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paganinpurple · 6 years ago

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A Feline’s Family - MariChat May 2019

Buy Me A Coffee?

AO3

Chapters (If there’s no link, it’s not written yet)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Day 16 – Ghosts

“Oh my God. You knocked him out with one hit,” Chat said in shock, mouth gaping.

Ladybug wrinkled her nose as she glanced down at her unconscious arch-nemesis. “I know. It was…really anticlimactic,” she said, bending down to pluck the butterfly brooch from his purple suit, which transformed into a white one the moment it was removed from his body.

“What now?” Chat asked.

“Now, you kids call the police,” Tom said, “Get them down here. Let them see Adrien’s mother and get her to a hospital. Show them the butterfly miraculous. Do whatever you need to – but get back home right after. They’ll want to speak to Adrien soon enough and he needs to be available, so no one believes Gabriel if he tries to give up your identity.”

Chat’s eyes snapped up to meet Tom’s as he realised the implications of his words.

“We’ll be your alibi, son. You’ve been at our house all evening. But only if you’re actually there when the police show up.”

***

Marinette popped her head up through the skylight window.

“Hey,” she said, “we need to be out early on Wednesday so the men can start work…on…um, Adrien?”

She waited for a response from the transformed boy perched on the balcony railing, but he remained silent, searching out at some point beyond the skyline with glazed eyes. She carefully pulled herself the rest of the way up and nervously tip-toed over to him.

It wasn’t until she leant her folded arms against the railing beside him that he seemed to come to, the vibrations through the metal bringing him back to awareness. He glanced down at her, eyes widening as he seemed surprised by her sudden appearance. “Marinette!” he said, “How long have you been here? Were you saying something?”

She smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders a little. “Just that the workmen start on Wednesday, so we need to be out of everyone’s hair earlier than usual.”

Chat’s upper lip curled in annoyance. “I hate the idea of having to move downstairs,” he said with a pout.

“Yeah…well, it’s that or that woman from ASE comes back and takes you away to your aunt’s in Lyon,” Marinette said sadly, “Downstairs is definitely closer.”

***

Mme Kindern pushed aside the main divider screen as she inspected the set-up of the attic room. She looked positively scandalised at the idea of a teen boy and girl sharing a living space.

“I simply cannot authorise an extended stay for Adrien if he doesn’t have his own room here,” the Aide sociale à l’enfance officer told Tom and Sabine as she made another note on her clipboard.

“What if we could get him his own room?” Sabine begged, stepping around to put herself back into the woman’s direct line of sight, “We could make one. It just wouldn’t be right away,”

“Make him a room? I’m afraid I don’t understand Mrs Cheng.”

“No, no, my wife’s right,” Tom said, looking at Sabine with undisguised awe, “The storage room for the bakery’s ingredients has an extremely high ceiling. It reaches from the ground floor all the way up to the same height as our first floor.”

“We talked about having work done to have new support beams and a floor put in before. We even had an architect work out the details. The only reason we didn’t do it-” –Sabine chewed her lip nervously– “-is because it’s expensive and we didn’t really have an urgent need for it at the time.”

“But you would be willing to go to the expense in order to foster Adrien?” Mme Kindern raised an eyebrow at the smaller woman who nodded her head earnestly.

“We’d do anything to make sure that boy gets to stay somewhere safe and familiar,” Tom said.

“And you’re familiar because-” –she glanced at her clipboard– “-he’s friends with your daughter?”

“Yes.”

“And he ‘sleeps over’ here a lot,” she said with a pointed glance at the three-quarter bed by the window, “Even though he claimed at his assessment that his father doesn’t let him see friends very often.”

Tom lowered his eyes bashfully. “Well, in our defence, we didn’t know he was sneaking out to do that. We cleared it with his father the first couple of times and trusted his word after that.”

“I see.”

It felt like an eternity that the woman stared at the couple. Eventually though, her stony exterior crumbled and she smiled warmly at them. “I’ll need some kind of proof that work is being arranged as quickly as you can provide it. And I still don’t like these living arrangements. I’ll need to check in with him and your daughter to ensure neither of them is uncomfortable. Or in case they’re a little too comfortable with it as well, I suppose.”

***

“Is there a reason you’re Chat Noir and not Adrien right now?” Marinette asked, breaking her kitty from the numbing fog that had begun to settle over his mind once again.

He sighed heavily. “Other than the fact that the press will work out where I’m staying soon and flood the street? This might be my last chance to be transformed on the balcony for a while,” he said, “It’s a miracle my genetic donor hasn’t told anyone who I am, and I don’t want to mess it up for myself if he plans on staying quiet.”

Marinette heard the bitter tone in his voice. She also noticed he was trying out another way of referring to Gabriel again. So far, he had used a total of seven different nicknames for him – including one which Sabine had overheard and severely scolded him on, considering the use of colourful language. Marinette had found that her favourite was ‘The Emotional Un-provider’ as Adrien’s poor excuse for a father had done everything in his power to give Adrien anything material that he wanted whilst simultaneously denying him anything that met his actual need for a loving parent or social interaction.

As much as she knew his identity was a delicate subject right now (hers was too now that her mama and papa were completely aware of who they both were and were insisting on speaking to Master Fu as soon as possible) she could tell that there was still more to this than what he had told her.

“Spill it, Kitty,” she said, nudging him a little with her elbow as her eyes rolled, “I know you too well now. Why else are you transformed?”

Chat’s ears drooped close to his head and he glanced at her from the corner of his eye quickly before lowering his gaze to examine the street below them. Marinette was hard pressed to determine whether it was because he was upset or ashamed. It almost seemed like both.

Taking a deep breath, Chat turned his head to look her in the eye as he spoke. “I really don’t want to be an Agreste right now,” he admitted uncomfortably.

Marinette’s face instantly relaxed in understanding, only a slight wrinkle between her eyebrows showing her concern. She shuffled towards him a little more, her arm lifting from the railing to tightly wind around his waist in a half-hug. She used him for balance as she stepped up onto tiptoes to rest her forehead against a shoulder much higher than her own.

“You don’t have to be with us. You know that, right? You can just be Adrien.” Her head ducked shyly as he gave her a warm smile. “Besides, you’re pretty much a Dupain-Cheng now anyway.”

His smile turned mischievous and she froze against him at the sight, desperately trying to predict what he might say or do.

“You know,” he smirked, leaning his face down close to her own, gleefully noting the heat creeping across her skin as his nose touched against her own, “If you’re asking me to marry you, I’m gonna need to see a ring first.”

He might have regretted the comment –but not the intent behind it– when she shoved him off the building with an embarrassed squeak.

Buy Me A Coffee?

#PIP writes #marichatmay2019 #A Feline's Family #MariChat May #MariChat

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jade-qilin · 6 years ago

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You Never Walk Alone | Mystic Messenger One-shot

Rating: T/PG

Universe: Mystic Messenger. Post V/Ray/Saeran’s Good Ending.

Notes: I wrote this some time ago and it hasn’t been edited. I still love MysMess with my whole heart and I’m not sorry lol. MC is using my name because that’s how I wrote it on Wattpad and Fanfic Amino. Hope you enjoy some Ray/Saeran fluff.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Mystic Messenger or any of its characters.

Tags: @cheritzteam

Reblog, don’t repost, please!

Also posted on my Wattpad @-HYDRUS- and Fanfic Amino @Shinrin-Yoku

☆•☆•☆

Thank you for the great party!"

"It was no problem at all! Thank you for attending, Mr. Cho." Ren replied with a smile, waving at the businessman.

Ren closed the door with a sigh, relief pumping through her veins as the last guest of the RFA party had finally left. Mr. Cho was a nice man, very polite and very optimistic, but after a long day of planning, preparing and speaking, all she wanted to do was sleep as if there was no tomorrow. Her thoughts halted when an arm came crashing down around her shoulders.

"Congratulations, Ren! That Trust-Fund-Kid and V both said that the party was a success, and it's all thanks to your hard work!" Zen grinned brightly. How could one resist such a bright smile? Ren patted the hand on her shoulder gently, sending a playful wink in return.

"Ahh, I can't take all the credit, Zen. You guys also worked so hard in recommending guests and the speeches and organization. You deserve just as much praise, if not more."

"He's correct, though." Jaehee intervened with a smile on her lips. Despite the busy afternoon, she looked as prim and proper from the moment she stepped into the building. Jaehee held a black book in one arm and brushed some stray pieces of brown hair from her eyes. "As always, you've done an amazing job! In fact, I think we've reached a new record in donations. Not that matters as much as being able to enjoy ourselves, of course."

"Aww, Jaehee..." Ren sniffled jokingly, pretending to wipe a stray tear from her dark coloured eyes. "That's it. We're gonna have a girl's night out, just you and me. I will demand Jumin to give you a day off!"

"No need, Ren." Jumin's baritone voice added. "Everyone has done exceptionally well and as a reward, I shall give Jaehee a paid vacation."

"She should've gotten one ever since she joined your company." Zen grumbled, red eyes tinted with annoyance. Ren chuckled lightly.

"What's important is that we all did amazing this afternoon! I say we go out for drinks and sushi to celebrate!"

Yoosung joined the group upon hearing this. "Uwah~! That sounds like a great idea, Ren! But, what about Ray, Seven and V?"

Ren looked around, trying to find the three faces mentioned. She frowned a bit when none of them were in sight, a pout evident on her face. God only knows where they ran off to.

"Jihyun said he had an eye check up. According to the doctors, he should be able to take off his sunglasses and stop using the eye drops. Madam Vanderwood came in earlier as Luciel had work to catch up on." Jumin informed the remaining RFA members. He crossed his arms, looking rather pleased at the thought of his close friend's recovery.

"That's amazing! For V, at least." Zen beamed. Smiles were exchanged between each of the members upon hearing this revelation. They were all delighted to hear that the head of the RFA was doing well after all the traumatic events that took place only a few days before.

Yoosung's smile quickly turned into a look of curiosity. His blond hair swayed with each motion of his head as Yoosung gazed around the now empty room. "Where's Ray? He was quick to leave."

Ren was quick to answer Yoosung's question. "Ah, he said he was tired so he went back to the house."

Ren and Ray shared a duplex once Ray decided to follow Ren from Mint Eye. All the other members were apprehended and were placed under investigation by a private team hired and managed by Jumin. Ren was really grateful to have a friend like him by her side. The duplex allowed privacy but it was also affordable and allowed Ray and Ren to visit each other often.

"It can't be helped. Our dear party coordinator requested drinks and sushi, and I think she deserves it." His hold tightened slightly in an attempt of a sideways embrace. "We can invite them all next time, as a celebration for V's recovery."

"Yes, I like that idea." Jaehee nodded. "What time tonight are we all available at?"

After some planning, and convincing on Jumin's part that Elizabeth the 3rd would be just fine without her weekly claw care, they all settled on meeting at 6 P.M at a sushi bar called Momoyama*. They agreed to put their money together, with Ren paying the least as it was a reward.

Yoosung offered to pay for Ren's taxi fare, as he felt bad for not being able to contribute to buying dinner and drinks with the rest. Being a college student and job-less had that kind of effect.

"You really don't need to apologize, Yoosung. Besides, once you start working for Jumin you'll be able to take me out sometime." Yoosung nodded nervously at the mention of his new job. "Thank you so much and see you soon, Yoosung!"

The car ride wasn't long and Ren soon arrived at her house. She thanked the driver and made her way to the door, pausing when she noticed the front balcony window open. Ren didn't remember opening it and the possibility of an intruder sent shivers down her spine. Softly and slowly she opened the front door, relaxing a bit when her Cocker Spaniel puppy Cannoli trotted her way, tail wagging from side to side. Ren picked up the small canine, scratching him by the ear and cooing about how much she missed him.

"You don't seem to be in any danger, eh? Let's go see who's here."

It was always better to be safe than sorry. Ren took hold of the metal cane near the door and slowly started walking up the stairs. Muffled rock music could be heard from behind her bedroom door along with the occasional feet shuffling against the floor. Tucking her cane underneath her arm, Ren opened the door slowly, just enough to allow her eyes to see who her unexpected guest was.

In her bedroom stood Ray in all his glory. He had changed out of his party clothes and back into the magenta suit he would always wear back in Mint Eye. Delicate hands fiddled with various colourful flowers in a black vase that stood on top of a nightstand beside her bed, and then to the bonsai tree on her window sill. His movements were slow and relaxed, as if there were no troubles in the world. If one listened carefully, they could hear Ray talking gently to each flower and plant in the room. Ren smiled at the sight and soon had an idea.

She put Cannoli down to the ground and pointed her finger toward Ray. Somehow understanding what his owner wanted, the Spaniel barked joyously before rushing towards Ray's leg. He stood on his to back paws, patting Ray's leg gently with his front ones. Cannoli panted happily and stared deep into Ray's eyes. Ray put down the cup of water and picked up the puppy. He went to sit on Ren's bed and cautiously started to pet the pooch once he settled into Ray's lap.

To Ren, this was a moment too good to pass up. She took out her phone from her skirt pocket and opened the camera app, zooming in and making sure she got a clear view of Ray. She clicked the camera button, resulting in her phone making a clicking sound. Ray and Cannoli's attention were both pulled towards the door, the latter jumping out of Ray's lap and barking, pushing the door open with his snout and jogging towards his owner. Ren quickly hid her phone as Ray soon followed. Both turned into a blushing mess when their eyes met.

