#European River Cruise

[fandomsandfeminism]

Yall wanna hear a kinda funny, kinda sad story about my grandmother and hetero-normativity?

Ok, so... when my grandmother was in her 50s (I was an infant), she met a woman at the Unitarian Church. And, as can happen when you meet your soul mate, this event made it impossible for her to deny parts of herself that she had fiercely hidden her whole life.

All the drama- their affair being found out, the divorce with my grandfather, the court battle over who got the house, happened while I was a baby. Even in my earliest memories, it's just Mama Jo and Oma, and my grandfather lived elsewhere (first his own apartment, then a nursing home, then with us.)

But here's the thing- no one ever explained any of this to me. No one ever sat down and was like "hey, Rosie, so do you know what a lesbian is?" It was the 90s. It was Texas. I think my mom was still kinda processing all this, and just assumed that like... I was gonna figure it out. Don't mention it, let it just be normal. Like I think my mom thought that if she explained the situation, she would be making it weird? I dunno.

But like. In the 90s, in all the movies I had seen and books I had read, do you know how many same sex couples I had seen? Like. 0. Do you know how many "platonic best friend/roommates" I had seen? A lot. I had no context, is what I'm saying.

I literally thought this was a Golden Girls, roommates, besties situation until I was like...I dunno, 11? 12?

It was actually their parrot, an African Grey named Spike, imitating my grandmothers voice saying "Johanna, honey, it's getting late", that triggered the MIND BLOWN moment as I realized that *there's only one master bedroom and it only has 1 waterbed* when all the pieces finally clicked.

Anyway. I think it's a real important thing for kids to know queer people exist, for a lot of reasons, but also because kids can be clueless and it's embarrassing to have your grandmother be outted by a parrot because everyone just thought you'd figure it out on your own.

Anyway, here is my grandma and her wife, my Oma, after they moved to Albuquerque to be artsy gay cowboys and live their best life. They helped run a "Lesbian Dude Ranch" out there (basically just with funding and financial support. As Oma has explained "traditionally, most lesbians don't have a lot of money" so they wrote the checks and let the younger ladies actually run the ranch.)

[shutterandsentence]

“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”

― Shannon Hale 

Photo: Rhineland, Germany

[savvytravelers]

European Wine Culture

Experience the rich European wine culture with Savvy Travelers, exploring the traditions and regions that produce the world’s best wines!

[goforlesstours]

Are you ready to embark on a journey through one of the world's most renowned wine regions? Avalon Waterways is thrilled to announce their latest addition to their river cruise itineraries for 2025: Bordeaux, France. Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty, rich history, and exquisite flavors of this iconic destination.

[mayflowercruisesandtours]

Mayflower Cruises and Tours

Address: 650 Warrenville Rd Ste. 500 Lisle, IL 60532

Phone: 800-323-7604

Website: https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/

Mayflower Cruises & Tours, LLC, is a division of the Scenic Group, located in Lisle, IL. Celebrating 40 years of business in 2019, Mayflower’s mission is to create Life Enriching Experiences and give travelers the trip of a lifetime at each destination. Since 1979, the team at Mayflower has been providing individual and group guided cruise and tour arrangements within the United States and around the World.

[runawaywidow]

The Best 15 Day Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam

An honest review of The 15 Day Grand European Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam

[cruiseplan]

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Sail the greatest rivers in the world 

[emotionally-cuckolded]

Needless to say, the teasing and ridicule your are subjected to by your co-workers is relentless. Even after all this time -- after you and others have sat through the experience of hearing the sounds of their couplings almost two hundred times -- the shame you feel on those days is intense. Early on you tried begging with her to stop, or at least to meet him somewhere else, but she had just laughed at your discomfort and refused. At work, people now often refer to you simply as “cuckold”, and one day -- about four months after their routine had started -- someone left a desk placard on your desk that said “Office Cuckold”. And during the “secret santa” event this past year, you were given a t-shirt that said that and people were beside themselves laughing as they took pictures of you wearing it.

The one significant change in their routine is that about two months ago he had started dating her on weekends -- usually taking her to dinners as his date when meeting his friends for social evenings. She then spends the night at his place. He has also now asked her to spend his summer vacation with him on a European river cruise. You’ve begun to worry that their relationship is becoming much more than just sex -- that you’re starting to lose her to him.

[goingknowherewastaken]

By "certain cruises" I mean a gulf cruise vs Alaskan vs a European river cruise for example. Or a theme cruise (Disney, star trek, ...) vs a non themed cruise.

