#... per usual a lot nicer when there's sun LOL

[fooltofancy]

have redone the basement for the eighteenth time and it's SO CLOSE

[umichenginabroad]

WEEK 6: Weekend in Prague, Nice pt. 1 

Dobry Den!

Last weekend was my only weekend here in Prague, and I was so excited, but unfortunately I got sick. I’m not sure what it was, but I’m guessing I may have eaten something bad (a lot of the chicken here is suspicious- or I’m just bad at cooking it lol). We did go to the famous touristy 5 story bar on Thursday which was fun (we met so many other tourists around our age) until I got sick and was down for the count the rest of the weekend. My roommates and I were planning on doing a day trip to Bohemian Paradise, a really cool hiking spot in Czech, and I even bought a train ticket, but when I woke up I was feeling too sick so I stayed back to rest. The one time I left the apartment that day, I went to the park to read my book and I stumbled upon a new park. It was called Grebovka and it was so pretty! I’m so glad I found it and I’ll definitely be back more often. 

Robotic bar (from the 5 story bar) and Grebovka park

On Sunday it was a beautiful day and we decided to go on the paddle boats on the river. We were feeling slightly homesick over the Fourth of July weekend, as all our friends were on boats listening to country music and watching fireworks so we tried to recreate that lol. It was so relaxing and fun and only 100 Czk per person (about $5!) for an hour! We’d definitely do it again, maybe at sunset and bring some snacks/charcuterie.

Alyse and I went to Paprika, a Mediterranean restaurant in our neighborhood, for dinner because we want to try more restaurants here before we leave and it was sooo good. They gave us some falafel for free and then we both got a chicken Shawarma wrap. It was huge and pretty cheap! I will definitely be trying more restaurants here because usually I cook my own meals to save money but I want to explore the food scene more before I leave.

On Monday I had to bring my suitcase to class (true study abroad core) and I headed to the airport right after class ended. My friends and I were going to Nice, France and we were soo excited! We have been planning this trip for forever and it was our big “vacation” (from the 8 week long vacation haha). We arrived in Nice Monday night and checked into our airbnb, which was a super nice apartment in the heart of Old Nice, just a couple minutes walk from the beach, market, and city center. We seriously couldn’t have asked for a better location or nicer apartment, and I still don’t understand how we got it for so cheap (obviously we’re all on a tight budget after traveling for the past 6 weeks lol). 

On Tuesday, we woke up and went to the Cours Saleya market, which is a famous fresh market in Nice, and there were so many fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, pastries, and more.

For the rest of the day, we walked around Nice, climbed up Castle Hill (a pretty lookout spot), laid on the beach, and went cliff jumping!

It was the most perfect day (best way to spend 4th of July!) and we ended it by grabbing a takeout pizza and eating it on the beach while watching the sun set. 

On Wednesday, we took a train to Cannes (which only took about 30 minutes) where we had a Catamaran boat excursion that we booked on Viator. It was such a nice day and I’m so glad we chose to book the boat. It was three hours long and $90 and definitely worth it! We laid out on the deck, jumped off the side (obviously I had to do a backflip when the workers weren’t looking), and went swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling! There were so many activities for us to do and they even offered us fruit and drinks! I think we can all agree that the boat day was one of our favorite days of the trip. It truly felt like I was on a nice vacation that I would take with my family!

Weekly favorites:

Cafe: Zrno Zrnko 

Restaurant: Paprika

Coffee: I’ve been on a bit of a 2 week coffee cleanse to save money and fix my caffeine tolerance haha so no favorite coffee this week

Sight: Vltava River from the paddle boats!

Food: Billa chocolate filled cookies (my roommates and I like to try new desserts from the grocery store each week lol)

That’s all for now- I’ll tell you all about the second half of our trip next week! Thanks for keeping up with my adventures!!

Parker Peterson

Industrial and Operations Engineering

Engineering in Prague

[purplesurveys]

781

Another quarantine survey for y’alls.

How are you coping? I enjoyed the lockdown in its first few weeks because back then it really felt like a nice break from how hectic January and February were. By now it just feels like it has overstayed its welcome and my anxiety is back to growing by the day, except this time it’s worse because I can’t actually go anywhere or do anything to get rid of it temporarily. Tl;dr I’m doing less and less well. How have things changed for you? School, mostly. The situation in the Philippines isn’t conducive to online learning, so we’ve had to cancel schooling altogether because it was the most humane option to make sure no student gets left behind. Some schools opted to mass-promote (read: pass) all their students, while the schools that selfishly chose to continue holding online classes face online backlash everyday. 

