Oscar is angry about carlos situation and his Miami GP result so y/n helps him relax (maybe a handjob,maybe Smut..you chose)

the city that keeps the roof blazing ~ oscar piastri

| warning ~ smut, degrading language. MDNI

Y/N’s heart thrums in her chest, an anxious sweat pooling across her back under her corset dress. Oscar’s not doing well, having taken a hit from the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and losing his front wing as a result. He’d had to pit, finding himself in last, only in front of Logan who’d already DNFed. Her nails are bitten up, rough on the edges. She can hope and pray for at least a points finish, even if it’s just one or two, but at this point, the whole situation is looking rather dire.

If Oscar doesn’t already despise Carlos, he certainly does now. 

In the final few laps, the team instructs Oscar to basically not pull anything stupid and risk Lando getting his first win. It’s honestly offensive of them, as if Oscar has ever done something to sabotage anyone else in any circumstances. In anything, the McLaren team should be focusing on getting a penalty awarded to Carlos for his shitty stunt against Piastri or figuring out why the fuck Donald Trump is in their garage.

When a McLaren passes the chequered flag first, Y/N can’t even feel happy for Lando. She just feels fucked over for her boyfriend who’s being perfectly polite and mature over the radio but is gonna be absolutely destroyed once he’s out of shot from all the cameras and media. 

He’d been leading the race at one point, and now he’s having his first out of points finish of the year in 13th. Stupid Carlos, stupid fucking Carlos. Y/N looks around the rest of the garage at everyone jumping around and cheering for the brit’s win. She keeps her headset on, smiling politely as Oscar would be if he were here. She can’t muster up any excitement, so she’ll fake the bare minimum.

She navigates her way through flocks of commentators and team members as she attempts to find her boyfriend. “Oscar?” She has to crane her neck, searching for a papaya race suit that isn’t the one being showered in praises. As two men who tower over her push past, she bends her arm tighter to keep her bag in the junction of her elbow and close to her. 

“Y/N,” A tired voice calls out, Oscar tugging his balaclava off with one hand. “I’m not crazy right? You say that- that was all Carlos,” He pants, wiping a line of sweat that’s gathered over his top lip. Y/N rubs his cheek, applying pressure to where the outline from his helmet is especially dark. 

She nods, her hand squeezing his bicep through the thick material of his race suit. “Completely baby, you were doing so good.” She’s about to tell him that she was convinced today would be his first race win before her mind reminds her that telling him that isn’t going to make him feel better, in fact he’d probably feel even more shitty that she was expecting a win for him and he ‘let her down’.

He drops his head into his hands, letting out a noise that’s halfway between a sigh and a whine. “What is his problem with me? Because if it’s genuinely got to do with Lando and I being mates,” He groans, shaking his head in disbelief. “Just can’t deal with this right now,”

Before she knows it, Oscar’s being whisked away from her to be weighed and then dragged through endless interviews and media tasks. It’s the absolute last thing he wants to be doing, which is just going to make him more irritated and upset tonight. 

Y/N has to come up with something to cheer him up.

Something certainly. 

At the end of interviews, when they’re finally allowed to head home, Y/N slips her hand into Oscar’s, squeezing each of his individual fingers as she aligns the time of their feet hitting the floor. He just hums plainly, instead of laughing along with each pinch she gives to his digits. “Do you wanna talk about it?” Her tone is soft as they get into the car, Oscar’s eyebrows furrowed as he clicks his seatbelt in.

Oscar doesn’t need to be offered twice as he immediately shoots off into a rant. “He’s just so immature, he’s almost 30 and driving a 23 year old in his second year off the track. Each time I get blamed for it.” He starts the car, his eyes hyper focused on the road ahead as he just aimlessly insults Carlos. “I mean- he’s just an absolute idiot. I meant it when I asked if he was blind because in what reality did I deserve a penalty and he deserved a spot change?” 

Y/N keeps her eyes on him, watching as the muscles of his neck flex and tense, his cheeks getting hot, the veins in his hands becoming infinitely more defined as he grips the steering wheel. She’s ashamed of how turned on it makes her, seeing him like this. Maybe that’s exactly what he needs tonight though.

“And-and, fuck, he’s just soo desperate for another Carlando podium that he’s willing to drive me into a fucking wall just so he can stand on the top step with his precious Lando,” He mocks him, positively seeing red. “I’ve considered Logan my best mate for years longer than those two have known each other yet you don’t see me risking all of Carlos’ races so Logan can get a fucking point,” The swears are just spilling out of his mouth at this point, sounding like a second nature to a degree.

Her hand meets his thigh, rubbing it tenderly as a way to calm him down. “Keep going Osc, just let it all out,” Her voice is thick, warm, and sweet like honey. It’s exactly what he needs right now. He needs her next to him, needs her voice in his ear. 

Needs her hands on him.

“I just think he’s an entitled brat who doesn’t deserve a seat,” It’s harsh, but it’s coming straight from the heart. “I’m glad Ferrari dropped him,” It’s said accompanied with a long, drawn out sigh. He’s relieved, finally able to have gotten that all out.

Yet, there’s still a bugging sense of dissatisfaction deep in his bones that he knows he won’t get from continuously insulting the spaniard. Luckily for Oscar, he’s just about pulling into the hotel valet. 

With a single look at Y/N, he conveys everything he wants when they get to their hotel room, and lucky for him- she wants the exact same.

They maintain a sense of decorum in the elevator ride up, which can’t be said about each time Oscar has a bad race. Example, the 2023 Belgian grand prix. After his DNF, his mouth had been attached to her neck and his hands on her breasts the second the elevator doors shut. 

It had been a very awkward situation to apologise for after a family of four with two very young kids had entered the lift five flights before their hotel room.

But back to now, the second their hotel door clicks shut behind them, Y/N’s taunting him over to the bed with chaste kisses on his cheeks, each one just narrowly avoiding his lips. “You’re a crazy tease, you know that?” He groans, lacing his fingers into her hair and pulling her in for a kiss as they reach the bed. 

She replies with an ignorant shrug and a careless smirk, “It’s fun- getting you all riled up. Makes me feel like Carlos,”

Oscar’s touch sears hot against her skin, his glare even worse. “Don’t fucking mention him in our bedroom,” It’s barely a hiss, but it’s enough of a warning to keep her in line. Instead, she decides to take action on him. Her fingers drag along the hem of his polo, tantalising slowly. She doesn’t need to wonder why that is, it's the same as when he does it along the zippers of her dresses or buttons of her blouses. 

She wants him to beg for it.

“Please,” The heat between her legs is near unbearable from how desperate he sounds, and her thighs chafe from how she’s kept them squeezed together as an attempt to relieve some of the ache of her cunt. “Y/N, I need you,” 

The tips of her fingers jut down to splay across the bulge in his shorts, applying some sort of pressure to the spot. He groans, grabbing her wrist and pushing down harder so she’s fully palming him. He sits on the edge of the bed, looking all pretty and desperate just for her as she continues her ‘massaging’. “You’ll get it Osc, I promise,”

His legs are nudged apart by her hands as she sinks down to her knees in front of him. His eyes light up, his lips red and bitten up from how he’s been chewing down to keep in his whiny noises and begs. Her fingers expertly undo his shorts, poking him so he’ll lift his hips so she can pull the pants and his boxers down in one go. 

