#Philadelphia best BBQ

[phillygrub]

A Taste of Central Texas at Farm Boy BBQ in Malvern

[southernflamesbbq]

Order Authentic BBQ Online – Southern Flames BBQ, Philadelphia

We are a  Southern BBQ  take-out located in the Chestnut Hill Market. We prepare all of our foods from scratch, our meats have a southern rub and are smoked. Casual restaurant serving ribs and other barbecue plates, plus sides like mac 'n' cheese and potato salad.

[scholarinfohub]

11 Best Chinatowns In The United States: History, Culture & Cuisine

Chinatowns across the United States are more than just neighborhoods they are vibrant cultural hubs where history, tradition, and mouthwatering cuisine come together. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of San Francisco or savoring authentic dim sum in New York, each Chinatown has its own unique story to tell.

From the earliest Chinese immigrants seeking opportunity in the 19th century to today’s thriving communities, these Chinatowns have preserved their heritage while evolving into must-visit destinations. Here’s a look at 11 of the best Chinatowns in the U.S. that offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and cuisine.

1. San Francisco, CA

The oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in the U.S., San Francisco’s Chinatown is a cultural treasure. Wander through Grant Avenue’s ornate Dragon Gate, visit the Tin How Temple, and indulge in iconic dim sum at Good Mong Kok Bakery.

2. New York City, NY

Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the most dynamic in the country. With its bustling streets, traditional herbal shops, and legendary soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai, this Chinatown is a must-visit for food lovers.

3. Los Angeles, CA

LA’s Chinatown blends tradition with modernity, featuring historic landmarks like Central Plaza alongside trendy eateries. Try the char siu (BBQ pork) at Phoenix Inn or visit the Chinese American Museum for a dose of history.

4. Chicago, IL

Located along Cermak Road, Chicago’s Chinatown offers everything from stunning architecture to authentic Cantonese cuisine. Don’t miss a visit to Chinatown Square and a meal at MingHin Cuisine.

5. Seattle, WA

Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences. Explore the Uwajimaya market, enjoy handmade dumplings at Dough Zone, and visit the Wing Luke Museum for cultural insights.

6. Boston, MA

Boston’s Chinatown is a small but vibrant enclave known for its delicious food scene. Try the legendary roast duck at Hong Kong Eatery or enjoy fresh hand-pulled noodles at Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe.

7. Philadelphia, PA

Philly’s Chinatown is home to a mix of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine. Visit Reading Terminal Market for Peking duck buns or enjoy a meal at Dim Sum Garden.

8. Houston, TX

Houston’s Chinatown is massive and diverse, featuring everything from Sichuan hot pot to Taiwanese bubble tea shops. Try Mala Sichuan Bistro for an authentic spicy experience.

9. Las Vegas, NV

Vegas might be known for its casinos, but its Chinatown is a hidden gem. Enjoy high-end Cantonese dining at Wing Lei or grab late-night noodles at Pho Kim Long.

10. Honolulu, HI

Honolulu’s Chinatown is a blend of Chinese and Hawaiian influences. Explore Maunakea Marketplace for exotic fruits and enjoy dim sum at Legend Seafood Restaurant.

11. Portland, OR

Portland’s Chinatown is steeped in history, with the stunning Lan Su Chinese Garden as its centerpiece. While the food scene is smaller, places like Red Robe Tea House offer authentic flavors.

Why You Should Visit These Chinatowns

Each Chinatown tells a unique story of resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation. Whether you're in search of history, art, or just a great meal, these neighborhoods offer an unforgettable experience.

[worldcuphospitalitytickets]

Football World Cup Hospitality: Luxury and Comfort the Best Hospitality Experiences in Hosting Cities

Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets: It’s easy to comprehend why anybody. Who saw the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar would catch a case of footy. Fever the non-stop, unplanned drama of serious soccer is more nail-biting than whatever you’ll find on Netflix. The coronation of Lionel Messi as World Cup king was the stuff of legends. The astonishment success of Morocco will be recalled for periods to come. There’s a reason the World Cup is the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Unlike the Qatar World Cup 2022, which scored millions of global viewers. In November and December 2022, the following tournament will return. To its normal summer slot, lasting from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Games will kick off in 16 cities crossways North America, and for the opening time. In World Cup history, they’ll extent three countries. Canada will host for the foremost time; the US will host for the second and. Mexico will become the foremost country to host the World Cup three times.

The mainstream of matches will take place across the US. With 11 cities signified: Atlanta eight games. Boston seven games, Dallas nine games, Houston seven games. Kansas City six games, Los Angeles eight games, Miami seven games. New York eight games, Philadelphia six games, San Francisco six games and Seattle six games.

FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets: New York-New Jersey Stadium’s World-Class Hospitality

The residual matches will be divided between Mexico’s Guadalajara four games, Mexico City five games and Monterrey four games, lengthways with Canada’s Toronto six games and Vancouver seven games. Soccer is improvisational it’s stimulating to prediction which games will make it into the pantheon of football favorites who securing World Cup Hospitality Tickets.

But to guarantee a celebratory atmosphere, checked the match timetable and deliberate staying a city hosting the tournament’s most spectacular events by securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets. For the inaugural match, plan a trip to Mexico City about Thursday, June 11.

The FIFA World Cup Final match will enrage up New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19 a 30-minute train ride from New York City. Don’t get disordered by the stadium’s name MetLife will be named the New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the event, worship FIFA’s rule in contradiction of corporate-sponsored facilities.

Football World Cup 2026 followers worldwide can secure their World Cup Tickets through our online platform, eticketing.co. With a user-friendly interface and exclusive deals, fans can effortlessly book Football World Cup 2026 Tickets for thrilling FIFA 2026 matches at discounted prices. Do not miss the chance to witness the world’s greatest FIFA World Cup 2026 event live.

World Cup Hospitality Tickets: Dallas the Ultimate Hospitality Hub for FIFA 2026

For those more absorbed in the love of the game than the display of a grand finale after securing Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets, reflect Dallas, Texas, as a home base for the events. The Big D will host nine matches more than any other city contributing in the tournament. Dallas will also swarm one of the semifinals, lengthways with Atlanta. Miami will host the bronze final.

Decide where you’d like to travel. If there’s an exact team or match you want to see, let that info guide your travel plans after securing World Cup Hospitality Tickets. If you’re less worried with a precise match, sightsee all conceivable locations. The 16 hosting cities characterize a varied ribbon of urban life in North America. There’s somewhat for everybody be it luxuriant Vancouver, BBQ-smoked Kansas City or sun-kissed Los Angeles. Traveling through a thrilling metropolis can be just as satisfying as viewing a world-class football game.

USA Hospitality Tickets: Accommodation and Transportation Tips for FIFA 2026 Travelers

Get the proper travel documents. Unless you are attendance the tournament in your home country, guarantee you have an up-to-date passport, lawful for six months after any envisioned travel. Your passport should be valid through January 2027 to appear the FIFA World Cup Final match in July 2026. Guests from outside the host states securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets should also check Canada, Mexico and US visa necessities and get any essential paperwork.

Football enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the chance to secure FIFA World Cup tickets. To experience the excitement firsthand, purchase your FIFA World Cup Final Tickets through our online platform, eicketing.co. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of one of football’s most thrilling tournaments.

Start making a budget and saving money. Attendance the World Cup becomes pricey, chiefly if you want to see the final match in NYC a city recognized to be luxurious. Although ticket information isn’t available for FIFA 2026, the inexpensive tickets to Qatar’s final showdown cost roughly $200 for locals and $600 for guests. Add airfare, on-the-ground transportation, hotels and food to the mix, and you’ll spend a pretty penny.

Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets: Key FIFA 2026 Venues in Kansas City WWI Museum

Brush up on your knowledge with this midwestern gem by securing Football World Cup Hospitality Tickets. Arrowhead Stadium home to the Kansas City Chiefs and the National WWI Museum and Memorial the site for the FIFA Fan Festival have been attached as the two sites where Kansas City will grasp its World Cup matches. 

