Sparks fly

After Mitch got back from his tennis tournament in the evening, we went out for dinner and then returned to the hotel to plan our evening. There was a leather event of some sort at the Pumpjack, and I anticipated a chance to wear my harness and newly purchased chain mail codpiece. But we were both pretty tired, and I had already made a round of the bars alone the night before. So we ended up staying in.

One advantage of that choice was the fireworks competition held over English Bay and the fact that (surprise!) our room on the 14th floor (actually the 13th, but who's counting?) had a view of the show. In fact, we were able to see the entire event through the window while lying in bed! We didn't even have to move out of our comfy spooning position. I must say it was the most relaxing way I've ever watched fireworks in my life.

After the show we simply drifted off to sleep, still snuggling. I haven't been sleeping well the last couple of months, so the long, long sleep we both enjoyed was much appreciated.

Kinky shopping

While my friend and traveling companion in Vancouver spent the afternoon playing in his tennis tournament, I wandered around the gay neighborhood (Davie Street) and did some shopping. The store that occupied most of my attention was Priape, a (gay) men's clothing store that seemed to specialize in swimwear and underwear (in the front) and leather and fetish gear (in the back). I spent a fair amount of time in the dressing room trying on various chain mail gear and trying to get a few photos. I especially liked the jockstrap with a chain mail codpiece as well as the chain mail gladiator sleeve. I ended up buying the jockstrap, but the sleeve was way too expensive (almost $320 and that was a sale price).

Tall tales

Do I really stand out that much?

The other night while dining out, Mitch asked me if I was aware of how everyone looks at me. Huh? No, I told him; with a few exceptions, I am not aware of anyone looking at me at all.

He was surprised. He told me that when we are out together he notices a lot of people looking at me. He said the same thing today over breakfast.

Okay, I am pretty tall. Being six feet, five inches (last time I checked) definitely gets attention. If I get separated from a friend in a crowd, I usually let them find me, since I tend to stand out. But I certainly wasn't aware that I am really drawing attention.

There are exceptions of course. For example, last night's underwear party at Pumpjack had such poor participation that I was one of the few men in the bar who wasn't fully clothed. Naturally people were paying attention then (especially given my provocative undies).

But Mitch (who wasn't even at that party) went so far as to say he felt overshadowed and ignored by other gay men because everyone is looking at me. This saddened me, and reminded me of similar things I had heard from a past partner. But at least Mitch takes it in stride and (so far) feels glad to be with someone who is getting attention.

Me, I don't get it. Okay, I am tall. But I'm 52 years old, hardly the age considered prime. And although I'm proud of the figure I've acquired, my ectomorphic proportions are not those considered sexy in the porn magazines or usual gay stereotypes. Strange.

But hey, I guess I should take it as a compliment. Because of course people also stare at things they consider odd.

This is just one way in which Mitch has been so good for my ego. Another example: He also has been giving me mock scoldings for moving in a way that lifts my shirt to reveal my flat tummy (like in this photo) or unintentionally flexing my arms, getting him hot and bothered. Everyone needs a friend like that to boost the ego now and then.

The miracle of friendship

I met Mitch, my traveling companion on this Vancouver trip, many months ago online. We have chatted a great deal via instant messaging but that's no guarantee the chemistry of friendship would carry over to in-person relating. We got along well on our first and (until this weekend) only meeting in early July. But how would it be to share a long car trip and a hotel room for three nights?

The good news is Mitch and I have gotten along famously from the minute he drove up from Portland and showed up on my doorstep yesterday morning. He is so relaxed and easy to get along with. He's charming, sexy, and has a great sense of humor. It's like I'd known him for a long time.

Of course maybe it's easier to get along with someone when you're both in vacation mode, rather than stressed out by daily life. But I'm not going to analyze things too closely just now. I'm just having a good time and intend to enjoy it.

Mitch wanted to be in Vancouver for a tennis tournament he is participating in, so I have some time to wander around and hang out by myself while he attends to that. (I hope to watch at least one of his competitions this weekend but haven't yet.)

Portland men, pay attention! This is one guy you'd like to meet.

Oh Canada

It's another great summer weekend and a perfect occasion to get away to nearby Vancouver, British Columbia. This is the weekend for Vancouver Gay Pride as well as an international fireworks competition. Time for fun!