#Pimms Week

[keclan]

i need more alcohol

[saff-rons]

it might be 12 degrees out rn and forecasted to rain today but the thoughts of a hot girl summer after my exams were the only things keeping me going so i am going to MAKE it work

[7yearsofdele]

I have been waiting for Summer for months. I am living my best life today.

[hetalianhistorian]

Menu and goods information has been released for the upcoming Hetalia Halloween Party AMOCAFE collab!

Source links: 1 2

The event period will run from October 10th until November 11th. Reservations will start on October 6th! It is advised to read the precautions before signing for a reservation, in which you can find through the AMOCAFE website.

Something peculiar about this collaboration menu is that it seems it will change halfway through the event. The first two weeks will serve a menu based off the Axis and the later half will serve based on the Allies! If you are dropping by this event for a certain character, please keep in mind of the dates!

That said, below are the menu items with each dish and drink being themed after each character. The dates, ingredients, and prices will all be included. Please keep in mind that I use a translator for all of these, so there may be mistakes!

Menu (10/10 - 10/24)

Italy

For dish, Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia- ¥1,540 yen each - Squid pasta/squid, tomato, and powdered cheese. For drink, Amaretto Milk Almond Latte - ¥880 yen each - Amaretto milk, and whipped/sliced almonds.

Germany

For dish, Baumkuchen - ¥1,210 yen each - Plain chocolate, marshmallow, and chocolate sauce. For drink, Kiba - ¥880 yen each - Cherry syrup, banana syrup, and milk.

Japan

For dish, Chestnut Rice and Seared Bonito Set Meal - ¥1,870 yen each - Seared bonito over straw, sliced onion, shiso leaf, daikon radish with ponzu sauce, boiled hijiki, chestnut rice, sesame salt, wakame, daikon miso soup, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Brown Sugar Milk - ¥880 yen each - Brown sugar syrup, milk, and whipped warabi mochi.

Portugal

For dish, Pastel de Nata - ¥1,100 yen each - Egg tart, caramel ice cream, caramel sauce, and cocoa powder. For drink, Port Wine Grape Juice - ¥880 yen each - Elderflower syrup, grape juice, mixed nuts, and honey.

Spain

For dish, Creme Catalana - ¥1,210 yen each - Creme brulee, bamboo charcoal powder, cinnamon powder, orange peel, and orange. For drink, Calimocho-Style Drink - ¥880 yen each - Grape juice, cola, and lime mint.

Prussia

For dish, Götterspeise - ¥1,100 yen each - Strawberry jelly, strawberry, raspberry, custard raspberry sauce, mint, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Schwarz Coffee Tonic - ¥880 yen each - Instant coffee and carbonated water.

Romano

For dish, Polpo Affogato - ¥1,540 yen each - Octopus, tomato sauce, olive, parsley, countryside garlic butter sauce, and bamboo charcoal powder. For drink, Limoncello Royal Lemonade -¥880 yen each - Peach lemonade, white grape soda, and lemon mint.

Menu (10/25 - 11/10)

America

For dish, Sugar Glazed Donuts - ¥1,210 yen - Baked donuts, chocolate sauce, chocolate spray, sugar glaze, and white chocolate. For drink, Pumpkin Latte - ¥880 yen - Pumpkin milk and whipped cinnamon powder.

England

For dish, Shepherd's Pie - ¥1,540 yen each - Meat sauce, mashed potato, cheese, and seaweed. For drink, Pimm's Style Drink - ¥880 yen each - Elderflower syrup, black tea, white grape juice, carbonated water, orange, cucumber, raspberry, and mint.

France

For dish, Potage de Potiron - ¥1,210 yen each - Pumpkin soup, fresh cream, and fresh bread. For drink, Chocolat Chaud - ¥880 yen each - Chocolate sauce and milk whipped cream.

Russia

For dish, Blini - ¥1,210 yen each - Crepes, sour cream, strawberry jam, raspberry sauce, and granola. For drink, Yagoda Lemonade - ¥880 yen each - Lemon syrup, strawberry sauce mixed berries, and mint.

China

For dish, Black Sesame Dan Dan Noodles - ¥1,320 yen each - Dan Dan noodles, black garlic oil, green onion, meat miso, and cheese. For drink, Tapioca with Coconut Milk - ¥880 yen each - Coconut milk, tapioca, whipped condensed milk, and mint.

Goods Information

Source links: 1 2

There will be goods available for purchase and offered during the event!

