time to absorb this beautiful sight, but we had to catch the train back to Cusco in order for us to fly back the next day.

At night, we went to the local restaurant. Lo and behold, we saw grilled guinea pig as one of their specialty. We had to try it, I mean, it is a mandatory thing to do since we are already in Cusco. When the dish came, it was quite a horror sight. We could still make out the shape of the guinea pig. It still has its tiny legs attached to it. The head was off of course. But that didn't make it more appetizing..and it didn't help that the table next to us were making icky faces and sounds when they realized what we have ordered. What does it taste like? It reminds me of eating squirrel. Pretty bony and tastes like something you have never tasted before, except for squirrel (I know, bad comparison....since not many people have actually eaten squirrel before...hehe, but that is the closest comparison.)

Anyways, we were too tired to venture out to the gay clubs that nite....so I have no idea how the gay clubs are in Cusco.

Downtown Ratings:
Ambience ****
Music ****
Service ***
Price ****
Girls ****

Greece, home of Socrates & Where Lesbians Orginate

So...I am off in Greece for 3 weeks...work work work! I know, I know, most people would kill for this chance. I been here before and the last time I was down, it was a GREAT experience.

Seeing all the ruins (Acropolis, Theater, etc.), and imagining myself being there worshipping all the Gods and Goddesses, or better yet, people worshipping me because I was the Queen...ah...life! The last time I was here, I did manage to go island hopping, 3 to be exact, but mostly to the nearby islands (Poros, Hydra and damn I forgot the name).


Anyways, I was hoping that this time I get to go to my dream vacation spot 'Santorini'. But with luck NOT on my side, there isnt anymore flights to Santorini and if I really desperately want to go, I would have to take a 7hr ferry ride there...hell NO!

So, this weekend I killed time by hanging out at Monastiraki. This is where all the hip and happening cafe/restaurant/bars are. The best part is that the backdrop of the area is filled with beautiful scenery of the ruins. You can even see the Acropolis from there since it is situated at the top of the hill. Also, the best part is when you sit outside and just watch the people passing by. I have to say, a lot of very good looking Greeks, men and women!! Well, that is of cos if you are into dark haired and tanned people.



In the evening, I ventured to a lesbian club. It was tough looking for the places on the internet. I took down 4 addresses, but I decided to visit two for the night. The 1st one is called Troll. I took a cab there and what a disappointment. The place has been torn down. I guess someone should UPDATE the website, hello!

So I tried to go to the other lesbian club. It is called Noiz, located at Eumolpidon 41 & Kostantinoupoleos (oposite Kanella restaurant), Gazi area. The best way to go there is by a cab...that is if the cab driver know where the hell it is. Funny actually...in Greece, you could just hail a cab from anywhere and the cab will stop in the middle of the road, even if it means that it is stopping traffic.

So I hailed for a cab, and he stopped...at the side of the road, but not really. So, some guy behind was shouting at him...of cos he shouted back with I am sure lots of foul words..the hillarious thing was that when he turned to me, his voice immediately changed, he was smiling and was polite. Wow, what a 180degrees change. It was like it never happened. So, I stepped into the cab and it took about 10minutes for him to ask me where I wanted to go. I wrote the address down and he was trying to pronounce the name over and over again but he doesnt get it. So eventually, he started driving and stopping other cab drivers for direction. Bear in mind that he is stopping at the middle of the road to ask for directions..

Eventually we made it. It was 11pm. I tried to enter the place but it was not opened yet. Apparently, I was super early. He said to come again at 11.30pm. I hung out at a bar opposite the club called Moshi Moshi. It is a gay friendly bar. Nice interior and the DJ was playing very relaxing music.

Come 11.45pm (trying not to be the 1st) and I headed to the club. There is a cover charge of 7euros but that entitles you to any free drink...I REPEAT, ANY! So get the most expensive one if you can..hehe... The interior isn't very impressive and the club isn't very big at all. It could fit maybe about 80-100 girls at one time.

