#Market colonnade

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

What a difference 50 years makes juxtaposition of Buick Century Regal Colonnade Hardtop Sedan, 1974 & Buick Regal, 2024. The original Regal was introduced as a flagship version of the Century, becoming a stand alone model in 1976. It used the then new GM A-body platform and used GM's 350ci (5.7 litre) V8 with a 455ci (7.5 litre) V8 optional, both driving through a 3-speed automatic gearbox. The facelifted Regal for the Chinese market is based on the now discontinued 2nd generation Opel Insignia using GM's Epsilon II platform powered by a choice of turbocharged 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre 4 cylinder engines, both using a 9-speed automatic gearbox

[thesilicontribesman]

Roman Marketplace Colonnade, Wroxeter Roman City, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

[gojover]

the one who knows | mydeimos.

summary ⇢ phainon was no fool. he’d seen the way mydei looks at you, and—being the good, charitable, loyal friend he is—he was determined to help mydei win you over. alternatively, five times phainon tried to ease mydei’s heart, and one time he didn’t have to.

pairing ⇢ mydei x fem!reader contains ⇢ fluff, 5+1 things, friends to lovers!au, phainon in his matchmaking era—please let me know if i’ve missed anything! word count ⇢ 4.6k | art credit ⇢ ma_mori74 on x

V. MARMOREAL MARKET.

It had taken Phainon ten minutes to convince Mydei to join him for a walk. Ten minutes that, if Mydei had had his way, he could’ve spent sparring with some of the Okheman soldiers instead. But Aglaea had thought it was a wonderful idea and that the Chrysos Heirs could all do with a bit of a break, and so, Phainon had hauled Mydei by the arm and dragged him out of his chambers.

“No one—not even the prince of Castrum Kremnos—can refuse an order given by Lady Aglaea,” Phainon reasoned. “Don’t look so glum, my friend! We’ll head to the bakery first, and buy a basket full of those golden honeycakes you like so much.”

“I don’t like them that much,” Mydei muttered, his brows furrowed low as they walked through the sun-warmed square, passing beneath a colonnade dusted in peach blossoms. His cape, lined with embroidered laurels, swayed with the rigid force of his stride. He marched even when he was on a break.

Phainon only smiled. “Forgive me, Your Stoicism. I must’ve mistaken the way you inhale three of them in one go for something resembling pleasure.”

He caught the faint twitch of Mydei’s mouth, but didn’t comment. The sun crept higher as they wound through the marble streets of Okhema. Vendors called out in sing-song voices, peddling pomegranates, olive oil, and silk dyed the colour of dusk. The marketplace smelled of fig jam and roasted almonds, with the faint scent of incense wafting from a nearby shrine. Children laughed somewhere behind them, chasing each other in between the columns. 

It was a wonderful day to spend outside—but none of that mattered to the warrior from Aedes Elysiae.

No, Phainon had only one goal today. A mission, as sacred as any undertaken by the Chrysos Heirs: to help Mydei get over himself and talk to the person he so obviously liked.

Despite his scowl, Mydei’s pace slowed when they neared the familiar bend in the road where pale stone gave way to ochre tiles and the air always smelled faintly like cardamom and burnt sugar. Phainon didn’t miss it. He turned his head, grinning in the way of a conspirator up to no good.

“There,” he said, pointing ahead. “The sanctuary of your soul. The oven-borne paradise of your most secret cravings.”

Mydei rolled his eyes but didn’t correct him. His scrutiny had already slipped towards the storefront. Phainon followed his gaze and spotted you through the open arch of the bakery’s awning, standing behind the counter with your sleeves rolled up and and your cheeks dusted in flour.

You were frowning over a tray of pastries, fussing over their arrangement. When a breeze swept through the open market street, a lock of hair fell loose from the knot at your neck, and you pushed it back absently with the back of your wrist.

Phainon had eyes, too. But more importantly, he had sense—and he’d seen the way Mydei looked at you when he thought no one was looking. He looked at you with a stubborn sort of reverence, like someone studying a scripture and attempting to understand the words.

Well. That wouldn’t do.

“Look at that.” Phainon slowed and clapped a hand to Mydei’s back. “The bakery’s survived another day without you looming over it like a stormcloud.”

“We’re here for pastries,” said Mydei.

“You’re here for pastries,” Phainon corrected. “I think I’ll go admire the fruit stand across the square. Alone. Without my imposing, sword-wielding companion towering beside me.”

“Phainon—”

But Phainon was already backing away, hands clasped behind his back, whistling some song that Mydei was sure was some great, romantic ballad. Mydei let out a slow breath. He adjusted the drape of his cape, then approached the stall.

You looked up when his shadow crossed the counter.

“Oh,” you said, straightening. “You’re here.”

His gaze dropped quickly. “Phainon wanted pastries.”

Your smile came a second later, soft and uncertain. “Well, lucky him,” you said. “They’re fresh. I just pulled them out of the oven.”

He nodded. Then, realising you were waiting for him to say something else, cleared his throat and tried again. “They smell good.”

“Thank you.”

There was silence, though it wasn’t uncomfortable. Mydei shifted from one foot to the other. He thought about what Phainon would say in this situation. Probably something clever. Something witty. Something that would fluster both you and him if it were to slip past his lips. You reached for a basket and began lining it with a square of waxed linen.

“How many would you like today?” you asked. “Six? Or—”

Mydei hesitated. “Seven.”

“Seven?” you repeated, looking up at him.

“Just…” He nodded again, firm now. “In case Phainon drops one.”

You laughed—a quiet, breathy sound, like you hadn’t meant for it to escape. You looked away quickly, but he caught the way your smile lingered at the corner of your mouth.

“I’ll pack eight,” you said under your breath.

Mydei blinked. “That’s—”

“In case you drop one,” you added, looking up again, a little more confident. “Or in case you decide you like them more than you’re letting on.”

He stared at you for a moment. Then—quietly—he said, “I already do.”

You froze for half a heartbeat, hands stilling over the basket. A faint flush crept into your cheeks. Instead of answering, you focused on arranging the honeycakes, carefully and methodically placing them in neat rows.

Mydei shifted his weight, suddenly uncomfortable. He didn’t know why he said that. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do now that he had.

Phainon’s voice saved him.

“Have the Titans blessed this day with the sweet scent of ambrosia and gaucheness?” he declared. He draped himself over the edge of the counter, eyes dancing. “Tell me, Y/N—have you discovered a way to bake silence into your pastries? Because my dear friend here seems to have swallowed his vocabulary.”

You covered your laugh with your hand. “Don’t tease him.”

“Would I ever?” Phainon said, looking as innocent as a fox in a henhouse. “I’m simply here to collect our spoils and drag this poor, tongue-tied soldier off to see the rest of Okhema before sunset.”

You handed him the basket with a faint smile, then turned back to Mydei.

“Come by again,” you said quietly. “If you want.”

“I will,” Mydei said stiffly.

You smiled in farewell as they turned to go. Mydei didn’t look back—but his fingers brushed the edge of the basket where you’d tied the ribbon, and he didn’t let go until Phainon took it from him.

“Well?” Phainon said as they walked. “Anything you’d like to say?”

“...She added extra.”

Phainon’s eyes gleamed. “And you managed to remain calm! Incredible. At this rate, you might even ask her to dinner by the next century.”

“Don’t push it,” the Kremnoan grumbled.

“Oh, I plan to.”

IV. GARDEN OF LIFE.

Phainon hadn’t meant to stumble into the Garden of Life with Mydei again—but when they cut through the southern colonnade, they saw a few members from the Council of Elders crowding the forum steps, arguing over something trivial with Aglaea and Tribbie. It was a situation neither he nor Mydei wanted to deal with, and so, they took the longer route and let the scent of citrus and blooming oleander guide their way.

He didn’t mind. It was a pretty place. Calm, and peaceful, with a few straggler Chimeras who were slacking off work hiding behind the laurels.

What he did mind, however, was the way Mydei froze beside him, his entire frame tensing like a drawn bow.

Phainon followed his gaze, and—ah. Of course.

You were there, kneeling by the pond at the garden’s centre, sleeves rolled up and hands dusted with soil. You were tucking sprigs of rosemary into the earth next to the lilies, lips parted in concentration, a woven basket of herbs placed beside you. The sun caught the edge of your profile, golden and soft, and a smear of green streaked across your forearm.

Phainon blinked.

“Well,” he said, half-grinning, “fate certainly enjoys its comedy.”

Mydei didn’t reply. His jaw clenched once, twice, like he was recalibrating the entire concept of movement.

“I didn’t know she gardened,” said Phainon, crossing his arms over his chest. “How wonderfully poetic of her. Maybe she recites odes to every sprout. Maybe—”

“Deliverer,” Mydei said in warning. “Don’t start.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Phainon said, already walking ahead. “But since we’re both here, and you look like you might sprint in the opposite direction if left unsupervised, I’ll do the civil thing and say hello.”

Mydei grumbled something that sounded like traitor under his breath, but followed.

You looked up when their footsteps approached, blinking once before your expression lifted in slow, pleasant surprise.

“Hello,” you said. “You two again.”

Phainon pressed a hand to his heart. “You sound so thrilled.”

“We saw each other just three days ago,” you said, lips curving upwards. “I didn’t expect company.”

“Neither did we,” Phainon said, nudging Mydei forward a step. “We were merely passing through, but it felt as though Mnestia herself was summoning us.”

You looked at Mydei then—properly—and his shoulders visibly pulled tighter. “You’re not usually in this part of the city,” you said.

“I’m not,” he agreed.

Phainon supplied, “He didn’t know you’d be here.”

“But if he had?” you asked, raising a brow.

Mydei’s mouth opened. Closed.

“He might’ve worn nicer boots,” Phainon answered for him.

You laughed. Just once, but it was enough to make Mydei glance down, as though he was actually checking his boots, then quickly back up like he’d been caught.

“Do you help tend to the garden often?” he asked, surprisingly steadily.

“When I can,” you said. “My uncle oversees some of the Chimeras here. I bring him pastries sometimes.”

Mydei cleared his throat. “You have… dirt on your cheek.”

Your hand flew up and you swiped blindly.

“Other side,” he amended gently.

You blinked, then tried again, slower this time. He nodded. You smiled. “Thanks.”

The pause after was short but warm, filled with birdsong and the murmur of water in the stone channels. Phainon knew there was something—something blooming, something tentative. He rocked back on his heels and made a show of stretching.

“Okay, then,” he said, already backing away, “I think I’ll go find something blasphemous to do near the reflecting pools. You two—talk about dirt. Or gardening. Or destiny. I don’t care.”

“Phainon,” warned Mydei.

“Gone already,” he called, disappearing behind a laurel hedge. He found himself looking down at a pastel pink-coloured Chimera. It blinked up at him with wide eyes. He bent low and patted its head.

He could now hear the murmur of your voices, indistinct but undeniably warm. Your laughter came again, softer now, almost shy, and Mydei—Kephale help him—responded in kind.

It was rare, hearing that from him. So rare that Phainon stood there a moment longer than necessary, not to spy, but to witness. Something tender was taking root. A thread had been pulled taut between you, and it was holding.

He smiled to himself. Victory, he thought, is sweet and golden.

