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dragonladdie · 4 years ago

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Xeno-Hiraeth

Warning: The following document delves into topics such as (systemic)racism, classism, colonization, (implied)genocide, and slavery. This is not to promote, justify, humanize, or normalize these things in any way, shape or form, and, quite frankly, the opposite of the story's initial message.

The author does NOT approve of such things. If you think any of the above is justifiable in ANY manner, you can leave right now, thanks.

Lore

Xeno-Hiraeth was the first ever planet made by the Seraphs, a race of divine entities with the power to create entire galaxies with the simple flick of their wrist.

There are four sapient species on this ancient planet: The proud dragons, the reclusive lungs, the gentle sphinxes, and finally, the mageia, the first Beings, and made in the Seraph's image.

Not only is Xeno-Hiraeth the first world, it is by far the largest. It is infinitely larger than our Earth, and far more magical. It's teeming with wild magic and a myriad of magical and strange creatures. At its center is Cor Meum, seven continents surrounding the Heartland. The Heartland holds the Capitol, where the Queen resides.

As previously said, there are four sapient species of Xeno-Hiraeth. You would believe the mageia would rule the world, as they were the first Beings, and are made in the Seraph's image. You would be correct, but, millions of years ago, when all but one Seraph suddenly vanished from the cosmos, the mageia fell into chaos.

The mageia waged war on each other, dragging the other three races with them. This started the Cold Age. After thousands of years of distrust, chaos, and all-out war, the remaining Seraph could no longer speak to their people.

They ended up turning the world over to the dragons and lungs, giving them a secret gift that allowed them to reunite the world again. They were supposed to rule the land together in order to retain at least some form of unity. But, another thousand years later, after high tensions, the dragons and lungs turned on each other. The lungs ended up breaking from the dragons and went into hiding, making dragons the singular dominant species of Xeno-Hiraeth.

Sphinxes are a somewhat independent species, and try not to get involved with the other three species' affairs. They normally exist in one of twelve clans, but few unlucky sphinxes live their lives as personal servants and slaves to dragon nobility, and are treated as wealth statuses rather than individuals.

Geography of Notable Landmasses

Heartland

The Heartland is the central continent of Cor Meum. A vast valley surrounded by mountains, and at its center is the Capitol, the largest metropolis in the world. The Capitol is mostly inhabited by dragons, and is also where a good 60% of dragons in Xeno-Hiraeth live. The Heartstone Palace is both the tallest and largest built structure in Cor Meum as well, and it's tallest tower can be seen from miles in any direction. The Heartstone Palace is the home of the Queen and their family.

Makatu Valley

The continent just North of Heartland is a combination of floating isles and mountains. It's the home of the longmas' kingdom, Sahar. Mistiko, the capital city for Sahar is located between one of the two largest mountains on Cor Meum, known as the Twin Peaks. Instead of sitting at the foot of the two mountains, the city actually stands on the top of a huge floating aisle, just above their peaks. It's only accessible by airships and flying.

Rama Forests

The continent of Rama sits upon a rich iron mine that stretches down and out for miles. Even though they have a seemingly infinite amount of it, every scrap of metal is treated graciously, and no amount is wasted. On the surface are lush forests on the foot of a small mountain range. The capital city, Stonehill, sits on the base of said mountain range.

Taiao

The continent of Taiao is a combination of forest and open plain, perfect for the diverse population of Alam. Taiao has bountiful lands to raise crops, and thus there are countless farming villages across the continent. The "capital" of Alam is called the Thicket, which is a town surrounding a huge tree. Inside the tree is the High Sage and their council, made up of all sorts of backgrounds.

Vjetar Plateau

The Vjetar plateau is located at the furthest Northeast point in Cor Meum. The only way up is by flying, airships, or making your way up Zephyr's Road, a dangerous foot trail filled with predators and rogues. Atop the plateau is a flat, lush steppe occasionally dotted with rich forests. There is a small patch of frigid mountains to the north, and the west drops off into the sea. The soil is adequate for the nation's agricultural needs, and produce farms are the majority of what you will find when exploring the land. The capital city of Gisa stands in the middle of a windy meadow.

The Sear

The Sear is a scorching desert to the West of Cor Meum. The farther center you go, the hotter the sun beats, and the taller the sand dunes stand. But, smack in the middle of the desert, springs the Blessing Oasis. It's the largest oasis in the Sear, and most of the qilin population lives here.

The Wai Peninsula

The Wai peninsula is home to Ngaru, the native kingdom of the kelpies. To the Northern entrance to the peninsula are swamps, marshes, bogs, and mangroves. Then, there's the Iridescent Jungle. Though it's a gorgeous sight to behold, it's filled with dangerous animals and man-eating plants. Then, once you finally make it out of the jungle, you are rewarded with a calm, tropical paradise. The capital city is located on the shore, along with the Summer Palace. But, during the winter and fall months, the royal family retreats to the Underwater Palace. A secret entrance on the surface is provided for non-kelpie visitors.

Kahore Mountains

Nihil, the native kingdom of the nix, is based underground and in the mountains of Kahore. The entirety of the continent is just mountains that stretch almost completely off the Eastern coast of Cor Meum. The capital city of Covert lays below the surface of Titan's Maw Summit, the largest mountain in the world.

Ledas

A combination of icy plain and taiga to the north of Cor Meum. It is mostly unexplored by the other Beings, and is occupied by the Fa and Noh sphinx clans.

The Barrier Mountains

Several oceanic mountain ranges that erupt from the water, and surround Cor Meum. There is presumably nothing past these mountains, only open ocean. However, all voyages that set out past these mountains never return. Rumor has it that beyond these mountains lies the secret home of the lungs.

Additional landmasses

Within the Barrier Mountains are several other small islands, whether they humbly sit on the water or float above it. None of them are big enough to be marked fully as continents, however, and most of them are colonized by dragon villages.

General Society

The Queen is a hereditary, gender-neutral title worn by the ruling dragon. It's passed on from parent to oldest child, but it's not unheard of for the crown to go to one of the Queen's spouses, siblings, or even a trusted Council member if either they believe their children aren't cut out for the job or die before they have any.

The King is the first spouse of the Queen(the King is also a gender-neutral title). The King acts as an advisor to the Queen as well as a companion, and is incredibly influential. Consorts hold no political power, but may hold certain influence as well, depending on their background/actions outside of the palace walls.

The current Queen is Nefriah, and her heir is her first son, Valo. She has one spouse, King Solan. Their other children are Naika, Naseem, Kasigo, and Vanja.

That being said, there are no gender roles in Xeno-Hiraeth! Gender identity and expression is something that is a personal preference, and is figured out during childhood(all children are referred to with they/them pronouns at first, unless they choose differently later on). Androgyny is the dominant gender expression, and no individual would be made fun of, judged, or barred from certain tasks/jobs for their gender identity and/or expression, or lack thereof.

While the Queen rules over both dragons and mageia(and to some extent, the sphinxes), it's the Omnis-Sovereign who carries out the laws to the mageia. The Omnis-Sovereign is typically a longma mageia who not only rules their own kingdom, but the other kingdoms as well. While all kingdoms have their individual leader or leaders, they all answer to the Omnis-Sovereign, and the Omnis-Sovereign answers to the Queen. The current Omnis-Sovereign is Jerome.

The Prophet is the religious leader of Cor Meum, and secondary advisor to the Queen. Their job(supposedly) is to make sure the will of the Seraph is followed. They also are responsible for keeping the Queen in check. They are hand-picked by the Queen themself, and serve until death. The current Prophet is Rek'yen.

The Queen's council consists of the King, Prophet, General, Treasurer, High Mage, Archive Keeper, Charter, and High Judge. King Solan currently doubles as the High Mage.

There is an unspoken racial hierarchy amongst the mageia, in order of preference of the dragons; the longmas, the re'em, the dryads, the perytons, the qilins, the kelpies, and then the nixes.

Disabilities are not usually an issue in Xeno-Hiraeth. Non-verbal and/or deaf beings are taught some form of sign language, or given a slate to write your thoughts down. Blind individuals are taught to use their other senses to make their way around, and/or given a guide(whether they be a Being or familiar), or a cane to feel around with as you step. For those with lost limbs, there's a number of different prosthetics to choose from, and there are special prosthetics for different jobs and activities(including wings!).

In regards to technology, think steampunk-esque. Tech such as robotic prosthetics, arcane-powered machines, airships, explosives, and simple firearms such as pistols, bayonets, and shotguns are craftable items.

Tharcanas are enchanted items, all with differing abilities. Some examples would be a piece of jewelry that immediately returns to the owner of it's ever stolen, a small orb that gives off light when needed, a flute that puts listeners to sleep, bracers that give the wearer super strength, etc.

Being Biology & Info

Dragons and Lungs

Dragons and Lungs have a rather… chaotic biology, to say the least. While they can't be classified into several distinct races, almost every dragon or lung family has something unique about their pedigree. For example, some families may be able to grow plant life on themselves, or breathe fire, or have insect-like wings, etc.

Curiously enough, some dragons and lungs have similar features, such as some dragons having manes down their topline, and lungs having small, vestigial wings.

No matter what their features are, dragons are the largest species, standing at around 7-8 ½ feet at the shoulder. They are typically scaled, with at least one pair of wings, and at least one horn.

Lungs, on the other hand, are only slightly taller than the average mageia, but have long, snake-like bodies. They have fur and/or scales, with a mane down their topline/around their head like a lion. They usually have at least one horn.

Mageia

Mageia are huge creatures(the average mageia is about 6 ½ feet at the shoulder) with a canine-like head filled with sharp teeth, front paws(or claws, or talons) back hooves(can be one toed or cloven) a horse-like mane, and a lionel tail.

The mageia have seven races, each with their own unique features:

Longma biology

Pure longmas are mageia who share a common ancestor who was half dragon. All Longmas have at least one horn and draconic wings.

Pure longmas always have:

draconic wings

at least one horn

Longmas can have:

scales somewhere other than the topline, wings, and tail

scales along their topline

serpentine tails

draconic fins

Additional info

Famously pompous and devoted to individualism, Longmas are proud, innovative, and fiercely passionate.

Traditionally classist, recent years have seen the ladder to success grow more accessible, but the line between nobility and commoners remains distinct and nearly impossible to cross.

Longmas consider themselves the ideal and dismiss other mageia as uncultured, barbaric entities.

The gap between Sahar's civilian classes is significant, with the nobility sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder. The Nobility are revered, or at the very least begrudgingly respected, by the lower classes. Their political significance is rivaled only by their implied wealth, which may or may not be as grand as an individual noble claims. Nobles are the only longmas who have surnames, portrayed by their House. While there is some wiggle room for wealthy commoners to rub shoulders with the elite, they are unlikely to be accepted as an equal.

Re'em biology

Re'em are readily identified by their horns, which range from the traditional single spiral to jagged monstrosities, sometimes made of gemstone and metal.

Pure re'em always have:

horn(s), typically on the head.

Pure re'em can have:

Horns made of minerals such as precious gemstones, metals, glass or rock

Gemstone/metal attributes

Additional info

The re'em of Lux are proud people, known for their prowess in battle. Thus, friendly sparring is a common pastime for young re'em, though older re'em enjoy the activity as well.

When a re'em dies, a replica of their horn is carved and shaped from the same gemstone/metal that their real horn was made from. Simply painting a clay sculpture is an alternative to those with simple keratin horns.

Although the re'em have a reputation in other kingdoms as being uneducated, simplistic brutes, intellectual prowess is lauded, and complex, strategy-based games are enjoyed in households.

A single back hoof stomp is a more "aggressive" greeting, and thus is conducted by soldiers and rowdy adolescents, the harder/louder the more impressive.

Dryad biology

A pureblooded dryad is identified by the plant or animal life that thrives from their body. Plant life usually goes through seasonal changes or stagnates at full bloom, but there are always anomalies. A depressed or sick dryad usually suffers from wilted, or even withered growth.

Pure Dryads always have:

plantlife (or plant-esque, such as coral, bark, rocks/minerals/gemstones, etc.) growing from their body

Dryads can have:

extra hair (such as an extended mane down their top line).

antlers.

gemstones.

bark or rock like texture on their body.

Additional info

When hunting and farming, no part of the plant or animal goes to waste. Anything one does not eat is made into jewelry, tools, or simply fertilizer for the next batch of crops.

Outsiders are welcomed, but watched carefully. The dryads of Alam are hospitable and friendly to all, but won't hesitate to give you the boot if you choose violence.

The native mageia of Taiao live in peace with the environment, never taking more than what they need. Wastefulness, in any capacity, is not tolerated. What you take from the land is a blessing, and should be treated as such.

The High Sage is the religious leader of Alam. They interpret signs seemingly sent by the Seraph themself, predict the success of the next year/harvest, and make sure traditions are followed, and outdated ones are updated. The Council are the political leaders, and do most of the paperwork, overseeing official events, recounting population, distributing resources, etc.

Peryton biology

All pureblooded perytons will have at least one set of wings. Feathered wings are the most common, but there are plenty of individuals who sport wings reminiscent of bats, and rarer still are the individuals who grow insect-like wings.

Pure perytons always have:

at least one set of wings(wings can be feathered, bat-like, or insect based)

Perytons can have:

feathering on the body.

feathers in place of a mane or tail.

more than one set of wings.

Additional info:

The perytons are proud, loyal, and cunning, and reside in a nation shrouded in mystery. While often misunderstood, they have a rich history and culture that defines them.

There is so much freestanding land in Vjetar that it is commonplace just to petition for a small plot to build on, and more often than not, it will be granted.

Most families in Sirocco are rather large, as couples generally have anywhere from three to seven children.

The Divine is the kingdom's spiritual leader, acting as the conduit through which the last Seraph makes their will known, while the clerics act as the kingdom's clergy and healers. While the Divine rarely leaves the Holy Temple of the Seraph, and never leaves the great city of Gisa, Clerics live all throughout the nation and assist where the Divine can not.

Qilin biology

The Qilin is immediately recognizable by the presence of body scales and antlers. This race is almost entirely resilient to heat.

Pure qilins always have:

at least one antler, though typically two.

scaling somewhere on their body.

Qilins can have:

antlers that resemble various different deeror antelope.

