#Peak District Restaurants

[themaynard]

Celebrate Easter Sunday at The Maynard with a special lunch in the Chatsworth Suite, featuring live music from Rob Earlam. Enjoy a selection of premium, locally-sourced dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Two sittings available on March 31st. Reserve your spot today!

[micheltaanman-blog]

Engeland - de hoogste berg Scafall Pike

Engeland – de hoogste berg Scafall Pike

[thegeorgehathersage]

Stay Updated with the Latest News and Events at The George Hathersage

Keep up with the latest news and updates from The George Hathersage, including seasonal menus, special events like Afternoon Tea with Santa, and exciting reopening announcements. Whether you're planning a visit or curious about upcoming events, check out the updates for an unforgettable experience.

[the-ashford-arms]

Book a Table at The Ashford Arms: Enjoy a Memorable Dining Experience

Reserve your table at The Ashford Arms in Ashford in the Water for an exceptional dining experience. Whether you're planning a casual meal or an elaborate evening, book with ease. Use our online form, and we’ll confirm your reservation promptly. Stay updated with our latest events by subscribing to our newsletter.

[tryingtodotheright-thing]

Hello, Sunset - 1

AN: So, the inspiration randomly came to me. I've never written with an unnamed character before and I haven't written fanfic since 2017. Bear with me and I appreciate all feedback. Not sure how long this is going to be but it will be multi-part.

Pairing: Seungcheol x fem!reader

Genre: exes to lovers, idol verse, angst

Word Count: 1733

Warnings: reader has anxiety and depression, swearing

NEXT

Summer was coming to an end. This week was the season’s last gift; it was unusually warm, endless blue skies that you saw in paintings and sunsets that seemed to last all evening. Y/N had chosen to make the most of it, knowing this was her last moment to enjoy a little break in nature before life got busy again. She was always regretful when it got to the end of summer, wishing she’d spent more time outdoors, made the most of the good weather and just lived life a bit more fervently as she once used to. She didn’t quite know how to relax anymore. Even now, as she walked along the streets of London, she couldn’t quite slow down to a leisurely pace to admire the eclectic collection of shops that graced this particular street, hidden behind the famous streets of St James’s. Y/N called it being a Londoner, that you walked with purpose, always in a race to get to your next destination. Who had time to admire their surroundings when you had places to be? You definitely didn’t want to look like a tourist. 

Y/N had arrived early, one for the books since there were train strikes this weekend and she’d had to get a taxi to Wimbledon so she could take the District Line. She now had 30 minutes to waste before she could head to the restaurant, knowing that her perpetually late best friend wouldn’t arrive till at least 15 minutes after the reservation time. The sun was burning this afternoon and she knew that continuing to walk around without finding a spot of shade would just make things worse. She was parched and she’d forgotten to grab the bottle of water she’d prepared in her rush to check her doors were locked as the taxi waited for her. There was no choice but to fork up a fiver for a very expensive bottle of water in order to survive the heat. Making a swift decision, she turned around to head back to the main road. Walking briskly to escape the glares of the blazing star at its peak, she swiftly walked into Itsu. The air-conditioning inside the store gave her instant relief and she basked in it as she selected a bottle of water. After paying at the self-checkout till, she immediately opened the bottle to take a big gulp of the cold drink. Her thirst satisfied, Y/N walked out of the store and back into the heat of the summer. 

As she walked back towards the restaurant, Y/N tried to slow her steps, observing those around her. It was the summer bank holiday weekend, so it was the last hooray for many of the working population in the UK. There was a mix of tourists and locals: parents with their little ones for a family day out, young couples walking with their fingers intertwined  and rowdy teenagers in denial of schools restarting the next week. Time passed so quickly. She could remember being a teenager like it was yesterday but here she was in her last year of 20s, so different from her younger self when she was at the cusp of adulthood. So much had happened, so much had changed and yet sometimes she still felt a little like the insecure young woman who didn’t quite know where she fit in the vast world. Whoever said that with age comes wisdom was telling the biggest lie on earth. 

Lost in her thoughts, Y/N had arrived at the Japanese restaurant she was set to have her lunch at. The hostess greeted her and took her down the stairs and to the private room reserved. She looked around as she took her handbag off her shoulder and settled into her seat. The room was big enough to seat six people but it would be just Y/N and her friend, Rachel. She’d been at the restaurant exactly two years ago. That time, she’d been seated in the general restaurant then when Rachel had taken her out to celebrate Y/N’s new job. Y/N was no longer working at that company. In fact, Y/N had left the corporate world 15 months ago after suddenly landing in the spotlight. Speaking of said spotlight, the hostess had returned with chilled still water. She poured some water for Y/N before placing the bottle on a coaster. She hesitated to leave after Y/N thanked, struggling to decide whether to verbalise her thoughts or not. Taking a deep breath, she brought forward a framed picture. 

“Sorry to ask but would you mind please signing this picture? We’d love to display this in the restaurant.”

Y/N smiled and reached for the pen and frame, quickly writing out a message and a signature that still seemed unfamiliar to her. Returning the items back to the hostess, Y/N reassured the hostess it was no problem and posed for a photo too. Picture taken, the hostess thanked her again profusely before closing the door behind her, leaving Y/N to silence. 

Y/N sat back down in her chair and took her phone to check whether she had any messages from Rachel. Sure enough, there were three unread messages from Rachel. Yan Ya, called by all but her parents and grandparents as Rachel, was running late to no one’s surprise. Rachel was beautiful and graceful as her parents had hoped when they named her but her trouble with punctuality was a running joke between everyone who knew and loved her. 