If he listened a little longer—just long enough to hear you say Mydei’s name again, and for Mydei to say yours in return—well. That was no crime.

III. OVERFLOWING BATH, MARMOREAL PALACE.

“Did you know, Mydei,” Phainon began, “that there is an ancient saying in Okhema that says: ‘You can lead a Dromas to water, but you can’t make him drink’? I think it applies to you.”

The bath chamber shimmered with steam, its marble walls veined with gold and silver, reflecting the soft glow of lanterns suspended from the domed ceiling. Water lapped gently against the edges of the vast pool, its surface disturbed only by the occasional ripple from the ornate fountains shaped like sea nymphs.

Phainon lounged in the water, submerged up to his chest, the heat loosening the knots in his shoulders. He tilted his head back, letting the steam envelop him, and then turned to regard Mydei, who sat rigidly on the opposite side, arms crossed over his chest, eyes fixed on some indeterminate point on the far wall.

Mydei frowned. “I’m not a Dromas.”

“True,” Phainon conceded, “but the metaphor still stands. Here you are, in a bath designed for relaxation, yet you sit there as tense as a bowstring.”

“I find these indulgences… unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary? My dear prince, even the most stoic warrior needs respite. Or are you planning to wage war against relaxation itself?”

“I prefer to keep my guard up,” the Kremnoan grumbled.

“In a bathhouse?” Phainon raised an eyebrow. “Unless you suspect the loofahs of treachery, I think you’re safe.”

Mydei did not reply, so Phainon leaned back, letting the water buoy him, and said, “You know, she was asking about you.”

“Who?” Mydei’s gaze snapped to him.

“The pretty baker,” he answered. “You remember. The one with honey on her hands and sunlight in her hair. I visited Marmoreal Market again this morning. She makes exquisite milk pies, did you know?”

“Yes,” Mydei breathed out, and looked away, the tips of his ears reddening. “What did she say?”

“She wondered if the famously stoic prince ever smiles when he’s with others,” Phainon said, watching him closely. “I told her I’d seen it once, but it might’ve been a trick of the light.”

Mydei didn’t speak for a long time. The steam gathered on his eyelashes. His hands, resting on his knees, clenched, then relaxed.

“She shouldn’t ask things like that,” he said at last.

“Why not?”

“It implies something.”

“Yes,” Phainon said, amused. “It implies that she’s curious. About you.”

“That’s the problem,” Mydei replied. “She shouldn’t. I’ve done nothing to invite it.”

“You think attraction waits for an invitation? Mydei, please. You’re not a fortress. You can’t control who looks at you, or why.”

“I am heir to a kingdom where sentiment is seen as weakness,” the prince said. “I was raised to command, not to… to stay in gardens and smile at girls who bake bread.”

Phainon leaned forward, the water sloshing gently as he moved. “Yet, you stayed, and yet, you smiled.”

“It’s dangerous,” Mydei said, looking away. He looked troubled. “I wish I could tell her that. I may be immortal, but I won’t be here all the time, not if—not if fate has its way with me.”

“She isn’t asking for divinity, my friend,” said Phainon gently. “She’s only asking if you smile.”

Mydei’s gaze dropped to the water again. He didn’t answer, but his expression softened—imperceptibly, except to someone who’d known him long enough to notice. 

After a while, Phainon leaned back with a satisfied sigh. “Just something to think about, Mydei. No pressure. But if you do decide to bring her a flower sometime, may I suggest anything other than hemlock?”

Mydei scowled again and glared at the white-haired warrior. Phainon reached for a fig from the platter placed behind him and shrugged, eyes dancing with mirth. “Hks,” Mydei muttered, but his posture had eased—shoulders no longer braced like shields, hands no longer tense on his thighs. The prince looked away, but his expression had gone distant in a different sort of manner.

As if, perhaps, he was thinking about someone.

II. KEPHALE PLAZA.

Kephale Plaza was a marvel of architecture, its wide expanse paved with sun-kissed limestone that glowed warmly under the afternoon sun. The plaza was framed by colonnades of ivory marble, each column entwined with flowering vines that added bursts of colour to the pristine white. 

Phainon wished he could say that he’d come here to marvel at the scenery. Unfortunately, Aglaea had received a report about a thief who was on the loose, filching bracelets and coin purses alike. Castorice was busy, and Tribbie, Trianne and Trinnon were otherwise occupied. That left Phainon, who, in truth, didn’t mind the assignment.

What he did mind, though, was the way he’d caught sight of you and Mydeimos walking together beneath the arch of blooming bougainvillaea and promptly forgotten what, exactly, he was meant to be watching for.

He loitered near one of the shaded stalls, pretending to inspect a display of carved wooden figurines, though he only caught every third word of the merchant’s well-practiced sales pitch. His attention was fixed on the way Mydei leaned towards you slightly, his usually unreadable expression tinged with something that might’ve been—Kephale help him—softness.

You were speaking quietly, gesturing with one hand as you walked, and Mydei nodded along, occasionally offering clipped replies. Even from a distance, Phainon could see that Mydei wasn’t just listening; he was listening—brows faintly drawn, head tilted in that particular way he reserved for things he wanted to understand but couldn’t quite name.

Phainon narrowed his eyes. This wouldn’t do.

With a slow inhale, he pushed off the marble column and approached. His footsteps were light, but he made no move to hide his arrival.

“Fancy seeing the two of you here,” he announced cheerfully, slipping into step beside you easily.

Mydei faltered, immediately shifting half a step away from you. “Phainon.”

You blinked up at him, surprised but not displeased. “I didn’t know you were on patrol today.”

Phainon shrugged. “Technically, yes. I’m in pursuit of a nefarious criminal. But more importantly, I’m here to rescue you from the silence this one—” he nodded at Mydei— “can’t seem to escape. He’s the definition of a man of few words.”

“We weren’t silent,” Mydei groused.

“No, no—I’m sure it was romantic!” Phainon acquiesced. “If Y/N here is into hulking, brooding men.”

You laughed which was, frankly, unacceptable, because you were supposed to laugh at Mydei’s jokes, not his. Mydei look exasperated, but his cheeks were dusted red, which Phainon considered a personal victory.

“Actually,” you said, smiling at Mydei, “he was telling me about the coastal patrols in Okhema. They’ve been—”

“—more diligent than usual,” Mydei interrupted quickly. “Nothing worth reporting.”

Phainon raised a brow. “Not even to your dear friend who has spent the past hour avoiding elderly vendors who insist I’d make a fine husband for their granddaughters?”

You looked like you were about to say something sympathetic, but he pressed on. “What I am interested in,” he said lightly, “is how long you’ve both been here, because if you saw anything suspicious—like, say, a person darting between stalls with more rings on their fingers than they started with—I could finally do something productive.”

“We just got her not long ago,” you said, shaking your head. “I haven’t seen anything strange.”

Mydei only said, “No.”

“Of course not,” Phainon sighed. “Well, since you’re here anyway, I suppose I’ll deputise the both of you. Consider this your invitation to join me in chasing shadows across the sunniest place in Okhema.”

“Are we being drafted into service?” you asked, smiling.

“Yes,” he said promptly. “It’s terribly official.”

Mydei looked like he might object, but you nudged him gently with your elbow. “Come on,” you murmured, and just like that, the faint stubborn line in his brow faded.

Phainon didn’t miss it.

As you began walking again—now with Phainon very deliberately between the two of you—he leaned closer to Mydei and said under his breath, “You know, if you plan to pine in silence for much longer, I’ll be forced to intervene.”

“I’m not pining,” Mydei muttered.

“Oh?” he said. “So you weren’t giving her a lecture about border patrols as a thinly veiled excuse to spend time with her?”

Mydeimos said nothing, which said everything.

“You’re terrible at this.” Phainon grinned. “Just so you know.”

“Good,” the prince said shortly. “Then you won’t give me advice.”

“On the contrary. I’ll give you too much of it.” He glanced over at you. You had paused ahead to admire a display of ornamental silks. “You don’t want to wait too long, Mydei,” he said quietly. “The world doesn’t always give you second chances.”

With that, he strode ahead, catching up with you and saying loudly, “Now, if I were a thief hiding in plain sight, I’d disguise myself as a merchant selling outrageously overpriced scarves. Shall we investigate?”

You rolled your eyes but let him lead you away with a grin. Behind you, Mydei stood still for a moment, his expression hard beneath the bright sun—then slowly, he moved to follow.

I. HALL OF RESPITE, MARMOREAL PALACE.

The Hall of Respite was aptly named—a haven tucked away in the southern wing of Marmoreal Palace, where golden afternoon light filtered through tall arched windows and dust motes danced lazily in the air like sleepy fireflies. Columns of white stone held up the ceiling, each one wrapped in trailing ivy and blooms enchanted to stay in perpetual spring. A small fountain burbled in the centre. Plush divans and velvet-cushioned lounges lined the walls, draped in silks the colour of champagne and cloud.

Phainon was draped across one such divan, a chilled goblet of pomegranate nectar balanced in one hand, the other idly stroking the embroidery of a nearby cushion. He looked every inch the picture of languid nobility—except that he was not—save for the fact that his gaze was locked on the entrance, waiting. 

When Mydei finally entered, Phainon perked up immediately.

“I was beginning to think you’d taken up permanent residence in the training grounds,” he said by way of greeting.

“I was training,” Mydei replied, as if the comment had any need of clarification. He was still in his tunic, sweat-darkened at the collar, his hair slightly damp. Even his gait carried the stiffness of someone who had just disarmed three men in a row. 

“Of course you were.” Phainon gestured to the chaise opposite him. “Sit down. Hydrate. Pretend, for a moment, that you’re not forged from granite.”

Mydei did not smile, but he complied, lowering himself onto the edge of the chaise.

Phainon said, “I ran into Y/N earlier.”

“Oh?”

“She was near the reflecting pools,” he went on. “Feeding crumbs to that flock of silver-throated sparrows. You know the ones. She was humming, too, a sweet little tune—something old, sounded Kremnoan.”

Mydei’s eyes flickered. “Her mother used to sing to her in Kremnoan. She told me that, once.”

“Did she now?” Phainon blinked, momentarily wrong-footed.

“She said she doesn’t remember the words, only the melody. And how warm her mother’s voice was. Like a hearth fire.”

“She told you that?”

“Yes.”

“She also said that she was thinking of asking me to accompany her to the festival next week,” Phainon said, attempting to recover. “Something about needing a partner for the moonlight procession.”

He glanced sideways, hoping to catch a glimpse of jealousy.

But Mydei only tilted his head, thoughtful. “She would enjoy that.”

“...Would she?”

“Yes,” said Mydei, softly. “She likes the sound of drums, and the lanterns—she called them tiny captive stars. She’d probably spend half the night asking about the legends behind the constellations.”

“You know her very well.”

“She listens when you speak,” the prince said, as though that answered everything. “Not because she’s curious—though she is—but because she values what you have to say. That’s rare, and so I try to do the same for her.”

A breath of silence passed between them. Phainon blinked.

“She also makes that face when she’s trying not to laugh,” Mydei added suddenly, and there was a hint of fondness in his voice. “One side of her mouth curls first.”

“Wow,” said Phainon, trying to disguise the dryness in his throat with a sip of his drink, “aren’t you just the veritable poet.”

