Welcome To Our Newest Correspondent: Neil Giuliano

Neil Giuliano

NEIL GIULIANO

A NJ native, Neil traveled west to Arizona for college and then made it his home. His domestic and international travels have taken him to all but four states and over 40 countries.

A fan of beaches and ocean adventures, he’s been on over 20 cruises on ships large and small, from the opulent Queen Mary II to the rustic Windjammer. He’s traveled with nearly every gay vacation/cruise company, and non-gay journeys as well, often as a guest speaker on the LGBT movement and personal leadership development. His favorite beaches are Seline Beach in St. Barths and Little Makena on Maui.

As the first openly gay mayor in the U.S., Neil traveled to China, Israel, Ireland, France, Australia and New Zealand as a global LGBT advocate. He is the author of “The Campaign Within: A Mayor’s Private Journey to Public Leadership” and is currently CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. An avid cyclist, he has completed the 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles four times as part of AIDS/LifeCycle. He currently resides in San Francisco and Tempe.

Follow Neil on Facebook and read his fascinating book.

In San Diego For Comic Con? You’ll Need A Break!

balboaparkComic-Con officially begins in San Diego tomorrow and it got us thinking about ways to escape the hordes of Big Bang Theory fans for an afternoon before the real fun begins at night. We have an answer: the charms of Balboa Park are endless; acres and acres of museums, green verdant space, gardens and galleries, eateries, and cultural landmarks, to make it one of the world’s best massive parks. And it’s a favorite no matter what the season. In summer it’s perfect for a picnic (and even a wedding, though you’d be one of dozens on any given day) and at Christmas time it’s draped with lights and cheer.

We covered San Diego most recently in our June 2014 guide.

Where We Sleep: Stumbling Upon London’s Coolest Hotel

40winksThis is 40 Winks, a non-conventional hotel (if you can even call it that…) in hip East London that has none of the homogeneity of amenities of a normal accommodation, and all of the wildcard style that makes it on of our favorite hidden gems. The hotel is just two rooms (and one large, shared bathroom) of rock & roll chic meets old-world Victorian pomp, and gives the feel of a personal home. There isn’t even a reception desk. It’s as if George Harrison or Jimmy Page have let you stay in their guesthouse for a few nights in the coolest part of town.  This is one of the coolest hotels in London, bar none.

We covered 40 Winks and all of London Town in our July/August 2013 issue. Click here to subscribe to get more of our insider tips and hidden favorites.

Where We Eat: A New Favorite In LA

aocWe’ve been dining around LA as of late and returned recently to one of the city’s best – AOC Wine Bar. Helmed by Suzanne Goin (who also runs the beloved Lucques on Melrose and Tavern out in Brentwood) this is the quintessential Los Angeles restaurant – ivy-laced mediterranean exterior, produce-rich California cuisine, cute bartenders. and an eclectic menu of tapas. We happened to be dining next to Christian Louboutin, just to add an extra splash of LA-ness to the experience.

We covered LA in-depth in our Dec. 2012 issue and will continue to post more of our insider tips from the City of Angeles.

The CheckOut: Wildcatter Ranch

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By ManAboutWorld Correspondent Aaron Drake

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The slow pace of Wildcatter Ranch is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a lovely spot for a romantic getaway or outdoor adventure destination or if you and your man like a little action (hey, we’re talking about archery or Skeet shooting!). While you can come to simply relax at the pool or spa, you’ll definitely want to partake in the activities here to get the full ranch experience.

Rates

From $149 to $449 a night depending on room selection. Check the website for special getaway packages for two.

Continue reading “The CheckOut: Wildcatter Ranch”

Parting Shots: Cristian Flores’ Buenos Aires

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We spoke to ManAboutWorld Global Correspondent Cristian Flores about his passion for travel, and we selected his journeys as this month’s Parting Shots in our magazine. Here’s the expanded story and more of his photos.

1. Why do you love to shoot Buenos Aires?

Because it is a big city in movement, I never take the same photo the same way; I always find another point of view.

2. Do you plan in advance what you will shoot in the city?

I generally take spontaneous photographies, especially in the street.

3. What has surprised you about shooting destinations the most?

I’m always surprised by the reaction of the people in front of the camera. Many people know that a photograph is very powerful. By means of one social network these can fly around the world in a few moments.