Goods List

Acrylic Stand - ¥1,540 yen each

Mini Acrylic Stand Keychain - ¥880 yen each

Clear File - ¥770 yen each

A2 Sized Tapestry - ¥3,960 yen each

Mini Tapestry - ¥1,650 yen each

Clear Card - ¥550 yen each

Postcard Set - ¥1,210 yen each

Tin Badge - ¥550 yen each

Offers List

For every character drink ordered, you will receive a free coaster of random design.

For every character dish ordered, you will receive a free placemat of random design.

A random invitation ticket style card will be given out to customers who come to the event! The offer will continue while supplies last.

For every ¥2,000 yen spent on food, drinks, or products, you will receive a random heart card from each period at the register! If there are any defects on the card, exchange will be limited to the time of your departure.

For every ¥3,000 yen spent, you will receive a lottery application form for a random mini-sized stand panel! If you receive this application, you will need to drop it off in the application box within the café. The lottery will be drawn once the collaboration ends.

[broughtandborn]

My new car is in, I'm picking it up on Tuesday. We decided just to trade in my old one rather than deal with trying to sell it when it needs a new starter. (Driving it anywhere has become something slightly suspenseful because it doesn't start reliably on the first try, though it has always started *eventually* if I give it like ten minutes before trying again.)

The donations coordinator at the shelter where I used to work has found families who can take most of the furniture in our in-law apartment, and they'll send their facilities people in a big truck to pick it all up and deliver it later this week. I'm planning to drop off another trunk full or two to Goodwill this weekend to get as much out of the way as possible to make pickup easier. I'm so glad this worked out!

It rained earlier but is in the low 70s and humid now. My kids are out riding bikes and Andy and I are sitting on the porch with a Pimms and some pita chips and I've got a new library book (A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab) and later Andy's going to make pizza.

As much as I generally dislike summer (and I really do), I do enjoy the late-summer evening sun and the peaches and the tomatoes and the hummingbirds and tree frogs and crickets. There's a line in an Incubus song that says "in this moment, I am happy" and it crosses my mind a lot on days like this.

[nalascat]

BARBIE SEXYMAN TOURNAMENT

HELLO and WELCOME to the BARBIE SEXYMAN TOURNAMENT

who is the sexiest barbie man? i dunno fam, id say [host bias]- (if you know me, you know who it is , but i DIGRESS)

I have compiled a comprehensive list of 64 Barbie Men who are totally contenders for the Sexyman Title. This has come from scrolling the wiki, the Bad Barbie Discord, and of course, the silly Google Form I sent out however many days ago

It's split out into four separate brackets of 16- A, B, C, and D. I wAS going to have a special sorting like. Prettyboys and. uh. i have no clue what else but- It's completely random. This means it could have the worst or the best matchups and i think its gonna be really funny.

SO! Without further ado, here are the four brackets!

We will go two matchups per day, each lasting about a week, so more people can see them and so i dont FORGET so quickly. Then, at the end, we shall have a final fight between the winners of A and B, and C and D- with one more to find the ULTIMATE sexyman. (maybe with a surprise match at the end... hmm)

I hope to start this tomorrow? Or soon? We will see how long it takes for me to start with the polls, ahah...

I will accept any and all propaganda for any character. I will watch this tournament burn.

Check under the readmore for specific matchups and the LINKS to em!!

Bracket A

Derek (Rockers) vs. Johan (Princess Adventure)

Azul (Island Princess) vs. Zombie Peas (Fashion Fairytale)

Pimm (Nutcracker) vs. Slyder (Diamond Castle)

Ryan (Dreamhouse) vs. Faban (Fairytopia)

Lord Gastrous (Mariposa) vs. Hue (Fairytopia)

Grodlin (Secret Door) vs. Etienne (Pony Tale)

Monsieur Treville (Musketeers) vs. Skeezites (Mariposa)

Sagi (Island Princess) vs. Rupert (Popstar)

Bracket B

Desmond (12 Princesses) vs. Maurice (Christmas Carol)

Rat King (Nutcracker) vs. Troll (Diamond Castle)

Doctor Maryhue (Rockers) vs. Don (Lost Birthday)

Agent Dunbar (Spy Squad) vs. Fungus Maximus (Fairytopia)

King (Secret Door) vs. Ferris (Pegasus)

Brock (Charm School) vs. Hervé (Pauper)

Closet (Dreamhouse) vs. Hotdogeteria Guy (Fashion Fairytale)

Otto (Rapunzel) vs. Baron Von Ravendale (Princess Power)

