#asam lit

[the-greatest-fool]

Oh fuck, it’s almost June. Okay, here’s a quick and dirty Asian American literature sweep I recommend for AAPI month. Note this is not meant to cover all of AAPI—obviously, because they’re different ethnic groups and it barely even makes sense to combine the categories to begin with—but instead blast out some of the most famous works that, IMO, should already be household names outside of AsAm lit/studies. I also, just based off my own interests, included works that look at the interplay between race and gender and sexuality.

I included “trending” writers, but I also wanted to redirect some attention to work and writings that have been in this field for literally decades. This is off the top of my head and written on my phone, plus I doubt anyone will read this. I may return to this in the future.

Essayists & Memoirs:

Eric Liu, Notes of a Native Speaker

Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior

Alexander Chee, How to Write an Autobiographical Novel

Cathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings

Jia Tolentino, Trick Mirror

Jay Caspian Kang, The Loneliest Americans

Hua Hsu, Stay True

Playwrights:

David Henry Hwang: Chinglish, Yellow Face, M. Butterfly

Novelists/Authors:

Louis Chu, Eat a Bowl of Tea

Amy Tan, Joy Luck Club

Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese

Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

Charles Yu, Interior Chinatown

Elaine Hsieh Chou, Disorientation

Ling Ma, Severance

RF Kuang, Yellow Face

Poets:

Theresa Hak Kyung Chu

Arthur Sze

Justin Chin

Timothy Liu

Cathy Park Huang

Ocean Vuong

Other:

David L. Eng, Racial Castration

[lastparty]

meow........

[journeytothewestresearch]

What "Bodhisattva" even mean? Are they like a messager or middle man?

They are an enlightened being who foregoes nirvana in order to save countless people from the suffering that keeps man trapped in samsara.

This is the official entry in the Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism (2014):

Bodhisattva (P. bodhisatta; T. byang chub sems dpa’; C. pusa; J. bosatsu; K. posal 菩薩). In Sanskrit, lit. “enlightenment being.” The etymology is uncertain, but the term is typically glossed to mean a “being (SATTVA) intent on achieving enlightenment (BODHI),” viz., a being who has resolved to become a buddha. In the MAINSTREAM BUDDHIST SCHOOLS, the Buddha refers to himself in his many past lifetimes prior to his enlightenment as a bodhisattva; the word is thus generally reserved for the historical Buddha prior to his own enlightenment. In the MAHĀYĀNA traditions, by contrast, a bodhisattva can designate any being who resolves to generate BODHICITTA and follow the vehicle of the bodhisattvas (BODHISATTVAYĀNA) toward the achievement of buddhahood. The Mahāyāna denotation of the term first appears in the AS˙ T˙ ASĀHASRIKĀPRAJÑĀPĀRAMITĀ, considered one of the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras, suggesting that it was already in use in this sense by at least the first century BCE. Schools differ on the precise length and constituent stages of the bodhisattva path (MĀRGA), but generally agree that it encompasses a huge number of lifetimes—according to many presentations, three incalculable eons of time (ASAM˙ KHYEYAKALPA)—during which the bodhisattva develops specific virtues known as perfections (PĀRAMITĀ) and proceeds through a series of stages (BHŪMI). Although all traditions agree that the bodhisattva is motivated by “great compassion” (MAHĀKARUN˙ Ā) to achieve buddhahood as quickly as possible, Western literature often describes the bodhisattva as someone who postpones his enlightenment in order to save all beings from suffering. This description is primarily relevant to the mainstream schools, where an adherent is said to recognize his ability to achieve the enlightenment of an ARHAT more quickly by following the teachings of a buddha, but chooses instead to become a bodhisattva; by choosing this longer course, he perfects himself over many lifetimes in order to achieve the superior enlightenment of a buddha at a point in the far-distant future when the teachings of the preceding buddha have completely disappeared. In the Mahāyāna, the nirvān˙ a of the arhat is disparaged and is regarded as far inferior to buddhahood. Thus, the bodhisattva postpones nothing, instead striving to achieve buddhahood as quickly as possible. In both the mainstream and Mahāyana traditions, the bodhisattva, spending his penultimate lifetime in the TUS˙ ITA heaven, takes his final rebirth in order to become a buddha and restore the dharma to the world. MAITREYA is the bodhisattva who will succeed the dispensation (ŚĀSANA) of the current buddha, GAUTAMA or ŚĀKYAMUNI; he is said to be waiting in the tus˙ ita heaven, until the conditions are right for him to take his final rebirth and become the next buddha in the lineage. In the Mahāyāna tradition, many bodhisattvas are described as having powers that rival or even surpass those of the buddhas themselves, and come to symbolize specific spiritual qualities, such as AVALOKITEŚVARA (the bodhisattva of compassion), MAÑJUŚRĪ (the bodhisattva of wisdom), VAJRAPĀN˙ I (the bodhisattva of power), and SAMANTABHADRA (the bodhisattva of extensive practice). In Western literature, these figures are sometimes referred to as “celestial bodhisattvas.” In Korea, the term posal also designates laywomen residents of monasteries, who assist with the menial chores of cooking, preserving food, doing laundry, etc. These posal are often widows or divorcées, who work for the monastery in exchange for room and board for themselves and their children. The posal will often serve the monastery permanently and end up retiring there as well (Buswell & Lopez, 2014, p. 134).

Also check out the Wikipedia article:

Source:

Buswell, R. E., & Lopez, D. S. (2014). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

[ink-stained-clouds]

A studyblr (re)introduction

It's hard to believe, but I started this blog in high school and I just graduated college. Since then, a lot has changed so I thought it might be time for an updated introduction

✨ The Basics ✨

Name: Inky (not really, but my legal name is very uncommon)

Pronouns: she/her

Program of study: PhD in Sociology (I'll be starting in August!)

Academic interests: political extremism, online interaction, identity, sociological and psychological theories of identity and group processes

Non-academic interests: reading (these days mostly mysteries/thrillers, AsAm lit, occasionally fantasy), cooking, and painting

A little more about me :)

As far as academics go, I've mostly done qualitative research but am starting to learn STATA and how to scrape data from social media sources. In the future, I want to work in research and I'd love to teach but the academic job market sure is icky so we will see lmao

Outside of academics, I used to be a lot more creative than I am these days but I am slowly trying to change that. I took up painting this year and am trying to get back into creative writing. I come from a big city and currently live in a much smaller area so I also like finding new places to go/things to do in my area like local fairs and mom and pop antique shops to explore

You can also find me here, on the book/studygram my friends roped me into (and that I have come to enjoy making silly little videos for)

If you're new to my blog hi, hello :) it's nice to meet you. on this blog you will find your average study content with some anti-grind culture seasoning (we are not about working ourselves to death here, folks). outside of academic content, you may also find yourself subjected to my study break tag, political posts, and my occasional musings (under inky speaks)

Come fall, you'll start hearing about my adventures in grad school. I am also slowly learning to manage my chronic health problems on top to school/work and those experiences may make it into the mix too

I am always looking for new blogs to follow, especially if you're a fellow social science person or a gradblr so please don't hesitate to say hi!