His cock doesn’t hit up against his stomach when his tight boxers are removed, instead just lays heavy between his muscular thighs. Truly a sight to be seen. “So hard,” Y/N marvels, gently sliding her cupped hand up and down his length. One pump, two pumps. “And needy,” He looks up at him through her lashes to where his bottom lip is tucked under his teeth and his cheeks are flaming red. 

Oscar bucks his hops forward instinctively, chasing the high of how good her hand, or mouth preferably, feels. He’s lucky when she doesn’t make him wait too long before she grants his wish, opening her mouth, flattening her tongue, and taking the majority of his length into her mouth. 

Y/N’s toes curl in an attempt to remove her somewhat of a gag reflex she has. Today, she wants to take him as deep as she can and make him feel as good as possible. It’s deeper than she was expecting, which is definitely a win in her books. Pulling back slightly, she focuses on the head for the time being.

A string of praises spill past his lips, “Fuck, yes, so so good.” His hand snakes into hold her hair, keeping her head in place as he gradually goes deeper. “Taking me so good, sucking me off like an angel,” Her lips stretch around his thickness, her eyes void of any emotion beyond lust as she stares up at him. 

Y/N’s tongue glides back and forth along the underside of his cock, disgustingly loud sucking noises filling up the entire hotel room. He cups her cheek, his thumb dragging along the bulging of her cheek. His hips inch forward, his cock stuffing her mouth full and moving towards doing the same for her throat. 

Y/N feels insanely good, and maybe even too good. Panic fills her head, what if Oscar’s still thinking about pleasuring her over himself. It’s typical Oscar, catering each sexual experience to prioritise her and her pleasure, even if it means he doesn’t cum as quickly as expected. Steadying her hands on his thighs,she pulls back gradually, “Fuck my mouth,” It’s not a question, suggestion, or even request. 

It’s a straight up demand.

“What, why?” His voice is more broken and weak than she’d expected. Hers is too, but that’s to be assumed when someone has a cock prodding the back of their throat. 

“Because I'm giving you head to make you feel good. This isn’t about my pleasure Osc,” Her voice is absolutely ruined and will likely be even worse by the end of this. Y/N cuts him off before he can begin to protest, which once again, she knows he will. “No but-s Oscar, just fuck my face,” He gives into the carnal desire as his hips begin to snap back and forth, burying into her throat. 

Drool spills out over her bottom lip and down her chin, her mind fuzzy without another tangible thought besides giving Oscar the best blowjob possible. Her jaw is aching but it’s ignored as she solely cares about getting him to orgasm. He huffs and groans, continuously sending praises mixed with harsh insults of calling her a slut and a whore as he gets more shallow with his thrusts, clearly very much so on edge.

She takes advantage of his situation, suckling solely on the sensitive tip as he warns her that he’s “So close Y/N, I’m ‘bout to cum,” The fact that she doesn’t budge or show any signs of slowing down tells Oscar enough. With three pumps of her hand on his cock, he’s spilling out into the wet heat of her mouth. As if time and consciousness is slipping further from her, his index and middle fingers tap her cheek to get her to pull off, then again to tell her to swallow.

Her jaw goes lax to show the proof that she did what he told her to as he takes his shirt off, gently wiping a mixture of cum and drool off her chin. Her eyes fight so hard to focus on the glorious sight of his toned abdomen and well filled in muscles as he cleans her up, but she’s so overwhelmed by the pleasure that she not only gave, but genuinely got from that experience. 

Oscar scoops Y/N up onto the bed, arranging her under the sheets so he can cuddle up against her, his chest to her back and his arms slung loosely around her stomach. “That was perfect,” He murmured, pecking at her cheek and ear as a further thank you.

Her throat does indeed ache, but it’s a worthy pain. “You’re not as upset about what happened with Car-” She can’t even finish the spanish ferrari’s name or her question before her boyfriend has his hand squished over her mouth.

“No saying his name,” He shakes his head, tutting disapprovingly. “But yes, I feel much better. Thank you babe,”

Flavor Text Highlights - Mirage

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Funny - Pacifism

For the first time in his life, Grakk felt a little warm and fuzzy inside.

Funny - Elixir of Vitality

“Eternal life or your money back.” —Unnamed Suq'Ata merchant, deceased

Emotional - Reign of Terror

“I don’t know what takes them; they die around me without time to scream.” —Scout Ekemet, final journal

Worldbuilding - The entire Love Song of Night and Day* *which I will put under a line break because it's super long AND I want to repost content from a Wizards article which is no longer available

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The full poem, taken from the article of the same name originally posted in 2003 on the wizards website (here) with footnotes explaining which cards quote it.:

Love Song of Night and Day by Jenny Scott

He (Night) / She (Day)

Wrap yourself in your best bright clothes, your red and purple scarves of silk. Run with me to the festival, where we will dance until sunrise. The dwarves will beat their funny drums of zebra skins and hollowed trees, while stiltwalkers perform, and the musician blows his bamboo flute.

And late in the night, the poets and storytellers entertain, delight us with their dancing words, as we listen, clapping by the fire. Enchant me with your tale-telling. Tell about Tree, Grass, River, and Wind. Tell why Truth must fight with Falsehood, and why Truth will always win.1

I will tell my father's stories: how the giant mantis fooled Death by holding still as a felled tree; how the elephants trampled the leopard cub, and its father, though he knew, killed nine goats instead;2 how pirates gambled with a djinn and lost the thing more dear than gold.3

Tonight we'll eat a farewell feast. Cold corn porridge is not enough. Let's peel papayas, pineapples, and mangoes, drink coconut milk, and bake bananas.4 We'll dine on crocodiles, wild birds, and turtles, perhaps a hippopotamus--if only you can catch it first.

I'll build a palace made of stone. Two hippo-headed guards will serve, and tigers carry in your meals. I'll capture flying zebras for your steeds, and fill the stable with every kind of unicorn.5 Butterflies and salamanders will decorate your garden.

I'll strand long strings of beads for you, blue, the color only kings may wear. I'll carve a soapstone lioness, a wooden box to lock it in, girded with sapphire amulets, ostrich feathers, ivory. These things will protect you while I'm gone, remind you of my love for you.6

Your voice resounds like a songbird's, every word is a sweet, soft song. When you run you're graceful and swift, sleek as a powerful panther.7 Mysterious chameleon, you're a thousand women at once, sharp and strong as a lioness, yet gentle as a striped gazelle.

On this our last day together, let us walk across the grasslands. Hold my hand and let's walk slowly, seeing everything as children. Let's walk on the Daraja Plains, where leopards hang from trees, dosing, tasseled tails swaying in the shade, near villages of tree-dwelling elves.

Glorious, to walk again across the savannah with my beloved. A lion walks commandingly, a general among his troops, camped the night before a battle. A snake, colorful and coiled, loops around his bough, mischievous, hanging over the village path.

We'll find termites in their nests, hard tall towers above the plains, and point-eared cats, taking their turns, guarding their many entrances. We'll find the basket-nests of birds hanging from the acacia tree. Rhinoceroses and dragons for once will let us walk in peace.

When lightning tears the sky's dark cloak and heaven's bird beats the water on the muddy plains with its big wings, termites and frogs escape their homes toward the lamps in the nearest village. Spiders dry themselves indoors, the spotted lizards that never fall from ceilings suddenly appear.

In the forest, fires light the sky as the black clouds unfold their weight.8. The black-and-white sacred monkey holds her children to her, and waits.9 Love, like lightning hits suddenly. It sparks the heart with blows of light, its fire extending, bends, expands, beats and breaks your hiding places.

