#Sunset Ridge Mysteries

[ckell55]

Book Review: Sunset Ridge Mysteries #2 - The Type-A Guide to Dinner Parties by Elizabeth Spann Craig

9/10 After solving a harrowing murder mystery soon after moving in, Samantha Prescott took some time to just breathe. Now she wants to slowly start getting back into things, and what better way than to throw a dinner party! Everything starts off on the wrong foot when one of her guests gets belligerent and starts insulting everybody else. But it gets even worse when that same guest ends up dead.…

[inthecityofgoodabode]

July 2023: More July

Mississippi kites on patrol for cicadas: 

Seen while walking: 

Backyard corn - The chunky corn on the left is Blue Ridge White Capped & the corn on the right is the mystery corn I found on the curb last Fall: 

The swallowtail caterpillars wore out our dill plants: 

They’ve moved on to the parsley plant next to it: 

Transplanted a volunteer tomato plant into an empty space in the backyard garden: 

While walking the dogs: 

[spinchip]

It was all there, in plain sight

Summary: Zane wants something she can't have.

She notices the pit in her chest only after she’s left Birchwood forest behind. It opens up where her heart would be, a black pit of longing she mistakes only slightly for loneliness and loss. There was someone she loved, once there and now gone. There was a life she had that was hidden from her, so the pit gnawed at her until she grew numb to the ache. It made sense, of course. What little she had left- her name, her face, the white sweater and white pants and cold hands- wasn’t enough to pad out the spaces her amnesia left behind. She looked for the rest of her heart in everything, searching for identity in cold still waters ponds and sunsets and the term elemental master the elderly man gave her when he asked her if she was prepared to face her destiny.

“I’m Jay.” The red haired boy greets her with a wave when she drops her meager belongings on the floor next to her bunk bed.

“Cole.” The other boy introduces himself with a crooked smile, “Yo.” He throws a peace sign up from where he’s laying in his own bed, sketch pad propped up on his lap.

“Hello.” She says formally, clasping her hands in front of her, “My name is Zane.” She refrains from adding I think to the end of her name, “It is nice to make your acquaintance.”

The chasm in her chest is a bearable pain, something that only itches at her in the gaps between training when the monastery is quiet and the two boys are preoccupied. She tries to find things to fill her life with- cooking, mostly. There are a handful of half-finished hobbies she’d tried and failed to integrate into her interests. Granny-square knitting scraps in a box under her bed, sewing needles and threads only pulled out to mend a tear in hers or the others robes after her first project has bored her, and a journal she’d abandoned when the pages she wrote were too empty for her to stomach.

Once, she tried drawing with Cole.

He doodles a drawing of her and shows it off with a grin- the boy in the picture seems so foreign to her that she almost asks Cole to throw it away. A sharp angled jaw, thick brow ridge and broad shoulders. Deep set eyes and hollow cheeks that only seem to accentuate the width of her face. Every part of her is rough and harsh. Handsome, but that doesn’t feel like a compliment when Cole or Jay says it to her. She thanks Cole and draws a picture of him in return- crude, not as skilled, but Cole appreciates it anyway.

Kai brings something with him that makes the cavern in her chest bleed- Nya. Nya, who has soft features and gentle hands. Beautiful, Jay sighs dreamily, and Zane wants that. She wants to be beautiful the way Nya is beautiful, the way the models on magazine covers and actresses in movies are. The pit in her chest has a razor edge now, and each time she compares herself to Nya and finds herself wanting she cuts open her heart on the sides. She tries her hand at makeup once, a few products Nya left in the bathroom that she plays with once day- her attempts are like that drawing she did of Cole. Crude, unskilled, clownish. So she washes her face and goes back to training and wants something she can’t have.

And she knows she can’t have it, because the one time she’d grazed her fingers over the femininity she desired she’d been laughed out of the room. A pink apron, so small and simple- a taste of a life she wanted so, so badly.

But she was a boy, and boys didn’t do things like wear pink aprons.

When she finds out she's a robot, the ache eases. It should go away- she knows who she is, she remembers her father, there’s not this big looming mystery clinging to the nape of her neck anymore. Her shoulders aren’t weighed down by a grief she wasn’t able to remember- sure, knowing brought with it a new pain, but there wasn’t any question to who she is. Zane, son of Dr. Julien. Robot. Hero. She could accept that. She could find peace with her past now- and yet the emptiness persists. Not so harsh, not at first- but over time, the chasm spreads until it feels like her whole body is an empty husky she inhabited.

“Father, if I wanted you to make a change in me, would you?” she asks her father after she finds him again, so close to putting into words a desire she was afraid to recognize.

“But Zane, you're perfect. I could never make you any better than you already are.” He smiles, reaches out to place his hand on her elbow with a squeeze, and she loses her nerve. Redirects the conversation to another persistent issue she had wanted to address as well, and doesn’t bring up the way her body doesn’t feel like it fits her anymore.

Maybe it never had- but then the world is ending, and there’s no time to think about that anymore.

And then a year later, the world is ending again and she pays all she has to prevent it.

She meets another android right before she gives up her life to save the world, and Pixal is everything Zane wants to be. She is beautiful, and she can convince herself it might be love when the pit her body is made of floods with a longing so deep her soul aches with it. She wants to ask her what it’s like- to be a girl.

Is it as wonderful as it looks? Is it as fulfilling as she imagines it would be?

She’s dead before she can form the words.

When she rebuilds her body in the blackness of Borg towers basements, she curves her jaw. She softens the harsh lines her father had sculpted her with, blending out solid planes into gentle features that hinted femininity. Not too much, careful to make it so slight that her friends won't look twice. Just enough to slake the hunger in her chest. Just barely enough to stifle her longing.

She touches her body the same way, adds weight to her hips and thins her waist to give the slightest impression of an hourglass figure. She considers her chest and again she wants what she can't have. She sends the blueprints to the machine before her heart breaks over a life that's not hers and she steps out of the machine in a body that's never going to be quite right.

But she's alive again, and there’s work to be done.

In the darkness of that cell in Chen's dungeon, she experiences heartbreak all over again when her memories flood back and she's reminded that she is a boy. In the spaces between memory, she knows what she isn’t. Memory brings reminder. There’s no escaping the words written down in her code. She can leave the island behind but she’s not free, not really.

Tox and Chamille and Nya and Skylor all cluster together and she wants so badly her core seems to wither with the force of it.

Pixal asks, “Is everything alright?” Because her fans stutter with physical pain at the cruelty of it all.

And she’s never been more grateful that Pixal’s abilities in her head are limited- she can’t read her mind, can’t look into her memories and see the longing living in her every breath. “I am fine.” She says, because there is no other option.

