#Arts Bar Baltic
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Arts Bar Baltic. Nikon F65. Ilford Delta 3200.
The original Arts Bar was opened on Hope Street in 2022. Recently they have opened another venue on Parliament Street not far from the Cains Brewery Village and the Baltic Triangle.
I have caught a few live bands here and was impressed by the venue and the sound. I have made a mental note to go back and try the food.
#liverpool#liverpoollomo#lomo#lomography#analogue photography#nikon f65#nikon slr#film slr#ilford delta 3200#black and white photography#35mm film#high iso#3200 iso#Arts Bar Baltic#Parliament Street#Baltic Triangle#Bar#live music venue#film is not dead#don't think just shoot
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Looking for a perfect vacation destination? Look no further than Sopot! Rahn Real Estate rental apartments are located in the heart of this charming coastal town, offering a comfortable and stylish base from which to explore all that Sopot has to offer.
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• 4 Bedrooms • Living Room • 2 Bathrooms • Kitchen • Balcony • Parking Spot
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Here are just a few reasons why you should plan your next trip to Sopot:
1) Stunning beaches: Sopot is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Baltic coast. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or take a refreshing swim in the sea, you'll find everything you need for a perfect beach day in Sopot.
2) Vibrant nightlife: Sopot is known for its lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub or a trendy club, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained until the early hours.
3) Rich cultural heritage: Sopot has a long and fascinating history, which is reflected in its many museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. From the famous Sopot Pier to the stunning Art Nouveau architecture, there's plenty to explore and discover in this beautiful town.
Book your stay today at https://en.rahnrealestate.pl and experience the best that Sopot has to offer!
Review score on Booking platform 9.8/10
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✔ Mark Your Calendars: Wed Mar 1 on 🎨#JamieRoxx’s Pop Roxx Radio 🎙️#TalkShow and 🎧#Podcast w/ Featured Guest: Pamela Hopkins is a Multi-#instrumentalist, #country #singer/#songwriter/#duelingpianoplayer. ☎ Lines will be open (347) 850.8598 Call in with your Questions and Comments Live on the Air. ● Click here to Set a Reminder: http://tobtr.com/12200957 Pop Art Painter Jamie Roxx (www.JamieRoxx.us) welcomes Pamela Hopkins, Singer / Songwriter (Country) to the Show! Pamela Hopkins is a Multi-instrumentalist, country singer/songwriter/dueling piano player. (Click to go there) ● WEB: pamelahopkinsmusic.com ● FB: @pamelahopkinsmusic ● IG: @pamelahopkinsmusic ● TW: @phopkinsmusic ● YT: @PamelaHopkins Pamela spends a lot of time touring across the globe. Just this past year she has performed in Guam, Japan, Bahrain, Honduras, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, as well performed on cruises in the Caribbean, the Baltic region and Portugal. In 2023, she is schedule to do 2 tours in South Korea and Hawaii, and 4 European cruises with NCL (departing out of London and Portugal), with more to be announced. When she's not cruising/touring and performing for our military across the world, she plays locally in Arkansas. She is a dueling piano player and when she is home, you can often find her at Willy D's Dueling Piano Bar in Little Rock on the weekends. ● Media Inquiries: Michael Stover MTS Management Group/MTS Records www.mtsmanagementgroup.com
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6 of the best cities for nightlife in the UK
The UK boasts some of the most vibrant and diverse nightlife scenes in Europe, with cities offering an array of experiences for night owls and party enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of London to the cultural richness of Edinburgh, each city brings its unique flair to the nightlife landscape. The best cities for nightlife in the UK are celebrated for their dynamic range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you're seeking a high-energy dance club, a laid-back pub, or an intimate live music venue, these cities provide an exciting mix of options to explore after dark.
In addition to their lively entertainment scenes, these cities also offer rich cultural experiences that enhance their nightlife appeal. Iconic music venues, renowned nightclubs, and trendy bars contribute to an electric atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike. With a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, the UK Visa promises unforgettable nights out and a true taste of the country's diverse cultural landscape.
Here are some of the best cities for nightlife in the UK.
1. London:
One of the best places to go for those who love the nightlife is London, the energetic capital of the United Kingdom. The city's nightlife, which ranges from upscale cocktail bars to underground clubs, is well known for its vibrancy and diversity. Soho and Shoreditch are well-known for their vibrant bar scenes, which include a variety of chic lounges and classic pubs. Camden is a hotspot for live music lovers, with venues such as the Roundhouse and the Jazz Cafe featuring a diverse range of genres. London's nightclubs, which attract partygoers from all over the world, are iconic in the dance scene and include Fabric and Ministry of Sound. The city's 24-hour public transportation system and late-night dining options further enhance its nightlife, making it a prime destination for an unforgettable night out.
2. The Manchester:
Manchester is another well-known UK city for its exciting nightlife. Manchester, which is well-known for its extensive musical history, has a vibrant scene that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The city's nightlife is concentrated in the Northern Quarter, which is home to many hip bars, independent clubs, and live music venues. From inventive cocktails and craft beers to small-scale live performances, this place has it all for visitors. Ethnic music experiences can be had at well-known locations like Band on the Wall and the Deaf Institute, and lively club nights can be had at Gorilla and Antwerp Mansion. Manchester is a great option for anyone looking for a fun and exciting evening because of its diverse selection of late-night dining options and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Liverpool:
Liverpool's nightlife is just as vibrant as its rich cultural past. The city is well known for its vibrant music scene, which includes legendary locations like The Cavern Club, the birthplace of The Beatles. A variety of distinctive bars, clubs, and street food vendors can be found in the Baltic Triangle area, which is a center for nightlife. Liverpool's nightlife is lively and diverse, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences, with an emphasis on creativity and community. Numerous clubs in the city, like Circus, Camp, and Furnace, offer upbeat vibes and stellar DJ lineups. Liverpool's vibrant nightlife is enhanced by its welcoming residents and an extensive array of post-business hours dining options, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening.
4. Edinburgh:
Edinburgh offers a vibrant nightlife that suits all tastes in addition to its historical charm. The vibrant Grassmarket and Royal Mile neighborhoods, which offer a variety of upscale cocktail bars, lively nightclubs, and traditional pubs, are the hubs of the city's nightlife. During the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, when artists and partygoers swarm to the city for a month-long celebration of arts and entertainment, Edinburgh's nightlife comes to life. The Last Drop and The Bow Bar, two of the city's pubs, provide a cozy setting along with a variety of regional ales and whiskies. Places with a lively club scene, like Cabaret Voltaire and The Liquid Room, offer a more exuberant experience. Edinburgh is a special place for night owls because of its blend of modern nightlife and historical ambience.
5. Glasgow:
Glasgow is a favourite among people looking for a fun evening because of its vibrant and diverse nightlife. The hub of the city's nightlife is the Merchant City and Sauchiehall Street, which are teeming with live music venues, bars, and clubs. Glasgow boasts a very strong music scene, with venues such as Barrowland Ballroom and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut showcasing a stellar line-up of both domestic and foreign performers. The club scene in the city is equally amazing, with venues like SWG3 and Sub Club providing cutting-edge electronic music and unique dance experiences. Glasgow is a great place to spend a night out because of its welcoming residents and varied nightlife options, which guarantee that there's always something going on.
