#Foodie discoveries

[capturingallofmylifejourney]

On my recent trip to Thailand, I stumbled upon a dish that truly captivated my taste buds: ก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมู, or guay tiew moo.

Picture this: I'm sitting on a small plastic stool on a bustling street, surrounded by the aromas of fresh herbs and roasted meat. The cook, with a smile as warm as the soup itself, placed a steaming bowl in front of me.

Delicate rice noodles floated in a fragrant broth, richly filled with tender pieces of pork, crunchy bean sprouts, and fresh coriander. The first bite was an explosion of flavors – salty, sweet, and just a hint of spice.

What makes this dish so special is its simplicity and the balance of ingredients. It’s a perfect example of Thai cuisine, where every bowl tells a story of tradition and love.

For those who want to try making it at home: the key is a good broth, made from pork bones, with garlic, white pepper, and soy sauce for that deep, savory taste. Add noodles, chunks of pork, and your favorite vegetables, and you have a bowl full of comfort and adventure.

Give it a try and share your experience with me! Do you have questions or need tips?

Let me know. Together, we’ll uncover the secrets of this delicious Thai delight.

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[personalgrowthoasis]

Tired of Boring Breakfasts? Try Banitsa

Just shared a piece of my heart (and my homeland) with you all - the beloved banitsa! Head to the blog to experience the taste of Bulgaria through my eyes. 🥐

Hello Friends of Personal Growth Oasis, Hope this finds you in high spirits! Today, let’s embark on a delicious culinary journey that takes us back to my roots – Bulgaria. And the star of this journey is none other than the delectable Banitsa. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian dish made of rolled dough layers filled with various ingredients, usually cheese…

[restorativemeal]

Menu One

Menu one from Rowan Bishop and Sue Carruthers' "The Vegetarian Adventure Cookbook"

Stats

Dinner Party Guests: 3

Injuries: 0 

Lessons Learned: 1

Instagram Story Features: 1 

Contents

Florentine Pizzaz: wholemeal and plain flour base, sour cream, onion, mushroom, tasty cheddar cheese, olives.

Apple, Celery and Nut Salad: apple, celery, walnuts, vinaigrette.

Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin: Pumpkin, wholemeal bread, yeast extract, nutmeg, egg, gruyere, cheddar cheese, sour cream.

Rowan Bishop and Sue Carruthers’ recipe book is the most inspired and grand cookbook of all. I looked at, considered and executed menu one over the last week of August. The preceding week I knew I wanted to make Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin for people that I cared about. It turns out, I actually needed to make Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin for people that I cared about. August alone had been a tumultuous month, but on Tuesday I hit a personal record of two rejections in a singular day. One, in the form of a simple “yes”, to a query as to whether I had been blacklisted, and another in response to a social experiment which when explained to a friend on the Monday it garnered the reaction, “[my name] NO”. That being said, Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin taught me that maybe the social experiment went the exact way it was supposed to.

Frazzled when leaving work that Tuesday evening I forgot to turn the sound system off (I was reprimanded for this on Wednesday morning). I walked all the way home from the supermarket after work only to realise that I had forgotten the block of tasty cheese, which I needed in order to make the Florentine Pizzaz that night. I took three large gulps of a three quarters full bottle of white wine that had been sitting in my room since the weekend and left again. I tried the petrol station first but they didn’t even sell butter, so I had to traipse further to the supermarket. My boss was at the supermarket, and as I walked toward the self checkout with my $13.50 block of tasty cheese I saw her again. Unable to face her I meandered the aisles listening to a certain song from a certain playlist.

