#baltic road trip

[vintagecamping]

A packed campsite on the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea

Germany

1960

[mybeautifulpoland]

Międzyzdroje, Poland by Bartek Mark

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Real winter looks like this: Snowfall, limited visibility, slippery road and cold weather. Liepāja highway today, Latvia, December 4, 2023. Photo by D.P.

[francofuego]

2013

[quietshame-dodo]

Dear friends! Question!

Has anyone else experienced some weird changes in their account follower count? Mine just dropped massively. Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

Best wishes,

Hope you’re having a great day!

[soffiisims]

1312

After long days at the fields we are enjoying our time inside. Mats and I are doing inside chores, children playing together. Burning splints bring some light in our cottage. Valpuri is keeping me busy, but Olavi is a good big brother to his little toddler siblings and watches over them, when I don't have the time. Mats has been working on wood carving, making some sculptures and tools to sell. He has been planning to go to the town with my father and brother, where they can sell the sculptures and the mead I have made. We don't have the crown's permission to sell our goods in the village to each other. The rule is, people can trade only in marketplaces meant for trading, and those are in big cities. Travel from our village to a nearest city takes about two to three days by foot. I am a little nervous for their trip, because the roads are not safe. All kinds of people is roaming around, and crossing bridges is very dangerous too. Bridges are not usually taken care of. My father has travelled before and been in the city, so at least he knows, which palces to avoid and which roads to use. I pray, that everything goes well.

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(In the sims I use candles, but in reality common people used to burn splits (I'm not sure the English word for specificly for those used for light, so I use the word split. Please inform me, if you know!), which were their source of light. (They used them still in some poorer houses my grandmother's time, so only 90 years ago!) I couldn't find any cc that resembles that, so I have to settle for candles.) All though, in the middle ages peasants might have had candles made of suet instead of wax, so let's maybe pretend, that these are suet candles then 🤭 Beeswax was very expensive and usually brought from Russia, Poland or Baltic region. Beeswax was used by church!

(Also, as Solja mentions, trading was allowed only in a specific trading places, all though people broke this rule quite often in spite of possibly getting caught and having to pay a fine. Peasants were allowed to trade their grain and blacksmiths, shoemakers and tanners were allowed to run their business for the good of the village, but other trading was forbidden. Even buying from a peddler! (Aalto, Ilari. Matkaopas keskiajan Suomeen, 2015. p. 156 & Aalto, Ilari. Vuosi keskiajan Suomessa, 2023) A little trivia for you!)

[paulzizkaphoto]

What was meant to be a quick road stop on our drive from Sigulda, Latvia, to Tallinn, Estonia, became a favourite spot on our family trip to the Baltics last month. Here are a few images from Veczemju Klinstic on the Gulf of Riga, Latvia. Model: @meghanjward — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/7kNUvoC

[mushroomgothic]

11, 14, 19, 22!

Something you want to do again next year

I would really love to make it back to an ocean of some sort, whether my beloved pacific or the baltic sea in germany…

favourite book you read this year

perhaps a little embarrassingly, a court of thorns and roses and it’s sequels. consumed those books at an alarming pace. what’s not to like about charismatic fae with wings though, really…

house of leaves was also really good, until I had to return it unfinished to the library. hope to get my own copy soon that I can annotate to my hearts content

what’re you most excited for next year

currently, going down to toronto in march to see flipturn!!!! and also their new album coming out on my birthday next month!! toronto is gonna be so so good, i’m so stoked for both the concert and also getting to go to the ripleys aquarium again.

favourite place you visited this year

our spontaneous 2 week road trip to the edge of vancouver island and back was incredible. in particular, watching the northern lights from our campsite right next to the ocean, and the unbelievable mossy waterfall cave. oh! and the actual underground cave tour we did.

[echinoid-fossils-on-the-rocks]

So my first search for fossils on nearby location with rocks. farmland in this year of 2024. I live in an middle north profinz side of germany, an region with no close connection to the ocean like to the baltic sea. Also no large rivers.

So i found today easy on the surface ground littered with tons of stones, those flint echinodeas 4 - (gamerites regularis right ?) then the middle pieces of the bigger part and lastly the white top part. Now 6 echinoid in total with an big fragmented picked flat from the ground from little rubble piles on nearby roads in between two hours. So pretty sea urchins.

This trip was an haul!! Nice little shard in white & then the round ones and the flat side orange in color.

So may i find more of this little old treasures. I hope also others are now on the hunt of Fossils in your local area, beach or on vacation.

Selbst hier auf gerodeten Ackerland und Geröllhaufen findet man Fossilien. Nicht die ersten meiner Funde. Man muss nur Zeit etwas Ahnung viel Glück und Gespür mit offen Augen haben. 👀

Ich werde weiterhin einige meiner privat gesucht und gefunden Fossilien und gekaufte der Sammlung in Abständen nun posten.