Additional info

Qilins of Hariq are hardy survivors, a family of mostly nomadic individuals joined together by their mutual love and respect for every member of the Sear.

Humble, accepting, and naive, these gentle mageia are trusting of others to a sometimes dangerous fault. Though they make up the smallest population, they are not to be trifled with: every member has received some form of combat training, and their desert home is a frightful place to wage war.

The traditional qilin would die for their virtues and the safety of another.

Deeply spiritual and fixated on being one with and coexisting with the world, the qilin ways are mystical and rooted in their religion.

Kelpie biology

Kelpies will always possess two forms that they are able to shift between: a land form for traversing terrain, and a water form that allows them to swim and breathe underwater. The aquatic half of a kelpie can be based on fish, cetaceans, octopi, seals, or any other marine creature.

Pure kelpies always have:

a land form.

a water form.

Kelpies can have (in both forms):

fins and scales.

a fishtail.

stingers, tentacles, barbels - anything that correlates to their aquatic animal(s) really.

bioluminescence.

Additional info

Kelpies are famously the most accepting of outsiders, and thus hybrids are not a rare sight in Ngaru.

They are skilled soldiers, fishers, and sailors, but extremely superstitious. Angering the last Seraph is said enough to damn you and your family for generations.

While they are accepting of outside races, they stay as distant as they possibly can from the other nations, and try not to get mixed up in their politics.

As a collective community, Ngaru generally works together to keep themselves in check to prevent interference from the dragons.

Nix biology

Though they lack the fantastical features of their counterparts, there is beauty in simplicity. Rare genetic mutations can give this race additional eyes or even visible auras.

Additional info

Since nixes lack any interesting features, they're seen as boring, tasteless individuals, which is far from the truth.

They're secretive and selective on who they let into the Underground, and fewer ever get to see the capitol city.

The nation is built on a sense of community, and secrets rarely stay hidden for long.

A lot of nixes travel the continents of Cor Meum in hopes of finding wealth elsewhere, and it isn't uncommon to find a travelling Nix merchant setting up shop in the streets in a completely different continent than their own.

Hybrids

Opinions on hybrids vary from kingdom to kingdom. In Sahar, Lux, Sirocco, and Nihil, hybrids are frowned upon or at the very least judged, but in Alam, Hariq, and Ngaru, it's not as much of a big deal. Still, most hybrids are vagabonds, finding their place elsewhere, outside the binary kingdoms.

There is a rumor floating around that off the shore of the Wai Peninsula is a floating isle that is a safe haven for hybrids and wayward beings of the like, conducted by a longma with strange abilities and a gun-slinging nix. They're referred to as the Devil's Duo. Urban legend says that they're a pair of adopted siblings who took control of a ship that once hauled kidnapped sphinxes to slavery. Now, they recruit runaways and misfits, looting and raiding unsuspecting ships, whether they be in the water or the air. This group of misfits is called the Vindicators. The Duo's true names are unknown to all but this group.

Sphinxes

The Sphinxes are felines about the size of an Earth horse, with wings and talons like birds. They naturally belong to one of twelve clans, and usually communicate in a series of both feline and bird-like sounds(such as, but not limited to: chirps, hisses, meowing, cawing, roars, etc). This language is referred to as Dimali colloquially amongst the Sphinxes.

The Sa Clan

The vast desert sand dunes are occupied by the Sa, the smallest of all the clans. The Sa sphinxes closely resemble sand cats, but with a more slim face. They have longer fur that sprouts between their toes to protect their feet from the hot surface sand. Sa culture surrounds on how precious water is, treating water wells as sacred locations. The Sa worship snake spirits, and have elaborate hunting rituals for the rare giant serpents of the Sear.

The Ri Clan

The Ri are a very reclusive clan, preferring to hide deep in their forests surrounded by ancient trees and spirits. They are typically much smaller than the average sphinx, and display dark colors with rich reds on their fur. They have small, "kitten-like" faces with mildly fluffy tails. The Ri are adept with magic, often hoarding their secrets from outsiders. It is said that they have a close connection with the lungs, which is where they derive their magical knowledge.

The Tas Clan

The Tas live in the tropical rainforests of the Wai peninsula. They're the most colorful and vibrant of the sphinxes, with an endless range of fur colors and patterns. Their wings are similar to cockatoos. These sphinxes have a special fondness for feather and fur dyes, and can produce every conceivable color(including UV reactive and glowing dyes).

The Fa Clan

They occupy Ledas, the snow covered isle to the north of Cor Meum. This clan is nomadic, wandering their large territory to hunt and sustain themselves. They're the only sphinxes that hunt whales, more specifically the ivory B'Eshuul whales. These sphinxes have long, white fur and are similar to Norwegian Forest cats. They are so similar physiologically to their slightly southern neighbors, the Noh, that they might be considered a subgroup of them.

The Noh Clan

To the southern part of the Ledas are the vast pine forests, the home of the Noh Clan. Like the Fa, they have long fur and resemble Norwegian Forest cats, only their fur is more darkly colored. Both are also large, tough, and cold-resistant. With dark colors, keen instincts, and incredible strength, they make excellent hunters and warriors.

The Wen Clan

The sphinxes of the Wen occupy an island southwest of Cor Meum dominated by ancient red trees and volcanic activity. While they tend to be more disconnected from the other clans, it's not entirely by choice. There are many rumors about the Wen that make even dragons fear them. From their close connection to volcanism, to the idea they are spirit possessed, or possibly immortal. Tall and graceful, the sphinxes of this clan bear pale fur and sleek, noble eyes. They also have unique feather arrangements and tufted ears, which adds to their exotic profile. They have a knack for creating delicate and beautifully crafted jewelry and adornments.

The Fen Clan

The Fen sphinxes occupy the coastal cliffs of the Vjetar plateau and the islands surrounding it. Characterized by their bright orange colorization, they are shipbuilders and explorers. Having mastered the art of navigation, they bring goods and news from distant islands that are untouched by any of the four Beings. Sphinxes of Fen have more narrow, elongated wings similar to seabirds. This clan has close ties to the Noc, who have provided star charts to them for generations.

The Noc Clan

The Noc are loosely based in the mountains around the continent, mostly nomadic and nocturnal. The sphinxes of this clan are very owl-like, with large eyes and wings built for stealth. They are known to be great astronomers. They are often traders of secrets and information.

The Pel Clan

The clan of Pel occupy a large swath of land between the Sear and Taiao. Tricksters at heart, they are fond of poisons, venoms, and weaving. Mythology for the Pel surrounds storms and lightning, and the most impressive thunderstorms can be found in their territory. Though they're tricksters at heart, their elixirs are mainly used for medicine crafting. They are excellent runners for their species as well, mastering the art of long distance travel.

The Ku Clan

The Ku Clan make their homes in the northernmost point in the Sear, and their territory is a mix between red canyons and pine forests. They tend towards a rusty red color in the canyons, but to the north their coat coloring is grey and ticked. The typical Ku home is an elaborate, carved out chamber in the canyon walls, often with multiple chambers. After many generations of the practice, masonry and stonework are common skills. The Ku territory is rich with salt deposits, which is mined and sold to generate some of the greatest wealth amongst all the sphinx clans of the continents.

The Mal Clan

The sphinxes of Mal inhabit the dense mangrove and marshes between Wai and Taiao. They're the largest clan next to the Fa and Noh, with short fur in different shades of brown, and large, webbed wings. These sphinxes have the unusual ability to breathe underwater, and have developed fins on their topline, webbed talons, and a fish-like tail. Even though they're big clunky, these fins make them surprisingly aerodynamic, making them some of the best fliers amongst the sphinxes. They worship fish and water serpent spirits, and have a deep connection to the winged snakes of the swamps called amphipteres.

The Lin Clan

A mysterious, secretive clan who dwells in perpetual darkness beneath the surface of Cor Meum. They are very much bat-like, with large, beady eyes, huge ears, and bat-like wings that have finger-like appendages at the top to help them grip the cave walls. Their patron spirit is the Iron Root Spirit, also called the Mirror Tree. On the surface, it looks like a normal tree, but its roots take form to grow another tree seemingly growing from the cavern ceiling. Stories say that it talks to all of those able to listen, and will sometimes bestow the iron legs of their ancestor, Diersha. Rumored to be extinct, the Lin Clan spends their days mining and crafting prosthetics, unbothered by the world above… and blissfully ignorant of its current state.

Enslaved Sphinxes

Sphinxes that are owned by dragon nobility. Most are born into slavery, while others are clan sphinxes kidnapped by slave traders. Those who are born into slavery do not typically have any specific features to any one clan, but rather a cluster of hybrids of sick, selective "breeding" over generations. Many have grown accustomed to this life, and keep their heads low in order to survive. The existence of these slaves are exactly the reason why most sphinx clans keep far away from the other Beings.

#she's finally done @~@#Joka #Joka story #worldbuilding #fantasy world #xeno-hiraeth #mageia #dragons #lungs #sphinxes #racism tw #classism tw #colonization tw #genocide tw #slavery tw

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newstfionline · 4 years ago

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House holding rare Saturday vote on postal changes, funds (AP) The House is convening for a rare Saturday session to address mail delivery disruptions, poised to pass legislation that would reverse recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations and send $25 billion in emergency funds to shore up the agency ahead of the November election. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Postal Service will be “election central” as she recalled lawmakers to Washington in a highly unusual election year as millions of Americans are expected to opt for mail-in ballots to avoid polling places during the coronavirus pandemic. The daylong Saturday session comes as an uproar over mail interference puts the Postal Service at the center of the nation’s tumultuous election year, with Americans rallying around one of the nation’s oldest and more popular institutions.

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2 tropical storms a potential double threat to US Gulf Coast (AP) Two tropical storms advanced across the Caribbean Saturday as potentially historic threats to the U.S. Gulf Coast, one dumping rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands while the other was pushing through the gap between Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. Tropical Storms Laura and Marco were both projected to approach the U.S. Gulf Coast at or close to hurricane force. The current, uncertain track would take them to Texas or Louisiana. The projected track from the U.S. National Hurricane Center would put both storms together in the Gulf on Tuesday, with Marco hitting Texas and Laura making landfall a little less than a day later, though both tracks remain uncertain.

Lights dim on cafe life in Buenos Aires, as Argentina grapples with Covid-19 and a grim future (CNN) It’s a rather unusual sight. Felipe Evangelista is sitting down at the café he has owned for nearly four decades and all he can see are upside-down chairs stored atop empty tables. It is one of the hundreds of cafés, bars and restaurants in Buenos Aires that have been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Their demise is a troubling new chapter for Argentina’s battered economy, which was roiled by runaway inflation and stagnant growth even before Covid-19 slammed the door on businesses. The pandemic has been brutal for small and medium-size businesses around the capital Buenos Aires. According to the Commerce and Industry Federation of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (FECOBA, by its Spanish acronym), 24,200 of those businesses, roughly 22% of the total, had permanently shut their doors by mid-July. Jonatan Loidi, a financial analyst, author and economics professor, says the pandemic and the implementation of a lockdown aggravated an economy that was already in a recession. “Argentina hasn’t grown since 2011. In the last three years there has been not only lack of growth but also a fall in the country’s GDP.” Loidi pointed out the annualized inflation rate in Argentina, even before the pandemic, was 55%. “Uncertainty is the word that best describes life in Argentina nowadays,” Loidi said.

Turkish navy, air force drills in Aegean Sea amid tensions (AP) Turkish air and naval forces conducted joint training exercises in the Aegean Sea, the country’s Defense Ministry said Saturday, amid strains with neighbor Greece over hydrocarbon discoveries. The announcement came as NATO members Turkey and Greece are facing off in the eastern Mediterranean Sea over gas and oil exploration and a day after Turkey declared significant gas discoveries in the Black Sea. Two weeks ago, Turkey sent a warship-escorted research vessel to prospect in waters where Greece claims exclusive rights to the underlying seabed. Athens responded by sending its own warships to the area and placing its military on alert. France also sent warships and planes to join drills with Greek forces. Relations between Greece and Turkey have traditionally been tense. The two have come to the brink of war three times since the mid-1970s, including once over drilling exploration rights in the Aegean Sea that separates the two countries.

Belarus leader blames US for chaos, vows to end protests (AP) Authorities in Belarus detained a leader of striking factory workers and threatened demonstrators with criminal charges Friday in a bid to stop the massive post-election protests challenging the country’s authoritarian president, who accused the United States of fomenting the unrest. Protesters are demanding that Lukashenko resign, accusing him of stealing a sixth term in office by rigging the country’s Aug. 9 presidential election. Many are fed up with sinking living standards and the lack of opportunities under Lukashenko, and their disgust grew deeper as he dismissed the coronavirus pandemic and refused to order a lockdown. Unfazed by government threats, thousands of demonstrators on Friday formed “chains of solidarity” across the capital of Minsk before marching to the central Independence Square as post-election protests entered their 13th straight day. Motorists honked and slowed down to block traffic in a show of solidarity.

Xi Declares War on Food Waste, and China Races to Tighten Its Belt (NYT) Chinese regulators are calling out livestreamers who binge-eat for promoting excessive consumption. A school said it would bar students from applying for scholarships if their daily leftovers exceeded a set amount. A restaurant placed electronic scales at its entrance for customers to weigh themselves to avoid ordering too much. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has declared a war on the “shocking and distressing” squandering of food, and the nation is racing to respond, with some going to greater extremes than others. The ruling Communist Party has long sought to portray Mr. Xi as a fighter of excess and gluttony in officialdom, but this new call for gastronomic discipline is aimed at the public and carries a special urgency. When it comes to food security, Mr. Xi said, Chinese citizens should maintain a sense of crisis because of vulnerabilities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s part of a broader message from the leadership in recent weeks about the importance of self-reliance in a time of tensions with the United States and other economic partners. The concern is that import disruptions caused by the global geopolitical turmoil, the pandemic and trade tensions with the Trump administration, as well as some of China’s worst floods this year, could cut into food supplies.

S. Korea imposes strict measures to stem spread (AP) South Korea is banning large gatherings, closing beaches, shutting nightspots and churches and removing fans from professional sports in strict new measures announced Saturday as it battles the spread of the coronavirus. Health Minister Park Neung-hoo announced the steps shortly after the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 332 new cases—the ninth straight day of triple-digit increases. While most of the new cases came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, which has been at the center of the viral surge in recent weeks, infections were also reported in practically every major city and town.

