#// the monastery brick rocks Huge......

[knighteclipsed]

If you want to try talking to the brat, feel free to send an ask or something anytime before the board ends! (Just make it clear somehow you're interacting with the kid and not the adult lol) You can also. like. send me the word 'tooth' I guess and I'll answer with him interacting with your muse instead!! Probably something short without any biting involved (unless you want him to bite your muse? idk.) Don't mind the word choice, that's just the first thing that came to mind lmao

Full annotated design beneath the cut fdsnjfksdn

Age: ~13 years old. (i basically shaved off a good couple decades of life experience) His worldview hasn't changed much, it just looks a bit different because he's tiny and puny and not strong!!

Other Notes:

His hair is still really long! It's only shoulder-length hair here because his parents make him cut it. Keep that shit out of your eyes, boy!

Uhhhh his eyes are only yellow! That was my default for him anyway because that's what you see in his FE8 official art and his in-game sprites, but Heroes blued them so I said "fuck it. why not both?" I marked the change to happen post-Jehanna though, so now they're just yellow (not beating the fake morph allegations /lh)

Old man face. Crow's feet. They were always there he's just like that idk what else to tell you :person_shrugging:

green is his favorite color :]

I could flip a coin to decide which parent sewed on the green trim onto his tunic, but it's not that serious fr. He'll tell me eventually (maybe) (probably), but it was a parent!

Belt for attaching useful things! When he's not carrying around hunting gear though, it just has his dagger. because he's small and would like to keep himself strapped at all times /lh

Bows are kinda da BOMB bro!! Draws with his right hand; he keeps his left forearm strapped so he can pick up a bow and arrow and fire at a moment's notice.

since he's still in his 'living with family' era his brother can show up in his recent memory again omg <3 (he's the little ipad kid in the drawing) (he's not an ipad kid) (he's only about 2 and a half years younger than valter)

Makes strong opinions on people WICKEDLY fast. Piss him off and he will hate you forever!!!!

okay bye thank you for coming to my TedTalk <3

edit: OH YEAH I WANTED TO INCLUDE HOW HIS HEIGHT COMPARED get clowned kid (affectionate)

(he's now the same height as these two^^)

[myhauntedsalem]

Borley Rectory

The Borley Rectory is a haunted mansion in Essex that became infamous as the most haunted place in England. Today, it doesn’t exist because it burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances in 1939.

The remains of the Victorian mansion known as Borley Rectory are located in a small village near the town of Sudbury in Essex. It was built in 1862 on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery. Before the Rectory was constructed, the area was already believed to be haunted by the ghost of a nun. Many villagers claimed they had seen her sorrowful figure strolling along a path they called Nun’s Walk.

According to the legend, the nun had fallen head over heels in love with a monk who lived in the monastery at Borley. When their affair was discovered, the two lovers tried to elope together but they were quickly caught and dragged kicking and screaming back to Borley. The monk was executed and the nun was bricked up alive within the monastery’s cellar walls.

The first occupant of Borley Rectory was the Reverend Henry Bull and his family. Unexplained footsteps were heard in the house at night, guests were often startled by the figure of a woman peering in at them through the windows of the Rectory and shadowy figures were seen in the children’s bedrooms. The Reverend’s four daughters all claimed they saw the ghost of a nun near the house one evening. When they went closer and tried to talk to her, they said she disappeared.

In 1929, the Rectory was taken over by the Reverend Guy Smith and his wife. One day, soon after moving in, Mrs. Smith was cleaning out a cupboard when she came across a brown paper package. Inside, she was horrified to find the skull of a young woman. At night, they heard strange footsteps and were convinced that they had seen the apparition of a phantom coach driven by two headless horsemen racing up the Rectory drive.

Frightened by the unexplained events, the Smiths contacted a local newspaper which arranged for a paranormal investigator named Harry Price to visit the place and try to get to the bottom of what was going on. They began to experience poltergeist activity. Vases and other objects were smashed, rocks and stones were thrown around the rooms and they heard tapping on a mirror that sounded like a ghost was trying to communicate with them. It was all too much for the Smiths and they left after only two years.

The Rectory became the home of the Reverend Lionel Foyster, his wife Marianne and their adopted daughter Adelaide. As soon as the family moved in, the paranormal phenomena took a turn for the worse. Objects inexplicably disappeared and were later found in other parts of the house, furniture was overturned, bells rang of their own accord, windows mysteriously shattered, stones flew across the room and bottles smashed on the floor.

The ghost seemed to become obsessed with the rector’s young wife. She was thrown out of her bed at night by a mysterious force and slapped by invisible hands. She often had objects thrown at her and was once almost suffocated with a mattress. At one point she acquired a black eye. Another terrifying event happened when little Adelaide was trapped in a room and unable to open the door, even though it did not have a lock. She was later attacked by an evil presence, which she could only describe as something horrible.

Even more bizarre were the messages which began to appear scrawled on the walls of the house. They were all addressed to Marianne and appeared even while eyewitnesses were watching. Most of the messages were little more than scribbles and made no sense, but one of them read, “Marianne, please help get” and another was, “Marianne light mass prayers.”

In desperation, Reverend Foyster tried to conduct an exorcism, but his efforts were fruitless. Harry price decided to put an advertisement out in the paper looking for volunteers to assist him in a thorough investigation of the Rectory. He received a huge number or replied and chose 48 people to help him.

Using a Ouija board, they managed to contact a spirit who called herself Marie Lairre. Speaking from beyond the grave, she said that, in life, she had been a nun in France but had left her convent and traveled to England to marry a man named Henry Waldegrave. Once there, her husband had strangled her and buried her remains in the cellar.

After doing some research, they found out that there was a wealthy man who had lived in the area in the 17th century and his name was Henry Waldegrave.

Months later, they succeeded in contacting another spirit who called himself Sunex Amures. He said that the rectory would burn down that night at 9 o’clock and the bones of a murdered person would be revealed in the ruins. After waiting the time that night, nothing had happened.

Borley Rectory did not burn that night, but exactly 11 months later in 1939. The building accidentally caught fire. The flames spread quickly and the Rectory was burned to the ground. Henry Price returned to Borley Rectory again in 1943 and after digging in the ruins, he discovered the bones of a young woman buried in the cellar alongside a medal of Saint Ignatius.

The bones were given a Christian burial in an attempt to end the haunting. However, it does not seem to have worked. Supernatural happenings are still reported from the site of the ruins of Borely Rectory and the nearby churchyard.

Will the ghost of Marie Lairre ever find peace or is she doomed to haunt the site of her murder for all eternity?

[annhellsing]

Aw snap you got any seteth headcanons for us? Nsfw maybe? 👀💚

* read this and then send me stuff!!  ↳  gender neutral reader.

♡  seteth forgot he could feel romantic attraction after so long with only platonic love. it’s not that he’s unwilling to love others romantically or that he resents his long stint as father-and-friend-only, he just doesn’t realize initially that he can feel that way about you

♡  your persistence is what draws him to you, and the revelation that you are more than just a friend to him is as thrilling as it is terrifying. he doesn’t know how to behave, it’s been so long since he loved someone like this

♡  of course, persistence in your terms means low and slow. you understand that he’s overwhelmed and unsure, you respect the boundaries he sets up and you allow him to maintain a measure of distance initially

♡  it takes time for him to really feel safe having a lover in even the most non-sexual way, so sexual intimacy takes... a while

♡  he would want to marry you before engaging in really heavy sex-based activity. it’s just part of who he is, he would want to pledge his soul to you before pledging his body

♡  but i mean, even he’s not so immature as to deny himself that kind of intimacy entirely before marriage. it’s not a huge part of relationships for him, the few that he’s had, but he wants to know about you like that

♡  he wants to learn what you like and how to please you. and it’s an endless shock to him that you want to do the same

♡  no one has seen him naked or touched him gently like that for literally hundreds of years. he freezes up the first time, unsure of what to do and you have to stop early on so he can catch his breath

♡  but he always wants to continue. he wants to push through and remind himself that he’s loved and worthy of that kind of attention. you go slow, staring with non-erogenous zones and working your way over his upper body

♡  you avoid the scars and marks, he has quite a few, and stick to places that won’t make him seize up. of course, along the way you discover sensitive spots that he forgot he even had

♡  his neck is so sensitive and no one’s brushed it with their fingers in ages. a moan bubbles up in his throat and it’s everything in him to bite it back. but then you kiss him, softly, and ask if he would mind not doing that

♡  he won’t be able to in garreg mach, just because of what he associates with the monastery. but after the war? if he’s alone with you in a little inn somewhere far from there? he’ll be more open to it

♡  his moans are more like reedy sighs, with not a lot of body behind them. he’s out of practice and blushing brick-red, barely making any noise. but to him, it’s so loud and embarrassing

♡  until you kiss him and tell him he sounds lovely. that makes him shiver and moan again. he has a praise kink a mile wide and needs you to recognize that he’s trying his best. and for you to confirm that his best is good enough? it’s like heaven

♡  he likes it when you hold him, funnily enough. his favourite position to fool around in before you tie the knot is him with his back to your chest and your arms around him

♡  it takes the pressure of being stared at the whole time away, and he can get used to what it’s like to be in someone’s arms again

♡  he gets louder and louder as you move lower, but he never goes above speaking volume. you remind him to tell you when he doesn’t like something, but he’s genuinely surprised to find that he really does love it all once he’s gotten used to the sensation of being touched

♡  you have to be careful with more obvious erogenous zones, though. he’s quite sensitive for lack of a better term and can easily be overstimulated. touching his cock through fabric is a good way for him to readjust to that kind of touch

♡  he lets you know when he’s ready for more, though, seteth is pretty reliable when he gets over his embarrassment. you’re two consenting adults and, for a reason he can’t fathom, you’ve decided he’s physically appealing. he has to accept that

♡  when you take his cock in your hand that first time, his head falls back on your shoulder. he whispers your name and gently rocks forward into your palm. you don’t move your wrist, letting him set the pace and get comfortable

♡  he swallows hard after a few minutes of adjustment and asks if you’ll please move. seteth has the best manners

♡  you kiss his cheek and indulge him, pumping him slow and easy until he’s sighing and asking for more. he gives you suggestions phrased like directions and you oblige time and again

♡  he really really likes body worship when it’s you, even if he’s out of practice. because he thinks he’s kinda meh, but you’re absolutely beautiful. he could lie out in a grassy field under the sun and love you for hours

♡  he’s not a king of oral, i’m sorry. he’s really bad at it at first, he doesn’t know where to put his tongue and might accidentally use a little bit of teeth. but he’ll kiss you over your underclothes to say sorry for it next time. and he enjoys practicing

♡  yeah, seteth just does his best in the early days to know your body and give you the pleasure you deserve. he isn’t always perfect, but you learn about each other over time and he only falls in love with you more

[anne-lister-adventures]

Monday, 10 February 1840

8 3/4

1 1/2

Dawdling writing bit of rough draft of note to Countess Panin snowy morning Reaumur 8 1/2º in my room at 9 a.m. – Breakfast at 10 in about 40 minutes – 

Hardly over before Colonel of the Engineers and Mrs. Gottman nice intelligent people called, and then Mr. Baehr, and then the General Gouverneur’s nephew and aide du camp Mr. Tolstoy and then the Prince de Georgia or properly Gurinsky so that it was 12 10/’’ by my watch (and as it appeared afterwards to be 3 hours instead of 2 1/2 hours too late) and 12 40/’’ by the day here the carriage having waited 3/4 hour – 

Mr. Tolstoy had met us the evening we spent chez la Princess Tcherkasky – And saw us (tho’ we knew nothing about it) when we drove to tea at Aleschkowo (vide p.[page] 10) and told George to desire our Courier to bring us here in the part of the Town where all the nobility lived and not take us to any of the Inns in the basse ville – Tolstoy a gentlemanly intelligent fast-French-speaking young man – 

Drove directly across the Oka (the verst-long bridge of boats taken away in the winters) a busy enough scene of laden traineaus and people – To all appearance terra-firma – Merely its valley-form to indicate the bed of the river – Drove straight to the Cathedral Church of St. Macaire – Lofty light and handsome rich handsome Iconostase and altar of solid silver given by the merchants that frequent the Fair which begins 15 July and lasts till 25 August O.S. – Large candelabra also en argent massif – Pavement of about 18 in.[inches] squared iron flags – Passed thro’ to the winter church in the large neat building the residence of the clergy at the back of the cathedral – The winter church a beautiful chapel covered vaulted roof painted in imitation of a lightly clouded sky – Effect warm and admirable – Here too rich, beautiful iconostase – Did not go to the Armenian church or Mahomedan Mosque – 

The Pechersky Ascension Monastery (in the background), where the Church of St. Macaire was located.

Then to the Governor’s apartments – Large handsome house – The bel étage on a forest of open arcades – Then along the Dvor (Gastinoi Dvor) – Went into one of the shops – Consisting one large room below and a small one and above a good sitting room, and a small bedroom? and a cabinet – This shop lets for 800/- for the whole time of the Fair – But there are still better situations which let for 1000/- - the frontage seemed to be 3 arcades on one side and 2 on the other – 

The merchants live in their shops – 2635 shops en pierre, and as was said afterwards chez le General Gouverneur 2600 en bois – All the pillars supporting the galleries of the Dvor are en fonte (cast iron) – And said the General Governor at dinner the length of the Dvor is just one English mile; and a person going into every shop and perfectly well knowing his way (so as not to go out of his way) will have walked 40 English miles at the end of his journey! 

Extraordinary ville de boutiques – Bazaar par excellance ou se fait un commerce qui valait l’année passé £8,000,000 said the General Gouverneur at dinner for he said the rouble ought to be 25/- per 1£ but Mr. Marc would certainly be right in giving only 21/- this depending upon circumstances – But said the Governor the merchants always cachent la valeur actuelle – One might add 1/2 to their statement ∴[therefore] instead of 8 millions one should say 12 millions Sterling! – Could not imagine why the merchants should try to hide the real amount of value – No reason for their doing so – It made no difference to them – But they always did hide it – 

Lower Bazaar in the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin (c. 1872)

The large handsome salle at the Governor’s apartments was intended by General Betancourt (a Spaniard the planner of the Dvor) for a Bourse – But no! That did not take – The merchants liked to settle an in their own private rooms; and some 8 or 10 millionaires in settling the price of the Tea, settled the price of every other article – People bought and sold according to the rate that should be fixed for the tea some much p.[per] c.[cent] without at all knowing what that would be till at the last – There were merchants that regularly bought tea to the amount of 6 or 8 millions, each! – The principal business is in tea, iron, and cotton –

On entering the winter church Tolstoy pointed to the height to which the waters rose in 1829 – Apparently about 3 ft.[feet] up the door-jamb – The damage done was considerable – But such a great rise was extraordinary – It had been once thought said the Governor (at dinner did not see him elsewhere today) to place the Dvor on the Kremlin Mountain (did Madame B-[Baehr] say it it was 75 or 175 ft.[feet] above the level of the rivers?) but this would not have suited the merchants – They could not have landed their merchandise with sufficient ease – Betancourt was was misinformed that the waters only rose 3 ft.[feet] above the present emplacement before its being raised but instead of raising 3 ft.[feet] it has been found necessary to raise 20 ft.[feet] in some places at an expense of 11,000,000/- but the present Emperor has been here twice and was so pleased with the Town ville, its situation, prospects &c. that he has taken it under his especial protection and spares no expense 17,000,000 more are now in progress of laying out in a large handsome house palace for the General Governor to be finished next summer (we saw it in the Kremlin) – 

One beautifully proportioned Corinthian columned salle de reception) – entrepôts – Sundry additional levellings (gigantic ones already done) the new chaussée &c. &c. the chaussée to be finished in 2 years from this time – Done as far as Vladimir, and part done here – Begins by a magnificent quay along the Oka – The quays here and cloaque can only be seen in summer – The ville on one side the Oka, the Dvor on the other and then the Volga – 

For the moment my idea of the ground and the junction of the 2 rivers is not nette (not quite clear) – But the ville as we looked from the Dvor and crossed the river is very picturesquely drawn in a long line along the high bank of the Oka crowned gits picturesque Kremlin – At the Kremlin, not a large enclosure, no cannon or sign of a fortress – 