6. Bristol:
Bristol has become a well-known destination for nightlife in recent years, owing to its creative and varied scene. The city's nightlife is centered in neighborhoods like Stokes Croft and the Harbourside, where guests can find a wide selection of nightclubs, pubs, and bars. Bristol is well known for its live music venues, such as Thekla and O2 Academy, where both well-known performers and up-and-coming acts frequently play. Notable clubs in the city are Motion and Lakota, which provide lively electronic music experiences. Bristol's vibrant culinary scene enhances the city's vibrant nightlife, with many establishments offering late-night dining options and an inventive ambience that captures the vibrant energy of the city.
Conclusion:
The UK boasts some of the most vibrant and diverse nightlife scenes in Europe, with cities offering an array of experiences for night owls and party enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of London to the cultural richness of Edinburgh, each city brings its unique flair to the nightlife landscape. The best cities for nightlife in the UK are celebrated for their dynamic range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you're seeking a high-energy dance club, a laid-back pub, or an intimate live music venue, these cities provide an exciting mix of options to explore after dark.
In addition to their lively entertainment scenes, these cities also offer rich cultural experiences that enhance their nightlife appeal. Iconic music venues, renowned nightclubs, and trendy bars contribute to an electric atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike. With a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, the UK’s top nightlife cities promise unforgettable nights out and a true taste of the country's diverse cultural landscape.
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The Ultimate Guide to the UK's Top Nightlife Destinations
Overview: London, crypto all stars meme coin the capital city, is a global nightlife hub offering something for everyone.
Highlights:
Soho and the West End: Famous for its theatre shows, world-class cocktail bars, and lively clubs.
Shoreditch: Known for its hipster vibe, street art, and eclectic mix of bars and clubs.
Camden: Offers an alternative scene with live music venues like The Roundhouse and KOKO.
Why It Stands Out: London’s sheer size and diversity mean it has an almost endless array of nightlife options. From upscale bars and exclusive clubs to quirky pubs and live music venues, London has it all.
2. Manchester
Overview: Known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant nightlife, Manchester is a favorite for those who love live music and a lively club scene.
Highlights:
Northern Quarter: A hotspot for indie music with venues like Band on the Wall and Night & Day Café.
Deansgate Locks: Features a row of trendy bars and clubs.
Oxford Road: Offers a mix of nightclubs and bars, with venues like Sound Control and The Deaf Institute.
Why It Stands Out: Manchester’s reputation as a music city is well-earned, and its nightlife scene is equally impressive with a variety of venues catering to different tastes.
3. Glasgow
Overview: Glasgow is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and thriving music scene, making it a top choice for nightlife enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Merchant City: Home to chic bars and clubs like The Corinthian Club.
Sauchiehall Street: Known for its array of bars and nightclubs, including The Garage and O2 ABC.
West End: Offers a bohemian vibe with popular spots like The Halt Bar and Oran Mor.
Why It Stands Out: Glasgow’s reputation for live music and its warm, welcoming vibe make it a fantastic place for nightlife.
4. Liverpool
Overview: Liverpool boasts a rich musical heritage and a lively nightlife scene that’s hard to beat.
Highlights:
Mathew Street: Known for The Cavern Club, where The Beatles gained fame, and a range of other pubs and clubs.
Baltic Triangle: An up-and-coming area with creative spaces and lively venues like Camp and Furnace.
Concert Square: Central location with numerous bars and clubs.
Why It Stands Out: Liverpool’s combination of historical significance and vibrant nightlife makes it a must-visit for music lovers and party-goers alike.
5. Edinburgh
Overview: Edinburgh offers a mix of historic charm and modern nightlife, making it unique among UK cities.
Highlights:
Grassmarket and Cowgate: Known for lively pubs and clubs, with a mix of traditional and contemporary venues.
George Street: Features stylish bars and sophisticated clubs like The Living Room and Opal Lounge.
Leith: A more relaxed area with pubs and restaurants along the water.
Why It Stands Out: Edinburgh’s blend of historical elegance and modern nightlife makes it an appealing destination for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated yet lively evening.
Conclusion
Each of these cities has its own distinct nightlife character:
London offers the broadest range of options and international flair.
Manchester is perfect for music enthusiasts.
Glasgow combines a friendly atmosphere with a strong music scene.
Liverpool provides a unique blend of musical history and nightlife.
Edinburgh offers a sophisticated mix of historic charm and modern entertainment.
Choosing the best city ultimately depends on what kind of nightlife experience you're after, whether it's high-energy clubs, live music, or stylish bars.
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Exploring Newcastle: The Ideal Destination for Your UK Study Adventure
If you're considering studying in the UK, Newcastle should be high on your list. This vibrant city offers a perfect blend of academic excellence, rich culture, and an engaging student life. For those seeking guidance on this exciting journey, partnering with a consultancy for abroad studies in Pune can streamline the process and ensure you make the most informed decisions.
Academic Excellence
Newcastle is home to two prestigious universities: Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Both institutions are renowned for their research capabilities, high teaching standards, and diverse range of courses. Whether you're interested in engineering, business, medicine, or the arts, you'll find top-notch programs designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career.
Rich Cultural Experience
One of the most appealing aspects of studying in Newcastle is its rich cultural heritage. The city boasts a plethora of museums, galleries, and historical sites. The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Great North Museum are just a few examples of the cultural treasures awaiting you. The city's history is vividly displayed in its architecture, from the mediaeval Newcastle Castle to the iconic Tyne Bridge.
Vibrant Student Life
Newcastle is famous for its lively student scene. With a wide range of cafes, bars, and clubs, there's always something happening in this dynamic city. The Ouseburn Valley is a particularly popular area among students, known for its trendy pubs and vibrant music scene. Additionally, the city's numerous parks and the nearby Northumberland countryside offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Support for International Students
Navigating the complexities of studying abroad can be daunting. This is where a consultancy for abroad studies in Pune can be invaluable. These experts can help you with everything from choosing the right university and course to handling visa applications and accommodation arrangements. Their local knowledge and experience ensure that you have all the support you need to make your transition to Newcastle smooth and stress-free.
Conclusion
Newcastle is an excellent destination for international students, offering top-tier education, a rich cultural experience, and a welcoming environment. By working with a consultancy for abroad studies in Pune, you can embark on your UK study adventure with confidence, knowing you have expert guidance every step of the way.
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Riga
Capital of Latvia
Livu Square
Riga City Council Riga, Latvia. Lettonie
Town Hall Square, Riga, Latvia
Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It's considered a cultural center and is home to many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town has many shops and restaurants and is home to busy Livu Square, with bars and nightclubs.
The building of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is one of the most iconic buildings of Old Riga (Vecrīga)
City budget: €1.26 billion
HDI (2021): 0.929 – very high
UNESCO region: Europe
Riga, Latvia (by Daniels Joffe)
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Exploring the Charms of Sopot Beach A Coastal Haven
Nestled along the Baltic coast of Poland lies a gem awaiting discovery - Sopot Beach. Renowned for its golden sands, refreshing sea breeze, and vibrant atmosphere, this seaside destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Let's delve into what makes Sopot Beach an enchanting escape for locals and travelers alike.
A Playground of Nature's Beauty
Sopot Beach stretches majestically along the coast, offering a picturesque view of the Baltic Sea. The soft, golden sands invite visitors to unwind under the sun's warm embrace, while the gentle waves provide a soothing soundtrack for relaxation.
The nearby Sopot Pier, extending gracefully into the sea, offers panoramic views of the coastline and serves as an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a romantic sunset rendezvous.
