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polarishq · 4 years

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Meet IRIS WEI-REYNOLDS They are TWENTY-FOUR years old and hail from HONG KONG, CHINA and LONDON, UK.. Iris embodies the constellation, TUCANA. They use she/her pronouns. Their faceclaim is NATASHA LIU BORDIZZO.

Tucana reminds me of overpriced lattes, dresses ripped on chain link fences, Cartier bracelets, the simultaneous flashing of a dozen cameras, a blue checkmark on Twitter, Sephora receipts stuck inside paperback novels to mark your spot, jet lag, glasses worn only in the comfort of your own home, being left on read, and grief buried so deep inside it might tear you open from the inside out.

BIOGRAPHY

Nothing about Iris’ life is how it ought to have been. She was supposed to be... well, not necessarily normal. But she was at least meant to be human. Like her parents, like her grandparents, like every single member of her family dating as far back as she can find. Born the only child to two high-ranking foreign service employees, Iris’ childhood was spent bouncing between Hong Kong and the UK, depending on what international crisis needed the most attention that week. Not that she minded the constant turbulence. If anything, Iris thrived on it. She was surrounded by the rich and powerful from a young age — she knows fuck all about politics, but she can tell you which foreign diplomats are all in the same autoerotic asphyxiation sex cult, and she has an entire groupchat alongside friends back home dedicated to finding out which country’s world leader has the best chance of being a lizard person. Adolescence was spent running around foreign cities with the the children of the internationally renowned, diving through back alleys and climbing fences to escape their handlers just because they could. So, Iris’ life wasn’t normal by most standards. But it was hers.

In hindsight, Iris does start to question certain strange things that would happen around her. Bird always seemed to be there, no matter where she went. Objects that she misplaced would appear as soon as she started feeling frustrated enough. So many dreams about flying that she would swear waking up was like being dropped onto her bed from a great height. To put it frank though, Iris was (and still remains) a bit of a spoiled brat. She never paid attention to those things because she was much more focused on drinking peach schnapp’s on top of her Honk Kong penthouse apartment at 3am with the French ambassador’s son, or using a friend’s connections to take a private jet to Seoul just to go to the hottest new night club. Maybe they were acts of rebellion, maybe Iris was just another disillusioned rich kid. For the longest time, magic was just something that existed in the fairy tale books her mom used to read to her (before she became too busy and before Iris’ primary source of contact with her parents was FaceTime chats).

The day her sense of normalcy changed was any other Thursday, in September of 2019. In a shocking turn of events, the entire family was all in London at the same time and had spent three whole days together. It was nice, in a way Iris hadn’t experienced in years. They’d been on their way to Heathrow for her parents to catch their respective flights when their car was unexpectedly side-swept by another. Iris remembers the initial impact and the feeling of being thrown from the car (though it wasn’t forceful — it felt like she had was being carried away by the wind rather than pushed by the blow). She recalls lying on the concrete with people running around her in a panic, the sound of sirens in the background, and a flock of birds that kept landing around where she lay. When she fully came to her senses, she was in the hospital, with a broken collarbone and covered in cuts but, as the doctor bluntly told her, “alive by some miracle”. Her parents, however, were not as fortunate.

Recovering from her injuries took time. Recovering from her parents is something Iris doesn’t think will ever come. For weeks after their passing, she reacted in anger, lashing out at the people who gave what she perceived to be fake sympathy or looks when they thought she wasn’t paying attention. In her mourning, she never noticed the strange mark that had appeared on her hip following the accident. It wasn’t until two months afterwards, soon after she returned to her apartment in Hong Kong, that she came home to find someone waiting for her. When they said they had news for her, she immediately kicked them in the knees. But, long story short, the stranger informed her that there was a spot at Polaris waiting for her. Then, and only then, did they inform Iris about the existence of magic, in the world and in her. Understandably Iris was prepared to call the cops on them, but when they used magic to create a small fireworks display in her kitchen... well, seeing is believing.

Iris has always been a little bit impulsive, a little bit reckless, and a little too caught up in her own emotions to think something through. Her decision to go to Polaris wasn’t so much based on her wanting to learn her powers, but more so her wanting to get far away from anyone who might remind her of how things have changed. She told her friends and extended family that she was moving to America, leaving out the part about her attending a school for magic because what the actual fuck kind of conversation would that have been. And honestly, being a witch is... kind of cool. She’s still trying to get used to being a witch and everything that comes with it, and her rich political daughter mindset does make it hard for her to really connect with people outside of her own social circle, but she’s at least where she should be. Plus, knowing that she might one day be able to fly is pretty fucking cool.

INCLINATION

Tucana, the Toucan, isn’t exactly known as the most well-respected constellation. It’s magic isn’t the strongest, and the majority of its power tends to come from outside stimuli rather than internal. Those gifted with the powers of Tucana have a particularly strong bond with birds of all kinds. It’s said that the phrase “a little birdy told me” stems from a Tucana. These individuals are protected by birds and, in many cases, understand their flight patterns and their sounds as a means of communication. They receive messages and warnings from these little flighty friends that, while not granting them any strong offensive or defensive magic, does grand them the power of bird divination. Plus, to make up for them being seen as a bit of a joke compared to other constellations, Tucana grants its users the power of flight once they’ve reached their full potential.

CONNECTIONS

Artificial Sugar Baby: Iris grew up with money as the main source of happiness and so, as an adult, that’s primarily how she shows her affection. This is someone who Iris views as a friend, which automatically means she wants to shower them in gifts. They are also someone who grew up in a much lower socioeconomic class than Iris so, by extension, Iris feels the need to compensate by showering them in even more gifts. Oh, you’re sad? You’re also poor? Let me get you a diamond tennis bracelet, would you like silver or rose gold? Nevermind, I got you both. The matching earrings should arrive tomorrow.

Little Rich Bitch Fighter: Most of the people Iris spent time with prior to coming to Polaris were those just as disconnected as she was. Now that she’s here, she’s learning to interact with people who didn’t have access to family friend’s private plane growing up. She’s made friends while at Polaris and tries to get along, but this is someone who doesn’t like Iris’ ignorance and disconnect, and they make no secret of it. In response, Iris is fully aware that they hate her, but she’s too much of an egoist to really understand why. She’s also not about to outright ask them, so instead she showers them with overly friendly remarks and niceness. Not because its genuine, but because she is a petty hoe.

Mentor: Simple. Iris just started attending Polaris in January 2020, and didn’t know she was a witch before that, so this is someone who tries to show her the ropes. They can either be an air magic user or someone skilled in divination. Either way, Iris would fall flat on her face without them.

Penned by Jeanne ★

#tucana.#air.#taken.#jeanne.#student.

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baeklooming-day · 6 years

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Fleeting | Baekhyun

Summary: You lead a double life. For everyone else, you are the pretty girl with a great sense of fashion who works at Sephora. But it isn't your only job. For the other one you require only two things: the collection of weapons you keep in your closet - and zero emotions.

ft. Luhan

Genre: assassin!au, mafia!au, street racer!au, fluff, angst

Word count: 4.5k

playlist

"Really, Y/N? You know I love you, but lately I feel like the only reason you call me is for you to ask for favors."

"That's not true! Pretty please Sujin! I will be just a few minutes late."

"Hahaha! Good one."

"Sujin. I really need to take care of something right now. Will you help me out one more time?"

"..."

"Sujin!"

"Okay, okay. I'll cover for you. But, whatever it is, hurry up and come here right after, understood?"

"Of course. See you in a bit!"

You hung up.

Sujin was your coworker and friend. She totally adored you, and maybe that's the only reason why in the end she always let slide you being late for work. Well, you weren't always late. Sometimes it just happened for the problem to have to be solved during your usual work hours at Sephora.

Like today.

Your grip on your rifle tightened.

Easy. Focus.

After all, you've done it many times.

In this long time you've worked for Zhang Yixing you've never seen him as nervous as that evening.

"Listen Y/N, you do know the CEO of Kang Corporation, is that right?"

"Yeah, I mean, not personally but I know who he is. Kang-something...?"

"Yes, him. Listen. You also happen to know who Jackson Wang is, right? The CEO of Wang Enterprises?

"Yes-"

"Alright, here is your task."

He quickly slid a piece of paper in your direction.

You picked it and started to read.

You snorted.

"Why could I see something like this coming? It was so obvious. I assume our big CEO Mr. Wang wants all the power and glory to himself. Is he actually aware what might happen if suddenly the second big CEO disappears from the scene? Everyone knows those two don't particularly love each other."

"This is none of our concern, Y/N. Make sure you take care of this."

You paused for a brief moment.

"How much?"

Yixing hesitated. Woah there, you thought. So it is the highest price I've ever got.

"10 Million American dollars." He said, not breaking eye contact with you.

"Woah."

It always amused you, how desperate some people could be only to take down somebody who wasn't doing in their favor.

"'Woah' is a good word to describe it. Anyway, Y/N, I trust you to solve it without any complications as always."

"Will do, boss!"

With that being said, you directed yourself to the exit where you paused, only to quickly turn around and send Yixing a childish 'bang!' with a finger gun.

So now, you found yourself sitting on the roof of the Plaza Hotel - it would be quite romantic to say the least, if it wasn't for the purpose you were there.

You were a paid murderer. You killed people in an exchange for money.

Your current target was a certain Kang Seojun - the CEO of one of the biggest corporations in the city.

It wasn't your first time that you had to eliminate some important persona. You already had a minister, a few influential politicians and even a famous actress on your account.

It was always the same process. Find the target, observe them for a while, get some more information and finally, attack.

You adjusted your rifle.

To be quite honest, you've never been a fan of making a 'task' look like an accident. This regards arranging a car accident or literally setting the target's house on fire.

No, it was too much work than it already was.

So you just sticked to the classic solution.

Right now you were waiting for Kang Seojun to arrive at the Corporation's building right next to Plaza where their company meeting took place.

"Where on earth is this man", you mumbled to yourself. "If I don't kill you today, Sujin will kill me for being late again."

While you still waited, you looked at your own reflection in the small pocket mirror you always carried with you.

Your dark red lipstick and eyebrows were perfect as always. At least you looked good doing bad stuff.

Then you heard a vehicle pulling to stop and muffled voices in the distance that was separating you from the street beneath you.

You immediately straightened.

You could see the car's door open and a blonde head peeking out.

There he is.

He surely took his sweet time. Ironically, he didn't have much of it left.

Don't move a muscle. Concentrate.

He was now slowly heading to the entrance of the building. You had to act quickly and effectively.

