#World��s Best Yacht Destinations

[ricciardosheart]

Starry Serenade on the Riviera

pairings: Charles Leclerc X female (gf! reader)

The French Riviera basked in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, casting its warm embrace over the luxurious city of Monaco. Yachts gently swayed in the harbor, their sleek forms mirroring the indulgent lifestyle that defined this opulent corner of the world. In a stylish apartment overlooking the azure waters, (Y/N) awaited the return of her boyfriend, Charles Leclerc, the acclaimed Formula 1 driver.

As the door swung open, revealing Charles with a mischievous smile, (Y/N)'s face lit up with surprise. She hadn't expected him so soon. Charles approached with a bouquet of her favorite flowers, the scent of lilies filling the air as he handed them to her.

"Surprise, mon amour," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. "How about a spontaneous adventure this afternoon?"

Intrigued, (Y/N) couldn't help but smile. "An adventure? I'm in. What do you have in mind?"

Charles winked playfully. "It's a secret. Just trust me."

They ventured down to the harbor, where a sleek yacht named "La Belle Vie" awaited them. Charles had arranged a private cruise along the French Riviera—an intimate escape from the bustling world of Formula 1 and a celebration of their love.

As the yacht set sail, the gentle hum of the engine accompanied the laughter and chatter of the couple. They sat on the deck, sipping champagne and enjoying the panoramic views of the coastline. The Mediterranean breeze carried the promise of an unforgettable day.

"I thought we could have our favorite meal together," Charles revealed, unveiling a picnic basket filled with delicacies. The aroma of truffle-infused dishes mingled with the salted sea air, creating a sensory symphony.

(Y/N) couldn't hide her delight. "You think of everything, Charles."

He grinned. "Only the best for you."

Their lunch turned into a culinary journey, with each bite a testament to the pleasures of indulgence. They laughed, shared stories, and savored the flavors of their favorite dishes, creating memories against the backdrop of the azure sea.

As the yacht cruised along the coastline, Charles suggested watching a movie under the open sky. A cozy setup awaited them on the deck, complete with blankets and a projector. They nestled together, the gentle rocking of the yacht adding to the cinematic experience.

The movie played, but their attention often wandered to the stars above. Charles pointed out constellations, weaving tales of the cosmos. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the magic of the moment, wrapped in each other's company.

As the afternoon sun began its descent, casting a warm hue over the sea, Charles spread a blanket on the deck. They lay down, hand in hand, gazing at the sky as if trying to capture the essence of the French Riviera in their hearts.

"I wanted today to be about us, away from the pressures of the racing world," Charles confessed. "You're my anchor, (Y/N), and moments like these make everything worthwhile."

(Y/N) smiled, her eyes reflecting the love she felt. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Charles. This is perfect."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a riot of colors, Charles and (Y/N) remained on the deck, the French Riviera embracing them in its timeless allure. The yacht continued its journey, carrying the couple through the twilight of the Mediterranean.

In the quiet of the evening, with the city lights of Monaco twinkling in the distance, Charles whispered promises of more adventures and shared dreams. (Y/N) nestled closer, feeling the heartbeat of their love resonating with the gentle rhythm of the sea.

The yacht sailed on, leaving behind a trail of shimmering reflections on the water—a testament to a love that found solace in the beauty of the French Riviera. Charles and (Y/N), wrapped in the serenity of the moment, sailed into the night, knowing that some memories are destined to linger like the stars in the Mediterranean sky.

As the night deepened, Charles and (Y/N) found themselves in the heart of the Mediterranean, far from the city lights. The yacht glided through the calm waters, the only sound being the gentle lapping of the waves against its hull. Above them, a canvas of stars stretched endlessly, creating a celestial spectacle that mirrored the depth of their connection.

Wrapped in a blanket on the deck, Charles and (Y/N) traced constellations with their fingers, lost in the vastness of the night sky. The quietude of the moment allowed the whispers of their hearts to become the only conversation that mattered.

"I never imagined Monaco could be so peaceful," (Y/N) mused, her eyes fixed on the stars. "It's a different world out here."

Charles nodded, his gaze reflecting the shimmering reflections of the stars. "Monaco is known for its glamour and excitement, but there's a serene beauty to it when you escape to the sea. Just like our love—thriving in the quiet moments."

They lay in silence, the yacht gently rocking them in a cradle of tranquility. The hum of the engine became a lullaby, and, in that cocoon of peace, they felt like the only two souls in the universe.

As the night progressed, Charles guided (Y/N) to the yacht's prow, where the vast expanse of the Mediterranean stretched before them. The moon, a radiant pearl in the velvet sky, cast a silver trail across the water, inviting them into its nocturnal dance.

"Shall we dance?" Charles extended his hand, a playful glint in his eyes.

(Y/N) laughed, taking his hand. "Why not? A moonlit dance under the stars—it sounds like a dream."

The yacht became their ballroom, and the soft music playing in the background set the rhythm for their dance. In the embrace of the night, with the stars as their witnesses, Charles and (Y/N) swayed to a melody that only they could hear.

Time lost its relevance as they danced under the cosmic chandelier, wrapped in the enchantment of the moment. Charles held (Y/N) close, their hearts beating in synchrony with the gentle ebb and flow of the sea.

As the dance came to an end, Charles whispered, "You're my favorite melody, (Y/N)."

They returned to their blanket, savoring the intimacy of the night. Charles reached into a small cooler and produced a box of chocolates—each piece a miniature work of art. Together, they indulged in the sweet symphony of flavors, savoring the richness of both the chocolates and the moment they shared.

With the yacht gently sailing back towards Monaco, Charles and (Y/N) found themselves on the deck once more. The city lights came into view, transforming the horizon into a glittering panorama. The French Riviera, with its blend of glamour and serenity, became the backdrop to a love story that unfolded like a cherished novel.

As the yacht docked, Charles and (Y/N) stepped onto the harbor, hand in hand. The night had woven a tapestry of memories that would forever be etched in their hearts. The adventure, initiated by a surprise visit, had transformed into a journey of love, intimacy, and shared dreams.

They walked along the moonlit promenade, the echoes of their laughter harmonizing with the gentle lull of the Mediterranean. Monaco, with its grandeur and sophistication, embraced them as they strolled through its enchanting streets.

On a secluded terrace overlooking the city, Charles and (Y/N) found a quiet corner to sit. The night unfolded before them—a canvas painted with the hues of their emotions. They spoke of dreams, of the future, and of the enduring love that had guided them through the labyrinth of life.

The city below seemed to hush in reverence as Charles took (Y/N)'s hand and looked into her eyes. "This night was about us, about the simplicity of love and the magic that happens when two hearts are in sync. Thank you for being my partner in this beautiful dance."

(Y/N) smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Thank you for a night that feels like a fairytale, Charles. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

As dawn approached, casting a gentle glow over the horizon, Charles and (Y/N) lingered on the terrace, watching the first light of morning paint the sky. The French Riviera, with its timeless allure, had witnessed a love story unfold—a story that began with a surprise visit and evolved into a symphony of shared moments, laughter, and the quiet magic of the night.

Monaco, with its yachts and city lights, stood as a testament to the grandeur of their love—a love that found beauty in simplicity, thrived in moments of serenity and danced under the stars of the French Riviera. As the sun rose over the Mediterranean, Charles and (Y/N) embraced the dawn of a new day, knowing that their love story would continue to unfold in the enchanting world they had created together.

[sbcwiresort]

Why St. Martin Should Be Your Next Bucket List Destination

The Caribbean is home to countless stunning islands, but there’s something extraordinary about St. Martin that makes it stand out as a must-visit destination. Known as “The Friendly Island,” St. Martin is a captivating blend of French and Dutch cultures, offering visitors a rich mix of experiences, from pristine beaches to vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and tantalizing cuisine. Whether you’re an adventurer, a relaxation seeker, or a foodie, St. Martin has something special for everyone.

Beaches That Rival Paradise

St. Martin boasts over 30 pristine beaches, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil spot to unwind or a lively hub for water sports, you’ll find a beach that caters to your desires.

Maho Beach - Famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho Beach offers the thrilling experience of watching planes fly just overhead as they land.

Orient Bay Beach - Often referred to as the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean,” this lively beach is ideal for sunbathing, jet skiing, and sipping cocktails at beachfront bars.

Baie Rouge - For those seeking seclusion, Baie Rouge is a quiet escape with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.

These beaches are complemented by St. Martin’s year-round warm weather, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.

A Culinary Adventure Like No Other

St. Martin is often called the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean" for good reason. Its unique blend of French and Dutch cultures has created a food scene that is as diverse as it is delicious.

French gastronomy - On the French side, indulge in gourmet meals that rival those of Parisian restaurants. Think fresh seafood, buttery pastries, and exquisite wines.

Local flavors - Don’t miss out on traditional Caribbean dishes like conch fritters, jerk chicken, and Johnny cakes, best enjoyed at local roadside eateries.

Dutch delights - On the Dutch side, you’ll find hearty meals like cheese-laden casseroles and a vibrant nightlife scene with world-class bars and clubs.

No matter where you dine, the fusion of flavors and the quality of ingredients in St. Martin promise a culinary experience you won’t forget.

Vibrant Culture and History

St. Martin’s unique split governance—the French side (Saint-Martin) and the Dutch side (Sint Maarten)—offers a fascinating blend of cultures.

Historical sites - Explore Fort Louis, a historic French fort with panoramic views of Marigot Bay, or visit Philipsburg’s colorful streets lined with colonial-era buildings.

Festivals and events - St. Martin is known for its lively festivals, including Carnival and the Heineken Regatta, which showcase the island’s music, dance, and vibrant spirit.

Local artisans - From handmade jewelry to intricate paintings, local markets are brimming with crafts that reflect the island’s artistic heritage.

The warm hospitality of the islanders, often referred to as the “Friendly Island spirit,” ensures that every visitor feels welcome.

Adventure Awaits

For thrill-seekers, St. Martin offers no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities.

Water sports - Snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing are just the beginning. Explore coral reefs teeming with marine life or glide over turquoise waters on a paddleboard.

Hiking trails - Lush trails like Pic Paradis offer breathtaking views of the island and surrounding ocean.

Boat tours - Charter a yacht or join a catamaran tour to explore nearby islands like Anguilla and St. Barts.

Whether you’re exploring the depths of the sea or trekking to panoramic viewpoints, St. Martin promises unforgettable adventures.

The Best Place to Stay in St. Martin

If you’re planning to visit St. Martin, choosing the right accommodation is key to enhancing your experience. Look no further than the Sapphire Beach Club Resort, one of the most luxurious and welcoming hotels on the island.

Prime location - Nestled on the Dutch side of the island, the resort offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and easy access to top attractions.

Luxurious amenities - The resort features spacious suites, a pristine pool, spa services, and a fine-dining restaurant, ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

Exceptional service - Guests rave about the friendly staff, who go above and beyond to make every stay memorable.

Proximity to beaches - Sapphire Beach Club Resort is just steps away from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, making it an ideal base for relaxation and exploration.

When it comes to 5-star hotels in St. Martin, the Sapphire Beach Club Resort stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking comfort, luxury, and breathtaking views.

Shopping and Entertainment

St. Martin offers a vibrant shopping scene, particularly on the Dutch side.

Duty-free shopping - Philipsburg’s Front Street is a shopper’s paradise, featuring duty-free shops offering everything from designer clothing to fine jewelry.

Local markets - For unique souvenirs, head to Marigot Market, where you can find handmade crafts, spices, and local art.

Nightlife - The island’s nightlife is legendary, with beach bars, casinos, and clubs offering lively entertainment late into the night.

Whether you’re hunting for bargains or looking to dance the night away, St. Martin has it all.

A Haven for Wellness and Relaxation

If relaxation is what you seek, St. Martin delivers in abundance.

Spa retreats - Indulge in massages, facials, and holistic treatments at world-class spas scattered across the island.

Yoga on the beach - Many resorts and wellness centers offer yoga sessions with the soothing sound of waves as your backdrop.

Quiet retreats - Escape the crowds at hidden gems like Happy Bay, a secluded beach perfect for unwinding.

St. Martin’s serene atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for recharging your mind, body, and soul.

Accessibility and Connectivity

Despite its remote feel, St. Martin is easily accessible.

Major airport - Princess Juliana International Airport serves as a hub for flights from around the world, including direct flights from major U.S. and European cities.

Ferry services - The island’s ferry network makes it easy to explore neighboring islands during your stay.

Friendly entry requirements - Visitors from many countries can enter without a visa, and English is widely spoken, making navigation and communication a breeze.

