Honduran Hooky - Part 4, The Ruins at Copan

I woke up refreshed and energetic the next morning and I couldn’t wait for my morning coffee. I showered and just about ran to the Welchez Café at our hotel. Sean would meet me there later when he was ready. Woody and Katy were already there too waiting for Carlos. The too looked rested and ready to go. Breakfast was informal and we ordered pancakes and eggs. We all were very hungry and wolfed down our food. Carlos and Sean joined us late. Carlos was not hungry, having eaten already, which was too bad since we had planned on treating him. But we ordered some food for him and did pretty well with it. Sean ate well too.

Even though the ruins were not that far, only about half a mile, it was going to get pretty hot out, so we drove the van. We all piled in and got there in no time flat. Carlos had his guide stick with a little feather on the end as many of the local guides had.

We paid the $10 fee to enter the park and first there were the colorful macaws that guard the entrance. Carlos warned us that they bite and not to get too close. As I recall, they were pretty noisy.

We entered the Great Plaza which was built between the years of 711 and 736 AD by the thirteenth ruler of the Maya, 18^th Rabbit. It was a huge open area dotted with five stela and accompanying altars which Carlos showed to us one by one. (Click on images to enlarge.)

Here are two of the stelae we saw:

Note how deep the carvings are, some of them are so deep that they are almost three dimensional. This is one of the most striking and unique things about this Mayan site at Copan.

This large stone head was used as an altar:

Here is a photograph of Altar Q which was built in 776 AD by the 16^th ruler, King Yax Pac:

Altar Q is significant because it depicts all of the Maya rulers of Copan, from the very first, Yax Kuk Mo in 426 AD to the 16^th all seated in full length. The first ruler is handing the scepter of power to the final or 16^th ruler, above. Carlos pointed out that the amazing thing is that that is when the Maya empire ended with the 16^th ruler. So it was as if they knew it would end then.

Then we saw the hieroglyphic stairway, which was protected from rain by a tarp. It was built by the 15^th ruler, Smoke Shell and is believed to be a lineage tree.

Next was the East Court and Ball Court. Note the macaw heads decorating the building. Apparently, the captains of the winning team were sacrificed to the gods.

Here is a detail from the Ball Court:

If you climb the wall of the East Court and look over the side, here is the view:

We also saw the tunnels, which cost extra, but it was so freaking hot out and it was cool and refreshing down there. Here is what we saw:

Then we climbed the pyramids and climbed everything in sight. I had my umbrella cum parasol out to shade me from the unrelenting sun. This cemetery is what you see if you climbed the main pyramid and looked over the other side away from the Grand Plaza:

Carlos asked if anyone had a red one lempira bill and I pulled one out and we compared it to the view and it was identical:

Here is the same view, but a bit to the leftt:

See the tree and the ball court, then the bill has the other side of the ball court and the hieroglyphic stair.

So we sat there on top of this pyramid and Sean and I looked at each other and we both felt that this was one of those rare architectural places of power, where by scale and design, something special had been achieved that made the viewer experience profound and memorable. I can only compare it to other places where I have felt it. For example, Saint Peter's Square in Rome made me feel that way. Somehow the power of that place is both overwhelming and uplifting at the same time. The power at Copan, was just uplifting, kind of like a high. But, to be honest, I didn't feel it until I climbed up on top of the pyramid. So, if you ever get the chance it is worth the visit.

The photos with black frames are from:
http://www.eveandersson.com/honduras/copan

Pleasant Dreams

This evening's gentleman is for those of you who love their man's ass in a jock strap. You know who you are! Dive in!



Photo credit: Brawny Stud

Pleasant Dreams

Tonight gentle readers, we have a triptych of Marco and Craig frolicking on the beach for your enjoyment from So Slowly. Don't they look like they are having fun? Do you feel like joining in?

Nominate Francesco's Blog for a Cybersocket Award

Please click here to nominate Francesco D'Macho's Blog for the 8th Annual Cybersocket Web Awards for honoring Best Gay and Lesbian Web Sites. He deserves this award because his site has begun video blogging before any other (MACHOTUBE) and he has ventured into these unchartered waters admirably. Feel free to visit his blog and see for yourself.

