and join the mailing list for new postings by emailing your request to info@purpleunions.com

We've redesigned our mainstream accommodations directory - Altraverse.com

Now with over 3,700 accommodations listed worldwide - see it at:

http://www.altraverse.com

Tahoe is one of those places that's great to visit at any time of year. In the winter, the region boasts world class skiing (Heavenly, North Star, and Squaw Valley resorts are all here, just to name a few). In the summer, the weather's cooler than most of California or Nevada, and it's a great place to enjoy the amazing natural beauty of the lake and mountains.

On the Way - Placerville

If you're driving up Higway 50 from the Sacramento area to Tahoe, stop for lunch in Placerville. It's about Hhalfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe's South Shore. Old Hangtown (a name leftover over from its more infamous days) is an old west gold town that's quickly becoming a travelers' mecca.

You'll find several used bookstores here, a great Gelato place, a hanging dummy (that strangely looks like a woman in mens' clothing), and a very Phallic tower in the center of town (pictured at right and again below).

Albert Shafsky House B&B
2942 Coloma St., Placerville
http://www.shafsky.com
Shafsky@directcon.net
Lesbian Owned

Tahoe - The South Shore

We usually stay on the South Shore in South Lake Tahoe, the town that straddles the Nevada/California border. The casinos (Harvey's, Harrah's, Horizon, & Montbleu (formerly Ceasar's) are at Stateline, just on the Nevada side. On the California side, there are numerous accommodations, gift shops, and restaurants.

The entire Tahoe basin has set strict growth limits and environmental standards to preserve the quality of life and the state of the environment. Restrictions on gas-powered motors in the lake have slowed the clouding of the water, though now global warming is causing problems - lack of rainfall this season meanth that the Tahoe River was in danger of falling below the level of its only outlet, the Truckee River, causing more environmental problems.

South Lake Tahoe has chosen smart growth over sprawl on the South Shore, and has embarked on a redevelopment plan that is slowly transforming the old motel row along the waterfront into an attractive alpine hamlet along the lakeshore.

The dry winter this year meant little or no snow on the ground in December, a strange site in Tahoe. But it was still cold (check out the ice on the fountain at right).

Tahoe - The West Shore

Go Miniature Golfing

If you're a regular reader of our columns, you'll know we're suckers for miniature golf. Magic Carpet Golf has 47 holes, with such enticing names as Jack's Beanstalk, the Swinging Snake, and Bears Hide Out. Though you'll have to play around the families with kids here, it's all worth it when you get to the end and get to try for a free game - by dropping your golf ball into a slot machine. :) Only open in the warmer months.

Gamble Away an Hour at the Casinos

Four on the south shore - Harrah's, Harveys, Horizon, and Montbleu (all but the Horizon pictured below), and several scattered around the north shore, all on the Nevada Side. Harveys also has a cinema and a Starbucks.

See Tahoe in Drag at the Carnaval Cabaret

The Carnaval Cabaret is the only drag show on South Shore. It was a lotta fun (though we wished they'd done some Motown), and the prices were really reasonable. Scott got to dance with Carol Channing on-stage, and the performer was a real lady and a gentleman, in the best sense of both words. At one of the downtown casinos, we're thinking the Horizon.

See a Hit Movie

There are now two theaters on the South Shore - one at the Horizon Casino/Hotel, and the other in the new Heavenly Village, just past the Embassy Suites Hotel at the stateline (pictured at right). See a flick away from home, and pass the popcorn.

Visit Vikingsholm and Emerald Bay

In Emerald Bay, where the water really is the color from the Wizard of Oz. Hike down to this viking castle on the shore of the bay, and stick around for lunch. Or if you're too lazy, take a boat cruise on the Tahoe Queen from South Shore (at the foot of Ski Run Blvd, next to the Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort, to Emerald Bay.

Traveling in Our Fabulous World
The Gay Travel Business is Hurting
By Donald Pile & Ray Williams, Gay Travelers

With the Proposition 8 failure in California,  gays around the country are hurting.  Between the economy going down the tubes and people being laid off, or afraid of being laid off and with sales all over the country drying up, gays more than every need and HAVE to support other gay-owned businesses as well as those wonderful straight-owned businesses who welcomes and embraces gays.  Sometimes it is hard to believe that we do have thousands and thousands of straight allies but…….. we do! 

We have been flooded with emails from gay owned accommodations from coast to coast asking what they can do to get some business.  Most say that their best guests are not returning for numerous reasons.  The reasons listed above are the main reasons.

Yet these resorts, hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts have to keep on paying their mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, utilities and upkeep.  There is beginning to be a fine line between making money and going broke.   The person who has been in the White House for the past 8 years has just really screwed up everything for everybody.