On that note, my graduation ceremony is indefinitely postponed and Andrew and I have had to give up a lot of the usual procedures for thesis, like doing fieldwork or having a required number of respondents for our questionnaire. What are three positives to being Isolated or in Quarantine? I get to stay with Kimi all day, my dad cooks amazing food for us daily, and I have so much free time on my hands which I use to watch videos or movies. What are three negatives? I haven’t seen my friends in months, being ordered to stay at home still feels different than voluntarily staying at home, and I have so much free time on my hands which leaves me to overthink and be paranoid.

Have you taken on a new hobby? Not really. I wanted to get into cooking/baking, but my dad always wants to be in control of his kitchen so I’ve barely had any chance to help out. Have you kicked any bad habits? Drinking coffee everyday. I stopped when I noticed I was getting a headache every night, which was my original schedule for making a cup. Have you watched a lot more television or movies? I’ve watched more YouTube but I generally find it hard to start on new shows or movies so no, not really. I’ve always preferred rewatching my favorites. I did revisit Descendants of the Sun starting the other night though; I hadn’t gone back to it since December but I’m glad I did now because it’s such a good show(!!!!!) Have you been separated from someone you love? Tons of people that I love, from orgmates to close friends to best friends to my girlfriend. Discovered any new bands? Nah, I’ve stuck to my faves. With Hayley hyping up her first album for the last five months and finally releasing it a week ago, my eyes and ears were only on her lol Have you shopped more online? Nope, no money these days ha. Have you cooked more? I’ve tried helping my dad more like I mentioned but ugh, he’s so possessive in the kitchen. Have you baked more? Same thing. Have you learned to knit or sew? Nope. Did you end up in Isolation or Quarantine? Just quarantine. I never showed any symptoms and neither did my family, so we’ve all bee in quarantine from the very beginning. Did the stores all close? Save for groceries, they were all closed in the first few days/weeks. But through April, more and more businesses (mostly restaurants) started to come back and offer delivery or pickup services. 

In the Philippines where the government has been hugely incompetent, they lifted the lockdown for nearly the entire country yesterday despite the number of cases not showing any signs of slowing down and DESPITE NO MASS TESTING BEING PUT IN PLACE SINCE MARCH. That means this whole quarantine has been fucking useless. And now that people have been crowding highways and malls again, a second wave is just waiting around the corner.

What kind of restrictions did your government put into place? It’s different per province but in my case, we had a ban on liquors, mass gatherings, and non-essential travel; an 8 PM-5 AM curfew; and checkpoints everywhere. For a brief time, homeowners in our village couldn’t even jog outside but I think they’ve loosened up on that rule now. Has this affected any travel, events or plans for you? Hasn’t it, for all of us? An year-end college party that my orgmates and I usually go to was obviously cancelled; I still don’t know what’s happening to our graduation; and plans to volunteer for an animal welfare NGO have been cut off. I was also supposed to go to Thailand and Vietnam this year, but I’ve had to forget about those plans. What is the first thing you will do when you get the chance? Drive up to Gabie, for sure. With all the crazy in the world, we forget how much we take for granted. Is there anything you feel you had taken for granted? Time with my loved ones. I’ve definitely thought about the times I declined on Angela’s offers to go out, or flaked on my blockmates, or opted to skip out on dinner with my orgmates so I could go home. Let's finish off with some nicer things! What is your favourite thing about life? I dunno if I’ve found a favorite thing about it yet. I find it pretty unfair for the most part. What is your favourite thing about nature? How peaceful it can be. Nature has always served me well when I’m in distress, and I will never forget the time I was in Sagada, and I had just gotten out of a breakup and was still reeling over my lolo’s death, and when I reached the top of a hill, I allowed myself to cry while in front of this view.

Favourite place in the world? Sagada, Baguio, and Palawan. Favourite animal? Dogs, if you don’t know me well enough already. Favourite Colour? I personally like pastel pink, and ~aesthetically~ I like black or white. Favourite Foods? My favorite food ever is burgers, but I also like sushi, chicken wings, and steak. Favourite Holiday destination? We don’t have an established destination. My family likes going to new places every time we have the chance to travel. Have you been on a cruise ship? Yes. Have you flown to a travel destination? Sure, several. Have you ever been on a bus or train to a holiday destination? I don’t remember anymore but we probably were. Ever been on a helicopter? I have not. Ever been in a submarine? Smaller chance of that happening cause there’s little opportunity for it, but it sounds like an awesome experience. Thoughts on Theme Parks? I will go there for the theme park food, but I’m fine with not going on any rides. Thoughts on Carnivals? Like a fair? They’re great fun, and I prefer them more than theme parks because they’re more lowkey. I also just go for the food hahahaha I don’t go on rides. Thoughts on Island Life? I’m technically living one because I live in a giant group of islands... but I wouldn’t want to live my whole life in just an island per se. I like being in the city, and I like living in a noisy environment where everyone and everything is busy. Ever taken a ferry to a destination? Eh, not really. We’ve taken smaller boats to get to certain island provinces, but not a ferry. What is the best thing about travelling? Learning new things, seeing new sights, meeting new people, getting to know new cultures.

