#Earth Expo Memorial Park

[sempredirebanzai]

La mostra Ghibli Expo a Nagoya avrà un Totoro bar e un vero Gattobus in cui poter salire

La mostra #GhibliExpo a #Nagoya avrà un #Totoro bar e un vero Gattobus in cui poter salire

La mostra Ghibli Expo a Nagoya avrà un Totoro bar e un vero Gattobus Un anno prima della prevista apertura del tanto atteso > Ghibli Park a Nagoya (autunno 2022), il Museo d’Arte della prefettura di Aichi, sempre a Nagoya, ospiterà un’ampia mostra dedicata allo Studio Ghibli. Si chiamerà Ghibli Expo e i visitatori potranno vedere concept art inedite, modelli di velivoli e un vero Gattobus in cui…

[irondadfics]

I’m looking for fanfics where Peter is Tony’s biological child and he goes missing/gets kidnapped as a young child. He is raised by someone else and doesn’t know he’s Tony’s son. I’ve already read Lost Boy and Things I Almost Remember on archive of our own and I wanted to find stories with a similar plot.

WHEW! It’s kind of a long list, but we did our best finding several fics that feature both BioDad!Tony and Peter being kidnapped at a very young age. ENJOY!!

PETER IS TONY’S SON BUT THEY WERE SEPARATED WHEN PETER WAS A CHILD REC LIST

Lost Boy by winterda

Isaac Stark disappeared from a crowded park a few months shy of his third birthday. There were never any signs of him, and no arrest were ever made in connection to the case. It was as if the toddler had simply vanished off the face of the earth. Twelve years later, Peter Parker has a really bad day, which only get worse when his prints are put through the system.

Things I Almost Remember by IcedAquarius @icedaquarius31​

Peter's past is not as it appears. It all starts one day with a genetics project and slowly spirals into something Peter never could have imagined.

hydra's not a home by tempestaurora @tempestaurora​

At 6 years old, the son of Tony and Pepper Stark, Peter, is kidnapped, never to be seen again. Or, so they thought. Ten years later, while raiding a HYDRA base, the Avengers come across a new, enhanced individual, working for the enemy: in black spandex, with a tendency to stick to walls and shoot webs from his wrists, the Black Spider is a pain in the ass in more ways than one.

If They Knew All About You by MsHermia

Tony Stark had lost his son when he was only 2 years old, stolen away in broad daylight with nobody the wiser of what exactly happened. Years later, Tony has just made it through the disaster with Ultron. He is trying to keep himself and the team together but relationships are strained and tempers are running high. Then a random turn of events leads to his path crossing with that of a particular vigilante. They are strangers to each other, or so they think.

Peter Parker is on top of the world. After a few shitty years, losing his parents and then losing his Uncle, things are finally looking up. Sure he lives in a crappy little apartment with his Aunt but he might have just found his mission in life.

------

This is an AU story obvious by some of the tags. I'm starting out a few weeks after Age of Ultron took place. Civil War will be a thing. Other than that I'm not too concerned about sticking to every canon detail and storyline.

Finding Their Way Home by ElliahRose

Peter Benjamin-Edward Stark went missing on a Tuesday. For months the entirety of the New York police department, as well as anyone else the Starks could convince to join, searched for the tot. He was only three when he was taken and for four months, two weeks, and four days, Tony Stark and Pepper Stark (nee Potts) worried and fretted over their beloved child.

Peter Benjamin-Edward Stark was murdered on a Friday. A ransom call gone wrong spelt the end of the child’s life. The world grieved as the kidnappers gleefully told the devastated parents they’d find his body in the morning.

They never did.

Twelve years passed and the family was still grieving, and Tony Stark worked tirelessly to find his only child’s killer and gain justice for his son.

Meanwhile Peter Parker was having literally the worst day ever. He just wanted to help make the world a better place, but instead he got stabbed. That's just his luck, isn't it?

missing, presumed dead by hailingstars @hailing-stars

They hadn’t had a funeral for Peter.

There hadn’t been a casket or a service inside a church.

There had been, before Tony decided in his heart that Peter was gone, candlelight vigils and pleas on the media for whoever had taken him to bring him home. Neither of those did any good. Neither of those brought Peter home.

OR

Tony Stark's son gets kidnapped when he's two. Twelve years later he comes back.

I told you to be better (and you became the best) by HaruK

Tony was blessed with a healthy baby boy, and for once in his life, was actually happy. Until everything derailed and he had to send his son away to keep him safe, because those related to the Stark family, one of the worlds biggest and most targeted families in the black market, always end up hurt. With a new name and identity that Tony himself doesn't know, the young baby was wiped off the map, his existence erased, never to be heard of again. . Years later, Anti-hero Iron Man meets a local superhero vigilante and Tony becomes surprisingly close with young Peter Parker.

The Curly-Haired Boy In The Paper by Svn_f1ower @svn-f1ower​

When Tony sees the blurry, grey scale photograph of someone he thought he had lost years ago, he follows the trail to a newspaper company, to a hospital, to an adoption agency, to the police station and finally to May Parker's house.

hold him tight & don’t let go by jessicagoddamnjones @farremoved

Peter Stark went missing when he was four years old.

Eleven years later, he’s found.

Only now he’s Peter Parker by day, Spider-Man by night, and he doesn’t like the idea that his entire life is a lie.

Rise from the Ashes; Just to See You Again by Mintstream @iwritedumbshit​

Tony Stark didn't expect Mary Fitzpatrick, or the news she delivered. He didn't expect that he would become a father, or that he would actually enjoy it. He didn't expect Penny to love him just as fiercely as he did her.

He didn't expect to lose her so soon.

In the wake of the loss of his daughter he tried--tried to do right by her. He became Iron Man, he was an Avenger, he protected his world because he couldn't protect his daughter, but through it all, he hoped to be reunited with his daughter.

He didn't expect to be alive when he was.

AKA the biological daughter kidnapping AU no one asked for. Hope you read, and hope you enjoy.

Updates on Saturdays.

Coming Home by inkinmyheartandonthepage

AU – Peter Stark was kidnapped when he was just three years old. Tony and Pepper never stopped looking for their boy. Years later, Peter finds his way back home.

A Change In What We Knew by Imissyoutoo @imissyoutoo

Tony scoured the floor behind Steve as though his one-year-old son had somehow crawled to him, before finally, he looked up. The realisation dawned on him like an eclipse; the decaying darkness hiding the sun. Hiding his son. Because his boy wasn't there.

”Where is he? Steve? Where's my son Rogers?!” At only a year old, Tony Stark’s son is taken, leaving him shattered. Little does he know, his journey to find what is lost only begins twelve years later. In the most unlikely of places, and all because of two words.

”Hey kid.”

I Found You by honestchick

Tony had a son; he raised him for two years until someone kidnapped him. Tony was devastated and heartbroken. And who would have thought in Starks Expo, he’d be able to see his son once again?

move back home forever by chasingflower @evahmohns

The results say he’s not actually Peter Parker.

They say he’s Peter Stark. You know, the one who’s been missing for 10 years.

Yeah. He knows.

Soon You'll Get Better by lostinmorewaysthan1

Peter Stark was kidnapped. That was all anyone knew. He vanished into thin air, no traces left behind, when he was eight years old.

Six years later, on one of the final raids on the HYDRA bases, they find an enhanced assassin, with super strength and the ability to climb walls. No one imagined that it would be Peter. Least of all Tony.

With no memory and brainwashed by HYDRA, Peter Stark goes home and tries to recover.

Let This Road Be Mine by CommunicationFlail

Ten years ago, five year old Peter Stark disappeared. When the trail went cold, the case was closed. Now new evidence has been brought to light and Tony will stop at nothing to get his son back. No matter how many fakes he has to meet. His son is out there, and he will find him.

Return to me, the one I love so endlessly by SuperHeroTiger @superherotiger

James Edwin Stark was born on the 10th of August 2001, and for the first time in his life, Tony Stark cried tears of joy.

All the fears, all the dread that had once consumed his soul washed away with a single look at the baby’s gentle features, so familiar and yet so distinctly unique at the same time. Tony made many promises that day. Promises to love his son, to protect him, to always be there for him.

On the 10th of August 2002, James Edwin Stark was stolen in the middle of the night, and his father’s world came crashing down. Shattered and alone, Tony whispered the same promise he’d made to his son the day that he was born.

‘…My love for you is endless…’

Fourteen years later, hidden away from the world in a forest of pine, Peter Beck would dream of a day he might get to see the towering city of New York. And when a wounded stranger stumbles onto their property a week out from his birthday claiming to be a famous billionaire from New York, his dream might just come true.

Once Lost Now Found by FreckledAvenger11

Peter Parker was just trying to get used to life without his uncle. He wasn't expecting to find a familiar face in an article about Tony Stark's missing son. Follow Peter on his journey to discover just who he is. Is he Peter Parker? Is he Spider-Man? Or is he someone else entirely? Just who is he and what secrets died along with his parents in that plane crash?

So He Walks The World Alone by Miola014

This is a story 'bout a broken boy With his headphones in just to block out the noise Of everyone around him telling him the way to go So he walks the world alone Wondering if it gets better Or if he's always gonna feel empty forever So he gets lost tryna find another way back home As he walks the world alone

Or

The Kidnapped Peter Stark AU that I promised y'all!

[captainscanadian]

Love Me Blue | Bucky Barnes x Reader (Vaaranam Aayiram)

MY MASTERLIST

Series Masterlist

Summary: This night was surely a dream come true. 

Word Count: 2000+

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Tamilian!Hindu!Reader, Sam Wilson

Warnings: References to Hinduism, Death, PTSD, Civil War & Endgame References.

A/N: This is my entry for @bucky-smiles​‘s 3K Diversity Writing Challenge! My prompt was to write a fic with a Hindu reader. I decided to write this fic with a Tamilian reader because I am Tamilian. I was born in Sri Lanka and my mother’s side of the family are Hindu. Although I consider myself an agnostic theist, I do enjoy reading the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Pic from Pinterest! <3 Divider by @whimsicalrogers​!

Back in the 1940s, Bucky had always made it a habit to check out the Stark Expo. Having been interested in the sciences from a very young age, he had often been rather fascinated by the genius of Howard Stark - at least, until things had taken a turn for the worst once he had joined the war. He still remembered the last Stark Expo he had attended. It had been the night before he was to be shipping out to England for the war, and he had dragged Steve out to celebrate; he had also invited two girls to be their dates. 

Seeing Howard Stark present a prototype of a flying car that night had been quite the surreal experience. Sure, the Barnes family had been wealthy enough to own a car during the Great Depression and all. But nothing could ever live up to the sheer excitement of witnessing a flying car.  

Well, almost nothing. 

“You never mentioned that you could drive a flying car…” The man teased as he saw you enter the pocket park after parking Lola. 

“You never asked.” You responded, a cheeky grin plastered across your lips as you made your way over to him. 

“Well, aren’t you full of surprises?” 

“Me?” You quirked your eyebrow at his words. “Are you seriously telling me that I’m the one who’s full of surprises? You’ve been full of surprises all day, Bucky.”

“Guilty as charged.” Bucky beamed, stepping over to kiss you on your cheek. “You look lovely, Y/N. Let me guess, a new dress?”

That cheeky bastard. 

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” You commented, having noticed that he had finally managed to cut his hair off, and he was dressed in the finest velvet suit that matched the blue of your dress. “I’ve got to admit. You clean up really nice.” 

“I’m glad you could make it.” He told you once he pulled back. “Welcome to the Stork Club.” 

You could not help but let out a soft giggle at that. When Sam had told you to ‘follow the music’, you had not understood what he must have meant at first. But it hadn’t taken you that long to realize that Bucky had referred to the music that had always been playing in your heart. You had followed your heart, and it had led you right towards Paley Park. 

“So, this is where the playboys of the 40s used to dance the nights away, huh?” You asked him as you stepped towards him, gently throwing your arms over his neck as you took it all in. 

It was a rather warm summer’s night, and New York City was as busy as ever. But with the noise cancelling atmosphere in this pocket park, you somehow felt at ease. It felt as though you were standing on a piece of history, as the Stork Club had been one of the famous clubs during the time of the Great Depression and the years that followed. But being here with Bucky was the most surreal experience of all. Perhaps this was how calming Radha had felt when she followed Krishna’s music out to the forest - calm, relaxed, and madly in love with the man who had led her there. 

“Yeah, this is it.” Bucky responded with a chuckle, his metal hand resting on your hip while his other hand moved to tuck a loose strand of your hair behind your ear. “So, may I have this dance?” 

And so, the two of you had danced the night away, under the stars in a rather tiny pocket park in Manhattan, to the music that played in your hearts. While it was not the most romantic first date out there, it was more than enough for the two of you. You had to have your own Rasleela with the man you had fallen in love with, and Bucky had finally taken a girl out to dance as he did during the 1940s. 

The two of you returned to the compound just around midnight, having strolled around Manhattan for a little longer, and taking in how busy it was in the city that never sleeps. Bucky had spent most of the night spitting out historical facts about the multiple buildings you’d walked past, and you could not help but admire the fact that you were indeed on a date with a historical figure.  

If Natasha were alive right now, you were sure that she would have teased you about your obsession with history, and how it had caused you to date the man you had written your thesis on. Perhaps if the rest of the team found out about it, they too would refuse to pass up the chance to pull your leg about it. 

Thankfully, by the time you had returned, they were all asleep. It was just you and Bucky, alone in the common kitchen, just like the many nights you had shared together before. But this time, it was not because you could not sleep through the night. It was because you did not want to sleep, or accept the fact that this night had to come to an end somehow. 