Antarctic winds trigger rare snowfall across southeast Australia (Reuters) Antarctic air reaching Australia’s south east triggered snowfall down to low altitudes across several states on Saturday, with many people out enjoying the rare event despite wild winds and heavy snow that closed some roads. Pictures of snowy towns and landscapes across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, the Australia Capital Territory and the island state of Tasmania flooded social media as locals rushed to capture the surprise early spring snowfall. Over one metre (3.3 feet) of snow had fallen in a number of alpine regions, and the cold weather would likely remain for several days, the weather bureau said.

Beirut needs billions of dollars it doesn’t have to rebuild after massive blast (Washington Post) With reddened eyes, 90-year-old Henri Azar surveys what remains of his family home. The traditional wooden-frame windows have been ripped out. Plaster was cleaved from the walls. Sunlight shines through gaps in the bedroom ceiling. A team of engineers tell him he needs to make repairs before the winter rains. Beirut officials have estimated that the damage from the enormous blast that shook the city two weeks ago could reach $15 billion, though the true extent of the destruction remains unknown. At least 25,000 homes are so badly damaged that they are uninhabitable, according to the Beirut government. There are myriad hurdles for rebuilding, including a months-old financial crisis that has sent the value of the Lebanese currency plunging and prompted draconian banking restrictions that limit withdrawals even by those with money in their accounts. Only a few homeowners have insurance, and they are being told they can’t receive a payout until the cause of the explosion is established by the government’s investigation, since damage due to war or terrorism is not covered. They say they have little hope of ever being compensated. In the meantime, landlords and long-term tenants are fighting over who should pay for repairs. No one expects assistance from the bankrupt government, which has been largely absent from cleanup efforts. Private funding of repairs is hamstrung by the banking restrictions, put in place last year after it emerged that as much as $100 billion is missing from the banking system, a sign of the country’s chronic mismanagement and corruption.

Thousands in Mali’s capital welcome president’s downfall (AP) Thousands marched Friday in the streets of Mali’s capital to celebrate the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, as the West African nation’s political opposition backed the military’s junta plan to eventually hand over power to a civilian transitional government. But as opponents of the former regime moved ahead with plans for the future, the international community continued to express alarm about the coup that deposed Mali’s democratically elected leader this week. There are concerns that the political upheaval will divert attention away from the more than seven-year international fight against Islamic extremists who have used previous power vacuums in Mali to expand their terrain.

#headlines #news

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drops-of-moonlights · 5 years ago

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Winx AU Detailing Part VI - The Kingdoms and Republics of the Naerys System: Solenei

Or, where I pretend I know how the real world works and try to translate that to a bunch of realms. More below! This is a Long Boi, so it’ll be divided between all three planets. This one focuses on the realms of Solenei!

THE REALMS OF SOLENEI

Kingdom of Domino

Location: Northernmost land

Climate: Temperate in summer, cold in autumn and spring, very cold in winter

Reigning Family: The Drazuls

Capital City: Sparxis

Language: Dominian

National Animal: The Obsidian Dragon

Associated Source(s): Ice, Fire

Domino resides in the base of the Solenei Mountains, the highest points in the planet, with the capital and castle town laying at the base of the highest one, Spark Mountain, which is actually a dormant volcano. They deal mostly in their textiles (as they’re proficient wool farmers) as well as their metals, having rich ore mines all around the region. The kingdom fell to a potent curse and remained unhabitable for 17 years, most of the central population having misteriously dissapeared, until the current princesses managed to dispel the enchantments and brought most of the population back. During that time, the remaining citizents lived on the edges of the region near Eraklyon, creating the Dominian Alliance. It remained for 2 years functioning after the revival of the kingdom, before dissolving as their members regained their homes. They’re not in a good economical state at the moment, as the realms advanced without them, and are trying to understand most modern tech, despite the minimal changes that were made during their absence. They’re also known for their dragontamers, having lived alongside obsidian dragons for almost their entire existence.

Kingdom of Eraklyon

Location: Northwest of Quarzis, south of Domino

Climate: Warm in spring and summer, temperate in autumn, cold in winter

Reigning Family: The Beauforts

Capital City: Azurea

Language: Eraklian

National Animal: The Armored Bear

Associated Source(s): Wind

Eraklyon resides on a very flat plateau, and has rich fertile soil for agriculture. They mostly deal with cotton, vegetables, and a few metals. The Capital is situated at the center of the plateau. Rain is common in spring and summer, lending to them becoming farming seasons, as well as keeping the climate overall comfortable. Eraklyon was originally 2 kingdoms - Erakos and Kylos - who were in constant war between them. They were joined after a heavy drought affected all regions during critical times for their people by the Kylosian King Raye,dissolving under the new rule and becoming Eraklyon. They are currently on an alliance between itself, Solaria, Quarzis and Callisto. They have a long dynasty of Knight Kings and Queens, and most of their nobility has to be maintained by said knighthood.

Kingdom of Quarzis

Location: Southeast of Eraklyon, west of Solaria, west side of the Soleluna Desert

Climate: Hot in summer, warm in spring and autumn, temperate in winter

Reigning Family: The Lustrals

Capital City: Jasparia

Language: Quarze Solelunian

National Animal: The Crystal Crow

Associated Source(s): Earth, Metal

Quarzis is located mostly on the West Solelunian Oasis, near the source of the Quartz River. They survive via their riverside agriculture as well as their plentiful gem mines, the rain coming from Eraklyon helping the crop. The capital city is located near the biggest mine of the region, in the southeast. Quarzis and Solaria are descendants of the Solelunas, ancient inhabitants of the region that helped shape and form it into a bountiful land. The Solelunas were then divided into three, the Quarzes, the Diurns and the Nottis. The Quarzes got hold of the west side full of ore, and became the mining Kingdom of Quarzies after a few decades. Their focus on gems and jewels have formed into a culture of mining, forging and décor, producing some of the most beautiful products in the system.

Kingdom of Solaria

Location: East side of the Soleluna desert, east of Quarzis, north of Callisto

Climate: Very hot in summer, hot in spring, warm in autumn and winter

Reigning Family: The Oriol-Argentis

Capital City: Astralea

Language: Modern Solelunian

National Animal: The Cosmic Otter

Associated Source(s): Light, Darkness

Solaria was originally the two kingdoms of Diurna and Nottela, formed after the dissolving of the Solelunas. Diurna got the north, Nottela got the south. Due to their arid climate (as the winds deviated most rain to Quarzis) they survived on the waters of their Oasises, as well as with the exporting of glass and sandblocks for construction. After two centuries of prosper, both lands discovered a third, grand oasis near the center of the desert, and promply went to war over it. After 3 decades of war, they manage to form an alliance and become the kingdom of Solaria, establishing a new capital near said Oasis. They were very into the sky and the stars, and most of their architecture and culture revolves around them. The most common display of this are Solarian marks, tatoos each citizen gets during one of their 4 grand festivites when they turn 17.

Republic of Callisto

Location: south of Solaria, west of Pyros, north of Serenia

Climate: Hot in summer, warm in autumn and spring, temperate in winter

Current President: Romaine Lauturge

Capital City: Guardie

Language: Callistene

National Animal: the Giant Rose Frog

Associated Source(s): Light, Plants

Callisto was a monarchy for most of its existence, before being overthrown a few centuries ago. Callisto resides in the Calyx Forest, the biggest green zone in the planet, and hare known harvesters of fruit and vegetables. They also deal with meats and medicine. Its capital lays on the highest region, surrounded by thick foliage and with some houses being made inside the thick, large trees. Callisto is often compared to Lynphea, Dolona and Espero, as their focus is nature and its boons. Décor and jewelry made of tree bark is common, and it’s one of Callisto’s trademark tourist gifts.

Land of Pyros

Location: east of Callisto, on the biggest island in the planet

Climate: Hot in summer and spring, warm in autumn, temperate in winter

Current Leader: The Draco family

Capital City: Fuoco

Language: Pyrian

National Animal: the Great Red Dragon

Associated Source(s): Fire

Pyros is mostly run by tribes and their Sages, and deal with minerals, fish and meat. Also called the Land of the Dragon, Pyros has the biggest population of wild dragons in the system, above Melody and Espero. The islands are full of mountains and cliffs, and their settlements are built in either the coasts or the mountainsides. They are even more close to dragons than Domino is, and have in fact a long, violent history with the northern realm - the most famous one between the Conquering Argulus and the young Queen Daphne. It’s from here where the most capable dragontames come from, and they were the pioneers of dragonriding in Solenei.

Republic of Serenia

Location: south of Callisto and Pyros, just above the Great Ice region

Climate: Warm in summer and spring, temperate in autumn, cold in winter

Current President: Selena de los Ríos

Capital City: Platia

Language: Eraklian

National Animal: the Royal Blue Dolphin

Associated Source(s): Water, Electricity

Serenia is a mostly peaceful region that was once under the rule of Eraklyon. They revolutionized against them 5 centuries ago after mishandling and mistreatement of their resources, achieving independence. They’re known for their fish and farming, as well as their plentiful fruits in the northest region. Serenians have an affinity with the moon in the same way Solarians have with the sky itself, being represented in most old architecture and art, in part thanks to their liberator Serena, the Fairy of the Blue Moon who lead the war and gave them the decisive win. They rely on the tides for their fishing, and they are also known for their Moon Pearls, precious gems that seem to be organic Dragonscales and are farmed once every 5 years.

#Winx Club #Winx Redux AU #Winx AU Detailing #Next will be the realms of Antocea!#but that'll be later because I wanna sleep #(also the flags will be reposted with each post on this because I want you to see them okay)#(they took a lot of time and I'm super proud of them)

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anestiefel · 5 years ago

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Where to Go in Mexico: A Cheat Sheet to the Top Destinations

Cancun

Beach at the Paradisus Cancun/Oyster

Located along the Caribbean Sea on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is known for its white-sand beaches and one of the world’s longest coral reefs. Cancun International Airport makes it relatively easy to fly directly into the resort town, which is really more of a city (one of Mexico’s largest). Warm year-round, the average temperature is just about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and kept mild by trade winds. Most tourists stick to Cancun’s Hotel Zone — the isthmus that juts out into the sea, separate from the bustling city on the mainland. There, you’ll find all of the rowdy bars and nightclubs for which Cancun is famous. Resorts here vary (some are for singles, others for families) and there’s a wide range of quality — from party crash pads to truly luxurious options. For example, Beloved Playa Mujeres is an all-inclusive, adult-only property with 109 rooms that have private balconies and ocean views, plus activities such as ocean kayaking and bike tours. Grand Oasis Cancun, on the other hand, is a family-friendly mega-resort with 1,800 rooms, 18 restaurants, and entertainment geared toward all ages. There are also plenty of hotels that aren’t resorts, plus activities beyond the all-inclusive walls such as El Rey Ruins, Interactive Aquarium, and Xcaret Eco Theme Park.

Our Cancun Hotel Pick: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Pool at the Le Blanc Spa Resort/Oyster

If you’re after truly luxurious amenities, a prime location right on the beach, and excellent food and drinks, Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun is for you. This adults-only property is flush with pools, wellness offerings, spacious rooms, and sea views, and is one of the most popular resorts in all of Mexico.

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Chichen Itza and the Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins/Oyster

The temple city of Chichen Itza not only has some of the best Mayan architecture in the world, but comes with a boatload of fascinating history. Its cenotes were considered an opening to the Mayan underworld, where offerings could be made to gods. Excavations of these sinkholes has yielded gold and jade artifacts — as well as human skeletons. The area is best known for El Castillo, a pyramid with 365 steps representing the days of the year. The village has several other notable structures, including the Temple of Chac Mool, also known as the Hall of the Thousand Prisoners. Located a little more 75 miles west of Cancun, a visit to the Chichen Itza UNESCO World Heritage is one of the most popular day trips from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Other popular regional ruins include those at Coba and in Tulum. If you’d prefer not to bed down in the beach towns, we suggest an overnight in vastly underrated Valladolid, which is packed with charm.

Our Valladolid Hotel Pick: Casa Tia Micha

The Carmita at the Casa Tía Micha/Oyster

When staying is a city as charming as Valladolid, it’s crucial to find a hotel to match. We love the antique style at Casa Tía Micha and little perks like the amazing Mexican breakfast. It also has a prime location right in the center of town for easy access to great dinners after a day at the pyramids of Chichen Itza.

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Tulum, Riviera Maya

Beach at Mi Amor Colibri Boutique Hotel/Oyster

For travelers who want to steer clear of Mexico’s booze-guzzling spring breakers and rowdy all-inclusive resorts, Tulum is the place to be. This bohemian destination in the Riviera Maya is well-known for its delicious food, jungle parties, eco-conscious establishments, and artisanal boutiques. When you’re in Tulum it’s also worth a trip to the well-preserved Tulum Ruins, which were originally built in the waning days of Mayan civilization. It’s best to visit them before 9:30 A.M., when the sun is still rising and the crowds have yet to arrive. The entire Tulum area is lined by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya. Tulum also offers a range of hotels, from eco-friendly luxury spots to more modest comforts. While in the area, many visitors opt for a day trip tour of the Coba ruins to climb the 120 steps up Nohoch Mul, the tallest temple pyramid on the Yucatan peninsula. You can also head to Sian Ka’an Nature Preserve to see the wildlife and birds.

Our Tulum Hotel Pick: Be Tulum Hotel

The Arena Suite at the Be Tulum Hotel/Oyster

Year after year, Be Tulum is one of the most popular options in Tulum. The vibe here is lively, and the style is beach-chic. We love little extras like private pools or whirlpools and the great spa with a traditional temazcal for a healing ceremony.