Breath in. Breath out. It's a piece of cake.

Your fingers carefully clasped around the trigger.

"Bang."

You shoot.

It didn't take long for the hell to break loose. But by now, you were accustomed to it. After all, that part of your job was always the same as well - after having eliminated the target, you had to escape as fast as you could. Without being seen by anyone.

You had to have your eyes wide open. And you had to be careful.

Very, very careful.

You knew exactly what happened to people like you who were being careless about the whole thing. So already in your early training days you decided to never put your guard down.

The moment you entered Sephora you were met with Sujin putting a new delivery of Nars foundation onto the perfectly cleaned shelf.

To be honest, you actually really enjoyed working there. In your free time - time, when with a gun hidden in your boot you didn't run down the stairs of hotels, skyscrapers, apartment buildings, you name it - you liked playing with makeup and going shopping.

You could say it was a little benefit for you. You had to seem innocent, powerless. You had to be like a normal girl.

Well, at least pretend to be one.

"Hey, Sujin!"

"Finally! I would say 'right on time', but..."

"I'm sorry?"

She looked at you with an unreadable expression on her pretty face.

"Come on, help me sort it all." She pointed to the big box that rested beside her leg.

"Oh my." Your eyes scanned the new arrivals. "These are all so nice."

"Y/N, I know what you are thinking right now, come on. You basically have half of this store at home, you do not need another bottle of foundation."

You chuckled. "I didn't say anything!"

There was silence for a moment before Sujin spoke again.

"Actually, Y/N, are you seeing anyone at the moment?"

There it was. The question. You knew that one day she will completely see through you and get it that you were lying all along the way.

You always told her poor excuses for how come you never go out on any dates and aren't particularly interested in boys in general.

Because what else could you tell her?

You couldn't get too attached. Being who you were, didn't include love. You couldn't show anything that could be easily used against you.

"No, why? And on top of that, I already told you I'm too busy for a boyfriend." She looked unconvinced.

"What about Baekhyun?"

"What about him?"

You could expect her to ask about Baekhyun. Except for Sujin, he was your only friend. As if it wasn't obvious by now that you didn't have many friends. The less, the better, you always told yourself. In the end you were risking their safety as well. If you ever got discovered…

No. It won't happen.

Not again.

"Oh, don't be like that Y/N. Even a blind person could tell he likes you. He's liked you since you moved here! Why don't you just give it a chance? You two would be so cute together-"

"Sujin." You paused her. "Please, just leave it already, will you? Me and Baekhyun are good friends, but nothing more. Besides, Baekhyun is-"

"I'm what?"

You froze. Speaking of the devil. How did he even manage to sneak up on you like that everytime you least expected it?

"Baekhyun!" Sujin stood up to give him a quick hug. "Good to see you, how are things going?"

"I'm not complaining." He chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I see you two have some work to do."

"Just the usual. What brings you here?"

"Actually, I'm here for Y/N. Can I borrow her for a sec?"

You looked up at him from the foundation box you were sitting by.

His black hair was all messy, yet still managed to looked presentable. He was dressed in his standard outfit - plain white tee, black leather jacket and black ripped jeans, which, to be honest, were a little more than worn out.

Any other guy would look ridiculous, so why did he look so good?

Damn you, Baekhyun.

You stood up to properly face him.

"Sure, let's go."

He flashed you a wide smile before turning around and heading for the exit with you following behind him.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about Baek?", you asked once you were in the main venue of the mall.

"To tell the truth, I just wanted to see you."

Is this guy being serious right now?

Every other girl like Sujin, would probably think it was the cutest thing for a boy to do. But you weren't like the other girls.

"Aww, could it possibly be that you missed me?"

"Maybe."

"You literally just saw me yesterday, Baekhyun."

Well, that was very true, you two used to quickly meet at the crossing in the morning before work quite often.

"Oh c'mon, you know what I'm trying to say." He lightly poked your arm. "We aren't spending so much time together anymore. And you always tell me you're busy. If I was somebody else I would even think you are avoiding me or something."

He didn't say it in an accusing tone but you knew he was partly right. Baekhyun just happened to be around almost always. It would be a lie if you said you didn't enjoy his company, because you did. But in your opinion, that alone was already one step too far. You preferred to turn him down and have him upset with you for a couple of hours than to risk being seen by someone who could use that information for certain purposes, or turn him down just because you had to take care of something at that time. Of course you told him you were busy, which also was true. But it seemed like it looked like a one big lie to him.

"Look, I know, but it's really not like that. If I say I'm busy, I really am. You know I wouldn't lie to you like that.

"So..." Baekhyun looked at you with puppy eyes. "Are you free this afternoon?" Another feature about him that honestly annoyed you, because you just couldn't help it but melt, was when he used that puppy look on you.

"Yeah, sure." Those words left your mouth before you could even think about it.

Dammit. You really needed to do some practising in resisting that boy's requests.

You found yourself sitting on the rooftop of an apartment building sipping on a big cup of Starbucks coffee. The spot was lovely - actually, it was your favourite spot in the city back then when you first moved in into your apartment. It was also the spot where Baekhyun brought you when you hung out for the first time. Of course it wasn't a date - none of the times you two hung out was. At least you wouldn't call it in that manner. Maybe Sujin would, but in her eyes everything had a different meaning.

Baekhyun was sitting right beside you and sipping on his own cotton candy frappuccino while gazing onto some unindentified point in the space.

Funny, you thought. He usually was the one to talk, he rarely got so quiet when you two were together.

You turned to him and sipped as loud as you could to get his attention.

"Hmm?"

"Something happened?" You brought your attention back to your cup. "It's strange to see you shut up like that."

"Nah, it's nothing." He hesitated for a brief moment but then spoke again. "Actually, Y/N. There is something I've been meaning to ask you, but..."

Oh no. Sujin couldn't be possibly right, could she? Shit.

"I mean, for the past two years that we've been best friends I don't really know much about you when I think of it, and it just kind of bothers me."

Oh my god. You let the breath you didn't realise you were holding. So he wasn't about to ask you out. Good.

But what were you going to tell him now anyway?

"Uhm, what do you exactly mean?"

Baekhyun shrugged.

"Besides that you are eyebrows-obsessed, speak more languages than any other person I know and can't get through the day without coffee or chocolate I don't know nothing about the times before I met you and where you came from, who your parents are..." He glanced at you.

You gulped. Why did he suddenly want to know all of this?

"I don't know who your parents are either. And before moving here my life was just a little, hm, complicated to say the least." You carelessly run your hand through your locks hoping that he won't dig any deeper.

"Fine, let's leave the parents thing out." Now he was directly looking you in the eyes. "But what do you exactly mean by complica-"

Buzzzzzzz.

Buzzzzzzz, buzzzzzzz.

He didn't get to finish the sentence when both your phones started vibrating in your pockets.

Baekhyun took his phone and looked and the bright screen.

"Aish, sorry I have to take this." He gave you an apologetic look.

"No worries, I have to take mine as well. Might be something important at work."

You smiled before quickly staying up and taking a little distance to finally slide your finger across the screen to accept the call.

"What the actual hell Yixing? I told you not to call me during the day!" You were careful to not be too loud, just in case.

But still, you completed your task just as he wanted, so what could it possibly be now?

"What-" His voice on the other line sounded a little bit irritated. "Would you quit shouting like that? Geez, my poor ear…"

"Look, I'm with a friend right now, so hurry up and tell me why you're calling before he hears everything."

"I'm calling you because I need you to show up at my office, like, right now." He paused before quickly adding "very urgent."

Sometimes you really just wanted to throw a shoe in his face.

"Yeah, fine. Already on my way."

You hung up.

When you were about to go back to where you and Baekhyun were sitting just a few moments ago, you saw him approaching you first.

"Y/N, I'm so sorry, but I have to go." He started to nervously scratch his neck.

"I have to go too. Something came up and they need me at... uhm, work." You wanted to sound confident but your voice sounded like anything else but that to you.

"The universe just wants to keep us apart for some reason, huh?" Baekhyun smiled ironically before quickly hugging you and making himself on his way.

Keep us apart, you thought to yourself. Maybe this is just the way things should be.

You arrived at Yixing's office not more than 15 minutes after you said goodbye to Baekhyun. You entered without knocking and immediately sat on the chair in front of his desk.

"So, what is this all about? Everything went smoothly in the morning, the guy is still very dead."

Yixing looked up from his laptop.

"I know, but this is not about that."

You raised your eyebrows.

"I just got a phone call. I don't know how to explain this, this is the first time a client requests something like that, though." He furrowed his eyebrows.

"What exactly is this request?"

"The client asked to meet you before you complete what they want you to do. Tomorrow, Cloud 9 at 11 o'clock."

What?

"Cloud 9? That fancy café on the 22nd floor? Pardon me, but what for?"

Yixing raised his palms. "I seriously don't know Y/N. They only said they wanted to reveal to you some particular information on the target. Other than that, they didn't name any price, so I suppose that's what they want to discuss with you personally."

"Well. Well, alright. How will I recognise them? Is it a man or a woman?"

"It was a woman's voice on the phone, and she didn't say anything about her appearance except for short blonde hair. She said she will recognise you."

"Fine, so be it." You nodded. "Can I go now?"

Yixing waved his hand in the yeah-go-away manner. "Yes, dismissed."

A client wanting to meet up with you? Well that was new.

The next day, you were preparing yourself for the "meeting". That woman said she would recognise you, right? But wait. How was she going to recognise you? And how did she even know how you look like?

Hold on, calm down.

After all you were pretty popular among the more significant people from dark businesses. There's no need to invent things.

You didn't really have a plan what to wear, so you decided you will keep it simple but with style. You went for black ripped jeans, white off-shoulder top and your casual white sneakers.

Perfect. None would even think of who you actually were, which was always your kind of a motto.

When you arrived at Cloud 9 it was 10:45. The client should appear soon as well. You walked in and took a seat at a table possibly far from unsuspecting ears.

The Cloud 9 café was a really nice place. It was on the 22nd floor, so it had a wonderful view at the entire city. The floor was a white marble while the walls where in warm shade of deep chocolate brown. The café alone was in shape of a circle, so it basically had glass all around, through which you could admire the beautiful view.

You took a look on your phone. 11:10. The client is not here yet. But they said 11 o'clock, right? Do they really think they can just keep you waiting like this? Instead, your screen lit up once again with an incoming call from Baekhyun.

That boy.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Y/N! Where are you right now?"