Hopefully when the new President enters the White House in January, people all around the country will have a new outlook on life, a new outlook on themselves and a new outlook on the future for themselves as well as the rest of the country. 

Besides the economy, gays all over the country are really upset and disgusted with the outcome of Proposition 8.  With the new movie that just came out on Harvey Milk, we have to ask ourselves, just how far have we come since the 60’s or 70’s?  Yes, we have come a long way, but not nearly enough. 

We will be driving down to Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale and St. Petersburg this month and it will be interesting to see just what is happening.  However we have already been told that the accommodations in these areas are hurting.  Usually gays from the Northeast, New York City, the Hamptons, Ohio, Chicago, etc. either drive or fly down to Ft. Lauderdale for a few weeks.

We're afraid that will not be the case this year.  Already several of the resorts are offering specials during their “high” season.  On the west coast in Palm Springs, some of the bars are closing as well as resorts.   Restaurants that used to be packed every evening are now barely making ends meet.  When Las Vegas is hurting, you KNOW that there is a problem.

So, what can owners of gay accommodations do to get more business?  When time are rough it is more important to advertise than every before.  If you can’t reduce your prices, then offer your guests more amenities, like cocktail hour, afternoon snacks  Some accommodations offers special “themed” weekends like cowboy, leather, disco or whatever.

The old adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” is one that some owners need to use.  Don’t just sit there and hope that you get guests.  Our travel columns run in publications from coast to coast as well as on-line and for accommodations, we find purpleroofs.com the best and only way for accommodations to target the gay market. 

For bars and restaurants, they need to work with the gay accommodations in their own city.  Every gay bar and every gay owned restaurant should have their posters, business cards, menus and advertising in the accommodations.  They should offer the owners of accommodations complimentary dinners sometimes.  If we all work together we can get over this economic downturn and make money.  There are still a lot of gay travelers out there who is wanting to travel, spend money,   Gay accommodations just have to make that travel want to stay with them. 

Hopefully with the new guy in the White House, the hopes and dreams of everybody will rise up again.  Hopefully, the California Supreme Court will find it in their hearts to do the right thing and overturn Proposition 8.    Good luck all you owners! 

We get asked so often in our travels from resorts and B and B’s how to attract the gay audience and we always tell them to get on purpleroofs.  It is just that simple!  We will continue using purpleroofs forever!

Turkey is a stunningly beautiful country of many colours and contrasts. Steeped in history you will rarely find a more unique land with such a diverse heritage. Well known as the place where eastern mystique meets western sophistication, you don’t have to look far to find the ancient rubbing shoulders with the modern

The sparkling clear Turkish waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas are often referred to as the Turquoise Coast due to their vivid shade of blue. The countless charming inlets, isolated coves and uninhabited islands that punctuate these azure waters combine to make one of the most idyllic sailing spots you could wish to find.

One of the most relaxing ways to explore this area is on a traditionally Turkish gulet cruise – which allows you to experience its true magnitude and beauty from the sea whilst also giving you the opportunity to take in some of its most significant resorts, villages and sites of historical interest along the way. In just one weeks sailing on a ‘Blue Cruise’, you can see Marmaris, Icmeler, Dalyan, Gocek and Fethiye and sample so much more of the real Turkey in-between.

Marmaris

Situated around a stunning bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains, Marmaris is one of Turkeys’ most attractive maritime parklands and is ideal for watersports and sailing. The cosmopolitan marina of Marmaris makes an excellent starting point for the 'Blue Cruise' gulet tour of the Aegean coastline. After a night here you will set sail to languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.

In Marmaris you can sample the typical Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and even try the local tipple Raki, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later, a stroll along the brightly lit, palm-lined promenade is a must, to take in the sights –it’s perfect for ‘people watching’. If you enjoy shopping there are many good buys to be had in Marmaris' boutiques, bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called 'Cambali' is delicious.

Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century Suleyman the magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today.

On a Gulet cruise you would also sail by Marmaris’ neighbouring resort Icmeler, the hazy mountains here slope down to a popular sandy beach. Under blue skies, the clear sea is ideal for all types of watersports. Just past Icmeler is the village of Turunc, with its spectacular blue waters beyond the natural harbour. The village itself is small and scattered around the bay. Most of the restaurants bordering the beach offer fresh fish and superb views.

Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay. On the northern side, above the water, stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. Loryma, at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the ruins of the ancient harbour and castle remain, can only be reached by boat. Natural quiet bays and scattered islands punctuate the northern shore of the peninsular, ideal for those who want to get away from it all.

Dalyan/ Koycegiz and Gocek

The town of Koycegiz lies at the northern end of a lake of the same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored by boat as you immerse yourself in this idyllic dream world. High on the cliff face, at a bend in the river is the city of Caunos where magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. The Dalyan Delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs.

