#remote Australian beach
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l'azienda di famiglia (e le donnole dell'isola) ! daniel r. and f1 drivers x ofcs - mini wedding series part 3.
"the family business (and the weasels of the island)"
summary: nobody seemed to warn lester and danny that good things come with the most difficult journey. OR it's wednesday, and all the couple wanted was for the grid to stay away from the italian's sisters. (1)(2)
characters involved: lando norris, george russell, pierre gasly, carlos sainz, alex albon. fictional including the alessandro siblings, trish alonso (see masterlist) and the hearth sisters (and their kids!)
content warning: written part (HELLA LONG). hurt/comfort and a hint of crack fic! mentions of possible infertility, conceiving/pregnancy, mental health, therapy. thirsty!grid singles, lando norris x alessandro!ofc, george russell x alessandro!ofc. minor scenario with cigarette, use of explicit language and google translated italian.
note: got my etsy danny ric shirt. felt good. was writing a feel good part of this series but then decided last minute "hey let's add some sadness into this" and voila. bon appetit xx
masterlist
“Good morning, lads and ladies,” Daniel Ricciardo was the sunshine of the remote island— no matter how exposed the land and the beach were to the sun. The Australian driver could show up in the most depressing place and still manage to paint it yellow.
But that didn’t apply to all that Wednesday morning.
The usual suspects — Pierre, Carlos, Lando, George, and surprisingly Lance too — were still hungover from last night. Apparently, from what Daniel had witnessed last night at the bar stand, Valtteri makes a mean cocktail. The first one to believe him was Lando, who definitely asked for more because “he was parched.” Then the usual suspects continued to drink as they begged Bottas to make more. So the grumpiness from the five this morning was just a result of Valtteri’s talent in mixology.
Lando just grunted quietly as he ate his breakfast. He was cranky, but it was only because Lewis had a vegan option while he and the other lads weren’t allowed to eat much carbs. Lando could really use some nougats.
“So, not good morning then,” Daniel chuckled before he walked up to the kitchen, looking for the morning shift chef. It didn’t take much longer for Lester to enter the dining hall with the wedding coordinator, Garcia. They were talking amongst themselves before catching the sight of her friends.
Lester paused from walking before waving, “Morning!”
Everyone waved back at her, except for the five who only nodded. Lester frowned, “…Okay.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Aimee Hearth, the youngest sister of the Hearth family and Charles’ girlfriend, waved off as she joked, “they had a Taco Tuesday night.”
Sylvie then looked at Lester and made a drinking gesture, leaving Garcia and Lester to hum in realization.
“Okay,” Lester giggled, “I’ll tell the chef to have some juice for you, I suppose.” Then she and the coordinator continued to walk towards the kitchen.
Lando slumped against his chair and sighed, “She’s so weird.”
“Weird how?” Sylvie asked, now looking at her best friend with a scowl.
“This week made her weirder than she usually is,” Lando whined, “she’s all smiley and giggly— it’s creepy. That’s a Danny Ric thing to do, not a Lester Allie thing.”
Lester’s friends sat to Lando’s left and laughed at the remark. Damiano David leaned forward to look at the British man. “Lando, it’s her wedding week, dumbass.”
“I think I’d rather have her shitting on my life instead of giving everyone a happy smile,” Lando shifted in his seat.
“And she didn’t want to get her sisters’ photos sent to your grid group chat, but we can’t always get what we want,” Thomas sassed. His Italian accent seemed to be a little too loud, he thought, because at the last word almost half the grid stared at his direction. He saw the watching eyes and shrugged, “Hey man, Lorelei speaks. There’s no way anyone could hear a screaming guy down the hall and not ask a question about it—“
“Okay, okay!” Lando protested with a roll of his eyes, “Damn, there’s no need to expose me.”
“What do you mean, expose you?” Max and Lewis snorted. “Everyone by the lounge room could hear you. You sound like a dying hyena, bruv.”
The chef came out of the kitchen with jugs of juice— mango and orange, leaving the door open as the couple and the coordinator discussed the agenda for today. The chef came pouring some juice for the guests while the men listened in to the conversation.
“Mrs. Wolff and her family will be arriving later today with Mrs. Hamilton and the baby. We’ve had their rooms set up— and I can assume Sir Hamilton has already set up the crib for the baby?”
“He should be.”
“Right, sounds neat. Now what are we looking at… let’s see…”
“Dinner, perhaps?”
“The caterers will be serving lunch at 12:30, just half an hour after your families arrive. They’ll serve dinner for the guests at the dining hall while the evening chefs will serve dinner for the family dinner at the villa.”
“Great,” Daniel said, the eavesdropping lads hearing the smile from his voice alone, “that sounds like a plan.”
“If you don’t mind me asking: there will still be portions made for the kids’ right?” Lester asked. She was so polite, never demanding— perhaps that’s what Daniel didn’t like so much. He wanted her to demand for more. But that’s maybe why he also loved her so much.
“Yes! Of course, it will be for six, yes?” Garcia asked. A hum of agreement came from the kitchen.
“Psst, Lando, psssst~” Max tried calling the Brit, but he wasn’t having it.
George and Alex glared at Max and told him to shush. Max looked at his girlfriend and Lewis with his jaw dropped, as if he was asking, “Can you believe this shit?”
“It should be, unless you count Lori’s brother- ow, never mind,” Daniel groaned, “I forgot I’m not entitled to make such jokes yet.”
“Would you like anything else from the kitchen?” The chef asked kindly, making Lando look at her with a smile.
“Some fruits, perhaps?” Lando suggested, feeling slightly irked that he couldn’t listen in to the conversation in the kitchen.
“That should be confirmed as of your arrival two days ago,” Garcia said, “and if you would like, we can always set up a table for the littles so you can have some time. It should be safe for them to go around the villa. And we can also get them some colouring pages and crayons to keep them occupied during the dinner.”
“Of course,” the chef nodded, “just going to chop ‘em up for you.” She then walked off, allowing Lando to continue with his eavesdropping.
“That sounds good!” Lester eagerly said, “I should have thought of that before.”
“I came prepared, Lester, so don’t worry,” Garcia chuckled. “You’ll have more kids at the reception so we’ve made a little table arrangement for them.”
“Maybe this is a time for her sisters to take a break,” Daniel laughed. “God knows what two children could do to each of them.”
“Yeah, hearing that they’re single parents made me admire them even more— and I’ve not seen them before!”
Hearing the conversation, Lando whipped his head towards the direction of the other drivers. His eyes twinkled in excitement and the grid singles seemed to share the same sentiment.
Valtteri had only shaken his head, wondering what he was just roped into. Lewis caught a glimpse of his reaction, reaching out to pat him at the back.
Man, were they ever ready to meet the Alessandros.
The arrival of the Ricciardos was exciting, the grid singles said, but the Alessandros were a different story.
The singles had decided to do a roll call and relaxed at the beach. The rest (being Sebastian, Fernando and his family, Lewis, Charles and Max with their partners) remained in the palace, some opting for the central air conditioning while the Alonsos hung out at the pool by the west entrance.
The boys already greeted the family before going back to whatever they were doing. The port was near the palace itself, making it easier for anyone to get to their temporary shelter fast. The beach was also near the port, which gave the boys some access to see who arrived and who had left.
Then came the Alessandros.
“Mio caro! Come on, ‘urry!” Pierre’s head was the first to snap in the direction of Lester’s yelling voice, then it was followed by the rest. “They’re here!”
“I’m coming— that doesn’t sound so right,” Daniel replied back.