* * *

Remember when we were children, herding the sheep together, leading them over the grassy hills with long sticks. Your silly songs made me laugh, and in the evening, you'd enchant me with your stories, lying on your back beside me. Even then my heart was yours.

I remember your sacred rites. You were so funny, so grown up, so stiff and serious, all arms and elbows. You went in a girl, but you returned a warrior. You marched back with the others-- your hair was cut, your eye tattooed with the red triangle of war.10

Tomorrow I must go, my love. I will tattoo my head with braids. My shield will bear a shining sun so you will always be with me. Inlaid with gold, it will shine like glowing embers.11 I will return with lizard skins for your sandals. Paint your eyes black and wait for me.12

I am the sun, you are the moon. Wherever you lead I will go, following across the wide sky, as long as I live and you love. Sun follows Moon until she tires, then carries her until she's strong and runs ahead of him again.13 I'll carry you, too, my beloved.

My love, we are not Sun and Moon. Instead we are like day and night. The old ones say Day is a woman, who works only while it is light. She herds her goats and catches fish, fills her fields with golden corn, shows her children what is just and protects them from the cobra.

Day loves Night, who works in darkness, walking through heaven's milky sky collecting stars with his quick arms, piling them into a basket like a child collecting lizards and piling them into her pot until the pot overflows with lizards, 'til the basket overflows with light.

Night wears a black cloak lined with fire, studded inside with gleaming stars. At dawn and dusk he spies his love. Across the rolling hills of sky, they glimpse each other--so briefly. They throw each other kisses, cry. Their tears spill over Jamuraa. Mixed with blood, they wash everything red.14

But once, with a magician's help, Time was stopped and Day stood still.15 Night spread over Jamuraa, wrapped Day in his dark cloak and held her. In their miraculous embrace, the two became as One. Until pulled from Day's arms, Night sank, commanded by the western horizon that always beckons him to come.

I won't give up hope, my love.

Our love is like the river in the summer season of long rains: For a little while it spilled its banks, flooding the crops in the fields.16 But soon it will evaporate with the dry heat. Like Day from Night, I'll live my life apart from you, just glimpsing you across the sky, because you cannot change, my dear, and nor can I.17

[1] "Enchant me…" - Village Elder, Mirage [2] "I will tell my father's stories… how the elephants…" - Wild Elephant, Mirage [3] "…pirates…" - Kukemssa Pirates, Mirage [4] "Tonight…" - early harvest, Mirage and Sixth Edition [5] "I'll capture…" - Zebra Unicorn, Mirage (note that "flying" was changed to "gentle" on the card.) [6] "These things…" - Remedy, Visions and Sixth Edition [7] "When you run…" - Panther Warriors, Visions [8] "In the forest…" - Flare, Mirage [9] "The black-and-white…" - simoon, Visions [10] "…you returned a warrior… your hair was cut…" - Zhalfirin Knight, Mirage [11] "My shield…" - blinding light, Mirage [12] "I will return…" - Femeref Knight, Mirage [13] "Sun follows…" - Chariot of the Sun, Mirage [14] "Their tears…" - Mortal Wound, Visions [15] "But once…" - Sands of Time, Visions [16] "Our love…" - Summer Bloom, Visions [17] "Like Day from Night…" - Unfulfilled Desires, Mirage

Mixing it up a bit: what are some of the unique flower names, where only one character has been submitted with it?

I love your question. I picked the ones refering to real plants (and mushrooms they got a pass for this tournament) who were only used once (Ex : if 2 characters are named after the same plant, even if their names are different, none of them will be in this list - think Ran, Dendrobium and Orchid) because the list's already taking me forever

Disclaimer : I didn't include names such as Bulbasaur, Chloris, Myoudouin Itsuki (Cure Sunshine) and Ianthe/Iolanthe refering to non specific plants. Or imaginary plants for the matter (Mare, Elanor etc.)

Acerola, Shirona/Cynthia, Diantha, Gardenia, Grusha, Guzma, Hop, Kukui, Nemona, Plumeria, Elm, Magnolia, Sycamore from Pokémon

Aerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy VII (justification by a submitter : Irit is Hebrew for asphodel flower and FF7 has Jewish related themes)

Althea from The Lightless Trilogy

Amanita Nightshade from Monster High (other submitted characters are named Nightshade but there's no other Amanita so far)

Aspen Leger from The Selection

Amaryllis "Rilla" of Exile from The Penumbra Podcast

Arsène Lupin III from Lupin III

Artemisia of Naimes from Vespertine

Asami Sato from Legend of Korra

Ashfur, Brackenfur, Gorse Fur from Warrior Cats

Black Dahlia from Skullgirls

Blackberry from Watership Down

Bluebear, Coco, Broccolo, Pecan, Tangy from Animal Crossing

Boa Hancock from One Piece

Cagney Carnation from Cuphead

Clementine from The Walking Dead

Cornflower from Redwall

Crocus from Greek Mythology

Cure Papaya and Cure Passion from Precure

Fennel Marlborough from Camp Here and There

Flox Pollimon from Fairy Oak

Foxglove from The Sandman

Fujiwara Zakuro from Tokyo Mew Mew

Geranium from I Was a Teenage Exocolonist

Goldenrod from The Mapmakers Trilogy

Hisagi Shuhei from Bleach

Hortensia from Fire Emblem

Ivy Muscade from Leif & Thorn

Jambu, Pineapple, Tamarin from Wings of Fire

Katniss from The Hunger Games

Kobayashi Matcha, Masaoka Azuki from Vocaloid

Kurosaki Karin and Yuzu from Bleach

Lady Fuschia Groan from Gormenghast

Leuke, Myrrah from Greek Mythology

Midorikawa Lettuce from Tokyo Mew Mew

Mercury from RWBY

Mimosa Vermillon from Black Clover

Nepeta Lejion from Homestuck

Nettle from Seafire

Ogion and Vetch from Earthsea

Papyrus from Undertale

Potpourri from Heartcatch ! Precure

Prince Peasley from Super Mario

Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) from Marvel's Fantastic Four

Natsume Ryuu from Paradox Live

Sash Lilac from Freedom Planet

Solanum from Outer Wilds

Sorrel from The Darkest Part of the Forest

Strelitzia from Kingdom Hearts

Tamar Kir-Bataar from the Grishaverse books

Tech-Acquisitor Scaevola from Warhammer 40,000 : Mechanicus

Thorn Estragon from Leif & Thorn

Honda Thoru from Fruits Basket

Twenty-Fifth Bam from Tower of God

Venus McFlytrap from Monster High

Viney from The Owl House

Yorigami Joon from Touhou Project

Zinnia from Pokemon (well now I have other Zinnias and probably a few other characters with the same names that the ones here but I nearly have 1400 submissions and it takes time to go through them and explanations for the ones I don't know the language of.

Ah and special mention to The Cabbage Man from Avatar : The Last Airbender. Look, I've never seen ATLA (I'm not into anime and not much into animation generally speaking) and neither has the submitter but I have to accept this one. I mean everyone knows this guy.

Encantober - Head Pats

If Bruno had his wits about him, he might have seen his fate as he entered the kitchen. 

