#best time to travel morocco

[sunshine-theseus]

El Viaje | Sam Kerr x Reader

Words: 2.3k Summary: Sam’s done her ACL and the journey proves to be tough

“Sam? It’s 12:30 in the morning, what’s wrong?” my voice is groggy and hoarse as I pick up the phone.

Nothing is said in reply but a small shuttering gasp trickles through the speaker. I was very familiar with that sound. The one of Sam trying not to cry. It alarms me, so I scurry to sit up against the hotel headboard and turn on the lamp, as if it will make me concentrate better on the conversation.

“Chicka? What happened? Shouldn’t you be in training?” the Chelsea team had travelled to Morocco for some hot weather training, leaving them only 1 hour ahead of London but 9 hours behind Brisbane, so the timing was odd.

“I-” she chokes on her words and my heart clenches, as if I could feel whatever pain and sadness she was feeling.

“I won’t be going back to training. Not for a while.” my fiancé’s usual candour isn’t anywhere to be seen as she drags out the admission.

“Sam what are you going on about?”

Another one of those almost silent cries escapes her mouth.

“Sam please telling me what the fuck is going on or I’ll call Emma.” I grow even more worried as I flick through all the possibilities of what could have happened in my mind.

“Can we facetime? I want to see your face, it’ll make me feel better.” I’m requesting the facetime call before she can even finish, and it takes no time at all for me to be met with her face.

Her solemn, tear stained, lip quivering face. I nearly start crying just looking at her. I’ve only seen her look so defeated a small number of times, but it never gets easier. I desperately want to magically transport to Morocco and just hold her.

“Oh Sam, please tell me what’s wrong.”

“I did my ACL.” The words don’t process in my head for a moment. She can’t possibly have said what I think she said.

“What?” it’s a whisper of disbelief but her face shows me everything I need to know. I feel sick as I stare into her eyes. Eyes that are usually so full of light and joy, dark and sullen in pain.

“I’m flying to Morocco. Next flight out.”

“No, we leave the day after tomorrow, it’d be a waste.”

“Sam-”

“You’re spending time with Sharn and Tameka, I’ll be okay.” The mention of my best friend and our Matildas teammate nearly makes me want to laugh.

“I’ve been here for 5 days; I went to their game last night, they’ll understand. Sharn’s coming to England in a couple months anyway. Say the word and I’ll fly out, whenever you want.” I can see the fight on her face.

“Please fly home, to England. I need you.” Tears well up in her eyes and I can feel them fighting on my waterline as well.

“Of course chicka.”

-

My flight gets in an hour before the team’s is supposed to. I sit in the secluded hallway I know they’ll eventually make their way down, leg bouncing non-stop and hands sweating. I’ve seen Sam injured, I’ve nursed her back to health, I’ve done everything you can imagine, but an ACL is different. Worse in every way.

Soon I begin to hear the chatter and footsteps often associated with the Chelsea team and rapidly stand up to greet them. Emma is the first one around the corner, closely followed by Jessie and Zećira. Each of them greet me and pass on a sorrowful smile before continuing down the hall.

It takes a little longer for Sam to make her way around, surrounded by Millie, Guro, and Erin; all of them are laughing and smiling at something Erin said. It takes me a few seconds but I’m taking off down the hall to meet the group who don’t notice me until I’m right in front of them. Where I usually would pick Sam up and spin her around, I have to stop myself, the crutches serving as a reminder to why I’m back early.

“Chickadee!” she smiles at me with that beautiful, joyful smile I’m used to, and I can’t help but lean forward and press a kiss to both her cheeks. Eventually she presses her own lips to mine, clearly sick of waiting.

“How’re you feeling?” Sam rolls her eyes, knowing I’m going to start fussing over her, and the girls around us laugh.

“I’m good. Millie’s been nursing me.” The friendly giant blonde grins proudly at us at the comment.

“Good, but now you have an actual nurse to look after you.” I grab Sam’s bag that Erin has a hold of, and the backpack that’s in Guro’s hand.

-

When we get home, I heave both lots of our bags through the house before cautiously trailing behind Sam who makes her way to our bedroom. She drops down onto the bed and I get nervous at the way her leg bounces as it absorbs the shock. I kneel down to start untying her shoes as she peels off her Chelsea travel jacket.

“I can do it you know?” Sam was ever the stubborn individual, and rarely wanted to accept help.

“Let me look after you.” I press a soft kiss to her injured knee before I continue taking off her shoes and socks.

I grab one of her oversized sweaters and shorts for her to slip into then head into our bathroom, running the warm water into the tub. I light some candles and turn off the lights, knowing she prefers the mellow light in times like these, before I hear her making her way on her crutches. It takes a little adjusting but I eventually help her slip into to sudsy water, then leave her to relax as I order some food for dinner.

Not long after I exit the room, I hear a splash and a groan of frustration, and race to see what’s happened. Sam’s body is still deep beneath the surface of the water but there’s a large puddle that slowly disperses at the base of the tub.

“What happened?” I pull my towel off the rack and begin to clean up the mess.

“I tried to get out.” the defeat is clear on Sam’s face, and it helps dampen the flame of anger that bubbled in my chest.

“Sammy-”

“I can’t do that, I know. I just… I don’t want to rely on you for everything.”

“Darl, I know it’s hard, and it will be hard for the next 9 months, but I’m here for you. I want to help you. You’re not alone.” Gently, I run a hand through her drying hair, occasionally massaging her scalp.

I can see the cogs turning in her head as I wait for an answer. The only thing I get is her leaning over and resting her head on my shoulder. It’s not comfortable for either of us but it’s the gesture that matters.

~~~~~

A few days later Sam has to go in for surgery. I have a shift at the hospital, so I drive her in, and take a goofy photo of her before she gets prepped, before I start my rounds. I find it hard, lacking my usual charm and overly-kind demeaner as I visit Carl, a 63 year old Irish man who came to spend a few years in England after retiring from teaching history in Australia, before going home to Ireland. He doesn’t stop talking. I don’t mind though; his stories never disappoint. He came in for a hip surgery but due to some complications he’s had to stay a little longer, and come in for regular stays every few months.

“You’re worried about something.” He likes to study me as I move around.

“Not when I’ve got you, hey Carl?”

“You’re pouring yourself a cup of tea. You don’t like tea. Which is appalling by the way.” I relax my shoulders and take in a deep breath. He knows me too well.

“It’s my fiancé-”

“Sam! Oh how is she!? I love young love.” A warm and reminiscent smile flitters across his face.

“Yes, well, she tore her ACL during training in Morocco. She has surgery today.”

“Bloody hell the poor thing! She’ll be okay love.” Carl pats my arm in reassurance, and I hate to admit I feel much more at peace.

-

Around 4 hours into my shift, I get called to take over a new patient for one of the other nurses who had to leave after their surgery. I walk down the fluorescently lit hallways, my shoes squeaking against the linoleum. Sam should just about be finished surgery too.

I pushed open the dark wood door but come to a stop when I see who’s snoring in the bed. My fiancé, ever so peaceful and beautiful, yet still looking so tired. There are band-aids over different points of her knee, barely propped up with a roll of cloth.

I check her vitals, not yet giving her more pain meds, and take a seat beside her. I take her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb back and forth over the dark vein, and admire her. Despite the hospital attire and the ruffled hair that falls out of her hair-tie, she looks so handsome.

-

I get paged to visit a few other patients before Sam gets the chance to wake up, but by the time I get back, basically the whole Chelsea team is sitting around her room or in the hall.

Jessie’s the one talking Sam when I walk back through the door, vials and food in hand.

“Time for lunch and meds!” I scoot in beside Emma and LJ to have access to her IV after she finishes the food, the girls around us greeting me.

“Chickadee! You’re here.” Sam reaches a hand out for me and puckers her lips but I stand back.

“Nuh uh. Here we’re nurse and patient, not fiancés. Now I need you to eat some food so I can give you your medication.” I can see her desire to fight back on her face, but I know she won’t ignore the orders when I’m actually on the clock.

When she finishes the horrid food, I put clean gloves on and fill the new needle with morphine, then turn back to her. I have to fiddle with the IV for a moment but eventually manage to inject the medicine.

“You might get sleepy; I’ll be back soon to see how you’re doing and adjust the dose if need be, okay? There’s the emergency button if you need me sooner.” I bid her and the team adieu.

~~~~~

I don’t get to take Sam home with me after my shift, instead having to pick her up the next day.

While she’s wheeled out to the car, crutches resting on her lap, I carry her brace and compression bands and whatever else she’s been given. Sam sits across the backseat, making sure to keep her knee elevated, and I make sure to drive as safely as possible.

-

When we get home, we find ourselves in bed, Sam’s head resting on my chest as I play with her hair, Derry Girls playing on the TV.

“I love you so much, thank you for being my nurse.” A kiss is pressed lightly to my collar bone and I smile.

“I’ll always look after you, my beautiful girl.” She looks up at me with those big chocolate brown eyes and I think I fall in love with her all over again.

I lean down and attach my lips to her’s but as we pull away, she turns serious.

“You owe me a lot of kisses for refusing to kiss me in the hospital.”