The boys could see the couple standing in the docks as the guests arrived through a boat. The littles had arrived first, jumping up on the arms of Danny and Lester.
“Oh man, Franco— you and Andrea are heavy!” Daniel hoisted the boys up. “Geez, Lina— what do you feed them?”
“Men who like to be unkind to women.”
The boys were close enough to be able to hear the arriving people. So their conversations were loud enough for the boys to eavesdrop.
“My kinda breakfast.” Anyone with two eyes could say that she was… hot. Pierre Gasly had seen her face once or twice in magazines but not once did he care enough to get to know her. He didn’t think that he’d see her in person though, radiating the same energy that she had on those pictures.
Pierre looked back at the boys, volleyball in hand as he nodded in the direction of the docks. “Jacquelina,” his French accent said loud enough for the men, “she’s the eldest, oui?”
“Yeah,” Lando confirmed.
“Dio abbia pietá,” God, have mercy. Pierre muttered beneath his breath before turning back.
“Same here,” Lester said as she juggled the toddler and the infant in her arms. “Theo and Maris have grown a lot this past year! Don’t tell me you’re feeding them the same thing as Lina, sis?”
“No,” another woman stepped out of the boat, trying to balance her way down as she laughed heartily. “They like racists for dinner.”
“Still hilarious as ever, Nora,” Danny laughed aloud, hugging the brunette as a greeting. The woman kissed him on the cheek before moving on to Lester.
Kara Eleanora Alessandro. That was the 30 year old sister of Lester, then. She was the businesswoman who runs a boutique in Tuscany and Milan.
Pierre was stupid for that. Why didn’t he go out to shop more often?
“Ever the genius, Dan,” Nora chuckled, kissing her sister on the forehead. “I hope the groom’s treating you nicely, tesoro?”
“A malapena,” barely. Lester laughed softly, making Daniel turn towards his fiancée with a huge scowl on his face.
“The accusations, bellezza,” Daniel scoffed, “on our wedding week.”
“Yeah, keep that up then there will be no more weddings happening,” Nora said, reaching for her children as she carried them. “Is there any place the bambinos could freshen up in? Theo and the boys were rather excited about swimming when we said beach. They can’t swim on the beach just yet because we just arrived – they need to nap.”
“Ah yes! West and east entrance,” Lester told her sister, “Garcia will show you your rooms, then you can have lunch if you’d like.”
A tall figure exited the boat, making his way down to the dock as he exclaimed, “Danny!”
“Mateo! How’s it been?” Daniel slapped the boy’s back and greeted. “How’s college?”
“Shit,” Mateo Alessandro stood there with his 6 '1 being. He was dressed on a blue short sleeved linen shirt and khaki shorts, his bucket hat eccentric.
“Oi, stop swearing,” Lester scolded her little brother before giving him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t raise you like that, bambino.”
“You’re only four years older than me,” Mateo rolled his eyes.
“MATEO! YOU UTTER PIECE OF SHIT!” A scream escaped a girl’s mouth as she exited the boat, stomping down as if the boat wasn’t shaking.
“NICOLA! Don’t be foolish! Stop shaking the boat,” Lester hissed, the younger girl not caring as she smacked Mateo in the arm.
The slap was so hard that even the drivers from afar grimaced. Crikey.
“Alright, cut it out,” Daniel told the girl before Mateo could even retaliate. “Use your words, kids.”
“Look at what this testa de cazzo did to my face,” dickhead. The girl whined as she turned her head to the side, suddenly catching a glimpse of the drivers who then looked away after being caught by her.
Daniel and Lester leaned over and saw what she was pointing at.
A penis was drawn on the side of her head. Right on her temple, in fact.
Lester glared at Mateo, who couldn’t contain his laughter any longer as he cackled hysterically.
Of course, Daniel took this as a chance to joke.
“If anything, you’re the dickhead,” Mateo wailed at the joke that Daniel made, trying to catch his breath.
“Don’t encourage the boy,” Lester nudged her fiancé harshly before turning to her sister, “Do you think you can take it off easily?”
“I sure hope so,” Nicola Alessandro was everyone’s favourite, being the youngest and all that. Truthfully, Mateo and Nicola were the favourites of the Alessandro family. They could get away with anything and get something with a snap of a finger if they asked for it. So their foolishness was just a natural thing to happen.
If you put them in the same place, you’ll have nothing but chaos.
“It’s washable,” Mateo finally stood up from laughing too much, wiping down the drawing. “See?”
“You need to stop doing shit that’ll get you in trouble, Mateo,” Daniel paused, “Actually, don’t do the shit that’ll get me in trouble. They already think that I’m influencing you.”
“So we can’t talk about the po—“
“No! We didn’t even do that,” Daniel protested, “stop being a shithead. I love you, man, but you need to stop concocting something heinous at this early time of the week. I’ve got to marry your sister.”
“Ma should have adopted him out and stuck to being a girl mother,” Nicola shook her head before walking towards the direction of the palace.
“Oi! You’re a bitch, you know that.”
“Stop throwing that word around, Mateo! The kids can hear you!” Lester huffed as she and Daniel watched Mateo walk away.
The couple then turned towards the direction of the grid singles, Daniel crossing his arms and Lester resting her hand on her hips. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the staring drivers, obviously acting like deers caught in the headlights as she pointed at them.
“Don’t try it, boys,” she warned them.
Daniel also said, “We mean it.”
They both walked off, heading to the palace as well.
The drivers only looked at each other, silence filling the air. Bottas then guffawed and was followed by the rest of the group. They had a hard time keeping a straight face as they were being told off by the couple. Those two were the most cheerful couple to have existed in the paddock, so to see them look serious? Yeah no.
They all had to laugh.
pierregasly posted on his story !
An hour hadn’t even passed since the Ricciardos and the Alessandros arrived at the island, and if you were to ask any of the drivers they were starting to feel bored by the lack of activities done. Most of them had gone off to somewhere inside the palace after Lance told them about the entertainment den at the basement level.
Everyone left the beach but George Russell. He decided that he should stay and spend some time listening to the calming waves of the low-tide water, under the umbrella with his shirt undone and his chest and abdomen exposed to the world.
This was the life he wanted to live after the 2023 season. He hadn’t really wanted to party for two days straight, but most people were his friends and they’ve never taken the energy out of him. So really, he’s winning either way.
His eyes were closed the entire time, his ears listening closely to the sound of the waves. But he drew his attention to the rustling of the sands as he shot up and turned to his right, looking towards the direction of the footsteps.
“Buongiorno,” he was so happy his sunglasses were on because his eyes trailed down the legs of the petite woman before looking back at her. “How are you?”
Shit, George thought as he gulped, she’s actually talking to me.
“I’m great!” It wasn’t as if he had a choice— he had to talk to her instead of fearing that he’ll be screwing it up one way or another. “How are you? Liking the island so far?”
“Ah yes,” she nodded before peering down the empty spot next to him, “may I sit?”
“Yes, yes, do,” George nodded eagerly as she smiled gleefully and sat on the empty outdoor chaise lounge, sighing in joy. Forget about her wearing a black beach dress that barely covered her red bikini, her smile was heavenly.
“Thanks,” her Italian accent was the same as Lester’s, George noticed, and her fluency was much better, “I haven’t had a time to sit down for a moment until the little ones settled.”
“I’ve got a niece and a nephew,” he chuckled, “my sibling struggles a lot too.”
“It’s good that they’re out for a nap,” she said, “because I get to see the beach peacefully before they start causing havoc later.”