Sophomore Year - Part 6, Christmas through Valentine's Day

I went home for Christmas break and was glad to see my mom back to her old piss and vinegar self again after her surgery. My brother Verne was still there. My sister Evie flew in from Notre Dame with her boyfriend Matthew whom I met when I went there last January. Mom was on her very best behavior since we had an out of town guest in the house that she had to impress, for he was a KEEPER. Read: potential son-in-law material.

Matthew

Matthew was and still is my mom’s favorite all time boyfriend of both Evie and mine. He was and is the end all and be all of boyfriends. He was and is perfect in all aspects. In her mind, Evie should have just married him and be done with it. Of course, Evie didn’t. We all failed miserably to measure up to near what my mom ever wanted us to be. Anyhow, back to why Matthew was so perfect. He was tall, 6 feet, two inches, with blue eyes, brown hair, and very genuine and direct. Oh and he was very smart, sexy and adorable. What was not to love?

Most importantly though, they shared with me what their summer was like working for Parchment Publishing last summer in North Carolina. Matthew was Evie’s manager while they both sold Bible books door-to-door. They had a blast, but it was hard work. The best thing was that it was away from home and mom. This year, Evie would manage me. It sounded wonderful to me, so I signed up for it as I had no prospects for the coming summer. I would receive a contract to sign and some Dale Carnegie books to read during this semester and I would look forward to getting those.

Mom managed to control herself and with Matthew around the holidays were relatively peaceful for a change. I wondered if he could visit during all of our holidays.

As the beginning of the second half of my sophomore semester neared, I made a pact that I would move through the independent study portion of organic chemistry as quickly as I could and then take the final right away and ace it. I would do this for two reasons, 1) so that I could get the A, and 2) so that I could focus on my other courses with the remaining time. I had complete confidence that I could do this because Dr. Silver told me I could. That was my plan.

I returned to Cayuga to my lovely suitemates and began my new classes. I began taking organic chemistry quizzes like there was no tomorrow. The material was so easy for me. It seemed as if all I had to do was read it once and I knew it. By Valentine’s Day I was halfway through the course and leading the class as far as progress by leaps and bounds. At this pace, I could be finished my mid March. But, on Valentine’s Day, there was a big showy card in my mail box. Who could have sent me this huge, romantic card with a big pinkish-red rose on it? I open the card and it is from Zach! My bodybuilder! It said that he missed me! He wanted me to call him! How sweet was that? I was so excited that I ran to the telephone in our suite to call him.

“Hello, this is Zach.”

“Hi Zach! It’s Sue! I got your Valentine’s Day card! I miss you too!”, I said with breathless excitement.

So it turned out that he got really sick with tonsillitis right after we got together too, then all kinds of shit happened in his life too, and then finals, then his holidays at home in Florida and here we are now ready to get back together again. He never forgot me! He said he really thought about me lots and couldn’t wait to come and visit me in Cayuga! I was so stoked to see him here. We made arrangements for him to visit me the following weekend. I just couldn’t wait to see him again.

Pleasant Dreams

This evening I have a special gentleman for fans of the redhead, or 'fire crotch". If you are one, just let me know and this man of your dreams could be yours.


Photo credit: Brawny Stud

Pleasant Dreams

The summer weekend is over and it is time to dry off, shake out the blanket and leave the beach. Don't forget to bring everything home that you came with. Oh, what is this? This gentleman is left behind without anyone claiming him. We certainly cannot leave him here at the beach all alone all night long. Who shall bring him home with them? Any takers?



Photo credit: Brawny Stud

Area51su Rules Oliver Frey

If if is Oliver Frey that you seek, it is Markus and Area51su that you want! Markus is the master of all things Oliver Frey, as well as other great erotic gay artists. He has been my source for Frey art and now his site is far more navigable and you can find greats such as: Bike Boy, Tender Bait, Slaves to Lust, Message to the Emperor, and The Champ's Party. His miscellaneous Frey collections are here and he has some Rogue stuff too. Here are some samples of the Rogue images:



Frey's art always leaves me breathless; it is so moving. Oh to be a young gay man, going down to the comic store to buy a Meatmen comic. Opening it up and getting a boner looking at the expressive images, while at the same time being moved by the imagination and artwork of this timeless master.

Do hurry and visit Area51su, as after the summer it may close. Markus is enjoying 200 hits per day now (he should be getting more IMHO) and so has decided to keep the site open for now. I would like to thank Markus personally for being such a great supporter of Fair View! Thanks Markus!