Saw the new Cathedral built in the old style and in commemoration of the old venerable cathedral containing the tombs of many of the princes of Souzdal and of Cosma Minim Souk-Hourouky, the patriotic butcher, stirrer up of the people and Prince Pojarski who rid their country of the Poles (about A.D. 1612) – A copy of the banner of the patriot troops marched under (a virgin 1/2 length with an inscription in substance pour la foi et pour le roi) hangs up en face du tombeau de Minine or rather of the inscription for the tomb is just below in the catacombs substantial lofty brick vaults, 3 corresponding to nave and side aisles – On the chalky rock, and dry as possible – We walked thro’ them – 

This Cathedral lofty and handsome and très bien eclairée – The domed ceiling (the domes) in a blue pattern upon white (good effect) the side walls covered with fresco painting which contrasts well with the snow white polished scaglinola of the plain square huge Corinthian pillars that support the roof – The Iconostase rich as usual – 

The  Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin in Nizhny Novgorod. (image  © A.Savin, WikiCommons)

We peeped into the Military Hospital room for 550 – About 450 patients there – all cleanliness and neatness here as in the hospital for poor old people of both sexes, and in the maison des fous – About 15 or 20 men and as many women there in all? – No noise – All still and orderly as if the patients were as reasonable as their keepers – One of the men on our going up to his room (the rooms perhaps 5 yards + 4 yards) came to the door-window (a glass window iron barred in each door) and said in Russian very quietly Ah! Je croyais qu’il était le General Gouverneur, mais ce sont des vagabonds!” – Mr. Baehr had joined us in the Kremlin Cathedral and went with us to the Hospitals – Very civil and intelligent – It seems he is Procureur – 

It was now 3 by the Town clocks – Obliged to return – Home at 3 10/’’ – Dressed as quickly as we could – The carriage waited for us – At the Governor’s house at 4 1/4 or I think not later – The femme du General Gouverneur an agreeable, nice, good sort of aimable person – Dinner soon announced – Very nice good dinner soup and pâtés – A Marinade de Poisson – Round cotelettes de boeuf round a centre of spinach and little roast potatoes as big as marbles – Then Sterlet du Volga (stewed – Excellent garnished with pieces of lemon which one takes to correct the richness) then roast poulet or game and cucumbers handed round at the same time (salés) – Then a jelly – Then 2 plats of sweet meats (a large long excellent sort of plum and cherries), and then a little tumbler of chill-taken-off water in an empty glass saucer (nobody seems to wash anything but the mouth)and then retired to the salon – Coffee immediately – Sat a few minutes – Quite long enough for Madame B-[Baehr] evidently wished to retire to take her siesta, and said we should want repose – 

Home about 6 10/’’ – Sat slumbering dared not undress immediately for fear of anyone’s coming – Tea about 8 – Had Domna put away all my things and it is now 12 25/’’ by the Town clocks just as I have written so far – Snowing in the morning till about or after 11 – Afterwards fine – 

The 3 Lords Paget Clarence and 2 others were at the marriage of the Princess Marie and then here at the Fair last summer and afterwards with the Emperor at Borodino – 125,000 reviewed – 2 corps of the army – But very few of the guards there – The Lords P-[Paget] bought a great deal at the fair – Delighted with it – sorry they could not stay longer than 3 days – Promised to write to the B-s[Baehrs] but had not written – Mr. B-[Baehr] gave me a little set of views of the Dvor and promised me a feuille of the business done at the Fair last year – Very civil – 

Reaumur 10 1/2º in my room now at 12 1/2 tonight – Mr. Tolstoy said we had more than Reaumur -20 on Thursday night – Thinks we had even as much as Reaumur -25º - no greater cold here than Reaumur -30º to 35º - No greater in Siberia than Reaumur -40 and difficult to measure this – Mercury freezes did the Governor say at Reaumur -35º and spirit of wine only marks 3 or 4 degrees plus bas –

[symbols in the margin of the page:]         ✓c       ✓c       ✓c

[in the margin of the page:]             Gastinoi Dvor at Nijeni

[in the margin of the page:]            Nijni Gastinoi-Dvor

[in the margin of the page:]             Kremlin at Nijeni

[in the margin of the page:]             new cathedral service 1st dome in it 27 years ago

[in the margin of the page:]             Dinner chez le General Gouverneur

Page References:  SH:7/ML/E/24/0009  SH:7/ML/E/24/0010 SH:7/ML/E/24/0011

[mellifera38]

Mel’s Big Fantasy Place-Name Reference

So I’ve been doing lots of D&D world-building lately and I’ve kind of been putting together lists of words to help inspire new fantasy place names. I figured I’d share. These are helpful for naming towns, regions, landforms, roads, shops, and they’re also probably useful for coming up with surnames. This is LONG. There’s plenty more under the cut including a huge list of “fantasy sounding” word-parts. Enjoy!

Towns & Kingdoms

town, borough, city, hamlet, parish, township, village, villa, domain

kingdom, empire, nation, country, county, city-state, state, province, dominion

Town Name End Words (English flavored)

-ton, -ston, -caster, -dale, -den, -field, -gate, -glen, -ham, -holm, -hurst, -bar, -boro, -by, -cross, -kirk, -meade, -moore, -ville, -wich, -bee, -burg, -cester, -don, -lea, -mer, -rose, -wall, -worth, -berg, -burgh, -chase, -ly, -lin, -mor, -mere, -pool. -port, -stead, -stow, -strath, -side, -way, -berry, -bury, -chester, -haven, -mar, -mont, -ton, -wick, -meet, -heim, -hold, -hall, -point

Buildings & Places

castle, fort, palace, fortress, garrison, lodge, estate, hold, stronghold, tower, watchtower, palace, spire, citadel, bastion, court, manor, house

altar, chapel, abbey, shrine, temple, monastery, cathedral, sanctum, crypt, catacomb, tomb

orchard, arbor, vineyard, farm, farmstead, shire, garden, ranch

plaza, district, quarter, market, courtyard, inn, stables, tavern, blacksmith, forge, mine, mill, quarry, gallows, apothecary, college, bakery, clothier, library, guild house, bath house, pleasure house, brothel, jail, prison, dungeon, cellar, basement, attic, sewer, cistern

lookout, post, tradepost, camp, outpost, hovel, hideaway, lair, nook, watch, roost, respite, retreat, hostel, holdout, redoubt, perch, refuge, haven, alcove, haunt, knell, enclave, station, caravan, exchange, conclave

port, bridge, ferry, harbor, landing, jetty, wharf, berth, footbridge, dam, beacon, lighthouse, marina, dockyard, shipyard

road, street, way, row, lane, trail, corner, crossing, gate, junction, waygate, end, wall, crossroads,  barrier, bulwark, blockade, pavilion, avenue, promenade, alley, fork, route

Time & Direction

North, South, East, West, up, down, side, rise, fall, over, under

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, solstice, equanox, vernal, ever, never

dusk, dawn, dawnrise, morning, night, nightfall, evening, sundown, sunbreak, sunset

lunar, solar, sun, moon, star, eclipse

Geographical Terms

Cave, cavern, cenote, precipice, crevasse, crater, maar, chasm, ravine, trench, rift, pit

Cliff, bluff, crag, scarp, outcrop, stack, tor, falls, run, eyrie, aerie

Hill, mountain, volcano, knoll, hillock, downs, barrow, plateau, mesa, butte, pike, peak, mount, summit, horn, knob, pass, ridge, terrace, gap, point, rise, rim, range, view, vista, canyon, hogback, ledge, stair, descent

Valley, gulch, gully, vale, dale, dell, glen, hollow, grotto, gorge, bottoms, basin, knoll, combe

Meadow, grassland, field, pasture, steppe, veld, sward, lea, mead, fell, moor, moorland, heath, croft, paddock, boondock, prairie, acre, strath, heights, mount, belt

Woodlands, woods, forest, bush, bower, arbor, grove, weald, timberland, thicket, bosk, copse, coppice, underbrush, hinterland, park, jungle, rainforest, wilds, frontier, outskirts

Desert, dunes, playa, arroyo, chaparral, karst, salt flats, salt pan, oasis, spring, seep, tar pit, hot springs, fissure, steam vent, geyser, waste, wasteland, badland, brushland, dustbowl, scrubland

Ocean, sea, lake, pond, spring, tarn, mere, sluice, pool, coast, gulf, bay

Lagoon, cay, key, reef, atoll, shoal, tideland, tide flat, swale, cove, sandspit, strand, beach

Snowdrift, snowbank, permafrost, floe, hoar, rime, tundra, fjord, glacier, iceberg

River, stream, creek, brook, tributary, watersmeet, headwater, ford, levee, delta, estuary, firth, strait, narrows, channel, eddy, inlet, rapids, mouth, falls

Wetland, marsh, bog, fen, moor, bayou, glade, swamp, banks, span, wash, march, shallows, mire, morass, quag, quagmire, everglade, slough, lowland, sump, reach

Island, isle, peninsula, isthmus, bight, headland, promontory, cape, pointe, cape

More under the cut including: Color words, Animal/Monster related words, Rocks/Metals/Gems list, Foliage, People groups/types, Weather/Environment/ Elemental words, Man-made Items, Body Parts, Mechanical sounding words, a huge list of both pleasant and unpleasant Atmospheric Descriptors, and a huge list of Fantasy Word-parts.

Color Descriptions

Warm: red, scarlet, crimson, rusty, cerise, carmine, cinnabar, orange, vermillion, ochre, peach, salmon, saffron, yellow, gold, lemon, amber, pink, magenta, maroon, brown, sepia, burgundy, beige, tan, fuchsia, taupe

Cool: green, beryl, jade, evergreen, chartreuse, olive, viridian, celadon, blue, azure, navy, cerulean, turquoise, teal, cyan, cobalt, periwinkle, beryl, purple, violet, indigo, mauve, plum

Neutral: gray, silver, ashy, charcoal, slate, white, pearly, alabaster, ivory, black, ebony, jet

dark, dusky, pale, bleached, blotchy, bold, dappled, lustrous, faded, drab, milky, mottled, opaque, pastel, stained, subtle, ruddy, waxen, tinted, tinged, painted

Animal / Monster-Related Words

Bear, eagle, wolf, serpent, hawk, horse, goat, sheep, bull, raven, crow, dog, stag, rat, boar, lion, hare, owl, crane, goose, swan, otter, frog, toad, moth, bee, wasp, beetle, spider, slug, snail, leech, dragonfly, fish, trout, salmon, bass, crab, shell, dolphin, whale, eel, cod, haddock

Dragon, goblin, giant, wyvern, ghast, siren, lich, hag, ogre, wyrm, kraken

Talon, scale, tusk, hoof, mane, horn, fur, feather, fang, wing, whisker, bristle, paw, tail, beak, claw, web, quill, paw, maw, pelt, haunch, gill, fin,

Hive, honey, nest, burrow, den, hole, wallow

Rocks / Metals / Minerals

Gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper, platinum, iron, steel, tin, mithril, electrum, adamantite, quicksilver, fool’s gold, titanium

Diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, pearl, jade, jasper, onyx, citrine, aquamarine, turquoise, lapiz lazuli, amethyst, quartz, crystal, amber, jewel

Granite, shale, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, diorite, basalt, rhyolite, obsidian, glass

Earth, stone, clay, sand, silt, salt, mote, lode, vein, ore, ingot, coal, boulder, bedrock, crust, rubble, pebble, gravel, cobble, dust, clod, peat, muck mud, slip, loam, dirt, grit, scree, shard, flint, stalactite/mite

Trees / Plants / Flowers

Tree, ash, aspen, pine, birch, alder, willow, dogwood, oak, maple, walnut,  chestnut, cedar, mahogany, palm, beech, hickory, hemlock, cottonwood, hawthorn, sycamore, poplar, cypress, mangrove, elm, fir, spruce, yew

Branch, bough, bramble, gnarl, burr, tangle, thistle, briar, thorn, moss, bark, shrub, undergrowth, overgrowth, root, vine, bracken, reed, driftwood, coral, fern, berry, bamboo, nectar, petal, leaf, seed, clover, grass, grain, trunk, twig, canopy, cactus, weed, mushroom, fungus

Apple, olive, apricot, elderberry, coconut, sugar, rice, wheat, cotton, flax, barley, hops, onion, carrot, turnip, cabbage, squash, pumpkin, pepper

Flower, rose, lavender, lilac, jasmine, jonquil, marigold, carnelian, carnation, goldenrod, sage, wisteria, dahlia, nightshade, lily, daisy, daffodil, columbine, amaranth, crocus, buttercup, foxglove, iris, holly, hydrangea, orchid, snowdrop, hyacinth, tulip, yarrow, magnolia, honeysuckle, belladonna, lily pad, magnolia

People

Settler, Pilgrim, Pioneer, Merchant, Prospector, Maker, Surveyor, Mason, Overseer, Apprentice, Widow, Sailor, Miner, Blacksmith, Butcher, Baker, Brewer, Barkeep, Ferryman, Hangman, Gambler, Fisherman, Adventurer, Hero, Seeker, Hiker, Traveler, Crone

Mage, Magician, Summoner, Sorcerer, Wizard, Conjurer, Necromancer, 

King, Queen, Lord, Count, Baron, Guard, Soldier, Knight, Vindicator, Merchant, Crusader, Imperator, Syndicate, Vanguard, Champion, Warden, Victor, Legionnaire, Master, Archer, Footman, Gladiator, Barbarian, Captain, Commodore, 

Beggar, Hunter, Ranger, Deadman, Smuggler, Robber, Swindler, Rebel, Bootlegger, Outlaw, Pirate, Brigand, Ruffian, Highwayman, Cutpurse, Thief, Assassin

God, Goddess, Exarch, Angel, Devil, Demon, Cultist, Prophet, Hermit, Seer

council, clergy, guild, militia, choir 

Climate, Environment, & The Elements

Cold, cool, brisk, frosty, chilly, icy, freezing, frozen, frigid, glacial, bitter, biting, bleak, arctic, polar, boreal, wintry, snowy, snow, blizzarding, blizzard, sleeting, sleet, chill, frost, ice, icebound, ice cap, floe, snowblind, frostbite, coldsnap, avalanche, snowflake

Hot, sunny, humid, sweltering, steaming, boiling, sizzling, blistering, scalding, smoking, caldescent, dry, parched, arid, fallow, thirsty, melting, molten, fiery, blazing, burning, charring, glowing, searing, scorching, blasted, sun, fire, heat, flame, wildfire, bonfire, inferno, coal, ash, cinder, ember, flare, pyre, tinder, kindling, aflame, alight, ablaze, lava, magma, slag,

Wet, damp, dank, soggy, sodden, soaked, drenched, dripping, sopping, briny, murky, rain, storm, hail, drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, deluge, squall, water, cloud, fog, mist, dew, puddle, pool, current, whirlpool, deep, depths, tide, waves, whitewater, waterfall, tidal wave, flow, flood, leak, drain

Wind, breeze, gust, billow, gail, draft, waft, zephyr, still, airy, clear, smokey, tempest, tempestuous, windswept, aerial, lofty, torrid, turbulent, nebulous, tradewind, thunder, lightning, spark, cyclone, tornado, whirlwind, hurricane, typhoon

Man-made Item Words

Furnace, forge, anvil, vault, strap, strip, whetstone, brick, sword, blade, axe, dagger, shield, buckler, morningstar, bow, quiver, arrow, polearm, flail, staff, stave, sheath, hilt, hammer, knife, helm, mantle, banner, pauldron, chainmail, mace, dart, cutlass, canon, needle, cowl, belt,  buckle, bandana, goggles, hood, boot, heel, spindle, spool, thread, sweater, skirt, bonnet, apron, leather, hide, plate, tunic, vest, satin, silk, wool, velvet, lace, corset, stocking, binding

Plow, scythe, (wheel) barrow, saddle, harrow, brand, collar, whip, leash, lead, bridle, stirrup, wheel, straw, stall, barn, hay, bale, pitchfork, well, log, saw, lumber, sod, thatch, mortar, brick, cement, concrete, pitch, pillar, window, fountain, door, cage, spoke, pole, table, bench, plank, board