"S-sorry, Ren. I got home early and then I figured you didn't eater your plants.... since you were so busy with the party. I came through the connected balcony." Ray shifted awkwardly. "W-welcome home."

"Haa, it's alright, Ray. Thank you. You could have texted me though."

"S-sorry."

Ren stood up, hiding her phone from Ray and dusting her knees. She took Ray's arm and led him down the stairs and into their shared garden. With permission from the landlord, they were able to take down the fence that divided the backyards and started to build a garden, just like the one back in Mint Eye. Cannoli had run off to chase an innocent butterfly while Ray and Ren took the time to venture around, soaking in each sound and smell provided by Mother Nature.

"The RFA is getting drinks and sushi later this evening. You're invited to come, of course." Ren said after a few moments of peaceful silence.

"Really?" Ray hummed, lips pursed in concentration. "Probably not today."

"Aww~ Luciel and Jihyun won't be joining us today either. Luciel has work to do and Jihyun had an eye appointment." Ren said, trying to convince Ray to go out with them.

"N-no. I'm just really tired. Sorry." Ray apologized with a small smile. Fatigue was evident in his eyes.

"Alright~" Ren said, grabbing hold of Ray's hands. She brought them to her chest, kissing each of them. "Rest well, then. I need to go shower and get ready. You can help yourself to whatever is in my kitchen."

At this all the life seemed to drain from Ray's eyes as he dead-panned. Ren was no worse than Luciel when it came to having food in the house, as she had as much instant ramen, lemon tea and mac-n-cheese boxes as Luciel had with Ph.D Pepper and Honey Buddah Chips. The only fruits and vegetables she had were peaches, cherries and baby carrots to be eaten with a dip. Ray, having learned how to cook once he moved in beside Ren, usually prepared food for the two, saying he "accidentally made too much". It was quite obvious what his true intentions were.

"T-thanks." he replied, a half-assed smile gracing his lips.

Oblivious, Ren smiled and kissed his hands one more time before heading back towards the house. "Don't forget Cannoli is out here too."

It took Ren roughly two hours to shower, dry and style her hair and do her makeup. She wasn't an expert when it came to dressing up, so it took her longer than expected. When she got down, Ren silently laughed at the sight in her living room.

On the large couch was Ray asleep, legs covering the whole surface of the furniture, with Cannoli on his stomach. She walked towards them, cooing internally at the sight before grabbing her wallet and purse. Ray opened an eye, seeing Ren there. Tired, he called out to her, gaining her attention. He sat up a bit, making sure not to disturb the puppy in his lap, and reached for a flower crown on the coffee table. Gingerly he placed it on Ren's head, making sure it was secure but not squished in the process. Once finished, Ray hummed in satisfaction.

"Have a good time." he said.

Ren smiled. "You too. My house is yours."

Ren left her house, immediately spotting a black limo at the end of the shared driveway. A tinted window at the back rolled down to reveal Yoosung smiling brightly.

"Ren-Ren! We were just about to text you! Jumin picked each of us up."

"Coming~"

The next few hours were filled with laughter and smiles. The food, the alcohol and the warm atmosphere of being surrounded by people she could call friends were the best medicine, in Ren's opinion. However being more of a lightweight compared to others, especially Yoosung, had its downfalls. After one margarita and two shots she was completely wasted. Zen and Jumin had started a drinking competition while Yoosung had already passed out. Jaehee, the only reliable and sober person at that point, made driving arrangements.

"Mr. Han, that's quite enough." she chastised, swiping the glass cup from Jumin's reach. "You have lots of work tomorrow and can not afford to be sick with a hangover. You too, Zen." Both men mumbled incoherent nothings while Ren giggled drunkenly from her spot.

With Jaehee's help, the tab was paid and rides were awaiting everyone. It was decided that Zen and Yoosung stay together for the night and Jumin would go home. Jaehee called for Luciel to pick up Zen and Yoosung while Jumin's chauffeur arrived. A bit hesitantly, the assistant was able to call Ray to pick Ren up, since they were neighbours. To Jaehee's relief, the boy accepted with no questions or complaints. Jaehee waited outside the restaurant with Ren on her shoulder.

"Ray is going to pick you up, alright, Ren?"

"Okay, Jaehee~ I wuv you!" Ren slurred, embracing Jaehee as hard as she could. The latter awkwardly patted Ren on the back, hoping she would be okay by tomorrow morning.

Not too long after, Ray appeared walking the small puppy. He silently thanked Jaehee and bid her goodnight, taking Ren in his arms as best he could while also holding the leash. Ren, still sober enough to balance herself on her own two feet, simply started humming various random tunes. She would occasionally try to say something to Ray only for it to come out a jumbled mess.

"Don't hurt yourself, Ren." he would say.

Once back at the duplex, Ray took off the leash from the dog with one hand, still holding Ren. He took off both their shoes and attempted to bring Ren upstairs to her bedroom when she pulled on his hair softly.

"No." she said firmly, pointing towards the door to the backyard. "Garden."

"No." Ray replied just as firmly, careful to untangle Ren's fingers from his hair. "You need to rest."

"No~"

Ray was so close to dragging Ren to her room when she gave him the stare; he was overwhelmed and his breath was taken away. Those dark yet warm eyes could lure him into doing anything for Ren. Those were the same eyes that made him fall for her back at Mint Eye. Those were the same eyes that caused him so much grief when choosing between his saviour and his first love. Even after pulling his gaze away, Ray just couldn't shake off the effects that Ren had on him.

Sighing, Ray brought Ren back down the stairs and towards the backyard, grabbing a beach towel on the way to sit on. He let it fall over Ren's head and shoulders while opening the door. Cannoli followed the couple and ventured off on his own. The yard was fenced so he couldn't escape from them. Ray placed the beach towel down, straightening the corners, and sat Ren down before making himself comfortable. The two sat in a comfortable silence for awhile before Ren spoke up.

"I wonder what it must've been like to be the only human on Earth."

"Hm?"

"Y'know, the story of Adam? From the Bible? Before Eve was created? Imagine, being all alone. Must've been scary."

"Maybe." Ray hummed. "How do you know Adam was the first man created?"

"Faith, my dude~" Ren slurred, her head lolling from side-to-side. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply before continuing. "Personally, I can't find myself to believe that us humans are the results of a bunch of chemical shit combining by coincidence. Humans are too complex and awesome for evolution."

"I don't think so." Ray mumbled. It still managed to reach Ren's ears. She gave a lopsided smile.

"Eh, humans can be shit, but there are also amazing humans. Ya just gotta raise 'em right and show 'em love and all that sappy good crap."

"I suppose."

"But hey, in the end, God gave him another person. So I think God wouldn't ever really leave any one alone."

There was a comfortable silence between them when Ren spoke up again.

"Are you satisfied?" Ray raised a brow, confusion written all over his face. "With being alone? Like you were in Mint Eye."

"No..." Ray answered. He had his Saviour and the other worshippers during his time there, but to him, they didn't feel like companions. When Ren arrived, it was at that moment Ray knew that the loneliness he had been feeling since his brother abandoned him was gone. She made it all disappear.

"Yeah, me neither." Ray looked at Ren in confusion, who sighed in childish frustration. "Y'know why I moved here? To South Korea? From myth land Canada?"

Ray continued staring in confusion and shook his head. He was more confused to why the girl called Canada "myth land" than where the conversation was going to.

"I never felt like I was truly wanted. Like, I had my fam, sure. And some friends." Ren let out a hiccup. "But y'know, it never felt enough. I dunno, was I being selfish? Ahhhh~"

Ren yawned and nestled herself against Ray's shoulder. She stuck her hand out from the warmth of the towel to brush Ray's pink-white hair before settling down and closing her eyes.

"Sometimes I felt like I wasn't needed, y'know? I was just, there. I dunno. I'm just stupid LMAO." Despite the drunken laugh, the only thing Ray could hear was sadness.

"Did you just 'LMAO out loud?" a bewildered Ray asked, but received no answer.

Not too long after, she was snoring, mouth slightly open and susceptible to drooling. Tears threatened to fall from her closed eyes. Ray took a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe Ren's tears away.

Not wanting to leave her in the cold or have his clothes, accidentally, covered in drool, Ray got up, wrapped the towel around Ren and lifted her up bridal style. Cannoli ran towards them and waited patiently at the door. Ray let the puppy in before himself, careful not hit Ren against anything.

He locked the back door and headed towards Ren's room. He removed as much of Ren's clothes as possible, without leaving her completely nude. He removed her blazer and button-up dress shirt, leaving Ren in a camisole, and slipped on some pajama shorts underneath her skirt before removing that as well. She wore no stockings or socks since she hated wearing them.

Ray tucked his friend, crush and neighbour under the thick duvet and kissed her forehead. He made sure she was on her side so, if she puked from drinking, she wouldn't choke. Ray locked the rest of the doors and windows and returned to Ren's room, searching through her closet to find clothes he left behind (or that Ren had stolen to wear). He threw on a black sleeveless top and sweatpants Ren had borrowed awhile ago. His other clothes were set neatly in Ren's closet.

Ray crawled back into Ren's double bed, making sure not to disturb her. He secured his arms around her waist, acting as a big spoon, to ensure that she wouldn't roll on her back in the middle of the night. Cannoli trotted into the bedroom and nestled between their legs. Ray started to feel sleep entering his system and he closed his eyes, forhead resting against the crook of Ren's shoulder. A warmth settled over his body, one that was welcoming and comforting, not suffocating.

"Neither of us will ever walk alone again."

And another night passed where Ray did not feel alone.

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tricityinfra · 2 years ago

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Redefining Real Estate Luxury Housing At An Affordable Price.

Luxury housing has grown in popularity and value in India over the years, making it one of the most active categories of the real estate market. While the definition of luxury changes with time, luxury housing have always been the crown jewels of the real estate market. The aspect of affordability has always been the key dividing line between budget and luxury plots in the past. A few years ago, the prices at which luxury houses were offered catered primarily to the elites, leaving the rest of the population without access to opulent living. This has changed dramatically throughout the years, with the introduction of particular builders who forever altered the notion of luxury.

What are the defining features of a Luxury housing at an affordable price?

Price

A luxury apartment would cost 1 to 4 crore while luxurious housing would cost less than half of this including land where you are the owner of the whole house rather than a single apartment.The price may vary depending on the location of the house and the amenities that come with it.

Upscale Neighborhood

A certain class of individuals frequently lives in luxury housing. Builders are now attempting to build specialty neighborhoods for certain occupations.

Security and Safety

In luxury housing, safety is paramount. CCTV coverage and other surveillance systems are installed in designated places, with security professionals on duty 24*7 hours to provide residents with complete peace of mind. In high-end luxury developments, Senior adults and children are protected because the numerous layers of security provide complete peace of mind to families who are left alone at home. Luxury residences are the best alternative for increased security because they pose little chance of break-ins.

Amenities

People are increasingly recognising that their home can serve as the entire focus of all activities, including work, study, and enjoyment. This has increased the demand for larger homes, with homebuyers seeking larger configurations that can contain all of the required requisites - a training arena for your fitness programme, a wide balcony to enjoy your hot cup of coffee, or just to play around with your kids – you have it all! Today's luxury homebuyers seek holistic living experiences in gated integrated communities that offer a secure environment, world-class amenities, accessibility, and are well-managed to meet the needs of the elite. Low-density living has developed as a popular choice as health and safety become more essential, providing a true sense of community.

Importance of owning a home

"This pandemic has made everyone understand the importance of their own house." Many first-time buyers who encountered housing issues during the pandemic had focused on purchasing a home close to their profession, resulting in traction in not only inexpensive housing but other segments as well,"Covid 19 has emphasized the significance of home ownership, as opposed to any other asset, to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The emotional, practical, and economical arguments for purchasing a home are all in favor of homebuyers.

What is Affordable Luxury Housing?

The Indian real estate industry has embraced affordable luxury housing as a successful trend. These homes are available at reasonable prices without sacrificing comfort or convenience. They meet international standards while staying within a budget that appeals to middle-income homebuyers. Luxury Housing is no more the sole domain of the elites, thanks to developers that put luxury elements into standard homes. For middle-class families that want to live a nice lifestyle, affordable luxury property has broken down the barriers. Developers support this proposal because of the growing demand for such products among young couples and nuclear families, which make up the majority of the population. Only about 10% of the population has the financial means to afford premium luxury residences. As a result, the opportunity to expand the business is bigger with affordable luxury residences.

Redefining Affordability by Tricity Infra Planners & Developers.

Due to the exposure to various living standards, homebuyers' desires continue to rise, Affordably priced luxury homes have nearly all of the attributes of a high-end home. Though a middle-class homebuyer's major concerns used to be location and size, amenities and infrastructure are now quite important. Yoga rooms, gyms, game rooms, home theaters, and other recreational facilities are all common fixtures in these homes.The emergence of affordable luxury houses has been aided by the growth of Tricity as a result of increased work and education opportunities. People who move to the Tricity area for work and education are looking for residences that will let them relax after a long day at the office or college. A reservoir of comfort and convenience, inexpensive luxury housing can make people's lives easier. In comparison to apartments, people who move in with their families desire to live in their own home.The desire to live in a home with its own entertainment system or gymnasium is not limited to the upper class. The fact that convenience is a universal want, regardless of social position, is the driving factor behind the commoners' access to luxury homes.We're at the forefront of affordable living, and we provide residential luxury housing in Tricity with top-notch amenities. Gyms, parks, a kids' play zone, jogging and walking tracks, and recreational facilities are included in the developers spacious Vastu compliant premium residentials in Tricity. They have a variety of land sizes in Tricity that help individuals in the suburbs.