Pleasant Dreams

Well guys, how was your day? All ready for a great evening? This is Gustavo and he has stopped by to entertain us tonight and be our willing victim. Fortunately he is nude and we wouldn't want him any other way, would we? What shall we do to him first? (Jessica: no drawing blood, but leaving marks is okay) Suggestions?


Photo credit: Brawny Stud

Fair View Welcomes 125 Countries!

Welcome to Fair View New Countries! We are thrilled to have you join us! Here are your flags by way of recognition:


Antigua-Barbuda



Brunei



Cuba



Haiti



Latvia




Lebanon



Liechtenstein



Nepal



Senegal



Seychelles



Vatican City



Yemen



Zimbabwe



(If your country was overlooked, it was by oversight and not on purpose. Please let me know and I will correct the situation.)

PLEASE JOIN ME IN WELCOMING THESE NEW COUNTRIES!!!

Friday Fantasy - Part 6, Egyptian Escapade

Nuri entered the dining area and said “Sir, Basim is here as you asked.”

“Show him in please.”

A huge, attractive well muscled black man entered the room. He gave a small bow of recognition to Ernst, and shook hands with him, and then a small bow to me.

Basim

Ernst introduced me “Basim, this is Dr. Sue Fairview. She was visiting with Mr. Butterfly from the Foundation when he was abducted with Dr. Roble Castagno.”

I stood to meet Basim and shake his hand. “So nice to meet you, Basim. Call me Sue.” I extended my hand and it was lost in his huge paw. But he did not shake my hand like so many large men do, taking just the fingers. I hate when men do that. He grabbed my entire hand and gave it a firm squeeze. I can respect that. I squeezed back and looked him in the eyes. He looked back in mine. There was electricity. I had no time for that now, though. I had to rescue Mr. Butterfly as soon as possible. So, I sat back down to see what Basim had to say.

“Basim, tell us what you have found out.”, said Ernst.

“Yes Sir. It seems that your two esteemed male guests were taken by Akbar of Bubastis for his male harem. You were so right not to call the police on this matter; your guests might have been injured in the raid. The local police do not take well to homosexual establishments since homosexual acts are illegal in Egypt.” The latter comment was directed at me by way of explanation. “I guess that Odji could not resist having two such beautiful men in his care and sold them outright to the highest bidder. That would be Akbar in Nile Delta area.”

“It is amazing that you found this out so quickly.”

”That is what you pay me for Sir.”

“What is your plan?”

“I will pay this Akbar a visit and offer to outright pay for them to get them back. Akbar is ruled by his cock, but he is also greedy. We will use the company funds to pay the ransom.”

“I assume there is a plan to recover the money?”

“Yes, after we buy their freedom, we will call the police and claim they were kidnapped, ransom was demanded and paid and we want our money returned to us.”

“When will you go?”

“Right away. How soon can you have the money at my disposal?”

“How much do you think you will need?”

The discussion of the finer points continued. I just had to go with Basim, but I knew that Ernst would never allow it. Should I ask and be refused though?

After the monetary discussion had died down, I interjected “Ernst, I would like to accompany Basim in this plan. May I go with him?”

“Absolutely not! It is way too dangerous Sue. I would never risk you going. Okay?”

“Okay.” I said sullenly. But I was more determined than ever to go.

The meeting ended and Ernst left the house go to the bank to get the cash. We could hear his tires squeal as he peeled out of the drive in haste. Basim stood and I excused myself to go to my room, ostensibly to bathe. I left word with Nuri that I was upset about the kidnapping and not to be disturbed until Basim returned with Mr. Butterfly. Once in my room, I locked the door and I dressed for my mission. I wore cool but sturdy clothes that could take a beating, sneakers, and a backpack with a bottle of water. I wished I had a knife or weapon, but you just couldn’t bring anything like that on an airplane these days. Then I crawled out of ground floor window and raced across the manicured lawn to Basim’s unmarked van. Remarkably, it was unlocked. He must have trusted that the wall surrounding the grounds was being watched and that inside the grounds was secure. Sloppy, I say. He’ll hear about that. So, I opened the rear door and crept inside to look for a hiding place. I found a really good one, underneath a tarp at the front of the van and got very comfortable. They would never find me here.

I heard Ernst’s car return and he got out. Some minutes later, Basim left the house, put the case of money into the passenger’s seat and got into the van and began to drive us to Bubastis.

* * *

Sometime later, Ernst asked Nuri where Sue was.