- Inky

[dayapandey]

Things to Do in Malaysia at Night: A Guide to Nocturnal Adventures

Malaysia is a country that comes alive at night, offering a range of activities and experiences that are perfect for night owls and travelers looking to explore the local culture after the sun sets. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, the cultural hub of Penang, or the serene beaches of Langkawi, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Malaysia at night, and if you're planning a short trip, 4 Days 3 Nights Malaysia Tour Packages are a great way to fit these nocturnal activities into your itinerary.

1. Night Markets: A Feast for the Senses

One of the most authentic ways to experience Malaysia at night is by visiting the local night markets, known as "pasar malam." These markets are vibrant, bustling places where you can find everything from street food to clothing and handicrafts.

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur: Located in the heart of Chinatown, Petaling Street transforms into a lively night market after sunset. You can shop for souvenirs, try local snacks like apam balik (crispy pancakes), and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Haggling is part of the fun here, so don’t be shy to bargain for a good deal.

Jonker Street, Malacca: If you’re visiting Malacca, the Jonker Street Night Market is a must-see. Open on weekend evenings, this market is famous for its eclectic mix of antiques, handicrafts, and delicious Nyonya cuisine. The lively street performances and cultural displays add to the market’s charm.

Gurney Drive, Penang: Penang is renowned for its food, and Gurney Drive is the place to be at night. This food paradise offers a wide range of Penang street food, including char kway teow, asam laksa, and rojak. The sea breeze and lively atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a late dinner.

2. Kuala Lumpur’s Nightlife: From Rooftop Bars to Nightclubs

Kuala Lumpur is a city that never sleeps, offering a variety of nightlife options, from chic rooftop bars to vibrant nightclubs.

Rooftop Bars: For stunning views of the city’s skyline, head to one of Kuala Lumpur’s many rooftop bars. SkyBar at Traders Hotel offers a perfect view of the Petronas Twin Towers, while Heli Lounge Bar is a converted helipad that provides a unique, open-air experience. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the panoramic views of the city lit up at night.

Changkat Bukit Bintang: If you’re in the mood for some lively entertainment, Changkat Bukit Bintang is the place to go. This street is lined with bars, pubs, and clubs, offering everything from live music to DJ sets. Whether you want to dance the night away or relax with a drink, you’ll find something to suit your taste here.

Zouk Club: For a more intense nightclub experience, visit Zouk Club, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous nightclubs. With multiple rooms playing different genres of music, from house to hip-hop, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

3. Night Safari and Nature Walks

For those who love nature, Malaysia offers some unique nocturnal experiences that allow you to explore its diverse wildlife and ecosystems after dark.

Night Safari at Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur: Zoo Negara offers a Night Safari experience where you can see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. The zoo is home to a variety of species, including tigers, elephants, and exotic birds. The guided tour provides an educational experience as well, making it a great activity for families.

Firefly Watching in Kuala Selangor: A magical experience awaits you at Kuala Selangor, just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can take a boat ride along the Selangor River to see thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove trees. The sight of these tiny creatures glowing in the dark is truly enchanting and a must-do if you’re in the area.

Penang Hill Moonlight Walk: If you’re in Penang, consider joining a moonlight walk on Penang Hill. These guided walks take you through the cool, misty forests, offering a chance to see nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the night. The views of George Town’s lights from the hilltop are simply breathtaking.

4. Evening Cultural Shows and Performances

Immerse yourself in Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage by attending an evening show or performance. These events showcase traditional music, dance, and theater, providing insight into the country’s diverse cultures.

MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur: This theatrical performance tells the story of Kuala Lumpur’s early days, highlighting the city’s multicultural roots. It’s a family-friendly show that combines music, dance, and drama, offering a fun and educational evening out.

Cultural Show at Saloma Bistro, Kuala Lumpur: Located near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Saloma Bistro offers a traditional Malaysian dinner accompanied by a cultural show. The performance features a variety of traditional dances from different ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian.

George Town’s Traditional Music Performances: In Penang, the Esplanade and various cultural centers often host traditional music performances in the evenings. From Chinese opera to Malay gamelan music, these shows provide a window into Penang’s rich cultural tapestry.

5. Enjoy a Night Cruise

For a more relaxed evening, consider taking a night cruise. Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Langkawi, night cruises offer a unique perspective of Malaysia’s cities and landscapes.

Putrajaya Lake Cruise: Just outside Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is known for its stunning architecture and man-made lakes. A night cruise on Putrajaya Lake allows you to see landmarks like the Putra Mosque and Putrajaya Bridge beautifully illuminated.

Melaka River Cruise: In Malacca, the Melaka River Cruise offers a serene and scenic experience as you glide past historical buildings and bridges. The cruise is especially beautiful at night when the city’s lights reflect off the water.

Langkawi Sunset Dinner Cruise: If you’re in Langkawi, a sunset dinner cruise is the perfect way to end the day. Enjoy a delicious meal as you sail around the islands, with the setting sun providing a stunning backdrop.

Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wide array of activities that come alive after dark, from bustling night markets and vibrant nightlife to serene nature walks and cultural performances. Whether you’re exploring the cityscapes of Kuala Lumpur or the cultural heritage of Penang, the country has something for everyone. With 4 Days 3 Nights Malaysia Tour Packages, you can easily fit these nocturnal adventures into your itinerary, ensuring you experience the best of Malaysia, day and night.

[radio-charlie]

So lessay u are brought to a touristy part of town, ppl tell you ooooh the street food here is reeeaaally good, and by street food they also mean the casual fluorescent-lit hawker center setups that host a lot of different food stalls. here’s what is usually a risk to order:

stingray - its just never fresh. if u really want to try this fish at its best, ur best bet would be to get invited to someone’s aunt’s home for dinner. unless u would really like it grilled, in which case don’t get the ones at jalan alor

asam laksa - despite its reputation as an evergreen, there are a lot of places that just do not know how to make asam laksa at all. a watery soup with stale mackerel or cardboard-texture sardine chunks from the can, all u can taste is the fermented shrimp paste and tamarind, a few little slivers of veg... this should not be ur first or even second impression of laksa. honestly if you want really good laksa i recommend looking for a place where many malay customers are ordering it and just go for ‘laksa utara’ on the menu.