Mydei said nothing, but the corners of his mouth lifted in that almost-smile he so rarely offered.

Phainon sat back with a sigh, glaring up at the ceiling. “Remind me never to try and make you jealous again. It’s bad for my pride.”

“You tried to make me jealous?” asked Mydei, sounding genuinely surprised.

The warrior groaned. “Forget it.”

“I do think she’d prefer your company to mine at the festival,” Mydei said, standing to leave. “You could always offer her a poem, too. She might keep it.”

“You’re infuriating.”

“I’ve been told,” he said, and with a nod, Mydei strode out of the Hall, leaving Phainon staring at his back, utterly defeated.

The fountain continued to burble. Somewhere in the gardens beyond, a sparrow sang.

O.  PATH OF PARTING.

The Path of Parting curved like a river of stone through the eastern gardens, its flagstones pale and smooth from centuries of reverent steps. It was said that this was where lovers, friends, and comrades once walked when farewells had to be made—with flowers blooming along either side, as if to soften the grief. Today, the air was still and fragrant, golden with sunlight, and the blossoms were at their brightest: starblush vines spilling from trellises, yellow cypress roses nodding in the breeze.

Phainon hadn’t meant to take this route. He’d been wandering—well, brooding, if he were honest with himself—thinking vaguely about nothing and everything.

He rounded a bend and stopped dead.

There, further up the path, you and Mydei walked side-by-side. 

You moved in that unconsciously mirrored way people did when they’d grown too close not to. Your shoulders tilted towards his just slightly. His hand hovered near yours by instinct. Your voice—he could hear it, low and laughing—drew out the kind of smile from Mydei that Phainon had never seen once with the Chrysos Heirs or the sparring ring.

He watched as you leaned in to whisper something. Mydei’s reply was inaudible, but whatever he said made you laugh softly, eyes shining.

Mydei reached up, unthinking, to pull a stray petal from your hair, his fingertips brushing over your temple with the kind of tenderness that could only come from a hundred small moments before this one.

Phainon stood rooted. “Oh,” he said aloud.

He hadn’t meant to say it, but the realisation bloomed sharp and fast, like a candlewick catching light.

Oh.

This wasn’t something that had just begun. It was something that had always been—quiet and steady, like the tide, like the stars shifting across the sky one inch at a time.

Phainon felt something between awe and exasperation fizz inside his chest.

“Gods,” he muttered. “I’m an idiot.”

He’d spent all this time trying to provoke a reaction from Mydei—jealousy, flustered affection, anything—when Mydei had already won the war without even playing the game.

And you? You hadn’t been some wistful maybe, some distant crush. You’d chosen him. You loved him.

Phainon drew a breath, long and slow, and stepped backwards, letting the ivy shadows swallow him. He didn’t interrupt. Not this time. Instead, he turned on his heel, hands shoved into the pockets of his cloak, and started back towards the palace with a huff and a half-laugh.

“Five times I tried,” he murmured to himself. “Five. And not once did it occur to me that they were already—” He waved a hand in the air, at no one. “Of course they were.”

He glanced up at the sky, as though expecting the Titans to be laughing, too.

“I hope he writes you sonnets,” he said aloud, mostly to the wind. “I hope you make him eat too many honeycakes and teach him how to dance.”

Phainon was smiling now, rueful but fond.

“Stars above,” he sighed. “You were never going to pick me, were you?”

He walked on, leaving behind the sweet scent of the flowers and the sun warming his back.

a/n ⇢ the names of the various places are actual locations taken from the okhema map, though their descriptions have been changed to fit the story. thank you to @lotusteabag for beta reading and making the gorgeous header for this fic! thank you for reading!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This decadent 2013 mansion in Bethesda, MD has been on the market for over 200 days. 6bds, 11ba, 11,522 sq ft, $23.5m. It's amazing, but I guess there's no one wealthy enough to buy it.

The entrance hall is nice, but not terribly impressive. The glass doors look like a store (and, why glass? I always think of break-ins).

This is nicer, but I still don't understand why they chose glass doors. Sorry, I'm paranoid.

Venturing deeper inside, it starts to beome impressive.

Like this elegantly black and gold sitting room.

Maybe potential millionaire buyers don't like the black? They may prefer the white and gray look. But, this is so beautiful and sophisticated.

Here's a gray, white and black hall.

Fab neutral music room.

Look at the light fixtures. Not a fan of the lower cabinetry, though. Buyers should like the gray. Does anyone actually cook in here?

Well, there's this beautiful round room for every day dining. Love the chandelier.

This is a lovely sitting room. So tranquil.

At the top of the stairs, there's this private library with a terrace.

The primary bedroom suite.

Looks like a bar, here, with a sink right outside the bedroom.

It has a full sitting room.

Marble ensuite. Look at the little light fixtures and flowers.

A second suite. That's some bed.

Very nice guest bedroom.

So many rooms to entertain in. This one has direct access to the outdoors. I like the illuminated red shelving.

This is a real bar that guests can actually sit at.

The colonnade gives the illusion of being outdoors. Great for the winter months.

Stairs to the wine room.

This is nice.

Waterfall pool in the courtyard. Note the stone path across the pool.

The home is on a 1.93 acre lot overlooking the Potomac River.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6699-Macarthur-Blvd-Bethesda-MD-20816/37166434_zpid/?

[easternblocrelics]

Karlovy Vary Tržni kolonáda Marktkolonnade Market Colonnade La colonnade du marché Czechoslovakia

[aylen-san]

One day in Rome

Morning in Rome, during the August Kalends. The sun, like burning gold, was slowly rising over the horizon, bathing the city in a soft light that reflected off the marble columns and golden domes of temples. Celeborn stood on the terrace of his domus on Palatine Hill, framed by marble railings and iron vases with laurel. A gentle breeze played with his silver hair, glinting in the sunlight. He wore a tunic of the finest white linen, shimmering subtly in the light, and his belt, fastened with a bronze buckle, was adorned with the symbols of Lórien, barely visible to the human eye.

His gaze drifted over the bustling city, where life was already in full swing. On the Forum, Romans were discussing the latest news, merchants were setting up their stalls, and the city was slowly coming to life. Feeling the pulse of this ancient world beneath his feet, Celeborn listened to the hum of the city—so foreign to him, used to the silence of elven forests, but there was something strangely captivating about it. He leaned against the railing, feeling the smooth coolness of the marble under his hands, and pondered the fleetingness of human life and the endlessness of his own.

Today, he was expected in the Senate, where a discussion about the northern borders, threatened by barbarian raids, was to take place. He knew the Roman patricians viewed him as a mysterious advisor, bringing not only wisdom but also a certain enigmatic power. His past, veiled in legend, commanded respect, though Celeborn himself never sought power over men.

Descending the marble steps into the atrium, decorated with mosaics depicting sea monsters, he glanced at the fountains adorned with statues, from which thin streams of cool water flowed. The servants respectfully opened the doors before him, and he stepped out into the streets of Rome. The crowd, heading towards the Forums, was noisy and bustling, but upon seeing Celeborn's tall and graceful figure, they greeted him with deference. Though his slender, almost ethereal build was more elegant and taller than most Romans, he did not stand out but rather seemed an inseparable part of this city.

His path led past numerous temples and monumental arches, where Roman legionaries marched in formation, and philosophers gathered at the Basilica Ulpia for their endless debates. In the Senate, Tiberius Claudius, an experienced general eager to hear the wisdom of the mysterious elf, awaited him. Celeborn entered the hall where the patricians in their purple togas lounged on marble seats, discussing how best to protect Roman civilization from the barbarians.

Celeborn suggested using the strategies of ancient elven wars but spoke cautiously—too much wisdom might not be well received. He spoke of a system of watchtowers and signal fires that had guarded the elven realms for centuries. The Romans listened with fascination, though some eyed him with suspicion—not everyone was comfortable with the idea of a foreigner, no matter how respected, suggesting changes to their age-old strategies.

When the meeting came to an end and the Senate filled with murmurs of discussion, Celeborn left the building, his steps light and soundless, like those of a hunter in the forest. He headed towards the market, surrounded by colonnades. The chaos here was palpable—the cries of merchants, the smell of exotic spices, leather, and oil filled the air. Celeborn passed by a jeweler’s stall selling ornaments with obsidian and gold inlays. Their gleam reminded him briefly of the precious stones of Tirion and those who once wore such treasures. For a moment, he felt a desire to touch them, but he restrained himself, knowing that this was a world where material wealth was merely a shadow of true values.

Celeborn then made his way to the Basilica Ulpia, where philosophers engaged in discussions about time and existence. The Roman scholars always admired his worldview, which he expressed with subtlety and restraint. He spoke of time as a river, flowing continuously, though each person could only see a small part of its course. His words astonished the listeners, who tried to grasp their meaning, but for them, he remained a mystery—a wise figure from a world where reality seemed like a dream.

In the evening, Celeborn went to the Gardens of Lucullus. The lush trees, entwined with grapevines, cast shadows through which the last rays of the setting sun filtered. A calming silence filled the garden, broken only by the soft murmur of fountains surrounded by blooming roses. This garden was his retreat, a reminder of the distant forests of Lórien and the shadowy groves of Eregion. He sat on a marble bench beneath a towering plane tree and closed his eyes, feeling the presence of nature around him, hearing the music of the wind in the branches.

His gaze rested on a statue of Mercury standing by the fountain, as if reminding him that time flows and changes everything. In that moment, Celeborn pondered his place in this fleeting world. To the people, he was but a momentary enigma, passing along with their generation, but for him, each day was merely a blink in the endless flow of time.

Night fell over Rome. The city lit up with thousands of oil lamps, illuminating the streets and squares. Celeborn rose from the bench, casting one last glance at the garden, now sinking into darkness. He knew that this day, like all others, would become just a drop in the vast sea of time through which he continued his journey—always observing, always learning, but never truly becoming part of this world.

[platosshadowpuppet]

With the right charms and mindset, you can deliberately lose your way on Edinburgh's steeply staired alleys and stumble into the city that never was.

Emerge from the dark of Flesh Market Close into an Old Town at the height of its pomp. Silk pendants snap from lofty turrets and shining knights canter up towards the castle.

Dodging horses and men-at-arms, make your way onto George IV Street. Here Edinburgh has spiraled upwards to the unreliable Scottish sun. Pillared houses rise up one atop the other, slim bridges criss-cross back and forth and whole colonnaded streets bustle with industry high up in the sky.

The city's great and good dwell in a rarefied world up here, their status based on how little they have to return to the surface. The most noble children may never have set foot upon the earth.

Dive down between the clean sandstone walls, passing the permanent twilight of Cowgate, turning a blind eye to the grisly business of its fleshsmiths and chimera markets.

Down further, into the steaming, bellowing heart of the city. Here goods arrive on subterranean train lines and canals; oranges and spices arrive as if by magic in the world above, untouched by sunlight or human hand. Great cogs turn and pulleys heave, powered by dark torrents of water from the Pentland Hills. Pale skinned urchins scurry, clad in mushroom leathers, their pupils expanding in the gloom till only black shows in their eyes.

And then you reach the heart of the city. A great forest god sits hunched in a forgotten fissure. Though his eyes have turned a milky white, roots cascade from his fingers, pushing up and out into every corner of the city above. A stream of sprites and creatures come and go, whispering into his ears, waiting for a solemn nod or ponderous shake of his shaggy head.