Conclusion:

For most home purchasers, purchasing a luxury house is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a result, it is preferable to consider a variety of options before committing to a trade. Allow time to investigate the best possibilities and determine whether they provide what the house buyer is looking for. Aside from sticking to the budget, luxury residences should be viewed as an investment as well as the greatest option for modern living. In recent years, the ambitious upper-middle class, as well as the community of NRIs and high-net-worth individuals, have driven the amazing growth of luxury living.

Finally, the ultimate international living experience is within easy reach. Make your loved ones' dreams of luxurious living a reality. Prepare to provide them with the most luxurious experiences the world has to offer.

#affordableluxuryhousing #plotsforsale #bestrealestatecompany #top real estate company

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spacebookettes · 4 years ago

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The real CHAPTER 1

The Trillionaires Handbook

A mansion, a playground. Once discovered, fun. Food always available, drink... cocktails. Room’s you could sleep in, if you needed to. And labyrinthine. Surprising at every turn. What started as a typical mansion turned into extensions, new buildings, glass houses and a ring of workaday stone cottages, connected that formed one hotel like building. Perched on the edge of a cliff of a disused quarry, with sapphire blue water curving off into the distance.

Security kept the worst of the drunks in check and waiters served the drinks. The food was buffet style or fridges full of delights in small kitchens randomly discovered. Some of the bedroom windows opened out on to a great glass house filled with ferns and moss. A waterfall lines between the windows on moss filled curving up walls. Some of the windows had balconies. Some of the balconies had stairs leading upwards among the moss and fern covered dome like walls. Leading to a light forest of delicate white barked tree trunks and mist. A hut half hidden in the mist, with tools and wood to make sculptures. Bizarre little sculptures dotted around the white forest.

Word of mouth brought the people. A rumour, a secret party land if you knew where to find it. People from all over the world were there. Leaving after a few days or months. Some had never left. The security were trained in first aid, occasionally needed. Only occasionally as the people were generally well behaved. You could make friends there. New people. Some made life long friends.

In the ring of stone cottages, no windows on the cliff side, so most were unaware of the quarry and water. The cottages were set up like small homes, all with furniture, old fashioned and each with an old dialler type telephone on a small table. Each cottage had its own secret patio that led onto a great garden in the middle of the ring. People chilled here in the garden, it’s winding pathways leading to more little patios and in the centre of the chilled maze a pool with life guards. No bar here though. A small hut with a simple kitchen and delights in a giant fridge; That somehow was frequently refilled, though no one was seen. The pool was warm even in steamy winter.

On a quiet sunny day, occasionally a hidden door would open in one of the cliff side connected cottages and a small group or couple would discover it, walk down a stairwell that descended the rooms built down to the bottom of the cliff. All the time hearing the clanging’s, tinkering’s and machinations of the workings of a great house. All the time with views through little windows of the sapphire water. At the bottom a door. Opened onto a stone platform with wellington boots. The stone platform with stairs leading down to the blue, very shallow, water. The people walked through the water curving through the quarry walls until they reached a small flat island that had not been visible from the cottages. There sat under a vast rainbow parasol was a young woman who was occasionally on the news. The young billionaire.

The people sat with her and laughed. So, you are the owner of Party Land they discussed. The daft rumours that the young billionaire was an alien, brought up. No comment. The young woman got up and pressed a secret button on the pendant she wore. A hiss from the cliff above them drew everyone's attention. A large disk came partially into view at the top of the cliff. The woman gone. The people got up to get a better view of the craft. The young billionaire now at the top of the cliff, waved. A door opened and she entered the disk just big enough for a single person. Another hiss and the disk rose high then moved horizontally out of view. Unbeknownst to the people below a giant hidden mechanical arm had lifted the partially in view disk into the air and away, but not far.

Jewel 2

An unneeded huge tunnel boring machine with a new purpose. Dark Town.

The people smiled as their car started the descending part of the road. To the descending tunnel with pretty neon lighting the way. They reached the underground carpark. Walking toward the cyber lanes with the guiding neon signage on the ceiling. A black ceiling heightened, not cavernous but roomy. A black floor, black walls of the black buildings that lined the lanes, lit with neon. Neon outlined much of Dark Town. Always night but bright with fluorescence and flicker.

The usual commerce, though more curious. Strange gadgets. Daft little machines and digital collectables. Dark Town was a market town where anything cyber could happen. The neon dimmed, the signal for the light parade. A troupe of glowing people and ‘robots' with medieval cyber music. Blinking outlines of large fish heads. An amorphous holographic cloud above them, reflected in an artificial mist. Progressing through dim lanes and sparkling courtyards. Vast caverns of pitch blackness, an occasional blinking drone floating in the distance.

Food from everywhere, street food at high prices of course, but from the best: sought out around the world and made offers they’d be daft to refuse. On rotation, only employed for small amounts of time so as not to get homesick, unless they chose.

NO CYBER CLOWNS. Cute ‘robots'. cyber animals. And locals.

People actually lived in Dark Town. Some were paid to live in Dark Town; to just go about their eccentric selves. The slightly dimmer neon back streets with more adventure. Is where the locals lived, paid to be themselves. Florescent painting classes. Robot building. Programming lessons.

Dark Town was just outside an old city. At the furthest end of Dark Town was a glittering but dimly lit station. Every half an hour a super high speed train could take you to another old city.

Jewel 3

The young billionaire invested in a production company. Old unneeded warehouses and industrial sites were bought to expand the production. No one then famous could act in the films made there and no one famous could direct. All with an idea were given the opportunity to create. Strange little tales. Daft conundrums. Old stories from around the world. And sci-fi. All given creative little nudges by the Young Woman.

The production company divided and mutated finding new footing in other countries. In each collection of unneeded spaces, it was rumoured the Young Woman had a hidden office. Murmurings of slightly fantastical quiet places for the young billionaire to think.

From time to time the billionaire would appear to catch up and perhaps nudge when needed. A personal assistant familiar to everyone ran things.

Someone talented with gleaming ideas was working on something with humour. The assistant asked if they could spare some time. They walked through some passageway to a dusty out of the way part of an unneeded group of buildings and through a small unnoticed grey door. Inside was a dark space, little helpings of trash. Dusty. Cold. They could hear their footsteps as they walked toward a giant structure as though from an abandoned theme park. A decrepit cyber boot, enlarged as though missing from some giant fiberglass cyber creature. They climbed the toes and in between the giant dusty turquoise laces was a gap. Inside a desk and comfortable chairs. Here the temperature was warm, a little micro environment. The Young billionaire seated with a welcoming smile.

#bizarre story #surreal fiction #writers #new writer #experimental writing #oddity #uk writer #artist #world building #mansion #warehouse #dark story #neon lights

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noordinarytravel · 6 years ago

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7 Reasons Cruises are Great for Family and Multi-generational Vacations

It is no secret that my family and I are cruise lovers. We don’t cruise for all of our vacations but we cruise at least 50% of the time. My daughter and I started cruising years ago for our mother-daughter trips and we were hooked from the very beginning.

More than half of my clients contact me to book cruises so I know we are not alone in our love of cruises. If you haven’t cruised before or if you haven’t taken the family on a cruise yet, I am going to give you several reasons why cruising for families is ideal. In fact, for multi-generational vacation, it is a GREAT idea.

Cruising is Easy

Many times we have done air/land travel packages and I am sure we will do it many more times. We like to visit 2 - 3 countries over a 2 -3 week period and, while I love our travel adventures, sometimes it is absolutely exhausting.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and we have a kiddo that travels in a wheelchair. Needless to say, we have to allow extra time to get through airport security and to get to our scheduled tours on time. When my daughter and I travel on our own, the arthritis makes it hard for me to handle our luggage and her wheelchair. Traveling on a cruise ship is easy because we stay in one place, don’t have to get through another airport, or pack up and move to another hotel for our next destination.

If you plan on traveling with Grandma and Grandpa, this may be something to consider as well. My parents are all super healthy (thank you God) but there will be a point in which international travel will be challenging.

Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, North America, Antarctica……..pick a continent and there will be cruises available.

Cost Effectiveness

There are some great travel deals out there and you can really get the most bang for you buck if you are able to grab a great cruise deal. Cruises can be super affordable if you go with an interior room. In fact, you can snag an interior room for as little as $60 per person per day . It is hard to get a decent hotel room for that rate especially something that accommodates a family.

Instead of getting one larger room, I recommend getting two connecting rooms and you have more space plus another bathroom. The real cost effectiveness comes in when you factor in that all of your meals and most entertainment is included! Yep……..the dining rooms, the grill, the burger joint, and so many other options on board are all included in your cruise fare.

There may be specialty restaurants on board for an additional fee but I can tell you that you won’t miss out if you stick to the included restaurants. Most of them have an amazing sea day brunch that will absolutely rocks! You can stick to the grill for pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and other dishes found in typical breakfast menus. But the sea day brunch will have so much more including eggs benedict, specialty omelettes, and steak and eggs.

Kids’ Club

One of the best parts of cruising is the Kids Club. Why? Because you can have alone time and at no additional cost to you. You will find the Kids Club is usually divided into age groups with age appropriate activities are scheduled each day. The kiddos can participate in one or more activities giving you the opportunity to have a quiet dinner, time at the spa, or maybe even just time to take a nap in peace.

The kids get to meet other kids, make friends, and have fun while not having Mom and Dad cramping their style. Personally I think this is a win-win situation and everyone goes home happy. Some cruise lines offer after hours child care too but at an additional expense. Be sure to check the daily schedule for program specifics.

A Variety of Staterooms Available

If you are a hardcore budget traveler, interior rooms are a great idea. If you need a little more, you can choose from ocean view rooms, balcony rooms, or suites. It all depends on your preferences and budget.

Want an picture window in your room? Want an extended balcony? Want a butler? Yes, you can get very specific on the amenities you want depending on the cruise line. We like having priority boarding, priority seating, and even a butler once in a while. Not all rooms have those amenities available so you have to plan and book ahead.

When we travel as a family, the two youngest kids have one room and then we have one with the oldest. I need to be close to her so that I can help her with daily tasks so we usually get a junior or full suite so we have a little more room for the three of us. We also get an accessible room to accommodate her wheelchair.

Cruising is so flexible in the staterooms and amenities that you can find a cruise line that really meets your needs. You may not have a lot of specific needs so most cruise lines will work for you but, even if you have a lot of requests, a travel consultant can help you find the cruise line that will best serve your family.

Plenty of Entertainment

Another great thing about cruises (besides meals being included) is that most entertainment is included in your cruise fare. Variety shows, the comedy club, ice skating, water slides, dance parties on deck, the list goes on. There might be special performances, wine or martini tastings (my favorite), and specialty art classes that will have an added fee. All of that will be outlined in the daily schedule that is typically left in or just outside your stateroom the night before.

Accommodations for Special Needs

Individuals with challenges or special needs should absolutely consider cruising. We have traveled on several cruise lines and have always been greeted by lovely, helpful staff that helped us figure out how our daughter could best participate in scheduled activities in a safe manner.

While they are several stateroom types available, there are also a limited number of accessible rooms within each room type that will accommodate walkers and wheelchairs (including power chairs) and with accessible bathrooms.

In addition, should you need special equipment while on board there is a way you can arrange for that as well. Wheelchairs, power chairs, oxygen, special beds, and lifts can all be arranged. While the cruise line themselves don’t typically handle such requests, they will direct you to the appropriate suppliers with whom they already have a business relationship. In addition, you can seek out a travel consultant that is a certified accessible travel advocate (such a ME!) that already knows how to make those types of arrangements for you. The availability and costs will vary but it can make the difference between an amazing vacation and not being able to go at all.

Our daughter is deaf so we request a sign language interpreter to be available for her. In order to have an interpreter, you need to submit a request to the cruise line as soon as possible and definitely well in advance of your sail date. Last minute arrangements are usually not possible so don’t wait! Depending on the cruise line, you may get one interpreter or you may get a team of two. You may be sharing interpreters with others on board who have similar needs. We shared an interpreter on our last cruise and were able to coordinate with the other guests. Hearing kits can be in your stateroom if you need them as well.

In addition, if you need large print menus or daily schedule, they can be provided to you. Braille signage is available in public areas and room numbers, and you may be able to get other documents in braille as well. You will need to contact guest services to find out how to best submit a request.

If you or a member of your travel party have special needs, simply contact guest relations in advance so they can instruct you on how to submit a request for accommodations. The key is to NOT WAIT until the last minute.

Loyalty Programs

What do the cruise lines love? Repeat cruisers! They love having loyal guests who cruise again and again with them and they encourage it with loyalty programs. Initially you may earn free bottle water or tote bag in your stateroom. You may get some extra on board credit. Later you will start to get promotions and other perks that really make it worth your while. If you spend time in the casino, you may find yourself the recipient of some casino offers that are not available to all guests.

The more you cruise, the better the deal you get. If you cruise enough, you can even earn a free cruise depending on the cruise line. When it comes to loyalty programs, you can’t lose……….especially if you cruise or plan to cruise more than once.

I hope this article helps you decide to cruise. I especially hope it helps you if you have special needs because cruising is such a fabulous way to see the world. Europe, Asia, South America………pretty much any place you want to see is available to you. Contact your favorite travel professional to help you book your next cruise adventure!