A wholemeal/plain flour base and a cooked Florentine Pizzaz

Wednesday arrived, though I only had three confirmed dinner party guests, two of whom were my flatmates, I was still overtly positive. Basking in the glow of rejection and the promise of Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin that night. Despite my overt positivity, I was struck with an inner anxiety regarding the availability of pumpkin at the supermarket. Would the supermarket supply pumpkin? If they did, would it all be taken by other shoppers? If not, would they have it in the weight that I wanted? (1-2kgs). The supermarket did supply it, other shoppers had not taken it, but they did not have it in the weight I wanted. I stood at the pumpkin box holding a pumpkin in each hand, trying to gauge a sense of which pumpkin would weigh in the lightest. The one I walked away with weighed in at 3kgs. I drove home thinking about how it was going to take at least 2 hours to roast and it was already 6:27 PM. I had told the dinner party guests that dinner would be ready at 8:30 PM. I decided not to mention the predicament I was in. 

Slicing the top off the massive pumpkin was scary, even without the time crunch. In the end I took too much off, which potentially derailed the entire dish. Discarding the innards I replaced them with croutons, delicious now, but they wouldn’t be later. They were drowned in marmite hot water, smothered with the egg, cheese and nutmeg mixture and then sealed with the pumpkin lid before being shunted into the hot oven.

Fat Freddie's Pumpkin moments before going into the oven.

I finally had time to entertain my first dinner party guest who had sat down at the table, it was just after 7 PM and she also resided at my flat. I quizzed her on how one would slice a celery thinly and on a diagonal as Bishop and Carruthers described in their recipe for the Apple, Celery and Nut Salad. It was easy, so was thinly slicing the apple, though I had my first near miss of this journey and had to pause to sharpen the knife. The salad seemed incredibly easy, and it was, because I threw in a quarter cup of balsamic vinegar, my eyes had skimmed over the “(see p.165)” beside “¼ cup vinaigrette dressing”. My first and only actual dinner party guest pointed this out upon arrival. 

Thinly sliced apple and celery, prior to walnut and balsamic vinegar addition.

At 8:30 PM we ate the Florentine Pizzaz and Apple, Celery and Nut Salad. Having reheated the pizzaz on a baking tray while I prepared the pumpkin, it looked a little dubious put back together in the dish I had baked it in the night before. We discussed the days we had had and what we had on tomorrow, Thursday, the last day of August. Mid August, I had thought it hadn’t been as rewarding as July. I have since come around, despite rejection, despite realisation, despite loss, August has been my favourite month of the year so far, for despite that rejection, realisation and loss, an overt positivity was birthed and a new hope flourished.

Entree is served, Florentine Pizzaz and Apple, Celery and Nut Salad.

My iPhone timer went off at 9PM, I removed the tinfoil that covered Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin and left it unprotected to the wrath of my oven for the last 15 minutes to serve at 9:15 PM. When I removed it from the oven that final time, I knew at first glance - it was inedible. I hoped and I prayed that my guests were hungry, for nothing. But watching their faces light up as Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin emerged from the kitchen was enough. Everyone committed to taking a bite but no one could chew, no one could swallow. I like to think, this was user error by me, that if I had just mixed the contents of the pumpkin prior to roasting, then the croutons wouldn’t have been soggy, not so concentrated in marmite for Bishop and Carruthers promised that it tasted wonderful. I have come across a lot of empty promises this year and I have learned from them, Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin has fallen into that category of empty promises. From Fat Freddie’s Pumpkin I learned that sometimes when things seem fun and exciting and wrong, they usually are.

Fat Freddie's Pumpkin, presented and served.

[ourmindonmusicpodcast]

Join us for Season 3: Episode 1 featuring Jr. and Brandon of renowned band, MADHAUS in Oshawa, Ontario. We discuss live music, community, and SO MUCH more! Don't miss this interesing and insightful chat. Special thanks to @BollocksPubCorp for hosting!

[bietrica]

Find Your New Favorite Dish: Bietri’s Top 10 Recommendations

In today’s fast-paced world, where food options seem endless, finding one particular dish can be a challenge. Enter Bietri Restaurant Review App, the best dining experience, your ultimate food discovery partner who helps you explore new culinary talents and connects you with food enthusiasts and critics worldwide. Whether you are a sophisticated foodie or a casual diner, Bietri has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll dive into Bietri’s top 10 recommendations that will become your new favourite foods. Let’s start a sweet journey!