A Hub of Activity and Entertainment
Beyond its natural allure, Sopot Beach pulsates with energy and activity. During the summer months, the shoreline transforms into a lively hub, bustling with visitors and locals alike. Beachgoers can indulge in a myriad of recreational activities, from volleyball matches to water sports like windsurfing and kayaking.
For those seeking a break from the sun and sand, Sopot boasts a vibrant promenade lined with charming cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here, visitors can savor freshly caught seafood, sip on refreshing cocktails, or simply people-watch while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
A Cultural Oasis
Sopot Beach isn't just about sun and surf; it's also a cultural oasis waiting to be explored. The area is home to a rich history and a thriving arts scene. The nearby Sopot Museum offers insight into the region's past, while the Sopot International Song Festival, held annually, attracts music lovers from around the world.
Additionally, art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous galleries and exhibitions showcasing both local and international talent. From contemporary masterpieces to traditional Polish crafts, there's something to pique every artistic interest.
Sustainability and Conservation
As awareness of environmental issues grows, Sopot Beach has embraced sustainability initiatives to preserve its natural beauty. Local authorities and organizations have implemented measures to minimize waste, protect marine life, and promote eco-friendly practices among visitors.
From beach clean-up efforts to the reduction of single-use plastics, these initiatives aim to ensure that Sopot Beach remains a pristine paradise for generations to come.
Conclusion
Sopot Beach is more than just a coastal retreat; it's a destination brimming with charm, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this seaside haven offers something for everyone. So, pack your sunscreen, embrace the sea breeze, and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting allure of Sopot Beach.
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10 Unmissable UK Nightlife Destinations Unleashed
The UK is famed for its culture and vibrant nightlife, with multiple cities which cater to every form of reveler. The cities in UK pulsate with energy during the wee hours of the night. Regardless of whether one plans for an unforgettable night out with pals, are a live music aficionado or seeking pulsating clubs, UK offers it all and much more. Let’s embark on a whirlwind trip to the 10 best cities in the UK for nightlife that compel you to ask for more.
UK’s 10 leading Nightlife Destinations
Let’s delve deep into the 10 leading nightlife activities in UK,
London
London the capital city provides an eclectic blend of nightlife experiences. Right from Shoreditch’s underground clubs or Mayfair’s swanky bars, there is truly something for all. Dancing in Camden all night, sipping delicious cocktails in Soho, and viewing a nice West End show are good options to enjoy the nightlife.
Manchester
Manchester is noted for its music scene that is truly legendary with iconic venues such as The Hacienda opening doors for the generation of clubbers. Resting on one’s taste, one may drop in at Deansgate Locks for modish clubs and cocktail bars or for indie bars & live music the Northern Quarter is a good choice.
Glasgow
Scotland’s biggest city Glasgow is a true hotspot for nightlife having a lively blend of live music venues, clubs, and pubs. The Sauchihall Street in the city teems with lively clubs and epic bars. Also check out the Sub Club to taste the electronic music scene of the city.
Bristol
The diverse nightlife scene in Bristol has something from all, from bustling waterfront clubs to quirky independent bars. Take pleasure of waterfront sights from Harbourside’s bars and restaurants or visit Strokes for street art & live music.
Liverpool
This nightlife powerhouse famed the world over for its pulsating scene, is abode to legendary clubs such as Cream & The Kaz. Explore the popular Cavern Club to take pleasure in live music or sip cocktails in Baltic Triangle. Also visit The Ropewalks & Seek Street that bursts with clubs and independent bars customized to every taste. Liverpool offers the best UK city breaks for nightlife.
Edinburg
Scotland’s capital city Edinburg becomes alive at the night hours with bustling array of clubs, pubs, and bars to discover. Enjoy a live performance at Jazz Bar or visit George Street that is lined with stylish nightclubs and elegant cocktail bars.
Newcastle
Newcastle has created a niche for its pulsating nightlife having garnered the reputation of hosting the finest parties within UK. The Quayside provides a vivacious nightlife scene along with stunning sights. Try craft beers in Free Trade Inn or be a part of the legendary nightlife in Powerhouse, an admired LGBTQ+ nightclub. In short, explore the best nights out in the UK at Newcastle.
Leeds
Being one amid the largest student cities in the UK, Leeds boasts of a lively nightlife scene with youthful energy. Start the night in The Mavern to taste expertly crafted cocktails or drop in at The Original Oak, a wonderful traditional pub.
Cardiff
The capital city of Wales provides a vivacious nightlife scene with the merge of lively clubs, stylish cocktail bars, and traditional pubs to discover. Cardiff Bay with its buzzing atmosphere and waterfront setting is a prime nightlife destination. Womanby Street is another good choice that has music avenues and independent bars in abundance.
Brighton
Celebrated for its lively LGBTQ+ community and bohemian atmosphere, this is truly a mecca for the nightlife enthusiasts. Kempton, the bohemian quarter in Brighton is truly a haven for any nightlife enthusiast. Besides, The Lanes boasts of the finest bars and clubs in Brighton.
Wrapping up UK offers assorted nightlife destinations to suffice every taste. Be it dancing until dawn, enjoying cocktails, or adoring live music, these 10 dynamic UK cities offer it all. Just wear the dancing shoes, take a pint and get the night party started.
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A key part of a foreign-policy reporter’s job is to attend networking events to hobnob with diplomats and policymakers and get a pulse on behind-the-scenes Washington. Which is how I found myself in the dimly lit basement of the Finnish Embassy, holding a canned gin drink, and save for a small hand towel, entirely naked.
Welcome to the—pun very much intended—hottest ticket in town on the Beltway insider party circuit: the Finnish Diplomatic Sauna Society.
For the better part of 15 years, the Finnish Embassy here has leveraged the steamiest side of Scandinavian soft power to convene all of the city’s policy movers and shakers—the Pentagon officials, the congressional aides, the diplomats, the think tankers, and, when they’re really desperate, even the occasional Foreign Policy reporter—for an evening of policy shop talk and chit-chatting. All at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit in a special-purpose, steam-filled, wood-paneled room at the embassy.
Foreign embassies in Washington hold glitzy and glamorous gatherings all the time—to commemorate national holidays, toast incoming dignitaries, and help build up the embassies’ connections and networks in the sprawl of national security. But the Diplomatic Sauna Society stands apart from the rest and has taken on a cult following around the Beltway since it came into its current form in 2008, making it something of a soft-power coup for the Scandinavian embassy.
“When I mentioned I was coming, all my coworkers were asking how they could get an invite,” said a congressional aide who went.
“Honestly, the weirdest and coolest thing I’ve done for work,” said a former Pentagon official who has two tours of the Diplomatic Sauna Society under his belt and is hoping to be deployed for a third.
It may even be a point of envy for the other embassies in town. “When I talk to the Norwegians and ask where their sauna is, they get a little prickly about it,” said another congressional aide who’s been.
Joining the Diplomatic Sauna Society inducts you into a long-standing and storied Finnish tradition of mixing the high-heat therapeutic practice with diplomacy. It’s a tradition that helped Finland steer clear of falling under the Soviet orbit during the Cold War, a tradition that may have helped usher in Namibia’s independence, and a tradition that prompted George H.W. Bush to jump completely naked into the Baltic Sea during a pivotal trip to Europe. (More on that in a bit.)