After texting Rachel back to reassure her that she’d only just arrived, Y/N scrolled through the other notifications on her phone, mostly notifications from her public Instagram account that she swiped to ignore. She came across a message from her manager that she had received about an hour ago, asking Y/N to call her. Y/N was immediately nervous about what Sian would have to say. The urgency and the cryptic instruction with no context also didn’t help. Biting the bullet, Y/N pressed the call button at the top of the screen. Sian picked up on the second ring and immediately said, “Are you alone?”

The nerves that filled her stomach had now tripled and she could almost hear the padams of her heart go faster. 

“Yes, I’m in a private room at Ginza. What’s wrong?”

“Have you seen Twitter today? You’re trending right now.” Y/N could trace the panic hidden in Sian’s voice. “Dispatch posted a picture of you with him.”

Suddenly, Y/N could barely hear Sian as she continued talking. Her breaths were louder and she felt her anxiety soar as her throat dried up. 

“I can’t tell when it was taken but it’s so obviously the two of you. HYBE has put out a statement already denying a relationship and saying it was just two friends meeting for a meal. But Dispatch has made another post saying they have more pictures to prove that you’re in a relationship.”

Y/N took the glass of water the hostess had kindly poured for her earlier and took a sip, her hand clutching the cold glass and trying to focus on the condensation that surrounded the glass and counting in her head as she took a deep breath.

“Y/N, we need to put out a statement before HYBE to steer the narrative and protect you. You need to cancel whatever plans you have and head to my office. I’m ordering a car to pick you up from Ginza. It should be there in 5 minutes.”

Receiving no reply, Sian called out, “Y/N, are you there? Y/N?”

“Hmmm?”

Hearing the rushed breath and the breaking voice, Sian immediately softened her voice. “Honey, we can get this under control. It won’t be bad like last time. Okay? Trust in me and the company to protect you.”

“I don’t want things to get worse!” 

“It won’t, I promise. I’ve got you, okay? Take a deep breath for me, hun. That’s it. It’ll all be fine. We just need a plan, okay?”

Y/N meekly responded, nodding to no one as she tried to hold the tears back. The door behind her opened without a warning. Y/N flipped to find Rachel behind her with a bouquet of pink peonies. Rachel’s smile and cheery greeting grew to a stop as she noticed the crushed expression on Y/N’s face and the frazzled greetings from Sian as she tried to catch her attention again. Rushing into the room, Rachel wrapped one arm around Y/N and took Y/N’s phone from her tight clasp. 

“Sian, it’s Rachel. I'm with Y/N. What’s going on?”

“Oh, thank God! Rachel, there isn’t much time to explain. There’s a car outside Ginza waiting; it’ll take you to my office. I’ll explain everything once you get here. Look after Y/N and make sure no one sees her or definitely no pictures in the state she’s in. I’ll call the restaurant right now to settle the bill.”

Rachel, understanding the urgency of the situation, ended the call with Sian and quickly gathered their belongings. Making sure she’d taken everything, she turned to Y/N, who was still in shock. 

Rachel brushed Y/N’s hair away from her face and grasped her face to look at Rachel. 

“Hey, whatever it is, we’ll get through it together. Where’s my strong, independent and resilient Y/N?” 

“I don’t feel like any of those words right now.”

“No no no! We don’t do low confidence in this friendship when I know how amazing my friend is.” Y/N let out a shaken breath that was a mixture of laughter and tears.

Rachel quickly dabbed away the tears that fell and said, “Keep calm and carry on, as Mr Parry would say right?” 

This time, Y/N smiled hearing the favourite saying of her old biology teacher. Feeling better, she rubbed her hands on her skirt and stood up. 

“Right. Okay, let’s go.”

“That’s my girl!” Rachel cheered and looped her arm through Y/N’s. Pausing before the door, she turned to her left to look at her shorter friend and said, “And fuck anybody that tried to mess with you, especially one S.Coups!” 

With that said, Rachel opened the door and led the way out of the restaurant. 

[octuscle]

Hello support! I hope you can help me because I am not good with this kind of tech and I don't want to make a mess! You see, I have taking bad decisions all my life. I decided to ignore I was gay and lived a straight life for 40 years... I never took care of my appearance and now I am a 42 yo man with a bellly, and I don't seem to be making any progress at gym.

I think... I feel like it's too late. I feel that even if I change the way I live from now on, I have lost too much time, too many experiences... and I want to use Chronivac to turn my life 180º. I don't really have a specific type of life in mind, but I hope you have some great presets for me.

Can you help, please? Thanks!

Fuck, dude! You've been sweating out your sexual desires your whole life? And this pathetic body is all you've achieved in the gym? Okay, good that you came to me. It would be terrible if things got any worse. Lie down, get some sleep, I'll take care of it.

Since your wife threw you out on the street, you've been living in a small boarding house until you find something better. The bathroom is in the hallway and you share it with the other tenants. Most of them are plumbers and other tradesmen working on a construction site in the area. They wait in front of the toilet. It's occupied, of course. You hear the flush. The door opens. A mason of the highest caliber comes out. His dick is still sticking out of his pants, which he only closes casually. You make eye contact. A little too long. The synapses in your brain run amok. You go to the bathroom. You leave the door unlocked. You drop your pants. The door opens. Jackpot!

You did good for a virgin. You blow like the devil. And you know how to massage a cock in your tight asshole. The men waiting outside the toilet grin shamelessly as first the bricklayer and then you come out. One of them slips you a note with his phone number and tells you to call him. Shit, you forgot to piss because of all the sex. And you haven't showered either. What time is it anyway? Dude, you're a little out of it. It's only 6:30. Sure, the workers are already leaving. But you just got off work. Being a doorman is a hard job. Lie down first. Your landlady already knows. Breakfast is usually served at 16:00.

The first guests are already coming home when you wake up. Dressed only in your jockstrap, you shuffle across the hall to the bathroom. There are phone numbers on the walls. Usually with a crude drawing of a cock above it. You take your magnificent piece out of your underpants. 20 centimeters flaccid. With an impressive PA on top. Fits well in your calloused hand. As you pee, your eyes wander up your forearms. Were those tattoos there yesterday?