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Los Cabos

Cabo San Lucas/Oyster

Los Cabos has several different sides, from the party-hard reputation of downtown Cabo San Lucas to the charm of San Jose del Cabo and the region’s stunning natural beauty. Los Cabos is composed of three different districts: San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, and the long stretch of coast in between, referred to as The Corridor. San Jose del Cabo has more of a historic and cultural focus, while Cabo San Lucas is home to more bars and nightclubs. In between are countless luxury resorts and a variety of all-inclusive resorts. The area is also known for its rugged oceanfront cliffs and desert hills. Many golf courses, restaurants, bars, and resorts can be found throughout Los Cabos. Note that swimmable beaches in Los Cabos are few and far between. In Cabo San Lucas, lie on Playa Médano with views of Lands’ End and its famous Arco. Up the coast, Playa Chileno is a bit calmer (you won’t hear any booze cruises off shore). For those who want to worship the sun with a golf club in hand, there are many world-class courses, including Punta Sur, which has views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Laguna mountains.

Our Los Cabos Hotel Pick: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

Pools at the Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection/Oyster

Situated right next to one of the few swimmable beaches in the Cabo region, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is a perfectly low-key, but stylish hideaway. The vibe is bohemian cool, but with sophisticated flare, and everything from wellness amenities to locavore dining and rooms delight.

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Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

Beach at Royal Hideaway Playacar/Oyster

Playa del Carmen, like big sister Cancun up the coast, has multiple personalities. There’s the raucous downtown area that includes touristy La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) as well as bars and nightclubs, but there are also quieter luxury developments to the north and south of town: Mayakoba and Playacar. You can come here to tie one on and party at the numerous beach clubs, or relax in peace and quiet with a butler at your beck and call. Nature lovers will want to check out the nearby Rio Secreto to climb and swim through caverns punctuated with stalactites and stalagmites. Other highlights include Xcaret Eco Theme Park, which is one of the most popular adventure parks in Mexico, and snorkeling at Xel-Ha. Playa del Carmen is only about an hour south of the Cancun International Airport, making it easy to reach. You can also opt for day trips to Cozumel from here by using the ferry.

Our Playa del Carmen Hotel Pick: Royal Hideaway Playacar

The Main Pool at Royal Hideaway Playacar/Oyster

From six pools and a beautiful stretch of beach to great dining options and luxe services, the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar is one of the most appealing all-inclusive resorts around Playa del Carmen. It’s only a short drive from the center of Playa del Carmen, but the peace and quiet feels worlds away.

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San Miguel de Allende

View of San Miguel de Allende from Mansion San Miguel/Oyster

During the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel de Allende was the first town to be officially free of Spanish rule. These days, many expats and artists flock here to be a part of the flourishing creative community. A road that passed from Mexico City (Mexico’s capital) through San Miguel de Allende helped it grow, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. The well-preserved buildings from that period, such as the iconically pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, bring curious travelers who want to bask in the colonial culture. The inventiveness of the current community can be seen on the walls of cafes and in the main plaza where mariachis play and craftspeople sell their wares. It’s an incredibly atmospheric town that draws tourists in droves, making it one of the easiest places to explore outside of the main cities and beach regions.

Our San Miguel de Allende Hotel Pick: Hotel Matilda

The Pool at the Hotel Matilda/Oyster

No visit to San Miguel de Allende is complete without bedding down in one of its charming boutique hotels. Hotel Matilda perfectly fits the bill and offers a great array of high-end extras, including a pool, an incredibly popular restaurant, and sharp rooms.

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Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya

Beach at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa/Oyster

Puerto Morelos is a former fishing village located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It’s a little quieter (read: no packs of drunk spring breakers) than Cancun, but has the same enchanting mix of sun, sand, and waves. The beautiful waters are shallow enough for wading and snorkeling. The impressive reefs just offshore attract a fair share of divers, and many come to take a dip in the inland cenotes (massive sinkholes filled with crystal-clear groundwater). Plus, there are several beachfront restaurants to keep you fueled up when you’re not exploring the big blue playground.

Our Puerto Morelos Hotel Pick: Desire Riviera Maya Resort

The Desire Suites at the Desire Riviera Maya Resort/Oyster

A favorite of Oyster.com readers, Desire Riviera Maya Resort is the perfect pick for travelers who are a little more adventurous. This couples-only, clothing optional all-inclusive lets you get in touch with your hedonistic side, and matches that with contemporary decor and a lively vibe.

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Akumal, Riviera Maya

Beach at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya/Oyster

About 20 minutes north of Tulum, Akumal is known for its protected waters filled with sea turtles (its name even translates to “Land of the Turtles”). Dive and snorkel through the clear, calm waters to peep the coral reef, tropical fish, and docile, hard-shell creatures. Want to speed up your scuba training? Akumal Dive Shop is one of the most popular training centers in the region and offers classes. And swimmers and sunbathers who like to fuel up away from the beach can choose from one of the numerous fresh seafood restaurants joints inland.

Our Akumal Hotel Pick: TRS Yucatan

Pool at the TRS Yucatan Hotel/Oyster

With free dinners and shows at the wildly popular Chic Cabaret on-site, along with excellent dining options and one of the prettiest pools in the Riviera Maya, the TRS Yucatan is one of the nicest luxury all-inclusives in the region. The vibe is upbeat during the day, yet peaceful at night, making it a perfect adults-only escape.

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Isla Mujeres

Beach at the Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun/Oyster

Isla Mujeres is a former fishing village located about 10 miles by ferry from Cancun. The Spanish named this “Island of Women” — the English translation of the name — after finding many carved statues and structures devoted to the Mayan goddess Ixchel. These days, it’s a fine choice those who want to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, and kayak in a more low-key destination than some of the more frantic tourist spots on the Mexican mainland. But it’s not all about amazing beaches and water sports — Isla Mujeres also has delicious seafood, a turtle farm, and ruins. If you’re here during the winter months, you’d be smart to book a whale shark diving tour, as this part of the Caribbean Sea is one of the few places that reliably host these gentle swimming giants.

Our Isla Mujeres Hotel Pick: Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun

The Main Pool at the Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun/Oyster

This all-inclusive resort is one of the most popular on Isla Mujeres. Dining gets stellar marks, and the beachfront pool is a great spot to unwind in the sun (though the Zoetry Villa Rolandi has several other pools to cool off in).

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Mexico City

Palacio Bellas Artes/Oyster

Travelers who are more interested in soaking up culture rather than the sun should plan a trip to Mexico City. Several of the country’s most impressive museums can be found here — one of the largest cities in the world. In fact, the city likes to tout that it has more museums than any other on the planet. That starts on an incredibly high note at the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses an astonishing collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the famous Aztec calendar stone. In the Centro Historico, the Palacio de Bellas Artes features murals by Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo in a building that combines Belle Epoque and Art Deco styles. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, is located in the Mexican artist’s former home, and boasts one of the most popular collections in the area. The National Palace, home of the executive branch of Mexico’s government, also has several beautiful gardens and Diego Rivera murals. Historic sites include Templo Mayor (one of the main temples of the Aztecs) and the Catedral Metroplitana on the Zocalo — the city’s main square. To top it off, Mexico City offers an incredible dining scene, amazing boutique shopping, wild nightlife, and a cultural calendar that never stops. Oh, and the spring-like year-round weather doesn’t hurt either.

Our Mexico City Hotel Pick: Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico

Terraza at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico/Oyster

Located right on the Zocalo, amid Mexico City’s buzzing Centro Historico, the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a gem. With its beautiful historic interiors and rooftop restaurant with views of Mexico City’s main square and cathedral, make this a top pick.

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Teotihuacán

Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, north of Mexico City/Oyster

Once the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas, Teotihuacán now lures history buffs to climb its numerous pyramids. Built in 150 B.C., the Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in the compound and has an excellent view of the mountains and the entire site. There are numerous smaller structures, including the Pyramid of the Moon and Temple of Quetzalcoatl. While many of the Teotihuacán’s relics have been moved 45 minutes away in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, the on-site Teotihuacán Museum has several interesting exhibits and a miniature model of the city. It’s definitely worth your time to make a day trip here from Mexico City — the pyramids are only an hour away by bus, though you can opt for a Teotihuacán guided tour as well. Be sure to bring sunscreen as there’s almost zero shade at the site.

Cozumel

Beach at the Hotel B Cozumel/Oyster

For scuba divers, the island of Cozumel is one of the best swimming spots in the world. Local reefs are protected in a marine reserve, allowing them to remain healthy. Numerous dive schools offer scuba certification lessons and will also take visitors out on tours to see scorpion fish, sea horses, tarpons, and plenty more. For the less adventurous, Stingray Beach offers a nice view into the clear waters without needing to strap on an air tank. On land, history fans can peruse the San Gervasio ruins, once a destination for Mayan women to offer tribute to Ixchel, goddess of fertility and love. Ferries leave for Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, which is about an hour south of Cancun’s airpot. It’s a popular day trip stop, though beware that cruise dockings can swell the islands population. For those who want to stay over, there are many hotels, from the upscale Melia Cozumel All-Inclusive Golf & Beach Resort to Hotel B Cozumel, which caters to a younger, partying crowd.

Our Cozumel Hotel Pick: Hotel B Cozumel

The Pool at the Hotel B Cozumel/Oyster

The truth is that Cozumel doesn’t have the largest hotel inventory in Mexico’s Caribbean region. However, Hotel B is an incredible exception. Interiors are attractive and contemporary, and everything from the seaside infinity pool to free loaner bikes make a stay here special.

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Puerto Vallarta

Beach at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments All Inclusive/Oyster

While it doesn’t get the same attention as Cancun or Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. It draws a mix of families, couples, and friends looking to party, and draws a particularly loyal LGBTQ following. Gay bars are numerous in town, and drag performances shouldn’t be missed. The city sits on the Bay of Banderas, which helps shield the beaches from the notoriously strong surf along Mexico’s Pacific coast. In town, expect bars, restaurants, and tourist shops by the dozen, while outside of town, the scene is very different. Boat trips to villages like Yelapa (which can’t be accessed by car) give you a window on how the region used to look, while Nuevo Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit to the north are home to posh luxury resorts. Temperatures remain warm during most of the year (it’s about 72 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 81 degrees in summer). Keep in mind the rainy season falls between June to mid-October, with September usually being the wettest month of the year. Activities include hiking from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas and indulging in the numerous local foodie options. Plus, Puerto Vallarta stays awake when the sun dips below the horizon. Steamy salsa clubs light up the streets, and rowdy local bars supply a steady stream of cerveza for the thirsty traveler — gay or straight.

Our Puerto Vallarta Hotel Pick: Secrets Vallarta Bay

Aerial Photography at the Secrets Vallarta Bay/Oyster

This adults-only option draws a loyal following every year with its prime location right on the beach. Secrets Vallarta Bay definitely fits in amid Puerto Vallarta’s party scene, with its swim-up bar and generous premium all-inclusive drinks package.

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Oaxaca

Santo Domingo/Oyster

Mexico’s beach resorts may be the country’s most popular tourist destinations, but Oaxaca, a state along Mexico’s southern Pacific Coast has the best of Mexico’s beach scene plus amazing inland cultural destinations. Much of that centers on Oaxaca City, which is atmospheric in the extreme and where you’ll still find the character of local indigenous cultures such as the Zapotecs and Mixtecs. Oaxaca is also home to one of the most complex local cuisines in Mexico, with dishes like hand-whipped Oaxacan chocolate, tlayudas (tortillas smeared with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese, and salsa), and tamales Oaxaqueños. Several historic sites can be found in Oaxaca City and the surrounding region, from the pre-Columbian pyramids of Monte Alban to the 18th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. If you’re more adventurous, head to the stunning Hierve el Agua, an easy day trip southeast of Oaxaca City, or any of its other under-the-radar sights. Temperatures across Oaxaca range from 88 degrees Fahrenheit in summertime to 48 degrees in the winter, though that varies depending on your altitude.

Our Oaxaca Hotel Pick: Hotel La Casona de Tita

Restaurant at the Hotel La Casona De Tita/Oyster

This hotel offers old world European-style luxury with activities such as an Oaxacan cooking class and wine tasting. The artsy style is pitch-perfect is atmospheric Oaxaca and outdoor terraces make it easy to take in the region’s abundant sunshine.

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Guadalajara

Ballrooms at the NH Collection Guadalajara Centro Historico/Oyster

Guadalajara — one of Mexico’s cultural capitals — is known as the home of mariachi music as well as an international film festival and acclaimed book fair. The beautiful work of local craftspeople can be seen in the numerous baroque churches that dot the city, including the Guadalajara Cathedral. Works by several of Mexico’s famous painters, including José Clemente Orozco, can be found on the walls and ceilings of several landmarks in the city, including Orozco’s famous “Man of Fire” in the rotunda of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hospicio Cabañas (also known as the Instituo Cultural Cabanas). You’ll find a thriving arts scene here, plenty of cafes, and a slower pace than the country’s other main cultural hub, Mexico City.

Our Guadalajara Hotel Pick: NH Collection Guadalajara Centro Historico

The Junior Suite at the NH Collection Guadalajara Centro Historico/Oyster

Situated right amid the Centro historic of Guadalajara, the NH Collection Guadalajara has modern rooms and a great rooftop restaurant with stunning city views. You can, of course, expect tequila tastings and cool cocktails in the bar downstairs as well.

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Puerto Escondido

Beach at the Villa Mozart y Macondo/Oyster

You’ve likely heard some whispers about this part of Oaxaca at this point. We’ve told you that Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s best underrated destinations, though major outlets like The New York Times have also taken notice of it. That’s because Puerto Escondido embodies so much of what has always made Mexico an amazing place, especially if you’re looking to unwind along the ocean. Surfer vibes? Check. Amazing scenery? Check. Cool cafes and beachside restaurants? Double check. The laid-back atmosphere of Puerto Escondido, and its blissful freedom of the tourist hassle of so many other Mexican beach destinations make this a place to visit immediately. You can get here in an hour by air from Mexico City, and once here, you’ll find secret swimmable beaches and the surfer-ready Zicatela all begging for your attention.

Our Puerto Escondito Hotel Pick: Villa Mozart y Macondo

Beach at the Villa Mozart y Macondo/Oyster

Situated just above the Zicatela, Villa Mozart y Macondo is easily one of the quirkiest and coolest spots in town. The owner’s cool art collection takes center stage, though the unique bungalows and amazing breakfast are also more than enough reason to stay here.