The evening begins in the main hall of the ultramodern embassy, adorned with sleek wood paneling and an industrial design, where all the newly invited sauna society members exchange pleasantries over drinks.
From there, the party moves to the embassy’s basement, boasting an equally modern and stylish bar with a giant neon “Sauna” sign behind it for some more drinks. Then, the men and women split up to partake in the evening’s main event in separate batches. The sauna-ing begins.
The whole evening has a relaxed atmosphere, something of a rarity in the buttoned-up world of Washington’s diplomatic scene. Swimsuits or towels are optional, whatever people are most comfortable with. Most opt for the Finnish way, i.e., none of the above.
The elixir of choice is the Long Drink, an iconic Finnish gin mixed drink that’s basically a Tom Collins in a can, but way better, because it’s being sipped in a sauna with newfound sauna friends. The chatter drifts between the work, the personal, and the inevitable “Wait, why doesn’t everyone have saunas? This is great” line of conversation.
Whenever the steam dissipates too much, a ladle of water is poured onto a pile of smoldering stones in the corner to revive the heat. The conversations ebb and flow with the steam.
For the non-Finns, the sauna is a special and unique experience. For Finns, it’s equally special, though not unique at all. “The sauna, it’s very integrated into our Finnish culture, so for us, it’s very normal,” said Pasi Rajala, the press counselor at the Finnish Embassy and host of the Diplomatic Sauna Society events. “I’m personally surprised by how excited Americans are by this. Here in the U.S., there’s a lot of interest and curiosity for it.”
If saunas are a ubiquitous part of Finnish culture at home, they also represent a potent tool of diplomacy abroad. Each and every one of Finland’s embassies and consulates abroad come equipped with a sauna, and Finnish diplomats have arranged their own Diplomatic Sauna Society circuits in Berlin, Brussels, London, and Tokyo, Rajala said.
The Finnish military has always followed suit, too. Name a conflict where Finland deployed its forces for peacekeeping missions, and chances are there was a sauna in tow, irrespective of the climate.
In the 1950s, Finnish peacekeepers deployed to the Sinai Peninsula jury-rigged a sauna on an abandoned Egyptian military transport platform using telephone poles that the Israelis left behind. Finnish peacekeepers built saunas for their mission in the Golan Heights as part of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in the 1980s and 1990s and made sure that the Israeli and Syrian ambassadors had access to them as they wished. Finnish troops involved in the NATO mission in Kosovo in the 2000s built more than 20 saunas on their base.
The sauna has also been used to great effect in high-wire diplomatic negotiations. Martti Ahtisaari, the former Finnish president, helped lay the groundwork for Namibia’s independence in the 1970s and 1980s during his time as a top U.N. envoy by cultivating ties with Namibian freedom fighters invited to his sauna. (Ahtisaari would later earn a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve conflicts in Namibia, Indonesia, Kosovo, and Iraq.)
Urho Kekkonen, Finland’s longest-serving president, was said to have sweated his Soviet counterparts into submission in his sauna, keeping Finland’s fraught balance of neutrality during the Cold War in place. It was in the sauna that Kekkonen reportedly broached the idea to his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, of Finland joining the European Free Trade Association, a forerunner to its European Union membership, thereby cementing its Western orientation with the unlikely blessing of the Soviets. (Vyacheslav Molotov, a top henchman for former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, sharply criticized Khrushchev for getting naked with a foreigner—and non-communist, to boot—Finnish government archives unearthed in 2001 revealed. Khrushchev had him sacked.)
Then there was that time when then-Vice President George H.W. Bush reportedly jumped nude into the Baltic Sea after a sauna excursion with his hosts during a 1983 visit to Helsinki. It was during that trip that Bush opened a new channel of communication with the Finns, and the Finns, highly versed in Soviet affairs, informed Bush that he and President Ronald Reagan may want to invest in getting to know a rising star in the Soviet Union named Mikhail Gorbachev.
Let’s just boil it all down to the power of the sauna.
The world of diplomacy is full of stodgy pomp and circumstance, buttoned-up exchanges, and stilted communiques. But talking points and stuffy formality don’t hold up well when you’re sweating, drinking, and sitting naked in a hot, dark room with your opposite number, and maybe that’s what makes the sauna sizzle in the world of diplomacy.
Pertti Torstila, a senior Finnish diplomat at the time, summed it up nicely in his 2010 speech to the 15th annual International Sauna Congress in Tokyo. (Yes, that’s a real thing.)
“In sauna all are equals,” Torstila said. “There are no superpowers or minipowers in a sauna, no superiors or servants. You don’t keep your politics up your sleeve when you are not wearing sleeves. If you discuss and agree on something when you are all naked, it’s difficult afterwards not to keep your word. … Networking in the nude is an absolutely moral good.”
As the nude networking event wound down on this particular evening back in Washington, Rajala reconvened the whole group (now fully clothed) to induct new members into the society. Each new participant received an official “Sauna Diploma” certificate that awards full membership into the Diplomatic Sauna Society “with all of the rights and privileges thereto” and lauds them for their sisu (grit) for networking in the (mostly) nude. The diploma has a reminder on it about the evening’s discussions staying off the record: “What is said in sauna stays in sauna.”
Soon, senior defense officials at NATO could be receiving their own version of the diploma. Finland on Tuesday made history when it formally joined NATO as the 31st member of the military alliance. And, true to form, NATO headquarters just installed its own sauna.
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A Symphony of Flavors: Delve into Our Exhilarating Cocktail Bar Menu
Welcome to Hokus Pokus – where the art of mixology meets the wonders of alchemy! Step into our underground alchemy lab, nestled in the heart of King's Cross, and embark on a journey inspired by Victorian quack doctor, James Morison. At Hokus Pokus, we have crafted a cocktail bar menu that combines the allure of 19th-century apothecary with a retro-futuristic steampunk twist. As you immerse yourself in our world of botanicals and elixirs, we promise an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you enchanted, whatever the weather.
Embracing the Legacy of Doc Morison
The foundation of Hokus Pokus lies in the fascinating story of Doc Morison and his pursuit of a universal vegetable cure. Born in Scotland in 1770, Doc Morison's life journey took him to Aberdeen, Germany, the Baltic, the West Indies, and finally, London. It was here, just a few doors away from our current location, that he established the 'British College of Health' in 1828.
Doc Morison's remedy was based on botanical compounds, which he ingeniously prepared in pill form to be consumed with lemonade. While we may not make health claims like the good doctor, we draw inspiration from his boldness and adventure as we concoct our own range of delightful elixirs.
The Magic of Distilled Botanicals
Our signature cocktail collection boasts an exquisite selection of distilled botanicals. We take immense pride in the careful craft of each drink, combining premium spirits with a touch of enchantment. Whether you're a connoisseur or a curious seeker, our mixologists are devoted to creating libations that transport you to another realm with every sip.
Our Key Offerings:
Enchanted Elixirs: Indulge in our signature elixirs, where botanicals and spirits converge to create mesmerizing flavors. From the smoky mysteries of the "Potion of Ember" to the refreshing zing of the "Zestful Zephyr," each elixir is a work of liquid art.
Potions with Personality: Discover a range of cocktails tailored to your mood. Need a pick-me-up after a long day? Try the "Revitalizing Reviver." Feeling adventurous? The "Explorer's Elixir" awaits your curiosity.
