#the other trip i proposed is down along the us west coast to see the deep see exhibit at MBA | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

pillage-and-lute · 3 years

Note

(For next time you’re looking for prompts) I really like your writing, and when I thought of this I wondered what you’d do with it: Geralt and Jaskier are together, but agree to pretend not to be for their next stop. Maybe one of them wants to win an old bet, or Jaskier’s not 100% sure his betrothal to a local noble has been officially dissolved, whatever, (not homophobia), fluff and high jinx ensue. Anyway I hope something unexpectedly nice happens to you today.

Hi Dahliavandare! Thanks for the blessing in my inbox 🥰

This ran away from me, tons of backstory about Jaskier’s family. Just, way too much.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Geralt, darling,” Jaskier said hesitantly. “I have an errand we need to run, and I’m not sure you’ll like it.”

Geralt hummed noncommittally. They were resting at their camp outside of Hagge and the warm summer air and the feeling of Jaskier curled against him had lulled him into a warm, fuzzy stupor.

“You see,” Jaskier continued, fiddling with the buttons at his cuffs. “I’m a noble, and you know that of course.” He laughed awkwardly. “And I’ve been lucky enough to pawn most of those responsibilities off onto my much savvier sister, but there are certain niceties that landed families observe that--”

“Spit it out,” Geralt grumbled, although not bad naturedly.

“I’m betrothed,” Jaskier said. “And we need to go to Gwendeith to break it off.”

Geralt turned to look at his beloved. “You’re engaged?”

“Betrothed!” Jaskier yelped, then saw Geralt’s expression. “Oh, dear heart, there’s a slight difference in meaning, especially to nobles. Engaged implies an intent to marry--”

“And betrothed doesn’t?”

“Well, sort of, but I’ve been betrothed practically since I was born, engaged would imply I’m sort of planning the wedding. It’s a contract, a social contract. My family and my betrothed’s are pretty minor nobles, so really it’s just a way of saying ‘maybe someday our kids could marry’. It isn’t the hard and fast marriage it might be if I were, say, a prince.”

“Then why do it?” Geralt asked. Most of the time he was happy to understand as little of the lives of the gentry as possible, but Jaskier was important.

“Honestly,” Jaskier sighed. “I think Papa arranged it because he cared for me, Mama too.”

“It takes away your choice,” Geralt began.

“It doesn’t. A betrothal like mine and... Iliana, that’s her name, only met her twice, it’s sort of social insurance. Especially for her, but for me as well. Nobles are supposed to marry, so, if at some point neither of us had found love we could marry one another. For Iliana there’s the security of having a husband, although from what I’ve heard she can handle herself fine, and for me its assurance of heirs if that sort of thing concerned me, and companionship for us both.”

It sounded...mostly sort of logical to Geralt.

“But I love you,” Jaskier said. “And I don’t want to be betrothed to anyone because I love you and, someday, whenever you get over you allergy to the concept of commitment, I’m going to put a ring on you.”

Geralt hummed gruffly but said nothing. There was a slim golden band hidden away in his bags and he be damned if Jaskier got to propose first.

“I will. Anyway, I need to tell Iliana. I’m sure she won’t mind. I met her once when I was seven and again when I was nineteen.”

“Nineteen, when?” Geralt asked. Most of Jaskier’s nineteenth year had been spent at Geralt’s side. Most of every year after that too.

“Just before I met you. I had travelled east to meet her originally, and was going back west when we met.”

“Tell me about her?”

“Illiana? Oh, well, she told me that she was fine leaving the betrothal in place because it’s standard, but that she doesn’t care for men in that way so she’d never give me heirs and would have my balls nailed above her door if I ever told her she had to.”

“Sounds like she’d get along with Yen.”

“I fear they’d take over the world,” Jaskier said. “Anyway, I told her no worries since, honestly, heirs just aren’t important to me. Then we agreed that when either of us found love we’d break the betrothal and that would be that.”

“Hmmm.”

“No, Geralt, tell me what that means. Is that a ‘okay, let’s go to Gwendeith’ hum? A ‘I’m angry that you’re betrothed’ hum?”

Geralt shifted to poke the fire. “It’s a ‘I think there’s more you need to tell me’ hum.”

“Ah,” Jaskier rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s the thing. We have to go in person because a letter would be rude, but also...we have to pretend not to be together, while we’re in Gwedeith.”

“Why?”

“It’s politics, dear heart. It would be shaming to Iliana, socially. Personally, I don’t think she’d care, but it’s a courtesy thing.”

“I don’t do a lot of lovey stuff anyway,” Geralt said.

“You think you don’t,” Jaskier said. He began to unroll their bedroll.

“What do you mean, Jaskier?”

Jaskier turned to him, smiling indulgently and gilded in the firelight. “Our lives have molded around one another, my love. When I stand beside you your hand goes to my back or my shoulder. You order dinner for me because you know just what food I like. When I’m tired you don’t have to ask what’s wrong, you just lift me onto Roach behind you.”

Geralt hadn’t even realized he did, but he knew it was true. Jaskier leaned over and pressed a kiss to Geralt’s slightly furrowed brow.

“When my boots are wearing thin you buy me new ones before I even notice. When I’m cold you give me your cloak. If I fall asleep with my head on your shoulder you’d rather sit like that all night than disturb me.”

Geralt shrugged awkwardly. “You buy me beeswax,” he said. It seemed a fair retort. Jaskier bought him beeswax to put in his ears when cities or sometimes monsters were too loud for Geralt’s senses. “You only buy light scents, even though I know you like bolder perfumes.”

“Yes,” Jaskier said, taking one of Geralt’s large, scarred hands. “We love eachother very much, and it’s obvious to people who care to look.”

“That could be dangerous,” Geralt began, his head spiralling towards worry for Jaskier’s safety, but Jaskier cut him off.

“No, dear heart. It’s obvious to those who care to look. The sort of people who would hurt me for loving you, well, most of them think you can’t love, so they don’t look for love, and they don’t see.”

Geralt sat back. People saw what they expected to see, it was true.

“We’ll travel to Gwendeith,” he said. “And unbetroth you.”

Jaskier kissed him and his lips tasted like the jerky they’d eaten for supper.

-- -- -- -- -- --

The trip to Gwendeith was long. It was at the very edge of any map, past Posada to the east, tucked into the Blue mountains. They traveled along the Dyfne river, taking the occasional contract but making good time. This far from anything, there were few people to be troubled by monsters.

They stopped in Posada one night, eating dinner in the corner of a familiar tavern. This time, however, Jaskier was much better received and the bread ended up on the table rather than down his trousers.

Past Posada, and almost to the end of the Dyfne river, Geralt asked, “Why did your parents pick Iliana? How did they know of her?” Lettenhove was entirely the other side of the continent, a tiny island off the coast of Poviss with two villages and a couple flocks of sheep.

Geralt only knew of it from Jaskier’s descriptions, which were mostly stories of the ice cold sea and rocky cliffs. He tended toward calling it ‘idyllic’ and ‘picturesque’ altough occassionally ‘the arse end of the world’ and ‘colder than an ice giant’s ballsack.’ The first time Geralt had taken Jaskier to Kaer Morhen he’d feared for his bard’s safety in the cold of the mountains, but Jaskier hadn’t even blinked an eye, merely bundling up in a hugely wooly cloak and mittens.

“Ah, well,” Jaskier said. “Long story, but Papa was in Temeria, see, since nothing ever happens in Lettenhove, because we have more people than sheep, he get’s sent on diplomatic missions a lot. He’s good at it, and he can be spared. He loves it too, even though he’s sort of retired he still does them. Takes Ma, calls the trips his little “sunshine vacations”.

“You get your personality from your father, then?” Geralt asked. Jaskier didn’t talk about his family much, and Geralt got the sense that, rather than this being because they were horrible, Jaskier simply missed them too much.

“Definitely. Ma’s lovely, and brilliant with just everything to do with her hands, but she’s not good with people. I got her looks, though.”

“I should thank her, then,” Geralt said, smiling.

Jaskier chuckled. “Yes, she’s the reason for the long lives, too, fantastic story.”

“Finish the one about your father and Gwendeith first.”

“Right, so Papa was in Temeria, and so was Iliana’s father, sort of the mayor of Gwendeith, as I understand, although not back then. He’d gotten robbed, though, and Papa had won a horse and quite a lot of gold in a card game. It might have been Gwent, I can’t remember. If you ever meet Papa you should ask him. Anyway, he gave the extra horse and gold to Iliana’s father.”

“So your betrothal was a debt?”

“Goodness, no. This was years before I was born, Papa hadn’t even met Ma yet. No, they struck up a friendship, because when Iliana’s father got home he had a mage send a message to Papa to thank him and they struck up a friendship.”

“Sending messages by mage? That’s expensive for a penpal.”

“Ah well, that actually ties in to the story about Ma. Ma’s got magic, just a little, she’s a hedge witch of a sort. The issue is, hedge witches mostly use plants, and Ma couldn’t grow grass, so she mostly works with wood. Anyway, she has a friend, her very best friend, is a mage. They grew up together, and my Auntie Szarlotta sent my Papa’s first few messages back to Iliana’s father.”

Geralt smiled atop Roach. Jaskier’s storytelling pace was as familiar as Roach’s saddle, and it was calming in a way.

“So, Auntie was sending Papa’s message when Ma came in to visit. That’s how she met Papa, because she’d only just moved to Lettenhove. Auntie says it was love at first sight, but Papa insists that Ma turned up her nose and ignored him for months.”

“Which one is it?”

“Knowing Ma, probably both. She’s a little like you, so the second she realized she liked Papa she ignored him so she wouldn’t have to deal with it.”

Geralt huffed good-naturedly.

“Anyway, Auntie Szarlotta agreed to send Papa’s messages for free, and she even included a way for Iliana’s father to send them back, so long as he wrote his response on the back of the same paper. She always timed it though, so that Ma was over when Papa was there. And I guess the rest is history.”

“Except the immortality.”

“Right, well, Ma got really sick when she was pregnant with my sister, I was little so I barely remember but Papa was so worried, and Ma looked really pale. Well, Auntie got really worried, freaked out a little, and she found all these old spells to try to make Ma well again. I remeber the light, she was working in a room of the old lighthouse and I could see the light of her spells from my window. Anyway, eventually she tries some on Ma, but they don’t work, and she just keeps trying.”

Geralt had an image of a frantic sorceress being watched by a young Jaskier through a crack in a door.

“But I suppose some of those old spells need a little time to work because nothing at all worked and then they all sort of worked at once. There was this big, bright light and then Ma was well, and she and Papa haven’t aged a day since then.”

Geralt glanced at his lover, who looked the same at fifty as he had at twenty. “And you don’t age? What about your sister?”

“Ksenia hasn’t aged either. She looks like Papa, just so you know, grey eyes, blonde hair. She’s got two kids, now, but I haven’t met them.”

“Do the kids age?”

“Right now they’re very young,” Jaskier said. “I didn’t stop aging until nineteen or twenty, so I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.”

“How do you know she has kids?”

“Oh, well, Auntie Szarlotta sends letters to me, but we travel and it’s hard to send them right to me, so I just pick them up at Oxenfurt.”

“Hmmm,” Geralt said. He needed to go to Lettenhove. Jaskier had met his sort-of-family, he should meet Jaskier’s.

“I’d love to go see them...” Jaskier said, wistfully.

“Who?”

“My niece and nephew, they’re almost two and three years old now.”

Geralt picked Jaskier up by the collar of his doublet and placed him onto the back of Roach.

“We’ll spend the winter in Lettenhove this year,” he said as Jaskier wrapped his arms around Geralt’s waist.

“Really?”

“Hmmm.”

Geralt needed to ask Jaskier’s father for his hand in marriage, anyway.

-- -- -- -- -- --

They made it to Gwendeith just after mid summer, riding into the little town at noon. Despite the season, the little mountain valley was shaded and cool. Jaskier shivered slightly and Geralt had to resist the urge to pull his cloak from his pack. From that point forth, they weren’t supposed to be in love.

Fuck.

They had to request a meeting with the mayor, which didn’t surprise Geralt. In a town such as this, logging and mining were the main industries. Trading for food to last over the winter began early and was of the utmost importance. That left Geralt and Jaskier, unfortunately, sitting with a man who introduced himself as Sir Boris.

Apparently he was a retired knight who acted as a sort of captain of the guard, except there wasn’t much of a guard. His wife Lady Olenka joined them and the two of them talked about their grandchildren until Geralt could feel his eyes rolling back in his head.

At any other time, Jaskier would have placed one gentle hand on his wrist, which would have fortified Geralt, but they couldn’t.

“But you’re here for Iliana,” Sir Boris was saying. “Dreadfully sorry you can’t see her today, I’m afraid there’s been an issue with the lumber trade to sort out. You’ll just have to have my darling Lenka and I as company until that’s done.”

He sent a huge wink to his wife, a slim, elegant woman, who chuckled and playfully hit him on the shoulder, to which Sir Boris pretended to be wounded before throwing back his head and laughing hugely. Everything the old knight did was huge, he was a large man with a round, red face and large belly and a laugh that could shake walls.

“It’s no trouble,” Jaskier said. “I’m sure preparing for winter is a year round project here.”

“Oh of course,” Lady Olenka said. “But once it’s here we can all relax, and spend time with family.” She leaned forward as if imparting a delightful secret and said in a stage-whisper, “Boris has been our town’s Father Winter for the last four years.”

Jaskier made impressed ‘ooh’ noises and Geralt tried to at least look like he understood that.

Boris laughed again. “It’s this lot,” he said, slapping his round stomach. “Better than some old geezer with a pillow down his shirt, eh?”

Geralt hummed in agreement.

“And you must make a lovely Mother Winter, Lady Olenka,” Jaskier said politely.

She smiled, lines crinkling around her eyes as if drawing a road map. “It’s not as important as Father Winter, of course, but I rather pride myself that I plan a very good Midwinter festival.” Geralt got the sense that behind the modesty she was quite proud, and, he suspected, with good reason.

“But, you must tell me,” she said, modestly changing the subject. “Is there to be a missus Pankratz, now that you’ve come to see Lady Iliana?”

“I am a man in love,” Jaskier said. “And I am hopeful that an engagement will come soon, yes.”

“Oh dearie that’s just lovely,” Lady Olenka said, patting Jaskier’s cheek. “And you’re such a nice boy too, little young looking to be betrothed to our Lady Iliana anyway, although she’s a very dear woman.”

“We just love her,” Sir Boris said. “She’s a great mayor, not keen on marriage, but nobody minds, she just seems to have adopted the whole town as family.”

Lady Olenka patted her husband’s broad shoulder. “It was smart of you not to bring your love here, though. There’s some nobles here from Lyria, that’s who she’s been trading with, and I think they’d like any excuse to disparage here.” She lowered her voice again. “You know how those lot are about having women in charge.”

“I can’t relate,” Sir Boris laughed. “Lenka’s the ruler in our house.” That got a laugh because it had to, and because Sir Boris’s laugh was surprisingly infectious.

“Good on you bringing a bodyguard too,” he said once the laughter had abated. He slapped Geralt companionably on the back, which was like being hit by a friendly battering ram. “Witcher too, don’t get many up here, but I bet you’re the safest man in a hundred miles.”

“Oh, dear, don’t you know?” Lady Olenka said. “Lord Julian here is a bard as well, he goes by Jaskier and sings all about witchers.”

“Really?” Sir Boris said, looking at Jaskier. “Blimey, imagine that. Good on you, finding a niche in the market.”

Geralt’s ears were beginning to ache. Friendly though Sir Boris might be, he didn’t seem to have a volume level below ‘deafening’. He was tired and overwrought and he just wanted to cuddle up with Jaskier in a bed. It wasn’t even suppertime, though.

They sat through another hour of hearing about Boris and Olenka’s eighteen grandchildren.

“And three great-grandchildren,” Boris added proudly.

Geralt was thankful Jaskier could carry the conversation. He longed for a kiss, though. Now that he knew he couldn’t have one, his lips fairly ached for one.

Supper was a large affair, with one of Boris and Olenka’s children’s family over for dinner as well. Geralt was seated across from Jaskier between two small children who, apparently, needed to be separated at dinertimes to prevent bickering. They contented themselves instead by asking Geralt every question they could think of, often making him wrack his brain for child appropriate answers.

It wasn’t just witchering questions, either. He answered such questions as “Why is the sky blue?” (Because it’s Melitele’s favorite color). Immediately before answering “How big are dragon scales?” (The small ones are like pebbles and the big ones are like shields.)

Jaskier smiled at him over his bowl of stew, eyes sparkling. Geralt loved children, and Jaskier loved seeing them adore Geralt.

“So, Lord Julian,” Boris and Olenka’s daughter began. “Your lady love, tell us about her?” She smiled Lady Olenka’s warm smile and Jaskier did a good show of seeming bashful.

“My love is unlike any other,” he began. “And if you’ll pardon my saying so, I’m a poet, and so must wax poetic.”

“Wouldn’t settle for anything less, lad!” Boris bellowed cheefully.

“My darling has fair hair, like moonlight,” Jaskier said, and the table oohed appreciatively. Geralt felt his ears get hot.

“And eyes like summer,” the bard continued. “I could get lost in them. No eyes could compare.” Geralt kicked him under the table, but Olenka was sighing sympathetically.

“But of course,” Jaskier said slyly, my heart is best held by my love’s lips.”

Boris chuckled knowingly. “I’ll bet it is, my boy,” he said, winking. Olenka slapped his arm, but she was smiling. Geralt felt hot.

“I’m afraid, however that my lover is quite modest, and won’t appreciate me extolling too many virtues,” Jaskier finished. “So I must finish with, I love them very much, and it is for them alone that my heart beats.”

Therewith leaving every person at the table (those above the age of twelve, at least) with misty eyes, Jaskier helped Lady Olenka clean up supper. Geralt helped put the dishes away.

After dinner they were led back to the mayor’s house. “I’m afraid the negotiations don’t seem to be finished,” Lady Olenka said. “I had hoped they would be quick, but it seems not. If the issue wasn’t resolved today, I wouldn’t bet on them being resolved too early tomorrow, either. You two don’t have pressing business elsewhere?”

“No, my lady,” Jaskier said, although if they lingered too long they wouldn’t make it to Lettenhove for the winter, as it was, it would be close.

“I’m sure she’ll be able to see you soon,” the lady said. “Here’s your room, and Master Witcher, your room is just at the far end of the hall.”

She said goodnight and Geralt hoped she couldn’t see the slump of his shoulders.

Separate rooms.

Jaskier smiled ruefully at him and they parted for the night. Geralt’s bed was large and comfortable, with clean linens and feather pillows, but he barely got a wink of sleep.

-- -- -- -- -- --

The next morning found Jaskier and Geralt breakfasting in the tavern, owned, apparently, by another of Boris and Olenka’s grown children.

“Did you sleep well?” Jaskier whispered over a plate of sausage and eggs.

“Fine,” Geralt grunted.

“I couldn’t sleep a wink,” Jaskier said. “Want my last piece of bacon? I’m stuffed.”

Geralt took it gratefully, slipping Jaskier his fried slice as a trade. No matter how Jaskier protested that he was stuffed, he always had room for a fried slice.”

“Terrible woman,” said a nasal voice at the next table. “Just impossible to do business with.”

“I agree, overemotional, you know how they get,” agreed another voice. Jaskier made eye contact with Geralt. The accent was Lyrian.

“Not even married,” said the first speaker. “What a disgrace. If my daughter got to her age without children I’d just die of shame.”

Geralt pitied his daughter.

“Oh of course,” said the second man. “Attractive, though, for an old maid.”

The first man snickered cruelly. “Thinking a little wooing might soften her up?”

“It always does, women like that, they’re just angry because they haven’t found a man.”

“Won’t your wife mind?”

“Are you going to tell her?” Both men laughed unpleasantly.

A serving girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, came around the tables, presumably one of Sir Boris’ many granddaughters. She took their plates onto a tray and smiled when Jaskier slipped a few coins onto the tray as a tip.

At the next table one of the Lyrian’s snapped their fingers impatiently. The girl rolled her eyes. Geralt was pleased to see that, although she served him professionally, as she walked away she ‘accidentally’ tread on his foot.

“What pathetic pieces of shit, the pair of them,” Jaskier said as they stepped out into the sunlight.

“Hmmm,” Geralt agreed. Then he looked around quickly and pulled Jaskier into an alleyway, urging the bard deeper into the shadows.

“What? Geralt di-”

Geralt smushed his lips gracelessly to Jaskier’s, crowding him up against the wall. Jaskier’s hair between his fingers was so familiar and comforting, as was the little sigh Jaskier let out.

They pulled apart and Geralt rested his forehead against Jaskier’s. “That’ll tide me over for a while,” he whispered. Jaskier smiled.

“Are you master Julian?”

The pair sprang apart, looking in alarm at the red headed boy at the far end of the alley.

“Yes...?” Jaskier said.

“Only, Pa said to come find you, and he said you’d be with a big man dressed all in black.”

“And you found us here?” Jaskier asked.

“Didn’t know you’d be here, did I?” Said the boy, stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets. “It’s the shortcut through to the tavern, but then, I figured he’s the only big man in black around.”