You're sitting in the breakfast room in your tracksuit. You're watching porn on your cell phone. One hand always on your dick. You're always horny. Hey, 42 is no age. You're at the peak of your manhood. You grab your gym bag, kiss the landlady goodbye, and head to the shabby basement boxing gym in the red-light district.

It's around 8 p.m. when you come out into the fresh air. Three hours of hard training, jumping rope, punching bag, sparring, technique training, lifting weights. And then a cold shower. No soap. No deodorant. Routine for more than ten years. And it shows. Fuckin' fit. A machine. You belong here, among hookers, pimps and drug dealers. This is your world. You go to your favorite falafel restaurant almost every night. Because the falafel is good. And because the chef's son is hot and horny. Dinner and a fuck - a good way to start the evening. And then you open your club. It was always your dream to create a gay club, bar and brothel concept. You had the right instinct. The concept has been successful for years. Partygoers love your place. Within an hour or two, the dance floor and dark rooms are full.

You're one of the toughest bouncers in town. But it's also one of the hottest clubs in the city. And you're only at the door until two or three o'clock. Then you check the situation in the club. And if there's something hot to fuck, you check the situation in the darkrooms particularly carefully.

[prapasara]

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สาธารณรัฐไซปรัส

Best places to live in Cyprus

Nicosia

Limassol District

Limassol villages

Larnaca

Paphos

Peyia and Tala

Ayia Napa and Protaras

Paralimni

Nicosia

Divided in two by the Green Line, Nicosia is a vibrant and quite sophisticated city that offers a perfect blend of urban life and relaxation.

Nicosia lies inland; therefore, it can get hotter than the seaside in summer. However, the bliss of it is that as a consequence tourists don’t think much of the place, instead preferring the seaside resorts and towns. This not only keeps the place from becoming overcrowded but helps to preserve a true Cypriot feel and character of the place.

Nicosia is the business and financial centre of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the administrative heart. The city offers great entertainment, vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping and a choice of leisure activities.

Although the main language is Greek, you will find that around 90 percent of the population speak some English, and fluency is common amongst the younger generations.

Cyprus might be the third biggest Mediterranean island, but it’s not really huge. And when you live in Nicosia, everything is no more than an hour away by car, be it wonderful beaches, gorgeous mountains, hiking trails or historic sights.

As in any city, there are enough districts and types of property to choose from in Nicosia. The choice depends on whether you want to live in an apartment or a modern villa, in the quiet outskirts or in a luxurious part of the city near all the major embassies where the properties are superb, both in style and price.

Living in the south-east, for example, gives you easy access to Athalassa National Forest Park, which is 840 hectares of greenery. Its network of trails – covering 20 kilometres – makes it a popular place for cycling, walking, dog walking and picnics.

As to what you can consider drawbacks, the summers are very hot in Nicosia, hotter than in the seaside locations. There’s also the issue of a very unreliable public transportation system; as a result almost everyone over 21 owns a car.

In short, Nicosia is one of the best places to live in the Republic of Cyprus: diverse cuisines, cultures, rich history, great nightlife, almost the best weather possible, great nature and sightseeings and all the amenities you need for normal day-to-day living. What you won’t find in Nicosia is the seaside.

Limassol District

Limassol, a city on the southern coast of Cyprus, has a very modern, cosmopolitan feel to it. It is a loved destination by expats from all over the world.

The Neapolis area of Limassol is considered the centre of the town, yet is also residential and has all the necessary amenities close to hand. It is close to Anexartisias – the main shopping district of Limassol, and within walking distance of the beach too.

Right in the centre of the city, near the Castle and Limassol Marina, there is a beautiful promenade called Molos, which offers great walks along the beachfront. If you like a seaside stroll, Molos will be your favourite place.

Molos is flanked by busy streets packed with restaurants, cafes, English style pubs, vibrant nightclubs, and a wide range of shops selling almost everything, including souvenirs and traditional sweets and delicacies.

Not a big fan of city beaches and prefer something more intimate? There are beautiful beaches 15 minutes drive away from the city, such as Kourion Beach.

This particular beach is located under the ancient city of Kourion where you can visit the ancient site and also attend evening performances at the ancient theatre.

Limassol is also the city with the highest mountain peak on the island, Troodos (Olympus). During the winter between January and April, you can go skiing. The Cyprus Ski Club, based on Mount Olympus, has four ski lifts and eight alpine ski runs of various levels.

The city is perfect for supporting an active healthy lifestyle. It offers limitless possibilities for all kinds of sports and activities including golf, go-karting, skiing, cycling and horse riding. There are beautiful walking trails and an abundance of nature trails. Bicycles are available on rent all over the place and are an ideal way of exploring the city and its interior.

Limassol villages

Just 12 minutes drive from Limassol there is the lovely village of Erimi. It takes you just far enough from the hustle and bustle of Limassol to give you a nice relaxing atmosphere but is still close enough to the city for you to still use its facilities.

The same feeling of tranquillity can be found in the village of Kolossi on the outskirts of the city of Limassol. The village is close to the imposing Kolossi Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The vineyards of Kolossi are famous for the sweet dessert wine of Commandaria, which is one of the oldest wines in the world.

Some 8 miles from Limassol on the Limassol-Troodos road is the pretty village of Alassa. The village is built next to the Kouris Dam. A few minutes drive away is Episcopi – a village lying partly in the Limassol district of Cyprus and partly in the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

There is a good supermarket, doctor, police station etc. It has quite a few expats but is not very touristy.

Larnaca

Larnaca is compact, easily accessible and offers easy access to other regions on the island.

Larnaca is where Cyprus adventures start for most new arrivals, as it is where the most popular Cyprus airport is located.