Mystical Mixtures: Delve into the world of experimental mixtures that blur the lines between science and sorcery. The "Arcane Brew" and "Celestial Concoction" will leave you entranced.
The Steampunk Aesthetics
At Hokus Pokus, our ambiance is just as enchanting as our elixirs. Stepping into our bar is like entering a retro-futuristic steampunk engine room filled with wonders. The interior design is an ode to Victorian science, quack medicine, and esoteric literature, transporting you to a bygone era where magic and machinery coexist.
A Journey Beyond Imagination!
As we conclude this mystical journey through our cocktail bar menu, we invite you to experience the magic firsthand. At Hokus Pokus, we're not just bartenders; we're alchemists, infusing every drink with passion and artistry. Our goal is to enchant your senses, leaving you with memories that linger long after your visit.
So, join us at Hokus Pokus and unlock a world of flavors, where mixology and alchemy unite in harmony. Step into our underground sanctuary, raise your glass, and let the wonders of our crafted cocktails unfold before you. Cheers to a truly enchanting experience!
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Beach Cabin on the Baltic Sea, Poland,
Peter Kuczia Architect,
Image Credits: Alek Pluta / nomadd-studio.com
#art#design#architecture#hospitality#cafe#restaurant#beach#bar#cabin#poland#baltic sea#beach cabin#winter garden#solarlux#solar architecture#minimal#peter kuczia#gdansk#solar energy#wintergarden
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Looking for a perfect vacation destination? Look no further than Sopot! Our rental apartments are located in the heart of this charming coastal town, offering a comfortable and stylish base from which to explore all that Sopot has to offer. We have in our offer two spacious apartments in close proximity to the beach.
Basha Apartment PREMIUM Sopot 1 - 134 sqm / 1442 sqft
• 4 Bedrooms • Living Room • 2 Bathrooms • Kitchen • Balcony • Parking Spot
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Basha Apartment PREMIUM Sopot 2 - 115 sqm / 1237 sqft
• 3 Bedrooms • Living room • 2 Bathrooms • Kitchen • 2 Balconies • Garage Spot
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/basha-apartment-premium-sopot-2.en-gb.html
Here are just a few reasons why you should plan your next trip to Sopot:
1) Stunning beaches: Sopot is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Baltic coast. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or take a refreshing swim in the sea, you'll find everything you need for a perfect beach day in Sopot.
2) Vibrant nightlife: Sopot is known for its lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub or a trendy club, you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained until the early hours.
3) Rich cultural heritage: Sopot has a long and fascinating history, which is reflected in its many museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. From the famous Sopot Pier to the stunning Art Nouveau architecture, there's plenty to explore and discover in this beautiful town.
Book your stay in one of our rental apartments today at at https://en.rahnrealestate.pl and experience the best that Sopot has to offer!
Review score on Booking platform 9.9/10
#vacation #travel #holiday #travelgram #poland #instatravel #trip #photooftheday #traveling #travelling #travelphotography #instagood #wanderlust #uk #photography #england #travelblogger #love #tourist #tourism #nature #adventure #explore #picoftheday #traveler #beautiful #instago #travelingram #mytravelgram #igtravel
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Blank Page Brigade Spotlight: Assistants (3/5)
Assistants Part 1 is: here, and Assistants Part 2 is: there
At the end of volumes of Black Clover is space for the “Blank Page Brigade.” This particular “brigade” is composed of the assistants (you know, those who help with art) and others from the Black Clover manga team, lead by “Captain Tabata.”
In each volume there’s a question that everyone answers. Assistants also include a drawing with their answers. I’ve compiled the answers and drawings from all published volumes (1-29), and grouped them together.
7. Teruaki MIZUNO
was present from vol.3-11, and vol.13-22
"who did this?" drawing what people are too afraid to ask about having that many birds around
vol.14 "Surströmming" is Swedish fermented Baltic herring
Rugby Yami; took me way too long to realize "Revolc Club" is Clover backwards...
hell yeah Hage village will the shades Magna would be proud 😎
"Uji matcha ice cream almond chocolate bar from 7-eleven" is so specific I had to look it up
that vol.21 drawing is some old Japanese reference but idk of what exactly...
as described in the vol.22 reply, Mizuno had a weekly series, which after looking on MAL and considering that Black Clover began publishing in 2015, I think the series being referred to was "Metallica Metalluca" from 2010
also from 2011 to 2014, Mizuno was artist for "Super High-Speed Transforming Gyrozetter" which was published in Saikyo Jump - a monthly magazine - the story was written by someone else though
8. Hikaru MIZUNO
was only around for vol.11
“Mizuno” again? It's the same kanji, and even their given names have similar themes - where Hikaru is written with the kanji for "light" and Teruaki with “radiance” and “bright.” Are Teruaki and Hikaru related? hooked a brother up perhaps?
while Hikaru-san's stint as Tabata's assistant was short-lived, the Vanessa with Rouge doodle is cute :>
9. SUZUKI
was present from vol.11-15
DRAGONS
I wonder if Suzuki drew the dragons (Salamander and sea dragon’s roar) during the witch’s forest arc - because these look sick..!
"told me I looked like Gachapin" apparently this is Gachapin
hope Suzuki's motorcycle is okay 🙏
10. Yōtarō HAYAKAWA
has been present from vol.11-29
according to Tabata, Hayakawa had a one-shot recently published in Jump GIGA
Hayakawa declared a magic veggie series in vol.11 and by god he drew those veggie (and other plants) references for a long time!
what's a "century egg" you wonder? glad you asked
so it seems like Parm Chocolate is a separate ice cream than Chocolate Monaka Jumbo. The monaka jumbo looks great honestly *-*
"He bore fruit!!" this needs to be a clover clip istg 🤣
in a happy chibi alternate universe, Zagred is just a guy who means well who's just a little too intense about making sure you eat your veggies
apparently Charlotte is the 2nd worse chef in the series, but Charla though? she's a ✨ decent cook ✨
this is it, Hayakawa wins, that vol.24 drawing of Undine and Sylph fighting... I need this to be canon for a moment i thought bell was calling yuno "cuter" rather than "cooler"
TIL about the blue honeysuckle, AKA haskap (from the Ainu language); and here's Haskap Jelly
vol.24 snack pictures: Suppa Mucho potato chips (brisk plum flavor)
ngl the drawing of the eyeballs coming for their drops is weirdly cute...
Vol.28 "let's play board games" the line was スゴロクでもしようか apparently Sugoroku can refer to 2 board games. One similar to backgammon and the other like shoots and ladders, so i just went with "board games"
Vol.29 Drawing Translation:
"If you defeat the devil that comes out, you can make a contract" ☆
"If you can win, you know" ☆
DEVIL GACHA
1 game / 1 reward!
Low Rank~Mid Rank
13 kinds in total
SECRET
1 kind
Assistants Part 4 is now here
#black clover#fragil tormenta#nozel silva#asta#black clover salamander#mimosa vermillion#black clover megicula#blank page brigade#long post#which is your fave mizuno (x2) suzuki hayakawa drawing?
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89 for the writing promp game? 👀👀 whichever characters u feel like it fits
oof this took a while. wasn’t sure who to write it about, and i didnt use those exact words, but. yeah. here it is!
(3rd person pov, lithuania x romano)
.
Nobody enjoyed world meetings. It was a known fact, and one regular humans would probably assume without knowing what transpired at such meetings- Which wasn’t much, in all honesty. And while they weren’t fun, they weren’t always bad. Sometimes they’d be in a nice city, and flights would line up with those of friends, and so forth- Today was not one of those days.