In a set of memories that are not hers to keep, she stares as a villain across a chessboard who says “Then I take it you do not want to make a wish…”

And he smiles at her like he knows. Like he can look right down directly into her heart to see a desire she would never voice, a want so so desperately shoved down and strangled because it simply wasn’t allowed. He’s giving her a golden ticket, a smoking gun to fix everything that’s ever been wrong with her life- it would be a simple, easy wish. Something that rewrote history to suit her needs.

I wish I was a girl, and that I always have been.

But she had a plan, and there was no room for this wish in the precious three she had to use.

She’s always been good at compartmentalizing. She could put her emotions away- this was harder, more insidious, but with time and effort she could make the ache a blanketing numbness instead. She fought just the same, cooked like always, and was for all intents and purposes normal- the disconnect she felt with her body was put away, and it didn't affect her duties as a ninja. That was paramount. Of course, it didn’t matter in the end- they lost. the Destiny's Bounty was crushed and it was pure luck that they had the mind to remember Mystakes tea with enough time to use it. Ninjago fell and they were trapped worlds away with no way back in sight.

Things were starting to look up now, though. The Iron baron was on their tail, but with Faith on their side they had put considerable distance between them. For the first time in a long while, things didn’t seem so bleak.

Faith had approached her while she was readying lunch, helping her prepare the meager supplies they had into a decent meal.

“I apologize,” She began quietly, breaking the lull of silence between them, “For mistaking you for a man.” she’s not sure why she brings it up, just that it feels important to say.

Faith's lips curl up ever so slightly, “Thank you.” There’s another pause, “...You didn’t.”

She glances at Faith, confused.

Faith clarifies, “You never used him in reference to me.” She sets the bowl down and studies her, searching for something. She doesn’t know what to say, so she stirs the pot of noodles while Faith comes to a realization. her mouth forms a perfect o before she schools her expression, looking away. “...I wasn’t always a woman.” She sets the words out gently between them.

She drops the spoon and has to clamber to pick it back up, “You were not?” She asks, looking over at the huntress with wide eyes.

“It is a bit of an oversimplification.” Faith admits, “But no. I was born a boy, and I realized I was a woman later in life.”

“Oh. I have… never heard of that before.” She finds herself whispering, the information overwhelming and too big to deal with in the hot desert sun so far from home. It feels like something slots into place- a reality worth pursuing suddenly just over the horizon. No more longing, no more ache-

“I apologize too.” Faith says softly, eyes sparkling with a new kind of warmth, “I didn’t know we were… family.”

She’s always been one to take someone's words at face value, but she understands Faith's words for what they are the moment they leave her mouth. We’re the same. I see you.

Her throat feels too thick to respond so she just finishes lunch and calls the other over to eat, leaving the conversation to repeat in her head over and over again.

After everything, on a day where the team is sprawled out in the living room trying to unwind after twelve hours of rebuilding work in downtown Ninjago, she blurts it out. While clearing rubble or carrying around building materials she’d been running a search program in the back of her head- pinging more and more resources that give the emptiness and desire inside her a name. She found others who felt the same, reading through post after post of personal stories that all voiced her own private thoughts openly and honestly.

Suddenly the world is alight with poetry and videos and potential, boundless possibility to remake who she pretends to me into who she is. The other women on the internet link hands with her and offer her a community she has been deprived of- and her life is her own. Transgender and transcendent and trans joy.

“I’m a girl.” She announces into the room, because now that she knows all there is to know- now that she knows it's allowed she won’t live another second in this identity that crushes her chest and chokes her spirit.

It’s the first time she’s ever said it.

As her friends surround her, she's met with unconditional support and a life worth living spread out in front of her feet.

[eleanorandphantom]

Get to know me?

I kinda realized I never really introduced myself, so uh, hi!

My name is Echo :D I am pansexual and genderfluid, as for pronouns, I have no preferences, just don't call me an 'attack helicopter' and we'll be chillin'

I am 16, currently in Junior year, actually really enjoying it right now!

In most of my DR's my name is Eleanor, which is why its my user! I just feel connected to both names

Some non-shifting facts about me:

I have olive-green eyes

I have been singing/playing guitar/acting for around 10 years and I danced for 8 years (still dance for theater and funsies)

I play acoustic, electric, and a little bass

I am in a band as a lead singer and guitarist, we are called "Vessels of Rebirth"!!!

I am an alto-soprano! which is very fun as I can sing very diverse styles of music (my favorites being folk, rock, and gospel)

I am a Christian and follower of God, to whom I love dearly

Although I am a Christian, I do a lot of tarot reading, and I also see and speak with the deceased as well as have prophetic dreams on occasion. I currently have 3 spirits residing in my house, they are quite nice! (Also if you guys have any suggestions on incense please let me know! I need to add to my stash)

I do a ton of art, whether it be sewing, drawing, painting, photography, or making things out of materials, you will always find me with a new project (I'm currently working on a plushie bee for my friend in my Java class!!)

Speaking of java I am loving coding, that shit is cool

At the moment, I am leading in two shows (one is a murder mystery comedy, like clue, where the audience decides who the murderer is! The second is Spamalot, and I am the female lead, Lady of the Lake!!) I am also in the ensemble of Hadestown and doing crew for Little Mermaid! So a ton of theater stuffs going on (would you believe me if I told you I have 6 different theater-based DR's?? teehee)

I do a ton of reading, I love books; it's one of my dreams to have a Hobbit-inspired book room in my future house, complete with a circle door

I have a massive collection of plushies and stuffed animals, all of which I have named and remember perfectly (I love them sm)

My favorite colors are: forest/emerald green, sunset orange, TEAL!!!, deep purples, navy blue, maroon, pastel yellow, and blue/ashy grey

I am very Portuguese, and I love Portuguese food, my favorite being Bifanas

I have two pets, a 7 year old golden retriever named Ridge and an 11 month old ragdoll cat named Dexter (short for Dexteria, yes I am a DnD nerd)

Speaking of DnD, I am currently DM'ing three campaigns, and I'm in around 10-15 other campaigns, I love DnD a lot, it's one of my favorite hobbies

Onto shifting related stuff!

I have been shifting(minishifting partially, still shifting though!!!) since I was around 8 I guess? I didn't realize that was what I was doing at the time, and around 2021 I found out about shifting through a classmate (who brought it up at the most random time possible, an ELA class lol)

The first actual DR I ever made was a My Hero Academia reality, and by birds all mighty that script was ROUGH

But I still hold it close to my heart, even though it was so cringy

I took a break from shifting for like 7 months to a year at most, I believed in it, I just felt more content in my CR, but now I am at a point where I want to explore and be fully happy and learn and grow as myself!

Here is a list of my main DR's!