Candle, torch, cradle, broom, lamp, lantern, clock, bell, lock, hook, trunk, looking glass, spyglass, bottle, vase, locket, locker, key, handle, rope, knot, sack, pocket, pouch, manacle, chain, stake, coffin, fan. cauldron, kettle, pot, bowl, pestle, oven, ladle, spoon, font, wand, potion, elixir, draught, portal, book, tome, scroll, word, manuscript, letter, message, grimoire, map, ink, quill, pen, cards, dice

Coin, coronet, crown, circlet, scepter, treasure, riches, scales, pie, tart, loaf, biscuit, custard, caramel, pudding, porridge, stew, bread, tea, gravy, gristle, spice, lute, lyre, harp, drum, rouge, powder, perfume, brush

bilge, stern, pier, sail, anchor, mast, dock, deck, flag, ship, boat, canoe, barge, wagon, sled, carriage, buggy, cart

Wine, brandy, whiskey, ale, moonshine, gin, cider, rum, grog, beer, brew, goblet, flagon, flask, cask, tankard, stein, mug, barrel, stock, wort, malt

Body Parts

Head, throat, finger, foot, hand, neck, shoulder, rib, jaw, eye, lips, bosom

Skull, spine, bone, tooth, heart, blood, tears, gut, beard

Mechanical-Sounding Words

cog, fuse, sprocket, wrench, screw, nail, bolt, lever, pulley, spanner, gear, spring, shaft, switch, button, cast, pipe, plug, dial, meter, nozzle, cord, brake, gauge, coil, oil, signal, wire, fluke, staple, clamp, bolt, nut, bulb, patch, pump, cable, socket

torque, force, sonic, spark, fizzle, thermal, beam, laser, steam, buzz, mega, mecha, electro, telsa, power, flicker, charge, current, flow, tinker

Atmospheric Words

Unpleasant, Dangerous, Threatening

(nouns) death, fury, battle, scar, shadow, razor, nightmare, wrath, bone, splinter, peril, war, riptide, strife, reckoning, sorrow, terror, deadwood, nether, venom, grime, rage, void, conquest, pain, folly, revenge, horrid, mirk, shear, fathom, frenzy, corpselight/marshlight, reaper, gloom, doom, torment, torture, spite, grizzled, sludge, refuse, spore, carrion, fear, pyre, funeral, shade, beast, witch, grip, legion, downfall, ruin, plague, woe, bane, horde, acid, fell, grief, corpse, mildew, mold, miter, dirge

(adjectives) dead, jagged, decrepit, fallen, darkened, blackened, dire, grim, feral, wild, broken, desolate, mad, lost, under, stagnant, blistered, derelict, forlorn, unbound, sunken, fallow, shriveled, wayward, bleak, low, weathered, fungal, last, brittle, sleepy, -strewn, dusky, deserted, empty, barren, vacant, forsaken, bare, bereft, stranded, solitary, abandoned, discarded, forgotten, deep, abysmal, bottomless, buried, fathomless,unfathomable, diseased, plagued, virulent, noxious, venomous, toxic, fetid, revolting, putrid, rancid, foul, squalid, sullied, vile, blighted, vicious, ferocious, dangerous, savage, cavernous, vast, yawning, chasmal, echoing, dim, dingy, gloomy, inky, lurid, shaded, shadowy, somber, sunless, tenebrous, unlit, veiled, hellish, accursed, sulfurous, damned, infernal, condemned, doomed, wicked, sinister, dread, unending, spectral, ghostly, haunted, eldritch, unknown, weary, silent, hungry, cloven, acidic

(verb/adverbs): wither (withering / withered), skulk (skulking), whisper, skitter, chitter, sting, slither, writhe, gape, screech, scream, howl, lurk, roil, twist, shift, swarm, spawn, fester, bleed, howl, shudder, shrivel, devour, swirl, maul, trip, smother, weep, shatter, ruin, curse, ravage, hush, rot, drown, sunder, blister, warp, fracture, die, shroud, fall, surge, shiver, roar, thunder, smolder, break, silt, slide, lash, mourn, crush, wail, decay, crumble, erode, decline, reek, lament, taint, corrupt, defile, poison, infect, shun, sigh, sever, crawl, starve, grind, cut, wound, bruise, maim, stab, bludgeon, rust, mutilate, tremble, stumble, fumble, clank, clang

Pleasant, Safe, Neutral

(nouns) spirit, luck, soul, oracle, song, sky, smile, rune, obelisk, cloud, timber, valor, triumph, rest, dream, thrall, might, valiance, glory, mirror, life, hope, oath, serenity, sojourn, god, hearth, crown, throne, crest, guard, rise, ascent, circle, ring, twin, vigil, breath, new, whistle, grasp, snap, fringe, threshold, arch, cleft, bend, home, fruit, wilds, echo, moonlight, sunlight, starlight, splendor, vigilance, honor, memory, fortune, aurora, paradise, caress

(adjectives) gentle, pleasant, prosperous, peaceful, sweet, good, great, mild, grand, topic, lush, wild, abundant, verdant, sylvan, vital, florid, bosky, callow, verdurous, lucious, fertile, spellbound, captivating, mystical, hidden, arcane, clandestine, esoteric, covert, cryptic, runic, otherworldly, touched, still, fair, deep, quiet, bright, sheer, tranquil, ancient, light, far, -wrought, tidal, royal, shaded, swift, true, free, high, vibrant, pure, argent, hibernal, ascendant, halcyon, silken, bountiful, gilded, colossal, massive, stout, elder, -bourne, furrowed, happy, merry, -bound, loud, lit, silk, quiet, bright, luminous, shining, burnished, glossy, brilliant, lambent, lucent, lustrous, radiant, resplendent, vivid, vibrant, illuminated, silvery, limpid, sunlit, divine, sacred, holy, eternal, celestial, spiritual, almighty, anointed, consecrated, exalted, hallowed, sanctified, ambrosial, beatific, blissful, demure, naked, bare, ample, coy,  deific, godly, omnipotent, omnipresent, rapturous, sacramental, sacrosanct, blessed, majestic, iridescent, glowing, overgrown, dense, hard, timeless, sly, scatter, everlasting, full, half, first, last

(verb/adverbs) arch (arching / arched), wink (winking), sing, nestle, graze, stroll, roll, flourish, bloom, bud, burgeon, live, dawn, hide, dawn, run, pray, wake, laugh, wake, glimmer, glitter, drift, sleep, tumble, bind, arch, blush, grin, glister, beam, meander, wind, widen, charm, bewitch, enthrall, entrance, enchant, allure, beguile, glitter, shimmer, sparkle twinkle, crest, quiver, slumber, herald, shelter, leap, click, climb, scuttle, dig, barter, chant, hum, chime, kiss, flirt, tempt, tease, play, seduce

Generic “Fantasy-Sounding” Word Parts

A - D

aaz, ada, adaer, adal, adar, adbar, adir, ae, ael, aer, aern, aeron, aeryeon, agar, agis, aglar, agron, ahar, akan, akyl, al, alam, alan, alaor, ald, alea, ali, alir, allyn, alm, alon, alor, altar, altum, aluar, alys, amar, amaz, ame, ammen, amir, amol, amn, amus, anar, andor, ang, ankh, ar, ara, aram, arc, arg, arian, arkh, arla, arlith, arn, arond, arthus, arum, arvien, ary, asha, ashyr, ask, assur, aster, astra, ath, athor, athra, athryn, atol, au, auga, aum, auroch, aven, az, azar, baal, bae, bael, bak, bal, balor, ban, bar, bara, barr, batol, batar, basir, basha, batyr, bel, belph, belu, ben, beo, bere, berren, berun, besil, bezan, bhaer, bhal, blask, blis, blod, bor, boraz, bos, bran, brath, braun, breon, bri, bry, bul, bur, byl, caer, cal, calan, cara, cassa, cath, cela, cen, cenar, cerul, chalar, cham, chion, cimar, clo, coram, corel, corman, crim, crom, daar, dach, dae, dago, dagol, dahar, dala, dalar, dalin, dam, danas, daneth, dannar, dar, darian,  darath, darm, darma, darro, das, dasa, dasha, dath, del, delia, delimm, dellyn, delmar, delo, den, dess, dever, dhaer, dhas, dhaz, dhed, dhin, din, dine, diar, dien, div, djer, dlyn, dol, dolan, doon, dora, doril, doun, dral, dranor, drasil, dren, drian, drien, drin, drov, druar, drud, duald, duatha, duir, dul, dulth, dun, durth, dyra, dyver,

E - H

ea, eber, eden, edluk, egan, eiel, eilean, ejen, elath, eld, eldor, eldra, elith emar, ellesar, eltar, eltaran, elth, eltur, elyth, emen, empra, emril, emvor, ena, endra, enthor, erad, erai, ere, eriel, erith, erl, eron, erre, eryn, esk, esmel, espar, estria, eta, ethel, eval, ezro, ezan, ezune, ezil, fael, faelar, faern, falk, falak, farak, faril, farla, fel, fen, fenris, fer, fet, fin, finar, forel, folgun, ful, fulk, fur, fyra, fallon, gael, gach, gabir, gadath, gal, galar, gana, gar, garth, garon, garok, garne, gath, geir, gelden, geren,  geron, ghal, ghallar, ghast, ghel, ghom, ghon, gith, glae, glander, glar, glym, gol, goll, gollo, goloth, gorot, gost, goth, graeve, gran, grimm, grist, grom, grosh, grun, grym, gual, guil, guir, gulth, gulur, gur, gurnth, gwaer, haa, hael, haer, hadar, hadel, hakla, hala, hald, halana, halid, hallar, halon, halrua, halus, halvan, hamar, hanar, hanyl, haor, hara, haren, haresk, harmun, harrokh, harrow, haspur, haza, hazuth, heber,  hela, helve, hem, hen, herath, hesper, heth, hethar, hind, hisari, hjaa, hlath, hlond, hluth, hoarth, holtar, horo, hotun, hrag, hrakh, hroth, hull, hyak, hyrza

I - M

iibra, ilth, ilus, ilira, iman, imar, imas, imb, imir, immer, immil, imne, impil, ingdal, innar, ir, iriae, iril, irith, irk, irul, isha, istis, isil, itala, ith, ithal, itka, jada, jae, jaeda, jahaka, jala, jarra, jaro, jath, jenda, jhaamm, jhothm, jinn, jinth, jyn, kado, kah, kal, kalif, kam, kana, kara, karg, kars, karth, kasp, katla, kaul, kazar, kazr, kela, kelem, kerym, keth, keva, kez, kezan, khaer, khal, khama, khaz, khara, khed, khel, khol, khur, kil, kor, korvan, koll, kos, kir, kra, kul, kulda, kund, kyne, lae, laen, lag, lan, lann, lanar, lantar, lapal, lar, laran, lareth, lark, lath, lauth, lav, lavur, lazar, leih, leshyr, leth, lhaza, lhuven, liad, liam, liard, lim, lin, lirn, lisk, listra, lith, liya, llair, llor, lok, lolth, loran, lorkh, lorn, loth, lothen, luen, luir, luk, lund, lur, luth, lyndus, lyra, lyth, maal, madrasm maera, maer, maerim, maes, mag, magra, mahand, mal, malar, mald, maldo, mar, mara, mark, marl, maru, maruk, meir, melish, memnon, mer, metar, methi, mhil, mina, mir, miram, mirk, mista, mith, moander, mok, modir, modan, mon, monn, mor, more, morel, moril, morn, moro, morrow, morth, mort, morum, morven, muar, mul, mydra, myr, myra, myst

N - S

naar, nadyra, naedyr, naga, najar, nal, naal, nalir, nar, naruk, narbond, narlith, narzul, nasaq, nashkel, natar, nath, natha, neir, neth, nether, nhall, nikh, nil, nilith, noan, nolvurm nonthal, norda, noro, novul, nul, nur, nus, nyan, nyth, ober, odra, oghr, okoth, olleth, olodel, omgar, ondath, onthril, ordul, orish, oroch, orgra, orlim, ormath, ornar, orntath, oroch, orth, orva, oryn, orzo, ostel, ostor, ostrav, othea, ovar, ozod, ozul, palan, palad, pae, peldan, pern, perris, perim, pele, pen, phail, phanda, phara, phen, phendra, pila, pinn, pora, puril, pur, pyra, qadim, quar, quel, ques, quil, raah, rael, ran, ranna, rassil, rak, rald, rassa, reddan, reith, relur, ren, rendril, resil, reska, reth, reven, revar, rhy, rhynn, ria, rian, rin, ris, rissian, rona, roch, rorn, rora, rotha, rual, ruar, ruhal, ruil, ruk, runn, rusk, ryn, saa, saar, saal, sabal, samar, samrin, sankh, sar, sarg, sarguth, sarin, sarlan, sel, seld, sember, semkh, sen, sendrin, septa, senta, seros, shaar, shad, shadra, shae, shaen, shaera, shak, shalan, sham, shamath, shan, shana, sharan, shayl, shemar, shere, shor, shul, shyll, shyr, sidur, sil, silvan, sim, sintar, sirem, skar, skell, skur, skyr, sokol, solan, sola, somra, sor, ssin, stel, strill, suldan, sulk, sunda, sur, surkh, suth, syl, sylph, sylune, syndra, syth

T - Z

taak, taar, taer, tah, tak, tala, talag, talar, talas, talath, tammar, tanar, tanil, tar, tara, taran, tarl, tarn, tasha, tath, tavil, telar, teld, telf, telos, tempe, tethy, tezir, thaar, thaer, thal, thalag, thalas, thalan, thalar, thamor, thander, thangol, thar, thay, thazal, theer, theim, thelon, thera, thendi, theril, thiir, thil, thild, thimir, thommar, thon, thoon, thor, thran, thrann, threl, thril, thrul, thryn, thuk, thultan, thume, thun, thy, thyn, thyr, tir, tiras, tirum, tohre, tol, tolar, tolir,  tolzrin, tor, tormel, tormir, traal, triel, trith, tsath, tsur, tul, tur, turiver, turth, tymor, tyr, uder, udar, ugoth, uhr, ukh, ukir, uker, usten, ulgarth, ulgoth, ultir, ulur, umar, umath, umber, unara, undro, undu, untha, upir, ur, ursa, ursol, uron, uth, uthen, uz, van, vaar, vaelan, vaer, vaern, val valan, valash, vali, valt, vandan, vanede, vanrak, var, varyth, vassa, vastar, vaunt, vay, vel, velar, velen, velius, vell, velta, ven, veren, vern, vesper, vilar, vilhon, vintor, vir, vira, virdin, volo, volun, von, voon, vor, voro, vos, vosir, vosal, vund, war, wara, whel, wol, wynn, wyr, wyrm, xer, xul, xen, xian, yad, yag, yal, yar, yath, yeon, yhal, yir, yirar, yuir, yul, yur, zail, zala, zalhar, zan, zanda, zar, zalar, zarach, zaru, zash, zashu, zemur, zhent, zim, ziram, zindala, zindar, zoun, zul, zurr, zuth, zuu, zym

A lot of places are named after historical events, battles, and people, so keep that in mind. God/Goddess names tied to your world also work well. Places are also often named after things that the area is known for, like Georgia being known for its peaches.

My brain was fried by the end of this so feel free to add more!

I hope you find this reference helpful and good luck world-building!

-Mel

[loyalflutist]

Stony Expression (F!Byleth x Edelgard)

Rating: General Audience Archive Warning: Major Character Death Category: F/F Summary:  It's a compliment to Byleth. Any sort of emotion beyond the generic smile and cheeky attitude never saw the light of day, even in extreme situations. But in her life, there were only three people who saw through her facade.

A/N: RIP, I had an idea after reading the screenshots of dialogues from Byleth in Fire Emblem Heroes. Decided to write a somewhat... heartwarming... not really... kind of work? (We need more Mama Edelgard, if you know what I’m saying.) Hope you enjoy the work! 

----

“Gosh, don’t you think the professor is scary, Dorothea?”

“How so?”

“She’s never shown any sort of emotion to us!”

“Um… why are you so bothered about it? Isn’t that the point of keeping cool-headed?”