This combination of accessibility and hospitality makes St. Martin an inviting destination for travelers of all kinds.

A Destination for Every Traveler

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, St. Martin caters to all types of travelers.

Families - The island offers family-friendly beaches, interactive museums, and safe, shallow waters for children.

Couples - With romantic dining options, sunset cruises, and private villas, St. Martin is a haven for couples.

Solo travelers - The welcoming locals and vibrant community make it easy for solo travelers to feel at home.

St. Martin’s diverse offerings ensure that every traveler leaves with cherished memories.

St. Martin is a destination that truly has it all—breathtaking beaches, rich culture, delectable cuisine, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Its unique blend of French and Dutch influences, coupled with the warmth of its people, creates an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

For those seeking luxury and comfort, the Sapphire Beach Club Resort stands out as one of the best accommodations on the island, offering everything you need for a perfect getaway. Contact them by calling (721) 545 2179.

[soulofarabia]

 Top Dubai Travel Packages for Unforgettable Vacations

Dubai, the glittering jewel of the UAE, offers a blend of modern luxury, rich culture, and thrilling adventure that attracts travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re seeking to relax on pristine beaches, shop in world-class malls, or explore the city's iconic landmarks, Dubai has it all. The best way to experience the grandeur of this city is by booking one of the top Dubai travel packages, designed to provide everything you need for an unforgettable vacation desert adventures tourism dubai

Dubai is a city that caters to all kinds of travelers. From families and honeymooners to solo adventurers and business travelers, there are various packages that can be customized to suit your needs. With its wide range of offerings—luxury resorts, exhilarating desert safaris, fine dining, and iconic attractions—Dubai ensures that your vacation is packed with excitement and memorable experiences. Let’s explore the top Dubai travel packages that will make your next vacation truly unforgettable.

1. Luxury Dubai Travel Packages

For those who want to experience the ultimate in luxury, Dubai offers a variety of high-end travel packages that include stays in opulent hotels, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. These packages typically include accommodation in iconic hotels such as the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and the Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa. With these luxury packages, you’ll enjoy world-class amenities like private butlers, spas, and fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Additionally, many luxury packages include private yacht cruises along the Dubai coastline, exclusive desert safaris with gourmet dinners under the stars, and VIP access to Dubai’s top attractions. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, luxury packages ensure that you enjoy Dubai's finest offerings.

2. Dubai Family Vacation Packages

Dubai is an ideal destination for families, with a wide range of attractions suitable for both children and adults. Family vacation packages in Dubai often include visits to world-famous theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts, and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis. These packages are designed to provide fun-filled activities that the whole family can enjoy.

In addition to theme parks, family packages often include a trip to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Dolphinarium, and KidZania—an interactive children’s city. To make the experience even more memorable, families can also enjoy a desert safari with camel rides and dune bashing. With everything taken care of, family vacation packages offer a stress-free way to enjoy the city together.

3. Dubai Honeymoon Packages

Dubai is a favorite destination for honeymooners, offering a blend of romance, luxury, and adventure. Honeymoon packages typically include stays in luxurious beachfront resorts, with private beach access and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Exclusive dining experiences, such as private dinners on a yacht or in a desert setting under the stars, are also often included in these packages.

For those seeking adventure, honeymoon packages might include a thrilling desert safari or a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, with a private tour of the observation deck. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool, indulging in spa treatments, or exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife, Dubai’s honeymoon packages are designed to offer couples a truly romantic and unforgettable experience.

4. Adventure and Thrill-Seeker Packages

For travelers who crave excitement and adventure, Dubai offers a wide range of thrilling activities that cater to adrenaline junkies. Adventure packages often include experiences such as skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah, dune bashing in the Arabian desert, sandboarding, and hot air balloon rides. These packages can also include flyboarding or a jet ski tour along the coast.

For those seeking more extreme experiences, some packages offer bungee jumping at the Dubai Marina, or even indoor skiing at the Ski Dubai complex inside the Mall of the Emirates. Adventure packages are designed to provide an adrenaline rush while showcasing Dubai’s diverse landscapes, from the towering sand dunes to the futuristic city skyline.

5. Dubai Shopping and Sightseeing Packages

Dubai is a shopping paradise, offering everything from high-end designer boutiques to traditional souks. Shopping and sightseeing packages are perfect for those who want to explore the city’s luxurious malls, including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and the Dubai Marina Mall. These packages usually include personal shopping tours with a local guide who can help you navigate the malls, find the best deals, and even assist in booking exclusive shopping experiences.

Additionally, sightseeing packages often include visits to Dubai’s most famous landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Museum, and the Dubai Opera. Many packages also include a guided tour of the Dubai Creek, where visitors can experience a traditional abra ride and see the city’s historical side. Shopping and sightseeing packages offer the perfect mix of retail therapy and exploration.

6. Cultural and Heritage Tours

Dubai is not only about glitzy skyscrapers and modern attractions; it is also rich in culture and history. Cultural and heritage travel packages focus on showcasing Dubai’s traditional side. These packages often include visits to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the Dubai Museum, and the Al Qusais Heritage Village. Travelers can also explore the Dubai Opera House and enjoy performances that highlight the region’s artistic heritage.

In addition to historical sites, cultural packages may include a tour of the Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can shop for authentic local jewelry, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances, traditional Emirati dance shows, and a visit to a local Bedouin camp for a taste of traditional desert life.

7. Dubai Cruise Packages

For a luxurious and relaxed vacation, Dubai cruise packages are an excellent option. These packages typically include a combination of luxury cruise stays and guided excursions to Dubai’s top attractions. Cruise packages allow you to explore Dubai and neighboring emirates in style, with stops at iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and Dubai Marina.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and activities, while excursions off the ship include visits to historical sites, beaches, and shopping districts. Some cruise packages also offer guided tours of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, adding more variety to the vacation experience.

8. Luxury Desert Safari Packages

No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the desert. Luxury desert safari packages offer a combination of adventure and relaxation, including a thrilling ride through the sand dunes, camel rides, and sandboarding. These packages often include dinner under the stars, served in an elegant desert camp where you can enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine, belly dancing, and live music.

For a truly exclusive experience, luxury safari packages may include a private desert tour with a personal guide, along with a gourmet meal prepared just for you in the heart of the desert. This provides a unique and intimate way to experience Dubai’s stunning desert landscape.

9. Wellness and Spa Packages

Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious spas, offering wellness packages designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. These packages often include spa treatments, yoga sessions, and wellness activities at top hotels such as the One&Only Royal Mirage, The Ritz-Carlton, and Burj Al Arab. Visitors can indulge in relaxing massages, facials, and detoxifying treatments while enjoying the serene surroundings.

For those seeking complete relaxation, wellness packages can also include access to private beach clubs, meditation sessions, and fitness classes, ensuring that you leave Dubai feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

10. Business and Corporate Travel Packages

For business travelers, Dubai offers tailored corporate travel packages that include accommodations at business-friendly hotels, airport transfers, meeting facilities, and team-building activities. These packages are ideal for companies looking to host conferences, workshops, or corporate retreats in Dubai. Many corporate packages also include VIP access to Dubai’s top attractions and experiences, ensuring that employees and clients can enjoy their free time in the city.Dubai offers a variety of travel packages that cater to all types of travelers, ensuring that you have a vacation that matches your interests and budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury, adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Dubai has a package that will provide you with an unforgettable experience. So, book your Dubai vacation today and prepare for a trip that blends adventure, culture, and luxury into one seamless experience Dubai desert safari

[tourismguideqatar]

Luxury Qatar Tours: Exploring the Best of Qatar in Style

Qatar, a nation known for its blend of modernity and tradition, offers a captivating array of experiences for travellers. With its awe-inspiring skyline, golden deserts, and deep-rooted cultural heritage, it's no wonder that Qatar has become a popular destination for luxury travellers. Whether you're seeking bespoke accommodations, exclusive tours, or world-class dining, luxury Qatar tours offer a rich tapestry of experiences in style. In this article, we'll explore some of the finest and most luxurious ways to discover this unique Middle Eastern gem.

Exclusive Desert Safari Experiences

One of the highlights of any luxury Qatar tour is an exclusive desert safari. Picture yourself cruising across the rolling dunes in a private 4x4 vehicle led by an experienced guide. Many luxury tour operators offer tailored experiences that go beyond the traditional desert safari. You can opt for an intimate dinner under the stars, complete with gourmet dining and private entertainment. For those looking to embrace adventure, activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding can be seamlessly woven into the experience.

At sunset, enjoy a tranquil moment as the colours of the desert transform under the sky, with no one else around to interrupt your peace. This is an ideal way for luxury travellers to connect with the natural beauty of Qatar, away from the bustling city.

Luxury Yacht Cruises Around Doha

For travellers who prefer the sea over the desert, a luxury yacht cruise is the perfect way to explore Qatar's coastline. These tours typically depart from Doha's beautiful Corniche and take you through the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and iconic landmarks such as The Pearl-Qatar.

With many yachts featuring luxurious amenities such as private chefs, sundecks, and jacuzzis, this experience offers the ultimate in relaxation. You can enjoy a personalized dining experience onboard, complete with fresh seafood and fine wines. Some luxury tours also include water sports activities, from jet skiing to snorkelling, making it an unforgettable day on the water.

VIP Cultural Tours: Museums and Souqs

Qatar is a country rich in culture and history, and luxury travellers can enjoy exclusive access to some of its most significant cultural institutions. VIP cultural tours provide behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned museums like the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. Personalized tours with expert curators offer a deeper understanding of the nation's heritage, allowing you to appreciate the intricacies of its artistic and historical treasures.

For those looking to explore Qatar's vibrant marketplace culture, a luxury tour can also include a private guide to Souq Waqif. Here, you can browse exquisite jewellery, spices, textiles, and art. Your guide will help you discover hidden gems within the souq, making the shopping experience seamless and curated just for you.

Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views of Qatar

Few experiences are as thrilling and glamorous as seeing Qatar from above on a private helicopter tour. These tours offer an unparalleled bird' s-eye view of Doha's stunning skyline, the Pearl of Qatar, and the vast desert landscapes. You can also request custom itineraries, allowing you to soar over lesser-known landmarks or specific areas that interest you.

Helicopter tours provide luxury travellers with a unique and breathtaking way to experience the beauty of Qatar's juxtaposition of modern architecture and vast natural deserts, giving a perspective that can't be matched from the ground.

Stay at Qatar's Iconic Luxury Hotels

Every luxury tour of Qatar is complete with staying at one of its many opulent hotels. From world-famous brands like The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis to local gems such as the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, these hotels offer exceptional services that cater to the discerning traveler. You can enjoy spa treatments, fine dining, and private beach access, all while being surrounded by the best in contemporary and traditional design.

Some hotels even offer personalized concierge services, enabling guests to design their own tailored tour of Qatar, complete with transportation, dining reservations, and exclusive experiences.

Fine Dining Experiences in Qatar

Qatar's culinary scene is as diverse and luxurious as its tourism. On a luxury tour, you can indulge in exquisite meals prepared by internationally renowned chefs at some of the finest restaurants in Doha. Nobu Doha, located on its private island at the Four Seasons Hotel, offers upscale Japanese cuisine with unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf. Meanwhile, Idam by Alain Ducasse, located in the Museum of Islamic Art, presents a fusion of French Mediterranean and Arabic flavours in an architectural masterpiece.

Luxury food tours can be arranged. On these tours, you'll experience Qatar's diverse dining landscape, from traditional Qatari dishes to modern international gastronomy, ensuring your culinary journey is as rich and indulgent as the rest of your trip.

Personalized Wellness Retreats

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Qatar offers some of the finest wellness retreats in the Middle East. Spas such as the Remède Spa at The St. Regis Doha or the Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort offer tailored wellness experiences, including private hammam rituals, massages, and holistic treatments. These retreats often integrate elements of traditional Middle Eastern wellness practices, ensuring a serene and rejuvenating experience that is both luxurious and authentic.

Some luxury tours may include private yoga sessions on the beach, personal wellness consultations, and VIP access to the best health and wellness facilities in Qatar.

Conclusion: Luxury at its Finest in Qatar

Qatar offers an extraordinary blend of luxury, tradition, and modernity, making it a dream destination for those seeking a high-end travel experience. From exclusive desert safaris and private yacht cruises to helicopter tours and curated cultural experiences, luxury Qatar tours allow travellers to explore this dynamic country in unparalleled style.

Whether you're marvelling at the beauty of the desert or savouring a world-class meal with a view, every aspect of a luxury tour in Qatar is designed to offer comfort, exclusivity, and sophistication. For those who seek the finer things in life, Qatar is ready to exceed expectations and provide memories that will last a lifetime. For more information or to book your exclusive luxury Qatar tour, contact us today and let us help you experience Qatar in style.