MPHFPC

Waiting Room

Phantom of the Opera

DnD homebrew (x3)

Better CR

Ever After High DR (x2)

Theater related (x6)

Apartment DR (x2)

Big Bang Theory

ASOUE

College DR (Harvard obviously)

Mad Scientist DR (before you ask, it's a book I'm writing, and No I am not the mad scientist)

Hogwarts (Not my favorite, but definitely for the vibes, witch-craft and ooo riding brooms is super fun! I kinda stay away from the main characters to the best of my ability, besides George tho, that man has my heart)

Those are my most recent ones, they all have their little quirks and loveliness that make them unique to me, if you have any questions about them I would be happy to answer!

I mainly post about my MPHFPC DR and more recently my Waiting Room, since they are the two realities I go to

I hope you guys enjoyed and got to know me a bit better, my asks/comments are always open so feel free to stop in and say ahoy!

Bye-bye for now :D

[colorblindstories]

Last year in September I went hiking in my home mountains, Retezat National Park. Here are a few words I wrote down in my journal after that experience.

Meeting Jenna again births a desire in me to continue writing, telling stories through photos and written words. Being in the mountains with friends I haven't seen in such a long time, reconnecting with old friends, and new, sharing stories with Marc, Shanley, Jenna, Lelde, Eathan, Lidia. This is freedom, to be able to roam freely in the mountains. I wish to experiment more with hiking and fasting. I felt empowered. Water tastes different with altitude. And being focused on the path, every time it becomes overwhelming, coming back to the breath, remembering.

Breathing through the nose, pranayama is so vital, practicing more and more makes the body more resilient, more prepared for this kind of exposure.

After six months, I return to these words and to the photos, glimpses of past reality captured in time. The desire is still alive, action is needed.

I have been dreaming of these mountains many times in the past months, their magnitude and vastness always bring me a quality of peace and humbleness I haven’t experienced anywhere else.

Hiking up on the rocky trails we shared the journey, the beauty, the stories, the encouragements, the effort, the treasures found in the depths of our backpacks in the shape of homemade peanut-butter and jams and other goodies, the smiles, the fresh air and the celebration after reaching a summit.

After we parted ways with our friends, we returned to our campsite and witnessed an exquisite play of light and clouds as the Sun was swallowed by the sleeping mountain giants.

In this sunset light I met my brother, another moment of peace and shared love for the beauty found in Nature.

We decided that we will go to sleep in our tents and wake up early, hike up to the ridge where we would receive the Sun and the new day.

Waking up early when sleeping under a clear starry sky seems easy, yet the hike turned out to be harder than expected.

It was still worth it. The gift of the moment is priceless.

My brother loves coffee so much that he even carried his moka so we had a nice hot cup of coffee while waiting for the first rays of the Sun to touch the landscape and our cold skin.

It’s really hard to explain with words the sensation I get when I start the day this way. It’s not the first time I have done it and for sure not the last. Every time it’s different and yet it’s already familiar, the moment when the night surrenders to the day, bowing down in front of the light, feels divine. It’s like being in a temple and witnessing a sacred ritual.

With Rumi’s words:

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don't go back to sleep.

So I will try no more to explain the profoundness of the experience. I let the images speak. Let them move you, let them allure you. Let the mystery speak to you.

[astarab1aze]

➥ Sunset Flash

⸻Technical Information. // Face, Voice, etc.

001 Faceclaim. Ichigo Kurosaki [ Bleach ] 002. Voice Claim. Johnny Yong Bosch

⸻Profile Information. // Name, Age, etc.

003 Name. Yuuya Kei [ a play on the word 'yūyake', meaning 'sunset' ] 004 Alias. Yuu, Legendary Swordsman of the Black Isle, Blade of the South 005 Sex. Male 006 Gender. Male 007 Age. 542 008 Birth Date. July 7th [ Cancer / Hexbreaker ] 009 Blood Type. Sub-type HDO- 010 Race. Half Magma Dragon, half Wildling ; Shattered Isle by nationality. 011 Marital Status. Single [ Multiship ] 012 Orientation. Biromantic Demisexual 013 Residence. He has a semi-permanent home on the Black Isle, a mysterious hidden island in the Shattered Isles said to be the home of the Southern Drakes ; A cottage made of dragon glass, black sand, and volcanic rock.

⸻Physical Information. // Body, Equipment, Family, etc.

014 Physical Description. Yuuya stands at a plain 5'10", but is otherwise lean, muscular, and built for a fight. His hair is a shaggy but vibrant sunset orange and can be altered at-will, usually thick with some amount of volcanic ash that he naturally produces. It feels a bit strange under the fingertips, like faux suede. His eyes are hazel-orange, like a cloudless sunset in the desert, angular and keen. There are some patches of non-iridescent red, orange, and black scales all over his body, particularly on his arms and legs, and on occasion, he may have a single bone-white horn. His body is littered with scars, though perhaps not as severely as others, and he's a story for each and every one of them, even the smallest and least noteworthy ones. He tends to wear Yuureian garb - that is, black hakama and a tattered black haori, given the time he spent there training under Satra. He may or may not wear shoes, usually Yuureian sandals. His fingers are clawed, fingertips and palms more like this in texture but more fine. He does also have a tail, ridged, spiked, and layered with scale plating of the same color as the rest, though it isn't terribly thick and he tends to hide it when it suits him, like his horn(s).

015 Equipment. He will always have his sword, Safyra, with him no matter the circumstances and he's very uncompromising about this; As well as various metals in the form of shavings or dust, crushed dragon bone, singing stones, an infinite pocket pouch full of rubies, topazes, and magical treasures fit for his hoard, 016 Occupation. He's a wandering fighter first and foremost, interested only in the thrill of battle and becoming stronger through it. 017 Job Performance. Lazy as sin and hard to convince at first, but there is no more terrifying a swordsman...

018 Parents. His mother, Safyra of the Xanthean Wildlings, who died of natural causes in her 40s, and father, Dragon Demiurge Vulkaris, current leading sire to southern drakes ; He is 74th in line for the Demiurge position. 019 Siblings. Many, none he knows by name.

⸻Personality Information. // Likes, Strengths, etc.

020 Likes. Dragon glass, volcanic rock, obsidian, blackstone, metals of all kinds, ash baths, ruby, topaz, magical trinkets, weapons, and armors, avulisk eggs, beholder flesh, fire lilies, dragon's breath, fighting, training, war drums, stuffing his face, money, tinkering, challenges and competitions, traveling, exploring, etc. 021 Dislikes. Cowardice, dishonorability, trickery, lack of action, having to sleep, big words, larger pure-blooded dragons, vegetables, rot smell, frankenleeches, pointless theatrics, blue, undeserved arrogance, lack of understanding, widows, canaemery, gryphons, chimeras, summertime heat, etc. 022 Positive Traits. Resilient. Determined. Somewhat principled. Honorable. Loyal. Sincere. Serious. Brave. Earnest. Hopeful. 023 Negative Traits. Prideful. Arrogant. Greedy. Volatile. Somewhat lazy. Dense. Singleminded. Hot-tempered. Desperate. Reckless. Hardheaded. 024 Goals. To amass as much power as possible, particularly in the area of swordplay and his magic. 025 Desires. To at last earn his father's approval and pride, to do his mother's memory justice. 026 Alignment. Chaotic Neutral...good?