Geralt inclined his head, feeling his ears go hot.

“Lady Iliana has time to see you now,” the boy continued, oblivious to the awkwardness.

“By all means...lead the way,” said Jaskier.

They were led out of the alley and back to the mayor’s house by the messenger boy.

“Out of curiosity,” Jaskier asked. “Is your grandad Sir Boris?”

“Yeah, that’s him,” said the lad. “He made me a toy sword for my tenth birthday too.” He pointed proudly to the wooden sword tied at his hip with some string.

“It makes you look a proper hero,” Jaskier said. Then he pulled out his coin purse. “A copper for bringing us the message and...another to not tell anyone what you saw.”

The boy looked between the two of them shrewdly.

“Not even my best friend? I tell Mikhail everything.”

“Not until Geralt and I have left.”

“Three coppers total,” the boy said promptly. Jaskier handed them over good naturedly and the boy flashed a gap toothed grin before taking off.

Geralt and Jaskier shrugged at each other, before finding their way to the main room of the mayor’s house. A broad shouldered woman of about fifty poked her head out of a door.

“Julian?”

Geralt and Jaskier went inside.

“You look well,” Iliana said, sitting behind a large desk and gesturing to a couple chairs. “You havent’ aged a day.”

“And you look as lovely as I remember,” Jaskier said.

“Flirt. Come to ask me for heirs?”

Jaskier shuddered. “No, my lady. I remember your threat well. I think you know why I’m here.”

The two Lyrians barged through the door.

“Did I ask you to enter?” Iliana said, coldly. Geralt felt an unusual curl of fear set up in his stomach, she was a distinctly fearsome woman.

“Well,” said the first Lyrian.

“You were so beautiful, I couldn’t wait on seeing you again,” said the second, slimily.

“Oh I say!,” Iliana said, standing. She placed her hand over her chest in a delicately offended way, which was ill suited to her. “You sir are too bold, and in front of my betrothed too!”

The Lyrians looked, panicked, at the people sat in the chairs. As Geralt was seated in the chair nearest the door, and therefore nearest them, they came to the wrong conclusion. The blood drained from both their faces.

“What an insult!” Iliana continued. “You should be ashamed! What a lack of diplomacy!”

Beside Geralt, Jaskier snickered. She was laying it on a little thick.

“Why,” she continued. “I ought to write to your king! I’ve never been so insulted. And I’m sure my beloved will want to sort out this insult too.” She fluttered her lashes at Geralt.

Geralt nearly jumped out of his seat, but thankfully his brain caught up. He stood, growling a little theatrically and placed one hand on the hilt of his steel sword.

“Our apologies my lady,” the first man said hurriedly.

“Our mistake, we’ll just--” they dissappeared out the door.

“What a fearsome couple,” Geralt heard whispered as the door swung shut.

Iliana sighed satisfactedly and kicked her feet up on her desk. “It seems I should thank you,” she said. “That is going to make negotiations much easier.”

“I’m sure you always get good deals,” Jaskier said.

“Yes. I get the deals I want.”

“You know why I’m here,” Jaskier said.

“Yes.”

“Do you agree?”

“To disolve the betrothal? Of course. Never found a lover for myself so I never bothered but, well, I just don’t do romance.”

“Some people don’t,” Geralt said, thinking of Eskel.”

“Indeed,” Iliana said, smiling warmly at him. “Not all of us have a soulmate to sing us songs.” She laughed at their surprised faces.

“Oh you fooled them, and you may have fooled Boris and Olenka, but I’ve heard your songs, Julian. It’s written right into everything you do.”

She began rummaging in one of the drawers in the desk. “I don’t mind, of course. So few people know we’re actually betrothed...there it is.” She pulled out an old piece of paper. “I’ll just rip it up if that’s fine by you. You’ll have to do the same to yours of course.”

“We’re going to Lettenhove this winter,” Jaskier said. “I’ll do it as soon as I find it.”

Iliana smiled again. “Father always did say that your dad had a horrible filing system.”

“He filed all his papers on the floor, yes, although I imagine my sister is neater.”

Iliana tore the paper in half without ceremony and placed the contract in the waste paper bin. “Lettenhove is very far away, Julian, will you get there in time?”

Jaskier glanced at Geralt.

“I don’t know,” Geralt said.

“No matter,” said Iliana. She began writing something on a new sheet of paper. “Our logging teams float lumber all down the Dyfne and Pontar rivers. Show this to the dockmaster at the tip of the Dyfne and our riverboat captains can get you to Novigrad.”

She pulled out another sheet of paper. “Once you’re in Novigrad, show this to the harbormaster and he’ll get you to Lettenhove.” She looked at their shocked faces and smiled. “Our lumber is the best, and it’s used in everything, including ships. I’m willing to cash in a favor in order to get rid of a useless betrothal.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Jaskier said bowing deeply. “I’ll have my Aunt Szarlotta send a message once our betrothal is fully extant.”

Iliana stood and shook his hand. “I’d appreciate that.”

“Our fathers were penpals,” Jaskier said. “Perhaps we should keep up the tradition?”

The mayor inclined her head. “I’d like that. I may be too busy to write often.”

Jaskier waved a hand. “I can only pick up messages when I pass through Oxenfurt, but I like to make friends with powerful people.”

The two of them shared a smile.

“Not to rush you out my door,” Iliana said. “But I do have a lot to do, winter comes early up here, and I know it does as well in Lettenhove. even with my help, you two should leave soon.”

Geralt and Jaskier left that afternoon, just after a hearty meal at the tavern.

-- -- -- -- -- --

Across the continent and some weeks later, Jaskier and Geralt stepped onto the docks in Novigrad.

“I don’t think Roach liked the river boats,” Jaskier said as Geralt led her off. Roach whinnied and shook her mane emphatically.

“Sorry, girl,” Geralt said. “You’ll have another long boat journey, and this time I doubt we’ll stop so you can run about on land.”

“Nah,” Jaskier said, as they walked toward a tavern for supper. “Boats from Novigrad to Lettenhove stop around the coast on the way, she’ll get plenty of exercise. It’s something to do with the currents.”

He petted Roach’s muzzle softly as they stabled her at the inn beside the tavern and Geralt felt his heart go out to his bard. Jaskier cared so much for Roach. Geralt thought again of the gold band in his pack.

“C’mon,” he said. “Let’s eat.”

-- -- -- -- -- --

Slightly more than a month later, after a slow, coastal boat journey, and then another between Inis Porhoest and Lettenhove, Geralt, Jaskier, and their faithful horse, stepped off the final boat.

“Welcome home, Master Julian,” said a fisherman on the dock.

“Does everyone here know you?” Geralt asked.

“Pretty much, there’s only about three hundred people here.”

News spread fast among three hundred people and Jaskier and Geralt were greeted enthusiastically at the door to the very small castle. A blonde woman who could only be Ksenia, Jaskier’s sister, flung her arms around him, and withing a moment Geralt was being gathered into the hug by a slightly older looking couple.

“Julek,” said the blonde man, pulling back. “My boy, you’re home, and you brought this stunning man, wow, what a looker.”

“Papa, don’t be embarrassing,” Jaskier said. Geralt flushed clear to the roots of his hair. Apparently when Jaskier said he had his father’s personality he meant all of his father’s personality.

They had dinner as a family, including Jaskier’s niece and nephew, Cecylia and Prot. They had questions for Geralt, and he was grateful for the practice he’d had in Gwendeith. It was an enjoyable meal over all, and afterward Jaskier was distracted by his Aunt Szarlotta while Geralt slipped away to ask Mr. Pankratz a very important question.

The two of them returned to the main hall to see Jaskier pretending to be a dragon, while Cecylia and Prot bravely fought him with butterknives, but he straightened up when he saw the look on Geralt’s face.

Geralt took his hand and Jaskier squeezed it three times, it was their code, asking if Geralt needed to go somewhere that wasn’t so hard on his senses. Geralt smiled and shook his head, swallowing nervously around the lump in his throat.

He got down on one knee and pulled out the gold band. “I’m...I’m not good with words.” Geralt swallowed again, wishing he could borrow Jaskier’s eloquence for five minutes or so. “Marry me?”

The words were barely out from his mouth before Jaskier was tackling him to the ground, pressing kisses all over his face.

“Oh Geralt!” he said. “Wait--”

Jaskier looked up at his mother, who smiled and was handed a paper by his Aunt Szarlotta. Mrs. Pankratz ripped the betrothal contract in half.

“Yes,” Jaskier said, laughing. “I will marry you!”

Then they kissed on the chilly stone floor.

-- -- -- -- -- --

Dear Lady Iliana, Mayor of Gwendeith

The former contract has been voided.

Szarlotta of Lettenhove

P.S. Geralt and Jaskier are engaged and send their love.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Holy Cow. 5603 words. I...I don’t even know what to say. I hope you like it.

#the witcher #geraskier #reverse fake dating #fluff #geralt #jaskier #ask box answers

524 notes · View notes

marshmallowprotection · 3 years

Text

Cereus

Pairing: Choi Saeran/Reader

Description: You never knew what you wanted to do with your life from day one. It just seemed like there were too many things to pick from and all you knew was that you didn’t want to be bound by the expectations of your parents. So, you decide to head west like the rest of those that are seeking new lives and changes without knowing what to expect or your plan. You just never thought that you would find yourself ensnared in the rope of fate on your journey to find yourself.

Word Count: 2235

Cowboy Saeran x Reader

[Read On AO3]

Previous Chapter

Epilogue

“Was now really the best time for you to pick up the guitar again?”

“What? Did ya’ want me to change the song to somethin’ more fittin’?”

“How about we travel in silence, instead?”

“That ain’t as fun, Saeran. Ya’ gotta live a little… c’mon, get that sour look off your face! Here, I wrote this one for you!”

“...Great.”

The sounds of a finely tuned guitar were all too prevalent in your eardrums these days. Saeyoung was far too content as the little wagon continued to go along the path, playing along to a song that he had been learning recently since he had so much more free time on his hands lately to explore his hobbies outside of conning and trickery.

While you didn't mind the sound, Saeran wasn't as big a fan of the humming and strumming. It led to a bit of bickering between the twins that was a surprise. The lighthearted argument wasn't unwelcomed. It was nice to see how the two of them interacted when they wanted to show that brotherly bond.

This wasn’t where you thought that you would find yourself but you weren’t going to complain about it in the slightest.

You just leaned your head against Saeran’s shoulder as he commanded the reigns for both of their horses. He sighed at his brother’s antics and just continued as he was. It had only been a few weeks since everything happened and it was still an adjustment period.

After Saejoong was forcibly removed from power, the sheriff and everyone else that had been working with them were taken down and removed from power. They didn’t need to have a trial for them since it had been proved in front of them with the wave of a hand. They were going to be locked away where they would be unable to hurt anyone ever again.

Saeyoung and Saeran no longer had to live in fear of losing their lives because of him anymore. That was all they ever wanted. They didn’t have to hide their faces anymore. Frankly, there were people in many places that weren’t happy about their crimes as they were, but the boys had been forgiven for what they’d done by countless people.

Most of them, anyway.

It wasn’t like they had been stashing away all that money consistently. They were consistently fueling it to people in need. Anyone who needed to eat was getting paid. Anyone that was living without parents in their life was getting money. Anyone in need of something. They had been taken care of by the twins for quite a while.

The rest of the money had been for trying to control the crime scene to manipulate a load of real crooks into listening to them. Whatever they didn’t need was just put away so they could either give it back eventually or so they would have some money to get by when and if they were free. Not that the people needed to worry about it.

It changed everything in the town for the better.

But, everything changed in a matter of a few weeks. It went from zero to one-eighty. At the very least, it went from bad to better. Which was the greatest thing that anyone could hope for. The gold that was already taken from the wells couldn’t be placed back, but it could be doled out equally and fairly to all of the members of the town thanks to Jumin Han’s family.

Since his father controlled the banks, everyone’s accounts were layered with weekly reimbursements of gold and silver profits. Because of this, the town was able to grow in more ways than one, with more businesses opening up and people moving into town because everyone supported each other.

It was looking to turn around the town that was only a few months away from the brink of collapse.

Once Saejoong was gone, there needed to be a new mayor… and believe it or not, the people wanted Jihyun to take the job.

He had been such a capable man that had worked to protect everyone, and they all trusted him to do the right thing. He was elected in a landslide after everyone agreed on who they wanted to be in charge for the time being. With him and Jumin at the helm, the town was shaping up to be a great place to be and somewhere that you knew would be okay.

Since he was going to be handling matters of the town now, the bar was given to Yoosung. Who was surprised by the event entirely! But, in all honesty, he and Zen had been running the bar for quite a while on their own apart from Jaehee stepping in now and again to help with the books when she wasn’t busy with Jumin.

So, Yoosung was the one that he trusted most.

Yoosung was excited about the prospect. He had a lot of ideas for the bar, too. He wanted to be able to make it into a restaurant that anyone was welcome to. He and Zen were working together to make things work out with both of their capable hands. It would still be Jihyun’s Bar, but it would be more than anyone ever expected it to be.

While you liked your place at the bar and the job you held, you couldn’t deny that call to adventure that had your name written all over it. As things calmed down and you and the rest of the group had worked together to help the town, you had been dutifully recovering from your attack.

You weren’t on the stage to perform, but after a week of being stuck in bed, you had sat at the bar and gave a song to Zen’s performances. Singing didn’t take too much out of you, and it felt nice to be out and about where everyone was instead of worrying about how things were going. As always, this place was a good place to be.

All and all, things were going together in town.

Even better, Saeyoung had joined you at the same time, stepping in when he wasn’t working with Saeran and Jihyun to play some music along with you. He revealed his secret talent, that he was rather skilled at guitar, but he never had the chance to show it off to other people like he wanted to. He was really good!

Even if Saeran said otherwise.

Saeran had been right by Jihyun’s side the entire time, trying to help him make matters right from what happened with their father. He was taking it personally and seriously to make amends for things. You’d been surprised by that, given the history that you had heard about what the twins went through they’d met Jihyun, but the fact that Saeran was calling him “dad” was telling enough.

Saeran wasn’t trying to become the next mayor, though.

That was the last thing he wanted.

This was just the loose end that had to be tied up for him. Saeran had told you that he wanted to be able to leave the desert for a while, maybe not forever because he knew how much this place meant to you now, but he did want to see the world first.

You knew that feeling.

You knew what it felt like to want an adventure.

Saeran was your adventure now, and anywhere that he wanted to go, you wanted to be. That’s what led to this situation that you were now in. So, when he proposed the idea to you one day if you would be a willing party to go on a trip with him. Of course, Saeyoung was going to be tagging along, but it was a given. He still wanted you to come with him.

Of course, you said yes.

It wasn’t a “goodbye” to the western town that you had come to, but a simple “see you soon.”

Which is how you wound up where you were now, in a little wagon pulled by Begona and Big Dipper, headed out from town and deep along the trails to take you to wherever you wanted to go. Saeran was kind of interested in seeing the ocean since he’d never been able to see that before, well, there were a lot of things that he hadn’t seen before, but…

It was the first thing that came to mind when you asked, “Well, where do you wanna go?”

“I reckon it’d be nice to see the coast?”

“Good choice, Saeranie!”

Saeyoung seemed jazzed about the idea, himself. He had traveled out with Jihyun and seen the coast before, and had described it to his twin with a mystified look in his eyes. It had left a mark on him that Saeran wanted to see. Hilarious, you knew, but it was kind of sweet to see them getting along and sharing these things.

You were happy here with Saeran.

He snorted when you tucked yourself closer to his side, but ignored the urge to make a snide comment to torment you. You’d grown used to him teasing you and pulling your hair now and again. He might have been Saeran now, but he was still your tormentor by all accounts. Which was exactly what you’d wanted, anyway.

“How far do you think we have left?” you asked him, watching as the landscape changed by the minute from the clay and soil, into the greens that you knew very well. “Do you reckon it’s more than a day or two at this rate?”

“I reckon so,” he responded. You’d pay for stealing some of his quirky vocabulary to tease him. But, you liked that little accent of his whether he wanted to agree with that or not. “I ain’t never traveled this far by myself before, so I’m just guessing from what the maps said.”

“It took a while even by train,” you admitted.

“‘Course, we ain’t in no hurry, little Cereus. We’ll get there when we get there… don’t tell me that yer’ gonna start askin’ me that every five minutes. We already got one idiot n’ this car, we don’t need two of ‘em.”

The two of you chuckled.

That seemed to bring Saeyoung’s attention to the scene. He had stopped playing the time being as he leaned forward between the two of you, ignoring the way the wagon bounced against the terrain and could’ve knocked him over. The way that things were changing had caught his eye. Had he traveled in this area before? “I’ll pretend I ain’t hear that. But, hey, do y’all remember when I told ya’ that I met someone when I was gone with Jihyun?”

“...That fake partner ya’ mentioned?” Saeran quipped. You knew what he thought about that person that Saeyoung had brought up now and again. You couldn’t doubt him. Because they all doubted Zen about you! So, who was to say that he was hiding information about somebody just to make some kind of joke?

“They’re not fake!” Saeyoung retorted. He huffed and looked at you for some moral support. “Cereus, ya’ believe me, right? I’m only bringin’ this up because I was wonderin’ if you two would be interested in meetin’ ‘em? After all, they’ve been waitin’ for me to come back n’ see ‘em since I left a few months ago.”

That made you curious.

You raised a brow, “Oh?”

“Absolutely.”

Saeran sighed. He looked back at his twin and shook his head, incredulous. It was like he couldn’t believe that Saeyoung wanted to take a little detour. He wasn’t going to hear the end of it if he didn’t do something about this. “Alright, alright. Ya’ know what? I reckon that I want you to prove that this person is real, then. I’ve heard this spiel too many damn times. Ya’ wanna prove it? Let’s see ‘em, then. Tell me where we’re headed, then.”

“Aw, Saeran, I knew you cared about me!”

“Mainly, I just wanna see if yer’ a liar or not.”

“I’ll admit I’m a little curious, Saeyoung. I’m willing to give you the benefit of a doubt on this one. Be nice, Saeran. Who knows, it might lead us to another adventure!”

“The last thing I want right now is another dangerous adventure.”

“That settles it, then. To the sea, we go!”

[AUTHOR’S NOTE:]

Heya Howdy Doodle Doo, don’t let the door close on ya’ because this ain’t over yet.

That’s right.

This isn’t the end of Cowboy Saeran. Join us soon in the sequel which is going to be a Seven x Reader story. This will be my first long-form Seven x Reader story, and I’m glad to be writing it. I sincerely am going to have to thank countless people for supporting this story and supporting me. I’ve made a lot of new friends that I hope to keep forever thanks to this story.

My heart is filled with so much love for so many of you fans.

I’ve received fan art, cosplay, and all kinds of gifts for this story of mine and it means a lot to me that there are people that enjoy something I’ve made so much that they want to play around in my take on the Mystic Messenger characters. So, this isn’t goodbye to you, my loyal cowboy fans.

This is a See You Soon.

23 notes · View notes

ficsilike-reblogged · 4 years

Text

Precious Inexperience

A/N: Welp. Should I be posting this on Easter? Probably not. This was written under the influence of the lack of sleep and the over-abundance of wine. This is for @darkficsyouneveraskedfor’s “What’s Old is New Again" Challenge. I used the prompt #14, “I do not know how to kiss or I would kiss you. Where do the noses go?” - Ingrid Bergman

Pairing: King!Robb Stark x F!Reader

Rating: M for DARK THEMES including dub-con, death, death of children, Robb being a dick, a bit of smut, and canon-typical sexism

Warnings: Again, dub-con/dubious consent, talk of pregnancy, men being terrible-PLEASE DO NOT READ IF THIS TRIGGERS YOU

Word Count: 2.8k

Summary: The King in the North was now King of the Seven Kingdoms. Peace reigned. But Kings need heirs.

The King in the North they called him. King in the North even as he sat on the Iron Throne. Robb Stark was King of the Seven Kingdoms—won with bloody battles and dead wives. Alliances were sewn with marriages and Robb had easily taken a wife when it meant more men for his armies, more food to feed them, a stronger claim to the throne that had taken the head of his father all those years ago. A Frey girl. She’d been pretty. Pretty for Frey with small hips and a nice smile. She died in childbed—their son along with her. Then there was Margaery Tyrell. The beauty of the Reach. With the Reach under his command, Robb was unstoppable. Food was plentiful even as Winter came and went and the remaining forces loyal to the Crown starved and died.

Yes, she made a beautiful queen for a year. When her face turned purple and blood poured from her eyes, everyone cried “poison! Poison!” and pointed fingers at the Greyjoys, still refusing to bend the knee to their new king. No one ever truly knew who had murdered The Gracious Queen Margaery, but the heads of hundreds of Greyjoy bannermen decorated the pikes outside the Red Keep until the last Greyjoy, Yara, finally accepted his rule.

The Realm had peace, it seemed. The Dragon Queen had stayed in Essos with her army and her dragons and the Wildlings to the North had been eliminated under the command of his bastard brother, Jon Snow.

Peace, they said.

But, Kings need heirs.

The Westerlands submitted their prettiest maids from the best houses. The Stormlands, too. The Vale followed, along with the Riverlands, and the North. And Dorne, who had skillfully played both sides of the board during the war with the lions, had been slow to send a proposal.