Bracket C

Alistair (Mermaid Tale) vs. Philippe (Musketeers)

Happy Trolls (Fairytopia) vs. King Randolph (12 Princesses)

Freddie (Christmas Carol) vs. Ruby (Fairytopia)

Brookhurst (Secret Door) vs. Myron (Thumbelina)

Cutie (Video Game Hero) vs. Brutus (12 Princesses)

Seymour (Popstar) vs. Rothbart (Swan Lake)

King Wilhelm (Rapunzel) vs. Constantine (Starlight Adventure)

Hugo (Rapunzel) vs. Wolfie (Pauper)

Bracket D

Spike (Pearl Princess) vs. Mr. Wexler (Diaries)

Caligo (Pearl Princess) vs. Philippe (Pony Tale)

Nick and Nack (Pauper) vs. Break (Mermaid Tale)

Ollie (Pegasus) vs. Erasmus (Swan Lake)

Dream Fish (Mermaid Tale) vs. Finn (Rock 'n Royals)

Wenlock (Pegasus) vs. Zane (Fairy Secret)

Major Mint (Nutcracker) vs. Bertram (Musketeers)

King Frederick (Rapunzel) vs. Frazer (Island Princess)

I tried to get as many movies represented as I possibly could, but I know I missed quite a few. Thanks to everyone who has given me suggestions!!

we are NOT going to talk about how i put treville twice. nope

[faithhopeloveandtherapy]

The last week has been a blur.

It started with d1’s university graduation. She managed to get four tickets to the ceremony, but the rest of the family came and watched it from the students union on a big screen. Afterwards we drank Pimms in the sunshine and then went for a fancy meal. Everyone else stayed a night in a hotel in [university town] but H and I had to come back home for Miss 5 and Mr 7. It was a really special day having grandparents and more with us.

The next event was our Swedish friends who are visiting from Gothenburg came for brunch. We were all at university together, and are godparents to each others children, so this is our annual catch up. (They’re not originally from Sweden, just choose to live there now)

And the day after that, we went up to Cumbria to stay with my parents for a long weekend. There were various events going on which made it special, but then on the last day my dad got a call from the hospital saying he needed to come in. His latest scan has shown some cancer growth so he is back on the chemotherapy. Every additional month is precious and every occasion we get to make memories at feels extra meaningful.

We got home from our travels late last night. Miss 5 and Mr 7 have been in a holiday club today, and I have spent the whole day unpacking, washing, putting away and organising. We are going away again on Friday, and I feel exhausted at the thought of packing everything up again. One good point was that I had to learn how to deflate and deconstruct Miss 5’s special bed, and we successfully put it back up at my parents house, so now I know that we can travel with it easily.

I have had a lot of waves of overwhelm, and I imagine myself sitting in therapy with T and wailing about it, and I think about what she would say and how it would feel to have that containment, validation and calm from her response. I can tell myself those things now and honour my feelings. There was a lot of anxiety and dysregulation on my part, especially in the time between my dad being called for his emergency hospital appt and finding out the outcome. It was really hard in those moments to stay regulated for the children, who were particularly needy. Miss 5 spiked a temperature, and Mr 7 had has biggest meltdown in ages while out at an exciting event and I had to carry him back across a field while he screamed at me. I didn’t even know I was strong enough to carry him, I think the adrenaline kicked in.

[catziraphale]

Hello Azi and Crowley! I thought you might like to see my sister's tripod cat called Pimms that she adopted last week. Her full name is actually Pimms Crowley! She's so cute, especially when she wiggles her little stump 🥹💛

Crowley: Look at this gorgeous kitty!

Aziraphale: She really is cute 🩵 Thank you so much for sharing 🩵🩵🩵

[harry-sussex]

Five years ago today, I was alone in London, staying at a tiny AirBnb that I shared with the owners (two middle-aged men). I woke up at about 4:45am and showered, packed a bag, got ready, and put on the clothes I’d picked out the night before. I had scheduled a cab for early morning, and he arrived at about 5:30am - took full advantage of the jet lag working in my favor. I met him outside on time - he brought me to an ATM quickly and then we embarked on the ~60min trip to Windsor, where he dropped me off near (but not at) the castle. I roamed about for about an hour and grabbed breakfast and a coffee from McDonald’s, as that was the only thing open at 6:45am on a Saturday.

It wasn’t your average Saturday, of course. I took my bag and a blanket and made my way over to the Long Walk, where I promptly took a seat in the damp morning grass, completely alone with nothing other than an official program and a book to keep me company. I had you guys, too, though there were far fewer of you around here back then.