The city has capitalized $600 million in the sport over the last 15 years, with the KC Present opening a new training facility and stadium downtown. Imagine Kansas City to go all out for the World Cup, pointing to adhesive its standing as the center of the whole thing for US soccer fans securing FIFA World Cup Hospitality Tickets. 

For fans eager to attend FIFA 2026 matches, a wide array of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is available at eticketing.co. Our platform partners exclusively with reputable sellers on the secondary market, ensuring access to top-notch ticket listings from across the web. Explore our Football World Cup 2026 selection to find the best deals available today. Grab your World Cup hospitality tickets from trusted platforms and join the excitement!

[bespokestay]

How to Choose the Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Next Trip

Location

The first thing to consider is where you want to stay during your vacation. Location is everything!  Are you looking to be within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, and shops? Or would you prefer a peaceful spot outside the city where you can unwind after a day of exploring?

For beach vacations or mountain retreats, proximity to the coast or trails might be your priority. If you're leaning toward Philadelphia vacation rentals, neighborhoods like Old City offer a historic charm, while Rittenhouse Square might appeal if you need something more luxurious and central. Knowing where you want to spend most of your time will help narrow your options quickly.

Know Your Budget

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of browsing dreamy vacation homes, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Vacation rentals come in all price ranges, and sticking to a budget helps you avoid overspending on accommodation.

Look at what’s included in the rental price before booking. Sometimes a cheaper option may cost more after adding cleaning fees, security deposits, or service charges. On the other hand, some rentals may offer discounts for longer stays or during off-peak seasons. Prioritizing your needs over wants can help balance your budget while still allowing for a great stay.

Read Reviews Thoroughly

Reviews are a treasure trove of honest feedback from fellow travelers. They can provide insight into aspects of the property that may not be immediately obvious from the listing. While pictures show off the best parts of a rental, reviews can reveal if there are any hidden downsides like noisy neighbors or uncomfortable beds. Pay attention to recent reviews and take note of common themes. If multiple people mention a specific problem, it's something to consider seriously. On the flip side, glowing reviews about responsive hosts, spotless cleanliness, or prime location can give you confidence in booking.

Understand the Amenities You Need

Amenities can make or break your stay. Before you book, make a list of must-have amenities. Traveling with kids? A washing machine could be a lifesaver. Planning a romantic getaway? A private hot tub or cozy fireplace might be high on your list.

For city stays, features like Wi-Fi, parking, and air conditioning might be essential, while rural or coastal rentals might focus more on outdoor spaces, BBQ grills, or beachfront access. Think about your daily routines and what’s important to you in a living space. You don’t want to end up in a sweltering city apartment with no AC in the middle of summer!

Tailor Your Stay to Your Perfect Trip

Ultimately, the key to choosing the perfect vacation rental is knowing what will make your trip enjoyable and stress-free. With these factors in mind, you'll find that perfect fit without the hassle.

[sports-teller]

New Post has been published on Sports-Teller.com!

New Post has been published on https://sports-teller.com/maui-bbq-hand-pies-among-eagles-2024-new-foods/

Maui BBQ Hand Pies Among Eagles 2024 New Foods

Lincoln Financial Field unveils 11 new food options for 2024: Brazilian Street Food, Kielbasa Platter, Chicken & Pepperoni Sandwich, and more! Join us as we reveal some of the best creations the Eagles NFL team came up with for the upcoming 2024 season.  Maui BBQ Hand Pies Among Eagles 2024 New Foods The brand new NFL season has finally arrived in the City of Brotherly Love, and the defending NFC Wild Card Winners have some exciting food additions Philadelphia sports fans can look forward to. As the men in green are seeking their fourth straight postseason berth, they will be … Read more

[magheteenonsjeminderzijn]

Vannacht heeft Manuel gewoon doorgeslapen 🎉 Rond 4.40 maakte hij een beetje geluid, ging Marcel eruit om al wat eten te maken maar dat was dus niet nodig want hij werd pas om 6.25 wakker. Opa blij, eindelijk iemand die actief is in de vroege ochtend 😅

Ze zijn al vroeg een rondje gaan fietsen. Om 8.45 komt Marcel met Manuel naar boven dat ik mij snel moet omkleden want mama en papa zijn onderweg om Manuel op te halen. Mama heeft hem gemist 😉 Terwijl Koen en Hannah er zijn drink ik mijn yoghurt.

Een uurtje later gaan ze naar huis en ga ik weer eens goed mijn ogen checken. Het lijkt weer iets minder blauw te zijn.

We gaan even gezamenlijk naar TICA en bij thuiskomst gaat Marcel lekker onder het rieten dakje liggen en ik ga weer met goed beschermde ogen in het zonnetje liggen. Wel op tijd draaien want het is best wel warm.

Ik hou even lunchpauze met 3 crackers en Philadelphia en ga dan nog heel even liggen. We hebben vanmiddag een bbq afspraak bij Hetty en Winibald dus ik stuur even een berichtje wanneer ze ons verwachten. Kom nu maar stuurt Hetty terug. Dat vinden we iets te vroeg maar om 15.15 vertrekken we richting Houten.

Lekker in de tuin gezeten en Winibald heeft lekker gebarbecued voor ons. Ik heb geen brood en sausjes gegeten, alleen vlees en een portobello met paneer ook van de bbq. Het toetje: banaan met rum en boerenjongens sla ik over. Het vlees was allemaal weer heerlijk verzorgd door Winibald.

We kletsen nog lange tijd gezellig na en om 00.15 gaan we huiswaarts. Rond 1.15 liggen we in bed.

[mlbhawaiianshirt]

About MLB Hawaiian Shirt

Welcome to the MLB Hawaiian Shirt Official Store – Your Ultimate Destination for Baseball-Inspired Island Style!

At mlbhawaiianshirt.com, we blend the excitement of Major League Baseball with the laid-back vibes of Hawaiian fashion to bring you an exclusive collection of MLB-themed Hawaiian shirts. Whether you're a die-hard fan gearing up for game day, planning a summer BBQ, or simply looking to add a touch of sporty elegance to your wardrobe, our stylish and comfortable shirts are perfect for any occasion.

Why Choose Our MLB Hawaiian Shirts? 1 - Official Team Designs: Proudly display your allegiance with our shirts featuring authentic logos and vibrant designs from all 30 MLB teams. From the iconic New York Yankees to the dynamic Los Angeles Dodgers, we have the perfect shirt for every fan. 2 - Premium Quality: Made from high-quality materials, our Hawaiian shirts are designed to provide the utmost comfort and durability. The breathable fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable, whether you're in the stands or at a beach party. 3 - Unique and Stylish: Stand out from the crowd with our unique collection of shirts that combine the best of baseball and tropical fashion. Our eye-catching designs are perfect for making a statement and showing off your team spirit in style. 4 - Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you're attending a baseball game, hosting a summer event, or just lounging around, our MLB Hawaiian shirts are versatile enough to suit any event. Dress them up or down for a look that’s always on point. 5 - Easy Shopping Experience: Our user-friendly website makes it easy to browse and shop for your favorite team’s Hawaiian shirt. With detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and a seamless checkout process, finding the perfect shirt has never been easier.

Explore Our Collection - Shop by Team: Navigate through our extensive selection and find shirts for your favorite MLB team. Whether you support the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, or any other team, we’ve got you covered. - New Arrivals: Stay updated with the latest additions to our collection. We continually update our inventory with new designs and styles to keep you looking fresh and fashionable. - Best Sellers: Check out our most popular items and see what other fans are loving. Our best sellers section showcases the top picks that are flying off the shelves.

Join the MLB Hawaiian Shirt Community At mlbhawaiianshirt.com, we’re more than just a store – we’re a community of baseball enthusiasts who love to combine our passion for the game with a love for unique fashion. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and be the first to know about special promotions, new arrivals, and exclusive events.

Shop with Confidence We take pride in offering top-notch customer service and a secure shopping experience. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns, ensuring your satisfaction from start to finish. Plus, with our hassle-free return policy, you can shop with peace of mind knowing that your purchase is backed by our commitment to quality.

Get Ready to Step Up Your Game

Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of unique baseball apparel that perfectly captures the spirit of the game. Browse our collection today and find the perfect MLB Hawaiian shirt to show off your team pride. Welcome to the MLB Hawaiian Shirt Official Store – where baseball meets island style!