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Riviera Nayarit

Beach at the Samba Vallarta – All Inclusive/Oyster

With over 190 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, wonderful resorts, and world-class golf, it’s surprising the Riviera Nayarit is now firmly on the tourist the radar. Punta Mita and Nuevo Vallarta are probably the most well-known towns in this vast region, and home to the biggest resorts, but Riviera Nayarit also hosts charming little beach towns that are worth a visit. For those whose ideal vacation involves snoozing under a straw umbrella on a gorgeous sandy beach, the shoreline is beautiful and varied. The most popular beaches are on Banderas Bay, but it’s worth exploring the beautiful stretches of sand farther north. Sayulita and San Pancho are wonderful picks and offer good waves along with plenty of bohemian charm. If you’re after something more adrenaline-pumping, opt for zip lining, surfing, hiking; and even rock climbing. While the rainy season is, well, rainy, showers usually only take place in the evening for a couple of hours. Plus, the temperatures rarely dip below the 70s at night and the high hovers above the 80s during the day year-round, so outdoor activities can be enjoyed even in the off-season.

Our Riviera Nayarit Hotel Pick: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

View from hotel at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit/Oyster

If you know us, you know we are enthusiastic about the Grand Velas all-inclusive chain. That’s because you get so much for what you pay for — excellent dining, beautiful grounds, and top-shelf cocktails. The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is no exception. It has activities for adults and kids, spacious rooms, a three-tiered pool, and excellent spa.

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Merida

The narrow lanes of colonial Merida/Oyster

Merida, the largest city in the state of Yucatan (the western part of the Yucatan Peninsula), has developed a distinct culture that combines influences from its Mayan, Spanish, French, and British history. A trip to “The White City,” as it’s known, usually includes a tour of Mayan ruins, beautiful cathedrals, and distinctive examples of architecture that are rarely seen elsewhere. These days, it’s making a name for itself among culture seekers and foodies as well. The cuisine here is Yucatecan, relying heavy on seafood and local tropical produce, and every week there seem to be new galleries popping up in town. Merida is land-locked, but if you’re after the beach, simply head north to Progreso, where you may spot flamingos in the lagoon if you’re lucky.

Our Merida Hotel Pick: Hacienda Santa Cruz

The Spa Pool at the Hacienda Santa Cruz/Oyster

While it’s not technically in the center of Merida — in fact, it’s about 25 minutes from town — Hacienda Santa Cruz is one of the most special properties on the Yucatan Peninsula. You’re coming here to unwind in peace and quiet after a day exploring the bustling city. There are two pools, a lovely spa, and a restaurant that serve excellent Mexican cuisine.

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Isla Holbox

Beach at the Hotel Villas Delfines/Oyster

Holbox Island — Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) — is the Mexico of yore. Even after making a splash on the tourist scene, this isolated island has retained its quiet and quaint charm. You see, there are no cars here, and to reach it you’ll need to drive nearly two hours north of Cancun and then hop a ferry. But that commute is worth it. This is barefoot island life in the extreme, with a laid-back pace, just enough yoga and wellness spots, and great local cuisine that makes unplugging a true dream. Even better? The location is great for seeing whale sharks, pelicans, flamingos, and other wildlife.

Our Isla Holbox Hotel Pick: Las Nubes De Holbox

The Beach Pool at Las Nubes De Holbox/Oyster

Situated right along the pristine blue waters of Isla Holbox’s shore, Las Nubes de Holbox has just the right amount of creature comforts to feel like you’re spoiling yourself in an admittedly unplugged place. Rooms are spacious and sharp, there are two pools, and it’s an easy 10-minute bike ride to the center of town.

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Mazatlan

Mazatlan is undergoing something of a rediscovery these days. You see, Hollywood stars once flocked to Mazatlan in the 1950s before the town fell on hard times the 1970s and ’80s as Acapulco became the place to be. However, Mazatlan is once again drawing in-the-know travelers. Old Mazatlan has hotels and restaurants located in restored 19th-century buildings, creating charming places to unwind for a long weekend. You’ll find plenty of dazzling sights there. Dia de los Muertos celebrations are also quite lovely in the town’s historic center. Alternatively, bars and nightclubs are the name of the game in Mazatlan’s Zona Dorada. The four-mile malecon (boardwalk) is the best place to stroll and take in the sunset. Oh, and eight miles of pretty beaches is what brought the stars to Mazatlan years ago and continues to lure new visitors today. Keep in mind that the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located, should not be explored independently.

Our Mazatlan Hotel Pick: Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

The Master Suite at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay/Oyster

Spacious suites, a great beachfront location, and a quiet vibe all make the Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay a great Mazatlan pick. Rooms are bright and cheerful, and there are three restaurants to choose from.

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Manzanillo

Beach at the Hotel La Posada/Oyster

Known and loved for its excellent deep-sea fishing, Manzanillo has been the location for numerous international angling competitions. The city is home to two bays — Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago — with crescent-shaped beaches. The relatively little amount of tourist traffic on them keeps the sand and water pristine. Bahía de Santiago in particular also offers an excellent backdrop for snorkeling and diving. Several all-inclusive resorts are available for those who want to enjoy their fishing along with some pampering. Visitors are also usually on the lookout for the green flash phenomena: During sunrise or sunset, a small green spot can be seen on the upper edge of the sun.

Our Manzanillo Hotel Pick: Gran Festivall All Inclusive Resort

The Main Pool at the Gran Festivall All Inclusive Resort/Oyster

Situated right on the beach, the Gran Festivall All Inclusive is a simple resort with the typical amenities for an all-inclusive vacation: a nightclub, several pools, and direct beach access. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly amenities here, making this a solid alternative to more expensive resort areas.

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Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa

Beach at Thompson Zihuatanejo/Oyster

Zihuatanejo has long been a quiet fishing village that became a travel destination when nearby Ixtapa was developed into a resort town. Maintaining more of its cultural roots than Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo is loved by tourists who want to mix a sunbathing Mexican getaway with cute beach-town life. It’s packed with quaint restaurants and bars that make this a great alternative to more built-up resort destinations. And Ixtapa, a government-planned tourist resort just next door, is well-suited for families who want to enjoy sunbathing and all-inclusive resort life.

Our Zihuatanejo Hotel Pick: Thompson Zihuatanejo

The Adults-only Pool at the Thompson Zihuatanejo/Oyster

One of the poshest hotels in otherwise casual Zihuatanejo, the Thompson Zihuatanejo has a great spa, two beachfront restaurants, three lovely pools, and attractive rooms that make this a great pick. There are only 47 rooms here, so the vibe stays peaceful and uncrowded.

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The Carry-On from Away

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The post Where to Go in Mexico: A Cheat Sheet to the Top Destinations appeared first on Oyster.com.

from Oyster.com https://www.oyster.com/articles/where-to-go-in-mexico-a-cheat-sheet-to-the-top-destinations/ Publish First on IFTTT

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israelseen · 5 years ago

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guest rooms at Arugot Farms

Steve Kramer – All Around Gush Etzion

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Just minutes away from Jerusalem lies Gush Etzion (Etzion Bloc), nestled in the Hebron hills. It is certainly part of the Land of Israel, but it’s not run according to Israeli civil law. Instead, like the rest of Judea and Samaria, Israeli military law governs. Today the Gush has 18 communities with Efrat, a very desirable suburb of Jerusalem, the largest. Gush Etzion’s status is unusual because it was part of the Yishuv (pre-state Israel under Jewish control) before the 1948 War of Independence, but was occupied by Jordan during and after the war.

The first 20th century Jewish community in the Gush was pioneered by immigrants from Yemen. It struggled due to economic problems and tensions with nearby Arab villagers and was eventually destroyed during the Arab riots of 1929.

The next year Shmuel Yosef Holtzman bought the property. His intention was to establish a Jewish community in between Bethlehem and Hebron. “Gush Etzion” was chosen as the name, taken from the Hebrew translation of his own name. In 1936, during the next period of Arab riots, most of what Holtzman had built was destroyed and the inhabitants were forced to flee the area. Between 1943-1947, the Jews returned and built four small communities which were all destroyed during the War of Independence (more about that to follow).

When Israel regained control of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in Judea in June 1967, a new initiative was launched to resettle the Etzion area. Some of the pioneers were descendants of the people who fought and died there during the War of Independence. Today, there are about 45,000 Jews thriving in the Gush. Many of them work in Jerusalem or elsewhere, while others are employed locally in tourism, winemaking, and other endeavors. (www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org)

Michal and I and four friends set off early (not too early to avoid the worst rush hour traffic) from Jerusalem to visit the Arugot (translation: flower beds) Farms, which is being developed by four families, including the founders of The Land of Israel Network (thelandofisrael.com). It bills itself as “broadcasting the truth and beauty of Israel to the world” via the internet and various social media. I listen weekly to their podcasts, which are presented by very knowledgeable Israelis, mostly former American men with great backgrounds in Jewish history, philosophy and religion who believe in the destiny of the Jewish State. (The terrific guide and educator, Eve Harow, is also a broadcaster.) The signature endeavor of the network is raising funds to construct Arugot Farms. This was are first destination of our day trip.

“Founded by four environmentally conscious pioneering Israeli families who literally paved the roads to these previously inaccessible mountains, the Arugot Farms is becoming a sought after destination for both Israelis and tourists seeking to experience Israel’s magnificent natural beauty, encounter a renaissance of organic natural living, and walk through the rich history of Judea, from King David to the Maccabees, Rabbi Akiva and Bar Kochba.

Located in the heart of the biblical “Wilderness of Zif” where King David composed many of the Psalms and hid from King Saul, the Arugot Farms, in just a few years, has been transformed from a barren desolate wilderness to a Garden of Eden-like oasis, unlike anything in The Land.”

(from ThelandofIsrael website)

We visited with Ari Abramowitz, who along with Jeremy Gimpel founded The Land of Israel Network. We had little trouble finding their location (near the small community of Ibei HaNahal) because Ari’s parents were part of our little group. Located in the desolated and sparsely populated Nahal Arugot in Judea, the “under-construction” farm/vineyard/retreat/hotel has a panoramic view which is breathtaking.

Ari was raised in Houston in a 1950s-style Conservative family which gradually evolved into Orthodoxy. He credits his yearning for HaShem (a term for the name of God utilized for the unpronounceable YHWH) with drawing him to Israel and eventually to Nahal Arugot. In 2014 he and Jeremy joined two other partners who were already living on the mountain top to develop a touristic enterprise which includes many facets. With little or no financial backing they charged ahead, developing the project as funds were available. The awe-inspiring site is in the mountains between Jerusalem and Hebron, further “out” than any previous Jewish settlements.

On our tour, Ari showed us flourishing vineyards, which are not quite mature enough to harvest, and fledgling forests. There is an ecologic pond, nearly finished, which Ari said fulfills a prophecy in the Bible (Isiah 35-6/7): “Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.”

We saw Jeremy and Ari’s homes, which blend into the landscape, like all the structures on the farm. We walked through the unfinished retreat center and the circular house of prayer, which is being built on the highest location with a view of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.

As Ari says, there is a palpable sense of destiny there. They have no fence or gate on the property for both financial and ideological reasons. Ari explained that while some communities in Judea and Samaria are heavily protected (think “gated communities” on steroids) others prefer to try to foster relationships with the Arabs in the vicinity. In fact, besides volunteer helpers in the project, many of the paid workers on the farm are Arabs from the vicinity.

Volunteers and funds have come, sometimes when the project was in dire straits financially. Ari gave us one example: German volunteers (whose parents and grandparents were Nazis) came to help for two weeks. They not only provided free labor but also the needed materials, fulfilling their Christian belief to assist in the Jewish development of the Land of Israel. At their request, Ari taught them Torah in the evenings. One oddity which Ari described, happened when it was time for tree pruning with the Germans. Ari directed the group: men to the right, women to the left. The irony was shared instantaneously by all.

Both Ari and Jeremy have put all their resources into the project, which is a not-for-profit endeavor. Jeremy even sold his valuable property in the prosperous town of Neve Daniel to enable their dream, bringing his large family with him.

The construction doesn’t stop. In the two phases, the “Eco” pool, Beit Tefiilah (house of prayer), the promenade throughout the farm, the retreat center and guest residence are all in being built. Although little is completely finished, Arugot Farms is already an inspiring undertaking, which through determination, grit, hard work, and religious zeal will undoubtedly be a popular spot for tourism and contemplation.

After our pleasant visit with Ari at Arugot Farms, which is the eco resort, spiritual retreat, and farm being built by The Land of Israel (thelandofisrael.com) ,we had to hurry to get to the Gush Etzion Heritage Center in time for the scheduled English language tour. The museum’s layout is a now-familiar one in Israel, in which a group is ushered through several rooms to watch a sound and light presentation and see artifacts from particular periods. Here, we found ourselves in a network of halls and passageways around the bunker where Kfar Etzion’s last defenders fell. The historical background:

At the time of hostilities with the Arabs in 1947, Gush Etzion consisted of four settlements, the first and largest of which was Kfar Etzion. On January 14, 1947, more than 1,000 Arabs attacked the settlements. The 450 Jewish fighters (men and women) repulsed the attackers but their communities were devastated, needed reinforcements, and were vulnerable to a future attack. The Haganah (Jewish “army”) sent a platoon of 35 soldiers, the “Convoy of 35,” with medical supplies and ammunition – but reaching the bloc proved difficult. On their first attempt, the soldiers were detected by Arab forces and were forced to retreat.

Impulsively, and without adequate preparation or orders, the soldiers hastily proceeded towards their endangered comrades in the Bloc. Soon the platoon was again detected by the Arabs; the commander led his troops to the top of the highest hill in the area, searching for cover. But the 35 were unable to escape and they were all massacred by hundreds of Arab militants. Their stripped, mutilated bodies were found the next day by a British patrol, but weren’t sent to Jerusalem because of the British fear of Jewish retaliation against the Arabs.

Gush Etzion was again the center of conflict in May of 1948, when, for a period of three days, residents of Kfar Etzion were able to hold off a large Arab army headed for Jerusalem. Eventually, despite their surrender to the Arab army, 240 residents of the kibbutz were massacred, another 260 were captured, and the settlement was razed. The prisoners of war were interred in Jordan, returning to the State of Israel in 1949. (www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org)

I highly recommend visiting the Heritage Center. It’s an excellent introduction to the flourishing Gush Etzion. Naturally, our next stop was lunch at one of the excellent wineries in the area. The Gush Etzion Winery is situated in an area that has been recognized for thousands of years for wine growing. The climate, differences in day and night temperatures, chalky soil, sloping vineyards, and the 3,000 ft+ altitude create ideal conditions for wine growing.