[vibhorperformdigi]

Discover Dubai: Unveiling the Gem of the Middle East

Dubai, a city that epitomizes luxury, innovation, and cultural fusion, has grown from a modest fishing village into one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. With its awe-inspiring skyline, rich history, and world-class attractions, Dubai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to uncover more of its wonders, this guide will help you discover the best of Dubai.

A Glimpse into Dubai’s History

Before the glittering skyscrapers and sprawling malls, Dubai was a humble desert settlement. The city’s history dates back to the 18th century when it was a small fishing and trading port. The discovery of oil in the 1960s marked a turning point, fueling rapid development and transforming Dubai into a global city. However, despite its rapid modernization, Dubai has managed to preserve its cultural heritage, which can be explored in areas like Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and the Dubai Museum.

Iconic Landmarks You Can’t Miss

Burj Khalifa: Standing tall at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and a symbol of Dubai’s ambition. A visit to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and beyond.

The Palm Jumeirah: This man-made island is an architectural marvel, shaped like a palm tree and home to luxury hotels, restaurants, and beaches. Take a monorail ride or a helicopter tour for a unique perspective.

Dubai Mall: More than just a shopping center, Dubai Mall is a destination in itself. It features over 1,200 stores, an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain.

Burj Al Arab: Known as the world’s only seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is an icon of luxury. Even if you’re not staying there, you can enjoy a meal at one of its fine dining restaurants or relax at the beach club.

Dubai Frame: Offering stunning contrasts between old and new Dubai, the Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark that literally frames the city’s skyline. The glass bridge connecting the two towers offers panoramic views of both sides.

Cultural Experiences

Despite its modern facade, Dubai is deeply rooted in tradition. Explore the city’s cultural side through these experiences:

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: Wander through narrow lanes lined with wind-towered buildings, art galleries, and museums. This area gives you a glimpse of Dubai’s past, long before the skyscrapers took over.

Dubai Creek: Take an abra ride across the historic Dubai Creek, where you can witness traditional wooden dhows, bustling souks, and the vibrant trading activities that once defined the city.

Jumeirah Mosque: One of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims, Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours that provide insight into Islamic culture and practices.

Dubai Opera: This architectural gem hosts a wide range of performances, from opera and ballet to theater and concerts. It’s a hub for cultural events in the city.

Adventure Awaits

For thrill-seekers, Dubai offers a wide range of activities that go beyond the usual sightseeing:

Desert Safari: Experience the thrill of dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding in the Arabian Desert. End the day with a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars.

Skydiving: Take the plunge with a tandem skydive over the Palm Jumeirah, offering an unparalleled view of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

Aquaventure Waterpark: Located at Atlantis, The Palm, this waterpark offers record-breaking slides, a lazy river, and encounters with marine life.

Dubai Marina: Rent a yacht or take a boat tour to explore the stunning Dubai Marina, home to some of the world’s most luxurious residential buildings.

Shopping and Dining

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from traditional markets to high-end designer stores. Don’t miss:

Gold Souk: A visit to the Gold Souk in Deira is a must, where you can browse hundreds of shops selling gold, diamonds, and precious gems.

Spice Souk: Located near the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk is filled with the aroma of exotic spices, herbs, and dried fruits.

Global Village: A seasonal attraction, Global Village features pavilions from different countries, offering a variety of goods, food, and cultural performances.

Dubai’s dining scene is equally diverse, with options ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulge in:

Emirati Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like Al Harees, Al Machboos, and Luqaimat at local restaurants.

Fine Dining: Dubai is home to numerous world-class restaurants, many helmed by celebrity chefs.

Food Festivals: Attend events like the Dubai Food Festival to sample dishes from around the world.

Planning Your Visit

When to Visit: The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Getting Around: Dubai’s modern transportation system includes the metro, trams, buses, and taxis. For a more scenic route, use the water taxis or ride the Dubai Ferry.

Accommodation: From budget-friendly hotels to opulent resorts, Dubai offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.

Conclusion

Dubai is a city of contrasts, where tradition meets innovation, and the desert meets the sea. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, shopping, or cultural experiences, Dubai has something for everyone. Discover Dubai, and let the city’s magic captivate you.

[magicaldubaitour]

Sky-High Adventures: The International Draw of Flyboarding in Dubai

Dubai’s combination of stunning coastal views, luxurious settings, and world-class facilities make it the perfect destination for flyboarding. The city's warm climate and calm waters provide ideal conditions year-round, ensuring that you can enjoy this exciting activity whenever you visit.

Moreover, the opportunity to flyboard in the shadow of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks adds a unique element to the experience, making it a must-do for any adventure enthusiast.

The Thrill of Flyboarding in Dubai:

Flyboarding involves strapping your feet to a board connected by a long hose to a watercraft. As water is forced through the hose and out of the board's nozzles, you are propelled into the air, allowing you to hover above the water, dive like a dolphin, and perform a variety of tricks.

The feeling of soaring above the waves and the adrenaline rush from performing stunts make flyboarding in Dubai an unforgettable adventure.

Best Locations to Flyboard in Dubai

Jumeirah Beach: One of the most popular spots for flyboarding in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach offers stunning views of the iconic Burj Al Arab and the city's skyline. The calm, clear waters make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced flyboarders.

Dubai Marina: Another fantastic location, Dubai Marina provides a spectacular backdrop of towering skyscrapers and luxury yachts. The marina's vibrant atmosphere adds to the excitement of the flyboarding experience.

Palm Jumeirah: Flyboarding near this iconic man-made island offers breathtaking views of Atlantis The Palm and the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf. The unique setting makes for incredible photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience.

The Best Time to Enjoy Flyboarding in Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah:

The best time to enjoy flyboarding in Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah is during the cooler months from October to April. During this period, the temperatures range from a comfortable 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor water activities.

The sea is calm, and the visibility is excellent, providing perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced flyboarders. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly favorable, as the sun is less intense, offering a more pleasant experience on the water.

Additionally, weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends, ensuring a more peaceful and enjoyable session. With the stunning skyline of Dubai Marina and the iconic views of Palm Jumeirah as your backdrop, flyboarding during these months guarantees an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

Attractions You’ll Come Across

While flyboarding, you'll be treated to some of Dubai's most famous sights. From Jumeirah Beach, you can see the stunning Burj Al Arab, often referred to as the world's only seven-star hotel.

In Dubai Marina, you'll be surrounded by a sea of luxury yachts and high-rise buildings, while flyboarding at Palm Jumeirah gives you a unique view of the Atlantis resort and the palm-shaped island.

Flyboarding Tricks to Showcase

For those looking to impress, flyboarding offers an array of tricks and stunts:

Who Is the Best Flyboard Rental Provider in Dubai?

For an exceptional flyboarding experience, Sea Life Dubai stands out as the premier rental provider. They offer state-of-the-art flyboarding equipment and professional instruction to ensure you have a safe and thrilling adventure.

Their experienced trainers will guide you through the basics and help you master more advanced tricks, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros. They also offer the most competitive flyboarding prices in Dubai, enhancing your overall experience and ensuring you get the best value for your adventure.

Sea Life Dubai’s commitment to safety, combined with their passion for adventure sports, ensures that your flyboarding experience will be nothing short of spectacular.

Want to know more about Sea Life Dubai’s flyboarding packages and discounts? Reach them at +971 50 433 2725!

[bosphorus-dinner-cruise-istanbul]

A Day of Magic on the Sea: An Unforgettable Yacht Tour

Yacht tours are the epitome of luxury, adventure, and relaxation, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of coastal regions and open waters. These excursions provide an escape from the daily grind, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the sea, the splendor of nature, and the charm of coastal destinations. Whether for a special occasion, a family outing, or a solo retreat, a yacht tour is an experience like no other.

The Allure of Yacht Tours

The allure of yacht tours lies in their ability to offer a customized and intimate exploration of the seas. Unlike large cruise ships, yachts provide a more personal experience, often accommodating smaller groups and offering greater flexibility in itineraries. This allows guests to tailor their journey to their preferences, whether that means anchoring in a secluded bay for a swim, visiting a charming coastal village, or simply enjoying the open sea.

Yacht tours can vary widely in terms of duration and destination. Some may last a few hours, focusing on a specific area, while others could extend over several days, exploring multiple destinations. Popular regions for yacht tours include the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the South Pacific, each offering its own unique landscapes, cultures, and experiences.

A Day on the Yacht

A typical day on a yacht tour begins with a warm welcome from the crew, who ensure that all guests are comfortable and acquainted with the vessel. Safety briefings are given, and itineraries are discussed, setting the stage for the day's adventures. As the yacht sets sail, guests can relax on deck, taking in the stunning views of the coastline and the expansive sea.

One of the highlights of a yacht tour is the opportunity to engage in various water activities. Many yachts are equipped with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and sometimes even diving equipment, allowing guests to explore the underwater world. Swimming in crystal-clear waters, observing marine life, and discovering hidden coves are just some of the thrilling experiences that await.

Culinary Delights

No yacht tour is complete without a feast of culinary delights. Many yachts come with their own chefs who prepare gourmet meals using fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck, a sumptuous lunch with panoramic sea views, and a starlit dinner under the open sky. For those who enjoy fishing, some tours offer the chance to catch their own dinner, which the chef can then prepare to perfection.

Serenity and Luxury

The serenity of being on the open water is unmatched. The gentle rocking of the yacht, the sound of waves lapping against the hull, and the vast expanse of the horizon create a sense of peace and relaxation that is hard to find elsewhere. For many, this tranquility is the highlight of the tour, providing a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Yacht tours also offer a level of luxury that few other travel experiences can match. From plush cabins and spacious decks to attentive service and premium amenities, every detail is designed to ensure guests feel pampered and at ease. Whether sunbathing on a comfortable lounge chair, enjoying a massage, or simply sipping a cocktail as the sun sets, the experience is one of pure indulgence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a yacht tour is more than just a trip on the water; it is an immersive experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and luxury. It offers a unique perspective on the world, allowing guests to connect with nature, explore new destinations, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, a yacht tour promises an extraordinary journey that will leave you longing for more. So, next time you crave an escape, consider setting sail on a yacht tour and let the magic of the sea rejuvenate your spirit.

[new-sandiegoca]

Stanza Little Italy in San Diego, CA

The Stanza Little Italy in San Diego, CA has luxurious apartments in downtown San Diego. Since many families want to stay in the city, it’s one of their best selections. If you also need a living space, you can also select your own apartment for rent unit there. For instance, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment unit. Moreover, one of the best qualities of the said apartment complex is being pet-friendly wherein you can experience living with your pets. Besides, they have dedicated dog run and pet spa. Lastly, they offer two social courtyards with firepit, grilling and dining settings, entertainment and dining districts proximity and freeway access.

San Diego, CA

In San Diego, CA area, you can find amazing pre-scheduled events. If you check out Eventbrite posts, they have interesting future activities. Most of these happenings are perfect for first-time visitors. First, there will be Black Pearl Halloween Yacht Party San Diego this coming Saturday, October 28, 2023, at around 9:15 PM at California Spirit Yacht. Second, the R&B Block Party Halloween Costume Party is scheduled on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at around 5:00 PM at Quartyard. Lastly, the Active Lifestyle Nerds Halloween 2023 - Mystery Gang and the Witch’s Curse event will take place this coming Saturday, at around 7:00 PM at Encore Event Center.

Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, CA

Are you familiar with the Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, CA? Subsequent to the pandemic, travelers from around the world go there to check out the said travel destination. Based on records, Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California, United States. In addition, it commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Apart from that, this event marked the first time a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. Lastly, the site was designated as California Historical Landmark #56 in 1932.

Woman stuck in Boulevard cave rescued by emergency crews

There are many shocking news reports in San Diego, CA area. One of these stories is about a woman who was stuck in Boulevard Cave. Reportedly, it was reported that emergency crews rescued a woman who became stuck in a cave in San Diego’s East County this weekend. Moreover, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials said the incident happened October 21, 2023 on McCain Valley Road, in an area referred to as Thunder Canyon Caves. Sheriff’s officials stated that, “The woman was traversing a narrow opening within the cave when she got stuck in a gap about 12 inches wide. Her friends tried to dislodge her, but could not get her out so they eventually called for help just before 6:00 p.m.”