The city has forgotten he's here, thinks it's buried the Wild under stone and brick. But here he sits, still. In his mind Edinburgh's buildings are nothing more than industrious mushrooms, bursting from a rotting log. Its people ants who scurry back and forth in inscrutable patterns. He twitches his roots, sends our his spies, and one family rises or falls, one house triumphs or is forgotten.

[heavensoared]

VISSAI'S CAPITAL: DRACONIS REACH / DRAKEREACH

Drakereach,  the  indomitable  heart  of  the  mountain  kingdom,  stands  as  a  testament  to  the  resilience  and  might  of  its  people.  Carved  into  the  very  bones  of  the  towering  peaks,  the  city  clings  to  the  mountainside  in  tiered  levels  of  stone  and  marble,  its  architecture  a  striking  fusion  of  raw  natural  power  and  refined  craftsmanship.  Winding  roads  and  grand  staircases  snake  down  the  slopes,  connecting  each  level  like  veins  through  a  great  and  ancient  beast.

At  the  summit,  reigning  over  all,  is  Regia  Ignis,  the  castle  of  fire  and  stone.  It  is  a  marvel  of  engineering,  its  fortified  walls  merging  seamlessly  with  the  mountain  itself,  as  if  the  land  itself  had  willed  its  creation. Grand  colonnades,  pillared  halls,  and  sprawling  terraces  evoke  an  air  of  timeless  authority,  their  surfaces  etched  with  reliefs  of  past  triumphs  and  celestial  omens.  The  courtyard  is  vast,  a  space  designed  not  for  mere  ceremony  but  necessity,  as  dragons  descend  from  the  heavens  to  land  in  the  royal  aerie.

The  banners  of  Regia  Ignis,  proudly  displayed  from  the  high  ramparts  of  the  castle,  are  a  striking  sight  against  the  rugged  mountain  backdrop.  Rich  crimson  and  deep  gold,  the  colors  of  Vissai,  dominate  the  heavy  fabric,  their  hues  catching  the  sunlight  like  fire  against  the  stone.  At  the  heart  of  each  banner  lies  the  kingdom’s  insignia—majestic  and  fearsome,  wings  outstretched  as  if  poised  to  take  flight.  Encircling  the  mighty  beast,  embroidered  in  thread  of  gleaming  gold,  are  the  sacred  house  words:  "On  Wings  of  Valor,  We  Rise."  The  phrase  forms  an  unbroken  ring  around  the  dragon,  symbolizing  the  eternal  cycle  of  strength,  honor,  and  ascension  that  defines  the  kingdom  and  its  people.

Below,  Drakereach  thrives  in  the  shadow  of  its  keep.  Homes  and  markets,  smithies  and  temples,  all  built  from  dark  mountain  stone  and  adorned  with  golden  accents,  spiral  downward  in  structured  layers.  The  wealth  of  the  mountain  runs  through  the  city’s  veins—gold  glimmers  in  the  filigree  of  doors,  in  the  domed  rooftops  of  important  buildings,  and  in  the  sacred  braziers  that  burn  endlessly  in  honor  of  the  dragons.  Public  forums  hum  with  the  voices  of  orators  and  merchants,  their  words  carrying  through  arched  courtyards  where  statues  of  past  rulers  stand  watch. Open-air forums and grand bathhouses, fed by natural hot springs, serve as gathering places where politics and commerce intertwine.

Drakereach  is  a  city  of  extremes—bitterly  cold  in  the  winters  when  the  winds  howl  through  the  peaks,  and  scorching  in  the  summers  when  the  sun  bakes  the  stone.  Yet  its  people,  like  the  mountain,  endure.  The  streets  are  lined  with  statues  of  past  dragonriders,  their  forms  frozen  in  time,  inspiring  those  who  dare  to  dream  of  taking  to  the  skies.  Outsiders  who  seek  the  honor  of  dragonriding  must  first  endure  the  city’s  trials:  the  thin  air,  the  unforgiving  terrain,  and  the  ever-watchful  eyes  of  those  who  guard  their  sacred  traditions.

At  night,  the  city  glows  like  a  constellation  of  ember-lit  windows,  a  golden  beacon  against  the  dark  peaks.  And  above  it  all,  Regia  Ignis  stands  eternal,  watching  over  its  people  like  a  slumbering  dragon  waiting  to  wake.

BONUS: AN OLD MAP OF DRACONIS REACH

[marmolady]

Rosa Montoya and her future husband, Homori.

He grew up in the market village in Colonnade Cove, where he trained as a wood-carver and carpenter. He is much more laid-back than the anxious perfectionist, Rosa, and frequently keeps her grounded when she's putting a world on her shoulders. She, in turn, inspires his creativity, challenging him to explore his capabilities. For safety, he can only spend time with her in San Trobida with the protection of a suit adapted from Fiddler's, so generally they separate as and when Rosa returns home. As they raise their children, Leonel and Aurora, the practicalities of their two different worlds are to be strained, but they make it work-- unconventional though their arrangement is.

[justsomeaithings]

Title: Eternal Triangle

In the quiet, ancient village of Thalassa, by the shores of a sea that mirrored the sky, they met for the first time—or so they believed. He was a fisherman, rugged and strong, with eyes that held the mysteries of the deep. She was the healer’s daughter, her touch gentle, her laughter a balm to the weary. They were drawn to each other with a force as inevitable as the tide. They did not know, could not know, that their love was eternal, a thread woven through the tapestry of time.

Beside them, there was another. A man whose presence seemed as constant as the stars. He was neither a fisherman nor a healer, neither friend nor foe. He was simply there, like a shadow cast by an unseen flame.

The bustling market of ancient Alexandria teemed with life. Scholars debated under colonnades, merchants hawked their wares, and in the midst of the chaos, they found each other again. He was a scholar, lost in the pursuit of knowledge, his fingers stained with ink. She was a dancer, her movements a symphony of grace and passion. Their eyes met across a crowded street, and time seemed to still.

In the background, there he was, the same man. This time, he wore the garb of a merchant, but his eyes betrayed an ageless wisdom. He watched them, a silent observer of their reunion, his expression unreadable.

Paris, during the Revolution, was a city of tumult and change. She was a seamstress, her hands skilled in mending the torn fabric of a nation. He was a soldier, his heart heavy with the burden of war. Their love was a flicker of light in the darkness, a defiant act of hope amidst despair.

The third man was there too, in the guise of a revolutionary, his motives as inscrutable as ever. He fought alongside them, his loyalty unquestionable, yet his purpose remained a mystery.

In the neon-lit streets of 21st century Tokyo, their paths crossed once more. He was a musician, his soul poured into every note he played. She was a photographer, capturing the fleeting beauty of the world through her lens. Their connection was instantaneous, a spark that ignited a blaze.

The man was still there, now a businessman, blending into the background of their lives. He watched them with an intensity that suggested he knew more about their story than he let on.

They lived and loved, died and were reborn, over and over. Each time, their souls recognized one another, and each time, he was there. Sometimes he offered a helping hand, sometimes he simply watched, and sometimes he seemed to guide them towards each other, a silent architect of their fate.

It was in a small, forgotten village, in a future that had yet to come, that they finally confronted him. They stood together, hand in hand, their love a shield against the unknown.

“Who are you?” the woman asked, her voice steady.

The man smiled, a sad, knowing smile. “I am the keeper of your story,” he said softly. “In every life, I am tasked with ensuring you find each other. It is my purpose, my penance, my duty.”

“Why?” the man asked, confusion and curiosity mingling in his gaze.

“Because once, long ago, I separated you,” he replied, his voice heavy with regret. “And now, I am bound to bring you back together, until the end of time.”

They stared at him, understanding dawning. He was the reason for their eternal love, and the reason they could never fully escape their cycle. He was their guardian and their curse, their past and their future.

“Thank you,” the woman said finally, her voice filled with a strange mix of gratitude and sorrow.

The man nodded, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Go, live your lives. Love as you always have. I will be here, watching over you, until the end of time.”

And so, they did. Their love, eternal and unbreakable, carried them through the ages. And he, the third man, the silent observer, fulfilled his penance, bound by a love he could never claim for his own, yet destined to protect forever.

Two lovers have reincarnated throughout history, destined to find each other and fall in love all over again. There’s also this third guy that reincarnates alongside them… we don’t really know what he does.

[aerobridgetravel]

Czechia: A Fairy-Tale Destination for Couples, Hikers, and Curious Travelers 🇨🇿

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Czechia (the Czech Republic) is a land where medieval castles pierce moody skies, cobblestone streets whisper stories of centuries past, and rolling green landscapes invite endless exploration. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a hiker chasing trails, or simply a traveler craving authenticity, Czechia delivers magic at every turn—and without emptying your wallet. Ready to plan your adventure? Trip.com makes it easy with unbeatable deals on flights, hotels, and curated experiences. Let’s dive into why this Central European gem should be your next destination!

Prague: The Crown Jewel of Romance

No visit to Czechia is complete without losing yourself in Prague , a city that feels like it leapt from the pages of a fairy tale. Stroll hand-in-hand across the Charles Bridge at sunrise, where statues of saints line the path and views of Prague Castle shimmer across the Vltava River. Wander through Old Town Square , home to the hourly spectacle of the Astronomical Clock and cozy cafés serving rich hot chocolate. For panoramic vistas, hike or take a tram to Prague Castle , the largest ancient castle complex in the world.

Pro Tip : Book a boutique hotel in the Lesser Town (Lesser Újezd) district via Trip.com for easy access to Prague’s top sights—and budget-friendly prices.

Beyond Prague: Hidden Gems for Every Traveler

While Prague dazzles, Czechia’s charm extends far beyond its capital.

Český Krumlov : A UNESCO-listed town with a storybook castle, winding river cruises, and cobblestone alleys that feel frozen in time. Perfect for couples and photographers!

Karlovy Vary : This spa town, famous for its healing thermal springs, offers elegant colonnades, scenic hiking trails, and a romantic atmosphere.

Brno : Czechia’s second-largest city blends Gothic architecture with vibrant street art, craft beer bars, and nearby wine regions.

Use Trip.com to book train tickets and multi-city packages, making it effortless to explore these gems.

Hiking Heaven: Trails for Every Skill Level

Czechia’s diverse landscapes are a hiker’s paradise. From forested mountains to dramatic rock formations, lace up your boots and hit the trails:

Bohemian Switzerland National Park : Home to the iconic Devil’s Bridge (Čertov Most) , a natural rock arch carved by time. The park’s sandstone cliffs and dense forests are ideal for day hikes.

Šumava Mountains : Trek through alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and ancient beech forests. Don’t miss the Plauen Glass Forest , a surreal trail lined with hanging glass sculptures.

Moravian Karst : Explore underground caves like Macocha Abyss , then hike above ground through lush valleys and vineyards.

Trip.com partners with local guides to offer affordable hiking tours, gear rentals, and eco-lodges near trailheads.

Why Czechia Wins: Affordable Luxury, Rich Culture

Czechia’s biggest allure? It offers European elegance without the sticker shock. Savor gourmet meals, historic hotels, and spa treatments at a fraction of Western Europe’s prices. Try trdelník (a sweet pastry) by a castle, sip Pilsner Urquell (the original pilsner) in a centuries-old pub, or unwind in Karlovy Vary’s thermal springs.

