#A Local’s Guide to Amsterdam

[micheltaanman-blog]

Amsterdam - Rommelmarkt bij de IJ-Hallen op het NDSM terrein

Amsterdam – Rommelmarkt bij de IJ-Hallen op het NDSM terrein

[realsgwife]

Gloryhole

"How many more hours until we land?" Sally asked, her voice a soft blend of boredom and hope. 

"Just three more," the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, the words echoing through the cabin. 

Her eyes flicked to the younger steward passing by, his name tag glinting in the artificial light. Kenneth. She had noticed him during the pre-flight briefing, his energy a stark contrast to the weariness that seemed to cling to the rest of the crew. 

"Would you like me to bring you anything?" Kenneth offered, pausing in his steps. 

Sally considered the offer, her eyes lingering on the tray of beverages he balanced with ease. "No, I'm fine. Thank you." 

His smile was polite, yet there was something in his eyes that made her look away, a spark of curiosity that seemed to dance around the edges of propriety. She couldn't quite place it, but it was there. 

The flight to Amsterdam dragged on, the hum of the aircraft's engines lulling the passengers into a state of forced tranquility. Sally went through the motions of her job, serving drinks and reassuring nervous flyers, all the while aware of Kenneth's glances. He was new, she had heard, a junior steward eager to make a good impression. 

After the final meal service, she found herself in the galley, her hands trembling slightly as she washed the last of the dishes. Kenneth appeared beside her, his youthful face a stark contrast to her own reflection in the stainless steel. 

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low. 

Sally took a deep breath, pushing down the flutter in her stomach. "Just tired," she lied. 

He nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a beat too long before he spoke again. "I know a great place for dinner when we land. Care to join me?" 

Her heart skipped. It had been a long time since anyone had asked her out, especially someone so much younger. But something about the way he said it, the confidence in his tone, made her feel seen in a way she hadn't in years. 

"I'd love to," she said, her voice a little too bright. 

The remaining hours of the flight seemed to stretch on forever, but finally, the wheels of the aircraft touched down on Dutch soil. The passengers applauded, jolting Sally out of her daydream. As they filed off the plane, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation for what the night might hold. 

Once they had cleared customs and collected their luggage, Kenneth led her through the bustling streets of Amsterdam. The city was alive with a vibrant energy that made Sally feel both invigorated and slightly overwhelmed. She had been to the city before, but never like this. 

"I know just the spot," he said, guiding her down a narrow alleyway. "It's a local favorite." 

The restaurant was tucked away, a cozy little place with candles flickering on the tables and the scent of garlic and wine in the air. Kenneth ordered for them in Dutch, his accent surprisingly good for someone who had only learned the language for his job. 

The conversation flowed easily between them, a mix of work stories and shared laughter. He was charming, attentive, and she found herself relaxing in his company. The wine helped, too. 

As the meal drew to a close, Kenneth leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "There's something else I want to show you. Something...different." 

Her eyes widened slightly, but she felt a thrill of excitement. "Okay," she said, her voice a breathy agreement. 

They stepped out into the cool night air, the cobblestones slippery under her heels. Kenneth took her hand, leading her through a maze of streets that grew darker and quieter until they stopped in front of a nondescript shop with a green neon sign. 

"This is it," he said, pushing open the door. 

The smell of cannabis hit her like a wave, thick and pungent. Sally had never been in a place like this before, but she didn't protest. Instead, she allowed herself to be led into the warm, dimly lit space, where the walls were lined with jars of colorful buds and the air was hazy with the sweet scent of marijuana. Kenneth moved with ease, pointing out different strains and explaining their effects with the enthusiasm of a sommelier discussing fine wine. 

"So, what do you think?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. 

"It's...interesting," Sally said, her cheeks flushing. She had always been curious about the infamous Amsterdam coffee shops, but had never had the nerve to visit one alone. 

"You should try it," Kenneth encouraged, his voice a gentle coax. "It'll help you relax." 

They sat in a corner booth, the glow from the neon lights casting an otherworldly hue on their faces. Sally took a tentative puff from the joint he had rolled for her, feeling the smoke fill her lungs before releasing it in a slow exhale. The conversation grew easier as the tension between them loosened, the topics veering from the mundane to the intimate. Kenneth spoke of his past relationships with a candidness that surprised her, and she found herself opening up about her own divorce. 

As the effects of the weed began to settle in, the edges of the world grew softer, the sounds of the city outside muffled. Sally felt a warm buzz spread through her body, a sense of freedom she hadn't experienced in years. Kenneth's hand brushed against hers on the table, and she didn't pull away. 

"Ready for the next adventure?" he asked, his voice a seductive purr. 

Her heart racing, Sally nodded. Kenneth stood, offering her his hand once more, and they left the coffee shop, the night air feeling electric on her skin. They wove through the streets, their destination an adult shop with a neon sign that blinked in the shadows. 

The interior was a riot of colors and textures, a playground for grown-ups with a penchant for the taboo. Kenneth's grip tightened around her hand as they ventured deeper into the store, the air thick with the scent of leather and desire. Sally's eyes widened as she took in the array of toys and devices displayed before her. 

"Let's check this out," Kenneth said, pointing to a curtained-off area in the back. 

Her heart racing, Sally followed him into the dimly lit space. It was a mini-theater, lined with small booths, each with a peephole at eye level. Kenneth's gaze was mischievous as he whispered, "These are the video booths." 

Her cheeks flushed as she realized what they were. "I've never..." she trailed off, not sure if she was ready for this. 

"Come on," he urged, his voice low and thrilling. "It's just a bit of fun. You can watch whatever you like." 

With a deep breath, Sally stepped into one of the booths. Kenneth inserted some coins and the screen flickered to life with a scene that was both shocking and intriguing. She felt a rush of excitement mixed with embarrassment, but also a thrill of curiosity. 

As the minutes ticked by, she found herself drawn into the scenes playing out before her. Kenneth's hand rested lightly on her shoulder, his presence comforting in this alien world. The films grew more explicit, and she felt her body responding in ways she had long forgotten. 

"You should try the gloryhole," Kenneth suggested, his voice thick with suggestion. 

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she couldn't deny the sudden interest that piqued within her. "What's that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. 

He chuckled, his hand moving to her chin to turn her face towards him. "It's a hole in the wall," he said, his eyes searching hers. "You can...interact with the person on the other side." 

Sally's heart was racing now, the weed making her senses heightened and her inhibitions lowered. She watched as Kenneth stepped into the booth beside hers, the wall between them thin enough to feel his presence like a heartbeat. The screen in her booth flickered with a new scene, a woman eagerly tasting a man's cock through a similar hole. 

Her eyes darted to the side, where she saw the shadow of a figure moving in the neighboring booth. The man was tall, with dark skin that stood out against the red light that bathed the small space. He had noticed them, his gaze lingering on Sally before he reached down to unbuckle his pants. 

"What are you doing?" she gasped, her eyes wide as Kenneth stepped aside, revealing the gloryhole between their booths. 

"You said you were curious," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Go on, touch it." 

Sally's hand hovered over the gloryhole, her heart racing. The stranger's cock was indeed large and uncut, the skin velvety and unkempt. She could see the shine of pre-cum glistening at the tip. The smell was overpowering, a mix of bodily fluids and something she couldn't quite place. It was definitely not the clean, minty scent she was used to. 

Kenneth's eyes held hers, the dare clear in his gaze. "Go on," he urged, his voice low and hungry. "You know you want to." 

Sally's curiosity won out over her shyness. She leaned closer, her hand shaking as she reached through the gloryhole. The cock in front of her was indeed uncut, the foreskin pulled back to reveal a glistening tip. She took a tentative sniff, the scent of unwashed skin and musk heavy in the air. It was a stark contrast to the pristine hotel rooms and expensive cologne she was used to, but there was something raw and thrilling about it that made her pulse quicken. 

"Go on," Kenneth murmured, his hand sliding around her waist to rest on the small of her back. "You know you want to taste it." 

Sally's heart was racing, but she couldn't deny the thrill coursing through her veins. She leaned closer, her eyes fixed on the stranger's cock, her hand hovering just out of reach. The man watched her, his eyes glinting with lust in the dim light. Kenneth's hand gave her a gentle nudge, and she leaned in, her nose brushing against the velvety skin. The smell was strong, a mix of unwashed flesh and the faint tang of urine. It was unlike anything she had ever encountered before, but she found herself inexplicably drawn to it. 