"I'm supposed to meet up with someone but they're already 10 minutes late." You stopped. You shouldn't be just spilling everything so carelessly to Baekhyun.

"What? With who?"

"Uhm, none in particular. Work, you know. She's a... she's the boss of Sephora on the other side of the town, you know. We wanted to discuss which new brands our both stores could take to... to widen the whole thing. Or something." You weren't convincing even yourself, but scratch that right now.

"Oh." If he didn't believe you he didn't show it. "Uhm, so, did you say they were late? Where are you?" His voice sounded as if he had been running.

"I'm at Cloud 9. Why?"

"I, well, I just happen to be nearby so I can keep you a little company while you wait?"

"Yeah, alright. I'm hanging up now."

You looked at your screen once again. 11:20. Was ist some kind of a joke? Why is this woman, or whoever that client is, already 20 minutes late?

You decided to wait another 15 minutes, and if they won't show up, you will go straight up to Yixing and tell him to stop playing some stupid tricks on you, or whichever ridiculousness that was, which was just taking place.

You couldn't get more annoyed because just then you noticed Baekhyun's black fringe peeking inside. You waved him over.

When he approached your table, you also noticed that he was breathing heavily, just as if he really had been running.

"Woah, there. Are you running away from someone?"

His eyes immediately widened. "What? No, no."

"You look like you just ran in a marathon."

"Well, thanks Y/N." He glanced at you with a pout. He always looked like a little boy when he did that. "Anyway, how long are you planning to wait? When were they supposed to be here?"

You frowned. "They were supposed to be here at 11, but looks like I have been forgotten." You looked over to your phone for the 10th time. 11:28. Really?

You glanced at Baekhyun. His cheeks were red and he was licking his lips nervously. Something clearly was going on, and you wanted to know what.

You put your arms on the table.

"Baekhyun, come on, tell me what-"

You didn't get the chance to finish your sentence when there was a loud BANG! just a few meters away from you.

You both snapped your heads in the direction where the noise came from.

There was a man wearing a long black coat along with the rest of his clothes as well as his hair which also were all black.

He was holding a gun in his right Hand.

But then he turned around and you saw his face.

You knew that face.

And apparently, he recognised you. But also, his gaze seemed to waver on Baekhyun as well with a spark of recognition too.

You quickly glanced at Baekhyun.

His eyes were wide and his expression blank.

Then the man spoke.

"Well, well, well. What do we got here?" He looked around himself and at the frightened people who were probably praying for their life. "To tell the truth, this doesn't concern any of you here, so will you gather your asses and fuck off before I change my mind and kill y'all?"

The people started rushing out of the café making as little noise as possible, probably terrified of the thought that that crazy man in all black could start shooting anytime.

"And don't even think of going to the police! If you still want your brains in your heads, just saying!" The man called behind them, waving with his gun.

Shit. This was all so confusing that all you could do was to look back and forth at the man and at Baekhyun, who, still motionless, sat beside you.

The man took a few steps forward before speaking again.

"No, this is just too good to be true. Honestly, I would never, ever think that our two delinquents know each other." He was now grinning maniacally, which to be completely honest, creeped you out like nothing before.

But wait, did he just say "our two delinquents"?

"What do you want Tao?" You and Baekhyun spoke at the exact same time.

What?

You both looked at each other. "You know him?!" Baekhyun pointed at the man called Tao.

"Yes, but how do you know him?!" Now you also raised your finger to point at Tao.

Then you heard a very loud laugh.

"Seriously, stop!" Tao was rubbing his wet eyes. "Ah, this is so good. You have no idea who he is - and you, you have no fucking idea who she is!"

Okay, now it was getting really sick.

"Care to explain what's going on?" You glared at Tao.

"But of course. I'm here because of two reasons. First" He looked at Baekhyun. "I really was hoping to find you here, to be honest. Like we made it clear the last time we saw each other - you won't get away with what you pulled on that race. And also, we want that car back."

"Are fucking kidding me?" Now it was Baekhyun who snapped. "Where are your eyes? Everyone saw and can confirm that it was all fair! I won. And that car was never yours, so quit talking nonsense."

You felt your head spinning. Race? Car? Was Baekhyun also hiding Secrets?

"Wait." You turned to Baekhyun. "You are racing?"

"Y/N, I..." He run a hand through his hair.

Tao began to laugh again. "Right, let me make this clear to you. This idiot over here, is doing illegal street races for about, let me think, 2 years now? He somehow managed to drive off with our car from the last race in Shanghai, so that's why I'm here for his sorry ass."

"I told you that car is NOT yours!"

"Yeah, whatever. I will deal with you later." Tao turned to look at you. "And you darling, tell me, isn't it too much for you to live with the awareness of all the lives you have taken?"

You swallowed. Shit. That bastard just exposed you in front of Baekhyun, and nothing can take it back.

"Don't talk to me as if you're better, Tao."

"Oh, besides I heard the news. Kang Seojun is dead? Good job, Y/N. Were you playing hunter on the roof again? But fuck, you really must be a millionaire by now, with all these little paid crimes."

"What..." Baekhyun opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, imitating a goldfish. "Wait, no. You... you kill for money...?" He looked as confused as a human being can look. "Hold on a sec, you mean... like seriously doing that stuff assassins in the movies do?"

You felt like you were about to cry. You never wanted him to find out. Now he probably will hate you. Probably will be disgusted and disappointed in you.

"This is so funny" Tao chuckled. "And guess what I'm about to do with you, little princess? Remember Kris, right? Well, long story short he wants you dead."

Tao pointed his gun at you.

You saw your life fleeting before your eyes.

Shit. Shit, that wasn't how it was supposed to end.

"It was nice knowing you, Y/N. For the good old tim-" Shatter. He didn't finish the sentence, when a glass bottle shattered on his head.

Tao fell on the floor, unconscious.

You stared in complete shock at the person who just knocked him down. A scream of surprise left your lips.

You were met with a petite figure of brown-haired boy with sweet eyes which looked at you.

No, this can't be. After these years, you thought he might have ended up dead. But he was standing right in front of you, very alive.

The first most important person in your life. You grew up together and went through good and bad times together, arm in arm.

He was the reason why you promised yourself that you won't get attached to people, ever again.

You saw everything in a blur. What has just happened?

You placed your palm on your cheek, still looking at the petite boy in front of you, who still was holding the half-broken glass bottle.

You slowly stood up.

"L-Luhan...?"

The boy threw the glass on the side and smiled.

"Long time no see, honey."

A/N: End of the first chapter! This is my first ever fanfiction, so I’m really excited (and hella scared, lol) to finally post it! If this piece gets positive feedback, I will be more than happy and motivated to continue and make it a mini-series! I put lots of my time and heart into this first ever fanfic and I would love to properly start writing and improve my skills. So please please please leave me your thoughts, I would very appreciate it! Also don’t forget to leave a heart if you liked it, and feel free to reblog if you want to! <3

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margotryan · 5 years

Text

hey cuties!!! my name is fiona and i’m here and i’m EXCITED!!!! this is margot (but her CLOSE friends call her marley) , and i apologize ahead of time. she’s hard to unpack, but she’s a whole lotta fun!! give this post a like if you want to plot!! i have some wc’s listed on my blog, but TBH i prefer brainstorming sometimes??? depends on the muses! but without further adieux, here she is!

CISFEMALE — ever hear people say MARGOT RYAN looks a lot like KENDALL JENNER? I think SHE is about TWENTY-TWO, so it doesn’t really work. The BARTENDER has lived in Livingstone for TWENTY-TWO. They can be +PASSIONATE, but they can also be -VOLATILE. I think MARLEY might be A SHEEP. ( f. 19. est. she/her. )

BASICS

full name: MARGOT JEAN MARTIN

nicknames: MAR, MARLEY ( given to her by her friends after watching marley and me)

age: 22

dob: feb 3, 1997.

zodiac: aquarius.

occupation: bartender/instagram model.

THE PAST

mar was born and raised in livingstone, vermont to an extremely successful lawyer couple.

the ryans work out of new york city mostly, so growing up marley grew bonds with her babysitters, nannies, teachers instead of her parents

BUT they work there because they’re celebrity lawyers, getting paid a pretty penny for representing high profile criminals, as well as your everyday tabloid actress/musician/you name it.

her whole life, her parents bragged about how their only daughter (unless someone wants a siblings plot?? im down!) would follow in their footsteps eventually

despite how some people might react after growing up in this lifestyle, marley always had a deep love and respect for her parents and their goal-oriented view of things. so, despite being more of a creative and having no real desire to fulfill her parents’ wishes for her career, growing up she would just smile and nod along at whatever they said

TW MURDER: in her freshman year of high school, she began growing popularity. (this is also when she met her boyfriend, kieran.) her parents were representing an actor going through an extremely public murder case, which meant everyone knew her last name. it started out as whispers and stares, and marley didn’t even know why. her parents could never talk to her about their cases, so she was completely unaware of the case until finally, one of her friends pulled up the article

she went home and began researching herself, and mar was genuinely interested in it. she watched the news and read all the gossip about the theories simply because she found the dark undertones fascinating. it was something she hadn’t really been exposed to in her life. everything had been glitz and glam and smiles and money and parties, and it was like she was seeing a different side of the world she never knew about

now that she was informed about the case, she began answering her peers’ prying questions. she wasn’t doing anything wrong since all her information was obtained from the internet and not her parents, and suddenly people seemed to be a lot more interested in her

it also didn’t hurt that this was around the time she started caring about her appearance. she was berated with paparazzi every time she left her house during this time period, and she couldn’t escape the watchful eyes even at school. so, with her parents’ credit card in hand she went on a shopping spree, redesigning her entire wardrobe as well as practically cleaning out sephora’s entire stock

kieran had been the first to notice this new look, and they soon began dating. he was her first love, and she was absolutely infatuated. perhaps an unlikely couple, but Marley couldn’t care less about that. she still doodled his name all over her notebooks, and told him all about her plans for their future

after some time, the case came to a close and by the time she graduated it was long forgotten about. but marley was never forgotten about. she solidified her place as the queen bee for the rest of her high school career. and just like she nodded along with her parents’ plans for her, she did the same with her popularity. her main focus, however, was on kieran.

she ended up the captain of the cheerleading team, prom queen, as well as class president and valedictorian.

she was never a mean girl, which is probably why she was so well liked. she was the kind of girl you looked at and you were like “damn, she’s so beautiful, there’s no way she’s nice too” but then bam. and then she’s smart too?? how could you not love her???