CONTACT

Address: 2132 Manton St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, United States

Phone: +1 (215) 218-9359

Website: https://mlbhawaiianshirt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlbhawaiianshirt

Twitter: https://x.com/mlbhawaiians

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mlbhawaiianshirt/

Tumblr: https://mlbhawaiianshirt.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTj58phbXU5uEWftSNbkyAg

[southjerseyweb]

Food Experts Say This Black Horse Pike Joint Has Best BBQ in NJ

"The joint has quietly become one of the best places for barbecue anywhere near Philadelphia, mostly because of those ribs, smoked out back over oak …

[southernflamesbbq]

Philly Smoked Fish Specials Every Friday at Southern Flames BBQ in Germantown

Dive into Philly smoked fish specials every Friday at Southern Flames BBQ in Germantown. Our Fish Friday BBQ tradition brings sizzling, Southern-style smoked fish platters paired with classic sides like golden cornbread and mac & cheese. Whether you're from Germantown, Chestnut Hill, or nearby Philly neighborhoods, this weekly BBQ event is the perfect way to end your week. Enjoy unbeatable flavor, smoky aromas, and great deals on the best BBQ fish in town. Don’t miss out—experience why Fish Fridays are a beloved tradition for Philly BBQ lovers and seafood fans alike!

[sfarticles]

Places, people and delicious food are main ingredients of Worth Tasting: Culinary Weekend in Paradise

Editor’s Note:Chris Bartlett, co-founder and co-host of Worth Tasting, contributed to this column

Food, the love language of travel, most times, stands the test of time, and more importantly, remains central to the many memories we conjure up, surrounding the places we visit and explore.  There is something about food and passion that naturally goes together like chocolate and peanut butter or rice and beans.  Whether we are heading somewhere farther away or planning a more localized day trip, food and beverage will always be the greatest common denominator that most defines both the people and the places where we spend the precious free time our lives afford us.

Oftentimes, food is the best part of any trip we take. The food-tourism industry is relatively new. In the book, “Have Fork Will Travel,” by Erik Wolf defines it as “the pursuit and enjoyment of unique and memorable food and drink experiences, both near and far.”

Seriously, who doesn’t relish an eclectic and tantalizing food festival . . .?  How about a delish international dish anyone?  Can you even say food trucks without thinking about what you might order at the next take-out window you find yourself standing in front of . . . From restaurants and local markets to food-production factories, cooking classes and culinary walking tours, most of us cannot get enough of these kinds of experiences both at home, and on the road.

Today, destination marketing organizations are curating beer, wine, cheese and even chocolate trails.  They can be very specific, considering these: BBQ Trail in Mississippi, Pimento Cheese Trail in South Carolina, Pepperoni Trail in West Virginia, the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, and Pennsylvania’s Pickled: A Fermented Trail. There’s even a hotel with culinary-inspired designs throughout the property, complete with an epicurean theatre; in other words, a paradise for foodies.

I can still recall so many memories of what and where we ate, on my first-ever culinary-walking tour in Portland, Oregon, some 15-plus years ago.  Perhaps the only thing hotter than that 104-degree day, was my instantaneous passion and fervor, to not only go on tours such as this one everywhere I could find them (way less tours existed back then), but to launch a tour in my current home city of New Haven, Connecticut, where I had recently began a stint as a food columnist for the New Haven Register. The column was the ideal vehicle for me to share my passion for culinary travel experiences. It enabled me to celebrate the talented chefs and share their stories with each of my columns. Thus, Worth Tasting, a Culinary-Walking Tour of Downtown New Haven was born and took its first group through the Elm City’s streets, to markets, restaurants, and specialty food shops. The tour’s co-founder and co-host, Chris Bartlett, had a vision to expand, beyond the New Haven tour. Many people have written, asking how they might “live” the culinary travel features I write.

Voila, Worth Tasting Weekends is launching, which has its premiere weekend set for October 20-23 at The Addison on Amelia Island, Florida. It seems people cannot get enough food and culinary outings; thus the industry has quickly sophisticated to offer myriad, themed-food-and-specialty-beverage tours and getaways globally.  From local and regional culinary-walking tours to weekend food festivals and themed excursions, it seems now is the time to dive into trying one of these out, and it doesn’t matter if you are foodie or simply enjoy sharing time together with friends and family, experiencing one of life’s simple pleasures…food.

Before I delve deeper into the upcoming Worth Tasting: Culinary Weekend in Paradise, here are some of the culinary tours in Greater Philadelphia. I cannot encourage you enough to give one of these a try – it will change your feelings on how to experience food from different neighborhoods to a city at large.

  City Food Tours https://www.phillysfoodtour.com/

·        StrEATS of Philly Food

Tours https://www.streatsofphillyfoodtours.com/tour/

·        Chew Philly Food Tours 215-600-4891

·        Philly Food Tours (814) 430-3026

·        Tiny Table Tours https://www.tinytabletours.com/

·        Philly Food Adventures https://www.phillyfoodadventures.com/

·        Secret Food Tours https://www.secretfoodtours.com/philadelphia/

·        City Brew Tours https://www.citybrewtours.com/philadelphia/

Now, if you travel through Pennsylvania, beyond Greater Philadelphia, to explore food landmarks across the state, a copy of Pennsylvania “Good Eats: Exploring the State’s Favorite, Unique, Historic, and Delicious Foods,” by Brian Yarvin (2021, Globe Pequot, $21.95) is a must. The author writes, “it’s the right time to take a fresh look at what Pennsylvania eats.”

If a fall trip is on your agenda, then plan a weekend in paradise; Worth Tasting: An Exciting Tasting Tour on Amelia Island. You’ll  spend the weekend in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, FL on Amelia Island learning the secrets of creating food boards to enjoy at the inn as well as ideas to take home to share and prepare for family and friends. The culinary weekend includes a 3-course breakfast each morning at the inn, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, an evening social hour with complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the inn, dinner Friday night at a local brewery plus Sunday night at España Restaurant and Tapas. There’s more…a culinary walking tour in the historic district, a visit to the farmers market to pick up the freshest items to make beautiful food boards and a luncheon at Story & Song, a two-story bookstore followed by a cookbook market. Attendees will also receive a copy of a cookbook featuring food boards. For a detailed itinerary and reservations visit bit.ly/3QXgI4j

The inn’s three Antebellum-style buildings surround a courtyard, fountain, and charming gardens. Lisa West, owner of the inn with her husband Ron, said, “the inn blends the elegance of a bygone era with the modern amenities and conveniences the discriminating traveler expects.” By the way, Lisa hails from the Philadelphia area, and looks forward to catching up on what’s going on in her hometown when you visit. Watch my interview with Lisa here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOIs2pn2qUk

Complimentary bikes to explore Fort Clinch and/or Eagan’s Creek are available at the inn. A block away is Center Street, where you can check out boutiques, shops, museums galleries and of course food, that is if you are still hungry with all the food included during the weekend.

I look forward to having you join me to experience much of what I wrote about The Addison on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, earlier in the year. Check out the website below and be the first to know about other destinations as they are rolled out by subscribing to the blog.

Stephen Fries, is Professor Emeritus and former coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, in New Haven, CT. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 15 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Stephen@stephenfries.com For more, go to stephenfries.com.

[volturiwolf]

Road trip to Fate - Paul Lahote x fem!Reader Imagine - part 1

A/N: The story takes place during the summer of 2018

A/N 2: Like always with my writing, it started as a one-part story, but there will be at least two more parts

No. of Words: 6300+

Mentions of: Self-doubt, Panic attack, Issues with parents, Drowning, Death, Ass, Many places around the US - where I have never been, TV series and movie references

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Tagging: @xxx-wounded-angel-xxx @eugeniapet @chocolatechipcookiesandcamembert @florence-end @emmy1148 @ilove-bts @crazyacegirl

(reply if you want to be tagged or removed for the next parts)

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(Y/N)’s POV

I was living the best life I could live right now. It was the summer after my college graduation, and I was traveling across the US with the best of my friends on a rental RV, driving through the country, camping, and staying wherever we liked. Trying to make the most of it, we promised each other that we would try to visit as many places as we could, especially if it was a place on our bucket list. Out of the ten people on this trip, only three people could drive; Vera, Jenny, and myself. So, we took turns driving whenever one was getting tired.