"Taste it," Kenneth whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her neck. "I dare you." 

Sally's eyes flicked to the stranger's cock, the challenge in Kenneth's voice egging her on. She leaned closer, her hand wrapping around the shaft as she took the first tentative lick. The taste was overpowering, a mix of salt and something faintly bitter, the smell of unwashed skin and the musky scent of smegma. It was a world away from the clean, soapedy flavor she was accustomed to. But there was something undeniably thrilling about the raw, unfiltered nature of it all. 

The man on the other side of the wall grunted, his hips jerking slightly. She could feel his excitement through the thin barrier, his cock twitching in her hand. Kenneth's hand slipped around her waist, his fingers ghosting over her hip to rest on her zipper. 

"That's it," he encouraged, his voice a sultry whisper. "Show him how much you want it." 

Her resolve crumbling, Sally took the stranger's cock into her mouth, her eyes closing as she savored the sensation. It was thick and heavy, the uncut skin sliding over the head as she sucked and licked. The taste grew stronger, the smell of male arousal filling her nostrils. Kenneth's hand grew bolder, slipping into her pants to find her wetness. 

Her mind raced with the reality of what she was doing, the taboo nature of the act making her pulse pound in her ears. But she couldn't deny the thrill of it, the way her body responded to the anonymous cock in her mouth and Kenneth's touch on her clit. 

The stranger's breath grew ragged, his hands gripping the edges of the booth. Sally's cheeks hollowed as she took him deeper, her eyes watering from the effort. Kenneth's fingers worked in time with her bobbing head, his thumb pressing firmly against her clit. 

"You're doing so good," he murmured, his voice a mix of amazement and lust. "You're going to make him cum." 

The thought sent a bolt of excitement through her, and she redoubled her efforts, her mouth sliding up and down the shaft with newfound vigor. The man's hips began to buck, his breathing growing erratic. Kenneth's hand was a blur between her legs, his touch sending waves of pleasure crashing through her body. 

Suddenly, the stranger pulled his cock back, his hand appearing through the gloryhole. "Let me touch you," he rasped, his accent thick and unfamiliar. 

Sally's eyes flew open, meeting Kenneth's intense gaze. He gave her a nod of encouragement, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Go ahead," he whispered, his hand leaving her pussy to give her a gentle push towards the hole. 

Her knees wobbled as she stepped onto the stool, her body now perfectly aligned with the opening. The stranger's hand was rough and warm as it slipped into her pants, his calloused fingers finding her clit with surprising precision. She gasped, her hips bucking slightly against his touch. 

"So wet," he murmured, his voice thick with approval. "You like it, don't you?" 

Sally couldn't find the words to respond, her mind a whirl of sensations. Kenneth stepped closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Tell him how much you like it," he urged, his own hand moving to cup her breast, squeezing gently. 

"Y-yes," she managed to choke out, her voice barely audible. The stranger's fingers worked in tandem with Kenneth's, sending her closer and closer to the edge. Her hand reached back, gripping the wall for support as she rode the wave of pleasure. 

"Tell him you want him," Kenneth whispered, his voice a dark seduction. 

Sally's eyes squeezed shut, the words leaving her mouth in a shaky moan. "I want you." 

The stranger's hand withdrew, leaving her panting and exposed. Kenneth's grip on her waist tightened. "Good girl," he murmured, his hand sliding around to unbutton her blouse. "Now, let him see you." 

Her shirt fell open, revealing her lacy bra and the fullness of her breasts. The stranger's eyes went wide with lust, his cock jutting back through the hole, demanding attention. Kenneth stepped aside, his own arousal evident in his tight pants. 

"Show him," he whispered, his voice a siren's call. 

With trembling hands, Sally reached back, unclipping her bra and letting it fall to the floor. The cool air of the booth brushed against her nipples, making them peak with excitement. The stranger's hand reached out again, his thumb tracing a line from her navel to her clit, sending a jolt of pleasure through her. 

"Perfect," he murmured, his voice a gruff growl. "Now, sit on the chair and face me." 

Sally did as she was told, her legs trembling as she sat down, her back to the wall. Kenneth moved behind her, his hands sliding around to cup her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples into hard peaks. 

The stranger's eyes were glued to her pussy, his hand stroking his cock in a mesmerizing rhythm. "So beautiful," he said, his voice a low growl. 

Sally felt a strange mix of embarrassment and power as she watched him watch her, his desire laid bare. Kenneth's hands moved to her hips, urging her closer to the gloryhole. 

"I want to feel you," the stranger said, his voice hoarse with need. 

Sally leaned forward, her breath hitching as she felt the tip of his cock brush against her folds. Kenneth's hands moved to her hips, guiding her as she slid down onto the stranger's shaft. It was thick and unyielding, filling her in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. 

The stranger's eyes never left hers as she began to move, her hips rolling in a slow, sensual rhythm. Kenneth's hands remained on her breasts, his thumbs flicking at her nipples, his breath hot against her neck. 

"That's it," Kenneth murmured, his voice a gentle coax. "Take it all." 

The stranger's grip on her hips grew firmer, his strokes growing faster. Sally could feel the tension building within her, the pressure mounting with every thrust. Kenneth leaned in, capturing her mouth in a deep, searching kiss, his tongue mimicking the movements of the cock inside her. 

"I'm going to cum," the stranger groaned, his voice strained. "I want to cum in your mouth." 

Sally's eyes widened, but she nodded, her body on fire with lust. Kenneth stepped aside, allowing her to lean forward. The stranger's cock slipped out of her pussy with a wet sound, and she took it in her hand, eager to please. 

"Yeah," he hissed, his eyes never leaving hers. "Take it all." 

With a deep breath, Sally opened her mouth, the taste of the stranger's cock still lingering on her tongue. He thrust into her mouth, his movements growing erratic as he approached climax. Kenneth watched, his own arousal evident in the bulge in his pants. 

The stranger's cock swelled, and with a final grunt, he exploded, hot cum filling her mouth. She swallowed, the salty taste mixing with the lingering scent of his arousal. He pulled out, his cock spurting the last drops onto her face, his hand moving to rub the remaining semen into her hair. 

Sally's eyes watered, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she licked her lips, the taste of him still there, the act of degradation strangely exhilarating. Kenneth's hand reached out, his thumb tracing the line of cum on her cheek before sliding into her mouth, allowing her to share in the act. 

The stranger's hand withdrew, the tension in the booth palpable. Sally's chest heaved with every breath, her body still thrumming with unspent desire. Kenneth's eyes searched hers, his own need clear. 

"Your turn," he murmured, spinning her around with surprising strength. Her legs trembled as she faced the wall of screens, the images flickering with the depraved acts of strangers. Kenneth stepped behind her, his hands sliding down her body to grip her hips. 

"I want you to watch," he said, his voice thick with lust. "I want you to see how much I want you." 

He positioned himself at her entrance, the head of his cock pressing against her swollen pussy. Sally could feel the heat of him, the throbbing length that promised to fill her completely. With a groan, he thrust into her, his cock sliding in with ease. 

"Oh God," she moaned, her eyes locked on the screen. The woman on the screen was being fucked from behind, her eyes rolling back in ecstasy. Sally felt a strange kinship with the performer, her own body mirroring the depraved scene. 

Kenneth's thrusts grew harder, his grip on her hips unyielding. The angle was perfect, his cock hitting her g-spot with every stroke. She reached up, her hand gripping the edge of the booth for support as he pounded into her, her breasts bouncing with every impact. 

"Look at them," he said, his voice a harsh whisper. "Look at how much they're enjoying it." 

Her eyes darted from screen to screen, each one more depraved than the last. Men and women in every conceivable position, all caught in the throes of passion. It was a visual symphony of lust, and she was the star performer in her own private show. 

The stranger in the next booth watched them, his hand moving in time with Kenneth's thrusts. Sally felt a thrill of exhibitionism, the idea of being watched adding a new layer of excitement. Kenneth's hand reached around her, his thumb finding her clit as he fucked her standing up. 

"Cum for me," he growled, his hips slamming into her. "Cum for them." 

The pressure inside her grew, a delicious ache that she knew would soon become unbearable. The stranger's eyes never left hers, his gaze hungry as he stroked his own cock, watching her every move. 

