#(because they were absolutely told to not rock the boat and chose not to challenge that)

[lemony-lilly-2]

if taylor swift actually cared about feminism, she would have said something about harrison butker (kansas city chiefs kicker who told a bunch of women at a graduation to go be homemakers), but obviously she hasn't because she benefits immensely from patriarchy and positioning herself as this feminist symbol for the oppressed to aspire towards while distracting from actual feminist liberation

[nunonabun]

I did love Trixie admitting she'd dated a gay man as cover once in that dismissive way she did. Because to her his sexuality didn't mean anything to her, but she didn't want him to be hurt. I know that episode had many other things to take out of it but that stood out to me, along with her saying that what would bother her wouldn't be her partners sexuality, but that they cheated. All that was important was their faithfulness.

This got quite long so I’ll put it under a cut.

This is a heck of an episode, and I think how everyone comes off in it is quite complex. There was a lot I liked about Trixie in that episode, especially her speaking up at the dinner table and saying “Well quite frankly I thought we’d fought a war over facism, and that’s what this is, telling people who they can and can’t love.” But there are also the ways in which she’s still viewing things from a heternormative POV and participating in the “othering” of gay people, as are pretty much all the straight characters in the episode (I am going with Trixie at least self-identifying as straight, in this analysis.)  

When she says she couldn’t forgive Tony Amos’s actions if she were in Marie Amos’ shoes “because [Tony] cheated, I couldn’t care less who with,” that equates him acting on his sexuality outside of his straight marriage, with a straight person in a straight marriage having an affair. It puts the blame for Tony’s affair fully on Tony as opposed to largely��on the way heteronormativity and homophobia have forced him into that situation. It’s kind of like an “I don’t see colour,” but with sexuality; a disregard of how the oppression a person faces factors into their actions. That’s not to say it doesn’t truly harm his wife as well, and it’s absolutely fine to empathize with her, but to just say it’s cheating and he’s fully wrong for cheating misunderstands the situation. Phyllis does this too, when Sister Monica Joan says crime implies someone was harmed, and nobody was in that case, Phyllis says “try putting yourself in Mrs. Amos’s shoes,” as though that somehow justifies the punishment Tony is receiving even a bit. It’s a horribly difficult situation and of course it’s valid for someone Marie’s position to feel hurt and deceived, but it’s also important not to ignore how Tony entering that marriage and breaking his vows is not a malicious deception. It’s a situation where he is under immense pressure to conform to a social norm that he would be severely punished if he broke. He’s also very likely to have gotten the message implicitly and/or explicitly that getting married to a woman would “fix” him... and then finding out he can’t repress a natural and important part of himself.  