I waited for several hours and made some friends along the way - a group of women from Seattle, a group of English women, and a reporter from South Africa. We all set up camp together, sharing snacks and iced coffee and champagne and Pimms while we let the hours pass by.

The crowds continued to build as we got closer and closer to wedding time. I’d secured a prime spot, close to the barricade and within viewing distance of the screens, but still able to see Windsor Castle. While we waited for the formal festivities to begin, we watched the guests - the Suits cast, the Middletons, Harry’s longtime friends - and then eventually the royals - Beatrice, Eugenie and Jack, Anne and Tim, Edward and Sophie, James and Louise, Zara and Mike, Peter and Autumn - find their seats. Then we saw the big ones - Kate (with many of Meghan’s friends) and the kids, Charles, and Camilla, Philip and HM.

Eventually, the time came, and (at the time), I’d never been so excited in my life. I just couldn’t believe it was finally happening - my Harry was marrying this beautiful, charming, smart, absolute force of a woman, and I couldn’t have been happier. I loved them, you see. I loved him, and I loved her.

I knew from November 27, 2017 that I was going to fly to London for the second time in my life to see this in person and, at last, I’d finally made it. My post from the first anniversary of their engagement, 11/27/2018:

When Meghan and Doria drove down the Long Walk, I literally flipped out - my picture of the moment is bad but even if you can’t see it in the photo, you could see her sparkling even through the windows as they sped (far too quickly) towards the castle:

We watched as William accompanied his little brother to the altar, and then waited for Meghan to emerge from the car. When she came out, there was a collective gasp - that veil was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, even through a screen.

We watched her walk herself halfway down the aisle, and then we watched Charles accompany her the rest of the way to his youngest. Harry looked elated - I’ve only seen him happier on the day Archie was born.

Before I knew it, the ceremony was over, the marriage had been blessed, and they were standing on the steps. They kissed and then made their way into the carriage to start the procession through Windsor.

I was unabashedly ecstatic by the time I could see the procession coming my way. The crowd was freaking out - cheering and bouncing and, of course, I was bawling. I did the entire time through the wedding too. You guys know I can’t stop myself from the happy tears.

I refused to watch the procession through my camera - I wanted to see it with my own two eyes. I just snapped photos and hoped I’d catch something to see later:

I screamed, cried, waved like my life depended on it, and basked in the fact that my Harry was married and happy and that I loved Meghan because he loved her and that I’d gotten to witness the whole thing with my own two eyes in the crowds of people who’d loved him as their own since the day he was born.

After the hysteria died down, I went and took a nap under a large tree, then roamed my way back to where I’d been dropped off so I could continue with my plans for the day. I ended up with one of the worst sunburns of my life because the weather was so perfect.

I’d never been so happy, though. Never. It was an experience I’ll cherish for the rest of my life and even now, after everything, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I still have all of my little souvenirs - a small crystal glass with their joint monogram, the program, and even a tiny stuffed ornament marking the birth of Prince Louis not even a month prior. I’d give anything for it to go back to the way it was back then, of course - but back then, I’d loved them so much back then that, at the time, it was the single best day of my life.

My hysteria was documented by my new South African friend, who was a reporter. She wrote an article on their three year anniversary that partially described my experience and the way I felt through the whole thing (and the many years before):

I wish we could go back to those days. I wish things were different. It didn’t have to be this way, but at the end of the day, this is the life they chose in lieu of the life they were living five years ago today. Every time I see something new and painful and sad I think back to this day, how happy I was and how much I loved them and, more importantly, how happy they were. I miss it every day. I’d do it all over again, even knowing today what I didn’t then. I’d make that solo, whirlwind trip all over again in a heartbeat.

To the Sussexes - I hope it was all worth it. I hope your new life - miles and miles and years and years away from the life you together embarked on five years ago today - is as good as you’d wanted it to be when you left. I hope you’re as happy today, and even happier, than you were on this day five years ago, you and those beautiful babies. Even though it breaks my heart, I hope you’re happy in your new life that could not possibly be any more different than the life you lived before.

I hope you’re happy. I hope it was all worth it.

Happy 5 years, Harry and Meghan.

[vitaliskravtsov]

Spotify wrapped 53 for Pimms if you'd like?

YEAH LET'S GOOOO (sorry this took so long I had SO MUCH schoolwork the first half of this week it was UNREAL)

53) The Bells of Notre Dame - The Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical

Now here is a riddle to guess if you can Sing the Bells of Notre Dame What makes a monster and what makes a man?