Please reblog to help with responses and feel free to specify in the tags about your preference 💜

[tollingreminiscentbells]

This is not my usual tumblr nonsense, but I was talking to someone on the ferry back to Aomori about places in Japan that I particularly love. So in case any of you are planning a trip, in no particular order, these are my current top 5 places in Japan.

Ise, Mie Prefecture (location of the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto site. Visit the outer and inner shrines, check out the Meoto Iwa/married rocks, eat udon and mochi, and buy some pearls.)

Iya Valley, Tokushima Prefecture (one of the most remote places in Japan. Take a river cruise through the Oboke Gorge, visit a historic village, walk across one of the vine bridges, and eat soba. Caveat: best experienced with a car.)

Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture (walk up the 1,000 steps to Yama-Dera, relax at Ginzan Onsen or Zao Onsen, go to the Three Mountains of Dewa, eat beef and cherries, if they're in season. If it's winter and this is your thing: ski.)

Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture (visit Matsumoto Castle, which is original not a reconstruction, go to the art museum and the ukiyo-e museum, check out the historic shopping streets, cafe hop, eat oyaki and soba.)

Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture (see the view from Mt. Hakodate, check out Motomachi, the old European quarter, walk around Goryokaku Park, eat seafood at the morning market, and don't skip the milk flavor ice cream. Hokkaido is famous for dairy.)

You may have noticed that there are food recommendations attached to all of them. Everywhere in Japan has at least one local speciality that you are contractually obligated to eat. I don't make the rules.

[lonestarbattleship]

USS ARKANSAS (BB-33) on the Nieuwe Maas River within the background of the Fijenoord Shipyard. ARKANSAS was visiting European ports during her summer Midshipmen cruise in 1924.

Posted by Gottfried Alexander van der Horst to "The Big Gun: Battleships, Battlecruisers, & Monitors" Facebook group page: link

[burlveneer-music]

The Ironsides - Changing Light - lush cinematic soul, with orchestra (Colemine Records)

The Ironsides have arrived. Changing Light is the first full-length effort from this masterful collective of Bay Area musicians. It melds classic psych-soul sounds with sweeping orchestral arrangements – reminiscent of a cinematic soundtrack from a 60s European film. Inspired by the soundtracks and library music of European composers during the 60's and 70's, the Ironsides set out to create a collection of lush songs that evoke a diverse range of feelings, emotions, and memories. The Ironsides enlisted the help of Lou King, a New York based maestro, who had previously made arrangements for Max Ramey (Bassist). Once the tunes were ready to go, the band started contacting the local musicians who would bring them to life. “We hired a group of Bay Area working musicians,” Max explained. “Many of them play a range of music, from jazz to classical, in clubs and orchestras. Using these local musicians was really important to us.” The Changing Light evokes strong imagery of an open road, a breathtaking view, and scenes of a vast landscape begging to be explored. Cruise up the coast, where sweeping orchestral arrangements rise and fall with the tide. As you head North, the countryside opens to an undeniable groove. Tremolo-soaked guitar tones grow on the vines, and timeless, soulful bass lines flow like wine. In higher altitudes, French horns and trumpets soar like eagles. A river below carries bellowing cello tones through a mountain pass into an expansive canyon. Down in the desert, fuzzed-out electric guitar cuts through the dry heat and leaves the listener thirsty for more.

[savvytravelers]

Luxury Wine Cruises

Unforgettable Wine River Cruises: Experience The Perfect Blend Of Wine Culture And Luxury

We celebrate wine and treat our guests to a wonderful selection of regional wines across all of our river cruise itineraries – however, many guests wish to take their passion for wine a bit further. Is there a winery whose bottles dominate your dinner parties? If so, you may be able to travel along with their wine club on one of our exclusive Celebration of Wine River Cruises with Savvy Travelers.

Sip, Savor, and Enjoy

Savvy Travelers offers over 70 annual Wine Cruises through Europe’s iconic winemaking regions. Each cruise is hosted by a wine professional who brings “New World” bottles for you to enjoy. Experience curated tastings, visit historic cellars, and compare wines from different regions.

Choose Your Ideal Wine Experience

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises are guided by enthusiastic wine professionals. They lead tastings, accompany you on shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and curate special food and wine pairing dinners. Discover the perfect blend of travel, wine, and cuisine.

North American Wine Host Sailings

Sample European wines in their native regions and compare them with selections from a North American winery. Enjoy tastings of New World and Old World wines while exploring the history and culture of the area.