“It must be something you’ve missed,” George laughed. “Having a peaceful time on the beach.”
“Yes,” she nodded in agreement, “having two under six is not exactly suitable for struggling mothers.”
“Sorry to hear that,” George spoke softly. He really did feel bad for her.
“Meh, that man is a coward,” she stated with a shrug, “he left because he can’t handle a woman who’s doing a much better job in business and in parenting— sorry, I did not catch your name?”
“Oh! Yikes, that’s true,” George grimaced before sticking his hand out, “‘m George. I’m one of the poor souls who have been causing problems on the island since Monday.”
“Ah, that explains why you’re here in the silence,” she joked as she reached out to shake his hand. “Kara Eleanora. I am one of Lorelei’s older sisters.”
“Really?” George’s eyes widened, pretending as if he hadn’t seen her hop out of the boat earlier. “So you are the Nora that Daniel talks about.”
“I have a feeling that he is talking about me in a poor manner,” Nora laughed quietly.
“No, no,” George shook his head, “he tells us a lot about Lester’s siblings— he loves all of you, really. He recently told us about your baby’s christening.”
“He is Marisa’s godfather,” Nora grinned, “my Gabby’s godfather was his father’s friend, and I have trusted Daniel more than I had trusted the pezzo di merda’s asshole friend.” piece of shit.
“He is trustworthy,” George nodded. “At least you know that he’s a permanent fixture.”
“I can’t help it; he’s in every group chat our siblings have whenever we’re all away,” Nora laughed loudly as George followed along, “nobody wants to be as involved in their partner’s family as him— it’s no wonder why Pa allowed him to propose.”
“So, Nora, tell me more!”
Lando Norris didn’t like snitching, he swore. He wouldn’t do it purposefully, he’d do it because his big mouth couldn’t stop itself from doing so.
So when he made his way back to the beach to see how George was, he hid behind the shrubs when he caught sight of the tall British man walking down the shore alongside a woman who was a foot or two shorter than him. He gasped quietly, trying to grasp the scene in front of him.
The McLaren driver did not like snitching, but his fingers acted faster than his brain did when he sent a message to someone. Or rather… some people.
Lando: The Prince is with a lady. I repeat, THE PRINCE IS WITH A SISTER!!
It didn’t take long for Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon to arrive, leaning down at Lando’s level before the British man nudged his head towards the direction of the duo. Wordlessly, the three men looked at the walking figures.
Then they took off, with Lando begging for them to come back and don’t do something stupid. But it was too late for that.
“Oi, George!” Alex hollered, making the couple turn around with a frown, “I thought you were alone here?”
“I was,” George said slowly, his face etched a look of confusion before it turned into a glare, “but the three of you obviously decided that I shouldn’t be anymore.” His glare said not to screw it up for him while Nora remained on his side, but the three weren’t about to let him win.
“Oh, hola,” Carlos said politely, putting on his trademark smile as he offered his hand to shake, “I’m Carlos. What’s your name, hermosa?”
“Kara Eleanora,” she grinned charmingly before shaking his hand, “you’ve got quite the accent— are you from any other country, perhaps?”
“Spain,” Carlos grinned smugly at the boys.
It only started there. Lando didn’t even want to replay their Wednesday after that first encounter with an Alessandro sister. Only wanting to replay the one that he had with the youngest one.
The night seemed to end early for everyone. By the time the sun began to set, the Wolffs arrived on the island with Stevie, her newborn and Daniel’s best friend, Scotty and his wife Chloe Stroll. They arrived rather fashionably early than expected and truthfully, Lester and Danny were more than grateful.
Stevie had introduced Lottie Hamilton to everyone just as the model arrived. The baby was only 8-week old yet she already stole the hearts of the adults on the island. Danny and Lester spent their time around the baby with some of their nephews and nieces hanging around them, asking the adults if Lottie would race too– because Lina’s son Andrea would like to race like his Zio Daniel.
The time seemed to pass by quickly, because the couple’s endless conversation with the Hamiltons lasted longer than expected. Daniel and Lester waved goodbye to the two before they got ready for dinner.
During the Alessandro-Ricciardo dinner, Lando took it upon himself to walk around the island. Had it been for the pathways made and lights outdoors, he probably would have gotten lost on his little adventure. It was during that time when he accidentally stumbled upon the villa where the dinner was occurring, and as always, he had accidentally listened in on the conversations shared between the family.
Meanwhile, the Alessandros sat on one side of the table and the Ricciardos on the other. The kids were occupied on their own table and had no intention of talking to the adults anytime soon. Daniel’s nephew, Isaac, had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on the little ones - to which Daniel thanked him and swiftly handed the child five euros and 20 Australian dollars, telling him not to tell his mother about the money.
“I don’t know if this is like a coincidence but Mom’s name is Grace,” Daniel’s sister, Michelle, started, “and Lori’s mom is…”
“Grazia!” Lando heard Mateo’s laugh throughout the location followed by others as they laughed along. “And you know what, Michelle? Her maiden name is even funnier.”
“Oh no,” Lester laughed, “right, mio caro, remember what I told you about Mama?”
“The maiden name? Yeah, how can’t I,” Daniel snickered, “Mom, Mama’s maiden name is Riccardo.”
“Really?” Lando would pay to see the shocked look on Mr. and Mrs. Ricciardo’s face. “Is it really?”
“Sí,” Grazia responded, “my papa’s family business happens to be Siena’s famous local winery– La Vigna E La Cantina Di Riccardos. It’s been running for many decades now. The Riccardos are very famous in our town.” The Riccardos’ Vineyard and Winery.
“I would have gotten a deal to produce wine from their business with Lori’s uncle,” Daniel told them, “if she had told me in the beginning.”
“Am I just the means of your successful business, mio tasso?” Lori said. She hadn’t really needed to tell him that. She and her siblings did not have much connection with the winery, after all. Her mother, Grazia, worked there briefly and had earned enough in the place. She owned parts of the winery, of course, but there was only enough to do and enough money to earn in the place. So Lester didn’t feel the need to tell him about it if she’s not involved in the business.
“No,” Daniel shook his head and huffed, earning a giggle from Lori, “stop twisting my words around, love. You’re going to get me in trouble. I only mean that they have better… taste?”
“But we don’t have an I on our Riccardo,” Grazia chuckled, “that’s not confusing, no?”
“You’re an Alessandro,” Lester’s father, Giacomo Alessandro, laughed aloud, “you have not been a Riccardo for years.”
“Besides,” the eldest Alessandro sibling, Jacquelina – or Lina, piped up as she sipped on her sauvignon blanc, “We will only have one Ricciardo by the end of the week. Two– if you include Daniel himself.”
“I like that idea, Lina,” Daniel snapped his finger before he pointed at Lina excitedly, “thank you for reminding us. See? You don’t have to worry about many Riccardos with and without the letter I when it’ll just be me and Lori!”
“Give it a month or two, then there’ll be three of them,” Michelle said, while she wiggled her brows at the couple. The couple shared a look before laughing nervously, their reaction masked as amusement.
“We’re just saying,” Nora clinked her glass with Michelle’s before sipping, “it would be very nice if the bambinos have a baby for a cousin.”
“We have Maris,” Lester shook her head in disbelief, “isn’t she adorable enough for a cousin?”
“Yeah but, I have heard Isaac and Isabella ask for a baby cousin,” Michelle suggested with a scheming smile.