1. Spicy Tuna Tartare from The Coastal Kitchen

If you love fresh seafood with a kick, The Coastal Kitchen’s Spicy Tuna Tartare is an absolute must-try. This dish combines sushi-style tuna with a zesty blend of chilli oil, soy sauce, and a hint of lime. Served over crispy wonton chips and garnished with fresh avocado and sesame seeds, this tartare is a symphony of flavours and textures dancing in your mouth. It’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of coastal cuisine with a modern twist.

2. Truffle Risotto from Bella Notte

Bella Notte’s Truffle Risotto epitomises comfort and luxury. Creamy and rich, this risotto was perfectly cooked with arborio rice and infused with an earthy truffle aroma. Adding Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil elevates the dish, making every bite an enjoyable experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself, this risotto is a great option.

3. Korean BBQ Beef Tacos from Seoul Fusion

Seoul Fusion’s Korean BBQ Beef Tacos are an exciting blend of Korean and Mexican flavours. Tender ground beef is ground to perfection and served in a soft, warm tortilla. Topped with tangy kimchi slaw and spicy Sriracha aioli, these tacos offer a unique combination of traditional flavours. These tacos will surely be a hit, perfect for dinner with friends or a quick hearty lunch.

4. Classic Margherita Pizza from Da Vinci’s Pizzeria

When it comes to classic Italian pizza, Da Vinci’s Pizza does it right with the Classic Margherita Pizza. This pizza has fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese and fragrant basil leaves. The ingredients' simplicity emphasises each ingredient's quality, making this pizza a timeless favourite. It’s a perfect example of how less can be more regarding pizza.

5. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken from The Rustic Table

For those who appreciate a hearty home-cooked meal, The Rustic Table’s Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a great choice. This dish has perfectly grilled chicken stuffed with fresh herbs, garlic and lemon. The result is a juicy, flavorful bird with skin that is hard to resist. Made with roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish brings the comfort of a traditional Sunday dinner to your table any day of the week

6. Vegetarian Pad Thai from Lotus Garden

Lotus Garden’s Vegetarian Pad Thai is a warm and delicious accompaniment to a plant-based dish. This classic Thai noodle dish features a generous mix of fresh vegetables, tofu, and rice noodles, all soaked in a tangy tamarind sauce and garnished with cornflakes, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. This Pad Thai is satisfying and nutritious. It is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a delicious meatless meal.

7. Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae from Sweet Tooth Café

For sweet tooth lovers, Sweet Tooth Café’s Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae is a dream come true. This decadent dessert features rich, fudgy brownies dipped in creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with salted caramel. Finished with a sprinkling of sea salt and cherries, this sundae perfectly ends any meal. The delightful combination of sweet and salty will satisfy your thirst.

8. Mediterranean Mezze Platter from The Olive Grove

Olive Grove’s Mediterranean Mezze Platter is an excellent choice for those with varied tastes. This platter includes a selection of hummus, baba garnish, tzatziki and dolmas, along with warm pita bread and crispy vegetable sticks The array of dips and spreads offers something for everyone, making it the best it can be chosen for a casual gathering or as an appetiser before a special meal.

9. Spaghetti Carbonara from Trattoria Bella Roma

Trattoria Bella Roma’s Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress. Made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta and black pepper, this sweet and creamy pasta makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. The key to this recipe’s simplicity is the quality of the ingredients, which together make for a comforting and delicious plate of pasta.

10. Duck Confit from The French Bistro

Last but certainly not least, The French Bistro’s Duck Confit is a dish that epitomises the art of French cooking. Goat legs simmer the fat until tender and tender, and crispy skin is hard to resist. Served with creamy polenta and sautéed greens, this dish is a luxurious and fun choice for a special night out.