027 Personality. Yuuya is something of a complete idiot - rather, he's incredibly singleminded, simple, and dense. He's not going to pick up on any complicated emotions and he's not exactly going to be tactful in stressful social situations, especially if there isn't any single combat involved. He is so devoted to his cause - amassing power, earning his father's affection - he will occasionally derail conversations, prattle on about old battle stories, challenge folks to a match in passing, or always engaged in some form of fight without many exceptions. He loves the heat of battle, throwing down with the best of the best and growing stronger for it or inspiring others to become stronger as well. He is, however, in part, truly doing it for the purposes of earning the Demiurge's love, his favor, not because he hopes to take Vulkaris' place, but because he is lost and alone without his mother. He's honestly sort of a big kid in many respects, just in need something or someone constant, someone strong enough to keep up with him - be it in mind, body, or spirit.

⸻Sorcery Information. // Affinity, Talent, etc.

029 Affinity. Earth & Fire - masterful manipulation and sourcing with certain elements depending on the circumstances. 030 Shapeshifting. Innate Dragon Shape, natural anthromorphic presentation, and human form - he is capable of changing into multiple forms to best suit his environment, as most dragons are ; Despite his mixed blood, he was luckey enough to have been born with full-blooded capabilities. 031 Utility. Telekinesis, barriers, curses, Silence, Dispel, alteration, charms, enchantments, seals, alchemy, beast communication, summoning. 032 Specialization. Magma & Metal-based magic - not unheard of for an individual to possess, though his particularly brands are both uniquely fine-tuned to his body, and such elements will react to his will as he enacts it. 033 Graduate School. Not applicable, however he did study swordplay under Satra Shen for some 20 or so years, following the killing of Dessudora. He took his lessons to heart and adopted some aspects of Satra's unique version of the Shikabane Style into his own. 034 Classification. Anthromorphic Dragonkin, 74th Heir to the Demiurge throne.

⸻Background Information. // Past to Present.

Yuuya was born in an... we'll say, unholy union between Demiurge Vulkaris and the Wildling Safyra of Xanthe. Through no fault of his own, he was loathed by his father, just another heir to vie for the position as Demiurge of the Black Isle produced by yet another Wildling woman - but even as a hatchling, that was never what Yuuya wanted. For the most part, he was raised by Safyra, taught how to somewhat navigate the tricky language barriers between dragons and Wildlings and how to act like a Xanthean Wildling. He grew quickly, from a hatchling to young salamander, and though his mother wasn't particularly nice to him, she was kind to him - encouraging him along in her ways toward achieving all the little and big goals he had, even if that meant ravenously eating all day.

But a few years pass in a blink of an eye for a dragon. Some 15-20 years after Yuuya was born, Safyra came down with a fever she ultimately did not survive. Black Isle dragons usually aren't susceptible to sentiment - what is natural is natural, so there is no point in wallowing in the sorrow and grief of it - but Yuuya was different. He depended on her in many ways, needed her guidance, her help, because in the end, he didn't want to be a dragon. He wanted to be a Wildling like his mother. Strong and hardy, built like a stone wall and a champion of many fights, fair and just and kind and- loving. But of course, he was still only a juvenile, a boy, thus these feelings, these wants, were twisted into something else. A vie for power of his own, and the recognition of his father - his love.

Shortly after his mother's death, he pleaded with Vulkaris for- something. Attention, a path to approval, standing, just to be seen as his son. But he was turned away by the drakes at the foot of the mountain, and he took that as his answer. If he didn't have his father's approval, then he wouldn't have the approval of his kin either. So, for some time, he wandered the Black Isle, attempting to survive on his own. Some larger, meaner drakes came upon him and attacked him, and such was a relatively common enough occurrance - until he got sick of it and started fighting back. Alone and alienated, he decided to put all that quiet time to good use and got to work, beginning his journey to becoming a dragonkin mage that would surely win Vulkaris' favor. Training day in and day out, transforming his body, bathing in the lava flows the drakes left unguarded, and he took on every one that tried to break him.

That first fight, however, was when he discovered his love of it. Didn't so much like the killing part, though.

Reinvigorated, feeling invincible, he approached the mountain again, this time wrangling the drakes at the foot without issue. Forcing his way down volcanic tunnels until at last he made his way to Vulkaris' magma chamber, where he...foolishly, challenged him to a fight. The Demiurge obliged, and in a few short moments, the battle was over with Yuuya defeated. This loss was predictably crushing, and to add insult to injury, Vulkari uttered only cruelty in the fledgling's ears, giving him false hopes contingent on success in gaining power and skill - a 'reward' for his attempt.

Ever since, Yuuya's been traveling between the Shattered Isles and the main continent in search of honing his magical skill and combat prowess. It wasn't until he managed to reach Yuurei that he first picked up a sword, and upon hearing rumors of his cousin Dessudora's defeat, he made his way to the man who felled her - Satra Shen, the Panther of the East, whom he studied under in Southern Yuurei for a small handful of decades, steadily incorporating aspects of Satra's wild style into his own. While he didn't quite study or train under too many others, he did go on to learn a little something from each person he fought in the interim, or from the fights themselves, growing and growing as the centuries went by.

He's still...he's still doing that. Like, he hasn't stopped. It's been 500ish years and he's still--

[lordsovorn]

A dream I had recently:

A vision of a desolate landscape with massive egg-shaped objects covered in square tiles - registration centers

A world perpetually under a bright starry sky or a very cloudy sunset, with artificial lighting, evenly dispersed flat buildings and structures. There are other planets, it seems, but even this one is quite packed with meaningless, evenly spaced concrete, plastic, glass and steel.

This world is scarcely populated by functionally immortal beings. First there are "Others", which are like super-powered versions of a regular human with an alien color palette and an altered personality (a lot more open and confident - not entirely positive or that faithful to the original, more like a confident alter-ego override). These are created through a mysterious process that involves at least one killing, and as a result a new and powerful Other is born "over the human" + sentient eyes on their fingers that act like an additional intelligence for control and emotional regulation of such an advanced being. The "main character" of the story is a woman whose Other looks like a mix of Amethyst and Huntress Wizard, and who, according to trace analysis performed by her fingers, has seemingly been created without murder.

There's also a faceless human in a jade suit - faceless might be an exaggeration, he has a distinct eyebrow ridge and a nose on his cream-colored smooth head. "Human" might also not be quite appropriate, as we'll see later.