Once this night ended, you knew that you had to return to reality. The reality of leading the Avengers until Nick Fury decides to return and free you from your duties; whether he was returning was still a doubt. 

The reality was also working with the newly established GRC to deal with the many individuals who had been displaced due to the Blip. While diplomacy had always been your first choice in your career, it was safe to say that you were starting to enjoy working amongst the earth’s mightiest heroes once again. 

And speaking of diplomacy, there was something else that you really needed to get off of your chest... something that you had been meaning to tell Bucky for a while now. 

“I wish my father could see me right now.” You told him with a sigh as the two of you snuck into the common kitchen to finish up some of your leftover dosa batter. “I wish my father could see that I’ve managed to make a life for myself after he left me.” 

Bucky nodded as he sighed, understanding all too well about the loss you had been dealing with. “I’m sure your father’s watching you from wherever he is, and he’s proud of you for being the best boss lady the Avengers have ever seen.” Mixing up the batter as you wait for the pan to heat up.

You could not help but chuckle at that. “It’s funny how you say that.” Seriously, it was ironic. 

“Do you miss him a lot?”

You nodded. “Yeah, I do. I miss him… every day. He wasn’t just my father, you know? He was my role model, my mentor. I looked up to him. I wanted to be like him.”

“How did he pass?” He asked. “If you wouldn’t mind me asking…” There was a slight hesitancy that he noticed when you turned your head away from him for a moment, and he could not help but wonder why. 

Sam had mentioned to him that your last mission with the Avengers had been in Lagos, and that you had left the compound soon after, as your father had passed away around that time. 

“The bombing in Vienna.” You muttered, feeling your eyes glaze over as you remembered that dreadful day. 

It did not take that long for Bucky to put two and two together. He was well aware that your father had been a diplomat, so it made sense that he would have been at the United Nations conference to sign the Sokovia Accords when the bomb had gone off. “I… I’m so sorry, Y/N. I didn’t know...” He told you as he frowned, now understanding why you had given your kind regards to the Wakandan royal family. 

It was for the role they had played in putting Zemo behind bars.

“N-No, Bucky… it wasn’t your fault.” You told him with a sigh, leaning over to wrap your arms around his neck. “It wasn’t your fault. I know that now.”

That last statement almost came out as a whisper. After all, you had blamed him for your father's death, along with the rest of the world that had accused him of bombing the United Nations conference. Hell, you had even fought with Steve because of it. It was a time you did not want to recall, as you now knew that you were in the wrong. 

“You thought I killed your father, didn’t you?” He asked you, his eyes glazing over as he remembered those days. Although Shuri and her team had managed to remove HYDRA’s programming from his mind, all of the memories, the trauma and the guilt were very much there for him; he was yet to start working on them. 

You could not help but nod in response to his question. “I did. I… I didn’t know then that I had been wrong about you. Steve and I… we were close. I was one of the first people he befriended after coming out of the ice. Every mission, every battle he fought… I was there every single time to fight alongside him. Even when Steve opposed the Accords, I agreed with him. I was even willing to go against my own father. Hell, I even tried to talk him out of signing. I tried to stop him from going to Vienna, but he wouldn’t listen. He…”

Bucky wrapped his arms tightly around you as he let out a sigh. “So, is that why you left? Because opposing the Accords had cost you your father’s life?”

You nodded as you rested your head against his shoulder, letting out a sigh as you accepted his comfort. “Yeah, I did. I left because I didn’t see a point in fighting anymore. I couldn’t do it, not when my father was dead. I felt like it was my fault. I could have tried harder to talk him out of it. I could have stopped him from going to Vienna, but I didn’t… and now he’s dead.” You explained. “I never even got to say goodbye to him.” 

He continued to hold you for a moment as you cried, knowing that you must have been holding onto this guilt for several years now. If anything, he understood that guilt himself. “It wasn’t your fault, Y/N.” He told you once he pulled back from the embrace, his thumbs brushing off your tears.  

Wiping away the remainder of your tears, you turned over to pour the dosa batter in the pan. “Yeah, well… that makes two of us.” 

He wrapped his arms around you once again, resting his chin against your shoulder. “If it wasn’t my fault, it wasn’t your fault either, okay?” 

You nodded. “Yeah…” You agreed, for you knew that he was right. “You know, for the longest time, I believed that you were the guy who killed my father, that you were the reason why I fought with Steve, that you were the reason why my life as I knew it was gone…” You admitted, grabbing the oil and drizzling it in the pan. “But now I know that I got to know you, I know that you’re… you’re not who HYDRA had made you out to be. Under all of that brainwashing and… pain, you’re a really nice guy, Bucky. You’re kind and thoughtful. You’re…” 

“The Krishna to your Radha?” Bucky cut you off with a soft chuckle, his metal hand rubbing up and down your arms.  

You nodded as you laughed. “Yeah, that you are.” You admitted, not just to him but also to yourself. 

Eventually, that night did come to an end. After all, the two of you were exhausted from your date and having stuffed yourselves with a late night snack, it was only fair to retreat to your respective living quarters. 

It was the first night in a while that Bucky Barnes was able to sleep in his own bed without any nightmares, as he was now dreaming of the life he would get to live with you. 

You had  a dream that night too. A dream that Andal had described that she had of when Lord Krishna had come to marry her:  

Vaaranam aayiram soozha valam vandhu,

Naarana Nambi nadakkindraan yendredhir,

Poorana pokudam vaithu, puramengum,

Thoranam naatta kana kanden thozhi, naan. 

The only difference was that it wasn’t Krishna who had come to marry you in your dreams. 

It was Bucky. 

[royallyprincesslilly]

Title: Love, Maybe? {35}**

Chris Evans X Reader OFC Vixen Giovanni

Warning: Cursing, Plot, Fluff, Angst, Slow Burn, SMUT, NSFW

Word Count: 6.1K

Summary: After a night of drunkenness you wake up next to warm, hot as hell body, a migraine and no memory of the night before. When you come to realize that the hot body belongs to none other than Hollywood’s golden boy Chris Evans you freak out. As events unfold you become even more panicked to find out you got married in your drunken haze. What else is there to do but get it annulled, right? Before walking away, you share one more night of molten kisses and passion. Three years later you are still living with the repercussions of your brash decisions, but the surprises don’t stop there. The past has a way of coming back and have you questioning is this fate that you’ve been running from, hell could it have been love, maybe?

NOTE: **Italic texts is an inner Vixen thought. Bold Italic texts is an inner Chris thought.

**Loosley Edited/Proofread**

***Interactive***

Thank you guys for reading!!!! If you enjoyed this please LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG. 😊❤❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 35: San Francisco Bound

 -Chris-

 Two days was all Ella had allowed them once you’d told her that you had to go on a trip. He was impressed with how chill she was about it. There were times she was so attached to you and other times where she was okay if you left her on her own. He took it as her trusting you implicitly, it was the show of what a great mother you were, something he loved more and more about you.

 The two of you left Massachusetts at nine and boarded the private jet he’d arranged. When you found out your annoyance with him over it was evident. You didn’t beat him up too bad for it, you went easy and bit your tongue after he’d told you he did it out of availability and how urgent the emergency was. Thanks to the neary four-hour flight the two of you had some much needed downtime. A game of poker was all it took for the two of you to begin laughing together then two beers later and you’d gotten quiet. You spent the remainder of the flight on your laptop working and he spent the remainder of it just staring at you. It was now his favorite thing.

When the jet landed and the two of you were in the rental car that you took lead procuring it was just turning night. As you passed sights you pointed them out to him. the smile on your face as you showed him around was heartwarming. It made him smile seeing your town through your eyes. The way your eyes lit up at certain things and your smile got bigger at others it made him really want to be by your side and see everything through your eyes.

“Ella loves this view. Sometimes at night when she can’t sleep I just drive here, and park and she’ll just watch the lights. I’ve had to make more trips here in the middle of the night than I can count.”

 “It’s a great view. She has great taste.” You had a faraway look on your face as you stared down the hill at all the lights of the city. He wanted to know what you were thinking, he’d seen this look several times before. “What’re you thinking?”

 “The nights when I couldn’t sleep while I was pregnant, I’d drive here and watch the city fade.”

 “I wish I could have seen you pregnant. I bet you were beautiful.”

 You snorted and laughed then gave him a “yeah right” expression.

 “Whatever, I was hideous. I was huge, I gained so much weight and my cheeks puffed so big. Uugh, you would not have wanted to touch me with a ten-foot pole.”

 He smiled and shook his head. He couldn’t believe it, not one bit. “Whatever, I’m still calling it, you were gorgeous. Plus, it was my kid in there I’m sure I’d have been hopelessly in--.” He trailed his words off and avoided your eyes hoping that you’d let whatever he said fade. Thankfully you didn’t say anything. You just put the car in drive and continued on.

 A little before eight you pulled up before your restaurant, parked and walked inside. It looked just like the pictures online down to the décor and even the flowers. It was elegant but also down to earth as if you could get a filet mignon and a burger off the same menu. It was just how you were, elegant and down to earth. It was a hell of a combination.

 “All right, this is insane Franklin.”

 “I know, I don’t know how you managed it, but the workers were here and they fixed the pipe and pumped the leak. We have the fans running and I think it’s airing out well.”

 As he talked you walked around and examined the dining area and finally walked into the kitchen where you continued to look around.

 “Did the burst mess with the ventilation all of this is bad.” You examined the produce in the fridge and the look on your face was annoyed.

 “Damn it, I didn’t even realize it. Shit!” Franklin looked equally annoyed. You rubbed your forehead and groaned, then interrupted Franklin as he spoke.

 “Okay, we’re not going to panic. I know someone that can help. What time will everyone be here?”

 “Most of the staff are already on their way here if not here. I had them on standby,” Franklin informed.

 “Okay, prep them I’m going to my office.” You walked out the kitchen toward the back, you then turned to him.

 “Oh, I’m sorry,” you began.

 “It’s okay, go take care of business. I’m going to be around,” he assured. You nodded and continued your walk.

 He took the time to walk around the restaurant and admire everything you’d accomplished. It wasn’t like those start-up restaurants or mom and pop diners, this was a well planned and executed establishment. He perused the culinary awards and medals that you’d won in the span of the restaurant being open. He looked at all the prized reviews from the culinary greats and saw a picture of you from some food expo. You looked happy, he liked seeing you happy. He wanted to be the one to make you happy.

 As he scanned the wall of your success, he couldn’t help but be filled with pride and awe. You were this force to be reckoned with, this incredible woman who’d made a life and path for herself by herself facing all the obstacles that came her way. He was impressed. When he’d finished walking around he made his way back into the kitchen and asked Franklin how he could help. The man looked speechless when he approached and could barely put two words together. When he was able to speak he directed him what he could do. He wasted no time rolling up his sleeves and getting down with the rest of them to pitch in.

 An hour later a line of people walked in with crates of produce followed by someone rolling in a brand-new fridge.

 “Oh my god Luke, thank you so much. You’re a lifesaver.” He could hear your voice in the main dining area before he saw you. When he did, you met a tall dark-haired man and threw your arms around him. He lifted you in the air and spun you around.

 “Aw Vixy you know I’d do anything for you.” Your smile was wide before he placed you down back to your feet.

 “I really needed you tonight. Thank you for coming through.”

 “No problem. Anything I can chip in with?”

 “Honestly Luke, you’ve done way more than you needed to. Thank you again.” He watched the man kiss your jaw before he licked his lips pulling the bottom one into his mouth. A pang of jealousy washed through him. It was jealousy he’d never felt before. In his other relationships, he’d never felt threatened or jealous over anyone. He knew what he had and also didn’t really think things were that deep. Now though, he recognized his jealousy.

 You walked into the kitchen and he busied himself with the other workers.

 “Chris? What’re you doing?”

 “Helping out any way I can.”

 “You don’t have to do this,” you assured even with the frazzled look still in your eyes. This was stressful for you.

 “I know, I want to, I really do. Plus I’m not virgin to working with my hands.”

 You looked down to his hands as he continued prepping the produce that was just brought in. a soft smile played at your lips before you nodded.

 “Thank you.” You were looking right into his eyes when you said the words, and he felt how much you meant them.

 “Vixen, I just got word that the rest of the staff can’t make it in. so now we’re operating at about seventy-five percent,” Franklin informed. The frazzled look in your eyes magnified and you groaned again.

 “Okay, all right. We open for the night in about forty-five minutes, we’re fully booked and we’re short staffed. Guess that means I’m here tonight.”

 You walked over to the wall where aprons hung and put one on then proceeded to wash your hands.

 “All right everyone, attention! We open those doors in forty-five minutes, we’re back on track. I want that dining area prepped as if this were opening night, I want everything to be a thing of beauty. I know a lot had happened tonight and I’m not gonna lie and say it won’t be a hectic night. It will be, but we’re in this together and I won’t quit if you don’t quit. Can we do this?”

 “Yes we can!” The unanimous chant of everyone made him smile. That was a pep speech if he’d ever heard one.

 Everyone broke off doing their own thing. You came beside him and watched him for a few moments. “ Are you sure you’re okay?”

 “Vix, I’m good. I promise. Go do what you do best.”

 “And what’s that?”

 “Be the best,” he added. You smiled at him and went off to work.

 You managed your kitchen like a five star regimental general, strict, clean and organized. He watched as you listed off order after order for them to complete and even took the time to demonstrate how you wanted things done. When you began prepping dishes he marveled at your skill with the knives and the ease you combined ingredients to make your dishes. It was truly something to watch you in your element.