To the anecdote about the doctor she was a beard for again, it’s complicated. Trixie recounts: ”I certainly don’t mind fraulines. In fact, I provided diversionary cover for one during my training. Young doctor, melting to look at, but the other way inclined. Perfect gentleman, sadly. Without me on his arm, he would have lost his position.” One the one hand, she cared about him and helped him. On the other hand, the way she helped him was by providing the image that he did fit the norm. She helped dress up the closet door to make it look like he wasn’t in there. He probably wouldn’t have wanted her to do anything else. Society forced him into a position where, if he was out, he’d be out of a job. But it is still helping him to cover up and fit the norm as opposed to fighting the norm (Again, I know, he may not have wanted her to do that and certainly outing him to fight against it would likely have been hugely harmful, that’s not where I’m going with this. I’ll get to that in the last section of this little essay thing.) There was also something about how she told the story that was quite othering. The way she told it was as though it were an exciting anecdote, a titillating, somewhat shocking story of complicity with an Other. It wasn’t in a tone of ‘someone I knew experienced a scary, horrible encounter with bigotry and I tried to help.’ That lack of empathetic tone is kind of in line with the use of othering terms like “frauline” and “one [of them],” as well as her response to the same situation existing in nursing (”No dark secrets girls, not if you value your life. *giggles*”). I’m sure other people have other views on that conversation, but that’s how it came across to me. There’s also her conversation with Patsy where Patsy asks if she’s “the only one who doesn’t hate them, the queers,” and Trixie says “I just don’t think it’s our battle to fight,” and then changes the subject to her (straight) relationship and how to get the community to accept the straight wife of a gay man. Essentially, overall her perspective ends up being ‘yes it’s wrong that gay people are treated like that, it’s fascist to punish them for being gay, but they can conform, there’s no need to rock the boat.’ Those things I’ve discussed above are actually elements of the episode I really liked. The words and actions of each of the characters are entirely believable and consistent with who they are in the time and place they’re in. What I enjoy about these things is that I think they demonstrate how, in a homophobic & heteronormative society, even good people, even people who are against homophobia, can perpetuate it, be complicit in it, and participate in othering. Here I’m moving on to a broader reflection. I think the examination with Trixie holds, but a clearer example - and one where much more harm is done - is Patrick. Patrick expresses that “we ought to live and let live,” in his conversation with Shelagh, and he goes to court to speak in Tony’s defence, yet he prescribes chemical castration for Tony. He’s clearly very against punishing Tony for his sexuality, and the laws pressuring him to do so, but that doesn’t erase that he’s complicit in that punishment, in that horrible thing that is being done to Tony. He doesn’t stand up to it. Taking it up many notches from Trixie being a beard, Patrick expresses chemical castration being preferable as it is “more private,” again, providing a way to make a gay person conform. Also, in some ways, he buys into the established medical view of homosexuality at the time, seeming to accept that though it’s unfair Tony is being medically altered, his sexuality boils down to “urges”. He recommends that Tony focus on the joy of his child and basically just try his best to conform, and that will be enough. Another example of that is of course with Fred, looking reluctant and expressing apology for kick Tony out of the Civic Defense Corps but still doing it. I wouldn’t count Peter exactly because he set up the honeytrap and is more than just complicit, though he is also an example of how ingrained social hatred can lead to otherwise good people being cruel and utterly shutting off their compassion and empathy. There are also subtler ways like Shelagh, who seems to sit on the fence about accepting gay people, and others Tony in her language (asking how Tony can be “that way”, and if Patrick has met “many others”). And there’s Sister Julienne steadfastly not offering support and deferring to social views of the time (”a judge will try Mr. Amos, not us”). I’d argue those are forms of participation in homophobia, because not challenging bigotry when it’s presented to you is a form of tacit acceptance. The negative side of the refusal to judge that Sister Julienne is so often lauded for is pretty clear here. As Patsy communicates when she asks “who will [fight the battle for gay equality] then?” in her conversation with Trixie, if people chose to be bystanders to bigotry, how will we truly, meaningfully change society? This episode highlights not only how explicit enforcement of structures of oppression is deeply harmful, but how insidious those views are, present to some degree even in good people and even in those who explicitly reject it; how its subtler forms are still harmful, and how “tolerance” of the group being othered is still complicity in the oppression. I mean, I think that’s quite undercut but the whole ‘rat cull’ parallel subplot that communicates ‘it’s alright not to like them for their identity so long as you acknowledge their right to exist,’ but if I disregard that and just focus on the gay plot, that’s what I get.

  Anyways, sorry, my thoughts ran away with me there, I have lots of thoughts and feelings about CtM 4x03. Not at all trying to rain on your reading of it, anon, different readings/aspects of a thing can stand out/be meaningful to different people, and I definitely agree Trixie has some strong moments. But I think it’s also interesting to look at the variety of ways homophobia & heteronormativity are present in people and are presented. And of course, those themes and messages are all too important in our present world as well.