There are nights where the skyline feels like it's damning him, like the lights are going to reach out and curse him, pull the rug out from under his feet and take everything from him like what happened to Jack.

There are nights where all Kent wants to hear is the ring of church bells that whisper you're alive, you're alive, you made it.

Vegas doesn't believe in churches like that.

It's easy to feel like the monster when you find your first real boyfriend passed out, half-dead on a bathroom floor, but it's easier to feel like the monster when you never hear from him.

Some days, it's like Kent never played Juniors at all - some days, it's like those two years, brilliant and bright in the moment, piercing like a chime, never happened at all. There's an asterisk on his Wikipedia page, but that's it, that's all. A sidenote in the legacy of first captain of the Las Vegas Aces and a sidenote in the legacy of youngest player to captain a team to the Stanley Cup and a sidenote among... everything else.

It's stupid, that it keeps him up at night, but being twenty-two and coming off losing in the second round after back-to-back cups leaves him with more time staring at the lights of Sin City that look at him like they want to swallow him whole than he'd like.

It hurts.

He wonders, sometimes, if it was Jack, but then he'll text and the line stays silent and dead.

There can be only one monster in a relationship:

you can't fault a dead person.

[ghoulofmydreams]

this week's bat is Pimm, from Barbie in the Nutcracker, 2001!

[jennimusing]

Miss Flighty's Jet Fueled Ginger Cardamom Cocktail Syrup from Alberta Straub on Vimeo.

This recipe for Ginger Cardamom Syrup was created over 5 years ago. Back then there was a much more limited selection of distilled spirits and mixers, only 2 or 3 brands of Ginger Beer were available in San Francisco and even these did not add the spicy hot finish that I wanted for my cocktails. I develop this recipe over time, experimenting with proportion and method. The end result, with a 1:1 ratio sugar to water, and a whole pound of peeled sliced ginger, achieves the bold flavor profile I need to give my gin and whiskey drinks the sophisticated favor I was looking for.

I tried a new way of preparing the ginger since I filmed this episode, its a little time consuming but it brings out the flavor of the ginger even more. After peeling, use the same tool to slice the ginger into wafer thin strips, reduce cooking time and let the mixture sit until developed.

Homemade syrups do not use preservatives and will start to mold in the refrigerator after 2-3 weeks. Store surplus in the freezer, the high concentration of sugar prevents it from freezing solid and its easy to scoop out and use as necessary for home cocktail making.

For recipes using Miss Flighty's Ginger Cardamom Syrup, check out the MaryAnn with Ginger, the Pimm's Cup, the Pear Necessity, the Mac Daddy and the Georgia Julep!

[qnewsau]

The 50-year reunion to celebrate this iconic 70s gay venue

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/the-50-year-reunion-to-celebrate-this-iconic-70s-gay-venue/

The 50-year reunion to celebrate this iconic 70s gay venue

In late October former patrons and staff of the 70s gay venue Old Rowes reunited to mark the 50th anniversary of its opening. Organiser Ross Cali shares more on the venue and the event. 

Fifty years ago, in the heart of Brisbane, a resilient phoenix rose from the devastation of the 1974 floods.

This phoenix was none other than Old Rowes Restaurant, a remarkable establishment brought to life by three visionary friends: Don, Patti and Neil. 

What they created was more than just a restaurant; it was a sanctuary, a place of joy, laughter, and community. 

About Old Rowes

During the day, Old Rowes served as a bustling restaurant, delighting patrons with its inviting ambience and delicious offerings.

But it was at night, on three magical evenings each week, that the true spirit of Old Rowes came alive.

It became a vibrant gay venue, a first-class establishment that welcome all with open arms. 

In an era when it wasn’t always safe to be yourself, Neil, Patti and Don gave the gay community a safe haven, a place where everyone could be free, dance without fear and celebrate life without judgement. 

Old Rowes was more than just a venue; it was a home where friendships were forged and memories made. 

The laughter, the joy and the love that filled its walls have stood the test of time, providing that the bonds created there were as strong as the foundations upon which the restaurant was built. 

The reunion

For those who remember the thrill of doing the Bus Stop on the dance floor, the delight of ordering from the menu, the elegance of walking down (or stumbling up) the marble staircase, or the taste of a bottle of Bedoga or a refreshing Pimms – the reunion was to relive those golden days.  

Around 60 people came from all over Australia to celebrate at Hairy Mary’s on the Gold Coast.