“It is, to an extent.”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard that when her dad died last week, she didn’t even shed a tear!”

“Whoa. Talk about creepy.”

“You sure you’re telling the truth, Ferdinand? You always seem to blow these situations out of proportion.”

“Um, duh, Casper. I’m sure someone else can attest to it.”

“I doubt so—”

“I did.”

“Lindhardt? YOU?”

“I saw it with my very own eyes. Mmgh… I’m gonna skip class and take a nap, ‘kay?”

“HEY! Don’t you leave us hanging like that!”

“Geez, why are you so loud, Petra?”

“U-Um… don’t… you think we should be… you know… comforting her?”

“I would, Bernadetta, but Teach is clearly keeping her guard up. I mean, just… look at her right now.”

Caspar, Dorothea, Ferdinand, Lindhardt, Petra, and Bernadetta shot a glance at their professor. In the classroom where lecture won’t start for another fifteen minutes, the early birds were given the treat to gossip, jest, and horseplay. The perfect occasion for learning about the hottest rumors too. Today, Ferdinand brought up a rather morbid rumor—No, it wasn’t even a rumor. It was facts about their professor, Byleth.

They kept an eye on Byleth. The young woman in her early 20s fingered through the worksheets behind her desk. Based on their observations, their instructor remained the same. Diligent in her duties, attentive to her colleagues, and always there for her students. That’s the Byleth they knew all too well. However, Ferdinand wasn’t wrong from his remarks. The Byleth they envisioned was a bit more… reactive. Byleth’s stony expression and lack of anything beyond her rare, cheeky attitude painted her in a different light. Strange is a euphemism about the older female. Cold-hearted as a dysphemism about the ex-mercenary.

‘ I’m used to it. ‘

Byleth was not oblivious to their dagger-like stares. It pierced her exposed skin and armor without a moment of hesitation. Despite the mental remark, her shoulder’s muscles became rigid, hidden by the worksheets tossed onto the wooden podium.

‘ They’re just like everyone else. ‘

The male student was not wrong with his impression of her. Her father, whom she looked up to so dearly, died in the heat of battle. It was supposed to be a practical lesson in warfare for her students. The once-a-week “field trip” the staffs put together as part of the Officer’s Academy curriculum. Tragedy hardly described the scene that had befallen them.

Byleth and her father were chaperones and commanders of last week’s trip. A simple mission of pushing back the rebels that dare disrupt the peace near the monastery. It was the usual skirmish to counter any troublemakers and doers. Little did they know of the rebel’s leader. It was an old-time friend of theirs back when they were mercenaries. An older male roughly the same age as her father now stood on the opposite end. They tried to reason with him. The students were uncertain of their role in the fight. He rejected their proposal with a spear thrust into her father’s chest.

The spear

that

pierced

his heart.

It was a complete blur afterward. Byleth knew she didn’t lose her composure. That would be disastrous for the remaining troops and students left on the field. In lieu of fury, she coolly commanded the units to defeat the rebellion. Victory was easily achievable… but at what cost?

She shook her head and refocused her attention to the present time. From the far back, the green-haired spotted Edelgard and Hubert make their entrance into the classroom. The chatters from the other Black Eagles simmered down at the appearance of the two intimidating figures. Both the noble Edelgard and commoner Byleth made eye contact. Byleth smiled. Edelgard’s cheeks reddened before hurrying to her assigned seat at the front. Hubert narrowed his eyes at the professor and seated himself in the back. As if the death of her father hadn’t occurred, her classroom ran exactly as how it should’ve operated. Even the addition of a romantic relationship that recently sparked between Edelgard and Byleth didn’t disrupt the natural order for education.

It was

all so normal.

Like he

never

died.

Was this… really what she wanted though? Did Byleth want some sort of validation?

“Good morning, everyone.”

Byleth’s mature voice rang throughout the premise. If there were any remaining whispers and giggles, they were hushed by the more responsible scholars. She approached the podium. Then, with both hands lightly gripping the surface’s edge, she scanned her surroundings.

Nothing out of place. (Right?) Lindhardt was also present, which was a bit of a surprise. Byleth had lowered her expectations ever since he skipped class for a nap in the garden. The fact that he was here was a huge plus. That amusing idea screeched to a complete halt when he began to nod off. The corner of her lip twitched. At least he did try to come to class…

As for the others… Ferdinand was eyeing the white-haired rival with a small smirk. He twirled a feather between his index and middle finger, eyes twinkled in excitement. A typical reaction from their competitive relationship. Petra toyed with her hair and rolled her eyes at the sight of Ferdinand’s obvious reaction about their future lord. Casper stifled a yawn, elbows on the table and chin resting on the palms of his hands. Bernadetta had beads of sweat fly out of her head as her thumbs toyed with one another. Dorothea sat at the front like an obedient puppy. Maybe a bit too obedient since she was clearly shooting heart eyes at the professor in a playful manner… And then there was Hubert. Oh, Hubert. He was always a loyal servant to Edelgard. The man is kind, but ever since Byleth started a private and secretive relationship with the noble, he has been awfully overprotective with the young lady.

Byleth suppressed a sigh. She closed her eyes and, after counting to five, reopened them and flashed her signature smile.

“Let’s review some materials from last week. It doesn’t hurt to get a little refresher after the long three-day weekend.”

The three-day weekend that was partially due to her absence to quietly mourn for her father. Byleth had disappeared from existence to visit his grave. Accompanied by the ever-so-noisy Sothis that she can only see, speak, hear, and touch, the two paid their respect. Numbness. Byleth felt numb during those three days. No—she still felt numb right now.

“I’m surprised you can still hold yourself together, mortal,” Sothis muttered. She crossed her arms and looked up to the female. “But don’t hold it all in. The bottle is going to explode one day.”

Sothis was one of the few individuals who saw through Byleth’s brick-like features. The second person is her father.

She lowered her gaze. Soon, the woman got down to her knees and reached out to touch her father’s tombstone. His name will forever be immortalized on the thick slab of rock. Unfortunately, it won’t be immortalized for a reason worth celebrating.

“…leth.”

The ex-mercenary now found herself staring at an empty desk. This shared office with other staffs not prestigious enough to earn their own office (like Byleth), who were crammed into this one area. Her father was one of them, yet he never complained. In reality, he had actually enjoyed it. The daughter would always hear his jolly laughter and gruff voice echo from within. Students unfamiliar with his booming personality were in for a shock every single time they walk past the room. To Byleth, she welcomed it. After all, he is her father and she is his daughter.

Most of his supplies were placed in a rusted chest box. If there were any supplies to begin with, that is. Her father was not one to possess many materialistic items, save it for his clothes, weapons, armors, and whiskey. There wasn’t even a family portrait in his possession! He was always a firm believer that memories were picturistic enough. Seeking nostalgia? Dig even deeper into the memory zone. Forgot about it? It was probably not important enough to remember!

“By…”

Byleth sat on her mattress, her knees held close to her chest. She hugged them and stared at the somewhat decorated wall. Unlike her father, she allowed a bit of flair to settle in her personal space. Student notes were pinned to the wall. Some portraits and doodles hung alongside with them. One of them was a portrait of everyone in the Officer’s Academy. All three houses were together, and all of the staffs stood for the shot. It took the artist more than five hours to get them squeezed into this magnificent art. The process was excruciating but worth it.

It was the only physical piece of evidence she has in memory of her father. Her heart clenched at the thought of his death. Flashbacks replayed over and over in her head at the time of his doom. She nearly scoffed at mental torment. How much longer was this going to go on?

It

was going to

keep

on

going.

“Byleth.”

The older female blinked. Warmth enveloped her entire being in one swoop. Frantic, she rapidly examined her surroundings—until Byleth considered the context of her current situation. Edelgard held her seated mentor in an embrace. The two were safely hiding in the professor’s now-closed office. It was still early evening where students ran amok in the monastery. Musical melodies from talented choir members faintly trickled through the glass windows. A light breeze ruffled nearby leaves of a tree. Birds chirped alongside with the singers as an accompanist. It was a pleasant day.

Well, it was supposed to be for the two. Edelgard fingers began to run through her lover’s hair, nails satisfyingly brushing the scalp. She planted a gentle kiss to Byleth’s head.

“It’s okay to show what you’re feeling, Byleth.”

No—That wasn’t right. It wasn’t Byleth’s nature to show her feelings to the public. The stony expression, the bland reaction to extreme situations… those were compliments. She’s been told that she lacks emotion since she was a little girl! Even the Black Eagles think she is cold-hearted and cruel in the face of battle! Many of the students and paid troops think of her as an anomaly. Byleth thinks it’s natural.

But when it came to grief this strong, Byleth felt her heartstrings tug. For once, she wanted to let someone know about how she felt. It’s not an easy feat, though. The other half of her rational personality scream that she keeps it to herself. There was no use in burdening others of her sorrows and mourns. The death of her mother was a shining example of this. Besides, even if she did try to open up, she couldn’t. This nature of hers was just too ingrained into her system.

Edelgard continued to smooth through Byleth’s hair. In response, Byleth buried her face into the noble’s abdomen. The aromatic scent blossomed in the teacher’s sensory nerves. She gradually wrapped her arms around the student. Byleth deeply inhaled. A shaky exhale. At that instant, the floodgates from her lacrimal glands came loose as she felt her respiration shudder. The mentor slowly shook her head against Edelgard.

“Why did he have to die?”

She bit her lower lip hard. Eyelids stiff, throat scratchy, a choking cry erupted from her lips.

“I should’ve died in his place!”

Edelgard simply ran her fingers through the green locks, her eyes focused on her girlfriend. Soft “shh”s emitted from her lips as she planted another tender kiss on the head. Small whispers of “you’re going to be okay” and “I’m here for you, Byleth” sprinkled during the breakdown. It caused great agony to the empire’s upcoming lord to feel powerless for her teacher. However, unlike Byleth, who beat herself up, Edelgard’s emotional and mental health was far more resilient. Could it be because she was able to properly grieve when the time came? To release her anger unto others in an appropriate manner? Perhaps. For Byleth, she had always held everything inside.

“Oh, I miss him so much!”

She curled her fingers inward and dug her nails into Edelgard’s clothes. A slight wince from the student went unnoticed as she continued to wail uncontrollably. It was so unlike Byleth. If anyone else were to witness this, they would have assumed a trickster replaced Byleth with another person!

This is no good. Byleth is breaking free from her nature. She shouldn’t be venting, let alone blast her emotions to another person… even if that person is her significant other. Yet it was too late for Byleth. She became oversensitive from being honest with her feelings. The fear. The sadness. The grief. Out of all the people that saw through her façade, for Edelgard, she was the third person in her life to have seen through her stony expression.

[wetookatrip]

Update from the Cultural Triangle

Soooo, a few days behind on posting because we’ve been moving around a bit. Lots of things to update you on. We’ve spent the last few days in the “cultural triangle”, an area in the centre of Sri Lanka that’s known for ancient cities, ruins and temples. In summary, it’s been beautiful but also very hot and sweaty.

We started by taking the train to Anuradhapura where we explored the ancient Sacred City on bikes. It’s a huge area, much of it covered in sort of low brick walls, which are the remains of buildings. Dotted around the area are temples called Stupa, which are domed structures that originally we thought we would be able to go inside... but it turns out you just look at them from the outside, which was also fine :) 

It’s still an active place where locals come to worship or make pilgrimages to the temples. They wear all white and it was really beautiful, especially when we visited at night and they were all lighting candles and incense. 

Next we travelled to Sigiriya. We made it most of the way somewhat (but not too) squished into a mini bus and then took the local bus the rest of the way. To do this we had to refuse approximately a million tuk-tuk drivers who thought it would be much better if we took a tuk-tuk the rest of the way. But anyways, we passed the test and only had to pay about 20 pence each for the bus and I feel that we are the stronger for it. 

In Sigiriya we’re staying in a lovely little guest house where they feed us breakfast and dinner and it is SO GOOD! They also give us fresh juice every day when we come back from whatever adventure we were on. It’s called Sigiriya Regal Residence and we would highly recommend. 

Since being here we’ve walked up Sigiriya Rock, a massive rock formation with the ruins of a monastery or fortress at the top (apparently it’s still up for debate), hiked up Pidurangala Rock, gone on safari and seen elephants (!!), drank many fresh juices, sweated a lot and Luke has argued with several tuk-tuk drivers about their prices. See photos of most of these things below. 

Tomorrow we travel to Trincomalee for some diving! 

Sigiriya Rock

Lion’s paws at the base of the stairs

View from the top

The view of Sigiriya Rock from the top of Pidurangala Rock

Elephant on safari!

Luke on safari!

Elephants in Kaudulla National Park (as the storm rolls in)

[indiantravelstore243]

Himalayan Charm - Visit to Himachal Pradesh

Located in the arms of brawny Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh domiciles several of the most enticing hill stations in India. From wonderful climbing at Kurfi to remarkable snowfall in Manali, and relatives-pleasant Shimla to passionate milieu at Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh features holidays of different natures, and hence invitations A huge number of tourists from various aspects of the globe. Himachal tourism is far-famed as a consequence of its scintillating hill stations, spreading all through the state. With spectacular scenery and remarkable adventures, these Locations Forged a magical spell and depart all the people becharmed.

The beautiful point out Himachal Pradesh belongs to North India, and it is household to an enormous and valuable normal treasure. It is really bordered by Jammu & Kashmir about the north, Punjab over the west and south-west and Haryana and Utter Pradesh on the south. The condition shares boundary with Uttarakhand over the south east. Nearly overall Himachal is pristine and picturesque, and that's why it features quite a few vacationer Locations thronged by Many travelers every year. About 70 Lakh people, pertaining to multitude cultures, reside In this particular small but exceptionally wonderful state.

The expression Himachal Pradesh literally implies 'the condition covered with snow'. This is a hill station which happens to be favored by honeymooners, vacation makers and adventure buffs. This land features of all over 32 wildlife sanctuaries, two National Parks and three Game titles Reserves. Himachal Pradesh Tour provides remarkable prospects for adventure sports activities for example trekking, mountaineering, skiing, swimming, tenting, river rafting, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, paragliding, surfing and rowing. You'll be able to examine the mesmerizing sights of this state on Jeep Safari, Bike safari, river safari and in many cases Yak safari.

During the Himachal tour, you will get to find out many of the greatest temples of Himachal like Jwalamukhi, Sankatmochan, Chjamunda, Lakshminarayana, Kalibari, Bhimkali and a lot of Other people. A pay a visit to to your Buddhist Monasteries much too offers fantastic comfort and tranquility. Paonta Sahib, Manikaran and Rawalsar are centres for Sikh pilgrims. The exceptional Christ Church in Shimla and Kausali as well as St. John's Church are definitely wonderful. The various tours organized through the agents will get you the different spots that happen to be famed for his or her historic and architectural importance.

In actual fact, the most crucial professional hub of Shimla, often called The Shopping mall Highway or equally as the Shopping mall, resembles a standard European Avenue with outdated brick structures and pathways. The government workplaces are all located in this kind of buildings that transport a visitor to a standard British city. In a method, Shimla grew to become a retirement property in the Europeans through the British rule. Previous British individuals moved to the city, crafted Victorian mansions on acres of slopes and expended their times making the most of The great thing about the Himalayas and the excellent ambiance of the put. Your tour to Himachal is usually worthwhile if only too practical experience the age outdated ambiance of the city. It completes transports you to a different sphere of existence.

Blessed with breath-getting normal splendor, Himachal is probably the ace vacation destinations in North India. You can decide from various travel themes for a thrilling holidaying experience. Established on these Himachal excursions for any wonderful holiday and you may be enthralled to find a host of concealed treasures while in the hills of Himachal.

The Himachal tour packages give accommodation in many of the ideal accommodations of the point out, As a result creating your continue to be cozy and relaxed. These inns give all the basic features and complicated facilities to provide their providers for their buyers in the best possible fashion. Honeymoon couples from all across the globe appear to spend their time with their family members in probably the most passionate hill stations. The Honeymoon Locations India takes you over a go to Shimla, Kulu and Manali, which happen to be considered a Dream Heaven with the honeymooners.