[bravo-d-rocks]

Where the story Begins (BravoD.Rocks)

Pinned by:: Bones (One Piece Original Character)

Background::

40 years prior to the golden age of pirates on October 30th a child was born upon the Rocks ship. The mother was already ill due to not being able to handle a voyage at sea and an unknown disease. Giving birth was sure to do her in and few cast a care only because her purpose on board was to bring forth the child she had claimed to be the seed of Xebec. When Captain Rocks had received word through reliable sources the Rocks pirates were sent to retrieve the woman before she gave birth. She had been on the ship for the last two months of pregnancy and was treated well only for the cause of her claim being true. Doubt was cast and most held ill opinions of the mother to be considering her too weak to carry a child of Xebec. She had spent most of the journey in her quarters under strict instruction to care for her unborn child as if her life depended on it.

As the night drug out the woman gave soft groans until the time came for pushing. The task was trusted to the ships physician in whom tended to his business offering no words of comfort. The shadows passing back and forth under the door told the mother that Rocks was within striking distance if something went wrong. The mother leaned back, sucking in deep breaths before following the instructions to push on que.

It was not long before the child was birthed hours later. As the cry echoed out the mother glanced over to acknowledge the cry before passing in silence. The attention drawn to the child by the crew and Captain was only shoved back by the Physician who carefully inspected the child for complications.

The cries echoed out as the boy was snatched from the Doctor with little cares cast as the Captain now holding the child up by a leg leaned in to inspect. Dangling upside down the raven haired boy continued to whail amusing Rocks enough remark about having strong lungs.

It wasn't until the scoldings came from the mother of the ship as the woman marched past to correct the Captains handling of a newborn. Lin Lin gestured to convince the other to at least cast a care to the uncomfortable position he had placed the infant in. Ignoring her a moment Xebec decided to cut the cord in his first acknowledgement of life in the least.

“Lin, Lin, since you have so much concern for the brat you can care for him until he produces evidence of carrying the will od “D”. I would hope that you would be wise enough not to get too attached, for if this is an unnecessary concern then we shall throw it away like trash and move on.”

Rocks simply did not understand the need to be gentle even with his own seed. If this kid really was a “D” then he could survive even the worst of conditions. Fortunately, for the child the Captain upon inspection acknowledged the black hair and red eyes in the least. Moments later he cupped the child in his elbow and beamed bright as the crew continued their speculations. Wrapped in a red blanket the child sat peacefully nursing from the bottle collected from a surrogate. They were not sure of the mothers true illness and decided against nursing Bravo, naturally opting for a hired Surrogate.

“I’d like to think the woman was truthful in her words rather than to be forced to toss the child overboard. I absolutely refuse to raise another man’s seed. Their troubles hold no meaning to myself but,………..something about this child tells me to be patient with this. We can find a way to test the matter later on, for now, He shall be called Bravo Rocks, due to the fact he has made it this far in strength and health. The “D” we can add later should he rise to the occasion.”

As the years passed the child had managed to turn the Rock’s ship into a world of wonders. He was known for his pranks and antics and favored LinLin (Big Mama) as the woman who watched over him shielding the child from the worst of situations. Rocks cast no cares to such things only because he was always close enough for the Father to arrive instantaneously should things go wrong. Long strands of black hairs danced about him as he moved about the ship, red hues shining bright with promise. He held no fears to the dealings of pirates and often found himself taking bids with the others on a winner based upon his favouritism.

Bravo always did enjoy a good show and was certainly one for entertainment and competition. Coming up the child took fondly to the challenges addressed upon the ship and cheered for the gore and power often displayed. He often occupied his time in playing the Rocks pirates in various card and board games simply for the glory of taking a “crown”. He carried his father’s heart when it came to the dealings of others and often engaged himself in the arguments to instigate. Bravo gave a cold shoulder for the things he presumed to be weak or unnecessary. As time passed the boy proved himself enough to blend in; he eventually at the age of seven finally acquired the middle name of “D” as a gift from his Captain.

At age of eight the Rocks ship was attacked by none other than Garp from the marines and Gol. D. Roger. They had actually lost the fight much to their surprise. When Rocks realized things were going terribly wrong he cast a care to shield the child from the government by sending him off on a boat to a nearby island.