If his head wasn't pounding with a sharp, unrelenting ache and the mid-morning sun wasn't so aggressively bright, he might have seen Mirabel's small fist held in suspension over the coffee cup, might have seen her pudgy fingers splay wide as they released a mountain of salt into the already opaque grey liquid. If his mind hadn't been clouded with anxious thoughts of the future and its impending collision with the present, he might have heard Camilo bickering loudly with his prima-partner-in-crime about whether their concoction required precisely one or two pinches of cayenne seeds. Indeed, if he'd gotten even a smidge more than a mere hour's rest, he might have registered the faint bite of vinegar still lingering in the air, rising from damp puddles where the clumsy dexterity of the children had occasionally overshot the cup as they prepared their very own magic potion—a potent poison to ward off the evil spirit they'd heard the townspeople say prowled among them in their Casita.  

As it was, he was neither clear headed nor alert nor rested, and so he wandered into the clutches of his cruel fate without even an inkling. 

"Morning," Bruno murmured, his words blurring at the edges. 

Mirabel and Camilo's heads shot up from where they bent together over the cup, backs ramrod straight and hands behind their backs.

"Buenas, Tío Bruno," they said in unison, a sweet chorus of innocence. 

Bruno rubbed one eye roughly and cracked the other open enough to see the cup, now abandoned in the center of the kitchen island. 

"Ah look at that, you kids saved a cuppa coffee for your old Tío?"

They looked up at him with wide eyes. Camilo nodded his head ever so slightly and Mirabel bit her lip. Bruno didn't think much of it. He probably looked a ragged mess, frightening to anyone, really.

"You're good kids," he rasped, patting them both on the head as he swept past, scooping up the cup as he went. He heaved a deep sigh as dragged himself out the kitchen doorway, back toward his tower. 

"Milo," Mirabel hissed loudly, leaning toward her cousin, eyes huge behind her glasses. "But that's is supposed to be for the monster!"

Camilo hushed her and looked around quickly. It even hears your dreams, the townspeople had said.

Mirabel leaned even closer. "But Milooo, is it going to give Tío poisonous in his body and make him died?!"

"No, dummy, that's ony papaya seeds," he shot back, but he gave one last uncertain glance toward the courtyard. 

"Phew," she sighed, slumping back onto her stool with relief. "Good thing we didn't added those yet."

Just then, a great cloud of sputtering and cursing erupted from the top of the courtyard stairs, echoing with bouncing resonance around the previously quiet walls. Camilo and Mirabel bolted from their seats, giggling behind muffling hands as they followed a path of clanking, quivering tiles that Casita furnished along their escape route. 

Amazon: Palo Alto Trek

The morning after my trip, I woke up early enough to make it to the dining room for breakfast, after extraditing a huge cockroach from my room. I ate some tiny slices of bread with butter and jam, with fried plantain and orange slices on the side. I also managed to take down half a cup of coffee splashed with some mystery milk from a tin can with a hole pierced in the top – probably condensed milk. I farewelled the Puerto Rican family who were leaving the jungle today, and then went back to my room to rest again for a few more hours until it was lunchtime. When I woke again and showered, I was shocked at how manageable the temperature was after the rain. It had removed so much humidity from the air and was no longer sweltering hot. Lunch was little medallions of beef (they told us it was snake at first), with rice, yuka potato, and watermelon. After lunch Rodrigo and I headed out to Palo Alto for the day. This was meant as an overnight trip but I didn’t want to go camping feeling so weak so I asked if we could do it as a day trip. Old reliable had been fitted with an engine and had life vests strapped to the seats to make it a little more comfortable for the journey over the river. Our first stop was Santa Maria de Fatima, a more developed town in the rainforest with nicer buildings and even satellite dishes on the houses. Rodrigo took me on a walking tour and showed me plantains, papaya, huge limes, and tumbo the Peruvian giant passionfruit growing on the trees. We then walked about 40 minutes through the jungle to the campsite where I was glad to not be staying. We saw some monkeys on the way, a lot of fire ants, and a couple butterflies. At the campsite there was a boat full of rainwater that Rodrigo scooped out so that we could continue our journey. He paddled us slowly down a little lagoon with seemingly black water. It was beautiful and quiet, with just the sounds of birds chirping as we floated down. We went as far as possible in the boat before the water was too shallow and we then had to get out and squelch our way through the shallows to reach the bank. About 10 minutes later we arrived at the viewpoint tower which overlooks the lowlands and swamp area with a wide view, Rodrigo said there are giant caimans and a lot of other predtors in that area and he wouldn’t want to venture out there too far for his own safety. Thew view was impressive but the black lagoon canoe ride was truly the highlight. We paddled backwards to get back to the campsite and I had a great view, I was lucky to see a tiny monkey run on a branch all the way out to the water until it saw us, got a fright, and ran away. We then trekked the 40 minutes back to old reliable for a nice sunset ride back to Maniti Camp and dinner of the pineapple chicken, rice, fried plantains, and orange halves. I packed up most of my bag ready for departure tomorrow while the lights were on and then went to leave a tip in the tip box for the kitchen staff. The tip box was covered in ants and I wondered if they would eat it before they unlocked it and took the tips. I laid down for another early night and dreamed about my next few nights in Iquitos with air conditioning, and a much more comfortable mattress and pillow that would help the intense pain I was getting in my legs and back every time I slept here.

“This has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women, and that dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground!”

We had a 20 minute delay while changing disks of The Two Towers. It’s the halfway point of the marathon, so time to get up and stretch. Had a walk around the house, played with the cat, then prepped some sandwiches for tea time.

(Aragorn has just spilled burning hot stew on his lap and had to stoneface it in front of Eowyn.)

Tea is: cucumber sandwiches with dill spread, lemon meringues made by my friend, and some papaya passionfruit tea with honey.

Brand: View-Master Packet Title: Florida Booklet Title: View-Master Presents Florida Booklet Subtitle: The Peninsula State Date: 1955

Note: When reading the booklet descriptions, please remember that these booklets are old (most are 65+ years old) and the information and history presented in them as factual may be inaccurate, outdated, and in some cases, offensive.

Booklet Introduction Description: Ponce de Leon really missed a bet. He landed near St. Augustine one April in 1513 in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth, then sailed away! During the 1940-1950 decade, 600,000 people from other states moved to Florida convinced that they had found what Ponce de Leon had overlooked. Their fountain of youth consists of basking in the Florida sun acquiring that native tan, sailing and fishing in the warm waters that lap the nation's longest coastline, and sleeping under subtropical stars in a night cooled by the trade winds.

Florida Facts and Figures When Ponce de Leon landed on the Florida coast it was Easter Sunday which in Spanish is Pascua florida, hence "Florida". The State Flower is the Orange Blossom; the State Bird is the Mocking-bird; the Tree is the Cabbage or Sabal Palm; the Song is "The Swanee River" by Stephen Foster; and the Motto is the same as that found on all U. S. coins, "In God We Trust." Almost twice as many vacationers and winter guests visit the state of Florida as live there. The income from the 5 million tourists, $930 million is the state's largest single source of income. A combination of all year sunshine and plentiful rainfall has resulted in Florida's world leadership in oranges. Over half the nation's and a quarter of the world's supply of oranges are grown in the state. Most of the nation's winter vegetables come from Florida truck gardens, and in south Florida tropical fruits are grown - avocado, mango, guava, papaya, litchi fruit, and coconuts. Hotel-keeping must be the state's leading industry, but it also leads the nation in cigar making, sponge harvesting and phosphate mining. The largest cigar factory in the world is in Jacksonville. Every spring, baseball comes to Florida. Twelve of the sixteen major league teams plus 77 minor league teams hold spring training here.