And then it was too much. Sally's orgasm hit her like a wave, her body shuddering with the force of it. Kenneth's name was a scream on her lips, the sound muffled by the walls of the booth. The stranger's hand shot through the gloryhole, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulled her closer to his cock. 

Her mouth opened, her eyes locked on the woman on the screen as she took the stranger in again, her movements sloppy and desperate. Kenneth's hand tightened on her clit, his other hand pulling her hips back to meet every thrust. 

The stranger groaned, his cum spurting through the hole and onto her face. Sally swallowed, the taste of the anonymous man mixing with her own arousal. Kenneth's strokes grew erratic, his breathing ragged. 

With a final grunt, he emptied himself inside her, his cock pulsing with every spurt of seed. Sally leaned against the wall, her legs shaking with the aftershocks of pleasure. Kenneth kissed her neck, his breath hot against her skin. 

"You were amazing," he murmured, his voice a hoarse whisper. 

They stepped out of the booth, their clothes disheveled and their bodies still humming with desire. Sally felt a strange sense of liberation, as if she had shed a layer of herself that she had been carrying for too long. Kenneth handed her a tissue, his smile wicked. 

"Ready for the next round?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. 

Sally looked up at him, her heart racing. "What's next?" she breathed, her voice a seductive challenge. 

He leaned in, his mouth close to her ear. "The night's still young," he whispered. "And I have so much more to show you." 

With a wink, he led her out of the adult shop and into the night, the neon lights of Amsterdam beckoning them with the promise of more secrets and sins to be shared. 

"You left something behind," Kenneth said with a smirk, holding up her lacy panties. They were drenched, a testament to the carnality that had unfolded in the tiny booth. 

Sally's cheeks flushed as she took them from him, her eyes dropping to the ground. "I know," she murmured, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "A little souvenir for him, I suppose." 

Kenneth's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're something else, Sally," he said, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and desire. "I had no idea you had such a wild side." 

"Neither did I," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. She tucked the panties into her bag, feeling a thrill at the idea of the stranger finding them later, the memory of her juices and the night's events forever intertwined with the fabric. 

They stumbled along the cobblestone streets, their laughter echoing through the night. The cool air was a stark contrast to the heat still pulsing between her legs, her bare skin exposed and sensitive. Each step sent a jolt of pleasure through her, a reminder of the evening's escapades. 

To be continued

[angclnumber]

𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳 !

here to say that i want even more sapphic stuff so i want to get some thing going with the muses under the cut ! if you are interested in a starter from any of them then please like this post ! ♡

𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑬𝑺 .

DAWN MENKEN LIAW / director / bi / she + they / chase sui wonders

born in amsterdam and ( mostly ) raised in new york and has the weird accent to prove it, brought up by the world’s grumpiest old man and it shows, mother owns one of europe’s most successful talent agencies, guitarist in all girl punk band called atomic boob as a side gig, painfully pessimistic, a tortured artist trying to make it in the film industry, has an attitude problem tbh, janis ian coded .

HAVEN MAURY LIANG / weather girl / queer / she + they / havana rose liu

local weird girl who will flirtatiously read your palm at a party, has big dreams of joining cirque du soleil as a trapeze artist and is simply forecasting the weather until then, in love with love and everything to do with it while simultaneously being a commitment-phobe, victim of the perfect little rich girl to quietly disowned pipeline, the vibe of a drunk girl in a club bathroom, a lil ty lee inspired .

ROMINA ESCOBAR / reality tv star / lesbian / she + her / camila mendes

a part of a family reality show inspired by the kardashians, deeply codependent and therefore painfully loyal to those she deems deserving, more than kind of bratty, vain, and self absorbed, hates men and is loud about it, is probably the last one to figure out her sexuality because doesn't every gal just want to makeout with her bffs sometimes ? mildly inspired by jennifer check .

RUTH RANSOM / actress / bi / she + her / kristine froseth

daughter of a washed up rockstar and his groupie, mommy and daddy issues ( double homicide ), ran away from home at seventeen, energiser bunny adjacent girlie who never shuts up, the world's biggest flirt with the world's biggest commitment issues, stumbled into the world of acting half hungover and still in last night's glittery makeup, manic pixie dream just a girl inspired by penny lane.

SLATER KATZ  / rockstar / lesbian / she + they / ruby cruz

born and raised in australia, replacement child to an incredibly well off couple who wanted to save their marriage , has had a prodigious talent with music from childhood, has daddy issues, mommy issues, and anger issues, painfully obtuse with feelings, does not know how to talk to people, tends to hit first and ask questions later, never has an empty bed, billy dunn and daisy jones coded .

𝑻𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑬𝑺 .

ELM MOSSBACH  / museum tour guide / queer / she + they / taylor russell

works for a small museum in a small town in the middle of nowhere, generally the kind of place that people stop by for gas on their way to somewhere better, very much suburban gothic inspired in terms of environment . does she work at an oddities museum ? maybe so . longs for adventure but feels stuck, wants to get out of this town .

FELICIA 'FLICK' RELF / actress / bi / she + her / madelyn cline + meghann fahy

was in a mystery inc crew when she was a teenager and is the star of a limited series inspired by their exploits, is seen as a sellout by the other members of that crew but does it really matter if she's famous ? grew up in a motel as the daughter of the deadbeat parents who owned it, swears all the supernatural stuff in their stories is all fake, but was it really ? semi inspired by scooby doo and the x files .

KINSLEY 'KIDNEY' BEAN  / petty thief / bi / she + her / abigail cowen

raised by two parents who had too many kids to truly give a fuck about all of them, the only girl in a hoard full of brothers, has the accent of a southern belle and the charm to match, will use that charm to walk away with your wallet, has never been single for more than a few weeks in her life, responsible for more than a few gas station hold ups, inspired by villains ( 2019 ) and bandits in general .

LORENA FONTBONA  / grad student / queer / she + they / jenna ortega

drenched in dark academia vibes but exclusively the weird ones, family owns a successful board game company that a lot of them are convinced they made a deal with the devil for but ren has their doubts, a legacy in a secret society, game theory student who reluctantly plans to take over the family business, a natural cynic, april ludgate coded and semi inspired by ready or not .

OCTOBER 'TOBI' CRAFT  / f1 racer / lesbian / she + they / margaret qualley

white trash golden retriever, grew up in a trailer park without a lot of prospects so even she's surprised that she got this far, raised by a father that specifically always wanted one of one of his sons to race ( surprise, dad !), got discovered by chance while street racing ( allegedly ) and hasn't looked back since, can't go to a gay bar without running into at least five girls that she's slept with .

RAVEN ZHAO  / gas station attendant / bi / she + they / courtney eaton

final girl of death valley, nevada and no one will let her forget it, born as the child of a obsessive occultist and his lovesick wife and was abandoned by both respectively, spent most of her adolescence living in an abandoned 'cursed' church and ergo was the town's very own social pariah ( and the first scapegoat ) for it, refuses to go to therapy even if the killer ended up being her own mother .

WREN 'OZ' OSWIN  / athlete / lesbian / they + them / brigette lundy paine

raised by a couple of zoologists who named all of their children after animals and dragged them around the world for their work, one of seven kids, grew up homeschooled and therefore chronically online in search of community and it shows, a goober who just happens to be tall and surprisingly athletic, the world's biggest romantic but they try to keep that on the low, in the wnba .

WYATT KILMER  / student / lesbian / she + they / sophie thatcher

was the favourite child of the worst father in the world which sucked but happens to come in very handy in the zombie apocalypse, was taught to hunt under the guise of bonding, lost almost their entire family at the start of the apocalypse but is searching for their little brother, was the first person in their family to go to university but does that matter now ? deeply ( and reluctantly ) protective .

ZIAZAN 'ZI' DERIAN  / mortician / lesbian / she + her / angela sarafyan

grew up working in her family's funeral home and always knew she would inherit it, has a passion for her work that was also inherited, deeply romantic in an only mildly creepy way ( most of the time ), almost always finds herself going for the crazy ones, writes gothic literature under a pseudonym, vaguely inspired by morticia addams and lisa frankenstein .

[liesmyth]

“Amsterdam’s our thing, innit? It’s tradition. It’s like—the anniversary of when you learned to ride a bike. Your bikeversary.” One year on, and they're playing Ajax again, in the fucking Champions League. After, Jamie has plans.