she was also a bit naive. because she’d never really experienced pain or any misfortune at all, she never even considered the possibility of anything bad happening to her. that was until she found out kieran had been cheating on her. practically the entire time they had been together. thankfully, this knowledge came to light after graduation, just before she was to leave for college.

this personality followed her through college, and yes, she did attend harvard like her parents had begged her to. it wasn’t hard considering her parents had attended there, and they’d donated more than their fair share to the school. however, it was because of the pain of being cheated on, and the alluring sense of being in a new place all on her own that she discovered her love for the arts. she began drawing, painting.. anything from portraits, to abstract pieces, to fashion designs. she also picked up the piano, and she did sing and write a little bit of music, but she was far too embarrassed of it to tell anyone. she won’t even sing in front of anyone.

however, she entered harvard with a major in pre-law, but after taking a random art class as an elective her first semester, she changed it to business. she knew she couldn’t switch to art without an entire revolution from her parents, so she concocted some excuse about wanting to be the CEO of her own corporation. this, of course, was equally as acceptable to her parents

but in reality, she just wanted to learn how to market herself as a creative. whether she decided to be an artist, a fashion designer, a singer, or whatever else it was, she knew a degree in that field would do almost nothing for her, while business knowledge could make or break her

THE PRESENT

Marley graduated in 2018, and moved back home to livingstone where she met who else but michael green. the two became friends soon enough, and her parents were absolutely thrilled

her parents were the main driving force between the two getting together. they hated kieran, of course, when they were together. but michael green was the golden boy of livingstone, so he was perfect for the golden girl of living stone.

ever since high school, marley had been blissfully separated from the rest of her parents’ cases. however, she hadn’t escaped the courtroom just yet

although this time, she was taking the stand in defense of michael, her boyfriend, in the trial for the murder of kieran, her first love. none of it seemed real. it still doesn’t seem real to her

she tries her absolute best to stay away from the entire situation. she hasn’t opened the app once since it’s been on her phone, and she hasn’t even spoken to her parents since court.

she lives by herself in an apartment she pays for with her bartending job that her parents have no idea about. but, it pays her bills while she gets to create art - her favorite coping mechanism

but this is the first time she’s ever experienced hate online. she’d been receiving negative press from those same sites she had bookmarked on her laptop. ever since that first case she’d grown an obsession with the macabre, and frequently checked up on her favorite news sites, conspiracy theory sites, and other things of the sort. she knew so much about serial killers and other high profile crimes that she could probably conduct the perfect one and get away with it scot free. hmmmmm. anyway.

now these sites were posting about her, questioning her involvement in the whole thing. even she had to admit that her presence in the case was simply uncanny

but just like everything else in her life, she never asked for this. now, she wishes she could just go back to being the girl who got good grades, wore ugly wire glasses, and always had greasy hair.

PERSONALITY

marley loves to shock people. whether intentionally or unintentionally, it constantly happens. at first glance, she’s just another rich, pretty girl who’s been pampered every moment of her life. after everything she’s been through, that’s the distance she likes to keep between her and most people. sure, she’s kind to everyone she meets, but it can come off as fake to those that don’t know her. she just has that face. queen of rbf. but, her true heart and her mind are reserved for those who have proven to be worthy of it.

she is fiercely independent. that’s shown by the way that she defied her parents, while still maintaining her adoration and respect for them. she never had a rebellious phase, never let their controlling nature change who she was. she never lets people tell her how to think. and as she grows older and experiences more, she’s breaking her silence. she’s starting to not bite her tongue and smile and nod so as to keep being a nice little girl and not start any trouble. instead, she’s starting to voice her opinion, despite what anyone else thinks of it.

she definitely has a laaaarge group of friends. the kind of person that just gets along with everyone?? if they’re so lucky as to keep her attention, that is. sure, she’s nice to everyone she meets and if they ask to exchange numbers she’ll oblige. but that doesn’t mean she won’t block that number as soon as she leaves or simply ignore all the texts and calls from her ‘new friend.’ if there’s something off about you, she cuts you off before you get too close to know too much about her. simple as that.

but despite that she considers herself mainly a lone wolf. no one has your back like you do kind of thing. she doesn’t believe people have it in them to genuinely love and care for another person, especially when it comes to her. as far as she’s concerned, she has yet to see proof of that and she is a very ‘i need to see it to believe it’ kind of person

her inner workings and thought processes are certainly intense, but outwardly, she’s pretty laidback and likes to joke around.

she’s also beginning to party more. she starts by drinking and trying drugs alone in her apartment, but if she met someone who was well versed in those kinds of things??? yeah they’d get into trouble

#livingintro #this... is very long and rambly #but that's my middle name at this point tbh!!#if u ACTUALLY read all this?! i owe u my life..#don't forget to SMASH that like button or shoot me a msg<33 #*+:｡.｡　ɪᴍ sᴛɪʟʟ ᴀʟʟ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ ʜᴏᴡ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴇ? \ ᴬᴮᴼᵁᵀ.　｡.｡:+*

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whaechan · 6 years

Note

do you have any markhyuck fic recs?

Heyo! I’m so sorry it took me so long to get to this, but I went through most of the nct fics I’ve read so far and picked out all the markhyuck fics that I really enjoyed. I’ll list them down for you, w a summary, word count etc. Hope you’ll enjoy reading these! c: (I’ll mark my favourite ones with a ♡ )

Sunny Afternoon - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 8,1k

mark didn’t mind summer, he really, really didn’t. in fact it might even be one of his favorite seasons, but working his summer away in an ice cream parlour wasn’t really his definition of a good time.that is until one day a boy, who glowed like the summer sun, stumbled into the shop.

♡ A Little Extraordinary - Markhyuck (+ sidehsips) - Wordcount: 118k

it’s not exactly normal to have a strange boy climbing through your bedroom window in the dead of night. it’s even more unusual to have this become a regular occurrence.

mark tries his best to take it all in his stride but it all get’s decidedly difficult when a growing crush and a murky backstory keep trying to trip him up.

Summer Dreams - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 15,7k

The purpose of having a summer holiday was to stay up late and sleep in as late as possible. It was not there to be used as an excuse to get dragged along to Seoul with one’s parents to make them look good for a business deal that would greatly help the family company, and yet, this was the situation that Donghyuck found himself in.

♡ Pandorica - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 40k

“Huh,” Mark huffs, pursing his lips. “What can I do to change your mind?”

“Kiss me again,” Donghyuck says, leaning down again. “Consider it your makeup test.”

Courage, Dear Heart - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 5,6k

Mark takes Donghyuck home with him to Vancouver to meet his parents and to propose. It’s all sunshine and rainbows, except they aren’t actually together.

Today, too, the policeman sits (by the busker’s empty pitch) - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 15k

Seoul Police Officer Mark Lee is reassigned to a quiet town, population ~1k. Which is, of course, where he meets the most troublesome (read: annoying) repeat offender of his entire career: street violinist Lee Donghyuck.

Alternatively: Mark is a cop, but who exactly is pursuing who is anyone’s guess.

The Sound of Birds - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 1,8k

Mark wakes up (like he does every morning) to the sound of the obnoxious ringtone he’s set for Donghyuck. He doesn’t know why he expects today to be any different.

♡ Creature of Habit - Markhyuck, Markno - Wordcount: 18,4k

If Jeno was the angel on Mark’s shoulder, then Donghyuck was the devil, and Mark wanted to do something that felt wrong, even just once.

♡ I look for myself within you - Markhyuck, Markmin/Jaemark(?) - Wordcount: 52,5k

Donghyuck cared about nothing, and Mark cared a little too much about everything.

Baby you’re brighter than the sun - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 6,2k

Where Donghyuck starts to get cute notes and gifts from an unknown person

Leaf the plants alone! - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 4k

Your eyes are warm, your skin is sun-kissed and all I want to do is drown in your honey golden locks but your cat is an absolute jerk!

♡ Hopeless hearts just passing through (I was made for loving you) - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 70,7k

Donghyuck’s mother was the demon looming over his shoulder. She painted his life with harsh greys, desolate blues and destructive reds. So when she pushes him to a cage with Mark, he knows there’s no escape but he also knows he wants to love the man he married. So he tries.

He succeeds.(It was never hard anyway)

♡ Retrouvaille - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 12k

The universe made sure they met over and over again.

That AU where Mark and Donghyuck meet in high school and later all over the world until the red-haired boy finally stopped running.

The weekend, or whatever - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 8,8k

Donghyuck snorts. “And I’m the extra one.”

“I guess you’re rubbing off on me,” Mark shrugs and sets off quietly.

The nohyuck two hit wonder (series) - Markhyuck, Hyuckno/Jehyuck(?) - Wordcount: 13k & 14k

Jeno has returned to Daegu after years of staying away. Mark and Donghyuck are pleased but Jeno isn’t here to stay.

He’s running out of time. Fast.

♡ The Johntenhyuck family chronicles (series) - Johnten, side Markhyuck - Wordcount: 8,8k

A fic where Johnten live together with Johnny’s little brother, Donghyuck, who’s kind of like their son

Set my heart high (like a volleyball) - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 19,1k

Mark and Donghyuck belong to rival high schools and they hate each other’s guts — they’re not even subtle about this statement. They think the universe must be playing a joke on them when they end up in the same university auditioning for the same volleyball team.

♡ In Bloom - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 2,7k

Lately, whenever Mark’s with Donghyuck, he’s had to worry about the flowers in his cheeks. There’s something about Donghyuck that makes them blossom, spreading across his face, turning his cheeks into meadows.

Make Me Over - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 7,3k

“As far as summer jobs went, working part time at the mall’s Sephora wasn’t the worst.”

In which Donghyuck falls hard for the boy in a muscle tee who walks into his Sephora not knowing the difference between a pan of blush and a palette of eyeshadow.

Wanna be Startin’ Sometin’ - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 10,1k

“Mark wasn’t lost. He wasn’t. He was merely temporary disoriented, if that. He’d find his way back on the trail in no time, and back to the campsite in half that.”

or, the fic where Hyuck’s a park ranger, and Mark’s never left the city

♡ Rewrite the Stars - Markhyuck, side Renmin - Wordcount: 54,5k

Donghyuck’s got a crush. He’s the perfect boy– he’s cute, he’s polite, he cooks. Donghyuck’s friends even like him. The catch? He’s a robot.

You’re my open road - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 4k

“Can I paint your nails?”

Spinning it faster is not always the best choice - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 8,1k

When Donghyuck first meets Mark, the boy has his hand stuck in a washing machine. Thirty minutes later, he falls in love.