The State and Its People Florida has an area of 58,560 square miles and is 21st in size among the states. It has the longest coastline, 2,077 miles. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Florida Straits on the south separates it from Cuba; the Gulf of Mexico washes its western shores; and Alabama and Georgia lie north. Only Delaware and Louisiana lie lower than Florida whose average elevation is 100 feet. The highest point in the state is 325 feet at Iron Mountain upon which is built the famous Bok Singing Tower. The southern tip of the state is Everglade country where the land is so low that it appears as small hummocks or patches of grass growing out of swampy water. Everglades National Park is located here. The 1950 population of Florida was 2,711,305, ranking twentieth among the states. It is the fastest growing state east of the Rockies having increased its popular 46.1% from 1940 to 1950. Famous Floridians include: Osceola, the great Seminole Indian war chief who was never defeated but finally tricked into imprisonment; John Gorrie, of Apalachicola, inventor of mechanical refrigeration; Marjorie Kinnar Rawlings, whose Pulitzer prize novel, The Yearling” dealt with the Florida backwoods; and Joseph W. "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell, commander of the China-Burma-India Theater of War.

Highlights of History After discovering Florida, Ponce de Leon landed two shiploads of colonists at Charlotte Harbor in 1521, but constant clashes with the Indians resulted in his death and the abandonment of the colony. Tales of fabulous cities of gold (which were not to spring up until the 20th century) lured other Spanish explorers. Hernando de Soto landed in the Tampa area in 1539 to begin a four year march. Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Captain General of the Spanish treasure fleets, came to Florida in 1565 to found St. Augustine and a line of posts from Tampa Bay to Port Royal, South Carolina. After the British captured Havana, Cuba, in 1763, Spain agreed to trade Florida for the Cuban capital. But after the American Revolution, the British were squeezed in by the new United States and Spanish strongholds to the south. They ceded Florida to Spain from whom the United States bought it in 1819 for $5 million. With the creation of the Florida Territory in 1822 came Indian trouble. The Seven-Year Seminole Wars ending in 1842 cost the lives of 1,500 American soldiers but brought eventual peace paving the way for statehood which was granted on March 3, 1845.

Ninh Binh's Enchantment and Morning Glory's Gastronomy

Exploring Ninh Binh's Enchantment:

Ninh Binh, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Vietnam, beckons travelers with its mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin your adventure by Ninh Binh delving into the natural wonders of Tam Coc, where emerald rice paddies and limestone karsts create a breathtaking tableau. Embark on a leisurely boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, winding through caves and past lush countryside, immersing yourself in the serenity of this tranquil haven.

For a glimpse into Vietnam's ancient past, visit Hoa Lu, the country's first capital city. Explore the remnants of royal palaces and temples dating back to the Dinh and Le dynasties, marveling at the intricate architecture and rich history that permeates the site.

Continue your journey to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Cruise along the winding waterways, flanked by towering limestone cliffs and verdant forests, and discover hidden grottoes and ancient pagodas nestled amidst the natural splendor.

Savoring Morning Glory's Gastronomy:

No visit to Ninh Binh would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights of Morning Glory Restaurant. Named after the iconic Vietnamese vegetable, this charming eatery offers a tantalizing array of dishes that celebrate the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Begin your gastronomic journey with a refreshing papaya salad, bursting with vibrant colors and zesty flavors. Then, savor the aromatic delights of a steaming bowl of pho, fragrant with spices and brimming with tender slices of beef or chicken. For a taste of something truly special, sample the restaurant's signature dishes, such as crispy banh xeo or succulent caramelized fish.

As you dine amidst the cozy ambiance of Morning Glory Restaurant, you'll be treated to a culinary experience that is as unforgettable as it is delicious. With its warm hospitality and commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this beloved eatery invites you to savor the true essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Conclusion: From the natural wonders of Ninh Binh to the culinary delights of Morning Glory Restaurant, Vietnam offers a sensory journey like no other. Whether you're exploring ancient temples or indulging in street food delicacies, each experience promises to leave a lasting impression, inviting you to return and discover more of this enchanting country's treasures.

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Papaya womens short sleeve top size S.

Notes from 26.3.24

Every time we write, all we are doing is showcasing the energy of right now. Like pictures in a museum. But whatever hangs on the walls can easily change overnight...

I pay the same entree fee (resistance) every time. Even though it's the same museum. I'm tired of paying.

Deep down, I know the way out of here and I think, I'm going to follow it all the way home.

I had a big lunch and that's it. Ravioli, papaya and then biscuits and ice cream. I'm not drinking that much water. I don't want to use the toilet anymore. I'm detaching from this body, but we'll see how it goes. I don't know if all these micro-decisions matter, but it feels like they do. They matter because it is how the energy is deciding to manifest itself, in the form of cause and effect. You can play or not, I guess I'm choosing to. This is how I want to 'know'.

I didn't do much today. I listened to music. I read a book called Normal People. It was good, I related to a lot of it. And also I didn't, because I only related to the character's experiences, after I read the book. So if I never observed and acknowledged it myself first without being told, is it real? No. I know it was just an idea I absorbed for a few hours. This happens to me all the time. I go through life and I don't know anything. There are just things that are happening and then I see something appearing in bold, and I reach for it. Everything is available to us at all times, and we choose what to make relevant. I am something Source saw in italics and decided for awhile, to pretend that it was me. At the same time, reaching out for things in bold or italics or underline or whatever, is also not really accurately describing it. None of that happens, and all of it is happening.

There is this sort of calm that has overtaken. I know I am that ninja that sneaks into the museum at night and changes the pictures... I'm no longer the security guard that arrives for work in the morning and looks around in shock. I'm still playing of course, but in a way, I've become stone cold. I don't know how long it will last. But right now I wonder if anyone can see that behind the laughter and smiles, I am unmoved and still as a cat. l feel things but I seem to discard it readily, opting to march onward to something silent and hidden. I don't know.

The recall will happen suddenly, like my dream with the falling tower. I don't want any build up. Knowing me, I would abuse that sense of momentum and back away. Even when I know I would be the one doing it, I don't want a roller coaster. Just bring it down.

Exploring the Mekong Bobtail Cat Breed: A Unique Addition to Your Family

Introduction to Mekong Bobtail Cat Breeds

Originating from the ancient temple cats of Thailand, the Mekong bobtail is a recently developed breed with a rich history. Initially bred by Buddhist monks, these cats resided in temples, where they were cared for by pilgrims and monks. Through generations, a distinctive genetic mutation led to the development of a naturally shortened tail. In the 1980s, breeders introduced the Mekong bobtail by crossing these temple cats with existing bobtail breeds, resulting in a captivating fusion of Siamese elegance and bobtailed charm.

Characteristics and Appearance of the Mekong Bobtail

Mekong bobtails are medium-sized shorthaired cats, weighing between 6-10 lbs. With a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and slanted blue eyes, their appearance exudes grace. The short, soft, and silky coat comes in various colors such as seal, blue, lilac, and fawn. The most distinguishing feature is their stubby tail, approximately 1/3 the length of a normal cat's tail. Despite this, Mekong bobtails maintain excellent balance and agility.