Make this beautiful day count!

Annette

#ADA #Cruise #International Travel #travel #Travel tips

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easytravelpw-blog · 6 years ago

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Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/elbe-river-cruise-ships-viking-beyla-and-viking-astrild/trip-planning/

Elbe River Cruise Ships – Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild

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Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild Sail the Elbe River for Viking Cruises

Linda Garrison

The Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild are two identical river cruise ships sailing the Elbe River in the Czech Republic and eastern Germany for Viking Cruises. The two ships were launched in 2015 and are shorter, have one less deck, and carry about 50 percent fewer passengers than the Viking Longships sailing other European rivers. The two Elbe River “baby” Longships are 361 feet long and carry 98 guests; the traditional Viking Longships are 443 feet long and carry 190 guests.

These two smaller ships were specifically designed with less draft to sail the shallow Elbe River, but drought conditions their first two years in service have prohibited their sailing the entire route for a few weeks of each 9-month cruise season. This is unfortunate since the Elbe is a fascinating river cruise itinerary and, when combined with hotel stays at Prague and Berlin at each end of the tour, makes for a memorable cruise vacation. Snow melting and spring rains usually keep the river filled during the spring and early summer. However, it's difficult to predict when there will be enough rain to keep the water levels high enough to safely sail in the summer and fall.

Stuff happens. Low waters on the Elbe transformed our river cruise into a boatel/bus tour with Viking. It was the third cruise of the season where the ships could not sail. Although everyone who chose to take the tour (about half the passengers canceled) was disappointed, most were very satisfied by the end of the 10-day vacation. They also received a generous discount from Viking on their next cruise.

The Viking teams from the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild were disappointed too but did an exceptional job of making sure the guests saw everything on the planned schedule plus additional tours since The only thing we didn't do was cruise. We stayed in a hotel in Prague as planned for one night, stayed on the river ships for seven nights (three on the Viking Beyla and four on the Viking Astrild), and ended our tour with one night in a Berlin hotel as planned. My Elbe River travel journal shows that you can have a great time on any Viking river cruise ship even if you never move (except on a bus).

Since I stayed on both ships, this article provides a detailed look at the common areas, cabins, and dining venues on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild. Except for the crews, the two ships are identical. As on every Viking ship I've ever sailed on, the crew was outstanding.

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Entry on Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises River Ship on the Elbe River

Linda Garrison

Both ships have a painting in their entry that reflects the ship's Nordic heritage. This one on the Viking Astrild is the Nordic goddess of love who carries the name. In old Norse, Astrild means “love-fire” or “passion”. The Viking Beyla is named for the female servant of the Norse god Freyr, which isn't quite as exciting, is it?

Both ships feature the simple, classic design seen on all of Viking's Longships, with lots of comfortable space and light woods and furnishings.

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Reception Desk and View of Restaurant on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

Entering the Viking Beyla or Viking Astrild, guests first see the reception desk but also get a peek at the Restaurant down the steps. The ships have only three passenger decks: Deck 1 has the Restaurant and Standard Cabins; Deck 2 has the rest of the accommodations, the Lounge, Bar, and Aquavit Terrace; and Deck 3 is the outdoor sun deck.

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Cabins and Suites on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The identical Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla have four different types of cabins and suites in six different categories. All of the suites and cabins are on deck 2 except the Standard Cabins, which are located on deck 1. All of the accommodations have both 220- and 110-volt plugs, individual climate control, a telephone, 42-inch flat panel television with premium entertainment package, refrigerator, safe, use of bathrobe and slippers upon request, hairdryer, and bottled water replenished daily.

Veranda Suite (Category AA) – Each ship has two Veranda Suites. These are true suites measuring 250 square feet with separate sitting room and bedroom divided by a pocket door. The sitting room (seen in the photo above) has a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony, and the bedroom has a French balcony. The bath is larger than in the other accommodations, and the suite has a television in both rooms.

Veranda Stateroom (Category A and B) – The Veranda Staterooms have 180 square feet (including the balcony) and sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony.

French Balcony Cabin (Category C and D) – The French balcony staterooms measure 122 square feet. They have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to create the French Balcony. The interior of these cabins feels similar in size to the Veranda cabins since none of the square footage is used for a balcony.

Standard Cabin (Category E) – The Standard Cabins measure 140 square feet and have a picture window that does not open. On the Longships, this window is high up on the wall; however, on the two “baby” Longships, this huge window is in the middle of the wall and provides great views, which is a plus for those watching their budget.

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Veranda Suite Sitting Room on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

In addition to the sofa, chair, table, and sliding glass door to the balcony, the Veranda Suites on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild have a small desk area with space to plug in any electronics guests might bring along.

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Bedroom in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The bedroom in the Veranda Suite is small but can support either one large bed or two twins along with two nightstands and a lighted closet.

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Bathroom Vanity in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The bathroom in the Veranda Suite on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild is large and has plenty of storage space.

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Shower and Sink in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

This large shower is a real plus for the bathroom in the Veranda Suite on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The shower is not as large in the other staterooms but is adequate and as large as found on many ocean ships.

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Sun Deck and Navigation Bridge on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

Like most river ships, the sun deck on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild is open and spacious, perfect for watching the river scenery pass by.

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Sun Deck on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The sun deck on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild has both open and covered areas.

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Herb Garden and Putting Green on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The Viking chefs have a place to grow their own herbs on the sun deck of the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The river ships also have a putting green for those who like to hone their golf skills while sailing down the river.

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Internet Room on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild have free WiFi throughout the ships. Each has a small internet area with two laptops for those who don't bring along their own computer or tablet.

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Observation Lounge and Bar on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The forward Observation Lounge and Bar are the hub of all the activities on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The Lounge is used for the nightly briefings, meetings, entertainment, or just sitting and watching the river scenery glide by with new or old friends.

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Bar on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The Bar in the Observation Lounge stays busy on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild.

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Observation Lounge and Aquavit Terrace on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The Observation Lounge opens directly onto the Aquavit Terrace, an outdoor seating area that is a signature item on all the Longships–both the full-sized and the baby Longships Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild

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Indoor/Outdoor Seating in Lounge of Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

The doors to the Aquavit Terrace can be opened to the Observation Lounge, making a nice indoor/outdoor seating area for the guests on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river ships.

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Comfortable Seating on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

Guests can either sit at the bar or in one of the many comfortable seating areas in the Observation Lounge on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river ships.

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Light Breakfast in the Lounge on Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

Early or late risers can enjoy a light breakfast in the Observation Lounge. A light lunch is also available in the Lounge for those in a hurry or who don't want to be tempted by some of the delicious lunch items on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild.

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Restaurant on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild

Linda Garrison

The Restaurant is on deck 1 of the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river cruise ships. It is spacious, with seating for 4, 6, or 8 guests. Breakfast and lunch are mostly buffets, but there are menus for those who prefer to be served. Dinner is served from a menu, with a nice selection of regional dishes, starters, main dishes, and desserts. The dinner menu also always features a selection of classical items like Caesar salad, poached salmon, chicken breast, and grilled rib eye steak.

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German Dinner on the Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ships

Linda Garrison

Along with regional German or eastern European dishes at most meals, the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild galleys serve a German dinner one night on each cruise. The tables are decorated in the blue and white of Bavaria, and the food was wonderful. Not surprisingly, the beer and pretzels were a popular treat (in addition to the rest of the German buffet).

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Veal for Dinner on the Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ship

Linda Garrison

This carved veal tenderloin with jus, lemon potato gratin, sauteed forest mushrooms, and sweet peas were served on the Viking Astrild as one of the main dishes for dinner. It was as exquisite as it looks. Both ships have the same menus, and we all appreciated the fresh salads at lunch, good soup dishes, and a variety of other selections.

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Caramelized Sea Scallops on the Viking Beyla, a Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ship

Linda Garrison

The food items were presented just as well (and were as tasty) on the Viking Beyla. One of our table mates at dinner ordered these caramelized scallops with port wine sauce, which came along with crisp bacon, braised savoy cabbage, and thyme roasted potatoes. She said they were as delicious as they appear. As they say, everything is better with bacon!

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Apple Hazelnut Crumble on the Viking Beyla, a Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ship

Linda Garrison

Main dishes on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild were also yummy. This apple hazelnut crumble was topped with malted whiskey ice cream. I had mine with vanilla ice cream instead, but those who had the whiskey-flavored swore it was good. We were all happy that the galley was willing to substitute items or to bring extra helpings of popular items.

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Chocolate Souffle on the Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises’ Elbe River Ship

Linda Garrison

Since our trip included time spent on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild, the chefs had to work together to make sure they didn't duplicate any meals or items. We ended up having chocolate souffle on both ships, but no one complained. It was interesting to me that the presentation was very similar and both were delicious.

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Viking Beyla in Dresden, Germany

Linda Garrison

This photo of the Viking Beyla at the dock in Dresden shows the Aquavit Terrace, Observation Lounge, and the sun deck.

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Swans and the Viking Beyla in Dresden, Germany

Linda Garrison

A family of swans lived near where the Viking Beyla was docked in Dresden. This photo shows the large picture windows in the deck 1 Standard Cabins. The view is not as expansive as a Veranda or French balcony cabin, but it is larger than on the lowest deck cabins on other European river ships.

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Viking Astrild in Wittenberg, Germany

Linda Garrison

The Viking Astrild looks identical on the outside and on the inside to her sister ship the Viking Beyla.

The Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla are similar to the other Longships in the Viking Cruises European river fleet, but carry about half the number of passengers. This gives the ships a more intimate feel and enables the guests to become better acquainted with each other and for the crew to learn the guest's preferences more quickly. Their Elbe River cruise itineraries help guests learn more about the region and provide amazing river cruise vacation memories.

#travel #airlinetickets #airtickets #cheapairfare #planetickets #travelinsurance #travelquotes #travelblogger #traveller #travelling #travelocity #travelodge #vacation

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party-hard-or-die · 7 years ago

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As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes

SHIMLA, India — The people of Shimla haven’t agreed on much lately. A drought in the Himalayan resort town has had residents blaming farmers, the tourism industry and one another for depleting the strained water supplies.

And everyone’s been angry at the key men.

Shimla’s decrepit network of water pipes, built under British colonial rule more than 70 years ago, depends on the civil servants known as key men to open and close the valves that supply each neighborhood. The current shortage, which in May left some homes without water for 20 days, has led to such fury toward the key men — accused, in just about every neighborhood, of depriving it of its fair share — that a court ordered police protection for them.

“I was getting angry phone calls calling me everything — stupid, worthless — at one or two in the morning,” said Inder Singh, 44, who has been a key man for 24 years. “I would be mobbed by dozens as I was trying to leave my home for work,” he said, inserting his key — a meter-long metal contraption — into the ground to open a valve.

Tourism is the mainstay of the economy in this mountain town, which the British colonial authorities made their summer capital so they could escape the brutal heat of New Delhi. But the drought — accompanied by unusually high temperatures, above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — has been so severe that in May, some residents took to Twitter to ask tourists to stay away and leave the water for local residents. Many in Shimla call it the worst shortage they can remember.

As much as 30 percent of the city’s hotel bookings have been canceled since last month because of concerns about the water supply, said Sanjay Sood, the president of northern India’s hotel and restaurant association. Some of those reservations were canceled by tourists, others by the hotels themselves.

Water tankers have been lined up at hotels along Shimla’s windy mountain roads. A slogan on one of them read, “If there is water, there is a tomorrow.”

A government report released on Thursday said that India was experiencing the worst water crisis in its history, threatening millions of lives and livelihoods. Some 600 million Indians, about half the population, face high to extreme water scarcity conditions, with about 200,000 dying every year from inadequate access to safe water, according to the report. By 2030, it said, the country’s demand for water is likely to be twice the available supply.

In Shimla, rising annual temperatures and dwindling rain and snowfall — the city’s main water sources — have been major factors in the crisis.

“There’s global warming all over India, and Shimla is no exception,” said Vineet Chawdhry, chief secretary of the state of Himachal Pradesh, whose capital is Shimla.

But the city’s ancient pipe system also leaks five million liters of water every day, Mr. Chawdhry said in an interview in his office. A $105 million, World Bank-backed upgrade of the system, including a pipeline drawing water from a nearby river, is scheduled to be finished in 2023.

The strain on the water supply increases greatly during the summer tourist season, when Shimla’s population essentially doubles. In the summer months, Mr. Chawdhry said, the city typically needs 45 million liters a day. He said the current daily supply stood at 31 million liters, and at the height of the crisis in May it was as low as 22 million.

Shimla is not the only Indian city whose water supplies are under increasing pressure. Last year was the country’s fourth hottest since record-keeping began in 1901, with rainfall down by nearly 6 percent from 2016, according to the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences.

And many of the country’s cities have outdated water distribution systems, said Rajendra Singh, founder and chairman of Tarun Bharat Sangh, a conservation group. India has also fallen short on conservation measures like capturing rainfall and snowmelt, he said.

“There are around 90 cities in India which are water-stressed. They face crisis today, tomorrow and the day after,” Mr. Singh said. “Shimla got more media attention, but many areas are facing water scarcity.”

That includes the capital, New Delhi. Earlier this year, in the city’s chronically water-deprived neighborhood of Wazirpur, a father and son died after a scuffle broke out among people waiting in line for a tanker.