Tolvydas had stumbled off their train at three o’clock in the morning, and into their hotel bed two hours later. Their body now ran on two hours of sleep, and the conditions of the meeting didn't do much to help them stay awake. Jackets and ties were folded over the backs of several chairs, and some of the other nations held small wooden fans in death grips. Some were slumped over, and others stayed at attention. Of the other Baltic states, Estonia had removed his glasses and Latvia was clearly more focussed on his smartphone than the presentation. Tolvydas couldn’t blame them. The heat of the room seemed a cage, pressing in on them and making sweat drip down their back.
Why did the meeting have to be in Southern Europe? Tolvydas could handle the heat, but being trapped inside for an entire day- On which nothing tainted the pure azure of the sky- was a lot. A glance around told them they weren’t alone, as nearly every forehead shone with sweat. Every now and then, Tolvydas’ head touched their chest and they jerked back to attention. Their efforts were futile, though, and they’d yet to catch a single word of Paraguay’s speech.
Someone tapped their shoulder- Feliks, sitting at their left. Tolvydas looked down at them, where they’d rested their head on crossed arms.
“So bored,” they mouthed, and Tolvydas nodded. They shifted their notepad into Feliks’ line of sight and gouged the word TIRED into the paper. Feliks nodded with pink cheeks and drooping eyelids, and swiped the pen away from Tolvydas. Wish there was air conditioning. LORENZO DOESN’T BELIEVE IN AIR CONDITIONING.
Feliks giggled at that, attracting the glares of some nearby nations. Pink cheeks turned red, and they sank down a bit in their seat, folding their arms. Tolvydas sighed, and rested their head in their hands. Would it be a good idea to tape their eyes open? No, and they didn’t have any tape…shame. Tolvydas tilted their head around, looking for the host nation. Lorenzo. Romano, or Italy- They hardly ever spoke of things related to their nationhood. In fact, they only spoke as a result of social happenstance, that being Feliciano’s friendship with Feliks, and the Italy brothers shared a car, and that Tolvydas had spent much of the 90s on Feliks’ couch. A coincidence Tolvydas was fond of, actually. It was rare that nations befriended each other purely for social reasons. Even Feliks came into their life for the sake of politics.
Tolvydas looked around the room yet again, this time searching for Lorenzo. Would he be drowning in sweat too, they wondered? The answer seemed to be yes, and they bit back a smile upon seeing him. He sat hunched over the desk, with his suit jacket resting on the back of his chair. Dark circles lined both his armpits and eyes. As if cued by their staring, Lorenzo opened his water bottle and took four hearty gulps, then returned it, empty, to the desk. Tolvydas blinked, and wiped some sweat from their forehead. When they returned to their hotel room, they would get rid of all these clothes and lay on the bed with the windows open until they fell asleep.
They shuffled their papers about, searching for the weekend’s itinerary. They gave their speech the day before, but about a hundred nations still had to take their turns…According to the schedule, today’s last presenter would be Qatar. So the meeting would be over by…seven, maybe? Tolvydas pushed some air through their lips and picked at a loose thread in their shirt sleeve.
It wasn’t until about seven thirty that Qatar gave her presentation, and closing the meeting took another half hour. Once that was done, the nations milled about and spoke, as per their custom. Rare was it that they were allowed to be people- Tolvydas would never understand how people could say they ‘didn’t pay attention to politics.’ Paying attention to politics was all they could ever do. Then again, they were Lithuania, not a person.
Fortunately, many of the nations elected to move outside after the meeting ended. They fit right in with the students, bustling around the university campus. Nations fragmented here, splitting off with friends or returning to their hotels. Most importantly, though, they were stopped by people asking to take selfies. Tolvydas smiled and laughed when required, and let themself be dragged around with the other EU members.
“Where are we going?” Asked Feliks at their side, and they nodded, glancing around. Tolvydas wasn’t sure they recognized this city- They’d been to so many, it was hard to remember, and European cities started to look the same after a while.
“Not sure,” said somebody- Hungary. “I think Vene said something about a bar? I wasn’t really paying attention.” She snorted like it was punctuation, and Feliks laughed.
“Oh, Erzsi! Hey, I didn’t see you there!” Feliks launched himself at her, and was lucky that she reacted fast enough to catch him.
“Hi, Erzsebet,” Tolvydas said, suppressing a laugh.
“Hey, losers,” She said, arms clenched around Feliks’ waist. “Glad to see you here, that meeting was stuffy as hell.”
“Ugh, I know, right?” Feliks said. They righted themself, walking independent of Erzsebet again. “I was practically dying of the heatstroke.”
“I don’t think you can get heatstroke if you’re not in the sun,” Tolvydas said.
“You can,” a voice chimed in- Spain. “Trust me, summers are brutal at my place. Hey, can I ask you a question, Lithuania?” Tolvydas glanced over their shoulder, as if there was some other Lithuania he could be talking to.
“Uh, yes,” They said.
“Do you have nude beaches in your country?” Tolvydas choked on their own spit, and let out a strangled chuckle.
“Y-Yes,” They laughed, “Sorry, I didn’t expect you to ask something like that-”
“I was thinking about all the ways I’ve gotten heat stroke before,” Spain told them, holding his hands in front of his chest like a T-Rex.
“And one was at a nude beach?”
“Well, yes…” He narrowed his eyes. “More than one, actually. I don’t like nude beaches, Lithuania, because if you’re not careful you can get sunburned…I mean, you can on a regular beach, but it’s so awkward to be, like, in front of your people and putting sunscreen on your entire body, you know? And I’m a country, so it’s a lot of attention, and all that…You know?”
“Well,” Tolvydas said, “Not really, because I don’t get a lot of sun, but yeah, sort of.” They bit their lip- Since they’d been talking to Spain, they had totally lost track of where they were in the city. The university was out of sight, and Feliks was now absorbed into a conversation with Hungary and the other EU Slavs.
“Hm. You are pretty pale.” Tolvydas tucked some hair behind their ear.
“Yeah,” They said, not sure what else to say.
“Yeah,” Spain murmured, eyes darting about the street. “Where are you taking us, Feli?”
“What?!” Asked Italy. He stopped in his tracks and turned around, causing Finland to crash into him. “Oh, crap! I’m sorry, Finland.” Finland gave him a smile and assured him it was no problem.
“I said, where are you taking us?” Spain shouted, “I don’t recognize this street.”
“Umm, I actually forget?” Italy laughed, “My brother has a bar he likes that’s near here, but I don’t like it so I don’t remember what it’s called? And he’s busy now, so- Yeah. Oh, hi Lithuania! I didn't see you there, how’re you doing today?” Tolvydas started, eyes widening.
“Hi,” They said, “I’m tired, but it’s alright. You have a lovely home.”
“Thanks,” Italy said, “Though it’s really my brother’s, I…I don’t really like it that much down here, to be honest. Don’t tell him I said that. But it is nice to visit!”
“Excuse you, it’s lovely here!” Spain said, “I’m telling on you, Feli.”
“Don't!” Italy shrieked, “Please?” He turned to Spain with wide eyes. Even Tolvydas would have to oblige, and they had plenty of experience saying no to cute people. Well. Cute dogs. And Raivis. And Feliks, and Russia. Maybe they did have experience saying no to cute people after all.