Again, a child's cry echoed out across the shoreline as she watched his ship of dreams burning in the far distance. The reflection dancing across the seas like a lantern only triggered a hatred in the boy’s heart. He did not understand the world's grievances until his early teens. He had come up in a world of chaos and it was perfectly normal in his twisted mind. Even through understanding, Bravo carried his troubles with him in travels taking his rage out on the world if they inched too close to his sacred home.

He adopted what was left of the ship off shore and over time restored it with the help of books and sought references. His skill in the true mechanics of a ship came in handy especially being his studies on board were of ship dealings and regions of the world. With an advanced level of understanding and processing of information the child actually remembered the things taught. The classes he was forced to take were often geared for ship travels and etiquettes preparing him for his first voyage..

Those in whom had chosen to stay with the child assisted in the restoration of his vision. The Rocks ship was revised and the child would happily sail out repeating the past experiences to the best he could. He never desired to rule such as his father and instead chose to live for the pleasures. His true passion being staged performances and music were always hidden under the need to protect what was left of his family.

Kaido and Lin Lin had disappeared in time and Bravo had even presumed them both dead only because his searches that had quickly ended. Anything pertaining to his father and crew were snatched from the grasp of the world by the world government but the boy would always keep such fond memories. One day he would make the world acknowledge the past with a grand show.

Around the age of nineteen the male took on a life changing transformation taking on the gender of a female even down to the physical. Her family had supported her but advised against it in the world of pirates. She was happy and that was what she had cast a care to when making such a decision.

Her first appearance post-op was during the pirate festival in which she only attended to show them that she was capable and the world should be thankful that the Rocks did not obtain their goals of ruling the world.

She considered her first impression to die for and took great chances to put on a wonderful show. Bravo was after treasures and was content to turn her entire island into a casino grounds for pirates to roam freely. To control the games and music while sucking in berries effortlessly so she could continue to live in her world until the end. Bravo’s vision was sure to make a scene and invite many of those she already wished to address. Why search the world for her family and foes if she could bring them to her with an annual festival?

Because the idea of a festival was already present she would amplify the idea with a ship of of wonders. She was to be the world's greatest showman and make her mark as an unforgettable part of history that could not be erased. Her voyage was to place a stamp on the world and force them to acknowledge the past even if things had changed. Renaming the ship the Grim Reaper to match the appearance of a ghost ship she sailed freely in myth 20 years after the fall of Rocks collecting her own family along the way.

Her First Appearance::

The Captain cringed as they ripped through her raven locks. An eye closing as she pulled away from the hot combs that grazed past her face. Six pairs of hands worked rapidly to the specifications of the captain preparing her for the grand entrance. If she had learned anything upon the seas it was to make her first impression loud and unforgettable. Bravo D. Rocks was willing to play an entire life's bet on one moment.

Hours later she knelt in front of a mirror as her hair was pulled up and pinned into place with golden hair pins now silky straight. Carefully, the woman leaned forward to pick the cherry rose lipstick pallet from the floor carefully lining her lips the same as they had done her eyes now shadowed in deep reds. Red hues glared from under those long black lashes and bravo could not help but smile anticipating her moment of glory.

She wasn't so much focused on creating a name as she was the reaction given when the old ship pulled into the port. She burst into laughter at the thought of fear upon their faces. The women around her worked rapidly to lay layers of silk pinning them into place carefully before repeating with the fifth layer of kimono. It was to signify her status as self designated royalty and a style she felt complimented her personality.

When they finished the door swung open and a small girl rushed in with spoken riddles bringing a growl from Xebec. Rouge hues shifted to meet the other in scolding before the words left her lips.

"Captain, The invitation was located and we are en route to the pirate festival. I do caution you in bringing THIS ship into port. There will be many who despise these sails and jolly Roger and they may take their vengeance out on you alone. I worry for a twenty year old ship that was set..."