Edit: 17.03.2024 reupload

Looks like an flat dry orange cookie.

[septentrrional]

Road trip through the Baltics: #6 Heavy Metal

Cool metal places I found on the Baltics road trip:

1. Zobens un lemess, Riga

2. Black Magic, Tallin - including a metal beer

3. Praha, Helsinki

4. Basic, Helsinki

5. Music Hunter, Helsinki

6. Trve Black Metal, Helsinki

7. Children of Bodom in National Museum of Finland

[christinescupofcoffee]

❤️ how tall are you? 5’7” (if I wear my boots, I’m closer to 5’8”)

🧡 what is your sexuality? I really don’t know, I might be bi, I might be pan? I have ruminated over this more than I ever would have liked.

💛 what is your favorite feature on yourself? Probably my belly. It used to be so fat and now it’s just a little bit round. I never want to lose it. It’s also where I feel the most wounded (that, and my hair).

💚 where are you from? I was born in the L.A. area, spent my childhood in Carson City, grew up in the California desert, lived in southern Oregon for four years, and now I live in the California mountains, so the west coast.

🩵 do you have any pets? All the dogs, all the cats. Both are the loves of my life 🐾🐾

💙 do you have any siblings? Just my older brother and we’re not close at all (especially not after this year). I’ve felt like an only child since I was about ten.

💜 describe yourself in five words or less! Tender. Sensual. Well-rounded. Misunderstood.

🩷 dream job? Either owning a bakery that’s also an art gallery or working at Schat’s bakery up in Bishop.

🖤 favorite hobbies outside of your blog. Baking, cooking, drawing, painting, ceramics, reading, gardening, hiking, boxing, yoga, rowing, baseball, bike-riding, collecting rocks seashells books Legos and Funko pops, road trips, and crocheting

🎂 when is your birthday? April 15

🌙 your zodiac (Sun, Moon, Rising) wet n’ wild Aries sun, mad scientist Aquarius moon, and chubby comfy Cancer rising

💉do you have tattoos and/or piercings? I used to have ears pierced, but they’ve long closed up. My dream tattoo is a cardinal with a sunflower in its beak.

🚗 can you drive? yes!

✈️ favorite place you’ve traveled? Either Seattle or Atlanta.

🎤 have you been to a concert? oh, yes.

🎵 favorite artists? Chris Cornell, The Beatles, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Hole, Nirvana, Mother Love Bone, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens of the Stone Age, Deftones, Type O Negative, The Tragically Hip, Anthrax, Testament, Alex Skolnick Trio, Death Angel, In This Moment, Crypta, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Oasis, Blur, The Arctic Monkeys, The Cure, Syd Barrett, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Lana Del Rey, Alanis Morissette, Mark Lanegan, Amy Winehouse, and PJ Harvey

🎧 last song you listened to? “I Don’t Know” by Paul McCartney

📺 last show you watched? Ink master

📝 last thing you wrote? New chapter of Quarter After Twelve.

🔐 something no one would guess about you? I helped build a formula car from the ground up. I’m half Belgian/French and I have roots in Portugal and the Baltics (I get mistaken for Hispanic and Native American all the time). I was almost homeless when I was 18.

🧟‍♀️ scariest thing that’s happened to you? I had a suicide attempt when I was 19. I was actually making the noose when I started thinking about my mom, how she would react if she found me.

🔥 craziest thing that’s ever happened to you? When Chris became my friend! 10 years later, it still feels surreal.

🍓 favorite food? A nice Reuben sandwich. I also love Mediterranean food (then again, I just love to eat).

🍅 least favorite food? Eggplant (the only time I actually like it is in ratatouille). I also never had good gumbo.

🍊 favorite season? Springtime

🍋 favorite genre to read / watch / write? To read: mysteries. To watch: cooking shows and British comedy. To write: science fiction and gothic literature.

🍐 if you could make one character real, who would it be? My boys Andy and Richie. Andy, because he’s sweet and vulnerable; Richie, because he’s sweet and in need of guidance.

🫐 some place you’d love to visit? Oh, so many. New York, New Orleans, New England, Chicago, Hershey (Pennsylvania), The Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, Canada, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Chile, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Israel (yes), Morocco, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, The British Isles, The Baltic States, and Iceland.

🍇 a word your friends would use to describe you. Unpredictable?

🍒 what is your earliest memory? Watching Absolutely Fabulous with my mom, and also walking around the house with only my pants and boots on (just one of many scandalous things I did when I was little 😝)

🍌 what is one talent you wish you had. Sewing. My mom’s the seamstress of the family and I could just never do it.

💌 why did you start this blog? I need a place for *all* of my writing, fanfic and original works. I also need more excuses to stay away from the dashboard, which is nearly impossible to scroll down anymore.