At some point later these three meet another Other, who looks as if the aroace flag has adapted to life after an apocalypse. And there *is* something to adapt to - lots of hostile robots and drones that infest the buildings, alien bandits (for example, yeti humanoid owls), etc. Structures and dangers are dispersed very evenly throughout this world - you step out of one cluster and into another, out of a facility with armored drones into sewer canals with bandits.

There is a time when the faceless man is captured by "bandits" and they interrogate him on how to use the remote. The remote, well, looks like a glazed gingerbread button phone, and is a powerful instrument worthy of fear. The faceless man eventually half-shows, half-suggests that it is safe, and the "bandit" leader types a word on it. The remote is a transportation device - any number or word you enter teleports you to a certain coordinate in this world. It is hard to track, but relatively safe because of the uniformity of the world. And so the faceless man disappears into ether (imagine like a video game inventory screen of esoteric text and icons over an abstract blue pattern), where there is a snapshot of him (like a character portrait) looking very disturbing, with cloth-like tears and holes in his face, and he chuckles that his likeness was captured in such a bad state (so he updates himself and the picture updates to). He then falls out of the ether along with the "bandit" leader. (I say "bandit" in brackets because they are not in it for the money, it is a kind of unreal hostile relationship between immortals and semi-mortals that is hard to explain)

Later on, it turns out the immortals of this world are locked in a perpetual battle with a cosmic empire of crystal-looking bugs (which were responsible for the drones and the many hostile machines). They are incapable of killing immortals, so it's a war to break them psychologically - there are colossal crawling "PTSD tanks" that forcefully project visions and sounds of the most traumatizing memories, there are giant diamond-shaped spinning furnaces that create such memories in the first place (a conveyer belt leisurely pulls you onto a horribly fast rotating disk and into a storm of fire where you are burned to ashes - but, of course, you don't die, because you are an immortal. Must be quite a memorable experience - and, for the purposes of the bugs, the characteristic images and sounds of the swirling hellfire are easy to reproduce). They have a mix of medieval feudal and hive-like hierarchy, and the most important one present (politely called on to observe a battle) was a cream-colored grub with smooth geometric sides and two diamond heads - the right one is poorly defined, the left one produces an entire new figure from its mouth (this two-headed asymmetrical grub seems to be the main form of the crystal bugs, with everyone else being a caste, a cyborg and / or robot)

The dream ended when our main characters have come with a plan to counteract all this hellish machinery (that includes the main girl even discarding her immortal form for a moment and acting like an ordinary human).

P. S. Something that is hard to describe or explain with *what* happens, but you simply know through *how* it happens:

1) The bugs are very, very far from truly souring the experience of immortals. It is like a giant game to them, and at most they are avoiding a particular failure state in that game. Some are more serious, like Others, some are more light-hearted and are having fun through all the adventures, like the faceless man. It is also like a game in the sense that immortals have a degree of knowledge and control of their experience of reality unimaginable to mere humans or bugs - in fact, it is suggested that a Matrix kind of situation is going on, and the immortals have either descended into this reality to really, actually just play, or ascended from it into contact with the underlying "back-end software" or another kind of transcendental universality.

[bali-adventure-time]

🌴 Ready for an Unforgettable 4-Day Bali Adventure? 🌴

Day 1: Exploring Ubud 🌿🐒

Morning:

Tegallalang Rice Terraces 🌾: Walk through the beautiful rice fields and take photos.

Ubud Monkey Forest 🐒: See playful monkeys in a lush forest.

Afternoon:

Ubud Palace 🏯: Visit this stunning palace and learn about Balinese history.

Ubud Art Market 🎨: Shop for unique crafts and souvenirs.

Evening:

Campuhan Ridge Walk 🌄: Enjoy a scenic walk with amazing views.

Dinner in Ubud 🍽️: Try crispy duck at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Adventure in East Bali 🚵‍♂️🕌

Morning:

Tirta Empul Temple 💧: Visit this temple with holy spring water.

Gunung Kawi 🏞️: Explore ancient rock-cut shrines.

Afternoon:

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) 🐘: Discover a mysterious cave and beautiful pools.

Lunch at a Local Warung 🍛: Enjoy tasty Balinese food like Nasi Goreng.

Evening:

Relax at Your Hotel 🛏️: Enjoy spa time or relax by the pool.

Dinner 🍜: Have a quiet meal at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 3: Beach Day in South Bali 🏖️🌊

Morning:

Nusa Dua Beach 🏄‍♀️: Relax on the beach and try water sports.

Water Blow 🌊: Watch big waves crash against rocks.

Afternoon:

Jimbaran Bay 🦞: Eat delicious seafood at a beachside café.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park 🦅: See the huge statue and explore the park.

Evening:

Uluwatu Temple 🌅: Visit the cliff-top temple and watch a Kecak Dance at sunset.

Dinner at Jimbaran Beach 🍤: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the sand.

Day 4: Exploring North Bali 🌺💦

Morning:

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple ⛩️: Visit this temple on a lake.

Handara Gate 📸: Take cool photos at this iconic gate.

Afternoon:

Gitgit Waterfall 💧: Hike to this beautiful waterfall.

Bali Botanic Garden 🌳: Explore the gardens and see tropical plants.

Evening:

Lovina Beach 🏖️: Relax at this quiet beach and maybe see dolphins.

Dinner in Lovina 🍽️: Have dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Additional Tips:

Transportation 🚗: Hire a private driver for easy travel.

Accommodation 🏨: Stay in central places like Ubud and Nusa Dua.

Local Etiquette 🙏: Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs.

Enjoy your Bali adventure! 🌴🌞

For more information, visit our official website La Esperanza Travels or contact us at 9811822579.

[semperintrepida]

A chapter in which fraying threads begin to snap.

❧

I don't forget the dead, but there's a shift in the currents between us. We graze the goats on the mountain, we make cheese and sell it at market, and when we're together, we banter, almost like friends.

"If that's you being quiet, we'll have nothing to hunt but trampled grass," I say, as the sound of the branch you've carelessly snapped cuts through a forest filled with the golden light of sunset. We're searching for deer on the ridge above the stream.

"You've only yourself to blame for bringing me," you say. "I'm no hunter. I could be relaxing on the beach right now."

Since you arrived at my farmstead, you've never relaxed on the beach, not once. "Sure you would. You'd be kicking back, getting sand in your underclothes and eating from a big bowl of grapes we don't have."

"Better than slogging through this." You lift your foot from the soggy green moss along the stream bank we've been following, and wiggle wet and muddy toes in an equally wet and muddy sandal.

"I didn't know you were so... dainty."

"Hardly," you say. "I just prefer to stay out of the muck unnecessarily."

"Unnecessarily? We need the meat, since you won't let me cull the—"

"You need the meat because you eat everything in sight. It's a mystery where you put all of it."

I wave you quiet. "Make yourself useful by looking for deer sign, will you? The sooner we bring one down, the sooner you get to relax."