 By the time the dinner crowd rolled in you had everything under control and didn’t look one bit worried or stressed. After an hour into dinner service, you came over to him and thanked him for helping then told him to take a breather in your office upstairs. He wanted to protest but the way you said it he knew this was your element and there was no back talking. When he walked out of the kitchen and up the steps he took the time to look out over the packed dining room at all the diner’s faces. There was not one displeased look, everyone looked to be enjoying themselves and their food.

 When he got into your office he slowly examined the contents of your office, the artwork on the walls, sculptures on shelves and pictures in frames. Ella was decorated throughout your office and in every picture, you were with her. You both looked so happy and it filled him with joy. He never imagined he’d see this part of your world, never imagined what he may think or feel and now that he was seeing this while he was happy, impressed and in awe of you there was also a feeling of fear that was lurking in him. It was a fear he wasn’t ready to address though. 

 -6 hours later-

 “Thank you guys again for coming out tonight,” you said to the last of the diners as they walked through the door. You pushed it closed and flipped the sign on the door to “Closed”. You sighed turned your back then leaned on the glass.

 From the bar, he could tell you were tired. You’d just worked an entire kitchen, charmed the whole dining room, and managed for the last few hours and all in heels. Through it all, you remained composed and gorgeous.

 “I think you’ve earned a glass of wine.”

 You snorted then looked at him. “Just a glass?”

 “Hell I’ll give you the whole vineyard if you want, but it all starts with one glass.” You smiled and walked to him at the bar and slipped onto one of the elegant stools with a groan.

 “Oh my god, what a night.”

 “That is all I’ve been saying. You were—are incredible.”

 Studying him, your eyes never left his face. it was as if you were thinking about something, either you wanted to say something or do something. You lifted the glass and drank down the white wine then moaned. “Mmm, one more then let’s get out of here.”

 He poured you another. After you’d finished it Franklin approached. “Everything is good here Vixen, I can handle the rest.” He placed your bag onto the counter along with two brown paper bags.

 “You’re sure?”

 “Yes. What a night,” he responded. You smiled and nodded before slipping off the stool to gather your belongings and the bags.

 “Remember the quiet nights?”

 “Ha, no. we’ve never had one.” You snorted and laughed as you nodded in agreement. The two of you walked to the front door and out onto the sidewalk. He took the brown bags from you hoping to lessen your load.

 “Good night Franklin,” you said as you slipped into the driver’s seat with another groan.

 “You sure you can make it?”

 “Oh, I can make it.”

 “Make it where exactly?”

 “Home,” you answered putting the car into drive.

 Twenty minutes later you parked in front of an impressive brownstone. Quickly you got out the car and walked up the steps toward the front door with him following closely behind you with the bags. When you unlocked the door and walked into the foyer you dropped your bag and kicked off your heels then groaned loudly.

“Oh my god, that feels so good you have no idea.”

 “Do you always wear heels to work?”

 “You know what, if I plan on being in the kitchen I put on my Tom’s, but I was so focused on the nightmare that was today I didn’t even think about it.”

 He nodded and looked around. “So, this is home sweet home, huh?”

 “Uh, yeah. These are my humble beginnings.” You walked further in and stopped in the open space of the living room.

 “If this is humble I want to see your house once you have three restaurants open,” he joked. You smiled and fanned him off.

 “Come on, I’ll give you a quick tour.”

 You walked down the steps and into the living room and tapped a button on the wall that illuminated everything around. The light gave him the opportunity to look around at the tens of pictures that were framed around the room. You were in some, as was Nexus and your parents but the majority was Ella. With the number of pictures around it was clear to see you really loved her and took pride in her. As he walked through the room he eyed different items of Ella’s lying around, dolls, fairy wings, toys, books and then smiled widely when he saw a pile of Disney character toys.

 “What can I say, she loves her Disney.” You took lead and walked throughout the dwelling showing him the kitchen and dining area, bathrooms, and other various rooms.

 When you opened Ella’s room door upstairs he stopped at the door and just looked around. It looked fit for a princess, down to the crown that was etched into her toddler bed. A smile tickled his lips and he backed out into the hallway. He was filled with so many thoughts, so many emotions but he couldn’t let any of them out. you’d built a beautiful life for yourself here, a life for Ella, a life he had no idea where he could possibly fit in.

 You showed him to an empty bedroom that was expertly decorated and screamed comfort. 

“So uh—this is the third guest room. No one has stayed in here, Nex has her own down the hall as do my parents. So you can uh—you can stay here if you want.” Your stutters were cute if he were in a better mental state he’d tease you about it.

 “Do you want me to stay here?” Your eyes met but you didn’t speak. You pressed your back on the jamb of the door and chewed your bottom lip, but your eyes never left his.

 “What do you want?” he leaned back on the other side of the threshold and softly sighed out.

 “You know what I want Vix.” Still, you didn’t speak, you simply took him in. He could hear the gears in your head turning but he had no idea what you were thinking. He wanted to, badly.

 “It’s been a very long day, humor me,” you replied.

 He saw himself go out on this ledge yet again and every alarm said stop play it coy, be chill about it but what he said was anything but coy, or chill.

 “I want you Vixen, in every single way the word want implies.”

 He saw a mixture of things in your eyes, shock, intrigue, confusion, hope, desire but he saw an overwhelming amount of fear. It was then he acknowledged you were afraid of him. You looked from his eyes and down to your feet then cleared your throat.

 “Are you hungry? I’m hungry.”

 You walked away down the hall and steps you’d just come up leaving him there to reassess everything. He didn’t know how to work around that.

 A few minutes later, when he joined you back downstairs he found you sitting on the balcony off the living room. You’d spread out the food containers atop the table and had already opened a bottle of wine. Taking his seat across from you he sighed.

 “This smells incredible.”

 “Bon appetite,” you said holding up your fork. He smiled and clanked his against yours then dug into the warm deliciousness of a steak. He moaned his delight as the juices of the perfectly cooked steak washed over every one of his taste buds.

 “God, you’re an amazing cook.” You smiled and nodded as you ate.

 Dinner was easy. the conversation flowed as it always did, the laughs rolled out effortlessly like clockwork, and the air between you was always relaxing. This dinner reminded him of the one he’d had with you in LA before he’d made probably the biggest mistake of his life. He’d never felt this easygoing with anyone before. There was always some feeling of angst or discomfort but with you, none of that was there. It was like you were an old friend who knew everything about him.

 You told him stories of your life living here, stories that had Nexus in them, stories that had your friends. They were stories that showed him other sides of you, sides that weren’t so professional, or stern. You were able to be goofy and silly and completely destructive and carefree; they were sides he wanted to see firsthand, sides he’d seen in Vegas. He wondered if you ever thought about Vegas.

With the food finished and the two of you on your third bottle of wine sitting in the dim light of the moon’s glow, he watched you.

 “Do you ever think about it?” Your head was leaned back on the chair back, you then turned it to look at him.

 “Think about what?”

 “Vegas. Us?” The mellow look on your face changed to a faraway one. You looked caught up in a memory, or daydream. The silence between you stretched and you were no longer looking at him, you were looking through him. then the look in your eyes changed and you saw him.

 “I do.” It was barely above a whisper.

 The air around you became heavy with the rising energy between you.

 “Me too. Everyday.”

 Neither of you spoke again, you just stared at each other. There was no movement, nothing but this was the first time he felt he was able to see you and the first time he fully realized how much of a fool he’d been.

 Four in the morning. He groaned and rubbed his head. He’d been tossing and turning and still hadn’t found a way to get to sleep. He had way too much going on in his head. After sitting up for a few minutes just staring out to nowhere he knew he wasn’t going to get back to sleep. The house was quiet, you were most likely knocked out. He could feel the exhaustion coming off of you. In the kitchen, he found a bottle of whiskey and fondly smiled. You knew your liquor. With a full tumbler, he hopped on the counter and slowly enjoyed the burn on his tongue and down his throat. It was enough to distract him from the chaotic noise in his head.

 Twenty minutes later, the noise was all-encompassing and he’d had two glasses already. His thoughts were so loud he didn’t hear you until you walked into the kitchen in a robe. You didn’t jump or gasp when you saw him, you just leaned against the counter across the room.

 “Couldn’t sleep?”

 “No, too much noise.”

 “Of the city?”

 “In my head,” he corrected. You nodded and walked to one of the cupboards and took down your own tumbler and put two ice cubes in it and came a little closer with your eyes on his. He held out the whiskey bottle to you and watched you pour a little more than half. Your lips on the glass came next and drew his attention but it didn’t stay there. He followed the trail he knew the liquid made, down your throat, to your chest where he saw the swells of your breasts playing peekaboo from behind the robe you wore. His eyes dipped lower to the loose knot of the material just where your navel was and finally to the hem of the garment that slightly parted at the tops of your thighs.

 When he looked back to your eyes your glass was empty. He tipped his glass to his lips but came to the realization his was also empty. Neither of you moved or spoke, there was no need. After a few minutes, you put your glass on the counter and was the one to walk toward him. When you stopped you were just a few inches from him. You took the glass from his hand and slid it on the counter before you take his free hand slipping your smaller one in his palm before you traced your fingertips over it sending sparks through his hand and up his arm. When your fingers laced together in an impenetrable fashion his heart was beating erratically. You stepped back and gently pulled his hand with you.

 Allowing you to pull him off the counter he let you lead him wherever you chose to go, it didn’t matter. He’d follow you anywhere. The sway of your backside was hypnotizing, he’d only had two glasses, but his head felt as if he’d had the entire bottle. Up the stairs and to the end of the hall you lead him into the room that screamed you from the oversized canopy bed that was draped in a sheer material that looked to be cascading as if a breeze wafted through the room, but there was no breeze. Like in the distance he could hear the soft melodies of music playing, he didn’t know if it was in his imagination or if it were real. He didn’t care. You were the only thing that had his attention.

 At the foot of the bed, you turn to him and slowly rake your eyes over his exposed chest. Under the heat of your eyes for the first time, he felt self-conscious as if he may not be to your liking, or he may not be enough. It was a newfound fear. After far too long your hands moved to the knot of the robe and slowly pulled it free then pushed it off your shoulders to the floor. You stood before him in a soft pink two-piece lace get up. The blood in his veins felt like he was on fire and burning from the inside out. You were gorgeous, a vision of a dream.

 You then brought your hands to the front of the lace bra like contraption and slowly unbuttoned it until you peeled it off and let it join your robe. He took a deep breath in and clenched his jaw trying to remain in control. He hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his sweats and pulled them from his legs then stood before you completely bare and open to you. all you had to do was look close enough and you’d know everything.

 Your eyes again skimmed his body then stopped at his cock and again that self-consciousness reappeared. He watched you pull off the bottoms you wore then slowly took in every inch of you. His heart felt as if it were about to burst right through his chest. You slowly backed toward your bed and every step you took he felt like he was being pulled to you. Soon he stood before you and he couldn’t keep his distance any longer. He touched the back of his hand to your cheek and softly felt your skin and brought his lips to your forehead, then your nose and finally your chin before his lips met yours. It was a soft kiss, a kiss that spoke of timidness, and a need for delicateness. He relished the feel of your lips as he drank in every essence of you before he deepened it.

 Your moan echoed in the room and it hit him where he’d heard the music from. It was playing the second time you were together in Vegas. He tore his lips from yours and gazed deeply into your eyes. He could tell you were both in the same moment.

 “I told you I do,” you whispered before you dropped back onto the bed and waited for him to join you.  

 Slowly he lowered himself onto you and hovered staring into your eyes before his lips again met yours and took control of a kiss he hoped showed you everything he felt that he was not brave enough to tell you. His hands cupped your cheeks holding you still so he could fully explore your mouth with his tongue. Teasingly he sucked onto yours, a groan escaped him once he felt your legs spread wider giving him full access to press onto your core. You moaned then wrapped those sinful legs around his waist. He was a goner from there.

 Pulling his lips from yours he moved them down to your jaw and kissed a path down your throat to your neck where he teased the sensitive flesh at the spot he knew would bring a reaction. Like a moth to a flame, you arched your head back and dug your fingers into his hair. He loved how you reacted to him. slowly he dipped lower and kissed the tops of your breast before wrapping his lips around a cacao colored nipple. Every flick of his tongue and nibble of his teeth had you moaning louder. When he released one to go to the other he used his fingers to roll `the hardened bud bringing you more pleasure.

 As he kissed across your stomach he took a peek up at you, your eyes were on him taking in every move he made. Draping one of your legs over his shoulder he settled between them and savored the sight of you. one kiss began his exploration, then two, and three until he was heartily tasting and pleasing you. Your fingers gripped his hair gently as moan after moan fell from you. He could do this all night and never tire of your taste, tire of the sounds you made or how beautiful you looked with your jaw dropped, eyes closed and back arched.

 “Chris.”

 It was a strangled whisper that was cut off and replaced with a loud screech as your thighs snapped closed around his head and he tasted just how well you responded to him. He moaned as he drank from your well not wasting not even a drop.

 “Fuck!”

 It was high pitched and the next thing he knew you were pulling away from him. he kissed another trail up your body, you pulled him to you and delved your tongue into his mouth and kissed him with such heat it woke desires in him he didn’t know laid dormant.

 Hands tangled as both of you had wants of your own to touch the other. The song playing only intensified the feelings he felt in this moment and made it that much more special. When you rolled onto him and kissed across his skin he fought the urge to roll back onto you. He wanted to enjoy this and savor every minute. You mirrored his actions on your nipples to his before you went across his stomach and kissed the indented muscle just before his pelvis. When he felt your teeth nip his skin he groaned and lurched his hips forward nudging your throat with his need.

 Your eyes met his and he saw red hot desire and it rivaled his. Without making him wait any longer you took his length and he watched as your lips sank slowly over every inch. Keeping eye contact with you right now he was sure you could see everything in him, he held no secrets right now, he was an open book, he was sure of it.