An erstwhile summer funds of British, Shimla may be the identify of tranquility and heavenly attractiveness during the condition of Himachal Pradesh. Its sobriquet, Queen of Hill Stations is self explanatory of its angelic beauty. Cascading waterfalls, emerald hues of its forested environs, snow-capped mountains are beauteous backdrop on the captivating colonial type architecture of the town. Its forests laced with pine, rhododendron and oak trees build lush surroundings relaxing to eyes and also the environs below have a rejuvenating excellent Himachal Pradesh tours a gateway to character's lap. The highlights of Shimla excursions consist of a browsing street- The Mall, Christ Church, Shimla Point out Museum, Summer Hill, Sankat Mochan temple and Kufri.

Your entire aura of the mountains is overpowering and so may be the superior-altitude desert scenery of Lahaul and Spiti. The lofty peaks of Pir Panjal, Western Himalayas and Dhaula Dhar give suitable environment for abundance of journey sporting activities actions. Journey fans can encounter an adrenaline rush on their own excursions to Himachal Pradesh by attempting palms on experience activities including rafting, trekking excursions to skiing and even Buddhist meditation.

Manali is another common vacation and tourism destination in Himachal Pradesh. The magnetic city of Manali warrants the attentions of travellers from everywhere in the world really in very good expanding number. Snow clad mountain peaks of mighty Himalayas, fruit laden apple orchards, forests of Cedar & Pine, scenic landscapes, lively valleys, verdant meadows, and so forth staff up alongside one another and make it really popular between holidaymakers, travellers and vacationers. The hill town of Manali also offers great chances to delight in Himalayan experience and Activity things to do such mountaineering, mountain biking, skiing, snow skiing, ice skating, heli skiing, rock climbing, trekking, and so on. As a result of fantastic character magnificence and agreeable local climate Manali is usually referred as the Switzerland of India. Manali is very popular among honeymoon couples. If you think cherishable honeymoon packages Manali can be correct solution for you personally.

Visit: Book Himachal Tour & Holidays, Complete himachal tour packages, Best himachal tour packages, Best himachal tour packages from delhi, himachal holiday tour package, himachal packages, himachal tour packages, himachal tour packages from Chandigarh, himachal tour packages from kerala, himachal tour packages online, himachal tour travel package, himachal travel packages, himachal trip package, himachal trip plan

[urgentvisa]

Fascinating Tourist Places in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh-the central state of India, which is the second largest by the area around 308,252 km, and fifth largest (with 75 million citizens) as per the population. The state contains fifty-two districts with the largest city ‘Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain and Jabalpur’. It shares the borders with the biggest state named Uttar Pradesh from the northeast side, Rajasthan from the northwest side, Chhattisgarh from the southeast side, Gujrat from the west side and Maharashtra from the south side. Indian Visa helps you to find hassle free Indian E Visa.  

Apart from that, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most visited states, because it has ancient links and has so many religious spots. The state is considered one of the sacred places because in earlier times Lord Shiva the Hindu deity shower his blessings upon the devotees, thus, the king and people built so many temples and tourist attractions so that the peace seeker may come to witness and feel the cosmic power.

In further contract, Madhya Pradesh is also known for its wildlife, jungle lodges and national parks, and these all draw visitor’s attentions. Moreover, here are some of the topmost and fascinating tourist places in Madhya Pradesh—

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

This wildlife park is situated in the north-east of Jabalpur. The name of this park is derived from the ancient fort ‘Bandhavgarh’, which belongs to the Vindhya mountain range. This place is known for the highest density of tiger population, however, now you can spot about 46 tigers. If you are a nature and wildlife lover, then you will be able to spot jackals, leopards, bears, deer, tigers, and birds in the dense of green valleys, ancient fort and rocky hills.

2. Orchha

Orchha a town was established by the 1st ruler named Rudra Pratap Singh in 1501, which covers the Bundelkhand region and north and central part of India. Orchha is located near Betwa River. If you are interested to visit there, then you will be able to see the enchanting Gwalior. However, if you are a peace seeker, then Orchha has well-preserved palaces and temples; the Jahangir Mahal is one of the impressive and the largest palace, which offers you dynamic and medieval charm from the upper levels’ panoramic views.

Here, you can stay to feel the royal life, because some of the parts of Mahal is turned into Hotel. So, do visit over here and experience the serenity and luxurious life in the same place.

3. Bhopal

Bhopal the city of rich Islamic heritage, museums, and lakes. It is the capital of Madhya Pradesh, which is best known for its tragic poisoning that had been occurred in 1984, it is said that, when a pesticide manufacturing plant leaked a mixture of deadly gases, the city and citizen got affected. Apart from tragedy, Bhopal is famous for mosques and museums. Here, you can witness rich Islamic heritages such as Tribal Museum, Taj ul Masjid, Moti Masjid, Jama Masjid, and beautiful lakes. This city is named under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites because it contains the Bhimbetka rock shelters, which situated inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary; it has more than 700 ancient rock shelters, paintings and walls, these rocks are here from the Paleolithic age. If you want easily Urgent Indian Visa and Indian E Visa then you have to apply through E Visa India .  

4. Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is situated in the northeast of Bhopal, and it is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in 262 BC after killing Kalinga (Odisha) people in the war. He was so disheartened, thus he embraced nonviolence and Buddhism. In Sanchi Stupa, there are other stupas, temples, pillars, relics, and monasteries. However, there is also an archaeological museum presented. Here, you can visit numerous places as well.

5. Malwa Region-the golden triangle of pilgrimage (Mandu, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar)

Malwa region is presented in Madhya Pradesh in the southwest portion. Indore as a point of entry into this pilgrimage makes your visit sacred, because the ‘Golden Triangle’ Ujjain, Mandu, and Omkareshwar are popular among traveller around the world.

Ujjain is famous for its Kumbh Mela and it is the home of the Mahakaleshwar Temple one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingams in India.

Mandu is known as the abandoned city in Madhya Pradesh, which was once a home of Mughals, lived in the palaces surrounded by lakes and enriched gardens. Mandu’s unparalleled and crumbling buildings are spread across 28 miles with stretch walls and 12 huge gates.  If you are an International traveler and interested to visit India then you need valid Indian Visa to enter in India.

Omkareshwar, another Jyotirlingam among 12 sacred lingas. Omkareshwar is situated on an island in the Narmada river. It is said that, when you look at this site from above, it appears like ‘OM’. Throughout the year, many visitors fling themselves to witness this popular pilgrimage. The site is cool as ice brick and Narmada river makes it more auspicious.

However, if you are planning for India's visit, then these fascinating tourist places in Madhya Pradesh are a must to travel.

[tripsterguru]

Temples and monasteries of Montenegro - 20 main shrines

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Temples and monasteries of Montenegro - 20 main shrines

Crystal clear Adriatic Sea, mountain landscape, picturesque valleys, comfortable climate make holidays in Montenegro popular for people of any age. There are no communication problems (minimal language barrier), the infrastructure of the resorts is well organized (relaxation is possible at any time of the year), and a huge number of architectural sights of the country are available for viewing. Among them, in the first place are the famous temples and monasteries of Montenegro, hidden in the thickets of luxurious greenery of rare plants, shrouded in an atmosphere of ancient legends, secrets of Montenegro.

Ostrog Monastery

An endless stream of tourists, pilgrims go to the main attractions of Montenegro. The cloister of the miracle worker Vasily Ostrozhsky is hidden in a rock at an altitude of 900 m above sea level (his relics are the greatest shrine in the world of the Orthodox Church). It has long been a haven for people who believe in help, the fulfillment of the most secret desires of the miraculous power of the Holy.

In a place filled with prayers of a special energy (next to the holy source, miraculous relics), they find help in solving problems, troubles. A sacred place appeared in the middle of the XVII century. The prison consists of two parts: the upper (older) and lower parts, created in the XIX century. In the lower zone is the church of the Holy Trinity with the relics of a 12 year old boy – the martyr Stanko.

The parts are divided by a steep path, about 5 km long, and you can overcome the distance (going uphill) along a special path in 30 minutes. Before the appearance of Vasily Ostrozhsky, hermit monks lived here in a cave hidden from the eyes of people. Gradually, two churches appeared in the sacred place: Holy Cross Exaltation, Vvedensky (Introduction of the Blessed Virgin Mary). In the last place, the Great Miracle Worker, who died in 1671, prayed. His relics (in the role of the main shrine of Ostrog) are stored in a small cave of the Vvedensky church.

Cetinje Monastery

The architectural, historical ensemble of Montenegro is the political, cultural center of the country. Here, on the site of the Zeta (the ancient South Slavic princedom that existed on the site of modern Montenegro), a monastery was built in 1484, which existed until the Turks destroyed it in 1692. The new building was destroyed several times, restored and was the residence of the Metropolitan of Montenegro in its ancient capital – the city of Cetinje, located at the foot of Mount Eagle Cross.

In the Middle Ages, buildings served as a powerful fortress. She was surrounded by a moat with water and stakes, fortified by loopholes. Now you can see part of the brick walls of the fortress. On the historical territory are the Palace-Museum of King Nikola, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here are the remains of the king and his wife Milena, gifts from the emperors of Russia, a valuable collection of prints from the 13-19 centuries. The first printing house of Montenegro worked here. The first high school of the country opened in 1880 within the walls of the building. The famous works of the “Oktoih Pyatoglasnik”, “Psalter”, “Prayer Book”, “Four Gospels” are among the protected shrines. Keeps one of the richest collections of shrines of the Orthodox Church.

Moraca Monastery

One of the main Orthodox monuments of the Middle Ages in the Balkans is an architectural complex consisting of the building of the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, a small church in honor of St. Nicholas and living quarters for monks. It is located along the right bank of the Moraca Canyon in a beautiful mountainous area. All tourist routes try to include in their programs a visit to this unusual place.

The magnificent building with one nave, a cylinder-shaped soda was erected in 1252 from soft tuff covered with plaster. Of the many frescoes (the 13th-century technique of mural painting has no analogues in beauty), created under the direction of Stevan (the son of the Serbian king). His grave is on a local graveyard.

Now 11 scenes related to the life of the prophet Elijah have been preserved from the interior. The main work on the restoration of the destroyed architectural treasures was carried out in the XVIII century by the artists of Montenegro. The exact time of the construction of the small church of St. Nicholas is not precisely determined: the monks consider it to be a more ancient structure than the cathedral. Of interest is the interior decoration made by ancient murals from frescoes.

Piva Monastery

Among the 1600 church sights of the country there are large, small, included in tourist routes, almost forgotten. You are invited to see them on your own or with local excursions. Such a building, called the symbol of invincibility of the inhabitants of the country, is located near Pluzine in the northern part of Montenegro. Among the pine forests near the “Pivsky Oka” in the XVI century there appeared an ordinary house with narrow loopholes that did not attract the attention of the Turks.

Later (after the construction of the hydroelectric power station on the Piva River) the building was moved 2 km higher. In its former place, a guest house (konak), a bakery, a cemetery have been preserved. Here they helped the rebels, sheltered the rebels, held negotiations with representatives of the Christian world. The building is built of stones of gray, pink shades. It has large dimensions: height 13m, length 23, width 15m. The appearance of the building did not cause enemies to rob him.

Inside, there are many old frescoes, a gold-plated iconostasis with a huge cross. A large number of manuscripts, paintings, books, and jewelry are also stored here. One monk lives here permanently. He keeps order, manages the bells, which are not on the roof of the main building, but under the roof of a separate annex. Come to the center of the spiritual life of Herzegovina (now the existing monastery is owned by the Serbian diocese) is proposed by boat on Lake Piva.

Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica

For a long time in the country there was no main church of the Orthodox Church. Since 1993, the first stone was laid in the future huge building, striking in size, splendor of decoration, design. The construction began in the presence of Patriarch Alexy II. The author of the project was architect Pedja Ristic. The building belongs to the Neo-Byzantine style. It included many new architectural elements. The height of the two levels of the cathedral is 41.5 m, the belfry is made of 17 bells (2 brought from Voronezh), 7 crosses sparkling with gilding.

The monumental view of the building is formed by huge blocks of stone, decorated with antique. The interior is characterized by an abundance of images made of small pieces of granite, marble. Mosaic “Noah’s Ark”, a fresco above the entrance measuring 53.5 m 2. In one of the largest temples in Europe at the same time accommodates up to 5 thousand believers.

Daibabe Monastery in Podgorica

At a distance of 4 km from the capital of Montenegro is an amazing place hidden in rocky caves. You can find it by a small building dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with belfries on the sides. The main premises are underground in caves located in the shape of a cross. Local legends say that as early as the III century, the first Christians were hiding in catacombs with their own source of water. The monastery appeared in 1897 and its first rector was the miracle worker Simeon of Daibab (his relics are stored here).

The first liturgy was performed in the cave church in January 1897. The dimensions of the cave used are 20 m in length and about 3 m in width. Chapels are hollowed out on the side walls; an altar is located in the center. The ceiling, the walls were painted by Simeon, his followers. The surviving murals are of great value. In an atmosphere of silence, peace, numerous pilgrims receive relief, hope for a favorable solution to their problems.

Cathedral of St. Tryphon in Kotor

The ancient building is depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Kotor. Saint Tryphon, repeating the path of Jesus Christ, is considered the patron saint of the city. The cathedral in his honor was laid in 1166. Previously, this place was a church, built in 809 by the noble townsman Andrii Saracenis. It was he who bought the relics of St. Tryphon au merchants of Venice.

The devastating earthquake of 1667 required the rebuilding of the bell tower of the cathedral. They are made in the form of high towers (up to 35 m high) made of special stone brought from the island of Korcula. Above the entrance is a window in the shape of the famous “outlet”. The ancient frescoes of the interior are poorly preserved. But even now, under centuries-old layers of stucco, lime on the apse, nave arches fragments of Byzantine-style paintings are revealed.

The exact time, the author of their writing remains the secret of the cathedral. The origin of the rare wooden crucifix in the church is also unknown. The relics of St. Tryphon are considered the main shrine of the Cathedral. In the sarcophagus, standing to the right of the entrance, lies the body of Andria Saracenis. The Cathedral, as a preserved example of the style of Romanesque architecture, is a World Heritage Site.

Church of St. Luke in Kotor

A modest, not conspicuous temple, standing in the historical part of Kotor, is in fact a famous landmark and the oldest church in Montenegro. It was built in 1195 at the expense of the rich feudal lord Kazafragi (a memorial inscription testifies to this). In the current church there are two altars: Catholic and Orthodox), which is rarely found in temples of the world. The two branches of the Christian religion lived here peacefully, in harmony. The main shrines of the cathedral are particles of the relics of St. Luke, the martyrs of Orestes, Mardarius, Auxentius.

Among the interior, fragments of ancient frescoes by Italian, Cretan masters of the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved. In a small chapel owned by the church, there is a unique iconostasis depicting Christ in the image of the King. The temple opens on holidays, before the planned excursions, weddings, baptisms. An interesting fact is the burial of local residents inside the building. Its entire floor consists of grave gravestones. During the great earthquake of 1979, this church was the only building that was not damaged.

Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor

On Grets Square in the old center of Kotor rises a relatively young Cathedral building, erected in honor of the patron saint of travelers, sailors St. Nicholas. Historically, the existence of a Dominican monastery in this place, turned into a soldier’s barracks for Napoleon’s army, is historically confirmed. After the destruction of the church was built here, life, which broke off the fire of 1896. A new temple was erected on its foundation in 1909.

The building is in line with the pseudo – Byzantine architectural style. At the entrance are two tall belfries. Among the interior decoration stands the iconostasis of three meters high, created in 1908 by Czech artist Ziegler. The treasury of a beautiful building contains many valuable documents, icons, art objects, clothes. The most interesting are the Three-Handed icon, the book “The Sacrifice of Abraham of 1899”, the image of Nicholas the Wonderworker in the form of a mosaic at the entrance. In the courtyard you can use a source of healing water. Services are held daily.

Church on the Island of the Virgin

The history of the creation of the ancient church on the reef, which turned into an island in the original construction way, annually attracts many tourists to the city of Perast. Virgin Mary, living on a reef, protects the local sailors. As a token of gratitude, the locals regularly spend here a feast of fashinada. On decorated boats, they swim around the island three times and throw stones into the water, strengthening the shore.