[bluemoonperegrine]

Chapter 21: Unsuspecting

While Marc's busy with his mystery job, Jack heads out in the wilderness to do a good deed and get a break from abuela. Plotlines collide in the second to last chapter of "Those Who Wander."

Here's the start of it.

Jack managed to withhold a sneeze until he’d pressed the send button on his phone, then cursed under his breath. As much as he disliked following this set of abuela’s orders, at least he was able to do some of them on his terms: atop a ridge in the southern part of the park at sunset. 

Before heading to work that morning, Jack had packed leftover tamales for dinner, gave his grandparents a hug, and told them he’d be back sometime that evening.

���Where will you be going?” abuela asked.

After biting back a petulant “Wherever I want!”, Jack replied, “Hiking in the park.”

Abuela’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Alone?”

“Yes,” Jack sighed. “Alone.”

Read the rest on ao3.

[humbeestix]

Part of chapter one of my Lego Monkie Kid pirate au!!

With lands far across the world, surrounding it was an ocean never left unexplored. The independence that had replenished the people and creatures alike was a yearning. This hunger for adventure was mouth-watering to those who felt like ghosts. The risks sounded exhilarating to some. However, something was left unseen- the true meaning of being a pirate. The stories that may have seemed to finish, there will always be a new one to start at sea. Those who dare indulge in piracy have that spark in their hearts. But with that spark comes a risk. 

A mysterious, mystical territory of the sea too dangerous to enter holds supernatural beings and treasures no mortal has seen. All are trapped in the cage, never to escape. Explorers have tried to venture off to uncover the secrets held at sea, but all are left to fail. Only the best of the best can navigate through the maze. But who?

The sunset light peaked through the cracks of the alleyways between the stone houses, slowly beginning to retire back into the mountains. Today was a special day, one of tremendous advancement and celebration. The mass of people swallowed the outside of the tired, stoned castle, placed looking over the village from a hill. The palace was large, and some parts were isolated, making it too easy to slink inside. 

“We go through here!” a voice echoed from the dim alleyway. Following behind stacked barrels modeled five men, all crouched around each other in a circle. The sound of laughter and music screamed from outside the alley. The villagers followed in a line. The footsteps beat against the pebbles and soil of the dirt trail, pursuing up the ridge to the ruler's castle. The locals were oblivious to what was going on behind the scenes, but the men knew if caught, it would be the end of them all.

Those natural worries a typical person would fear did not weaken the boys. The scars painted on their bodies have shown stories and adventures such as this one. Tracing back to what the man had stated, he dragged his pointer finger along a poor map in the middle of them, modeled after the village. His finger landed on the side of the castle, confusing as it is, likely to be the most isolated area. The map itself was nothing special. With badly-done sketches, it looked rushed. As filthy as the map was, it would suffice for them.

A tanned skin boy cleared his throat, “Hey, Cap’n Wukong. What are we looking at exactly?” the boy spoke in a hushed tone, adjusting himself to sit fully criss-cross on the stoned ground escaping from his crouched position. He pointed to where his captain's finger was, sheepishly laughing.

“What are you going on about, sport? It's the palace!” Wukong claimed with a grin.

The boy opened his mouth before a pig demon’s head jerked in front of the boy. “Mk is trying to say that we don't know what we’re looking at. It looks like a bunch of scribbles on a piece of paper.” 

“Hey, I went off description by what captain said. You try doing that. You see how hard it is!” a man in glasses yelled from beside the pig man, giving him a stern glare. He snapped his head away, “I'm a fantastic artist.”

The pig demon knitted his eyes brows together. He only rolled his eyes and let out a small puff of air through his nose before paying his full attention to the captain, not hearing a word out of him in a while.

“Come on, just let ol’ cap’n finish!” A muscular fish demon spoke up, shaking his head.

Wukong had been sitting there like a statue as he had been waiting for the others to finish up. He grimaced before his usual bright smirk plastered on his face again, “We done? Good, and thank you, Sandy!” Wukong spoke with a cocky tone tracing his tongue, “Anyways, I’m - well- pointing at the side of the castle, you listening? There’s a little egress window some of us can go through that leads to the winery. I know this place, like the back of my hand,” he said, calmly waving everyone off as if it was no bigger deal than it was initially. Confidence radiated from his light expression like the sun on a warm summer day, “Not to brag or anything. But I stole from this place so many times. We got caught once in a Blue Moon, but the escape was even more exhilarating! The King is so mad at me right now it’s wild.”

“Is this why most of the crew is gone?” the older man in glasses spoke up. He adjusted his glasses upward to fit better on his round face as he gave Wukong a cocky look. He managed to get a chuckle out of a few of the others.

Wukong quickly reached for his chest dramatically, “My, Tang, how cruel of you. You have wounded your captain. Who you should not be oh-so rude to, mister,” he scolded playfully, watching as Tang got up. He scrunched up his face, seeing as the man had completely ignored him. 

“Taken by the map, I don't think we could even reach the palace without being seen with all these people around,” Tang explained straightforwardly, turning his head back to the others. He then strolled to the edge of the alleyway and crept his head outside, watching the crowd walk by. 

The pig demon stood up with a groan, “I agree with Tang here. How are we supposed to sneak inside, Cap’n?” he asked, walking over to Tang. 

Wukong jumped up with a short laugh. He ran over to the two men and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. The men let out a low grumble in protest. From the faint squint of their captain’s eyes, Tang could see that his captain seemed not to be showing any further steps. Moments later, Tang noticed the primate's face light up. He had an idea.

Mk soon followed them, placing a hand on Wukong’s back, “So, what are we thinking?” he questioned with a smile. 

“Follow me, crew,” he looked at the boys as their faces stirred into a glimpse of interest. He kept his head low, pulling his hat over his eyes as he walked into the ocean of people.

The pig demon gasped, “Captain!” he yelled, stomping his foot. Thankfully for them, the music and chatter had drowned the demon’s screams. He turned to the others, “Moron, don’t just jump right into- ARG! He’s going to get us all killed!”

“Come on, Pigsy,” Sandy hummed calmly, “let’s just do what he orders.”

“Yeah, best not to question it,” Tang spoke, rubbing Pigsy’s shoulder reassuringly, “anywho, who wants to go first?” that once calming expression turned into a sheepish smile as a nervous sweat built up on his forehead. He never wanted to go first.

[the-beaten-path-us-destinations]

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path U.S. Destinations: A Traveler’s Guide

When most people think of travel in the U.S., their minds immediately jump to New York City, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. But if you're a traveler seeking unique experiences and hidden gems away from the usual tourist crowds, the U.S. has a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored. These off-the-beaten-path locations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture that will make your trip memorable. Let’s dive into some underrated destinations across the U.S. that you won’t want to miss.