‘four heavenly kings’ - this is a vegetable stirfry with long beans, petai (stinkbeans), four-angle beans and eggplant, seasoned with a good dose of sambal heh bee (dried shrimp sambal), onion, garlic and ginger. might sound like it could never go wrong. well it can go very wrong indeed. places tend to make it too oily, or don’t turn up the heat enough to bring out the fragrance of the seasoning. and so u end up with some soggy smelly veg. often they don’t even give that much petai because it’s expensive.

char kuey teow - a good char kuey teow is hard to find. a misconception is that the most important factor is the seasoning. when it is actually the heat. even if all u add is soy sauce, lard and a dash of pepper, for as long as your char kuey teow has the breath of the wok, the veggies added just right at the end so that they’re hot and slick with oil but still crunchy - it will be delicious. if you are not restricted from eating pork, i recommend finding somebody who uses pork lard *and* throws in chunks of crunchy fried pork fat, because that is the true blue chinese char kuey teow, the way the penangites did it. bonus if duck eggs are used instead of chicken.

If u ordered a plate with cockles and the fella just throws in a dollop of them still bloody and raw-looking before passing u the plate, don’t be alarmed - ur supposed to fold them into ur noodles while they’re still piping hot so they cook just right.

Jalan alor remains fun mostly for the atmosphere, i don’t agree with the ppl saying there’s no good food there coz when i took a white american friend around we did have pretty tasty things (noodles, kangkung stirfry, chicken wings etc). its just pricier and more crowded than many other places that also offer good food. i like to go there and watch visitors from so many different parts of the world. sweaty and blotchy white ppl flipping through menus like newborn lambs. don’t worry, i’ll protect you. don’t order the stingray. it will never be fresh

[unlovelyspace]

ocean vuong / florence and the machine / mary oliver

[joshualunacreations]

There's a PR push to celebrate the new romance between Chelsea Handler and Filipino American comedian Jo Koy. But Handler has a history of being racist and using her dating life with men of color as a shield from facing repercussions—and Koy seems happy to let her do it again.

Handler used this tactic in the Black community. Her response to backlash was to create content that talks around her racism without truly addressing it—and still profit from it. Ironically her "acknowledgement" of anti-Black racism is how I got exposed to her anti-Asian racism.

In 2016's Chelsea Does Racism, Handler claims to be "egalitarian" with her jokes about race. But it’s clear she’s made choices on which groups to appear empathetic to and which groups she feels safe to dismiss with a laugh—such as Asian men. And she's unapologetic about it.

Fast forward to Handler and Koy’s media tour touting themselves as a power couple. This matters because Jo Koy is currently being celebrated as major Fil-Am rep with his soon-to-be released studio film, Easter Sunday. Proudly pairing with an anti-Asian racist sends a message.

Jo Koy was not only the most frequent guest on her past show over the years (meaning he knows who she is), but invited her to play a role in Easter Sunday. This serves to rehabilitate her image, bring her into Fil-Am/AsAm spaces and let her profit from it. Handler's recent IG video says it all: She wants a Kardashian empire, where Filipinos are swapped in for Black people as accessories to her whiteness. She's talking like a textbook sexpat yet repeatedly describes Filipinos and Black people as infiltrators.

Jo Koy's decision to partner with Handler makes more sense knowing he's guilty of peddling anti-Asian stereotypes too. In one special, Koy publicly body shames his son—ignoring his pleas not to. This is the same special that got Steven Spielberg to greenlight Easter Sunday.

You can guess the elevator pitch for Easter Sunday: "Think Crazy Rich Asians, but take out the rich so they're just crazy." White-mixed Asians like Jo Koy are granted more humanity than monoracial Fil-Ams due to the legacy of colonization, and Koy seems to be leaning into that.

Jo Koy is hardly the only example of an Asian with media power choosing whiteness over the AsAm community. Far more often, the pattern consists of white men partnered with Asian women (a legacy of racist U.S. policies like the Mixed Marriage Policy) For ex, AsAm Chloe Bennet—who's half-white like Jo Koy—proudly defended Logan Paul after he mocked and exploited a dead Japanese man. Yet Bennet is centered in campaigns about anti-Asian hate. Asians who hurt their community aren't punished by white Hollywood—they're rewarded.

The legacy of the MMP is so strong that white men feel entitled to speak on Asian issues in AsAm spaces⁠—and Asians with media power let them. This causes severe harm, as seen by the erasure of AAPI men from hate crime data and narratives.  Back to the film Easter Sunday, there are no Fil-Ams credited on the creative team. I'm all for pan-Asian progress, but not at the expense of specific ethnic groups. It's the first studio film to center on a Filipino American family. This pattern of erasing Fil-Ams in AsAm spaces needs to stop too.

Overall, Easter Sunday is supposed to be a "first," but with so much racism embedded in its creation, I don't feel like celebrating. The idea of seeing either Jo Koy or Chelsea Handler on a red carpet for a major Fil-Am milestone is awful. It's a win for them—not us. If you enjoy my work, please pledge to my Patreon or donate to my Paypal. I lost my publisher for trying to publish these kinds of essays, so your support keeps me going until I can find a new publisher/lit agenthttps://twitter.com/Joshua_Luna/status/1134522555744866304https://patreon.com/joshualunahttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/JoshuaLunaComics

[burningdarkfire]

books i read in june 2022

[these are all short + casual reviews - feel free to msg me and ask   about individual ones if u want a full review or ask for my goodreads!!]

a month of rereads, graphic novels, novellas, and overall just a good time 🤠 gideon’s a reread (though it so deserves another shoutout), jujutsu kaisen is what it is so, here’s the #3 of the month:

the seventh perfection - daniel polansky ★★★★☆ (fantasy)

neat little fantasy novella that’s told entirely through dialogue directed at the POV character. i took notes while reading and it was very fun to construct the world and story from what we’re given!

gideon the ninth - tamsyn muir ★★★★★ (scifi)

it’s still gotta be my favourite book from the recent few years. it’s an insanely skillful genre mash and completely unmatched in terms of my personal enjoyment. i reread this and harrow at the end of june and it put me in a reading slump for july because nothing else can compare 😭

jujustu kaisen (volumes 11-15) - gege akutami ★★★★☆ (YA fantasy manga)

lots of combat this arc, which i don’t care for much personally. it’s still fun to read though and i’m looking forward to seeing it all animated!

the argonauts - maggie nelson ★★★★☆ (memoir)

absolutely fascinating queer memoir. i rarely get so much out of books that i (politely) don’t actually enjoy, but maggie nelson works some magic blending her lived experiences with critical theory. so much to think about!