At Ekincik, a delightful yacht mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area. Nearby Sarigerme has lovely sandy beaches, and a holiday resort discreetly situated in a pine forest. The Dalaman River here is excellent for white water rafting between May and October.

The Gulf of Gocek and its friendly marina is one of the Mediterranean’s best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

Fethiye

The popular resort of Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, boasts an impressive marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A hill crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. The town’s pedestrian cobbled streets are perfect for exploring and window shopping. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity), numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the fourth century B.C., is the most remarkable.

Keen swimmers usually head for the popular Calis Beach, four kilometres west of the town, or to Sovalye Island, opposite the harbour, which blazes with flowers in the spring. The stunning Lagoon of Ölu Deniz is located 30 minutes drive away, and is very popular with Para gliders who dare to jump off the mountain in droves.

Hisaronu is a buzzing little resort situated just up the mountain from the lagoon, it is full of restaurants, bars and also home of the hilarious Dream Girls at ‘Talk of the Town’.

‘Shine Holidays’ are the first company to offer exclusively gay and exclusively lesbian gulet cruises in Turkey.  Each boat has 6 to 12 cabins, so whether you are single, with a partner or just a group of friends, everyone is welcome.  These exclusively gay cruises allow you to rest assured that you will be sailing with liked minded people and truly do provide the perfect getaway to enjoy relaxing sun filled days and evenings of good food, wine and conversation set against a back drop of the Aegean coasts most stunning sunsets.

Shine Holidays are the first company to offer exclusively gay and exclusively lesbian gulet cruises in Turkey. The Turkish climate in June and September is ideal for ‘Shine Holidays’ exclusively gay and exclusively lesbian sailing weeks.

Traditional gulet holidays provide the perfect getaway for relaxing sun filled days, evenings of good food, wine and conversation set against a back drop of the Aegean coasts most stunning sunsets. Each boat has 6 to 12 cabins, so whether you are single, with a partner or just a group of friends, everyone is welcome. The Turkish climate in June and September is ideal for both the exclusively gay and exclusively lesbian sailing weeks. Tailor made private bookings are also available for parties of 8 to 16 people who can take over a whole boat. Please go to www.shineholidays.co.uk for further info.

Back from Buenos Aires
By Bob Giangrasso

Email Bob

Click here to see the Purple Roofs Argentina Section

When I was a kid, I curiously enjoyed playing one of my Mom’s old 78 rpm recordings over and over again, surely endearing myself to the neighbors.  The black and white Decca label identified the tango as La Compasita with music by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra.  I found the music haunting; the sort that stays with you all day.  

Never did I think I would hear this stirring and emblematic rhythm repeatedly until our recent vacation to Buenos Aires, which first piqued our curiosity when friends described this destination as the Paris of South America.

Possibly because of our share of airline tribulations, we were somewhat wary in the beginning.  Need I bring up our Alitalia debacle again?  

To totally throw us off the track, our round trip flights proceeded without a snag. Something felt fishy.  Every guide book and travel advisor warned us about safety:  “Secure your wallet in your front pocket; no flashy jewelry; don’t walk down deserted streets at night.”   On the contrary, we never felt at risk.  We were instructed to take walking tours of neighborhoods without giving us too many specifics, leaving us concerned if there would be enough to do.

Our fears were quelled as our journey progressed; the days filled with so much pleasure.  Staying in the Centro District afforded us an easy walk to any tourists’ first stop, the Casa Rosato, although a bit more salmon than rose. Unfortunately, you are not allowed inside the gates, preventing every gay man from doing what he was destined to do; sing, “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”, on that infamous balcony.

Our first night was highlighted by our best steak of the week at a great restaurant in the Puerto Madero.  Although touristy (one of the few times that we heard people speaking English), the meat was rare, the prices fair and the service at La Caballeriza was complimented by a delectable waiter.

Already we are taking turns humming La Compasita and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.  The next day begins as we amble around the lawns and lakes of Parque Tres de Febrero, known locally as Palermo Woods, 200 acres affording you the ability to walk, jog, ride a paddle boat and drink in the scenery amidst the whirring sounds of the surrounding traffic.

Crossing every street feels like you’re eighty years old navigating the Grand Concourse with a walker.  A stroll throughout Palermo and Palermo-Soho reminds us of the fact that we don’t like to window shop, which is disconcerting because this city is meant for serious shoppers. We explore Museo Evita, dubbed “my life, my mission, my destiny”.  You can’t help but buy into her mystique because this is obviously a country that still venerates her.  A later expedition to Recoleta allows us to pay homage at the cemetery where she was recently interred.  It seems her body got lost on the way to the mausoleum – long story.

For dinner, we ride the subway (subte) to what seems like the burbs arriving very early at 8:30 to dine at Bella Italia, our second best Italian meal.  