4. What have you learned about shooting destinations?

Every destination is unique, but I have learned to create photos that I hope can break down barriers that we think make us different from one another.

5. Favorite travel moment was…

I must say that my favorite moment in every trip is the lunchtime. But if I must choose one, it was when I was in Bolivia and I had lunch in the middle of a valley of llamas, and then I took a nap on the lawn surrounded by llamas. Unforgettable.

6. Best time to go to Buenos Aires

The whole year it s a beautiful city, I think that spring is the prettiest time though. It’s when the trees erupt in a riot of color creating an unforgettable image.

7. Gay Factor

Buenos Aires is a gay destination without doubt!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

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After a 3-year renovation, the Colon Theater reopened its doors. The first Argentine opera house, and one of most prestigious concert halls in the world, it has been restored to its past splendor.

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Typical colorful building in La Boca neighborhood in the area of Caminito.

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Multi-colored homes called Conventillos in Caminito in La Boca neighborhood.

ManAboutWorld’s June Issue Is Ready for Download!

ManAboutWorld’s latest issue is ready for download. Subscribers: Open your iPad, tap on ManAboutWorld, go to Library, download, lean back, and enjoy. Non-subscribers may find us in the AppStore. Or click on our website to subscribe and get access to all our back issues. This month, we took a drive through the sunsplashed cities of Orange County – Anaheim, Newport Beach, Laguna, and more! – to pull back the “Orange Curtain” and find the gay that still exists.  We also talked to some of our most intrepid traveler’s about their Milestone travel adventures. Other must-read articles include:

  • Edinburgh’s International Festival coming up in August
  • San Diego and the raucous Comic-Con extravaganza at the end of July
  • Our triumphant return to P-Town to see what’s new for summer
  • A look at the countryside for honeymoon retreats
  • Rovos Rail and a luxury train ride through wine country

Wait, not a subscriber? (No, quit it ?! :). Become one now and get access to all our back issues for free.

 

Saints Alive! The Friendliest Gay Bar in Prague


SaintsPaulDennisManAboutWorld Correspondent Dennis Hensley (above right) was in Prague during a sweep through Central Europe. He stopped in at the Saints Bar and discovered the “Cheers” of the Czech Republic. If you’re heading here for their raucous politically charged and fun Gay Pride (August 11-17), be sure to have some devilish fun at Saints.

When Paul Coggles opened up the Saints Bar in Prague in 2005, he didn’t spent a lot of time thinking about where the TVs were going to go … because there weren’t going to be TVs. “I deliberately set out to make Saints a talking bar,” stresses Coggles who moved to Prague from his native England seventeen years ago. “TVs distract you from any conversation you might be having and I wanted a place where people could come and make new friends and meet the friends they already have.”

Continue reading “Saints Alive! The Friendliest Gay Bar in Prague”

Wild Rainbow African Safaris Hits 10 years

dl5Our June issue included a story about an unforgettable and romantic journey aboard Rovos Rail in South Africa and we just can’t get enough of that beautiful, vast continent.

So let’s go back! Lesbian-owned and run Wild Rainbow African Safaris (by the fabulous Jody Cole) is marking its 10th anniversary with a new line up of customized, guided safaris for 2015, including a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb; a safari in Tanzania; a canoeing and walking safari in Zimbabwe; a gorilla safari in Rwanda; a diverse South African walking safari; and much more. For a full lineup and to learn more about the company visit their website.

 

The Bears Awaken From Their Slumber

SONY DSCIt’s one of the busiest weeks of the summer in P-Town.

Beginning Saturday, July 12, thousands and thousands of bears from all over the world will descend upon Commercial Street for one of the country’s biggest bear parties, and while there are dozens of parties throughout the week but a few you can’t miss. Sunday early afternoon, the Provincetown Inn will be buzzing all day with one of the week’s best pool and beach parties, and that night, the Furball at the Boat Slip, one of the best parties of the year, every year; come Monday its the sunset cruise followed by the Fireman’s Ball the following Friday.

By the time the following Saturday’s underwear party comes along, the bears are tired and ready for hibernation (though this usually brings along a whole new crop of boys to meet and mingle!)

(pssst…we covered P-Town and gave away all of our insider tips in a recent issue!)

 Photo credit