a memory called empire - arkady martine ★★★★☆ (scifi)

another reread! my opinion of this book hasn’t changed at all either - so many fascinating ideas that drive me absolutely insane (the imago machines, please) but the writing feels a bit bloated and slow

messy roots: a graphic memoir of a wuhanese-american - laura gao ★★★★☆ (memoir)

very “standard” memoir of a chinese-american. i hate to say it but if you’ve read any other asam lit then you’ve basically already read this. the art was very nice though

ace: what asexuality reveals about desire, society, and the meaning of sex - angela chen ★★★★☆ (nonfiction)

good and useful overview but if, like me, you grew up on tumblr then there’s nothing new here. i wish it had been more of a memoir

conversations with friends - sally rooney ★★★☆☆ (contemporary)

the utmost respect for sally rooney because she makes me feel like no other contemporary author. i liked the premise of this book, but the main character was unbearable for me. i did still get gutted in the last 10% or so though

flatland: a romance of many dimension - edwin a. abbott ★★★☆☆ (mathematical satire)

entertaining bit of historical writing. it’s really funny to me personally to read about a square experiencing horrors beyond his comprehension, but even i thought this book dragged on a little long

panenka - ronan hession ★★★☆☆ (contemporary)

parts of this book were very beautifully written, but overall it felt slow and frustrating. maybe i’m the wrong audience though, so check back with me in a decade or two when i’m closer to the age of the protag

fence (volumes 1-4) - c.s. pacat ★★★☆☆ (sports romance)

very standard sports romance graphic novel. i’ve learned more about fencing than i ever expected to. the main romance has been pretty slow to get started but a lot of the side characters are fun

dark matter - blake crouch ★★☆☆☆ (scifi thriller)

this reads like a book written to be a movie. i wish the protag bought into the premise of the book way faster than he did. i think blake crouch wrote a situation that was far cleverer than he was, because the outcome was very unsatisfactory. very fast read though

storm cursed - patricia briggs ★★☆☆☆ (urban fantasy)

so sad to rate anything in this series lowly 😭 it was just boring? not a lot happens and mercy spends most of the book driving around recounting the plot thus far to other characters. really hoping the next one is better!

a spindle splintered - alix e. harrow ★★☆☆☆ (fantasy retelling)

very #quirkygirlpower and absolutely jammed full of pop culture references. it’s actually fine, just really not for me

beast boy (volumes 2-3) - kami garcia ★★☆☆☆ (superhero)

i love gabriel picolo’s art, which is why i keep reading these comics, but the plot leaves a lot to be desired. super generic plotlines, insta-love-y, and even after three volumes there’s no genuine concept of what’s at stake

[munichasia]

I am a believer of all religions. I will happily visit a temple, mosque, church. I do not differentiate between religions. - Rishi Kapoor 🗣 Me too. 😊📸🇩🇪💯🍻🥨 Greetings and have a fantastic day all. ~~~~ Heilig-Geist-Kirche (Church of the Holy Spirit; lit. 'Holy Ghost Church') is a Gothic hall church in Munich, southern Germany, originally belonging to the Hospice of the Holy Ghost (14th century). It was remodelled in 1724–30 by Johann Georg Ettenhofer [de] (vaults, renovation of pillars); in the interior are Rococo frescoes and stucco ornament by the Asam brothers. After the demolition of the hospice buildings in 1885, Franz Lšwel added three bays at the west end of the church and gave it a Neo-Baroque facade. The church suffered severe damage during World War II and its interior furnishings were largely destroyed; extensive rebuilding and restoration was carried out after the war. (at Heilig-Geist-Kirche) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZwAsxlsyBa/?utm_medium=tumblr

[immigrationnewsdigest]

YES! We need to get teacher ed pgms, colleges/schools of ed & teacher pd ready. I don't want to see what happened at a high school in MA that offered its first AsAm lit class in 2019. It had 0 (ZERO) AsianAm authors on the list. https://t.co/ipkH8CsqXv

— Dr. OiYan Poon (@spamfriedrice) April 15, 2021

[alam-raia]

dari; lampu malam Jakarta-ku yang ramai

Salah satu hal yang baru gue ketahui di umur 20-an ini adalah betapa menyenangkannya Jakarta saat malam hari. Kalau gue bilang, bahkan gue bisa jatuh cinta dengan macetnya Jakarta di malam hari pas jam pulang kantor, kalian bakal percaya gak? Sisi lain Jakarta yang cantik akan ramainya lampu malam dan riuh orang-orang di jalan ternyata sangat menenangkan.  Melihat Jakarta yang terus hidup, wah rasanya seperti mendapat nyawa tambahan. Kayak ditampar, “Kehidupan itu bakalan terus bergulir walaupun kamu sedang tidak hidup, Nya,” yang berarti, “Lo harus liat kehidupan lainnya di luar kehidupan yang biasa lo liat, Nya. Temuin lebih banyak cerita-cerita baru, hal-hal baru, orang-orang baru. Kayak apa yang selama ini lo pengen, hidup dari satu buku ke buku yang lain. Lo gak bakal bisa ngelakuin itu kalau lo gak berani buat berpindah ke chapter selanjutnya dan ke buku lainnya yang tentunya lo gatau isinya itu gimana. Just be brave, you’ll be fine.” Salah satu cerita tentang malam di Jakarta yang sangat gue inget adalah ketika gue nekat dateng sendirian ke acara Jakarta International Literary Festival (JILF) di Taman Ismail Marzuki selama dua hari. Hari pertama, Kamis, 22 Agustus 2019, gue berangkat siang hari dari Cikini, Bintaro, Tangerang Selatan ke Cikini, Jakarta Pusat naik KRL. Seperti yang direncanakan, gue ke sana emang mau hadir di symposium, liat-liat bazar bukunya Patjar Merah, dan liat mas Aan Mansyur bacain karya sastranya di Reading Night. Jadi, pastinya gue balik malam hari itu. 

Sebenernya, setelah liat Reading Night gue berencana nonton Sal Priadi tampil, tapi akibat keimpulsifan gue, jadinya gue malah kabur ke Sarinah. Buat apa? Nyobain Nasi Bebek Cak Malik Khas Madura! Wah, parah, itu adalah keimpulsifan yang tidak akan pernah gue sesali. At that moment, I realized something. Naik motor—gue waktu itu naik ojek online—malam-malam di pusat kota itu seru parah. Ngeliat Jakarta di malam hari dari atas motor itu tuh rasanya puas gitu. Apalagi kalau sudah macet atau kena lampu merah, jadi punya lebih banyak waktu buat merhatiin sekitar, lebih banyak hal-hal kecil yang bisa dilihat. “Jakarta ternyata seramai ini ya?” pikir gue. Tetapi, di ramainya Jakarta itu, rasanya menenangkan. Agak lebay sih, tapi bisa dibilang suasana jalanan Jakarta pada saat itu berhasil bikin gue jatuh cinta sama Jakarta di malam hari. Yep, ini pertama kalinya gue keluyuran di tengah Jakarta, malam-malam naik motor. Pada saat itu gue menyesal, kenapa gue baru tau kalau jalanan Jakarta di malam hari itu bisa semenyenangkan ini. Dan gue pun memutuskan bahwa, next time gue harus melakukan hal ini lagi. Jalan-jalan di tengah ramainya Jakarta di malam hari. 