Temperament and Popularity

These cats possess an energetic and friendly personality, forming deep bonds with their human families. Their high energy levels are complemented by a gentle nature, making them patient companions for children. Mekong bobtails thrive on human interaction, displaying moderate vocalization through soft chirps and meows. Intelligent yet occasionally stubborn during training, they make affectionate and entertaining family pets.

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Coat Colors: Seal, blue, lilac, fawn

Mixed Breed: Developed by crossing native temple cats with Western bobtail breeds like the Japanese Bobtail and Kurilian Bobtail.

Caring for a Mekong Bobtail Cat Breed

Food:

High-quality canned or dry cat food with animal-based protein.

Wet food for added moisture and urinary tract health.

Occasional treats of cooked meat, fish, or eggs.

Environment:

Provide safe outdoor access or a stimulating indoor environment.

Include cat towers, scratching posts, and interactive toys.

Grooming:

Weekly brushing to remove loose hair.

Regular nail trimming, ear and teeth checks.

Care Methods:

Engage in daily interactive play and training sessions.

Consider an enclosed outdoor space or leashed walks.

Adopting a Mekong Bobtail Cat

Popular Regions:

Europe, North America, Japan

Average Price:

$400 – $600 USD

Adoption/Rescue:

Mekong Bobtail Rescue (USA), Bobtailed Cat Rescue (UK), Bobtail Cat Adoptions (Canada)

What to Check Before Adoption:

General health and weight

Current vaccination records

Prior medical conditions

Preparing for a Mekong Bobtail Cat

Home Preparation:

Allow time for adjustment to the new environment.

Cat-proof the home by removing potential hazards.

Supplies:

Stock up on food, litter, scratching posts, treats, and grooming tools.

Find a trusted vet and schedule a wellness exam within the first week.

Playtime and Training:

Spend quality playtime using interactive toys.

Be patient with training and expect initial stubbornness.

Essentials for Mekong Bobtail Cat Care Include:

Premium cat food, auto-feeder, and water fountain

Litter box, cat scratching posts, and toys

Grooming tools like nail clippers, brush, toothbrush

Cat carrier for safe travel

Common Health Issues to Watch For:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Dental disease

Urinary crystals

Diabetes

Core Vaccines:

Kitten series (FVRCP)

Rabies

Feline leukemia (FeLV)

Annual boosters

Choosing a Name for Your Mekong Bobtail:

Thai-inspired names (Rama, Siam, Songkhla, Phuket)

Mythological names (Loki, Athena, Apollo)

Food-inspired names (Mango, Papaya, Boba)

Nature names (River, Forest, Willow)

Traditional cat names (Felix, Luna, Oscar)

Human names (Charlie, Lucy, Oliver)

Welcoming a Mekong bobtail into your family promises years of devoted companionship and joy.

Best Offers of This Week!

Embark on a week-long odyssey of excitement and savings with WhatsOn! Dive into a world of extraordinary offers, from indulgent dining to rejuvenating wellness experiences. Unearth offers that promise unforgettable moments and unmatched value. Don't miss out – start your adventure with WhatsOn now! Papaya offers a three-course Sri Lankan meal for £19.95, together with a drink Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Papaya, a family-run gem in West London. For over 23 years, they've been delighting curry lovers with a rich tapestry of flavors. Enjoy this culinary journey with an exclusive Timeout offer: Menu Highlights: - Starters: Onion Bhaji, Uridu Vadai, Chicken Tikka - Main Course: Masala Dosai, Roti Canai with Chicken Curry (or Mixed Vegetable Curry), Chicken (or Vegetable) Kothu String Hopper - Dessert: Indian Pistachio Kulfi - Drinks: Cobra Draught Beer (Pint), Glass of House Wine (125ml), Soft Drink Important Details: - Valid for three courses and a drink at Papaya - Availability: Mon to Thu and Sun: 4:30 pm - 7 pm; Fri to Sat: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm - To redeem, email booking confirmation to [email protected] with preferred date and time, ensuring clear voucher, security code, and QR code. - Present voucher upon arrival. - Reservations may be subject to a 90-minute return time (60 mins for Fri & Sat). - Voucher valid until January 31, 2024. - Menu subject to change. - A 12.5% service charge may be added. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Sri Lanka at Papaya and savor an unforgettable dining experience. Oktoberfest Brixton is returning, with admission only £5 Get ready for a Bavarian extravaganza at Oktoberfest Brixton, with authentic German food, music, and comedy, along with renowned German beers—all for just £5! Don't miss this grand debut in London. Event Highlights: - Hearty German food, lively music, and uproarious comedy - German beers from Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Becks - Ticket price: £5 (down from £20) Event Details: - Date and Time: October 28, 2023, from 1 pm to 8 pm - Location: Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RJ - Age Restriction: 18 and over Additional Information: - This ticket is valid for Oktoberfest Brixton 2023 on the selected date and time. - Please present your booking confirmation at the box office upon arrival. Tickets for The Addams Family Annual Halloween Rave are available for £10 Wednesday Addams hosts an annual Halloween Rave in a secret Hackney warehouse. This event promises a spooky party with a unique dance-off and a tribute to viral dance scenes celebrating the unusual. Dress in your most enchantingly eerie costumes for a night of eerie fun! Event Highlights: - Dress in your most enchantingly eerie costumes - Located in the heart of East London Event Details: - Date and Time: October 28, 2023, 9:30 pm - 2:30 am - Location: Hackney Bridge, Units 1-28, Echo Building, E Bay Lane, London E15 2SJ Additional Information: - This ticket grants entry to the Addams Family Annual Halloween Rave at the Secret Hackney Wick Warehouse. - Age Restriction: 18 and over. - Start Time: 9 pm. End Time: 2 am. Early arrival recommended to reduce queue time. - Each ticket allows one entry before 1 am. - Please present booking confirmation, the card used for purchase, and valid ID (passport, driving license, or GOV-approved ID) upon arrival. - Attendees must follow venue's entrance guidelines, including Halloween attire. - Adherence to all venue's guidelines, encompassing age restrictions, Halloween dress code, and intoxication rules, is mandatory. Entrance to the Twisted Wonderland Halloween Festival is just £10. Experience an immersive journey into a dark wonderland. Encounter scare actors, towering props, sweet treats, and confetti showers, all to the beats of world-class DJs like Max Denham, Predz, DJ SEMO, and more. Get ready for an electrifying night! Event Highlights: - Live performance by B Young - Scare actors, world-class DJs, tasty treats, and more - Ticket price: £10 Event Details: - Date and Time: October 31, 2023, 9 pm - 3 am - Location: Indigo at The O2, 205 Peninsula Square, London SE10 0ES Additional Information: - This ticket grants entry to the Twisted Wonderland Halloween Festival at Indigo at The O2. - Age Restriction: 18 and over. - Start Time: 9 pm. End Time: 2 am. Early arrival recommended. - Each ticket allows one entry before 1 am. - Please present booking confirmation, the card used for purchase, and valid ID (passport, driving license, or GOV-approved ID) upon arrival. - Attendees must follow venue's entrance guidelines, including Halloween attire. - Adherence to all venue's guidelines, encompassing age restrictions, Halloween dress code, and intoxication rules, is mandatory. Read the full article