Before the woman could finish Bravo had hurled a brush at her, popping her in the forehead before the fool could finish her statement.

.ೃ࿐"Don't you ever doubt my fathers ship! FUCK THEM AND THEIR OPINION'S and so long as you are in my presence don't you ever, ever, doubt my capabilities so long as you call me your Captain. No need to threaten me with a good time either, you already stuck gold!".ೃ࿐

Bravo explained as the woman rubbed her now bruised forehead in silence. The sweet smile to follow such a soft spoken voice fell back into place as Bravo resumed her preparations. Though the words were spoken she held no offense because what they were going to do was going to bring a lot of attention. Her end game was to try and shake the world and capture all the shiny treasures that fell out. In order to advance and become notorious she would have to give up their best advantage.

.ೃ࿐"I intend to find Roger, I have some grievances to address so we simply must go. Don't you understand? There is no better way to make our presence known than to appear at a festival uninvited!".ೃ࿐

Bowing, the other approached in silence to simply hand her the invitation to the festival quickly scurrying away much to the Captain's delight. She preferred it this way. Fear and worry could move even the meekest of men and women. She desired to see the raw power promised to her by the crew every waking day. They had sworn to avenge the name that had suddenly fallen to the grievances of others. Such a petty thing!

They were pirates and the world was run by the cruel hand dealt by the sea. Whoever assumed that their adventures would be fair was a fool deserving of death by her hand. Bravo didn't really care about the things of the past and had no intentions of ruling anything at all. She just wanted to swim in the glory but wasn't concerned enough to chase the last island. Instead she would address what was before her and the fact they didn't know she existed was even more nerve racking and infuriating. Her father had not claimed her in any sense, probably for her protection.

As nightfall fell, the Captain made her way down the old halls listening to the creaking of wood under her feet. Her laughter echoed out as layers of pinks, purples, and reds trailed behind her. The sandals she wore were careful not to make a sound as she stepped her hips swaying with each carefully placed step. Through etiquettes, Bravo was taught to move in grace as if floating. Her heart pounded as they inched closer to their destination. She knew this could go one of two ways and even if things did get a bit rough she'd surprise them by showing them that a feared ghost ship could also fly and fight with a vengeance. She had secrets to reveal and was determined to keep the name alive if only for her own purpose. When the doors pulled open she glided past with stoic features. The image of the festival and ships reflected from her red pupils and Bravo found herself holding her breath.

The lights reflected into the heavens in invitation and the celebration could be heard even from far out. It was then suggested that they take a moment to gather their nerves with drinks before going ashore. Bravo could not help but nod in agreement, her vices sounding rather lovely at the moment, for even she was nervous in the least. Bravo calmly waited for a red pillow to be placed on deck and let out a nervous sigh before quickly clamping her mouth shut to withhold any stupid comments.

Kneeling slowly she let out a much needed breath reaching out with freshly manicured hands to grip the sake bowl. Moments later she set casually an elegant bared leg propped in front of her as she lifted the bowl bringing it back only to lick her lips in approval.

.ೃ࿐"Hic!....pause.......Hic!".ೃ࿐

The woman chirped quickly covering her mouth with a blush quickly glancing about to see if any would call her on being drunk. It was then her second in command lifted the red top layer of silk to tie in place over her Kimono signifying her status. Bravo had never been big on hats; instead she often decorated herself in gold and jewels and at times often wore a crown.

This was her revenge to be had and she intended to lay out any who stood in her path with grace and precision. Alcohol actually amplified her capabilities and she was known for being fully capable when under the influence. A drunken sage if you will, when tested with the kiss of alcohol. Her family set about her on deck and enjoyed their drinks in celebration of her order to raise their revised Jolly roger.

The new black sails danced in the night breeze as the original white rocks sails dangled behind them blowing gracefully in the wind. The only one to be tied into place was the darkened red sail of her late father.