A post-finale Roy/Jamie GET TOGETHER fic ft:

Local Man dealing with promotion at work he feels WILDLY UNDERQUALIFIED for and also A WORKPLACE CRUSH

Jamie Tartt: Star Footballer and Amsterdam TOUR GUIDE

Romantic nighttime BIKE RIDES

The worldwide appeal of Dutch EDM music

Doomed ARCTIC EXPLORATIONS of the 16th Century and the VODKA SHOTS they inspire

The inherent YEARNING of knowing your idol’s CAREER STARS by HEART

Rated M, 8k words, for a fuck-to-wordcount ratio of 1:63

[astronicht]

whumptober day 4: shock

F1 rpf | max/daniel | Baroque painters AU | 3.5k

From an AU that is the co-creation of @/garage-gremlin

One February in a year that was something like, but perhaps not exactly, 1632, the canals froze in Amsterdam and for the first time the painter Daniele da Ficarra saw a man fall through ice.

It was the winter of what Daniel did not yet know for sure and Max did not know at all would be Daniel’s last year under Horner’s patronage in Amsterdam. In the big cold workrooms which Max and Daniel shared with a small army of assistants and apprentices, Daniel had already laid down on canvas a blank reddish underpainting with his little guiding pinpricks. On that canvas were the bones of a picture that Daniel would complete in the bloom of the coming summer, and then spend years trying to forget.

It was not even that the painting would have Max’s face in it, because Daniel was in fact a professional and had only joked about that. The actual model would be Giuseppe, sent to Daniel from family to keep him out of trouble, which wasn’t working anyway. Max didn’t know Giuseppe, and as of February they had not been introduced. To Max, who only cared to notice studio people and maybe the occasional higher patron if Horner asked very pointedly, Daniel imagined Giuseppe was no one, just a boy Max had seen walking out of their studio rooms once, listening to Daniel and Christian speak with the blank face of a fifteen-year-old who didn’t know or care to learn Dutch or French or English. Daniel had wanted to shake him; with envy or with anxiety or something else.

Max and Daniel had not even been in the studio today; first had come a long meal hosted by one of Horner’s own patrons, to which Horner always required that they come along to look young and surly and promising — Max — or at least pleasant and very famous. After, they’d escaped to one of the loud waterfront pubs Max loved, which had been Daniel’s haunt first but after two and a half years in the city was now solidly shared by Max.

It was very late, certainly late enough that they were lucky that Amsterdam was not a curfew city. Max was talking about something, maybe about the other pub where all the prostitutes had pet spider monkeys brought back by local sailors, maybe about the price of lead white now that the English looked like they were at war again.

“I have to order so much of it, Daniel, to finish this.” He had been given a horde of apprentices and a large canvas and was very nearly done with one of the popular marine cornucopias, where a market table by the seaside would be painted overflowing with larger than life fish, lobsters, sharks and rays. “I hate it. Every day, I paint stinky dead fish.”

“What about the seal?” Daniel prompted, because Max had been enjoying this complaint for months. It was now a comforting bit of familiarity. Daniel wrapped his short cloak around his shoulders, fixed his hat, and sighed at a beer stain on one leg of his loose trousers, right above where they tucked into the boots. “You said she was alive, doing okay.”

“He is a boy seal,” Max corrected. “Yes he is alive, in the painting. The seal I think escapes and goes home.”

“There ya go,” Daniel said, patting his pockets. “Hey, did I have the snuff box?”

“I think it’s in the studio.”

“Huh,” Daniel said. “Well, that’s expensive if not.”

“We can go check,” Max said. “We are of course walking right past.”

They could walk right past the studio when normally they had to go down a ways to the bridge because of the frozen canals, which the city had gone a little mad for. Everyone used the frozen canals as extra market space and extra streets. Even Max loved it, and he had not grown up in Amsterdam; had in fact grown up somewhere else that wasn’t talked about much, because like Daniel’s roots, the Catholicism inherent in Max’s Dutch dialect was a delicate topic. But Max went ice skating with his friends and told Daniel all about it in the studio the next day, his hands sketching the shape of the blades which were strapped over the boot.

Daniel, personally, Sicilian boy that he was, could not stop thinking about how easily the ice became normal. How instead of jogging down to the canal bank and looking around for a passing boat to hail he could just wander along on his own power, the water beneath him a strange new dimension. It made him feel a little like a god in this city that did, sometimes, love him more than anyone else.

“Daniel,” Max nagged. They were spilling out of De Karpershoek into the murky winter night. Snow spat from somewhere, or maybe just blew off the eaves of the houses around them. Towards the harbor, the sea and the sky were one dark space, a wall, an endless corridor to the world that spread out from the Dutch Republic on nervous green water. “Do you want to check for the snuff box?”

“Oh, nah,” Daniel said. His pattens slipped a little on the cobbles. What a fucking place. “I’ll look tomorrow. I think it’s there.”

Daniel followed Max’s determined, slightly drunken progress down the street and squinted into the wind, trying to picture the workroom as he had left it. The snuff box was ivory and nicely carved; the mermaids had made Max laugh. But when he pictured the studio he got caught thinking about the new painting instead. On the canvas of red ochre underpainting and the little pinpricks that meant nothing to anyone but Daniel, Daniel could for a moment picture it all: Giuseppe in the borrowed pair of theater prop eagle wings, the artfully jumbled pile of borrowed and rented things, and the corner of a bed.

He could use, he thought, the bed owned by the divorced woman who Horner and his wife Geraldine had quietly settled in a snug house next to the studio. She would not mind too much; she knew what painters were like.

It would be wild, someday, to look back on how casually he had once thought of this painting, of that bed.

In the studio, Max was already looking for long minutes at the preparatory cartoons Daniel sketched in charcoal on paper. They were beginning to come together with Giuseppe’s face, Giueseppe’s long boyish body which was not Max’s body, but maybe could have been. Daniel wasn’t thinking about it. He knew no one was going to keep Max quietly painting fish forever. He needed to do this now, however was the best, whatever burned the brightest. If that meant— well. Fine. Fine, he had done worse for less, hadn’t he?

The black wind whipped down the street. His mouth stung with ice; it was probably getting in his short beard. “Hurry up,” Max said, switching to Dutch to swear, “It’s fucking cold, shit.”

So they walked home from De Karpershoek, lingering sawdust and chewing tobacco on their boots, and so thoughtlessly crossed the canal ice. And why worry? Winter had been long and hard and made Daniel so homesick he couldn’t even talk about anywhere else in the world, and the ice market stalls were still set up and quiet along the banks.

The sky was thick and so low that the clouds showed the faintest glow from the docksides, where torches burned all night long. Away from the docks it was only gray and gloomy. Max was holding their lantern, and it swung wildly from his hand as they skidded a little drunkenly down the steps to the frozen canal. They stepped onto the ice and the layer of snow atop it crinkled and crunched under their boots. They were speaking about— something, again. Work, probably. Daniel was tired and honestly just wanted the silence of his own rooms, but did not want to leave Max to get it. He hated himself a little for that.

They were nearly to the far bank when Daniel thought that Max had drunkenly rolled an ankle.

It was like this: when Daniel was little he had wanted to follow his sister everywhere. One morning around the feast day of St Thomas she was down at a pond in the heat of summer, catching the small Sicilian wall lizards on the rocks in her cupped hands. Daniel had felt left out. He watched her wade through the shallows to get to the best sunning rocks, ten and tall with her skirt and petticoats and her apron tied up around her hips. Finally he had bitten his lip and stood on a rock and jumped into the pond where it was deep. Michelle told the story the same way every time: she barely remembered it, except that she was not even scared, just furious that Daniel might die. So she reached in and grabbed him by his hair, which was not even very long for a child’s back then, because he had recently been very ill and the doctor had cut it all off to keep it out of the way. And somehow she had hauled him by the hair out of that hot pond, and the same sad death as so many small brothers had suffered, before and since.

Max going down in the water is not as sudden as Daniel would have expected, not like his own little body hitting water and sinking like a small smooth stone. It was like hiking through an unknown marsh, when suddenly what seemed to be soil gave way beneath the toe of a boot and one plunged a leg disconcertingly deep into the water below floating grass. For one moment, almost, Max had simply tripped, one leg through the ice and the other knee slamming down in a way that must have hurt. Max said, “Fuck!” loud and crisp and drunk, as petulantly angry as Michelle had been when Daniel sunk down in the green water. But no one’s sister was here to help, no one’s sister at all, only Daniel— and then Max was there one second, gone the next.