Conclusion

Finding a dish that appeals to you can be a thrill in a world whole of recipes. Bietri’s top 10 recommendations are your gateway to such experiences. From hot spicy tuna tartare to savoury duck confit, these sophisticated dishes promise to tempt your palate and offer a variety of flavours. Whether you enjoy the rich creaminess of Truffle Risotto, the zesty twist of Korean BBQ Beef Tacos, or the decadent flavours of the Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae, Bietri guides you through a culinary journey of dining experiences that is filled with wonder. Find these tips, share your culinary adventures, and let Bietri help you find your next favourite dish. Bon hunger!

About Bietri 

Welcome to Bietri, where we turn your love of food into an unforgettable journey. Our platform is dedicated to connecting food enthusiasts with fantastic dining experiences. Whether looking for hidden gems or exploring famous culinary hotspots, Bietri is your guide to finding, reviewing and sharing the best dining experiences. Every meal should be memorable, and we’re here to help you discover and experience unique flavours. Our local foodies share their insights, tips and ideas to ensure you never miss the next great dining experience. Join us to celebrate the joys of exceptional food and let Bietri enhance your culinary journey.

For more information!

Visit us: www.bietri.com

[amargueriteflower]

Abidjan. Cantine de la Clinique Internationale de l’Indénié, le bon plan au Plateau

Je suis depuis quelques temps dans des courses sur le plan de la santé et de ce fait, je suis très souvent à la Clinique Internationale de l’Indénié. C’est ainsi que j’ai découvert la Cantine de la Clinique, qui est pour moi le bon plan au Plateau. Je vous dis pourquoi juste en bas. Continue reading Abidjan. Cantine de la Clinique Internationale de l’Indénié, le bon plan au Plateau

[goldrushreads]

A Winter in New York, by Josie Silver

my review: the thing is... some people shouldn't be forgiven all that easily, no?

[ayobambojegede]

Are flowers edible?

Hello there! Apologies for the long break! How are you doing?  Earlier today, while scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a fascinating post by a woman living in the countryside. Let me just say, I absolutely adore countryside homes and all the nature that surrounds them. The fields, the animals, the picturesque landscapes – they’re like a dream come true! Honestly, I can’t help but wonder…

[capturingallofmylifejourney]

🌶️✨ My Culinary Adventure: Discovering Tom Saab Kra Dook Moo! ✨🌶️

Hello adventurous foodies! 🌍🍲

Let me take you on a journey that has transformed my taste buds. Recently, I discovered "ต้มแซ่บกระดูกหมู" (Tom Saab Kra Dook Moo), a spicy and sour Thai soup with pork ribs.

This dish is an explosion of flavors that transports you straight to the bustling markets of Thailand!

Picture this: tender pork ribs simmered in a vibrant broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime juice, and plenty of chili peppers. The first bite is a sensation – a tropical storm of flavors! 🌴💥

My first taste of this soup in Bangkok was unforgettable. The aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air, and the combination of sour, spicy, and umami was pure magic.

Every spoonful takes me back to that vibrant experience.

Tom Saab Kra Dook Moo is a dish that screams adventure and reflects the rich Thai culture. If you want to spice up your meals with a touch of exotic flair, give this dish a try. Your taste buds will thank you! 🌟🍜

Stay adventurous and enjoy every bite! 💖✨

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[saltybiowarefantears]

Good thing making tteokbokki is relatively simple and there's a grocery store near-ish by that sells all the necessary ingredients, because there's nowhere within a 45 minute drive that seems to sell any.

[absolutebl]

Hi P’ABL, building off an earlier ask you answered, what are your top recommendations if I want to watch a BL where the main focus is the romance between two characters? Something along the lines of Semantic Error for example? Or even Old Fashioned cupcake?

Hum, you mean where there is little to no outside plots, external pressure, or secondary characters? Most KBLs are pretty closed systems but they of have external pressures. Lemme think... there are shorts of course. Okay I did a ratings sort and then just read through my favorites with this in mind... this is pretty darn subjective tho.

BLs that are just simple sweet romances

High School Setting

I Cannot Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai (Japan 2023) - a very simple friends to lovers romance.