Starting from Queens, we traveled down through Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Myrtle Beach. We continued towards Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami, which was always a dream of all of us to visit. We passed through Tampa, reaching Tallahassee, which was my best friend Stef’s dream, ever since they saw “Once Upon A Time”, and said “it was Neal and Emma’s happy place, something to hope for”.

Then, we traveled through Panama City, staying in New Orleans for a few days. Apart from being a dream of all of us to visit the beautiful and vibrant city, it had also to do with a few.. vampires, believe it or not. My friend Anajda was obsessed with “The Vampire Diaries” and the “Originals”, and Stef and I loved the “Interview With A Vampire” movie, so neither of us could stop fangirling about the city. Add the rich jazz music history, the epic carnivals, the voodoo, and everything else haunted and creepy, and we were all hooked on discovering everything we could around the city. So, the three to four days we had planned in the beginning turned into ten days full of adventures, food, and overall amazement.

We were sad to leave New Orleans, but we couldn’t wait for the adventures that we would find along the way, as we traveled west. Leaving Louisiana, we passed through Texas, stopping at Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso, trying to taste as much of the Texan BBQs and Mexican cuisine as we could. For Jenny, Vass, and myself, the spicier the food, the better it tasted. The others just didn’t know what real food tastes like.

We passed through Phoenix, traveling towards California. We stayed in San Diego for a couple days, happy to be finally able to go for a swim, and enjoy the “Cali Life”. Was it the sun and the sea that made people around California seem more relaxed and easy-going? I didn’t know, but if it was, I could see why. I just missed swimming so much, and Queens, or New York in general, were not known for their beaches, or the relaxed lifestyle.

Leaving San Diego, we finally started traveling up north, passing through Irvine, before deciding to stay for two weeks in Los Angeles. We did all the classic “touristic” things; we saw the “Walk of Fame”; walked down the Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards; visited the Grauman Chinese Theater; walked up to the Hollywood sign; went up to the Griffith Observatory; walked along the Santa Monica Pier, and visited Marina Del Rey and Venice Beach.

Of course, we had to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour for the sake of our love for movies, Hollywood, and anything glorious and exciting. We collectively took thousands of pictures at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, having the time of our lives. We visited so many parks I lost count. But I appreciated every single moment I spent with my best friends, even if it was the last summer we spent all together.

After graduation, Jenny got a job offer to work for a multinational company in Bristol, England; Alex decided on following a completely different path, studying fashion and design in Italy; Zoe would continue on acquiring a Master in Linguistics, while also working as an English teacher; Stef was taking a year off to figure out what they wanted to do with their life next; Anajda would move to New York to live with her boyfriend, and see what life would bring next for her; Chryssa would continue studying on getting her nursing license; Nellie would start working in a publishing house, hoping that she would get inspiration for her poetry and literature pieces; Vass would start an internship at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World; Vera was offered a scholarship to study in the Netherlands.

And I... I didn’t know yet. Though life felt great now, I still felt like something was missing. Sure, I had moments of pure happiness and excitement. And still, there was something in me that prevented me from feeling complete. I felt like I had a void in me that no friend, no family, no new experience could fill up. I wasn’t given much of a choice by my parents either; it was either to find a job, or study for a Master’s, though I still needed some time to think about my life, and what I wanted to do with it. I wished I had more time with my friends, and more freedom to do what I wanted in my life.

I was really trying to make myself forget about all these things, for the sake of my friends; I didn’t want to ruin everyone’s fun with the drama I was living through with my family. I had worked too hard and too much to earn the money to pay for this trip. I had also managed to save a few thousand dollars to be able to study somewhere without my parents’ financial support this time, but I still hoped my good grades could get me a scholarship, as I knew I would never be actually able to pay for full tuition anywhere.

After Los Angeles, we drove up north through California, visiting San Francisco and Oakland for a couple days. I wanted to see the Twin Peaks, the “Painted Ladies”, the Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and most importantly, the Golden State Warriors, which was probably my favorite team - I knew I had to support the Brooklyn Nets or the New York Knicks, but I actually really like the GSW.

I also promised my parents I would visit Berkeley and the University of Berkeley to learn more about their Financial Engineering Master Program and see if I could get a scholarship there. I did visit the university, but I wasn’t completely set on attending just yet. Don’t get me wrong. Getting accepted would be a unique opportunity for me, but I wasn’t mentally prepared to go back to studying just yet - I felt like I could really use an extra year or so, before taking such an important life decision.

Leaving Oakland, we continued up north, traveling just outside of Eugene and Albany, stopping at Portland for a couple days, to relax and reorganize. We decided on following the coastal road for a more scenic route, through Astoria and Aberdeen. We were set on visiting the Olympic National Park and the surroundings, trying to include as much hiking and exploring as possible. The closest, most convenient, and rather big city around there was Forks - population: 3,782 people; not too small, but not too big either.

However, just 20 minutes away from Forks, there was a place called La Push. Many of the tourist guides we saw around Portland and Forks called La Push one of the best places if you wanted to explore nature, swim, cliff-dive, and experience a unique way of life by learning about the local history and traditions of the local Quileute tribe. That was definitely something I wanted to experience - anything other than my seemingly boring life. I needed the adventure, the rush, something interesting to move me.

There was a weird feeling in me as we got closer and closer to Forks; there was a feeling that calmed me down; the usual anxiousness I felt when I waited for time to pass was suddenly gone. I didn't know what it was, but this place, which was found under clouds and light drizzle, but surrounded by woods, nature, and green, filled up my soul with an unexplainable fulfillment and some sort of purpose.

Thankfully, we were able to find a decent place to stay in La Push, as there was nowhere where we could park the RV in Forks. The RV park we found was located 6 miles away from La Push, but at least we could still live under our own terms in the RV, which we already spent a significant amount of money for. Thankfully, the park manager was really helpful, helping us rent three cars to move around comfortably, and whenever we wanted.

We spent the first week there just hiking through the nearby trails, before driving twice to explore the Olympic Park - it was too big, and there was too much ground to cover to just go there once. The second week was spent around the First, Second, and Third Beach. We tried to experience everything around the area; we went swimming, diving, walking around the beaches, sunbathing, anything really.

That was until we saw a group of people cliff-diving, reminding us of the cliff-diving being a big thing around here. I wasn’t too fond of cliff-diving, if I were being honest - I had a terrible fear of heights, and though I was a good swimmer, the waters seemed a bit rough around the cliffs. Nevertheless, I agreed to go cliff-diving with my friends just for the fun of it; after all, I did say I wanted to experience the adrenaline, the adventure, and anything else to occupy my mind with.

The sky was cloudy as always, but there was no sign of rain yet; the air felt a bit warm against my skin, giving me a feeling of comfort, and sudden bravery. We promised each other we would only dive from the lower cliff, which was about 20 or 25 feet high. It was a bit too high for me, but it still seemed manageable. I would just close my eyes and jump, right? That was the plan I had created in my head.

However, the moment we arrived at the Second Beach and my friends saw a group of young, probably Quileute, men jumping from a higher cliff, which was definitely over 80 feet high, they couldn’t stop trying to convince me to go dive from that point. They practically had to drag me up there, which was still a nightmare for me to think about the height difference from up here down to the sea. I was getting dizzy just thinking about it - it reminded me of many weird dreams I had before, where I would jump from extremely high places, and a feeling of fear, but also relief would pass through me.

I was practically trembling, and I couldn’t sit up straight. I slowly leaned down, trying to gently sit on the ground, to keep myself calm and collected, as my friends were practically jumping around, preparing themselves to take the long dive. I, on the other hand, was grasping my knees too hard, trying to bring them as close to me as I could, while I rocked myself back and forth, trying to take deep breaths. I was on the verge of crying, and I was really pushing my limits just by being up here. There was no way I would willingly dive from that cliff.