“Sue was upset about Mr. Butterfly and decided to take a bath to relax. She asked not to be disturbed until Basim returned with him.”

Ernst’s pupils dilated and he rushed to Sue’s room and found the door locked. He banged on the door. “Sue! Let me in please! Nuri! Get me the keys to this room!”, he commanded. Nuri ran to get the old and rusty ring of house keys and returned with it in minutes.

Ernst unlocked the door and ran in calling “Sue! Sue! Sue! It is just as I thought! She is not here. She must be with Basim. Shit! There is no way to reach him. I just pray to god that she doesn’t get hurt or I will never forgive myself.” Then he sat quickly on the bed with his head in his hands.

Nuri came over slowly and tentatively put his hand on Ernst’s shoulder in a soothing way. ‘It will all be alright Sir. Basim will see that she comes to no harm.”

Photo credit Ernst & Basim: Brawny Stud

Pleasant Dreams

Today was an absolutely glorious day in the Northeast and as evening approaches I would just like to know what this gentleman is doing. He is cute as hell, but why, oh why is he squatting on a metal grill in front of a dumpster? Is he taking a leak? Any guesses?



Photo credit: Caballero

Honduran Hooky - Part 3, Arrival in Copan

We continued our drive towards Copan and actually passed some ruins on distant hilltops on our way. Carlos pointed them out. The stone stela were lighter colored than the lush green around them and were pretty easy to see. He knew all of their names. Closer in to Copan, we passed the entrance to the Mayan ruins we had come to see, but we would visit them later. For now, we would head straight to our hotel for check in and then on to dinner.

We arrived at the Hotel Marina Copan at around 4 pm. It was a stucco and red clay tile roofed Spanish colonial style building with a center courtyard in which there was a lovely swimming pool.

We checked in and decided to freshen up before we met for dinner. A service minded bell boy helped us with our luggage and showed us through the open hallway that looked out on the courtyard to our room. The courtyard was planted with tropical trees, shrubs and flowers and was really restful and alluring. The pool water was magnetic. I just wanted to dive right in. But, I was tired, and hungry. We tipped him generously and he offered to be our bellboy for the rest of our stay. We agreed and it was sort of depressing actually the lengths that people would go to for money here.

Sean and I got into our room and threw our luggage on the beds and collapsed. What a day so far. Up so early to catch our flights, the beggars at the airport, the traffic in San Pedro Sula, the armed searches at the little town, the children workers at the coffee finca, the long ride, and for me foregoing my nap. We were both just completely physically and emotionally exhausted. But, we had to clean up and get ready for dinner out with Carlos.

I went into the bathroom and ran a cool cloth over my face and neck. Sean took a shower. Carlos had assured us that the water in the hotel was fine to drink, but I hesitated when I brushed my teeth with it. We were concerned with getting Montezuma’s revenge. Carlos told us that he had never had a guest of his get sick while with him. We dressed for dinner and went back to the hotel lobby to meet with Woody and Katy. Carlos was there too and all of us set off for dinner.

It was a short walk down the hill to a small native restaurant with a thatch roof where Carlos took us to dinner. The waitress only spoke Spanish and handed us menus in Spanish. There were only native dishes as Carlos wanted us to try the native fare or plato típico. He helped us select foods that would be safe for us to eat and then helped us to order them. This meal usually includes a meat (beef or chicken), beans, fried plantains, rice, cheese, sour cream and corn tortillas. The men and Katy had beer with dinner and I had a soda. The most memorable thing about the dinner was that the waitress brought our dinners to the table on her head. That managed to have all of us crack a smile after our long day.

Tomorrow, we would see the Mayan ruins. Hopefully, all we needed was a good night's rest.

Pleasant Dreams

Once again gentle readers, evening is upon us. This gentleman has bent over backwards to please you; does he not look enticing? Where will you begin with him? Do let us know and by the way, have pleasant dreams tonight.



Photo credit: So Slowly

Pleasant Dreams

Night has fallen once again on a hazy, hot and humid day gentle readers. There are no thunderstorms to relieve the heat yet. So here is a poolside bedtime snack to cool you off. Don't eat too quickly now, or you'll get an ice cream headache. (Now where did I get that???)