 Your mouth felt so good—too good. He knew if he let you continue the havoc you were wreaking with nothing but your tongue and lips he wouldn’t last. When he pulled you to him and kissed you then rolled back onto you, you didn’t protest, you moaned onto him and wrapped your arms around him and used your hands to softly trace patterns into his back.

 He pressed your hands to the bed and entwined his fingers with yours and stared into your eyes before he slowly sank into you. With every inch he fed you neither of you looked from the other, neither of you spoke, you just looked shocked. Once he was sheathed in your heat dropped his forehead to yours and slowly rocked his hips back and forth into you time and time again. Every thrust had you squeezing his hand tighter and tighter and gasping for air as if every stroke stole your breath.

 With every thrust, the need he felt for you only grew and he tried to get closer and closer to you which made his thrusts deeper and deeper. After a few minutes he couldn’t take looking into your eyes anymore, he had to look away and bury his face into the crook of your neck and breathe you in.

 “Yes, Yes, Chris yes!”

 Your nails dug into his back and just like that he got lost in the combination of sensations he was feeling. His thrusts sped up and became sloppier and more staggered he knew he was close. When your eyes met again he could see how close you were, and his mission was to push you to the edge. He kissed you again but didn’t slow his movements when he heard you moan on his mouth and clench around him he knew all he had to do was one move to make you come undone. He slowed his hips and stared down at you and into your eyes and hesitated then he snapped his hips forward making you arch back and shriek out and bring him with you in the kaleidoscopic panorama of pleasure only you could give him.

 You clung to each other for long minutes as you rode the waves of your coupled release until he felt you shiver. He then brought you underneath the blankets and settled beside you as if he’d done it every day of his life. You rested your head on his chest and the sigh he released was the sigh of complete satisfaction, complete happiness.

 He should have been exhausted, but he wasn’t, his mind was still too loud. He knew when you fell asleep and laid perfectly still listening to the sound of you sleeping and that of his heart beating. He laid there and got lost in the feel of your skin and how perfect it all felt which made him think about the future. A future he didn’t know if he could have, but it was one he wanted more than anything.

 When he was sure you wouldn’t wake he got up and walked out of your room but not before he glanced back to you. He took the time to walk back to Ella’s room and he looked at every detail. It was easy to see her here, easy to envision the life she had, a life without him a life he really wanted to be a part of and would do whatever it took to be a part of. After a few minutes, he ended up in the living room where you’d left your laptop open. The screen’s image was Ella scrunching up her face. He tapped the icon on the screen for your pictures and looked through the images of the years he’d missed. He saw you through different parts of your life, pregnant, not, and he noticed though you smiled, your eyes looked empty in a few of them.

 After clicking through the pictures, a video came up. it took him a minute to figure out what he was watching but when he did he nearly fell over. You were pulling a white veil over your eyes head but before you did you gave a wide grin to the camera.

 “No fucking way.” He dropped into the seat that was there and continued to watch the video of your wedding. He waited at the altar with the biggest grin on his face. he couldn’t help but snort and cover his face.

 “Jesus, look at me.”

 He took notice of the song from The Little Mermaid playing. He had no idea why this was the song they chose for you to walk down to. It seemed perfect at the time. Seeing you in full bridal costume had him smiling again. He remembered it vividly. Your smile was as wide as his. He couldn’t help but snicker at how drunk off your asses you were. Though he knew you both were drunk he couldn’t help but see it differently. You looked happy, he looked happy, like this was the plan all along.

 When his loud animal noises broke out he cringed. He was such a dork, he thought. He didn’t know why you didn’t run out of there instead of laughing and looking at him with those eyes.

 “God.” He groaned and rubbed his forehead and watched some more.

 He remembered holding your hands and thinking how badly he wanted to kiss you and that you were the only woman who liked to hold hands the way he liked—like waffles. He shook his head just watching the two of you beam at each other through the whole ceremony. He remembered a moment of clarity when the minister recited Corinthians that he thought this was the right thing, in that moment of clarity it didn’t cross his mind that he was making a mistake. Deep down he knew even if he couldn’t face it when he was sober.

 He listened to himself recite the generic vows and right now they held a deeper meaning. Have and hold, richer or poorer, sickness and health, forsaking all others. He spoke them then, he meant them now. When you were pronounced husband and wife, not one second was wasted before your lips met. Even then the passion between you was evident. He watched himself grope the two of you walking back down the aisle to Marvin Gaye as Mr. and Mrs. Then you both grinned and showed off your wedding rings. There was no sign of unhappiness or apprehension.

 Long after the video stopped he was still sitting there thinking about it. This was the first time he’d seen it. He’d deliberately stayed away from it because he didn’t think he could handle watching it, he was right. An image of you and Ella together came up on the screen and he saw what he wanted in a new light.

 You’d built this life without him; you didn’t need him. He’d always had a fear of being swallowed by the person he was with. It was one of the reasons he kept most at a distance and cut ties when he saw any evidence that he was becoming a center for them. He had a fear of being suffocated, but with you, there was no fear of that. You had everything your own and he knew he’d never feel the pressure of being everything. It was a relief, but it also showed him that you didn’t need him. You may not even want him the way he wanted you. Looking around him he didn’t know how he’d find a place in your life or vice versa. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[rentorlandoscooters1-blog]

Rent Orlando Scooters

In any event, when you are composed along your whole outing, there could be minutes where you will end up wandered. Orlando, Florida is no not exactly a paradise on planet earth, and organizing spots to visit could get overpowering and puzzling inside and out.

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 1. Madame Tussauds Orlando

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 From sparing the helicopter with Superman, presenting with wonder lady, and investigating the ocean experience with Aquaman, your visit to Madame Tussauds Orlando Florida on a rental bike will be incredible triumph. Thusly, join the most incredible clash of your life as the saints of equity association join together yet ensure you're there on your Mobility bike to cheer them as they mop up all the armed forces of scoundrels.

 2. Escapology

 Take on the Orlando's most astonishing departure gaming experience on your portability bike. With a staggeringly exciting, and testing get away from game in transit, your fervor levels would detonate to offer most extreme joy.

 At this spot, you could collaborate with a group of up to 8 players to appreciate the 7 intuitive game rooms with various games. The 7 games are – Antidote, Narco, under tension, Cuban emergency, Budapest express, 7 fatal Sins, and Mansion murder. Furthermore, presently it's on your certainty and aptitudes to break the shackles and getaway.

 3. VR Territory Orlando

 Stroll into another element of computer generated reality and find a definitive encounter of your life. While you visit VR Territory Orlando on the rental bike, you could take your interest with fan 30+ computer generated experience games. Play solo or collaborate with your loved ones for a very amazing encounter.

 Don't simply play the game, live them with computer generated reality, and play them like you never did.

 4. WonderWorks

 Wonderworks blend diversion and instruction to welcome imagination for hands-on understanding. The whole fascination is an upside experience with roof under your feet, the ground over your head, making it exciting and astonishing totally. The excursion starts with a reversal burrow that must be passed by opposing gravity alongside the investigation. What's more, this isn't it, more rush is in transit as you progress to reach XD Theater 4D Simulated ride and 3-story indoor rope challenge.

 The spot has 6 miracle zones – Natural calamities, physical difficulties, light and sound, creative mind lab, space disclosure, and the most distant out of the exhibition. In case you're Hungary after these tiring investigation trip, there are boundless dining experience during the enchantment parody supper show.

 5. Chocolate Kingdom – Interactive Factory Adventure Tour

 In the event that you need to investigate the food dreams, the chocolate realm is here to offer a dim rich surface in a full-fledge intelligent processing plant experience visit. The entire visit thought would permit you to look in to perceive how chocolate is changed from beans to the marvelous chocolate bar.

 The incredible thing about this spot is this it is not quite the same as the sort of spots. You can unwind and appreciate the dim dreams with individual chocolate local area experts who will give you a short diagram of everything upheld.

 In this way, join the powers of the sovereign and his mythical serpent and investigate the realm to arrive at Cacao Tree nursery, Chocolate exhibition hall, Mystical River of Chocolate, and Bean to the bar miniaturized scale clump industrial facility that is outfitted with conventional apparatus.

 What's more, this isn't all; you will get an opportunity to make your modified chocolate to finish the chocolaty experience.

 6. Gatorland

 Gatorland is stand-out zoo, aviary, rearing bog, and a spot with many gators and crocodiles. The entire spot is a center point of fun exercises for the total family fun. Available through a portability bike or even a wheelchair, there could be no better spot to be nearest to nature. Feed the gators, take part in a joyful spurt fest with your children at Gator Gully Splash Park, or raise the experience to its top by shouting on the Gator zip line. All these croc's shows and noteworthy rides consolidate to make your excursion to an unequaled level.

 7. Detectives Mystery Dinner Shows

 At Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, you can jump further into the spiritualist experience mix with satire, puzzle, and rush through and through. With heavenly food, drink, and sweet, your night will end up being heavenly social affair. While you roar with laughter or get interested in a wrongdoing secret, never realize you may be picked for an appearance job. Thus, park your portability bikes and appreciate the supper with your whole gathering.

 8. Harry P. Leu Gardens

 In the wake of tiring a day, invest your energy near nature by turning your versatility bikes to Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. Spread over a territory of 40 sections of land, this spot is perfect to unwind and quiet your energizing nerves. Grasp the magnificence of wonderful nurseries with more than 40 assorted plant assortments from around the globe that additionally incorporates tropical rainforest. With prized gardens mix with roses, sit and glare the colossal quietness of the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This nursery could be your place to test the full capacities of your rental bikes and rule on to them to explore the territory at the tallness of extraordinary fervor and bliss. Also, this is your opportunity to manage without dread and vulnerability.

 9. Orlando Science Center

 On the off chance that you are a science voyager, this spot is an absolute necessity visit to satisfy your Sci-fi chasing. The awesome spot is spread across 11000 sections of land and has various display lobbies, workshops, theaters, and observatories. Find eminent spots like kidsTown with your children or go to The Hive: A Makersplace to scale imagination. This spot is a center for science-related occasions, lives shows, and workshops that are directed each day from finger-sewing to 3D printing.

 Alongside this, few grown-up just science shows and tech exhibition are normally sorted out at this spot. Along these lines, you don't need to be missed it out in any case.

 10. iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving

 In case you're in the mood for something cutting edge and never experienced, head over to iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving. It is Orlando, Florida's generally astounding and breathtaking aviation expos ever. Perfect for individuals of all age gatherings, kids, and even the grown-up could release their energy and catch the extraordinary experience of remaining above water noticeable all around in their memory. No parachute, no hopping, only the air stream that saves you in the halfway air for a supernatural levitation venture. Along these lines, jump on to your portability rental bike and get ready to detect a marvel.

https://rentorlandoscooters.com/

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[harisatiman-blog]

Cara Menuju Ghibli Park di Jepang

Cara Menuju Ghibli Park di Jepang

CARA menuju Ghibli Park, yang beralamat di 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture (Provinsi Aichi), Jepang. Lokasi persis Ghibli Park ini di dalam Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park. Ghibli Park atau Taman Ghibli adalah taman yang mewakili dunia Studio Ghibli, yang sekelilingnya adalah hutan, satu lahan dengan Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park). Kalau kamu berangkat…

[recentanimenews]

Ghibli Park Opens Theme Park Entrance Early for Free to All

  Construction on Studio Ghibli's Aichi-based theme park continues ahead of its November 1 opening but ahead of schedule, the 19th Century inspired "Elevator Tower" entrance to Ghibli Park was completed and opened to the public free of charge. Ghibli showcased the building in a series of tweets explaining that the 19th Century aesthetic was the influence on how Laputa: Castle in the Sky looked.

    モルタル製ではありません（金属製です） pic.twitter.com/RXrEDwKZyU

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) March 23, 2022

      ぜひ、細部にちりばめられた「秘密」を探してみてください。 pic.twitter.com/bdGwLFFCib

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) March 23, 2022

      照明の全点灯は、11/1の開園までおあずけ。早く、全点灯した姿を見て頂きたい……！✨ pic.twitter.com/2MTOZHN1xv

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) March 23, 2022

    The building is open now to those who visit the Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park in Aichi prefecture for free, while the rest of Ghibli Park is set to open on November 1 with the Ghibli's Grand Warehouse area, the Hill of Youth, and the Dondoko Forest. The second stage of the park's opening, which includes the Valley of the Witches and Mononoke Village, isn't yet dated.

  Source: Ghibli on Twitter

  Copyright:

© 1986 Studio Ghibli

  ----

Daryl Harding is a Japan Correspondent for Crunchyroll News. He also runs a YouTube channel about Japan stuff called TheDoctorDazza, tweets at @DoctorDazza, and posts photos of his travels on Instagram. 

By: Daryl Harding

[marrickhomes]

Southern Maryland - at a Glance!

Nestled between both the Chesapeake and the Potomac, and adjacent to the Nation’s Capital, lies what we call home; the “Western Shore”, the slightly-secluded rolling suburbia that is: Southern Maryland! Over our thirty-five plus years in this area, we’ve seen the influx of neighborhoods and communities bring more and more residents to these wonderful towns, all while that quaint, small-town charm remains ever-present. We love helping families find their homes here, no matter where you journey begins – so let’s get you familiar with some of the in’s and out’s our backyard has to offer in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert Counties!

St. Mary’s County

Situated less than an hour outside the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. is St. Mary’s County, home to just over 110,000 residents. As the southernmost county in the region, this area boasts a nearly 500-mile shoreline encompassing pieces of both the Potomac, and Chesapeake! From early Spring through late Autumn, this peninsula will bring the best of the scenic outdoors to the forefront with over five water-based state parks, each with their own unique trails to hike, and abundant opportunities to fish, camp, bike and more! 