✏️ when did you start writing fanfic? Believe it or not, when I was about 7 years old. I never wrote anything down (and if I did, I don’t remember it). I wouldn’t come back to it until I was about 14 with Formula 1 fanfic, and then again at 20 with grunge fanfic.

🖇️ what are your favorite asks to answer? All of them. I won’t always answer, but I do enjoy reading comments.

📚 how do you come up with the fics you write? I don’t really know, they sort of “come to me” as it were. If it’s an idea i’m really inflamed by, it hits like a lightning bolt, like i just have to write it.

📌 what is the fic you’re know for? I don’t really know? When I look at my ao3, I don’t really picture any of them being remembered. If anything, I’ll probably be remembered as that one writer who was “obsessive” and prolific.

🔍 what character do you enjoy writing for the most? Alex and Christine (seasons grey). Alex and Samantha, too (fever). Alex and Falk Maria, too (midnight oil). Richard and James. When I was little, I liked imagining the original Cartoon Cartoons as my imaginary friends. All my OCs, too, like it’s nice to make up my own rules again and not “abide by the fandom” (even though aside from Top Gear/Grand Tour and Metallica, I go more into smaller fandoms/fandoms that have long quieted down).

🖊️ what character do you not enjoy writing for? Probably James Hetfield, all because I just hate the fanon that surrounds him (just look at the sheer number of daddy kink/breeder kink fics with him involved and, I’m sorry, but I don’t find them arousing).

💔 is there a fic you wish you didn’t write? Black Diamonds, believe it or not. I actually got called disgusting for that (and from one of those people who goes on ad infinitum about “fandom etiquette” no less; ever since then, I find those posts extremely hypocritical, like they bring out the rule-breaker in me).

❤️‍🔥 what character do you simp for most often? Christine. “I am he, and he is me.”

🧚‍♀️ favorite characters of all time? Lisa Simpson, Tina Belcher, Chandler Bing (r.i.p. Matthew Perry 🕊️), Jennifer Check, Mia Wallace, Black Mamba (Kill Bill), Bilbo Baggins, Katniss Everdeen, Greg and Wirt, Sally Owens (Practical Magic), Doctor Who, Doctor Strange, Dwight Schrute, Oscar Martínez, Christine from Phantom of the Opera, and Elvira

🪐 favorite shows / series of all time? The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, the old Cartoon Cartoons, The Office, Parks and Rec, House, Doctor Who, Sherlock, Nip/Tuck, Sex and the City, Get Smart (we used to have TV Land and back in the 2000s, they showed things from the 60s all the time), Seinfeld, 3rd Rock from the Sun, 30 Rock, Top Gear/Grand Tour, Ab/Fab, Skins, Peep Show, Portlandia, Breaking Bad, Lost, Heroes, and Great British Baking Show

🌝 a show you would recommend to anyone? Peep Show. Funny as hell black comedy that actually does it right, like it’s not this painfully on-the-nose crap you see on the internet all the time.

🌚 a show you’d tell people to stay away from? Nothing I can think of. I say let people decide what they like and enjoy—I may not like it myself but that shouldn’t stop you.

🌹 favorite kinks to write for? belly kink, voice kink, lace leather and latex…. I have a huge laundry list of kinks behind me, and I mean huge and I know I’ll be here all night if I fire them off 😅

🥀 kinks you would never write for? cream pies, daddy kink, breeder kink. I’m not too keen about size kink, either.

🌊 a kink you would like to write but you think you’d be judged? I feel judged for all my kinks, tbh.

❄️ full fics, imagines or head canons? Full fics. I do like headcanons, though.

☂️ your favorite fanfic from another writer? Right now: “Dressed to Kill” from the Bob’s Burgers fandom. Can’t think of the author’s name at the moment but I reread it from my bookmarks yesterday and I forgot how much I loved it.

🍄 what is something that’s happened in your life that you wish you could go back and change? I wish I paid more attention to art when I was in high school because I kept being told that it’s not lucrative (and art classes back then were horribly underfunded, too, so I guess it’s good that I didn’t?).

⭐️ what is one of your biggest accomplishments? Why is it so important to you? When I won 1st place for my chocolate babka. I just kind of picked up baking last year, i wasn’t really expecting anything out of it!

🪻what is the toughest thing you had to go through, but can say you’ve successfully overcome? A lot of things. Systemic poverty. Sexism. Verbal and psychological abuse. Bullies. Sadist teachers. Near homelessness. Having my heart broken. Having friends die. Watching my stepdad drink himself to death. Realizing the love of my life lives thousands of miles away and he’s with someone who is slowly killing him. Eating disorders and mental illness. Being underweight. Being obese. Spending three days by myself after my mom was admitted to hospital. I’ve probably beaten some pretty scary inheritances as far as I know (breast cancer, diabetes, heart problems, colon problems…)

🌺 what is the best gift someone has ever given you and why is it so important? My best friend gave me this little figurine of Mickey Mouse with a clear rhinestone glued on his hand… when we were five years old. I still have it. I have it in my purse.