“I’m only joking,” Spain said, “Besides, Lithuania here agrees with me, don’t you?”
“Uh,” Tolvydas said, “I do, yes. It’s- It’s a very nice climate you have here. And I like this street- Very, uh, very nice cobblestones.” Italy snorted, his hair falling into his eyes.
“Thanks, I’m glad you like them,” He said, though they weren’t his. Tolvydas hummed, and took a moment to really look at the street they were on. Buildings kept the sun from reaching them, but not the warmth. Storefronts beckoned here and there, with parked motorcycles at intersections and window boxes at second floor windows. Every so often they passed some graffiti, though most of it was nonsensical to Tolvydas. Not once did they see a street sign. If it weren’t for Lorenzo’s lead, Tolvydas would be completely lost.
Finally, the group made it to the bar. It was a nice, quiet place- Tolvydas felt bad for the staff. They hoped nobody would get kicked out, though it was unlikely. Who was a nation, really, if they’d never been asked to leave a bar before?
Tolvydas wound up sitting beside Spain, with Lorenzo on their other side. Neither spoke to them- Spain was discussing the art of bartending with Italy, and Lorenzo preferred glaring into his cocktail. Tolvydas wondered if they should talk to him- They’d only spoken a brief hello today, after all, and that was a formality. But he seemed annoyed, with his furrowed brow and crossed arms…And now he was looking at them.
“Why are you looking at me?” Tolvydas sat a little straighter.
“Um. I, uh, I was wondering if it would be okay for me to talk to you,” They said, mouth dry. Lorenzo bit the corner of his lip, eyebrows raised.
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I don’t know, you looked, like, a bit irritated,” Tolvydas said, “S-Sorry.”
“You’re right, I am,” Lorenzo said, “Fuckin’ hate hosting world meetings. There’s so many people who are just in my space, you know? And I didn’t even realize there were so many people following me when we were on the way here.” He lifted his cocktail. Black salt rimmed the glass, and Lorenzo licked some away. “Was talking to Belgium, got distracted. But she left to go back to her hotel, so. Anyway.” He hung his head between his shoulders. “That’s a bit much, I know.”
“No,” Tolvydas said, “World meetings suck, whether you’re hosting or not…I don’t hate it but also there’s that invasion-y feeling.”
“Invasion-y feeling, yeah,” Lorenzo murmured, and licked more salt from the rim of his glass. “‘M tired.”
“Me too,” Tolvydas said. “I need to bring hair ties tomorrow.”
“That sounds useful,” Lorenzo mumbled. He took a slow drink of his cocktail, wincing at the end. “You don’t have anything to drink.” Tolvydas glanced down at the bar in front of them, and no, they didn’t. Huh, they hadn’t noticed.
“I don't,” They said, and glanced over at the bartender. A young man with veiny forearms, chatting as he shook up a new drink. His hair was greased back into a pseudo helmet.
“Giulio!” Lorenzo shouted, catching his attention. Giulio paused in his drink-making and glanced back, then nodded and went on with his business. “He’ll get you in a second.”
“Thanks,” Tolvydas murmured, “I could’ve waited.”
“Yeah, but you’re talking to me right now,” Lorenzo said. He sipped his drink again. “And I don’t want to talk to you when I’m drinking and you’re not. Then it’s not equal.”
“Fair enough,” Tolvydas said, “I can just shut up if you want me to-”
“No, we’re talking now,” Lorenzo said, “I want to talk. And it’s my country, so…yeah.” He took a drink.
“I think it’s nice here,” Tolvydas said, “Very warm.” Lorenzo hummed, then glanced up- Giulio stood at the ready, finished with his previous drink. He exchanged some words with Lorenzo, who turned to Tolvydas after a moment.
“What do you want?”
“Um- Could I please have a krambambula?” Lorenzo relayed the message, and Giulio was up to drink-mixing.
“What’s a krambambula?” Lorenzo mused, peering over the bar.
“Wine and vodka,” Tolvydas responded, “Belarus’ favorite.” Lorenzo hummed.
“Didn’t you used to be married to her or something?” Tolvydas bowed their head, letting hair fall in front of their eyes. “So you did, huh?”
“Y-Yes,” Tolvydas stammered, “Briefly, a hundred years ago-”
“She good in bed?”
“What?” Their cheeks grew warm, too warm for it to simply be the heat. “No- I mean- I don’t know, see-”
“Hey, calm down, I’m just making conversation.” Lorenzo waved a hand, “It’s none of my business, I know.”
“We, um. Never slept together,” Tolvydas said, “She doesn’t like me very much, actually.”
“Oh. That’s a shame,” Lorenzo said, and Tolvydas nodded, though they weren't sure what the shame actually was. A shame they never slept together? Maybe- Since she didn’t reciprocate their feelings, it was hard to really fantasize. They could daydream about kissing her all they wanted, but they’d still know that acting on it would be assault. So their feelings were in the process of fading away. A shame she didn’t like them very much? Eh, they would get over it. Eventually, maybe. They had time.
Giulio returned with their drink.
“Can I have a taste?” Lorenzo asked, “Never tried that before.”
“Of course,” Tolvydas said, and handed him the glass. He took a sip, and struggled to keep his face from contorting in disgust. “You don't like vodka?” Tolvydas asked, taking a swig.
“Shit’s nasty,” Lorenzo said, “Tastes like sadness. And like, we’ve all got issues or whatever, but mine aren’t so bad I need to drink vodka.” Tolvydas snorted.
“Okay. Lightweight.”
“Lightweight?!”
“Yeah, vodka’s like 95% alcohol volume.”
“Psh, whatever.” Lorenzo scoffed, and Tolvydas giggled at the sheer nonsense of it. “Why are you laughing at me?” He asked, leaning forward in his chair.
“Psh, whatever?” They repeated, “That doesn’t even make sense.”
“It does so,” He said, “You’re too small-brained to get it.” That stung a bit, but Tolvydas didn't mind. They understood it was a joke, though they didn’t appreciate it any more for understanding.
“Whatever,” They said, looking away. Their eyes naturally picked Feliks out of the group- He sat on the bar, legs crossed, with a glass of wine held in both hands. He’d unbuttoned his shirt to the third button. Tolvydas shook their head- It wouldn’t be very long before they were completely drunk.
“I hope Feliks doesn’t overdo it,” They thought.
“Probably will. They look like they’d be wasted after two glasses of wine,” Lorenzo commented. Tolvydas jolted- They hadn't realized they were speaking aloud.
“They’re- Yeah,” Tolvydas said, “They like parties, always have, but they get drunk too fast to enjoy it.”
“Maybe that’s why they like parties so much. ‘Cause they don’t remember what one’s like, from all the drinking,” Lorenzo said, “Toni’s like that, sort of.” Tolvydas hummed, and swirled their drink around in the glass.
“I don’t think such heavy drinking is a sign that one likes parties,” They murmured, “After all, if you like doing something, wouldn’t you want to experience as much of it as you can?” Lorenzo scoffed, and they turned their head to look at him. His arm was thrown around the back of his chair, with his chest out and facing them. Sweat still clung to his forehead- It was less oppressively hot in this bar than the meeting room, but only just.