Who would you like to travel with next time you go on a trip? I’d love to travel with Gabie. I’ve never done it with her before. Randoms.. Favourite television series on Stan? I’ve never heard of that. Favourite television series on Netflix? I don’t watch any shows produced by Netflix. My current favorite show to watch there is Descendants of the Sun, but my other favorites are there too, like Friends, Breaking Bad, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. What movie are you keen to see? Right now, none of the upcoming ones, or at least the upcoming ones that were meant to be released by the summer. None of them seem appealing to me. Do you study or work or both? I study, but I’m so fucking close to the finish line. If you could have any career, what would it be? I’d love to be in PR. I’d still be in media which is my strong suit, but none of the journalism bullshit I’ve grown sick of in the last four years. Do you play Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch? No, I’ve never really been a fan of the series so I’ve never felt the need to get the game. I’m happy with Mario Kart 8 haha. What gaming console do you like best? Either the Wii or PS2 as I had a lot of memories with them. Speaking of gaming, name your top 5 games? Pass. Have you ever been to a convention like Comic Con? Nope. Life gets tough, how do you cope? I take a nap, I go to a café somewhere for a few hours to be alone, I take a survey, or I drown myself in work to keep me preoccupied. Do you like housework? If I’m not forced to do it. Are you afraid of the dark? If the dark was meant to be scary, like if I was in a haunted house or if I’m in the woods in the middle of nowhere at midnight. Otherwise it doesn’t bother me. Do you have pets? Yeah, I have the best dog.

[virgosaturn]

how the venus signs behave when they like someone 💗

actual user testimonials. 

aries venus

“I’m really irritating if I’m interested 😂 like I gotta push all your buttons, tease you, and I looooove some witty back and forth. gotta find out if they can keep up! I can also be very touchy, but not in a sexual way?? like in a playful ‘let’s wrestle’ kind of way 😂 I know I know wtf” 

“I’m very jealous, I don’t want someone to touch or to talk with who I like (a lot). I’m Taurus Sun, so even if Aries is like ‘CHARGE’! Taurus is like ‘Calm down man’. I’m possessive and I give everything I have, of course. I’m very passional and protective with I love the most. I love hugs. Sometimes I do things too quickly and I don’t want to wait too much.”

“I tend to be very teasing and like to make fun of my crush (not in a mean way, just in a fun way)”

taurus venus

“I tend to either cut a romantic relationship after about either a day or a week OR stay in the relationship, I fall in love over and over again. Very "tsundere" type in relationships (personally), takes a lot to let someone in. If I'm really, and truly into someone I pursue it methodically (sometimes). Bonding over food, sleep, intimacy, feeling safe. I notice little details too, I like to nurture A LOT. I adore comfortable silence the most.”

“I'm warm and caring towards all people (gemini sun) but I love touch, holding hands, flirting, kissing. Friends to lovers is where it's at. And loving friends like lovers. Sharing tea, watching the stars, dancing, listening to music, good conversation and laughing can make me fall in love with anyone.”

gemini venus

“When I like someone, I will talk their ear off. Of course, I’ll try to get as close as possible to them, but I always feel like communication is key + its the easiest way to flirt for me”

“I am normally outgoing but when I like someone I just tend to ignore them tbh. But I would start dressing nicer, or saying hey in the hallways or wherever, and try to get close to them physically. But act nonchalant towards them and talkative to everybody else.”

“Usually kind of take on person x’s personality traits without thinking about it, if they regularly use slang like ‘homeslice’ or ‘chief’ i’ll unknowingly start using them in everyday conversation”

“I try to make them laugh, I try to seem like I’m interested in the things they’re interested in, and tell them a bit about my interests. The night I first met my boyfriend I was watching an nfl game and I explained all the rules of football lmao I just try to seem interesting I guess”

“I act very flirty and try to make witty jokes and make them laugh and try to have conversations with them whenever possible”

cancer venus

“Im super picky about who I like and at first I can be very like ‘ruN away and never be near them’ at first when I actually find someone I like but then I get SUPER ‘I want to make you feel so 100000% supported and loved and I’m gonna knit you blanket n give you so many thoughtful gifts and show my affection by caring with my whole heart’”

leo venus

“I try so much harder to look good! i start fluffing my hair, wearing makeup, thinking through what i wear. i try to become the center of attention in any situation in a lowkey way.”