Seasonal events like Prague’s Christmas Markets and summer Smetana’s Litomyšl Opera Festival add to the country’s vibrant tapestry.

Plan Your Czechia Escape with Trip.com

Whether you’re craving a romantic getaway, an active hiking adventure, or a mix of both, Trip.com has you covered:

Flights : Find cheap round-trip flights to Prague (PRG) from major cities.

Hotels : Choose from budget hostels to spa resorts in Karlovy Vary.

Tours : Book guided hikes, castle visits, or beer-tasting experiences.

Deals : Snag flash sales on last-minute packages!

Ready to Fall for Czechia?

From Prague’s golden spires to Bohemia’s wild landscapes, Czechia is a destination that surprises and enchants. Let Trip.com handle the logistics while you create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Skål to adventure! 🍻

This article contains affiliate links. Using Trip.com helps support our content at no extra cost to you.

[xtruss]

Exclusive: Inside Trump’s First 100 Days!

— April 25, 2025 | TIME Magazine

Martin Schoeller For TIME

President Donald J. Trump Emerges through a pair of handsome wooden doors on the third floor of the White House. On his way down the wide, carpeted staircase, he passes portraits of his predecessors. Nixon is opposite the landing outside the residence. Two flights down, he has swapped the placement of Clinton and Lincoln, moving a massive painting of the latter into the main entrance hall of the mansion. “Lincoln is Lincoln, in all fairness,” he explains. “And I gave Clinton a good space.” But it’s the portrait around the corner that Trump wants to show off.

It’s a giant painting of a photograph—that photograph, the famous image of Trump, his fist raised, blood trickling down his face, after the attempt on his life last July at a rally in Butler, Pa. It hangs across the foyer from a portrait of Obama, in tacit competition. When they bring tours in, everyone wants to look at this one, Trump says, gesturing to the painting of himself, in technicolor defiance. “100 to 1, they prefer that,” he says. “It’s incredible.”

Making his way out to the Rose Garden, he walks up the inclined colonnade toward the Oval Office, describing the other alterations to the decor, both inside and out. His imprint on his workspace is apparent. The molding and mantels have gold accents now, and he has filled the walls with portraits of other presidents in gilded frames. He has hung an early copy of the Declaration of Independence behind a set of blue curtains. The box with a red button that allows Trump to summon Diet Cokes is back in its place on the Resolute desk, behind which stands a new battalion of flags, including one for the U.S. Space Force, the military branch he established. A map of the “Gulf of America,” as Trump has rechristened the Gulf of Mexico, was propped on a stand nearby.

If Trump is making cosmetic changes to the White House, his effect on the presidency goes much deeper. The first 100 days of his second term have been among the most destabilizing in American history, a blitz of power grabs, strategic shifts, and direct attacks that have left opponents, global counterparts, and even many supporters stunned. Trump has launched a battery of orders and memoranda that have hobbled entire government agencies and departments. He has threatened to take Greenland by force, seize control of the Panama Canal, and annex Canada. Weaponizing his control of the Justice Department, he has ordered investigations of political enemies. He has gutted much of the civil service, removing more than a hundred thousand federal workers. He has gone to war with institutions across American life: universities, media outlets, law firms, museums. He pardoned or gave a commutation to every single defendant charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attacks, including those convicted of violent acts and seditious conspiracy. Seeking to remake the global economy, he triggered a trade war by unleashing a sweeping array of tariffs that sent markets plummeting. Embarking on his promised program of mass deportation, he has mobilized agencies across government, from the IRS to the Postal Service, as part of the effort to find, detain, and expel immigrants. He has shipped some of them to foreign countries without due process, citing a wartime provision from the 18th century. His Administration has snatched foreign students off the streets and stripped their visas for engaging in speech he dislikes. He has threatened to send Americans to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Says one senior Administration official: “Our success depends on his ability to shock you.”

Photograph By Martin Schoeller For TIME

What shocks constitutional scholars and civil libertarians is the power Trump is attempting to amass and the impunity with which he is wielding it. Trump has claimed Congress’s constitutional authority over spending and foreign trade, citing a loosely defined emergency. He has asserted control over independent agencies and ignored post-Watergate rules designed to prevent political meddling in law enforcement and investigations. When lower courts have ordered him to slow or reverse potentially illegal moves, he has at times ignored or publicly ridiculed them. In one case, he defied a Supreme Court order. Issuing a ruling in that fight, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, a Reagan appointee and arguably the most influential conservative jurist outside the high court, said the Administration’s behavior threatens to “reduce the rule of law to lawlessness and tarnish the very values for which Americans of diverse views and persuasions have always stood.”

In an hour-long interview with TIME on April 22, Trump cast the first three months of his term as an unbridled success. “What I’m doing is exactly what I’ve campaigned on,” he says. Which is true, in part. From deportations and tariffs to remaking America’s alliances and attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, Donald John Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, is carrying out pledges to radically reshape America and its role in the world. He didn’t invent most of the problems he is aggressively going after, and supporters say he is doing more than predecessors from both parties to fix them. America’s immigration system has been broken for decades; Trump’s moves have slowed illegal border crossings to a trickle. Throughout the Cold War, U.S. strategists bemoaned military “free-riders” in Europe and East Asia; Trump has triggered previously unimaginable moves by Germany and Japan to spend more on their own, and their neighbors’, collective defense. China used its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 to launch a multidecade attack on those who sought to do business with them; Trump’s latest tariffs are the most aggressive effort to fight back. “I have solved more problems in the world without asking for or getting credit,” he says.

Trump has benefited from an enfeebled Democratic Party and compliant congressional Republicans who have abdicated legislative powers and long-held beliefs, whether out of cowardice or a desire to ride his coattails. There has been little meaningful or sustained backlash from the public. The civil-society leaders and corporate titans with the most political capital have largely acquiesced to Trump’s rule, choosing supplicancy over solidarity. The capitulation has only emboldened him.

It’s possible that Trump, 100 days in, is at the peak of his power. A resistance—if not one that resembles the first-term Resistance—is stirring to life. Trump’s protectionist policies threaten a recession of his own making; businesses big and small face the imminent threat of closure as they cut workers, close production lines, and try to stay afloat in the face of disruptions to supply chains and revenue of a scale not seen since the pandemic. Universities have found greater courage in the face of Trump’s threats to their multibillion-dollar research budgets. Communities that rely on immigrant labor have bristled at the uptick in deportations. With consumer confidence at its lowest level in three years and inflation expected to climb as a consequence of the trade war, even meek Republicans have raised complaints about the impact of some of Trump’s moves on their political future. Polling finds that a larger share of Americans now live in fear of their government and Trump’s approval rating has slipped to 40%, according to a Pew survey, lower at this early stage in his term than that of any other recent President.

The self-declared mission of Trump and his top aides in his first 100 days has been to overwhelm opposition everywhere through this barrage of moves on all fronts. “He has ceded absolutely nothing to the bureaucracy—zero,” says White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. “Everything he wants to do or thinks is important for the country, we have figured out a way.” Even the most experienced government hands are struggling to keep track of every norm-breaking change in Washington, let alone where it will leave the country and the world. Trump’s top aides say he is only getting started. “He had four years to think about what he wanted to do,” says Wiles, “and now he wants it executed on.”

Trump’s Early Clemency for the rioters who had attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, set the tone for his relationship with Congress. His aides had been wrestling with which defendants should be pardoned or have their sentences commuted. Some worried that freeing all of them, including criminals convicted of violence or seditious conspiracy, would backfire. But on his first day in office, upon arriving at the White House from his inaugural ceremony, Trump settled the debate. "I don't want to talk about this anymore,” he said, according to two senior officials who were present. “Just do them all.”

Under Trump, Republican majorities in Congress have ceded power to a Chief Executive many are too timid to confront. Aided by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump gutted congressionally authorized government departments, from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the U.S. Agency for Global Media. He ordered the dismantling of the Department of Education, setting up a legal fight over an agency established through Congress in the 1970s. Trump withheld federal dollars from programs targeted in his Executive Orders, triggering lawsuits. In March, as Trump was preparing to roll out his tariffs, House Republican leadership slipped language into a stopgap funding bill to prevent any member of Congress from challenging the national emergency Trump has declared to implement them. “The President of the United States has the right, and arguably, I think, the responsibility, to deal with other nations who are engaging in unfair trade practices,” Speaker Mike Johnson tells TIME in an interview.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk deliver remarks next to a Tesla Model S on the South Lawn of the White House on March 11, 2025. Andrew Harnik—Getty Images

Trump’s blunt-force approach to his nominally co-equal partners in the Legislative Branch was on display in a meeting with House Republicans in April. Settling into the Cabinet room, members of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus were prepared to buck a budget framework the Senate GOP had devised, blocking progress on a key agenda item. Trump was having none of it. The President walked in, flanked by top aides and Johnson, and proceeded to lecture the holdouts for nearly 45 minutes, according to two people in the meeting. “This is what I want,” Trump said. Representative Chip Roy interjected. “Mr. President, I hear you,” the Texas Congressman said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t trust this process. The Senate has screwed us over before.” Trump cut him off. “Don’t be a ball buster, OK?” The next morning, Roy voted to advance the measure, along with all but two other House Republicans. Roy’s office declined to comment.

The message from the President went out across his party: Don’t cross me. Even after he lost in 2020, Trump’s stalwart allies won primaries thanks to his backing, solidifying his hold on the GOP and turning it once and for all into an instrument of his agenda. Now much of the party are true believers in the MAGA creed and most of the rest have accepted that going along with the program is a career requirement. “They understand that President Trump is the most powerful force in politics in the modern era,” Speaker Johnson explains. “Everybody wants to be on this train—and not in front of it.”

Now Trump Is Trying to do the same thing with the federal government. Enter Musk’s DOGE. Claiming to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, Musk’s team has taken control of independent federal agencies and inflicted crippling cuts. About 75,000 federal employees accepted Musk’s offer of deferred buyouts. DOGE has all but demolished agencies like USAID, and is trying to do the same to others, like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Sometimes it has been messy. When DOGE agents tried to take over the U.S. Institute of Peace, a nonprofit created by Congress, the organization refused to let them in. The DOGE team came back with the FBI and D.C. police.

DOGE has also consolidated data from across government on individual Americans—pulling together for the first time in one place everything from Social Security numbers to student loan data to annual income. Those files have then been used to advance the White House’s objectives. The IRS struck an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to provide taxpayer data to help identify targets for deportation. A spokesperson for DOGE did not respond to requests for comment. Wiles says the operation has been the sharpest weapon in Trump’s fight to grab control of government powers. “Had we not done that, even with the discomfort it caused,” she adds, “then we would leave here in four years having cut the federal bureaucracy by 0.18%.”