“Of course darling.” I simply kiss her again. Anything for my beautiful girl.

~~~~~

“You don’t have to baby me Y/N for fuck sake!” so much for ‘thanks for looking after me’.

“I’m not babying you Sam! I’m making sure you don’t push yourself too far!”

“I can lift things without you hovering over me!”

“You were trying to lift boxes that I can barely lift at full health!” she was really getting on my last nerve.

“I just want you to leave me alone for 5 fucking minutes! God I’m so sick of you!” that makes me pause, pain encapsulates my heart and tears floor my waterline.

My mouth opens and closes but nothing comes out. What am I supposed to say to that? So I turn around, picking Helen up on my way, and head to our bedroom. The door slams shut behind me, rattling the walls, the artwork threatening to drop and shatter to the floor. Not dissimilar to my heart.

I hear Sam groan but nothing else echoes down the hall for a while. Until I hear a crash. Without a thought I’m opening the door and rushing across the wood floors to find the girl I’m angry at.

All I find is her sitting on the ground, surrounded by piles of wood. She’s untouched.

“Sam…” it’s more of a sigh of relief than anything else.

“I just- I wanted to make it myself to apologise. And also to prove myself right.”

“You don’t need to make a whole fucking bookshelf for me. You shouldn’t. Your words hurt, but I don’t want you hurt.” I slowly help her get up, although it’s a struggle.

“I’m really really sorry. I didn’t mean it, that I’m sick of you. I could never be sick of you. You’re too kind.” A kiss is pressed to my cheek.

“And pretty.” Another to my opposite cheek.

“And perfect.” She kisses my lips, love flowing between us as I kiss back.

“I don’t deserve you. You’ve done nothing but take care of me and I’ve been all ‘Oscar the Grouch’ on you.” I lead her over to the couch and pull her against me.

“You could turn into Oscar the Grouch and I’d still love and take care of you. I will find you in every lifetime, and love you endlessly.”

[footytea]

kylian mbappé and his girls (escorts or whatever you wanna call them)

kylian is very good at keeping his affairs private, but that doesn't mean nothing is happening behind closed doors. here's a few girls kylian has invited to or hangs out with every now and then (however you wanna interpret "hanging out"):

lauren blake — from LA, has been spotted at psg games & travels to paris every now and then, follows kylian's best friend tchaga, she's been seen commenting under kylian's posts as well

daria leliuk — supposedly met kylian for the first time in 2021 in ibiza, had dinner with kylian in la môme (monte carlo) on july 27th (there's clips of kylian leaving/entering the restaurant & daria posted a pic of her at the restaurant the same day). other girls at the dinner were sophia, lola balayer & pollylingual

sophia — another girl kylian invited to dinner in monte carlo, sophia posted a story in buddha bar, an employee of the restaurant posted a photo with kylian the same night

emma duron, chiara palmas, sara hajhajate — also girls who accompanied kylian in monaco (monte carlo)

lara lourenco — met kylian at a charity event back in 2022, they were seated at the same table & left together later that night, she also followed him the same evening. she was also at his bday party last year (2023).

ines — the girl kylian was seen picking up on a yacht either last year or 2022 i can't remember. people confused her with a trans model, who happened to have the same name & similar features. she was also at kylian's recent bday party. they seem to be friends w benefits.

stella maxwell — another one of his friends w benefits, met in 2022 and has been seen at the same parties as kylian, at one party she was seen dancing very close to him. was also at his birthday party in december.

rose bertram — they both follow each other and have been seen at the same parties, she's also in paris quite often. there was this whole story about rose trying to baby trap kylian, she denied it, but i think kylian distanced himself a little after that story.

mélissa — a girl who accompanied kylian in marrakech, morocco this january. kylian took pics with fans at moroccan restaurant les jardins du lotus and melissa also posted a story of the same restaurant the same night.

georgia may heath — i don't know when exactly she met kylian, but she seemed to lowkey like the attention she was getting a lot. she dropped hints about her "thing" with kylian on her tiktok, and even added a pic to her 2021 year recap video, showing the sneakers & pants kylian wore in mykonos, 2021 (he posted a pic of the fit on ig). she's in paris a lot and seems to be accompanying him on a lot of vacation trips. she also happened to be in marrakech this january around the same time as kylian.

that's it for now, there's a few more girls he was seen with, but i don't know their names or instagram accounts, so i haven't added them here. these are just the girls he has been seen with repeatedly!

i would add pics, but i haven't had the time to gather everything, but if you guys really want it, i can add it, just let me know 🤍

[pleasantglitterflower]

MEETING THE MESSI FAMILY (JOE BURROW x MESSI! READER)

The Vogue World show ended and Luisa Messi breathed a sigh of relief, she couldn't take it anymore, as she faced a crazy marathon in the last few weeks of traveling for work, from London to Japan, passing through Greece, Morocco, New York and now ending in Paris. She loved her work and was very grateful for all the opportunities she had, but the modeling profession is like any other, and she always thinks it's wrong when people romanticize the profession, as if there was only the glamorous and luxurious side. She went to the dressing room she shared with her best friends Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid to change, Kendall and Gigi asked if she and her boyfriend would join their group of friends for the fashion show's afterparty, she confirmed their presence and if she said goodbye to her friends and went to meet her boyfriend.

Paris fashion week was very special for Luisa, especially because her boyfriend would be showing for the first time, and he is not someone unknown to the sport. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback began to show a side of himself that was previously unknown to his fans, as from that year onwards, he was willing to leave his comfort zone and experience new experiences, and this change would not have been possible if Luisa wasn't by his side encouraging him and rooting for him.

Luisa went to Joe's dressing room, and as soon as she saw him, she ran and jumped on him.

  - You were incredible, mi amor, incredible - Luisa says, leaving lots of kisses on Joe's face, who laughs at his girlfriend's excitement

 - I wouldn't have done it without you supporting me, mi princesa,te amo mucho - he ventures, speaking very slurred Spanish, kissing Luisa's neck.

-Joe, we're not at home, let's go to dinner soon, they're already waiting for us. Have Justin and the rest of the guys left?

-Yes, they're already gone, we're just missing, the security guards are already waiting for us at the exit through the restricted area

 - So let's go quickly, before they see us.

TWO WEEKS LATER

Luisa was at Joe's house to prepare a real Argentine feast, the quarterback was going to see what real food was, but the model had one more surprise for him.

-This is the chorizo ​​fillet- Luisa points happily to the juicy steak

- Wow, this looks great - he says cutting and trying the first bite - Hmmmmm, baby this is incredible, you need to take me to Argentina, I've never tasted anything so delicious - Joe says 

- Baby, since we're eating Argentine food, we're in that Argentine vibe, I need to tell you something

- Speak my love, what happened?

-Are you going to do something next Saturday?- she asks, at the same time as she bites into a large piece of steak. 

- No - he thinks a little

- So, let's meet the Messi family- She smiles

Joe dropped his fork, put his hand on his mouth and another on his chest.

-For God's sake, anything but that- he begs

- There's no need to be like that, they'll be nice - she tries to help

- Punches me in the face, kicks me, break me, calls me an idiot, but doesn't make me go there - he puts on his best pity face

- Don't even come Joe, we're going to see them - she stamps her foot

And that's when Joe realized he was in trouble.

The days passed in a hurry and Joe doesn't know how to put into words how disturbed his state of mind is.

Packing the bags was almost a sacrifice, with each piece of clothing being picked up with a different complaint, he loves her very much, but he's sure that this next step doesn't have to be postponed, but rather, removed from the new couple's to-do guide.

   Luisa and Joe have been together for almost a year, and as two public figures, they have so far successfully kept their relationship secret. The quarterback started talking to the Argentinean on Instagram shortly after ending a long-term relationship. The relationship over time fell into a routine and Joe was only with his ex for comfort and convenience, but he had been unhappy for a long time and was cheating on his ex frequently, until he got tired of this unhappiness and ended the relationship. 

In their first face-to-face date, in a restaurant in New York, Joe was very sincere and confessed to Luisa about his history of betrayals, but assured her that he was going to be a new man, a good man for her, as he was already completely in love. by the beautiful Argentinean who was born in Spain. Luisa was suspicious, but as she was also already very enchanted by the blue-eyed blonde, she decided to give him a chance. The first-born Messi had also recently ended her relationship with Barcelona player Pedri González, as their busy schedules meant they saw very little of each other, but they both remain friends.

The big issue is that after a year, Joe had still not met Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo, Luisa's parents, due to a great fear of the quarterback facing in person the best football player in the world who was now his father-in-law. On every occasion that Luisa tried to organize for them to meet, Joe would make up an excuse or take advantage of his commitments with the Bengals team to not meet Leo. Luisa was always understanding of the situation, but her father was not. For a person who has always shown calm and tranquility, Messi appeared impatient with Burrow, sending him an unkind message via Instagram direct.

“Of course boludo,

It's really good if you run away, because know that when I see you, I'll have to be prepared for when we're all in one place.

I'm not kidding, especially when it comes to my eldest daughter's feelings and integrity, I've never spared any effort to protect my little girl and it won't be with an American playboy who plays a supposed sport called “football” that I'm going to change my principles. ”