In such a strange construction way, for almost two centuries, stones were collected on the sunken ships, reefs, a stable platform was formed. It grew an ancient landmark of the country church. The ground floor of the building is decorated with icons, paintings of artists of the 17th century, an organ sounds, whose age is 300 years. The altar is made of four types of valuable snow-white marble and is decorated with the image of the face of the Holy Virgin. It illuminates the interior of the chandelier made of real Murano glass, made almost 3 centuries ago. The archaeological museum is invited to see old exhibits: Roman crosses, a fountain, silver roots.

Drimsim is the first universal sim card for travelers. Internet abroad starts at $ 1 per megabyte, and calls start at $ 3 per minute. Works in 197 countries! Lifting mechanisms, lights, bells and other elements belonging to ships of different countries at many times. On the second floor are amazing ancient amphoras, jugs, mysterious captain’s chests. A collection of paintings depicting ships, the olive stele of Diva, adorning the bow of a ship in the Middle Ages. Among them is a unique icon of the Holy Virgin, embroidered by a woman from Perast, who had been waiting for 25 years for the return of her sailor husband. Thousands of plates (gold, silver, bronze) are mounted in the walls of the building. They were presented by sailors (the custom still exists) in gratitude to the Virgin for a successful voyage.

Cathedral Church in Bar

A magnificent building was built on the site of the construction of the XVI century in 1863. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2016. The cathedral was consecrated in the name of the first ruler of Montenegro, Jovan Vladimir, who accepted the death of a martyr on the cross. The snow-white architectural creation is decorated with three golden, sparkling domes. They are trophies taken during the Austro-Hungarian occupation in 1918. All bells, guns, cores were remelted and new ones were made. For the past few decades, the cathedral has been the main Orthodox church in the city.

For the manufacture of walls, a beautiful-looking solid stone (red limestone) was used. On the facade there is a window in the form of a “rose outlet”. Inside the cathedral, frescoes with images of Saints have been preserved. The cathedral church is called the largest religious building in Montenegro. Its height is 41 m, an area of ​​1200 m2. Services are held daily. In a special room of the amphitheater, events are held for cultural and spiritual development of the population.

Gradiste Monastery

In 1116, the construction of Hradiste began on the site of ancient buildings (Grajevine) and the old Greco-Roman cemetery. It became a monument of fresco painting of the Middle Ages in Montenegro. The surviving ensemble includes a cell building, the ruins of a protective wall, a cemetery, and the structures of three churches.

Among them:

Saint Sava. One-nave building of alternating rows of white, red stone and a belfry with three bells. The iconostasis was painted by Nicholas Aspiotis in 1864.

St. Nicholas. Built in the XII century, painted by a fresco master from Budimlya. Among his creations is the fresco “Mammal” (patroness of young mothers). In antiquity, mother’s gifts that did not have breast milk were left next to her. A luxurious carved iconostasis appeared here in 1796.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The small building is located on the upper platform next to the cemetery. The frescoes depict saints from the Nemanich family.

  The buildings suffered greatly from destruction during the invasion of the Tatars, the French, during the war of 1941, from a severe earthquake.

Podmaine Monastery in Budva

Historical facts indicate the emergence of a Christian structure at the foot of Mount Ostrog or in a place called Maina, around the time of the reign of the Nemanichi dynasty. For a long period of time here was the residence of the country’s metropolitans. Within its walls, Negosh wrote a literary work, “The Crown of the Mountains,” which became the literary monument of Montenegro. The buildings were given a new life by the modern restoration and opening of the complex in 1995. The complex includes two churches dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The large building was renovated in 2000. The icon painter again portrayed the scenes of the Last Judgment, placing among the sinners the image of the communist leader Broz Tito of Yugoslavia. The small church (4 m long and 2.5 m wide) is a catacomb of the first Christians and is located under cells. The building was built in the XII century. A stone water tank is installed in the center. She is famous for amazing stone carving. There is an inscription in the room, indicating that the last restoration took place in 1630.

Dulevo Monastery

There is a written mention of the structure that appeared in honor of the soldiers of King Dushan in the middle of the XVI century. The novices of the Decana parish came here after a haircut. The building was often destroyed by wars, natural disasters. Now it is fully restored. On the walls of the south and north sides are visible traces of former buildings, a cell building with narrow windows in the form of loopholes, a belfry with a bell. Inside the old building, fragments of two layers of ancient painting, the original frescoes, have been preserved.

They depict scenes from the lives of saints and are a matter of pride. The vault of the room is decorated with compositions covering important gospel events: the Present, Christmas, and the Crucifixion. On it are six medallions depicting Christ, Our Lady of Oranta, and saints. Two cells are located in the upper part of the building (Saint Sava worked in them before traveling to the Holy Mountain).

On the territory there is a source (Savvina Voda), which helps pilgrims treat diseases of the stomach. According to legend, the soldiers of King Dushan were healed of typhoid fever by this water. It is also proposed to see an old oak tree under which Saint Sava sat. The complex is located on a plateau above St. Stephen.

Praskvitsa Monastery

High in the mountains, near the villages of St. Stephen and Pržno, not far from a stream that smells of peaches (where the name of the building came from), an ancient monastic monastery lurks. The religious shrine of Montenegro appeared in 1059. After severe destruction, a new stage in her life began in 1844. The new church of St. Nicholas (the original construction was carried out in 1413), together with the Holy Trinity Church and monastery cells, are included in the architectural ensemble, which is a landmark of the country.

Along with the tour, you can sit at a stone table where the council of elders made crucial decisions of the Middle Ages. Visit the museum with a treasury. It contains a valuable collection of icons, ancient artworks, ancient weapons. Manuscript books (among them the Gospel of the 16th century), documents of the Pashtrovich era, an old monastery seal, the golden cross of Dushan. In the cells there is a valuable library with a total number of books over 5,000 copies.

Rustovo Monastery

In the current monastery for nuns live 8 sisters. They serve the buildings included in the monastery ensemble. Today it includes the construction of three temples. In 2003, a monastery was founded on the site of the ancient church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (built in the XIV century, destroyed by fires, an earthquake). His consecration took place on the Epiphany Eve. You can still consider the preserved foundation of the ancient structure.

During the construction process, the remains of the pastoral martyrs of the XIV century were found. Archbishop Amphilochius laid the foundation in 20005 for a small cathedral dedicated to members of the Romanov family who were martyred. The remains of the XIV century sufferers were first placed under the altar of a large church, and then buried in the foundation of the Romanov temple.

The third temple (paraclis) is located in the cell building. It is dedicated to the famous saint of the VI century, who founded a large number of temples. Located next to Chelobrodo Hill. It offers a panorama of the most beautiful part of the Adriatic Sea of ​​Montenegro.

Church of the Archangel Michael in Herceg Novi

The Orthodox Church, whose age is just over 100 years old, is considered the pearl of the Montenegro region. It stands in the center of the old quarter, on the Stefan Vukmcha square in Herceg Novi. The unusual architectural style is associated with the participation of several architects in its construction. Each of them expressed his preference for the Romanesque, Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque, Islamic architectural heritage. All elements blend in harmoniously and form a unique appearance of the structure.

The interior is striking in its exquisite beauty. The altar and iconostasis were made by master Bilinich from beautiful, rare marble. Many icons are considered rare, unique. They are written by Czech artist Ziegler. The local library holds a large number of church books, including from Russia. The building is surrounded by majestic palm trees. On the beautiful square there are many cozy cafes, places for relaxation, viewing the temple.

Church of the Savior in Herceg Novi

Behind a high stone fence on the main street (Negosheva) is an old temple complex consisting of the churches of the Savior and St. George. The first was built in 1713 from stone blocks brought from the island of Croatia. It received its final appearance in 1864 as a result of a complete restructuring, starting with the foundation. In the middle of the next century, an interesting iconostasis appeared in the building, a belfry with three bells.

Among the many decorations of the interior are several Russian icons. The Church of St. George was built at the end of the 17th century. This place used to be a Turkish mosque. The main shrine is a round icon depicting Saints Peter and Paul. The archives store old books, icons, church dishes made of silver. Behind the fence is an old cemetery, a two-story building of the residence of the bishops of 1700, a school where the future famous poet and priest of Montenegro Negosh studied.

Savina Monastery

The current complex (10 monks live in it), surrounded by a garden with many exotic plants, is the center of Orthodoxy among the settlements along the Boka Kotorska Bay. It is named after the first archbishop of Serbia, St. Sava. The complex includes three buildings: Malaya Uspenskaya, Bolshaya Uspenskaya and St. Sava Church (it is located next to the upper cemetery). The Small Cathedral (10 m long and about 6 m wide) was built in 1039.

The main preserved value is the ancient frescoes made in the Byzantine, Gothic styles. At the end of the 18th century, under the leadership of the Venetian architect Nikola Foretic, the Great Temple was built in the style of luxurious baroque. The iconostasis of the 18th century, consisting of separate zones created in the traditions of the Orthodox style of the east, has been preserved.

Sacred relics are considered to be a crystal cross belonging to Savva and decorated with rubies, the relics of Tsarina Helena, George the Victorious, the shroud of 1642. Icon collection, library containing over 5,000 rare manuscripts, handwritten gospel. The church of St. Sava was built by him in the 1230s. Now it is used as the parish church of the monastery.

Banya Monastery in Risan

The existing convent, founded in the 15th century, is located on the shore of the Gulf of Risan. In ancient times, there were Roman baths, which gave the name to the new building. In the XVII century, a temple was erected on the foundation of an ancient medieval fortress in honor of St. George the Victorious. Particles of the relics of the great martyr are the main shrine. The existing look was created during the restoration in 1729, carried out at the expense of wealthy sailors of the region.

Now here you can see old icons, clothes used during religious rituals. It is skillfully embroidered with silver, gold threads, decorated with gems. Many faces of saints are made using the techniques of ancient embroidery. The library archive contains a large amount of church literature. It is allowed to visit the interior with a guided tour, groups of pilgrims when performing the prescribed form of clothing and observing all the rules.

[altughuner-blog]

Trincomalee is one of the many ancient living cities of Sri Lanka. It is not as famous as Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa with the tourists, but it is no less fascinating than them. Read more about the places to visit in Trincomalee.

During my recent trip to Sri Lanka, I traveled through some of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka in its northern Tamil dominated belt. I discovered the wealth of ancient temples, ancient ports, salt panes, lagoons, islands, and lovely little villages. The fact that I could get south Indian food in most places made me feel at home. Only when someone asked for my passport, I realized I am out of India.

In colloquial lingo, the city is called Trinco.

Places to visit in Trincomalee

Kanniya Hot Springs

Kanniya Hot Springs are the natural wonders of the area. These are 7 square wells close to each other with hot water at different temperatures. They are located quite close to each other and are quite shallow – just about 3-4 feet deep. You can see the bottom right there when you stand next to them. It looks like an ocean bed with lots of coins thrown by visitors.

Kanniya Hot Springs or 7 wells

It is said that they have water at 7 different temperature levels, from lukewarm to very hot. I did touch the water in all the wells and it was hot. I could not figure out the difference in temperature between the wells. Not to forget that I was there when the sun was at its peak and any water would be hot water at that time of the day.

I saw people taking buckets of water and pouring it on themselves.

Do read – Manikaran Hot Springs 

The story says that Ravana dug up these hot springs to do the last rites of his mother. Since then, Kanniya Hot Springs are used for performing last rights in Sri Lanka. Apparently, Ramayana mentions it as a part of Gokarna Tirth – another name of Trincomalee Bay.

Buddhist Monastery at Kanniya Hot Springs

There is a Buddhist monastery and a Shiva temple next to the Kanniya Hot Springs. In front of it are the ruins of an old Brick Stupa, the kinds you see in the Anuradhapura area.

Ticket for Sri Lankans – LKR 10/- Ticket for Foreigners – LKR 50/-

Obviously, it is one of the places to visit in Trincomalee during your visit.

Trincomalee War Cemetery

War Cemetery 1939-1945

A beautifully maintained cemetery announces its name on its iron gate along with the dates 1939-1945. The years indicate that it belongs to the World War II era. You see the cemetery as in the image above, I do not think it opens more than this for visitors.

Orr’s Hill Army Museum

This is the most basic but very well-presented museum I have seen. To a layperson, it is a great introduction to the wide range of weapons used by the Army, where they were invented and when were they procured by Sri Lanka. A room introduces to the army uniform, its ranks, insignias of various regiments, etc. Another room has a display of defense communications.

The interesting part of this museum is the display of items captured from terrorists and that includes suicide bombers.

Weapons display at Orr’s Hill Army Museum

You need 30-60 mins depending on your interest to see this museum. Located right next to the ocean, it is a pleasure to walk through this well-maintained museum. An army person will guide you, though the language may be a challenge.

You can practice shooting at a combat setup and get an experience of being an army person for a fee. I think it is a great idea to acquaint citizens about the life of army men in the country.

Ticket – Sri Lankans – LKR 20/-, Foreigners – LKR 250/-

Temples of Trincomalee

It is an ancient port city. It is also a pilgrimage site for Tamil Hindus. One of the Panch Ishwarams or the 5 prominent Shiva Temples is located at the edge of Swami rock here. There are many other temples that continue to live in the city. Let’s look at some of them:

Thirukoneswaram Temple

Thiru Koneswaram Temple

Thirukoneswaram or Koneswaram temple is the most important temple in the city – one of the 5 Shiva temples in the country. The temple dates back to the time of Ramayana at least, as we hear many tales associated with Ravana and this temple.

Koneswaram Temple Entrance

The story goes that Parvati wanted a home like a normal woman and this is the place that she chose for her home. Ravana was called to perform the rituals for the new home, but he was so enticed by the grandeur of the palace that he asked it in Dakshina for performing the rituals. As soon as he got what he wanted, he realized his mistake and did severe penance to convince the Devi to stay here. Devi relented and stayed here as Shankari Devi. Shiva stays with here as Koneswara or lord of the hill. Some accounts also interpret the name as Trikon + Ishwara meaning the lord of three mountains.

Dakshin Kailasa

Artistic impression of Koneswaram Temple

Another story says Trincomalee is located on the piece of Kailasa Parvat, that was brought here by Ravana. In fact, Koneswaram temple shares the same longitude with Kailasa Parvat, earning it the name of Dakshin Kailasa. It finds mention in Dakshin Kailasa Mahatyam in Skanda Puran.

Do read – Ramayana Places to See in Sri Lanka

It is described as the 1000 pillared temple with many small shrines surrounding it. Like most other major temples in the region was destroyed by the Portuguese army. Fort Fredrick stands at the place that was once the temple premises. This means it was a huge temple complex. The chronicles say that they used to canons to demolish the temple. Some of the Murtis were buried underground by the fleeing priests. Some of these have been recovered and are now part of the temple complex.

Ancient Lakshmi Narayana Murtis

At the Vasant Mandapa, you can see some recovered Bronze idols. In another small shrine, you see a large Lakshmi & Narayana sculpture in black stone. An old Nandi finds itself in another niche around the temple.

The present temple is a small temple located right at the far end of the rock from where you can see the ocean all around you. The main temple houses a Shivalinga and the Devi temple next door houses a standing image of the goddess.

Giant Shiva Murti at Koneswaram Temple

The temple walls inside the temple tell the story of the temple. The original temple covered the whole hill as per the description here. Outside walls tell the stories of the temple from the Puranas.

A huge Shiva Murti welcomes you as you approach the temple from the parking, passing by the small temple shops.

Ravana Abyss

Ravana Cut or Ravana Abyss on Swami Rock

The Ravana Abyss or Vetta refers to the cut in the Swami Rock on which the Koneswaram temple stands. It is believed that this cut was made by the Ravana with his sword.

Ravana with folded hands and his Veena – Places to visit in Trincomalee

Ravana standing with his folded hands, with his Veena next to him, on a platform hanging out of the Swami rock is an interesting sculpture. It commemorates the moment when Ravana created a veena from one of his own heads to please Shiva and Parvati.

It seems ironic that the king of the golden Lanka stands on a hanging platform with folded hands. People offer him coins and you see his feet surrounded by coins.