Rahul Kumar, 18, was fatally injured in the fight in the grueling March heat, which began when a neighbor accused him and his brother of jumping the line. His father, Lal Bahadur, 60, died of a heart attack after trying to intervene, the authorities said.

Mr. Kumar’s mother, Sushila Devi, said that Wazirpur had run out of water in January — earlier in the year than usual. Other Wazirpur residents said that in the rare instances when tap water flows, it is dirty and undrinkable.

“My husband and son died because of water,” Ms. Devi said.

On a hot recent afternoon in Wazirpur, neighbors lined up again with empty jugs waiting for a government-supplied tanker. This time, as the tanker arrived, an older man directed the crowd, to make sure it was orderly.

“I do a public service,” the man said. “After the fight we came together in the neighborhood and made this system of queuing.”

But there were still tense moments. “Why is your pot so big? It’s too big!” one woman yelled at another. “It’s fine,” the other woman snapped back.

In Shimla, the water crisis has eased since last month. Municipal officials divided the city into three zones in late May, distributing water to them on a rotating basis so that none would go without for more than two days. Residents complained that the city had been slow to act, but over all, tensions have decreased.

“Namashkar!” residents yelled cheerfully to Mr. Singh, the key man, from their balconies as he made his rounds recently. Mr. Singh returned the traditional greeting, but he said they hadn’t always been so nice.

He said he was cursed and shouted at during the worst days of the crisis, but never physically attacked. But some of the city’s 61 other key men were held down by mobs and forced to keep the water on, municipal officials said.

The pandemonium moved Shimla’s High Court to act. It ordered that key men be supervised to ensure that they were not giving favorable treatment to hotels or V.I.P.s. The acting chief justice went into the streets personally to watch some of them work.

“The key man not only holds the key, but in fact, by the strength of the key, he can put the entire town to ransom,” the court said in its ruling this month.

The court also ordered that every key man be escorted by two police officers while on duty to ensure their safety. Some key men — surrounded by a veritable entourage — said they had never felt so important in their lives.

The post As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes appeared first on World The News.

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newestbalance · 7 years ago

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As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes

And everyone’s been angry at the key men.

Water tankers have been lined up at hotels along Shimla’s windy mountain roads. A slogan on one of them read, “If there is water, there is a tomorrow.”

In Shimla, rising annual temperatures and dwindling rain and snowfall — the city’s main water sources — have been major factors in the crisis.

“There’s global warming all over India, and Shimla is no exception,” said Vineet Chawdhry, chief secretary of the state of Himachal Pradesh, whose capital is Shimla.

“My husband and son died because of water,” Ms. Devi said.

“I do a public service,” the man said. “After the fight we came together in the neighborhood and made this system of queuing.”

But there were still tense moments. “Why is your pot so big? It’s too big!” one woman yelled at another. “It’s fine,” the other woman snapped back.

“The key man not only holds the key, but in fact, by the strength of the key, he can put the entire town to ransom,” the court said in its ruling this month.

The post As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes appeared first on World The News.

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dragnews · 7 years ago

Text

As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes

And everyone’s been angry at the key men.

Water tankers have been lined up at hotels along Shimla’s windy mountain roads. A slogan on one of them read, “If there is water, there is a tomorrow.”

In Shimla, rising annual temperatures and dwindling rain and snowfall — the city’s main water sources — have been major factors in the crisis.

“There’s global warming all over India, and Shimla is no exception,” said Vineet Chawdhry, chief secretary of the state of Himachal Pradesh, whose capital is Shimla.

“My husband and son died because of water,” Ms. Devi said.

“I do a public service,” the man said. “After the fight we came together in the neighborhood and made this system of queuing.”

But there were still tense moments. “Why is your pot so big? It’s too big!” one woman yelled at another. “It’s fine,” the other woman snapped back.

“The key man not only holds the key, but in fact, by the strength of the key, he can put the entire town to ransom,” the court said in its ruling this month.

The post As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes appeared first on World The News.

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cleopatrarps · 7 years ago

Text

As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes

And everyone’s been angry at the key men.

Water tankers have been lined up at hotels along Shimla’s windy mountain roads. A slogan on one of them read, “If there is water, there is a tomorrow.”

In Shimla, rising annual temperatures and dwindling rain and snowfall — the city’s main water sources — have been major factors in the crisis.

“There’s global warming all over India, and Shimla is no exception,” said Vineet Chawdhry, chief secretary of the state of Himachal Pradesh, whose capital is Shimla.

“My husband and son died because of water,” Ms. Devi said.

“I do a public service,” the man said. “After the fight we came together in the neighborhood and made this system of queuing.”

But there were still tense moments. “Why is your pot so big? It’s too big!” one woman yelled at another. “It’s fine,” the other woman snapped back.

“The key man not only holds the key, but in fact, by the strength of the key, he can put the entire town to ransom,” the court said in its ruling this month.

The post As Water Runs Low, an Indian Town Blames the Men Who Work the Pipes appeared first on World The News.

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#Daily World News #Daily Entertainment #Daily Sports #Today News #World The News

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justforustravel-blog · 7 years ago

Text

If Homesickness Gets In The Hands Of 20 Things - #APhillyCheesesteak, #Eggplant, #FreshPretzelBagels, #Homesickness, #NationalComfort, #Peppers, #Tomatoes, #TurkishMarket

New Post has been published on http://justforustravel.com/2017/10/12/if-homesickness-gets-in-the-hands-of-20-things/

If Homesickness Gets In The Hands Of 20 Things

Homesickness homesickness is hard… like a leaf driven away from there stricken the winds of her life in a new land and trying to hold on despite all this, the homesickness, attract, in our opinion, a hat is an art in itself to be issued. You to satisfy that longing we have listed 20 beautiful things you miss. Let’s see which one you miss the most from you? I mean come on now, longing for those who wish to resolve.

1. There’s the main course?

Photo: Gabriele Galimberti – if delicates with love project

Drop the country you live in a foreign land,if you travel to the world’s highest quality restaurants you miss mom’s food. Forced many of them when I was little ‘a spoon, a spoon’ he ate even if he was once again out of the throat, the flavor is not forgotten. Keep in mind that a lifetime of each flavor, even if you don’t understand, only what you put into your mother.

2. Oh Were a pita…

How Vollkornbrot nor Ciabatta… Never right around the corner it wouldn’t cost us anything out of the oven sesame, warm pita our place. Especially in Ramadan’tu; tables and rejoices with pita. Sometimes four, sometimes five is divided into, but always combine, everyone at the same table. Already beauty, sincerity, isn’t it? So the crown of the head of the table, cut the dough into ozlenmi.? What a warm butter that have been driven on while…

3. No brother I don’t pay I wouldn’t pay

let’s face it, generous, well-mannered and friendly nation. Whoever��s on our side, let us share something we would like to accompany us who you are, let’s order. Come to that abroad, are a different story. Note that this does not discard into your hand in your pocket and also self-Muslim foreigners, even as she offered to pay immediately I accept pay pay, they don’t and that’s fine brother, I’m not yaptirtmiy arbitrary. If you’re abroad, even if you’re going to miss it.

4. Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant!

Country paved with gold, we agree with you about this. But the stone, what grows above the ground if they are there. There really aren’t like out there; what tomato tomato, cucumber cucumber nor looks like he’s on vacation. That fragrant fruit and vegetables of our country; it’s hard to find here in the flesh like a marshmallow. Antalya Tomatoes of homesickness that makes me miss this man’ni, Çengelköy Cucumber’ni.

5. Simiiiiiiitciiiiyeeee, fresh pretzel bagels!

Oh a nice brewing tea, cheese and bagels had… we are sure that we like the name from often said. Germany’s a bit lucky maybe a Turkish market you’s the Germans, or you can find te’s Pretzel’ini you can try. But whatever you do, the taste of fresh bagels in the air, the other one, I forget her? Especially if it’s freshly baked and warm, the smoke still if it keeps the bagels on the counter, I don’t taste it.

6. National Comfort

we have to accept that we are a nation pretty comfortable. Our vacation to travel, to play and to have fun; we’re fond of being together as a family. How far we go, this we can’t give up our passion. Abroad for even a minute value, and there is not a shortage of social activity here on holidays you know. Go for coffee and backgammon throw, or stand up in front of the door the five o’clock tea and chat you longing to escape to the neighbors he’s on vacation. After eating, sleep, work, coffee in between, the legendary breakfast at the first light of day we love very much.

7. Yay The Freedom Toilet.

‘the tourists also learned that learned everything a bidet!’ what he says We don’t hear. Really interestingly, especially abroad in Europe’s also the convenience that it provides and the value of living as foreigners bidet, freedom know very well. We who do not believe in the cleansing without touching the water, the Turks, wet wipes, dry wipes nor alone we know. After all, holding the bleeding wound on the water, on the balcony, even with the hose that cleans we are a nation. So we have returned back to the soil of your homeland, it is their right to the enjoyment of a solid Toilet biggest. Respect!

8. Family bliss

in the ceiling of the family and family values in our country, sometimes being away from family can be devastating. If you live abroad and you left someone behind you if you can’t is you. Hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds count and you to be reunited with their loved ones. The warm arms of the mother, the Father, the Compassionate words of their brother or brother/sister, you’d miss. What is possible to break away from the family, carry them in your heart wherever you go. Our family situation Barber Mustafa’s Yi; Mehmet kahveci’ayse or neighboring I’s even sometimes you can’t forget yi. You’ve been a good friend, they’re like family. Especially if you love the heart you when you go abroad, it just that you can’t fire out and the years pass.

9. The flavor of the sake for forty years

Espresso? It’s very hard. Filter Coffee? It has no taste. Latte? Very Milky. Americano? Like juicy. Mocha? What this all foam, etc., etc… None does not hold our coffee in our place, none of them have to say beautiful country. After lunch, your Turkish coffee foamy huplettim’t what what remains Is stone. You can’t get far enough to taste the grounds. Next to remember this is friendly Turkish coffee. When the shopping center was Espresso, Turkish coffee is the corner drugstore. Pine, especially slow-cooked cream puffs on the side if there……

10. Every door that opens Our Locksmith

when’s the last sneak sips a cup of tea at an altitude of? When was the last time you lifted his glass with your loved ones? Raki, one of the most beautiful cultures, that is. We didn’t say to only alcohol in our cultural situation. Locksmith’s Supper, the sincerity of. Your manager at work buddy you are the other woman, heart and soul you are friends, your father, and confidant that is a table. What Ireland’s whiskey that you could also build it with him, nor Germany’also with beer. Easy to fit, difficult to peel off. If you have a little appetizer, the taste was always to the palate.

11. Available Bi’!

Dolmuşta ozlenir you, sister, I warned you. We miss. There is the comfort of the minibus? The money that extended from the back, gear selector, the Rosary, the Visor posted by ‘praise God, and God, the Most Merciful’s that feeling of safe travel… abroad, especially in the developed countries which you will find the convenience of full? Turkey’s ordeal about call abroad but stay with the candle between short distances. Dolmus such a love love. Let captain somewhere down available!

12. Sun, sea, beach

Advanced triple, great striker. We ever missed, are they? Also if you’re in a rainy climate, call candle Turkey’s beaches. Sparkling Sea, beaches and water sports and the mind to always remain in the background. Ibiza’s or nice’unless you’re from home.

13. Plenty Spicy Adana, Bi’ S Half Alexander

if the culture, taste it, if tastes, lunch, dinner. What we have. If you live abroad, you miss to the left and to the right or longing shawarma joint about the flavors that taste forgot. Plenty of Adana at an angle, bi’ s half iskender, lahmacun and copsise who says no? Once you’ve whiff more, the tastes that will make you feel right at home.

14. Shell gas’s shirt from the waist, come on, SIS General!

Photo: mezitli.gov.tr

the legendary Us our markets our vendor and legend in… Dec EU’s eat in the process of integration, even Europe’s trouble is another factor that makes you feel at home or our Mart. Take your car and you there, the market is saturated runs out to shop to travel. Both AVM’s muffled, dull weather; expensive prices. Enjoy endless shopping, have intimacy and cheaply made. They know Turks who live in more developed countries; shopping is difficult, it is expensive. So we have returned from abroad and Turkey’s eat; in the early days and in the last days, go shopping, and not necessarily robust.

15. They will put the house in the high hills

two beautiful and fancy henna night weddings that are specific to US culture. Transition moments with a cocktail or a simple wedding in the countryside is not our culture never. Henna that will burn, halay will be drawn to cry, the bride, the groom and the bride’s aunt’s aunt’s uncle of the cousin of the children of grandchildren on the scene the two will play. Weddings we know you’re eager for summer to begin even these circumstances. Sometimes it is possible for a wedding or a bridal path of a thousand miles. But truth be told; we are ahead of recreation open to all nationalities from the heart Dec.

16. Move for the sake of

the traffic of foreigners to our country missed. The competition is Istanbul’s attendees dan ‘fuck you’ s hear you say we don’t, but when you go abroad, in order that traffic on the road lines, no pedestrian lights, Bicycle lamp, no people’s China to the top of the beats. You couldn’t handle scissors on the way, you couldn’t open the window what will you do with the traffic? Wipe the glass once the US traffic, selling water, there are even services that don’t even look at Fortune. All Inclusive is the motto the throne of hearts with the Qur’an in our country to traffic in Istanbul traffic-in our opinion-a really fun (!)