🍀 what is your comfort show/series and why is it your comfort show? How has it helped you? All the shows I mentioned above, but this year, the Top Gear/Grand Tour trio of Jeremy, James, and Richard have been my go-to. I pretty much grew up watching the three of them but they have given me the humor, the intellect, all of it, in a year that… I would much rather forget, if I’m honest.

Get to Know Me!

This is just a fun little thing I’ve been wanting to do since the dawn of time but could never find a post to reblog that satisfied what I wanted. So I made this, feel free to reblog and use it yourself!

❤️ how tall are you?

🧡 what is your sexuality?

💛 what is your favorite feature on yourself?

💚 where are you from?

🩵 do you have any pets?

💙 do you have any siblings?

💜 describe yourself in five words or less!

🩷 dream job?

🖤 favorite hobbies outside of your blog

🎂 when is your birthday?

🌙 your zodiac (Sun, Moon, Rising)

💉do you have tattoos and/or piercings

🚗 can you drive?

✈️ favorite place you’ve traveled

🎤 have you been to a concert

🎵 favorite artists

🎧 last song you listened too

📺 last show you watched

📝 last thing you wrote

🔐 something no one would guess about you

🧟‍♀️ scariest thing that’s happened to you

🔥 craziest thing that’s ever happened to you

🍓 favorite food

🍅 least favorite food

🍊 favorite season?

🍋 favorite genre to read / watch / write

🍐 if you could make one character real, who would it be

🫐 some place you’d love to visit

🍇 a word your friends would use to describe you

🍒 what is your earliest memory

🍌 what is one talent you wish you had

💌 why did you start this blog?

✏️ when did you start writing fanfic

🖇️ what are your favorite asks to answer

📚 how do you come up with the fics you write

📌 what is the fic you’re know for

🔍 what character do you enjoy writing for the most

🖊️ what character do you not enjoy writing for

💔 is there a fic you wish you didn’t write

❤️‍🔥 what character do you simp for most often

🧚‍♀️ favorite characters of all time

🪐 favorite shows / series of all time

🌝 a show you would recommend to anyone

🌚 a show you’d tell people to stay away from

🌹 favorite kinks to write for

🥀 kinks you would never write for

🌊 a kink you would like to write but you think you’d be judged

❄️ full fics, imagines or head canons

☂️ your favorite fanfic from another writer

A couple of in depth questions!

🍄 what is something that’s happened in your life that you wish you could go back and change?

⭐️ what is one of your biggest accomplishments? Why is it so important to you?

🪻what is the toughest thing you had to go through, but can say you’ve successfully overcome?

🌺 what is the best gift someone has ever given you and why is it so important

🍀 what is your comfort show/series and why is it your comfort show? How has it helped you?

[newstfionline]

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Arctic Passage (gCaptain) For the first time ever a Panamax-sized vessel has transited the Arctic Ocean. The Flying Fish 1 is a 294-meter-long ship capable of carrying 4,890 TEU containers, by far the largest container ship to have pulled off the journey. Flying Fish 1 set out from St. Petersburg on September 3 and made its way through the Baltic, North and Norwegian seas, then traveled along the north coast of Russia through the Arctic Ocean, made its way down the east coast of Asia, and finally arrived in Shanghai on September 26, a three-week journey that was previously impassable because the Arctic Ocean used to have enough ice in it to render such a feat impossible. That cut two weeks off the standard voyage through the Suez Canal.

Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to stay in office Thursday after federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of letting Turkish officials and businesspeople buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips. Adams, a Democrat, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment outlining a decade-long trail of corruption that began when he served as an elected official in Brooklyn and continued through his mayoral administration. In exchange for the bribes, Adams took actions that appeared to benefit Turkey’s leaders, including expediting the fire safety inspection at a consulate building and not releasing a statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, according to the indictment.

Hurricane Helene destroyed large swaths of the Southeast (AP) Hurricane Helene caused dozens of deaths and billions of dollars of destruction across a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. as it raced through, and more than 3 million customers went into the weekend without any power and for some a continued threat of floods. Helene blew ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday packing winds of 140 mph (225 kph) and then quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and sending creeks and rivers over their banks and straining dams. Western North Carolina was essentially cut off because or landslides and flooding that forced the closure of Interstate 40 and other roads. There were hundreds of water rescues, none more dramatic than in rural Unicoi County in East Tennessee, where dozens of patients and staff were plucked by helicopter from the roof of a hospital that was surrounded by water from a flooded river.