European Wine Immersion Sailings

Immerse yourself in the local wine culture with an expert in European wines. Learn about the region’s history and varietals, and get insider tips on local delicacies and must-visit spots.

Epicurean Experiences

Premier Vineyards and Cellar Tours

Visit unique vineyards and wineries like France’s Château de Montaigne and Austria’s Burg Clam. Taste the history and heritage of these storied vines.

Authentic Encounters

Connect with artisans and vintners. Learn to pair chocolate with wine, discover the process of making olive oil, and enjoy Austria’s Wachau Valley apricots.

Food and Wine Pairing – A Unique Art

Experience dinners with wines perfectly chosen to complement your meal. Enjoy pairings like rosemary-crusted lamb with Châteauneuf-du-Pape and oysters with a Loire white.

Regional Wines

Our Celebration of Wine River Cruises feature an extensive selection of regional wines. From Bordeaux's robust reds to the crisp whites of the Rhine, each glass tells a story of its terroir, complementing the culinary traditions of each region.

Bordeaux, France: BlendsBordeaux is famous for its blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Enjoy complex and balanced wines with notes of dark fruit and spice.

The Seine River, France: Champagne and CalvadosEnjoy the sparkling luxury of Champagne and the rich flavor of Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy.

The Rhone River - Provence, France: Rosés, Hermitage, and the "Pope's Wine"Savor refreshing Rosés and robust Hermitage reds, including the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Douro River, Portugal: Port Wine and Vinho VerdeExperience rich, fortified Port Wine and the light, slightly effervescent Vinho Verde.

The Upper Danube River - Wachau Valley, Austria: Grüner Veltliner and RieslingEnjoy crisp, aromatic wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from the Wachau Valley.

The Lower Danube River - Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria: Szekszárd, Tokaji, Plum Brandy, and SeherezadaTaste Hungary’s Szekszárd reds, sweet Tokaji wines, traditional Plum Brandy, and Seherezada from Serbia.

The Rhine River, Germany: Rieslings, Crémant d'Alsace, and Kölsch BeerEnjoy versatile Rieslings, sparkling Crémant d'Alsace, and refreshing Kölsch beer.

The Moselle River, Germany: RieslingsSample some of the world’s finest Rieslings with bright acidity and fruity notes.

The Main River, Germany: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and RauchbierDiscover Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and the unique smoked beer, Rauchbier, from Bamberg.

Book Your Celebration of Wine River Cruise Today

Join Savvy Travelers on a Celebration of Wine River Cruise and explore Europe’s finest wine regions. Reserve your spot today and get ready to sip, savor, and enjoy an unparalleled wine adventure!

[a-shakespearean-in-paris]

What did you do in Europe?

Uh oh you opened up the floodgates friend. See, I suffer from "post europe syndrome," wherein I will talk about it every chance I get. I'm sure my European followers are scratching their heads right now in confusion that the crazy lady is so happy she got to go over, but as a kid who religiously watched Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown on the travel channel it was a dream come true. It was the most transformative experience of my life, for more reasons than the obvious that I got to live my dream.

In short, everything I wanted to and much, much more.

I do want to preface it by saying I went with a travel group because it was my first time traveling alone and I wanted the safety net of a group/tour director to haul us from one place to the next. It's also a great way to meet people because a lot of people actually go alone. I feel comfortable going by myself now, but at that time I was lured by the safety net of a group, and it also admittedly kept my parent's mind at ease.

I did their big European tour and I was away for over a month. In Barcelona I saw a flamenco show, went to the local market, and wandered through Park Guell. From day one I wanted to party hard because to be frank I was a goody two shoes in college and was obsessed with being "the good daughter," who didn't party and get involved in anything questionable so I knew I wanted to explore and party overseas. Yep, did just that in Barcelona, a city whose night life goes hard. It was magical. Cramped, sweaty, but something I'll never forget. I did everything I could dream of in Paris, my second time there--the opera house, the louvre, getting rained on in Montmartre. The Moulin Rouge. Having my own solo day by going to the Orsay and the Richelieu library. Walking the city by myself. London: everything I wanted and more. Saw three shows, including my favorite, Phantom of the Opera. Met the phantom. Went to the Globe, saw Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh's first house, the whole journey feeling a bit illegal because I was in a rich residential neighborhood. Worth it. Rossetti Exhibit at the Tate--meeting one of my oldest moots Jen. Perfection.