HIStory 2: Crossing the Line (Taiwan 2018) - classic sports romance

My School President (Thailand 2023) - the high school version of soft boys being soft, there's a side "plot" and a band but who cares?

About Youth (Taiwan 2022)

University Setting

Semantic Error (Korea 2022) - asker chose this as their primary example.

A Breeze of Love (Korea 2023) - reunion romance

A First Love Story (Korea 2021) - 2 part short that is exactly what you want.

Oxygen the series (Thailand 2020) - the university version of soft boys being soft, this one is a hyung with the young rich boy chasing the older orphan

We Best Love (Taiwan 20210 - part one is enemies to lovers, part 2 is office reunion enemies to lovers 2nd chance.

2gether (Thailand 2020) - oh the pining ridiculousness

Star in My Mind Star and Sky (Thailand 2022)

Hidden Agenda (Thailand 2023) - that isn't hidden at all

Love By Chance (Thailand 2018) - watch for AePete and TinCan but don't bother with the other threads

Why R U? (Thai 2020) - I mean it's madness but there is no other plot but the romances

Why R U? (Korean adaptation of Thai original) (Korea 2023)

2 Moons 2 is kinda the same thing, but I don't rate it as high as the Why R U?s. There are many who would call me crazy for this.

I thought about including the Love Class series but both of them have stalking sub plots. And I'm inferring you don't want any darkness or stress at all.

Office Romances

Old Fashion Cupcake (Japan 2022) - asker chose this as a second example, although I would call it a bit more complex given the themes of self discovery and worth.

Our Dating Sim (Korea 2023) - basically a reunion romance (second chance) but there is a bit of work stuff.

Be Loved In House: I Do (Taiwan 2021) - office romance, it's Taiwan so like We Best Love it'll be a little chaotic but I think it's what you're looking for.

Love is Science? BL Cut (Taiwan 2021) - the gays are the side couple there is a noona romance lead and a mature romance side, everything soft romance all day long.

Step By Step (Thailand 2023) - pretty classic office romance, Korea's version is called The New Employee and is also good but there is a lot more about the actual job as part of the plot.

Love Mate (Korea 2023) - aggressive pursuit from the new intern but it's a Kdrama so its ultimately soft...

Roommates of Poongduck 304 (Korea 2022) - cohabitation and office enemies to lovers

Foodie Romances

Bon Appetit (Korea 2023) - reunion romance

The Tasty Florida (Korea 2021) - love at first sight

What Zabb Man! (Thailand 2022) - he knows him by the taste of that one dish!

You Are Ma Boy (Vietnam 2021) - had to throw in something from Vietnam

Countryside Setting

Love Tractor (Korea 2023) - city boy meets country boy, they fall in love, opposites attract

A Tale of Thousand Stars (Thailand 2021) - okay this does have lots of extra characters and some complexity because it's GMMTV and Thailand but it is the most classic "romance" that Thailand has ever done gay. Kissing on cliffs at sunset and parting at airports and everything.

Some More (Korea 2018) - another great short that meets your criteria

Okay I think that's it, if you want to give more restrictions I could tailor the list down more.

[ethicaltreatmentofcowplants]

Yes, we are gathering everyone together for competition day - what the hey, Mister?

Orrr should I say "what the hay," because guess what we're doing to see who goes on a date with Lilac? Yup, barrel racing.

The sim who clears the most (and remains saddled) will emerge victorious.

While Araminta pours some buffalo wing tea to help settle nerves, Tiago entertains with memes - but it's also Season Premiere, and Cassie has her priorities straight.

A high strung and untrained horse would be more fun, but as Araminta is a professional rider and has some experience with them, it's just straining credibility too much. Thus this group gets to saddle up Duchess, her prize winning (and maxed out TEMPERAMENT) mare. Blazing saddles, maybe, but no blazing behinds from being bucked.

Mister is first up but while he certainly looks the part (🔥), he and Duchess only make it past two barrels before things go wobbly.