But my friends, being my friends, thought otherwise. Yes, they always pushed me - in a good way - to go further, and achieve more, because they thought I deserved to give myself the best things I could, but bringing me up here compromised my sanity. I was clearly starting to experience a panic attack, as I could not think about anything else, but my fear. I was hyperventilating, and I couldn’t control my heart beating rapidly; so much so the only thing I could hear was my heartbeat in my ears. I didn’t even realize that my friends had actually managed to lift me off the ground, dragging me to the edge of the cliff.

“C’mon, (Y/N)! You promised! You will have to jump with us!” Vass was practically yelling by now, embarrassing me through my panic.

“No! I said I didn’t want to do it!” I was putting so much resistance on my feet, as they were pushing me forward to jump first.

“(Y/N), we are all with you. We will all jump after you, don’t worry.” Jenny tried to reassure me, but I couldn’t care less, as I was struggling under their force.

Finally, with another push, I felt my feet losing touch with the ground, as they managed to push me off the cliff. I felt myself falling for what felt like an eternity, as I was trying to hold on to my bikini, in fear of losing it into the sea. I felt the impact hard, as I collided with the sea underneath the cliff. I let out a gasp of pain, and that was enough for me to gulp a huge amount of saltwater, which burned my insides.

I wanted to cough; I wanted to breathe, but I couldn’t reach the surface. The pain that I felt all over my body prevented me from swimming up and reaching the surface. I thought I broke my legs, which I didn’t as I slightly moved them around. But still, I couldn’t move; as if the weight of the sea kept me down. I started losing consciousness, and that’s where I left my last breath.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paul's POV

Finally, after such a long time, it started to feel more like summer around La Push. Though the sky was still cloudy and moody, the warm air around us indicated that we were going through a hot, pleasant summer. It was the perfect weather and time for all of us to enjoy the surrounding nature and the beach. Thankfully, there were not many tourists around, apart from a group of people who were just arriving at the beach.

Though we were past our adolescent years, Jared, Jacob, Embry, Quil, Seth, Brady, Collin, and I still acted like children, reminiscing of our teenage years, when we first phased, and we went cliff-diving with Sam. Nowadays, Sam preferred to stay out of the action, taking care of Emily and their two-year-old twins. Going to the beach was something we missed a lot, especially when we went cliff-diving, feeling the adrenaline rush we hadn't felt in years.

We were all a bit calmer by now. When the Cullens moved away 5 years ago, it took us some time to adjust to our new reality. We did phase for a year after they left to make sure that no vampires came around our territory. When we were sure that they weren’t coming back, we could all relax and enjoy life. Though Jacob was really frustrated that his best friend chose to turn into a leech and then move away with the other leeches, he eventually came to terms with it when he met his imprint, Rami, about 4 years ago.

We were currently enjoying the peace at the beach, but I felt pretty lonely, being surrounded by happy couples. Everyone had found their imprints by now. Jacob had Rami, Embry had Ameyalli, Quil had Claire; these three found their imprints when they went away to study at a local community college. There are all in the same year, so it was easier for the guys to be close to their imprints all the time.

Jared had Kim, who was currently expecting their first child, a baby girl. Sam married Emily 3 years ago, and when they found out she was pregnant with twins, they were beyond excited. I was Sam’s best man, and their little girl’s godfather, while Jared and Kim were their little boy’s godparents.

Leah found her imprint in the face of Angela Weber, a Forks High School graduate. Angela was classmates with Bella, and they used to come by La Push often before Bella started dating Edward. About 3 years ago, when Angela came back for college, she visited La Push one day, and the moment Leah saw her, she knew she was the one and did everything she could so they could be together. Angela’s father was not supportive of his daughter’s relationship, but her mother and Sue supported the couple through everything. Leah was finally happy, and we had never seen her angry, frustrated, or disappointed since.

Seth had imprinted on a girl named Jaya in his senior year of high school; she was the new girl in school, and everyone took an interest in her, but the moment she and Seth saw each other, they didn’t have eyes for anyone else. It was a fact that Seth had earned a lot of girls’ attention through his school years, but Jaya was everything to him.

Even Brady and Collin had found their imprints during their freshman year of high school; they were both classmates in school - they only had one or two classes together, but the following year, they made sure to arrange their classes in a way that they could be together.

So, here I was, drowning in misery, as everyone else was occupied with their imprints, living in their own little world. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever find my imprint; if I would ever have a happy life like the people around me. I was always known as the “hothead”, the one who could never control their wolf nature, while all the others were able to “tame” the wolf inside them for the sake of their imprints.

In moments like this, I wondered if it was actually worth it to be around the pack. When they were away from their imprints, we were all equal; we could be funny, and do stupid things, though I knew that the thoughts of their imprints were always on their minds; they were their number one priority.

My thoughts were violently interrupted when some of the people from the group we saw coming to the beach earlier were running towards us, screaming obnoxiously, hands flying all over the place trying to get our attention. I looked at them confused, as they stopped right in front of us, throwing a bit of sand around, apologizing but still yelling all together.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Sam was moving his hands around, trying to stop them. “Calm down! What’s going on?”

“Our friend is drowning!” One person from the group started talking, clearly panicking. “We went up the cliff to dive, and we..we dragged her with us, but she didn’t want to dive, and we pushed her off the cliff, and she hasn’t resurfaced yet!” They were rambling, their hands shaking.

I turned to look at Sam, and he turned around, nodding to the whole pack. We quickly stood up, following the group who were running back towards the cliffs. The person who talked to us previously pointed towards the sharp rocks at the foot of the cliff, just as the waves crashed on them. “She landed a few feet before the rocks! Do something! Please!” They were all crying for their friend, desperation in their eyes.

I turned towards Sam. “Sam, I’m going in.” I was the only one who wouldn’t leave any responsibilities behind if something was to happen - I had no one in my life, and I was a pretty good swimmer, and strong enough to go against the waves which seemed to be stirring the sea now.

Sam looked around the pack, before turning back to me. “Okay, but be careful.” I nodded back to him, before diving into the sea.

The waters were muddy from the recent rain, and more and more waves were forming as time passed. I swam around, looking for the girl; I didn’t want to be pessimistic, but she was most likely dead by now. However, I continued swimming around, swimming back to the surface to get some air, before diving back in.

As I looked down, towards the bottom, I located a wave of (Y/H/C) hair floating around the water. I dove deeper in the water, locating the girl. I grabbed her from her waist and pulled us up towards the surface. I swam back to the shore with whatever energy I had left in me.

I lifted her in my arms, and slowly placed her on the sand, as everyone else started gathering around us. Her figure was frozen, and her complexion was almost lifeless as if all blood was drained out of her. I leaned closer, trying to listen to her breathing or her heartbeat. There was nothing but the weakest heartbeat I could hear, meaning that she was still alive somehow, so I could only try to make sure she would start breathing again. I blew air into her mouth, and then went on to press firmly, but not too harshly, on her chest, trying to bring her back to life. I blew again and went back to press her for about a minute.

I was starting to lose hope, but then, she started puking up the water and coughed manically. She was breathing quickly, and her heart started beating frantically, but she was alive, and she survived. She kept her eyes closed, as her friends started coming closer, but Sam asked them to give her some space. She didn’t say anything for a minute; she was breathing more slowly this time. For a reason I couldn’t understand, I couldn’t stop staring at her, her perfect features, the way her lips parted as she was breathing steadily.

And then, she opened her eyes, and lazily looked into mine, and I finally knew why. I felt my existence being so small; I was so small in front of her splendor; her beautiful eyes and lips engraved in my mind forever. I felt the whole world shift around us; there was no one there but us. It was only me and the beautiful girl that blessed my eyes with her presence. I had finally found the reason I existed; I finally felt whole. I couldn’t hear anything else but her slow, steady breaths, and her now frantic heart. We kept looking at each other for what felt like hours, not saying anything, just staring at each other.

“Paul? Paul?” I could faintly hear Sam’s voice, as I continued looking at the girl in front of me. “Paul!” He now yelled, waking me up from the images in my head.

“Yeah, sorry.” I said to the girl rather than Sam. “Are you okay? How are you feeling?” I felt an instant feeling of overprotectiveness towards the girl I just met before my mind started filling up with worry. What if I hadn’t gotten to her on time? How could I live with the thought that my imprint was so close to dying? With the thought that I would never meet her?