Point Lookout State Park, one of the states most popular parks, is located at the very southern tip of the county, providing a picturesque backdrop to the Chesapeake. Numerous boat launches allow for access to the water, whether for sport or leisure, boat or kayak! Its long fishing pier becomes a popular spot to cast a line.. 

..while the swimming beach allows for family fun, picnics and more between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Over 240 acres of land is set aside for hunting during open season, and also on-site are over 140 campsites available for renting throughout the year!

Opportunities to explore the areas past are also available at the Civil War Museum, neighbored by Fort Lincoln, as well as Point Lookout Lighthouse!

Acting as the hub of St. Mary’s County is Leonardtown – a thriving, historic area with numerous shopping, dining and scenic sites for all ages (and also home to our Clarks Rest Community <http://clarksrest.com/>!). Noted for it’s thriving Art & Entertainment district, with many galleries right downtown, the town provides a bevy of activities for residents to engage in, including the Port of Leonardtown Winery and the shopping district, home to numerous local small-town businesses including Larry’s Comic Book Café, The Good Earth Natural Foods, Co., Heritage Chocolates, and many more!

Along the water lies the Leonardtown Wharf, which is home to kayaking and fishing, as well as a beautiful park in which to roam with family, friends or pets!

To truly indulge on the sense of community, family-friendly events occur throughout the year, including Leonardtown First Fridays on the first Friday of each month, allowing residents a sampling of the local fare.

- this includes local artist showcases, live entertainment, on-hand activities, demos, and more!

Charles County

With its history dating back to its chartering more than 350 years ago, Charles County is a vibrant community home to over just 1.8 million, situated the closest to the Beltway, also making the local community very popular amongst commuters. Anchored by nearly 300 miles of shoreline between the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, Charles County offers a plethora of opportunities to hit the water via boat, Jet Ski or just to swim! 

Fishing, sailing, picnicking, hiking & biking are plentiful with 30-county parks accounting for nearly 3,600 acres – along with 3 state parks and 4 wildlife areas accounting for nearly 10,000 acres!

Further recreational opportunities come from Capital Clubhouse, offering a 90,000 square-foot ice rink, a multi-purpose field, 30-foot climbing wall, eatery, summer camps, and an on-site sporting equipment shop. Golfers will take easily to the numerous courses in the area, including the White Plains Golf Course, Hawthorne Country Club, and Swan Point Yacht and Country Club.

Is golf not your sport? Not to worry. Charles County is home to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs! 

This baseball team is part of the Independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Regency Furniture Stadium, their home field, offers exciting games throughout the summer months, and is also home to numerous concerts, expos, and entertainment events throughout the year!

In La Plata (home to our Olivers Crossing <http://marrickhomes.com/olivers-crossing/> & Ridge Grove <http://marrickhomes.com/ridge-grove-estates/> Communities), you’ll also find an exceptional, local education opportunity with the College of Southern Maryland, a regionally accredited community college of nearly 25,000 students across the Southern MD corridor. 

The university theatre program provides many entertainment opportunities to residents as well, including the award-winning Port Tobacco Players are known for their excellent stage productions; Black Box Theatre offers professional theater, music, and music festivals.

The National Register of Historic Places notes nearly forty historical landmarks and attractions throughout the area as well, including the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House, La Plata Train Station, Mount Carmel Monastery and Port Tobacco Courthouse.

Calvert County

Running along the Chesapeake, and, more casually known, as the “Charm of the Chesapeake” is Calvert County. This area is home to numerous waterside communities with a diverse set of pristine waterways and natural parks.

Keeping with the common theme of ocean shores, Calvert County offers a fantastic variety of parks that provide fishing, boating, and watersport activities, including Breezy Point Beach & Campground, North Beach Public Beach and Calvert Cliffs State Park

- which is home to more than 600 species of fossils dating back to its formation nearly 15 million years ago! Swimming, picnicking, hunting, bird watching and wetland boardwalks are present all along the coast, providing relaxation and entertainment years round.

Food and beverage along the lower eastern shore is plentiful in itself, with some of the highest rated eateries in the state boasting a seafood lovers dream on their menu’s, with local fare such as steamed crabs, oysters, rockfish and more

- while offering a delectable smattering of wineries and breweries along the Patuxent Wine Trail to compliment, including Cove Point Winery, Friday Creek Winery, Perigeaux Vineyard & Winery, Running Hare Vineyard and Solomon’s Island Winery. And – for the beer lovers – many local breweries open year-round, including Calvert Brewing Company, Mully’s Brewery, Ruddy Duck Brewery and Scorpion Brewing, each with their own delicious recipes and flavors to keep you hydrated.

In the center of the county, between Dunkirk and Prince Frederick, you’ll find a wide array of local shops and businesses, along with art galleries, antique collectibles and more that perfectly capture the traditional essences of the area.

We love our home, and we hope to welcome you into our communities with open arms in a place that you’ll find as relaxing as it is enjoyable on a daily basis. Looking for particular points of interest, notes on specific communities, school systems or other tidbits? Speak with one of our Sales Managers, today. We live within (or close-by!) the communities we sell, and are happy to give you as much info as we can to make you comfortable in your new residence and neighborhood!

[calvarineharrod]

The adventures of Calvarine and Hayley’s “GIRLS TRIPPPPP!!!!!"

Johannesburg: affectionately known as the “City of Gold”, a place where risk-takers and money-makers come to witness their dreams grow into fruition. I love this city: the rush, the adrenaline, the swiftness and feisty attitudes of people. There’s just so much hustle in the air, or maybe in the water? Regardless, living in this place requires thick skin, a thicker bank account, a full tank of petrol - cos’ traffic…

My extremely close friend, Hayley, momentarily come up with an idea to visit Johannesburg for a quick weekend Girls Trip. After watching Girls Trip together, it kinda accelerated the thought of us having a super chilled weekend plus we have never travelled together, anywhere!!

History: Hayley and I have been friends since grade 8. 12 years down; we are still the closest of friends and surprisingly still have the same goofy conversations that we did at 13. This friend of mine is a High flyer, sports science Honours graduate, has traveled overseas, has her own medical practice, rocks a 6 pack of abs and still maintains relationships with friends, family and her boyfriend. She’s one of those girls who can do anything. I look like a complete blob next to her #Lol.

Hayley, being the Type-A smarty pants, arranged our travel itinerary for the weekend including Flights and Accommodation. I was so excited and grateful for her effort in the entire process. We set flight on 3rd November 2017, a parching hot summers day, from Durban to Johannesburg. Throughout the entire buildup, I would constantly quote phrases for Girls Trip especially the lines from Tiffany Haddish (my new favorite actress) especially because I found it hilarious.

We arrived at OR Tambo Airport around 9h30. Hayley’s cousin, who also happened to graciously be our chauffeur for the weekend, was punctually awaiting our arrival at the pick up zone. Our intentions from the outset was to have fun and create spontaneous memories. Nothing pedantically over planned, no deadlines, just fun. I personally have never done something so daring. Being 25 and having experienced so little in life, I grabbed upon the opportunity to just live, even if it just meant for one weekend.

We drove straight to the Mall of Africa, a place I’ve been wanting to see. After scoffing down a brunchy meal, we proceeded to look around. I was totally in my element looking at all the designer stores with fashion I’ll probably never afford. Besides, I’m not a girl who is obsessed with a label. I also happened to have my first “Starbucks Experience”, a chocochinni frappachino covered in whipped cream. However, I was unimpressed with the waiter who asked me to SPELL MY NAME?! Do they realize they work for Starbucks. Have they noticed that people come there for the fun of guessing if their names get spelt properly?! Side note: urgent HR intervention and staff training is needed at this branch.

We also visited my 2nd favourite shop, TYPO, which is a cute, artsy vibey shop. Time flew and soon, messages from family members started to trickle in asking about our whereabouts. We headed straight to The Barron which looked like a relaxed, white-collared, Friday afternoon location where people sat with their loosened ties and drank Castle Lager. It was cool. Sundowners after a hectic week sounds tempting. We decided to drive to our accommodation only to realize it is peak traffic at 13:00. I’m assuming a lot of people leave work at this time. Traffic was ridiculous. We were entangled with taxis, school transport and working class people, all rushing to the excitement of the weekend.

We arrived at our accommodation (47 on Preston) precisely at 14:00 and checked into our neatly prepared, air conditioned, wifi-zoned room with a stunning pool and views to match. The area was called Highlands North and the houses were impressive. Security was priority for us hence, the 24hr access controlled body guard, secure features and boom gates gave us peace of mind.

Our sweet ‘chaperone’ (Hayley’s Cousin) ensured we had snacks and liquor at our disposal. Skyy Vodka, Savannah and Amstel were on the menu. After chilling and catching up, we had to plan the night. I am unfamiliar with the night life of Johannesburg. We started getting ready and in the midst of it all, another cousin decided to visit us and show us around after all It’s an Indian thing to stick together. This particular cousin was weird. He was soft spoken, very proud, a straight A student, forensic scientist and quite an opinionated person. I am certainly not accustomed to this type of behavior. We didn’t get off to a great start. I’m all for successful people but not the proud ones. I’d like to think that I’m a cool, chilled and open-minded person. I’m always telling people “Don’t Judge” and this was an appropriate time to take my own advice!!

He brought through a bottle of caramel vodka and sipped. Funny thing is, this guy continued to drop hints the entire night of how intelligent, successful and opulent he is. The car he drives, the area he stays, the alumni he belongs to and his career, which is prospering at an exponential rate. Luckily Hayley informed me about this dude. Nothing serious, she just told me don’t worry, he is different from the average guy.

This dude was slightly tipsy at the arrival of our uber cab. I was controlling the Aux cord playing my “fresher than” music. They were not impressed. Seems like these freaking people don’t like Nas and Vic Mensa! Are you even my friends? Ha ha. We arrive at monte casino, a nightlife spot in Johannesburg, suggested by this cousin. I was actually warming up to him and started to laugh at his jokes. Please don’t any ideas. He has a spouse and over-saturated metrosexual tendencies. Definitely not my type.

The night got funnier. We ate and thereafter entered a place called “3sixty liquid lounge” which has a brilliant live band and serves cocktails, cute baby pink and blue candy floss shooters, bubblegum flavored liqueurs served in test tubes and other unconventional drinks. I loved it. Vibe was cool, we were probably the youngest group of people there, nevertheless, I am a huge fan of Earth Wind Fire and Bruno Mars. We took a quick walk around the casino to my disappointing bewilderment, people were gambling and it was almost 1 am. I hate gambling so I wasn’t pleased to witness people losing their entire salaries on a table. The ride home was hilarious. We got to bond with the weirdo. It was banter the entire night. I wasn’t holding back, neither was he. Safely reached home, thankfully to uber (that driver was relived to drop us). Liquor usually fuels deep thinking so the conversation of religion came up. Uh-oh!

We sat for over 2 hours conversing about religion and there is no decent, happy way to end this conversation without someone getting offended. Throughout the discussion, I was quite level minded and reminded that my Faith is for me, it works for me and I don’t have to justify it. I was also reminded that the essence of a religion is to have faith in God, that’s the basis of Christianity. So when someone wants hardcore facts, times, places and dates - especially when they have a debilitating hatred for Christianity, I will not be intimidated and cross questioned by someone who is out to make a point rather than seeking to understand. Here we are in a very familiar scenario: Christians vs Hindus. The answers were flying back and forth. Eventually we all agreed to disagree and by this time, the dried sweat started to irritate my skin. They gang was getting ready for bed and the proud cousin who earlier asked why we are staying in this place eventually ended up sleeping in one of the beds.

Funny story: earlier that day, we found banana flavored condoms in the room and wanted to prank Hayley’s 'cool’ cousin. We even dispensed some droplets of handwash in order to make it seem like it was used. Yuck! We slipped it under the covers and pretended like nothing happened.

Fast forward to later that evening, well it was early hours of the morning, proud cousin decided to sleep in the bed which had the condom. I was only just informed that he is a germaphobe. He felt the slippery substance and sprang out of bed like a cat in water! It was hilarious. Shortly after that, everyone passed out from pure exhaustion.

Saturday morning started off great. We were treated to an in-house breakfast prepared by the Muslim hostess and then proceeded to the Rosebank Mall. En route, I was speechless at the upper echelon of Johannesburg. The buildings, the infrastructure, the complex designs and luxurious apartments. For a split second you even ask yourself, is this South Africa? Are we even in a recession? Rosebank mall was super cool. From Hamleys to Krispy Kremes, we waltzed our way to almost all the stores and I was majorly impressed.

Our next stop was Melose Arch. I was levitating. I had never been to this place and always heard about it on TV/Radio. We approached the entrance of Melrose arch with Lambourguinis, Porshe, Ferrari, limousines and various other exotic cars parked inside. Funny thing, it wasn’t even a car expo. These were normal patrons who happened to be in this place. Once again, I’m thinking “is this really Johannesburg?! This feels like a foreign place.”. Melrose Arch has various luxury shops, amazing restaurants and beautiful cobble stoned pave ways decorated with Vespas to create an Italian feel.

Jamie’s Italian, founded by the talented chef Jamie Oliver, is an awesome 4/5 star restaurant. I’m a sucker for comfort food so I ordered a gigantic burger layered with different cheeses, sautéd onions, crisp lettuce and holonaise sauce with Parmesan drizzled fries and a refreshing signature Jamie Mojito. We strolled for a bit and went back to 47 on Preston to catch a breather and of course, prepare for our last night in Joburg.