HORSE LOVER Struan is very much in his element for this (and possibly in love with this new lady), and sets the record for a grand total of six barrels before steering a little westward for the seventh.

Third is Jayla - and oof.

The saddles may not be blazing but the sun is, and this HIGH MAINTENANCE pixel's temper has heated up accordingly. Short of cheats, we've given her every opportunity to calm down - from the CALM EMOTIONS interaction from Araminta to self talks and even asking Duchess for anger management tips.

Sadly it's no surprise when she doesn't clear a single barrel (but did you even try the hay?).

And at some point, Jayla even invents a whole new mode of horse riding.

I hate this game

Once we've restarted and brought Jayla safely down to earth, it's jokester Tiago's turn.

(Jayla, please. Sit in the shade, which I've been trying to get you to do for the last few hours, and have a drink.)

After assuring Duchess that he won't try sky riding, Tiago likewise looks at home in the saddle, but only manages one barrel.

Last but not least is Cassie, who manages a respectable three barrels (and to make a new friend), though with his six being double the next closest sim's, the victor is Struan. Everyone began today with zilch in the way of equestrian skill, but perhaps his HORSE LOVER trait gave him an edge?

In spite of interference from Duchess, everyone manages to catch the Game of Llamas premiere.

Yes, Araminta can cook. No, she does not like it. However she manages an EXCELLENT quality meal, with even FOODIES Cassie and Jayla finding favour.

While Mister gives his compliments to the chef, Struan makes an unsurprising self discovery.

And there we have it! We'll see everyone (including how Struan's date with Lilac went) tomorrow.

@bakersimmer @tipsy-clouds @igglemouse @lindyloosims @simsfvr

[m00nchildwrites]

Love and Deepspace has taught me a lot about myself. For instance, I'm into aliens, mermen, dragons, surgeons, brats, mafia bosses, artists, reserved cutie pie with sweet tooths, swordsmen, lazy gamer guys, foodies, tsundere, and yanderes, ... apparently, cat men.

Oh and simpin men make me FERAL. Like chomp on their neck, claws in their back, cooing at their needy cuteness, drooling, FERAL.

So yeah.... play games! Self growth and discovery!

[horoscope1078]

Can you do quinn huges

Quinn 😊

Sun in Libra. Ouinn likely embodies qualities associated with Libra, such as diplomacy, social grace, and a desire for harmony. He may have a strong sense of fairness and justice. His Sun in Libra suggests a charming and people-oriented personality. He may excel in social situations and have a natural ability to connect with others.

Moon in Sagittarius. Ouinn's emotional landscape is likely influenced by the adventurous and optimistic spirit of Sagittarius. He may have a curious mind and a love for exploration and learning. His Moon in Sagittarius suggests a tendency towards enthusiasm and a desire for freedom. He may express his emotions openly and honestly.

Mercury in Scorpio indicates a sharp and insightful mind. Ouinn may have a deep and intense way of thinking and communicating. He may be a skilled observer and have a talent for uncovering hidden truths. His communication style may be direct and sometimes even blunt.

Venus in Virgo suggests a practical and analytical approach to love and relationships. Ouinn may value reliability, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose in his partnerships. He may have a discerning taste and an appreciation for beauty and order. He may also be a perfectionist in his relationships.

Mars in Sagittarius indicates a passionate and adventurous nature. Ouinn likely has a strong drive and a desire to explore new horizons. He may be a risk-taker and enjoy activities that are physically and mentally challenging. He may also have a philosophical outlook on life.

Jupiter in Taurus suggests a focus on material security and stability. Ouinn may value possessions and enjoy the finer things in life. He may have a strong work ethic and a talent for building and creating. He may also be a bit of a foodie and enjoy the pleasures of the senses.

Saturn in Taurus indicates a strong sense of responsibility and a need for structure and routine. Ouinn may be a hard worker and have a talent for building things that last. He may be cautious and conservative in his approach to life. He may also have a strong appreciation for tradition and history.