Phinikoudes is a very pretty town and is particularly pleasant for a stroll in the evening. There is a long beach alongside the Phinikoudes promenade, the waters there are always calm and quite shallow, so you have to wade for quite a distance before it is swimmable.

The Makenzie stretch is more remote, easily accessible by car and has many fish restaurants lining the strip. It’s full of bars and cafés, where locals and expat freelancers come together to co-work. However, it’s very close to the airport, and although spending a day out there is fine, living there constantly means putting up with noise and pollution.

The prevalent communities in Larnaca are Greek, British, Russians and Germans and they mostly use English as means of international communication. However, move away from the expat communities towards outlying villages, and a bit of Greek will come really handy if you want to integrate and build local friendships.

The town offers all the amenities and facilities necessary for a comfortable life, but as with any tourist place, it gets very quiet in winter and really crowded in summer.

In general, Larnaca is more relaxed, easy-going and comfortable, and a bit cheaper compared to Limassol or Nicosia. You get the beach and the places for cycling, and it is only a 30 minutes drive from both Limassol and Nicosia. The intercity bus will take you to the capital if you don’t like driving, however public transport is not very reliable in Cyprus, so you might want to consider a car.

There are a few lovely villages on the outskirts of Larnaca. Oroklini is just outside the town and very popular with Brits. The village stretches from Larnaca Bay up to Oroklini hill and has a nice sandy beach.

It takes 10 minutes to get from Oroklini to central Larnaca. The Larnaca-Ayia Napa motorway runs through the outskirts of Oroklini and leads onto the Larnaca-Nicosia motorway.

Paphos

Paphos is a lovely coastal city in the southwest of Cyprus and, as legends say, the birthplace of Aphrodite.

The town has good infrastructure and amenities – from shopping malls and shops to modern hospitals and decent road connections. Paphos International Airport is just 15 minutes drive from the town centre and a modern highway links the Paphos district to the whole of Cyprus.

The great thing about Paphos District is that you’ve got the sea and great beaches with hills, forests and mountains inland. The Akamas is a delight if you like the unspoilt countryside.

Paphos city is a popular tourist resort. It is also famous for its charming fishing harbour. The main residential district in Paphos is Ktima.

Kato Paphos, built by the sea around the medieval port, is where most of the luxury hotels and the entertainment infrastructure of the city is located.

There’s a lot going on in Paphos itself to sustain life there. It’s also only 45 minutes along the motorway to Limassol.

Peyia and Tala

Paphos district has quite a few lovely towns and villages dotted around. Lots of Brits live there, especially in places like Peyia and Tala. That means no language problems. If you venture further into the hills, a few words of Greek will be very helpful to get by.

Peyia and Tala are very popular for full time living among expats. There are plenty of restaurants and tavernas in both places, and they are close to Coral Bay.

Peyia is a bit overbuilt. The nice areas of Peyia can mostly be found on the outskirts. It’s also quite a drive to Paphos. Tala is closer to Paphos but has fewer facilities.

If you want to be fairly close to town and live somewhere within walking distance to a decent supermarket, pharmacy, doctor, butcher etc., Chloraka is possibly a good place to consider as it is just 3 km north of Paphos.

Ayia Napa and Protaras

In the eastern part of Cyprus, just south of Famagusta, lies the lively and vibrant town of Ayia Napa. It is a favourite international seaside resort with all the paraphernalia and amenities that come with that. It is crowded, dynamic, loud, full of entertainment and typical tourist activities such as water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving and speed boating.

Ayia Napa has 14 beaches, and all of them have been awarded the Blue Flag status.

Nissi, a beach on Nissi Avenue, gets really crowded in summer; it has a fantastic beach bar, which plays music throughout the day and offers events such as foam parties and games if that’s what you’re looking for!

If you want to be close enough to Ayia Napa to enjoy the life it offers, but still be far away enough to be able to have relaxing moments, you might want to look at Protaras.

About 5 miles away from Ayia Napa, Protaras, although being rapidly developed, still manages to remain low-key, and is preferred by locals and expats for its more family-friendly feel. It is still touristy and gets very busy in summer, while the winters are usually quiet and the place looks a bit deserted.

Paralimni

If the seasonal hustle and bustle of both Ayia Napa and Protaras are too much for you, but you still want to be close enough to both places, then probably the best solution will be to look at Paralimni.

Paralimni is close enough to both Ayia Napa and Protaras but is not attractive to tourists. It is a nice residential town with modern houses being built on the outskirts. There is a shopping centre, a number of cafes and bars and supermarkets there – all the amenities you need to live comfortably without paying over the top, as one commonly does in tourist towns.

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Best places to live in Cyprus

CR    ::     https://expatra.com/guides/cyprus/best-places-to-live-republic-of-cyprus/

[infjinthecity]

Soaking Up Local Culture - Longjing Tea Village

My mum was in China last week and I took her to a few of the cultural sites – including the Longjing Tea Village. It was my third trip to the village this year and I have to say, I think it’s one of my favorite parts of Hangzhou. This city houses nearly 12 million people; it is a bustling, thriving metropolis. And the tea village is smack bang in the middle of the city. If you go at a non-peak hour time, it’s easy to forget that you’re in such a huge, sprawling city because the village boasts a real small town, rural charm. It’s less than six kilometers from my apartment so it's incredibly accessible for me, and I just love it!

Longjing tea enjoys a long history that dates all the way back to the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907AD) – China is old guys. The tea that is grown in the West Lake district I Hangzhou is among the most expensive, luxurious green tea in the world. I am always banging on about how cheap everything is in China, but I can’t say that this time. The tea is expensive! Whether you’re drinking it at one of the small sit-down restaurants in the village, or you are bagging it up to take home, expect to pay a small fortune. It’s worth it though. Longjing tea (otherwise known as Dragonwell tea) doesn’t have that strong bitter taste that most green tea has and the health properties of this particular kind of green tea are next level. Apparently, the life expectancy of lifelong Hangzhou residents is higher than the average life expectancy of other Chinese people, and it’s because they drink this tea with such dedication!