We utilized the convenient services of Uber that weekend and through that, got to see the growth and splendor of our country’s golden city. There are construction sites everywhere possible. Infrastructure and renovations are booming. At the same time, we saw beggars at robots, extremely poor laborers, mostly from other African countries working for minimal wages. It was such a skewed representation. On one hand, we have bugattis and rolls royces lining the street and on the other, we have people digging in bins and hanging out of trains because of their poverty. Mind you, this was one road away of each other. I couldn’t fathom it. It was confusing. Once agin, you’re challenged to think, what are we doing wrong? Are the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer. How do we stabilize this situation. For some of us, growing up in disadvantaged communities affects in many ways. When you do well in life, you almost carry a sense of guilt for doing well and feeling sorry for people who have not achieved anything. Must you apologize for your success? Must you feel unworthy of getting a golden ticket just because your peers lacked drive to hustle?

Saturday night was about to go down. We were scheduled to meet some of their cousins on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst, cited as Joburgs version of Florida Road. We did a small pub crawl before settling into a local sports bar. We befriended 2 sisters sitting besides us. They were so sweet and shared their hookah with us. The drinks kept rolling, including my signature drink; 1 Smirnoff storm and 1 tot of Aftershock. It’s light, pink and tasty. Jäger bombs are always compulsory. Me and my greedy self got way ahead of the party and started twisping, experimenting with everyone’s flavors. Marshmallow, honey and red bull flavors mixed with alcohol and a hookah ended off in me wanting to puke. I felt bad for tainting the evening. We hopped into an uber cab and came home. With toothbrush in hand, I was determined to get sober asap, which I did! Straight to bed after a hot bath, we were ready to conquer the morning in high spirits seeing that it was also our last day of “Girls Trip”.

Sunday morning started off with a lovely breakfast. We packed up and proceeded to Rosebank mall which was my request. I needed to get my hands on some Krispy Kremes to bring back home. To kill time, we also attended this rooftop art and crafts market in the parking lot. I was so impressed with the variety and organization of this fete. It was beautiful and eccentric. Foods from every culture was sold, ethnic clothing and creative decor, eclectic jewelry and fashion - it was….. Different.

After obtaining my two dozen of Krispy Kremes, we headed out of Rosebank and straight to the Airport. We checked it with full luggage and a huge, embarrassingly box of 24 Krispy Kremes doughnuts. We thanked Hayley’s amazingly courteous and sweet cousin who gave us such a memorable time and boarded the flight.

In all, this was the best trip I’ve ever taken. No drama, no bickering, no anxiety, just pure fun. I’m was so appreciative of those 3 days and how my eyes got opened to a new way of life. It is vitally important to experience something different from your normal standard of living. Johannesburg is such a beast but contrives such beauty within its streets.

I had to share this memorable experience on my blog and even if it didn’t seem thrilling to you as you read, it meant the world to me. Here’s to more exciting experiences, spontaneous trips, everlasting friendships and ticking off the bucket list!!

[jasfhercallejo]

I am at the happiest place on Earth.

There is something about Disneyland that consistently calls out, like a siren song you can’t ignore once you hear it. For people who grew up watching Disney movies, this is where the stories live on beyond their happy ever afters – in marvelous rides, in meticulously recreated attractions, in carefully calibrated performances. 

Here is a list of my favorite rides:

Iron Man Experience

This is where you can tell a certain billionaire philanthropist is definitely your favorite Avenger. The Iron Man Experience sets itself apart by virtue of its 3D projections, surround sound, and other special effects. The gravity-defying Iron Wing simulates flight, which makes for a unique and immersive feeling.  You’ll appreciate the technology that goes into these attractions, but more than that, you’ll love seeing how technology can improve lives, as shown in the Stark Expo. This exhibition showcases a legacy to change the world for the better through inventions. 

Hyperspace Mountain

There’s no other ride at Hong Kong Disneyland more thrilling than Hyperspace Mountain. Formerly known as Space Mountain, the fast-paced ride has been rebranded and updated to incorporate a Star Wars storyline – Disney truly getting their money’s worth from the franchise. Located in Tomorrowland, this indoor roller coaster blasts you along plenty of tight turns and loops as you dodge blaster shots fired between X-wings and imperial Tie fighters. 

Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars

This relatively new addition to the theme park is a popular one for thrill seekers. Big Grizzly features plenty of big twists, dips, faux explosions and a, spoiler alert, surprise reverse backward drop and where they take a cheeky photograph. 

Mystic Manor

In all Disney fashion, this is a state-of-the-art ride, where the carriages bring you through a whirlwind of special effects and surprises. The "Magneto Electric Carriage", Lord Herny's own invention of course, is one of Disney's most technological advanced and sophisticated rides ever implemented.

And this is where you overhear a tiny little voice behind you gleefully declare:

“Tang ina, kilala ko lahat ng Disney Princesses.”

It’s where you suddenly get teary-eyed while watching a spectacular staging of The Lion King. The play is based in the Lion King movie and tells the story of Simba. It is mainly in English, with little snippets in Cantonese.

The Festival of the Lion King is fantastic --  the music, the acrobatics, the costumes, the stage, the choreography, the interaction with the public -- it all combines to offer a truly spectacular production. It feels like being in Broadway without spending hundreds of dollars in tickets.

Concluding every day with a bang, the nightly fireworks above the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is a spectacle to behold and are an Instagrammer’s dream. Set to classic Disney tunes like When You Wish Upon a Star and Be Our Guest with breathtaking light and colour effects projected on to the facade of the castle, the show is a real life happy ending each night.

To call it the ultimate playground is not hyperbole; it’s a statement of fact.

HK Disneyland is dedicated to making dreams come true. But more than the amazing rides, the fantastic parades and all the other delights that come your way, what you ultimately amass at the end of the day is much more vital. You leave the park with a treasure trove of memories: bonding with friends over familiar sounds and stories. Basically, of having one of the best times of your life with people that matter the most. Gotta love my HK crew!

[onlinefriednoodles]

Pursuit in Mobility - Reviews and Comparisons of selected Architectural Exhibition

*This is a course assignment (´・ω・`)

*This is a course assignment (´・ω・`)

*This is a course assignment (´・ω・`)

2. Mobility

2.1 Emblem of Freedom

 A house in general, is a covered structure on a piece of given land. Under such definition, how can human pursue the maximum freedom in the given space? The project in Weissenhof Estate, Stuttgart was one of the possible answer given by Le Corbusier, by adapting the new construction technologies. Mobility could be seen everywhere in this specific project: in the sketches of “four compositions”, the no.3 described as “Cubic composition” was the “House in Stuttgart”. [Fig.1] One can observe clearly that the spatial quality was already more mobile than other sketches, for that the sketch has strong emphasis on the pilotis and the free spaces around the central closed hatch, even more obvious than the sketch below indicated the later and more famous Villa Savoye.

 Fig.1 Le Corbusier: Four Compositions

And it is “à propos of the Werkbund exhibition in Stuttgart that Le Corbusier formulated his ‘Five Points of a New Architecture’.”[1] The concept of lifting up the building has distinctly influenced from cars. “A house like a car”, the radical and enthusiastic man “defined the type-elements of a house”.[2] The most critical pilotis are exactly playing the same character as tires of vehicles, the key element that frees the house from the fixed ground. Flat roofs, ribbon windows… All these typical elements that construct a car, then had been introduced into housing. He went so far that some criticism described the house as “a nomadic tent of concrete and glass.”[3]

 Mobility at that time, conceivably, meant the more changeable and non-restricted boundary of spaces and unblocked connections within the give sites. From the technical drawings for the houses [Fig.2 and Fig.3], it is lucid that unlike in the traditional houses with tight and thick divisions of rooms, people were welcome to move inside the house as they wish, just as moving from one carriage to another during a journey on the train. However, ironically, the long and linear 70-cm-wide corridor in the paired house, “of the same width as the corridor in every railroad car in the world”, caused so much inconvenience in practical use. “In practice, this ‘emergency corridor’ was hardly ever used.”[4] The master architect put so much attention to a perfect visual quality to achieve Mobility as that in cars, and somehow in a way, lost his well-known principles of a comfortable human scale in details. But his manifesto of the Five Points did become an Emblem of Freedom in architectural world and soon has been regarded part of the principles to define an architecture as modern or not.

   Fig.2 & 3: Le Corbusier: Drawings of HOUSE 13, 14, 15

2.2    Integrated in the House

 Perhaps because of a main background of industrial design, despite the tentative plan of making 1-to-1-scale exhibitions, at the outset the committee of House Vision had never thought to make permanent projects as Stuttgart. Even the latest House Vision 3 in Beijing turned to make more realistic and generally more house-like models, the whole series of exhibitions are more like a large installation expo. The House Vision 1 in Tokyo, was “imagined as an open space of approximately 15,000 square meters…an event venue with a roof”, with the theme of “Build Houses in New Common Senses”.

“It is the ‘House’ that House Vision wants to present, but concentration on displaying the interior rather than architectures for competing appearance.”[5]

 No wonder that the whole venue arranged by Kengo Kuma was just like an ultra-transparent factory, with single level pavilions simply constructed using relatively thin square steels, all completed in two weeks. [Fig.4] But coincidentally, the open pavilions became a great opportunity of showing a house with a new definition of Mobility, and similarly the car again got its central spot in the design concept. Honda is the world’s largest motorbike maker all the time from 1959, and well-known for its empire of vehicles and robotics. The company has developed a complete product line of light-weight mechanical assistants for close range movement, even the very short and frequent movements indoor. Collaborating with Sou Fujimoto, they tried to integrate the whole system into the pavilion and make “the movement tools as part of the house”.[6]

Fig.4 HARA Kenya: Layout of HOUSE VISION 1

The design team elucidated their disagreement of making the house “a shelter that separate interior from exterior, individual from the public.”[7] The pure white pavilion had three layers of the convex roof with same angle of slope, indicating 3 layers of spaces: the interior, the semi-interior and the exterior.[Fig.5] Correspondingly the interior programs were fairly simple: a bedroom, a bathroom, an open kitchen with long dining table, and the surrounding and continue corridor-like spaces for gardening and relaxation. [Fig.6] The light-weight vehicles were scattered all over the house, instructing the recommended situations of usage, for instance the UNI-CUB was parking quietly near the dining table as part of the chairs, revealing the possible scene that resident can use it to move to the table and remain seated to have meals. [Fig.7] Green is the most eye-catching bright color in this project: large panels of plant walls were used to define rooms rather than fixed closed walls; potted plants were set to create an environmental friendly impression.

Fig.5: Sou FUJIMOTO: Sections of the House of Mobility and Energy

Fig.6 : Sou FUJIMOTO: Drawings of the House of Mobility and Energy

Fig.7: Nacasa&Partners Inc. : Photos of the House of Mobility and Energy

From the diagrams and descriptions provided by the design team, one can clearly see that they wanted to create seamless transit between indoor and outdoor, or furthermore attempted to turn the transit system into part of the energy system for the house. [Fig.8] In his article in the documentation book, Sou Fujimoto described the ideal future as follows:

 “Henceforth, if the robotic technology could continue to develop, maybe one day, things like air chairs will surround us, following the calling commands and let us sit whenever we want. And furniture would move all over around as well; appliances would fly to people when they want to use them. Through the communication between human and machines, the wonderful world will keep spreading; the boundary of human and furniture, and of human and space will turn to invisible.”[8]

 Fig.8: Honda: Concept Diagram for the House of Mobility and Energy

2.3    Land, City, Planet

 It seems kind of natural that the narrative in China turned so grand and massive, considering Chinese tend to think on a larger scale. The theme for China House Vision was “New Gravity”, as a metaphor of the dramatically changing social reform and the uncertain future the country is facing. Kengo Kuma expressed his expectation in the foreword: “I look forward to seeing the new trend shaking the traditional concept of ‘House’.”[9] Following the guideline, LI Hu, the Lead Architect of OPEN Architecture, chose an exaggerated way to study his “New Gravity”---- the gravity on Mars. In the interview of Kenya Hara, Yung Ho Chang and LI Hu, he explained his concern for the environment, a popular topic in East Asia and the world:

 “… A similar effort on our other public project, to express our rethink to the current time, and try to convey some message to the public---- that human activities have caused irreparable damage to Earth, to this situation what can we do? Constantly thinking such questions, we therefore want to challenge the life pattern in extreme environment. We proposed building a ‘House’ on Mars, and actually through this ‘House’, asking audience a completely opposite question: Are we really going to Mars? In what way can we avoid going? ”[10]

Thus the MARS Case was born, and Mobility changed from movement among places in the city scale, to the mobility of the house itself. Actually nowadays going to Mars is not an unfamiliar issue anymore, profit-seeking entrepreneurs love to talk about applying their products in the outer space, among whom Elon Musk is one of the most standing. To make their proposal distinct from the other travelling capsule, the design team proposed the House as “a collection of Appliances; in other word, create a home by the linkage of appliance”[11], probably due to the collaboration with Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics company with strong determination to develop industrial ecosphere for home automation.

 The MARS Case consisted of two part: a fixed small high-tech metal-shelled space with all the utilities and a bubble space for living. [Fig.9] As for the fixed part, the team decided the space in a scale of 2.4x2.4x2m for fulfilling minimal living standards, meanwhile all the appliances were embedded on the wall, including kitchen tools, a toilet, air conditioners, a washing machine, etc. According to their concept, the bubble, made of shape-memory material in near future, shall be able to be folded and the whole structure would turn into “a Suitcase”, perfect for interplanetary journeys. After setting up on the campsite of the new planet, the bubble can provide volcano-shaped windows for vision connection with exterior, and the extended space for sleeping and relaxing. Though designed in an isolated way, the team did not give up on making community. In the perspective rendering provided [Fig.10], a possible form of linkage was shown to suggest assumption of collective living and formation of a “smart community” under extreme conditions. LI Hu wanted the house to be not only a suitcase, but also a prototype that in the future people can consider to use as mobile homes in vocations.