1. Marfa, Texas

Tucked away in the West Texas desert, Marfa is a quirky, artsy town with a fascinating mix of small-town charm and avant-garde art installations. Known for the famous Marfa Lights—a mysterious, unexplainable light phenomenon—and large-scale art installations by artists like Donald Judd, Marfa is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Visit the iconic Prada Marfa art installation, explore local galleries, and soak in the eerie beauty of the desert at sunset.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. With its stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and vibrant arts scene, Asheville offers an authentic, laid-back experience. Wander through the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned house in the U.S., or enjoy craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Asheville’s farm-to-table dining scene is one of the best in the country, offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes that reflect the flavors of the region.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

Often overlooked in favor of larger Midwestern cities, St. Louis is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. The iconic Gateway Arch is just the start. Explore the city's thriving music scene, especially its roots in jazz and blues, and indulge in local favorites like St. Louis-style BBQ and the famous gooey butter cake. Take a walk through Forest Park, home to free museums and outdoor spaces larger than New York’s Central Park, or visit the stunning Missouri Botanical Garden.

4. Mendocino, California

While much of California’s coastline is well-traveled, Mendocino remains a quiet, picturesque escape. Located north of San Francisco, this coastal town offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Explore scenic hiking trails, visit local vineyards, and enjoy fresh seafood in cozy coastal restaurants. Mendocino’s peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those looking to escape into nature, with beautiful spots like Russian Gulch State Park and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.

5. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, often overshadowed by bigger cities, is a hidden gem in the Midwest. Rich in art deco architecture and Southern hospitality, this city offers a surprising amount of culture and history. Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, or explore the revitalized Greenwood District, known for its history as Black Wall Street. Tulsa’s culinary scene is blossoming with farm-to-table restaurants, and its vibrant downtown area is home to local shops, cafes, and live music venues.

6. Sedona, Arizona

While the Grand Canyon draws in millions of tourists each year, nearby Sedona is an equally stunning yet quieter alternative. Known for its red rock formations, spiritual vortexes, and thriving arts community, Sedona offers travelers a unique mix of natural beauty and holistic experiences. Whether you’re hiking through the Coconino National Forest or meditating at one of the city’s famous energy vortexes, Sedona is a place that nourishes both the body and soul.

7. Hotel Experiences that Add to the Journey

While exploring these hidden U.S. gems, your accommodations play a huge role in making the trip truly memorable. With b0arding.com, you can easily find hotels that match the local vibe of each destination. Imagine staying in a cozy mountain lodge in Asheville, where your mornings start with a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast. Or perhaps you’re winding down after a day in Marfa with a dinner made from locally sourced ingredients, set against the backdrop of the West Texas desert.

At b0arding.com, each hotel is carefully selected to reflect the essence of the location, ensuring your stay feels as personal and unique as your travels. Whether you’re enjoying a simple, hearty breakfast in a downtown Tulsa café or savoring fresh seafood in Mendocino, your lodging experience enhances your connection to the destination.

Conclusion

If you're seeking adventure off the typical tourist path, these U.S. destinations offer the perfect blend of discovery, culture, and tranquility. From the artsy streets of Marfa to the serene cliffs of Mendocino, every location brings its own special flavor and stories. And, with b0arding.com, you can rest easy knowing your accommodations are just as exciting as the journey itself. So why not take the road less traveled and create memories in places few others have explored? The U.S. is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered—pack your bags, and start your adventure!

[joandfriedrich]

More of a spiritual question.

I read Thoreau's "Walking" and the reference to the "west" are interestinga and quite beautiful. I have thought about this a lot, could Friedrich traveling to the West in Little Women, have more of a symbolical meaning? City where he is moving is never mentioned. This does make me think a lot what we have talked about Little Women, being a wish-fulfillment (west referring to a paradise/dreams).

"Every sunset which I witness inspires me with the desire to go to a West as distant and as fair as that into which the sun goes down. He appears to migrate westward daily, and tempt us to follow him. He is the Great Western Pioneer whom the nations follow. We dream all night of those mountain ridges in the horizon, though they may be of vapor only, which were last gilded by his rays. The island of Atlantis, and the islands and gardens of the Hesperides, a sort of terrestrial paradise, appear to have been the Great West of the ancients, enveloped in mystery and poetry. Who has not seen in imagination, when looking into the sunset sky, the gardens of the Hesperides, and the foundation of all those fables?"

"The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild; and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the World. Every tree sends its fibers forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind".

Sorry for the delay, I wanted to make sure I gave you a good answer.

I know that back in the 19th century, going West was seen as the best place for opportunities for jobs and was seen as untouched land, hence why it was so often referred to as "The Wild West". It was a place to rebuild your life, start fresh and have more space, it was seen as not only new and exciting, but also freeing. Oddly enough, whenever I think of West and East, I always think East as being beginnings with the sun rising in the east (Beauty and the Beast anyone?), and West as the sun setting, the end of a journey. But to America at this point in time, East had represented the old world and confinement, while the West was new and freeing. It is a theme that continues even in the 20's with The Great Gatsby, where the East Egg was for the "old money", tradition, born into wealth, while the West Egg was the "new money" where people worked hard to get the wealth they earned.

Friedrich first deciding to go West, before finding out Jo loves him back, could be a chance for him to start anew, something for his nephews, but also a chance to get away from, what he believed at the moment, the unrequited love he has. When he finds out Jo does love him, he goes West still to earn money so that, instead of starting a new life without Jo, he can earn enough to start a new life with Jo. Even though they would continue to live in Concord, which is obviously East of the U.S., the West had allowed them the chance to start a new life together.

It is interesting to think that the idea of moving West as a family was out of the question for them, that instead of wanting to go forth into a wild and freeing world, Jo and Friedrich were more than happy to remain in the familiar world they knew, one filled with family and comfort, which shows just how much family has meant to them both, particularly Jo, who the West may have truly appealed to. While it was luck that Aunt March has left her Plumfield, which helped to get Friedrich home sooner, it again shows that rather than selling the house for a boatload of money and use it to move away, Jo immediately has plans for her new life, and finds that she doesn't need to go far from home to get the kind of life she would be more than happy to live in.

To quote the Wizard of Oz (1939), Dorothy learns, "...If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with!" Jo as a child has dreams of doing something spectacular, looking for adventure and fulfilment, and while she never out right states it, it feels as if she would want to leave her home. But as she grows up, she learns that she could find the fulfillment she longs for in her own hometown, and that despite her desire to explore the world, she will always want to come home and be near the family she loves above all else. To hear Friedrich going West breaks her, as if he was going to a different continent, and back then, the West felt like that, and she was heartbroken to lose a part of her family, which is also a part of her heart.

In the end, the West represented new chances and adventure, but also separation and loss, and ultimately, there is a feeling that Alcott wanted to tell us that sometimes it's ok to just simply want to stay in the home you know rather than going out beyond what you know, because as long as you are happy, why leave?