200 Clashes a Day as Russia Races to Break Ukrainian Strongholds (NYT) After months of constant pressure and grinding, bloody advances, Russian forces are pressing up against multiple strongholds along more than 100 miles of the jagged front in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine. For Ukraine, losing any of those important defensive positions could significantly alter the contours of the fight for control of the region. Despite staggering casualties, Russian forces are mounting armored assaults and sending waves of infantry on foot, motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles to attack Ukrainian positions from Chasiv Yar in the north to the southern stronghold of Vuhledar, which is at risk of being encircled, according to Ukrainian soldiers and combat footage. With attacks across cratered fields, the Russians are racing to seize territory before the fall strips the foliage they use for cover and the rains turn fertile farmland into bog. On each of two days last week, the Ukrainian military reported more than 200 clashes between the two sides—the highest such numbers in many months.

First It Was Lynch Mobs. Now Police Kill Pakistanis Accused of Blasphemy. (NYT) The entrance to the district police headquarters in southern Pakistan was carpeted with rose petals, a grand gesture of respect. A crowd filled the air with chants of Islamic slogans. Many carried garlands and flower bouquets to laud the officers for their actions. The throngs were ecstatic because the police had killed a man. His supposed crime: “blasphemous content” on social media. The man, a 36-year-old government doctor, had been shot “unintentionally” as he resisted arrest, the authorities claimed. But human rights groups called it an extrajudicial killing, the second such one in a week. Blasphemy, a legal offense that can carry the death penalty, has long been a sensitive issue in a country that is more than 96 percent Muslim. Even a mere accusation can be deadly; mobs sometimes lynch people before their cases can go to trial. The killings of the two men this month have ignited fears that the police, pressured by the mob actions, may now be taking matters into their own hands, too.

A new class struggle is brewing in China (Economist) The term “three generations in tobacco” has become a common shorthand in China. On social media it means a privileged elite whose members hand out coveted jobs (such as managerial roles in the state’s tobacco monopoly) to their own types. Earlier this year a microblogger with more than 850,000 followers invoked the meme. “The result of this hereditary system is a closed circle of power that completely cuts off opportunities for people at the bottom to rise up!” he wrote. Hundreds expressed agreement. “The ruling class is solidifying,” one replied. Another fumed: “The children of the elite get ahead, and the children of the poor remain poor.” The economy is faltering. Opportunities for good jobs are drying up. Many Chinese now talk of shehui guhua, or social stagnation. Among the less well-off in China, resentment is growing of what is seen as a self-replicating elite. Class enmity is on the rise.

New Chinese nuclear attack submarine sank during construction, US defense official says (AP) Satellite imagery showed that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank alongside a pier while under construction, a senior U.S. defense official said Thursday. The sinking of China’s first Zhou-class submarine represents a setback for Beijing as it continues to build out the world’s largest navy. China as of last year operated six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, according to a U.S. military report.

Japanese man acquitted of 1966 murders after 45 years on death row (Reuters) A Japanese man said to have spent the world’s longest time on death row was acquitted of murder on Thursday, his legal team said, ending his family’s search for justice after a wrongful conviction for crimes committed nearly 60 years ago. The Shizuoka district court cleared Iwao Hakamada, 88, in a retrial of the murders of four people in the central Japanese region in 1966. It was sweet to hear the words “not guilty” in the courtroom, said Hideko Hakamada, who has battled for decades to clear her younger brother’s name. “When I heard that, I was so moved and happy, I couldn’t stop crying,” she told a televised briefing.

At the U.N., overwhelming anger at Israel (Washington Post) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak Friday at the U.N. General Assembly, and New York City cops were bracing for further protests. Dozens of antiwar activists, calling for an end to Israel’s military campaigns over Gaza and Lebanon, were already arrested on Manhattan streets on Tuesday. Netanyahu is himself fighting on other fronts. He arrived in New York as Israel stepped up its bombardments of alleged Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, an offensive that has already claimed hundreds of Lebanese lives, including women and children. “Israel is violating our sovereignty by sending their warplanes and drones to our skies,” Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati told a special session of the Security Council on Wednesday, saying that Israel had spread “terror and fear among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world.” A legion of critics denounced the killings of more than 40,000 people in Gaza and the unfurling war over Lebanon. “Stop this crime. Stop it now. Stop killing children and women. Stop the genocide. Stop sending weapons to Israel,” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said, adding that much of Gaza was “destroyed” and also pointing to Israel’s deadly operations in areas of the West Bank. “This madness cannot continue. The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people in Gaza and the West Bank.” While denouncing Hamas and Hezbollah, world leaders cast Israel’s heavy-handed campaigns and the inability of the U.N. system to rein it as a danger to the institution itself.