Fig.9: OPEN Architecture: Concept Drawing of MARS Case

Fig.10:  OPEN Architecture: Concept Drawing of MARS Case

Compared with the previous two projects, the MARS Case has a much stronger tendency to depict a utopian future. Despite the opposite question the architect wanted the audience to rethink, the option of not going to Mars, the team actually tried to picture a perfect plan with smallest living space and simultaneously maintaining the comfort. The mobility within the house was regarded less important; even the mobility of appliances was restricted in a way, because the space was too small and too fixed to make any further personal adjustment. In exchange, the mobility of the house has been greatly emphasized; at least in the proposal people would be capable to take “the suitcases” along travels from stars to stars. From a piece of land, to cities, to the outer spaces, architects finally could not resisted the concept of Mobility planet-widely.

[1] Kirsch, K., Kirsch, G., & Britt, D., The Weissenhofsiedlung: Experimental housing built for the Deutscher Werkbund, Stuttgart (New York: Rizzoli, 1927), 111.

[2] Kirsch, K., Kirsch, G., & Britt, D., The Weissenhofsiedlung: Experimental housing built for the Deutscher Werkbund, Stuttgart (New York: Rizzoli, 1927), 114.

[3] Kirsch, K., Kirsch, G., & Britt, D., The Weissenhofsiedlung: Experimental housing built for the Deutscher Werkbund, Stuttgart (New York: Rizzoli, 1927), 117.

[4] Kirsch, K., Kirsch, G., & Britt, D., The Weissenhofsiedlung: Experimental housing built for the Deutscher Werkbund, Stuttgart (New York: Rizzoli, 1927), 114.

[5] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2013 TOKYO EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,12

[6] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2013 TOKYO EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,62

[7] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2013 TOKYO EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,44

[8] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2013 TOKYO EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,46.

[9] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2018 BEIJING EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,14

[10] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2018 BEIJING EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,27

[11] Kenya HARA, Executive committee of HOUSE VISION (2018). HOUSE VISION 2018 BEIJING EXHIBITION, China: CITIC Press Corporation,70

[mrdaps]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 15, 2017) – Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world as it continues to revolutionize the guest experience, starting from before guests even arrive for a Disney vacation to the many memories that last a lifetime.

  Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts and gave a sneak peek at much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

  In addition to the announcement that Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland Park tonight, two nights early in honor of the Expo, fans were treated to a glimpse of the new “Beauty and the Beast” musical production coming to the Disney Dream on Disney Cruise Line, currently in production in Toronto, and a special one-night-only medley of nostalgic entertainment numbers showcasing the heritage of Disney Parks.

  “On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

  From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favorites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled vacation destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

  Immersive Theme Park Experiences and Attractions

  An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

  Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed

Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase. Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

  More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom

Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience. The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

  Chapek also announced that the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a new live entertainment theater coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.

  Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth

In addition to announcing the summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, where the pier will take on a brand new look as more favorite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

 As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park – and the fan favorite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

  Disney Cruise Line to Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023

  Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

  Immersive Hotel Concepts

  Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney. To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

  Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

  Leading up to the July 17 opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Chapek also announced the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.

  Seamless Transportation Options

  Completing the immersion so guests never have to leave the story while on a Disney vacation, Chapek announced plans that will make getting around Walt Disney World Resort even more fun. An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do, giving guests an even more seamless resort vacation from start to finish.

  Additionally, a whole new transportation system called Disney Skyliner will give guests a birds-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. This brand new system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, as well as the proposed new Disney Riviera Resort, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

  Honoring the Heritage of Disney Parks

  In a memorable tribute to the legacy of beloved attractions, entertainment and characters, fans enjoyed a special one-time-only performance of entertainment numbers from Disney Parks through the years. Following the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Chapek hinted there are even more fan favorites in store from Disney Parks’ storied past.

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) MICKEY MOUSE, MINNIE MOUSE, BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

DISNEY PARKS AT D23 EXPO 2017 – Saturday, July 15, 2017 – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, California. The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) BOB CHAPEK (CHAIRMAN, DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS)

Line-Up of Experiences Coming to Disney Parks and Resorts Announced At D23 ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 15, 2017) – Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world as it continues to revolutionize the guest experience, starting from before guests even arrive for a Disney vacation to the many memories that last a lifetime.

[virginiaovers]

Things to Do in Okinawa

From the sacred Seifa-Utaki to the underwater observatory at Busena Marine Park, there are many things to do in Okinawa during your visit.

Our family took a trip to Okinawa – the most southern islands of Japan last December.  Since it was winter time, we didn’t get to enjoy the famed beautiful sandy beaches but there are so many things to do in Okinawa.  From visiting the caves at Okinawa World to seeing the giant whale sharks at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, we got to experience the many personalities of Okinawa and of course, ate all different types of Okinawan food.

Nami will be sharing Okinawan recipes on the blog as I shared our travel experience in Okinawa.  Hopefully, our travel tips will come in handy when you are ready to visit this island paradise.

For this travel series, we’ll share the following posts:

Okinawa World – おきなわワールド (recipe – Rafute)

Ocean Expo Park and Ryukyu Village – 海洋博物館・琉球村 (recipe – Sata Andagi)

Shuri Castle and Nakagusuku Castle – 首里城 & 中城城 (recipe – Taco Rice)

Kokusai Dori, Shikinaen, Busena Marine Park, and Peace Museums – 国際通り, 識名園, ブセナ海中公園 (recipe – Okinawa Soba)

Okinawa food, rental car, and accommodations

Watch Journey to Okinawa (沖縄) Travel Highlights

Last December, our family traveled to Okinawa (沖縄) the most southern island of Japan and had an amazing time.

Things to Do in Okinawa

We were originally planning on sharing 4 travel posts on Okinawa; however, as Nami and I were going through the photos we wanted to share, we decided to expand it to one more post as there are too much to share.

For today’s post, we’ll visit from beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites to underwater observatory.  Are you ready for a whirlwind tour of things to do in Okinawa?  Let’s go!

Sefa-Utaki (sacred site) – UNESCO World Heritage site

Shikinaen 識名園

Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園

Orion Happy Park オリオンハッピーパーク

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park 平和祈念公園

Himeyuri Peace Museum ひめゆり平和祈念資料館

Kokusai Dori 国際通り

Yomitan Pottery Village やちむんの里

Seifa-Utaki 斎場御嶽

Seifa-Utaki is located on the lower east coast of Okinawa and about 45 min by car from Naha City.  We visited Seifa-Utaki after we explored the caves at Okinawa World as it’s only 20 min away.

Seifa-Utaki is recognized as a World Heritage site and considered the most sacred site by the Ryukyu Kingdom throughout their history.  This is the location where Amamikyu, goddess of creation, came to earth to give birth and populate the islands with her people.  Within Seifa-Utaki, there are six sanctuaries for worship.

Sangui rock formation,

Kudaka Island can be seen through the forest.

Click to enlarge map.

Shikinaen 識名園

Shikinaen was the second largest royal palace after Shuri Castle.  Completely destroyed during WWII, it’s been beautifully restored and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園

During our visit to Okinawa, we didn’t get to spend on the beach since it was winter, but we did get to experience firsthand its gorgeous clear blue ocean.  We rode the glass bottom boat at Busena Marine Park and stepped into the underwater observatory to observe the abundant ocean life that surrounds the island.

Busena Marine Park is connected to Busena Terrace Hotel and they actually share the parking lot.  You could walk to the boat dock from the parking lot or take the free shuttle.  It’s about a 15 min walk or 5 min shuttle ride.

Busena Marine Park free shuttle.

On the day we visited, it was around 3 pm and the waves were quite high and choppy.  In fact, they had to shut down the rides shortly after ours was complete.  If you plan on visiting, check their website for the weather and wave conditions.  During the boat ride, the operator drops fish food from the front of the boat so the fish would swim nearby (we recommend to find seats toward the front).  You could easily see the bottom of the clear ocean through the glass.

Besides the fish, we did a quite a lot of sea snakes as well which was unusual.  Yikes!

Right near the boat ride was the underwater observatory.  Visitors get to go inside an underground to observe the ocean life nearby.  The tower is located 550 feet (170 meters) away from the shore.

Click to enlarge map.

Orion Happy Park オリオンハッピーパーク

Besides Okinawa awamori (泡盛) and habu snake liquor, another famous Okinawa drink is the Orion Beer.  Orion was founded in 1957 in Okinawa and differentiates itself as American-style beer.  It’s one of my favorite Japanese beer as it’s light and has a uniquely refreshing flavor profile compared to Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin.

As you know, we love visiting food factories (Read Kikkoman Factory Tour) and help our children learn how things are made, we visited Orion Happy Park.  The tour takes visitors through its beer production facility, and introduce the ingredients and beer that go into making its beer.

All the Orion beer in the world are brewed at this single plant.

At the end of the tour, visitors are given a drink for free.  If you’re a driver, you’re identified at the beginning of the tour and you will not be allowed to consume an alcoholic beverage.  There are soft drinks available for children and drivers.

Orion Happy Park is located towards the northern part of the island, we stopped by after visiting Busena Marine Park.

Click to enlarge map.

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park 平和祈念公園

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park was built to memorialize those who sacrificed their lives in WWII and promote everlasting world peace.  The park consists of the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, The Okinawa Peace Hall, and The Cornerstone of Peace Monuments.

The location of the museum is where the Battle of Okinawa came to the end.  You can see remanent unexploded bombs still in the ground today.

Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

The bloodiest battles fought during WWII was on Okinawa.  The battles impacted the island particularly hard because of its large civilian population compared to battles on other islands that were uninhibited.  The number of civilian death was almost 30% of the Okinawa population and outnumber the military casualties.  During the “Typhoon of Steel” battle which lasted for 90 days, the total civilian and military casualties were over 240,000.

Looking at the beautiful ocean and scenery that surrounds the park today, it’s difficult to imagine the intense fighting that happened in the very same place during the war.

The Cornerstone of Peace Monuments.

The Okinawa Peace Hall

Within the Peace Memorial Park, there was a children’s playground where our family spent a bit of time to relax and enjoy the park.

Click to enlarge map.

Himeyuri Peace Museum ひめゆり平和祈念資料館

Another museum related to WWII that we visited was Himeyuri Peace Museum.  It was dedicated to the 240 teachers and female students who performed their duties as nurses and helped the Japanese soldiers who were wounded during the war.  227 out of the 240 lost their lives during the war over a short 3 months.

Diagram of the underground cave used as makeshift hospitals.

The opening of the cave.

During the visit, we walked through the museum to see the exhibitions and watched a short movie on Himeyuri girls and what they went through during the war.  It was heartbreaking to see what these high school girls went through and how most of them perished due to unreasonable military orders.

There is a full-scale cave diorama inside the museum so visitors can understand the difficult conditions these high school girls had to endure.

Click to enlarge map.

Kokusai Dori 国際通り

If you have time at night and looking for things to do in Okinawa, one of the busiest streets in Naha City is Kokusai Dori (International Street).  The road is full of shops ranging from local souvenirs and snacks, restaurants, and also the entrances to the famed First Makishi Public Market.  Take some time to browse the shops and take in the Okinawa nightlife.

Yomitan Pottery Village やちむんの里

Our last stop for things to do in Okinawa is Yomitan Pottery Village.  Okinawa is well known for its long history of Tsuboya pottery.  The Yomitan Pottery Village was formed in the 1970s when potters were forced to move from Naha City (Tsuboya District 壺屋) due to the smoke from their kiln.  Today over 40 artists work on their craft and showcase their products at Yomitan Pottery Village.

  Yomitan Pottery Village is not far from Ryukyu Mura so if you have some time, make a quick stop and check out the beautiful Okinawan style ceramics.  If you don’t have time to make it out to Yomitan Pottery Village, head over to Tsuboya Odori in downtown and check out the ceramic shops and Naha Municipal Tsuboya Pottery Museum.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our quick guide to things to do in Okinawa.  Before we went to Okinawa, we were aware of the famed aquarium, beautiful blue water, and rich culture.  What we didn’t weren’t aware of was the devastation the island and its people went through during WWII and their strong pledge towards world peace.  The memorials were great for us to teach our children why we should all work together for a peaceful world and make it a better place for all citizens.

For the next and final post, we’ll share the unique Okinawan dishes we ate and other travel tips.  If are interested in our other travel posts, you can view them here.

The post Things to Do in Okinawa appeared first on Just One Cookbook.

Things to Do in Okinawa published first on https://zenramensushi.tumblr.com/

[junichiroishii]

Group and Selected Exhibition

>> 日本語

2024.

“African Art in Kyoto 2024 - EXPO PRE-EVENT” Sennyu-ji Temple Shariden, Kyoto, Japan "To the Sea, with Her Names" KIKA gallery, Kyoto / HIGURE 17-15 cas, Tokyo, Japan "Shared Memory" CerModern, Ankara, Turkey

2023.

"Fantasy Island" Tri-bowl, Incheon, South Korea "STRANGE THINGS" Alšova jihočeská galerie, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic “Balls for Meditation” Gallery TOM, Tokyo, Japan

2022.

"Wilgefortis" Online Group Exhibition

2021.

"Ｃ y c l e ―　Reincarnation　―" Space TaTE 680, Kyoto, Japan "If a wood falls in a forest…" HIGURE 17-15 cas, Tokyo, Japan

2020.