“I’ve been hearing it for more than I can count,” Michelle’s husband groaned, “it’s not like it’s easy to shoot a baby out of a woman, you know? It’s hard to explain to them that it takes a lot of work for that to happen.”
Unbeknownst to everyone, the couple had been trying. Nobody knew just yet, because they didn’t want to make a fuss out of it. It had taken a toll on Lester’s mental health, as well, but it wasn’t something that she spoke of aloud. Daniel had taken notice of it, and had immediately sat her down to have a conversation about the matter. She cried so hard that day.
The memories of negative results were still fresh for the bassist, if you were to ask her. She hated tossing out the pregnancy tests knowing that she had to tell Danny that she hadn’t done it. Everybody talks about the wonders of conceiving and pregnancy, but why didn’t they warn Lester about the disappointing and draining part of it? Clearly, they only advertised the positive side of it but provided very little support for those who kept on trying.
Going to her gynecologist became a constant thing, and hiding it from Danny wasn’t easy. What was she supposed to do? She was already failing and she wasn’t even a mother yet. Daniel didn’t know how terrible it was until the day she declared that she was going to see an online therapist during her tour. He couldn’t even believe that his fiancée was suffering from this. He remained proud of her, still. He told her that they’ll find a way. He expressed his admiration for keeping a brave front throughout all of this – telling her that she would be the amazing mother bear that their kids would have.
The therapist wasn’t a secret to anyone, but trying to conceive a baby was. Danny wanted her to have the peace she deserved after those stupid pregnancy tests had failed her. He was upset himself, but Lester was the one blaming her own body for not doing the thing she expected it to do. He could only be there for her, trying and trying. He could only be there for the treatments that she may need, and for the worst things that could happen in the process.
Squeezing his hand below the table, Lester shot him a smile. I’m here for you.
He took notice of her smile and grinned back at her, squeezing her hand back. And I will always be here for you.
Lando was so caught up in his own little world that the only thing that brought him back to his senses was a smell of smoke coming from behind him. He turned around and nearly jumped and screamed, watching as the young adult peered at him with a suspicious look. She sat on the bench by the stone fountain, between her fingers was a lit cigarette.
“I know you had a crush on my sisters, but I did not think you would stoop this low,” she laughed quietly, taking a drag before exhaling sharply.
“I’m not- not stalking,” Lando insisted before gesturing at the pavement, “‘m just walking around at night. Like a normal adventurer– do your sisters know you smoke?”
“They know that every once in a while I do,” she shrugged, her fingers reaching out to offer him the cigarette. Lando shook his head in insistence, not wanting to do that. “I don’t get stressed as often.”
“Yeah?” When she moved to one side, Lando took this as an invite and sat next to her. The smell of the cigarette reeked and Lando was sure his clothes would have the scent of smoke all over it by the time he leaves. “You must be living a chill life then.”
“Bwoaaa… I would not say so,” she wrinkled her brows as she thought of it. “My sisters are successful in life, and I am not– that stresses me out. Besides, you are the one to talk. You are doing what you love and you are making money out of it.”
“I’m sure you have something,” Lando shrugged.
“D’you put this much trust on people you meet, Norris?” She giggled, her accent slipping into a southern one after saying the first word. “Perhaps I have something. Who knows.”
Lando laughed quietly, “You know my name and you haven’t even told me yours. How unfair is that?”
“You’re a professional driver alongside my in-law,” she raised a brow, “you’re not exactly the private kind. Unless you have forgotten that you are famous?”
“I don’t like to brag about it,” Lando waved her comment off, “I prefer bragging about my trophies. Now, trophies– they always have me and my ego going. They show that I have something to prove. Fame is different– you can be famous and still be talentless.”
“Honest,” she observed with a hum, "sei impressionante.” You are impressive.
Lando might have understood, or he didn’t, but she didn’t care as she introduced herself, “Nicola Grazia.”
“Nee-ko-la Grat-zia,” Lando said slowly.
“Or Pepsi,” she grinned, “Lina called me that first but Lo decided to keep it forever.”
“How– oh,” Lando paused, causing the Italian girl to nod and encourage him to speak, “Cola.”
“Yes,” she dropped the butt of her cigarette before stomping on it, killing the burning end of it. “Like Pepsi-Cola.”
“Well, I’m Lando Norris,” he reintroduced himself, causing her to laugh heartily. “And- I think you’ve been an amazing company so far, Miss Alessandro.”
“It’s nice to meet my sister’s own pet sewer rat,” Nicola joked, shaking his hand and pulling away. Lando pulled an unimpressed look as she continued, “Lo told me to call you that because she and Dan are the couple from Ratatouille. Do you know Linguini and Colette?”
“Yes,” he muttered in annoyance, reminding himself to give the two an earful tomorrow.
“You are like their Remy,” Nicola smiled at him cheekily.
“I already got that when you called me a sewer rat,” Lando rolled his eyes.
“I’m jealous,” Nicola sighed before standing up, not even looking back at him as she said, “I’ve always wanted to travel with them for free. I should be their Remy.”
Lando stared at her as she disappeared from his sight, wondering what the hell did the youngest Alessandro sister tell him. He asked himself a lot of questions that night: Did she compare me to a rat AND called me a freeloader? Did I just try to shoot my shot with her by saying she was a good company and accidentally making it sound like I’m insinuating something else?
She had already caught his attention and the couple just warned them not to try anything with any of Lori’s sisters. But maybe Lando would push his luck a little.
What’re the chances of him being obliterated to the moon by Lester and Danny? Maybe if he tries hard enough, he’ll be able to get away a little.
tagged mateoales, jacquelinalessandro, nora_alessandro, danielricciardo, loressandro
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ethaneskin li abbiamo avvertiti (we warned them)
colabebe sono tutti ottusi così? (are they all dumb like that?)
landonorris ayo the prince is moving maaaad 😶🌫️
pierregasly which royal guard let the prince loose like that?? 🤣
oscarpiastri his royal highness really using that royal w, huh?
colabebe if i see any of these photos released in public, you'll lose your private acc privileges pierregasly landonorris oscarpiastri alex_albon
alex_albon why me??? i've kept my mouth shut since you came
pierregasly alex_albon hehe 😈🐶
colabebe that's strike one mr. gasly
pierregasly i'm sorry 🧎♂️
oscarpiastri i will honour your laws maam
landonorris yeah yeah whatever can you please accept george and carlos' follow requests already? thx
#daniel riccardo x reader#danny ric x reader#daniel ricciardo imagine#daniel ricciardo x ofc#daniel ricciardo#daniel ricciardo x oc#danny ric x oc#dr3 x reader#formula one fanfiction#formula one fic#formula one imagine#formula one x oc#formula one smau#f1 imagine#f1 fic#red bull racing imagine#mclaren imagine#mercedes imagine#mercedes amg imagine#george russell imagine#george russell x reader#lando norris x oc#lando norris fluff#lando norris imagine#george russell fanfic#lando norris insta au#george russell instagram au#daniel ricciardo fluff#daniel ricciardo social media au#daniel ricciardo au
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This shot comes from photographer Sean Scott off a remote West Australian beach. He was flying his drone over a large school of bait fish that was attracting whaler sharks and managed to get this shot with two sharks inside a wave.
Find out more at: https://bit.ly/47mluhD
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This shot comes from photographer Sean Scott off a remote West Australian beach. He was flying his drone over a large school of bait fish that was attracting whaler sharks and managed to get this shot with two sharks inside a wave.
More details/photos: http://bit.ly/3G8cnVD
[David Attenborough Club]
* * * *
“There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred, there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.”