Joe blinked in disbelief, did he really read that? If he questioned.

-Don't notice, dad is as dramatic as a classic Argentine soap opera, it's that Latin American cliché, he didn't even let me see what he wrote in that message- Luisa smiles.

Joe frowned, reading the message again and asking if it was a joke.

  Arriving at the airport, he had nowhere to run.

   - My dad will love meeting you - he hears her talking, all smiling

   - Not as much as my brothers, they are so adorable, since they moved to the USA, they say they want to play basketball,dad goes crazy - she comments laughing 

- Dad is so scary when he's on the field, when I started dating Pedri, he threatened to break his legs if he betrayed me, you had to see the poor guy's scared face - Luisa tells the story, laughing a lot 

Joe at that moment wonders if she loves him or hates him. The mood became lighter when they disembarked and took a taxi to head to the Messi family mansion in Miami.

  During the journey, they come across a large poster of Messi in an Inter Miami advertisement.

- What is it like being the daughter of Lionel fucking Messi?

- People always ask me this, for me it's normal, dad is like any other father who loves, cares, is demanding and strict when necessary. He always does everything for me and my brothers and the main lesson he makes a point of always talking about is simplicity and humility, this is certainly the most valuable inheritance he will leave us - she says with her eyes shining 

Joe looks at her with admiration in his eyes

- You know that I love you, you know? 

- I did know - Luisa takes his hand and kisses it with love

-So now with this information how about we leave, I hate feeling arrogant and getting into a losing situation, I can't do that, how about I don't know if we meet your parents in a place and then run away from them, I don't like stay in the environment where they hate me-

Luisa sighed at the request, not knowing what to do, she didn't want Joe to feel obligated to do anything, but it was already going on too long.

-I understand what you're feeling, but I haven't even had a week to meet your parents, they thought it was important, so mine think it's important too-

-Honey, just pretend that we live in a world like we used to, where women came to men's families and only it matters- He gives a nervous smile.

- -Of course I understand, so in this case you haven't yet gone to ask permission from my father and my brothers, because in the world as in the past, men asked permission from other men, you can take advantage today to do that- Joe quickly refused to do that.

- -Relax, darling, it will only be a few days at their house and...- He cuts her off quickly.

- Days at their house? What do you mean by that, have you ever heard of a hotel? Luisa we need our privacy, I need my privacy, there's the jet leg and everything, look I'm American, I don't want to seem like an idiot, rich, spoiled to your family the first time and they don't need to know about my quirks or habits right now- Joe starts gesturing and getting restless in the car trying to explain himself.

- Hotels around here at this time of year are difficult, because of the beaches, but look on the bright side-                                       -What good side?- Joe claps his hands on his thighs indignantly.

- We're here now- She pointed to the side, turned off the car and removed her seat belt, while Joe next to him practically passed out. 

- My God, the driver always speaks first - he massages his own chest

Luisa and Joe identified themselves at the entrance of the huge mansion complex, and then headed to the Messi house. Burrow was mentally praying that nothing would get out of control and that he would make it out of these days with his Argentine family alive.

  Luisa presses the doorbell and her mother Antonella opens the door smiling. -Hija, como te extrañé - the older woman hugs her daughter 

- Mommy, the countdown is already counting down to see you, where are daddy and the boys?

- Your father has already started preparations for the barbecue, and the boys are playing ball - Antonella responds, and then looks at Joe - we have a special visit from our daughter

- I almost forgot to introduce you, mom this is Joe Burrow, my boyfriend, Joe this is Antonella Roccuzzo, my mother 

- Nice to meet you Mrs. Roccuzzo - he raises his hand to greet Antonella, but she is quicker and pulls him into a hug 

- Without these formalities my dear, you can just call me Anto, I'm finally meeting the boy who is messing with my daughter's heart

- I'm completely in love with her Mrs…Anto, she also touches my heart - Joe kisses Luisa's cheek, who is embarrassed 

- Let's go to the backyard guys, Joe, you'll get along great with Leo and the boys. You have brothers ?

- Yes, I have two older brothers, and I have four nephews 

- That's cool, so you seem to be really good with kids 

- Yes, I am, I really like their sincerity

They walked through the huge mansion until they reached the leisure area, where Messi was cutting and placing meat to roast on the barbecue and Thiago, Matteo and Ciro, Luisa's younger brothers, were excitedly playing football around the place, while reggaeton served as a ambient sound of the place.

- Honey, they've arrived! Children, look at your sister here - Antonella screams, the boys run towards Luisa to hug her

  - Lisaaaaaaa

   - My boys, how I missed you - Luisa hugs her brothers tightly, until they pull away and look at Joe, his height scared them 

   - Who is he? - Thiago asks 

    - This is Joe boys, he is my boyfriend, Joe these three little men are my younger brothers, Thiago, Matteo and Ciro

   - Nice to meet you boys, I'm Joe - he shakes hands with the three children, who return the greeting shyly 

- Joe brought a present for you boys, give it to them - Luisa says to the quarterback 

Joe opens the relatively large bag, and gives his brothers-in-law three autographed Cincinnati Bengals jerseys personalized with their respective names, as well as three small ball footballs

NFL.

  - These are the shirts of my football team, friends, and this is the American football ball

  - That's not football, real football is what dad plays - Thiago says

- What an ugly and strange ball - Matteo doesn't miss the opportunity to criticize

- Boys, don't be rude, he does play football, but the football he plays is different - Antonella explains

- That's not a ball, they're a circle, they're round - Ciro says seeing the NFL ball

- You use the wrong ball, this is the football ball - Thiago points to the round ball 

- If you play football, why don't you play with Pulisic on the US national team? -Matteo asks Joe, who is scared by the ability of three small children to scare him

- Boys, I play American football, it's different from round ball football, the rules are different, the names of the positions are different, it's totally different

- Are you a striker? - Ciro asks

- No, I play quarterback 

- What's that?

-The quarterback is the main player of a team in American football, he is responsible for throwing the ball, I am responsible for the team's attack.

- So you're a striker like dad? - Matteo asks

- In a way yes, although the rules are different

Leo was quiet, carefully watching Joe's interaction with his younger children, the Argentine didn't take his eyes off his son-in-law, and he could see from his gaze how much he was controlling himself so as not to appear nervous in front of him.

   - Boys, leave the boy alone. Nice to meet you Joe, I'm Lionel Messi, Luisa's father - the Argentinian squeezes Joe's hand tightly, who disguised his nervousness

- Nice to meet you Mr Messi, I'm Joe Burrow

- Please boy, just call me Leo, I'm only 37 years old, I'm not that old 

Joe lets out a nervous laugh. 

- Boys, you'll have time to ask Joe lots of questions, now go to the living room and play video games while the barbecue isn't ready yet, Joe, would you like to help me prepare the barbecue? After all, you are now part of an Argentine family, you have to know what real food is-The older man didn't fail to notice that Joe looked nervously at Luisa, who encouraged him to accept

  - Yes sir, I mean Leo, it will be a pleasure 

- That's great, love, so Luisa will come and help me prepare dessert, let's go, daughter - Antonella says, pulling Luisa by the hands ,then Leo guides Joe with basic instructions on how to use the equipment to prepare the meat, until the older man starts talking.

- You know Joe, I became Luisa's father when I was 17 years old, it was very complicated at the time, as I had just debuted as a professional player at Barcelona, ​​my career has always been very demanding and I was often not at home to follow the full growth of her, but one thing I always promised and I feel like I fulfilled my role as a father very well: I never let anyone hurt my daughter's heart, I always supported her in everything she wanted to do and I always taught her to always remain humble . Do anything with me, but if you mess with my family, you will find a lot of problems. I'm very calm, but harm someone in my family and I'll harm you - Messi clenches his fists and hits the table, making Joe open his eyes wide and mentally pray that Luisa appears and gets him out of there.

- Joe, I'm not an idiot. When Luisa told me she was meeting you, I made a point of doing in-depth research about you, and to no surprise, I found news about you having cheated on your ex-girlfriend several times.

- Leo, I can explain…

- Joe, I own the word here. What you did or didn't do with your ex-girlfriends, whether you cheated or didn't cheat, which other women you've had sex with, I don't care, what really interests me is Luisa's happiness. In these years of my career, I have seen many colleagues destroy their families due to momentary promiscuity, I have seen and still see a lot of rotten things in the world of football, many colleagues have sunk their personal and professional lives due to wrong choices, and my biggest fear My daughter would one day suffer at the hands of men like these. I had everything I needed to follow a similar path, but that wasn't how my family raised me, my mother always taught me to respect people and especially women. I knew since we were children that Antonella was my soulmate and the love of my life, and our destinies were already predestined, I never needed to have those temptations that the sports environment has.

When Luisa talks about you, she speaks with the same eyes shining with love as I do when talking about Antonella. So Joe, I am giving my most precious jewel into your hands, so I ask that you take good care of her and treat her as she should be treated, Luisa is a princess, she is a goddess, she is one of the people with the most soulful Sweetest man in the world, if I find out about any of the shit you've done to my daughter, your career will be terminated prematurely, do we understand? - At that moment, Messi angrily cuts a steak with a large knife, looking directly into Joe's eyes with a frightening look, at that moment the quarterback is petrified.