The ghost ship-like appearance had much to her amusement spooked most in whom she encountered. The colors of the wood were also darkened for elegance and appearance. The ship by her design was renamed the Grim Reaper only because the girl at the time could not come up with anything better that her crew had actually agreed to.

She understood the wind so well and was the first to hang some of her newest sails sideways to assist in speed and navigation. The idea was spawned when she was under drunken influence seeking ways to speed up their approach. The Black Widow Pirates were unheard of and much like her design was often purposely confused for her fathers sails.

When the moment came and she knew they were within range she then gave the order for the cannons to be exposed and all armory to be on standby. She hoped she wouldn't need them but was certain of one thing and that was that pirate responses were often unpredictable.

.ೃ࿐"Don't worry, This ship was salvaged and built strong I assure you she still has a bit of fight in her. She is supposed to appear as if she sails in the land of the dead. Let's bring a chill to the festival. It's a wonderful effect and to be even more bold. Pull down the top sail and drop my father's sail in front of mine to prove my resolve.".ೃ࿐

As the order was given silence echoed out and the drunk princess turned quickly pulling her fan from her sash. Before her hand lifted to expand it her crew had disappeared to do exactly as she ordered. The whispers amused her so she gave no cares lifting her bowl to her lips to sip happily.

"She must have a death wish! She is certain to get us all killed."

Bravo spat her drink out onto the wooden planks whirling about in a hiss to address the subject at hand.

.ೃ࿐"If you are so cowardly as to doubt my plans then you are free to leap into the sea before I rise.".ೃ࿐

She said every word, her voice smoothing out the serious tone decorating each word in promise. She gave no other comments as they dropped the sail satisfied in their resolve. Had she been her father the deck would probably be lined with the dead though none of the original Rocks pirates would have doubted. If anything they would have complained that the ship was not approaching fast enough.

This was about the treasures of the world and the thrill of installing a ghostly memory into the minds of others. Until now they were able to sail freely because none who survived were taken seriously in their claim of being attacked by the Rocks Pirates. It was the perfect cloak much like hiding in plain sight. Bravo cast no cares only because she had already seen the face of the world in her own transformation. Her will was built strong if only to protect her heart. A caged and locked away thing hidden behind greed and revenge.

She took her temper out on the world and her sails supposedly did not exist. Bravo would sink marine ships on sight to ensure none carried back a message of their true identity. She at the time needed the time to build and grow, to hone in on her haki and center the abilities of her fruit, Kūki kūki no Mi. The fan in her hand she used to direct attacks and control the element with ease compensating for range.

Bravo rose to her feet when the shore came close enough to view the Captain noting many of the sails she had seen in childhood. Sharp eyes glared out as the jolly roger she sought was not present. Softly cursing the Captain let out a disappointed sigh turning to face her crew shaking her head to tell them that Roger was not present upon the island.

Casting a quick shrug, the woman whirled back lifting the fan, her thumb and index spreading the decorated fan out with a pop. The red ribbons dangling behind it danced in the breeze; she kept circling them to slow their approach to almost a creep. Bravo sucked in a breath to take advantage of the mist that lingered over the seashore.

Slowly she lifted another arm to pull back her sleeve keeping her stoic posture black strands dancing about her as she prepared herself.

Bravo gave a long strike through the air drawing the mist on the wings of air to give them a bit of cover should she need to react quickly. As they sailed closer she quickly closed her fan tucking it within her sleeve alongside her other hand to patiently await their arrival.

She would watch their response to size up any and all opposition without a display of power. She believed that moving in silence was key in order to draw assumptions. She ordered her crew not to breathe a word to add to the eerie approach. The creaking of the warship was able to be heard as they slowly pulled into port. The Fog slowly settled on board the ship and moved with them as they approached, dispersing across the ground once they anchored.