And Daniel was on his knees, hand plunged into the water up to his armpit, his fist empty except for a handful of Max’s hair— as if Michelle had taught him. He hauled up and sideways in one numb motion, like a dream where the night is blurred and brown and the lamp has extinguished itself on its side on the ice and a man can do impossible things like lift a weight as easily as a body falls. Yes: it was as quick and easy as falling, pulling Max out of the ice.

With Max on the surface the night was still gray-brown, the dark lantern was rolling away. Daniel looked down at Max, who flailed against Daniel’s hold, one foot still dipped in the dark water. On hands and knees in some animal instinct Daniel pulled him away by the ruff of his soaked doublet, his hands slipping. Max choked; he had somehow breathed water, Daniel realized. He was not flailing but trying to breathe.

For a minute Daniel hated the cold, hated this place, hated the loud bright pub that he had first shown Max two years ago, with all the fury of real terror.

Max convulsed with something that involved lungs but was not a breath, wet and awful. Daniel was not even breathing fast until he was, suddenly, the moment over and his heart slamming against his gullet, under his tongue, belated and unhelpful reinforcing troops arriving too late for what his hands had just done, somehow, and powerless against Max writhing on the ice now. Max convulsed and curled on his side, and spat up water. He coughed, choked, then breathed too fast, too fast, until Daniel realized Max had started trying to laugh.

“Shh,” Daniel said, “shh.” He made his fish unclench from Max’s doublet, the same fist that had closed hard around what had felt like nothing at all in the numb cold water. Like empty air, but had been Max’s fine hair.

Max grinned or grimaced — impossible to see — and in the gloom his eye teeth and his dog teeth gleamed, and so did his pale face, his water-slick gray doublet, his shirt spilling out from the front of the doublet like guts.

“Oh, that— is— very funny,” he rasped, and then curled on his side like he’d been flung there. He started to shake violently and this time it was not laughter but a shiver, Max’s mouth maybe open against the ice in the gloom. He kept coughing and trying to breathe at the same time.

Daniel’s knees and his right palm were bruised, he thought, maybe bleeding. He couldn’t see in the dark to tell. His skin under his clothes felt like it must look like a ripe purple plum, torn open.

“Come on,” Daniel said sharply. His voice was something alien: a man’s voice, harsh with fear. He tried to soften it, even though he wasn’t sure he should. “Max. Maxje.” Max had gone quiet, just horrible quick shallow breaths as wet as consumption. Daniel swallowed and tried to remember that the worst had been over before his mind was even present. “C’mon, Max,” he pleaded. Tried to laugh like Max; it sounded like shit. “At least two Hapsburgs will murder me if you go swimming right now.”

“And Mama,” Max slurred on only a sip of a breath. He was still speaking their one shared dialect of northern Italian. Daniel could barely manage that some days, his mind always trying to sink back into the comfort of Sicilian. But of course Max always spoke as he meant to.

“Oh, your mother would, uh, murder me too?” Daniel asked, patting him over like a child, looking for where it hurt. Max’s hat was lost, to the water or simply an arm’s length away in the darkness Daniel did not know. “That’s harsh, Maxje.” His hands were cupping Max’s freezing face. Daniel’s left hand ached like he had tried to pull it apart at the joints; his entire left arm ached. For nearly thirty years he had forced himself quite easily to be right-handed, but Max’s hair had been wrapped in his left fist.

“Jesus, you nearly died,” Daniel said.

“Why are you speaking Sicilian,” Max slurred through his clenched jaw, his too-fast breathing. “I did not nearly die.” Daniel’s throat felt hot.

Daniel was on his hands and knees, Max wet and curled on his side like a newborn thing that must be watched to survive the night. That same instinct in Daniel had him crawl off the ice, dragging Max by the ruff of his collar again while Max wheezed and shook and occasionally laughed and slurred, “This is so funny Daniel. Who falls through ice?”

Not you, Daniel thought.

The nearest warm house was one Daniel did not think about much. He concentrated on getting both of them up the steps, when Max seemed to be having some trouble controlling his arms, his legs.

No one answered when Daniel pounded on the door. “I have— of course— a key,” Max wheezed against Daniel’s shoulder.

Daniel had to use the key ring while Max directed, because Max’s hands were too stiff from the cold.

“Shit, no one is— here,” Max muttered when they got in. Beyond the hallway, coals were banked in a grate, but they were so cool that it was only the dark of the house that made their glow visible. “They are I think at the opera. And Greta has tonight off.”

“Fuck,” Daniel said, arms aching. The hallway was tiled in marble. One of Max’s paintings was on the wall, a still life done very cleverly as a nocturnal scene. “Shit, what do you— I’m not from here, Max, what do you even—”

“Too funny. I am going to lay down,” Max said distinctly.

“No, no, nope, you’re getting, uh,” Daniel slung one of Max’s arms over his shoulder and towed him into the foyer of the house. “A hot bath, or something. Really hot. I’ll build up the fire and like— bang on the neighbor’s door. Is the well down the street? What the fuck is with this city.”

Max was shaking his head. “No,” he said. “Daniel, Daniel, it is of course like horses I think. You must warm me up slowly. Slowly.”

Max liked horses. Max, oddly, often knew what to do with small animals when he came across them. So Daniel thought of his own father, after a foaling if the weather was cool and the foal wasn’t doing well, wrapping it against himself inside his shirt and jacket.

Max said, “Go in there,” so Daniel opened a door to a bedroom lined with tapestries to keep in the warmth, a big bed with hangings for the same. Another tidy set of coals glowed in the grate — “Greta leaves the kindling behind there. No, there.” — which Daniel fumbled through building up into a big fire. Max sat down on the floor in his wet things while Daniel did this and Daniel had to get him up and think of nothing, think of pinpricks on fresh red ochre, the base of a painting that was nothing yet. He stripped down to his linens and stripped Max down all the way, leaving Max’s sodden clothes in a pile by the fire like a soaked cat that had crept in to find the warmth.

And there in the bed that was not his, which he also did not think about, he pulled Max to him even though he did not do that, because Max was muttering and blue-lipped and shaking. Max’s hair was still wet, his legs were still wet, and he could not seem to stop shaking where he was lying face-down on top of Daniel, his teeth chattering disconcertingly right next to Daniel’s ear.

“You’re gonna bite my ear off,” Daniel said. Max laughed, for real this time, then coughed a lot.

“Shh,” Daniel said again, mistakenly, because no one was crying.

After another minute, Max slurred, “Do you want— to fuck?”

Daniel felt sick. “Not right now, I don’t think.” Max laughed again like Daniel was making a joke. Max, he thought, had not been making a joke. Daniel ran his hands up and down Max’s back until it felt like he would rub his bitten-down nails raw and bloody again.

*

Daniel woke blearily to a sound in the hall. Every muscle went rigid. There was of course a reason Max had a key to this house; there was a reason the coals had been left warm in the grates. He felt splayed open, caught, and felt himself start to think, start to panic.

“Mama, in here,” Max croaked from his thin ruined throat before Daniel could do anything but lay there under him. God, under him, holding him. Max’s hair was still plastered wet against his forehead. His body still felt cool. But his wheezing breaths were easier now, Daniel thought, through his own pounding heartbeat, the rising buzz of panic.

Daniel watched like a sinner as the door crept open, the tapestry over it pulling easily to one side. A dark head peered in. She was wearing an evening gown — a black robe, bodice, and petticoat, and a black open-necked chemise with a sweeping soft lace collar spraying gently from her neck in the Flemish style, not the Dutch. Her gray satin sleeves were tied with rose-coloured ribbons. Over this finery, however, she wore a brocade jacket that Max must have given her.

“I have explained to Mama,” Max slurred. He was still speaking in Romagnol Italian, for Daniel. “She is just checking in again, since she thinks I got a chill.” Max coughed, and added like an afterthought, “He’s not here. He has gone to Haarlem tonight, don’t worry.” He did not bother to specify who he meant.

Daniel and Max’s mother’s gazes met, unavoidably. Someone had built up the fire in the grate; someone had laid down three more wool blankets on top of them. Daniel couldn’t look away from her, and she did not seem inclined to look away from him. Her eyes were very steady, and very brown.

Just as silently as she had come, she pursed her lips and closed the door.