Louis DeJoy was among the federal officials who learned a hard lesson about power in the new Trump era. The former CEO of a logistics company and a Trump megadonor, DeJoy was tapped to become Postmaster General in 2020. Hired to retool an agency on the brink of insolvency, he cut billions of dollars in contracts and embarked on a 10-year plan to centralize the U.S. Postal Service’s delivery network. But in March, he became embroiled in a struggle between Musk, who wants to privatize the Postal Service, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was maneuvering to fold it into his department. Meanwhile, officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection had asked the USPS to supply data to help its project of tracking migrants, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

On March 10, Musk dispatched two young former Tesla staffers to the USPS to embed inside the agency, nominally to cut costs. When DeJoy refused to give the DOGE officials access to sensitive USPS servers that contain the mailing addresses of every American, the aides complained to Musk, who then complained to Trump, the sources tell TIME. Sergio Gor, Trump’s director of personnel, called DeJoy and USPS board members, saying the President wanted him out, according to two sources familiar with the matter, and suggesting to DeJoy that Trump and Musk could make life uncomfortable for him. When it became clear the problem could only escalate, DeJoy, who had already announced plans to retire, resigned to take the target off the agency’s back. Gor did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

With Congress And the Executive Branch now largely compliant, it has fallen to the courts to determine the outer limits of Trump’s power. More than 100 cases have already been brought challenging him. And an administrative error by the Trump team in its aggressive program to deport undocumented migrants has turned into an incipient constitutional crisis.

In July 2024, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele had invited then Florida Representative Matt Gaetz and other lawmakers on a diplomatic visit. During a dinner at his lakefront compound, Bukele made an offer: he was willing to imprison migrants Trump wanted to deport in El Salvador’s famously harsh prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT. The next day, Bukele gave the U.S. delegation a tour of the facility, the largest prison in Latin America. “The conditions had zapped the inhabitants of any will to fight,” Gaetz recalls. “It’s tough to see the state of the human condition drained of hope.”

Gaetz pitched the plan to deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who pitched the plan to Trump, a senior administration source tells TIME. Trump instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to travel to El Salvador to strike an arrangement with Bukele, the source says. A deal was quietly sealed in February. “One of the reasons I like it is because it would be much less expensive than our prison system, and I think it would actually be a greater deterrent,” Trump says.

President Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's President, during a meeting in the Oval Office on April 14, 2025. Al Drago—The Washington Post/Getty Images

Days later, Trump invoked the Alien Enemy ies Act, a rarely used wartime law from the 18th century, to deport 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members to CECOT without giving them the chance to claim they had been detained in error or to profess their innocence in immigration court. U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg ordered the Trump Administration to turn the planes around. The Administration ignored the order, Boasberg said, and the President lashed out, calling for the judge’s impeachment. In response, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public rebuke of Trump.

The conflict only grew when the Administration admitted that it had “mistakenly” flown a Maryland sheet-metal apprentice, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to El Salvador as part of the deportations. “When I first heard of the situation, I was not happy,” Trump says. “Then I found out that he was a person who was an MS-13 member.” The man’s lawyers dispute that and other allegations. The Supreme Court ordered the Administration to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release from CECOT, but it has refused to bring him back.

Asked if he had requested Bukele to turn Abrego Garcia over, Trump said he hadn’t. “I haven’t been asked to ask him by my attorneys,” he says. “Nobody asked me to ask him that question, except you.” As for the political outcry over his refusal to return a man mistakenly sent to a foreign prison without due process, Trump says he believes it will accrue to his advantage: “I think this is another men in women’s sports thing for the Democrats.”

Soon it wasn’t just immigrants who allegedly came to the U.S. illegally who were targeted. On March 25, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Ph.D. student at Tufts University, left her apartment to go to an Iftar dinner with friends. On the sidewalk, she was abducted by six plainclothes ICE officials and taken to a facility in central Louisiana. An immigration judge has denied her bond, while the government has yet to produce evidence of her alleged activities in support of Hamas or charge her with a crime. A DHS official has cited an op-ed she co-wrote with four other students last spring criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a reason for her arrest. Trump says he is “not aware” of her case, but would consider asking the Justice Department to release any evidence they have against Ozturk. “I would have no trouble with it,” he says.

Trump always claimed without evidence that his four criminal indictments were the result of opponents’ using law enforcement for political ends. As President, he has openly wielded his control over the Justice Department’s prosecutors and the FBI’s investigators to target his perceived enemies. On April 9, he issued a memorandum directing the Justice Department to investigate Christopher Krebs, the former top cybersecurity official in Trump’s first term, who said there was no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Another directive ordered the DOJ to scrutinize former Trump Homeland Security official Miles Taylor, who authored an anonymous New York Times op-ed in 2018 that was harshly critical of the President.

Trump has also weakened internal checks on his power. In January, he fired the Inspectors General of 17 different agencies, gutting a watchdog system implemented after Watergate to guard against mismanagement and abuses of power. He replaced experienced prosecutors with loyalists. For his new U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Trump picked Alina Habba, his former personal lawyer. In Washington, the nation’s largest and most important U.S. Attorney’s office, Trump tapped Ed Martin, a 2020 “Stop the Steal” organizer who had never been a prosecutor and who demoted the lawyers who brought cases against Jan. 6 rioters.

In his interview with TIME, Trump says he will always comply with the courts. But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed. The Administration has refused to spend money that Congress and the courts had told them to. Trump signed Executive Orders to remove individuals suspected of ties to foreign terrorist organizations.

Jack Goldsmith, a conservative Harvard Law professor who served in the George W. Bush Administration, argues that Trump’s “tsunami of legally questionable Executive Orders” and proclamations are part of a “scheme to rethink constitutional constraints” that has led to a “dangerous power struggle between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary.”

“Well,” Trump Said, scanning a news story on his phone in the cabin of his private plane. “Look at that.” It was Dec. 14, and the President-elect was returning from the Army-Navy football game in Annapolis, Md., when he read that ABC had agreed to pay $15 million toward his presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit against anchor George Stephanopoulos. Aides burst into a round of applause. The settlement was part of a broader strategy. Trump believed that if ABC would cave, so too would other companies worried about getting on his bad side, according to three sources familiar with his thinking.

Trump tasked his incoming White House counsel David Warrington, staff secretary Will Scharf, and top policy adviser Stephen Miller to craft Executive Orders targeting other perceived corporate enemies. “That was the first break in the dam,” explains a source close to Trump. The message, the source says, would be: “Look, either we come after you, we shut you down, or you’re going to help me out.”

The Administration soon shot off letters to top law firms that represented Trump foes and universities known for progressive social activism, especially anti-Israel protests. Paul Weiss, Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden Arps, and other white-shoe firms quickly agreed to provide hundreds of millions in pro-bono work for Trump in exchange for relief from his attacks. “I’ve gotta be doing something right, because I’ve had a lot of law firms give me a lot of money,” the President tells TIME.

Universities followed. Columbia University agreed to overhaul its protest policies and change its Middle Eastern Studies curriculum to avoid Trump’s cutting $400 million of federal funding. CBS’s leadership is reportedly considering a settlement after Trump filed a $20 billion lawsuit against 60 Minutes. Trump has taken over the Kennedy Center for the Arts and ordered the Smithsonian to change its exhibits.

Trump is weakening the structures necessary for organized opposition, critics say. The more fragmented the country, the less its people can mount meaningful resistance; and the less citizens can make leaders responsive to their will, the less they become agents of their collective fate, they say. “At some point we have to understand the game,” Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy says. “His attempt to bully states, municipalities, not-for-profit universities, journalists, law firms, and corporations into pledges of loyalty—this is all part of a plan to seize power.”

Trump’s onetime Svengali, Steve Bannon, who remains close to the President, doesn’t disagree: “He is on a jihad to reform them first by bringing them to heel.”

Foreign Leaders Are Used to that kind of treatment, but even they weren’t expecting Trump’s trade war. To explain his approach to tariffs, Trump favors a metaphor—the U.S. as the world’s department store. “I am this giant store,” he tells TIME. “It’s a giant, beautiful store, and everybody wants to go shopping there. And on behalf of the American people, I own the store, and I set prices, and I’ll say, If you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay.”

If the government’s setting prices sounds distinctly un-American, if not outright communist, Trump’s own allies in the GOP warned him about the dangers of unleashing the barrage of punitive duties on foreign imports, which ran from a 10% baseline up to 145%. When Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a libertarian, texted him a disquisition urging a retreat from tariffs, he says Trump shot back curtly: “TARIFFS ARE GREAT!”

The markets disagreed. Within a week of “Liberation Day,” economists across the U.S. government and at the Federal Reserve were seeing alarming signs. It wasn’t the precipitous drop in the S&P 500 that worried them. It was the market in U.S. Treasuries, which were tanking too. Normally when stocks sell off, investors shift their assets into the safe haven of U.S. government bonds, which offer a guaranteed payoff down the road. But now investors were parking their money in the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc instead. Worse, those who were looking to buy U.S. bonds from people who already owned them were having trouble agreeing on what they were worth. “The markets were not working as they normally do,” says one observer at the Federal Reserve. “This was extreme stress.”

President Donald Trump speaks during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025. Chip Somodevilla—Getty Images

In the face of a bond-market disarray, two of Trump’s top aides intervened. On Apr. 9, when one of Trump’s most loyal advisers, the trade hawk Peter Navarro, was occupied in another meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick went into the Oval Office to make a plea to Trump: pause some of the tariffs. “Scott and I both agreed it was the right thing to do, and in the end, [Trump] said that makes sense,” Lutnick recalls. The two Cabinet heads stayed until Trump posted on Truth Social that he would temporarily lift reciprocal tariffs for 90 days. The markets immediately bounced back, though not to their pre–”Liberation Day” levels.

Trump tells TIME that he’s still convinced tariffs are necessary. “The bond market was getting the yips, but I wasn’t,” he says, adding that he would consider it a “total victory” if the U.S. still has tariffs as high as 50% on foreign imports a year from now. Trump says China’s President Xi Jinping has called him, and that his Administration is in active talks with the Chinese to strike a deal. Lutnick and another senior Administration official confirmed the talks, which Beijing disputes. “I don’t think that’s a sign of weakness on his behalf,” Trump says of Xi, adding that he expects to have a full slate of deals announced over the next three to four weeks. “”There’s a number at which they will feel comfortable,” Trump says. “But you can’t let them make a trillion dollars on us.”

Trump’s foreign transactionalism goes beyond tariffs. He has threatened an armed confrontation and economic warfare with Denmark, a NATO ally, to take over Greenland. He has said he wants to take back the Panama Canal even if it results in a military engagement against guerilla fighters. He’s also proposed displacing Palestinians from Gaza to turn it into a seaside vacation destination, what he calls “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

In some of these moves, one can discern tactical or strategic goals: Greenland has mineral resources the U.S. could use and is key for the growing competition in the Arctic. But others see more personal aims. Upon taking office, Trump paid homage to his expansionist designs by borrowing a painting of President James Polk from the House of Representatives and hanging it prominently in the Oval Office. A champion of manifest destiny, Polk oversaw the largest expansion of U.S. territory in history, acquiring Oregon, Texas, California, and most of the American Southwest. Asked if he’d like to be remembered for having expanded American territory as President himself, Trump says: “I wouldn’t mind.”

He may more likely be remembered for having broken with decades of foreign policy embraced by Republican and Democratic Presidents, alienating NATO allies, and siding with Russia in its war with Ukraine. In his interview with TIME, Trump blamed Kyiv for initiating the war. “I think what caused the war to start was when they started talking about joining NATO,” the President says. The negotiated peace he is pursuing would hand Vladimir Putin some 20% of Ukrainian territory. “Crimea will stay with Russia,” Trump says.