Link to maps

Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States Take Cabrillo Memorial Dr, Catalina Blvd, Chatsworth Blvd, Nimitz Blvd, … and I-5 S to 3rd Ave 21 min (11.8 mi) Turn left at the 1st cross street onto 3rd Ave Destination will be on the right 19 sec (52 ft) Stanza Little Italy 310 A St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

[bwatchesforeigndramas]

Finding High Quality Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale

If you are looking for a high-quality yacht sales experience in Fort Lauderdale, you've come to the right place. Fort Lauderdale is truly one of the world's premier yachting destinations, with its vast array of marinas, luxurious waterfront accommodations, world-renowned charter companies and much more. The city is home to a large variety of experienced yacht brokers and yacht dealers who can help guide you through the entire purchasing process. Whether you are looking for a brand-new vessel or something more pre-owned, you can rest assured that you're going to be provided with the best selection available on the market. With experienced staff members always on-hand to answer your questions, you can be sure that you will have the yacht of your dreams in no time. From a personalized search process to one-on-one conversations with the right brokers and dealers, you can trust that you are getting quality yacht sales in Fort Lauderdale. Yacht sales Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place for those looking to buy or sell their dream boat.

The Advantages of Yacht Shopping In Fort Lauderdale 

Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to buy a yacht. The city is home to a wide selection of marinas and boat sales dealerships, providing customers with a great opportunity to compare many different models and sizes of yachts in one area. Most yacht sales dealers in Fort Lauderdale have access to many different manufacturer lines, as well as various financing options, enabling customers to purchase or lease the perfect yacht from the comfort of their own home. Furthermore, there are a number of recreational activities available for yacht owners in and around Fort Lauderdale, such as fishing, sailing, and cruising. Yacht shoppers in Fort Lauderdale also benefit from the relatively warm climate year-round, which eliminates any worries of freezing waters while out on the open seas and provides ideal conditions for maintenance. 

Factors to Consider When Searching for High Quality Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale 

When searching for high quality boat sales dealerships in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to keep in mind several key factors. First, customers should always be sure to research each of the sales dealerships to ensure they are licensed and certified to provide the services they offer. Generally, services such as parts and maintenance should be certified by the manufacturer, and the dealership should have a variety of boats in inventory from different manufacturers. Additionally, customers should also check out the dealership’s customer service record, warranty policies, and any reviews they can find online or through word of mouth. This will help customers be sure they have chosen the best yacht sales dealership in Fort Lauderdale. 

How to Identify the Best Yacht Dealers in Fort Lauderdale? 

When trying to identify the best yacht dealers in Fort Lauderdale, customer reviews can become very helpful. Sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List often provide honest reviews from customers who have used yacht sales dealerships in the area. Additionally, customers can also take a look at the ratings and reviews on the dealership’s official website, which typically offer the most accurate depiction of customer satisfaction. Customers should pay particular attention to any comments regarding customer service, as this is a key factor when looking for the best yacht dealers. Lastly, customers should look for any accreditations or certifications that the dealer may have such as ISO 9001 certification. This will ensure that the yacht sales dealership is providing customers with the best possible services and products. 

Yacht Financing Options for Buyers In Fort Lauderdale 

Buying a yacht can be a very expensive venture, but fortunately there are several financing options available for customers in Fort Lauderdale. Customers should first research the available loan options to see which ones may best fit their budget. Some of the most popular options include direct credit loans, Marine financing, and peer-to-peer yachting, which provide various deals and interest rates. Additionally, customers may also want to look into the potential tax advantages of owning a yacht. Furthermore, most yacht dealerships in Fort Lauderdale also have access to various financing options, so customers should be sure to shop around to ensure they get the best deal. 

Reliable Service and Maintenance for Fort Lauderdale Yacht Sales 

When buying a yacht from a Fort Lauderdale yacht sales dealership, customers should also ensure that they have access to reliable and efficient service and maintenance. Generally speaking, customers should be sure to choose a dealership that specializes in providing maintenance and repair services, particularly for the particular manufacturer’s boats. Furthermore, customers should also look into the dealership’s service policies, as this will help ensure that any issues with the boat can be quickly and efficiently addressed. Additionally, customers can research the available warranties for the yacht, as these will ensure that any issues that arise over the course of ownership are properly addressed without any extra cost. 

The Benefits of Joining a Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale 

Yacht clubs in Fort Lauderdale not only provide an opportunity for individuals to socialize and make friends, but they also provide several benefits for yacht owners. For starters, yacht clubs typically have access to a variety of ports and marinas, providing customers with great opportunities for seafaring. Furthermore, yacht clubs also generally offer perks such as discounts from manufacturers and various related businesses. Additionally, yacht clubs also tend to set up fishing tournaments and competitive sailing regattas, offering customers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills. Last but not least, yacht clubs typically have an established network of experienced sailors and professionals, giving customers additional resources when it comes to navigation and general boating expertise. 

Where to Look for Reviews of Fort Lauderdale Yacht Sales? 

When researching yacht sales dealerships in Fort Lauderdale, customers should be sure to look into any reviews or ratings that are available online. Websites such as Yelp and Angie’s List offer customers honest feedback from real customers, which can prove invaluable when trying to identify which dealership is the best fit. Additionally, customers can also look at the dealer’s website to see if there is any information on customer satisfaction ratings or reviews. Forums such as Boating-Sailor and Yacht Exchange also allow customers to post their experiences with various dealerships for other customers to read and discuss. By researching all these sources, customers can be sure to find a reputable and reliable yacht sales dealership in Fort Lauderdale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding high quality yacht sales in Fort Lauderdale is not difficult, provided that the buyer is aware of the different aspects to consider and is willing to take their time to research and compare different yacht sales companies. Though the market is large and competitive, the knowledgeable buyer can find a quality boat sales company in Fort Lauderdale by looking for well-established operations, researching the online market, and attending boat shows and boat shows events to discover the finest yachts and services. With the right market knowledge and commitment, it is possible to find excellent yacht sales in Fort Lauderdale.

[loveactionsspeaklouder]

i’m not the only one

I have loved you for many years Maybe I am just not enough You’ve made me realise my deepest fear By lying and tearing us up

“My life used to be perfect. I had everything I had ever wanted. A loving boyfriend, a beautiful house and three gorgeous dogs. But that all changed last summer. Two months ago, I lost the person I was. The memories, the happiness and the love I felt were now a distant memory. Now, I was empty. I had hatred, sadness and anger, but that soon left. I was alone, with only my thoughts as little company. I was broken. And I couldn’t be pieced back together.”

“Benjamin William White was the sole reason for my once happiness. He was the reason I woke up with a smile on my face. If he was sad, I was sad. If he was happy, I was happy. If he was angry, I was angry. He was my soulmate, my best friend and my one true love. Until he became a stranger. He became the reason for my illness, the reason I have to speak to someone. He was the person who broke me.”

“If you would have spoken to me two months ago, I would have told you about our wonderful memories; I would have told you how I depended on him, how I missed him when he went training or how I only thought about seeing his face when I finished work. I would have told you how he would never betray me. But like everything else in my life, I was wrong.”

“I remember it was a Tuesday; Ben was due to fly back from Ibiza in three days, his holiday destination after the Euros. When he told me he was going with friends, I wasn’t bothered, I knew he was still upset over the result and needed to relax. I recall it being a sunny day, thinking I could take the dogs on a long walk. I woke up to several messages from my friends and family, urging my response. The next few moments are a blank. I can just hear my heartbeat as I feel my heart-breaking piece by piece. With every word I read, the weaker I became.”

‘England’s Ben White seen kissing scantily clad blonde woman on-board a yacht in Ibiza’

“I sat in silence for an hour. I watched the clock tick by, my phone ring several times, my tears fall quicker and quicker down my cheeks. I didn’t know if I was awake, I thought I was asleep and I was in a nightmare. But I was awake and the nightmare didn’t stop.”

@isabellejones: hey. I know you don’t know me but I have something to tell you…

@daniellej: I’m so sorry, I should have told you earlier...

@millya: I really didn’t know about you, I’m so s…

@jessssjones: I don’t think I’m the only one, it was a one-time thing and I…

“A five-year relationship, instantly ruined in minutes. One girl, two girls, three girls. I didn’t know when the messages were going to stop. In total I had received messages from six women, six different women telling me how they had slept with my boyfriend. How they had fallen in love with him and he had promised them the world; a house, a relationship, his love, everything that I had.”

“I immediately packed up my belongings from the house; I didn’t take everything because I didn’t want to keep remembering the heartbreak I had endured. Walking away from the life and house we shared was hard; five years of memories, every room I stepped foot in rendered me into tears. I blocked his number, his social media, I removed every trace of him from my phone and my life. I called his mum and told her what had happened; she cried, she yelled and she apologised.”

“What happened when you saw Ben after you left?” my therapist asked. Julie was a quiet woman, but she was a woman who listened to everything I had to say. (Probably because it’s her job!) “Is your encounter the reason you came to see me?”

I nodded. She wasn’t lying and I’d be stupid to lie to her. “I really should have come to see you when it first happened, when I eventually broke, but I didn’t have the strength to do it. I sat in my kitchen covered in smashed plates and blood and I still didn’t want to get help.”

I sighed. I knew talking about this was going to be hard and I wasn’t wrong. Reminding myself of every emotion I had faced was tough, but I was determined to power through. “I was supposed to be working a party. I turned up at the address and met the owners, to my surprise, it was Ben’s parents. I didn’t know what to say or how to act. How was I supposed to work their party? Why was I even offered the job? Carole was the one to request me.”

“The night was actually alright. I interacted with the family and guests; they all asked me how I’d been, which I obviously lied about. I couldn’t tell them that a week ago I was in hospital with injuries I had caused myself. I couldn’t reveal the pain I was going through. But they soon realised when I finally saw Ben walk in with his new girlfriend. We had only been broken up for two months but he had already found another girl, a totally different one to the various of others he had been speaking to during our relationship.”

“Did you speak?”

“We did. We didn’t speak for long, I didn’t have much to say. Once I saw him I knew my decision was correct, I just needed to let him know that I didn’t regret it. It was the push I needed to get myself out of this hole I was in. I stopped crying, stopped screaming, stopped being angry. But most importantly, I stopped caring. I can’t start a new chapter in my life if I’m always delving into the previous ones.”

You say I'm crazy 'Cause you don't think I know what you've done But when you call me baby I know I'm not the only one

[maddiwrites]

Secrets of the Shore (Chapter 1)

Pairing: Pogues x reader, eventually JJ x reader.

Summary: This is just my rewrite of the show Outer Banks with my own twist by adding another main character which also happens to be John B’s twin sister. 

Note: Hey guys! Thank you so much for the support of my last couple of fics. All your messages have been so kind and so sweet! I’ve made a rewrite of the show with a new character that eventually falls in love with her best friend. I’m gonna be posting a new chapter three times a week. Let me know what you guys think!

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: None

Chapter 2 

"That's what, a three-story fall to the deck?" John B tip toes across the middle of the roof as he sips out of the can of beer in his hand.

I lean to my right, pressing against JJ's shoulder as we sit on a construction slack used to hold construction workers as they work on the siding of the home. Scaffolding, I think it's called. I narrow my eyes at my brother, counting down the seconds until he falls.

"I give you about a one-in-three chance of survival," Pope jokes from the deck below us.

John B shrugs. He licks his finger and holds it up in the air as if he's feeling which way the wind is blowing. "Hm. Should I do it?"

"Yeah, jump." Pope holds up a power drill and points it at John B like it's a gun. "I'll shoot you on the way down."

"You'll shoot me?"

"Yep." Pope closes one eye and pretends to shoot it. "Pow!"

I roll my eyes and look forward again, letting the beer slip down my throat like a refreshing glass of water. The warm North Carolina air presses soothingly against my freshly tan skin and I bask in the sunlight. Its days like these that I like the most. Days where none of my best friends have work, we're drinking causally, and joking with one another. Even if it's on a construction site in the middle of Figure Eight. But the idea of getting caught just gives me an adrenaline rush.

"They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," Kie says as she walks out of the unfinished house.

"Of course. Why wouldn't they?" JJ says next to me with a shrug like it's not the craziest thing that a Kook would own.

"This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess."

"I can't have cold towels."

Kie looks up at John B, shielding her eyes with the back of her hand. "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"Don't spill the beer. I'm not giving you another one," JJ says.

As if on cue, John B's foot slips. Luckily he catches himself, but his beer, however, drops to it's death on the deck below. As John B steadies himself I release the breath I didn't even know I was holding. I take another greedy gulp of my warm beer to steady the nerves in my chest.

"Whoa! Oh, shit," John B curses.

"Of course you did," JJ rolls his eyes playfully. "Smooth."

"A plus, really." I glare up at my brother, feeling his mischievous smirk right back at me.