Amsterdam, Went to the Anne Frank house. Got drunk on a river cruise. Laughing my butt off as me and a few friends wandered the city. French fries. Prague, I went to the opera, partied again at an eighties club and had one of the best nights of my life dancing with no fear or inhibitions. Munich, meeting another internet friend zuendwinkel... drinking beer and going to a local biergarten/festival. Switzerland: climbed a mountain, wandered through nature, did ziplining. Wine tasted in Venice. Saw Birth of Venus in Florence, and had a day at the Cinque Terre. Rome. Oh Rome. My first city international when I was sixteen. Meet some interesting Italian men in Trastevere. Went to an Irish bar and had another amazing night. topped it with a four AM trip to the Trevi Fountain.

And then in Greece, in Athens I fell in love with the city. The food, touching our ancientness in a way I had never felt before. Sitting at a rooftop bar and feeling like you can touch the Parthenon. Then sailing in Paros, jumping into the Mediterranean sea. Being looked at like I was a revelation, like I was more than myself. In meeting so many amazing people I not only got to enjoy their company but I also saw myself in a completely different way. Writing feels different now for so many reasons, because I am different. And lust, I have learned, isn't like fire. It's earthen. When I want I am ancient as Athens.

I love my story. I love who I met. Thank you for asking.

[larksweetsong]

'Ello ello, and welcome aboard in Budapest! This is the fifth entry in my travel journal (#PostcardsfromPaté) and the first entry from a full day on the river cruise leg of my European Escapade.

Today started off with a city tour, taking in sights like the Parliment building (from a distance) and the very ornate St Stephen's Basilica.

It was a rather whirlwind tour, but I did manage to make time for a little snack on some local strudel (gotta be able to compare with the german strudel down the line, y'know?)

Then it was off on a train trip to Gödöllő onboard a steam train that included a special lunch and a carriage from the actual Orient Express (no murders on the train today though, bit of a shame heh heh).

We went there to see a royal palace that some famous Empress named Sisi loved. It was very fancy, but also more than a bit stuffy in the warm weather.

I did however, find a very attractive little mouse lady, although unfortunately she said she couldn't talk while she was on the clock. Suppose I'll have to find my hot European girlfriend somewhere else then...

Well, with that disappointment we headed back to the ship and set sail down the Danube towards our next destination: Vienna. Tata til then!

[this-should-do]

That makes me think, I've always had trouble with like, locations and distances in Half Life. Like Black Mesa is clearly lost somewhere in the US but you can find a piece of it not so far from City 17 which seems to be some kind of european place, and also Ravenholm ??? Are these places really far apart but with short travel time in game or am I stoopid or ?????

oh apologies if my response to your last ask made it seem like white forest was part of black mesa as in the facility we seen in half life 1, i meant part of the black mesa as in the company having bought a facility in eastern europe, where city 17 is as an approximation without hitting headcanon territory

but to get into headcanon territory, ive personally placed c17 as sofia, bulgaria because a buch of hl2 c17 assets are based on that city, and bulgaria is actually pretty small, so to get from sofia by car on a highway to burgas a city on the black sea (the only large body of water bulgaria boderes) is actually only about 4 hours by car, which makes gordon getting to nova prospekt within a day by car and foot very plausible, but yes for gameplays sake the distance you travel is greatly shortened with the sky being a time signifier

and speaking of faven holm, i was doing research for my own time for gordon to get around calculations for my half life timeline, and there are only a few irl mines in bulgaria, like i htink the number was 6, but it def wasnt doible digits, and there is a mining town with actual city like buildings (though nothing like we see in game) within walking distance of a reasonably sized river that almost connects to sofia which is all within a reasonable boat distance from sofia, though its ability to actually house most of what we see in game is also extremely dubious, but for in universes sake we can alter some geography a little bit lol just a scosh (would actually require aloooot of alterations)

i also have a personally location for black mesa placing it in some mesas in the north west part of new mexico within a days walk to a unincorprated community named shiprock which is part of the navajo resevation, i placed it here cuz looking at map it has rivers, mesas and a fair amount of rural land around it, it is also very close to the arizona border, whcih is where teh santego military base is where adrian, and presumably the rest of hte HECU marines, are deployed from, which also seems to eb in a fairly rural location which at a glance seems to match what appears near teh arizona-newmexico border on arizonas side, giving a very fast response time with the even the cruising speed of teh only osprey i can find stats on (becuz it is very bad and not good and has goten alot of people killed becuz it likes to crash and burn)