The Search for Everyting - Markhyuck, Noren - Wordcount: 43,7k

Mark Lee is on his last year of high school, and he is going on a road trip with his best friend Jeno before they graduate. The thing is, they have to bring Jeno’s boyfriend Renjun, and they also encounter a stowaway who really should be anywhere but under the cabinet of a small sink in the back of their van.

This is a story of summer, long road trips, unwashed bodies, broken hearts, stupid mistakes, young love and growing up. Come join four boys as they journey on a search for everything.

One of Us - Markhyuck (+ side ships) - Wordcount: 18,1k

Donghyuck’s new flatmate Mark doesn’t seem any different from expected. He’s nice and polite, and pretty darn cute too. All of that changed when Mark returned home one night with a bloody shirt and a gun in his hand.

Drills and Flowers - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 6,5k

Donghyuck works in a flower shop. Mark works in the mechanic’s opposite the street. One day he came in and crushed Donghyuck’s flowers. Donghyuck tells him to go fuck himself. Mark says he would rather fuck him.

End of the World - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 6,9k

Mark wonders who will love him until the end of the world. Then enters Lee Donghyuck, a person who doesn’t believe in it.

Or alternatively, Mark is heartbroken after Jaemin leaves him for his best friend. Donghyuck becomes the only person he can rely on.

♡ Frostbite - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 4,4k

According to Renjun, Donghyuck just needed a push in the right direction. Donghyuck didn’t think he meant down a hill, racing Mark to the finish line on a sled.

♡ Out of Your Mind - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 7,1k

Mark just wants to be a regular teenager. Or as regular as an eighteen-year-old sharing his body with a demon can get. And unfortunately for him, Donghyuck loves making things complicated.

♡ Spring Break (All Your Bones) - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 7k

Donghyuck is for Saturday mornings after sleepovers Mark would never admit he enjoys and summer afternoons sitting on sun warmed sidewalks with sugary ice cream melting in their mouths and down their fingers. Donghyuck is his childhood and adolescence, and Mark spends spring break getting reacquainted.

Of All The Bad Ideas - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 10,3k

Donghyuck has been pining after Mark Lee since the first year of high school, and now they’re four years deep and Donghyuck’s feelings are still hurtling towards imminent heartbreak. He’s always been an impulsive decision maker, but he should have thought a bit harder on this one.

One by One (series) - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 14,3k

Mark and Donghyuck work their way through first love, from awkward kissing lessons to long night drives through sleeping neighborhoods. (AKA the Markhyuck Making Out series)

Simple as ABC, there’s only you and me - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 10,7k

0 mile. 6000 miles. 10 miles. 0 mile.

No matter how far or near Donghyuck is, Mark decided a long time ago to love that boy and never let him go.

Fall of a Thousand - Markhyuck - Wordcount: 14,6k

Growing up, Mark has only ever known of one constant in his life, Donghyuck.

Whether that’s meant to be a good or bad thing however, is a decision resting on fate itself.

And here are a few fics with other ships that I came across while looking around that I really liked

Words in Your Hands - Markno, Hyuckmin(?) - Wordcount: 10k

Mark is sure that Jeno is interested in Renjun so he ignores all his attempts at flirting. He really wishes Jeno would just stop; it’s not good for his heart.

♡ Love (That’s All There Is To It) (series) - Norenminhyuck - Wordcount: part 1, 4,4k

Most people don’t get it.

(Donghyuck has three boyfriends and he’s totally content, regardless of what people think)

♡ We look for stranger things (’cause that’s just who we are) (series) - No ships, just the dreamies - Wordcount: part 1, 7,9k

Just a bunch of strange teenagers finding home in one another.

Have a cup of cheer - Hyuckmin(?) - Wordcount: 3,1k

Jaemin goes on a romantic Christmas non-date with Donghyuck.

And some shameless selfadvertising

Surprise Kiss - Markhyuck - Wordcount; 800

Wherein Mark decides to just take a leap of faith towards the amazing being that is Donghyuck.

aka mark gets an idea on how to shut donghyuck up when he starts rambling again

And that’s all I have so far! This literally took me around.. four hours to do oh my god :))))) So I hope you guys like these fics otl ;;

If any of the links aren’t right or whatever please hmu so I can fix it, thanks!

#omg i love reading fics man #pls always send me fic recs thanks #this took soooo long to make oh my god woejlkd #did me remember some good ones ive read tho #so im gonna reread those whoop #anyways #happy reaction #whoop #mop #nct fic rec #fic rec

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rafalhelal · 7 years

Text

POIs (Points of Interest) in Suzhou!

Hello everyone!

I have finally (sort of) compiled places we could visit in Suzhou and Changshu. However, I would have not been able to do this without the help of some amazing people <3 Special, special, speciaaaal kudos to my lovely roommate Altria, my neighbor Yangge, my Chinese buds Yuchen & Yunru, and to everyone else who responded to survey!

Obviously, Changshu and Suzhou have much more to offer than this post, but I cannot include everything. I hope this will help you in planning your Golden Week trips or any future trips you want to make within Suzhou.

There are two things to keep in mind when reading this post. I have grouped the places-to-visit in two categories. Category 1 is when the places are not too far off each other, so I group them all into a ‘travel plan’, and you could use it as it is so you don’t have to do further planning, or if you need to make modifications, do as you wish, but I certainly hope with the help of the ‘travel plan’ I made, it will minimize the workload for you!

Category 2 is when a destination is especially far from other destinations, and so I included the destination individually within this post, and you are free to include it in your own travel plans.

Did you know that Suzhou is in the top 20 tourist destinations of China?

Please take into consideration that China is HUUUUUUGEEEEE (1.8% of the Earth’s surface area is China!!!)

Suzhou is known as the Venice of China and is particularly famous for its water towns. One of the water towns recommended by Claudia is Tongli (同里). On that note, Suzhou is actualy 40-ish% waterbody, and is divided into several counties, two of which have been highly recommended by the locals and suggested in the survey. The two counties are Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), and Central Suzhou.

SIP is heavily influenced by Singapore and very modern, whereas Central Suzhou has more of the traditional touches and sports most of the Gardens, many of which are World Heritage Sites (UNESCO approved).

This is a screenshot of map.baidu.com with pins of the places listed below. The map is supposed to help you plan the trip and also give you an idea of how far each destination is from the other. If you start from Suzhou Expo & Arts Centre, you can practically walk to the next destination which is Suzhou Arts and Culture Centre. Actually, this applies to all the destinations pinned on the map, but if you’re not a walker, Suzhou has a good subway system (click here to view the suzhou subway map).

1. Suzhou Expo & Arts Centre

Location: 工业园区苏州大道东688号

Opening/closing time: Depends on the exhibition

Highlight: Car Exhibition during Golden Week

2. Suzhou Arts and Culture Centre

Location: 苏州市工业园区观枫街1号(近现代大道）

Fee: None for entering

Opening/Closing time: All day

Highlights: Movies, and art exhibitions (Online reservation required!)

3. iStation (Underground food and entertainment complex)

Location: Near Suzhou Arts and Culture Centre

Highlights: “fast food choices such as burritos, hot dogs, Taiwan snacks, Xinjiang lamb kebab, and Korean-style beer and chicken to a funky, well-designed coffee shop, pizza eatery and Chaozhou congee restaurant” - cityweekend.com and Mr. X (Escape Game)

4. Time Square (Mall complex)

Location: 时代广场

Highlights: Malls, branded stores like H&M, MUJI, GAP, SEPHORA etc.

5. Eslite Library/Bookstore

Location: 诚品书店

Opening/Closing time: 10.00 – 22.00

Highlights: Books in english & chinese

Other recommended places!

1. Suzhou Ferris Wheel

Location: 摩天轮公园" 苏州园区现代休闲广场南侧

Fee: 120RMB/person

Opening/Closing time: 9.30-17.30（NO TICKET AFTER 16.30）

Highlights: Scenery

2. Yanchenghu peninsula

Location: 苏州阳澄湖半岛旅游度假区

Highlights: Scenery

3. Taihu Wetland Park

Location: 太湖湿地公园

Fee: 90RMB

Highlights: PANDAS!!!

4. Li Gong Di

Location: 李公堤太湖风光

Highlights: Aesthetics, food

5. Tongli Water Town

Location: 同里古镇

Highlights: scenery, culture, food

A local suggested that it is better to start the day off at Xiangmen, then walking towards Ouyuan, Pingjiang Road, Guanqian St, and finally the two museums.

1. Xiangmen Gate

Location: 相门苏州

Fee: FREE

Opening and Closing Time: 6.00-22.00（light on 6.00-8.30）

Highlights: Historical site, scenery

2. Suzhou City Wall Museum

Location: 江苏省苏州市姑苏区干将东路相门城楼下

Fee: FREE

Opening and Closing time: 9:00-16:30（16:00 is not available to enter ），monday is closed

Highlights: scenery, historical site

3. Suzhou Garden Ouyuan

Location: 耦园旺季门票

Fee: 25元

Opening and closing time: 开放时间：7:00-17:00（旺季：3月1日-10月31日

Highlights: world heritage site

4. Pingjiang Road 平江路

location: 平江路南起干将东路，北越白塔东路和东北街相接.(say 平江路and everyone knows)

Opening/closing time: all day

Highlights: FOOD!!!

5. Humble Administrator's Garden（拙政园）

Location:江苏省苏州市平江区东北街178号

Fee: 90 RMB

Opening and closing time: 7.30 AM - 5.30 PM

Highlights: One of the four best gardens in China

6. Suzhou Museum ( 苏州博物馆)

Location: 苏州市东北街204号

Opening hours: 9:00—17:00 (Tuesday - Sunday)

Fees: Free

Highlights: Our school architecture is inspired by this architecture!

7. Guanqian Street (观前街)

Location: 苏州古城中心

Opening and closing time: all day

Highlights: Cheap shopping

DISCLAIMER: I did not receive many responses for Changshu (tbh I only received 1) and I did not have time to do my own research and compile everything. I did what I could, and at the end of this post, you will find a scanned brochure which sports mini “changshu challenges”. I will also post the chinese character text, so you can copy and paste the destination you are interested in in baidu/google for further planning.

I also included how to get to the destination by the 1 RMB bus from school, just in case you have a lot of time and do not want to spend money on taxi. Buses 2 (6.00 - 20.40), 4 (6.35 - 20.10), 9 (6.45 - 20.00) are in the University Stop whereas Bus 5 (6.35 - 20.10) is in the village’s direction.