Selain itu, hal yang membuat gue sangat tidak menyesal untuk kabur ke Sarinah adalah, bebek maduranya enak banget tjuy! Bumbu hitamnya itu loh, parah! Gue selalu pengen ke sana lagi, tapi belum kesampean sampai sekarang :(

Setelah kenyang dan berbahagia, pulanglah gue dengan sangat berbahagia pula sambil menikmati perjalanan dari Sarinah ke St. Tanah Abang naik ojek online dan dilanjut dengan menaiki KRL pergi meninggalkan ibukota Jakarta.

Next, berlanjut ke hari Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2019, gue main-main lagi ke Taman Ismail Marzuki. Hari itu merupakan hari ke-5 sekaligus hari terakhir JILF. Kali ini gue berangkat jauh lebih sore, selain karena acara yang pengen gue liat mulainya baru jam 4 sore, gue juga berangkatnya dari daerah Mega Kuningan. Tujuan gue kali ini adalah melihat mas Dea Anugrah dan mba  Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie membahas buku mereka di Lit Chat, liat-liat buku lagi di bazarnya Patjar Merah karena siapa tahu ada buku baru, ketemuan sama Kika karena mau ngasih buku, dan tentu saja menonton teater kulinernya Pentas Dongeng Akhir Pekan @MuseumNasional yang dibawain oleh Teater Koma. Teater plus Teater Koma plus tentang kuliner lagi, bah gue teramat sangat excited saat itu. Dan, ternyata hari itu gue mendapat banyak hal menarik lebih daripada apa yang gue kira. Pertama, walaupun gue gak jadi nonton Lit Chat di Teater Kecil dan lebih memilih nonton talkshow “Food in Literature” di Plaza Teater Besar, yang kebetulan waktu kedua acara tersebut berbarangan, gue tidak menyesal sama sekali. Pembahasannya ternyata sangat amat menyenangkan bagi gue yang emang suka kulineran ini, seru banget! Selain itu, salah satu pembicaranya itu adalah dosen matkul umum favorit gue di kampus, bapak Fadly Rahman, yang juga merupakan penulis dari buku  Jejak Rasa Nusantara: Sejarah Makanan Indonesia dan buku Rijsttafel: Budaya Kuliner di Indonesia Masa Kolonial 1870-1942. Kedua, gue dapat—beli sih—kalung handmade cantik dari bazar Craft Day, dan dapat diskon! Ketiga, selagi nunggu pementasan teater yang ternyata dimulai lebih malam dari seharusnya, gue menonton Reading Night. Karena nonton itu, gue diperkenalkan dengan mba Intan Paramadhita,  Momtaza Mehri, penyair, esais, serta pengarsip meme asal Somalia dan Inggris, serta Legodile Seganabeng, sastrawan asal Botswana, Afrika Selatan. Melihat pembacaan karya sastra dari sastrawan asing tentu saja sangat menarik, karena itu pertama kalinya bagi gue. Keempat, teater kuliner hari itu, yang berjudul “Asam di Laut, Garam di Gunung”, sangat jauh di atas ekspektsi gue. Sebelum venue ramai, gue bela-belain nge-tag tempat duduk di bagian depan saking excited-nya dan gue tidak menyesal karena se-seru itu! Bahkan, ketika di awal pementasan gue langsung pindah ke paling depan bagian tengah karena ngerasa teaternya bakal bagus banget. Dan, benar! Para tokohnya sangat interaktif ke penonton dan dialog-dialognya ngakakin parah! Mereka bisa menyampaikan sejarah dengan cara yang sangat menyenangkan. Ter-dabest lah! Terakhir kali gue ngerasa setakjub ini nonton teater adalah saat gue pertama kali nonton teater, yaitu Musikal Laskar Pelangi di tahun 2011. For sure, di kedepannya gue bakalan nonton teater lebih banyak. 

                          ( Intan Paramadhita )

                         (  Legodile Seganabeng )

Setelah sangat berbahagia pada hari itu, gue pun balik ke daerah Mega Kuningan dan kembali menikmati perjalanan menyenangkan sambil mengamati Jakarta pada malam hari dari atas motor abang ojek online tersayang. Dan di situlah cerita ini berakhir. Sebenarnya, masih ada beberapa pengalaman lain yang kalau diingat-ingat bikin kangen akan susana malam kota Jakarta. Tetapi, lain kali ya bakal gue ceritain! Semoga gue ingat dan diberikan motivasi buat nulisnya wkwk. 

Thank you so much buat yang udah mau baca tulisan berantakan gue ini hahaha. 

Much love from,

Nya! N.B. : Tulisan ini dibuat dalam rangka memperingati gue yang lagi kangen-kangennya sama suasana malam jalanan Jakarta.

[jameslokqjjsaxati-blog]

31 Karakter Anime dengan Kekuatan Elastisitas Tubuh

Karakter Anime elastis - Kemampuan elastisitas merupakan kemampuan seseorang untuk mengerakkan (mengubah) tubuhnya dengan gerakan tertentu dan dapat kembali seperti semula. Manusia pada umumnya tidak memiliki kemampuan ini, tapi ada beberapa yang memiliki kemampuan elastisitas tubuh, biasanya karena bawaan atau sudah dilatih sejak kecil, contohnya para pemain sirkus. Nah, dalam dunia anime dan manga ada beberapa tokoh atau karakter yang memiliki kemampuan elastisitas tubuh, mulai dari yang sederhana hingga yang ekstrim. Lalu siapakah mereka? berikut ini daftar karakter anime elastis.

Karakter Anime dengan Kekuatan Elastisitas Tubuh

1. Monkey D. Luffy

Luffy merupakan karakter dengan tubuh elastisitas paling terkenal. Luffy dapat membuat tubuhnya seperti balon, memnbuat kaki dan tangan raksasa, tubuh yang lebar, memanjangkan tangan dan kaki dan sebagainya. Kemampuan elastisitas tubuh ini ia dapat setelah memakan buah iblis Gomu Gomu. 2. Helen

Claymore peringkat # 22. Helen dan temannya Deneve adalah tim dan biasanya terlihat bersama. Dia awalnya tidak cocok dengan Clare tetapi setelah melihat pertarungannya dia mendapatkan kepercayaannya. Dia adalah salah satu yang selamat dari pertempuran Utara. Helen mempunyai kemampuan untuk memanjangkan tangannya dan menyerang lawan dari jarak jauh. 3. Riful

Riful adalah salah satu Abyssal. Dia adalah Claymore kuat pertama di generasinya. Meskipun penampilannya masih muda, dia sudah berumur ratusan tahun dan sangat kuat. Rifle memiliki kemampuan untuk memisah-misahkan (membagi) tubuhnya menjadi banyak potongan seperti pita dan memperpanjang atau menajamkannya menjadi pisau. Bentuknya perubahannya menyerupai makhluk hitam legam. 4. Piccolo