It is quite darkly lit..but not to the extent where you would hit yourself on the face though. There are 2 bartendress. I started chatting up with one of them. She was really nice and not to mention cute too!! I was asking her about the other lesbian clubs around town. Apparently, Troll has closed down a year ago and another club that I went to the last time I was down (Perfume), has been closed for a few months too. Another club called Fairy Tale has also closed down. So now, there is only 2 clubs in town, NOiz and Onar (Elasidon 2 & Piraeos str., Gazi area). She told me that Onar is not really recommended unless I love Greek Music and Heavy Greek Ladies....wonder if she was just giving me the sales woman pitch or is it for real.

She later introduced me to the really cute and handsome waiter. He is sooo friendly. We both hit it off instantaneously. Anyways, the crowd only started to come in at about 1.30am, and that is the normal time cos it is summer time and people rather sit down and chat outdoor until sundown, rather than club indoor. Closing time is about 6am!!!

Most girls who hangout here are younger (about 18) to about 30 somethings...but mostly young crowd. I noticed that most greek girls are having longer hair, with make-up on and tight hugging clothes to show off their curve.. but still, that won't fool a trained eye...

Did I already mention that Greek girls are Goddesses!! And they really know how to party. The bartendress kept topping up my drinks for free and the waiter kept getting shots for me. By 3am, I was already super drunk!! The music is great. It is a combination of House, R&B and the obligatory Greek Music, but it wasn't so bad. Very good dancey tunes indeed.

The club was so GOOD that I went back the next day. But this time, I was smarter, I came at about 12.30pm. It was still not full though. I was starting to think that Saturday may not be a good day for clubbing. I was proven wrong. At about 2am, the place started filling up. It was more crowded than the day before. It was getting very uncomfortable to dance though. Especially since some girls got really drunk and started trashing around, thinking that it is a sexy way of dancing...I think. Got stepped on my feet a few times, got burnt on my arm by an idiot who didn't say sorry after her ciggies landed on my arm. She only shook her head. Dumbass!

Today, the bartendress who was working the day before has been replaced by a hotter bartendress. I didn't get a chance to talk to her though cos the place was too packed! The bartendress who was working came that night, but she was there to party. And BOY SHE DID!! She even did a Cayote Ugly Move..She danced on the bar..and she was gyrating her hips like Shakira. Good show indeed!

After dancing for a few hours, I started noticing a hot babe around the corner. Ok, there were a few hot babes...but this one caught my attention cos she looked like someone I knew. I inched my way towards her, trying to build up my courage while doing that. After 1/2 hr of inching, I finally was behind her. I tapped on her shoulders and introduced myself. She doesn't really speak English well. I asked her if I could dance with her. She pointed to the girl in front of her, 'She my girlfriend'. Wow, what an embarassing moment. The 1st time I gather enough balls to come up to someone to ask them to dance with me, and I get shot on the face..ewww...

To salvage my dignity, or whatever that is left, I introduced myself to her girlfriend. She was kind to me, but we didn't really talk, just a lot of awkward smiles. Oh well...can't blame a girl for trying. There were still more girls around...but I didn't dare venture my luck anymore. Afterall, I got enough ego bruising to attend to. Ouch!

By 5am, I got really tired and since they were starting to play more and more greek music, I decided to Greek out. And the worst part was that while I was saying goodbye to the bartendress and waiter, someone grabbed me from the back on my waist and wished me goodnite. I turned and saw a straight looking asian girl staring back at me. I could have stayed and tried out my luck, but I decided to play cool and smile and said goodnite to her. And now, I am banging my head against the keyboard while typing this out!!

All in all, Noiz rating:

Ambience ***
Music ***1/2
Service ****
Price ***1/2
Girls ****1/2

Paris Part Deux - Femmes

Les 3w Café (8, rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris)

I came to this café last year as well after hopping out of Blisscafe (it is just 2 minutes walk from each other, so obviously, take the same metro: Hotel de Ville). The deco here is more modern and planned compared to Blisscafe. I suppose it gives a sense of professionalism as soon as you step into the bar. It was quite a packed day when I went in.

The girls who hungout here seem to be much, much younger compared to the ones that hungout in Blisscafe. Most of them are immersed in their conversation and there wasn’t any place for me to sit except at the bar.