[tuscannyandbeyond]

My Dream Realized

This is post #17

Monday morning we set ‘sail’! It was so beautiful to be on the water, and the weather was calm and perfect. Today we are going to bike across Italy, literally, albeit not at its widest point. We are sailing to Piano Sorrento, the harbor town near Sorrento, and biking to the other side of Italy to Positano for lunch and dropping into the town of Amalfi to end the day. It’s a 35 km route. Not bad, right? Except that the first 7km are straight up. It was a really tough start, from Piano Sorrento, the little fishing port with its primitive boats and weathered old men trimming nets, up to our meeting spot. Jack fell behind and was hurting bad. He could see he would not be able to handle the challenges of this trip if it was this hard from the get-go. I stayed back a bit too, and when Riccardo came to check on us, he suggested Jack switch to an ebike. Poor Riccardo was up and down that climb 4 times, but when Jack got the ebike it made all the difference and he could stay with the pack. For those of you who don’t know about ebikes, they have a battery that provide some assistance in tough climbs. It does not eliminate the work by the biker, it just makes it a little less taxing. The rider still has to pedal the bike and exert energy, he simply has the option to engage the boost in the most strenuous situations. When we crested the hill, just after a place called Colli di Fontanelle, we had reached the start of the Amalfi coast. I have never seen such beauty and awesomeness. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. We stopped at a vantage point overlooking the islands (Li Galli is its name) where Ulysses reportedly killed the Sirens. Our guide is a wealth of knowledge of geology, mythology, and history, and if he chose to stop and make a point, it would be a point well made. But we were on bikes, and unlike a car, we could stop anytime. And on the Amalfi coast, you want to stop and absorb this beauty. Around each bend with every new vista you could hear a successive cry from each of our group, “oh my” or “so beautiful” or “I cannot believe this” or “look at that”. We were giddy with the stunning sea views we were seeing. At one stop I said to Jack, now you see why I wanted to see the Amalfi coast! We laughed at how overcome we were with incredulity. It was like finally seeing something you heard was beautiful, but when you actually saw it, it was more stunning than you ever expected.

And on bikes we could really absorb so much detail. We could reach out and touch the road barrier wall, we could’ve picked the fruit on the fig trees and the grapes on the vines. We were close enough to see new foods we’ve never seen before- big fat lemon-looking things. We could look up at the whitish streaks and grottos in the Lattari (meaning “Milky”) Mountains, from whence they derive their pottery makings. We saw incredible restaurants perched over cliffs. One of our favorites was a lovely place in an old fortress tower build into the rocky cliffs. We were inches from doorways, the steps and paths down to homes, and from the sheer rock they cut to make the road. It was more than amazing. We passed gorgeous villas including Sophia Loren’s house, and abandoned lean-tos, and pavilions nestled in anywhere possible to take in the view. Many people had their homes on the hill side of the street and a viewing pad (locked off) on the sea side of the street overlooking what is technically the Gulf of Salerno. The most beautiful view I’ve ever seen. It was spiritual. If you look at the map I’m posting, you will see the sinuous curves from Sorrento to Positano- these are all switchbacks- which means hills. Which meant your breath got taken away twice: one from the beauty and one from biking. On the uphill climbs, there would be some distance between us, I was usually one of the last 2 or three. You know we did have to maneuver traffic and these are not the widest roads. Yes, it’s 2 lanes, but add a bicyclist on the right side, especially one who’s afraid of heights, and, well, the vehicle behind me might have to move into the other lane to pass me. I soon learned to discern between the engine sounds of buses, utility vehicles, cars, and motorcycles. When I heard the bus sound, I moved over a bit because they were so scary and their wind sheer could even jostle your bike- not comforting when adjacent to sheer cliffs. And sometimes the barrier over those cliffs was only about 30" high. That to me was the scariest part. I actually got a little shaky thinking about it. So if I heard a bus from behind and saw oncoming traffic, I’d stop. There ain’t room enough for the 3 of us on this road. The descent into Positano was a hand breaker, from braking with your hand. Riccardo had told us to descend slowly, and of course I’m scared of speed anyway, but with traffic and speed and still more lovely views, my right hand was frozen stiff clenching that back brake. Positano was lovely, clean and touristy - Jack’s favorite town. We treated ourselves to lunch at a lovely beachfront restaurant rather than the plain Jane sandwich we brought from the boat. After lunch, it was another tough climb over to the town of Amalfi. I can repeat all I said earlier about breathlessness and beauty. These cliffs got steeper and the traffic a little denser. There were a few tense moments, like when a car tried to pass Jack in a tunnel. That driver got a slap on his car and an earful. But we made it to Amalfi, where our boat was waiting at port. We’d crossed Italy in an unforgettable, magnificent journey.