- Yes, Leo, I will never hurt Luisa, I am very much in love with her and I am capable of giving my life for her, she is the first woman I have truly fallen in love with, you can rest assured that she is safe with me - Joe speaks with a firm voice, but still afraid of Messi's threats

      - That's exactly what I like to hear, kid. And since you're joining our family, there are three fundamental rules you need to follow 

  - Of course Leo, what are the rules?

   -First rule: the main one is to treat Luisa like a goddess and not do anything that breaks her heart

- Second rule: you are in a family of Argentineans, so try to intensify your studies in Spanish, your Spanish is horrible, I always had difficulties learning English and since I came to Miami, I have studied a lot to be able to speak English, so I hope you do the same, as you need to be part of our culture

- Third and final rule, but not the least important: in my house, I don't want that talk of “soccer”, or any similar shit, are we understood?

- Yes Leo, but…

- There are no buts, it's football and that's the end of the matter. Your sport is not football, it has nothing to do with real football. American football is nothing more than a poorly made copy of rugby

-Leo... - Joe tries to speak

- And you still have the courage to call yourselves world champions when you win that shitty Super Bowl? Wow, how can you be a world champion if only teams from the same country compete in the league?

-Leo... - Joe tries to speak again successless

- I AM A LEGITIMATE WORLD CHAMPION!!! I played in a World Cup with 32 teams from each country and won all my games, in that wonderful game against France, you watched it, right?

- Of course Leo, the whole world was watching that game, I was even supporting Argentina

- You know very well that even if you win the Super Bowl or some shit like that, it doesn't come close to winning the World Cup or the Champions League, right?

- But…

- I wasted precious time of my life watching the super bowl, what a lack of organization when handing out the trophy, without any elegance, FIFA is corrupt as hell Joe, but at least they know how to organize a decent awards ceremony, LEARN THE FUCK

- Leo, it's not me who's part of the organization, it's the NFL

- That's why your sport is not worthy of being called football, that's it, subject closed, are we understood?

Joe nodded without being able to breathe, he was definitely afraid of Messi. If his friend Ja'marr were here, he would laugh until 2084 when he saw your scared face. The difference in height between Messi and Burrow is funny, but we can see that height doesn't mean anything, as the giant Joe is scared shitless of Messi. Finally the barbecue is ready and the family gets together for lunch.

Luisa asks Joe softly

- What was it like helping dad?

- It was great, honey, it was really good - Joe says, forcing a smile

- He didn't say anything much to you, right? - she asks worriedly 

- No, my love, that's it, we just had men's conversations - Joe says, forcing a smile

- If he says anything to you, don't hesitate to let me know, okay?

-Of course my love- he gives her a peck

And so was the beginning of Joe Burrow's adventure as a new member of the Messi clan. As time went by, Messi accepted Joe, and saw that he was wrong in his previous judgment about his character. Luisa and Joe lived a fairytale relationship, the Argentinean was proposed shortly after the Bengals' victory in the Super Bowl in 2025, the wedding took place in February 2026 with ceremonies in Argentina and the USA, Messi cried profusely when taking her daughter to the altar and never failing to leave her classic threat to Joe, and the family soon expanded, with Luisa giving birth to twins Jordan and Mason, who were identical copies of Joe, and so the Messi-Burrow family followed suit. life with lots of love and happiness.

Spanish dictionary:

mi amor- my love 

mi princesa- my princess 

te amo mucho- i love you so much 

boludo- asshole 

Hija, como te extrañé- daughter, i’ve missed you

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Hello Rumor! I'm enjoying your English pictures and was wondering did you plan this trip by yourself or do a touring company? Reccomendations for anything?

It was actually a bit of both!

I used a tour company - Odysseys Unlimited - that a friend recommended and after their tour ended, I stayed a few extra days on my own in London to do my own sightseeing. I went to museums, I saw some plays, I hit up the royal palaces, and it barely scratched the surface of everything there is in London.

And while the Odysseys tour was lovely, there was still so much I didn't get to see or go. All it did was make me want more and to keep going back...which I think is the point!

I will give you the heads up now - Odysseys is a bit of a luxury company so their fees can be pricey if you're going by yourself, but it's all-inclusive; airfare, tips, lodging, most meals, museum admissions, etc. I've taken several trips with Odysseys and have had an amazing time on each one.

My usual approach to travel is if it's my first time somewhere, I'll do an organized tour (in the US, that usually means grabbing one of those city hop-on/hop-off sightseeing buses, but when I go international, I'll go with a company like Odysseys) to get a feel for everything first and get highlights. Subsequent trips, I'll just go do my own thing with a guidebook.

Here's the Odysseys tour:

One of my activities during the COVID lockdowns was to plan a "trip of a lifetime" back to Britain. I like to dust off those travel plans every couple of months and modify them. The problem is that the itinerary is now two months long...and growing!

I've used a couple of other travel companies to go abroad but Odysseys is by far the best one for me. I'm not good with large groups - I'm pretty introverted and have a much more quieter personality that gets lost in big groups - but Odysseys uses small group travel. No more than 24, so you get to know your companions well and the smaller size means you can get into more places that larger groups can't.

(I also used Odysseys for my trip to Morocco, if you saw my comment earlier last week about that trip.)

As far as recommendations...anything! Everything! There's something for everyone in every city around the world. Think about the things you're interested in, and plan your itinerary to those hobbies. And if you don't know where to start, a guidebook like Lonely Planet or Rick Steves can help.

My biggest tip for travelling is having a partial itinerary - have some scheduled events (like admission tickets to one activity in the morning and dinner reservations in the evening) but leave room for wanderlust and exploration. It's those little moments that sometimes give you the best memories. Like I never planned to walk from Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace, but I did and in doing so, I discovered the Diana Memorial Walk. I followed that around for a bit, which led me to the Wellington Arch, then the Memorial Gates, and the original Hard Rock Cafe - where I bought a drink from the bar and spent an hour looking at all of their memorabilia before buying a bunch of pins to add to my collection. And after Hard Rock, I stumbled upon Fortnum & Mason (of course I sampled the chocolate, and then I discovered their ice cream parlor and then I sampled the ice cream - delicious and delicious!) and loaded up on souvenirs for friends and family...including some that I saved for Christmas!

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Elchanan Poupko

For centuries, rabbis around the world get up on Shabbat Zachor and speak about memory, never about violence. Not once in the past 2000 years of Jewish history – and that is a vast record to draw on – was the Biblical account of Amalek used to evoke revenge. It was always used to evoke memory. The imperative to remember the unprovoked atrocities committed against our own innocent communities.

The name of Amalek was invoked to remind us of the ubiquitous nature of antisemitism, the only hate in the world directed against people who are unknown to those seething with hate for us. People like the Houthis in Yemen who never saw a Jew in their life, yet are determined to destroy the Jewish state; Nazis in Germany who traveled hundreds of miles away from home to kill Jews in Belarus, Lithuania, Hungary, and Morocco even though they had never seen or known much about those Jews, that is the kind of evil we speak about when invoking the memory of Amalek.

In our generation, when speaking about that kind of senseless hate, we speak about the Hamas terrorists who woke up on the morning of October 7th and were willing to gable away their lives and futures to murder and burn alive people like Canadian peace activist Vivian Silver, someone who spent her life driving Palestinians from Gaza to medical appointments in Israel’s best hospitals. We invoke the memory of Amalek when we encounter something so evil it defies any logical explanation.

It is appalling to see how many people rushed to the Bible to judge Israel’s use of the memory of Amalek before looking at its use for the past 2000 years, most notably during the Holocaust.

While Germany starved to death and killed hundreds of thousands of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, Jews secretly published a newsletter called Kol Hamidbar in which the emaciated Jews wrote: “Many nations waged war against the Jews and did bad unto them, but Amalek, that is something absolutely different. Amalek put the destruction of Jews as a goal, a program, a method; premeditated, in cold blood, sadistically, according to a plan, organized, and with laws… Amalek and their grandson Haman are not satisfied with the killing of individual Jews…they would like to destroy the entire nation and eliminate Judaism.”

These words ring powerfully to any Jew who has seen what Hamas terrorists did on October 7th. The senseless hate that defies any logic or pattern of human conflict is simply unexplainable. The kidnapping of grandmothers from their homes and burning of babies and little girls alive with no reason whatsoever has no other language.

Jews invoke this language of Amalek when we encounter the world’s oldest hate, acted on with cruelty no human can explain. Jews have done so countless times while remembering the Holocaust and also did so while seeing the evils of Hamas on October 7th.

Like Jews after the Holocaust, the memory of Amalek’s unforgivable horrors reminds us of the need to take action. How does that action look? Years ago, speaking to congregants in synagogue, here is what I said as I spoke of the story of Amalek, and I was not the only one:

“The greatest heed to the call ‘Yidden, Nekama – Jews, Revenge’ inscribed in blood in Slabodka, Lithuania, is not going back to that town and place or to those perpetrators; it is that there are today thousands of students in Israel learning in Yeshivas named Slabodka. It is that we are undeterred in leading proud Jewish lives, laser-focused on the future while refusing to forget the past.”