Photo credit: Brawny Stud

Sophomore Year - Part 5, Remains of the Semester

I returned to Cayuga and a few days later I got a sore throat and my tonsils were swollen. I thought I’d better get them looked at, since I used to get tonsillitis often as a girl. So early the next morning, I trudged to the campus health center to see a doctor. They looked at my throat there, and my tonsils had patches of bluish stuff on them and they decided to quarantine me since I was the only one on campus with patches that color. I hadn’t even told my suitemates were I was going, and I wasn’t allowed to make phone calls. I was as good as kidnapped there. They started me on an antibiotic. Also, I needed my birth control pills or I was going to be big trouble since I had just had sex the past weekend. We had used a condom, but you never know. I begged the nurses to contact my suitemates, but they were less than friendly.

At least my bedside window had a lovely floor to ceiling view of the woods from the second floor of the modern health center and I could see the deer coming to feed at the fence. Towards evening, my suitemate Jan came with an overnight bag that had my birth control pills in it. I thanked her profusely and was so glad to see her. The nurse wouldn’t let her get too close though and she gave me a wave from the door. So there I sat for a few days. Swallowing became painful and difficult. The antibiotic didn’t seem to be working and they switched me to another one. The nurse wasn’t really bringing me my drugs on time. Okay, I know I am a stickler for things being on time, but it was getting to be about an hour late which I found hard to understand since I was right there in their fucking hospital, just a few steps away. I didn’t see what the problem was. It wasn’t like the place was full up with patients. I think there was only one other in the entire place.

One day, I got a roommate. I was so glad! Oh boy, someone to talk to. So, they moved her in and I couldn’t wait.

“Hi. I am Sue. I’ve got tonsillitis. What are you in for?”

“Look. I feel really sick and not like talking. Okay?”

Sheesh! There went that idea.

I was just so bored and I really had a craving for pizza. I was completely fed up with the nurses. So, against doctor’s orders and objections, I signed myself out. I walked back to my dorm and spoke with my suitemates. I asked them if they objected to my return with my bluish tonsils. Thank god they did not. We ordered pizza to celebrate.

I had missed about a week and a half of classes and had lots of work to make up.

In the meantime, we had morons pulling the fire alarms in our dorm in the middle of the night. No big deal you might say, but for us on the tenth floor, we had to walk the stairs all the way down, and then all the way back up. That happened three times. Twice with snow on the ground and the temps were in the teens.

Also, I experienced my first drugged beer when someone (who was it?) slipped me a mickey at a dorm party on my own floor. I heard the party and decided to go. It was just around the corner and I was welcomed in. Someone handed me a beer. I took one sip and felt woozy. I poured it out into the trash can full of ice where the keg was and headed back to my room.

I fell onto my bed and the room was spinning. I passed out about after ten horrible minutes of the spin cycle. That was from one sip. I can’t imagine what would have happened if I had drunk more.

I was just hitting my academic stride again, when I got a call from my mother saying that they had found a lump on her thyroid and she was going for more tests. I freaked out. She said all of the comforting things, like that her doctor told her that if you could choose to have cancer this is the organ you would pick and that she was going to the best institution. But just the word “cancer” made me freak out. I was raised to hear it as a death sentence.

She went for tests and they found it to be a “cold” or dead nodule. They scheduled surgery and removed half of her thyroid on the same day that I had an invertebrate biology exam. I could not be there for her surgery, which my brother did go to help her with, but was so upset that I asked to miss the exam. This was allowed. I took it later in oral form, but could not concentrate and only got a C. I felt I knew the material far better than that. Too bad the test counted for so much of my grade.

My brother stayed home with her to help with her recovery. (Her health has been fine since then.)

That was all it took to throw me off my stride again academically, and I only got a B+ in organic chemistry. I never did manage to see Zach again that semester and I had given up hope that I ever would. Had he lost interest in me?

Pleasant Dreams

Good evening gentle readers. Our sultry weather continued today in the Northeast. From our porch, we could see the moisture hanging over the valley across the river. Maybe tomorrow there will be thunder and lightning and some rain, but it is supposed to stay hot for the next several days. In the meantime, here is a cool and refreshing bedtime snack for you to enjoy. Sleep well.


Photo credit: Caballero

Pleasant Dreams

Good evening gentle readers. Sure was a hot one here in the Northeast today! Sensible folks stayed in the pool, including this little fellow. Look how cute his bare butt looks in the water. Who would like to be his swimming partner to, um, make sure he doesn't drown? Yeah, that's why he needs a swimming partner! Anyone interested? Hmmm?



Photo credit: Caballero