There are many great restaurants in the little village all owned and operated by folks that live there. The farmers who own the tea plantations around the village also live in the village. Harvesting month, otherwise known as the Flush, is in April and that’s when you’ll see the most activity on the hills. The Ayis are out on the mountains each day picking by hand – rain, hail, or shine! The tea that is picked during that time goes for an insane amount of money!

My mum was blown away that something so quaint and picturesque was located right in the middle of the city. The gorgeous green lush tea fields that dot the mountain sides surround a small, yet thriving, restaurant and tea house culture below. People come here to sit and eat, and drink tea obviously, and just hang out and soak up the local vibes. Local Hangzhou residents come to the village to get in some exercise and hike the steep weaving fields right to the top – the views from up there are quite spectacular.

I’ve eaten at three different restaurants in the village now and I am yet to have a single bad experience. The food is all very traditional local Hangzhou cuisine, and while Hangzhou is not really known for having great food, I can’t complain when I’m here in Longjing village.

Now that the weather is cooler and I can enjoy the outdoors, I expect I’ll spend quite a lot of time meandering these fields and getting in some hiking myself! For anyone who comes to Hangzhou to visit me, this will always be the first place I take them. I heart Hangzhou, but I especially heart Longjing Tea Village.

[jellisdraws]

Irdenspire

The city rises. Irdenspire, true to its name, is a city of towers. It rises from the waters of the Solathel as a feat of modern engineering. The tallest towers, those in the center of the city, are lost in the clouds above. Thousands of feet in the air with thousands of lit windows burning into the early morning air, lit by alchemical lanterns within.

The massive central tower that forms the city center, Dusklight tower, rises in massive tiers buttressed by the towers around it with arcing bridges of steel and stone to a staggering height of half a mile or more. The word building doesn’t do these towers justice, they are districts, containing whole neighborhoods of people, restaurants, shops, municipal buildings and homes that have been built upon and within the massive edifices.

Canals cut between the skyscrapers, where an endless procession of boats, barges, rafts, and various water craft flow. Massive warships line the wharf, their towering masts looking like saplings next to the mountainous constructions they sit beneath.

It is a city; a massive, vertical city.

Lifts are rising along the towers edges and skybridges connect the upper reaches to each other in a dizzying web of stone and masonry. The main thoroughfares reveal the huge concentric rings the city is built in. Looked at from above, the city would seem a huge multi-circled venn diagram of buildings and bridges, spiraling and spidering out from the central structure of Dusklight.

Beneath the water is what makes this impossible construction… possible. Through the muck and weeds and slime and evidence of the half million people who live here, a foundation of Elderstone is visible, more than a mile and half in diameter. From this immovable, impervious, impressively flat foundation, the city is allowed to rise- the city of Irdenspire, waking now to a new day.

Fog is lifting from the water as the sun appears over the horizon in the east, spilling over the Solathel, leaving the water shining like gold as it’s light washes over the towers, spires and peaked roofs. Above you can hear the deep thrum of an airship, it’s huge oblong balloon shining in the sun as it’s propellers maneuver it slowly between the towers.

To the East, between the canyon like towers you can see the palace, Folguin’s Folly as it’s known. A huge castle of quarried Elderstone sourced from the the eldritch city lost in the depths of the freshwater sea of the Solathel. It’s been in construction for 300 years, and is on track to take another hundred or so until it’s is complete.

Soon enough you pass into the mouth of one of the canals and into the shadow of the city, just another boat among the thousands starting their day.

[eyssant]

Yellowstone Chronicles: Tales of Wonder and Wildlife in the West

Yellowstone National Park stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled power and beauty of nature. Encompassing over 3,400 square miles of wilderness primarily in Wyoming, with slivers extending into Montana and Idaho, this iconic park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Established in 1872, Yellowstone holds the distinction of being the world's first national park, and it continues to captivate millions of visitors annually with its mesmerizing geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here's everything you need to know to embark on an unforgettable journey through Yellowstone.

Things to Explore:

Yellowstone is a treasure trove of natural wonders, each more awe-inspiring than the last. Here are some must-see attractions to include on your itinerary:

Geothermal Marvels: Marvel at Yellowstone's world-renowned geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which erupts with remarkable regularity. Explore the colorful pools and terraces of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the surreal landscapes of the Norris Geyser Basin, and the bubbling mud pots of the Fountain Paint Pots.

Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for Yellowstone's diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Visit Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, known as prime wildlife viewing areas, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along Yellowstone's scenic roads to soak in the park's stunning vistas and natural beauty. Highlights include the Lamar Valley, the Beartooth Highway, and the Firehole Canyon Drive.

Waterfalls: Admire the park's majestic waterfalls, including the thundering Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which plunge into the depths of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Don't miss the Upper Falls, Gibbon Falls, and the cascades of the Firehole River.

Historic Sites: Explore Yellowstone's rich history at historic sites such as the Old Faithful Inn, a masterpiece of rustic architecture, and the Fort Yellowstone Historic District, which preserves the park's military heritage.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your interests and priorities. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Yellowstone, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities. However, expect crowds, limited lodging availability, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Fall (September to October): Fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and smaller crowds, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing and photography.

Winter (November to March): Winter transforms Yellowstone into a serene winter wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching amidst snow-covered landscapes. Note that many park facilities are closed during the winter months, and access may be limited due to snowfall.

Spring (April to May): Spring brings thawing landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and the emergence of newborn wildlife. While temperatures can be variable, spring offers opportunities for uncrowded exploration before the summer rush.