Jewish revenge never looks like the acts of our enemies. We never follow in the inhumane footsteps of those who committed the unthinkable against us. This is true also concerning the horrors of October 7th.

[dozing-marshmallow]

I looooooooove the chris x wife! reader fic that you wrote!! It got me kicking my feet and blushing 😊 By any chance, could you write a chris x wife! reader going on their honeymoon?

Awww this is such a cute idea, thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear that you loved the last one! ⋆˙⟡♡  I had to get something out on the man’s birthday as soon as I could and this request was the one I was fixated on finishing the most, so do enjoy reading and McLean’s bday ~💗!

CHRIS MCLEAN X WIFE! READER ON HONEYMOON HEADCANONS

Most newly wed couples go to just one location for their honeymoon.

Yet it was very poor of you to think that standard would apply to Chris.

You didn’t realise until he informed you that you were gonna go to two countries per continent(apart from Antartica, cuz what the hell): Barbados and Costa Rica for North America, Brazil and Colombia for South America, France and Italy for Europe, Thailand and (The) Philippines for Asia, Morocco and Tunisia for Africa, French Polynesia and Australia for Oceania.

The only reason why Chris cut it to two instead of four was because he suspected you would get sick of travelling, and didn’t want you to be complaining on holiday.

“Chriiis, we don’t need to, you know!” you’re verbal about your humble take on the honeymoon as Chris made his long list based on the notes he wrote from his and your opinions,“This is all so costly! We could really go to two continents instead!”

“Huh?” he looks at you, confusion scratching into the space between his eyebrows,“(Y/N), this is literally nothing. You seriously wanna spend our whole two months of celebrating marriage in one place like working class people?”

Harsh, but it’s fine because it’s Chris.

Before you left, he took you on a massive shopping spree where it had not even been the beginning of him pampering you with all the jewellery, the swimsuits and the candies.

This guy doesn’t need to book reservations: the best hotels, air BNBs, holiday homes, you name the one you want to stay at the country and baam. Availability opens a door and charm hands over the keys.

He also hired a chaperone for each country, but most of the time, only for the arrival and departure; he wanted more alone time with you.

At this rate, you wondered if he needed to pay to enter the countries asides from paying the fuel and landing runway.

That’s right. You were getting there by his jet -he ended up upgrading- to each location.

Since it wasn’t meant to carry fifteen contestants this time, Chris abolished the loser and first class section in the new version of his plane to be furnished completely into his headquarters.

During each jet ride, you and Chris would review helpful phrases and attractions that would enhance the experience.

“So in France, we will have to remember to say “bonsoir” from 6 PM onwards.” you reiterate.

“That’s doable.” Chris comments, leaning back in his chair.

“And they don’t like smiling a lot.” you add, doing it yourself.

His relaxation ended,“Bummer. D’you think they can make an exception for me? My resting face is a smile.”

They did- in every place.

The honeymoon was an epoch for Chris to meet his fans from all over the world. If you had a dollar for every autograph he signed the entire getaway, you would have enough money to have your own jet.

Weirdly enough, Chris lost genuine pleasure to greet his global admirers and increasingly rushed the interactions.

“It’s okay to be more attentive to your fans, Chris.” you insist, with your head on his bare body, laying around somewhere on the warm Tunisian beach.

“Nah.” he differs with his hand scrubbing sand on your back,“I came on holiday with you, not them. I couldn’t leave you by yourself.”

Aw. You love your husband,“You’re right. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

He bought you anything that caught your eye. Clothes, hats, rings, ice cream, souvenirs.

Chris had also bought five cameras. He wasn’t letting a single moment of a scenery or pose go to waste.

Be prepared for the day when he eventually gets them all printed out and stuck in fresh albums and wants to reminisce with you.

He took you to the best restaurants, never settling for one less than five stars (maybe four if you persuaded him enough).

“To another exceptional night of our honeymoon!” he raises his glass of happiness.

You copy, both clinking and declaring cheers.

Going back to your accommodation, Chris would have you carried until the first descent onto the fine duvets.

Let’s just say that, by the time you do get back to Canada, both husband and wife’s necks have never been more wine red.

[cybertron-after-dark]

The snow day/VR episode was just so good aughhh!! Bots being so confused about human things!! Cody being so encouraging and trying to help Blades have fun!! "Game or die" plotline!! Heatwave being so willing to put his own life on the line for Blade and Cody and then praising Blades for being so brave all the time!! ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US!!!

Unrelated to that episode. Are we just never gonna have cody, frankie, and the bots discuss the whole "dr morocco has the secret to immortality" thing? No? Ok. It was very sweet of him to return the image of Chief Burns' grandpa. I really do wish the cast would stop jumping to "throw the explosives in the ocean!!" Like i get its the best choice available to them but THINK OF THE FISH....

Also in the episode with the aging/de-aging ray, Chase getting hit by the de-aging ray TWICE totally should have turned him into a sparkling. It would have been so cute and canceled out the cursedness of adult Cody's mustache. I want baby bot informing criminals they are under arrest so bad

The VR episode holds a very special place in my heart just bc of how much glorious 2011 era cringe ass gamer memes weaseled their way in. You can just FEEL the white impact font. Also Blades confirming that Skyrim (or something analogous) exists in this universe makes me inordinately happy, I have a lot of fond memories of playing skyrim (badly) when i was like 13 and projecting that onto Cody is very fun.

I think the kids maybe just didn't question Morocco being in the 30s, they probably figured he just had access to time travel at some point before he met them. Or they figured he just aged really well. Is that a stretch? Absolutely but I believed dumber shit at 11. And it's not like the bots have a perfect grasp on human lifespans. (The immortality thing does get plot relevant later tho, don't worry)

Also I think baby mode chase would've been too powerful. A canon sparkling before RBA would've sent the greater tf fandom into a frenzy. The lore archivists would've been working double time to figure out how Cybertronians reproduce in the aligned continuity and just how many methods there are. The sweeping fanart of canon-justified sparkling designs for any and all bots in this timeline. Help.

[leveloneandup]

Extra Time: Two World Cup Champs Aren’t Scared of the Dutch

Holland day

So, two-time World Cup champion Christen Press, what scares you about the Netherlands, America’s second-round opponent at this 2023 World Cup? The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) will face the Orange Lionesses tonight at 9 p.m. E.T. in New Zealand's capital city of Wellington.

Press, who won titles in 2015 and 2019 as a forward for the U.S. but recently underwent a fourth surgery to repair the knee preventing her from playing in this World Cup, is mildly offended by this question. “As soon as you say, ‘What scares you,’ I took that as a player,” Press says. “And I’m like, ‘Nothing scares me.” Press, 34, laughs. “OK, go ahead, Tobin …"

As in Tobin Heath, who’s also on this call—and was also on the 2015 and 2019 USWNT World Cup teams (in addition to the 2011 one)—and has also won a pair of World Cup titles, in 2015 and 2019 with the USWNT. Like Press, Heath, 35, has been sidelined due to injury. So I called on the duo—who are among the founders of the lifestyle brand RE-INC, often finish each other’s sentences, and are co-hosting an excellent podcast and YouTube program during the World Cup called The RE-CAP Show—to break down the U.S.-Netherlands matchup.

Heath agrees with Press. She doesn’t find the Dutch all that frightening. “The Dutch are a good team,” says Heath. “They're not a great team in this tournament.” Heath concedes that the Dutch are the best team in the USWNT’s group, which also includes Vietnam—whom the U.S. defeated 3-0 on Friday in the World Cup opener—and Portugal. “Outside of us,” Press chimes in.

“Outside of us, yes,” says Heath.

Yes, U.S.-Netherlands is a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. But Heath cautions against reading too much into that. “There were a ton of better teams we played in 2019,” says Heath. She and Press point to games against Spain in the Round of 16, France—in France—in the quarters, and England in the semis as much tougher tests. The U.S. won those games 2-1, but shut out the Netherlands, 2-0, in the title game. “We always say our final was one of the easier games for us,” says Heath.

What’s more, the Dutch—who beat Portugal 1-0 in their World Cup opener—are down a superstar. Vivianne Miedema, the country’s all-time leading goal scorer, is missing this World Cup due to an ACL tear. “We don’t have to significantly adjust what we’re doing in order to take care of an individual player,” says Heath. “I don’t think they can do much damage to us.”

The one Netherlands player Heath mentioned in our conversation as a threat to watch—striker Lineth Beerensteyn—is now unlikely to play, because of an ankle injury she suffered against Portugal. Heath notes that the Dutch have a solid aerial presence off set pieces. And the Orange Lionesses could exploit the tendency of U.S. outside defenders Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox to play “inverted” positions—meaning they sometimes serve more as midfielders, moving into more centralized spaces on the pitch, getting involved in short passes on the attack. That strategy can leave the U.S. defense susceptible to Dutch counterattacks out wide. “You are leaving a big area to exploit,” says Heath.

Still, the former USWNT players aren’t all that worried. If anything, this is a huge opportunity for the Americans to make a statement. Germany made its mark, with a 6-0 crushing of Morocco. Brazil cast itself a real threat, with its 4-0 opening game victory over Panama. Spain beat Zambia 5-0 on Tuesday. “There’s a few teams that are like, we’re here,” says Heath. “We didn’t have that game against Vietnam. We can have that game against the Netherlands, if we want. I don’t see there being any reason why we can’t.”