"Dumbass," Kie mutters under her breath. She looks up at me as if waiting for me to say something, but I only giggle to myself. John B can be clumsy but he's not going to accidentally kill himself.

"Hey!" I hear another voice shout behind us towards the street and front of the house. A voice that doesn't belong to any of my friends or my brother.

"Hey, uh, security's here," Pope says.

Immediately knowing what that means, I jump to my feet with the help of JJ right after he slugs the rest of his beer. A delirious grin dances along my lips as I hop down to the main deck.

"Let's wrap it up!"

"Boys are early today."

"Humpty Dumpty, let's roll!"

My legs take off after my friends through the house. Adrenaline rushes through my veins and straight to my head like a power high. I can't even feel my legs as they jump over wooden slacks and construction tools. The high from running from the police is better than any drug JJ can get his hands on, even the good stuff.

"Gary is that you?" JJ plays along before accidentally running into him, making him slip on his feet before running the other way. I grab his wrist and pull him closer to me to catch up. "Gary, good to see you man!"

I laugh as my feet land on the freshly cut grass in the front yard. "You're asking for it."

"JJ!" The obese cop chases after us, recognizing my best friend's face instantly. I'm not surprised, not even a little bit. JJ had his fair share of run-ins with the law.

"They're going out front!" I hear another cop shout. I can barley hear through the wind rushing through my ears.

We run into a tall white painted fence that blocks us from our car, better known as the Twinkie. Hopping fences is something I've learned to become better at after doing it so many times. However, I can't say the same about Pope. He's always struggled.

I swing my legs over the fence and land with a small 'oomf.' I look over my shoulder for my slow-poke friend and see him falling over the fence, landing on his side. I laugh as I pick him up by the shoulders.

JJ is waiting for us, clapping his hands like a coach on the sidelines at a football game because his players aren't running fast enough. But there's a smile on his face. "Get up, Pope, fatso's coming!"

"Hey!" The guard shouts behind me. He's halfway up the other side of the fence, but he doesn't have the strength to pull himself over completely. "Come here you little pricks!"

I hear the familiar honk coming from the van John B and I learned to drive in. My brother and Kie are waiting for us in the front seats of the Volkswagen van that would look better in the 70s than the 2020's but I love it. It fits our friend group perfectly. Plus I'd choose this car over any fancy Mercedes Tourons usually drive. The only time I've ever been in one of them is when I snuck off with a golf player from Georgia after a boneyard party. It was luxurious of course, but nothing like the Twinkie.

"Bus is leaving!" John B says as we get closer.

"Come on!" Kie yells at us from the passenger seat, banging the flat of her palm against the door.

I dive through the back first, landing on my elbows and rolling over. Pope and JJ follow less than a second later.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Gary calls after us as John B steps on the gas.

JJ leans out of the sliding side door that's still wide open. I lay on my back watching him as I try to catch my breath. His smile is contagious. For a boy who's been through hell and back, he smiles a lot, and I love every second of it.

He holds out his beer can as if he's offering it to the cop who's still trying to catch us...if he can catch up to it. "Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise. Come on, Gary!"

"Wait. Slow down. Hey! You little pricks! Hey!"

"You're gonna give him a heart attack!" Kie tries to scold him but she can't fight the smile on her lips either as she watches from the side rearview mirror.

"You're so close! You can do it. There you go. They don't pay you enough bro."

"JJ, stop. Stop!" Kie says through her laughter.

I love Kie. She always tries to keep the peace between her friends and the world itself. Always the girl who raises money for charities that protect this Earth and save animals and solve world hunger. She's going to change the world someday. Her and Pope. Maybe if they can tolerate each other, they'll do it side by side.

JJ slumps back into the van with a toothy grin. He sits next to me and pulls me up so I'm sitting up straight. He dangles his arm around my shoulder and I lean further into his side. If I could choose one position to be in for the rest of my life it would be this one.

But I'd never admit that.

"Oh, come on. That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished," JJ says.

I hum in response and lean back into the seat behind me and stare out the window. A view of passing vibrant green leaves takes over the window as John B drives. The scene comforts me. Summer is my favorite season. No school. Just work and friends and the Outer Banks. Paradise on Earth, some may call it.

It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island. We're currently driving through Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks. So, guess where we don't live.

As John B drives further South, the houses get smaller and smaller, feeling more like home. This is the South side. Or as we like to call it, the Cut. Home of the working class who make a living bussing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of...drumroll, please...the Pogues. That's us. Pogues, pogies, the throwaway fish. Lowest members of the food chain.

I know... a little harsh, don't you think?

So, the downside of the Pogue life is we're ignored and neglected. But the upside of the Pogue life? We're ignored and neglected, which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want.

The second John B parks the car, the boys are gathering all their fishing gear and we set off to our next destination. The marina.

"Nice haul, dude. Look at that!" JJ teases my brother when he reels in what I think is the smallest fish I've ever seen. If it was orange, I would have thought it was my old pet goldfish from when I was six. "Been all bait for, like, three weeks."

John B pulls the fish off his hook and tosses it in JJ's direction. JJ flinches back, knocking into me and almost throwing me into the water below. That was probably my fault, though. I shouldn't be sitting on an open ledge, dangling my legs twenty feet above the water.

"Watch it, idiot!" I smack JJ upside the head after letting go of the death grip I had on his bicep when I was about to fall to my death. Well...I'd probably survive, but it would hurt like hell.

"It's not my fault you chose the most dangerous seat!" JJ retaliates.

Yeah, that's JJ. John B's best friend since the third grade, which subsequently makes him my best friend since the third grade too. He's about as local as they come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta-holding salt-lifers who made their living off the water. Second best surfer I know. First being me of course. Mild kleptomaniac and a future tax cheat.

"Yeah, Mar, you should really get down from there," Kie says, walking over to me to help me down. I decide not to put up a fight. If I'm going to break my leg, I'm gonna do it in a surfing accident or something cool, not by falling off the dock.

Kiara. Or Kie as we call her. When not saving turtles or listening to Bob Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with us. I'm not really sure why though. She's a rich kid, actually. Her family owns the Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash down with the tourists and my current job. You know, I'm not really sure how her parents feel about us. But they like me enough to bring them money towards their restaurant. I bring in a lot of regulars. Advertising is kind of my thing. I'm pretty sure all my friends, even my brother, have a thing for her.

Kie hands me a water bottle and lays her legs across my lap. She lies down on the wooden bench and bathes in the sunlight the day still has to offer. Kie is my best friend. Best secret holder known to man, for the most part.

"I think she needs a leash," Pope adds, making me pass him a glare.

"The only thing useful about a leash is how I can strangle you with it," I say.

"Kinky," JJ says and winks at me. "That's my girl."

John B slaps JJ upside the back of his head.

I'm lucky my sunburnt skin is hiding the blush that creeps along my cheeks.

Pope glares at both JJ and I which only makes my growing smirk widen.

Pope...the brains of the operation...finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship. And the smartest person I know. Little bit of a weirdo. His father's this legendary character, Heyward. Anything you wanted on the island, Heyward could get for you. Now, I'm not sure Heyward knew what to make of his oddball son, but it didn't matter. He was a Pogue, just like the rest of us.

"Trust me, if a leash was that easy, I would have tried a long time ago," John B mutters with a hint of a smile.

John Booker Routledge. My insufferable twin brother. Pain in my ass. Number one partner in crime. I hate him but I love him. Pretty much like any sibling relationship. We live in an old fish shack on the marsh. The Chateau as my dad use to call it. My dad disappeared at sea nine months ago looking for a shipwreck. I mean seriously, who disappears at sea these days? I miss him a lot. He may have been a little neglectful, but he took care of us the best that he could. My mom, however? She split when I was three. Last I heard she was in Colorado. At least I think it was Colorado. Honestly who knows and who cares.

Since my dad vanished, my Uncle T is supposedly my legal guardian. At the moment, he's in Mississippi, building houses which means it's just me right now, on my own, hangin' out with my brother and my friends.

Three months after my dad went missing, he was officially presumed dead. John B is more of an optimist than I am. He refuses to sign the paper and until he sees a dead body, he's not giving up. I back John B's decision, but I'm more realistic about what happened to my dad. The ocean, although my favorite place to be, is also one of the scariest.

My dad is probably dead and I will never get the closure that I want. So I'm dealing with it the best way I can, although I'm pretty sure everyone is a little worried about me, especially Kie now that John B is starting to follow in my footsteps by exhibiting reckless behavior.

But I'm getting better now. Day by Day. At least I wasn't acting like I did when my dad first left us.

                                                     ~ ~ ~

I woke up with a slap to my ankle and my head buried deep into my pillow. I groan from the abrupt living alarm clock that's now pacing my room and throwing clothes from my closet at me. It only makes me squeeze my eyes tighter in hopes for at least five more minutes of sleep.

"Seriously, Mar, we need to go. We're late." John B rips my blanket off my body, leaving me exposed in just my pajama boxer shorts and a tank top. The sudden chill sends goosebumps up my arms and legs.

"Go without me." I push myself up on my elbows and grab the clothes he threw at me. I knew meeting the social worker alone wasn't an option. Even if one of us goes to this stupid meeting, it will prove to the social worker that we're not being responsible enough to keep DCS off our backs. As far as they know, Uncle T is still living with us and keeping us safe.

"You have five minutes." John B ignores me and leaves my room, slamming my door shut.

I roll my eyes and tumble out of my soft bed. I slip on my jeans shorts and a white t shirt that I tie in a knot to make it a crop top. Underneath it I have on my plain black bikini, knowing that I will be surfing the second we get home. The News has been reporting a storm for weeks that's suppose to hit tonight. Vicious waves and crazy winds sends a thrill through my body.

We arrive to the social worker's office only two minutes late. I thought that was a sign of responsibility, but the social worker only looks at us with distaste as we sit in the two chairs in front of her desk.

"John, Marleigh, it's come to our attention that you two are unemancipated minors living on your own." Her hair is pulled back into a tight low bun and her glasses are perched on the tip of her nose. Her suit looks way too tight for comfort, like it's squeezing the life out of her.

John B scoffs and leans back into his seat as if we have nothing to worry about, but I know his heart is beating just as wildly as mine. "No....no." The social worker raises one brow in suspicion and glances in my direction to either confirm or deny what John B is saying. John B sees this and answers for me. "No."

I just shrug as a response, which only makes the social worker more weary. She leans into her desk and folds her hands on top of our folders that are piled in the middle. "I need honesty to help you. That's what we want, right?"

"Yeah. I'm being honest."

"Okay, then when is the last time you spoke to your uncle?"

John B looks down at his watch and purses his lips. "Uh...thirty-four minutes ago."

"When's the last time you saw him?"

"Two hours and...forty-three minutes ago?"

I hold myself back from rolling my eyes. It's clear on the social worker's face that she's not buying into any of John B's lies.

She sighs and turns to look at me. "We're gonna come out there tomorrow to talk to your uncle. If he's not there, we're gonna move forward with foster care." Foster care. The words make me dig my nails into the wood of the arms of the chair I'm in. The last place I ever wanna be is in foster care. I want to stay here on the island with my brother and our friends. Not with some random family who couldn't care less about us in a place I'm not familiar with. "I want to assure you, we're gonna find you a safe and loving home."

She says it like she's offering us a better life, one that we would want, one that sounds like the better option but it isn't. I ignore the worried look John B sends my way and watch the seconds go by on the clock above the door. We basically have twenty-four hours to find Uncle T or someone to be pretend to be him.

                                                  ~ ~ ~

The winds begin picking up early in the afternoon, the rain hitting by 5. On my way home from working at the Wreck, I watch people board up the windows of their stores and homes. All John B and I can do is hope that our little shack won't blow away by morning.

Unfortunately for Pope, he's at our house when John B catches me leaving the house with my board. When he tells me to stop, I'm prepared to put up a fight. I've been looking forward to surfing in this storm all day - something I can use to push the DCS lady out of my head and the promise she made that sounded more like a threat.

"You think you were gonna go out without me?" John B smirks and leads the way to the beach.

Pope follows behind us like a lost puppy, basically talking to himself as he tries to convince us that this is a bad idea. We stop at the edge of the beach. It's almost impossible to see the ocean through the wind and the rain.

"Those aren't surfable waves, bro," Pope says, squinting through the rain that splatters our faces wet.

"Says who?" I say, passing him a devious smirk and make a run for it towards the ocean.