17. Sound I need Sound

Abroad silence, calmness of be like out there for you to actually understand and you don’t need to be bored. A two-day short overseas visits, you realize the genius. When you open that window and see if there is anyone walking down the street you’ll be paranoid from unemployment. In some places street lights for electricity savings does not burn, you hold the light in front of it with your phone. Tonight 5’after ten, the orphan-turned-European countries especially, guy pisses me off. However, the country’s in? Night life, fun, likes to gossip go to the park and garden citleyer worst we are a nation to the core.

18. Icy Cold Water As Nails.

water ozlenir foreigners also don’t say, we missed it. Carbonated water in the country, especially in the ceiling of the fresh normal water it can be difficult to find sasal. Also in everyday life, on the outside in a cafe or a dinner if you’re thirsty for big trouble. Interestingly, normal drinking water in most places; more expensive than soda. You’re staying dehydrated as foreigners, so to speak. When she returned to the country, drink and can’t get enough, you’re addicted sasal water. Many foreigners as a sponsor, so Ali Dede’s, Fatma Ana’s sake you can’t drink the water.

19. A Philly cheesesteak, Koko, Koko

a Philly cheesesteak’s not to love they loved and there are many. But love is the greatest meals of meat offal ozletir can receive a even homesickness. Where you’ll find out that Turkey’s from somewhere else? Tell me, You know, how there are many countries where its selling price is reasonable? In our opinion, a complete culture. The smell of it, the texture of your insides, your stomach extending from the adventure… Ok, we got a little carried away, but this offal are eaten so. Lamb, tripe trotters are among the other alternatives also. Like any of them, you’ll find out there, unfortunately. If he’s not on vacation, cherish it while you still have time and 20. go and reward yourself kokorecci proceeding to the nearest item.

20. The best of the corner

a corner of warm bread out of the oven, in our opinion, is at the heart of the corners. Where is the Oven, where the country while in a foreign land? When we were kids go in the oven, warm bread Baker took her hand and stops all the corners until I got home the days you eat comes to mind. Even the longing for fresh bread 70 cents stay away. Crunchy crust, soft like cotton. This place miss you, come back come on now.

Flickr users for photos dirty gorgeous pancake, Başak Ekinci, Dean Sharesk, petit1ze, Context Travel, Longing Ozgobek, a4gpa, Jessica Parker, Berge Gazen, Robert U, sindre Mercedes Drunk, Stu_Spivack, Simon Q, Wijnants Roel, Glasseyes_View, public domain pictures, and Steve Counsell nurettin mert Aydin, Emre and active Wikipedia user.D ‘thank ye.

#A Philly cheesesteak #Eggplant #fresh pretzel bagels #Homesickness #National Comfort #Peppers #Tomatoes #Turkish market

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puravidaeh · 7 years ago

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Looking for Arenal Observatory Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 20% DISCOUNT OFF THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE’S RATES when booking with the hotel directly using our “Pura Vida! eh? Exclusive Promotion” code. Click here for more information and/or to obtain the hotel promo code. Con mucho gusto (you’re welcome) and pura vida! 🙂

The below post is the first part of our two-part series about the Arenal Observatory Lodge. For the purpose of our series, the Arenal Observatory Lodge information has been divided into two sections:

#1. The hotel (i.e., who should stay at the hotel, who might prefer to stay elsewhere, the hotel’s property, hotel room accommodations, and dining at the Arenal Observatory Lodge) #2. Nature trails and things to do (i.e., observation deck lookouts, onsite museum, nature walks, challenging hikes, waterfall visits, and other things to do at the Arenal Observatory Lodge)

[CONTINUE READING BELOW FOR] COSTA RICA’S ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE SERIES – PART 1: THE HOTEL

[OR SKIP TO] COSTA RICA’S ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE – PART 2: NATURE TRAILS AND THINGS TO DO [coming soon]

Nikki; view of the Arenal Volcano from our room

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE IS LA FORTUNA’S MOST UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION. HERE’S WHY.

Having lived in La Fortuna for a number of years, we are familiar with the majority of accommodation options located in the region. We have been to most and have spent days and nights at many (the Arenal Observatory Lodge included), yet the handful of hotels that we choose to recommend to travellers make up a very short list (don’t miss our related blog post Costa Rica Hotel Recommendation Series: Where To Stay In La Fortuna/Arenal for access to this list). As per our preference for being picky, our Arenal hotel recommendations are carefully and cautiously curated according to a number of factors. While we provide general details below about the Arenal Observatory Lodge (specifically, the hotel’s rooms, property, and restaurant), what is most telling is our admittance of why it took us so long to recommend the hotel to others, and more importantly, why we are more confident doing so now than ever before. For travellers who are interested in learning about the onsite activities and things to do at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, don’t miss part two of our blog series: Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge Series – Part 2: Nature Trails And Things To Do.

Why we hesitated to recommend the Arenal Observatory Lodge for so long

Let’s get the obvious point out of the way first (a point that, arguably, many travellers consider to be a disadvantage). If the following reality was enough for us to hesitate recommending the Arenal Observatory Lodge to travellers at one point in time, there is a good chance that the same reality is impacting your decision-making too.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located an approximate twenty-five minute drive west of downtown La Fortuna. Given it’s distance from town, most tour operators and transportation service providers do not consider it to be a “La Fortuna hotel”, and as such, most will not include complimentary pick-up and drop-off services at the hotel without charging extra pick-up or drop-off fees (these fees tend to range from $20-$50 per group, per way). In addition, given the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s remote location, there are few dining options situated close to the hotel, with the exception of the hotel’s onsite restaurant (it is also worth noting that there are no dining options within walking distance of the hotel, with the exception of the hotel’s onsite restaurant). As a result of these two inconveniences (i.e., applicable pick-up/drop-off fees and the lack of dining options nearby), it is advantageous–although not required–that guests of the Arenal Observatory Lodge have access to a rental vehicle during their stay in the La Fortuna region (free vehicle parking is available at the hotel). Furthermore, since half of the drive between downtown La Fortuna and the Arenal Observatory Lodge (the latter half, if departing from downtown La Fortuna) is run on a bumpy road, having a 4X4 vehicle is recommended.

Any “Costa Rica expert” will tell you the same as what we state above. And, they too would be right. Yes, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the furthest hotels from downtown La Fortuna (technically, it is considered an “El Castillo hotel”). Yes, it would be best to visit with a rental car. And yes, the bumpy drive to and from the hotel isn’t the most pleasant. We bought into these “disadvantages” for a long time too, until we opted to spend a few days at the hotel, and we fell in love. We learned for ourselves how the hotel’s few “disadvantages” pale in comparison to the brilliance of “advantages” they create, and we became insta-fans of the property that we argue is the most unique in all of La Fortuna.

Why we can recommend the Arenal Observatory Lodge with confidence, to travellers with or without a rental car

After a brief rainshower, Ricky and I were sitting on a covered balcony outside of our room at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. We had completed a challenging hike to the property’s waterfall a few hours earlier, and we were enjoying some downtime as we watched Oropendulas beat the humidity by feasting on slices of juicy watermelon. Beams of sunlight broke through the clouds and illuminated the Arenal Volcano National Park below; Lake Arenal shone in the distance. As the fog lifted, a mere kilometer and a half in front of us stood the mammoth Arenal Volcano. Although we had long-lived at the base of the beast on its east side, where we sat to the west, we could almost reach out and touch it. As we regularly do after we cross another Costa Rica travel experience off our bucket list, Ricky and I reflected on the day’s escapades–what we liked, what we didn’t like, what was surprising, what was uneventful, and what we would consider recommending to others. Not surprisingly, we both came to the same conclusion about our time at the hotel: that while the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s remoteness may be a hindrance to some, because of it, we were able to experience a perfectly quiet scene, an unobstructed volcano view, and a nature-filled few days in Costa Rica’s epicenter of adventure (a.k.a., La Fortuna) without any disturbance from the pushy kind of tourism that engulfs the town’s center. Fortunately for us, at the hotel we existed on what felt like our own time in what truly was our own space. Perhaps most tellingly, we realized that we would have loved our visit just as much had our vehicle not been parked in the hotel’s lot, and from this point on, we knew that not having access to a rental car was no longer a sufficient excuse for missing out on everything that the Arenal Observatory Lodge has to offer.

So, why exactly is the Arenal Observatory Lodge so unique? Because it is–quite literally–La Fortuna’s “Arenal” “Observatory” “Lodge”. Many accommodations in the region offer volcano views, but none allow visitors to see the Arenal Volcano as close and with as much detail as the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Many accommodations in the region offer informative placards and bird/wildlife spotting guides, but none offer as complete a collection as the museum at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. And, although many accommodations in the region feature rustic design and forest-infused decor that invites the outdoors in, none provide the same “remote wilderness” experience that the Arenal Observatory Lodge is known for.

WHO SHOULD STAY AT THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE

Although we fell in love with the hotel, the Arenal Observatory Lodge isn’t for everyone. We would recommend you plan to add a stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge to your time in La Fortuna/Arenal if…

You love nature! Simply put, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is one of the best accommodations in the La Fortuna/Arenal region for accessing barely-touched land; not only is the majority of the hotel’s property lush and green, but it boasts both primary and secondary forest, and is adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park

You are interested in walking/hiking self-guided trails that vary in duration and difficulty

You are interested in educating yourself about the volcano, volcanic activity, and/or the history of the hotel’s property (i.e., you would make use of the hotel’s onsite musuem and enjoy the information provided)

You are interested in birdwatching

You are interested in insects

You are interested in flora

You do not require a high degree of stimulation, action, adventure, or movement to stay interested (i.e., you could spend a few hours reading a book on the hotel’s balcony, admiring the surrounding views from a variety of lookout points, or strolling through a walking trail; you do not bore easily and/or feel nature is exciting enough!)

You wouldn’t mind the required transportation (approximately twenty-five minutes, each way) to get to and from downtown La Fortuna where the majority of dining and shopping options are located); you believe the hotel’s remote location is well worth the trip

You are looking to stay at a hotel that is quiet, slow-paced, and offers a hospitality experience that includes lots of “down time”

If you have a rental car, you do not mind driving yourselves between the hotel and downtown La Fortuna in order to participate in tours/activities that interest you

If you do not have a rental car, you do not mind paying extra fees to tour operators and/or transportation service providers to obtain pick-up/drop-off services directly at the hotel in order to participate in tours/activities that interest you

WHO SHOULD SKIP THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE IN FAVOUR OF OTHER LA FORTUNA HOTELS

In contrast to the list provided above, if you do not plan to spend much time at your La Fortuna accommodation (i.e., if the majority of your days in the region will be spent exploring the town, participating in offsite tours and activities, and/or taking day tours to nearby towns or attractions), then perhaps the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s remote property and onsite offerings would pose few advantages to you. If all you need is room and board, if you are looking for economy or resort-quality accommodations, if you do not want to be situated far from the town’s center, if you do not want to rent a car or pay tour operators/transportation service providers additional pick-up/drop-off fees, and/or if you are not overly interested in nature’s subtle beauty (as evident in plants, flowers, birds, insects, etc.), perhaps one of the other La Fortuna hotels that we recommend in our related blog post Costa Rica Hotel Recommendation Series: Where To Stay In La Fortuna/Arenal would be preferred by you.

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE: ROOMS AND VIEWS

Classified as a superior hotel, the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers basic, clean, quiet, and safe accommodations at reasonable prices. Shared accommodations in the La Casona building help keep the hotel affordable to backpackers and travellers with a strict budget, yet private standard rooms, superior rooms (called “Smithsonian” rooms), and junior suites are available for couples, families, and friend groups in search of independence and greater privacy, and at prices that are comparable to (if not less expensive than) those offered by other superior hotels in the region. During our visit, we loved that our room was spacious, our balcony/terrace had a great volcano view, and our bathroom was divided into two parts so I could use the sink and mirror to get ready in the morning while Ricky hopped in the shower. We also thought that the hotel’s conscious decision not to provide televisions in their rooms was clever, as was the witty sign in the bathroom that reminds guests to throw all toilet paper in the trash bin as opposed to the toilet (a standard Costa Rican practice at the majority of hotels throughout the country):

Kleenex, matches, pins, and strings, filter tips and other things– country plumbing will reject so, urbanite, be circumspect. It’s all a bother and a care, but oh my dear! So necessaire. ~ Anon(ymous)

Hotel room

Hotel bathroom

The best “do not throw toilet paper in the toilet” sign ever!

Outside of our second-floor room, we were spoiled with two sitting areas complete with Adirondack chairs that we flip flopped between; one on the north side of the building that faced the onsite restaurant and offered a view of both Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano, and another on the south side of the building that backed onto the lodge’s heavily forested grounds–an ideal spot for birdwatching, and one creatively decorated with beautiful lava rocks. While many travellers would expect to receive such luxuries with the purchase of an upgraded stay, we opted for the hotel’s standard room, and we were pleasantly surprised by the dual experience it provided.

Arenal Observatory Lodge grounds

Hotel hallway and balconies

View of the forest from our room balcony (complete with pillars decorated with lava rocks!)

Ricky; Arenal Observatory Lodge

View of the Arenal Volcano from our room at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE’S UPPER BUILDING: RECEPTION, COMMON ROOM, AND RESTAURANT

The Arenal Observatory Lodge’s property can be divided into two sections: the upper building and the lower building. As guests of the upper building, we were treated to easy access to the hotel’s reception, common room, and restaurant. In contrast, guests that stay in the lower building are situated closer to the hotel’s pool, Jacuzzi, spa, museum, game room, and nature trails. Vehicle parking is available nearby both the upper and lower buildings, and internal transportation (for travel around the hotel’s property) is provided free-of-charge between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm so long as it is coordinated in advance through the hotel’s reception. For travellers who would prefer to walk to and from the lodge’s separate areas, directional signs scattered throughout the property will guide your way.