[circleofdeath1]

Grace’s Answers

Ruthie: I absolutely loved Disney World <3 <3. Attached a picture of me in front of Cinderellas castle.

To answer your question. My favorite challenge(s) were the creative ones such as the lip sync and the ANTM challenge because I'm a pretty creative person. Also winter bells because I'm good at that game

Least favorite is easily flappy bird just because it's so boring and it glitches out a lot

Nic: I'll start with the add on to your question. I targeted you so much only because I was aware that you were socially aware. The MVP nomination was while I was in Disney World and not entirely sure if I was going to be put on the block yet or not, and I wanted some kind of safety net of someone who was socially connected. I was able to carry out that same goal when I won HOH in the instant. I applaud your ability to be social and I wanted to make sure that I made the moves that would get me to the end, and despite our relationship prejury, it didn't carry forward too well.

I think you should vote me to win because of things I said in my opening speech. I think I was very socially aware and used my strong connections with certain people to keep me in the loop. I wasn't extremely close with every person, so I was able to not be seen as a threat, but I had multiple close relationships in the premerge (such as Bodhi, Zakriah, and Elijah), and worked closely with people in the merge so I was always approachable. I also won competitions and the only time I was vulnerable in this game was a non elimination. I also believe I made the most moves for myself in the context of this final 3 by winning two competitions that allowed me the power to single handedly eliminate someone. If loyalty is important to you, I'll add I stayed loyal to everyone who I pledged my loyalty to and who didn't cross me first. If you fancy those things in who you vote for then I'm your girl <3

Benjamin: I honestly don't remember you saying that but I also probably thought it was a joke and didn't wanna look desperate dhjdjdjdjd.

The first time you were evicted, you were up against my best friend Adam, and that is why I chose to evict you then. I'm loyal, and I was loyal to Adam at that point.

The second time you were voted out was in total drama week. Drew, Eric, Adam and I had made an alliance during my HOH in the instant week I believe. Because of this, we just kind of stuck together for your vote off. It wasn't anything personal I just honestly wasn't ready to rock that boat.

Also since I know you don't know me well. I'm Grace, 17, and I play survivor/bb games and also play a saxophone. I know you do theatre and I used to do theatre too until my teacher hit me with a lanyard and I quit JDJSKSKSKS

Grace: Eric: You know how much I adore you as a person. I know that we are um, very very close personally to say the least, and have been for a while.

I want to at least apologize to you for how I acted when you flipped on Adam and I. You know the personal stuff I had just gone through like a few days prior in the RPDR week and how I'm still not really ready to talk about it with many people.

I guess what hurt me the most was the fact that I always stuck up for you when everyone was mad at you for backstabbing Andrei. I understand that this is a game and no, I'm not prepared to ruin a 2 year friendship over this. I think a lot of it was heat of the moment emotion and I explained to you why I was upset. Normally I don't act so strongly in games but like I said, I had personal drama going on too which I had just vented to you about and you know how close we are. I just didn't expect it

If you want to go ahead and give your vote to Christine so you don't have to deal with Adam or I, go ahead. I'll understand. But I told you I was going to get to the end and look where I am. Sitting here after you tried very hard to make sure I wasn't.

I hope you can accept my apology Eric. Regardless of the result, you're gonna still be my friend