It was a wonderful afternoon and it was magical to see all those people come together after many many years. It only seemed like last night we got off the dance floor and now here we were 50 years on.

Remembering Neil

It was also a time for us to remember Neil who passed in October before the reunion. 

We all have so many wonderful memories of this amazing man, the quiet achiever. What he has done for the community will never be surpassed. From Broom Hildas to Dirty Dick to Old Rowes to Silver Dollar to Terminus to Sporites and all in between. 

We raised our glasses to Neil and had plenty of rum and cokes to go around as it was his favourite.

So here’s to Old Rowes, the memories we cherish, and the friendships that have endured. May its legacy continue to inspire us.

Read next:

Vale: The Sportsman Hotel legend Neil McLucas dies

Neil McLucas: the icon behind early Brisbane gay bars

1970s Brisbane and the Queens of the Valley

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[enfyswanders]

Manchester, Part 2: July 8-11, 2024

This week of the trip was supposed to be Liverpool, but when I went to book it, I found hotels to be very expensive for some reason (I'm guessing some big event was happening).

I did a little bit more sightseeing in Manchester, in particular their cathedral and "Shambles" area:

I love the little painted bee by the cathedral!

But the highlights of this week were seeing some of my favorite colleagues from my day job, and taking in another Chris Tavener show at Manchester Fringe!

Josh and his fiancé took me for a beautiful walk through a nature preserve and to a fabulous dinner in suburban Manchester at The Lead Station, where I tried a Pimm's Cup for the first time (it's tasty!).

The next day, I got to meet up with several local colleagues, including Josh, at a lovely coffee shop called The Feel Good Club...

...followed by a tasty Japanese dinner with my colleague Simon afterwards.

Much like my visits with David and Tal earlier in the trip, I was surprised how easy it was to be around colleagues while I was on sabbatical. I wasn't stressed out hearing about how things were at work, and I really had fun connecting with everyone. I think that speaks really well to both how much I like my job and how much I like my colleagues, while also affirming my good mental boundaries around my sabbatical in refusing to let any current work issue distract me overmuch.

Later that evening, I went to see Chris Taverner debut his planned Edinburgh Fringe show at Manchester Fringe. Though the song set was almost entirely the same as the set he performed at the Thomas Benjamin Wild, Esq. show earlier in the week, the structure was different, and he had a local crowd consisting of a lot of friends and fans, so that was cool to see. He's such a talented performer and I'm so glad we met.

This week's Adventures in Doing Laundry necessitated me using an expensive service/app called LaundryHeap, because there was no coin-op laundry place anywhere downtown. They did a nice job and picked up my clothes from the hotel reception and dropped them back off at reception the next day.

Another food highlight from Manchester is these delectable crème brulée Japanese soufflé pancakes from Fluffy Fluffy:

And the giggle of this part of the trip is brought to you by this shop name:

The last thing I want to say about Manchester is that Terminal 2 of their airport is an absolute nightmare for neurodivergent people like myself.

First of all, despite the traditional advice to arrive 3 hours before an international flight, the Aer Lingus desk for check-in didn't open until 2 hours prior to my flight, around 12:30 p.m. There were no chairs, so I sat on the floor for an hour until it opened up.

Once I checked in and figured out how to get to security - which was a task because the signage in the check-in area is terrible - the security staff there were particularly thorough and persnickety, making for a high-anxiety experience even for a seasoned traveler like myself. After that fun, I had to walk through the sensory-overload-endless-mall-of-duty-free for several minutes, and then when I finally got beyond that, I found a big central waiting area with some restaurants and more duty free shops, and they announce the gates only about 10-15 minutes before boarding closes, so passengers have to really hustle. My flight showed up on the board promising to announce the gate at a certain time, and that promise never changed despite it not being announced for 15+ minutes after said promised time, right around when the flight doors were supposed to close, according to my ticket. My anxiety could not have been higher at this point.

(If you open that photo up and zoom in a bit, you'll see that almost every flight simply says "relax" where the gate should be. I can't relax, Manchester Airport. You are making it almost impossible for me to do so with the way you run these shenanigans.)

When I finally got to the gate area (which, for all passengers, is a 5-15 minute walk from that central cattle-call area, depending on the gate), there were almost no chairs, and I had to stand in a crowded narrow hallway for an indeterminate amount of time until they decided to start boarding.

It's honestly the worst terminal I've ever been in. Ugh. Do not recommend.

[7yearsofdele]

There had better be some good matches in the second week, because that's when I am off work and if I am going to spend my hard earned money on Pimms at the big screen it had better be worth it.