*

Daniel left Max in that house for the morning, but it was nearly pointless: he was back in the studio by the afternoon, looking wan and still cold, somehow.

“It would have been very bad for my career,” Max croaked as they waited for the apprentices to finish grinding pigment, and laughed a bark of a laugh, unconcerned and too loud in the marble walls of the studio.

Daniel hunched his shoulders and packed another coal in the little portable heater on the floor, then another, then another, until its burning belly seemed ready to burst, and Max came up to his shoulder and said, softly, “Stop that, Daniel, I will be cold anyway,” and shivered like he was demonstrating, or laughing again.

—

Sorry if I forgot when the English Civil War was, I was busy googling the cold shock response. Max was like “i am a delicate horse pls do not give me a vascular catastrophe by dunking me (vasoconstricted and experiencing warring cardio impulses) in hot water.” and he was right. Anyway, Daniel/Daniele? short answer yes he is Daniele but he's surrounded by ppl who call him Daniel.

[boundlessexpeditions]

Boundless Expeditions

Welcome to Boundless Expeditions, your ultimate resource for global exploration! 🌍✨ We are dedicated to uncovering hidden gems and popular destinations, offering insightful information and personalized travel advice. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, Boundless Expeditions is here to inspire and guide you to make your next adventure unforgettable.

Our channel covers a wide range of topics, from local cuisine and travel tips to adventure enthusiast hotspots and shoestring budget travel. We dive deep into things to do in Geneva, explore the beauty of La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, and provide comprehensive Amsterdam travel guides. Our goal is to make travel accessible, exciting, and enriching for everyone. Join us as we explore the world, one destination at a time. Subscribe today and start your journey with Boundless Expeditions! 🌟✈️

[wonderjourneys]

The 11 Best Spots of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is unique. In many ways. Compared to New York (aka New Amsterdam) and Tokyo it is compact and smaller. But it has so much more to offer. The Eleven Best Spots if you Travel to Amsterdam:

1. The Canals: a canal cruise is one of those "must do's" 2. Museum Plein: with Van Gogh and Rembrandt, and the famous instagram house on Weteringschans 3. Brouwersgracht: once voted the most beautiful area 4. Zuiderkerk: with the instagramable church 5. Nine Streets: quaint, small local shops 6. Central Station: the views on the basilica and houses 7. Prinsengracht: the longest canal, with lots of historic spots 8. Begijnhof: a hidden courtyard in the city center 9. Magere Brug: skinny bridge with views over the river Amstel 10. Keizersgracht: the famous corner of bridges 11. Dam Square: as a starting point to walk the center.

Amsterdam - the top 11 spots on your Amsterdam Travel.

Amsterdam is wonderful in all four seasons really.

This is Amsterdam on summer vibes. Amsterdam in a summer vibe. We took an Amsterdam Bike Tour - which was only about 20 euros for 24 hours of renting a bike - and toured and walked the city. There are so many Amsterdam attractions, like an amsterdam canal cruise which a sure recommend. And renting a bike gets you around the entire city very easily. We traveled by train.

First went to an art exhibition at Westergasfabriek, and then took a bike tour of Amsterdam from the beautiful Brouwersgracht over Prinsengracht to Rijksmuseum. Rijksmuseum is located on Museum-Square, and has the famous Rembrandt Night Watch painting. Other museums are: Van Gogh, Moco Museum, Stedelijk Museum. Across the Rijksmuseum is the Instagramable Weterinschans.

The Amsterdam live in summer has that relaxed, lounge, chill lofi feel to it. Boats drift by on the canals with people sipping wine. A Dutch cloud floats over in a big blue sky. Amsterdam is the Old one to New Amsterdam - now known as New York. Back in the Dutch Golden Age the ships sailed the entire world, from the warehouses you see in this video.

Things to do in Amsterdam: rent a bike, do the canal cruise, see the Dutch masters in the museums, shop in the Jordaan & Nine Streets. But overal: just wander and let luck guide your feet. “Meet me in Amsterdam” in this tour of the capital of The Netherlands. Amsterdam 4k

[kestrel337]

The Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide: Local's spots, eats, and more

Calling all wanderlusters. Our comprehensive Amsterdam Travel Guide is here to help you make the most out of your trip. Get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in tantalizing eats, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[beneath-the-irish-sky]

Since it was the first week at UCD, we set house rules. We decided that as a group we should not peer pressure other students to break personal boundaries, to help one another on trips or if we are upset, and to generally just be kind. We then talked about our history readings and the cultural differences between the U.S. and Ireland. It was really interesting to hear everyone's opinions on the readings.

After class, we ate at the UCD restaurant. Burgers are so different in Ireland compared to the U.S. You can tell the animals are grass fed and they add a sweet ketchup. It was not my favorite, but it was an interesting difference to notice.

After that, we decided to take a tour of The Irish Whiskey Museum! The legal age to drink is 18 in Ireland. It was super interesting to learn about the history of Whiskey and how it is distilled. I found the history of the how the 3-day wake began. The 3-day wake started when people would drink until they had alcohol poisoning from drinking too much whiskey and fall into a coma for three days. The theory behind the wake was that loved ones would throw a party and drink whiskey in hopes of waking the person from the coma. Then we grabbed a quick dinner as a group because we had to be up very early for the next day!

I was so excited for our day trip to Kilkenny and Glendalough. The bus we took left super early in the morning but everyone seemed to have a good attitude and was excited.

The greenery on the way to Glendalough was insanely beautiful. I was in awe as we passed miles and miles of green mountains. We saw so many sheep too!! Every time we passed one, I yelled “sheep” to the point where I got a few others started to join in my excitement and yell “sheep” too. We also saw many cows, horses, and pigs! They were all so cute.

Nothing will beat the rolling hills and wildlife we saw when we got to the Glendalough Park. We were crossing a bridge to get to the lake when we saw a deer crossing the river! It was so beautiful and at peace. The cutest part was when we saw its baby nursing. We didn’t want to disturb them so we left quickly! We then hiked on for about 20 minutes before we finally reached the lake. The forest was so pretty, but the lake was gorgeous and calm! It was miles long at the bottom of two mountains. We then hiked back and got on the bus where we stopped at the top of one of the two mountains. It was so windy but the view was amazing!!

We then drove into Kilkenny and went over the P.S. I Love You bridge!! I was so excited to see the bridge from the movie I watched the night before I left for Ireland! It was their meet cute. It was so cool to see and our tour guide taught us how to say I love you in Irish as we went over it.

We then got into Kilkenny and stopped at the castle first. We unfortunately did not go inside because we had to get tickets in advance and we were turned away on our guided tour. It looked very pretty on the outside and the architecture was unmatched. It was medieval, with bay windows and expansive.

We walked along the streets to shop in the little stores next. We found some souvenirs and talked to some locals who lived in the area. The shop owners were all very proud to share their life stories and what they love about their jobs! They also asked us many questions. What I found funny, however, was every person we spoke to said we had to go to this one restaurant at the Kyteler’s Inn. In the 1300’s, the owner’s daughter was accused of witchcraft. When we got there, we understood why they told us to eat there. It had amazing food! I could not believe how fresh the chicken was and how delicious it all was! We then stopped into a few more shops and explored the area before heading back to the dorms. When we returned to the dorms, I packed for Amsterdam, booked a plane to Scotland, and found a place to stay.

As a group, we then all went out to the UCD Clubhouse for some karaoke. I sang, Dancing Queen” with a group of people. It was a lot of fun!

I had to wake up early again to get to the airport in time for my flight. I was so excited to finally get to visit the Netherlands. I had to pack in a tiny tote bag however because Ryanair only allows a personal item for free. I was able to do it though and actually found out I could have packed more! At least I know for next time!

We got through security and to our gate rather quickly before boarding our plane on the tarmac! I’ve only boarded on the tarmac a few times and every time I get so excited. It feels so fancy to do it this way for some reason. I then had a middle seat between two guys who felt like my seat was also theirs and that made it feel less fancy.

After a very long hour and a half, in which I was elbowed multiple times and babies cried, we almost landed…before taking off again because a plane almost hit us! We were alright though and landed safely 10 minutes later. That is definitely something I will remember.