Gateway Towns to Yellowstone National Park:

The nearest gateway towns to Yellowstone National Park offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and services for visitors. Here are some of the closest towns:

West Yellowstone, Montana: Located just outside the park's West Entrance, West Yellowstone serves as a popular base camp for exploring the park's western region. The town offers lodging, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, and access to nearby attractions such as Hebgen Lake and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

Gardiner, Montana: Situated at the park's North Entrance, Gardiner is a charming town with historic architecture, art galleries, and local shops. Visitors can find lodging, dining, and amenities while enjoying proximity to Yellowstone's iconic Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Cody, Wyoming: While further from the park's entrances, Cody offers a unique blend of Western heritage, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, catch a rodeo at the Cody Nite Rodeo, or embark on scenic drives along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park offers a world of discovery and adventure for intrepid travelers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're marveling at geysers, spotting wildlife, or hiking through pristine wilderness, the park promises an unforgettable.

[themaynard]

Fall in Love Again: Top Couple Events in Hope Valley

Explore the best couple events in Hope Valley, from romantic walks and picnics to hot air balloon rides and cosy dinners. Discover historic sites and enjoy outdoor adventures together. Make your stay truly special by booking a romantic retreat at The Maynard in Grindleford. Create unforgettable memories with your loved one.

[leoinjapan]

A week in Colombia

Day 1

i arrived at El Dorado Airport at 4am, having slept not that great on a six-hour overnight flight from Toronto. my friend had booked me a taxi straight from the airport to her apartment; taxis here are really cheap, around 4 pounds to get across the entire city. Uber is also widely used here, although you should sit in the front seat as they are not actually allowed in Bogotá. apartments in Bogotá are really well protected, with different security measures to keep you safe. first i napped for a few hours and then had a delicious vegan bowl made by my friend's lovely mom. then my friend showed me around her neighbourhood, Chapinero, a historically queer district in north Bogotá. i learned how Colombia is a really queer and trans-friendly country, where gay marriage is legal and trans people have complete right of self-determination to change their documents, even with non-binary options, as well as gender-affirming healthcare!

for lunch my friend treated me to patacones, a mashed plantain baked to a crisp and topped with delicious toppings. she also showed me some awesome bookstores, such as Nada and Tornamesa. i tried delicious local chocolate from Fruto de Cacao. the weather was amazing at around 23 degrees celcius, not too sunny but pleasantly warm with no wind. luckily i did not suffer immediately from the altitude sickness that many tourists get when they arrive, as Bogotá is the highest capital city above sea level in the world.

we went back to watch a documentary about Lemebel, a queer icon in latin america (my friend was scandalized i had not heard of him). then i napped a bit more, which was a mistake; i woke up feeling so sick that i couldn't eat!

then we went to Theatron, latin america's biggest queer club. the streets that were empty before came alive with music and thousands of people. we had hotdogs from Nomáda Bogotá which were lovely, but sadly i was too sick to eat. Theatron has over 15 rooms with different types of music and live shows, and a capacity of over 6000. entry is less than £10 on saturdays (cheaper on other days) and includes a drink (gatorade for me)! my friend tells me more and more straight people come to the club now, but it was still very queer-friendly and one of the coolest club experiences i have ever had.

Day 2

for lunch my friend took me to a delicious vegan restaurant that does all traditional Colombian food, called Maria Candela. i tried ajiaco, a Bogotán dish of a herbal soup made with different kinds of local potatoes and chicken. it was so yummy, cheap and super filling!

i then went on a general tour of Bogotá hosted by Beyond Colombia. the guide was super enthusiastic and taught me so many things i didn't know about Colombia. we walked around important sights in its history, tasted the local traditional alcohol called chicha (fermented corn and sugar), and walked around the iconic La Candelária district. it was so colourful, full of street art and intricate crafts.

we then went to see Past Lives (again) at the cinema. the cinema quality was amazing, and the popcorn tasted really good! during Oscars season, you can get a pass to all the Oscars movies in february.

Day 3

in the morning i took an Uber to the bottom of the Monserrate, a mountain in Bogotá. it costs about £6 for a return journey on the cable car up the mountain to its peak, where you will find a church, a tourist market, and some restaurants. you can hike up the mountain yourself, but it takes around 2 hours. on the holy week, people walk up barefoot or on their knees on a sacrificial pilgrimage up the mountain to the church. in the church is the Black Madonna, based on the same iconic statue on the Montserrat mountain in Catalonia.

(this is also when i found out i got into the university of tokyo starting in april!)

it was super foggy on the 3000 metre high mountain and we could barely see the city. it started to pour with rain and my umbrella was not enough. unfortunately i got cold and wet without a coat, and was also exposed to high levels of UV up on the mountain, which led me to develop a fever later that evening...

i tried a bit of coca tea on the mountain. in Colombia and other countries in the Andes mountain range, people have been consuming coca leaves for centuries. coca tea contains a small amount of cocaine with mild stimulant effects, much like caffeine in coffee, and is completely harmless. Colombians use it to cure altitude sickness, nausea, and other stomach upsets.

i took my friends i made on the tour to Maria Candela again and i tried frijolada, which is a wholesome bean soup that i really loved. after that, i went to the Botero Museum/MAMU which has some really unique art from international artists, paintings by the iconic Colombian painter Botero, and a current exhibition highlighting indigenous culture and art (all in Spanish). it's free to visit so i definitely recommend going!

when my friend heard i felt sick, she took me to get aguapanela. panela is unrefined sugar, which you put in hot water for a nice soothing beverage. the Bogotá tradition is to put pieces of cheese in it, let them melt and then eat them! since i'm vegan i had it with bread. it was very delicious

Day 4

i had a restless night with my fever and decided to stay at home for the day. my tour guide even cancelled, so it felt like a sign not to go anywhere.

my friend's mom was an absolute angel and made me delicious vegan food and hot drinks and before long i felt a lot better

Day 5

in the morning i went on a war and peace-themed walking tour, also operated by Beyond Colombia. our guide was super knowledgeable, condensing centuries' worth of history into three hours. i learned so much about Colombia's recent history and controversies and i highly recommend this tour.

after that, i went to the Gold Museum (or Museo del Oro), which houses pre-Hispanic golden artefacts. in the indigenous culture, gold represented the sun and did not have monetary value; it was used in crafting and often offered back to nature. El Dorado is not a place, but an ancient ritual in which gold is thrown into the water, particularly a large lake near Bogotá; the Spanish dug up a lot of it and melted it into gold bars, but this museum still holds a large collection of 35,000, which is still only about 1% of the original artifacts that have been sacrificed in the ritual over the millennia.

at the end of the day my friend invited me to a collage-making workshop, which was really fun and therapeutic!