Piccolo adalah prajurit Namekian di Bumi dan salah satu dari Z-Fighters. Lahir dari Raja Iblis Piccolo untuk membunuh Goku, Namun kemudian menjadi sebagai salah satu sekutu terkuatnya. Piccolo mampu secara fisik memanipulasi tubuhnya untuk tumbuh dalam ukuran lebih lanjut meningkatkan kekuatannya dalam proses. Piccolo menjadi sepuluh kali ukurannya ketika dalam bentuk raksasa. Piccolo telah menggunakan kemampuan ini ketika melawan Garlick Jr. dan selama Piccolo Jr. Saga. Ia juga memiliki kekuatan elastisitas dengan keterampilan manipulasi. Piccolo mampu merentangkan tangan dan kakinya mencapai jarak yang sangat jauh, dan menjadi hampir elastis yang tampak seolah-olah tidak memiliki tulang. 5. Choji Akimichi

Choji Akimichi adalah ninja andal dari Desa Konoha dan anggota Tim 10 sebagai petarung mereka. Dia menggunakan teknik ninja keluarga manipulasi tubuh fisik. Choji tahu rahasia jutsu klan Akimichi yang memungkinkan mereka untuk meningkatkan ukuran bagian tubuh mereka, atau menjadi raksasa. Dia juga memiliki teknik yang dikenal sebagai "Manusia Boulder" di mana ia menjadi besar dan seperti bola untuk menghancurkan lawan-lawannya. Dia juga membawa pil prajurit klan Akimichi yang mengubah lemak menjadi chakra. 6. Melona

Salah satu kreasi Swamp Witches yang memiliki kemampuan berubah bentuk. salah satu kemampuannya yaitu elastisitas berubah menjadi cairan. 7. Alexander Anderson - Hellshing

Iscariot XIII's Priest yang paling kuat dan rival terbesar Alucard. Dia dituduh membunuh vampir dan menghancurkan segala ancaman lain terhadap gereja. Seorang manusia yang direkayasa secara genetika (Regenerator) dengan kemampuan regenerasi, dan menggunakan bayonetnya yang diberkati. Dia berubah menjadi Monster Tuhan, dengan bergabung dengan relik suci. 8. Makarov Dreyar

Pemimpin guild Fairy Tail. Makarov adalah salah satu dari Sepuluh Orang Suci Penyihir dan sangat kuat meskipun ukuran tubuhnya kecil. Atribut utama Makarov adalah sihir ringan ketika ia melepaskan Hukum Peri pada Jose Porla. Juga terungkap bahwa Makarov memiliki beberapa sihir unsur lainnya. Misalnya, ia membakar kertas di episode 2 tanpa korek api. Kemampuan Makarov yang lain adalah mengubah tumbuhnya menjadi raksasa. Kemampuan ini terlihat di episode 2 dan selama rekonstruksi setelah Arc Phantom. 9. Gumdramon

Partner Digimon dari Tagiru Akashi. Gumdramon mampu berevolusi menjadi Arresterdramon. Gumdramon adalah Mini Dragon Digimon. Ia memiliki Shippodzuchi yang fleksibel (尻 尾 槌? Lit. "Tail Hammer") yang dapat meluas ke mana saja. Tubuhnya juga sangat lunak dan elastis, dan bergerak secara dinamis menggunakan seluruh tubuhnya seperti pegas. 10. Deoxys

Tipe Psikis Pokemon Legendaris. Pokemon misterius yang memiliki kemampuan untuk mengubah bentuk tumbuhnya. Namanya adalah singkatan dari asam deoksiribonukleat, atau DNA, media kode genetik dibanyak organisme seluler. Deoxys awalnya adalah virus yang terkandung dalam meteor yang menabrak bumi. Karena alasan yang tidak diketahui, sel-selnya diaktifkan dan mulai bermutasi dengan cepat. Ia memiliki kemampuan luar biasa untuk beradaptasi dengan lingkungannya dengan mengubah DNA-nya. Selain karakter diatas, berikut ini daftar karakter anime elastis lainnya : 11. Riri Shiraishi 12. Lord Raptor 13. Diablomon 14. Argomon 15. Bardiel 16. Zeruel 17. Alucard 18. Yoruichi Shihoin 19. Zeiram 20. Jean - Claymore 21. Chaos 22. Abyss Feeders 23. Pyron 24. Dhalsim 25. Katsuya Shirogane 26. Ben Tennyson 27. Agatha 29. Caroline 30. Slug 31. Elder Toguro Read the full article

[topfygad]

The Ultimate One Week Germany Itinerary

Germany, a land of beer, castles and gorgeous landscapes.

It’s also the place I name house for the final three years. And what a luxurious it has been to have the ability to discover this lovely nation at a sluggish tempo.

It’s house to superb historical past, artwork, structure, nightlife and identified the world over for its beer – whats up Oktoberfest! You possibly can keep right here all of your life and nonetheless not have the ability to pattern all of the beer Germany has to supply.

Getting Round Germany

If getting round by prepare is your purpose then Germany has acquired quite a lot of InterCity (metropolis to metropolis) and InterRegio (inside areas) choices for you.

The German nationwide rail go offers you with limitless rail journey all through Germany together with the super-fast InterCity Categorical (ICE) trains. You may both get the limitless go, a weekend go or a day state/area go such because the “Bayern Ticket” that offers you limitless entry to S-Bahn (subway), Regional trains in addition to public transport for a flat value.

The rail go even consists of public transportation journey to a few of its neighbors – Italy, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. It even provides you further reductions on bus and boat excursions. However do test earlier than hand which leg of the journey is roofed and which isn’t. You may simply test this with the Deutsche Bahn or vacationer workplace positioned at just about each prepare station.

On this publish, we’ll cowl the most effective of Germany in a single candy week!

One Week Germany Itinerary

Day 1: Munich, Outdated City

You’ll begin your journey with grandeur in Bavaria’s attractive capital, Munich!

Munich is considered one of Bavaria’s most gorgeous cities and you’ll not depart this place dissatisfied.

After your arrival in Munich head to the Outdated City to start out your immersion within the majestic structure that this nation has to supply.

In case you’ve landed on the Munich Airport, the Munich Marienplatz Station is 30 minutes away. In case you’ve arrived on the station, you possibly can simply stroll over to town middle.

Join a strolling tour of Outdated City and discover the medieval structure and the neo-Gothic new city corridor with its bell tower.

Have lunch in one of many many conventional beer gardens particularly the lakeside one at Englischer Garten, which is an 18th– century park and the biggest one in Germany, is a complete delight. In summer season the place is chirping with guests and also you received’t have a uninteresting second.

After consuming (and ingesting!) to your coronary heart’s content material you possibly can loosen up or take a stroll within the English backyard.