1. Location: Shanghu Scenic Area 尚湖

Fee: 80元

Opening hours: 8.00 – 16.00

Highlights: Natural scenery

Transportation: bus 5 ( 状元堤站 - 7th stop 尚湖中央花园(招商西路站) , then bus 116 (尚湖中央花园站 - 9th stop 尚湖风景区站)　(1 hr 18 mins)

(the green pin is our school whereas the red pin is the destination)

2. Fangta Pagoda

Location: 方塔园

fee: 12元

Opening hours: 6:00-17:00

Highlights: Historical site, culture, aesthetics

Transportation: Bus 6 ( 盛豪公司站 - 10th stop 新颜桥站) (51 mins)

3. Shopping District

Location: 常熟服装城购物旅游区

Highlights: cheap clothes!!

Transportation: Bus 9 - ( 理工学院东湖校区站 - 2nd stop 国际服装城(商城南路)站 ) (39 mins)

4. Shajiabang (Military scenic area)

Location: 沙家浜风景区

Highlights: Historical site, scenery

Bus 5: ( 状元堤站 - 10th stop 沙家浜景区站) (56 min)

5. Yushan

Yushan is a whole other world and takes up a significant part of Changshu, and there are many highlights within Yushan itself.

Location: 虞山公园

Fee: 50 RMB

Opening hours: 7.30 – 16.30

Highlights: Cable cars, Yushan commercial street, scenery

Transport: bus 9 - ( 理工学院东湖校区站 - 13th stop 虞山公园站) (57 mins)

please drag the image to another tab so you can enlarge the picture and actually see the characters!

言子圣道》辛峰亭》虞山门》维摩山庄》剑门》西城楼阁》曾园·赵园》虞山公园》阜成门》宝岩》小云栖寺-龙殿》尚湖风景区》陈家坞》张鸟园》沙家浜风景区》沙家浜》昆承湖

镇海台》燕园》方塔园》南门坛》曾园·赵园》唐市古镇》古里（文昌古街）》古里李市

读书台》古籍读书馆、博物馆》言子圣道》燕园》方塔园（拓碑）》曾园·赵园》西城楼阁（大石山房）》綵衣堂》古里铁琴铜剑楼》徽州会馆》东吴书院》红豆山庄

隆力奇小镇》天虹服装城》方塔东街》尚湖蓝调江南》虞山公园（倚晴员、七溪流水）》九灵犀文创园（梦田香草）》星圣娜玫瑰园》水鸟生活馆》东方红木家具艺术馆》圣百合江南糕饼园

蒋巷村》董浜泥仓溇》康博田园》旺桥生态园》李袁村》梨花邨》东方红木家具艺术馆》圣百合江南糕饼园

TIPS!!

Use a google translator to not only get translation of characters but also pinyin!

Use map.baidu to find the fastest/cheapest ways to reach the destination!

Check for reviews and more pictures of your destination in Chinese in baidu and in English in tripadvisor.com!

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hgicapital2u-blog · 5 years

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The best 15+ online shopping sites in Malaysia 2019

The ultimate list of the top 15+ online stores that deliver to Malaysia.

Have you been searching for the perfect place to purchase fun and funky fashion styles, up to date electronics, furniture and home furnishings? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve searched high and low to bring you a list of the very best top 15+ online retailers based on competitively priced products, impeccable customer service reputations and product authenticity. Whether you’re in the market for the latest top-trends in apparel, funky furniture and fabulous home furnishings to restyle your space or the latest iPhone or smartphone release, here are the sites where you’ve been searching for.

Sephora

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Farfetch

ASOS

CHARLES & KEITH

SSENSE

AliExpress

Shobop

Stylebop

Reebonz

Zalora

Lazada

Ctrip

NET-A-PORTER

Pomelo Fashion

Lorna Jane

1. Lazada

Start shopping diversely.

Whether you’re looking for the latest tech releases, top-trending fashion styles or stocking up on health and beauty products, Lazada has all you’re after and more. Lazada Group is based in Germany, and operates websites in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Subscribe and get 10% off.

Get the app for daily deals.

Pay with cash on delivery or online.

Go to Lazada

2. ASOS

A one-stop shop for all your favourite fashion styles.

ASOS has achieved innumerable awards from leading fashion magazines including Cosmopolitan, Maxim and In Style. It’s based in London, but as with all leading online retailers, they offer worldwide shipping, so you can keep your style contemporary with top trending apparel at ASOS.

Free standard delivery on orders over $7.50.

Free express delivery on orders over $250.

10% student discount available.

Go to ASOS

3. Zalora

For fashion apparel and accessories, Zalora is fabulous.

When you’re in the market to spice up your wardrobe you’ll find all the top trending styles across men’s and women’s apparel at Zalora. Zalora’s e-commerce websites launched in 2012 in Singapore and has been catering to all our fashion needs ever since. Step out in style with bold and classic designs.

Free delivery on orders over $40

30-day free returns

Go to Zalora

4. Yoox

Get the labels you love for less.

Yoox has the leading fashion designer wear you crave, for the whole family. Shop for womenswear, menswear and even kids clothing from the world’s best and brightest designers including Dior, Dolce and Gabbana and many more. Get the styles that suit you and the brands you dream of here.

Free delivery on orders over US$250.

30-day returns.

Go to Yoox

5. Hotels.com

Travelling is more affordable than you think.

Wherever in the world you want to visit, you can shop savvy and start saving by comparing prices on flights and hotels side-by-side through Hotels.com. Search and book hotel stays anywhere in the world with this leading travel comparison site. Hotels.com lists over 325,000 hotels in 19,000 locations worldwide.

The rewards scheme lets you get a reward night for every 10 nights you book, whether that’s during a single trip or an accumulation of several stays.

Free delivery via email.

Create an account and get great deals, last-minute offers and information about hotels direct to your inbox.

Go to Hotels.com

6. AliExpress

All the variety you’ll ever need in electronics, apparel and beyond

AliExpress is a well-established global online retailer and has a varied range of products up for grabs. Their shelves are impressively diverse and offer fantastic products in fashion wear for the whole family, jewelry and accessories for every occasion, electronics and even furniture. Anything you could need is available right here.

Join to receive new-customer coupons.

Daily flash deals available.

Get access to exclusive deals and discounts by downloading the app.

See AliExpress coupon codes

Go to Ali Express

7. StyleBop

Step out in style with the high fashion brands you love to wear.

StyleBop has all the top trending styles from everyone’s favourite high end fashion designers only a click away. Enjoy browsing the absurd array of classic and contemporary fabulous fashion wear exclusively offered online here.

Secure online transactions

Diverse range of leading luxury designer fashion

Go to Stylebop

8. Reebonz

Like to live luxuriously? Enjoy the extravagant high end designer wear available at Reebonz.

Reebonz fashion loves luxury designer brands. The extensive list of high-end designers is impressive, from classics like Chloé and Chanel to cutting edge flamboyant fashion designs from Rebecca Minkoff and Rag & Bone. You’re sure to find something perfect to help you stand out from the crowd here.

Free delivery. No minimum spend.

Discount codes and coupons readily available on the site’s homepage.

You can earn loyalty credits of 0.5% on your order value every time you shop on Reebonz by opting into their loyalty scheme.

Go to Reebonz

9. Courts

For a vast array of consumer electronics, Courts is a one-stop shop.

If you’re on the hunt for the latest across smart technology, TVs, entertainment equipment or even home furniture, Courts is a got-to. This company has everything you’re after at prices that genuinely won’t be beaten.

30-day lowest price guarantee; if you find it cheaper, they pay 300% of the price difference.

Shop online or in store.

30-day returns in store or online.

Go to Courts

10. Sephora

All your cosmetics covered through a single site.

Sephora provides an awesome catalogue of must-have cosmetic, skincare and beauty products. This retailer stocks all our favourite brands and even offers some innovative products of their own creation.

Free delivery on orders over $40

Free express delivery on orders over $110

Go to Sephora

11. Ctrip

Exotic escapes that won’t blow your budget.

Ctrip catalogues some of the top holiday destinations on the planet. Whether you’re looking to book a luxury stay at a serene retreat, or buzzing city adventure, you’ll find an unbeatable deal through this site.

Daily discounts and deals available

Compare prices and facilities side by side with ease

Free delivery electronically via email

Go to Ctrip

12. Lenovo

Looking for tech you can trust? Why not go direct to the source?

Lenovo is one of the top manufacturers of intuitive technology on a global scale. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, tablet or computer, shop online direct.

Free standard shipping

Free returns

13. Lorna Jane

A favourite for active wear guaranteed to help you stay stylish.

If you like your forward fashion style to extend to your gym get-up, Lorna Jane is the perfect solution. Browse and buy an awesome range of sporting apparel and accessories from the comfort of your couch

14-day returns

Free delivery

Go to Lorna Jane

14. HP

Investing in the latest HP tech releases? Go direct.

HP is one of the computing industry’s most acclaimed manufacturers. When you’re in on the lookout for a new laptop or tablet, or trying to track down the perfect computing accessory, shop online and save big.

Create an account and sign up to receive exclusive offers

Free shipping on every order

30-day free returns

Go to HP

15. Crocs

For fresh, fabulous and funky footwear for the whole family, Crocs is our number one.

If your searching for footwear that’s supportive, comfortable, and just the right amount of quirky, Crocs is a firm favourite. Shop for the latest shoe style releases straight from the source.

Free delivery on orders over $60.

45-day returns.

Go to Crocs

source: https://www.finder.com/my/online-shopping

#shopping

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tfloosh · 7 years

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The Super Long About Me Meme

get to know me tag! Tagged by @starstruckfemme and @liv-andletdie and @thewhitegoddesshylia (they ganged up on me) Rules: Answer these 92 statements and tag 20 people.