Day 6

at 8am in the morning, i took an Uber to the Paloquemao fruit market, where i was to have an AirBnB Experiences tour with my friend's brother, Victor. i was stunned by the amount of fruit i had never seen before. i tried different avocados, guavas, berries, cactus fruit, melons, and more. my favourite was the guanabana, or custard apple, which tastes exactly like custard!

the market is also full of beautiful flowers, vegetables, souvenirs and all sorts. i recommend visiting, though take an Uber as apparently it is not in the safest of neighborhoods.

in the evening i went to the National Museum, which houses an impressive amount of information about Colombian history. there are currently a few exhibitions about indigenous cultural revival. i was most excited to see a small exhibition about Las Traviesas, a collective of displaced indigenous trans women in Colombia, which was a beautiful and inspiring display of art.

towards the end of my visit, i developed a migraine. i got a tasty dinner at Wok and then went home to recover. thank you again to my friend and her mom for taking care of me!

on the day there was a big protest in the city centre in support of the current president. it's better to try and avoid the city centre when there are big protests.

Day 7

me and my friend went on a day trip to Villa de Leyva, a town north of Bogotá in the beautiful Boyacá region, famous for its emeralds. the bus trip took between 4 and 5 hours each way.

the town is absolutely gorgeous, full of cobbled streets and old colonial architecture. it was more touristy than Bogotá, with lots of tourist shops and some tasty food options. i got gelato made with tamarind and tajín (chilli flakes). for lunch, we went to La Maria Bistro which had an incredible brocolli dish that was the best thing i've eaten in a long while.

we went to Casa Terracota, the world's largest ceramic structure. it took 15 years for the architect to bake the house, during which it fell down three times. the construction was incredible and it was a very unique experience. usually the tour is only in spanish, but the guide did a great job translating it to english for me. the crazy thing was that he did his study abroad in Paignton, which is the town next to my hometown!

Day 8

on the last day, my friend and i went into the city to buy souvenirs for my family. there are tons of tourist shops and stalls in La Candelária, and we did our best research to find out which crafts were authentic. for lunch we want to Maria Candela again as the whole city was having a vegan burger festival with several restaurants participating.

in the afternoon we went to see Perfect Days, a really beautiful japanese movie. the cinema in Bogotá was really nice, with great quality screens and tasty snacks.

in the evening we went to my friend's favourite taco place, Insurgentes. the vibe was great and the tacos were delicious (mostly meat but some vegan).

for our final stop, we went to Chiquita. much smaller than Theatron but with a majority queer crowd, the music was on point and the atmosphere was great. there were even a couple of drag performances which apparently happen every night. i really loved this bar, which had a mixture of 90s/2000s pop and latin pop. i could have stayed there much longer but i had to get home to sleep before my flight at 9am.

i am the first to admit i knew nothing about Colombia (or even South America in general) before coming to Bogotá. i was eager to learn, and yet i learned far more than i ever imagined. Colombia exceeded my expectations 100 times over.

the internet is full of scary stories about Colombia, yet i felt safer here than i ever have in the US, for example. the city is so vibrant, colourful, and creative, full of life and soul. it is also the most queer-friendly capital i have been to, with the most amazing clubs you could imagine.

i learned so much about the history of the country, the language, the food, the art, and the gorgeous nature that's around every corner.

but what makes Colombia so, so great is the people. everybody here was so friendly and made such an effort to make me feel welcome, even though i know barely any Spanish. the city feels so alive with passion, hope, and resistance. i am so, so grateful to my friend Estefanía for taking care of me while i was there, looking after me and showing me the real Bogotá, making sure i knew where to go and what to do. she really is the best of us, and i will never forget her kindness 💕

i am so grateful to her incredible mother as well for nursing me back to health when i was sick!

i would come back to Colombia in a heartbeat, but until then, i have to get on the language apps!

[thegeorgehathersage]

Top10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Restaurant for Any Occasion

Discover the top 10 tips for selecting the ideal restaurant for any occasion, from family-friendly venues to fine dining in Hathersage. Learn how to consider menu options, atmosphere, and service to make your meal memorable. Book a table at The George and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

[the-ashford-arms]

Discover The Ashford Arms in Bakewell, where local produce meets culinary excellence. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes crafted from Peak District's finest ingredients, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Experience the taste of Derbyshire in every bite.

[puckish-rogue-archive-deux]

Character Setting!

Send me “Character Setting!” to learn about my muse’s home! ( ACCEPTING )

Hey there, fools! It's me again, ya big boi Andre. And today we'll be briefly talking about the main two cities of the original series. Consider it a bit of an insight as to what your Muse may see if they ever find themselves in Bossu's neck of the woods.

Now let's start off with the birthplace of the 3rd Street Saints and the setting for the first two games; Stilwater, Michigan. And remember, that's with one 'L'! Originally depicted as a peninsula off the state of Michigan before turning into another island city, Stilwater is what I'd refer to as a more 'proper' city compared to the likes of Steelport—which we will be discussing shortly.