― Siddharta Gautama
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So many hugs to our Californian Thunderfam and those affected by the storms.
Meanwhile the top of Western Australia has received more rain in the last couple of weeks than it has in the past twenty years. Remote communities are in the middle of an inland sea.
Somewhat closer to home, South Australia is coping with the fallout of the eastern Australian floods as the waters make their way down our biggest river system. The Murray-Darling river system finds its way to the sea about 100kms south-east of Adelaide. The entire length of the river is n massive flood drowning homes and businesses. Fortunately we could see it coming and it is much gentler than any of the above and is more of a natural process. But it still makes a mess. Currently the turquoise Southern Ocean beyond the Murray Mouth is full of brown and murky water, which is washing up n our southern beaches.
Climate change is definitely a thing.
Everyone, please stay safe ::so many hugs::
Nutty
(I have never seen so much water)
#climate change#australia#californian floods#murray river#south australia#western australia#kimberley#floods
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its australian summer rn
I know. I would be going to the very very wet part and living quite remote so nawt really sydney beach area
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Some 230 Whales Beached in Tasmania; Rescue Efforts Underway | Snopes.com
HOBART, Australia (AP) — About 230 whales have been stranded on Tasmania’s west coast, just days after 14 sperm whales were found beached on an island off the Australian state’s northwestern coast.
The pod stranded on Ocean Beach in Macquarie Harbour appears to be pilot whales and at least half are presumed to still be alive, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania said Wednesday.
youtube
A team from the Marine Conservation Program was assembling whale rescue gear and heading to the area, the department said.
The whales beached two years to the day after the largest mass-stranding in Australia’s history was discovered in the same harbor.
About 470 long-finned pilot whales were found on Sept. 21, 2020, stuck on sandbars. After a weeklong effort, 111 of those whales were rescued but the rest died.
The entrance to the harbor is a notoriously shallow and dangerous channel known as Hell’s Gate.
Local salmon farmer Linton Kringle helped in the 2020 rescue effort and said the latest challenge would be more difficult.
“Last time they were actually in the harbor and it’s quite calm and we could, sort of, deal with them in there and we could get the boats up to them,” Kringle told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“But just on the beach, you just can’t get a boat in there, it’s too shallow, way too rough. My thoughts would be try to get them onto a vehicle if we can’t swim them out,” Kringle added.
Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist specializing in marine mammals, said it was too early to explain why the stranding had occurred.
“The fact that we’ve seen similar species, the same time, in the same location, reoccurring in terms of stranding at that same spot might provide some sort of indication that there might be something environmental here,” Pirotta said.
David Midson, general manager of the West Coast Council municipality, urged people to stay clear.
“Whales are a protected species, even once deceased, and it is an offense to interfere with a carcass,” the environment department said.
Fourteen sperm whales were discovered Monday afternoon on King Island, part of the state of Tasmania in the Bass Strait between Melbourne and Tasmania’s northern coast.
Griffith University marine scientist Olaf Meynecke said it’s unusual for sperm whales to wash ashore. He said that warmer temperatures could also be changing the ocean currents and moving the whales’ traditional food.
“They will be going to different areas and searching for different food sources,” Meynecke said. “When they do this, they are not in the best physical condition because they might be starving so this can lead them to take more risks and maybe go closer to shore.”
The pilot whale is notorious for stranding in mass numbers, for reasons that are not entirely understood.
This happened again in 2020
youtube
Sep 23, 2020 Rescuers trying to free a pod of whales beached off the Australian island of Tasmania said on Wednesday they had found another 200 stranded mammals, bringing the total to 470 and making it one of the country's biggest beachings.
As a rescue effort began its third day off the southern island's rugged west coast, rescuers said they spotted another large group of pilot whales during an aerial reconnaissance of remote Macquarie Harbour, and most were believed to be dead.
#Whales#Whales Beached in Tasmania#Some 230 Whales Beached in Tasmania; Rescue Efforts Underway#Youtube
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An Epilogue for Australia 2023
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!
An excerpt from:
My Country
By Dorothea Mackellar
We made all the arrangements for this trip last summer which seems ages ago now and it troubled us whether we had packed enough into the itinerary, if we were really just repeating too much, and if the destinations were to be interesting enough. We ought not to have worried because none of that was so. It turned out that the balance was almost perfect. Lovely to see Jill again and stay in her amazing apartment in Balgowlah which we like enormously. The cruise to NZ was really enjoyable, seeing both the south Island where we haven't been before and revisiting the north Island, especially Napier. We were particularly pleased to visit Christchurch which we loved and the Sounds were stunning. We felt so fortunate that we completed this cruise when we did because soon after Cyclone Gabrielle came across flooding areas in the north and of course our condolences go out to those people.
The second part of the trip I think changed the way we view this wonderful country, that is our journey to woop woop, pronounced wup wup ie the middle of nowhere and beyond. We broke ourselves in gently before getting to the outback by first calling into some amazing beaches and then heading due west. The outback is a different Australia entirely; the accent is different, harder, broader. Some live in such remote places that there's no apparent reason for the place to be there at all. The couple who ran the cattle station could, with binoculars, see their neighbours. The girl in the bottle shop in Roma dreamed of the day she might go to Bondi Beach! Outbackers do not go to cities which are most likely unaffordable, and city dwellers don't go to the outback apart perhaps from Uluru, called Ayers Rock in pre decimal days. There are at least three levels of society in this amazing country, City, Outback and First Nation. We absolutely loved the outback; we loved the simplicity, the isolation, the one street, the bar where it goes quiet when you walk in, the friendliness, the pleasure they get when outsiders visit their town, the nothingness, the 'I went to Brisbane once, I didn't like it ' comment, the 'if we need to go shopping we drive 2 hours to Charleville', the big huge skies, the massive sunsets, the red dirt, the space, the long long straight empty roads, drive for 280km and not see a single building, community that appears to actually work, we loved it all that's all nearly 5000kms of it in Mr Avis's SUV.
We learned stuff. Staying on the cattle station we saw how hard life could be with not enough help, the danger of moving heavy cattle around, the changing climate, the financial loss that results from drought, the difference rain can make, the condition of the grass therefore life for the cattle or not. Having witnessed the cows being sent to market was a salutary moment for a meat eater versus vegetarian or at least non beefeater.
The rains had returned to the east of Australia with the red dirt turning green. This meant more food for animals such as kangaroos which meant they were not so evident in human occupied land. They talk of El Nino and the effects it has on the climate, La Nina is it's opposite number and it would appear there's a transition. We saw the vast coal mining operations in Newcastle and Blackwater and are both disturbed by this but also understand the economic arguments that allow it's continuance.
We learned more about Australian dinosaurs, crocodiles and how to kill one if necessary, cattle handling obviously, Australian politics and how similar they are to ours, societal problems like interest rate levels, inflation, long hospital waiting lists for hip replacements, shortage of doctors, superannuation, staff shortages in general, mortgage rates, high cost of energy, shortages, scrutiny over COVID handling, proposed Submarine purchases from AUKUS and the list goes on and on and we rub our eyes to see if we are at home or abroad!