The Martells were skittish, for good reason, to marry into another royal family. But that did not mean they did not want a Dornish woman to marry their new king. Robb had been kind to Dorne; knew their worth and history. He met with Prince Doran in the Water Gardens, personally, to broker an alliance and laughed with Ellaria Sand and Prince Oberyn at their feasts. The Northern King knew the power Dorne held. It had been no secret that Robb had sought Dorne’s council on many things.

But it came as a surprise to Y/N when Prince Doran sent for her and her father to come to the Water Gardens and meet with him. Her house was small and held modest power, nestled on the westernmost coast of Dorne, just south of House Dayne of Starfall. It was mostly a small naval fleet port and trading post with merchants from the Reach and Westerlands. As the fifth child of her family, she was often over-looked in many regards as her elder sister was groomed to one day take her place as head of the family. It was no bother to her, mostly. She was able to read and spend her time racing horses. Her Northern-bred mother was aghast when she had first learned of a few Dornish customs, but had softened immensely when she learned her firstborn, her daughter, had not made her a terrible wife. She’d produced an heir, after all. But the one frivolity she could not and would not condone was any sort of romantic interludes. She did not care that the rest of Dornish nobility embraced paramours and bastard children.

Y/N and her seven siblings were raised with Northern sensibilities in that regard. No men were left near her unsupervised. She was given little education on the art of romance other than the books she had to smuggle away from her mother’s prying eyes and, because she cared little for most people, it did not bother her in the slightest.

Marriage was not something she thought about often. Her house was secure with her sister and her marriage to Prince Doran’s son, Trystane. Her sister was pregnant with her second child already, much to the happiness of her family and the Martells. Her elder brothers were prosperous knights and her younger siblings were contemplating becoming maesters or a septa. The family coffers were plentiful. She needn’t marry for advantage in any regard.

Or so she had been led to believe.

When Prince Doran reached for her hand with a soft smile, she gave it to him readily, even as his heir, Princess Arianne could not offer a comforting expression. “The King has asked for a bride. You shall be our envoy.”

There was no argument. No brokering. No tears.

It was a strange sort of fog that clouded her mind as her father thanked Prince Doran and Princess Arianne for “the honor” and then tried to ready her for the trip to King’s Landing and the long days spent in the wheelhouse on the journey north. She hardly remembered any of it. The ladies maids were frantic about her, as they helped her dress in a pretty golden gown and pressed sweet-smelling perfume to her neck and wrists. All of it felt like it was happening to someone else. Not to her. Things like this didn’t happen to her. She would read and race horses and get scolded by her mother for smelling of hay or stealing berries from the kitchens.

It was a cattle show, if she had to give it a name. The potential brides were scattered about the throne room, their fathers at their sides, all primped and ready for inspection.

“Stand up straight, girl,” her father chided, a soft tone betraying his love for his second daughter.

“Yes, father,” Y/N murmured in return and did as he bid. “But, truly, you cannot believe he will even look at me.” She had always thought herself plain. It was no bother, really. Her sister was the heir and beauty and it took all the pressure of being a lady away. Her sister was kind to her, too. Perfect in every way. If she were standing here, Y/N was sure she would have been proposed to by now. And her younger sister was so enthralled with religion she hardly spoke of anything else.

“Prince Doran knows the King very well. He chose you for a reason.”

“Fine. But when we get sent home, I-”

“Your Grace.” Her father bowed and she quickly followed with a curtsey, grimacing at not noticing when the young King had stepped in their direction. “May I present to you my daughter, Lady Y/N.”

The King was handsome, obviously. His russet hair curled over the tops of his ears and even with the growing beard, he still had a young man’s roguish charm. Her heart suddenly constricted as he held out a hand toward her and her fingers shook as she placed her hand in his. “A pleasure to meet you, my lady.” His words were murmured, beard scratching against her fingers.

“L-likewise, Your Grace.”

Robb stood straight with a smirk and there was a gleam in his eye that made her stomach twist. He nodded to her father and walked away to greet the next lady as she deflated, breath rushing.

“Well, I hope are happy, Father. I did my part on behalf of Dorne.” She was ready to go home. Now. The look the King gave her left her unsettled. There was a darkness behind his pretty eyes, one she had only seen when faced with feral animals that would howl in the night outside her family’s castle walls.

But then some man in a grey and black surcoat, embroidered with a snarling direwolf, stepped to her father’s side and whispered in his ear before his unfamiliar eyes flickered to her. The exchange lasted barely a few seconds and soon the man was walking away, following his king through the shadows.

“What is it?”

Her father frowned and dropped his voice to a low whisper she had to strain to hear even as he bent to her level. “You’ve been requested to meet His Grace in the gardens tonight.”

“Tonight?” She parroted. “Will you be there?”

“No. This is to see if you would be compatible.” Even as the words left his mouth, she knew he did not understand them.

“Must I go?”

Her father nodded. Sealing her fate.

The gardens were quiet except for the chirping of an incessant bird hidden somewhere in the greenery. The only other person she had seen while following the map she’d been handed just after dinner, was a guard at the entrance who looked at her with hard eyes from beneath his helmet before letting her venture in to the twisting, turning paths of green.

She squinted at the crudely drawn map in the dim moonlight and hoped she had found the right place. There had been a statue, a few turns ago, of the King’s sister, Sansa, holding the head of Cersei Lannister on a platter. Before that, a statue of the slain Stark boys, Rickon and Bran, astride their direwolves—a dead lion was crumpled under their paws. Arya had to be somewhere, too. Y/N was sure of it. She wondered what her statue depicted her doing—Arya was known throughout the Realm for her vicious nature and love for her family. She had set sail to the West not long ago with her new husband, Lord Gendry Baratheon.

She sat down on the stone bench and folded the map, putting it away before chewing at the side of her thumb. Whether it was boredom or trepidation, she wasn’t sure. The entire situation seemed…off kilter. There was something bubbling beneath the surface she didn’t understand.

“My Lady.”

She quickly stood and curtseyed as the king walked around the corner and into the small clearing. “Your Grace.”

He reached for her hand and pressed another kiss to her knuckles. “I’ve been told you are the fifth of eight children.”

She frowned at the strange start of the conversation but did nothing to deter it. “Yes, Your Grace. Two sisters and five brothers.”

Robb hummed and nodded, eyes raking down her form. “And your sister? She’s pregnant with her second child. After only two years of marriage.”

She nodded. “Yes. They are hoping for another boy.”

Robb’s eyes closed and another smile touched his lips, this one much more relaxed, as he settled on the bench behind him. “Good. That’s good.” She moved to sit beside him when he pressed a hand against her stomach and pushed her back. Her feet stumbled and he caught her at the waist, pressing his fingers into her skin with a grip that stung. “No. I want to look at you.”

Standing tall, she tried to even out her breath as she felt his eyes start to roam. His hands moved to her hips and his thumbs dug into bottom of her stomach, pulling a gasp from her lips. “Y-your Grace?”

“These…” He squeezed her hips. “These could do nicely.”

She looked down at her hips he seemed to be so attentive to, wondering what he could possibly mean. “Princess Arianne said I had my mother’s hips, perfect for children.” The compliment had always been a strange one, but the Princess assured her it was good.

Robb dragged her close, feet once again tangling and almost careening her forward as the young king kept her mostly steady. “Your father and Prince Doran have assured me that you are pure. I will ask you this only once. If you lie, I will know and the consequences will be severe. Do you understand me?”

“Y-yes, Your Grace.” Her heart was hammering a painful beat against her ribs as he looked up at her. “I understand.”

“Have you ever been with another man?” His eyes pinned her, cold and knowing.

“No. I have never even…” her words trailed off as heat washed down her spine.

“Finish what you were saying.” Another squeeze to her hips.

“I have never been kissed, Your Grace, let alone laid with a man. I am afraid my inexperience will only disappoint you.”

Robb’s answering smile reminded her of his family’s sigil; sharp, snarling teeth. As he stood, his hands slid up her sides, thumbs brushing the sides of her breasts, and dragged her close. “You are mistaken, my lady. You have made me very happy.” And he kissed her then, stealing her breath as he pried her lips apart and shoved his tongue into her mouth. Shaking hands found purchase in his dark-colored tunic as she tried to keep up with his mouth that seemed determined to devour her whole.

The examination by the maester had left her shaking. “She is untouched, Your Grace,” the maester said to Robb as he waited outside her chambers. “As promised.”

The door hadn’t even closed and he was basically shouting her purity to the halls of the Keep. She curled into a ball on her featherbed and drew a pillow to her chest as if that would help take away the embarrassment and the discomfort from the Maester’s previously prodding instruments and fingers. She barely heard them speaking of fertility, her mother’s, her sister’s. Hers. Her bed dipped with the weight of someone sitting but she didn’t turn to see who it was, expecting her father.

“Could I have some tea, please, papa?” The old nickname for her father slipped out. “I feel like…I feel like my body doesn’t belong to me anymore.”

“It doesn’t.”

She sat straight at the sound of the king’s voice, fright grasping at her heart. “Your Grace, I-I-I-”

Robb suddenly loomed over her, legs bracketing her thighs and pressing her against her pillows. His hand slithered its way under her chemise to press against her bare stomach and she felt her heart try to lodge itself up in her throat. The scent of him, of leather and spice and ale, flooded her senses as he leaned closer to breathe his words against her mouth. “This belongs to me. All of it. All of you. I will make you round with my children as many times as your body can take if it pleases me.”

“Y-your Grace-” Her scared eyes looked over his shoulder to see the door to her chambers had been shut, sealing her away from the world.

“You will give me an heir that is mine without question and then you will give me more. More children to fill these cursed halls with something other than the whispers of politics and subterfuge.” He sat back on his heels watched her heaving chest with a smile that looked too soft for him now. “You have made me a very happy man, Y/N.”

Her name sounded strange on his tongue.

And she hated how much she liked it.

The ceremony had been ornate and befitting of the young king and his new queen. She traded her father’s colors for black and grey and silver and felt the snarling direwolf pressing against her back with the new bridal cloak even as his pretty lips pressed against hers and the crowd cheered.

She was Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

His third queen.

The festivities came and went and soon she was alone with him in his chambers and he hardly kissed her again before her dress was discarded and her chemise torn to near shreds. And it hurt. Every slap of his hips as he rutted against her brought her closer to some strange precipice she couldn’t name, cresting between pleasure and pain. Coiling tighter and tighter in her stomach like a terrible snake.

“You’ll give me a boy,” he said, breath hot against her ear as he dragged her ever closer. “You’ll give me children.”

“I will,” she whimpered in return, fingers trying to find a grip on his slick back. A scream nearly wrenched its way from her throat as he sunk his teeth into her shoulder. “I will!”

His thrusts turned animalistic and her head nearly hit the carved headboard as he pushed her further and further up the overstuffed featherbed and then, with a final thrust, he sunk his deepest yet into her and stayed there as warmth shot through her.

And her coil snapped, legs shaking and eyes rolling with convulsions she couldn’t stop.

He stayed inside her for a while, prick softening. And it was the gentlest he’d been with her since the ceremony, letting his hands roam her torso, sponging kisses to her face and breasts, murmuring how she’d give him an heir.

“I will,” she said again, words not her own, body still reeling with aftershocks. “I will.”

Robb held her face in his hands and kissed her slowly, almost repentantly. “You will. Or you will see The Stranger just as Roslin and Margaery did. Do you understand?”

It was only after she had ‘accepted’ his proposal had she learned that Roslin had birthed a boy that could never have been Robb’s son, born too early to have been conceived by him, and Margaery had been barren. She nodded and gently pushed the hair away from his eyes, now uncaring that they held very little warmth when they looked at her. Maybe they would when she gave him a son. Maybe he could love her then.

When he finally pulled out of her, he canted her hips up and shoved a pillow beneath them to keep her aloft. “Stay like that until morning.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

A/N: Well, there you go. Please tell me what you think.

Part two

#Robb Stark x Reader #roosoldhollywood #darkfic #dub-con #Robb Stark #game of thrones #dubious consent #dub con #trigger warning #tw: dub con #tw: dub-con #tw: dubious consent

644 notes · View notes

bananaairplane · 3 years

Text

You Already Know What To Do

Shortly after I arrive in Oregon for harvest, I got an email from an editor asking for the manuscript of my dissertation, which I had described as being ready in my book proposal but was, actually, filled with notes to myself and the random rough patches left behind by cutting and rearranging. My first goal, however, was to find a cheap, old Toyota to buy. This was how I found myself sitting in the back seat of my roommate’s car, in the parking lot of an auto mechanic, typing footnotes on my laptop and glancing up every few minutes at the rear view mirror to glimpse the back of a pale green Camry perched on a lift in one of the bays behind me. Its wide fenders framed the horizontal red bars of the taillights like parentheses. As I gazed upon it, I knew this was my car. It was perfect: not beige, with leather seats, and the owner lived in the same suburb where I found my mattress, also on Craigslist.

It was not perfect: The “check engine” light was on, the radio didn’t work, and the A/C vent made a clicking noise. After the inspection found multiple oil leaks, I couldn’t come to an agreement with the seller on price and I walked away. I was so sure it was the one, but after all I don’t believe in superstitions like that. I reasoned that it only felt like my car because car buying is stressful and I just wanted it to be over.

The next day, I drove four more Camrys. Two of them were beige and most had the kind of busted suspension that makes it feel like you are driving an ox cart through a Thomas Hardy novel. One of them had a broken driver’s door handle, which seemed like a dealbreaker: What if I were being chased by a bear, and needed to leap to safety? Also, if no one has bothered to fix something so superficial, what kind of shape can the car be in?

I almost bought one of the beige ones from Adem, the salesman at a crowded car lot pressed up against a two-lane road on the outskirts of Portland. Relaxed, unflappable, cheerful, Adem had a careless air that telegraphed supreme confidence in his trade and also a certain disdain for it. When I returned to the lot a second time and explained that I wanted to drive the car 20 minutes away for an inspection, which would take at least an hour, he shrugged and waved off my offer to leave my license as surety. “I know you’ll come back,” he said easily. When I did come back, we sat in the Adirondack chairs outside the little office and reminisced about Turkish food. He told me about his vacation home in Anatolia and invited me to use it sometime. He smoked a cigarette and sighed as he looked out over the dense thatch of Subarus and Nissans on the lot.

Two days later, I set out to buy the car. I got a sense of what kind of day it was going to be when Andrew, the teller at the bank, began listing the Zodiac signs of all the actors who have played James Bond. It started innocuously enough. I asked him for $3,300 in cash. He took my ID and started typing things into his computer. “Oh, I see you have a birthday this month.” I assumed this was the prelude to some kind of security check, so I said yes, and was going to confirm the date. “You’re a Leo,” he mused. Was he hitting on me? He named two celebrities who were born on August 16th. Did their shared birthday yield other similarities, I asked? They were both in superhero movies. I offered that Madonna is a Leo. He was filling out the request slip for the money when he got to the James Bonds. Sean Connery: Virgo. Timothy Dalton: Libra. He needs a supervisor’s approval to give me this much cash. I make a comment about Libras being calm by nature, so he serves me Hugh Jackman, another Libra. Leonardo DiCaprio: Scorpio. He met Leonardo DiCaprio once, at the Aerospace Museum of California. The manager has come by and now Andrew is counting out the cash, spreading out the bills like he’s setting up a magic trick. I glance around the lobby nervously to see who may be observing. I sweep up the bills and stuff them into bank envelopes as quickly as he finishes counting. Now he is telling me that he paid $300 for a 3-minute video meet and greet with John Cleese, one of the members of Monty Python. He used part of his 3 minutes to tell Cleese that he didn’t really like “Holy Grail” very much. Cleese told him to watch "Fawlty Towers.” A line was forming for the teller windows. It seemed rude to just leave, so I waited for him to finish his story.

I don’t exactly remember how things went sideways at the car lot. Adem and I sat inside the little office, on either side of his desk. I brought up that the struts on the car were original and overdue for replacement. The owner of the dealership, sitting nearby, got wind of what was happening. “What is the issue? The what? Struts?” He called over. “What does that cost? $50? $100? We’ll replace them for you.” Immediately he had his phone out and he was dialing. “This guy is the best front-end guy in Portland, only the best work,” he was saying. “He gives me a discount.” He had the phone on speaker and held it before him like an old-timey movie star in her dressing room with a cut glass atomizer of perfume. The front-end guy quoted him $450 for the struts. “How much?” He exclaimed. He began dialing another number. “Hector is a grease monkey” he explained, “but he does good work.” Hector quoted $350. “With the savings,” the dealer assured me, “we’ll also have him change the oil.” I ended up taking my envelopes of cash home in an Uber.

Reader, I bought the pale green Camry. The owner was a somewhat disgruntled, wiry man who lived in an ostentatious tract home in a subdivision whose streets all bore the names of European cities. Except, incongruously, for Iceland Street; I guess they decided no one wanted to spend their life trying to spell Reykjavik over the phone: “ROMEO ECHO YANKEE KILO JULIET ALPHA VICTOR INDIA KILO.” When I texted him abjectly offering to buy the car, he surprised me by texting back that I could have it for $200 less than we had discussed, if I bought it the next morning. When I rang his doorbell, accordingly, at 10:00 the next day, he looked shocked to see me. He had deleted our previous text exchange and thought I was someone else. But, seeing as I was there with one of my envelopes of cash, he went inside and got the paperwork.

As the global pandemic and West Coast wildfires have upset my plans for this year of adventure, I’ve been flying by instruments, making up my itinerary as I go along. Where will I go next? What will I do? How will I spend this year, and what if the pandemic, having killed my round-the-world plans, extends what was meant to be one year of adventure into two? With little to guide my choices, I inevitably look for signs to signal which way to go next. When things fall into place, it feels like the universe sending me flowers: Sorry I screwed up your plans, here’s a Toyota.

Outside a cannabis dispensary in Santa Cruz on the side of Highway 1, a letter board sign reads: YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO. I drove past it on my way to Big Sur to camp in my hard won car. Those words stuck with me as I drove down the coast, and resonate now, as I stay with friends in San Diego and contemplate my next move. On the one hand, I feel baffled: where to go next, what to do in a pandemic? On the other hand, this trip has revealed to me that I know the answers to those questions. I already know what to do. It’s time to make it happen.

#adventure #my writing #writing #road trip #travel #cars #my car

1 note · View note

kagehinataboke · 5 years

Note

Can I request tdbk 2, royal AU and 50, arranged marriage?

HECK YEA YOU CAN 👏🏻

tdbk, [2] Royal AU and [50] Arranged Marriage:

***

The first time he meets his fiancé, Todoroki is eight years old. His mother sits him down and tells him that this boy will be very important in the future, and that he should treat him well. The two of them will one day do something very important, she says. They’ll meet every summer until they both turn eighteen.’

Todoroki isn’t expecting much. He hasn’t had much contact with other kids except his siblings. The kids of the servants never go near him, probably because of his abilities. The elemental gifts of the royal family are part of why they need to make allies with other kingdoms: they’re seen as a threat. At least, that’s what Natsuo says.

“You look like a girl,” are the first words out of the prince’s mouth.

Bakugou Katsuki, Todoroki decides instantly, is not a nice person. Not that that’s very surprising, since he’s a demon and all. The demon kingdom is their strangest potential ally, and Katsuki is, unfortunately, their only heir. Who just happens to be Todoroki’s age.

“Do I have to see him again?” Todoroki asks Fuyumi after their meeting. “He’s rude and immature. Why does he have to stay all summer?”

“You won’t have to meet him again until next year,” Fuyumi sighs. “But yes, you do have to continue to see him. This is important for the whole kingdom, Shouto. And don’t let Dad hear you whining.”

Todoroki pouts, but there’s not much else he can do about the matter. It’s only once a year, he tells himself all summer long. That’s not so bad. And maybe they’ll grow to like, or at least tolerate, each other.

Or not.

If anything, Bakugou is more annoying the next time they meet. He doesn’t act like a prince at all. Todoroki is forced to deal with all of his immature antics, from childish pranks on the servants to countless annoying comments. He pulls on Todoroki’s hair, and sticks signs on his back when he isn’t looking.

Another year isn’t nearly long enough before their next meeting. But Todoroki says that every summer—until they’re both fourteen, and Bakugou doesn’t come. He’s spending two years abroad with his uncle, Fuyumi says.

Todoroki understands now that they’re supposed to marry, and he can’t stand the idea of it. He’s relieved to have three years of freedom ahead of him. Until his parents tell him he’ll be expected to exchange letters with the jerk while he’s away. How can he bring himself to write anything nice, given their encounters over the past six years? All he tells the idiot is that he better not drown on the voyage to his uncle’s kingdom.

The reply arrives a week later, as informal and hostile as Todoroki’s own letter. Any hope of them getting along has definitely disappeared. They’re probably expected to be exchanging love-letters, but it’s more like hate mail. How are they expected to get married? It’s impossible.

Todoroki hates him, and he’s pretty sure that hate won’t disappear over the span of four short years.

***

“Shouto, get out here. Bakugou will be here any minute.”

“The last person I want to see is that blond idiot,” Todoroki replies icily, stubbornly keeping his bedroom door locked. “Two years of him being gone isn’t nearly long enough. Tell Mom and Dad I’m not meeting him.”