Drinks here are similarly priced to the ones in Blisscafe but they are more extensive choices. The bartenders are very friendly and very chic as well. I cannot say much about the patrons though since I was sitting at the bar. Again, similar to Blisscafe, the downstairs is opened during the weekends for dancing as well. I guess I would have to come here during the weekends to check out if the music and women dance scene in France is any different from other countries.

Feel free to comment about this place if you have been here!

My ratings:

Ambience: ***
Girls:**
Drinks:**
Service:****

Parisian Women - Ooo La La

Bliss Kfé (30, Rue du ROI de Sicile, 75004 Paris, France)

I came to this cafe a year ago on a Thursday night. I found this information thru www.frommers.com . The best way to get to this café/bar is by Metro: Hôtel de Ville. It wasn’t very packed but the patrons there were very friendly. Even the bartender was friendly although she doesn’t speak English at all. This café isn’t very pretty to say the least. It is cozy but it feels like the idea to decorate the interior was just thrown around to see who comes up with the best idea. Very minimum deco and the walls are pretty bare. The effect is that there isn’t much character in the venue so it doesn't give u a lasting impression of the place. Also, the place is pretty dimly lit...I think it is too dark for a bar. I would say, the place would fit about 50 girls if some would end up standing.

The toilet is downstairs and apparently the café opens a dance floor every Friday night next to the toilet. It was quite dark when I went down to have a look, so I can’t say for sure how many people could fit in it.

So, I tried my luck again this year to visit the café. It was on a Thursday night as well. This time though, it was pretty pack for a Thursday. I took a seat at the back of the bar and boy oh boy, this time, I had a very different perspective of French women. You would think that French women are snobbish, especially if you do not speak the language. But 2 girls, actually came to my table and started chatting with me, albeit in broken English (still better than my broken french). The best part is that these girls weren't drunk at all and they still wanted to talk to me. Hmm..it could be the effects of the dim lights though....but hey, I ain't complaining!

Anyways, the bartender once again, was very friendly and even the patrons were very friendly. The patrons range from age 20s to 50s. It is a casual hangout…so wear anything that feels comfortable.

Drinks are pretty expensive, but then again, its Paris. Everything everywhere is expensive! The cheapest of the lot is Beer.

So for girls who are strangers to French and the language, it is quite a good place to end up chatting Frenglish with the patrons there. I certainly have a new respect for French women. Who said French were unfriendly to those who doesn’t speak French!! Merde! So, for what it lacks in ambience, it makes it up by having a good service and good crowd.

P.s: I recently read that this club might be closing pretty soon. So sad!! The date of closure is 30.6.2006. I hope it is just a rumour...sigh, another lesbian bar closing...

My ratings for Bliss

Ambience: **
Drinks: **
Girls:***
Service:****

Website: www.bliss-kfe.com

Random Discrimination

I was excited about my trip to London with another 2 friends of mine. We were going there to meet a Londoner and also to have a final goodbye before our American friend was to leave Europe for good to head back to her Texas hometown. While we were in the plane, the air stewardess gave us a form to fill, probably an immigration form.

The 2 other friends that I was travelling with - one is from Japan, another from America and I am from Malaysia. All 3 of us were lazy so we decided to fill in the form as quickly as possible. One of the question that was to be filled is Address of place of stay. All of us decided to write London.

As we were queing to enter the city, all 3 of us were on a seperate queue. My American friend had no problem passing the immigration officer, neither did my Japanese friend. When it came to be my turn, they stopped me. He said 'London, where in London? London is a huge place.' So he told me to furnish him with the full address.

I was appalled. It was so unfair. Why is it that my friends who originate from other countries do not have this problem. But for me, I had to be questioned about my address, was asked how long I would be staying, what is the reason of my visit ...blah blah...

I wonder if it is because I am a Malaysian? Is it because Malaysia is predominantly Muslim and therefore, everyone from Malaysia could be a candidate for terrorist? It seems that the world is not just an unsafe place anymore, but people seem to all live in fear, discriminating, judging, making sweeping statements, thriving in a society that inflicts paranoia to one another.

Hopefully I am wrong. Perhaps, it was my luck that this officer just happens to be stricter on form filling procedures.