TOKYO - - - - - - - - EBISU -Hainan Jeefan Shokudo (singapore chicken & rice) -Chinese Cafe 8 (cheap lunch) -Blue Papaya (cheap lunch) -Afuri healthy ramen restaurant -Ebisu Bahn Mi sandwhiches -Falafel Bros -Yebisu beer museum (500 yen includes 2 beers) -Tokyo Photographic Museum -Parasitological Museum (free) -Ta-im (Israeli food) 
 NAKA MEGURO -Nakame no teppen honten Izakaya (expensive) -Onibus Coffee -Fukuho Gyoza (very cheap) -Kiyosugi standing bar -Colloseo Italian restaurant -Baja Mexian Take out (cheap) -Junakdelic Mexican Food (3000 yen) -Breakfast Club (american breakfast) -Bells Hotdog -8 Pizza -Hatos BBQ meat (expensive) -Berry/ Just Another Space (cool secret gaijin bar 3rd floor) -Locale Tokyo (organic) -Niigata Sanpō-tei Tokyo Lab Nakameguro 
 JIYUGAOKA -New new york club deli GAIKUGEIDAIGAKU -Sunny Boy Books (zines) -Higuma Doughnuts 
 DAIKANYAMA -DooWop Daikanyama (chicken burger) -Pizza Slice -Tsutaya T-Site magazine shop -Log Road shop road -Mina Perhonen fancy clothes -Okura traditional clothing -Maison Kitsune clothes 
 SHIBUYA -Commune Takobar Parco Mexican food -Risotto curry restaurant -Shibuya Crossing -Mandarake manga -Loft department store -Miyashita park -Eggs n things -World breakfast -Harrys Sandwhich Company -Takenostuka (bar diner) -3 Coin Bar (cheap) -Beat Cafe bar (THE ONE) -Tasu Ichi bar -DJ Bar Oath -Hanbey izakaya -Ko Chan izakaya -Bar Trench -Nondoko 209 -Wayback Burgers -Swig Bar -The Nuts Exchange (vegan) 
 OMOTE SANDO -Taro Okamoto museum (620 yen) 
 HARUJUKU -Sama Curry -SmokeHouse BBQ -Takeshita Street shop road -Kiddy Land -Purikura Land Noa photo booth -World breakfast -MOMA art design shop -Dog cafe -Yoyogi park -Meiji Jingu temple -Sakuratei okonomiyaki -Jins Glasses (glasses shop) -Menchirashi (udon) SHINJUKU -Shinjuku Gyoen park -Sekaido art supply shop -Fukuho Gyoza (very cheap) -Alley tapioca -Gong Cha tapioca -Momo Paradise sukiyaki restaurant (3000 yen) -Mannen Ya fashion -8 Bit Cafe -Shot Bar zoeotrope -Vagabond shinjuku 
 SHIN OKUBO -Nene Chicken (Korean chain) -Mash Bros (pie shop) 
 UENO -Ueno Park -Ueno Zoo (600 yen) -Ueno National Museum -Tomato fabric shop 
 ASAKUSA -Asakusa local burger AZABUJUBAN -Soul food house -Sukha Latin food 
 AKIHABARA -Manga shops -Sex shops 
 TOKYO STATION -Park -National museum MOMAT (500 yen) -Imperial Palace 
 ROPPONGI -Hainan Jeefan Shokudo (singapore chicken & rice) -Mori art museum -Tokyo Tower -Brew Dog bar -Mercer Brunch (expensive) -Havana Cafe (diner bar) -Geronimo (shot bar) -Falafel Bros -Gon Pachi (Kill Bill bar) 
 GINZA -Kagari ramen 
 ODAIBA -Team Lab (3000 yen) -Gundam 
 SHIMOKITAZAWA -Rojiura samurai curry restaurant -Ghibli Cafe -Captain’s Donut -Flippers pancakes -Bio ojiiyan restaurant -Trouble Peach bar -Marvel bar -Waffle cafe orange tea -Good Heavens british pub -El Caracol mexican food -Miyoshino sake bar -Umeshu bar -Stick up (clothes) -Grizzly (clothes) -Desert Snow (clothes) 
 YOYOGI UEHARA -Anda Gyoza restaurant -Commune Press zine shop 
 SANGENJAYA -A Bridge restaurant -Borrachos -Dar Roiseau SETAGAYA -Seatagaya art museum -Saigon Kamimachi 
 KICHIJOJI -Ghibli museum (must book in advance) -Inokashira Park -Inokashira Park Zoo -Cafe Russia Restaurant -Cave Frog Shop -Cat cafe -Avril No Mise yarn specialist -Home Planet restaurant -Ramen Maji 
 NAKANO -Manga district -Broadway -Taco Che Alt Manga Shop 
 OTSUKA -Bar Speakeasy 
 KOENJI -Faith Koenji Gallery -Hattifnatt cute cafe -Sound Studio Dom Koenji -Jirokichi Live House 
 IKEBUKURO -Sunshine City -Aquarium (2000 yen) -Shops -Pokemon Center shop -Snoopy Charlie Brown shop 
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - KYOTO -Arishiyama -Arishiyama Monkey Park -Ki Kyoto (Lebanese food) -Muraya Kyoto (cool bar) -Nakagawa Liquor Store -Public Tavern Tsubame Hall 大衆酒場つばめホール CHEAP DAY TRIPS -Mount Takao -Kamakura -Kawagoe Saitama DAY TRIPS -Hakone -Atami -Nikko 
 CHAIN RESTAURANTS -Saizeriya (italian) -Hub (british pub) -Torikizoku (izakaya/wetherspoons style) -Mos Burger -Sushiro -Hamazushi (sushi) -8 Pizza -Pizza Slice 
 GALLERIES -Gyle art gallery harujuku -Voillld -Scai the bath house -Shibafu -Anagra art gallery -Otsuka -Adachi -Ohara el greco -Tokyo art book fair 
 CLUBS -Harlem -Atom -Oath shibuya -A Life -WWW 
 TOP PLACES/THINGS TO DO: -Shibuya/Yamashita Park/Harujuku/Meiji Jingu/Yoyogi (You can walk between these) -Shimokitazawa Rojiura samurai curry is the best Get desserts at Captains Donut and Shirohige Ghibli cafe -Kichijoji Go Inokashira Park and Ghibli museum -Mount Takao Get nature see monkeys