Uranus in Aquarius suggests a rebellious and unconventional spirit. Ouinn may be a free thinker and a pioneer in his field. He may be drawn to technology and the future. He may also be interested in social justice and humanitarian causes.

Neptune in Aquarius suggests a spiritual and imaginative nature. Ouinn may be interested in the metaphysical and the unknown. He may be a visionary and have a talent for inspiring others. He may also be sensitive and empathetic.

Pluto in Sagittarius indicates a deep and transformative journey of self-discovery. Ouinn may be interested in exploring the meaning of life and his place in the universe. He may be a truth-seeker and a philosopher. He may also be a passionate advocate for social and political change.

The North Node in Leo suggests a focus on self-expression, creativity, and leadership. Ouinn may be learning to embrace his unique talents and share them with the world.

Lilith in Sagittarius suggests a deep-seated fear of being misunderstood or rejected. Ouinn may have a tendency to overcompensate for this fear by being overly enthusiastic or opinionated.

Chiron in Sagittarius suggests a wound related to spirituality or philosophy. Ouinn may have experienced a loss of faith or a questioning of his beliefs.

Quinn Hughes has a well-rounded personality, balancing his emotions and mind, which makes him adaptable and emotionally stable. He’s creative and a bit rebellious, often attracting good fortune and enjoying life’s pleasures. His dynamic nature and love for adventure make him a natural leader, but he sometimes struggles with self-doubt and finding the right words to express himself. Quinn can be prone to overthinking and impulsive ideas, and his relationships tend to be intense, bringing out deep emotions. He might feel confused about his ideals and caught between tradition and new, innovative approaches. His heightened sensitivity and intuition spark his imagination, while his unconventional thinking drives his unique ideas. While there’s some tension between his personal desires and social obligations, he’s destined to grow through themes of intuition and communication.

[fatehbaz]

In 1678, a Chaldean priest from Baghdad reached the Imperial Villa of Potosí, the world’s richest silver-mining camp and at the time the world’s highest city at more than 4,000 metres (13,100 feet) above sea level. A regional capital in the heart of the Bolivian Andes, Potosí remains – more than three and a half centuries later – a mining city today. [...] The great red Cerro Rico or ‘Rich Hill’ towered over the city of Potosí. It had been mined since 1545 [...]. When Don Elias arrived [...], the great boom of 1575-1635 – when Potosí alone produced nearly half the world’s silver – was over, but the mines were still yielding the precious metal. [...]

On Potosí’s main market plaza, indigenous and African women served up maize beer, hot soup and yerba mate. Shops displayed the world’s finest silk and linen fabrics, Chinese porcelain, Venetian glassware, Russian leather goods, Japanese lacquerware, Flemish paintings and bestselling books in a dozen languages. [...]

Pious or otherwise, wealthy women clicked Potosí’s cobbled streets in silver-heeled platform shoes, their gold earrings, chokers and bracelets studded with Indian diamonds and Burmese rubies. Colombian emeralds and Caribbean pearls were almost too common. Peninsular Spanish ‘foodies’ could savour imported almonds, capers, olives, arborio rice, saffron, and sweet and dry Castilian wines. Black pepper arrived from Sumatra and southwest India, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, cloves from Maluku and nutmeg from the Banda Islands. Jamaica provided allspice. Overloaded galleons spent months transporting these luxuries across the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Plodding mule and llama trains carried them up to the lofty Imperial Villa.

---

Potosi supplied the world with silver, the lifeblood of trade and sinews of war [...]. In turn, the city consumed the world’s top commodities and manufactures. [...] The city’s dozen-plus notaries worked non-stop inventorying silver bars and sacks of pesos [...]. Mule trains returning from the Pacific brought merchandise and mercury, the essential ingredient for silver refining. [...] From Buenos Aires came slavers with captive Africans from Congo and Angola, transshipped via Rio de Janeiro. Many of the enslaved were children branded with marks mirroring those, including the royal crown, inscribed on silver bars.