“I’m better now. Thank you.” She whispered with a raspy voice, smiling lightly at me.

Her hazy eyes that she barely kept open could never take away the slightest part of her beauty. On the contrary, she was even more beautiful, if that was even possible. How could all this beauty fit in a single person? My heart finally felt whole; I found my reason to exist in the face of this girl in front of me; this unknown girl that I barely knew; this unknown girl that barely knew me. I gulped, as I reached my hand to tug a few strands of her wet hair behind her ear, her shivering slightly under my hot touch.

“I think it would be better if we took her to Sue’s. She has to get checked, just in case.” Sam interfered, trying to break this scene in front of us. The familiarity I showed to this girl could easily be misinterpreted, and it would be better to give her time to rest anyway.

I turned to look at Sam, who was already looking at me. “Yeah, you are right.” Then, I turned to the girl. “Hey, we’ll get you checked, if you don’t mind…..”

“(Y/N).” Such a beautiful name. “No, it’s okay. Let’s go.” She went to sit up and stand up before I stopped her.

“No, no. Don’t move. I will help you.” I lifted her up in my arms like she weighed nothing, and she wrapped her arms around my neck. “We’ll take you to Sue. She’s a nurse. I’m Paul by the way.” I couldn’t take my eyes off of the girl in my arms. (Y/N).

“Hey, Paul.” She smiled up at me. “Thank you for saving me. You didn’t have to get involved in my stupid friends’ actions.” She turned to stare angrily at her friends.

For a few minutes, I forgot it was them who pushed her off the cliff. I was now staring angrily at them, temporarily forgetting about (Y/N) in my arms, as I felt my anger taking over me. Thankfully, Sam was there, once again reminding me to keep calm, as we could not expose our secret to outsiders. Of course, (Y/N) was not considered an outsider anymore, but having her so close to me - if I were to transform - would be deadly to her. I lowered my gaze to look back at her, and she was already staring at me, her eyes wider now, her lips parted slightly.

“I think we better get going.” I told her, as I walked us away from the crowd of people, and away from the beach.

“Wait.” (Y/N) stopped me. “I still have to take the car back with me. Someone will have to bring the car back. No one else can bring the car back.” She was panicking, shivering, and slightly stuttering, all at the same time.

“Don’t worry about it.” I smiled at her, as I brought her closer to me, trying to warm her up. “Quil will take your car back.” I nodded towards my curly-haired friend, who heard his name and came running towards us.

“Don’t worry, guys. I won’t get a single scratch on it.” He was all smiles, as always, (Y/N) telling him her friends had her bag, and the key was in the smallest pocket. He nodded, as he ran back to both groups, and we left.

I walked us to my jeep, opening the passenger’s door, and gently putting her in, making sure she wore her seatbelt. “Ehm.. Paul, I’m still full of sand.” She blushed, embarrassed to have littered my car with sand.

“Don’t mind it, babe. That’s the last thing you should worry about. Let’s get you to Sue, alright?” She simply nodded, and I closed her door, running towards the driver’s side, and climbing in the seat.

I made sure to turn up the heat, afraid (Y/N) would get cold, as she continued shivering throughout our ride. She didn’t say anything in particular; she just kept looking out of the window, lost in thoughts. I was taking a few glances at her with the corner of my eye, looking silently at her, without saying a word. Her perfect lips were parting slightly every now and then, as she was taking small breaths. Her beautiful eyes were staring outside into nothing in particular, but her heart was pounding heavily on her chest, indicating she wasn’t feeling completely comfortable.

“Are you okay, (Y/N)?” I heard her heart skip a beat at the mention of her name. “You seem kind of lost.”

“Hm? Yeah, I..I’m doing okay. I just feel a bit guilty for wasting your time like that; for worrying you and your friends without a reason; for ruining your car.” She was now staring at me, guilt and sadness clear on her face.

“That’s nonsense.” I replied calmly. “You almost drowned. There is no such thing as “wasting my time”, or anyone else’s, for the matter. Don’t feel bad for something that you couldn’t control; for something that could get you killed! Besides..I had nothing better to do anyway.”

“What about your friends? Weren’t you out, spending time with your friends?” She asked, still curious.

“Well, my friends have their mates, their partners. They don’t really have time for anyone else lately. You actually did me a favor for taking me away from there.” I chuckled quietly at the paradox that took place just a few minutes away.

“Don’t you have anyone in your life? You know, a relationship?” I turned to look back at her; her eyes were glistening with hope.

I grinned at her. “No. Not really.”

She hummed. “Weird. I thought a guy like you would have someone special in their life.”

“A guy like me?” I questioned her, smirking.

“Well..you know, dangerously attractive.” She was fumbling with her fingers; a sign she got nervous and embarrassed about what she just said.

I laughed at her statement. “Well, do you have someone special in your life?”

She shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t say I do.”

“Well, see? Dangerously attractive people do not always find that special someone. At least, not right away.”

She jerked her head and turned to look at me, raising one eyebrow, but not saying anything else for the remainder of our drive. About ten minutes later, we reached Chief Swan’s house, where Sue had been living for the past five and a half years, after marrying him four years ago. She came down to La Push often, but not as often as Leah and Seth hoped. Still, she always took care of us whenever we needed her, being the only one now who knew how to treat our supernatural selves in case anything ever happened to us.

She must have seen my jeep parked on the driveway, as she came out of the house and towards me with open arms. “Paul! It’s so nice to see you again! How have you been, sweety?” She embraced me tightly, rubbing her palms on my back - her way of endearment.

Pulling away, she turned to look at (Y/N), who was standing in front of my car. “Who is this?”

“Sue, this is (Y/N). She almost drowned at the beach today, and I tried to help her. I brought her to you so you can check her out; see if everything is okay.”

Sue gave me a knowing look, to which I nodded before she carefully took (Y/N)’s hand in hers. “Come on, sweety, let’s get you checked.”

We walked into the Swan Residence, a welcoming house painted with green tones, blending nicely with the greenery around it. Sue had not changed many things around the house since she moved in, but her good tastes had seemingly blended and upgraded the interior. She had added more carpets, pictures, and small decor around, making the house look more lively and habitable. Under Bella’s prompt, Chief Swan transformed her daughter’s old bedroom into a small examination room for Sue to be able to treat patients even when she was at home.

We walked up the stairs to the small room on our left, where Sue led us. She ordered (Y/N) to sit on the doctor’s bed, as she picked up her stethoscope and her “sphygmomanometer”, as she called it, to examine (Y/N). She first took her blood pressure, making sure it was strong enough before she proceeded with the check-up. She then placed the stethoscope on her chest, telling her to take deep inhales and exhales. As I was watching the stethoscope on her chest, I felt my palms burning under the memory of touching her cold skin.

“Sweety, it seems like you’ll be fine. I don’t hear anything concerning, but you should visit a hospital, should you feel uneasy, okay?” She smiled sweetly at (Y/N), before turning to look at me. “You are very lucky Paul saved you on time.”

I simply smiled as a response, trying to keep my blushed cheeks under control. “Ehm.. Okay, I think we should be going then. Leave you alone.”

“You know you can come by whenever you want, Paul.” Sue hugged me tightly, then turned to (Y/N), hugging her as well. “It was so nice to meet you, (Y/N). Feel better!”

“Thank you so much, for everything.” (Y/N) smiled shyly at Sue as they parted.

“Anything for family.” She grinned at me, as we walked out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the house.

We got back in my car, and I realized that (Y/N) was still wearing her bikini, and was still covered with sand. “Hey, do you want to come back to my house? You know..to get cleaned and changed.”

“Ehm, yeah, but I don’t have anything to wear after.” She didn’t meet my gaze as I stared intensely at her face.

“It’s okay, babe. You can borrow my clothes for now.” I grinned at her, but her eyes widened slightly in embarrassment, still not looking at me. I just loved how cute she looked even when she was embarrassed.

In a turn of events, she bit her lip, thinking about my proposal. She then turned to look at me, raising one eyebrow and slightly puckering her lips. “Okay. Let’s go.”