Arenal Observatory Lodge property

Arenal Observatory Lodge flora

Arenal Observatory Lodge signage

Given the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s remote location, the hotel’s reception (open from 7:00am to 10:00pm daily) is the go-to spot for information and necessities. In addition to offering many items for purchase (including souvenirs, books, and toiletry items), the reception also provides guests with towels for use at the pool and a free bird guide (don’t forget to ask for the bird list upon check-in). The reception is also responsible for verifying guest access to the lodge via the property’s front gate. For safety reasons, the front gate closes at 11:00pm (no exceptions) and reopens at 5:00am, so travellers should plan their check-in, check-out, and/or day trips accordingly. In addition, the property’s footpath and road lighting is turned off at 11:00pm, so to minimize risk and best avoid injury, guests should plan to be in their rooms by this time.

Tip:

With previous reservation, the Arenal Observatory Lodge can provide transportation to and from the hotel and downtown La Fortuna (at a set location: in front of the grocery store “Super Cristian #1”, next to Hotel Las Palmas) at three times daily: departing from the Arenal Observatory Lodge at 6:15am, 10:15am, and 4:20pm, and departing from downtown La Fortuna at 7:00am, 12:30pm, and 5:15pm. The cost for the one-way service is $8.00 per person ($16.00 per person round-trip). If you are a lone traveller and you do not plan to drive yourself to and from La Fortuna in order to participate in day tours/activities, and if one of Arenal Observatory Lodge’s shuttle service times will work for you according to your day’s itinerary, consider taking the hotel’s shuttle to and from downtown La Fortuna and catching the tour operator’s pick-up from there. The cost you will pay to the Arenal Observatory Lodge for the shuttle service will be less than the cost a tour operator will charge to pick you up and/or drop you off at the Arenal Observatory Lodge directly. Alternatively, if you are travelling in a group, it may be financially advantageous for you to pay the tour operator’s pick-up/drop-off fees; these are typically charged per group (not per person), and you may pay less to the tour operator overall than if you pay the Arenal Observatory Lodge their per person shuttle service rate.

Arenal Observatory Lodge reception

Hotel common room

Connected to the reception is the hotel’s common room, where seating, a television, a computer, a tabletop chess game, and a vintage telephone booth are available for guest use. The common room—together with the hotel’s game room and museum located elsewhere on the property—offer opportunities for passing time during rainy periods. However, even when it rained briefly during our visit, we chose to make use of our room’s balcony/terrace amid the shower; as the rain began to let up, we were right there to see and hear toucans play in the mist.

Arenal Observatory Lodge deck overlooking Lake Arenal

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE’S LOWER BUILDING: POOL, JACUZZI, AND SPA

Just behind the hotel’s reception is a set of stairs that lead down to the property’s Spider Bridge hanging bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll find the lower property’s building, museum, pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and nature trails. Available for guest use only, the spring-fed pool is located next to the forest and is open between the hours of 9:00am and 10:00pm. The Jacuzzi—situated around the corner from the pool—is available during the same hours. Further down the lower building’s path is the Observatory Spa, where a number of skin treatments including massages, wraps, and scrubs are performed (for an additional fee).

Arenal Observatory Lodge hanging bridge

Arenal Observatory Lodge pool

Arenal Observatory Lodge jacuzzi

Arenal Observatory Lodge spa

DINING AT THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE

Dining ambiance, quality, and affordability at the Arenal Observatory Lodge is important, given that the next closest restaurant to the hotel is a minimum ten-minute drive away. Fortunately, in terms of overall experience, the restaurant does not disappoint. Perched above the forest, not only do the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a stunning view of the of the Arenal Volcano, but from the restaurant, one can also admire a blanket of treetops below and swarms of birds (mainly Oropendulas) out front.

Arenal Observatory Lodge restaurant hours Breakfast: 7:00am to 8:30am Lunch: 11:30am to 4:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm to 8:30pm Happy hour offering two-for-one drinks: 5:00pm to 6:00pm (bar closes at 10:00pm)

Feeding Oropendulas

Arenal Observatory Lodge restaurant

View of the Arenal Volcano

Dinner

At dinner, we found the menu to be typical compared to what most hotels in the region serve, offering staple Costa Rican dishes such as casados and a variety of meat cuts (for more information about food in Costa Rica, don’t miss our related blog post What To Eat And Drink In Costa Rica: Our Costa Rica Food/Beverage List And Order Tips). As vegetarians, we could choose from one of four meal options: a mixed vegetable plate, vegetables with rice, vegetable casado (rice, beans, vegetables, plantain, tortilla, and egg), or a concoction of mixed vegetables in a curry and coconut sauce. From a pricing standpoint, although the food cost more at the Arenal Observatory Lodge than what we would typically pay for it elsewhere (given that we prefer to dine economically at local sodas), the prices were consistent with those of a higher-class restaurant and/or those present at most superior hotels. The restaurant’s atmosphere, however, was wonderful and well worth the added food cost; the open-air dining experience was comfortable, and the hotel’s choice to soften the environment with candlelight was a nice touch.

Breakfast

In the morning, we were spoiled by a breakfast buffet of fresh fruit (watermelon, papaya, and pineapple), toast, cheese, meat, eggs, gallo pinto (rice and beans), pancakes, and more (note that a boxed breakfast is available to travellers who plan to leave the hotel prior to 7:00am, so long as the reception is informed of the early morning departure the night before). Providing a much needed boost to start off a rather adventurous hiking day, we appreciated the protein-packed peanut butter cups and the homemade banana bread. Yum!

Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Ricky; Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

All in all, we loved our time at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. However, much of our enjoyment stemmed from the onsite activities that we chose to participate in. For more information about what we experienced at the hotel—specifically, the trails we hiked, what we saw, and what we would recommend to other travellers—don’t miss part two of our series Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge Series – Part 2: Nature Trails And Things To Do.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you stayed at the Arenal Observatory Lodge? What did you think?

Pura vida!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a moment to view our gallery photos below from our most recent visit to the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

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View of the forest from our room balcony (complete with pillars decorated with lava rocks!)

Ricky; Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Ricky; Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge signage

Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Nikki; view of the Arenal Volcano from our room

Hotel room

View of the Arenal Volcano

Hotel room

Arenal Observatory Lodge spa

Feeding Oropendulas

Hotel hallway and balconies

Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Arenal Observatory Lodge deck overlooking Lake Arenal

Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Arenal Observatory Lodge reception

Arenal Observatory Lodge signage

Arenal Observatory Lodge property

Hotel common room

The best “do not throw toilet paper in the toilet” sign ever!

Arenal Observatory Lodge restaurant

Arenal Observatory Lodge breakfast

Arenal Observatory Lodge hanging bridge

View of the Arenal Volcano from our room at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Hotel bathroom

Arenal Observatory Lodge jacuzzi

Arenal Observatory Lodge flora

Arenal Observatory Lodge signage

Arenal Observatory Lodge pool

Arenal Observatory Lodge grounds

Arenal Observatory Lodge pool

Hotel common room

Arenal Observatory Lodge reception

Hotel bathroom

Costa Rica's Arenal Observatory Lodge Series - Part 1: The Hotel Looking for Arenal Observatory Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 20% DISCOUNT OFF THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE'S RATES…

#arenal #arenal hotel #arenal hotels #arenal observatory lodge #arenal volcano #birdwatching #hiking #hotel #hotels #la fortuna #la fortuna hotel #la fortuna hotels #nature #volcano #waterfall

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tracydiamondrealtor · 8 years ago

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Invest in family-healthy diets by growing half your plate

Healthy eating is defined in many different ways, but the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid with MyPlate - creating an easy visual for everyone to enjoy healthy and balanced meals.

The MyPlate graphic shows a place setting. The dinner plate is divided in half. One half of the plate is composed of fruits and vegetables, and the other half grains and proteins. To see exactly how much that amounts to for each member of your family, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov. If you're interested in changing your family's eating habits, how can you get them to fill up half of their plates with fruits and vegetables?

This season, consider adapting your family's eating habits to mimic the MyPlate graphic. Although most on-the-go families don't eat that many fruits and vegetables, it's easy to do, especially if you plant a garden and buy from local farmers markets. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables it can help save time and money, but the benefits go much deeper. Growing fresh produce is a rewarding experience that provides your family with quick and healthy alternatives to snack foods. Even a finicky child will most likely eat a carrot that they grew themselves or snack on some salsa from their very own garden.

Growing enough fruits and vegetables to fill half your family member's plate is easier than it sounds- here are some tips to accomplish this task:

* Plan a garden. Map out a space in your backyard that will make a nice garden plot. Keep it in a sunny spot, away from trees and buildings. Consider installing a fence around the spot, especially if your backyard is frequented by bunnies or deer. If you don't have a backyard, check out your city's community garden plots to borrow or rent. Or consider creating a container garden on your deck, balcony or patio. It is easy to grow veggies in any space.

* Make a list. Write down the vegetables and fruits you want to grow, keeping in mind what plants thrive in your zone, as well as the spacing you have available. If you don't have space for enough fruits and vegetables to last you the entire summer, consider participating in a co-op or making a visit to your local farmers market once a week to add in a variety of fruit and vegetable options.

* Start planting. Give your plants all the nutrients they need to grow well, so you can experience a bountiful harvest. If planting in containers, the Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix works perfectly for smaller pots or more arid environments, the Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix provides an organic potting soil option and the Miracle-Gro Expand N Gro Concentrated Potting Mix is lightweight and expands with water, making it easier to move larger containers while planting.

* Weeding, pruning and watering. Once planted, fruits and vegetables will likely need a little growing assistance in the form of pulling weeds, pruning back overgrown plants and of course, watering. For best results, water deeply each morning before the heat of the day has taken its toll. Container gardens tend to need to be watered more frequently because growing plants can quickly soak up water added to the container. With good maintenance, your plants should provide you with a large and delicious harvest.

* Serve up those fruit and veggie dishes. When you're ready to harvest, start planning menus that will make good use of your garden's growth. Visit www.groyourown.com to find many delicious recipes that will use different fruits and veggies from your garden. And don't forget about the USDA's MyPlate proportion recommendation. When serving, try and keep half of the plate full of what you harvested out of your own backyard to maintain healthy eating habits. If you find yourself with more fresh produce than your family can eat, consider donating to a local food pantry or sharing your harvest with friends and neighbors.

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literatureblogger-blog · 8 years ago

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The Authorial and Historical Context behind To Kill a Mockingbird.

The 1930s to the 1960s saw a range of significant historical events that greatly influenced the literature of the time. One of these historical events would be that of The Great Depression, one of the most catastrophic economic downturns that the world has ever seen. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee was one of these texts that surfaced during this time. The novel was set in the 1930’s where America, and specifically the town of Maycomb were faced with a range of social, political and economic issues. A fictional town that displayed the true colours of peace and justice had ultimately switched into a crippled town which dispersed such arrogance into the Alabamian lives. The friction caused between the coloured and the white folks had lead the Jim Crow Laws to be intact. The Jim Crow Laws existed mainly in the South and was known for restricting the freedom of African Americans by the owner himself; Jim Crow. It was proclaimed by the owner of this law that this was the way of life, which began in the late 19th century till half way of the 20th century.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, was a novel set in this problematic time. Beginning on October 24th 1929, The Great Depression resulted in a traumatic crisis for many American families. The psychological, economic and social strains resulted in many broken marriages and poverty-stricken families.

As the novel was set in Alabama, the economic downturn was reflected most significantly through their agricultural industry, as Atticus conveyed in Chapter Two “The Cunningham’s are country folks, farmers and the crash hit them hardest” (Lee 23). Due to the lack of money, jobs and resources, the racial divide was amplified, creating a social friction between the Coloured and the White Folks, which permanently legalised the Jim Crow Laws in the South.

What motivated Harper Lee to write To Kill A Mockingbird?

While Harper Lee expressed that To Kill A Mockingbird was not necessarily an autobiographical piece, it can be read as a powerful reflection of the racial inequality experienced in Alabama in the 1930s. Harper Lee, also known as Nelle Harper Lee, was born on the 28th of April 1926. Daughter to a loving father; Armasa Coleman Lee and mother; Francis Cunningham Finch Lee. As the youngest of four children, she witnessed the premises of Jim Crow Laws take place in her town in Monroeville Alabama. In many ways, Monroeville was just like Maycomb County, they both had stately court houses, there was no privacy when it came to town gossip, and of course a reclusive resident that was fascinated in terrifying children. It is evident that the people in Harper Lee’s life were mirrored in some of the key characters within the novel. One of her first childhood friends Truman Strekfus Persons displayed similar characteristics as Dill, an imaginative, oddly and articulated fabulist boy. They bonded instantly which maintained a life long friendship. Harper Lee’s father was a lawyer, like the child protagonist’s father; Atticus. Her father was in defense of two negros; son and father, for being allegedly accused of murdering a white clerk. During the 1930’s the southern laws were not equally protected of the Coloured folks. Like Atticus, he wasn’t able to save their innocence due to the phenomena back then. Two black men were hanged as for their punishment. Through the character of Scout, Harper Lee was able to project her own opinions and emotions in regarding the social injustices.