Passport check was over hour long! In the line though, we met a very nice British man who was very excited to talk to us about his experiences in the UK. He also explained the logistics of the tunnel that goes from London to Paris to my friends I am traveling with. We exited the airport and took a train and bus to get to the hotel. After, we checked in and locked up our things. We went out to explore for a bit! After a few hours however, one of my friends met up with her old foreign exchange student so it was just me and the other girl for a while. We went all over the city and saw places like their royal palace, the red-light district, and some of their museums! We then got dinner at a fancy restaurant before getting stroopwafel’s from a famous bakery! They were life changing! We all met back up and went out with her for a few hours to play pool before heading back to the hotel!

[hellodenisestuff]

Sept 10-17, 2023

I had planned to write this blog on Substack but it got too complicated for me so I will continue these African Adventure posts on Tumblr.com.

This will be the journey to Kenya to participate in the volunteer program of African Impact in the Pardamat conservancy of the Kenya National Wildlife Reserve, Masai Mara.

What a long journey from Hawaii to Kenya. Fortunately I have a very good friend, Maggie, in Pacific who I get to visit when I am passing through San Francisco. I stayed two nights in her delightful company and rested up before the long flight to Kenya.

I arrived several days several days after I was exposed to Covid at work. I wore a mask on the flight but where 5 days had passed we thought we were safe, which proved to be true, but I was not fully comfortable till the 14th day had passed. I never got it. Hooray! Those around me could breathe a sigh of relief as well. I am vaccinated up to the gills so maybe that saved me?

Anyway, I digress. i flew KLM. airways which is marvelous. Great service. Seems they were always offering food or drink or hot towels. I watched 4 movies on the first leg which ended in Amsterdam for a three hour layover.

Because I get wheelchair service, I did not find my friend Joanne who was also traveling on the same flight to our destination in Kenya till we were ready to board the next flight for the final leg of our journey.

We got in somewhere around 10:30 PM after an aborted landing because there was debris on the landing strip! Finally after circling and losing our place in the landing line we did so.

Went thru the usual immigration and customs, again not seeing Joanne. I went outside and waited and waited, and was getting worried. A nice young soldier asked what I needed and he called the man who was to-pick us up, who was with Bonfire Adventures and tours. He found us and we waited some more. Finally Joanne appeared and we walked to the car and were driven to Masai Lodge near the town of Rongai. It is on the Southern border of the National Park. The drive took over an hour. The last 3 miles over an horrendous dirt road. We arrived around 1 AM pooped but happy to be back in Kenya.

We love that lodge. It. is mainly for the local people. Despite its name, it is run primarily by Samburu people. the Samburu are cousins to the Maasai. The lodge looks out over the Nairobi Game Park. Animals come into the large green area below the lodge which sits on a hill. There we see warthogs, antelope and baboons. There are tree hyrax and rock hyrax busy in the surrounding areas. The tree hyrax are quite used to people. Cute little creatures resembling a bunny without the long ears.

The 4 nights at the lodge allowed us to get over jet lag and start to get used to the altitude. It is like Denver, a mile high.

I was able to visit my dear friend, Dr. Paul Sayer, my colleague from teaching at the veterinary School in Nairobi back in 1967-1969. It was delightful to be with him and catch up on our lives and reminisce about the old days. (See-my book African Sojourns on Amazon.com to see what we did back then…)

The next day Joanne and I went to visit her friend, Rachel Kabue, who founded and runs The Cat Sanctuary in Nairobi. There are about 170 cats there now as she found homes for close to 130 of the most fit ones recently. Some there are very thin, and I fear may have some sort of blood parasite or Feline leukemia. However most are quite fit; they are all sweet and get along. She also has rescued a few dogs who live together with the cats. It is scrupulously clean with no odor.

Rachel, Some of the cats and dogs, Denise and friend, and Joanne and another rescue.

I spent one day sleeping a lot. Another day we had a guided walk by a Samburu man in full regalia looking very exotic and handsome in his colorful short dress like outfit with knee high socks and beaded ornaments and carrying the spear in case we ran into any aggressive animals. As it happened we only saw Impala and some monkeys and baboons. We met up with two Masai gentlemen in Western clothes who ran a nearby lodge and were friendly and fun. They all wanted photos which Joanne took but I have not got them right now. Will send next time.

The African Impact Driver came for us to transport us to Brackenhurst Conference Center in the Highlands in a town called Limuru. It is at 7000 feet so it has rather brisk evenings. It always tickles me when there, as after dinner, I come back to a bed with a hot water bottle in it. There we rested till the next morning where we would start out at 8:30 AM for the long drive to Pardamat.

I will write more tomorrow about the first week at the volunteer placement.

[tartt9]

@mazur5 asked // we should go on vacation. // from here !

"Yeah? Was Poland and Scotland not enough?" Jamie asks, his voice teasing, fond. He knows that's not what Jon meant - they were in Poland and Scotland for work; they didn't exactly have the time to sightsee or try local foods or get lost in a place he'd never been to the extent that Jamie would've wanted, anyways. Their next break was all England, too - both matches in October, against Australia and Italy [ and even the first November match, against Malta ] would be played in Wembley. "How's North Macedonia sound in November? I've never been to Skopje." Jamie's fucking certain he's butchering that one. He'll listen to podcasters or pundits talk about it when the time gets closer, and he'll learn the proper pronunciation, the way he learned stroopwafel from his tour guide in Amsterdam the second time around. Pinching Jon's jaw between index finger and thumb, Jamie gently tugs his head back and forth, teasing. He smirks. "But seriously - if y'wanna spend the winter break on vacation together, I'd love that."

[micheltaanman-blog]

Amsterdam- NDSM werf - Restaurant IJver

Amsterdam- NDSM werf – Restaurant IJver

[dreamstravelandtour]

Amsterdam & Berlin Tour Package

Boy: Hey, have you checked out the Amsterdam & Berlin tour package from Dreamstravelandtours? Looks awesome! Girl: Yes, I just saw it! Amsterdam’s canals and Berlin’s rich history... it sounds like the perfect getaway!  Boy: Totally! I’ve always wanted to cycle through the canals in Amsterdam and explore the city’s art scene. Girl: And Berlin! I’m so excited to visit the Berlin Wall and all the incredible museums. History and modern vibes in one city! Boy: Exactly! Dreamstravelandtours really planned this well, including the best spots to visit in both cities. Can’t wait to taste all the local food too!  Girl: Yes, street food in Berlin, and those Dutch treats in Amsterdam! This tour is going to be so delicious!  Boy: And don’t forget the local tours, guided visits, and everything included in the package. Dreamstravelandtours really thought of everything!  Girl: Seriously! They make traveling so easy and fun. When do we book this? Let’s make it happen! Boy: I’m in! Let’s contact Dreamstravelandtours and get our dream trip to Amsterdam and Berlin sorted! 

[presidentialholidays]

Discover Unforgettable Journeys with Presidential Holidays: The Best Travel Agency in Madurai

At Presidential Holidays, we redefine travel with unique experiences that inspire and delight. As the best tour travel agency in Madurai, we offer a wide array of tour packages tailored to fit every traveler’s preferences—whether it’s a serene local getaway, a thrilling national adventure, or a luxurious international escape.

Madurai: The Perfect Starting Point for Your Journey

Madurai, the heart of Tamil Nadu, is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders. With our Madurai travels tour packages, you can immerse yourself in:

Heritage Tours: Explore the spiritual magnificence of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and other historic landmarks with our Madurai temple tour packages.

Food Tours: Dive into the rich flavors of Tamil Nadu with a Madurai street food tour, sampling iconic dishes like Jigarthanda and parotta.

Short Getaways: From Madurai to Rameshwaram cab services to Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari tour packages, we make nearby travel seamless and enjoyable.

Discover India with Our Exclusive Tour Packages

India’s diverse landscapes and cultures await with our curated domestic tours:

Kashmir Holiday Packages: Experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, Dal Lake, and lush valleys.

Golden Triangle Tours: Visit Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur to explore India’s rich history and architectural brilliance.

Kerala Tour Packages: Sail through Alleppey’s backwaters, trek the lush hills of Munnar, and unwind on Kovalam’s serene beaches.

South India Temple Tours: Traverse Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s sacred landscapes with our best South India tour packages.

Step Into the World with International Tour Packages

As a top international travel agency in Madurai, we make your global travel dreams a reality:

Dubai Tour Packages: From the towering Burj Khalifa to bustling souks and desert safaris, Dubai is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.

Europe Tour Packages: Explore iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam with flexible itineraries like our 7-day Europe tour packages from India.