Cradles

Cradles tied all around the temple

At the back wall of Thirukoneswaram temple is a series of miniature wooden cradles tied to the railings. It is believed that couples who want children tie a cradle to this temple wall. I also saw coins wrapped in clothes tied to the cradles.

The sunrise is just beautiful from the temple ramparts.

Deer around Koneswaram Temple

Interestingly, you see deer roaming around the temple premises.

Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth

Shankari Devi Temple is located within the premises of Koneswara temple. It has Adi Shakti as Shankari or the consort of Shankar. The Murti is in standing position with four arms. A two-dimensional Sri Chakra on copper stands next to her legs. Another 3 dimensional Sri Chakra stands in front of her image.

It is believed that the leg of Sati fell here when Shiva was taking her body around.

This is the first Shakti Peeth mentioned by Adi Shankaracharya in his Stotra describing the 18 Shakti Peethas in Indian Subcontinent. This makes it a very important site for the followers of both the Shiva and Shakti.

Bhadrakali or Pathirakali Amman temple

Ancient Pathirakali Temple – Places to visit in Trincomalee

This temple is located in the middle of the city. From a distance, it looks like any other south Indian temple in Dravidian architecture with colorful Gopurams full of storytelling sculptures.

Stories of Devi – Bhadrakali Temple

However, as soon as I entered the temple from a side door, I was stunned to see the three-dimensional sculptures all around. The sculptures were calling from the ceiling, from the brackets surrounding the pillars and from the walls. They had a million stories of the different manifestations of the Devi to tell. The loud colors and powerful images in larger than life sizes are overwhelming.

Three Dimensional Wall Murals

The presiding deity of this temple is Mahakali as Bhadrakali or the benevolent form of Kali. Along with her, there are Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

Pathirakali Amman Temple

An inscription at the temple tells us that this temple predates Chola period, which means it existed in 11th CE, making it more than 1000 years old at least.

Salli Muthumariamman Kovil

Salli Muthumariamman Kovil

Located right next to the Uppuveli beach where a small stream joins the ocean, this is one of the oldest temples in the city. This is the third important temple dedicated to Devi in the region.

Temple standing on the narrow land between backwaters and the sea has rugged rocks for company. There is a natural barrier created between the sea and the temple by the rocks. When I visited, the temple was closed but I could see that it a very venerated temple and visited by many from the signs of worship all around. The temple gives a lovely view of the Indian ocean.

Yantra at Salli Muthumariamman Temple Uppuvelli Beach

I saw a strange yantra standing in front of the temple in Copper. Any idea what this is?

Did you know Trincomalee Bay is also known as Gokarna?

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Lakshmi Narayana Temple Photo – Temple Website

This is a giant temple in blue and gold color. You can see it from a distance. It was closed when I visited and the thick moat around it prevented me from taking a good picture of it. I am told this temple is very popular with travelers to Trincomalee.

This is a fairly new temple dedicated to Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayana. I guess the blue and yellow colors were chosen for the temple also denote the blue color of Vishnu who always wears golden yellow clothes.

Buddhist Viharas

Buddhist Vihara

Here and there you see Buddhist Viharas, usually identifiable with their white stupas. I stopped a couple of them and mostly found a school like an environment there with young students roaming around.

Do read – Anuradhapura – the ancient capital of Sri Lanka

Beaches of Trincomalee

Coming from Goa, beaches in Sri Lanka were at the bottom of my list to explore. However, in the evenings, they are the best option to explore the place. Beaches can also help you relax after a tiring day exploring the destination.

Uppuveli Beach

Uppuveli Beach

I visited Uppuveli beach twice during my stay. First was when I visited the temple. I stood on the rocks jutting out of the sea as the sun went down, soaking the tree-lined beach in its twilight.

Second, I visited on the backwater ride from my hotel. It was a nice 40 minutes slow boat ride from the hotel to the beach and back. I saw the trees standing in the middle of salt water, birds flying here and there and a vast landscape full of silence. This is one of the important places to visit in Trincomalee that I would definitely recommend anyone visiting.

Nilaveli Beach

Located to the North of Uppuveli beach, this is a quieter beach, away from the city.

Pigeon Island

This island can be reached by boat from Nilaveli beach. It is most popular who whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and diving.

It gets its name from the rock pigeon breeding grounds it has.

Marble Beach

This beach is supposed to have the clearest water. I missed visiting this beach this time.

Fort Fredrick

Fort Fredrick

This fort was built by destroying the temple and using its stone by the Portuguese in the April of 1622 CE on the Tamil New year day by deceit. The soldiers dressed as priests as the main Murti was taken to town in a procession and bombed the temple into the sea.

Their reign was short lived and the Dutch destroyed what they had built and rebuilt the fort in 1665 CE.

Do read – Galle Fort – the Colonial Past of Sri Lanka

As of now, you can only see the arch leading to the temple here. Being an army installation, tourists are not encouraged here but it is accessible.

Places to visit near Trincomalee

Aathi Koneswaram Temple

Athi Koneswaram Temple

This is a simple but large temple located in a village called Tamapalakamam, about 25 km from the city. This was built in 1632 CE and houses the original idols of the Koneswarar temple.

It is one of the most peaceful temples I visited in Sri Lanka. Its huge corridors with almost no crowd let you walk and admire the temple peacefully. As per the priest, the Utsav Murti in Bronze is the only ancient idol. However, my limitation with language was a barrier. He was kind enough to allow me to take the picture of this ancient idol.

Like most temples, this temple also lay abandoned during the Sri Lankan civil war.

Elephant Pass Memorial

Elephant Pass Memorial Sri Lanka

The Elephant Pass Memorial is a memorial built to commemorate the end of civil war in Sri Lanka. Through its two semi-circles, it signifies the coming together of North and South Sri Lanka and free flow of people across the country. Hands hold up the Map of Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated by Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2009.

It is lovely little sculpture, that allows you to walk up on the ramp that goes around it. Walls around the memorial show the stressful scenes of war days. You can probably see it in a few minutes but the meaning and symbolism of it will stay with you.

From the top of Elephant Pass memorial so get to see the Elephant Pass Salterns. Shining white lines of salt glitter in the sun, left on the shore why visiting waves of the ocean.

Trincomalee Backwaters Boat Ride Video

Watch the video clip in HD mode for the best view.

Travel Tips

Seascape

The city is well connected to Colombo by train and bus.

Cinnamon Air also connects the city by Air Taxi.

Tuk Tuk or private car is the best way to get around the city.

There are kinds of hotels, from basic to boutique ones. I stayed at Amaranthe Bay, which is close to Uppuveli beach.

Photography is not allowed inside the temples, but most other places it is allowed.

You need 2-3 days for the places to visit in Trincomalee comfortably. However, if you are rushed, you can do it in a day also.

Do not forget to drink King Coconuts available anywhere in the city and the country.

The post Places To Visit In Trincomalee – The Eastern Edge Of Sri Lanka appeared first on Inditales.

[myhauntedsalem]

Borley Rectory

The Borley Rectory is a haunted mansion in Essex that became infamous as the most haunted place in England. Today, it doesn’t exist because it burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances in 1939.

The remains of the Victorian mansion known as Borley Rectory are located in a small village near the town of Sudbury in Essex. It was built in 1862 on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery. Before the Rectory was constructed, the area was already believed to be haunted by the ghost of a nun. Many villagers claimed they had seen her sorrowful figure strolling along a path they called Nun’s Walk.

According to the legend, the nun had fallen head over heels in love with a monk who lived in the monastery at Borley. When their affair was discovered, the two lovers tried to elope together but they were quickly caught and dragged kicking and screaming back to Borley. The monk was executed and the nun was bricked up alive within the monastery’s cellar walls.

The first occupant of Borley Rectory was the Reverend Henry Bull and his family. Unexplained footsteps were heard in the house at night, guests were often startled by the figure of a woman peering in at them through the windows of the Rectory and shadowy figures were seen in the children’s bedrooms. The Reverend’s four daughters all claimed they saw the ghost of a nun near the house one evening. When they went closer and tried to talk to her, they said she disappeared.

In 1929, the Rectory was taken over by the Reverend Guy Smith and his wife. One day, soon after moving in, Mrs. Smith was cleaning out a cupboard when she came across a brown paper package. Inside, she was horrified to find the skull of a young woman. At night, they heard strange footsteps and were convinced that they had seen the apparition of a phantom coach driven by two headless horsemen racing up the Rectory drive.

Frightened by the unexplained events, the Smiths contacted a local newspaper which arranged for a paranormal investigator named Harry Price to visit the place and try to get to the bottom of what was going on. They began to experience poltergeist activity. Vases and other objects were smashed, rocks and stones were thrown around the rooms and they heard tapping on a mirror that sounded like a ghost was trying to communicate with them. It was all too much for the Smiths and they left after only two years.

The Rectory became the home of the Reverend Lionel Foyster, his wife Marianne and their adopted daughter Adelaide. As soon as the family moved in, the paranormal phenomena took a turn for the worse. Objects inexplicably disappeared and were later found in other parts of the house, furniture was overturned, bells rang of their own accord, windows mysteriously shattered, stones flew across the room and bottles smashed on the floor.

The ghost seemed to become obsessed with the rector’s young wife. She was thrown out of her bed at night by a mysterious force and slapped by invisible hands. She often had objects thrown at her and was once almost suffocated with a mattress. At one point she acquired a black eye. Another terrifying event happened when little Adelaide was trapped in a room and unable to open the door, even though it did not have a lock. She was later attacked by an evil presence, which she could only describe as something horrible.

Even more bizarre were the messages which began to appear scrawled on the walls of the house. They were all addressed to Marianne and appeared even while eyewitnesses were watching. Most of the messages were little more than scribbles and made no sense, but one of them read, “Marianne, please help get” and another was, “Marianne light mass prayers.”

In desperation, Reverend Foyster tried to conduct an exorcism, but his efforts were fruitless. Harry price decided to put an advertisement out in the paper looking for volunteers to assist him in a thorough investigation of the Rectory. He received a huge number or replied and chose 48 people to help him.

Using a Ouija board, they managed to contact a spirit who called herself Marie Lairre. Speaking from beyond the grave, she said that, in life, she had been a nun in France but had left her convent and traveled to England to marry a man named Henry Waldegrave. Once there, her husband had strangled her and buried her remains in the cellar.

After doing some research, they found out that there was a wealthy man who had lived in the area in the 17th century and his name was Henry Waldegrave.

Months later, they succeeded in contacting another spirit who called himself Sunex Amures. He said that the rectory would burn down that night at 9 o’clock and the bones of a murdered person would be revealed in the ruins. After waiting the time that night, nothing had happened.

Borley Rectory did not burn that night, but exactly 11 months later in 1939. The building accidentally caught fire. The flames spread quickly and the Rectory was burned to the ground. Henry Price returned to Borley Rectory again in 1943 and after digging in the ruins, he discovered the bones of a young woman buried in the cellar alongside a medal of Saint Ignatius.

The bones were given a Christian burial in an attempt to end the haunting. However, it does not seem to have worked. Supernatural happenings are still reported from the site of the ruins of Borely Rectory and the nearby churchyard.

Will the ghost of Marie Lairre ever find peace or is she doomed to haunt the site of her murder for all eternity?

[daisy-quaking-johnson-blog]

Major Stupa and Columns of India

Stupa-

The start of the stupa was made in the form of a dead body made of a dead body, which was treated by the local public, adopted by the custom of the Stupa and Ashok made stupas in the whole of India like Mercury. The oldest stupa received from Pipharhuva NepalStupas were in the form of a huge hemisphere in which the monument of Mercury was kept in a central chamber with a beautiful rhinestone in a small box, the title of the stupa was of raw bricks and the outer part was a fixed brick which had a deep fold of plaster. Above the stupa was a umbrella of wood or stone and it was surrounded by wooden wall fencing, in which there was a statutory place for Dakshina. Keep Pradakshina in the stupa was the main form of reverence for memorial symbols. INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India HindiGate of 

Sanchi

It is more famous for its carving door decoration than Vastu Vidya is a statue of Amravati which was constructed in its final form in the second century which was larger than the Stupa of Sanchi, two stupas of Sarnath and Nalanda in the north Indian Indian Stupa are very famous. There were four small stupas of stupas, in which the bodies of famous Sanyasis were kept for their religious fidelity and scholarship. Some major forms are low --Nagargunkonda Stupa This stupa was made of Amravati stupa, which was 70 to 80 feet in height and 104 feet in diameter, it was constructed by Mitti Gare and brick. INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India Hindi-Nalanda

  Stupa

The stupa of Nalanda, which was offered seven times by karma, looks like the Pyramid of its present form, which has a staircase up to its pebbles. Initially, it was a tall stupa built on a high base, with a small stupa on each end.-Saranath's

 Smackup Stupa 

It is built in the sixth century of the Gupta period. The shape of this stupa is similar to that of a stone drum. It used to be used in the construction of the stupa. It has a height of 128 feet. In the middle of this there have been many who built the statue of Mercury. May have gone. INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India Hindi- Stupa of Amravati

The remains of the Stupa have been received from the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh of South India. It was constructed in Satavahana period. The stupa had a diameter of 180 feet. The marble has been used on its walls and on the walls the life of Mahatma Buddha is characterized by his living idols. Puja scene and other scenes are also included.- Stupa of Sanchi

Sanchi stupa is situated in Madhya Pradesh, which was constructed by the great emperor Ashoka. Here there is a small and a large stupa. There is a harnika on the top of the stupa, which has a umbrella penalty installed on it. The symbolism of Buddhism promoted by the four streets of the Stupa's dome are made up of which Vedika is filled with huge pylons at the gateways of the Vedicus. The story of the life of Lord Buddha on the pylon, and the stories of his previous lives are mentioned. Stupa Gaj Singh Dharma Chakra transformation, etc. The height of the stupa of Sanchi is 54 feet and its diameter is 120 feet. INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India 

Hindi-Bharhut stupa

Bharuch stupa was built by the great emperor Ashoka, General Cunningham had discovered this stupa in 1873, collecting the remains of it and securing it in the Kolkata Museum, the diameter of the base of the stupa was 68 feet and there was a long fence of the four stones and the stupa of Bharhat Mercury and 30 Jatak stories have been inscribed in the marking of Buddha Pooja showing animals and humans worshiping Lord Mercury with reverence. Class A picture is shown Buddhist Jataka Accessories Dev vagina and Yakshini the stupa worship the Bodhi tree by elephants in the picture is marked.- Vihar

Vihara is an important and integral part of Buddhism and architecture. Vihar was built by cutting rocks and coughing them Bihar was a monastery in which monastic monks used to reside in the education initiation of the monks and other religious activities in Vihar Some major prominent ones were edited:- Bhaja Vihar

This Vihar is located in the south of Baja, Vihar was famous as the religious center of Buddhism and the main center of education initiation. There is a large veranda in the center of Vihara, both of which are built and the rooms are built on both sides of the entrance of the verandah. . INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India Hindi-Nasik Vihar

16 viharas were constructed in Nashik on the banks of Godavari in Maharashtra. Gautami Vihar is considered the most important of these here. Many Buddhist religions used to study and studied here. Nasik Vihar was famous as the largest center of Buddhism. Was there.-Nhapan Vihar

This Vihar is present in the form of a ruins. There are four chambers constructed in this Pavilion of Bihar, which are used for religious activities and the study of Buddhist monks. The ramparts of the Vihar are figuratively furnished. INDIAN ART AND CULTURE NOTES Major Stupas and Columns in India HindiPillar

In India, there has been a tradition of establishing pillars for political and religious reasons since ancient times. The construction of the pillar first started in the Mauryan period, the same style is seen in the Mauryan pillars, their craftsmen lived under the supervision of kings and only when the dynasty was over The exquisite sample of the destroyed art of Maurya is the monolithic pillar by Ashoka, which is the best craftsman of the time.