The winery’s kosher restaurant is a popular place for visitors and locals. The restaurant had plenty of choices at reasonable prices. Along with the tasty food we enjoyed a very nicely priced tasting of four wines. After sharing one dessert among our group, we were off to our last destination: Herodion National Park, built by the “King of Israel,” Herod the Great.

In 40 BCE the Parthians invaded Judea. Herod, whose father Antipater had ruled Israel for the Romans, fled to Rome where he had many friends. There he was elevated to be King of Judea by the Senate. Within three years Herod regained military control in Judea and began his remarkable reign with backing from the Romans.

Unfortunately, Herod was something of a monster as well as a master builder. He had his wife and mother-in-law killed, as well as his brother-in-law and at least one of his sons. When he died in 4 BCE, his three remaining sons fought over their inheritance. Within two generations, Rome turned on Judea, burned the city of Jerusalem, and banished the Jews from their holiest city.

Herod used the great wealth generated by the trade routes which traversed Judea to build massive projects. In addition to the Summer Palace site we were exploring, Herod built the port of Caesarea named after his patron in Rome, the fortress-palace at Masada opposite the Dead Sea, and his masterpiece, the magnificent enlargement of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The palace at Herodion was constructed on top of a man-made mountain, to catch the winds off the desert, as well as the magnificent views. It was divided into two sections: Upper Herodion, which contained the palace set within a circular fortress, and Lower Herodion, at the base of the mountain, which had numerous annexes for the use of the king’s family and friends. The system of water storage was very sophisticated, with huge cisterns to supply the needs of the palace, including a large pool in Lower Herodion suitable for boating.

Since our last visit, Professor Ehud Netzer of Hebrew University uncovered the grave of King Herod on the slope of the hill, not in the Tomb Estate which Herod had constructed for that purpose. Tragically, the archaeologist fell to his death while leaning on a wooden safety rail, soon after. Because of ongoing renovations to this area of the park, we were prevented from visiting the grave site.

Herodion was abandoned after being sacked by the Romans following the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, but in 132 CE it was occupied by Bar Kochba, the great Jewish general. Bar Kochba utilized the cisterns at Herodion for his guerilla attacks on the Roman army. After ascending the path to palace ruins and exploring, we made a far cooler descent through the same cistern, via tunnels inside the mountain built to enable Bar Kochba’s bands to make surprise attacks against the Romans. Tactics like this resulted in Bar Kochba’s incredibly successful, but short-lived, victory over the Romans.

Because of that victory, Bar Kosiba (his original name) was given the nickname Bar Kochba (Son of a Star) and proclaimed Messiah by many Jews. “At the time, Bar Kochba – who was a man of tremendous leadership abilities – managed to unite the entire Jewish people around him. Jewish accounts describe him as a man of tremendous physical strength, who could uproot a tree while riding on a horse. This is probably an exaggeration, but he was a very special leader and undoubtedly had messianic potential, which is what Rabbi Akiva recognized in him.”

(https://www.aish.com/jl/h/cc/48944706.html)

Before leaving Herodium and Gush Etzion, we enjoyed a cool respite in the excellent gift shop. This region, so close to Jerusalem and so intertwined in Zionist history, is well worth exploring. We had a great day in Gush Etzion and will visit again soon, especially to see the progress being made at Arugot Farms.

pics by Steve: first two pics are of the guest rooms at Arugot Farms; the view towards Jerusalem from Arugot Farms; Gush Etzion Heritage Center; 1946 newspaper article about communities in Gush Etzion; a model inside Herodion ruins; inside the tunnels used by Bar Kochba’s fighters

Steve Kramer – All Around Gush Etzion Steve Kramer - All Around Gush Etzion Just minutes away from Jerusalem lies Gush Etzion (Etzion Bloc), nestled in the Hebron hills.

#current affairs #Gush Etzion #Land Of Israel #steve kramer

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clamjumper5-blog · 5 years ago

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A Healthy Hedonist’s Guide to Slovenia

The question I got asked the most this summer (besides why I decided to elope) was what made me choose Slovenia for our big summer trip. (And, er, where is that, again?)

The answer feels a little silly: it’s because of the Netflix show Chef’s Table. When I watched the season 2 episode featuring Ana Ros and her restaurant Hisa Franko, I was blown away by how beautiful the country looked. Sure, the cinematographers on that show could make a dingy back alley seem romantic. But there was something about the place that felt special—a secret oasis of natural wonders untouched by mass tourism, despite it being just a stone’s throw from the Italian border.

A few months later, I saw that one of my favorite Hashi Posse members, Sarah Wilson, had adventured there. Hearing her rave about the diverse scenery, eco culture, and fresh (gluten-free friendly) cuisine, put it even higher on my bucket list.

So when Charlie and I began discussing another European summer road trip earlier this spring, I thought it would be the perfect place to get the best of the mountains, alpine lakes, and Adriatic seashores—all the hot spots of the summer high season—without having to spend 50 euro a person at every meal.

The country surpassed our expectations in every way imaginable, and though we had a full 10 days to explore, it felt like we were only scratching the surface. That said, one of the hallmarks that makes Slovenia worth at least a week of your time is that you can cover so many different landscapes in a short distance.

With less than three hours of driving, you can visit the fairytale capital city of Ljubljana—with a public recycling system that’s even more impressive than its castle—laze by the water in the quaint, postcard-perfect town of Lake Bled, explore the otherworldly underground caves in Postojna, invoke your inner mountain goat in the Julian Alps, raft in the emerald waters of the Socca River, taste countless natural wines in Goriška Brda (Slovenia’s Napa), and float along the salty shores of the Mediterranean in Piran.

With a population of only 2 million, even during the busiest weekends of summer, the country still felt refreshingly empty and undeveloped. We barely heard any English speakers while we were there, and yet, due to its history, most Slovenians speak perfect English, along with several other languages.

Neighboring Italy, Austria, Hungry and Croatia, the country’s borders have been a constant moving target. Until voting overwhelmingly for independence in 1991, the country was the economic breadwinner of Yugoslavia. It was also the only present-day European nation to be completely absorbed and annexed into Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Hungary during World War II.

Despite this tumultuous history (or perhaps because of it?), the center of Slovenian pride and culture is love. There was far more tourist regalia dedicated to the fact that it’s the only country with love literally spelled out in the name than the fact that Melania Trump came from there. More importantly, the combination of being an international nexus, with a rich landscape, and heart-led people, meant truly memorable food.

Read on for my tips on eating gluten-free in Slovenia, the best restaurants we tried, hotels with stayed in, and how to plan an epic road trip itinerary.

With health and hedonism,

Phoebe

How to Eat Gluten-Free in Slovenia

Thanks to the neighboring countries, you’ll encounter a lot of different culinary influences depending on where you are in Slovenia.

There’s the humble Hungarian-influenced peasant food that uses some combination of sausage, sauerkraut, beans and barley. Homemade pastas and Italian-style pizzerias on every corner. And no shortage of beer at the tavern-like Gostilnas across the country.

Farm-to-table local ingredients reign supreme throughout, with specialties including trout from the socca river, game meats like venison and rabbit, and all manner of wild mushrooms. If you’re a truffle lover, you might just pass out eating in Slovenia, where you can get freshly shaved truffles on appetizers that cost less than 15 euro. Take advantage of the porcini and chanterelles too!

Eating gluten-free in Slovenia was fairly easy. While servers aren’t as knowledgeable about cross-contamination and the particulars (so many thought barley was GF) as in Italy, many menus had in depth allergen indexes or icons.

Even at more rustic gostilnas (inn-restaurants), you can find some simple options like grilled trout with a side of spinachy potatoes, baked sausage with sauerkraut, grilled polenta, or a large salad with the oil and vinegar on the side to dress yourself. Plus, one of the most prevalent grains was buckwheat, which was served as risotto or a hardy side in its whole grain form.

10 Days in Slovenia: A Road Trip Itinerary

Our time in Slovenia was designed around two main events: a 3-day trek through the Julian Alps and the Socca Valley, and dinner at Hisa Franko, which we locked in before we even had plane tickets!

Below is a snapshot of our itinerary, with slight modifications for how I wish we had done things. We had a lot of guidance from our travel guru, Miha at SloTrips, and I know we wouldn’t have been able to design such a comprehensive, robust experience without him.

Especially if you’re looking for more than just day hikes, I’d highly recommend working with SloTrips to design your adventure itinerary. They can put together your whole trip for you, including arranging wineries, hotels and restaurant reservations. But if you don’t want to go all in like a traditional travel agent, I would at least recommend having them handle a hut to hut hiking experience for you, which we would have never been able to dream up or execute ourselves from the States.

Charlie and I are not ones for organized group travel. We don’t like spending most of our trip with strangers! So the self-guided option was perfect. Miha handed off a detailed packet of instructions for every stop we made on our trip and directions down to the turn for our hike so we didn’t get lost. He arranged transfers for the bikes, and to bring us back to our car when we finished. He even gave us a local smart phone with all the contacts built in, PDF’s and marked maps to follow.

Since we knew so little about Slovenia before going, it was also a treat to have someone give us a whole rundown on the history and fairytale lore behind each town we visited, and the best restaurant and local artisans to try. Miha put together an insanely comprehensive 40+ page guide for us that was like our own personalized Lonely Planet. I give full credit to him for half of the delicious things we ate listed below!

A few other notes:

We found the cheapest direct flights through Venice, which is about 2 1/2 hours by car to Ljubljana. To connect through another major city by plane would have taken roughly the same amount of time and was more expensive. We opted to design our trip around a few days in Venice on the backend, which was a fun way to round out the trip.

Instead of spending 3 nights in Piran, if we had it to do over again, we would have added a second night upfront in Ljubljana. It’s small enough to do in 24 hours, but also quite a pleasant place to ease into the trip, learn more about Slovenian culture, eat great food, and more importantly, get over your jetlag before more adventurous outdoor activities await.

Day 1: Arrive in Venice and drive to Ljubljana. Wander the canal in the afternoon and enjoy dinner at Spajza.

Day 2: In the morning, visit Central Market and explore the castle. Drive to Bled (45 minutes) in the afternoon. Walk around the perimeter of the lake. Enjoy dinner at Castle Bled Restaurant.

Day 3: Relax by the water and rent a paddle board or canoe to visit the island in the center. Do a nearby hike to visit one of the great overlooks over the water. Another option would be to rent bikes, take the train to Lake Bohinj (25 minutes), and explore that region.

Day 4 – 5: Drive to Kranjska Gora and begin hut to hut hike through the Julian Alps and into the Socca Valley.

Day 6: Finish the hike. Return to your car and drive to Kobarid in the Socca Valley. Go to Hisa Franko for dinner and stay there for the night!

Day 7: Drive to wine country and do a tasting at one of the many fabulous wineries. You can also pop over to Friuli on the Italian side. Another option is to visit the caves in Postojna. Arrive in Piran in the evening.

Day 8: Relax in Piran. Bike through Portorosso to the salt flats and dip in the Adriatic. Enjoy dinner at Pri Mari.

Day 9: Optional day trip to Croatia or unwind again by the sea in Piran.

Day 10: Return to Venice and fly home.

LJUBLJANA

What to Do and Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Though it houses a third of the population, Slovenia’s capital feels more like a town than a city. You can easily explore all the major landmarks in the old quarter in 24 hours. But it might be worth spending a second night there to try more of the fabulous restaurants and experience some of the more idiosyncratic remnants of socialism, like the pay-by-the-kilo art galleries, or cafes where you can hang out all day like it’s your home and just pay for your time when you leave.

For recommendations on great shops, music and art to check out, my friend Bianca’s article is a great guide. For more recommendations on restaurants that we didn’t have time to try, Sarah Wilson’s post is another great resource.

Hotel Cubo

We loved the sleek feel of this boutique hotel and its proximity to the center of old town. Request a room facing the castle!

Where to Eat in Ljubljana: The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants

Spajza

This restaurant on a quaint side street in old town was the perfect mix of old school Slovenian fare and refined farm-to-table cuisine. Make sure to take advantage of the extensive seasonal specials, which during our stay, included a wealth of fresh truffles (for a fraction of the price you’d find in Italy). I had a beautiful appetizer of baked scallops on the half shell with buttery chanterelles, and Charlie enjoyed mixed mushrooms and truffles with eggs. While my duck breast special was a little tough and undercooked, his entree was the real winner: bacon wrapped rabbit over a silky-smooth pea puree. It was good enough to forgive carving up one of my childhood friends alongside my spirit animal, “young horse,” which appeared multiple times on the menu as a specialty.

TaBar

Off the main canal drag, this small tapas bar is a great option for small plates or a light lunch of fresh local ingredients. The menu is well marked for allergies, and I was able to order a beautiful trout crudo with roe and grilled octopus.

Gelateria Romantika

It was a true treat to find gelato on the same level as neighboring Italy, but with inventive flavors like cucumber-lime and strawberry-basil. The former was a tart, refreshing revelation. And needless to say, there were plenty of options for dairy-free folks and vegans alike. Had I risked a little more cream before our hiking trip, I would have had the black sesame – it was insane. Sadly no GF cones, FYI.

Monstera Bistro

We didn’t manage to make it to this modern space with minimal, creative dishes. But heard great things! At dinner time the service is more formal with elaborate tasting menus. Go for lunch if you want a casual a la carte experience.

LAKE BLED

What to Do in Lake Bled

Lake Bled is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Slovenia, and can be swarmed with people during peak summer weekends. That said, it’s a relatively small town that’s mostly dominated by the lake. And since there are very few hotels and villas built around its perimeter, you can almost always find a quiet place to perch for the day.

The lake itself has garnered a lot of folklore over the years (you’ll notice there’s a lot of fairytale speak built into Slovenia’s major landmarks, in general). Besides the fairies who initially inhabited the valley and eventually flooded it to prevent the nearby shepherds from letting their flock feast off its mossy floor, the biggest lake legend involves the gold bell originally intended for the church in the center of the lake, which upon initial transport, sank to the depths, never to be recovered.