"cosmopolitan" KIKA gallery, Kyoto, Japan

2019.

"TODAY IS YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW" HIGURE 17-15 cas, Tokyo, Japan "ART-BRUT-ALL" DOX - Center for Contemporary Art, Prague, Czech Republic "SPURT" Galerie Aube, Kyoto University of Art and Design, Kyoto, Japan "YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW IS TODAY" VBKÖ, Vienna, Austria

2018.

"Stone Money and Tilted Clock" Galerie Aube, Kyoto University of Art and Design, Kyoto, Japan "15 ANS" 2angles, Flers, Normandy, France "Kronstadt Stories-3. Slowness" Museum of history / Museum of printing, St.Petersburg, Russia "Transit Response" S13, Kyoto University of Art and Design, Kyoto, Japan

2017.

"ART-BRUT-ALL" Josefov fortress, Jaroměř / Michal mine, Ostrava, Czech Republic

2016.

"SCULPTURE LINE" Prague, Czech Republic "Global Village" Landshut, Germany "Luminale 2016" Asian Art Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

2015.

"Geumgang Nature Art Pre-Biennale 2015 - Between Heaven & Earth" Gongju, South Korea "ZUKUNST 2015 - Rendez-vous v lužním lese" Galerie Reistna, Valtice, Czech Republic "JARDINS DE VOYAGEURS" Saline Royale, Arc-et-Senans, Franche-Comté, France

2014.

"Medzicentrum V" Nástupište 1-12, Topoľčany, Slovakia

2013.

"Je-Ra-Han Art Workshop ‘Field’“ Jeju Horse Park, Gasiri, Jeju, South Korea "ONEPLUSONEPLUSONEPLUSONE” SeMA Nanji Exhibition Hall, Seoul, South Korea "3rd YATOO-i Exhibition" Fabric 126 Gallery / Veliko Tarnovo University, Sofia, Bulgaria

2012.

"HP - Horse Power" Jeju Horse Museum, Gasiri, Jeju, South Korea "2nd Unexpected Communication" UAP, Sfântu Gheorghe / Siló, Miercurea Ciuc, Rumania "ARTSEA 2012" Self-governing city of Poti, Georgia "7ème Festival Cahors Juin Jardins" Parc Philippe Gaubert, Cahors, Midi-Pyrénées, France "Réactif n°4" 2angles, Flers, Normandy, France

2011.

"ComPeung Revisited 2007-2012" Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Chang Mai, Thailand "Unexpected Communication" YATOO Nature Art Center, Gongju, South Korea "YATOO -Wongol International Residence Program" Wongol, Gongju, South Korea "Juncion Box" Mohsen Gallery / Atbin Art Gallery / Parking Projects, Tehran, Iran "Sentier Arte e Natura" Queyras, Alps, France / Val Varaita, Piemont, Italy

2010.

"6ème Étangs d'art" Iffendic, Brittany, France "Printemps des Poètes" Salon de lecture J. Kerchache, musée du quai Branly, Paris, France

2009.

"Utopia - Interpretation of New Era" OX warehouse, Macau SAR, China

2008.

"ART-IST : 18th Istanbul Art Fair" TUYAP, Istanbul, Turkey "HISTOIRES D'EAUX - HISTOIRES D'ART" Gréoux les Bains, Provence, France

2007.

"Never Been to Teheran" 8 places in Iran / Turkey / USA / New Zealand / Denmark / Germany "Time to See" ES KONSEPT, Istanbul, Turkey "Horizons : Rencontres - Arts Nature 2007" Chastreix-Sancy, Auvergne, France

2006.

"7th OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION" Ssamzie Space, Seoul, South Korea

2005.

"Project Standing by OOO" Kwan-Hoon Gallery, Seoul, South Korea "BRAVO!“ GA Gallery, Seoul, South Korea / HIGURE 17-15 cas, Tokyo, Japan "ART-ALAN II” KargART, Istanbul, Turkey "Nam Nam Pouk Nyo" Gana Gallery, Seoul, South Korea "KOREAN-EYESED" Kwan-Hoon Gallery, Seoul, South Korea

2004.

"3 Three or more…" Young-Eun Museum of Contemporary Art, Kwangju, South Korea "F. L. O. W - Anyang River Project" supplement space Stone&Water, Anyang, South Korea

2003.

"Traffic : Art Exchange" Fukuoka Art Museum / Kitakyushu Municipal Museum, Fukuoka, Japan

2002.

"Nakatsue Art Camp 2002 - Borders and Change" Nakatsue, Oita, Japan "34th Nishinihon Art Exhibition" ISHIBASHI Museum of Art, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan

2001.

"Nakatsue Art week 2001 - Only one and Friendship" Nakatsue, Oita, Japan "8th Beppu Contemporary Art Exhibition" BEPPU Art Museum, Beppu, Oita, Japan

2000.

"Culture Crush" Amicas Gallery / ACROS Gallery / Saibu-GAS Gallery, Fukuoka, Japan "Impression of 2000" Saibu-GAS Gallery, Fukuoka, Japan

[whybuypropertyindubai]

Reasons To Buy Property In Dubai

Dubai is one of the most occurring locations on earth and not just in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in which it is found. Additionally, there are two other cities in the UAE that are recognized across the world for the amenities they provide -- Abu Dhabi and Sharjah -- but they don't really compare Dubai in any manner at all. It's like Dubai is on another plane when you compare it to the remaining so-called leading cities of the Middle East, let alone the UAE. There are many reasons as to why you need to own property over here.

One of the initial reasons as to why you need to purchase a property in Dubai is due to Expo 2020. This is another edition of the World Expo, among the most famous events on the world. It's supposed to draw around 25 million people from as many as 180 nations. The statement that the Expo will be held in Dubai has already helped the in-house sector do well. Investors that are buying properties located close to the venue for the event are expected to find substantial returns on their investment.

This also suggests that there could be millions of people who would come in and would like to rent the property then. This would also indicate that there would be high demand for lease and this way for a landlord you'd be in a better position to maneuver the prices also.

It was in 2016 which Dubai formed a ministry called the Ministry of Happiness. The principal responsibility of the ministry was to produce programs in addition to policies that could play an essential role in improving the amount of happiness among people residing in Dubai.

The investors are also aware that the growing population is very wise in regards to purchasing property so as to keep up with the rise in demand for lease.

The tourism sector here is booming

The town is filled with tourist places to go to. The other critical sectors, in this scenario, are commerce, various businesses, and business services.

The fact that new property projects and lodging facilities such as resorts are being erected means that the city's tourism sector is thriving.

It's the Museum of the Future

Here you have the ability to see what lies ahead by means of the most current and the best simulations in addition to exhibits that have a chance to be interactive in nature. The museum also has other attractions like scientific conferences. Aside from that, it gives high-level classes on the latest trends and accomplishments in science.

The memorial is expected to highlight solutions to the most crucial challenges which are confronting humanity right now as a consequence of climate change all over the world. These three challenges are water source, cities which are self explanatory, and food safety.

The reduced rate of crime

The odds of minor crimes too are actually less. Even if you've left your wallet in your car and that also in rather an evident manner you don't need to worry since the likelihood that it could be stolen is pretty less.

The Dubai Statistics Centre has just declared that compared to the population of 2.4 million people in January 2016 Dubai could have 5.2 million people by 2030.

Dubai is one city that's always looking to get better with respect to the infrastructure which it's in place for transport. Hyperloop One, a company located in the United States of America (USA) is right now developing a faster route of transport between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This will be the first working system to be built by a company on the planet. When this system becomes operational, individuals would have the ability to travel between the cities in pods which are likely to travel at speeds of 1200 mph.

This also means that as and if this project is up and running you would have the ability to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in only 12 minutes. As unbelievable as it might sound it's true indeed.

There are no annual property taxes over here

The biggest advantage of investing in the real estate market of Dubai is that you don't have to pay any taxes as well.

Including the residential properties in addition to their commercial counterparts. This means that after you get a property over here you wouldn't need to pay any additional taxes to the same.

Some other factors to be taken into Consideration

In addition, you need to take into consideration in this specific circumstance that the people of Dubai is growing and this is why so many property projects are being launched over here with such frequency that is ridiculous.

The Dubai Statistics Centre has just declared that compared to the population of 2.4 million people in January 2016 Dubai could have 5.2 million people by 2030. Dubai also happens to be a tourist's delight since it delivers a touring experience unlike any other on the planet.

• Desert safaris

• Spas

• Beaches

• Yacht communities

• Skydiving

• Water parks

There are distinct regions in town that provide several types of gourmet experiences that nobody would want to overlook. So, there's money to be made in this respect too.

[jeremystrele]

New Work From The Sculptor Who’s Gone Where None Have Gone Before

New Work From The Sculptor Who’s Gone Where None Have Gone Before

Art

by Elle Murrell

Andrew Rogers’ ‘Kairos’ exhibition is on now in Armadale. Photo – Gavin Hansford.

Installation view of ‘Kairos’ exhibition, featuring sculpture from 2003 to 2019. Photo – Gavin Hansford.

‘I Am-Energy’, 2017, Astana, Kazakhstan, bronze and stainless steel, 10.5 metres high, Commissioned as a permanent feature for Expo 2017 Future Energy. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

(left) Andrew in Spissky Hrad, Poprad, Slovakia. Climbing to an elevated position to locate a suitable site for ‘Sacred’. (right) Andrew working in foundry. Photos – courtesy of the artist and David Easton.

‘I Am’, 2012, Australian National Airport, Canberra, bronze, 7.5 metres high. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

(left) Andrew searching for petroglyphs in the US. The forms of the structures for the ‘Rhythms of Life’  are selected in consultation with local community elders and historians. The forms reflect the history and heritage of the local area. Often the forms of Rogers’ geoglyphs are of ancient petroglyphs or pictureglyphs found in the local area. (right) Andrew working in Foundry. Photos –  courtesy of the artist and David Easton.

‘Time and Space the Speed of Light’ was commissioned by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil. The structure consists of 420 tons of basalt shipped from Turkey to Spain. The tallest column is 10 metres high. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

(left) ‘Ascend’ 2004, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, granite, 6.5m high. (right) ‘Folded’, 2003, Point Leo Sculpture Park, bronze, 3 metres high. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

‘Sacred’ 2008, Spissky Hrad, Poprad, Slovakia, travertine, 100m x 100m. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

‘Sentinels’, 2017, Gibbs Farm, steel and black concrete, 15 meters high. Photo – courtesy of the artist.

Inside the current ‘Kairos’ exhibition at Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne. Photo – Gavin Hansford.

For Andrew Rogers, sculpting is a uniquely human function, melding our intelligence and imagination. ‘It is expressing an idea, the spirit of humanity, our essence and energy, and feelings and vision,’ he tells. Over a 37-year journey, this is certainly a practice he’s taken to the next level.

Always making things as a child, in secondary college, Andrew had the tuition of eminent Australian artist John Brack, who not only taught him to paint, but to ‘see clearly’. Although Andrew went on to study commerce/economics and was drawn into the world of business and international travel, Andrew began creating art as a personal project. Initially, he focussed on painting, before one day he had the chance to handle casts and small sculptures in the basement of the Musée Rodin, Paris – a life-changing moment!

Andrew has since gone on to become one of Australia’s most prolific modern-day sculptors. Installing 15 Sculptures in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, Gateway to the United Nations in New York has been a career highlight. He is also responsible for Rhythms of Life a phenomenal series of 51 stone structures, visible from space (you can take a Google Earth Tour or see the Australian work, Bunji at You Yangs Regional Park). Spanning 16 countries across seven continents, it has involved more than 7,500 people over 16 years. Inspired by the Nazca Lines in Peru, Andrew set out to make ‘a connected set of drawings on Earth’ referencing globalisation, sculpture philosophies, and superstitions surrounding the lifeline in the crease of our palms.

Other large-scale public works have explored the human potential for inhuman behaviour (Pillars of Witness holocaust memorial), recognised cultural heritage (including a Machu Picchu installation, for which he was granted honorary citizenship and reincarnation as an Inca), as well as tested materials, design and construction against the increasingly-wild elements (I Am-Energy for the 2017 Expo Future Energy in Kazakstan, where temperatures range from -35C to 45C).

‘Sculptures become part of culture and part of the society in which they exist. As a sculptor, you have great opportunity and responsibility to participate in the formation of a culture, and creation of the excitement and differentiation that make space interesting. At the same time, you are able to express something that is personal and unique,’ explains the 72-year-old artist. ‘For me, the challenge is to make materials say what you want. To use them in new and different ways to convey meaning and to portray form in a manner that has not previously been seen.’

This month in Melbourne, the artist is presenting Kairos at Scott Livesey Galleries in Armadale, Melbourne. Sharing its title with the Greek word for ‘the right, critical, or opportune moment for action’, this exhibition is ‘about the diversity of sculpture and the challenge of creating new forms’. It brings together a diverse array of work, created from 2003 to 2019 in Melbourne and the US. Predominantly featuring stainless steel sculptures, there are also select pieces in bronze and others employing polychrome, polyamide, and enamel – Andrew enjoys the challenge of unruly materials and to incorporate new technologies.

‘It is special to capture the world’s vibrancy and beauty, to perceive an idea and bring it into being with one’s hands. I still get excited with this process which, distilled down, is about manipulating space with the forms that occupy it,’ adds Andrew. ‘My forms are metaphors about life; they explore our state of reality – motion and time. Fleeting moments; a passing instant,’ You’ve got 10 more days to see Kairos, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity.

Kairos by Andrew Rogers May 1st to 25th 909A High Street Armadale, Victoria

Find out more about Andrew’s projects on his website, or through the array of brilliant books and documentaries listed here