[flyingcarpettours]

Aswan Tours

Interested in the ancient Egyptian life and pharaohs history Flying Carpet Tours offers to you  Aswan Tours, which offers to  you  your dream trip to get to meet with the legacy of the pharaohs and see the magnificent archaeological  monuments, Also to pass along through the most famous museums in Egypt to have a look on the wonderful collections of treasures of the pharaohs, Moreover  visiting Aswan City, it is the largest city in Upper Egypt and the third biggest town in Egypt, located on the east bank of the Nile, it is the suitable place to stay for a few days, a marvelous city to walk around and enjoy it’s calm weather ,as it was a winter resort, It was called Swan in the ancient Egyptian language, which means the market, Besides it includes many amazing historical places such as, Nilometer, Nilometer of Khnum, Ruins of Abu, Nubia Museum, Aswan Museum, Coptic Cathedral and much more other places which definitely will take you  back long in the time when you visit it and its people has a very special traditional habits, as there is a community inside of it which called the Nubian are an ethnolinguistic  group of Africans  indigenous that are localize nowadays in Luxor and Aswan and the other part of them in Sudan, They have their own special costumes and songs with their language but they are very friendly and lovely which will make you love their company till you will not like to live them and travel back to your place.

You are confused about where to visit first but you don't have the enough knowledge our Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan by Plane or Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan By Van  is the right choice for you where it will satisfy your expectations and make you see the amazing most famous archaeological monuments and places, our guide will take you by air-conditioned van to see one of the most glorious archaeological monuments The two Temples of Abu Simbel, which have a unique style, as They reflect the glory and grandeur of the new Kingdom, Abu Simbel Temple is a complex consists of two temples that situated in the south boarder of Egypt, it was built for the King Ramses II, and the distance between it and Aswan is 320 km, and it is considered as the biggest constructure, which located in the south west of Aswan, it consists of two rock-cut Temples, The Temple of Ramsses II and The Temple of Queen Nefertari, they both date back to the reign of King Ramses II.

Try Aswan Dam, Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk Tour, a very huge package which offers passing by many historical places and will make you amuse your eyes with the wonderful engineering building the High Dam, it shed light on the great improvements and achievements of the modern Egypt, this dam was constructed during the reign of the Egyptian President Gamal Abd El Nasser, as he decided to build the High Dam because of the Nile River flooding, which effected badly on many lands in Egypt, therefore this amazing project started in 1960 and perfectly finished in 1971, it also left an area that was flooded by the Nile River and turned to a beautiful lake, Also you will visit the magnificent Unfinished Obelisk,  was ordered to be built by the Queen Hatshepsut, and it shed light on its marvelous designing, as it was going to be the largest Obelisk in the world, as it would have measured about 137 feet and its weight supposed to be approximately 1,200 tons, but unfortunately the cracks that appeared in the granite made project fall down, but also those destroyed items of the Unfinished Obelisks are very precious and important for it has many valuable and beautiful inscriptions, Moreover our Philae Temple Sound and Light Show, will give you a chance to attend an amazing colored light show with sound affection which story the history of Aswan city during the period of ancient Egyptian era with more than seven languages to take you in a trip to the old past, it is guaranteed that you will feel as you traveled back with flesh to the period of pharaohs, will make you discover more than ever about the Stunning Philae Temple, it contains of many ancient Egyptian sanctuaries and shrines, like For Millennia, the Bed of Pharaoh or Trajan’s Kiosk and more, it was derived its name from the Greek language, as it was named Philae in Greek which means in English beloved and in Arabic it was known as Anas El Wegood.

You are passionate about culture our Nubian Village Tour, will make you get intimate to the Nubian traditions and pass through bazaars, cafes and restaurants to try their traditional food and buy special souvenirs for your family, besides you can take memorial photos with local village people while wearing their traditional costumes, Also there is Kom Ombo and Edfu TempleTours from Aswan and Kalabsha Temple and Nubian Museum Tours, will make you discover the wonderful Nubian Museum, was designed by Mahmoud Al Hakim and opened its doors in November 1997. The complex covers 50,000 square meters of landscaped gardens and buildings which are divided up into different sections, has also a beautiful garden with water-falls, palm trees, and flowers, spread around natural rocks and It includes three thousand pieces of antiquities, representing various ages; Geological, Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic.

Experience our Aswan Felucca Tours and Nile Cruise Aswan, will make you choose between taking a felucca or boat to go in a beautiful ride in the Nile river and watch the amazing natural sights on the both shores of the Nile river with amazing warm weather, besides stopping in each historical station to discover the archeological monuments in it, Moreover our Day Tour To St Simeon Monastery,  in it our delegate will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan and transfer you by air-conditioned vehicle to visit the amazing St Simeon Monastery, which consists of two levels; the lower level was built of stone, while the upper level was built of mud brick with 10-meter-high walls, giving the form of military fortress.

More Aswan Tours E-mail: sales@flyingcarpettours.com Tel. : +201099906242

[tripstations]

Peru’s most tranquil luxurious retreats

One among South America’s most alluring locations, Peru’s various geography and conventional cultures have been enchanting travellers for many years. Providing among the continent’s most immersive cultural experiences, hanging landscapes, mysterious ruined cities and excellent delicacies; Peru by no means fails to impress when it comes to distinctive experiences or luxurious lodging.

Listed here are a few of our favorite luxurious hideaways in magical Peru…

Titilaka, Lake Titicaca

Perched on a peaceable and picturesque personal peninsula round an hour outdoors of the chaotic metropolis of Puno, Titilaka Lodge is an beautiful Relais & Chateaux retreat on the shores of the spellbinding Lake Titicaca. This cobalt-blue lake, located nearly 4,000 metres above sea-level, is the cradle of Andean civilisation, the place native individuals consider the creator-god Wiracocha despatched the primary Incas, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, to civilise the area.

The resort gives a complete full-board expertise, offering friends with spacious suites, three gourmand meals a day and a singular programme of actions by the lake away from the crowds of vacationers in saturated Puno. Protecting a broad spectrum of nature remark, cultural actions, historic excursions and gorgeous hikes; the lodge’s tour menu permits travellers to discover past the plain. Actions can be found on a small-group or personal foundation with knowledgeable English-speaking guides.  For an unique, comfy and unforgettable expertise of this deeply culturally important area, look no additional than Titilaka.

Sol y Luna, The Sacred Valley

Tucked away amongst exuberant gardens in Peru’s lush Sacred Valley, Sol y Luna is an effortlessly charming mixture of Peruvian custom and French-inspired hospitality. The resort’s French homeowners supply a shocking luxurious resort with beautiful delicacies and repair which, much more importantly, has a social conscience.

The resort funds an area college the place kids from susceptible backgrounds are supplied with a top quality training. Every vibrant and delicately completed particular person casita (bungalow) gives friends huge privateness with upgraded premium suites additionally that includes a personal terrace with a secluded Jacuzzi. As with all Relais & Chateaux property, meals performs an infinite half within the expertise at Sol y Luna the place the resort’s two on-site eating places Killa Wasi and Wayra supply an elevated Peruvian delicacies impressed by the bounty of the fertile mountain valleys of the area. Take pleasure in stress-free within the heated outside pool to the soundtrack of native birdsong or bask in a spa therapy impressed by the magical cultural heritage of the Inca. Sol y Luna is charming past perception and one of the best place for a luxurious retreat on this traditionally and culturally wealthy Valley.

Cirqa, Arequipa

A brand-new luxurious providing within the ‘White Metropolis’ of Arequipa, so named for its colonial constructions constituted of the pale ‘sillar’ volcanic rock, Cirqa seamlessly blends a contemporary minimalist model with the opulence of the historic constructing’s colonial previous. Moulded into the shell of a 16th century monastery, Cirqa’s unique rooms and suites are a juxtaposition of the quaint uncovered brick arches of the unique constructing with a smooth monochrome inside design.

Visiting friends can be handled to an intensely detailed personalised service. Assigned a bunch at check-in, which is performed within the consolation of your room, it is possible for you to to contact your private assistant through Whatsapp by yourself telephone, or on an iPad supplied by the resort with a purpose to coordinate meal instances, excursions or ask them to warmth up the resort’s trendy plunge pool for you, positioned on a sun-soaked inside courtyard. As a Relais & Chateaux member and sister-hotel to Titilaka, mealtimes at Cirqa are an intimate and particular occasion. Within the cosy restaurant, heated by a big open hearth, get pleasure from a gastronomic journey by way of Peru’s distinctive elements and various culinary heritage. Located mere blocks away from Arequipa’s spectacular Plaza de Armas, Cirqa is certainly one of the best resort on the town.

Resort B Barranco, Lima

Occupying a totally restored Republican-era summer season villa within the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, Resort B is one in all Lima’s most in-demand lodging. The gorgeous façade of the historic constructing gives friends a particular sort of welcome and issues solely enhance the longer it’s important to spend on this distinctive boutique.

Owned by a collective of native artists, Resort B is a resort/gallery, the place the artwork that adorns the partitions modifications with the seasons to rejoice the head of native cultural achievement. Providing maybe one in all Lima’s finest breakfasts, Resort B takes delight in its attentive service and homely hospitality. With quite a lot of stylish communal areas for friends to get pleasure from throughout their keep, the property seems like a tranquil oasis in an in any other case fairly busy and overwhelming metropolis setting – the right place to chill out and unwind after a protracted day of exploring Lima’s principal points of interest. Be taught to make a conventional pisco bitter (the Peruvian nationwide cocktail) within the refined art-deco bar space or get pleasure from a personalised tour of town with one of many resort’s devoted native guides. For these searching for an unique luxurious expertise of Peru’s dynamic capital, Resort B won’t disappoint.

Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco

One of some charming luxurious motels located on Cusco’s Plaza Nazarenas, just a few steps from town’s spectacular principal sq., Inkaterra La Casona gives travellers a singular luxurious expertise in a home bursting with historical past. This authentic colonial period Spanish residence occupies the positioning of a former Inca building and was later residence to Diego de Almagro, an aristocratic conquistador instrumental within the conquest of Peru alongside Francisco Pizarro. Throughout Latin America’s tussle for independence, well-known liberating common Simón Bolívar additionally briefly lived in the home.

With simply eleven suites that commemorate Peru’s wealthy pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial heritage by way of considerate and evocative décor, friends really feel immersed within the historical past of this hybrid metropolis that straddles the Andean and European cultures. Serving gourmand delicacies and providing blissful tranquillity even in Cusco’s busy metropolis centre, this unique resort is unrivalled in its consideration to element.

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Journey. Humboldt Journey is a luxurious journey firm specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America.

If you need to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with a purpose to increase your profile, please contact us.

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[versatilepoetry]

The Creator Was Everywhere

Be it the grandiloquently colossal castle; or the fetidly stinking gutter hosting a fleet of obnoxious cockroaches, Be it the mystically shimmering Moon; or the sweltering sands of the mammoth desert, Be it the fathomless expanse of the azure blue sky; or the minuscule nest of the piquant beaked woodpecker, Be it the stupendously scented rose; or the yellow mushroom decaying to oblivion in the heart of the hills, Be it the enigmatically deep and uncannily marvelous dungeon; or the contemporary match box shaped town square, Be it the festoon of resplendently twinkling stars in the cosmos; or the clammy interiors of the dingy little and sordid hut, Be it the electric paced stallion galloping through rubicund farmlands; or the potbellied tortoise traversing with Herculean effort on the hard ground, Be it the astronomically huge ocean impregnated with flocks of blue whales; or the small trace of saliva lying desolate in the obsolete attic, Be it the tumultuous streaks of pugnacious white lightening; or the diminutive beehive camouflaged sedately amidst the trees, Be it the conventionally advanced computer; or the clerk who hardly knew how to sign, Be it the impeccable tufts of cotton sprouting in blissful tandem from the fields; or the solitary rope suspended morbidly from the ceiling, Be it the incredulously fast paced aircraft kissing the air faster than the speed of light; or the hunch backed camel yawning embarrassingly under the gargantuan cactus, Be it the mountain laden with astonishingly scintillating jewels from all round the continent; or the droplet of blood oozing down the skin, Be it the most invincible man trespassing on this arth; or the astoundingly small infant who had just emitted its first cry, Be it the densely inhabited jungle with majestically roaring lions; or the soft toy of plastic standing on just a brick, Be it the delectable meal of spell binding caramel chocolates; or the nail embedded pathetically in the broken wall, Be it the superlatively rosy tongue chattering incessantly all throughout the brilliant day; or the stone which lay in perpetual silence beneath the lanky grass, Be it the island which perennially received the most tenacious rays of the Sun; or the blind mans world completely obfuscated from the slightest trace of visible light, Be it the balloon pompously inflated with incomprehensible amounts of air; or the morose tyre lying completely squashed like frigidly white ice, Be it the entire army marching valiantly towards inevitable victory; or the impoverished beggar begging for alms every minute, Be it the glittering gold watch ticking indefatigably round the clock; or the placidly still statue which didn't speak or move at all, Be it the loudest echo ever heard on this globe; or the inaudible whisper dying before it even came out, Be it the thunderously domineering shadow of the towering edifice; or the ethereal shadow blending every now and then with the dolorous darkness, Be it the revered interiors of the adorable dwelling; or the utterly disgusting and abhorrent steps leading to your mundane office, Be it the crackling flames of fire that leapt ebulliently towards the coalition of emerald clouds; or the shivering piece of freezing snow dangling from the Christmas tree, Be it the assembly of magnificently radiating mirrors bundled up in an enamoring heap; or the distorted strand of moustache floating like an insipid speck in the atmosphere, Be it the most remarkable of memory that could conceive every possible situation to unfurl on the trajectory of this planet; or the mockingly dumb worm writhing on brown soil, Be it the impregnable gates leading to the presidential rooms; or the inconspicuous little matchstick feeling soggy and despondently gloomy after the rains, Be it the unbelievably big bed stuffed with ravishingly compassionate softness and warmth; or the acrimonious thorn awaiting surreptitiously for innocent flesh, Be it the ingratiatingly sweet voice of the voluptuous nightingale; or the pertinent mosquito brooding in the profoundly hollow well, Be it the most formidable stick in the bodyguard's hands; or the finely pulverized pulp of ripe banana, Be it the overwhelmingly blissful paradise harboring the angels; or the timidly remorse voice of hell, Be it the longest fabric ever woven and beautifully stitched; or the threadbare string of dilapidated shells orphaned mercilessly on the sea shores, Be it the heart beating turbulently engulfed in the flames of unrelenting passion; or the incongruous follicle of hair sadly detached and lying as still as the mud, Be it the ingenious key able to crack through the labyrinth of intricate lock; or the ludicrous buffoon who kept falling even before he could rise, Be it the luscious periphery of seductively alluring lips; or the bland water incarcerated in small jugs of wood, Be it the awesome congregation of inscrutably swirling waves crashing splendidly against the rocks; or the dismally melting jelly in the austere heat of blazing afternoon, Be it the unfathomable peak of Mount Everest; or the limp marble rolling on flat soil, Be it the animatedly leaping Kangaroo with its pack of siblings in its bulging pocket; or the perpetually still photograph hanging in the sleazy dressing room, Be it the exorbitantly costly shoes adorned by the King as he walked on the streets; or the nakedly petite foot coalescing with dust each time it kicked, Be it the poignantly sharp kitchen knife ripping apart through vegetables with nonchalant ease; or the blunt sand with no taste of its at all, Be it the rivulets of perspiration dribbling tantalizingly through exotic skin; or the brutally wounded territories of bruise that were left uncouthly unattended, Be it the beautifully embellished crown of the blue blooded prince; or the mortifying bed about to split into splinters on which the laborer slept, Be it the most skillful doctor's clinic which was inundated with a host of invaluably countless medicines; or the doorstep of the patient attacked by a mysteriously inexplicable disease, Be it the wholesomely fascinating magician conjuring mind boggling tricks on the stage; or the ordinary soldier who wasn't acquainted the slightest with the art of bombastic sophistication, Be it the handsomely heroic stag staring at its reflection in the mesmerizing persona of transparent water; or the horrendously ugly eunuch smoking his life into relentless oblivion, Be it a man following staunch religion all day and every single night; or the furtive castaway who didn't know what was God at all, Be it the most invincible of abode above ground; or the evanescent corpse buried boundless feet beneath, You name it and he was there; and you didn't have to walk marathon miles to reach the temple; church; mosque; or monastery to worship him; you could very well close your eyes and pray to him wherever you wanted; for the Almighty Creator was Omnipresent; the creator was everywhere.