“I'm a very reserved and shy person, but when someone I like is around me I don't go all shy and passive... My bold and flirty side comes out hungry for their attention, I don't even know how it happens. I want to show I'm the best. You can see it in my voice, eyes, corporal gestures and even how I talk (vocabulary and some insinuations). Love gives me the strength to be what I want to hide.” 

"I approach it the same way as you — focus more on appearance. I also make sure to pay more attention to them in case they're upset or anything & ask if they're okay 😅”

virgo venus

“I usually make a lot of eye contact and try to find a subject of discussion with the person i like. i also giggle a lot and become a little extra sarcastic”

libra venus

“I get shy around them. I usually try not to make it known, and when we are alone, I get super awkward, and introverted. But around when we're around other people, I unintentionally flirt a lot with them, and crack jokes like its no one's business.”

“At first I will just be really nice and friendly. Once we've become closer as friends I'll start joke flirting and looking for any excuse to touch them. Usually, softly rubbing their arm in a distracted way so they don't think it's intentional (but it IS 😏). I can sometimes feel myself getting too obvious and giving "those" eyes and I can't stop myself?? Like bitch stop!! But she won't.”

“I start to dress super nice and flattering, make sure my makeup is PERFECT, and make extra sure to smell super nice. I make shy eye contact, get interested in what they're saying, compliment their fashion taste, help them out when they need it, and laugh at their jokes. I also make sure not be around them too much. Like I make them want me and want to see me again by doing all those things above, but also by not being always around. (idk my English is mediocre lmao)”

scorpio venus

“I'm a Scorpio Venus and I'm actually the worst person to when it comes to crushes. As soon as I realize that I like someone I go and act like I don't care about them. Not ignoring per say, just sort of playing hard to get. I think as soon as you become more elusive, people take an interest. It's only when I get more comfortable with that crush/they get more comfortable with me or start pursuing me, I start playfully teasing or making jokes. That might just be my Sag Sun though lol”

“I try to get their attention as much as I can, weather it be by wearing a nice perfume around them, dressing a little more provocative, if I know they like me then I’ll get WAY more risky and tease them a lot. I like playing hard to get, make them want me, you know.”

“When I like somebody, i try to know all of their secrets and thoughts that they keep to themselves.”

sagittarius venus

“I like to Make people laugh and I’m very friendly and outgoing when I like someone but at the same time it’s in the 10th house so I like to play hard to get”

“I like it natural and casual. I do not force it too much but whenever I can, I try to make the other person laugh. I like to play a little hard to get too. I like the chase. I like games, I like teasing, I like jokes, laughter. I want a partner in crime. I like making out close to nature.”

capricorn venus

“When I like someone I tend to start giving them a lot of gifts and become a lot more willing to do favors or other things for them, As far as like appearances go I get more relaxed about the state they see me in”

“When I like someone I do not make eye contact. If I do though, things get too heavy for me and I look away immediately. I won't really go near you in fear of looking desperate or out of place in any way. I may also seem too serious and self composed but it's only because I'm scared to look like a fool when I want to impress someone. God damnit Saturn 😅”

aquarius venus

"Someone being authentically themselves and not smothering me is ideal, also talking about deeper things versus small talk is really important to me”

pisces venus

“When i have a crush on someone i can’t help but get nervous around them, but even then i’ll still try/want to be around them. i’ll want to joke around with them and unknowingly AND knowingly flirt. but mostly i just like to mess around and have fun and be cute together”

“I’m always very playful around the person i like. i’m more likely to make very silly jokes and tease them. i also like to make things for them or give gifts? i tend to be a lot softer & sweeter towards them than other people. i’m also indirect and shy as fuck and will rarely approach them or reach out to them first, and instead wait until they notice me”

“It can be very hard to tell when i like someone because i HATE getting rejected?! usually i put more effort into making them laugh (or laughing if they would rather make me laugh) and i'm always wanting them to feel understood/nurtured. Can be flighty depending on mood but when i am around them i put a lot of effort into making it quality time™”

“When i like someone im quite shy around them like one time i was walking thru the school hallway and i saw my crush was walking my way i literally dash and ran away from him yea..... 🙂”