The President prides himself on having mobilized Europeans to contribute more to their security and for advancing peace between Israel and some Arab neighbors in his first term. He hopes to make further progress on this last front on a planned trip to the Middle East. “Saudi Arabia will go into the Abraham accords,” he predicts. “That will happen.” He feels more confident, more ambitious, less encumbered by guardrails than he did in his first term as Commander in Chief. “Last time I was fighting for survival,” he tells TIME. “This time I’m fighting for the world.”

Trump Is Not The First President who has expanded Presidential Power. Franklin Roosevelt summoned wartime authorities to institute rationing and price controls, forcibly incarcerated 120,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps, and tried to pack the Supreme Court with ideologically aligned judges. George W. Bush restructured the national-security apparatus after Sept. 11, handing the government extraordinary powers to surveil everyday Americans and detained al-Qaeda suspects at extrajudicial black sites abroad. Both those Presidents were dealing with attacks on the U.S. Trump’s second-term presidency is unlike anything his predecessors attempted.

Trump’s approach to power looks like that of foreign leaders like Viktor Orban of Hungary and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, argues Steven Levitsky, a Harvard University scholar. Those strongmen have won legitimate elections but then stacked the democratic decks in their favor by rewarding allies, punishing adversaries, crippling the media and civil society, and turning the state into an instrument of their own agenda and political preservation. “This is actually much faster, much more thoroughgoing than what we saw the first 100 days in Venezuela or Turkey or Hungary,” he tells TIME. “What worries me most has been how slow U.S. society has responded.”

Some institutions are fighting back. Law firms Perkins Coie and WilmerHale won restraining orders from a federal judge. Harvard University refused to acquiesce. After Trump tried to shut down the U.S. Agency for Global Media, as well as the media outlets it oversees, including Voice of America and Radio Liberty, several brought suits to stay afloat. The Supreme Court has already intervened in several cases. But their capacity to constrain Trump is limited if he defies their orders. “The courts can't save us alone,” says Levitsky. “The judicial process is slow, and a lot can get broken in the meantime."

Opponents have howled about the threat Trump poses to the Republic for long enough that for many it’s easy to dismiss the talk of constitutional crisis. Yet the President himself stokes fears of a slippery slope to strongman rule with his blanket assertions of power, his disregard for democratic guardrails, and his talk of running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment’s prohibition. “There are some loopholes that have been discussed,” Trump says, “But I don’t believe in loopholes.”

Toward the end of the interview, TIME asks Trump whether he agrees with John Adams, a founder whose portrait he has framed in gold on his wall, who said the American republic was “a government of laws, not of men.” The President pauses to think it through. “I wouldn’t agree with it 100%,” he says. “We are a government where men are involved in the process of law, and ideally, you’re going to have honest men like me.”

Once the tape recorder stops rolling, Trump offers a tour through his private spaces beyond the Oval. Framed copies of magazines with his face on the cover line the walls. He passes into the dining room, where he watched and did nothing as the Jan. 6 attack unfolded. A gold remote control and two boxes of Tic Tacs sit on the table. On the threshold above the door hangs the boxing belt that Zelensky left behind after their contentious meeting in late February. He leads his guests into his study, which aides have dubbed “the Merch Room.” There are two white breakfronts filled with MAGA memorabilia: hats of differing colors and varieties, gold Trump-branded sneakers, white Trump golf shirts, Trump coffee-table books, towels with his Trump 45/47 logo on them, and challenge coins featuring the Trump family crest inside the seal of the President of the United States. It may not be the traditional image of American presidential power, but it is his.

— With Reporting By Alex Altman, Massimo Calabresi, Sam Jacobs, and Nik Popli/Washington, and Leslie Dickstein and Simmone Shah/New York

[colivingflats]

Blue Waters vs. City Walk: Which Dubai Apartment Rental Is Worth the Investment?

Dubai’s residential property rental market remains a subject of intense focus for long-term tenants, global investors, and architects of urban lifestyle. Among the well-structured developments that have drawn significant attention, Blue Waters and City Walk represent two markedly different visions of what high-end Dubai living can be. This post doesn’t aim to glamorize either — instead, it breaks down what each area offers structurally, culturally, and economically for anyone trying to find a rental home (or a property investment) with meaning, stability, and place.

This piece is for the person who zooms in on satellite maps, who reads floorplans for fun, and who knows that the space you choose to live in is never just about location — it’s about narrative, orientation, longevity. Let’s talk about these two neighborhoods with that in mind.

Location and Transit Connectivity

Blue Waters: Island-Adjacent with Controlled Access

Blue Waters is that island you see out from JBR, not exactly cut off from the city, but deliberately placed on the periphery. There’s a single bridge for access, which creates a psychological and logistical boundary that signals exclusivity. Connectivity exists, but it’s not seamless unless you drive. The monorail feels more like an amenity than a daily commuting option. Blue Waters is for people who choose stillness, even in a city that doesn’t sleep.

City Walk: Centralized Urban Mesh

City Walk is right there in the thick of things — Downtown, Business Bay, the arteries of Al Wasl and Sheikh Zayed running on either side. It’s Dubai’s version of an urban village. If you like walking, taking the Metro, or dropping into a coffee shop on a whim, this location speaks to you. Its orientation feels intentional, participatory. It pulls you into the city rather than insulating you from it.

Design Identity and Build Density

Blue Waters: Mid-Rise Uniformity with Waterfront Orientation

Blue Waters lives in a palette of ocean glass and steel symmetry. Everything is deliberate, calm, and composed. The buildings are all mid-rise, the units feel large, and many are angled to capture water views. It is controlled in its aesthetic — no experiments, no interruptions. This is a place for visual uniformity and design that leans back instead of forward.

City Walk: Mixed Typologies with European Influences

City Walk is louder, denser, and more layered. The architecture isn’t experimental, but it feels like it tries to simulate a city that grew organically. You’ve got colonnades, street art, mid-rise facades broken up by retail facings. It tries to emulate a European pedestrian zone — but with Dubai’s signature gloss. If Blue Waters is a private island, City Walk is a shared stage.

Amenity Ecosystems

Blue Waters: Private-Luxury Model

Ain Dubai might be the loudest thing about Blue Waters, but day-to-day, this area is quiet. Amenities lean toward luxury — pools, boutique retail, and beachfront access that feels more like a members-only zone. The rhythm is slow. Blue Waters doesn’t cater to the broader city — it’s inward, curated.

City Walk: Public-Integrated Lifestyle Grid

City Walk wants to be part of your everyday — fitness, events, fashion, family activities. It’s a district that invites people in, not just residents but visitors. The Green Planet, Coca-Cola Arena, pop-up markets — these make City Walk a platform as much as a neighborhood. If you’re the kind of person who likes to be where things happen, this is your place.

Market Demographics

Blue Waters: High-Income Segmentation

This isn’t a transient population. Residents here are stable, high-net-worth individuals — executives, diplomats, dual-income families looking for a retreat. Nightlife is minimal. It’s not built to attract footfall, but to host people who don’t want to be seen unless they choose to be.

City Walk: Diversified Urban Residents

City Walk is more open, flexible. Freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, families with kids in nearby schools — it’s a melting pot of new Dubai. It’s constantly changing, with people coming in for short lets or longer leases. The place has energy, but it also lacks the predictability of more insular communities.

Rental Economics

Blue Waters: High Entry, Low Volatility

You’ll pay more here, but you’ll also find greater insulation from market dips. Units are usually long-term rentals, unfurnished, aimed at people putting down roots or making a secure investment. You’re not getting rich quickly, but you’re not losing ground either. It’s a portfolio piece, not a cash machine.

City Walk: Competitive Yields, Variable Terms

This is where rental returns get dynamic. Short-term rentals, business lets, and a wide range of units mean that returns can swing up — or down — depending on how hands-on you are. It’s a district for investors who are comfortable with fluctuation and who want their assets working harder.

User Experience and Management

Blue Waters: Minimal Interaction Model

People here don’t want community meetings. They want things to work. Quiet corridors, concierge desks, and service without spectacle. Feedback is more likely to be about privacy or discretion than communal activities. This is what “managed luxury” looks like — invisible, efficient.

City Walk: Interactive Management and Resident Services

There are WhatsApp groups here. Events. Requests handled via apps. Feedback loops that actually influence services. If you enjoy being part of a collective — even one that exists mostly online — this ecosystem fits. It’s not perfect, but it tries to evolve with its residents.

Risk and Resilience Analysis

Blue Waters: Market Shock Absorption

When things wobble, Blue Waters tends to hold. It’s small, exclusive, and doesn’t get overbuilt. This makes it a decent hedge in uncertain markets, though not ideal if you want explosive growth. It’s a marathon runner, not a sprinter.

City Walk: Adaptive Market Response

The flipside is that City Walk adapts faster. It can dip harder in a downturn, but also recover quicker. It’s built for modularity — new tenants, new shops, new layers. If the market changes, City Walk shifts with it.

Summary Assessment

There’s no right answer, only the right alignment. Blue Waters offers stillness, control, and long-term value that doesn’t fluctuate wildly. City Walk offers movement, community, and optionality. One is a place to retreat. The other is a place to emerge.

If your search brings you to Blue Waters Dubai apartments for rent, expect harmony, stability, and premium seclusion. Meanwhile, if you’re browsing City Walk apartments for rent, you’re likely looking for integration, culture, and mobility in your living experience.

[janatours]

Sharm El Sheikh Day tours 

Sharm El Sheikh Day tours offers a range of popular attractions that cater to diverse interests. The Ras Mohammed National Park is a must-visit for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Additionally, the vibrant Naama Bay is renowned for its lively nightlife, bustling markets, and a picturesque promenade lined with cafes and restaurants.

Cairo Tours From Sharm El Sheikh By Plane  Visitors can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Egyptian Museum, housing thousands of fascinating artifacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun, is another must-see. Additionally, a visit to the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar offers a glimpse into traditional Egyptian culture and shopping.

 Glass Boat Trips from Sharm el Sheikh These boats are equipped with a transparent bottom that allows passengers to view the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs below. The glass panels provide a unique and immersive experience, making it feel as if you're walking on water while observing the underwater world. Additionally, the boats are spacious and comfortable, ensuring a relaxing journey for all ages.

Luxor Trips From Sharm El Sheikh  Luxor is home to some of Egypt's most impressive ancient sites, including the Karnak Temple Complex, which is a vast open-air museum showcasing a stunning collection of temples, chapels, and pylons. Another must-see attraction is the Luxor Temple, known for its grand colonnade and impressive statues. Additionally, the Valley of the Kings offers visitors a chance to explore the tombs of pharaohs, where intricate hieroglyphs and vivid wall paintings tell the stories of ancient Egyptian beliefs and rituals.

Mount Sinai and St. Catherine Tours From Sharm  The St. Catherine Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. It holds immense cultural and religious significance as it is believed to be built on the site where Moses encountered the Burning Bush. The monastery houses a rich collection of ancient manuscripts and religious artifacts, attracting pilgrims and historians alike.