Southeast Asia Escapades: Whether it’s Singapore’s dazzling skyline or Thailand’s tropical beauty, we bring these destinations within reach.

Romantic Escapes and Family Adventures

We create memorable packages for couples and families alike:

Honeymoon Packages: Celebrate your love in Andaman, Kerala, or Kashmir with our couples vacation packages featuring romantic stays and personalized activities.

Family Holiday Packages: From Kerala tour packages for family to South India temple tours, we cater to every family’s unique needs, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all.

Specialized Travel Services for Every Need

Presidential Holidays goes beyond standard tours to offer comprehensive travel solutions:

Business Travel and MICE Services: From meetings and incentives to conferences and exhibitions, we provide seamless MICE services for corporate needs.

Taxi and Car Rentals in Madurai: Comfortable local transportation with reliable Madurai taxi services and customizable car rentals.

Flexible Payment and Exclusive Deals

Travel stress-free with our convenient payment options and exciting offers:

Travel Now, Pay Later: Enjoy vacations with flexible payment plans and no upfront costs.

Travel Packages on EMI: Affordable installments to make luxury travel accessible.

Hot Online Deals: Discover unbeatable discounts on top destinations, from Kerala to Europe.

Why Choose Presidential Holidays?

At Presidential Holidays, we pride ourselves on being the best travel agency in Madurai, offering:

Customized Itineraries: Tailored experiences for every traveler.

Expert Planning: A dedicated team ensures hassle-free travel from start to finish.

Affordable Luxury: Enjoy the best of travel without stretching your budget.

Embark on Your Next Adventure

Let Presidential Holidays, your trusted best travel agency in Madurai, guide you through unforgettable journeys. From local delights to international wonders, we are here to turn your travel dreams into cherished memories.

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Exploring Europe: Student Travel Packages for Memorable Adventures

Why Choose Student Travel Packages?

Student Travel Europe packages are curated to be budget-friendly, educational, and packed with experiences that cater to the interests and needs of students. These packages not only take care of logistics but also bring students together from around the world, making for a socially enriching experience.

Key Benefits:

Budget-Conscious Pricing: Discounts on transportation, accommodations, and activities.

Group Dynamics: Travel alongside other students, which can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Educational Opportunities: Many student travel packages include guided tours that provide context and history, helping students learn while they travel.

Top Student Travel Europe Destinations

Each Student Europe Travel Package is designed with specific experiences in mind, from art and history to adventure and beach escapes. Here are some popular travel routes and cities included in many student travel options:

Paris, France: Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the heart of European fashion and culture.

Rome, Italy: Ancient history comes alive in Rome with sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City.

Barcelona, Spain: Perfect for art and beach lovers, offering vibrant nightlife and rich Catalonian culture.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for its beautiful canals, museums, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for students.

Berlin, Germany: Rich in history with plenty of sights like the Berlin Wall, making it a fascinating place for young travelers.

Types of Student Travel Packages

Different Student Europe Travel Packages cater to varied preferences and lengths of stay. Here are a few options commonly available:

Weekend Trips: Ideal for students on a tight schedule, these include two to three days exploring one city or region.

Multi-City Tours: Packages that cover multiple cities in one trip, typically 10-14 days, for a taste of several European cultures.

Educational Tours: These trips are designed to be more immersive, with activities that align with academic subjects like history, art, and environmental studies.

Adventure Packages: Great for thrill-seeking students, offering activities such as skiing in the Alps, hiking in Switzerland, or water sports in Croatia.

What to Expect in a Student Europe Travel Packages

Student travel packages make the logistics easy so students can focus on enjoying their trip. Here’s what’s often included:

Affordable Accommodation: Hostels, student hotels, or shared accommodations.

Transportation: Multi-city train or bus passes are commonly included for hassle-free travel across cities.

Guided Tours: Local guides provide context and insights, making sightseeing educational and enjoyable.

Group Activities: Organized events like city walking tours, museum visits, and optional day trips.

5. How to Choose the Right Package

To find the perfect Student Travel Europe package, consider factors like budget, trip duration, and your interests. Many travel companies like Contiki, EF Tours, and STA Travel offer specific Student Europe Travel Packages that cater to various preferences. Look for package reviews and check for any seasonal discounts that could make your trip even more affordable.

Conclusion

Exploring Europe as a student can be a life-changing experience. By choosing from one of the many Student Travel Packages available, you can immerse yourself in different cultures, meet new people, and enjoy a well-organized trip that takes care of all the details. Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, or just want to experience the best of Europe on a budget, a Student Europe Travel Package can make it all possible. Start planning, and get ready for an unforgettable European adventure!

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A Guide to Europe Group Tours for Corporate Getaways with Switrus Holidays

Corporate getaways are the perfect opportunity for organizations to foster teamwork, reward hard work, and rejuvenate employees. What better way to achieve this than by embarking on an exciting Europe tour with Switrus Holidays? Our meticulously planned Europe tour packages from Bangalore cater to corporate groups, ensuring a memorable and productive travel experience.

Why Choose Europe for a Corporate Getaway?

Europe offers a blend of culture, history, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for corporate group tours. Here’s why Europe stands out:

Diverse Experiences From the scenic Swiss Alps to the bustling streets of Paris, Europe has something for everyone.

Team-Building Activities Activities like hiking in Austria, wine tasting in France, or treasure hunts in historic cities foster team bonding.

Cultural Enrichment Visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and Amsterdam’s canals provides cultural enrichment that can inspire creativity in teams.

Accessibility With excellent connectivity from Bangalore, Europe is just a flight away, making it a convenient choice for corporate tours.

Highlights of Switrus Holidays’ Europe Tour Packages

Switrus Holidays ensures your corporate getaway is stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s what makes our Europe tour packages unique:

Tailored Itineraries We customize itineraries to match your company’s objectives, whether it’s relaxation, team building, or exploration.

Seamless Planning Our all-inclusive packages cover flights, accommodations, meals, and guided tours, so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

Exclusive Corporate Perks Special services such as conference rooms, team-building activities, and leisure time are incorporated into our corporate packages.

Expert Guidance With local guides and dedicated coordinators, your group will receive professional assistance throughout the trip.

Departure from Bangalore Our Europe tour packages from Bangalore offer convenient departures, eliminating logistical hassles for corporate groups.

Top Destinations for Europe Corporate Tours

Switzerland Enjoy stunning mountain views, luxury stays, and activities like skiing or boat rides on Lake Geneva. Perfect for both relaxation and team bonding.

Italy Discover Rome’s ancient history, Venice’s romantic canals, and Florence’s art-filled streets. Include fun group activities like pizza-making classes.

France Paris and the French Riviera offer a mix of elegance and excitement, with team-building options like wine tours and cooking workshops.

Germany Known for its rich culture and innovative industries, Germany is ideal for corporate groups interested in cultural tours and business insights.

Spain Barcelona’s vibrant culture, Madrid’s royal architecture, and Seville’s flamenco spirit create unforgettable group experiences.

Benefits of Europe Group Tours for Corporate Teams

Stronger Team Dynamics Traveling together encourages collaboration, communication, and mutual understanding.

Employee Motivation Rewarding employees with a corporate trip boosts morale and motivation.

Enhanced Creativity Exploring new cultures and experiences inspires innovative thinking.

Stress Relief Stepping away from the work environment allows employees to relax and recharge.

Networking Opportunities A corporate getaway in Europe provides the perfect setting for building relationships within and outside the organization.

Tips for Planning a Successful Europe Corporate Tour

Set Clear Objectives Define the purpose of the trip—be it team building, relaxation, or celebrating milestones.

Involve Employees Engage your team in choosing destinations or activities to ensure everyone’s preferences are considered.

Choose the Right Time Plan the trip during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and secure better deals.

Budget Smartly Switrus Holidays offers competitive pricing on Europe tour packages, ensuring excellent value for your investment.

Leverage Professional Assistance Trust Switrus Holidays to handle all logistics, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your team.

Book Your Europe Corporate Tour Today!

Switrus Holidays is your go-to partner for expertly organized Europe tour packages from Bangalore. With our tailored itineraries, professional services, and a commitment to excellence, we guarantee a corporate getaway your team will cherish forever.

For more information and easy booking, visit our website: https://www.switrus.com/

Make your corporate Europe tour a perfect blend of work and leisure with Switrus Holidays!