~~~

Parting thought

Since they’ve played in past tournaments, I asked Heath and Press what it’s like for players at the World Cup between games. The U.S. did travel from Auckland to Wellington in the five days between its matchups against Vietnam and the Netherlands. Still, that’s plenty of downtime.

Enough to make you go stir-crazy?

“It’s almost like surrealism,” says Press. “The days are a little gray and foggy. You almost can’t remember. You’re very careful with when you look at your phone and who you even connect with. Or how much you walk. Your whole life is bubble-wrapped. Every second of the day. And then you have to go out and do this incredibly physical and risky and hard and emotionally draining thing. And then you just are bubble-wrapped again.”

“We sit around and talk and try to get a little bit of relief. It's this incredibly difficult experience to explain. You're with the only people in the world that get it. And that creates a bond with every single player I've played with in a world championship that's unlike any other. Because there's this respect. There's this knowingness. You don't even have to say anything and you know what's going on with your teammates.”

“We eat too many meals. We’re really just trying to fuel, fuel, fuel. And we talk and we laugh and we make it to the next game.”

[lfcslut]

quarter-final surprise

hakim ziyech x reader

words: 2.1k

summary: you surprise hakim by traveling to doha for the world cup semi-finals. loosely based on this request!

warnings: cursing, established relationship, kissing. that's about it lol. wholesome fluff!

You and Hakim had been together for almost a year now. Very few people knew about your relationship - your family and close friends, as well as most of Hakim’s teammates, but that was about it. With the World Cup approaching, Hakim had been spending extra time in training. You had wanted so badly to be able to go with him to Doha - partially because you had never been before, but mostly because you wanted to cheer on your man in what was bound to be one of the most memorable moments of his career. But between school and work, it was nearly impossible for you to take enough time off to be able to make it. You kept telling yourself that you would go for at least one game, but the timing just wasn’t working out right. By now though, Morocco had made it much farther than you, or anyone else, had expected - they were in the quarter-finals, and you knew that this was a match that you could not miss. You had managed to get the time off from school and work, and you had booked your plane ticket, but Hakim had no idea. You had only told his sister, who you were close with and who was currently in Doha, but you were planning to surprise Hakim. 

“So, I’m flying in tomorrow morning.” You were on the phone with Hakim’s sister while also running around your apartment, trying to pack at the last minute. Your flight was in less than four hours, and your suitcase was completely empty. You guessed that you weren’t going to get much sleep that night. 

“I’m so excited to see you, Y/N. And I know Hakim is gonna be over the moon when you surprise him,” his sister responded. You and his sister had become close ever since the two of you started dating. Even though she lived in the Netherlands while you were in London, the two of you spoke several times a week. Hakim sometimes joked that you were only dating him to get to her. 

“I really hope so,” you said. “I hope it’s not too much that I’m surprising him during the quarterfinals with the whole world watching.” You were nervous because the public did not know about your relationship with Hakim. You had managed to keep your personal lives private, but this was one of the largest stages in the world. You figured that someone would likely see you there and connect the dots. 

“I know he’s going to love it. He’ll just be happy to see you.” 

You smiled and hung up the phone with her, just as you saw that Hakim had sent you a text.

Going to bed now. Big day tomorrow. I love you xx 

Good night, baby. I know you’re going to do great. I wish I could be there. I’m so proud of you <;3 

Hakim heart reacted your message and you turned off your phone. It felt weird to lie to him like this, but you knew it would be worth it in the end. You turned to the clock, saw what time it was, and then hurriedly continued packing. You couldn’t forget the most important thing - your number 7 Morocco jersey that Hakim had bought you shortly after you had first started dating. Can’t forget this, you whispered to yourself.

—

You landed in Doha early the next day. As soon as you landed, you turned on your phone and messaged Hakim.

Good morning, my love. Good luck today. No matter what, you made history and I’m so proud of you. 

Thank you, baby. I love and miss you so much xx

You got off the plane and headed to baggage claim. Hakim’s sister was going to pick you up and take you to the hotel. You were hoping that Hakim didn’t suspect anything - if he did, he hadn’t let it on. You admittedly weren’t the best at keeping secrets. As you waited for your luggage, you thought about that one time you had tried to throw Hakim a surprise party, but had inadvertently revealed your plans to him the day before. Hakim had still pretended to be surprised the next day. 

“Y/N!” Hakim’s sister called out as you exited the airport and spotted each other. 

“I missed you so much! How was your flight?” She asked, greeting you with a warm hug. 

“It wasn’t too bad. I didn’t start packing until the last minute though, so I got absolutely no sleep last night,” you responded after kissing her on the cheek. 

“Let’s get you to the hotel so you can get some rest before the match, then,” she responded and led you to her car.

“How’s Hakim doing?” you asked as the two of you were on your way to the hotel.

“Well, you know Hakim. He’ll never let on that he’s nervous,” she responded, and you nodded. Hakim would never admit that he was nervous before a match, and to be honest, he typically wasn’t one to get nervous. Football was second nature to him at this point. But this was the quarterfinals of the World Cup - a historic feat, one that the whole world would be watching. You knew that even your stoic boyfriend was likely on edge.

When you got to the hotel, you said goodbye to Hakim’s sister, quickly checked into your room, and didn’t even bother changing before collapsing on the bed. You were exhausted, and as much as you wanted to go out and explore Doha, you knew that getting rest before the match was more important. 

Heading to the stadium soon. How are you, darling? How’s your day been?

You couldn’t help but smile at Hakim’s message. Even on one of the most important days of his life, he still made sure to ask about you. 

I’m good! I can’t wait to see you on TV later tonight! You’re gonna do amazing <;3 

Once again, you couldn’t help but feel bad about lying. You wanted more than anything to go to his hotel room before he left and surprise him. But you didn’t want to mess up his pre-game ritual, and you knew that surprising him after a win would be even more special. So instead, you set your alarm and lay down for a nap. 

–

“Shit!” You exclaimed as you woke up and turned to look at the clock. You had slept through your alarm and the game was about to start in thirty minutes. You jumped out of bed and started running around your hotel room like a maniac. You opened up your suitcase, grabbed your toiletries bag, and ran to the bathroom. You had about five minutes to freshen up and do your makeup. “Fuck it,” you said to yourself as you decided to do a very simple, no makeup look. You quickly changed into your Morocco jersey and some jeans, slipped on your most comfortable flats, and ran out the door. 

As you entered the stadium along with hundreds of thousands of other people, you couldn’t help but begin to feel nervous yourself. You had been to plenty of Hakim’s games before, but this was the World Cup. You thought about the millions of people around the world who were tuning in right now. You couldn’t imagine how Hakim must be feeling. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of pride for your man washed over you. You knew how hard he had worked to get to this moment and the challenges he had faced along the way. You were the one whose shoulder he had cried on when he was struggling on the team, and you were the one he had first told when he decided to quit playing internationally. When he decided to go back, you had encouraged him to not think about what people might say and follow his heart. And so he had. 

“I’m sorry I’m late! I overslept!” You exclaimed as you ran up to Hakim’s box where his family and best friends were. Most of them were surprised to see you and embraced you in hugs and kisses. 

“Y/N? What are you doing here?” asked one of Hakim’s brothers incredulously. 

“I know, I know, I’m here as a surprise to Hakim!” 

You finally reached his mom. She embraced you and whispered in your ear, “I’m so glad you’re here. I know Hakim will be so happy.” You beamed at her words and sat down in between her and Hakim’s sister. 

“Don’t worry, he doesn’t suspect a thing,” said Hakim’s sister. “He came by earlier when we got here and told us how much he wishes you could have made it.” 

You couldn’t help but blush thinking about Hakim openly telling his family about how he misses you. “I can’t wait to see his reaction.”

–

It was the last minute of extra time and your heart was pounding. The entire stadium erupted into absolute chaos as the whistle was blown. At that moment, it seemed like the entire crowd was Moroccan. Everyone around you was hugging, crying, and screaming. You could barely hear your own thoughts over the noise. All you could think about was how much you wanted to see Hakim. Your eyes scanned the crowded field, but you could barely see anything amidst all of the people. Finally, you saw a familiar face running up to the stands. Hakim had the Moroccan flag draped around his shoulders, and your heart soared when you saw the joy on his face as he spotted you. When he reached you, he didn’t say a word and simply wrapped his arms around you.

“I’m so proud of you, baby,” you said, as he buried his face into the nook of your shoulder. 

“I can’t believe you’re here, Snoepje,” he said. He pulled away from you, and you took his face in your hands. 

“You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” 

Before you could say anything else, the two of you were surrounded by friends and family piling up around you both. 

The rest of the night was a blur. You spent most of it celebrating with Hakim, his teammates, and their families. The night ended with just you and Hakim alone in your room together, cuddled up in bed. This was the first moment the two of you were alone since Hakim had left for the World Cup. Hakim was understandably exhausted from the day, and so you simply held him in your arms and stroked his head. 

“I still can’t believe you managed to surprise me. You’re so bad at keeping secrets,” Hakim grinned up at you. 

“I’ve learned from my past mistakes,” you responded. “So, how does it feel? To be a World Cup semi-finalist?” 

Hakim paused for a moment and then answered. “Honestly? It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “To think that just a few months ago I didn’t even think I would be playing for the team.” 

“I’m so glad you came back.”

Hakim looked up at you and smiled. “Me too.” 

The two of you were about to turn the lights off and go to sleep when you decided to pick up your phone and check your notifications. To your surprise, your phone had blown up since you had last checked it. You opened up Instagram and saw that you had been tagged in hundreds of posts and stories, all of them with the same picture of Hakim embracing you after the World Cup. 

Hakim Ziyech seen hugging mystery girl after World Cup quarter-final defeat 

omg is ziyech married? 

i didn’t know he had a girlfriend! who is she? 

“Shit,” you whispered under your breath.

“What is it?” asked Hakim. 

You handed him your phone, and he began scrolling. Your stomach dropped. The two of you hadn’t spoken yet about making your relationship public. You knew how private Hakim was, so you weren’t sure how he would respond to this. After a moment, Hakim gave your phone back to you and simply shrugged. 