Fuyumi sighs loudly from the hallway. “This is not the time to show your attitude, Shouto. I’m not about to tell Dad that the fate of the kingdom is resting on the shoulders of a little brat with a huge ego.”

“Fuyumi,” Todoroki snaps. “You have no idea how I feel. I’ve been told that I have to marry this jerk since I was eight years old. I was never even given a say in the matter. Well, I’m sixteen now, and I don’t care if Dad is angry. I’m not meeting him.”

His sister doesn’t reply. Good. Maybe she’ll tell their parents, after all. Todoroki is sick of them ordering him around like a pawn on a chessboard. It’s bait time he got to make his own decisions—

There’s the sound of a key in the lock, and Todoroki’s blood freezes. He forgot that there was a spare key…

Touya pokes his head inside the room, wearing a worrisome grin. It’s unusual for him to be home. He’s notorious for his long hunting trips. “Shou, I hear you’re refusing to meet your fiancé?”

Todoroki groans. “You’re on their side too, Touya? This is ridiculous.”

“No, no: I agree with you.” Touya holds his hands up in surrender. “I can’t even imagine being in your situation. I actually came to rescue you.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, little bro. I’ve still got my hunting lodge up north. You can hide out there if you want. A horse is waiting for you by the gardens.”

“The gardens?” Todoroki frowns. “Alright. This is weirdly… considerate of you. Thank you.”

Touya shrugs. “I’m a saint, I know.” He watches Todoroki go, twirling the room’s key around his pinkie with a wink. “See you later, Shou.”

It’s worrying to see his normally self-centered older brother act kind, but Todoroki is grateful for any out he can find. Why would he leave a horse by the gardens, though? There’s a perfectly good stable right—

Oh, that two-faced bastard. Todoroki turns to run, but it’s too late. Natsuo and Fuyumi swoop in and grab him by the arms, dragging him through the gardens and back into the castle.

“Touya, you’ll pay for this!” he shouts as his siblings drag him into the drawing-room. Before he can kill them, they throw him onto the sofa and lock the door, snickering their way back down the hall.

He considers melting or freezing the doorknob to break it, but that could easily backfire. Dammit. Bakugou will probably show up any second—

The door opens again, but only long enough to let another person through before slamming. For a second, Todoroki doesn’t recognize him. But then he turns. Hair like peaking blond ocean waves, narrowed red eyes, and a scowl. He’s taller now, obviously, and broader. More defined. The gangliness that afflicted him during childhood has disappeared.

“…Bakugou?”

“Todoroki?” Bakugou says at the same time. He steps further into the room, so they’re only an arm’s length apart. Todoroki is taller than him, and he holds back satisfaction at the observation. They lock eyes, and a loaded silence hangs in the air for ten long seconds.

“You filled out nice,” Bakugou says, shattering the illusion of a moment.

Todoroki’s eyelid twitches in annoyance. “And you finally grew into your ego.”

Bakugou grins. “I was only kidding.” He crosses his arms, and Todoroki pretends he doesn’t stare at the muscle stretching beneath his shirt. “It’s been a long time. You look well.”

Is this really Bakugou Katsuki, the bane of his existence? The one who challenged him to a tree-climbing contest and laughed when he got stuck? The one who locked him out of the castle for six hours?

“So do you,” Todoroki mutters, pushing aside his confusion. He supposes he can be polite, for the time being. “How was the journey back from your uncle’s?”

“Sit down and I’ll tell you all about it.”

***

Bakugou Katsuki is different. Saying that seems incredibly hypocritical after Todoroki was sure they’d be mortal enemies forever, but he can’t lie. Bakugou is grown up now. More than Todoroki, who is embarrassed to recall how he locked himself in his room only hours ago.

He talked with Bakugou throughout lunch, and from the looks on his siblings’ faces, the two of them must seem to be hitting it off. Which is definitely not what’s happening. No way. Even if Bakugou’s changed, his last annoying letter was only a year ago. He can’t be a different person after such a short amount of time. And even if he is, Todoroki isn’t about to cozy up to him just like that.

“Shouto, Bakugou is waiting for you in the gardens,” Fuyumi says from outside, tapping her knuckles against the door. “He said he’d only wait for ten minutes.”

“Jerk,” Todoroki mutters, but his lips twitch into a smile. “I’m going now!” he yells to his sister, pulling on a blue overcoat. She’s already gone when he ducks into the hall.

Outside, the sky is cloudy, and thunder rumbles off in the distance. It will probably rain any minute now. Todoroki walks through the hedge maze where they used to chase each other as kids, expecting to find Bakugou in the center. He’s there, but he isn’t in the usual spot. Instead of sitting cross-legged on the stone bench, he’s gazing into the fountain.

“Did you really tell her you’d only wait for ten minutes?”

Bakugou glances at him, already grinning. “I thought it might scare you a little. You’re here on time, aren’t you? It worked.”

Todoroki ignores him and sits on the bench, hugging his knees to his chest. “Can we have this clandestine meeting inside? It will rain soon.”

“It’s not clandestine. I told your sister.”

“Shut up, Bakagou. Why did you call me out here?”

“So you’re still using that childish nickname?” Bakugou crosses over to sit beside him, his long red coat brushing the flowers by their feet. “I wanted to propose something to you.”

The word ‘propose’ instantly sets Todoroki on edge. He hugs his knees tighter, swallowing down the nervous lump in his throat. “Propose what?”

Bakugou shifts; sits a little straighter. Why is he so nervous? “Well… I’m leaving in a few days.”

“What?” Todoroki lowers his legs to fully face him. “Where are you going?”

“My uncle invited me sailing with him. We’re going to loop around the west coast, maybe head for the southern continents.” Bakugou lets out a breath. “Which brings me to my proposal. Your parents agreed to let you go with me—“

“What? But I—“

“Let me finish, will you?” Bakugou takes his hand, which startles Todoroki into silence. “They agreed to let you go with me… on one condition.” Todoroki is too afraid to ask what the condition is, but Bakugou tells him anyway: “You have to marry me now.”

The world splinters, then pieces itself back together again, all while Todoroki is processing the words. “But… I’m not… eighteen yet,” he says eventually. “I don’t— I mean, I can’t—“ He lets out a frustrated exhale and stares at their joined hands. “I’m not ready.”

“I know.” Bakugou releases him and fumbles through his jacket pocket. “That’s why I have a plan. Fuck. Okay, so here’s a ring. I’m going to say we eloped. I’ll tell one of your siblings, and they’ll—“

“Hold on.” Todoroki grabs his wrist, and he nearly drops the ring box. “Sorry. This is… insane.” And it is, because even though they used to hate each other—and they’re not exactly best friends now, either—part of Todoroki wants to say yes.

“So… you don’t want to go?”

“No… I mean; no, I don’t not want to go.” Todoroki pinches the bridge of his nose, hoping the pressure will knock his thoughts in order. “I want to go. But your plan has a lot of holes.”

“You want to go?”

“Yes, but— Don’t grin when I’m not done talking. Your plan— Katsuki!” Todoroki grips his shoulders when Bakugou kneels and hugs him. “You can’t honestly be so excited about this. You’re not worried? If my father ever finds out that you fabricated this… And the two of us didn’t even get along until recently. You’re honestly ready to have me on a ship with you for months on end?”

Todoroki could keep rambling, but Bakugou’s steady gaze shushes him. He looks so… determined. “Kids aren’t supposed to get along, but I had two years to think about you. To write letters to you and discover who you really are. Funny, smart, childish, rude, endearing, witty, and a million other things. I know you, and you know me. And I’m in love with you.”

The words are more shocking than a blow to the chest with a javelin. Do they make him happy? Well, yes, but… But! This is crazy! Bakugou has lost it. The only worrying part is that Todoroki can’t form an argument.

He tries, but all that comes out is, “Okay.”

***

“We have to hurry, or my parents will catch us.”

“You’re the one who’s taking his sweet time,” Bakugou retorts, hands on his hips in a typical stance of impatience. “Just jump. I promised to catch you. You trust me, don’t you?”

Todoroki chews on his lip, but he can’t exactly say no. “Okay, I’m coming. Just… you’ll really catch me?”

“I’ll shoot you out of the damn window if you don’t jump, Shouto.”

“Jerk.” Todoroki’s fingertips flex against the slick windowsill. It’s a miracle he hasn’t fallen out by accident yet. But this is a leap of faith, after all, and he has to take it purposefully. Bakugou’s eyes are glowing in the darkness below him: he’s not jumping toward nothing.

Todoroki closes his eyes, takes a breath, and lets go. The feeling of falling is exhilarating for all of ten seconds before strong arms snatch him out of the air like he weighs nothing, and he finds himself trembling against Bakugou’s chest. “…Nice catch.”

“I know.” Bakugou is whispering, even though he doesn’t have to. It makes Todoroki’s hair stand on end. “Should I carry you the whole way, or can you walk without passing out?”

“I hate the fact that you asked that seriously. Put me down.”

Once his feet are on solid ground, Todoroki feels better enough to punch Bakugou in the shoulder, grabbing his sleeve at the last second. “Lead the way. I’m afraid of getting lost in the dark.”

“You can literally see the docks from here,” Bakugou reminds him, pointing through the night at the mast of his uncle’s ship looming in the distance. Todoroki is about to hit him again before he smiles warmly, making the damp night air a little less cold. “I’d never let you get lost.”

Todoroki could mention the multiple times Bakugou mislead him as a child, but he slips his hand down instead, interlocking their fingers. Their matching gold rings are still there, shining in the moonlight. “I know.”

Bakugou looks at him for a long moment, in a strangely soft way, before taking a step. “Let’s go.”

Todoroki doesn’t hesitate to follow him. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

#y’all keep making me so invested in these AUs #IM DYIN #but i love it #todobaku #calla.txt #answered asks #trope prompts #high-key took insp from Swan Princess for this #no shame

75 notes · View notes

spaztronautwriter · 6 years

Text

The Proposal: Ch. 4 (an Olicity fic)

Summary: When Felicity Smoak finds herself in a bind, she enlists the help of her assistant Oliver Dearden to help her keep her from being deported and losing her job. The problem is, in order to do so, they kind of have to get married…

A/N: This is either funny or dumb, or possibly both idk. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Read Chapter: One | Two | Three | Four

Read on AO3

###

"At least your family lives someplace civilized," Felicity said as the flight attendants began signaling for everyone to file off the plane. "You could have lived in Alaska or something! That's the last thing I would have needed this weekend."

They’d just touched down in Starling City and Felicity was eager to step foot on solid ground once again. She’d never been a fan of heights, and flying always left her slightly cranky.

"What's wrong with Alaska?" Oliver asked, grabbing their carry-ons from the overhead bin. He maneuvered her bright yellow suitcase carefully, avoiding the people struggling to retrieve their own luggage in the row behind him. "Nothing's wrong with Alaska," Felicity said, moving out into the aisle when he gestured for her to go ahead of him. "Except that the reception is spotty and the wifi is practically non-existent." Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed his puzzled look. "The Internet exists in Alaska, Felicity," he said. "Sure," she agreed, waving a hand dismissively, "but you could have lived in some godforsaken fishing village where all they had was a dial up connection. All I'm saying is, I'm glad you're from Starling. It's a huge tech area, so we won't have any problems this weekend." One of the flight attendants smiled and wished them a good trip as they exited the plane. Felicity let out a relieved sigh once they reached the jetway, but her anxiety didn’t lessen the way she’d thought it would. It clung to her, making her limbs feel prickly and restless. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that she was heading to her assistant's childhood home to tell his family they were getting married in just a few days time.

"Yeah, I doubt we'll be lacking for technology this weekend,” Oliver said from right over her shoulder where he was tugging their suitcases along.

"Huh?" She turned to him as they broke free of the cramped bridge and into the airport. Oliver sighed and then opened his mouth to tell her... something, clearly, but was interrupted by a loud shriek and then a tiny brunette launched herself across the terminal and into his arms.

"Ollie!" the girl cried, wrapping her arms around his neck. Oliver dropped the suitcases, grabbing the girl with a surprised, "Oof!" "Ollie, I'm so glad you're here!" the girl said, pulling back, but keeping her hands on his shoulders. "It's been so long I thought I'd never see you again!" Oliver grinned and Felicity was once again taken aback by it. He really did have a great smile. And something about this particular smile for this particular girl made him look lighter than she’d ever seen him.

"It's only been since Christmas, Speedy," he chuckled. "You act like I've been missing for five years or something."

"It feels like it," the girl, who Felicity realized was probably Oliver's sister, grumbled. She stepped further back and Oliver bent to pick up the suitcases he'd abandoned when his sister jumped him. "Thea, this is Felicity," he said, nodding in her direction. "Felicity, my sister Thea." "Hi," Felicity smiled, throwing in an awkward little wave when the young woman stared at her. "I wasn't aware you were bring a... friend, Oliver," she said, eyeing Felicity up and down in a way that made her feel very judged. Well, it’s now or never, she thought. Might as well get the fake fiancée stuff out of the way. "We're not friends," she said quickly, wanting to rip the bandaid off, so to speak. "I mean, we are friends, of course, we are. I just meant I'm not some flavor of the week type fling because we're... um..." For some reason, Felicity couldn't seem to get the words out. And this was just his sister! What would it be like to tell his parents or her mom, or to stand in front of everyone they knew and exchange vows? Why did she ever expect pretending to marry Oliver was going to be easy? After a moment of Thea's judgey raised eyebrows Felicity chickened out. "I'm his... uh, boss." Thea's eyes went wide and she looked back to Oliver. "Your boss Felicity? That Felicity?" she asked, and Felicity could hear whatever Thea was saying between the lines. She didn't understand it, but she knew it was being said. Oliver, for his part, looked totally unaffected by his sister. "Yes, my boss Felicity. And..." He glanced over in her direction, looking hesitant and Felicity totally understood why. They were informing his family that they were getting married this week. That was huge! She wasn't sure if Oliver was also feeling on the verge of a panic attack, but just in case she reached over and grabbed his hand, giving it a sympathetic squeeze. She didn't think about the fact that when he squeezed back she felt her own anxiety lessen just a touch. "She's more than just my boss," he said, his voice firm as he looked back at his sister. Thea's eyebrows flicked up, but she didn't interrupt. After a brief moment and another look at Felicity, Oliver took a breath and said, "She's my fiancée." Thea's eyes shot wide and her mouth dropped open, but then something flickered across her face and she composed herself with a small shake of her head. Her eyes were still wide with surprise, but she didn't look like her world had just been turned upside down. In fact, Oliver's little sister looked more than a little amused at the news. "Mom is going to kill you," she said, shaking her head slowly. She looked back at Felicity, her gaze no longer judging, but more appraising. "It's nice to meet you, Felicity. You don't look like the masochistic dictator my brother made you out to be." Felicity's head jerked back reflexively. "I'm sorry, the what?" she asked, pinning Oliver with a glare. Oliver was already shaking his head. "I never said that."

Thea laughed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

“Can we just go?” Oliver asked, looking slightly uncomfortable, which only made Felicity believe that he really had called her those things to his little sister.

“Sure thing,” Thea said, turning around and gesturing for them to follow. “Car’s this way.”

Felicity followed after Thea, Oliver lugging the suitcases behind her, as she led them through the airport and out to the designated pick up location outside. Starling City was a little more humid than she was used to and she could practically feel her hair already starting to frizz up. A sleek black town car was sitting on the curb, a tall man in a suit already pulling the door open for them. Thea climbed in and the man walked around back, popping the trunk and helping Oliver load the suitcases. Either this was the fanciest Uber Felicity had ever seen or Oliver’s family was more well-off than she’d ever imagined.

He’d said his family was well known, but he hadn’t really shared anything more than that. She should have just googled them, but she’d had other things on her mind, and as long as he wasn’t a fugitive, she really didn’t care who his family was. She was marrying him for a green card, not his family.

Felicity climbed into the car, Oliver following after her a moment later. It took the driver a few minutes to disentangle them from the long lines surrounding the airport, but soon enough they were heading towards the heart of Starling City.

Thea engaged them—mostly Oliver—in small talk for a few minutes, before her phone vibrated and her thumbs started flicking across the screen a mile a minute. Felicity didn’t mind. She was relieved to have a few minutes to herself before coming face to face with the rest of Oliver’s family. From what she knew, he only had the one sister, but both of his parents were alive and well. He didn’t have a great relationship with them though, and that didn’t bode well. She might not care who Oliver’s family was, but she was going to have the spend the next forty-eight hours in their company. What would they do once they found out Oliver was marrying some woman they’d never met? A woman Oliver apparently thought of as a masochistic dictator.

Oh, she and Oliver were definitely going to have words about that once they were alone!

She leaned her head against the window, looking out at the skyline as they approached the city. Starling really was a mecca of technology. Huge skyscrapers with names like Merlyn Global, Kord Enterprises, and Queen Consolidated rose up in the distance, a collection of some of the biggest tech companies on the west coast all in one place.

Queen…

Felicity spun in her seat suddenly, her ponytail whipping Oliver in the face as she did. He ran a hand over his chin, looking annoyed, but it quickly faded when he saw the look in her eyes.

“Your last name is Queen?” she hissed quietly, then glanced over to make sure Thea was still fixated on her cellphone. Once she was certain the girl couldn’t hear them, she added, “As in Queen Consolidated?”

Oliver opened his mouth then closed it, before running a hand over the back of his neck. When he looked up at her it was with a sheepish smile.

“Yeah, uh… About that…”

“What the hell, Oliver?” She didn’t even know what to begin to think. Oliver was a Queen, AKA one of the wealthiest families on the west coast. AKA the owners of one of the biggest tech companies in the country. AKA the freaking competition! “Are you a corporate spy?”

“What?!” He glanced over at Thea himself, but the twenty year old was still lost in a world of her own, completely oblivious to them. Still, he mouthed for her to shush, then leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “No, of course not.”

"That's exactly what a spy would say!" He cocked his head, clearly exasperated, and she shrugged. “Well, then… what?”

It didn’t make any sense. He was the heir to one of the largest companies on the west coast. Much larger than Palmer Tech. To be fair, Queen Consolidated was much older and had originally been more into production. They’d had factories all over the country, and it was only in the past decade or so that they’d switched over to the tech sector, creating software and technology for other corporations and even the government. She’d almost taken a job there when she’d first graduated from MIT. The only reason she didn’t was because the only position they’d had available was as an IT consultant, which was so far beneath her abilities she’d had to pass, even fresh out of college. It wasn’t like she’d been hard up on job offers though. Which wasn’t the point. The point was, it made no sense for Oliver to be working as her assistant when he was the son of actual billionaires.

He had to be a spy. Oh god, she was marrying a spy. He was going to get arrested for corporate espionage and she was going to go down with him. Why couldn’t he have just been a fugitive?

“Felicity,” Oliver said, sliding his hand into hers. She flinched, just slightly, but didn’t pull away. “I promise I will explain all of this to you later, okay? Just trust me.”

She nodded, but continued silently freaking out as they moved through the city. His hand in hers was solid and warm, but it didn’t relieve her anxiety this time. She wasn’t sure anything would at this point.

#olicity fanfiction #olicity fic #olicity au #the proposal (an olicity fic)

23 notes · View notes

boozedancing · 6 years

Text

When Mrs. Satellite Engineer came up with Scotland as a Spring Break destination for us and the teenage daughters, my first thoughts went quickly to Islay. That idyllic island on the west coast is forever in my mind after three days there with the Single Cask Nation (SCN) boys and a few SCN members four years ago. But, alas, this was not to be a whisky trip. This was a family trip to Scotland with, maybe, a little whisky mixed in. Like a cocktail with a wee bit more spirit.

First passes through a proposed itinerary included Islay, but with limited time, it really made no sense with the big loop of driving that our route would take us on the mainland. A new, “better” itinerary sans Islay was constructed by my far better half. And upon presenting it to the daughters, it was met… with glum faces. “What about Islay?!”, they exclaimed. Or maybe whispered. I just know someone said it and was glum saying it. Could well have been me but there were no recording devices to prove it. Apparently I am listened to on rare occasion and my waxing poetic over that last few years about the little island sunk in – and paid off! Islay was back on the trip!

Day 1

After an overnight stay in a Glasgow airport hotel, we walked back to the airport the next morning and boarded a cozy Loganair flight to Islay. I was mentally prepared with low expectations for the flight to be cancelled for the inevitable bad weather that was surely to come, and not atypical of travel in this part of the world. Yet the Gods of the Hebrides looked down upon us with beautiful blue skies and frosty white clouds as we boarded that little 40-seat airplane. The eyes of Daughter #1 widened when she saw Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin a few thousand feet below nestled on the coast. It probably wasn’t the same feeling I had four years ago as my mates and I crossed the channel to Islay via ferry but Daughter #1 was clearly bright-eyed and excited. Seeing her glued to the window in anticipation got me pretty excited too.

A few minutes later we were disembarking the stairwell from the Saab 340B. It was a bit dizzying walking those twenty yards to the tiny terminal. Maybe I was just airsick. Who knows? We were on Islay! And it was a beautiful day!