I paddle past the choppy waves, letting the water knock me around like a feather in the wind. When I see a decent looking wave to ride, I prop myself up on my feet and stand. I lean into my board. The warmth that's taken over my body outruns the cold water I fall into when the waves crash over me. My body tumbles under the water and my board bumps against me. I try to swim back up to the surface but the current is strong. I don't know where I am and I can't see under the water. My nose burns when water rushes up my nostrils. I squeeze my eyes tight and just swim upwards in hope of reaching air. Maybe this was a bad idea, but the thrill is still keeping me excited.

I finally reach the surface after what feels like years. John B and Pope's screams are dull against the whistling wind. I hop back on my board and give the two guys a thumbs up and a wicked smile. Pope looks like he's about ready to have a heart attack and John B breathes out a sigh of relief as he paddles closer to me.

"You alright?" He asks me.

"Fine," I yell against the wind.

John B nods. He looks like he's about to say something else, but something over my shoulder catches his attention. I turn myself around, intrigued at what's he's seeing other than the water, clouds, and a bunch of rain. Then I see it. A boat that barely looks afloat, so far out that it looks like a speck against the rain.

"We should probably go," I say. I don't want John B's mind to run to what might have happened to Dad out there. Maybe he was caught by a storm like this, maybe his boat went overboard and his body is out there floating with the fishes. I don't know. The last thing I need him to do right now is speculate. Even if the same thoughts are running through my head, John B thinks he's still alive. These thoughts will keep him up all night. He doesn't move, however. "John B let's go."

                                                  ~ ~ ~

JJ is already laying on the pull out bed in my living room when I get out of the shower. JJ crashes here most days of the week. He'd much rather be here than with his drunk abusive dad. Our friends don't know the extent of how shitty his relationship really is with his dad. But I do. I found out when I was thirteen. JJ snuck through my bedroom window after a tough night with his dad. His face and torso were covered in bruises. It took everything in me not to burst out in tears right then and there. But for some reason, he trusted me of all people with his biggest secret. I cleaned him up and let him sleep in my bed with me. Every once in a while we repeat the process. Sometimes he's not even hurt, he just shows up. And I let him in because I like having him there.

I fall onto the mattress next to him and prop my head up on my hand, leaning on my elbow. I run my fingers through his hair, feeling satisfied and bubbly when he moans in response.

"When did you get here?" I ask him.

"You were in the shower. Don't worry I didn't peak, but I was tempted," He says into his pillow.

I use the same hand I had woven in his hair and punch his shoulder playfully, making him fall on his back. His lips turn up in a grin.

I lay there for a second, looking up at the ceiling. My eyes feel heavy, the events of the day officially taking over my body. I peek an eye over at JJ who's watching me carefully as if I might break under his fingertips.

"What?" I grin to myself, thankful for the darkness so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks. Again.

"You all right?" He asks, pushing my hair out of my face so he can look straight into my eyes.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

JJ hesitates, like he's trying to pick the right words to say. I watch him closely, studying every mark and crevice on his face. Beautiful and clear like always. Even when it's covered in bruises and blemishes, he's handsome. I could look at him all day.

"You hate storms," He says.

"I can sleep through anything," I tell him. "And I don't hate storms. They make for...eventful surfing days."

His face drops to a more serious one. "You know what I mean."

I do. Storms have never really frightened me. Not really. But ever since my dad disappeared nine months ago, I worried that he would get caught in a storm like this, that by morning there would be a knock on my door from an officer who would tell me that a dead body has washed up on shore and they ID'd him as my father. The image leaves me with nightmares on nights like tonight.

JJ's the only one who knows this.

I don't like talking about it. Like JJ, we have this in common. So instead of telling him I'm fine and him not believing me, I pull the blanket at the edge of the mattress over our bodies and tuck myself into his side, laying my head on his shoulder. A position so intimate for just us "friends." I hope he can't feel my heart pounding beneath my skin, against his side. I let my body soften against his, feeling sleep take over me. I fall into a dreamless sleep next to JJ, hoping that the storm will be gone by the time we wake up.

[skymaiden32]

Perils of an Explorer

The Thunderbirds Calendar for 2022 has a lot of stories you can expand on, one for each month. This one is January's.

Famed explorer Edworth Harte’s yacht gets caught in a cyclone, sending him crashing through heavy waves. Scott tries to locate Harte using Thunderbird 1’s powerful searchlight to pierce the inky black night before the yacht capsizes.

Original series.

Tagging: @thundergeek59 (Don't be afraid if you want to ask to be added)

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Captain Tara Summers grumbled as she took a quick glance over the sensitive instruments on her bridge. Her first mate, Otis Akers, a usually happy silver-haired fellow, also had a very serious look on his face. The yacht was bobbing up and down on increasingly ferocious waves; a clear sign of an incoming storm. The blonde-haired Captain turned to her right-hand man, calm despite the fear behind her eyes. She spoke with a heavy Irish accent and was proud of it.

“Otis, take the helm.” She stepped back from the steering wheel, allowing the first-mate to take her spot. “I’d better go and tell Mr Harte know that we’ve got some rough weather on the way.”

Otis hummed, stroking his beard as he did so. He too had a heavy accent, although he hailed from Wales. “He won’t be too happy about that.” He returned his full attention to keeping the ship steady in the harsh waves. “He wants to get to Auckland before tomorrow afternoon.”

Tara rolled her eyes. “Well, he’s gonna have to wait a little longer, then. It’s cyclone season and we can’t be too careful.” She walked out the bridge. “I know exploring the Auckland Rainforests means a lot to him, but he’s a big boy. He can handle being a bit late.”

She made her way down to the main deck, where her employer stood over the side of the rail, watching a pod of orcas a few meters away to port. Mr Edworth Harte was an explorer, an extremely skilled one at that. The Canadian was one of the best in the world and was famed for taking risks. Captain Summers prayed to whatever higher power might be out there that this was a risk he wouldn’t take, but she and Otis knew him too well to truly believe that.

“Magnificent! They never cease to amaze me…”

“Mr Harte!” She interrupted, eager to get this over with. He spun around, a big grin on his face.

“Ah, Captain! Come out to see the orcas too?” The woman shook her head.

“No, I’m afraid not, sir. We’ve just received a weather report from Lima. There’s a storm coming…” He raised an eyebrow.

“And? What do you want me to do about it?”

She cleared her throat. It was now or never. “We need to dock somewhere. Anywhere, really. At the moment, they doubt anything serious will happen, but it’s cyclone season, so it could take a turn for the worst if we aren’t careful.”

The man looked thoughtful for a minute, weighing up his options. He was eager to get to their destination, of course. There had been a new cave discovered in the Auckland Rainforests that he wanted to look at for himself. It was very true that he took risks. But that was only when it was only his life. He was uncomfortable with risking the life of his crew, especially if Captain Summers seemed so troubled about it. He may make a living off of this sort of thing, but she knew the sea much better than he did…

“Alright, Captain. You know I trust your judgement.” He frowned. “But where on Earth are we going to dock? The closest port is Auckland isn’t it?”

“It is.” The Captain hummed. “There’s an archipelago about 30 klicks to the east. One of the islands may be inhabited and even if it isn’t, it’s better for the yacht to be in shallow water, which the islands would provide.” Her boss nodded in agreement.

“Alright. Better radio around, we should be in range for any inhabitants to hear us.”

Tara nodded, and then made her way back to the bridge, hoping that the islands were inhabited.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, about 30 klicks east from the yacht of the famous explorer and his crew, Jeff Tracy was just finishing his fifth cup of coffee of the day, stressed beyond belief. His sons had just gotten home from a hurricane rescue in Florida, and he was eager to hear the mission report from them. He always got a little worried about what could have happened to them that he wasn’t there to see, or they kept hidden from both himself and Scott, who outside of his regular duties as the eldest, was International Rescue’s Field Commander.

Sure enough, just as the thought of Scott crossed his mind, he appeared, Virgil and Alan close behind him. The three of them had been soaked when they hobbled inside, much to their Grandmother’s chagrin, and sort of huddled together until they had been dismissed from the lounge, their very worried father wanting them to warm up as soon as possible. They certainly looked warm now; Alan had even dragged in his comforter, which was pretty much ignored. Virgil had two cups of hot chocolate in hand, discreetly trying to give one to his immediate older brother, which Scott gladly took in the hand that was devoid of any papers.

Gordon looked up from his game of chess with Brains to watch the debrief, a big grin on his face. Brains sat straighter, also paying attention to the group of men in front of them. Jeff nodded to Scott, urging him to start.

“Hurricane Zelda made landfall on Wednesday, as a category 5 and was recognised even in its early stages of being one of the strongest since Arthur ten years ago. Thankfully, the majority of inhabitants were able to evacuate in time, but others were not so lucky…” He paused to cough before continuing. “Initial rescue efforts saved upwards of 200 people, but they needed a few extra hands to get to the most difficult spots, which is where IR came in.” He coughed again, more violent this time. Jeff frowned, concern skyrocketing. Gordon had a matching look on his face, and looked ready to stand up to assist at any given moment. Virgil and Alan moved a bit closer, but he brushed them off. “I’m fine.” He cleared his throat. Jeff was doubtful, but hesitantly let him continue. Thankfully, there were only a couple more points. “Final toll is 14 deaths, and the number of injuries, no matter how severe, are in the three hundreds.” He broke into another coughing fit, and this time Virgil was quick enough to move him to the couch. “Seriously, Virgil. I’m fine.”

Virgil smiled, deceptively sweet. “I’ll be the judge of that.” He gently felt Scott’s forehead. “No, not fine. You’ve got a fever. To bed with you.” Scott looked about ready to argue. “Me and Al can finish the report.” That seemed to placate him, but only slightly. He nodded to Gordon, who was helping their brother to his feet.

The aquanaut steered an increasingly delirious Scott in the direction of his room. “Come on, Scooter.” Jeff stared worriedly after them, then looked at an equally concerned Virgil, who was happy to explain.

The second son sounded tired all of a sudden. “There was a particularly bad cold circulating around the Danger Zone, and the cold and heavy rain certainly didn’t help matters. Chances are that’s what he’s got.” Jeff hummed and turned his attention to his youngest son, who was wrapped tightly in his comforter and looked almost as pale as Scott did just before he left the room, although the patriarch suspected it was just the shock.

“Alright boys, I think we’ll hold it there. I want both of you to rest for a bit; you might have picked it up as well. Let me know if you have.” The two boys nodded and left the room. Flashing across the room alerted the father to another conversation to have with one of his children.

Jeff sighed as he opened up the link with John, his middle child, up on the organisation’s satellite some 22,400 miles above them. “Go ahead, John.”

“Update from Florida, Father. They’ve cleared all the debris. There was no one else to get to. Everyone’s been accounted for.” Jeff nodded, but his mind remained elsewhere.

“Good. Thanks, John.” Out of the corner of his eye, Jeff noticed John giving him a sideways look.

“Are you alright, Dad?”

Jeff smiled gently at the blond on the screen. The image itself was close enough for him to touch, but his son wasn’t. “I’m just fine. It’s your brothers I’m worried about. Scott’s picked something up from the Danger Zone, and Virgil and Alan looked a bit peaky as well.” John’s face got paler as his father continued.

“Are they okay?”

“They’ll be just fine, my little star.” It was an old nickname, but it did its job, and the space monitor visibly relaxed.

“Okay, Dad. Let me know if anything happens.” With that, he signed off, leaving the father of five to slump in his chair. Brains hummed in the background, clearly having something to say. Jeff stood to attention.

“Brains?” The scientist looked at him seriously.

“T-There’s a weather w-warning out, Mr T-Tracy. I-I suggest we p-prepare for a c-cyclone.” Jeff sighed. No rest for the wicked.

“Alright, send an alert out to the rest of the household, and activate severe storm protocols. Make sure nothing floods.” He would’ve said something else, but the comm behind him started flashing, an Irish voice cutting through the sound of the increasingly violent waves.

“This is the Oarfish requesting permission to dock. Repeat, Oarfish requesting permission to dock.” Jeff turned to Brains.

“T-The closest p-port is Auckland, M-Mr Tracy. I-If we turn t-them down, they’ll n-never get there b-b-before the storm hits.” The older man nodded in agreement.

“Brains, activate Operation Cover-Up!” As the genius did so, Jeff opened up the comms to speak with who the patriarch assumed was the Captain. “This is Jeff Tracy. May I ask who you are?”

There was a stunned silence on the bridge of the ship. “T-The Jeff Tracy? Of Tracy Industries?”

“Yes. Who are you?”

The Captain seemed to snap out of it. “Sorry. Tara Summers, Captain of the Oarfish. I have my first-mate Otis Akers with me at the helm. The yacht belongs to an Edworth Harte, who is also on board.” Jeff’s eyes widened, recognising the name.

“The explorer?”