Subsequent, you’ll head to St. Peter’s Church which is the oldest church within the space and includes blended architectures for varied components or Asamkirche (Asam Church) which is a Baroque-styled church.

You may then head to at least one (or extra) of the various museums on the town to study extra about historical past, sculpture, and artwork. In case you’re taken with science and know-how then the Deutsches Museum is for you. Glyptothek is devoted solely to historical sculptures. There’s even an Egyptian Artwork Museum that’s set beneath the bottom. There’s one thing for everybody!

Tip: Many museums are closed on Mondays so make sure to try the timings beforehand. Or go on a Sunday because the tickets within the state-run museums are ridiculously low cost.

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Within the night, you possibly can head over to the 200-year-old Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt) which, because the title suggests, has over 100 meals stalls in addition to a beer backyard. In case you are a cheese lover, look no additional!

Munich even has a beer corridor, Hofbräuhaus, which is a big 3-floor, beer corridor relationship again to the 16th century. So, you possibly can finish the day on a ‘excessive’ be aware! The meals right here is superb as effectively, however put together to attend as this place is at all times packed.

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Citadel, Munich

Begin day two on a dreamy be aware. Neuschwanstein Citadel is about 2 hours away from Munich so you possibly can take a day journey to Füssen to discover this 19th century hilltop fairy story fortress of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

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Aspect be aware: It’s stated to be the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Magnificence fortress. So, you’ll truly be strolling right into a fairy story.

From this fortress, about Three to Four hours away is one other fortress you could go discover. The Heidelberg Citadel (Schloss Heidelberg) truly includes the ruins of a fortress relationship again to the 16th century.

It’s perched atop a hill and might be reached by taking the mountain railway (Bergbahn). It additionally homes the world’s largest wine barrel. ( the place I’d be headed to first!)

Spend your night at one of many beautiful cafés within the metropolis. Similar to the museums, there’s one for each form of café lover – a comfy retro one, an Instagrammable one, a terrace one or a contemporary one.

Head again to Munich and finish the day by happening considered one of Munich’s pub crawls to expertise the nightlife.

Day 3: Romantic Highway, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Romantic Highway (Romantische Straße) is a picturesque route via forests and close by cities of Augsburg, Wurzburg, and Rothenburg, amongst others.

It has views of the mountains and finally ends on the Neuschwanstein Citadel and the Alps. So, for those who didn’t get an opportunity to discover the fortress earlier than you are able to do it now.

You may take this Romantic Highway route for about Three hours from Munich to achieve the quaint city of Rothenburg with its cobbled streets and timbered colourful homes.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber interprets to ‘pink fortress above the Tauber River’ as a result of this medieval city was as soon as identified for its red-roofed homes.

In case you’re in a Christmassy temper or a lover of all issues Christmas, you possibly can head to the Christmas Museum which is open all 12 months spherical.

On the opposite facet of the spectrum is the Prison Museum which helps you to witness the torture gadgets and strategies that had been utilized in medieval instances.

You may head to the Roedertor Tower to get an exquisite aerial view of the city after which go to the imperial Rothenburg Citadel. Right here you possibly can loosen up and spend a peaceable night on the Citadel Backyard.

Enjoyable Truth: This city has been an inspiration for various books like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Manufacturing facility.

For a novel expertise, you possibly can take the Evening Watchman tour via the darkish alleyways and dimly lit paths within the firm of the Rothenburg Evening Watchman.

Day 4: The Black Forest and Lake Constance

Black Forest is Germany’s iconic forested and mountainous area popularly often known as the birthplace of the Grimm Brothers’ story of Hansel & Gretel. It’s a 3-hour drive from Rothenburg.

It’s the good household vacation spot stuffed with journey and rest choices, Gothic-style hamlets and vineyards.

Journey seekers can try Steinwasen Theme Park or higher but Europa Park which is Europe’s 2nd largest theme park with varied themed rides and curler coasters. Children and adults alike will like it right here!

You may also try Germany’s highest waterfall, Triberg Waterfall. The pathway resulting in the highest has a number of viewing platforms from the place you possibly can benefit from the view.

You may head to the Higher Center Rhine Valley or popularly referred to as Rhine Valley to discover the gorge which is a UNESCO World Heritage website. It’s house to a few of the greatest vineyards in Germany.

Tip: Autumn is the most effective time to discover this space and revel in wine tasting classes, mountain climbing journeys and delicious meals as a result of the grape harvest pageant is well known then.

Alternatively, you possibly can head to a different UNESCO World Heritage website, Lake Constance, additionally referred to as Bodensee, which is 2 hours away. This lake borders 4 nations and has a stunning view of the Alps!

One other UNESCO listed website is the small island of Reichenau, satirically the biggest on Lake Constance.

It additionally has a monastery of the identical title and chapels relationship again to the 9th century. Benefit from the gorgeous view of the lake from the island.

There are a selection of actions you are able to do on the lake. Take a leisurely boat or ferry experience, take pleasure in a thermal tub or experience on the Zeppelin to see the lake from above. Catch the sundown by the lakeside after which dine at one of many eating places close by. Don’t neglect to strive the Lake Constance wine.

Day 5: Dresden

The subsequent cease is town of Dresden, on the banks of the Elbe river, which is 6-7 hours away from the Black Forest.

You can begin by visiting the Baroque-style Dresden Frauenkirche church or Girl Church. Right here’s a small story about this iconic landmark of the city.

The unique, Romanesque-style 11th-century church was torn down and changed by a bigger Baroque-styled one within the 18th century however sadly, it was destroyed within the bombing of Dresden throughout World Conflict II.

The stays had been left for half a decade as a warfare memorial. The church was later rebuilt after the reunification of Germany and accomplished by 2005. It’s now an emblem of recognition of Dresden metropolis’s skyline due to its unconventional excessive bell-shaped dome.

You may take a metropolis tour to study extra about Dresden’s tumultuous previous.

Take a look at the Inexperienced Vault (Grünes Gewölbe) whee you will see that the royal treasury. It’s considered one of Europe’s most guarded chambers.

Dresden additionally has a captivating facet with its quite a few European fashion cafes and bistros and a vibrant leisure space alongside the banks of the Elbe river.

Your subsequent cease is Hamburg.

Day 6: Hamburg

Catch a prepare or drive from Dresden to Hamburg which is able to take you about 5 hours and discover this port metropolis for the day.

Though Berlin is nearer to Dresden, I’ve left it for the top of the itinerary in order that it’s a handy exit level from Germany.

The picturesque central boulevard of Hamburg that connects the Outdated City to the New City is price exploring.

Are you a chocolate lover like me? Then Chocoversum is the place for us! Stepping inside offers you Willy Wonka’s chocolate manufacturing unit feels. Not solely can you’re taking a tour of the place and find out how sweets are made, you even get to style quite a lot of sweets. Plus (and that is the most effective half!) you possibly can even create your personal customized chocolate bar!