Islay was a good starter track for my “wrong” side of the road driving practice that I needed. And as we pulled out of the airport “car hire” parking, I was quickly reminded to “STAY TO THE LEFT” by the friendly chorus sitting beside and behind me. Heading south on the A846 towards Port Ellen with fields of peat all around us, I almost pinched myself to wake up from this crazy dream. But that would have required deciding which hand to take off of the wheel safely for the pinching which would have ended in “TWO HANDS ON THE WHEEL! STAY TO THE LEFT!” I didn’t need that. No pinching. But I really was on Islay again.

The Kildalton Cross

I tried not to play too much tour guide as we got into Port Ellen and passed the malting house. There was plenty to see without me pointing and gabbing. With little time on the island, we had some must-do’s. First was to head up the eastern coast to the Kildalton High Cross. The quaintness of the island can’t be overstated. Hugging that coastline and driving through its hilly, uneven terrain with only a house here and there, and sheep everywhere else, the family got a crash course in Islay’s unique and varied beauty. Daughter #1 was amazed how the air didn’t have that salty, seaside smell that we’re accustomed to at home near the Pacific. Villages sit against the sea on one side and woodlands on the other. Islay has its mysteries, indeed. The various signs with their bilingual street names only played on our heartstrings more. Gaelic can do that to you, especially if you can’t pronounce it. Passing Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin northwards towards Kildalton warmed my heart. We would stop on the way back but it was good to see those friendly buildings again.

Scotland’s historic spots are fascinating if only for their lack of… visitors. The Kildalton Cross and church grounds are at end of a paved road on a tiny hill. There’s a parking lot though we were the only ones parked on this Saturday morning. And there’s a chain-link fence around the property but it’s only purpose seemingly is to keep the sheep from wandering in. The scattered sheep droppings on the church property proved that either the sheep were really good at opening the gate or visitors were really bad at closing it. It would seem that the sheep love seeing an ancient Christian cross more than human tourists do. Our first bit of sightseeing took us back 700 years in time, and that was without my LA freeway driving skills helping much.

Ardbeg

The drive back down the hill looked like a scene from Lord of the Rings. You pick which one; I get them confused. Go with the one that has the Shire. Coming back through the tree-shaded “neighborhoods”, we were greeted with hens and roosters alongside the road, and even a group of peafowl showing off their mating ritual with plumes a-pluming. I really only wanted to stop into Ardbeg and hit the Old Kiln Cafe for lunch. But much to our surprise, the distillery was closed, though operational. Apparently, the weeks leading up to Easter are “low season” at many distilleries. Nonetheless, we parked. Teen Daughter #2 and I ventured through the property between the buildings with those luscious whisky-making smells in the air. Never seeing a soul the entire time, we made our way to the little green space behind the distillery overlooking the sea. This was a view of Ardbeg that I missed on my last visit, and with the place closed, it was a quiet, peaceful moment viewing that iconic warehouse. Wind briskly blew off the sea wreaking havoc with the daughter’s mane of hair and also rippled the rainwater atop the nearby standing barrels. Who knows if there is actually the whisky in them or not? They could well be “dummy” barrels for the dummy tourists who make the trek to this distant land. But it didn’t matter; it was pretty cool to us with no one else around.

Islay Woolen Mill Company

Laphroaig was closed also and we just passed on by Lagavulin. With a 2:00 pm tour of Bruichladdich a few hours away, we were going to check off “distillery visit” soon enough. Chris Hallstrom formerly of Scotch Whisky Auctions had told me that a neat little stop was the Islay Woolen Mill Company. A bit past Bridgend proper which is a few miles past Bowmore tucked away in a picturesque notch along the River Scorn lies a tiny ancient factory producing some of the best woolen goods found in Scotland. It’s more of a house with a shop inside and a mill in the back. Owner Gordon Covell welcomed us and had his factory manager give us a tour of the facility that probably hasn’t changed much since it first opened in 1883. It was a short but fascinating look at an art and craft from 200 years ago with its Victorian Era looms rattling away. Their beautiful work has been proudly used in movies like Braveheart, and the shop was easy pickings for this group looking for scarves. The “Laphroaig” pattern scarf is now happily in my possession. The short walk to the car need a look over the bridge above the Scorn. This really felt Shire-y.

Peatzeria

The troops needed lunch before heading to Port Charlotte so we ventured back to the booming metropolis of Bowmore. Peatzeria (get it?) is a fun little restaurant with a great logo and tagline (“A Slice Of Islay”) and a better menu. A friendly colorful two-story space with a patio overlooking the sea, Peatzeria’s decor is brightly modern and the menu has many twists on local favorites. We sat upstairs next to two young moms as their toddlers happily chowed down cheese pizza, colored on menus, and walked about in socks. It was our kind of place. And they had Irn-Bru on the menu. It was also our first taste of what must be Scotland’s National Soup: Potato Leak which popped up at almost every place we ate all week.

When we made our way downstair we visited with Chef Paul while takeaway ice cream was being served up. He told us about the restaurant’s origins and that business was booming. Paul’s sister-in-law, Caroline, is a Bowmore girl and it was her idea of starting a modern pizzeria on Islay. Her sister, Sharon, and Paul run the place bringing their backgrounds in hospitality and cooking. Now they have THE pizza place on the island that seems a great spot for sunset dinners, family outings and even kids birthday parties. And, yes, there’s various Islay whiskies on the menu (for the adults).

Happily stuffed we headed back towards Bridgend but now took the A847 westward along Loch Indaal. The endless low tide of Islay was off to the left exposing the bay’s many crags and rocks. The waters barely moved. Somewhat desolate, the road to the other lobe of Islay feels like it is taking you very far from the towns of Bowmore and Port Ellen. Homes dot the landscape but are again vastly outnumbered by sheep and even sailboats. Other cars on the road were a rare sight on this day. Pulling into the village of Bruichladdich, distant Port Ellen across the loch felt hundreds of miles away but in reality it’s no more than 20 minutes, especially with my LA lead foot.

Bruichladdich

A few minutes late, we joined the tour as it left the Bruichladdich visitor shop. A few Germans and a few Brits made up the group as we followed tour guide, Frazier, across the parking lot to the first stop, the grist mill. Frazier gave a detailed history of Bruichladdich leading to describing what the role the Porteus grist mill played in all of this. Next was the the open top mash tun which is a unique feature of Bruichladdich’s. It was interesting seeing it completely empty on a day when the distillery was not mashing. The cogs and mechanism looked positively archaic while the vessel seemed so much bigger without any water and grain in it. Was it a big empty metal swimming pool with a sleeping robot inside ready to crush its next prey, or maybe a birthplace for a Marvel superhero or a Transformer waiting to transform. Too much? I’m a bit nauseous myself.

The Oregon pine wash backs were next, fermenting away their carb-heavy soup. Frazier let us put our noses in each as they were all in different states in the process. And, of course, there was a tasting of the warm, oatmeal-y “beer” that was the result of the fermentation, siphoned out of one of the wash backs. Off to the Still Room where we all felt a tad bit smaller in the that forest of copper works that stretched high to the ceiling. The stills felt bigger to me on this visit and I think that sense was heightened with the daughters looking dwarfed against them. The girls are grown up but seemed less so in this room. The noiselessness gave the stills a peaceful elegant beauty as they waited for their next run in a few days. A walk in the chilly air for a quick visit to one of the warehouses was next. Casks of Octomore plus sherry and ex-bourbon barrels surrounded us while our noses filled with that dank oaky aging spirit smell. I couldn’t breath it in enough. I could see the eyes of the girls and the Mrs. Satellite Engineer widen as we walked by the endless rows of barrels. I could only imagine what they were thinking.

Our guide led us back to the visitors center where many dollars were spent on valinches and other “necessities”. It was a group effort as I poured one of the “bottle your own”, a 12 year old Port Charlotte finished in a Hermitage Blanc cask, and the girls did the rest of the work of labeling. Future distillery guides in the making. Their first distillery tour was in the books and, I dare say, they are better human beings for it. Good parenting is what we’re all about.

Port Charlotte

Heading farther down the road, a few minutes later we found ourselves in Port Charlotte. Having spent three days there before, it felt like a long lost friend’s kind inviting embrace. Not much had changed in four years which made me very happy. There are still no traffic lights. Progress is overrated.

We pulled up to the Lochindaal Hotel on the main drag in downtown Port Charlotte. On my prior visit, my mates and I befriended Sarah MacLellan who was tending bar in the pub there. Her parents own the hotel so it was an easy choice for our one night on Islay. Sarah’s mom, Katie, and I e-mailed and she was excited about our visit. We stayed behind the pub in two beautiful joined rooms aptly named the Peat House. Sarah’s father, Iain, and her sister, Helena, welcomed us as if we were coming into their home which we kind of were, at least their second home since they live in the village of Bruichladdich. After a quick unpacking and a few hours of sunlight left, I had one place for us to see.

Portnahaven

Farther south down the road from Port Charlotte is the village of Portnahaven. It literally feels like the end of world as it points off to Northern Ireland. But before getting there we (thankfully) found a herd of Highland cows alongside the road. This was very high on the list of things to see because they are big, shaggy, and cute by all of my family’s accounts. After a brief visit and chat with the coos, we made our way to Portnahaven parking along the bay. This small craggy bay is lined with white cottages overlooking the seals who call it their home too. Several were laying on the rocks in the sun and could care less of our visit. Not exactly the welcoming committee but at least they were quiet. We parked a short walk from the An Tigh Seinnse pub, the local watering hole not much bigger than a postage stamp. Before entering we met a couple from Glasgow on holiday. They were driving around Islay in a rented RV with their dog Mac. Mac was the friendliest of canines and the first of many who we would meet on our trip. Dog-loving folks that we are, we became fast friends with Mac, and his owners too. After a last few ear rubs (for Mac), we found our way into the pub where we were warmly greeted by the owner and a few locals. The Ileach are the friendliest of folk who will engage you at the drop of a hat or a tip of a dram. With no hats to drop, we went for the latter and had a wonderful time visiting with the local pub-goers. It would have been very easy to spend the rest of the day in this warm little pub.

With the sun close to being behind the hill and shadows growing toward the loch, we headed back towards Port Charlotte. We made a stop in the village of Nerabus to see its ruins of a chapel and carved grave slabs all dating to the 14th and 15th centuries most likely. The ruins are in the middle of a field requiring a small walk through a cemetery looking towards the water. Again, this ancient spot didn’t seem like a well-visited one except by four-legged wooly locals. But it was a good look back into the Hebrides history.

Port Charlotte

After a bit of rest back at the hotel, it was dinner time. The lovely Port Charlotte Hotel was a stone’s throw from our hotel and seemed a place for a nice dinner. But it was booked up(!) on this Saturday night due to live music starting later in the evening. I remembered another place a short walk up the loch side of the road and luckily it was open. Yan’s Kitchen is a modern bistro looking out to the bay serving up locally sourced seafood, meats, and vegetables. Locally sourced which sounds like a buzzword term to every millennial in Snapchat distance of Portland is the real deal in Scotland as we grew to learn. Listings of where all the menu ingredients came from were commonplace from the fish to the whisky. Yan’s only had Islay whisky to accompany their dishes. Fresh and local weren’t buzzwords here. Our delish dinner included scallops, beef, a large board of local meats, smoked salmon and cheeses, plus pasta. Go big or go home!

The girls were ready to turn in upon our return to the Lochindaal. It was a long couple of days after the long flight from Los Angeles two days earlier. The streets were eerily quiet which made the moonlit sky and its stars top billing for the slightly chilly walk back. The parents said goodnight to the girls then headed back three or four steps into the pub where a lively crowd enjoyed the evening. It was nightcap time.

The pub at the Lochindaal Hotel is actually two pubs, not so-Siamese twins connected at the bar, each with its own entrance. One side is more traditional with a pool table while the other is more of a restaurant where meals for hotel guests and locals are served. The restaurant has a seaside theme that reminded us of home. The bartenders weave between the two sides of the bar easily. Pub side. Restaurant side. Both are small, friendly and cozy. Our kind of pub. We sat on the busier restaurant side at the bar chatting with locals while a group celebrated a birthday at a table. The whisky list was printed out and taped to the wall. It was a long list that was heavy on the Islays with distillery and independent bottlings. It did not disappoint. My kind of place.

Four years before when Lee Zaro and I popped in after dinner with the boys, we met Sarah working behind bar on a quiet weeknight, and decided we never wanted to leave. We met probably same group of locals enjoying the pub on this visit. One was the art director of Bruichladdich at the time. A regular at the pub, he was happy to talk whisky, bottle and tin design, and play pool. I don’t recall if he was a born and bred Ileach but he definitely had the sensibilities of the island. Of course, on an island this small, stories of meeting Islay’s distilleries “elite” folk just about anywhere are commonplace. But I’d venture to guess that they are like most anyone else lucky enough to live here. Happy and nice.

Islay Day 1 was over.

Day 2

The day didn’t start off so sunny though it was sunny out. I woke early and ventured out to walk the Port Charlotte streets this Sunday morning. Quiet with only the occasional car passing through, the walk down to the pier reminded me of the my prior visit when my compatriot, Mr. Zaro, and I donned swim trunks and jumped off the slippery concrete pier into the loch because… well, just because. There would be none of that today.

Walking through those serene streets and the whitewash uniformed buildings was a peaceful way to get a little exercise before breakfast. But that all ended when I got back to the hotel and found a flat tire on the rental. An Islay pothole (easily the best in the world) surely got us the day before. Back in the pub, Owner Iain was drinking coffee, watching the news. He offered up tea for me as well as to call the car hire about the tire. Everyone knows everyone on an island this small.

Iain and I with his crewmate George kibbitzed about this and that: whisky, Brexit, Islay life, America, sports, kids, whatever. Just shootin’ the poop in a pub on a Sunday morn on Islay. The rest of the gang made it to the pub for breakfast of eggs, cereal, meats and toast. All prepared beautifully by George.

With the tire fixed, it was time to see what else we could see before heading to the airport with our remaining few hours on the island. We decided to head “behind us” to see if Kilchoman was open. By all accounts it was but after traversing the worst road we’d driven there so far, alas, it was closed. We drove up onto the property and it was good it see again and the ongoing expansion. It was a very different view of Islay from the hill that Kilchoman sat on looking northwest.

Caol Ila

We now decided to leisurely just drive the island on the backside of it and head towards Port Askaig on the Jura side of Islay to the east. The girls quickly fell asleep missing the even more desolate and sparse surroundings out here. Nearing Port Askaig we saw the sign for Caol Ila(!), a distillery I hadn’t been to but makers of whisky that I adore. A bit of an odd jaunt up a hill and then snaking down towards the Sound of Islay, we were both taken by the beautiful location of the distillery along the water. A small waterfall was flowing at the back end of the parking lot coming from the hill that we drove down from. My, was this picturesque. And OPEN!

We parked, left the girls sleeping, and ventured around the property. A few folks came out of visitors center so that’s where we headed, with no time for a tour. So we shopped. We’re good at that. A distillery cat welcomed us from its perch atop a picnic bench on the patio, and the young woman behind the counter inside was nice and helpful, probably a bit surprised to see visitors on a Sunday morning. A few tastes and a few purchases later, we headed off to the airport. Caol Ila was in the books!

Islay Airport

Iain told me to leave plenty of time to get through Security. I thought he was kidding. He wasn’t. The security measures at Islay’s airport were inversely proportionate to its size. The tiny room past luggage drop-off required a thorough prepping of carry-ons before their trip through the x-ray machine. Then there was a proper pat-down after you walked through the metal detector followed by a more than cursory search of those carry-ons post x-ray. It was rather amazing but made sense since who knows where travelers were actually coming from on their way off the island. Travelers beware.

A relaxing wait in the airport’s waiting area allowed for some contemplation of the quick but memorable visit to the island. We boarded onto Loganair’s Spirit of Edinburgh walking across the tarmac as we did the day before. Our quick trip to Islay was over. Heavy sigh. We came, we explored, we lived. The whole family (less the son in college who already had his spring break) connected with the island in that short time, I think. Connecting with it seemed so easy since it wants to connect with you. The people, the villages, the island life, the solitude, the sea, the peat, the coos, and the whisky. They are all tied together and easily let you become part of them. I only hope it will be less than four years before we can connect again.

Our man @AaronMKrouse takes the family to @isleofislay for #SpringBreak! #Travel #Whisky When Mrs. Satellite Engineer came up with Scotland as a Spring Break destination for us and the teenage daughters, my first thoughts went quickly to…

#Booze Traveler #Drinkwire #Family Vacation #Islay #Photography #Photos #Pictures #Scotland #Spring Break #Travel #Whiskey #Whisky

1 note · View note

gmtpluseight · 3 years

Text

Blowing bubbles

SEPTEMBER

Well here we are.

Knee-deep in Standard Operating Procedures, post-summer hols back at school, but at least back at school, rather than confined to a wardrobe (admittedly, a large wardrobe) trying to teach virtually, locked-down, doubled down, terrorised by my own children. The horror, the horror.

Briefly, the Virtual School Experience flickered back to life this week as a local water contamination that affected the entire Klang Valley dragged its heels. The taps in the classrooms sputtered. Talk was we wouldn’t be able to flush the loos. Giant water tankers delivered so much, but not possibly enough.

The last thing you need during a pandemic: a lack of means of washing hands.

Thankfully, it lasted a day before it was resolved.

What a summer it was, though. Not the one we expected, although we can’t be alone in that. Instead of returning home, we made a new home, moving from one enormous condo unit to another. Less than 100m as the crow flies.

Still a job to pack up.

JULY

We trolley boxes across the basement carparks, dodging speed bumps and squealing slow-moving cars.

We buy enormous plants at ridiculously cheap prices to pad out the space a bit.

I spend close to two hours with the owner of our previous condo unit and the housing agents, arguing over imagined damage to the property.

In the end I win. But everyone also loses. It’s a compromise.

I meet one of the agents later that afternoon out front, jumping into a cab. I need a drink she says. I know the feeling.

In between before and after packing up and down, we master short hops to impossibly beautiful destinations.

JULY-AUGUST--ISH

We spend several hundred ringgos in Decathlon in preparation. We visit a dive shop in a mall beside a purpose built Scuba diving-training-swimming pool. Two men, one bare-chested, sit at a table beside, swigging from a bottle of whisky. I guess lockdown affected some businesses more than others.

First up, Perhentian Besar, where friends John and Christine make friends with everyone.

Where the kids take telly breaks inside, sheltered from the lapis blue skies. We use dive mask boxes as crisp buckets.

I take trips to the peer to eyeball the local triggerfish as it nibbles at barnacles.

We take a boat trip to neighbouring Perhentian Kecil and walk past one of our neighbours from KL. A storm creeps over the hill as we sip cocktails and attempt to distract the children from their boredom. We nearly get stranded but our boatman basically decides to roll the dice with our lives and before long we’re bouncing off the waves with hair-shredding winds whipping across and sea spray more like shower spray dousing us. No more boats travel that evening as the waves grow even bigger.

THE THIRD TRIP - PENANG

We check in to a lovely hotel with hands-down the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Several other friends and their children from KL are all in the same hotel.

By day we take in local sites along and about the Batu Ferringhi stretch. Penang Butterfly Farm is vast, and predictably, it is filled with butterflies.

It’s also filled with other things.

Spiders, scorpions and a toad, I kid yeeeee not, as big as a melon. Not quite a watermelon, but a very decently sized cantaloupe.

Most of the spiders are behind glass. Amazingly, one enclosure has no glass. Just a big empty space. Couple wispy bits of spiderweb reach right out into the corridor. I practically walk through them as I approach to see what’s inside. Nothing, apparently.

That spider could be anywhere in the entire Butterfly Farm.

I spend the rest of the visit with that thought on my mind.

By late afternoon/evening, we hit the beach bars.

The beach keeps the kids happy.

The bar keeps the adults happy. Everyone’s a winn-

KIT GET OUT OF THE SEA! KIT! KI-

He’s deliberately ignoring me. He’s started doing this loads.

KIT! KIT! KI-IIIIIT!

Now his shorts and t-shirt are soaking. Great. Soon his nappy will be hanging round his knees, soaked with seawater.

One night, we witness a proposal at the beach bar.

The eagle-eyed can tell something is afoot from the moment we arrive- there’s pink balloons, fake flower petals and candles set out in front of the VIP booth bit. No future groom no bride to speak of yet though.

Clearly, balloons are interesting to small children.

It’s a job keeping them away from the flower petals too. Let alone the candles. Eventually they start splashing about in the water instead.

Inside, there’s at least three photographers circling.

There’s a change in music.

Someone Has Arrived.

There’s a general movement towards the balloons and flower petals and candles at which point the children regain an interest in it all. They gambol over in the end-of-the-day, anything could happen, I’m-on-holiday-too and if-you’re-not-going-to-provide-entertainment-I’ll-make-my-own sort of way.

One photographer shoots me a look of sheer, unbridled terror.

I do my best cat-herding, distract and befuddle the children with a mixture of unfulfilled offers, bribes and bird noise imitation. It works.

Moments later the bride-to-be saunters through with a friend.

Then, all the bits you’d expect. Hands on mouth. Gasps. Grins. Searching the faces in the crowd for her suitor.

He’s not there.