The outback is such a fascinating place of great extremes. It breeds a tough and resilient kind of person constantly battling against an environment that views humans as an itch that needs to be scratched, a boil that needs lancing and moreover eradicated. Nature wiped out the dinosaurs of Winton millions of years ago and it does its best now to get rid of their modern day replacements. It does this by seven years of immense drought followed by fire terrifyingly tearing across the tinder dry land and scrub killing and destroying anything in its path. Then come the rains with such intensity the waters rebound, fill the creeks and the vast floodplains drowning animals small and large that inevitably get caught up in it. And then comes the cyclone that blows away structures and trees that dare to challenge it. Nevertheless the communities are tough and stubborn and rebuild because this is a great land. If you want precious stones mounted in precious metals, it is to be found here. If it can be eaten, drunk or cooked with, it is here. If it is needed to generate heat or power then it can be found here. If it is a rare mineral and it is to be found in the periodic table, it can most likely be found in Australia somewhere. If you want to make batteries for new generation electric vehicles, the lithium can be found there. If you want to increase your chances of being bitten, poisoned or eaten to death then Australia has it in droves. It is not the home of Shakespeare; no play contains the words G'day Mate, or own any work entitled Two Gentlemen from Woop Woop, but they try. They are both a young country with no history beyond 200 years and yet they have the combined history's of its many nationalities. They also have the fascinating and hidden history of the indigenous peoples going back 60,000 years! They have European Art which is developing more now into something of their own. More encouraging is that indigenous works are beginning to be appreciated now as works of art in their own right and not as they previously were merely as objects of interest.
This is a marvellous country unsurpassed anywhere else on the globe and deserves to be explored and appreciated for the incredible experiences it so readily offers
Perhaps one of the last images we will recall might be at Sydney Airport:
'Repack or pay' screamed the fierce looking Australian woman behind the Malaysia Airlines check-in desk at the overweight Indian family presenting equally overweight luggage. She could do well in a banshee yelling competition. They were escorted to a quiet spot where silver changed hands.
We have so enjoyed our time here with the variety of things we have done. We went to the SOH three times on this trip and were blown away by each performance, each different from the previous in different ways. We took a very fond look back at Sydney Harbour as we walked away from it last night, the place we really love and of course Manly, not wanting to leave it, but it's au revoir not goodbye, we are simply going to be absent for a while and we shall be back.
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Island Paradise
We awoke to our first island resort. While we only had a brief stay in Koh Samui, that didn't make it any less beautiful. We enjoyed breakfast beside the beach, sipping coffee and dipping our toes into the yellow sand. Stray dogs walked beside our table. Signs told us deliberately not to feed them. We've seen a lot of wild/strays on our trip in each country we've visited.
Although we were staying in the Gulf of Thailand, our plan was not to stay on the larger island of Koh Samui, but on the more remote, secluded island of Koh Tao. The only way to get there is by ferry. We purposely checked into a hotel in Koh Samui because of its proximity to the ferry. The ferry was smooth and quick. We traversed 60km in an hour and a half, including stops. The television screens on the ferry advertised tourism in Thailand. Some of our favorites included:
-A influencer-style travelogue of a couple (westerners, possibly Australians) who spent two days in Bangkok and then in Phuket. We noticed they omitted jet-lag, getting sick, and financial concerns. We were also pretty sure they were actors. Not even a real couple.
-Some sort of "discover Thailand" series of commercials, stylized in movie commercials. The first imagined discovering Thailand as a sci-fi/horror film. It did not make us want to visit Thailand, but they were innovative.
At last, we arrived at Koh Tao, where we will ring in the new year! Our resort, Jamahkiri, is incredible. It is at the top of a hill on the south end of the island, overlooking an inlet called "Shark Bay." We have our own villa with an incredible living room with multiple couches, dining room, and full kitchen with doors that completely open onto our private deck with private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. One of the more beautiful views we could have asked for.
We ordered an easy room service, Alex got a spicy green curry and Rachel got laarb and both got a coconut cocktail. We spent the day relaxing in our pool, reading in our covered outdoor couches, and generally relaxing. Rachel booked an in room massage for tomorrow and we both decided to call it a night early, but kept our shades open so we could see the stars from our floor to ceiling windows.
As we reflect on 2022, which, aside from this trip, was not the best year, we decided to talk about the things we did love from this year. So, instead of our usual conversation, we decided to think about some of our favorite things from 2022. Read our rankings of our End of Year Best lists:
Movies/TV
A
1- Inu-Oh
2- Mad God
3- Cha Cha Real Smooth
4- Cyberpunk 2099
5- Neptune Frost
R
1- Severance S1
2- Heartstoppers S1
3- Sex Education S4
4- Sex Lives of College Girls S2
5- The Rings of Power S1
Books
A
1- Dilla Time
2- Life Ceremony
3- Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
4- Shuna's Journey
5- It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World that Made Him
R
1- Hook, Line, and Sinker
2- Princess Trap
3- Get a Life, Chloe Brown
4- Heart stoppers v4
5- From Blood and Ash
Albums
A
1- Kumoyo Island - Kikagaku Moyo
2- Renaissance - Beyonce
3- Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam - The Comet is Coming
4- Motomami - Rosalia
R
1- Renaissance - Beyonce
2- Harry's House - Harry Styles
3- Special - Lizzo
Food/Meals
Note: for fairness we're not including any meals from this trip. We'll do a final ranking of our favorite Honeytrip meals next week!
A
1- whole roasted cauliflower from Zohara in West Hartford
2- vegan burrito at Ursula
3- pan seared soup dumplings f om Dumplings House in SF
4- An epic reast at Skewers by Miriam with Lyndsi, Alon, Leo and Vicki
5- Turkey Ramen made by Mr. Alex Moser (probably the best thing he's cooked this yr)
R
1- Pan-seared soup dumplings from Dumpling House in SF
2- whole roasted cauliflower from Zohara in West Hartford
3- turkey ramen made by Mr. Alex Moser
4- Strawberry White Chocolate Layer Cake - Clementine
5- New Year's Charcuterie Board Upstate (might have been 12/31 but who's counting)
Honorable Mention: Dairy-free Boursin (shout out to Wine Squad for this epic discovery)
Happy new year, family and friends. Onward to year 2566 B.E.!
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The Brink by Holden Sheppard
(2022)
From the Publisher:
A group of school-leavers: free at last, ready to party, expectations high.
A remote island on the Western Australian coast wasn’t exactly the plan, but they’re not going to let that hold them back.
Leonardo, geeky, asthmatic, shy and prone to anxiety, has landed with them. He’s terrified—he’s definitely not part of this cool gang. Super high-achiever Kaiya is trying to forget her frustration with her drug-addicted sister as well as dealing with pressure from the popular girls to lose her virginity. Mason, footy jock with the physique to match, is coming to terms with his secret desire for his best mate, Jared. And Jared wants a week off from his relationship with Val so he can have sex with as many girls as possible.
But the party takes a dangerous turn when Val is drugged and a man is later found dead on the beach. Blame, fear, mistrust, coverups, power plays and dark secrets tear the group apart and expose the deadly tensions beneath the surface. And each teen is forced to confront demons that will lead them either to devastating tragedy or transformative triumph.
Whoever survives the week will never be the same again.
The Brink is a raw, powerful novel that pulls no punches in its authentic exploration of masculinity, sexuality, mental health, drug and alcohol use, relationships and sex. Holden Sheppard takes the teenage experience to the next level.
Goodreads
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This shot comes from photographer Sean Scott off a remote West Australian beach. He was flying his drone over a large school of bait fish that was attracting whaler sharks and managed to get this shot with two sharks inside a wave.
More details/photos: http://bit.ly/3G8cnVD
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☄ 𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗘 𝟭𝟭𝟬. → ❝ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐄 ❞
☼ / ☃ seasonal note; as june begins, we are officially in the season of WINTER; general temperature ranges are a low of 14°C and a high of 27°C.