“Part of the allure of drinking is that it can make you forget about things,” He said, “Happy people don’t develop alcohol issues. And, you know, for people like us, it’s different, seeing as how we can’t fucking die.” Tolvydas shrugged in response. They shifted in their seat, feeling the cheap leather through their pants, and took another sip of their drink. Lorenzo was correct in that one liked to drink to forget. For people like them, there were virtually no downsides, save whatever you did while you were drinking. Once, Tolvydas had set a cow on fire and didn’t find out until the next morning when, in the clutches of a hangover, they were arrested.
“I guess,” They said. Then, mind caught on the cow-arson, “What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done while drunk?” Lorenzo sucked air in through his teeth.
“Done too much stupid shit to tell you off the top of my head,” He admitted, “But, uh, this one time, I drank up a town’s entire supply of wine. Bad move. Had to regrow my kidney.” Tolvydas winced, a bit less inclined to finish their drink.
“That sounds painful.”
“Yeah,” Lorenzo said, “Much like hosting the fucking world meetings.” Hosting the world meetings was terrible- It was a constant headache to have so many other nations around you, especially if it was in your capital city. Tolvydas had never had maggots in a wound before, but they imagined that was what it felt like.
“Oh, I know,” They said. It was a good thing they all shared the burden of hosting the meetings. Locations cycled through nations, such that Lithuania wouldn’t be the host country for another ten years- They’d still have to do smaller meetings, of course, like the EU and UN and such, but at least it wasn’t a world meeting. Over two hundred nations in the same city could make even the humans feel a bit off.
“I’d be better if all you people hadn’t- hadn’t fucking followed me here. I mean- I didn’t want my idiot brother to invite the entire goddamn continent.”
“I’m sorry,” Tolvydas said, “I was just going with everyone else-”
“I don’t- You know, actually, I need to continue this conversation outside,” Lorenzo said, and stood up. He said a few words to Giulio and turned around, making for the door. Tolvydas’ skin pricked- What had they done wrong? It was just a simple conversation- But of course they’d manage to screw it up. They remained on the edge of their seat, with their eyes fixed on Lorenzo, as he walked out of the bar. As he got to the door, they stood. Should they apologise? Or- Or did Lorenzo want to fight them now? They pushed away the idea, knowing it was all probably fine.
Tolvydas pulled out their wallet, and left a few euros beside their drink. They followed Lorenzo outside, stumbling when they left the bar. The moon had risen while they were in the bar. He stood in the middle of the sidewalk, bathed in silver light save the faint glow of a lit cigarette. Tolvydas swallowed. While it was dark outside, the heat from the day had yet to evaporate. Tolvydas speculated that if they were to touch Lorenzo’s skin, he’d be as warm as if he were sunbathing. Right, Lorenzo- They were not here to stare at him.
“Are you okay?” Lorenzo jumped, turning around with wide eyes. His shoulders sagged when he saw them.
“Yeah,” He mumbled, “Just fuckin’ tired. Want to go home.”
“Oh,” Tolydas said, “Sorry then, I’ll- I’ll fuck off now.” They turned away, poised to return to the bar.
“No,” Lorenzo said, then bit his lips. “I mean-” He put his cigarette between his lips and took a long drag. He looked hollow for a moment before he turned his head and blew a ring with the smoke. “You smoke?”
“Uh, no, not really…not anymore.”
Lorenzo hummed. “Shame. I could teach you how to blow rings, if you did.”
“You still can,” Tolvydas said, voice paper-thin, “If you want. And if I could borrow a cigarette. World meetings are hard on the rest of us too.” Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, and pulled a pack of cigarettes out from his back pocket.
“Ah, but you’re not the host, Lithuania. And you represent your entire country.”
“You can call me Tolvydas,” They said, “I mean, if you’re comfortable with that.”
“I just offered to teach you how to blow smoke rings. I don’t do that with everyone you know,” Lorenzo said, “Maybe I’m still fucked up from the meeting…But okay, sure. Tolvydas.”
“Thanks,” They muttered, “Also yeah, sorry about your. Brother.” Lorenzo shrugged, and took another drag.
“I don't want to think about him right now…No, I want to go home…” He bit his lip, and swayed from side to side. Was he alright? Tolvydas ran through a list of all the little things they knew to do if a nation was sick. Lorenzo coughed, and they twitched, hands reaching out for him. Instead of falling or even stumbling, Lorenzo put his cigarette to his lips another time. His cheeks shone in the orange glow. When he was done, he ground the butt under his heel. Three smoke rings floated away from his mouth.
“I’m gonna go get drunk at home now…You can come if you want.” He turned on his heel, reducing the cigarette butt into a stain of ash. He had a nice gait, Tolvydas thought. A medium sized stride, and they couldn't help but notice the sway of his hips…
Several short and fast steps later, Tolvydas was by his side.
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#oof i thought tumblr ate this ask and i was about to be so pissed#fortunately it did not!#anyway this was fun to write#i hope you enjoy it !#hetalia#hws#hws lithuania#hws romano#my writing#my fic#ceros posting#ask#romaliet ?
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Downtown Malmö
Malmö's oldest building is St. Peter's Church (Swedish: Sankt Petri). It was built in the early 14th century in Baltic Brick Gothic probably after St Mary's Church in Lübeck. The church is built with a nave, two aisles, a transept and a tower. Its exterior is characterized above all by the flying buttresses spanning its airy arches over the aisles and ambulatory. The tower, which fell down twice during the 15th century, got its current look in 1890. Another major church of significance is the Church of Our Saviour, Malmö, which was founded in 1870.
Another old building is Tunneln, 300 metres (1,000 ft) to the west of Sankt Petri Church, which also dates back to around 1300.
The oldest parts of Malmö were built between 1300–1600 during its first major period of expansion. The central city's layout, as well as some of its oldest buildings, are from this time. Many of the smaller buildings from this time are typical Scanian: two-story urban houses that show a strong Danish influence.
Recession followed in the ensuing centuries. The next expansion period was in the mid 19th century and led to the modern stone and brick city. This expansion lasted into the 20th century and can be seen by a number of Art Nouveau buildings, among those in the Malmö synagogue. Malmö was relatively late to be influenced by modern ideas of functionalist tenement architecture in the 1930s.
Around 1965, the government initiated the so-called Million Programme, intending to offer affordable apartments in the outskirts of major Swedish cities. But this period also saw the reconstruction (and razing) of much of the historical city center.
Since the late 1990s, Malmö has seen a more cosmopolitan architecture. Västra Hamnen (The Western Harbor), like most of the harbor to the north of the city center, was industrial. In 2001 its reconstruction began as an urban residential neighbourhood, with 500 residential units, most were part of the exhibition Bo01. The exhibition had two main objectives: develop self-sufficient housing units in terms of energy and greatly diminish phosphorus emissions. Among the new building's towers were the Turning Torso, a skyscraper with a twisting design, 190 metres (620 ft) tall, the majority of which is residential. It became Malmö's new landmark. The most recent addition (2015) is the new development of Malmö Live. This new building features a hotel, a concert hall, congress hall and a sky bar in the center of Malmö. Point Hyllie is a new 110 m commercial tower that is under construction as of 2018.
Source: Wikipedia
#Old Harbour Master's building#Tornhuset#Väktarhuset#Neptunigatan 1#Jugendstil#Art Nouveau#Oscar Emil Hägg#Skomakaregatan 4#Malmö#Sweden#original photography#travel#vacation#cityscape#architecture#Skåne#Sverige#summer 2020#landmark#tourist attraction#United Nations World Maritime University#Scandinavia#Northern Europe
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