In later history, the lake has also been home to Nazi outposts during WWII, and is said to be the final resting place of several intelligence resources, and a large swath of hidden gold. Note to self: don’t leave anything in the lake that you intend to find again.

The perimeter is around 6 kilometers and has a well-groomed flat walkway along the edge that’s perfect for a light stroll. The sidewalk gets a little too congested for a pleasant bike ride during the high season (when we were there) but bikes make for a great way to get to and from dinner, since the roads themselves are even more congested. When we mapped out our journey one night, it was actually faster to walk than drive!

About a 25 minute train ride away from Bled is a second lake that’s equally beautiful and much less crowded. Sadly, we did not make it to Bohinj to confirm this, but if you have trouble finding accommodations in Bled, it would be the perfect alternative for visiting the lake region, or a second option for daytime activities, should you find Bled too mobbed.

Where to Stay in Lake Bled

Garden Village Bled

We chose to glamp at this fabulous matrix of tree houses and tents rather than opt for a traditional hotel. It’s a little pricey for what you get (and compared to some of the more formal hotels in the area), but we wouldn’t have traded the experience of sleeping by a beautiful creek, above an estuary of trout, and getting to relax by their man-made “beach” during the day. The restaurant on site is quite tasty and they source all the produce from the garden on the premises (and fish from those waterways!). Had we done it over again, we would have splurged for one of the larger tree houses cabins or tents versus the pier tents we stayed in (where you couldn’t stand up).

Vila Bled

The old country home of former Yugoslav president Tito, this beautiful villa is on the lake and includes a secluded area of beach chairs right on the water. You can also rent paddle boards and boats straight from their boathouse. We didn’t get to see the rooms, but the prices seemed reasonable given the grounds on offer.

The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Lake Bled

Bled Castle Restaurant

You can’t beat the views at this elegant restaurant overlooking the lake. While ordinarily one might expect overpriced and uninspired fare fitting of such a tourist venue (inside the Bled Castle), instead the tasting menu is refined without being fussy. If you let them know in advance, they will also provide homemade gluten-free options, which for me included a gorgeous tart stuffed with pumpkin and fresh local mozzarella, instead of the pasta course. The highlight of an all-around tasty meal was a seared trout served with buckwheat risotto. Sadly, it rained the night we went, so we enjoyed our meal inside the modern, minimalist interior, but ordinarily, there is outdoor seating cliff-side with a perfect vantage point of the island.

Penzion Berc

Despite it being ranked as number 1 on TripAdvisor, we found this restaurant to be hit or miss. The ambiance was beautiful, housed in a courtyard garden (with a live pianist) a kilometer or so from the lakeside. The white glove service was painfully slow, and the food similarly uptight. But there were some nice dishes, including a venison main course, wild mushroom risotto, and a light, cream-free carrot soup.

Ostarijia Peglez’n

Slovenia takes its fine dining seriously, and most of the plates we ate while in the country were carefully composed. But as you know, I’m usually happier in a cozy trattoria environment. Which is one of the reasons I so enjoyed my meal at this little mom and pop fish shop. It’s a great option for a simple lunch or unfussy dinner of reasonably priced seafood. We got a fish for two served in a large roasting pan with mixed vegetables and potatoes.

Restaurant Vrtnarija (at Garden Village Bled)

If you’re looking for an unpretentious farm-to-table (or garden to table) meal, the restaurant on site of Garden Village Bled is a great option. It’s particularly fun for lunch in the daylight since you can sit in the middle of their man-made pool and feast on tables covered in live grass. Make sure to order a side salad with their beautiful fresh assorted greens. The chicken skewers with rice off the kids menu was a safe and satisfying meal after so many indulgent ones at fancier restaurants.

Sova

Unfortunately we didn’t make it to this cute wine bar just a short walk from our glamping site, but I heard great things. I wish we had tried it instead of Penzion Berc!

THE JULIAN ALPS AND THE SOCCA VALLEY

Your jumping off point for all things outdoor adventure is southwest of the capital, in the towns of Kranjska Gora, Bovec and Kobarid. The first was where we begun our hut to hut hike into the Alps, but you can also find some beautiful day hikes. Bovec, where our trek ended, is where you can book other activities like mountain biking, rafting and sky diving.

So many of the pictures you see throughout this post were taken from our SloTrips 3-day adventure. It was an incredible way to see the country as it morphed from densely wooded forests, to craggy peaks, to mossy Fern Gully banks that lined the socca river. A day hike along the river is a must, though the water looks more inviting than it is. We could only stand putting our feet in for 30 seconds before they went numb!

Going from hut to hut also allowed us to taste some humble mountain foods like sausage and sauerkraut stew. As someone with an information-based business myself, I don’t want to give away our hiking itinerary. So make sure to get in touch with SloTrips if you’re interested in designing your own adventure.

We ended our hike in the Socca valley, which is insanely green and dotted with beautiful medieval churches. In Kobarid, we stayed at an AirBNB apiary for the night among the bees, which was a cool experience, before heading to Hisa Franko for our culinary reward.

They offer a small number of moderately-priced rooms above the restaurant, and if you’re going to be eating dinner there, I highly recommend you try to book for the whole night, as the wine pairing was generous and not to be missed!

So, as for the main event…

The meal at Hisa Franko blew me away. As you know, I’m not one for Michelin star, molecularly overly wrought meals. On the surface, this is what you get during your 11 course tasting menu. But Ana Ros’ cuisine is infused with so much more soul than the sum of her foams combined.

Our favorite dishes were among the most simple: her trout in a milky broth with briny beets to cut the fat, and the only substantial meat course, a beautiful venison medallion with anchovy butter and spruce dust that tasted like the forest.

The iconic pasta dish is sadly not gluten-free. Instead, they served me a delicate sardine. But I stole a little taste of Charlie’s ham and hazelnut broth. It was insane. I would recommend all GF folks request a cup of the broth without the pasta. I asked them if I could have it instead of one of the desserts and they laughed politely and said no.

My favorite part of the experience was Ana and Valter’s hospitality. They aren’t present in the dining room or kitchen during service, but since the restaurant is an extension of their home, you can see them having family dinner with their kids and wandering around during the day. They are incredibly friendly and make you feel at home.

GORISKA BRDA WINE REGION

These hills, a stone’s throw from Italy’s Fiuli region, are considered the Slovenian Napa. It’s a small area with lots of producers clustered around, and many have restaurants on the premises that offer tastings along with a tasty meal. There’s a large influence from Italy and much of the meats and cheeses (as well as the tourists) come from across the border.

Since most of these wineries of small family-run operations, you can’t just show up. Email them in advance to set up a tasting session or lunch reservation.

The wineries recommended to us were Klinec Medana for orange wines, Movia for natural whites, Edi Simcic for great reds, and Erzetic to learn from a younger next generation producer. We had a lovely lunch at Klinec Medada with overlooking the grapes with beautiful produce from their neighboring farm. I wasn’t as wild about the orange wines, but they were interesting to try.

The wine pairing at Hisa Franko introduced us to a lot of lesser known producers, and throughout the rest of the trip we tried many of the above wineries off the restaurant lists, so by the time we made it to wine country, we didn’t feel the need to do more than 1 appointment.

In general, the wine in Slovenia is mostly natural, organic and biodynamic. We got to try some interesting grapes I wasn’t familiar with like Malvasia, and generally loved everything we tried. If you find a Slovenian wine on a your menu, order it!

PIRAN

Last but not least, we made our way to the Istrian Peninsula, which is home to Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. In fact, if you lived in Piran for most of your life, there’s a chance that you’ve had citizenship to 4 different countries as the borders changed.

What to Do in Piran

This sleepy seaside village is the perfect place to unwind after a rigorous few days of adventuring. The Adriatic sea is incredibly buoyant, pristine, and perfect for habitual porpoising. You won’t find sandy shores, but the perimeter of town is lined with some pebbly patches to perch, and plenty of small concrete docks to dive off of if a dip is all you’re after.

The high salt content also makes it a hub for sea salt production. If reading by the rocky shore isn’t enough activity for you, try renting bikes and visiting the salt pans 5 kilometers outside town center towards Portorosso, the more commercial stretch of the marina. It’s an easy flat ride along the shore. Otherwise, your best bet for exercise is to hike up to the church at the center of town and take in the view.

Where to Stay in Piran

Hotel Piran

This is the main game in town, and though we found it a little shabby and overpriced for you what you get, you can’t beat the location and view. The rooftop restaurant is a great place for an evening spritz as the sunsets. And the breakfast buffet even had GF bread!

Note that cars aren’t allowed in the town center, but some hotels like Piran offer a shuttle service so you can drop off your bags and then return your car to the lot at the edge of town and get a ride back in. The hotel also offers bikes to rent that were very pleasant for exploring the outlying areas.

The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Piran

Pri Mari

We loved this cozy gostilna so much that after a mediocre experience at Pavel (don’t recommend), we decided to go back a second time for dinner. The sea bass baked in sea salt with baked potatoes and spinach is the perfect simple meal. For those who can partake, Charlie raved about his vongole pasta. And I was majorly smitten with my saffron risotto with prawns. Make sure if you’re celiac to avoid the crispy potatoes that come with some of the single serving fish entrees as there’s cross contamination in the fryer. Don’t miss the pannacotta for dessert and ask for a special aperitif to go with it. Whatever bitter anise-y spirit they served was just what we wanted.

Rizibizi

A short walk or bike ride outside town towards Portorosso, this restaurant is one of the more formal in the area, with prices to match. Still, the prawn and truffle risotto was affordable by US and Italy standards. We also had a beautiful beef carpaccio with truffles. Basically, we ate an entire truffle between the two of us and had no regrets.

Pavel

Right in the center of town by the shore, this restaurant is slightly touristy with some mediocre dishes as a result. BUT it was one of the few places with gluten-free pasta in town and the clams did not disappoint. I’d recommend it just for a vongole with a view.

Source: https://feedmephoebe.com/best-slovenia-restaurants-hotels-itinerary/

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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lenniharrisonsims · 4 months ago

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War Trials Begin!

The good and the great gathered this morning for a long day of judgements that would finally mark the end to this horrible war.

The people of the world have been watching and waiting to finally see the sentences passed on those who wrecked so much havoc on their lives over the past couple years, and have been wondering- how will the judgements be passed? Ordinarily, judgements follow the laws of the nations in which the crime occured, but these crimes took place on the world's stage, so how could one sovereign choose what was right and what was wrong?

Many believed the Tsarina Ekaterina would act as judge and jury in her capacity as head of the Allied Nations, and monarch of the largest economic power in the world, but surprising no one, HIM has chosen a more democratic route to justice- elected judges.

(Tsarina Ekaterina was elected Foreperson by her fellow judges, and therefore will act as leading judge during the trials. Her husband, Prince Consort Matthew Norton, was seen escorting her into the courthouse today. He was also asked to be a witness, and bear testimony of the things he encountered during his service as Admiral in the Imperial Navy. Queen Misha Colona seen arriving with her husband, King Cesare, another judge for the trials. Queen Misha will be sitting in as a Member of the Public.)

Emergency elections were held in each of the Allied Nations, where the citizens chose who they wanted to represent them during the trials. Unanimously, the crowned heads of the Allied Nations were chosen to represent their people, instilling a trust back into monarchy after it had recieved such a blow from the actions of the once-Emperor Victor Lofton.

(Queen Anaid Montero was escorted to the Court House by her son, Crown Prince Ramses, who also submitted testimony yesterday for what he endured during the Windenburgian occupation of Selvadorada, and the horrific murder of his father, Prince Rauli Montero. Emperor Hiroto arrived at the Court House with his son, Crown Prince Ren Imube. Ren will be sitting in as a Member of the Public, and is not expected to testify.)

The elected judges gathered at the Imperial Court House in Glimmerbrooke yesterday for closed deliberations. Due to the war crimes committed by the defendents, there was no jury, only the judgements of the elected representatives.

(Chief Lilah Mahoe was elected to represent her people of the Sulani Independant Islands. Queen Regent Genevieve Pelletier was elected to stand in her son, King Adam's, place, as the people believed him too young still to have to bear the burden of judgement.)

They sequestered themselves in the jury room for the entire day yesterday, reading testimonies written by the accused and those affected by the war personally (like those who lost family members in the war, and those who were displaced and living as refugees- noble and common alike) hearing witness statements from selected persons.

(King Ivan De La Cru arriving to act as judge for the people of Oasis Springs. King Caleb Norton arriving to act as judge for the people of Willow Creek)

The sentences had to be agreed upon unanimously by every one of the nine judges before they could be passed. Now, today is the day. The press cameras have been allowed inside, public guests are seated, and the defendants await their fate.

(King Petros Kalogera was elected to act as judge for the people of Tartosa, bringing with him testimony statements from his family and staff, who lived under Windenburgian occupation. Crown Princess Ophelia was asked to submit testimony in her capacity as head of the Britechester Naval Brigade, just as all commanders of military forces were asked to do. Today she sits as a Member of the Public.)

Today, the panel of judges will share the sentences of the accused in front of the public, finally putting the stamp on the end of this war. The landscape of the world's powerful nations is about to change forever.

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masqsims4 · 2 years ago

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Gen 8 - Part 5

Oasis Springs (Braieforma Alliance Faltal Industries)

A New Royal Family

Oasis Springs did change hands a few times while an independent area of the world, known for the start of the royal family’s lineage. After Mirah Braie publically infiltrated the Faltal Industry who conquered Oasis Springs, then went into a position to take Oasis Springs back, she gave the deeds to the Braieforma Alliance for safe keeping. Since then, the ousted Faltal heirs made good friends with the Braieforma Alliance and its royals.

When the First Invasion of Gen 8 came, Elrin Braie was urged by his partner, Little Faltal, to give his technical expertise and supply the war field. When Elrin returned, he learned that both of his parents, Mirah Iona-Braie and Malahki Iona-Braie, passed away from natural causes. Distraught and grieving, Elrin retreated into himself, leaving Little to his care as well as his estates. Little decided to proclaim a section of land independent from the Alliance to allow Elrin to better control his family home when it was time for him to come around. And these proclamations began to happen more and more until all of Oasis Springs came back into Little’s control, and they declared Oasis Springs completely independent of the Alliance, the previous deeds were null and void, and now Oasis Springs belongs to the Faltal Industries once more.