Lebanon fears Gaza-like carnage as Israel ramps up airstrikes across the country (AP) When she first heard about the evacuation warnings Israel was sending to residents of Lebanon, Aline Naser’s thoughts immediately turned to Gaza. For the past year, the 26-year-old Beirut resident has been following with horror the reports about besieged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip ordered to move from one place to the other, fleeing to “humanitarian zones” only to be bombed and ordered to leave again. Among many in Lebanon, there is fear that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon would follow the same Gaza playbook: Evacuation orders, mass displacement and overwhelming airstrikes. On Monday, Israel struck 1,600 targets across Lebanon, killing 492 people and wounding 1,645, and causing a massive wave of displacement as thousands fled from south Lebanon north. It was by far the deadliest barrage since the monthlong 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, when an estimated 1,000 people in Lebanon were killed. / (BBC) An Israeli air strike hit Hezbollah headquarters in south Beirut with a 2,000 lb ‘bunker buster’ bomb, targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel says he was killed, and the Lebanese Health Ministry says at least 6 other people were killed and 91 were injured as six apartment buildings were leveled. The attack took place shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “defeat Hezbollah” in a speech at the UN. In his own speech to the UN on Thursday, Lebanon’s caretaker PM Najib Mikati warned that hospitals were no longer capable of treating people because of the sheer number of casualties from Israel’s attacks.

As war widens and costs mount, Israel’s economy is in ‘serious danger’ (Washington Post) The human cost of Oct. 7 on Israel has been immense. Nearly everyone knew someone who was killed, injured or kidnapped that day, or deployed to the front lines in the months that followed. Often lost in the turmoil and tragedy of the past year is the toll of the conflict on the Israeli economy. The country has seen its credit score downgraded and its gross domestic product shrink sharply. Tens of thousands of businesses have closed, and a growing number of jobs are being moved offshore. Israeli reservists have put careers on hold—or struggled to juggle them with military service. While Israel’s massive high-tech industry has remained resilient, construction and agriculture—which relied heavily on Palestinians whose work permits were canceled by Israel after Oct. 7—have been hit hard. Tourism has plunged by more than 75 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics said in June, leaving many shop fronts shuttered in the usually bustling thoroughfares of Jerusalem’s Old City. Defense spending, meanwhile, has at least doubled, with the Central Bank warning that the war could cost $67 billion through 2025—a prediction made before Israel’s recent escalation in Lebanon and the mobilization of two reserve brigades to the northern front on Wednesday. “The economy is in serious danger unless the government wakes up,” said Dan Ben-David, who heads the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research. “Right now they are completely disconnected from anything that is not war … and there is no end in sight.”

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Venta Rapid (Ventas rumba) on Venta River in Kuldīga, Latvia, May 22, 2024. Photo by D.P.

[influencermagazineuk]

Hitting the Road: Crafting Your Dream Eurotrip from the UK

The allure of a European adventure is undeniable, a chance to immerse yourself in rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. But for those setting off from the UK, the question arises: how long will this grand Eurotrip take, and what can I realistically see? fret not, intrepid traveler, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge to craft your ideal European adventure. Considering Your Travel Style: Speedy Explorer or Leisurely Wanderer? The first step is understanding your travel style. Are you a whirlwind explorer, eager to pack in as many countries and cities as possible? Or are you a leisurely wanderer, preferring to savor the unique character of each destination? For the speedy explorer, a two-week Eurotrip is a good starting point. This timeframe allows you to hit some of the major European highlights, flitting from iconic landmarks to charming towns. Leisurely wanderers, on the other hand, might opt for a four-week or even longer itinerary, allowing them to delve deeper into each destination and truly experience the local culture. Choosing Your Mode of Transport: Trains, Cars, or Buses? Europe boasts an excellent transportation network, offering a variety of options to suit your budget and travel style. Trains are a popular choice, particularly for longer distances and major cities. They offer a comfortable and scenic way to travel, often connecting directly to city centers. Eurail passes can be a cost-effective option for those planning on covering multiple countries. For added flexibility and the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, consider renting a car. Road trips allow you to create your own itinerary and discover hidden gems along the way. Just be sure to factor in car rental costs, gas prices, and potential tolls on highways. Budget-minded travelers might choose intercity buses. While they can be slower than trains, they offer a comfortable and affordable way to travel between major cities. Planning Your Route: Mapping Out Your European Adventure With your travel style and preferred mode of transport in mind, you can start plotting your route. Here are some popular Eurotrip itineraries from the UK, catering to different durations and interests: - The Classic Highlights (2 weeks): Starting in London, take the Eurostar to Paris, the City of Lights. Immerse yourself in French culture, marveling at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. From Paris, hop on a train to Switzerland, a land of breathtaking mountains and charming villages. Spend a few days exploring the scenic Swiss countryside before continuing on to Rome, the Eternal City. Here, history buffs can wander through the Colosseum and Vatican City. Finally, fly back to the UK from Rome, or catch a train for a final stop in Amsterdam, known for its canals and artistic heritage. - Art and Architecture Extravaganza (3 weeks): Begin your adventure in London, exploring its renowned museums and historical landmarks. Take the ferry to France and make your way to the Palace of Versailles, a dazzling example of French Baroque architecture. Continue south to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and marvel at its artistic masterpieces. From Florence, journey to Venice, the City of Canals, and lose yourself in its romantic charm. Next, head to Vienna, Austria's capital, known for its imperial palaces and rich musical heritage. End your trip in Prague, Czech Republic, a city brimming with Gothic architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. - Off the Beaten Path (4 weeks or more): For the adventurous traveler, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Start in Scotland, exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Take a ferry to Ireland and discover its rich Celtic heritage, from the Blarney Stone to the Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Iceland, a land of glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal wonders. Next, head to the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – and explore their charming medieval towns and unique cultures. Finally, make your way down to Poland, where you can visit the Auschwitz concentration camp memorial and marvel at the beauty of Krakow's Old Town. Remember, these are just a starting point! The beauty of Europe lies in its diversity. Research destinations that pique your interest and don't be afraid to create your own unique itinerary. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, your Eurotrip from Read the full article