Then you possibly can head to Miniatur Wunderland which is the star attraction of Hamburg. It’s a mannequin railway and miniature airport museum, satirically the biggest on this planet. It’s a marvel to see the sync by which the setup works.

Ever heard of a pageant being held thrice in a 12 months? Properly, Hamburg has it. It’s referred to as the Hamburg Dom and it’s held in Spring, Summer time, and Winter over a interval of a month every time, making it the longest pageant in Germany.

Aside from the river, Hamburg additionally has a lake within the coronary heart of town referred to as Lake Alster the place you’ll discover swans gracefully gliding over its waters.

You may finish the day by having fun with the nightlife on Reeperbahn which is the leisure (and red-light) district of Hamburg. So, exit and benefit from the vigorous streets, the place the Beatles have been rumored to have performed, hit the golf equipment or join a nightclub crawl.

Day 7: Berlin

There are hourly trains heading from Hamburg to Berlin and takes about 90 minutes to an hour to achieve your final cease on the itinerary.

To begin your day on a excessive be aware, head to the Reichstag dome and expertise an aerial view of town. This landmark is the glass dome constructed above the Reichstag.

The Reichstag is essentially the most vital and iconic historic constructing of the German empire, also called the Imperial Weight loss plan or the Parliament. It’s positioned within the authorities district of Berlin.

You may even take pleasure in a ship experience previous the Reichstag.

Then take a strolling tour of the Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial.

The Brandenburg Gate was a preferred political gathering spot in the course of the Chilly Conflict. It’s the solely surviving historic metropolis gate and is an emblem of reunified Germany after the autumn of the Berlin Wall.

The Holocaust Memorial is a painful reminder of the departed, consisting of hundreds of concrete slabs on gray pillars to recollect the misplaced lives.

To carry your spirits up a little bit after this, you possibly can head to the East Aspect Gallery which is an open-air gallery on the biggest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall to discover the murals and artworks. It has the standing of being a heritage-protected landmark.

After this inventive marvel, you possibly can head to the Museum Island that homes 5 world-class museums. It’s a World Heritage website that gives insights into completely different spheres.

The Pergamom is house to historical structure, The Altes Museum hosts Greek and Roman artwork, the Bode Museum has works of the Byzantine empire, the Alte Nationalgalerie reveals glimpses of the 19th century and The Neues Museum has archaeological artifacts.

From there, you possibly can try the Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) for some extra aerial views of town. To your final sundowner in Germany, you possibly can chill on the cocktail bar and benefit from the skyline.

To your final evening in Germany, you possibly can head to Berlin’s largest backyard and well-known landmark, Tiergarten, for a leisurely late night stroll.

Otherwise you head to the hip neighborhood of Kreuzberg to sit back at a café and revel in craft beer at one of many many fast-food joints and eating places across the space. This neighborhood additionally has golf equipment which are open until the wee hours of the morning.

I’d recommend spending one further day or two days in Berlin, if potential, due to the number of locations you could go to.

So there you have got it, one week in gorgeous Germany! Inform me, have you ever been to all of those locations? And if sure, how was your expertise?

Just like the publish? Reserve it for later.

This publish was initially printed in November 2019

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[kindof-superfluous-blog]

Beautiful Night (explicitish)

"Asam, are..." the shaky words stick in Korra's throat.

"Hm?" Asami asks, brushing her lips along her girlfriend's neck and lips.

"Are you sure?" she finally chokes out.

"Korra, in all my life, I've never been more sure of anything and anyone..." Asami smiles.

Korra no longer hesitats, but breathlessly pulls Asami into her and runs her hand down her bare, porcelain side. There is no lust tonight. Only love between the two. And there's something about Asami's warmth that just isn't like anything else. It's comforting, like the fire that lit her South Pole home, but exhilarating, like the red candles that are lit in the corner.

When Korra wakes, she feels safer amd more sure of herself than any day in her life.

[joshualunacreations]

For Fil-Ams and other people of color, the "American Dream" often means toiling away just to obtain a small piece of the spoils that were violently ripped away from your community.

Second-gen Asian Americans like me grow up oblivious about our own histories because the U.S. education system purposely withholds information about it, and our parents try to outrun their trauma by never sharing their experiences, instead pushing their children toward an assimilation sleepwalk.

AsAms realize too late we've inherited a deal with the devil we never agreed to: we can keep our language, but only if we speak it privately. Our food, if we serve it. Our culture, if it upholds the illusion of America as a benevolent melting pot that saved us from ourselves.

But AsAms aren't the only ones ignorant of this history. Few Americans know of the Philippine-American War and the atrocities the US committed. Even fewer understand how the U.S.’s ongoing legacy of war, destruction, and colonization in Asia is a major reason the AsAm diaspora exists.

Americans aren't taught about how centuries of exploitation of the Philippines' resources by Western powers has led to most of its workforce immigrating and becoming a global servant class called Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Instead, they're taught that poverty is inherent to Filipinx culture.

Americans aren't taught about how the US installs and props up puppet leaders and dictators—like how Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan fully backed Marcos as he ruled under martial law and committed human rights violations. Instead, they're taught corruption is inherent to Filipinx culture.

Americans aren't taught that colonization is bipartisan and Trump and Biden agree on their view of the Philippines: a de facto colony whose resources and bodies can be exploited with impunity for the US war machine. Instead, they're taught servitude is inherent to Filipinx culture.

Americans aren't taught about one-sided US military agreements used to keep an imperialist foothold: the Mutual Defense Treaty, Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, Visiting Forces Agreement & Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Instead, they're told it's for mutual benefit.

American's aren't taught about how many AsAms struggle with poverty, institutional racism, and violence. Instead, they're taught the Model Minority Myth—created by white people and propagated by all races—that says Asians don't suffer race-based oppression.

Americans aren't taught about how Fil-Ams give earnings to family, live in multi-generational households to pool money together, and how the Philippines' economy would collapse without OFW remittances. Instead, they're taught Fil-Ams have a high median household income amongst AsAms.

Americans aren't taught about how AsAm leaders are installed with white backing the same way puppet leaders are, and use their shared race to hurt their own and prevent true progress. Instead, they're taught that privileged, out-of-touch blue-checks are the voice of our community.

So if Americans aren't taught any of this, who will teach them? The ugly truth is that AsAms who try to speak up are often crushed into silence by non-Asians who benefit from the status quo, and by Asian puppet leaders who've been installed to protect their masters' interests.

Overall, being Filipinx and Asian means constantly navigating survival between rotating oppressors.

As an ex-Navy brat who grew up overseas, I've struggled with my concept of home and at one point believed "home" was a US military base. But maybe that's as Fil-Am as it gets.

(Please don’t repost or edit my art. Reblogs are always appreciated.)

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