“It was bound to get out at some point. And I’m glad that it happened like this.” 

You looked at him, somewhat surprised at his reaction. “Really? So you don’t mind that everyone knows?”

Hakim looked up at you, and it was now his turn to look surprised. “Snoepje, you’re going to be my wife one day. Why would I mind if people knew about us? I just wanted to protect you for as long as I could. But I’m happy that I can finally show you off to the world.”

You smiled at him and leaned in for a kiss. While the two of you had talked about marriage since the early stages of your relationship, when you heard it coming from him like this, it felt even more special. “I love you, future husband.” 

He grinned. “I love you too, future wife.”

You reached over to turn off the bedside lamp and the two of you fell asleep in each other’s arms.

[stewblog]

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

We don’t allow our heroes to age. James Bond gets recast every couple decades. Comic book heroes rarely get older in any meaningful way. Et cetera. It’s understandable that the characters we’ve immortalized into the modern canon retain an air of (variable) youthfulness, but it also means that they are all but required to have the same sorts of adventures and largely stay the same as a person.

Harrison Ford has no interest in allowing Indiana Jones to achieve immortality, as his fifth and final outing as the character proclaims loud and clear.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny never hits the highs of any of its predecessors, but I posit that it’s not necessarily trying to. Indy does plenty of Indy things (and lightly stretches audience credulity in the process), but by and large Ford and director James Mangold treat the character like he’s aged into his late 70s, both in action and in thought. This movie isn’t intended to be held up as an equal to its genre-defining predecessors. It’s a coda for an icon and in that respect it’s a fully entertaining and occasionally poignant work.

The film kicks off with an opening sequence that’s as fun and rousing as any of the preceding films. The voice modulation on Ford could have used some tweaking but the de-aging special effects are remarkable and for about 15 minutes or so, it’s easy enough to believe that we’re looking at Indy still in his prime, punching lots of Nazis and performing incredible feats of derring do.

Then we cut to the film’s present day. It’s 1969 and Henry Jones, Jr. is now a man out of time. The world around him has passed him by as men are landing on the moon (put there by Nazi scientists hired by the U.S. government). Socio-political movements are upheaving everyday life. Ironically, while he’s no longer a nigh-absent professor, none of his students have any interest in ancient history. Although even his career is leaving him behind with retirement imminent and Marion is filing for divorce.

The only connection he seemingly has left to a life gone by is his goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). So when Helena shows up out of nowhere, proclaiming she knows how to find a the second half of a dial that can supposedly turn back time, he plunges head-first back into action. The search for Archimedes’ Antikythera nearly drove Helena’s father crazy, but it’s also clear that Indy sees a darker side to Helena’s search and he refuses to let her go down the darker path of seeking artifacts for “fortune and glory” as he nearly did. Throw in some Nazis seeking the dial to rectify Hitler’s megalomaniacal mistakes and you’ve got all the trappings of a classic, globetrotting Indiana Jones adventure.

So why can’t it fully capture the magic of The Man in the Hat’s previous (good) escapades? Well, for one, James Mangold is no Steven Spielberg. No one is. Not even Spielberg, at times (see: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). There’s simply a magic to the entire affair that is incapable of being replicated in full, try though Mangold does. And to his credit, there are portions of the film that have the spark and kineticism of Spielberg’s Indy films at their best. The World War 2-set opening on a Nazi transport train is simply outstanding and presents a near-perfect mini-adventure for the character. It’s got just about everything you could want from an Indy action setpiece. The car chase through Morocco is also well-staged and full of humor and thrills (even if I couldn’t stop giggling at the idea that little tuk-tuk carts characters drive are somehow capable of traveling at blazing speeds enough to keep pace with full-engine cars). But even once the film is fully rolling, it’s still centered on a character on the cusp of turning 80 years old. And while Indy’s age never fully defies believability, there’s only so much a movie can do if you want to maintain that hold.

Thankfully, the film’s best material leans into the fact that Indiana Jones is in his twilight, and that it’s impossible to defy time and that it is, in fact, essential to embrace it, to understand that some things must pass, that some things are impossible to change. But also, that living in the past (both literally and figuratively) is a fool’s errand.

Dial of Destiny is a reminder that we are more than just the best memories of our lives. Heroes age. Heroes make mistakes. Heroes go beyond what they’ve been immortalized as. That may be a slightly depressing thought, but Mangold and Ford lean into the humanity of it. This is Indiana Jones at his most vulnerable, but it becomes a story about a man finally coming to terms with the good and bad that has weaved in and out of his life as he finally realizes what’s important is what’s in front of you, not behind you.

What makes the Indiana Jones movies so special and different from so many other action adventure movies is that they obliterate cynicism. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and Last Crusade, each of those adventures ends with Indy learning more about himself, about the world he knows and the parts of it he can’t explain. He starts each of those stories cynical about something, and ends them with his eyes opened to how he was wrong. That element, that destruction of cynicism is what drives the heart of Dial of Destiny. It may lack the dynamism of Spielberg’s entries at their best, but it retains the beating heart of the character and his evolution. It’s a touching, meaningful ending to an immortalized character who has never felt more human than he does now at the end of his adventures.

[mariacallous]

When poet John Keats wrote in “Ode on a Grecian Urn” that “beauty is truth, truth beauty,” he probably didn’t have AI influencers in mind.

Perhaps he should have. Back in April, Fanvue, an AI-infused creator platform that falls somewhere between OnlyFans and Cameo in terms of services, launched what it’s calling the “world’s first beauty pageant for AI creators.” On Monday, the World AI Creator Awards announced the contest’s 10 semifinalists. Drawn from a pool of more than 1,500 applicants, they are vying for the chance to make a liar out of Keats—and a prize package valued at about $20,000.

Amongst those 10 finalists, you’ll find Seren Ay, a stunning Turkish redhead who is sometimes pictured doing jobs traditionally held by men in her country, like electrical lineman or firefighter. (She’s also a time traveler, posting “photos” with velociraptors and the first Turkish president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.)

Then there’s Aiyana Rainbow, a Romanian biker babe/DJ whose creators have decided is queer—something they advertise through both her name and her shock of perfectly ruffled rainbow hair—and Kenza Layli, a hijab-wearing influencer from Morocco who already hawks everything from personal hygiene products to local tourism. (This makes sense considering that a recent study found that almost half of Gen Z respondents in the US and UK were “more likely” to be interested in a brand if they knew it had an AI spokesperson.)

While Fanvue’s finalists run the global gamut in terms of origins, they’re also all capital-B beautiful, each possessing a supernatural combination of a buff (but not too buff) body, a stunning face, and the kind of effervescent personality that only really exists in influencer culture. Their hobbies and pet causes (Fashion! Inclusion! Travel! Hormonal imbalances!) are blandly interesting enough to make them palatable to followers and brands alike. Their image captions—some of which are written by actual humans and some of which are written by AI—are generally full of platitudes about how cool life is.

While all that might seem surface-level at best, these totally fake beauties aren’t all that different from real-life pageant participants, especially in 2024. Hilary Levey Friedman, a sociologist who studies beauty pageants and whose mom was a former Miss America, says that she doesn’t think the idea of an AI beauty pageant is a big deal considering “the long-standing practice in pageants of enhancing what you have,” whether that means surgery, hair extensions, fake tans, petroleum jelly teeth, body contour, or “chicken cutlets.”

In social media posts and headshots in particular, Friedman says, pageant contestants often use airbrushing and camera tricks to make their images pop, something that’s never been seen as a negative in the industry. When push comes to shove, though, there’s still a physical human behind that account and on that stage, living and breathing under all those lights and filters.

What makes an AI pageant different, Friedman asserts, is that Fanvue’s contestants are products of their creators. “They’re drawing on all these stereotypes that we have about what a ‘beautiful woman’ is,” she says, “and people who tend to use AI might have a different idea of what an attractive woman might be. She might have pink hair, but she’ll still be within the realm of traditional beauty, with a thin body or not a lot of moles on her face.”

For the record, Fanvue’s contest, like human beauty pageants, will anoint a winner based on more than appearances. Unlike some of those contests, though, the World AI Creator Awards are looking for things like “social media clout” and how well their creators used prompts to create their contestants. Winners are set to be announced later this month.

Berat Gungor, one of Seren Ay’s creators, says that “in AI, you actually can’t create an ugly face,” though he’s careful to note that no human faces are ever truly ugly. While it’s easy enough for image-generating newbies to end up with blurred features and weird hands, Gungor says his experienced team was able to create an initial pool of 300 beautiful women in Stable Diffusion, ultimately picking Seren Ay’s face from the crowd because “she looked like a real person.”

Fanvue’s pool of thin, beautiful, mostly light-skinned finalists reflects what The Washington Post found when it tasked Dall-E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion with creating beautiful women. Stating that the programs tended to “steer users toward a startlingly narrow vision of attractiveness,” the Post reported last week that in the thousands of images it generated, almost all were thin, light- to medium-skinned, and young. (Just 2 percent of the “beautiful woman” images showed visible signs of aging.)

In some ways, those images are reflective of the pool they pull from. “How people are represented in the media, in art, in the entertainment industry—the dynamics there kind of bleed into AI,” OpenAI’s head of trustworthy AI, Sandhini Agarwal, told the Post.