I smirked at her sudden confidence, starting the engine, and driving back to La Push and my home. We talked a bit, trying to get to know each other and make time pass. She told me she was on a road trip with her friends from college, traveling from New York down the east coast, and then through the south until they reached California, and then started going up. They stopped here after everything they saw on many touristic guides about La Push and Forks - she liked the adventure, but she came to the conclusion she did not like extreme things like cliff-diving anymore. I chuckled at that and agreed that she better forget it for some time.

She seemed like a fun person to be around, and that was not the imprint talking; she was genuinely interesting and fun, and though shy at first, she quickly opened up to me. Talking to her was easy, effortless; I told her things that I wouldn’t tell anyone else, at least anyone apart from my friends and packmates. Though she insisted I didn’t have to if I wasn’t feeling comfortable, I told her how my parents got divorced when I was 8 years ago, and my dad moved us from Takoma to La Push, and I haven’t left since then. But I managed to make something good for myself, working hard at a local construction company, and eventually buying my own house 3 years ago.

(Y/N) seemed impressed, and thought I was really fortunate to get my own place. She told me that, for her parents, college was a no-brainer; that she had to get a degree and work hard to succeed in life. They weren’t wrong but she said she never had a real childhood because of how strict they raised her. They immigrated to the US when she was very young, so they had to work extra hard to make a good life for their family. (Y/N) learned that life is not easy for everyone, so she had to work harder, be better, just to prove herself among the others.

Growing up bilingual and immigrant put a burden on her relationships with others; sometimes she had trouble communicating and many people used to make fun of her. Thankfully, it was when she went to college that she made actual friends whose families had also immigrated to the US, so it was easier to share their experiences with each other, finding common ground between them. They were the friends I met today, who I had not completely forgiven for their actions, but (Y/N) let it pass.

We were reaching my house, a two-story building made out of a combination of cement and dark brown wood. It was sturdy and could withstand La Push’s humidity and weather conditions. I was proud to say that I built it myself, with some of my packmates’ help. I drove down the dirt road that led to my front yard and parked on my driveway. (Y/N) was about to exit the car, when I stopped her, stepping out of the car quickly, and running to her side. I opened her door and helped her climb out of the car. She looked flustered as I wrapped one arm around her waist, lifting her up, before slowly placing her on her feet.

“Welcome to my home. Come on. Let me show you around.” I carefully took her hand in mine, and, thankfully, she did not flinch or protest at all, as I led us in the house.

I opened the door, showing her around the living room. “Come with me. I’ll show you the bathroom.” I led us upstairs, to the bathroom in my master bedroom. I went on to grab clean clothes for her to wear, a large t-shirt and basketball shorts, and two fluffy towels, one for her body and one for her hair.

She looked unsure when I pushed the items on her arms. “Are you sure I can use this bathroom? You know, I can use a smaller bathroom, if there is another one?”

“Nonsense. Come on. Go shower now.” I turned her around, lightly pushing towards the bathroom’s direction. “I'll be waiting downstairs. Whatever you need, don’t hesitate to ask, okay?”

She slowly nodded and walked towards the bathroom. As she walked ahead, closing the bathroom door behind her, I couldn’t help myself and took a peek at her ass. It was still covered in sand but still looked perfect with the bikini she wore. I turned around and quickly walked downstairs, so I could give (Y/N) space and some quiet.

[lovemesomesurveys]

He's Almost Too Gay To Function Created by taco-tuesdays 

What are some foods from your childhood that you miss? Dunkaroos (they’re back now, but I enjoyed it a lot more as a kid), the McDonald’s cookies that used to come in Happy Meals, Lunchables when they used to come with a can of Cola, Push-Ups, Kudos granola bars, Philadelphia cheesecake snack bars... Which app on your phone do you use the most? Kindle, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, DoorDash. Do you know of anyone who went into labor at the baby shower? No. When's the last time you did a hand game with someone? (ie: Mary Mack) It’s been quite a long time. How old is your oldest living relative? My papa who is in his late 80s.

What was the worst part about being a kid? Hm. Even though I had obstacles with health related stuff, it’s honestly not what stands out when I think of my childhood. I really miss being a kid. What's the best part about being an adult? Now that’s a different story. I don’t look at adulthood very fondly. How many hours of sleep do you need in order to function successfully? Who says I’m functioning? What are two foods that are supposed to taste weird together, but you like? Scrambled eggs and ranch come to mind. What is your favorite kind of dip? Ranch, BBQ, French onion, Chick-Fil-A sauce, marinara sauce, olive oil. Do you know anyone who was not born in a hospital, unexpectedly? No. Does anyone you know have dual citizenship to live in multiple countries? No. Do you still have a landline phone/phone number? Yes we do. Do you know anyone who lives in the Southern Hemisphere? Nope. What are some things from childhood that you still do today? I still like to color. Name a fad that was popular when you were growing up, that you miss. Hmm. Have you ever gotten to milk a cow or a goat? No, which is fine with me. Have you ever taken a gymnastics class before? No. What's the worst part about being an adult? Blah. It just sucks. What was the best part about being a kid? Just being a kid.

[only1bri-blog1]

Dear September 5th

Dear September 5th, 

Dear September 5th, 

Today is the day where I gained a hatred for you, you took away my best friend the only person who was in my corner at all times no matter what I did whether it was right or wrong. Why did you think that was okay to just take somebody away from all they knew? Nobody understands what the everyday struggle is until they live it. Its been 4 years and I still sometimes just feel like I can’t live, can’t eat, sleep, or do anything the same routine anymore .. September 5th you scarred me for life... I remember just walking in and not even feeling right to “we had no other choice” really messes you mental up, trying to process the words “no other choice.” What does that even mean, I guess you were trying to teach me everything that I should never take anything that I have for granted because it can be taken at any minute September 5th you knew I wasn’t ready I was only in 10th grade, 15 years old how was I supposed to deal. Nobody knows, September 5th the day after my favorite celebrity birthday something me and him shared that’s what made us closer, waking up in the summer because he’s blasting “ If you like it then you should of put a ring on it,’ or “ This girl is on Fireeeeeee” that's what we shared that made us closer music, late-night work trips knowing I had to be to school the next morning but I guess that was my way of not going to bed early because I had the privilege to travel all around Philadelphia to check on workers or just night out too get a super late dinner because we know he was always hungry. 

But September 5th you tore my family apart, you made us go distant, no more BBQ’s, Pool Parties, or even low-key basement parties that eventually got around Facebook and turned into a full out DonSims house party those were the classics. September 5th why couldn’t you just wait to come a couple of more years later, I guess I couldn’t just be mad at you right, you probably didn’t even know any better just thought you were helping him out, but only hurting the family... September 5th why couldn’t you tell him to just fight a little longer and harder. Not knowing what lifestyle to live not knowing to follow in his footsteps or just create a journey of my own. Crazy how in a matter of seconds your life can change without any notice, without you even knowing your next move. September 5th even thoug I don't like you I am thankful for you, youve taught me how to live, how to do, how to live without having my wholeself. Waking up day and wanting to dial (215) 432-**** just to say what you doing man, can you come pick me up, I just call just to hear your voicemail I guess that's good enough right ?

But Until we meet again September 5th.. I'll leave the rest for you to do.. 

Sincerally, 

  The Kid You Left Scarred. 

[andimthedad]

Road Trip: Oh, the Places You’ll Go

On our 10,000-mile road trip, we saw dozens of sights and stopped in more than 30 states. Along the way, we marked our route and several stops on a fold-out paper map, above. Here’s a list of almost everything...

Lolo Pass, Idaho: historical site in the Bitterroot Mountains where Lewis and Clark passed during their explorations.

Berkeley Pit Mine, Berkeley, Montana: one of the largest and most expensive Superfund pollution sites in America.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, wild bison, and more at America’s first national park.

Medicine Wheel, Big Horn National Forest, Wyoming: a Native American religious site, thousands of years old and still used today.

Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, South Dakota: still carving a mountain into the likeness of the famous warrior.

Ken’s Minerals & Trading Post, Custer, South Dakota: a nice rock shop where we probably bought too much.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota: four stony-faced presidents carved into a mountain.

Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota: famous for its free ice water and legions of billboards.

Badlands National Park, Rapid City, South Dakota: beautiful and alien landscapes, all at the same time.

Prairie Homestead, Philip, South Dakota: a preserved frontier house made out of sod.

Dignity Statue, Chamberlain, South Dakota: a 50-foot-tall Native American woman.

World’s Only Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota: where people nail corn cobs to the wall as art.

Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota: the largest shopping mall in America, and one of the largest in the world.

Cady Cheese, Wilson, Wisconsin: yummy cheese made here (and, in our case, consumed here).

Chicago, Illinois: the Sears/Willis Tower, Lake Michigan, Cloud Gate, Buckingham Fountains, Chicago-style pizza, elevated trains, and more.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: to visit relatives.

Flint, Michigan: site of a serious water crisis that symbolizes all kinds of issues around government, racism, and economics.

Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan: highlights all kinds of positive Ford achievements, and included a tour of the nearby Rouge plant that produces F-150 trucks.

Cudell Recreation Center, Cleveland, Ohio: site where Tamir Rice, a black child, was murdered by a white cop a few years ago; a memorable example in the debates around police brutality.

Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pennsylvania: beautiful beaches overlooking Lake Erie.

Niagara Falls, New York: amazing waterfall experiences at America’s first state park.

Schenectady, New York: to visit relatives.

Hogback Mountain, Vermont: saw the so-called “100 mile view”.

Maine: from Portland’s Commercial and Exchange Streets, to whale watching in Boothbay Harbor, to beaches, to all kinds of seafood… and side trips to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and more. Saw a lot of relatives too.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Massachusetts: honoring the masters of the game at its birthplace.

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut: we drove through the campus, so the kids can now say they went to Yale.

Jersey City, New Jersey: to visit relatives.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: climbing the “Rocky Steps” and enjoying genuine Philly Cheesesteak.

Washington, DC: the White House; monuments to Lincoln and Washington; memorials for World War II and Vietnam; the Holocaust Museum; the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum; the Museum of the Bible; the U.S. Capitol; and more.

Rotunda, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia: Thomas Jefferson’s historic building at the university he founded.

Claudia Sanders Dinner House, Shelbyville, Kentucky: the original KFC.

Farmington Historic Plantation, Louisville, Kentucky: owned by the Speed family, who had ties to Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington.

Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky: learning about the legends of the sport, as well as the money.

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri: as seen from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, East St. Louis, Illinois.

Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis, Missouri: considered by some to be the best BBQ ribs in the country.

Percival, Iowa: a farm community representative of flooding that has plagued the Midwest this year.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska: the world’s biggest zoo did not disappoint.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas: yep.

Pike’s Peak, Cascade, Colorado: one of the most famous mountains in America, and at 14,000+ feet, the highest we’ve ever been outside of an airplane.

Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde, Colorado: amazing cliffside homes built almost a thousand years ago by Native Americans.

Four Corners Monument, Teec Nos Pos, Arizona: where you can stand (or sit, or bounce a ball) in four states at once.

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah: beautiful, alien rock formations.

Moab Isolation Center Ruins, Moab, Utah: site of a Japanese internment concentration camp during World War II.

Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah: seeing and touching the fossils of giant dinosaurs, still embedded in the ground.

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah: Mormon HQ.

Great Salt Lake State Park, Magna, Utah: the city’s namesake, and some of the saltiest water on earth.

ATK Rocket Garden, Northrop Grumman, Corinne, Utah: examples of various rockets and missiles, including Space Shuttle booster engine parts.

As I emphasized to the kids over and over, we are only seeing a glimpse of everything. We could spend a week or more visiting many of these places.

We also stopped in all of the following states, including our beginning and end:

Washington

Idaho

Montana

Wyoming

South Dakota

Minnesota

Iowa

Wisconsin

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine

Massachusetts

Connecticut

New Jersey

Maryland

Delaware

Washington, DC

Virginia

West Virginia

Kentucky

Missouri

Nebraska

Kansas

Colorado

Utah

Oregon

Does DC count as a separate state? Maybe.  The kids did their trip activities there. And if you want to count New Mexico and Arizona from our visit to Four Corners, then we’re up to 34 states... though the kids did not do their activities there.

We didn’t go to North Dakota, choosing South Dakota instead for our eastbound trip.  And we didn’t realize it until it was too late, but we completely forgot about visiting Rhode Island. Sorry, Rhode Islanders!  Ironically, it is the only state that actually has the sound of “road” in its name.

Of course, as I asked in one of the FAQs... Does It Really Count As “Visiting” A State If You Only Drive Through A Little Piece Of It? 

--

Read notes from every day of the road trip:

Eastward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Westward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

And various posts from the FAQ.

[scottspizzatours]

INTERVIEW: Drew Rattray from Best City Pizza

Once upon a time, I could count all the pizza blogs on one hand. Actually, I could have counted them on two fingers. There was Pizza Therapy and there was Slice. Pizza Therapy is still kept up by THE O.G. pizza blogger Albert Grande but the Slice blog got scooped up by Serious Eats and stopped posted new material a few years back. (Founder Adam Kuban ran it under the Serious Eats umbrella but has since moved on to run Margot’s Pizza.) Thankfully times have changed and now there are MANY food-specific blogs, of which pizza occupies many. One of the tightest is BEST CITY PIZZA, the personal pizza journal of Drew Rattray. This guy is a SERIOUS pizza nerd and his blog is one of the best. We exchanged some emails and I’m proud to report the results in the interview below...

When and how did you start blogging about pizza? I started blogging about pizza in 2014. Pizza was a passion of mine and I thought blogging about it would be a fun hobby. As I live in Connecticut, I have access to some of the best pizza on the planet in New Haven so it was easy to get started. I used my background as a digital designer to create the blog bestcitypizza.com.

If you couldn’t eat pizza (not necessarily bread or cheese or tomato, just PIZZA as a unit), what food would you be obsessed with? First of all I would be a few pounds lighter if I couldn’t eat pizza. I eat a lot of pizza, at the very least twice a week! But if I couldn’t eat pizza I think I would be obsessed with BBQ, specifically anything smoked liked ribs or pulled pork. I love the sauces or the option to just enjoy the meats with a dry rub.

You’re from Bronx, but currently live in Connecticut. How has that affected your pizza eating life? Pizza is everywhere down here. When I was in grade school in the Bronx I remember going to the neighborhood parlor for a slice every weekend. I guess that’s when I fell in love with pizza. I would say easy access to excellent pizza has made me into a bonafide “pizza snob”. As much as I love all types of pizza it is hard for me to eat a mediocre slice, I’d rather just not eat the bad pizza and wait until I can get to one of the better pizza joints.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled for pizza? In the United States the furthest I have gone is Hawaii. Italy is on my bucket list though! Along with NYC I frequently go to Boston, Philadelphia, and DC to try new pizza places and to go to some of my old favorites. You can read about some of these on the pizza blog.

What’s your biggest pizza pet peeve? Too little sauce! If I wanted a grilled cheese I would have ordered that. I know a few places that have decent cheese and crust but not enough sauce so I just order them with extra sauce and their ok pizza becomes a greatone.

Would you ever jump from pizza journalism to pizzeria ownership? I think anyone who is passionate about pizza entertains the idea at one time or another and I’m no exception. In my dreams when I retire I see myself owning a coal fired pizza restaurant that is also a top notch sports bar.

I can see you don’t like pizzas with too little sauce but do you ever eat white pizza, without sauce? Several people have recommended try the white clam pizza from Pepe’s of New Haven fame which I did. It was tasty but I got to have the red sauce man!

Why would you own a coal fired pizzeria? What is it about coal you love? A coal-fired oven definitely leaves a distinct, artisan, almost burnt flavor to the crust that is undeniably delicious.

Why do you blog about pizza and not some other food? There’s not enough hours in the day. Pizza is it. It lends itself to be the perfect food to debate who’s got the best depending on where you live.

I see some cool pizza shirts on your store. Did you design them yourself? Yes. I’m creative by nature and wanted to put my professional expertise to work. My goal was to design affordable pizza tshirts that are unique. Check them out here.