Three Tastes That Taste Great Together

I asked the small-town Sonoma, resort staff where I could go out for some night life. Without the slightest hint of irony they suggested I go to the local "Gay Leather/Disco/Sushi Bar".

Perfect! Leather, Disco and Sushi ... the most natural combination in the world.

I found the disco, no problem.



Alas, leather was in short supply.

And I was warned by the locals to avoid the sushi.



Good advice.

I chatted with the friendly locals.

"Wow, California's a big change from New York."

"Not really, old Jews and old hippies are equally annoying, just for different reasons."

"Great crowd here tonight, right?"

"No. They're mostly unfuckable."

"Wow. You're really sardonic."

"Oh. Sorry. Do you want me to tone it down? I'm not sure I know how."

This conversation made me realize two things about New York that I take for granted.

First, I'd forgotten how much more fit and attractive New Yorkers are than most Americans outside major cities.

And second, while my sense of humor is a bit more condescending than the general background level of sarcasm in New York, in the rest of the country it's pretty shocking.

Oh well. Please refer to the title of this blog. Thank you.

Super Gay and More Than A Village

Gay Village is Rome’s huge gay nightlife party. It’s only in the summer and it’s in a park. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Tents, kiosks, bars, booths and dance floors sprawl as far as the eye can see.





It’s a veritable carnival of gay, gay, gay. It’s refreshing to see so many gay men and lesbians out together. New York’s queer community is quite segregated.

The selection at the snack booth is dizzying.







There’s a spin class. People brought biker shorts and gym bags for it.



The tobacconists are there to poison us and make otherwise attractive people repulsive. Fuck you, Phillip Morris.



There’s even a car show.



I decided to do it all. I was interviewed live on Radio Dee Gay. The lovely Sophia offered to teach me some Italian and asked what I wanted to learn. I said, “Since everyone here is so gorgeous I want to learn how to say ‘you are beautiful!’”

Bellissima!



There’s a booth where you can have your own photo shoot. I was feeling tipsy and sexy so I went for it.





Afterwards everyone spills out onto the streets.



These stands sell drunk food and, of course, more beer. What a country!