[excursionpoint1]

Find the Wizardry of the Desert: Desert Safari UAE

Experience the captivating appeal of the Middle Eastern Desert with Desert Safari UAE, a remarkable excursion into the core of the UAE's great ridges. From exciting undertakings to social experiences and tranquil minutes in the midst of nature, this desert safari guarantees a vivid encounter that will leave you enchanted. Here's beginning and end you really want to be familiar with Desert Safari UAE

1. Experience In the midst of the Hills:

Leave on an adrenaline-siphoning experience as you explore the transcending sand hills of the Bedouin Desert. Hang on close as talented drivers take you on a heart-hustling rise slamming experience on board tough 4x4 vehicles, offering rushes and fervor against the background of the desert scene.

2. Camel Riding:

Experience the immortal appeal of camel riding as you leave on an excursion through the serene desert sands. Move on board these delicate animals and influence along the ridges, absorbing all encompassing perspectives on the huge spread of brilliant sands and purplish blue skies.

3. Sandboarding Rushes:

Channel your internal explorer and take a shot at sandboarding down the delicate inclines of the desert ridges. Float across the perfect sands on a sandboard, feeling the surge of adrenaline as you cut through the ridges and make enduring recollections of your desert safari experience.

4. Nightfall Scene:

Witness the stunning magnificence of the desert at nightfall as the sky changes into a material of lively varieties. Catch the entrancing tints of dusk as the sun plunges underneath the skyline, providing reason to feel ambiguous about a brilliant shine the rises and making a mysterious mood that is genuinely extraordinary.

5. Social Experiences:

Drench yourself in the rich legacy and customs of the Middle Eastern Desert with valid social encounters remembered for your safari. Visit customary Bedouin-style camps, appreciate live diversion, for example, hip twirling and Tanoura shows, and enjoy scrumptious Middle Eastern food under the twilight sky.

6. Stargazing Under the Desert Sky:

As sunsets over the desert, look up at the sparkling shelter of stars that enhance the night sky, far away from the glare of city lights. Experience the wizardry of stargazing in the desert, where the tremendous scope of the night sky offers unrivaled perspectives on the universe.

7. Proficient Aides and Security:

Leave on your desert safari experience with the direction of experienced and proficient safari guides who guarantee your security and solace all through the excursion. Find out about the set of experiences, culture, and biology of the desert as you investigate its secret fortunes with true serenity.

8. Bother Free Transportation:

Partake in the comfort of issue free transportation to and from your inn or assigned gathering point in the UAE. Unwind and loosen up in cooled vehicles as you excursion to the desert, realizing that everything about your safari experience is dealt with for a consistent experience.

9. Customized Encounters:

Look over an assortment of safari bundles custom-made to suit your inclinations and spending plan. Whether you favor a morning safari with dawn vistas or a night safari with dusk camel rides and social diversion, there's a bundle that takes care of each and every globe-trotter.

10. Book with Certainty:

Book your Desert Safari UAE experience with certainty through Outing Point, a trustworthy and believed supplier focused on consumer loyalty and quality help. With secure web based booking and expert help, you can set out on your desert safari with inner harmony.

Leave on a Desert Safari UAE and find the wizardry of the Middle Eastern Desert with exciting experiences, social experiences, and stunning view that guarantee an extraordinary excursion into the core of the UAE's glorious rises. An encounter will leave you dazzled and yearning for more.

[rangileraaste]

Best places to visit in Jaisalmer

Best places to visit in Jaisalmer

An epitome of everything Rajasthani, from every postcard you’ve probably ever seen, the spectacular sandstone royal desert town of Jaisalmer is charming and mysterious all at the same time. Self-explanatory as a ‘golden city’, Jaisalmer’s fort is perched on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping a watchful eye over the ever-spreading town beyond its walls.

Step into the fort for a vision of mediaeval prosperity that meets the 21st century in the thriving bustling township within. Havelis, Jain temples, curio shops, hotels and restaurants lie beside each other on cobbled narrow alleyways. Take a walk through the streets of old Jaisalmer for glimpses into the lives of locals, cooking or hard at work in skilled craftwork, art and sculpture. There’s something new around every corner here in Jaisalmer, from spicy food to handicrafts, so expect your walk to take longer than the distance warrants as you stop for a much-needed break at one of the rooftop cafes.

Get your taste of the local brew at one of the government-approved ‘bhang’ (hemp) shops outside the fort gates, but be prepared to get in line with a group of locals waiting in line for a glass. Head over to the pristine sand dunes for a camel tour through the barren Thar outside the city. If you’re lucky enough to be travelling in January/February every year, join in the Desert Festival revelry with dancing, folk music, camel racing and the odd turban-tying contest as well.

Walk through Jaisalmer fort

This unique living urban centre, formerly an ancient fort, is home to over 3000 people with shops, people and cows in honeycombed old houses on criss-crossing lanes. Walk past temples and shops and stop for a cup of masala chai on a rooftop restaurant for spectacular panoramic views. Perfectly shaded yellow sandstone walls take you back to a time of battles and reinforcements here.

Sunset in the Thar

The Thar is best explored aboard a 4×4, off over dunes, conquering sand hills one after the other. Get here early enough from Jaisalmer to watch the sun go down on what has to have been a spectacular day.

Lunch with Locals

Get friendly with a local family in Jaisalmer,getting to know more about their traditions and culture, as they give you a quick MasterChef session on Rajasthani food. Dishes could vary, depending on the season you’re visiting, from millet flatbread (bajre ki roti), legumes (fali) and stuffed pepper (mirchibada) to lentil-infused hard wheat rolls (daal baati). Enjoy your very own home-cooked Rajasthani meal with the family and don’t forget to take notes.

Camel Safari

Clamber onto your steed for the evening, a lumbering camel that gives you a literal description of why he’s called the ‘ship of the desert.’ Look out onto mustard fields that border villages on one side and fascinating sand dunes of the Thar on the other. Stop for a snack or two as the sun slowly goes down in the horizon.

When to travel Jaisalmer

The best time to un[travel] Rajasthan would be between September and April. Temperatures are cooler and tend to veer towards the colder side in December and January.

Summer, essentially from April is rather warm and temperatures actually go up as high as 45 degrees C in May and June. The monsoons last through to September and the weather can get rather humid here.

Pack the bag

• Light clothing and sandals with a large sun hat if you’re here in summer

• Warmer clothing and thermals if you’re here in winter

• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen

• Chargers and prescription medication

Top places to stay

• The Serai, Jaisalmer • Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer • Rajasthan Desert Safari Camp, Jaisalmer

Conclusion

The heart of Rajasthan the ‘Thar Desert’ also stands as a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan. It is also known as “Golden City”. Tourists are attracted by its sand dunes, landscapes and rich cultural Heritage.

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