A band emerges from around the corner. Actually, no, a group of her friends. One has a boom box and they’re all singing terribly, kicking sand playfully and moving slowly. I don’t recognise the tune. But that could be down to their singing.

A few more moments later, and from behind us a horse jerkily walks towards this scene. On top, a man dressed in an oversize Mickey Mouse costume, who clearly has never ridden a horse in his life.

I’m no Frankie Dettori, but I can tell this guy doesn’t know the front end from the back of a horse.

He struggles to dismount.

He’s got these giant clown-shoes on and he gets them caught in the stirrups, then his head lolls forward as he tries to look down at the snag. Eventually, he makes it onto one knee. Later the kids squabble over balloons and Kit is beyond inconsolable when they are released to the sky. It’s a clear night, which makes it worse. He watches them sail away for ages.

We while away the rest of the night to the sound of the house band. Two guys. A guitar and a drum set made of old tins, teapots and gas cans. It’s a marvel to behold.

THE FOURTH TRIP - PANGKOR LAUT

Now this place. This place really take the biscuit.

The last hurrah of the summer holidays before back to work. A private friggin island. When else can I say I have visited a private island.

There’s hornbills everywhere.There’s infinity pools. There’s a massive tree filled with flying foxes that sweep across the sky at night. There’s a little minibus that takes you to the other side of the island, to a secluded bay and another gorgeous beach. It’s simply idyllic.

There’s also a pack of marauding macaques that sniff out the packet of dried apricots that the ants had already sniffed out. Left outside our room door, they come hungry for it. By that point we’d already gone to the beach. The Mutters, next door, hadn’t though. They ended up barricaded in for a while as the macaques descended.

The clientele at the island is not what we’ve experienced so far. Comes with a place like that I guess. Everyone is visibly less patient, less enamoured with and less pleased by our children. I mean. I don’t really blame them.

THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT TRIP / THE THIRD TRIP

Langkawi. Ah, Langkawi.

West coast beaches are definitely not east coast beaches. But it’s still a giant playground for an under 5. Bliss.

Our hotel has the world’s most incredible swimming pools (yes, pools) with slides and bridges and water spouts and people who give you ginormous towels and a 5 foot monitor lizard, one day, who decided to take a dip.

We watch a parent eagle teaching its young to fly. We watch coconut tree shimmiers machete off coconuts and leaves. We zip off to the other side of the island and Stanley Mutter, aka Crab God, charms the local fauna. Then we go home, unpack, wash everything and start thinking about what to pack for the next trip.

0 notes

trentonifnr462-blog · 5 years

Text

10 Things You Learned in Preschool That'll Help You With australia travel packages from singapore

What do you're thinking that of if you listen to the word Australia? Kangaroos, seashores, and ‘g’day mate’? Nicely yes, Australia does have its reasonable share of ‘roos, even so the land Down Less than presents Much greater than that! We’re speaking awe-inspiring mountains, epic street journeys, monumental nationwide parks, gorgeous waterfalls…the list truly is unlimited. We’ve rounded up some top rated Aussie travel bloggers which have provided us their strategies with regards to the most effective areas to go to in Australia – and you will be certain that no matter what you’re searching for within your trip, Australia can supply it and much more. Continue reading for twenty-four of the greatest locations to visit in Australia!

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Northern Territory

Western Australia

Tasmania

South Australia

Best spots to visit in New South Wales

one. Blue Mountains

Finest Places To go to In Australia - Blue Mountains

Suggested by Rachel and Jeremy from The Kiwi Pair

In the event you’re seeking a dose of mother nature, the Blue Mountains are for yourself. Only one.five hours from your hustle and bustle of Sydney, it could be visited as per day vacation or possibly a weekend getaway, determined by your travel time frame. Make sure you have time to visit Wentworth Falls. This location delivers walks of varying trouble with spectacular views from the waterfall, and it’s just a short drive from the main party – The A few Sisters. These well-known rock formations are classified as the highlight of this picturesque postcard location.

Should you head to Echo Stage you can find an epic see of them, or hop on Scenic World’s gondola. Whilst you’re there, don’t miss the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway on the globe! Last but not minimum, Lincoln’s Rock is essential. With views of your huge landscape in addition to a magic formula small cave great for observing the sunset, it’s the most effective conclusion towards the working day.

Blue Mountains hostels from $17.80 an evening

2. Bathurst

Best Locations To Visit In Australia - Bathurst

Advisable by Tara from Where by Is Tara

Bathurst is among my favorite spots in Australia for so many causes. One of them is that my cousins have farms available. They allow me to stay Anytime I go through and convey me to cattle marketplaces, which happens to be an actual novelty to me possessing grown up in the city. The other rationale I love Bathurst is as it is frequently disregarded by vacationers, Inspite of obtaining a lot of to provide. It’s the oldest inland town in Australia which is the internet site of the initial Australian gold hurry.

Visit the T-Rex for the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, have a spin within the well known Mount Panorama Circuit. Or just grab a cup of espresso from Campos, have a stroll through Machattie Park and check out the commemorative plaque from Charles Darwin’s go to in 1836. For a singular working day excursion while in the Bathurst location check out the gold rush town of Sofala (it looks like a ghost town and it has a terrific guide store), or head on the Jenolan caves for a few pure attractiveness, limestone-design!

Sydney hostels from $fifteen a night

three. Sydney

Finest Sites To go to In Australia - Sydney

Advisable by Rachel and Jeremy in the Kiwi Couple

Sydney is the most important city in Australia – filled with gorgeous beaches, enjoyment actions and fantastic meals. Among the best solutions to look at The great thing about Sydney is by getting a relaxing stroll. An awesome Beach front walk, and among the finest, is from Bondi Beach to Coogee Seaside. It provides beautiful views of the world’s well known rocky beaches, slender beaches and sandy beach locations. A further well-known walk is along the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway. Each walks are cost-free and are a great way to take pleasure in Sydney.

We adore acquiring singapore australia holiday packages up significant and seeing metropolitan areas from previously mentioned. The best way to do this in Sydney is by executing the Skywalk at Sydney Tower. At 268 metres significant, it’s sure to Obtain your coronary heart pumping. You’re harnessed in nevertheless so it’s not (much too) Terrifying! And eventually, a necessity do of Sydney should be to try to eat your heart out. Check out a deep fried Golden Gaytime ice cream from Exactly what the Fudge Cafe, you gained’t regret it!

Sydney hostels from $15 a night

4. Byron Bay

Very best Locations To go to In Australia - Byron Bay

?@eloisejulier

Encouraged by Dane from Getaway From The place

Byron is one of Australia’s major vacationer Locations but when you’re ready to set in slightly function you can still come across some a lot more properly hidden gems just out the back again within the hinterland mountains. From many waterfalls and swimming holes to amazing mountains and bush walks this smaller region hide a lot of elegance. I'd personally recommend starting using a hike to The underside of Minyon Falls for the swim, a hike to the top of Mt Warning for an incredible dawn, A further swim at Killin Falls after which a hike to the Natural Arch. They're just a few of the most accessible but there's so considerably more when you’re willing to check out.

Byron Bay hostels from $twenty five an evening

Most effective areas to go to in Victoria

five. Melbourne

Best Areas To go to In Australia - Melbourne

Advisable by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp

Melbourne has secured its location of essentially the most liveable metropolis on earth the seventh time within a row. Most days see a varied weather conditions – hail, sunshine, rain, wind – but that doesn’t impede the livelihood of Melbourne. Any given working day you'll find an function, an exhibit, a new music gig, or perhaps a exhibit to relish. You will get access to no cost trams in the metropolis circle to wander throughout with no outlaying a buck on transportation. Melbourne is really a multicultural metropolitan with copious dining establishments serving slavering foods and cafes for the caffeine fix – Melbourne’s espresso is many of the best on the globe.

Melbourne hostels from $eighteen a night

6. Fantastic Ocean Highway

Most effective Destinations To go to In Australia - Excellent Ocean Street

Proposed by Jack and Jenn from Who Needs Maps

Lorne is a well-liked cease along The nice Ocean Street (and also to the Twelve Apostles). It’s the perfect location to unwind together the seaside, maybe Select a surf, eat many of the greatest fish and chips, and enjoy the scenery. Jack is really a surfer and loves to go out to the Great Ocean Highway to get a surf. However the vacation isn’t finish with out a prevent in Lorne for the parma as well as a pot submit-surf. Lorne also has some wonderful walks and waterfalls to check out, like Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls. My favored, is for those who go in the correct year, you may catch several whales at sunset. Grab a wine in a seaside restaurant and enjoy the serenity.

7. Mornington Peninsula

Best Sites To go to In Australia - Mornington Peninsula

Advisable by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp

Mornington Peninsula is a peninsula Situated southeast of Melbourne, just one hour travel from town. It has been an immensely preferred working day excursion or staycation site for the residents of Victoria, In particular Melbourne for decades now. Mornington Peninsula has so much to offer to its site visitors – beach locations, nationwide parks, scenic sights, stress-free spas, vineyards, golfing courses, mazes, camping web-sites and so far more. This plethora of things to do along with the transient length causes it to be so attractive to go to in the course of prolonged weekends like Queen’s Birthday, Xmas, Boxing Working day, New Year and the like. Sampling some Pinot Noir whilst from the peninsula is a must.

Very best spots to visit in Queensland

eight. Sunshine Coastline

Very best Areas To go to In Australia - Sunshine Coast

Recommended by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

The Sunshine Coastline has obtained to get Probably the most gorgeous strips of coastland in all of Australia, boasting stunning, extended white beach locations lined with health and fitness conscious cafes and boutique dresses retailers. If you aren’t soaking up the sunshine on among the list of lots of seashores, you'll be able to head out to your hinterland for every day of mountain climbing or hop from the overwhelmed monitor to find out secluded swimming holes and waterfalls with not a soul in sight. Noosa Countrywide Park and fairy swimming pools is surely an absolute ought to do, just avoid the midday rush in the crowds.

Sunshine Coast hostels from $12.50 an evening

9. Brisbane

Very best Areas To go to In Australia - Brisbane

@anitababic3

Recommended by Erica from A Girl Who Wanders

Brisbane is my hometown and an area I intend on remaining for an exceptionally while. Why? Because it has everything! Compared with its funds city counterparts of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane presents every one of the benefits at a portion of the price. Large on my listing of spots to visit is Southbank, the house of carrying out arts and Queensland culture together with again alley bars and river front eating. Southbank also characteristics Australia’s only inner-city beach, a man-designed marvel which normally takes you far from the hustle and bustle of the town and right into a tropical oasis with sparkling waters and white, sandy beach locations.

West Stop is another suburb I very recommend visiting, with its hipster vibe, insanely great espresso and Avenue marketplaces to help keep you buying several hours. In case you’re following a watch of the town from the best, head approximately Mt Coot-tha for its breathtaking 360 sights of the city as well as the bordering hinterland. I also hugely endorse climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge For an additional special addition towards your journey, because the check out is spectacular and also the adrenalin hurry one not to be missed!

Brisbane hostels from $15 a night

ten. Gold Coast

Very best Destinations To Visit In Australia - Gold Coast

@scottypass

Advised by Erica from A Girl Who Wanders

If you’re looking for a destination that has it all, lookup no further and have on your own for the Gold Coast! With arguably many of the most effective shorelines in Australia, the Gold Coastline is my “go-to” location throughout the sizzling summer months months. But when lazing about on tender, white sandy seashores or swimming during the crystal very clear ocean doesn’t consider your extravagant, the Gold Coast Hinterland is just a short drive from your Seaside and has many of the most amazing going for walks tracks and viewpoints in Queensland.

My favourite detail concerning the Gold Coast is how the vibe is extremely laid again but also electric powered, with locals and holidaymakers alike making the most of the “Sunday sesh” atmosphere of your day and also the get together scene that relates to existence once the sun goes down. When you’re preparing on browsing the Gold Coast whenever quickly, my particular tips for the ideal places to go to are Burleigh Heads Beach front and also the Lamington Nationwide Park.

Gold Coast hostels from $21 an evening

11. Airlie Seaside/Whitsundays

Finest Areas To go to In Australia - Whitsundays

@jessea_h

Proposed by Jack and Jenn from Who Needs Maps

Airlie Seashore is a great place to get a taste of anything. It is possible to embark on an journey to The nice Barrier Reef, sail towards the Whitsundays, try to eat a few of the freshest foodstuff straight out with the ocean, and wander many of the most wonderful coastal walks in Australia. Did I mention there are some brilliant beer gardens?

Airlie Seashore is a perfect hub to fulfill other backpackers which have a hankering for journey. We had a great deal of fun occurring a myriad of nautical adventures. We even husked our very own coconuts and played with turkeys and wallaby’s over the island. Airlie Beach is also recognized for its person-produced lagoon, a fantastic spot for beachside/poolside cocktails.

Airlie Beach hostels from $28 an evening

twelve. Noosa

Ideal Spots To Visit In Australia - Noosa

@emelianjellachas

Advisable by Fanny from Minka Guides

Escalating up, I often listened to about Noosa from other Australians as this desire coastal destination. Remaining in the region, I didn’t actually realize why until eventually I eventually visited a few yr ago and fell in adore. Contrary to a number of other iconic coastal metropolitan areas, Noosa isn’t stuffed with towering skyscrapers And large procuring malls. The truth is, the community council don’t let any individual Develop larger compared to the trees, making certain that this sub-tropical town retains its astonishingly attractive seaside town vibe – even though also getting an extremely common area to go to!

The principle beach might get quite chaotic with sunbathers, so I’d propose carrying out a trek by means of close by Noosa National Park to at least one of its beautiful and deserted stretches of sand. A 45-moment wander along the Tanglewood Monitor can take you to definitely Alexandria Bay, exactly where very small, translucent fish swimming from the shallows (as well as the occasional nudist) are your only firm. Complete paradise.

Noosa hostels from $24 a night

thirteen. Atherton Tablelands

Most effective Areas To Visit In Australia - Atherton Tablelands

Recommended by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

Assume unlimited waterfalls, rolling environmentally friendly hills dotted with dairy cows and rustic, spouse and children operate cafes. All in just an hour’s drive clear of Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is the proper gateway to the countryside, regardless of whether it be for each day journey or for an extended weekend. The ultimate way to see the Tablelands is usually to hop in a car, get an area map and just generate. The waterfall circuit of Elinjja Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls are usually not being skipped and if you transpire to end up there on the last Saturday on the month be sure you check out the Yungaburra marketplaces.

Atherton Tablelands hostels from $25 an evening

fourteen. Townsville

Most effective Areas To go to In Australia - Townsville

Advisable by Sam from Sam World wide

Boasting palm laden Seashore fronts, a ninety% possibility of sunshine and warm temperatures all yr round, Townsville can be an complete have to on any North Queensland itinerary. Wander the strand and understand rich WWII heritage or have a journey to The nice Barrier Reef and dive the S.S Yongala shipwreck – it’s one of the best dives on the globe. And it doesn’t prevent there, the town is property to the vibrant nightlife, a formidable food items scene and easy accessibility to the beautiful Magnetic Island. For those who time your vacation ideal you’ll have the possibility to encounter among the islands notorious complete moon functions!

Townsville hostels from $18 an evening

15. Cairns

Finest Locations To go to In Australia - Cairns

Suggested by Nicola from Polka Dot Passport

There are actually not numerous areas on this planet where you can expend your early morning snorkelling via a vibrant underwater playground that is a component of the entire world’s biggest one construction of dwelling organisms, along with your afternoon dipping into turquoise drinking water holes, canopied by one of the most varied and oldest rainforests on the planet. Cairns is often a gateway to not one particular but TWO purely natural earth heritage web sites, The nice Barrier Reef as well as Daintree Rainforest, which makes it a fairly special location to go to. Don’t depart with out executing a horse trip alongside Cape Tribulation beach, having a trip out towards the GBR or going croc-recognizing together the Daintree River.

Cairns hostels from $twelve a night

16. Whitehaven Beach

Best Sites To go to In Australia - Whitehaven Seashore

Encouraged by Dane from Getaway From The place

Whitehaven Seashore can be a 7km extend of Coastline located in the Whitsundays. It truly is most easily available from Airlie Seaside, unless you're lucky sufficient to own a yacht. The beach is popular with locals and holidaymakers alike but when you decide on to camp there you'll have the beach all to yourself and just a handful of other lucky campers for sunset and sunrise. The white colour in the sand plus the outstanding blues while in the water make this A really unique location that is consistently sighted in almost every ‘most effective Seashore on earth listing’.

Cairns hostels from $twelve a night

Finest places to go to in Northern Territory

17. Uluru

Very best Places To Visit In Australia - Uluru

Proposed by Crystal from Castaway With Crystal

Uluru is most likely Australia’s most recognisable landmark. But this big chunk of rock is also extremely sacred to your regional Anangu Aboriginal men and women listed here, an area of wonderful ability. It's the centre on the universe and the house from the ‘Earth Mom’. Within the outskirts of Uluru, in just modest caves, Aboriginal rock artwork may be observed that is certainly tens of thousands of decades previous. They are thought of nationwide treasures and Uluru can be a UNESCO Earth Heritage web site.

However you may however climb to the highest in the rock and experience the unquestionably magical views, doing this is some extent of controversy concerning the community Aboriginal persons as well as nationwide park assistance that manages the region. Because of this, vacationers are seriously inspired not to climb. Uluru rises 348 meters earlier mentioned the ground, but the bulk of this rock lies underground. It has a circumference of 16 kilometres and may be walked all over in full using a cleared route.

Alice Springs hostels from $27 an evening

18. Darwin

Finest Locations To go to In Australia - Darwin

Recommended by Edit From Edit Around The World

Despite the fact that Darwin may be the money town on the Northern Territory, it is very tiny – but it really’s basically a terrific spot for shopping. Additionally, for historical past fans, it’s a true treasure town With all the Museum and Art Gallery in the Northern Territory and several other aboriginal art galleries. On the flip side, experience seekers can check out the Crocosaurus Cove, where by the Cage of Dying experience presents the thrill of staying in precisely the same atmosphere, more precisely in the special cage during the h2o, along with a 5m extended croc. Crocodile can even be discovered on a lot of cafe menus all over Darwin. From crocodile sandwich to croc pizza, The variability is massive and very delectable. It preferences somewhat like hen, but it surely arrives in a much increased price tag.

Using a tour within the Adelaide river gave me the chance to see the methods of the crocs when they’re preparing to assault. Litchfield

youtube

#Australia #Tourist in Australia #Undiscovered Australia #Australia Vacations

0 notes

laneoahp293-blog · 5 years

Text

Forget how to plan a holiday to australia: 3 Replacements You Need to Jump On

What do you think that of when you hear the phrase Australia? Kangaroos, shorelines, and ‘g’day mate’? Well Certainly, Australia does have its fair share of ‘roos, nevertheless the land Down Less than provides A lot in excess of that! We’re speaking awe-inspiring mountains, epic street outings, massive countrywide parks, gorgeous waterfalls…the checklist actually is limitless. We’ve rounded up some top rated Aussie vacation bloggers which have supplied us their recommendations with regard to the most effective places to go to in Australia – and you can be particular that what ever you’re in search of inside your vacation, Australia can present it and a lot more. Keep reading for twenty-four of the greatest sites to go to in Australia!

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Northern Territory

Western Australia

Tasmania

South Australia

Very best spots to go to in New South Wales

one. Blue Mountains

Most effective Destinations To go to In Australia - Blue Mountains

Suggested by Rachel and Jeremy within the Kiwi Pair

If you’re seeking a dose of nature, the Blue Mountains are in your case. Just one.5 hrs within the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it can be visited as a day trip or simply a weekend getaway, according to your vacation time frame. You should definitely have enough time to visit Wentworth Falls. This spot delivers walks of various trouble with stunning sights in the waterfall, and it’s just a brief drive from the main event – The Three Sisters. These well known rock formations would be the spotlight of this picturesque postcard space.

For those who head to Echo Point you can find an epic view of these, or hop on Scenic Environment’s gondola. When you’re there, don’t overlook the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway on the earth! Final although not minimum, Lincoln’s Rock is a necessity. With sights of your vast landscape in addition to a solution little cave ideal for observing the sunset, it’s the very best end for the working day.

Blue Mountains hostels from $17.eighty a night

2. Bathurst

Very best Destinations To Visit In Australia - Bathurst

Suggested by Tara from Wherever Is Tara

Bathurst is one of my favorite places in Australia for so many causes. One of these is usually that my cousins have farms in existence. They let me remain Any time I pass through and bring me to cattle markets, that is a real novelty to me acquiring developed up in the town. One other cause I really like Bathurst is because it is usually neglected by travelers, despite acquiring a great deal to supply. It’s the oldest inland metropolis in Australia and is the website of the original Australian gold hurry.

Visit the T-Rex on the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, have a spin across the renowned Mount Panorama Circuit. Or just get a cup of coffee from Campos, have a stroll by way of Machattie Park and check out the commemorative plaque from Charles Darwin’s go to in 1836. For a singular working day trip inside the Bathurst region look into the gold rush town of Sofala (it seems like a ghost city and has a fantastic reserve store), or head to the Jenolan caves for a few pure magnificence, limestone-model!