[balticbus]

Discover Latvia's Hidden Gems: The Journey from Rīga to Alūksne

Latvia, a land of pristine coastline, dense forests, and charming cities, is a treasure trove for travelers. While the capital city Rīga often takes the limelight, the lesser-known town of Alūksne hides its own enchantments. This blog post is your passport to exploring the scenic route that connects these two Latvian jewels. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, the Rīga Alūksne trail promises an odyssey like no other in the Baltic region.

The Allure of Rīga to Alūksne Travel

Beginning in Rīga, the largest city in the Baltics renowned for its stunning architecture, lively culture, and bustling markets, the road to Alūksne unveils a different kind of beauty. Nature takes center stage as you leave the urban hubbub behind and trek towards Alūksne, a town steeped in centuries of history, surrounded by serene lakes and rolling countryside.

Rīga and Alūksne present a contrast that is emblematic of Latvia's varied landscape. The appeal of traveling between these two destinations lies not only in their individual charm but also in the transformation you witness along the way. The transition from the urban Rīga to the rural Alūksne serves as a microcosm of the country's diverse character.

Exploring the Route from City to Countryside

Envision a traveler’s tapestry woven with picturesque villages, dense woodlands, and tranquil lakes. That's the tableau you’ll encounter as you make your way from Rīga to Alūksne. The route is more than a mere conduit; it is a panorama of quintessential Latvian scenery.

Amidst the lush greens and blues that define Latvia's natural expanse, there are cultural and historical landmarks peppering the way. One such gem is Sigulda, often called the "Switzerland of Latvia" for its rolling hills and castles. Here, you can step into the past and walk the corridors of the medieval Sigulda Castle. And then there's Cēsis, a town where the present murmurs with the echoes of the Livonian Order, an order of knights in the Baltic region. Its ancient castle tells tales of a bygone era, waiting to be deciphered by curious visitors.

The Most Picturesque Way to Travel Between Two Cities

When it comes to traversing the 226 kilometers between Rīga and Alūksne, there are a variety of travel options at your disposal. From the speed and independence of renting a car to the more leisurely and scenic train ride, each mode offers a unique experience. However, the bus route stands out as the most convenient way, especially for those who want to sit back, relax, and take in the scenery without the hassle of driving.

The bus route is not only affordable but also efficient, providing multiple daily departures. It is the ideal choice for solo travelers or those seeking a group adventure. Unlike the train, buses offer drop-offs at more direct points, making it easier to access destinations that are slightly off the beaten path.

Comfort and Services Onboard the Rīga-Alūksne Buses

Traveling by bus between Rīga and Alūksne doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort for cost. Modern coaches are equipped with spacious seating, often with the option to reserve seats in advance, and most are furnished with Wi-Fi connectivity to keep you connected as you travel through the Latvian panorama.

Onboard services cater to the needs of travelers, ensuring a convenient and pleasant ride. From restrooms to refreshment stops, passengers are well-provided for. And with the growing popularity of this route, bus companies are continually enhancing their services, offering entertainment systems and sometimes even power outlets for electronic devices.

Top Tips for a Smooth Journey

To make the most of your trip from Rīga to Alūksne, it's advisable to plan your travel ahead. Check for the best days and times to depart, and book your tickets early to secure the most favorable rates. Mid-week travel may offer a quieter and more relaxing experience compared to the weekend rush.

For those eager to stretch their legs and break the monotony of the long drive, stopovers at the cultural attractions and natural beauty spots along the route are a must. Whether it’s walking through the rolling parks in Rēzekne or marveling at the ancient hill forts in Koknese, each detour adds a layer of depth to your Latvian adventure.