☄ → magnetic island events; june !
THE GLITTER BALL !
in honour of pride month, and because it’s been a little moment since olympus has had a big drag night. so we have some amazing talents from both local and international drag queens and queer performance artists. this will be host at olympus nightclub and club bacchae. get ready for a night of glitter, sequins, sass, death drops and genuine joy... this is the GLITTER BALL !
→ more details will be posted as this is a future roleplay event.
+ FOR WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY & WORLD OCEANS DAY; CLEAN UP THE SHORE !
this sunday there will be a community rallied clean up at midas beach, calisto bay, bellerophon bay and neptune bay, refreshments are provided as we team up to tidy up our beaches, bring a pair of gloves and a garbage bag and some aqua-friendly shoes, (and of course, sunscreen!)
→ this is a post-less mini event, feel free to reference this in any threads if you choose.
☄ → magnetic island birthdays; june !
GEMINI
— 7th june + charming morgan aka. DIONYSUS / @uncharmiing (25!)
CANCER
— 27th june + samira aguilar aka. MACARIA / @blessedsamira (26!)
☄ → showing @ pythia’s drive in!
tomorrow when the war began (2010) — following a group of eight teenage friends find themselves in the middle of an unexpected war in a small coastal country town after returning from a remote camping trip. cut off from the rest of the world and everyone they knew, they must find their way in the new world, where they are among only a few remaining free australians, learning to defend themselves against the hostile invaders and save their detained families.
☄ + our australian film of the month.
the lost city (2022) — a reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure.
inside out (2015) — eleven-year-old riley moves to san francisco, leaving behind her life in minnesota. she and her five core emotions, fear, anger, joy, disgust and sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.
brokeback mountain (2015) — wyoming in 1963, jack twist and ennis del mar are hired by rancher as sheep herders in, developing a sexual and romantic bond up on brokeback mountain. though ennis marries his longtime sweetheart and jack marries a fellow rodeo rider, the two men keep up their tortured, taboo, secretive and sporadic affair over the course of more than 20 years.
☄ + our lgbti+ film of the month!
pirates of the caribbean: at world’s end (2007) — as the east india company gains untold power and persecutes pirates en masse, will, elizabeth, captain barbossa, tia dalma and the crew of the black pearl decide to bring captain jack sparrow back from the dead for one final battle.
☄ + our anniversary film of the month! (15th anniversary)
☄ → dates of note for the island; june !
+ MONTH WIDE !
— 🌈 🏳️⚧️ 💃🏽 pride month, time to fly your flags and celebrate your rainbow colours, identities and authentic selves.
— 🏕 🔥 🌳 camping & great outdoors month, what better excuse to go for a cheeky mini camping trip; light a bonfire and roast some mashmallows and get in touch with the islands great outdoors.
+ MARK YOUR CALENDARS !
3RD JUNE ! NATIONAL DONUT DAY — free donut with any medium or large beverage at your local coffee places island-wide!
5TH JUNE ! WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY — there will be a community rallied clean up at both midas beach and neptune bay.
8TH JUNE ! WORLD OCEANS DAY — 15% off tours at delphinus tours, wed-sun.
12TH JUNE ! NATIONAL RED ROSE DAY — why not give a floral gift? pick up a complimentary red rose with every purchase over $15 at violet and lily floristry.
21ST JUNE ! NATIONAL MUSIC DAY — a grand opening on the island is happening, so musically-inclined folks and fans... keep your eyes and ears open!
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THE AUSTRALIAN NEW WAVE 2/4 : LONG WEEKEND (1978) DIRECTED BY COLIN EGGLESTON.
This is the second article of a series dedicated to the Australian new wave films of the 1970s. We are going to deal with a long invisible and relatively unknown movie entitled Long Weekend which was released in Australia in 1978. This movie may belong to what is commonly called « ozploitation », often considered a smaller wave within the new wave, covering a wide range of genres from sexploitation, biker films, horror and even martial arts. The creation in 1971 of a system for classifying films by age, with the inclusion of an R category for those forbidden to minors, gave filmmakers the opportunity to tackle all subjects without restraint. Young Directors have also explored Australia's abundant and wild nature, particularly in the Outback (an inland and vast area remote from large centres of population).
Long Weekend follows a city couple in crisis (on the verge of divorce), Peter and Marcia, who decide to go camping in an isolated area, near a large beach. Their hope is that this little trip will pick up the pieces. However, things don't go according to plan. Despite the calm and beauty of the surroundings, tensions persist, while the wilderness camping turns out to be less pleasant than expected, not helped either by the city dwellers' lack of respect for nature… Peter hits a kangaroo on the road by mistake, knocks down a tree for no reason at all, and kills a marine mammal… As a consequence, nature takes its revenge and becomes increasingly hostile. In the first place, the couple hears terrifying animal cries. Then, a menacing shadow looms over Peter as he goes for a swim in the creek. Next, the film becomes more violent : an attack by a female eagle after the couple unwittingly stole an egg from its nest… Eventually bugs, spiders, snakes and other forest animals make their presence known. At the same time, we understand gradually the sources of tension in the couple: Marcia has just undergone an abortion and there is sexual frustration between them.
There are no spectacular terror effects nor much dialogue. It is rather a psychological horror film: the terror comes in fact from the characters themselves. Eggleston plays with ambiguity. The menacing nature can be viewed as a reflection of their dissolving couple. The film also has a clear ecological dimension: like Peter Weir's The Last Wave, it’s an ecological apocalypse.
The director Colin Eggleston described his film as a cross between Godard's Weekend and Hitchcock's The Birds. The film won an award at the 1979 Avoriaz International Fantastic Film Festival. Director Colin Eggleston is most famous for Long Weekend and retired from cinema at the end of the 1980s. When the film was released in France in 1980, a French critic of Le Canard enchaîné concluded his review in an ironic way : « Environmentalists should take a trip to Australia: nature is atrocious there ».
Romain Dupeyras
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Hidden Gems: Exploring Remote Destinations with Charter Flights
In a world where travel has become synonymous with bustling cities and tourist hotspots, there lies a realm of untouched beauty waiting to be discovered. Remote destinations, far from the madding crowd, offer a glimpse into nature's raw magnificence and cultural authenticity. Yet, reaching these hidden gems often poses a challenge, with limited transportation options and difficult access routes. Enter charter flights – the key to unlocking the world's most remote and enchanting destinations. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore these hidden gems and discover the wonders that await.
Aerial Adventures Over Remote Islands: Picture yourself soaring above turquoise waters, lush greenery, and pristine beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Remote islands scattered across the globe offer a haven for travelers seeking solitude and serenity. From the idyllic shores of the Maldives to the rugged beauty of the Seychelles, charter flights provide the perfect means to access these secluded paradises and indulge in luxury retreats far from the crowds.
Venturing into the Heart of the Wilderness: For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, remote wilderness areas offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery. Imagine flying over vast expanses of untouched wilderness, spotting elusive wildlife from the comfort of your aircraft. Whether it's the rugged landscapes of Alaska, the ancient rainforests of Borneo, or the untamed beauty of the Australian Outback, charter flights open up a world of wilderness adventures waiting to be explored.
Cultural Immersion in Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: Beyond natural wonders, remote destinations often boast rich cultural heritage and traditions preserved for generations. Charter flights provide access to off-the-beaten-path destinations where ancient temples, traditional villages, and indigenous cultures thrive. From the mystical temples of Myanmar to the vibrant markets of Ethiopia's Omo Valley, travelers can immerse themselves in unique cultural experiences that few have had the privilege to witness.