Elrin doesn’t seem to know or care what his happening. So long as he can stay in his family home so he no longer leaves his family again. He’s also busy raising his four children, which do bring him happiness and joy. But until he comes out of his funk, his home is once again taken over by a corporation with no hope of getting it back.

(from top left to right) Lord Elrin Braie-Faltal, Landgrave Little Faltal (monarch)

(from bottom left to right) Lord Marcian Faltal, Lady Aragonta Faltal, Lord Balor Faltal

(from top left to right) Eyex (servo), Lord Cayne Iona-Braie

(bottom) Grand Heir Valentine Faltal

Oasis Springs Life

With the Faltals back in control of Oasis Springs, the tech company went back to making weapons for the Strangerville Army, while promising to supply other world armies these weapons for a price. The change of fortune is so great that the older Faltal twins may not need to rub wealthy elbows and hustle other family fortunes to stay afloat! Maybe Alextra Faltal doesn’t need Khal Beerloith around anymore, and Alonzo Faltal may want to be in his extramarital children’s lives?

Meanwhile, much doesn’t seem to have changed in the local science academy, other than the teens feel ready to move on with their lives, with little family ties to the area. But they are excited to see what their wide-open futures hold.

Finally, the local army base for the Alliance may need to move to safer locations. While their might is becoming well known and their intelligence gathering is very good, the Faltals feel hostile towards them so perhaps its best to leave soon.

Prince Khal Xolk-Beerloith, Princess Alextra Faltal, Prince Alonzo Faltal, Risca (servo)

Prof. Elementi (servo), Lady Cordelia Iona-Braie, Lady Circini Iona-Braie, Princess Novella Faltal

(from top left to right) Lord Juinor Faltal-Screits, Lady Grace Screits

(bottom) Lady Naia Screits

Selvadorada (Independent)

The country didn’t have to fight for its independence, but it chose to rise and fight the First Invasion of Gen 8. It lead to many loses and orphans, but the country is a community that vows to push foreword. They elect their own leaders, and are always stronger together as they rediscover their history, protect their environment and keep true to themselves as a people and a family.

(from top left to right) Prince Luchian Braie-Seindu, Princess Hailey Seindu, Lady Akshara Savalani, Lord Omari Hakzar

(from bottom left to right) Lady Yanira Hakzar, Princess Itziar Braie-Seindu, Princess Ana Belen Braie-Seindu

(from top left to right) Lord Graeson Escalante, President Kassandra Escalante, Lady Irati Escalante

(from bottom left to right) Lord Cristian Escalante, Lord Carles Escalante

Evergreen Harbor (Maximus Corp)

It wasn’t just Oasis Springs that saw a corporate takeover of an entire area. While Evergreen Harbor was always a Syndicated State, there was little to oversee the harbor itself. And the many loses of the First Invasion of Gen 8 left wiggle room for a genetic testing company to barge right in.

Golden Needle leader Kiraseindu Noburo passed away in his home, which oddly enough Maximus Corp’s founder, Cyrox Maximus, was visiting at the time. Promptly after the death certificate was printed, Cyrox announced that Maximus Corp was not only absorbing the Golden Needle into its ranks but was also taking the area as its own. He plans to put in more clinics and laboratories to further genetic testing, tracking, and improving (though everyone knows his company goal is to eradicate mermaids).

The nearby Strangreix Business Academy branch has held firm to their deed, but it is becoming clear that they either need to fight for their land back, or give way and move the academy to safer ground.

Lady Tibia Maximus, Lord Cyrox Maximus

(from top left to right) Vindi Ziahra Strangreix (professor), Kal C. M. Maximus, Lady Giuliana Maximus, Aarom Fid-Drodhoth

(from bottom left to right) Armanix Fid-Drodhoth, Lord Xzav Maximus, Lady Ceilia Maximus

#Sixam Royal Family #war tw #death tw #capitalism tw

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moon-simmers · 3 years ago

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The Virreina Palace, Viceroyalty of Oasis Springs, 1837.

In the early spring of 1837 at midnight, four soldiers arrived at the house where the Governor resided with his wife.

Both were asked to head towards Victory Square because the members of the Governing Board wanted to discuss matters relating to the situation in Glimmerbrook.

The Governor said he would shortly be attending with his wife and requested that they wait to accompany him.

The carriage headed for the Victory Square as fast as they could in the middle of the night. Things had gotten very tense in the last few weeks

Altos of the Escalada family, Victory Square.

Once they were all gathered in front of the Malcom Springs Political Family Residence, the reason for the urgency was revealed.

The Queen of Brittchester explained to him without preamble and with imposing words that the assembly decided that, to protect their lives, they would carry out an extradition of the Governor with his wife to Selvadorada.

The situation between the viceroyalty’s borders was unforgivable and was decisive for both Brittchester and Forgotten Hollow to finally give their support to the independence of Oasis Springs, leaving Glimmerbrook at a disadvantage.

At an emergency meeting they had reached a consensus to end the fire on the battlefield and to declare peace again between the Republics,

They just needed the governor to sign the surrender and allow Malcolm Springs to form a new form of government in the territory.

#ts4 #ta4 gameplay #pride flag legacy challenge #ts4 story #prideflaglegacy #19th century #Gen 3 #Redwood Legacy #Oasis Springs #Oasis Springs Independence War #ts4 1830s #Malcom Springs #Queen of Brittchester #Governor Glimmerbrook #Saturnine Willcreek #Alexandra Hollow #Crown of Windenburg #Governor Cattson

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simshousewindsor · 3 years ago

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BLOOD IS THICKER THAN POTION

[Frankfurt, South of Windenburg, 8:50 PM WST]

King George: Before we leave Frankfurt tonight, I must tend to some business. Phillip will drop you off at the hotel. I won't be long. Upon my return we will depart for the royal train back to Windenburg.

Queen Rowena: Is everything ok?

King George: Yes. Tying up a loose end.

[The Shops on Main Street, Frankfurt, 9:30 PM WST]

Ramy: *talking to his ear piece* Your Majesty, she’s here.

King George: Thank you for agreeing to meet me alone.

Kamill S. Killmonger: Of-course. I have no reason to be afraid. Don't you know who I am?

King George: You’re one of the most powerful Virtuoso Spellcasters. My apologies, Kamill.

Kamill: So why did you want to meet? What is in this bag?

King George: It is half of your money back. I know it’s been you trying to kill me and my family.

Kamill: Half of my money? You stole $5 million simoleons of my money from that raid, you forged ownership of my families land, you lied about it for months, and your brother had my bodyguard killed when he found out the truth. And for what, King George?

King George: I made countless financial mistakes that put my family at risk of ruin so I seized an opportunity for money when I saw it. Let’s not forget you tried to kill me with that potion. I am a King! If you knew I stole your money when I came to you asking for the potion to cure my heart why not kill me then or confront me about what you thought I did?

Kamill: You didn't know I was the head of the Kai Cartel. You only knew I was a powerful spellcaster in Glimmerbrook. What I don't understand is why you aren't dead and where the rest of my money is!

King George: I can give you the rest in installments. Your potion was made with a blood spell. As you know, blood spells have only one flaw - as powerful as they are, they can not be used against any blood relative.

Kamill: Relative?

King George: Yes. My grandfather, Edward I, gifted The Crumbling Isle’s to your grandmother, Sage Stanley, in 1907.

Kamill: We all know that.

King George: What we didn't know was why. Your grandmother had come to my grandfather claiming to be the long-lost granddaughter of Princess Catherine and it was proven true. The isles, then known as Wind Isles, were then gifted. You are my blood cousin and a royal descendent of Albert I and Queen Isabella. Your potion, which did weaken my already failing heart, could never have killed me.

Kamill: Keep the money. What I now want in return is worth far more and you’re going to help me get it.

King George: You are a Windsor. Whatever I can do to help, I will.

Kamill: I want power. I want a seat at the table. I want Windenburg to help Glimmerbrook get its independence from Oasis Springs. Our nation is ready! Our country wants to pass a constitutional amendment or referendum to remove King Felipe as our head of state. If he disagrees and becomes angry it could cause a war between our countries. If he agrees, I am married to Erik Killmonger, Grand Duke of Glimmerbrook. Once our nation is free of Oasis Springs, Erik would surely be appointed the new President or even monarch of Glimmerbrook. Talk to King Felipe. He will listen to your council.

Kamill: Help me get a seat at the table and I will give you the fixed potion for your heart and your debt will officially be paid.

*Kamill transportalates*

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#She's Blood #Power #thesims4 #sims 4 #the sims 4 #TS4 #ts4 story #sims 4 royalty #sims 4 royal family #simblr #ts4 simblr #ts4 royal simblr #sims 4 monarchy #the sims 4 story #sims 4 story #ts4 royalty #sims 4 tumblr #ts4 tumblr #sims 4 Tumblr

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marchmains · 7 years ago

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Oasis, radiohead, smashing pumpkins, r.e.m.

Oasis:

Do you wear sunglasses often?

yes sometimes even inside lol. but only in the summer really

Are you a beer, wine, or liquor person?

wine for sure

Do you prefer the stars or the moon, the land or the sea?

moon, and i suppose land but can i go with land by the sea?

Do you have a lot of regrets?

not really, only small things like i regret not keeping a journal when i was in high/school early college.

Would you ever want to be famous?

not super famous. bestselling author/indie band famous sure

Radiohead:

Is there possibility of life on other planets?

yes definitely

What’s your favorite jacket?

I had this green one all thru college but now its worn out. luckily i got a new one in portland though

Do you like spring, summer, fall, or winter most?

Its between spring and fall. specifically early spring and very late summer/early fall

Can you recognize any constellations?

nope

Are you an extrovert, an introvert, or an ambivert?

introvert. I don’t think anyone has ever mistaken me for an extrovert but I can play it up a bit if i’m in the mood/if i have to

Smashing Pumpkins:

Do you feel like you unload or bottle up your emotions?

my instinct is to bottle them up but i’m working on it

Are you the oldest, middle, youngest, or only child, and does your personality match that?

only child and yeah i think so. its definitely why i’m an introvert because it was just me and my two introvert parents growing up. and i feel like i fit the stereotype of independent, good in school, a bit selfish, etc blah blah. tbh i think this has affected most everything in my life lol talk to me about it when i’m drunk and i’ll go on for hours bc my favorite topic of conversation is myself

Do you consider yourself ambitious?

somewhat, yes.

Aesthetically, what era of history most intrigues you?

oh boy, i love basically any era of british history but really love the 20th century. superficially i love the idyllic/poetry/garden aesthetic of the edwardian era/pre WWII. but i’m also interested in the post-war aesthetic afterwards from like the 50s-70s.

Do you like sunsets or sunrises, night or day?

sunrises, early morning

R.E.M.:

What was your biggest heartbreak?

call me lucky but i haven’t really had any

Do you like the feeling of leaving for new places, or do you get homesick fast?

when i was a kid i got homesick a good amount. now i love leaving for new places but tbh i’m feeling a bit homesick these days

Are you an optimist or a pessimist, or other?

cautious optimist

Do you like jazz or classical music?

classical definitely, i’d love to listen to more but i usually go for chopin, tchaikovsky, shostakovich, beethoven. but dunno much about jazz

Have you ever been nightswimming?

not notably. just a few nights in friend’s backyard pools

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middletuna7-blog · 5 years ago

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A Healthy Hedonist’s Guide to Slovenia

The question I got asked the most this summer (besides why I decided to elope) was what made me choose Slovenia for our big summer trip. (And, er, where is that, again?)

Read on for my tips on eating gluten-free in Slovenia, the best restaurants we tried, hotels with stayed in, and how to plan an epic road trip itinerary.

With health and hedonism,

Phoebe

How to Eat Gluten-Free in Slovenia

Thanks to the neighboring countries, you’ll encounter a lot of different culinary influences depending on where you are in Slovenia.

10 Days in Slovenia: A Road Trip Itinerary

Our time in Slovenia was designed around two main events: a 3-day trek through the Julian Alps and the Socca Valley, and dinner at Hisa Franko, which we locked in before we even had plane tickets!

A few other notes:

Day 1: Arrive in Venice and drive to Ljubljana. Wander the canal in the afternoon and enjoy dinner at Spajza.

Day 2: In the morning, visit Central Market and explore the castle. Drive to Bled (45 minutes) in the afternoon. Walk around the perimeter of the lake. Enjoy dinner at Castle Bled Restaurant.

Day 4 – 5: Drive to Kranjska Gora and begin hut to hut hike through the Julian Alps and into the Socca Valley.

Day 6: Finish the hike. Return to your car and drive to Kobarid in the Socca Valley. Go to Hisa Franko for dinner and stay there for the night!

Day 8: Relax in Piran. Bike through Portorosso to the salt flats and dip in the Adriatic. Enjoy dinner at Pri Mari.

Day 9: Optional day trip to Croatia or unwind again by the sea in Piran.

Day 10: Return to Venice and fly home.

LJUBLJANA

What to Do and Where to Stay in Ljubljana

Hotel Cubo

We loved the sleek feel of this boutique hotel and its proximity to the center of old town. Request a room facing the castle!

Where to Eat in Ljubljana: The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants

Spajza

TaBar

Gelateria Romantika

Monstera Bistro

LAKE BLED

What to Do in Lake Bled

Where to Stay in Lake Bled

Garden Village Bled

Vila Bled

The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Lake Bled

Bled Castle Restaurant

Penzion Berc

Ostarijia Peglez’n

Restaurant Vrtnarija (at Garden Village Bled)

Sova

Unfortunately we didn’t make it to this cute wine bar just a short walk from our glamping site, but I heard great things. I wish we had tried it instead of Penzion Berc!

THE JULIAN ALPS AND THE SOCCA VALLEY

So, as for the main event…

GORISKA BRDA WINE REGION

Since most of these wineries of small family-run operations, you can’t just show up. Email them in advance to set up a tasting session or lunch reservation.

PIRAN

What to Do in Piran

Where to Stay in Piran

Hotel Piran

The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Piran

Pri Mari

Rizibizi

Pavel

Source: https://feedmephoebe.com/best-slovenia-restaurants-hotels-itinerary/

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