The Journey is the Destination

More than just a mode of transit, the bus ride from Rīga to Alūksne is an experience in itself. It grants you an intimate look into the heart of Latvia, its people, and its past. The bus may stop at each stage, but every moment is an opportunity to discover something new and enriching about this beautiful country.

By choosing to explore the path less traveled — the road from Rīga to Alūksne — you are not only venturing off the tourist track but also setting out on a path that leads to the soul of Latvia. It's a route that epitomizes the spirit of travel, where the destination matters, but the journey is where the true magic unfolds.

Plan Your Next Baltic Voyage

In conclusion, the cross-country route from Rīga to Alūksne is a testament to the unassuming wonders of Latvia. It exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, of old-world allure and contemporary comfort. If you’re looking for a new adventure that combines history, culture, and nature, look no further than the road that links Rīga and Alūksne.

Begin your preparation, book your tickets, and immerse yourself in the unique story that is Latvia. The landscape is waiting, the culture is calling, and the adventure is beckoning. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the Rīga-Alūksne route promises an escape that is as relaxing as it is enriching. Remember, the best journeys are those that take you to places you never thought you'd visit and show you things you never thought you'd see. Start your Latvian odyssey today!

[dinasweden]

WEEK 1

March 03 - March 09, 2024 Sunday morning March the 3rd, I kissed my boyfriend and my cat goodbye and headed out the door to embark on a two month adventure that would take me to the south of Sweden, a region known as 'Skåne', or in English, 'Scania'. I had been having second thoughts about my decision to travel 9 hours via bus, but the bus in question was thankfully nearly empty as we headed out onto the highway. I got comfortable and although I had considered catching up on some homework on the trip up, the stress of the past weeks caught up to me and all I could muster up the energy to do was stare out the window while listening to music. It felt like almost no time had passed when suddenly we were in Rostock, picking up more passengers before driving up to the city dock to get on the ferry that was to take us across the Baltic Sea to Denmark. At this point I was very much patting myself on the back for having chosen the bus route. Here we had a good 2 hours to wander about the ferry. I spent most of the time on the deck, watching the shore disappear behind us into the distance until all we could see was endless water in all directions. It was eerie but admittedly, majestic. I wondered about how deep the sea was beneath us and whether the seagulls circling overhead would accompany us for the entire journey (they didn't, but a tiny little great tit fighting ferociously against the wind did).

Anyways, the journey continued, we drove off the ferry and up through Denmark into Copenhagen, where most of the passengers got off leaving only a handful of people on the entire bus. I knew we'd have to cross the Øresund Bridge shortly -my very first impression of Sweden- and had been looking forward to it with excitement, but when the time came, all I felt was fear.  The sun had long set, the view had become hazy and as we sped across the four lane bridge I felt we were precariously close to the edge. I was sitting on the top floor of the double decker bus and looking out the window all I could see was water on one side, and on the other, city lights twinkling through the fog across the water somewhere in the distance.

But as with many stressful things, I tried to take it with humour (and deep breathing exercises). The bus dropped me off at Malmö Central station much too early so I waited an hour there for the specific train I had a ticket for and arrived finally at my destination and our accommodation, Borgeby Castle, which is where I'll be spending the next 2 months.

(Above photo: the windows at the top on the roof are the windows to our flat; Below photo: the building in the 'back yard'). 

The next day we had a bit of an introduction to Lund and I spent the rest of the day organising my room and relaxing a bit.

The following day I got to know the guys I'll be working with, and got acquainted a bit with the workspace. I told them I was more interested in the UX / UI side of web design, and they're encouraging me on that front when it comes to the work that we'll be doing on their app. The rest of the week I've mostly been commuting back and forth between work and back to the 'Slott' ('castle' in Swedish). The road up to the busstop is a bit tricky since there's no sidewalk, and a lot of cars zipping back and forth in either direction so caution is called for, but it's nice to have an opportunity to sing whatever's stuck in my head knowing that no one can hear me.

Other than that, it's been fun learning about the Swedish obsession with all types of milk! It took me ages to find 'regular' milk in the supermarket. But here's a fun fact: Oat milk was actually invented in Sweden, using research from Lund university, no less!

Oh and of course, how could I forget the pastries? Sweden's supermarkets are chock-full of delicious, flaky (affordable) pastries filled with pudding or jam.

It takes a lot of will power to not get one of each every time I'm in the shop.  Finally, I do want to elucidate on my blog title. Somewhere in the bowels of my mind I did know this, what I am about to tell you, but I had forgotten it up until the moment I was sat in a room with three Swedish people having a Swedish discussion... yet saying my name ever so often? I looked it up:

So until next week... Yours truly, Dina