Sydney hostels from $15 an evening

three. Sydney

Very best Destinations To go to In Australia - Sydney

Advised by Rachel and Jeremy in the Kiwi Couple

Sydney is the most important metropolis in Australia – filled with wonderful seashores, enjoyable pursuits and superior meals. Probably the greatest approaches to see The fantastic thing about Sydney is by having a relaxing stroll. An incredible Beach front stroll, and among the best, is from Bondi Seashore to Coogee Seaside. It offers beautiful views of the region’s famous rocky seashores, slender shorelines and sandy seashores. One more well known stroll is along the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway. The two walks are no cost and so are a great way to enjoy Sydney.

We appreciate getting up higher and seeing towns from previously mentioned. The ideal way To do that in Sydney is by accomplishing the Skywalk at Sydney Tower. At 268 metres substantial, it’s sure to Obtain your coronary heart pumping. You’re harnessed in though so it’s not (way too) Terrifying! And eventually, a must do of Sydney is to take in your heart out. Test a deep fried Golden Gaytime ice product from What The Fudge Cafe, you received’t regret it!

Sydney hostels from $15 an evening

four. Byron Bay

Finest Areas To Visit In Australia - Byron Bay

?@eloisejulier

Advisable by Dane from Getaway From In which

Byron is among Australia’s prime tourist Places but in case you’re ready to place in slightly perform you can even now uncover some more properly hidden gems just out the back from the hinterland mountains. From plenty of waterfalls and swimming holes to outstanding mountains and bush walks this modest area disguise a lot natural beauty. I'd recommend starting off that has a hike to The underside of Minyon Falls for the swim, a hike to the very best of Mt Warning for an incredible sunrise, another swim at Killin Falls then a hike into the Normal Arch. These are typically just many of the most available but there's so considerably more should you’re ready to examine.

Byron Bay hostels from $25 a night

Best areas to visit in Victoria

five. Melbourne

Ideal Places To go to In Australia - Melbourne

Encouraged by Aditi from Diary of the Cusp

Melbourne has secured its spot of probably the most liveable metropolis on the planet the seventh time inside of a row. Most times see a diverse temperature – hail, sunshine, rain, wind – but that doesn’t impede the livelihood of Melbourne. Any supplied day you will discover an party, an show, a songs gig, or possibly a clearly show to relish. You can get access to no cost trams within the metropolis circle to wander throughout without outlaying a buck on transportation. Melbourne is usually a multicultural metropolitan with copious places to eat serving slavering foods and cafes in your caffeine resolve – Melbourne’s coffee is a lot of the most effective on the planet.

Melbourne hostels from $18 a night

6. Wonderful Ocean Road

Very best Spots To go to In Australia - Terrific Ocean Road

Advised by Jack and Jenn from Who Requires Maps

Lorne is a well-liked prevent alongside the Great Ocean Road (also to the Twelve Apostles). It’s the proper location to relax along the seaside, probably Opt for a surf, try to eat some of the finest fish and chips, and enjoy the scenery. Jack is really a surfer and loves to go out to The nice Ocean Highway for a surf. Nevertheless the vacation isn’t finish with no halt in Lorne for any parma as well as a pot post-surf. Lorne also has some attractive walks and waterfalls to discover, like Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls. My beloved, is in case you go in the proper year, you can catch a couple of whales at sunset. Get a wine at a seaside restaurant and take pleasure in the serenity.

7. Mornington Peninsula

Most effective Places To Visit In Australia - Mornington Peninsula

Suggested by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp

Mornington Peninsula is often a peninsula located southeast of Melbourne, just an hour or so drive from the town. It's been an immensely popular day excursion or staycation web site for the residents of Victoria, In particular Melbourne for many years now. Mornington Peninsula has a great deal of to provide to its readers – shorelines, countrywide parks, scenic sights, comforting spas, vineyards, golf classes, mazes, tenting web sites and so considerably more. This myriad of functions plus the transient distance makes it so desirable to go to throughout very long weekends like Queen’s Birthday, Xmas, Boxing Working day, New Year and so on. Sampling some Pinot Noir although inside the peninsula is essential.

Finest places to visit in Queensland

eight. Sunshine Coast

Most effective Areas To go to In Australia - Sunshine Coastline

Advisable by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

The Sunshine Coast has bought to get one of the most gorgeous strips of coastland in all of Australia, boasting lovely, extensive white beaches lined with wellness aware cafes and boutique apparel retailers. Any time you aren’t absorbing the sunshine on among the list of quite a few beaches, you could head out for the hinterland for per day of mountain mountaineering or hop off the beaten observe to discover secluded swimming holes and waterfalls with not a soul in sight. Noosa Countrywide Park and fairy pools is an complete ought to do, just stay away from the midday hurry on the crowds.

Sunshine Coastline hostels from $twelve.50 an evening

nine. Brisbane

Greatest Sites To Visit In Australia - Brisbane

@anitababic3

Proposed by Erica from A woman Who Wanders

Brisbane is my hometown and a location I intend on being for an incredibly long time. Why? As it has anything! Not like its cash metropolis counterparts of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane delivers all of the benefits at a portion of the cost. Superior on my listing of spots to go to is Southbank, the house of doing arts and Queensland culture and again alley bars and river front dining. Southbank also characteristics Australia’s only interior-city Seaside, a man-created marvel which usually takes you from the hustle and bustle of the city and right into a tropical oasis with glowing waters and white, sandy shorelines.

West Conclude is an additional suburb I really endorse traveling to, with its hipster vibe, insanely excellent coffee and Avenue marketplaces to help keep you buying several hours. For those who’re after a see of the town from your major, head nearly Mt Coot-tha for its amazing 360 views of the town and the encompassing hinterland. I also hugely recommend climbing the Brisbane Story Bridge For an additional Distinctive addition to the trip, since the view is stunning and the adrenalin hurry one particular never to be missed!

Brisbane hostels from $15 a night

10. Gold Coast

Best Areas To Visit In Australia - Gold Coastline

@scottypass

Proposed by Erica from A Girl Who Wanders

Should you’re looking for a vacation spot which includes everything, lookup no additional and get oneself towards the Gold Coastline! With arguably a few of the ideal beach locations in Australia, the Gold Coast is my “go-to” spot throughout the incredibly hot summer months months. But when lazing about on smooth, white sandy beach locations or swimming while in the crystal crystal clear ocean doesn’t get your fancy, the Gold Coastline Hinterland is barely a short drive in the Seaside and has several of the most wonderful strolling tracks and viewpoints in Queensland.

My favorite matter concerning the Gold Coastline is how the vibe is amazingly Visit this website laid back yet also electrical, with locals and travelers alike taking pleasure in the “Sunday sesh” ambiance in the day plus the celebration scene that concerns lifetime when the Sunlight goes down. Should you’re organizing on browsing the Gold Coast whenever quickly, my individual recommendations for the very best sites to visit are Burleigh Heads Beach front as well as Lamington Nationwide Park.

Gold Coastline hostels from $21 a night

11. Airlie Seashore/Whitsundays

Best Areas To Visit In Australia - Whitsundays

@jessea_h

Encouraged by Jack and Jenn from Who Needs Maps

Airlie Seaside is a perfect place to acquire a style of every thing. You could embark on an experience to The nice Barrier Reef, sail on the Whitsundays, eat some of the freshest food straight out from the ocean, and stroll several of the most stunning coastal walks in Australia. Did I point out there are some magnificent beer gardens?

Airlie Seashore is a perfect hub to meet other backpackers which have a hankering for experience. We experienced a lot pleasurable going on a myriad of nautical adventures. We even husked our own coconuts and played with turkeys and wallaby’s to the island. Airlie Seaside is additionally known for its guy-designed lagoon, an outstanding location for beachside/poolside cocktails.

Airlie Seaside hostels from $28 a night

twelve. Noosa

Greatest Destinations To Visit In Australia - Noosa

@emelianjellachas

Advisable by Fanny from Minka Guides

Expanding up, I always read about Noosa from other Australians as this desire coastal desired destination. Getting within the region, I didn’t really realize why until finally I last but not least frequented a handful of year in the past and fell in love. As opposed to many other iconic coastal towns, Noosa isn’t crammed with towering skyscrapers and massive buying malls. The truth is, the area council don’t let any individual Construct increased when compared to the trees, making certain this sub-tropical town retains its amazingly attractive seaside town vibe – even though also becoming an exceptionally preferred put to visit!

The primary Beach front can get very busy with sunbathers, so I’d recommend undertaking a trek by means of nearby Noosa Nationwide Park to one of its wonderful and deserted stretches of sand. A 45-moment wander along the Tanglewood Keep track of requires you to Alexandria Bay, where small, translucent fish swimming during the shallows (and the occasional nudist) are your only company. Complete paradise.

Noosa hostels from $24 an evening

13. Atherton Tablelands

Ideal Locations To Visit In Australia - Atherton Tablelands

Advisable by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

Feel infinite waterfalls, rolling inexperienced hills dotted with dairy cows and rustic, family run cafes. All inside of an hour’s travel from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is the proper gateway to the countryside, irrespective of whether it's for every day trip or for a protracted weekend. The ultimate way to see the Tablelands is usually to hop in an automobile, get a location map and just travel. The waterfall circuit of Elinjja Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls are usually not to become skipped and if you happen to find yourself there on the final Saturday of the month you should definitely check out the Yungaburra marketplaces.

Atherton Tablelands hostels from $25 an evening

fourteen. Townsville

Very best Destinations To go to In Australia - Townsville

Suggested by Sam from Sam World wide

Boasting palm laden Seaside fronts, a 90% chance of sunshine and warm temperatures all yr spherical, Townsville is definitely an complete must on any North Queensland itinerary. Wander the strand and study abundant WWII history or have a trip to The nice Barrier Reef and dive the S.S Yongala shipwreck – it’s the most effective dives on the earth. And it doesn’t cease there, the city is household to the vivid nightlife, a formidable food stuff scene and easy accessibility to the beautiful Magnetic Island. If you time your vacation correct you’ll have the chance to working experience one of several islands infamous whole moon events!

Townsville hostels from $eighteen a night

15. Cairns

Ideal Spots To Visit In Australia - Cairns

Recommended by Nicola from Polka Dot Passport

There are actually not a lot of locations on the globe in which you can expend your morning snorkelling via a lively underwater playground that is a component of the earth’s most significant one framework of residing organisms, and your afternoon dipping into turquoise h2o holes, canopied by Just about the most various and oldest rainforests on the planet. Cairns is really a gateway not to just one but TWO natural world heritage sites, The good Barrier Reef and also the Daintree Rainforest, which makes it a fairly Exclusive spot to go to. Don’t depart devoid of performing a horse journey together Cape Tribulation Seaside, taking a visit out towards the GBR or likely croc-spotting together the Daintree River.

Cairns hostels from $12 an evening

sixteen. Whitehaven Beach

Best Spots To Visit In Australia - Whitehaven Beach

Encouraged by Dane from Holiday break From Where

Whitehaven Beach front is a 7km extend of Coastline located in the Whitsundays. It is actually most very easily obtainable from Airlie Seashore, Unless of course that you are lucky more than enough to personal a yacht. The Seaside is preferred with locals and tourists alike but if you decide on to camp there you should have the beach all to your self and just a handful of other Fortunate campers for sunset and sunrise. The white colour of your sand and the amazing blues during the drinking water make this a truly one of a kind place that is consistently sighted in nearly every ‘finest Beach front on the earth record’.

Cairns hostels from $twelve an evening

Finest sites to visit in Northern Territory

17. Uluru

Ideal Destinations To go to In Australia - Uluru

Advisable by Crystal from Castaway With Crystal

Uluru might be Australia’s most recognisable landmark. But this huge chunk of rock is also extremely sacred to the community Anangu Aboriginal men and women below, a place of excellent electrical power. It's the centre of the universe and the house of your ‘Earth Mother’. In the outskirts of Uluru, in little caves, Aboriginal rock artwork is often found that's tens of A huge number of decades old. They're deemed countrywide treasures and Uluru is a UNESCO Entire world Heritage site.

Though you may nonetheless climb to the highest from the rock and working experience the certainly magical sights, doing this is a degree of controversy involving the neighborhood Aboriginal folks as well as countrywide park assistance that manages the region. Because of this, travelers are heavily inspired not to climb. Uluru rises 348 meters higher than the bottom, but the majority of the rock lies underground. It has a circumference of sixteen kilometres and may be walked around in comprehensive using a cleared route.

Alice Springs hostels from $27 a night

eighteen. Darwin

Greatest Destinations To Visit In Australia - Darwin

Proposed by Edit From Edit All over the world

While Darwin will be the capital town from the Northern Territory, it is very compact – but it’s truly a terrific spot for purchasing. In addition, for historical past enthusiasts, it’s a true treasure town Along with the Museum and Artwork Gallery on the Northern Territory and several other aboriginal artwork galleries. Then again, experience seekers can check out the Crocosaurus Cove, the place the Cage of Demise experience offers the thrill of becoming in the same setting, far more precisely inside a Unique cage in the water, together with a 5m extensive croc. Crocodile can even be found on several cafe menus all around Darwin. From crocodile sandwich to croc pizza, The range is huge and very delectable. It preferences somewhat like rooster, but it really arrives at a Significantly bigger selling price.

Using a tour to the Adelaide river gave me the chance to see the procedures of your crocs when they’re planning to attack. Litchfield Countrywide Park is a good place to see crocodiles within their purely natural habitat – as well as it's excellent swimming places Positioned at a superior

youtube

#Australia #Tourist in Australia #Undiscovered Australia #Australia Vacations

1 note · View note

rowanacnw311-blog · 5 years

Text

11 Ways to Completely Revamp Your planning a holiday to australia

What do you believe of when you listen to the word Australia? Kangaroos, beach locations, and ‘g’working day mate’? Perfectly Indeed, Australia does have its good share of ‘roos, but the land Down Beneath offers A great deal of a lot more than that! We’re conversing awe-inspiring mountains, epic street journeys, enormous countrywide parks, stunning waterfalls…the checklist genuinely is infinite. We’ve rounded up some prime Aussie travel bloggers who have specified us their strategies concerning the best sites to visit in Australia – and you'll be sure that what ever you’re trying to find in your vacation, Australia can offer it and much more. Keep reading for 24 of the best areas to visit in Australia!

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Northern Territory

Western Australia

Tasmania

South Australia

Most effective areas to visit in New South Wales

1. Blue Mountains

Best Spots To Visit In Australia - Blue Mountains

Suggested by Rachel and Jeremy within the Kiwi Pair

In the event you’re looking for a dose of character, the Blue Mountains are for you. Just one.five several hours from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it might be visited as a day excursion or simply a weekend getaway, based on your travel timeframe. Ensure you have time to go to Wentworth Falls. This spot offers walks of various trouble with spectacular views on the waterfall, and it’s just a brief push from the primary function – The A few Sisters. These famed rock formations tend to be the highlight of this picturesque postcard region.

When you head to Echo Place you will get an epic watch of them, or hop on Scenic World’s gondola. Whilst you’re there, don’t skip the Scenic Railway – the steepest passenger railway on the globe! Final although not least, Lincoln’s Rock is a necessity. With sights of the vast landscape and also a mystery minimal cave great for seeing the sunset, it’s the ideal conclusion towards the working day.

Blue Mountains hostels from $17.eighty a night

2. Bathurst

Best Destinations To go to In Australia - Bathurst

Suggested by Tara from Where by Is Tara

Bathurst is among my favorite places in Australia for a great number of factors. One of these is usually that my cousins have farms out there. They allow me to continue to be whenever I go through and convey me to cattle marketplaces, which can be an actual novelty to me getting grown up in the city. The other explanation I love Bathurst is mainly because it is often missed by holidaymakers, Regardless of having so much to provide. It’s the oldest inland metropolis in Australia which is the internet site of the first Australian gold rush.

Go to the T-Rex in the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, have a spin across the famed Mount Panorama Circuit. Or just get a cup of espresso from Campos, have a stroll through Machattie Park and check out the commemorative plaque from Charles Darwin’s pay a visit to in 1836. For a unique working day excursion during the Bathurst area look into the gold rush town of Sofala (it looks like a ghost city and it has an awesome guide store), or head to your Jenolan caves for some natural attractiveness, limestone-design!

Sydney hostels from $fifteen an evening

three. Sydney

Best Areas To Visit In Australia - Sydney

Proposed by Rachel and Jeremy in the Kiwi Couple

Sydney is the most important city in Australia – filled with wonderful seashores, exciting activities and great foods. Probably the greatest tips on how to perspective The great thing about Sydney is by getting a soothing stroll. A tremendous Seaside walk, and one of the best, is from Bondi Seaside to Coogee Beach. It provides magnificent sights of the region’s well known rocky shorelines, skinny beach locations and sandy seashores. One more well known stroll is along the Sydney Harbour Bridge walkway. The two walks are cost-free and they are a terrific way to take pleasure in Sydney.

We appreciate acquiring up substantial and observing cities from previously mentioned. The ideal way to do this in Sydney is by performing the Skywalk at Sydney Tower. At 268 metres higher, it’s certain to get your heart pumping. You’re harnessed in while so it’s not (much too) Terrifying! And finally, a must do of Sydney is always to eat your coronary heart out. Check out a deep fried Golden Gaytime ice product from Exactly what the Fudge Cafe, you won’t regret it!

Sydney hostels from $15 a night

four. Byron Bay

Greatest Locations To go to In Australia - Byron Bay

?@eloisejulier

Advisable by Dane from Getaway From The place

Byron is one of Australia’s top rated vacationer Places but for those who’re willing to place in somewhat perform you are able to still discover some much more perfectly hidden gems just out the back in the hinterland mountains. From a great number of waterfalls and swimming holes to amazing mountains and bush walks this compact area disguise a great deal of beauty. I might counsel beginning that has a hike to The underside of Minyon Falls for a swim, a hike to the very best of Mt Warning for an incredible dawn, A different swim at Killin Falls then a hike to the All-natural Arch. They are just a few of the most accessible but there's so far more should you’re ready to discover.

Byron Bay hostels from $twenty five a night

Very best places to visit in Victoria

5. Melbourne

Greatest Locations To go to In Australia - Melbourne

Proposed by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp

Melbourne has secured its spot of essentially the most liveable metropolis in the world the seventh time inside of a row. Most times see a various climate – hail, sunshine, rain, wind – but that doesn’t impede the livelihood of Melbourne. Any specified day you could find an function, an exhibit, a songs gig, or simply a exhibit to relish. You receive access to free trams inside the metropolis circle to wander across devoid of outlaying a buck on transportation. Melbourne is often a multicultural metropolitan with copious dining places serving slavering foods and cafes for your personal caffeine deal with – Melbourne’s coffee is a lot of the most effective on the earth.

Melbourne hostels from $18 an evening

6. Great Ocean Highway

Most effective Locations To Visit In Australia - Great Ocean Road

Recommended by Jack and Jenn from Who Demands Maps

Lorne is a popular stop alongside The nice Ocean Highway (and also to the Twelve Apostles). It’s the ideal place to unwind alongside the seaside, possibly go for a surf, try to eat many of the ideal fish and chips, and enjoy the scenery. Jack is usually a surfer and likes to go out to The nice Ocean Street for the surf. Although the trip isn’t total without a halt in Lorne for a parma plus a pot write-up-surf. Lorne also has some beautiful walks and waterfalls to discover, like Erskine Falls and Phantom Falls. My beloved, is in case you go over the right time, you could capture several whales at sunset. Seize a wine in a seaside cafe and enjoy the serenity.

7. Mornington Peninsula

Greatest Places To Visit In Australia - Mornington Peninsula

Proposed by Aditi from Diary of a Cusp

Mornington Peninsula is really a peninsula Positioned southeast of Melbourne, just an hour or so push from town. It's been an immensely preferred working day excursion or staycation web site to the residents of Victoria, Specially Melbourne for decades now. Mornington Peninsula has a great deal to provide to its readers – beaches, countrywide parks, scenic views, calming spas, vineyards, golfing classes, mazes, tenting sites and so a great deal more. This plethora of pursuits and the transient length causes it to be so desirable to visit through extended weekends like Queen’s Birthday, Xmas, Boxing Day, New Calendar year and so on. Sampling some Pinot Noir while within the peninsula is a must.

Ideal places to go to in Queensland

8. Sunshine Coast

Finest Areas To go to In Australia - Sunshine Coast

Advised by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

The Sunshine Coastline has got to become One of the more attractive strips of coastland in all of Australia, boasting gorgeous, long white shorelines lined with wellness mindful cafes and boutique dresses retailers. When you aren’t absorbing the sunshine on one of the quite a few beach locations, you can head out to your hinterland for each day of mountain mountaineering or hop off the overwhelmed observe to discover secluded swimming holes and waterfalls with not a soul in sight. Noosa Countrywide Park and fairy pools is really an complete ought to do, just steer clear of the midday rush with the crowds.

Sunshine Coast hostels from $twelve.50 an evening

nine. Brisbane

Most effective Spots To go to In Australia - Brisbane

@anitababic3

Encouraged by Erica from A woman Who Wanders

Brisbane is my hometown and an area I intend on remaining for a very while. Why? Mainly because it has all the things! As opposed to its cash city counterparts of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane presents many of the benefits at a fraction of the fee. Significant on my listing of places to visit is Southbank, the house of doing arts and Queensland society together with back again alley bars and river front dining. Southbank also options Australia’s only inner-city beach, a man-created marvel which takes you far from the hustle and bustle of the town and into a tropical oasis with sparkling waters and white, sandy beach locations.