Nazca Lines to Huacachina

For an older hotel without anyone who spoke English, the free breakfast was pretty good. There was a break basket and spreads, with coffee and a freshly blended juice of pineapple and papaya. I was in my room when the phone rang and the tour guide was already here asking me if I was ready to go early. Since it was early I figured I could go do the flight over Nazca lines and then come back and pack my bag so I went downstairs and got in the car, Jean-Luc was already waiting in it. We drove out to the tiny airport in Nazca, the driver dropped us off and we were passed to another guide who took our passports and weighed us on the scale, and then charged us the tax. Jean-Luc was ushered through the security and I had to wait for another plane. I talked to the guide who said there used to be 12 companies offering Nazca lines flights before Covid, now there are only 4 left. The owners of 2 companies died of Covid and others simply could not stay afloat financially. I waited and waited and it became clear that they’d picked me up an hour early, yet had no intention of putting me on an earlier flight since they were telling me I needed to wait for the rest of my group to arrive – I don’t have a group! I booked it myself online! I argued with them a bit since their delay meant I would be late back to my hotel for check out and I still had to pack since they took my extra hour of time in the morning away from me. Reluctantly they put me on the next flight with an American couple, Brazilian guy, Chinese girl, and a Canadian girl called Celina. Our guide Diego got our headsets ready and we took to the air in the 8 seater Cessna 207A Matricula for our flight over the Nazca lines. It was around 30 minutes all up from departure to landing back at the airport. We circled over each of the line drawings in the sand so the passengers on both sides of the plane could see them and take photos. It was very impressive, especially since they have stayed so well preserved throughout time. The flight did make me feel a little bit ill, I hadn’t taken my Dramamine pill before leaving the hotel since they rushed me and I forgot. The Brazilian guy sitting beside me felt even worse though and I saw him have to use the sick bag and then do the walk of shame to throw it away in the bin on the tarmac. I was able to be driven back to the hotel right away and the man at reception this time could speak a little English and told me not to worry and take my time to pack up and check out. I then headed to Mom’s Café as this would be the pick up point for travelling onwards to Huacachina this afternoon. I bought a coffee and empanada for lunch and sat with Celina to eat it, we got chatting with a couple from Belgium who were sitting at the table beside us, Maxim and Sarah, and the time quickly passed. Celina and I split a slice of carrot cake since we still needed to wait for Jean-Luc to arrive even though our driver was outside and waiting to go. When he finally showed up at the café, we were off at breakneck speed towards Huacachina. There was a short stop at the Nazca lines viewing tower and then we were trapped in construction traffic. Our driver drove us up as far as he could on the wrong side of the road, and then took us offroad in the sprinter van through potato fields and across a river. He dropped me off pretty close to where my hotel was even though it wasn’t the official drop off, he beamed a huge smile when I gave him a couple of dollars as a tip. I went for a walk down to the oasis right after I’d checked in, it was sandy but cool now that the sun was setting. I signed up for my sandboarding/dune buggy tour for tomorrow and then rented a board that I could pick up the next day. For dinner I treated myself to a burger with chunky chips at Huaca Fucking China, the patty tasted like Indian or Middle Eastern spices which was very unique. On my walk back I saw Jean-Luc sitting at an Italian restaurant and he had just got his pizza for dinner after waiting about an hour. We exchanged numbers and then I left him to his pizza and headed back to the hotel

Best Places To Visit In Jodhpur

Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City” for the striking blue color of many of its buildings, is a popular tourist destination and Best Places To Visit In Jodhpur . This city boasts a rich history, culture, and architecture, and visitors can catch a glimpse into the royal history of the region through its magnificent palaces. Several palaces are located here that showcase the opulent lifestyle of the royals.

The second-largest city in the Rajasthan state, Jodhpur is known for its magnificent forts, towering palaces, lively bazaars and picturesque lakes. The city is located in the Thar Desert. The homes painted in blue that surround the Mehrangarh Fort have earned the city the moniker “Blue City.” Jodhpur’s primary attraction is the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort, which is a must-see location for tourists. Discover more about the top attractions in Jodhpur.

Top 10 places to visit in Jodhpur-

Mehrangarh Fort- The Mehrangarh Fort is an architectural marvel in the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. This fort ranks among the largest in India and enjoys a reputation as one of the most impressive fortifications in the country. The Mehrangarh Fort rises vertically and impregnably on a hill that rises 125 metres above the skyline of Jodhpur. The historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is full of history and legends. The fort houses numerous palaces, temples and galleries furnished with rare artefacts and furnishings from the Rajput period. The fort’s exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, ornate windows, and the walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal are famous attractions. Visitors can explore the numerous structures of the fort while admiring its majesty. Anyone who appreciates the splendour of Rajput culture must visit the Mehrangarh Fort. Visit Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Umaid Bhawan Palace – Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, is one of the world’s largest private residences. Maharaja Umaid Singh built this palace in 1929, and it is a magnificent blend of traditional Rajasthani and Western styles. The palace comprises of three parts – a grand palace, a luxurious hotel, and a museum. It is named one of the largest private residences globally, with 347 rooms. Visitors can explore the luxurious hotel and the museum while admiring the palace’s grandeur. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations, and the museum exhibits artifacts, portraits, and other memorabilia that chronicle the history of the royal family. Visiting The Umaid Bhawan is an experience that you will cherish forever. Visit Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Jodhpur Government Museum – Jodhpur Government Museum, Jodhpur is the main cultural and archaeological museum of the city. It is located in the Umaid Public Garden and was established in 1951. The museum showcases an extensive collection of miniature paintings and portraits of rulers, textiles, weapons, and local art and crafts along with the manuscripts and images of the Jain Tirthankaras and other relics. museum visit timing is 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Closed on Fridays

Chamunda Mata Temple – The Chamunda Mata Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Chamuna Mata Temple is located at the end of Meheranrarh Fort and is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in Jodhpur. Rao Jodha founded this temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple’s surroundings feature beautiful gardens, making it a popular tourist attraction. Thousands of devotees come here to ask for the blessings of Goddess Chamunda and to find peace and tranquility. This temple visit timing is 5.00 am to 9.00 pm

Balsamand Lake – In 1159 AD, Balak Rao Pratihar constructed Balsamand Lake, and it is located 5 kilometers away from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot. They built the Balsamand Lake Palace on the shore of the lake as a summer palace. Lush green gardens, featuring groves of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava, and plum, surround the lake. Animals and birds like the jackal and peacock are call this place home.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park – In 2006, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park project created in an attempt to restore the natural ecology of a large, rocky wasteland next to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. This prak spreads over 72 hectares. The park has around 250 species of native plants, including a large number of arid region lithophytes and is also a popular tourist attraction. visit timing is April to September – 7 am to 6:30 pm and October to March – 8 am to 5:30 pm

Ranisar padamsar lake – This lake was built in 1459 and one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur city. Ranisar Lake was built on orders of Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha’s wife while Padmasar Lake was ordered by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar.The most interesting sight for a sightseer in this city attraction will be the scene of the spectacular sunrise from the back of Fort Mehrangarh and the sunset from the other side of the range.The serene surroundings by the water and the stunning view of the nearby fort are likely to capture you.

Jaswant Thada – Jaswant Thada is a brilliant example of India’s architectural wonders. It sits beside a lake just a little away from the Mehrangarh Fort. Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur constructed Jaswant thada in 1899 in memory of his father, Jaswant Singh I, who was a former ruler of the city. The cenotaph is built out of intricately carved sheets of Makrana marble. This location in Jodhpur is a must-see for its alluring beauty, serene surroundings, breathtaking views, and a sizable collection of paintings and portraits of Jodhpur kings.

Mandore Gardens – Mandore Garden is a beautiful tourist spot near Jodhpur which is 9 kms far away from the main city. Mandore Garden is one of the best tourist spots in Jodhpur. The lawn, Royal cenotaphs, Hall of Heroes, a Temple of 33 crore gods, Government Museum are the major attractions of Mandore Garden, all depicting the rich cultural heritage of the princely state. Spending time in this garden will be relaxing and pleasant in a good atmosphere. never miss this place on your sightseeing list in Jodhpur Visit Timings: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Kaylana Lake – Kaylana Lake is located 8 km west of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India . The most beautiful thing is this lake is an artificial lake built by Pratap Singh in 1872. The beauty of the lake stays with you long after you’ve experienced it. It is a popular place for birdwatching, boating, and viewing the most ethereal sunsets.

you are sure to come back from the city with some wonderful memories that you can cherish for life. Plan your trip with Dhanvi tour for your journey make memories.

Just a few minutes later, and he had a small pancake tower for him and a decently sized bowl of fruit salad, with Papaya making most of it

CHARLES: "perfect! Henry, I got you food!"