Some of the main attractions to visit in  Petra Tour from Sharm by Cruise include the stunning Al-Khazneh, also known as The Treasury, which is a breathtaking facade carved into a sandstone cliff. Another must-see is the Monastery, a massive rock-cut structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Don't forget to explore the Siq, a narrow and winding gorge leading to the city, which adds an element of mystery and anticipation to the journey.

Ras Mohammed Snorkeling Tours from Sharm El sheikh On these tours, you can expect to see a stunning array of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. You might encounter species such as parrotfish, angelfish, and even the occasional sea turtle gliding gracefully through the water. The area is also home to a variety of other fascinating creatures like moray eels and manta rays.

Semi submarine seascope In sharm El Sheikh offers a unique underwater viewing experience with its large glass windows, allowing passengers to observe marine life and coral reefs up close. The vessel is designed with a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing journey. Additionally, it provides informative commentary about the diverse marine ecosystem visible from the boat.

 Sharm El Sheikh To Jerusalem & Dead Sea Tour  The Dead Sea is renowned for its incredibly high salt content, which allows visitors to effortlessly float on its surface. Surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, the area offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations. The mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea is also famous for its therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

St Catherine and Colored Canyon Tours  are popular tourist destinations in Egypt. St Catherine offers a glimpse into the country's rich religious history, while the Colored Canyon boasts stunning rock formations and vibrant hues. Both sites provide unique experiences for visitors seeking adventure and cultural enrichment.

Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip offers beginners a chance to explore vibrant marine life in a relaxed and accessible way. It requires minimal equipment, making it easy to get started and enjoy the underwater world. Additionally, snorkeling can be a great way to improve swimming skills and build confidence in the water while enjoying the beauty of nature.

One of our  Sharm El Sheikh Tours

Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip

If you are Interested In Marine adventures, Explore our Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip, and Experience A Day of Luxury and Fun, on Tiran island Get delighted with the Interesting and Exciting water Activities, try sail boating swimming, diving, snorkeling into the white crystal water of the Sinai.

Jana Tours Delegate will pick you up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh To start Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip. This snorkeling destination is home to vibrant coral reefs. On this excursion, you will see a variety of marine creatures. You do not need to have any prior snorkeling experience to visit this unique place. Each snorkel tour begins with a briefing conducted by the crew who will make sure everyone has his/her proper snorkel equipment and provide with snorkeling tips such as clearing your mask, swimming with your fins, Lunch will be served during your tour to Tiran Island, at the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your boat, Return To Your Hotel In Sharm el sheikh.

The suggested half-day tour will include the following: 

§   Pick up services from your Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.

§   Transportation with A/C van to all the mentioned sites.

§   Entrance fees for all the mentioned sites.

§   Mineral water.

§   Service charge and tax.

The 1 day tours will not include the following: 

§   Visa for entry to Egypt.

§   Optional tours.

§   Any other items not mentioned.

§   Tipping kitty.

·           Sharm El sheikh Tours: https://bit.ly/3AwoiJT

·         ·         ·         Website: https://jana.tours/

·         ·         ·         Whatsapp+201143320224

·         ·         ·         Email :info@janatoursegypt.com 

[kristiecarrick]

The Ultimate Sydney Photography Tour: Must-Visit Locations for Travelers

Sydney, Australia is a destination that’s as vibrant as it is beautiful, and for a destination photographer , it offers an array of breathtaking spots that are perfect for capturing the essence of the city. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or simply want to snap some stunning photos during your travels, Sydney has something for everyone. If you’re planning a photography tour, here’s a guide to some of the must-visit locations in Sydney that every destination photographer should check out.

1. Sydney Opera House

No list of Sydney's top photo spots would be complete without the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Its unique sail-like design makes for an iconic and instantly recognizable image. Early mornings or late afternoons provide soft lighting for the perfect shot, while the night views, with the building illuminated against the dark sky, offer a completely different vibe. The Opera House is a must-have in any Sydney photography portfolio.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Just a stone’s throw away from the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic landmark that offers amazing photo opportunities. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the harbour, the city skyline, and the Opera House. For those who prefer a closer shot, the bridge’s pylons offer elevated platforms with fantastic vantage points. A destination photographer in sydney will find both the bridge and the views from it a photographer’s dream.

3. Bondi Beach

Sydney is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Bondi Beach is one of the most popular for both tourists and photographers alike. With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and surfers carving through the waves, Bondi is perfect for capturing the coastal lifestyle of Sydney. Early mornings are ideal for snapping shots of the sunrise or the beach’s iconic pool, while midday captures the vibrant energy of beachgoers.

4. The Royal Botanic Garden

For nature and landscape shots, The Royal Botanic Garden is a haven in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from the Opera House, the garden provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while offering gorgeous greenery and flowers for stunning compositions. The backdrop of Sydney Harbour is an added bonus, making it the perfect spot for both macro shots of plants and wide-angle landscape photography.

5. The Rocks

For a touch of Sydney’s history, The Rocks is a charming area filled with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and quaint laneways. As a destination photographer in Sydney, this area allows you to capture the more rustic side of the city. Whether you’re photographing the old warehouses, bustling markets, or historic pubs, The Rocks has a rich character that makes for compelling photography.

6. Darling Harbour

For urban shots, Darling Harbour offers a stunning mix of modern architecture, waterways, and entertainment precincts. You’ll find beautiful reflections of the city in the water and plenty of dynamic, contemporary buildings that stand out in photos. The area is especially vibrant at night when the lights reflect on the water, giving it an entirely different feel.

7. Watson’s Bay

For a serene escape from the city, Watson’s Bay provides some of the best coastal views in Sydney. The white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and the lighthouse create an idyllic setting for photography. Here, you can capture the vastness of the Pacific Ocean as it meets the rocky coastline, making it perfect for long exposure shots during sunset or sunrise.

8. Art Gallery of New South Wales

If you’re looking to add some culture to your photography tour, head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The architecture of the gallery itself is an interesting subject, with grand colonnades and elegant design. Inside, the exhibits showcase Australian and international art, and the gallery often holds special exhibitions that can provide unique photographic opportunities.

Conclusion

Sydney’s rich mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and urban charm makes it a dream location for any destination photographer. Whether you’re looking to capture cityscapes, beach scenes, or historic streets, Sydney offers endless inspiration. With these must-visit locations, you’ll be sure to leave with a collection of stunning photographs that truly represent the essence of this vibrant city. Don't forget to take your time exploring and experimenting with different angles and lighting—each corner of Sydney offers something new to capture!

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Architectural Time Travel: Designing Your Own Art Deco Bike Tour in Delhi

If you're looking for a unique way to explore Delhi, why not combine your love for riding with a deep dive into the city's Art Deco treasures? Delhi, known for its rich history and diverse architectural styles, boasts some incredible Art Deco buildings that are often overshadowed by its more famous Mughal and colonial structures. With options for bike on rent in Delhi, you can easily embark on a personalized Art Deco bike tour. Let's saddle up and embark on a journey that blends history, art, and adventure, all while pedaling through the heart of Delhi.

Why Art Deco?

The 1920s and 1930s saw the emergence of the Art Deco style, which is distinguished by its vivid colors, ornate ornamentation, and bold geometric patterns. This architectural era is fascinating to study since it embodied opulence, glitz, and enthusiasm. What better way to take in Delhi's Art Deco buildings than from the seat of a bike? These structures provide a window into a more elegant and contemporary era?

Getting Started: Bike Rental in Delhi

Prior to embarking on your journey, a sturdy bike is required. Fortunately, there are lots of bike rental in Delhi where you can locate the ideal vehicle. Select a bike that is both cozy and appropriate for commuting in urban areas from Rentnhop. Make sure it has a strong frame, reliable brakes, and a safety helmet. It's time to plan your route now that your bike is organized. 

Planning Your Route

Here's a proposed itinerary to get you started on creating your own Delhi Art Deco bike tour: 

1. Connaught Place

In the center of New Delhi, at Connaught Place (CP), begin your adventure. Many of the buildings in this famous circular market complex, created by British architect Robert Tor Russell, have Art Deco design characteristics. An excellent way to introduce the style is with its curving lines and white colonnaded façade. Admire CP's sophisticated architecture and lively ambience as you make your way around it. 

2. Imperial Hotel

Proceed to Janpath from Connaught Place in order to see the Imperial Hotel. Constructed in 1931, this opulent hotel is a superb illustration of Art Deco design merged with colonial elegance. The grandeur of the time is reflected in its stately entry, exquisite interiors, and intricate decorations. Before continuing, pause to admire the elaborate designs. 

3. Regal Cinema

Next, pedal to one of Delhi's oldest movie theaters, Regal Cinema. The building's stunning Art Deco facade is still intact even though it is no longer in use. Situated on Parliament Street, it's a nostalgic destination that transports you to the heyday of cinema history. Art Deco is typified by the sleek shapes and geometric patterns. 

4. Mandi House

The Mandi House, which has multiple theaters and cultural organizations, is the place you should go next. This neighborhood's buildings combine modernist and Art Deco architectural elements. Notable institutions are the Triveni Kala Sangam and the National School of Drama. This neighborhood is worth exploring because it's a center for culture as well as stunning architecture. 

5. Patel Chest Institute

Another undiscovered gem of Art Deco architecture is the Patel Chest Institute, which is close to the University of Delhi. Its symmetrical design, sparse decoration, and clean lines all allude to the Art Deco movement's modernist influences. Riding a bike around the university district gives your tour an energetic, young feel. 

Tips for an Enjoyable Ride

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, begin your ride. It's a lovely journey because of the softer light and cooler temperatures. In addition, the city's peacefulness in the early morning enhances the allure. 

2. Join a Local Tour Group

- Explore with a Local Guide: Think about signing up for a guided cycling trip that highlights Delhi's Art Deco buildings. Interesting anecdotes and insights from local guides are something you might not notice on your own. Investigate your possibilities by visiting travel forums or nearby trip operators. 

3. Bring a Small Notebook or Use a Note-Taking App

- Document Your Discoveries: Make a note of any intriguing details, anecdotes, or information you discover. If you want to keep track of your ideas and any further research you may want to undertake later, a little notebook or an app on your phone can come in helpful. 

Discovering Hidden Gems

Look for lesser-known Art Deco structures strewn across the city, aside from the main attractions. There are many undiscovered architectural treasures in residential neighborhoods like Lutyens' Delhi and some districts of South Delhi. Investigating these more sedate communities can be worthwhile. 

Immersing in the Local Culture

Take time to experience the lively street culture of Delhi. Savor regional street cuisine, engage with locals, and take in the vibrant city scene. This will enhance your enjoyment of the tour and help you better understand the city's unique character.

Documenting Your Journey

If you come across any unusual Art Deco buildings, take pictures with your phone or bring along a camera. Others may be motivated to investigate Delhi's architectural legacy by reading about your trip on social media or in a personal blog. Remember to jot down any intriguing insights and historical information you come across. 

Conclusion

Riding around Delhi's Art Deco neighborhoods is a fascinating way to combine history, culture, and physical conditioning. You may simply go out on this unique trip with Delhi bike rental alternatives. Every stop along your trip provides an insight into the diverse architectural fabric of the city, from the vibrant center of Connaught Place to the serene academic environs of the Patel Chest Institute. Prepare yourself by getting a bike on rent in Delhi, planning your itinerary, and pedaling through a unique architectural time trip. Enjoy your ride.