“Yes, sir. We’re requesting a place to dock until the storm passes.” She explained. “We’re about 15 klicks from your approximated position.”

The patriarch hummed, before making a decision. “You have permission to dock. We don’t get many visitors.” He smiled at that. “And I’m sure my mother will be thrilled to have some extra company.” The Captain chuckled on the other end. Jeff frowned. “Although I must warn all of you. My eldest son returned from Florida a few hours ago, managed to get out before the hurricane hit, and he’s picked up some sort of bug.”

Summers grinned on the other end of the line. “I’m sure we can live with that. Is he alright?”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Captain.” Jeff picked up a map of the surrounding islands. “We’re on the largest island. The dock is on the south side. I’ll meet you there with one of my sons.”

“Thank you, Mr Tracy. We look forward to meeting you.” The call disconnected, leaving the stunned Jeff with nothing left to do but stand and go to find Gordon. This would be interesting…

[steponmepinkjun]

Do you have any proposal or married life headcanons? If you do this I owe you my life thank

Since you didn't specify any particular LI, I'll do my three favorites lol. Enjoy, you love-struck little dove ❤️ (I have an ultra-specific running hc about Asra and marriage, so if it fits your fancy and you want more, hit me up, cause I think about it often and well lmfao)

Featuring/warnings: GN!Apprentice, implied spice.

Asra, Julian, and Lucio: Marriage HCs 💐❤️🎉💒💍

Asra ~

I like to think that the apprentice is the one to pop the question, a soft, private admission whispered conspiratorially in the golden hour between two lovers, tangled together in the bed in Nopal. And the wedding, a small, intimate affair under the springtime desert sun and the ancient, gnarled trees, amidst the sprawling fields of lavender dotted with yucca and cactus. The cottonwood trees release their soft white tufts into the late spring air, swirling like snow around the party. Private vows exchanged quietly between two magicians in love, the yellow light of the summer fading into the warm evening of the reception over firelight. They walk hand in back to the small adobe house on the horizon, giggling and giddy, folding each other into the shared warmth of their newlywed bed.

Julian ~

After many weeks (nay, months) spent worrying, obsessing over the proposal, the ring, the wording, the stone, the location, the timing, and—God, what if they don't say yes?—Julian comes running down the shop stairs, exasperated to the point of tripping, frantically chasing a feathered flurry that crows in the air above the apprentice's head and settles on their shoulder, much to Julian's dismay. The ring in his beak drops into their open palm, Julian's face so pale and eyes so wide you'd have thought Malek just gifted MC a live grenade. Years later, the pair will still giggle to themselves over their evening meal, the apprentice wondering aloud, "If Malek hadn't intervened, would you ever have mustered the courage to propose?" Julian will lean back in his chair, raking a hand through his curls (now streaked with the occasional grey hair), look out the window at the backyard garden his spouse tends, at the clinic across the square where he practices, back to the creaking wooden stairs he once carried them up bridal-style, anywhere to avoid their teasing gaze as his cheeks redden, and answer as he always does: "Probably."

Lucio ~

You know back in the roaring 20's, when heiresses and oil money execs would have extravagant society weddings, hundreds in attendance, and then leave for a year-long honeymoon abroad? Ohhhh, lord, this is the party Luci's been WAITING for! Buys a yacht (named after MC of course), christens its maiden voyage with the oldest, fanciest, most expensive bottle of champagne he can find, before picking the Apprentice up bridal style and carrying them aboard (and straight to the bedroom, obvi). Only the finest resorts will do on their very chic tour around the world, not a single night passes without champagne and sweet, sweet newlywed passion. More than once, the tourist destination scheduled for that week's excursion simply doesn't live up to Lucio's standard of mega-luxury (only the best for his new spouse), and he opts instead to spend all day in bed. Untold adventures and many, many months later, they're finally seen sailing back into Vesuvia's port, exhausted, overrun with riches and, and dying for a night of uninterrupted sleep in a familiar bed.

[tourismguideqatar]

Luxury Qatar Tours: Exploring the Best of Qatar in Style

Qatar, a nation known for its blend of modernity and tradition, offers a captivating array of experiences for travellers. With its awe-inspiring skyline, golden deserts, and deep-rooted cultural heritage, it's no wonder that Qatar has become a popular destination for luxury travellers. Whether you're seeking bespoke accommodations, exclusive tours, or world-class dining, luxury Qatar tours offer a rich tapestry of experiences in style. In this article, we'll explore some of the finest and most luxurious ways to discover this unique Middle Eastern gem.

Exclusive Desert Safari Experiences

One of the highlights of any luxury Qatar tour is an exclusive desert safari. Picture yourself cruising across the rolling dunes in a private 4x4 vehicle led by an experienced guide. Many luxury tour operators offer tailored experiences that go beyond the traditional desert safari. You can opt for an intimate dinner under the stars, complete with gourmet dining and private entertainment. For those looking to embrace adventure, activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding can be seamlessly woven into the experience.

At sunset, enjoy a tranquil moment as the colours of the desert transform under the sky, with no one else around to interrupt your peace. This is an ideal way for luxury travellers to connect with the natural beauty of Qatar, away from the bustling city.

Luxury Yacht Cruises Around Doha

For travellers who prefer the sea over the desert, a luxury yacht cruise is the perfect way to explore Qatar's coastline. These tours typically depart from Doha's beautiful Corniche and take you through the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and iconic landmarks such as The Pearl-Qatar.

With many yachts featuring luxurious amenities such as private chefs, sundecks, and jacuzzis, this experience offers the ultimate in relaxation. You can enjoy a personalized dining experience onboard, complete with fresh seafood and fine wines. Some luxury tours also include water sports activities, from jet skiing to snorkelling, making it an unforgettable day on the water.

VIP Cultural Tours: Museums and Souqs

Qatar is a country rich in culture and history, and luxury travellers can enjoy exclusive access to some of its most significant cultural institutions. VIP cultural tours provide behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned museums like the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. Personalized tours with expert curators offer a deeper understanding of the nation's heritage, allowing you to appreciate the intricacies of its artistic and historical treasures.

For those looking to explore Qatar's vibrant marketplace culture, a luxury tour can also include a private guide to Souq Waqif. Here, you can browse exquisite jewellery, spices, textiles, and art. Your guide will help you discover hidden gems within the souq, making the shopping experience seamless and curated just for you.

Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views of Qatar

Few experiences are as thrilling and glamorous as seeing Qatar from above on a private helicopter tour. These tours offer an unparalleled bird' s-eye view of Doha's stunning skyline, the Pearl of Qatar, and the vast desert landscapes. You can also request custom itineraries, allowing you to soar over lesser-known landmarks or specific areas that interest you.

Helicopter tours provide luxury travellers with a unique and breathtaking way to experience the beauty of Qatar's juxtaposition of modern architecture and vast natural deserts, giving a perspective that can't be matched from the ground.

Stay at Qatar's Iconic Luxury Hotels

Every luxury tour of Qatar is complete with staying at one of its many opulent hotels. From world-famous brands like The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis to local gems such as the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, these hotels offer exceptional services that cater to the discerning traveler. You can enjoy spa treatments, fine dining, and private beach access, all while being surrounded by the best in contemporary and traditional design.

Some hotels even offer personalized concierge services, enabling guests to design their own tailored tour of Qatar, complete with transportation, dining reservations, and exclusive experiences.

Fine Dining Experiences in Qatar

Qatar's culinary scene is as diverse and luxurious as its tourism. On a luxury tour, you can indulge in exquisite meals prepared by internationally renowned chefs at some of the finest restaurants in Doha. Nobu Doha, located on its private island at the Four Seasons Hotel, offers upscale Japanese cuisine with unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf. Meanwhile, Idam by Alain Ducasse, located in the Museum of Islamic Art, presents a fusion of French Mediterranean and Arabic flavours in an architectural masterpiece.

Luxury food tours can be arranged. On these tours, you'll experience Qatar's diverse dining landscape, from traditional Qatari dishes to modern international gastronomy, ensuring your culinary journey is as rich and indulgent as the rest of your trip.

Personalized Wellness Retreats

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Qatar offers some of the finest wellness retreats in the Middle East. Spas such as the Remède Spa at The St. Regis Doha or the Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort offer tailored wellness experiences, including private hammam rituals, massages, and holistic treatments. These retreats often integrate elements of traditional Middle Eastern wellness practices, ensuring a serene and rejuvenating experience that is both luxurious and authentic.

Some luxury tours may include private yoga sessions on the beach, personal wellness consultations, and VIP access to the best health and wellness facilities in Qatar.

Conclusion: Luxury at its Finest in Qatar

Qatar offers an extraordinary blend of luxury, tradition, and modernity, making it a dream destination for those seeking a high-end travel experience. From exclusive desert safaris and private yacht cruises to helicopter tours and curated cultural experiences, luxury Qatar tours allow travellers to explore this dynamic country in unparalleled style.

Whether you're marvelling at the beauty of the desert or savouring a world-class meal with a view, every aspect of a luxury tour in Qatar is designed to offer comfort, exclusivity, and sophistication. For those who seek the finer things in life, Qatar is ready to exceed expectations and provide memories that will last a lifetime. For more information or to book your exclusive luxury Qatar tour, contact us today and let us help you experience Qatar in style.

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Space Sweepers and the History of Working Class People In Space

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This week saw the release of Space Sweepers, Korea’s first big budget special effects space movie extravaganza. There are a lot of interesting things to say about this movie, but one of the things that makes it stand out is it’s an excellent portrayal of people in space who are skint.

See, I hate to break it to you, but you’re probably never going into space. Unless you’re a highly trained technical specialist (well done!) or a billionaire (pay your taxes!), your best shot at seeing Earth from space within your lifetime is the development of realistic-yet-cheap VR headsets.

And the thing is, a lot of the time this holds up in sci-fi as well. Space travellers are either living in a post-scarcity utopia, are part of the military, or are some kind of genius scientists.

Even where we see supposedly salt-of-the-Earth relatable types, like Han Solo or Mal Reynolds, their scruffy outfits and roguish ways can’t quite cover for the fact that they own and live in the equivalent of a massive luxury yacht or private plane. Serenity may look like a rust bucket, but it’s far from the equivalent of a white van, and while Mal is constantly complaining about the costs of fuel and repairs, that doesn’t change the fact that he seems to own the ship outright, and in “Oxygen” he appears ready to buy the ship for cash.

As for Han Solo, leaving for a moment his humble origins and that he won the ship in a card game, within the Galaxy Far Far Away the ratio of space travellers to non-space travellers doesn’t seem that different from the one on Earth. Yes, there are lots of smugglers and Tie-fighter pilots and interplanetary bounty hunters, but for every one of them there are millions of Tusken sand raiders, Jawa scrap merchants, moisture farmers and Corellian street rats. Spacecraft might come and go from the spires of Coruscant as regularly as buses, but the population density is such that most people on that planet will be lucky to see sunlight, let alone the stars.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, the chances of an ordinary person getting into space even in the foreseeable future vary between Willy Wonka Golden ticket level lucky, or truly dystopian. On the one hand, Elon Musk has announced the first all-civilian mission to space, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman (so, not what you’d call an everyman), two seats given to people who have won a place by donating to St Jude’s Hospital (it probably won’t be one of the smaller donors), and finally, one lucky front-line health worker.

But Elon Musk wants to colonise Mars, and sadly billionaires still need people to clean the toilets, so Musk has other ideas for how ordinary people might get into space. Unfortunately that idea is indentured slavery, demonstrating that the most prescient science fiction writers of our generation are the writers of first-person shooters.

This is why, outside of post-scarcity-fully-automated-luxury-space-communism, and the military, science fiction is always oddly quiet about money. With a few honourable exceptions.

We Just Work Here

The first and most obvious reason why any ordinary working-class person would end up in space is “they’re paid to”.

Pretty much the codifier of working-class people in space is Alien. The crew of Nostromo aren’t scientists, they’ve not got The Right Stuff. Nobody on that ship is getting a high school named after them. The crew of the Nostromo are basically truck drivers who venture off the highway and run into something nasty. Yes, ironically they show a great deal more competence, professionalism and intelligence in encountering an alien threat than the actual scientists in the prequel movie, but the first conversation these characters have when they come out of hyper sleep is about money. From the outset, these are people in a place of work.

It’s a model that set the format for gritty-industrial-working-class-people in space movies going forward for better or worse. Event Horizon just lifts Alien’s aesthetic completely for the rescue ship Lewis & Clark, as does the videogame series Dead Space, like Alien, set aboard a mining ship.

Away from the horror genre, Outland sees Sean Connery play sheriff in a final frontier mining town that could have taken place in the same world as Alien.