The Use of Characterisation- Who is Racist?

Aunt Alexandra

In Chapter 12, Aunt Alexandra arrives to Finch’s landing waiting at the front porch, and is quickly discovered by Calpurnia and the children. In a blink of an eye, Aunt Alexandra says to Calpurnia “Put my bags in the front bedroom.” (Lee 140)It was an order not a request, which portrays Aunt Alexandra’s feeling of superiority over Calpurnia. The way Aunt Alexandra treated Calpurnia reflects the common notion of the time that Coloured people were immoral to society, and merely servants who were not worthy of respect or recognition.

Aunt Alexandra considers herself as a traditionalist, and believes that her actions displayed towards Calpurnia are normal and civil due to her social values. In Chapter Thirteen, she stays in the Finch’s home to reconnect with her niece , nephew and brother, during this time she also expresses her disapproval of to Calpurnia. Furthermore she doesn't like to talk about important matters "in front of Calpurnia and them". This further develops Aunt Alexandra as racist as she expresses the opinion that Calpurnia is the least significant figure in the household, an idea which is rejected by Atticus as he argues on behalf of his children that Calpurnia is the last person he needs to kick out, as she acts as a mother figure for his children.

Miss Gates

Miss Gates is also conveyed as a racist in To Kill A Mockingbird. She is Scout’s third grade teacher, who idealises herself as an optimistic and considerate individual, when in reality she is seen to be a hypocrite. In Chapter 26, Scout’s classmate Cecil Jacobs did a presentation on Hitler's treatment of the Jews, where Miss Gates abruptly intervenes the discussion correcting Cecil’s mistake of prosecuting to persecuting. The current discussion becomes very obsolete between persecuting and prosecuting under this circumstance, because one means to convict people of their crimes and the other means to treat in justly because of race or religion. A curious student asked why this had happened although they were white, and Miss gates ignores the student’s objection and proceeds to explain that Hitler’s actions are vilified and wrong but Scout catches her persecuting the Blacks to Miss Stephanie Crawford in Chapter 25.

The Cunningham’s

The actions of the Cunningham family in To Kill A Mockingbird can be seen to be one of the most extensive portrayals of racism in the novel. After the trial of Tom Robinson, the family were involved in an attempt to lynch Tom, almost mirroring the actions of the K.K.K., who were the most extreme racist group in America at the time.Through their actions and behaviours throughout the novel, it was clear to see that the Cunningham’s believed that they had a ‘right’ to treat the Coloured people with disrespect as being White, they ultimately saw themselves as superior.

Mr Gilmer

As the prosecutor of Tom Robinson, Mr. Gilmer worked to contradict nearly everything that Atticus stated during the trial, clearly bias as a result of Tom’s skin colour. While Atticus treated everyone with respect despite their race or social status, Mr. Gilmer immediately degraded Tom Robinson throughout the trial, calling him a ‘boy’ and doing his best to frame him in being guilty. Its obvious that this is due to his skin colour, as Mr. Gilmer even treats the Ewell’s with respect despite of their social status.

The Use of Characterisation- Who isn’t Racist?

Atticus

Atticus is a loving father of Scout and Jem, and a defensive lawyer for Tom Robinson. Acting as a role model, his values are gradually passed on to his children, in believing that justice and equality makes a human more humane, in essence of how To Kill A Mockingbird was only preluding into the opposite values set by Atticus. There are many ways that Atticus is presented throughout the novel, one of them being having values that are different to the majority of the White community in Maycomb County. This is displayed as he defends on behalf of Tom Robinson, and despite of what the town had thought of this outrageous crime, Atticus carried on believing that he is serving the community the justice needed. As for his children, he believes his values are a great sense of gratitude that will certainly allow them to view the Maycomb County more of a bias town.

Scenes

The Courtroom

Harper Lee utilises the courtroom as a platform to clearly display the divide between white privilege and black discrimination. The trial begins in Chapter 16, where the Black community all must sit together in the balcony, while the White community sits down below. They also must wait for the Whites to enter the court house before they go up stairs. Ironically in this chapter, Scout, Jem and Dill managed to make it into the trial, as there were no available seats for the children, four Coloured men had to stand to make room for the children to sit. This part of the novel outlines the reality of the Jim Crow Laws being intact and also conveys how the Coloured men continued to be generous and polite despite being faced with constant racism. During this chapter, Atticus is in defence of Tom Robinson, which shows his willingness to go beyond the rules of Segregation and fight for his values; equality and justice. Atticus does this by treating the Black community as their equals, deserving of respect and fairness.

The Fire at Miss Maudie’s House

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Miss Maudie’s house caught on fire. The way in which both the Coloured and the White community united to stop the fire demonstrates a strong sense of courage and unity that the town doesn't often see. Despite the presence of the Jim Crow Laws, both blacks and whites joined together as a “family” to unite together to diffuse the fire. This part of the novel highlights the idea that racism isn't a natural human instinct, and ultimately conveys the notion that racism is learned, and could possibly be ‘un-learned’. In this moment where everyone worked together to diffuse the fire, the idea of racial segregation disappeared, there was no social hierarchy, just a community working together for the greater good. This scene presents readers with the belief that there is hope for the future, and that the County of Maycomb may not always be one of bitter racism.

How are the African-American characters portrayed in the novel?

Calpurnia is presented in To Kill A Mockingbird as the African American cook and housekeeper for the Finch family. Calpurnia acts as a mother figure and disciplinarian in the Finch’s home. Despite the racial segregation displayed in the 1930’s, Atticus trusts and relies on her willingness and determination to keep the household in shape. Scout had describes Calpurnia as a “wicked-step mum”, this clearly shows that even though Calpurnia is simply trying to care for the children, Scout’s perception has been heavily influenced by the racial atmosphere in Maycomb, as she has grown to believe the evil assumptions of the Coloured community are “immoral to society” and “are just a lie”. In the first couple of chapters of the novel, Calpurnia is eluded as less humane and considered nonexistent in Scout’s perspective as she feels that her presence doesn’t match the needs of a regular “white” mum. The element of racism that is displayed through Scout is discrimination. As Scout is only six years old, it is evident that her values and beliefs are influenced by the people that surround her, for example Aunt Alexandra and Miss Gates have led Scout to question whether Calpurnia deserves respect and ultimately starts to see herself as superior to the Black community. As a house cook, Calpurnia does not perceive herself any better than the white, which Scout doesn’t often see as she is blinded from the racial stereotypes in the 1930’s.

Conclusion

The award winning bildungsroman To Kill a Mockingbird presents readers with a depiction of racism in Southern America during the 1930s. While Harper Lee’s authorial context influenced her to write this novel, it was her use of characterisation and utilisation of the Courtroom and the fire scene, which was most effective in allowing readers to understand the extent of racism and the reality of segregation and the Jim Crow Laws that had a significant influence over American society at the time. Through Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, the diminishing effects of racism can be seen, and while it is evident that racism is learnt, Harper Lee sheds light on the idea that racism can also be ‘unlearned’.

#Alabama JimCrow HarperLee Innocence Racism

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capsunm · 8 years ago

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Finding Your Study Spot

by Holly Brause and Sonny Hakuani, CAPS Learning Strategists

We all have a favorite place to study, but sometimes it either isn’t available or we might just be feeling like something new. This blog post suggests some of our favorite places to study and includes some helpful tips about how best to study in each of them!

Home

There are many benefits to studying from home. You can roll out of bed, keep your PJs on, not brush your hair, have easy access to the refrigerator, etc. Plus, many of us live far from campus or don’t like to work in public spaces. But working from home has its own set of challenges. Many students find that they get too distracted trying to work at home. This can be because of interruptions from family, kids, roommates or pets.

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But, even if you live alone, some people find that there are too many easy distractions in their living environment: you start noticing that floor really needs to be swept, get up to start that load of laundry that has been on your mind, or you decide to take a little break and watch a TV show and get sucked into an all-day marathon.

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If you know from experience that you really don’t focus well working from home, it’s okay! You can seek out other places that help your focus and productivity, but a few suggestions might help if you want to study more efficiently from home: 1. Designate a study area - If you have the room, try to make yourself an area that you use just for studying by converting a small room into an office, or by using some kind of barrier to separate your sleeping area from your working space. This can help you to mentally prepare to study by physically entering a separate space.

2. Set a schedule for yourself - Decide on a length of time that works for you, like an hour or two hours depending on your ability to concentrate, and decide to do nothing but study during that time. I keep myself from getting up to do other things by just keeping a little to do list on my desk. If I feel tempted to get up and water my plants because I remember it needs to be done, I just jot it down on my list of things to do after my study hour is up.

3. Tell your family or roommates your schedule - Ask them to avoid interrupting you (except in case of emergency) until your study time ends and post that time on your door. Clearly communicating when you need uninterrupted study time, and especially when you will again be available, encourages your roommates to save that hilarious meme they wanted to show you for another half an hour, and lets you work in peace.

Coffee Shops

As an introvert and someone who is easily distracted, I find it very difficult to work in public spaces like coffee shops, but many of my friends love it. Being away from all of their distractions at home but not being in a stuffy library really helps them concentrate on their studies. Plus, easy access to copious amounts of caffeine! But even more than the caffeine, many of my more extroverted friends say that they can feed of the productive energy of other strangers also reading, writing, of studying quietly (or not so quietly) around them. One of my friends even loves working in airports will all of that human energy buzzing around her. If this kind of environment suits your study needs, great! Start exploring your local coffee shops and stake out your favorite corner somewhere.

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My advice for this kind of study setting is simple: coffee shops are mixed social and study areas, so bring a set of headphones! Even those who love to study around others can get derailed when someone sits right by them with their BFF they haven’t seen in AGES and need to loudly recount every intimate detail of their life. Be prepared armed against such intrusions with your favorite study music!

UNM Library Group Study Rooms

Did you know that you can reserve group study rooms at four of the libraries at UNM? Zimmerman, Centennial, Parish, and the Fine Arts Libraries all offer group study rooms that can be reserved online here.

There is also information on the website that shows which ones have flat panel screens, DVD/VHS players, projectors and more so that you kind easily find one that suits your group’s needs. I personally prefer the Fine Arts rooms because their huge windows face the Sandia Mountains, and you can gaze out jealously at everyone playing in the sun on Johnson Field. When you reserve a room online, you can see how many people each room can accommodate and select one appropriate for your group size. Each reservation can only be made for up to two hours, so if you know your group will need more time, work with another member of your group to reserve the same room starting right after yours expires.

Source A tip for studying in the group rooms: Studying with your peers and friends can be great for so many reasons, but there is a risk of it turning into just social time. To keep yourself and your group on track, try to structure your time between social and study. For example, communicate with your group that the first half an hour you will share snacks and catch up, and then dive into work for the remaining hour and a half – and stick to it! Or, use the Pomodoro App and divide your study session into 25 minute quiet study time, punctuated by 5 minute breaks for chatting. Whatever strategy you develop, make sure you communicate with your group and hold each other accountable for doing the work! That is the beauty of group study!

The SUB Balcony

This study spot is perfect for people who prefer some ambient people, but still at a distance. It is located on the third floor of the sub and can be accessed from the east wall glass doors that are between the conference rooms. Some things to consider:

1. It's outside so it's subject to weather!

2. It's kind of a pocket-like area and it catches the wind even if it's just lightly breezy

3. You can hear everything that's happening outside the east side of the sub. It's faint most of the time but if there's an event and you like it to be quiet, it might not be the best spot at the time.

4. If you don't mind a little breeze, make sure you have some paper weights or your thesis could become a paper airplane.

Hidden Spots Outside of Zimmerman Library

Looking for a spot outside so you can write your paper in the weather that is finally getting warm? Well, outside of Zimmerman Library, on both the north and the south sides, there are two wonderful spaces that are perfect if you’re looking to study with some fresh air. The location on the south side of the library is a relatively isolated area with benches circled around a small fountain. The spot on the north side, which is just outside the north exit to the left, has nice shade trees and does a good job of blocking the wind if there is any.

Things to consider:

1. The spot on the south side has no tables, just benches. The wifi is as solid as Lobo wifi can be on any given day but there are no plugs if you are running low on battery power.

2. The spot on the north has wood tables and the area itself is slightly fenced off so if you would like to study with a little more peace and quiet than say, the duck pond, this could be the place for you.

And of course…

Study at CAPS!

Regardless of what your major is or whether or not you need help right away, CAPS is one of the best places to study on campus because there are so many resources available to you all in one place. Whether you need help with time management, chemistry, or figuring out how to make a study plan for an upcoming exam, you’re never more than a few feet away from a CAPS peer tutor. Located on the third floor of Zimmerman, you can get some exercise on your way up the stairs and have a productive study session all in one go.

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Tips for studying at the CAPS Drop-In Lab:

1. It can be a busy location so bring headphones if you need to listen to music and focus.

2. If you would like a little more quiet, on the same floor, there are desks that line the walls around the book stacks and you can study there until you want to work with someone in person over in the drop-in lab.

3. If you don’t like to walk around with a heavy laptop but still need one for your homework, you can check one out with a resource representative or use one of the computers set up for students.

These are just a few of our favorite places to study that many students not always think about when they need to be productive finish an assignment. Want to help us build the list? Share your favorite study spot!

#study #study tips #study spots #UNM #learning strategies #motivation #college #CAPS

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