Eco-Tourism Expeditions to Remote Conservation Areas: As awareness of environmental conservation grows, travelers are increasingly seeking out remote destinations that prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. Charter flights facilitate eco-tourism expeditions to remote conservation areas where travelers can contribute to wildlife conservation efforts, participate in research projects, and engage with local communities committed to preserving their natural heritage.
Exclusive Access to Remote Luxury Retreats: For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, remote destinations offer a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Charter flights provide direct access to secluded luxury retreats nestled in some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's a private villa perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean or a luxury safari lodge deep in the African bush, charter flights ensure that discerning travelers can enjoy the height of luxury in the most remote of settings.
In conclusion, charter flights offer a gateway to a world of hidden gems – remote destinations that captivate the imagination and stir the soul. From secluded islands and pristine wilderness areas to vibrant cultural enclaves and exclusive luxury retreats, these hidden gems beckon to adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path. So, pack your bags, buckle up, and prepare for the journey of a lifetime as you embark on an adventure to explore the world's most remote and enchanting destinations with charter flights as your ticket to discovery.
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Wellness Retreats Near Brisbane Can Revitalise Your Mind
While you can get a wide array of recommendations for wellness retreats with just a quick online search, there are some really amazing holiday destinations in Brisbane and Byron Bay coastline where you can experience the wilderness and beauty of the sea from the hilltops. Search for wellness retreat Brisbane and you have options like EcoOasis, Crystal Creek, Eden Health Retreat etc, are quite a few top short stay destinations to experience calmness. These retreats offer immersive experiences wherein you can connect with nature and revitalise your health. The ideals and experiences of these wellness retreats also align perfectly with the values of environment-conscious sustainable Australians.
Benefits of Health and Wellness Retreats
You might pause to think “what good can a mere weekend at a retreat do? After all, we’ll all have to get back to the same old monotonous schedule.” But here’s the catch, the benefits extend far beyond your stay at the retreat, permeating every aspect of your life. While rejuvenation, pain relief and relief from fatigue are some physical benefits you can obtain from the experience, retreats also provide you with the much-needed mental break, providing you with emotional balance, clarity, and allows you to cultivate a sense of purpose and peace.
Tranquil Retreat Locations
When you are looking for weekend escapes, the first criteria that pops into your mind is the location. After all, no one wants to go back to chaos if getting away from the pollution and noise is the main purpose. Surrounded by lush greenery, pristine beaches, and mountains help you connect with nature. Remote location wellness retreat serves as the perfect getaway location.
Immersive Wellness Activities
Through a series of relaxing activities at these accommodations, which are intended to restore your mind, body, and soul, you can engage in a pursuit targeted on relaxation. Apart from spa, meditation or quick strolls along river trails, you can also enjoy curated activities like nature photography and mud art. This will help you get in touch with nature’s recuperation and as you gasp in the air you can feel the gentle contact of nature.
Folks living in Queensland, especially Brisbane looking for a perfect short stay destination have quite a handful accommodations in Tweed Valley and nearby places. Byron Bay Retreats have breathtaking landscapes you can’t miss. Enjoy luxury time with family or loved ones in peace and experience a holistic lifestyle to revitalise your mind and soul.
Read More: Wellness Retreats Near Brisbane Can Revitalise Your Mind
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Wellness Retreats Near Brisbane Can Revitalise Your Mind
While you can get a wide array of recommendations for wellness retreats with just a quick online search, there are some really amazing holiday destinations in Brisbane and Byron Bay coastline where you can experience the wilderness and beauty of the sea from the hilltops. Search for wellness retreat Brisbane and you have options like EcoOasis, Crystal Creek, Eden Health Retreat etc, are quite a few top short stay destinations to experience calmness. These retreats offer immersive experiences wherein you can connect with nature and revitalise your health. The ideals and experiences of these wellness retreats also align perfectly with the values of environment-conscious sustainable Australians.
Benefits of Health and Wellness Retreats
You might pause to think “what good can a mere weekend at a retreat do? After all, we’ll all have to get back to the same old monotonous schedule.” But here’s the catch, the benefits extend far beyond your stay at the retreat, permeating every aspect of your life. While rejuvenation, pain relief and relief from fatigue are some physical benefits you can obtain from the experience, retreats also provide you with the much-needed mental break, providing you with emotional balance, clarity, and allows you to cultivate a sense of purpose and peace.
Tranquil Retreat Locations
When you are looking for weekend escapes, the first criteria that pops into your mind is the location. After all, no one wants to go back to chaos if getting away from the pollution and noise is the main purpose. Surrounded by lush greenery, pristine beaches, and mountains help you connect with nature. Remote location wellness retreat serves as the perfect getaway location.
Immersive Wellness Activities
Through a series of relaxing activities at these accommodations, which are intended to restore your mind, body, and soul, you can engage in a pursuit targeted on relaxation. Apart from spa, meditation or quick strolls along river trails, you can also enjoy curated activities like nature photography and mud art. This will help you get in touch with nature’s recuperation and as you gasp in the air you can feel the gentle contact of nature.
Folks living in Queensland, especially Brisbane looking for a perfect short stay destination have quite a handful accommodations in Tweed Valley and nearby places. Byron Bay Retreats have breathtaking landscapes you can’t miss. Enjoy luxury time with family or loved ones in peace and experience a holistic lifestyle to revitalise your mind and soul.
Read More: Wellness Retreats Near Brisbane Can Revitalise Your Mind
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A Waypoint in the Southern Ocean
Located halfway between Australia and Antarctica, Macquarie Island is an important stopping place for people and penguins. The remote island has been used by explorers on their way to map uncharted reaches of Antarctica. And the island is far enough south to be suitable habitat for sub-Antarctic species, such as seals and penguins.
Macquarie Island is the exposed crest of an undersea mid-ocean ridge—a mountain range that formed where the Indo-Australian and the Pacific tectonic plates diverge and new ocean crust has emerged. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it is one of very few places on Earth where rocks from the mantle are exposed above sea level. The island has provided a unique opportunity for scientists to study the geological processes of oceanic crust formation and plate boundary dynamics.
Waves and westerly winds from the Southern Ocean have sculpted the island’s shoreline, forming several bays and beaches. Whitecaps from waves can be seen off the points of Macquarie’s western side in this image, acquired by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on February 8, 2022.
The bays and beaches provide habitat for seal and penguin colonies. About 3.5 million seabirds arrive on Macquarie Island each year to breed and molt. Royal penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli) and king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) are the most numerous and have been spotted in Bauer Bay, Sandy Bay, and Lusitania Bay. Elephant seals (Mirounga leonine) also form impressive congregations on the island during breeding season.
Penguins and seals were hunted for their blubber until 1933, when the island was declared a wildlife sanctuary. This allowed king penguin populations to bounce back. However, a 2022 study found that populations have been declining in recent years. The cause is not clear, but the researchers found that high waves during incubation and warmer than usual ocean water were factors correlated with chick decline.
The island’s notable biodiversity and geological features contributed to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Some of the waters surrounding the island were also protected as a marine park in 1999. The marine park protects penguins, seals, whales, and fish from human activities. As of July 1, 2023, the Australian government tripled the size of the park—from 162,000 square kilometers to 475,465 square kilometers—most of which will be completely closed to fishing and mining.
NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Emily Cassidy.
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