West Conclude is yet another suburb I very endorse browsing, with its hipster vibe, insanely excellent espresso and street markets to keep you purchasing for several hours. If you’re following a look at of the city from the major, head as many as Mt Coot-tha for Check out the post right here its spectacular 360 sights of the town as well as surrounding hinterland. I also hugely recommend climbing the Brisbane Tale Bridge for an extra Exclusive addition to your vacation, because the watch is breathtaking as well as the adrenalin rush one never to be missed!

Brisbane hostels from $15 an evening

ten. Gold Coast

Finest Locations To Visit In Australia - Gold Coast

@scottypass

Advisable by Erica from A woman Who Wanders

For those who’re looking for a spot which has all of it, look for no further more and have your self towards the Gold Coast! With arguably a lot of the greatest seashores in Australia, the Gold Coast is my “go-to” place in the course of the scorching summer months. But if lazing about on soft, white sandy beach locations or swimming inside the crystal obvious ocean doesn’t just take your extravagant, the Gold Coast Hinterland is simply a short drive from the Beach front and it has several of the most awesome going for walks tracks and viewpoints in Queensland.

My favourite detail concerning the Gold Coast is how the vibe is incredibly laid back again nonetheless also electrical, with locals and holidaymakers alike taking pleasure in the “Sunday sesh” atmosphere in the day as well as the social gathering scene that involves life when the Sunshine goes down. If you’re setting up on viewing the Gold Coastline at any time before long, my private tips for the very best locations to visit are Burleigh Heads beach plus the Lamington Nationwide Park.

Gold Coast hostels from $21 a night

eleven. Airlie Beach/Whitsundays

Best Areas To go to In Australia - Whitsundays

@jessea_h

Proposed by Jack and Jenn from Who Requires Maps

Airlie Seashore is an ideal place to acquire a style of anything. It is possible to embark on an experience to The nice Barrier Reef, sail towards the Whitsundays, take in many of the freshest food straight out from the ocean, and walk a number of the most beautiful coastal walks in Australia. Did I mention there are numerous brilliant beer gardens?

Airlie Seaside is an excellent hub to meet other backpackers who may have a hankering for experience. We had a great deal pleasurable happening an array of nautical adventures. We even husked our own coconuts and played with turkeys and wallaby’s on the island. Airlie Beach front can also be recognized for its man-produced lagoon, a wonderful location for beachside/poolside cocktails.

Airlie Seashore hostels from $28 a night

12. Noosa

Finest Destinations To go to In Australia - Noosa

@emelianjellachas

Proposed by Fanny from Minka Guides

Rising up, I generally listened to about Noosa from other Australians as this desire coastal location. Staying in the place, I didn’t truly understand why until I at last visited several calendar year in the past and fell in like. In contrast to all kinds of other legendary coastal cities, Noosa isn’t filled with towering skyscrapers And large purchasing malls. In actual fact, the neighborhood council don’t Enable anyone Establish bigger compared to trees, guaranteeing this sub-tropical town retains its surprisingly beautiful seaside city vibe – whilst also staying an extremely preferred location to go to!

The primary beach could get quite occupied with sunbathers, so I’d endorse accomplishing a trek by means of nearby Noosa Countrywide Park to one of its lovely and deserted stretches of sand. A forty five-minute walk together the Tanglewood Keep track of usually takes you to Alexandria Bay, wherever small, translucent fish swimming from the shallows (and also the occasional nudist) are your only company. Absolute paradise.

Noosa hostels from $24 an evening

thirteen. Atherton Tablelands

Finest Sites To Visit In Australia - Atherton Tablelands

Advisable by Sophie from Adventures of Soph

Assume infinite waterfalls, rolling green hills dotted with dairy cows and rustic, family members run cafes. All within just one hour’s drive far from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is the perfect gateway on the countryside, irrespective of whether it's for every day journey or for a lengthy weekend. The ultimate way to begin to see the Tablelands is to hop in a car or truck, get a location map and just push. The waterfall circuit of Elinjja Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Zillie Falls will not be to get skipped and if you happen to end up there on the last Saturday of the thirty day period be sure to check out the Yungaburra marketplaces.

Atherton Tablelands hostels from $twenty five a night

fourteen. Townsville

Most effective Locations To Visit In Australia - Townsville

Encouraged by Sam from Sam Throughout the world

Boasting palm laden Seashore fronts, a ninety% potential for sunshine and warm temperatures all yr spherical, Townsville can be an complete should on any North Queensland itinerary. Wander the strand and study prosperous WWII background or take a journey to The good Barrier Reef and dive the S.S Yongala shipwreck – it’s among the finest dives on this planet. And it doesn’t cease there, town is residence to a vivid nightlife, a formidable food stuff scene and easy accessibility to the beautiful Magnetic Island. When you time your journey right you’ll have the prospect to working experience on the list of islands notorious comprehensive moon get-togethers!

Townsville hostels from $eighteen an evening

15. Cairns

Finest Locations To go to In Australia - Cairns

Suggested by Nicola from Polka Dot Passport

There are actually not quite a few spots on the globe in which you can invest your early morning snorkelling through a lively underwater playground that is an element of the planet’s greatest solitary composition of dwelling organisms, and also your afternoon dipping into turquoise h2o holes, canopied by Just about the most diverse and oldest rainforests on the planet. Cairns is usually a gateway to not just one but TWO pure earth heritage sites, The good Barrier Reef as well as Daintree Rainforest, rendering it a pretty Exclusive spot to visit. Don’t go away without doing a horse trip together Cape Tribulation Seashore, using a visit out to your GBR or heading croc-spotting alongside the Daintree River.

Cairns hostels from $12 a night

16. Whitehaven Beach front

Best Spots To Visit In Australia - Whitehaven Seaside

Advisable by Dane from Vacation From In which

Whitehaven Beach is often a 7km stretch of coast situated in the Whitsundays. It is actually most very easily accessible from Airlie Beach, Except you will be Blessed plenty of to individual a yacht. The Seaside is preferred with locals and travellers alike but when you decide on to camp there you will have the beach all to by yourself and just a handful of other lucky campers for sunset and dawn. The white colour in the sand as well as outstanding blues from the water make this a truly one of a kind spot that is continually sighted in almost every ‘ideal Seashore on the planet listing’.

Cairns hostels from $twelve a night

Very best places to go to in Northern Territory

seventeen. Uluru

Ideal Areas To Visit In Australia - Uluru

Proposed by Crystal from Castaway With Crystal

Uluru is most likely Australia’s most recognisable landmark. But this big chunk of rock is likewise exceptionally sacred towards the nearby Anangu Aboriginal folks below, a location of wonderful electrical power. It's the centre of your universe and the home of your ‘Earth Mom’. During the outskirts of Uluru, within little caves, Aboriginal rock artwork is often noticed that is certainly tens of Many yrs aged. These are definitely regarded nationwide treasures and Uluru can be a UNESCO Globe Heritage web page.

While you may continue to climb to the highest in the rock and working experience the unquestionably magical views, doing this is a degree of controversy involving the community Aboriginal individuals and the nationwide park assistance that manages the realm. For this reason, travellers are greatly encouraged to not climb. Uluru rises 348 meters above the ground, but the bulk of the rock lies underground. It has a circumference of 16 kilometres and may be walked all over in complete using a cleared path.

Alice Springs hostels from $27 a night

18. Darwin

Best Areas To Visit In Australia - Darwin

Advised by Edit From Edit Throughout the world

Despite the fact that Darwin is definitely the cash town in the Northern Territory, it is very smaller – but it surely’s truly a great place for buying. Moreover, for heritage fans, it’s a true treasure metropolis With all the Museum and Art Gallery in the Northern Territory and several other aboriginal artwork galleries. On the flip side, experience seekers can look into the Crocosaurus Cove, the place the Cage of Loss of life practical experience features the thrill of getting in the identical ecosystem, additional specifically inside of a Unique cage from the drinking water, together with a 5m lengthy croc. Crocodile can also be identified on many restaurant menus all around Darwin. From crocodile sandwich to croc pizza, the variety is big and very delectable. It preferences somewhat like rooster, but it really will come in a much better price.

Having a tour on the Adelaide river gave me the chance to see the procedures with the crocs every time they’re planning to attack. Litchfield Nationwide Park is a great destination to see crocodiles inside their normal

youtube

#Australia #Tourist in Australia #Undiscovered Australia #Australia Vacations

0 notes

charlesandmartine · 7 years

Text

An Epilogue

It sounds a cliché to say Australia is a diverse country/ continent but that is exactly what it is. It is diverse, very very big and absolutely fabulous. It encompasses tropical rainforest, temperate rainforest, dry arid desert, lush farmlands rich in fertile soil, and maritime climates similar to the UK. Its agricultural outputs are surprising; everything for making a beverage – tea, coffee, sugar. Everything you need for puddings; mangos, bananas, grapes, apples and much more fruit. And of course above the city of Adelaide, in the rich flat lands that used to be covered by sea, vines as far as the eye can see with so many household names in wine; wine that is second to none in the wine world.

I have said many times in this tome how BIG this country is, and Australia never ceases to amaze me. Do you know it took 5 hours of flying to cross it. You can almost get to the USA in that time from the UK. Half way, diagonally across the continent, we reached Alice and looking down on the dry landscape, we could make out lines that intersected others that were simple long ruler straight dirt tracks leading to somewhere, but even from 35,000 feet impossible to tell where. I had no concept of this amount of nothingness until we travelled this country.

Your Aussie has a bit of a reputation of, and is stereo typed as being a bit brash, loud, assured and certainly not shy and retiring. They can be a little loud, but they are big hearted, generous, very comfortable in their own skin and they are immensely passionate about their own very young country. When we left our ship’s first Australian port of call, Darwin, and the Voyager set a course for Port Douglas, the very loud female entertainer who heads the activities team on board, lead a misty eyed rendition of ‘I still call Australia Home’ The lyrics, designed to pull at the Aussie sense of home:

I've been to cities that never close down from New York to Rio and old London town, but no matter how far or how wide I roam I still call Australia home.

This they truly believe in a way that we, in the UK, do not seem to understand or view our own homeland. They are proud of their journey as a country and recognising it as being not much more than 200 years old, they have come a very long way from a tiny penal colony to an important independent state.

We loved this country and will undoubtedly try to return and travel to the west coast starting at Perth. We have visited five of the seven states; Northern Territory, Queensland, NSW, Southern Australia and Tasmania. We didn’t do Western Australia or Victoria and we feel beholden to the good people in those states to do this sometime in the future. Perhaps our favourite state has to be Queensland. The beautiful rainforests, the deserted areas with tiny townships with huge distances between them, the strategic history of Cooktown, the Great Barrier Reef, crocodiles, deserted beaches (because of the crocodiles most likely), the wildlife, especially the dawn bird song, and OF COURSE the fabulous sunshine and warmth of said sunshine on your skin. And not forgetting the beautiful city of Brisbane.

We loved behaving as Australians; believing we lived in Sydney as of course we did for what seemed quite a time. As we strolled around the city so often we felt a part of it, a member and so familiar with it as a city. As time progressed we no longer needed a map to guide us around the simple grid system of streets. The Rocks became our favourite area of Sydney, so pertinent to the development of the new settlement back in the 1780s and full of stories both of the suffering of the early colonials/ convicts and also the successes of some. And of course we never tired of taking photos of the Bridge and also the Opera House. The first time we saw the Opera House in all its glory was at breakfast on Voyager just before we disembarked for the last time. We went up to the top restaurant, sat down at a port-side table and there in front of our eyes, eye poppingly, just a couple of hundred metres away, was the Opera House; so iconic and representative of Sydney and for that matter of the entire continent of Australia.

On the subject of the Opera House, the locals were aghast when the city planners first suggested building an opera house. Do you know, they said, for a moment I thought you just said you were going to build an opera house! We are, they said. Why? They said. And when we heard that, we realised that opinion regarding the arts hasn’t really changed much. Maybe I am being a bit harsh, but there is no West End as such in Sydney and culturally speaking they seem a bit backward. They do like ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’ though. ‘Nuf said I guess. Celebrity?? Didn’t recognise a single one of them.

We like the way the Australians live. It is a more relaxed way of life; often a walk along the beach before work, or exercise along the grassy areas, or even time in the surf. Manly is very much split between an area Sydney dwellers use for relaxation (they come over on the ferry) and a dormitory town for Sydney Business workers, who I am told do get stressed but it doesn’t seem to show much to me. The myth of the Aussie bloke as an outdoor type, barbequing at every spare moment doesn’t seem to hold up. We did not see much evidence of this going on. Someone said there are too many flies to spend too much time eating outdoors. We had to hand our allocated fly over on departure. The advertising urging us to participate in a Foster’s Lager is another part of the Australian lie. There is no Fosters available. The beer in general is not good and more of a lager anyway. Hungry Jack’s is a very popular alternative to the Golden Arches and the Whopper is far superior let me tell you. People sadly don’t seem to say ‘g’day’ as often as you might believe, and I was only once called cobber, which was in Tasmania. I never met anyone called Sheila and the only Bruce was the hound where we lived. Bondi beach is often heralded as one of the best beaches in the world. The Northern Beaches from Manly upwards are better. People come for miles for the surfing and the jelly fish. It is fascinating to see schools giving surf lessons as part of the curriculum. What a way of life. Oh, did I mention the sunshine. You can actually make plans for outdoor activities, BBQs without the fear it will chuck it down. Mind you, when it does chuck it down, it really chucks it down.

We in the UK often seem to think everything is always better overseas and they have all the answers. Well, the Australian MPs are being investigated for fraudulent expenses at the moment. Sound familiar? Each State has its own assembly and then there is the all Australian Parliament made up of the Senate, the House of Representatives and then The Queen. (our one but normally represented by the Governor General) There is just as much bickering as in our own parliament. The state pension appears to be means tested and they are looking at including the value of your main residence to assess how much, if any, state pension you will receive. Nobody seem to give us a straight answer on health issues, but it would seem that you will get some amount of free health care, but you need to pay monthly into a Medicare system for the bits the government scheme does not cover. As in UK, there are petitions against closures of wards/ hospitals. There are at least three types of schooling; State, Private and semi-private where you pay some. They are arguing that standards are falling both locally and internationally. Martine has said that innovations are being proposed that were introduced to UK schools five to ten years ago! Then there are big issues with child protection. There is a Catholic order that apparently had possibly up to 75% of its number involved in child abuse! Then there are issues with immigration and refugees. Especially the people Trump has said he will not take from Australia. That is not to even mention the indigenous population problems. So there you go, on all levels the grass is always greener. It is always too tempting to compare one country with another and think they have bigger mountains, deeper lakes, better canyons than we have in the UK. We can’t change any of those things, but we can appreciate our own country for what it has. But it all seems much better when you have wall to wall sunshine.

We feel extremely privileged to have been able to spend this amount of time away in another continent and very grateful to our children for allowing us to spend their inheritance. We will take a vote on that one later. It has been the gap year that we never had in our youth. We have enjoyed this time immensely and it was worth every dollar of it. We have gained a real taste for railway travel from our time spent on the Ghan. Every single bit of the trip was fantastic we have fantastic memories. Our regrets were that we didn’t have another month to do the bits missed. It was good we made it to NZ. Unlike everyone else we know, we preferred Australia. We liked NZ but we loved Australia. It might well have been different if we had visited the south island instead of or as well. It has been so interesting to be in the land that we have heard so much about over the years; to see the place where the ten pound poms went from our class at school in the 1960s. In some ways Australia is a little bit of Britain but with sunshine: we share a Queen and a language, we both drive on the left, we have a common history prior to 1770, and we have a similar structure of parliament with the same royal standard above the buildings.

When we stepped out of Terminal 4 at Heathrow, sensed the cold, we almost turned around and got on the next plane back again. Australia is a very desirable place to be but it is so far away from anywhere and even the Aussies feel this I think. Those who have had links to the UK, if the truth be told, have a yearning for the homeland, but most say it is too cold and wet in the UK. We will strive to go back; we miss it already. It is good to be home and we will be meeting our new grand-son for the first time tomorrow and that we are most looking forward to and there is much to do ahead of us. The B&B diary is filling already and 2017 promises to be a busy year. So if you have, thank you for reading this. If you haven’t, well what can I say? What I can say is, if you haven’t been yet and get the opportunity, go see for yourself.

THE END

2 notes · View notes

jimbrown1940 · 5 years

Text

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE TABASCO SAUCE?

Thursday, July 25th, 20l9

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE TABASCO SAUCE?

Grandparents visiting day took me to Portland, Maine this past weekend to spend time with my two oldest grandsons. The highlight of the trip was of course hanging out with the boys and attending their various camp activities. But second on my list was to partake and enjoy Maine seafood, particularly the bountiful supply of lobster. Now coming from the Bayou State with the best seafood in the nation, my standards are high. And with all due respect to the fine folks in Maine, I was disappointed.

My first food stop was for a lobster roll at one of the seafood joints that are on every corner. Now a lobster roll is simply a hotdog bun filled with lobster meat with a little mayonnaise on top. Sure, the lobster meat was tasty, but the roll needed spicing up a bit. So like any other hungry Louisianan would do, I asked for some Tabasco sauce. “Don’t have any,” I was told. I received the same response at several other seafood stops.

The lesson here is that our yankee friends don’t know how to spice up their seafood. It is often rather bland. Seafood and hot sauce go hand in hand down here where I live. And Tabasco is the gold standard when it comes to condiments. I was in northern Thailand a few years ago eating lunch at an outdoor cafe with dirt floors along the Cambodian border, and when my rice dish was served, included was the Tabasco sauce. But I couldn’t find it in Maine.

I first learned about Tabasco sauce in a rather unpleasant way back in 1972. I was a newly elected state senator and one of my first proposed new laws was to create a Louisiana cancer registry. The Bayou State has what has been called “cancer ally” along the Mississippi River south of Baton Rouge. My proposal was to direct the Department of Hospitals to put in place a monitoring system to try and determine what was causing such high incidences of cancer.

When I spoke before the Senate to lobby for my suggested legislation, I told my colleagues: “We really do not know what is causing such a high rate of cancer. Maybe it’s in the air along the river, perhaps it’s in the water, or maybe it’s something we eat. For all I know, it could be the Tabasco sauce.” As the President would say, my mistake was HUGE.

Remember now, I was a redneck legislator from Ferriday, and back then we did not spice up our food that much. Not having used Tabasco sauce, I honestly thought the name was generic, like mustard or ketchup. I had no idea Tabasco was a popular brand name.

Later that night, I was asleep in my apartment at the Pentagon Barracks when the phone rang. It was a state trooper stationed at the governor’s mansion, and he told me a Mr. Walter Mcllhenny was desperately trying to get in touch with me. I immediately called him and it would be an understatement to say he was upset. I explained that I genuinely thought the brand was generic and I profusely apologized.

I told him I would stand up in the Senate the next day, explain my regrets and try to clarify my mistake. “Oh no,” he admonished. “That could only make things worse. Let’s just let it be.” So we did, I learned a good lesson, and have become a Tabasco aficionado ever sense. I often carry a small Tabasco sauce bottle as I travel, particularly in “bland, food seasoning free zones” like Maine and the West Coast.

Louisiana has to be considered the spice capitol of the nation. Whether we cook with the holy trinity of spices (onions, bell pepper and celery) or blend in garlic, bay leaves thyme and stewed tomatoes, it’s the herbs, spices and other special flavors that make the Bayou State unique when it comes to succulent cooking. But of all the ingredients, it’s the hot sauce that really brings out the taste. And despite my faux pas many years ago, this redneck has become a convert. Hey, pass me the Tabasco sauce.

Peace and Justice

Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownusa.com. You can also hear Jim’s nationally syndicated radio show each Sunday morning from 9:00 am till 11:00 am Central Time on the Genesis Radio Network, with a live stream at http://www.jimbrownusa.com.

0 notes

trippinglynet · 5 years

Text

Burning Man Grows Up

Can the nation's premier underground event survive its success?

by Brian Doherty

It's the week before Labor Day, and you're on your way to a party held in the widest expanse of pure nothing in the lower United States--150 square miles of dry, cracked clay in Nevada's Black Rock Desert near the tumbleweed town of Gerlach. Since the event is taking place on land owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), your hosts have had to pay for an official environmental assessment that objectively describes your destination: "The environment for the proposed action contains no true soils; surface or ground water; vegetation; wildlife; threatened or endangered species; wild horses; paleontology; solid or hazardous waste material; wilderness; or cultural resources." The most prominent words on your admission ticket read, "You voluntarily assume the risk of seriousinjury or death by attending."

WAVE OF BURNING MAN-RELATED DRUG ARRESTS WON'T GO TO TRIAL

Brian Doherty|10.31.18

BURNING MAN ATTORNEY THREATENS BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS OVER TRAFFIC STOPS

Brian Doherty|8.27.18

HOW A SAN FRANCISCO BEACH BURN SET THE WORLD AFLAME

Brian Doherty|5.03.18