@gabzgirl, @aquosevolved, @hiddentriforce, @blood3000, @ariettysart, @truthfullytriforced, @notsosilentprincess, @artistic-tactician, @southernfairyisle, @0wafflebuddy0, @elements-united, @animefreaksos, @warriorprincesszelda, @kobaltwolf, @foomdist, @haunted-realm, @whitesorceress, @imstillyourzelda, @simplyzelda, @legendofzeldah

THE LAST: 1. Drink: Water 2. Phone call: My mom 3. Text message: The boyfriend 4. Song you listened to: Now or Never, by Halsey 5. Time you cried: Uh, I teared up a little watching Moana the other day

HAVE YOU: 6. Dated someone twice: No? I still don’t get that this is supposed to mean 7. Kissed someone and regretted it: Uh, not technically 8. Been cheated on: No 9. Lost someone special: Sadly, yes 10. Been depressed: You know, I really haven’t. It’s usually just stress with me. 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: No, I actually hate the taste of alcohol (but believe me I’ve tried it a lot)

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS: 12-14: Rose gold, silvery-blue, and royal purple IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU: 15. Made new friends: Yup J

16. Fallen out of love: Yeah, and back in love, and out again. Long distance sucks

17. Laughed until you cried: lol yeah

18. Found out someone was talking about you: It’s one of the many reasons I don’t talk to anyone from my high school anymore

19. Met someone who changed you: Yeah

20. Found out who your friends are: Read #18 above

21. Kissed someone on your Facebook list: I guess my boyfriend counts

GENERAL: 22. How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: I guess all of them but I literally don’t do anything on Facebook

23. Do you have any pets: No *cries*

24. Do you want to change your name: I did when I was younger but now I wouldn’t change it for the world

25. What did you do for your last Birthday: Tried alcohol at World of Beer and did an escape room thing

26. What time did you wake up: 8:30

27. What were you doing at midnight last night: Sleeping

28. Name something you can’t wait for: Graduation

29. When was the last time you saw your mom: Literally looking at her right now

30. What is one thing you wish you could change in your life: How far away my college is from my home

31. What are you listening to right now: Friends on the TV

32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: Probably

33. Something that is getting on your nerves: My boyfriend’s parents’ parenting style (but don’t tell them that)

34. Most visited website: Tumblr and probably Sephora

35. Mole/s: None that I know of

36. Mark/s: I have a few tiny scars from childhood, but nothing major

37. Childhood dream: To be an author

39. Long or short hair: Long!!!

40. Do you have a crush on someone: John Dun, guys it’s a problem

41. What do you like about yourself: Not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty smart

42. Piercings: Just me ears

43. Blood type: I think it’s A

44. Nickname: Tam Tam, or TFloosh

45. Relationship status: Taken

46. Zodiac: Pisces

47. Pronouns: She/Her

48. Favorite TV Show(s): Voltron: Legendary Defender, um, How I Met Your Mother, idk, Say Yes to the Dress.

49. Tattoos: Maybe eventually, if I know my mom won’t yell at me for the rest of my life.

50. Right or left hand: Right-handed

51. Surgery: I had tubes put in my ears as a kid, and then my teeth were really messed up so I’ve had a few surgeries correcting that mess.

52. Hair dyed in different color: I wish

53. Sport: Ha ha ha ha, no 55. Vacation: Uh, I’ve been to Hawaii and New York City 56. Pair of trainers: Converse or flip flops, that’s it

MORE GENERAL: 57. Eating: I had Chick-Fil-A for lunch 58. Drinking: Water, but I really want a Dr. Pepper rn 59. I’m about to: Put on some toe nail polish 61. Waiting for: Graduation 62. Want: Those new Zelda Amiibos, like, they don’t freaking exist anymore!!! 63. Get married: Hopefully 64. Career: Laboratory Research hopefully in the next year or so

WHICH IS BETTER 65. Hugs or kisses: All the hugs 66. Lips or eyes: Eyes 67. Shorter or taller: Taller 68. Older or younger: I tend to like older 70. Nice arms or nice stomach: I think a guy with nice arms is pretty hot. 71. Sensitive or loud: Uh, sensitive cuz loud people get on my nerves 72. Hook up or relationship: Relationship 73. Troublemaker or hesitant: In the middle HAVE YOU EVER: 74. Kissed a Stranger: Nope 75. Drank hard liquor: I’ve had vodka in a mixed drink, does that count? 76. Lost glasses/contact lenses: No cuz if I did I would be as blind as a bat 77. Turned someone down: …Yeah 78. Sex on the first date: No, but I’ve only been on like two first dates so who knows 79. Broken someone’s heart: …Yeah 80. Had your heart broken: No 81. Been arrested: Nope 82. Cried when someone died: No, but I was singing the music for both funerals so, justification 83. Fallen for a friend: …Yeah DO YOU BELIEVE IN: 84. Yourself: Yeah, it’s the stress I don’t believe in 85. Miracles: Absolutely 86. Love at first sight: I’m too much of a romantic not to 87. Santa Claus: I know it’s just a myth or whatever, but I totally believe in Santa Clause still 88. Kiss on the first date: Depends on the guy

OTHER: 90. Current best friend name: Jax 91. Eye color: Chocolate brown 92. Favorite movie: Wonder Woman!!!

#about me #memes

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kennethherrerablog · 6 years

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Want to Quit Your Job? Here’s What You’d Have to Do to Make $73,480/Year

Somethingâs bubbling up inside you. No, itâs not from your fifth cup of coffee. Itâs anger, frustration or maybe just extreme boredom.

Youâre dying to do something else, to escape the grips of management, to pursue your passion.

But you also need an income.

Deciding to quit your job is no willy-nilly decision, but itâs important to know you have options. There are ways out.

Hereâs What You Could Do to Make $73,480/Year

Weâve talked to dozens of people whoâve quit their jobs to pursue their passions, set their own schedules and carve out a lifestyle theyâve always dreamed of.

No, itâs not always easy (usually itâs not), but there are ways to replace your salary.

To show you itâs possible, here are five ways real people have earned substantial money through side gigs.

If you were to do them all, you could potentially bank an extra $73,480 a year.

1. Watch Videos Online for an Extra $2,700/Year

It might sound too good to be true, but InboxDollars will actually pay you to watch videos. Weâre talkinâ movie previews, celebrity gossip, cooking tutorials and brief news segments.

We interviewed Sarah Houston, a college student who easily made an extra $600 through the site in about three years â averaging $200 a year. If you really dedicate yourself, though, InboxDollars says you can make up to $225 a month, or $2,700 a year, watching these segments.

I mean, no, theyâre not as enthralling as the latest Netflix hit, but earning money through InboxDollars is simple and mindless enough!

2. List Your Backyard Tent for an Extra $8,280/Year

Have a spare room? Or even a backyard tent? Try to earn some money by listing it on Airbnb.

Yep! We found a guy who earned $46 a night listing a backyard tent on Airbnb. Renting it out for half the month for a full year could earn him $8,280.

Get started with some of these basic tips:

Make your space available during high-demand times in your area. Think: concerts, conventions and sporting events.

Be a good host, and stock your place with the toiletries youâd expect at a hotel â toilet paper, soap and towels.

Be personable. A lot of travelers turn to Airbnb for the personal touch they wonât find at commercial properties.

Use the Airbnb calculator to find out how much you could potentially make by listing your spare room, couch or that backyard tent.

(Hosting laws vary from city to city. Please understand the rules and regulations applicable to your city and listing.)

3. Take the Dogs out for a Walk for an Extra $12,000/Year

If you love hanging out with dogs, Rover might be your perfect gig.

The online network connects dog walkers and sitters to local dog owners through its 4.9-star-rated app, so you donât have to staple flyers on every utility pole across town.

Rover says sitters can earn as much as $1,000 a month. One stay-at-home mom wrote about how she makes $6,000 just working when she wants and is available.

Rover dog-sitter requirements vary by location. In general, you must:

Be 18 years or older.

Pass a background check.

Have access to the Rover app (iOS or Android).

Hereâs how it works: Youâll create an online sitter profile where youâll answer questions about your experience with puppers and your schedule availability.

You can choose to offer a variety of services, including dog walking, overnight boarding at your home or theirs, and daycare. Boarding is the appâs most popular service, so offering it can get you more gigs. You set your own rates. (Rover keeps a small percentage as a service fee.)

Dog owners will reach out to you. Accept which gigs you want, then start snugglinâ pups. As soon as you complete a service, youâll be paid within two days.

4. Create Your Own Online Business for an Extra $50,000/Year

Do you have a passion? Whether itâs crunching numbers, lines of code, writing or designing, you can strike up an online business and work for yourself â when you want and from where you want.

Meet Daniel Honan, a former military officer who decided to start his own bookkeeping business. He took an online course, Bookkeeper Business Launch, which walked him through the entire start-up process.

When we interviewed Honan, he was on track to make $50,000 in his first year of business.

This isnât unheard of in other industries either. Jamie Cattanach is another great example. She quit her full-time job as a writer and started freelancing full time. In her first year of business, she raked in $50,000 â that was more than her full-time salary.

5. Get Cash Back on Your Purchases for an Extra $500/Year

All right, so thereâs no guarantee youâre going to make money with this free tool, but itâs worth a try, especially if you stock up on items online.

Thatâs what single mom Aimee B. does. In the past two years, sheâs recouped $1,000 while shopping online.

Her secret weapon is called Paribus â a tool that gets you money back for your online purchases. Itâs free to sign up, and once you do, it will scan your email for any receipts. If it discovers youâve purchased something from one of its monitored retailers, it will track the itemâs price and help you get a refund when thereâs a price drop.

Plus, if your guaranteed shipment shows up late, Paribus will help you get compensated.

âMy time is worth a lot,â Aimee says. âAn hour of my time saved is absolutely worth its weight in gold.â

Or, at least, $1,000 back in her bank account.

Disclosure: Paribus compensates us when you sign up using the links we provide.

Bonus: Hit the $10,000 Jackpot

Itâs everyoneâs dream to hit the lottery, right? Never work a day in your life again.

Weâre not going to suggest you go out and invest in lottery tickets. Instead, play free scratch-off tickets through an app called Lucktastic.

Each day, it releases a new assortment of digital scratch-off tickets. Lucktastic says instant wins range from $1 to $10,000. You can also earn tokens that you can exchange for free gift cards to retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Kohlâs, Sephora and more.

And, yes, you can actually win money. We interviewed Oniel Campbell, a single dad who won $5,000 through Lucktastic, which he planned to use toward a down payment on a home.

The app is supported by advertising, which allows it to keep the payouts high and the games free. For more info, check out our full review.

Carson Kohler ([email protected]) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

The Penny Hoarder Promise: We provide accurate, reliable information. Here’s why you can trust us and how we make money.

Want to Quit Your Job? Here’s What You’d Have to Do to Make $73,480/Year published first on https://justinbetreviews.tumblr.com/

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jessicakehoe · 6 years

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Iceland Is Way More Than the Blue Hot Springs You See All Over Instagram

I’m standing on a ledge at the end of Víðgelmir cave, a nearly 1,600-metre-long lava tube just under two hours by car from Reykjavík in West Iceland’s Hallmundarhraun lava field. Above ground it’s summer, a time when the sun hardly sets in this part of the world, but down here it feels like winter and it’s pitch-black.