And of course, Red Dwarf, which not only made good use of the Alien aesthetic, but also cast the colony commander from Aliens as their Captain, to tell the story of chicken soup repairmen in space.

Across all of these stories, and of course the aforementioned videogames, the life of the blue collar space traveller is an unpleasant one, exploited by a company that not only controls your life while you work, but also owns all of your food, water and air. Indeed, it’s not rare for them to go further. In Moon, another film where the spacemen-to-earthmen ratio seems not far what it is now, Sam Bell’s employer decides to save the cost of training employees and ferrying them back and forth from Earth to the Moon by taking one employee and filling a cellar full of his pre-programmed, short-lived disposable clones.

Space Sweepers

Public Transport

But maybe you don’t want to work for “the Man”, not an unwise call given the Man is probably trying to feed you to something horrible in the hope of creating a new bioweapon. One surprisingly under-utilised method of getting into space is public transport.

In The Fifth Element, Bruce Willis plays a special-forces-operative-turned-cab-driver who, as part of his cover, wins a ticket to go on a space cruise. Although looking at the sets and the extras in this movie, as well as the packed-in-as-tightly-as-we-can apartments back on Earth, one gets the impression this is not an option open to the majority of working joes.

Perhaps the best example of this is in the shockingly under-loved 2018 flick, Prospect, featuring future Mandalorian Pedro Pascal.

In Prospect, the spaceship is little more than a rotating framework filled with cargo containers in front of a massive engine. The father and daughter prospecting team are on board a lander that resembles nothing so much as an old Apollo Lunar Lander on the inside, and as the mothership approaches their destination the ship doesn’t even stop, it just releases the lander, tells them when the ship is going to be passing back that way and warns them the line is being terminated, so there won’t be another ship passing that way.

This is a model it would be fantastic to see more of. The landing module is small enough that it’s entirely plausible that even these not-very-well-off characters could buy, hire or rent one. Rather than having the freedom of the space ways like Mal or Han, their travel options are entirely restricted by what destinations are profitable for large shipping companies and whether they’ll let you tag along. And while on the surface the aesthetic looks a bit Alien, in truth it feels far more like it’s cobbled together from relics of the actual space age.

Borrow Your Way Into Space

And finally, of course, there’s the Elon Musk solution. Borrow your way into space. One of the early places to use this idea was Gateway, by Frederik Pohl. Frederik Pohl in particular is fantastic at writing science fiction worlds where people actually have to worry about money. In Gateway and its sequels humanity has discovered Ancient Aliens left a space station nearby, stocked with a lot of spaceships. Being alien technology, humans can’t control the ships accurately, they’re limited pretty much to pressing the “Stop” and “Go” buttons, and when the ship flies off it might land on a world of fabulous riches, or it might chuck you into the heart of a star.

Prospectors who want to try their luck in these ships have to take out a loan to get to the station, and throughout the novel the protagonist is constantly aware of how many credits are in his account.

Which brings us back around to Space Sweepers. At first glance the Space Sweepers set-up might seem similar to that of the Millennium Falcon or Serenity – an extremely “used” looking ship run by a rag-tag bunch of misfits. But the first time we see the protagonist, Tae-ho, he’s in a pawn shop. As soon as he gets back to the ship we learn the crew are still paying off the cost of the ship, as well as the costs of repairs and parts.

We see an awful lot of “Space sweepers” throughout the film, junk collectors gathering up salvage from Earth’s orbiting collection of derelict spacecraft and defunct satellites. But these people don’t seem like roguish space pirates, the impression they give is more akin to app-based gig workers.

This is compounded by another issue – that to work in space you need a visa, with citizenship limited to the wealthy few who are able to afford a place on the deluxe orbiting space habitats.

Everything in Space Sweepers is driven by money, whether it’s Tao-Ho’s attempts to raise enough money to find his daughter, the robot, Bubs, and her attempt to get a humanoid body that reflects her gender, and of course, the $2 million reward for “Dorothy” which drives the whole plot.

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Often space-based sci-fi is about the fantasy of freedom, of exploration. Even shows like Star Trek give us characters whose job isn’t much more than to fly around having adventures. But there is rich storytelling to be done about the people who have to clean the space toilets.

Chris Farnell’s novella series, Fermi’s Progress, is about a ship whose FTL drive vaporises planets, and features at least one space traveller who isn’t a scientist, super soldier or billionaire (although to be fair the other three characters are exactly that). You can find part one here.

The post Space Sweepers and the History of Working Class People In Space appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[ireadyabooks]

The Best Summer Reads! 🏖

Even if you can’t read a book on the beach this year, it’s still summer! 

We’ve pulled together some binge-worthy summer reads that will have you swooning over an adorable romance or turning the pages of a fast-paced thriller.  

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn

Kimi Nakamura’s mother disapproves of her passion for fashion design, and when they get into an explosive fight, Kimi's entire future seems on the verge of falling apart. So when a surprise letter comes in the mail from Kimi's estranged grandparents, inviting her to Kyoto for spring break, she seizes the opportunity to get away from the disaster of her life. And what begins as a trip to escape her problems quickly becomes a way for Kimi to learn more about the mother she left behind, and to figure out where her own heart lies. Start reading!

The Night of Your Life by Lydia Sharp

All year, JJ's been looking forward to going to prom with his best friend, Lucy. But nothing goes according to plan and the best night of their lives quickly turns into the worst. That is...until JJ wakes up the next day only to find that it's prom night all over again. At first, JJ thinks he's lucky to have the chance to get innumerable chances at perfecting the night of his life. But each day ends badly for him and Lucy, no matter what he does. Can he find a way to escape the time loop and move into the future with the girl he loves? Start reading!

Lie to Me by Kaitlin Ward

Ever since Amelia woke up in the hospital, recovering from a near-death fall she has no memory of, she's been suspicious. Her friends, family, and doctors insist it was an accident, but Amelia is sure she remembers being pushed. Then another girl is found nearby -- one who fell, but didn't survive. Amelia's fears suddenly feel very real, and with the help of her new boyfriend, Liam, she tries to investigate her own horrific ordeal. But how can she tell who's trustworthy, and who might be -- must be -- lying to her? Start reading!

Screenshot by Donna Cooner

Skye's social media game is always on point. Until her best friend, Asha, films an embarrassing video of Skye at a sleepover and posts it online. But Asha quickly deletes the post, so everything's okay. Right? Then Skye gets an anonymous message. Someone has texted her a screenshot from the video. This person threatens to share the shocking photo online . . . unless Skye does whatever they say. Skye's perfect image -- and privacy -- are suddenly in jeopardy. What will Skye do to keep the screenshot under wraps? And who is trying to ruin her life? Start reading!

Listen To Your Heart by Kasie West

When Kate’s best friend, Alana, convinces Kate to join their high school's podcast, Kate is not expecting to be chosen as the host. But to Kate's surprise, she turns out to be pretty good at the hosting gig. Then the podcast gets in a call from an anonymous guy, asking for advice about his unnamed crush. Kate is pretty sure that the caller is gorgeous Diego Martinez, and even surer that the girl in question is Alana. Kate is excited for her friend . . . until Kate herself starts to develop feelings for Diego. Suddenly, Kate finds that while doling out wisdom to others may be easy, asking for help is tougher than it looks, and following your own advice is even harder. Start reading!

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten

Nina was artistic, fearless, and wild. She inked landscapes onto the soles of her Converse, and covered her tank tops in portraits of people she saw on the street. She was Ellie's big sister and favorite person. And then one day she was gone. Two years later, Ellie stumbles upon a drawing of Nina's that might just contain a clue of where to find her. So she takes off on a road trip with the one person who believes she's got a chance. Start reading!

Faceless by Alyssa Sheinmel

While on a run one day, Maisie gets into a terrible accident. A hot-burning electrical fire consumes her, destroying her face. She is lucky enough to qualify for a face transplant. But with someone else's features staring back at her in the mirror, Maisie looks -- and feels -- like a stranger. The doctors promised that the transplant was her chance to live a normal life again, but nothing feels normal anymore. Before, she knew who she was -- a regular girl who ran track and got good grades, who loved her boyfriend and her best friend. Now, she can't even recognize herself. Start reading!

It’s Not Me, It’s You by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Avery Dennis is a high school senior and one of the most popular girls in her class. But a majorly public breakup with the guy she's been dating causes some disastrous waves. It is right before prom and Avery no longer has the perfect date. Post-breakup, Avery gets to thinking about all of the guys that she has ever dated. Avery decides to investigate: she tracks down all of the guys she's ever dated, and uses that information, along with the thoughts of her friends, family, and even teachers to compile a total account of her dating history. Avery discovers some surprises about herself and the guys she's spent time with just in time for prom night! Start reading!

The Beautiful Lost by Luanne Rice

Ever since her mother left, Maia has struggled with depression -- which once got so bad, she had to go to an institution for a while. She doesn't want to go back. Maia's sure that if she finds her mother, if the two of them can talk about whale songs and constellations, then everything will be okay again. When Maia sets off on a road trip in search of her mom, her crush Billy unexpectedly comes along. They drive up the East Coast, stopping along the way for lobster rolls and lighthouses. Maia learns that Billy has dark secrets of his own -- and wants to outrun his past, too. But what will the future hold if they reach their destination? Start reading!

Where She Fell by Kaitlin Ward

Eliza knows the legends about the swamp near her house -- that people have fallen into sinkholes, never to be seen again, maybe even falling to the center of the earth. But when her best friends drag her onto the uneven ground anyway, Eliza knows to be worried. And when the earth opens under her feet, there isn't even time to say I told you so. As she scrambles through one cave, which leads to another, and another, Eliza finds herself in an impossible world -- where a small group of people survive underground, running from vicious creatures, eating giant bugs, and creating their own subterranean society. Eliza is grateful to be alive, but this isn't home. Is she willing to risk everything to get back to the surface? Start reading!

Lucky in Love by Kasie West

Maddie's not impulsive. She's all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment, she wins! In a flash, Maddie's life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she's talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun . . . until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn't sure who she can trust. Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn't seem aware of Maddie's big news. And, for some reason, she doesn't want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret? Start reading!

Truly, Madly, Royally by Debbie Rigaud

Zora Emerson is not here to play. She's enrolled in a prestigious summer program, and is ready to use what she's learning to change the world. Zora's not expecting to vibe with any of her super-privileged classmates. So she's shocked to find she's got chemistry with Owen Whittelsey, who is charming, funny, undeniably cute...and turns out to literally be a prince. As in, his parents are the king and queen of a small European country. What? Suddenly, Zora's summer is looking a lot more complicated -- especially when Owen asks her to be his date at his older brother's wedding. Can her feelings for Owen, not to mention her sense of self, survive the royal chaos? Start reading!

Maybe This Time by Kasie West

Name the occasion, and Sophie Evans will be there. Well, she has to be there. Sophie works for the local florist, so she can be found at every big event in her small hometown, arranging bouquets and managing family dramas. Enter Andrew Hart. The son of the fancy new chef in town, Andrew is suddenly required to attend all the same events as Sophie. Entitled, arrogant, preppy Andrew. Sophie just wants to get her job done and finish up her sketches so she can apply to design school. But every time she turns around, there is Andrew, getting in her way and making her life more complicated. Until one day she wonders if maybe complicated isn't so bad after all. Start reading!

Snow in Love by Melissa de la Cruz, Aimee Friedman, Nic Stone, Kasie West

It’s still summer, but we’re already looking forward to the holidays and snuggling up with a mug of hot chocolate! So what's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them! Snow in Love is an adorable, wintry collection of four short stories about the romance of the holiday season, from some of today's bestselling YA authors. Start reading!

Fake by Donna Cooner

Maisie Fernandez is fed up with the bullies who taunt her about her size and her looks. So, one night, Maisie goes online and creates a fake profile. "Sienna" is beautiful, skinny, and confident -- and soon she's messaging the most popular kids in Maisie's school. Maisie doesn't care about being friends with them. She wants to use Sienna to take them down. But as Maisie's web of deception grows, she's in danger of being exposed. And what will happen when the actual Sienna -- the girl whose photos Maisie has been using -- shows up in real life? Start reading!

Sorry Not Sorry by Jamie Reed

Janelle and Alyssa used to be best friends. They knew each other's deepest secrets and went through the hardest times together. But that was then. Now? Their status is somewhere between frenemies and full-on rivals. Until the day Alyssa collapses and is rushed to the hospital. Suddenly, everyone knows about her declining health and race against time. And, in a stunning twist of fate, the only person who might be able to save Alyssa's life -- is Janelle. But will the girls' bitter past get in the way of their futures? Start reading!