The city is made up of two major islands located on Lake Michigan (something which is more or less confirmed canon by NPC dialogue in SR2), its Northern island consisting of skyscrapers, museums, expensive shops and restaurants, the suburbs, basically what your out-of-touch family member thinks New York is like from any sanitized depiction in certain media. Its Southern half is distinctly more working to lower class, being the home of many different factories, dockyards, the city's resident red light district, and basically anything else you could imagine. The sole exception to this being the Saint's Row district, which had been gentrified to shit and has turned into a sparkling glass utopia; a far cry from its previous depiction as a lower income neighborhood with its lone church acting as the former hideout of the 3rd Street Saints.

Stilwater also happens to be the home of Mount Claflin, a large mountain that consists a forest, a lake, and many winding dirt paths. It's situated right in-between the Arena district and Stilwater University. Personally I like to imagine it as bigger than it's depicted in-game, but I think that's just a given since most fictional cities in video games aren't going to be 1:1 with actual places.

Two more points of interest are Stilwater's very own nuclear power plant and prison, both located on their own respective islands.

Now compared to Stilwater, Steelport was built much more—how would I say—loosely. Founded in 1827 by blue-collar industrialists, and located on Lake Erie (a personal hc of mine), Steelport is a much more heavily industrialized city that's home to many former steel mills, factories, refineries, practically anything you could think of that would've been used when the United States was at its peak in manufacturing. As a rust belt city, Steelport has fallen into economic failure as most of the country had begun to outsource its manufacturing jobs—thus leading to a majority of its buildings either being repurposed or straight up abandoned.

This led to the city being overtaken by the large criminal organization known as the Syndicate, who would use it as their flagship headquarters in managing their global operations. That was until they wound up pissing off the 3rd Street Saints, who would then demolish the Syndicate in its entirety and take over whatever assets they had left over.

As a city built with practically no zoning laws whatsoever (something that was brought up in a developer conference), you're likely to find factories situated closely to say places of residence, municipalities, schools, and so on. Steelport in general feels haphazardly planned, and there's no greater proof of that than its mish-mash of modern day glass towers and 21st century aesthetics, colliding against a mixture of art deco and gothic skyscrapers dotting the Downtown district, while the ghosts of the city's industrial past loom on the outskirts.

The in-game map is actually something I've been highly critical with as I personally believe it didn't fully explore the concept at all. Hence why I tend to use Steelport's concept art as reference when talking to RP partners of what their Muse can expect when visiting the city. A day and night piece can be seen below.

Steelport is considered a 'party city' by most its characters, as with the decline of the manufacturing industry in the United States, there was an obvious need to venture into other businesses in order to pump at least some kind of income into the city's lifeblood. The city is now a hot spot for all manner of clientele looking to indulge in whatever sort of vice they're into; whether that be sex, gambling, drugs, or perhaps something a little more upscale.

A notable monument of Steelport is its statue of the pseudo-legendary American folk hero known as Joe Magarac, located on an island just off its coast. Similar in vein to the Statue of Liberty, this statue is meant to act as both a representation and celebration of the city's humble industrial beginnings, to the point where it's depicted on the city's very own seal.

I think that's plenty of information for now on the two cities that the Boss happens to own. If I wind up getting any more of these asks in the future, I'll definitely go into further detail on certain things and possibly provide more hc's on say Steelport given my opinions on how it was done.

[umbane]

Name: Ahri!

Age: Do you really want to know?

Do you like to cuddle?: You know that I do!!!

Can we make-out?: Why aren't we right this moment?

A night in or dinner out?: Night in. We can do aaaaanything you want.

Whip cream or chocolate syrup?: Why not both? I've got a sweet tooth you know.

Chocolates and roses?: Roses! Aren't they just so pretty? They smell nice, they're romantic, and even after they wither, you can dry them out for a little decoration somewhere.

What makes you a good Valentine?: I like to think I'm thoughtful, compassionate, empathetic, and deeply loving. I'll adore you to the ends of the universe, spoil you rotten, and shower you in all of the love you've ever deserved.

Would you cook for me?: I'm not the best at it, but I would! I'll learn to be the best!

Would you let me cook for you?: Of couuuurse. We should cook together. Like, wouldn't that be cute?

Where would you take me on a date?: We should go out and see the hidden gems of the city. Out of the way, private, and we get to enjoy things like they're out secret against the world. Just us. Nice museums, private restaurants, little shops in gorgeous districts that feel like a world of their own...

Who’s paying?: Ummm, me, of course. If I'm asking you to be my Valentine, of course I should be the one to pay.

What did you get me for Valentine’s Day?: So much! All of your favorite perfumes and hair products, rings, a giant throw blanket, a fluffy robe that would drag all the way on the floor even on you so that we can warmly cuddle together, tickets to go see Pentakill... VIP, of course! And all of your favorite junk food and snacks, all packed in a big basket!

It's fairly safe to say that Kayn is pretty obsessed with Ahri. They may have had their ups and down (and the peaks were as high as mountains, with the lows mirroring the deep darkness of the oceans), but he feels perfectly comfortable with her now. He's not immune to the same bouts of insecurity that have always plagued her, but this time, when affection swells in his chest with each of her answers, he doesn't try to tamp it down out of fear.

"You spoil me," he says, flashing a devilish grin at her. Then, Kayn loops an arm around her waist, reeling her in closer. "But there's a few problems here. First," his smiling lips are so close to hers, his lashes low and seductive, "you think? You can't truly be unsure, Ahri. Don't be coy, now. Second of all, did you really fill all this out for my attention? Ahri..." His tone is scolding and intimate all at once, his mouth hanging open inches from hers, his tongue poking out just enough to wet her bottom lip.

Kayn looks at the application one more time, like he really needs to think about it. "Hmmmm..." As if either of them doubt his answer. "Yeah, accepted."