The tour guide leading our excursion instructs us to turn off our headlamps, the only source of light. “Now let your eyes adjust,” he says. “You’ve probably never experienced complete darkness before, and your brain may start doing some weird things.” While my pupils acclimate to the blackness (I’m starting to see faint lightlike formations), he tells us about Iceland’s Huldufólk (“Hidden People”)—a ghost story of sorts.

View this post on Instagram

Almost as soon as you enter The Cave it becomes completely dark and the temperature drops to about 1 degree Celsius. The lights that have been installed inside the lava tube illuminate incredible rock formations and gorgeous colours. @bustraveliceland #cave #iceland #tour ( 📷 @bicnick )

A post shared by Reykjavik Grapevine (@rvkgrapevine) on Aug 3, 2016 at 6:36am PDT

In this tiny country inhabited by fewer than 350,000, the stories about the Huldufólk are more than just folk tales and could date as far back as the Viking period, when scholars first found mention of the word alfar (“elf”). These elusive beings are believed to be abnormally beautiful, ranging in height from several centimetres to a few metres, and reside in an invisible dimension in the cracks of rocks, caves and mountainsides—and among Icelanders, this belief is widely held. According to a 2017 poll carried out by local magazine The Reykjavík Grapevine, 67 per cent of respondents said they believe in elves, while a 1998 survey found 54 per cent of the population to be believers. Back in 1982, some 150 activists marched on NATO’s Keflavík base in search of elves thought to be endangered by the military operations.

According to a 2017 poll carried out by local magazine The Reykjavík Grapevine, 67 per cent of respondents said they believe in elves, while a 1998 survey found 54 per cent of the population to be believers.

According to folklore, the Huldufólk are neither good nor evil and keep mortals in line, exercising their power to reward good behaviour and punish malice while encouraging the preservation of Iceland’s many natural wonders. Passed on through generations, these tales impart a kind of moral code to life here and figure as prominently in the naming of landmarks and geographical features as the Western world’s saints and statesmen.

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After the rain comes the rainbow 🌈🇮🇸 . . . #tbt #iceland #dream #travel #adventure #me #wanderlust #sea #sun #sky #skyporn #clouds #blue #nature #beautiful #landscape #travelling #travelgram #travelphotography #life #amazing #beauty #landscapephotography #love #instatravel #instagood #photooftheday #igers #happy #weather

A post shared by Matteo Bargetto (@matteobargetto) on Nov 20, 2018 at 3:32am PST

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, at the western tip of the country—known for its gold- and pink-sand beaches—honours half-troll half-man Bárður Snæfellsás, who is said to live in the Snæfellsnesjökull glacier and serve as the area’s protector. You wouldn’t want to incur his wrath by building, say, a condo project atop this nature reserve.

Iceland is located on a hot spot on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The surface of the earth beneath this Nordic nation is unusually thin, which is the catalyst behind its geothermal activity and the geothermal energy that has been helping power it since the 1930s. It’s this energy that allows the country to remain largely self-sufficient, and it has a burgeoning agriculture industry. Iceland is actually home to Europe’s largest banana plantation, which puts that geothermal energy to use heating greenhouses. Plans to share the wealth of clean energy are already in the works, in the form of a power interconnector between Iceland and the United Kingdom. At 1,000 kilometres, it will be the longest the world has ever seen.

There’s a sense of exhilaration that comes with being in a place on the verge of combustion.

There’s a sense of exhilaration that comes with being in a place on the verge of combustion, with countless hot springs bubbling up everywhere and a somewhat apocalyptic landscape of lava fields and scorched earth. The midnight sun casts this already otherworldly place in a surreal light from late May until July: A walk home from dinner under pale blue skies at 11:30 in the evening becomes anything but ordinary, while spotting white-beaked dolphins dancing out of the water on a nighttime whale watching excursion is almost too magical to be believed.

Even underground, there’s a whole world to discover, with networks of lava caves carved violently through the earth, the scar of volcanic fury. As I climb up out of Víðgelmir into the sprawling lava field, the warm air envelops me and thaws out my extremities; I might as well be on another planet. On the drive back to Reykjavík, our tour bus makes a final stop, at Barnafoss waterfall. Travel is all about escape—from work, from monotony, from reality—and natural wonders are the ultimate antidote to anxiety. No, your negative thought processes won’t reverse as you peer at a peaceful waterfall, but watching milky glacier water rushing over lava rocks just might melt your worries away.

View this post on Instagram

Barnafoss Falls Hraunfossar, Iceland #PeterinIceland

A post shared by Peter in Transit (@peterintransit) on Sep 24, 2018 at 1:44pm PDT

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And while you’re there, here are a few items actually worth checking off your tourist checklist.

Eat

Icelandic cuisine is more than just fermented shark and whale meat—actually, those fishing practices are largely kept alive by tourists seeking exotic culinary experiences. At Grillið, located on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, the food is elegant and straightforward, showcasing Iceland’s most beautiful ingredients, like lumpfish roe, arctic angelica and some of the world’s highest quality lamb. I will be dreaming of their potato bread with cep butter and roasted garlic velouté for the rest of my days. The panoramic view of Reykjavik didn’t hurt either.

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Experience

The Blue Lagoon (that silica mud mask is better than the most expensive exfoliating treatment from Sephora to Ulta), Hallgrimskirkja (which more closely resembles a spaceship than a church) and whale-watching are all worth checking out. Elding Adventure at Sea offers late-night tours during midnight sun season, a must if you happen to be visiting in summertime. Make sure you go out on at least one excursion beyond the limits of Reykjavik. Whether you head east, west, north or south, you’re bound to find a wealth of waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic craters and natural swimming spots.

Getting There

WOW Air is the airline that made this magical place accessible to non-executive first class budgets, offering cheap fares from major cities around the world—including Montreal and Toronto. From the airport, grab a shuttle with Flybus into the city center and they will take you right to your hotel, hostel or Airbnb.

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theantibridezilla · 6 years

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TABHoneyMoonsMX: Fun in the Sun at The Reef 28

So, last week I had the chance to escape the cold of NYC and trade it in for warm weather and the blue-green oceans of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. I headed out to Playa del Carmen located in the state of Quintana Roo within Mexico. Although I was only away for a very short trip, I had a fantastic time and would definitely go back. Of the popular travel spots in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is like a hidden gem that—although a popular tourist spot—doesn’t feel like it’s overrun with tourists. Anywho, for this trip, I got to stay at The Reef 28, an all-inclusive adults only resort that’s just steps from the beach and a quick walk from a very chic shopping center and very vibrant nightlife.

Getting to The Reef 28

First, Playa del Carmen doesn’t have its own airport. So you’ll need to fly into Cancun and arrange ground transportation. It’s a 45min to one hour drive from Cancun to The Reef 28.

Arriving at The Reef 28

When you arrive, you’re greeted with a mimosa. Now, this is a place after my own heart! What you instantly notice is that the lobby offers a very laid back vibe with swinging chairs—and more importantly there’s a lobby bar! So, whether you’ve arrived early and might have to wait for a room to become available, or you’re checking out and have a bit of time on your hands, you can kick back and relax with a drink or two...or three. ~_^

Dining & Cocktails @ The Reef 28

The Reef 28 offers three main dining options plus room service:

Venti8cho (the top pic in the collage) is their buffet style dining space for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, you can also opt for an a la carte menu if you’re not a buffet fan.

Cachito (middle pic) is a Mexican restaurant that offers a lux re-imagining of popular Mexican dishes like chicharrón, churros and molcajete de arrachera. Personally, this was my favorite restaurant!

El Asiático (bottom pic) is an Asian fusion restaurant where you can sample Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.

Additionally, the rooftop bar offers a light plates menu and of course, room service has a full menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight snacking needs.

And just like there are options when it comes to dining, you also have three bars that all offer yummy cocktails. As I previously mentioned, there’s a lobby bar, a rooftop bar and a bar in the ante-room for Cachito and El Asiático which stays open the latest until 2AM.

Sleek Pools on the Roof

It wouldn’t be an all-inclusive if you didn’t have a pool. The Reef 28 has a gorgeous rooftop infinity pool with views of the beach and the surrounding city center. Thanks to the warm weather, the water is always the perfect temperature. But if you want to unwind even more, there are two whirlpools nearby. When you’re not in the water, relax on the lounge chairs, in a cabana or head over to the shade covered rooftop bar I mentioned earlier. Although I didn’t get the chance to experience this, The Reef 28 does offer rooftop parties (usually Thursday thru Saturday) complete with a DJ. So, if you can, try to come in the latter half of the week.

Get into Your Zen

If lounging by the pool or heading to the beach aren’t enough for you, The Reef 28 offers a great spa off of the lobby—Okom Spa. In addition to massage services, you can also enjoy their beauty salon and hydrotherapy which includes a sauna and steam room. But if you’re more of an “I’ve gotta sweat to relax” person, their fitness center on the rooftop level will be perfect for you.

Access to Everything

While The Reef 28 is a smaller venue for an all-inclusive resort, it’s really very centrally located if you’re someone who likes to venture out and doesn’t want to spend your entire trip inside the resort. You can head over towards Fifth Avenue which is a vibrant shopping strip with an open air mall (yes I saw H&M, Sephora and other international stores there), walk over towards the nightclub district or just enjoy locals offering their wares. If you coordinate with the concierge at the resort, you can also organize tours to ancient ruins in Tulum or take the ferry to Cozumel island, which you can clearly see from Playa del Carmen’s beaches.

Most importantly, when you stay at The Reef 28, you’re given a wristband. This band not only allows for you to freely eat and drink around the resort, but also gives you complete comped access to their sister resorts, Coco Beach and Playacar, which are their child friendly venues. Both of these resorts are a quick 10 to 15 minute ride away.

Stay tuned for more details from my trip to The Reef 28, where I’ll also talk about their event options for brides or honeymooning couples! To book your trip to The Reef 28 or their sister Playa del Carmen resorts, visit www.thereefresorts.com

***A big thank you to The Reef 28 for hosting my trip to Playa del Carmen!***

#travel #playa del carmen #tabhoneymoonsmx #honeymoon #weddings #mexico #vacation #hotel #all inclusive #resorts #travel influencer #the reef 28 #the reef resorts #hotel review #travel review #tab travel

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