Sunday is all about shopping.  (OK, I lied about not being shoppers - it all depends on the prize.) The subte transports us to the San Telmo district to spend a day amongst the open markets, booths, kiosks, stalls and cavernous stores.  We have never seen anything this big.  There, I said it.

It is the perfect day for buying miniature portraits and remote control boxes.  We vow to come back for more.  Who can have enough boxes?

Our evening is highlighted by El Viego Almacen, the tango show extraordinaire, offering a performance filled with young, talented dancers.  We met the first of the sight-seeing English-speaking Brazilians with the question; “Are you voting for Obama?”

The following day, we travel by cab to La Boca, surely the oldest and most colorful neighborhood.  Its most famous street is called Caminito for little path; the remains of an early twentieth century Italian neighborhood, made up of immigrants attracted to the port’s opportunities.

Afterwards, we team up with our friends Rich and Steve from New Jersey because who ever has time at home? They are staying at the trendy Axel, billed as Latin America’s premier gay hotel.  It is definitely a wow at first sight; combining elements of glass, wood and water for a spectacular architectural effect.

This is the first time I have seen a transparent pool, located on the rooftop for all to gaze from the dance floor below. Anyone know the words to Material Girl?

We take a leisurely walk to a superb Italian restaurant in Puerto Madero called La Parolaccia and savor a multitude of flavors and what is certainly the best Italian food I have ever eaten (forgive me Mom).  We return for our second dinner later in the week – it is that good!

On Tuesday, we begin by navigating the lines and paperwork at the ferry terminal to Uruguay. Luckily, we meet another couple from Brazil who negotiate information for a price – we must vote for Obama, of course.

On the boat, a delightful young man named Lucio entertains us with his love of travel and antiques and speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.  What a catch; it’s like finding a match on man2man!   Our daytrip centers around Colonia Del Sacramento named after the central church.  Outside of the town’s peaceful cobbled streets, a short ride in the country is highlighted by a visit to a jam factory with a tall handsome guide cuter than the Sciacca bread man.

The subsequent day begins at a laundry on Esmeralda, a trade-off for packing light and then to the infamous Norma, a purveyor of watchbands on Libertad, the equivalent of 47th Street. Adding some additional culture to our diet, we locate the Fine Arts Museum with a pinch of Renoir, Lautrec and Monet; a sampling menu with a few extravagant specials.  

Braving more horrific traffic whizzing by at hair-raising speeds, Bob and I discover the finest antique store in this city of twelve million, uncovering the box of boxes!  By now, we completely understand siesta time, and later attempt to find a café friends have suggested.  This expedition teaches us that Parrilla means grilled, every bistro promotes grilled meats, Chile is a long street and there are countless restaurants on Chile, resulting in our only bad meal.  Not giving up, we sample a gay tango hall called La Marshall, which would be a bigger hit if they lowered the lights and served more alcohol.

Thursday, we embarked on an excursion with multiple elements working for it, beginning from a real live rail station to Tigre, a river town which is the embarkation point for boats that ply the Delta de Parana.  A picturesque riverboat ride leisurely makes its way through a maze of canals accessible only by boat.  Bob takes a million pictures, some of which have nothing to do with cute boys and big smiles.

Later, our elegant dining experience at Thymus could satisfy even a vegetarian but take note that all of our meals have one common thread – plenty of salt!  We hail another cab (the subways stop running at 11:00) to Ideal, THE Tango hall, where the milongas linger to the wee hours.

Friday morning finds us at one of the best attractions on this trip!  At 11:00 AM (not before); the doors open at El Zanjon de Granados, a very unusual restoration.  Our charming Argentine guide explains that during an initial renovation in the 70’s, a network of tunnels was uncovered, revealing artifacts and foundations from former houses on this site dating back centuries.  After years of careful excavation, this treasure became available for all to see.  

Back in Recoleta, we drink in the Museum of Decorative Arts, a French neoclassical mansion, as much the treat as the furnishings, porcelain and artwork.  Of special interest to us are the scores of miniature portraits, a really amazing collection.  

With a whole day before our flight, we use the time on Saturday to take in whatever antique stores we may have missed, if that is possible.  

We locate our friends’ original recommendation, La Gran Parrilla del Plata, where we dine on our final steak in Argentina. We are treated to complimentary champagne to bid us farewell and then take one last stroll through the marvelously broken tiled streets crowded with portenos (locals), tourists and litter.  It’s a very long walk on another sunny day and it feels great!  

Don’t cry for me Argentina; the truth is I never left you; all through my wild days; my mad existence; I kept my promise; don’t keep your distance!

Happy Travels!  Bob Giangrasso and Bob Frankel
Wanamassa, NJ