Soon after its 1545 discovery, Potosí gained world renown [...]. Mexico’s many mining camps [...] peaked only after 1690. [...] Even in the Andes of South America there were other silver cities [...]. But no silver deposit in the world matched the Cerro Rico, and no other mining-refining conglomeration grew so large. Potosí was unique: a mining metropolis.

Thus Don Elias, like others, made the pilgrimage to the silver mountain. It was a divine prodigy, a hierophany. In 1580, Ottoman artists depicted Potosí as a slice of earthly paradise, the Cerro Rico lush and green, the city surrounded by crenellated walls. Potosí, as Don Quixote proclaimed, was the stuff of dreams. Another alms seeker, in 1600, declared the Cerro Rico the Eighth Wonder of the World. A [...] visitor in 1615 gushed: ‘Thanks to its mines, Castile is Castile, Rome is Rome, the pope is the pope, and the king is monarch of the world.’ [...]

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For all its glory, Potosí was also the stuff of nightmares [...].

Almost a century before Don Elias visited Potosí, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo revolutionised world silver production. Toledo was a hard-driving bureaucrat of the Spanish empire [...]. Toledo reached Potosí in 1572, anxious to flip it into the empire’s motor of commerce and war. By 1575, the viceroy had organised a sweeping labour draft, launched a ‘high-tech’ mill-building campaign, and overseen construction of a web of dams and canals to supply the Imperial Villa with year-round hydraulic power, all in the high Andes at the nadir of the Little Ice Age. Toledo also oversaw construction of the Potosí mint, staffed full-time with enslaved Africans. [...] Toledo’s successes came with a steep price. Thanks to the viceroy’s ‘reforms’, hundreds of thousands of Andeans became virtual refugees (those who survived) and, in the search for timber and fuel, colonists denuded hundreds of miles of fragile, high-altitude land. [...] The city’s smelteries belched lead and zinc-rich smoke [...].

The Habsburg kings of Spain cared little about Potosí’s social and environmental horrors. [...] For more than a century, the Cerro Rico fuelled the world’s first global military-industrial complex, granting Spain the means to prosecute decades-long wars on a dozen fronts – on land and at sea. No one else could do all this and still afford to lose. [...]

By [...] 1909 [...], mineral rushes had helped to produce cities such as San Francisco and Johannesburg, but nothing quite compared for sheer audacity with the Imperial Villa of Potosí, a neo-medieval mining metropolis perched in the Andes of South America.

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Text by: Kris Lane. “Potosi: the mountain of silver that was the first global city.” Aeon. 30 July 2019. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[bookcub]

YA Contemporary Books Post 2020 I Actually Enjoyed

for @bookofthefairytales who wanted good and recent ya contemporary

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli - my best friend's best friend, internalized homophobia/biphobia, pretending to be bi for the weekend, im not gay im an Ally(tm), toxic friendships

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie - no im not queer i just think about girls . . .a lot, flower child, friend group drama, coming out story, i dont like change, cuban rep, queer rep

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland - road trip summer, foodie love interest, grumpy/sunshine, "enemies" to lovers, self love discovery, mexican rep, commentary on influence culture, art appreciation, the straights are okay, check the trigger warnings!!!

Darling by K. Ancrum - modern day peter pan au, one crazy night out, who can you trust?, very unnerving

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar - fake dating au, friends to lovers, desi rep, irish rep, toxic friends, families familing, sapphic af, idiots to lovers

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson - girl next door to pop star, the music industry and everyone in it wants to exploit you, no seriously check the trigger warnings, contemporary/mystery

Loveless by Alice Oseman - THE aroace book of all time, and they were ROOMMATES, it's about the f r i e n d s h i p, this healed something in me

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender - such a messy mc, we love him, trans rep, love triangle, yeah he catfishes one of his love interests. . . teens be like that sometimes, very funny

Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan - for the pop girlies, julie and the phantoms vibes, mc makes a mistake and tries to fix it but won't fess up to her mistakes, co-leaders to lovers