But if mass-market images of thin, beautiful women yield AI-generated images of thin, beautiful women, who then turn into thin, beautiful AI-generated influencers, creating pictures that just feed back into the collective media stream, isn’t the snake just going to end up eating its own tail? And what does that mean for those of us who aren’t traditionally beautiful, whose bust-waist-hip proportions can’t live up to Barbie-like online standards or who just can’t afford the upkeep on a head of perfectly coiffed hair?

More than anything, it means the rift between human influencer and AI influencer gets deeper. Aiyana Rainbow’s multicolor 'do, for example, exists to attract attention. (Also, generative AI seems to love giving queer people colorful hair.) Creating someone with mousy brown hair or a 50-year-old gardening mom, for instance, wouldn’t have provided the visual hook needed, no matter how unrealistic or stereotypical that hook might be.

Aiyana Rainbow isn’t 100 percent perfect—her face, her creators note, isn’t entirely symmetrical—but any quick-scrolling fan would be hard-pressed to notice any sort of flaw.

Brands, certainly, aren’t interested in rolling the financial dice on creators whose images aren’t as perfect as possible. And while in recent years there has seemed to be a general love of celebrities who are “authentic” online (see: the relative success of “give no shits” actors like Renee Rapp, Nicola Coughlin, and Dakota Johnson on press tours, for instance), that doesn’t mean that carefully curated influencer lives—real or AI-generated—aren’t being rewarded all the same.

Fanvue cofounder Will Monange says his service currently has “thousands of monthly earning AI creators” on its platform, a number that’s seemed to grow exponentially over the past year. AI influencers like Aitana Lopez, whose creators are judging Fanvue’s contest, are doing similarly well, with hundreds of thousands of followers interested in Lopez’s virtual likes, interests, and lingerie pics. (She even plays Fortnite online.)

Seren Ay’s creators say their online doll gets queries looking for relationship advice, which she’s more than happy to provide, and Kenza Layli, the Moroccan contest finalist, gets about a 5 percent engagement rate on her posts, a number most marketing professionals would froth at the mouth for.

It doesn’t hurt that they’re beautiful on top of all of this. Or it does, but in the same way it hurts that society values one specific standard of beauty, whether on a human being or on some AI creation. In a world where millions upon millions of people follow hot influencers that they know, consciously or not, they’ll never meet or form a meaningful connection with, an AI pageant like Fanvue’s is a symptom of a larger issue, not a harbinger of impending doom.

[travelmorocco]

Visit Marrakech: Your Guide to Morocco's Red City

Marrakech, the vibrant Moroccan city, has been a favorite among travelers for centuries. It's called the "Red City" because of its famous ochre-colored buildings. This city is a mix of rich history, cultural heritage, and modern charm.

From the lively souks (markets) to the peaceful gardens and grand riads (traditional Moroccan houses), Marrakech offers a unique experience. It's a place where you can dive into the local culture and enjoy its beauty.

  👉 Book your trip here

Key Takeaways

Marrakech is a vibrant Moroccan city known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

The city is nicknamed the "Red City" due to its iconic ochre-colored buildings.

Marrakech offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, from bustling souks to serene gardens and palatial riads.

The city is a major tourist destination in Morocco, offering an immersive and captivating experience for visitors.

Discover the charm and allure of Marrakech, the enchanting "Red City" of Morocco.

Why Marrakech Is Morocco's Most Enchanting Destination

Marrakech is a vibrant city in Morocco's heart. It's known as the "Red City" for its buildings in ochre hues. The city mixes ancient traditions with modern charm.

Historical Significance of the Red City

Marrakech's history is long and fascinating. It was the capital of the Almoravid dynasty in the 11th century. The city's landmarks, like the Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace, show its rich past.

Cultural Heritage and Modern Appeal

Marrakech's culture is vibrant, with colorful souks and artisan workshops. Jemaa el-Fna square is lively, showing Morocco's craft traditions. Visitors can explore the city's alleys and try local foods.

Yet, Marrakech also welcomes modernity. It has luxury hotels, chic boutiques, and trendy restaurants. This mix of old and new makes it a unique place to visit.

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

The best time to visit Marrakech depends on what you want. The weather from September to November is mild and sunny. It's perfect for outdoor activities and cultural sights.

Spring and winter seasons have vibrant festivals. These times can also be magical to see Marrakech.

Marrakech is a must-see in Morocco. It offers a mix of history, culture, and modern charm. Visitors will find it an unforgettable experience.

👉 Book your trip here

Navigating the Ancient Medina of Marrakech

Dive into the medina of marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a peek into the soul of this moroccan city. The old town is a maze of alleys, historic buildings, and lively markets. It invites you to discover its deep cultural roots.

Walking through the medina, you'll be amazed by Moroccan architecture. You'll see detailed tilework, fancy doorways, and tall minarets. Every turn shows a new architectural wonder. Take your time to wander and enjoy the atmosphere, letting yourself get lost in the paths.

Get a map or use a navigation app to navigate the medina. This helps avoid getting lost.

Stay alert and keep your things safe. The narrow streets can be crowded and lively.

Enjoy getting lost. The medina's magic is in the surprises you find in its hidden spots.

Must-see spots in the medina include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the lively Jemaa el-Fna square. These places show Marrakech's rich cultural history. As you explore this moroccan city, dive into the sights, sounds, and smells of the medina of marrakech. It's an experience you won't forget.

👉  Book your trip here "The medina of marrakech is a labyrinth of sensory delights, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine."

Exploring the Vibrant Souks and Markets

Marrakech is famous for its lively souks. These are alleys and stalls filled with Moroccan crafts, spices, and treasures. As you explore, you'll be amazed by the sights, sounds, and smells of this Moroccan city.

Traditional Crafts and Artisans

The souks of Marrakech are a treasure trove for artisans. You'll find everything from leather goods and rugs to pottery and metalwork. Each stall tells a story of the region's rich culture. Take time to talk to the artisans and hear their stories.

Bargaining Tips and Local Etiquette

Bargaining is key in the souks. Approach it with a friendly and respectful attitude. Start low and be ready to negotiate. Being patient and polite will make your shopping trip better.

Must-Buy Moroccan Souvenirs

Handcrafted Moroccan lanterns

Vibrant hand-woven rugs and textiles

Aromatic spices and fragrant oils

Intricate metalwork and ceramics

Leather goods, such as bags, belts, and pouches

Exploring the souks of Marrakech is a journey into Moroccan culture. With patience and the right approach, you'll find unique treasures to take home.

Jemaa el-Fna Square: The Heart of Marrakech

At the heart of Marrakech's lively medina is the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. It's a bustling spot that has drawn visitors for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where Marrakech's rich culture meets modern life in a stunning way.

By day, the square turns into a bustling market. It's filled with sights, sounds, and smells. You can try Moroccan foods like tagines and orange juice. Snake charmers, acrobats, and storytellers add to the excitement.

At night, the Jemaa el-Fna square becomes even more magical. The square buzzes with street performers like musicians and magicians. The smell of spices and grilled meats fills the air, along with the chatter of the crowd.

"The Jemaa el-Fna square is a place where time seems to stand still, where the past and present converge in a captivating dance of culture and tradition."

Exploring the Jemaa el-Fna square is a feast for the senses. The colors and patterns of the souks are stunning. The traditional music adds to the magic, showing Marrakech's cultural heart.

👉  Book your trip here

Where to Stay: From Luxury Riads to Boutique Hotels

Visiting the lively Moroccan city of Marrakech means you have many places to stay. You can choose from traditional riads to modern boutique hotels. There's something for everyone, no matter your budget or taste.

Traditional Riad Experience

Riads are the heart of Moroccan culture. These old houses are full of history and beauty. They have stunning tilework, fancy furniture, and peaceful courtyards.

Modern Accommodations and Amenities

Marrakech also has many modern hotels. These places offer cool designs, rooftop views, and lots of extras. You can find spas, pools, and great food, perfect for a fancy stay.

Neighborhood Guide for Travelers

The Medina: Dive into Marrakech's old heart, full of riads and markets.

Gueliz: Check out the modern area with trendy shops, global food, and fun nightlife.

Palmeraie: Enjoy the calm, palm-filled area with luxury resorts and golf.

Choosing between a cozy riad or a chic hotel, Marrakech has many places to stay. It's all about what you like and need.

Must-Visit Gardens and Palaces

Marrakech is a city full of beauty, with the Majorelle Garden and many palaces. It's a mix of history and green spaces. Make sure to see the city's most beautiful gardens and palaces.

The Majorelle Garden is a top spot in Marrakech. French artist Jacques Majorelle created it in the 1920s. It's filled with exotic plants, blue buildings, and calm lily ponds.

Walking through, you'll see Moorish architecture. It's a mix of Moroccan and Art Deco styles.

Another place to see is the Jardin Secret. It's a hidden garden that shows off Marrakech's plant life. You'll find green terraces, fruit trees, and beautiful tiles. It was once a 19th-century palace.

Discover the mesmerizing Majorelle Garden, a renowned botanical sanctuary in the heart of Marrakech.

Uncover the Jardin Secret, a lush and serene garden that was once a 19th-century palace.

Admire the stunning architectural features and vibrant colors that characterize Marrakech's most enchanting gardens and palaces.

From the famous Majorelle Garden to Marrakech's secret gardens, these places are peaceful. They offer a break from the city's noise. Explore Marrakech's gardens and palaces to see their beauty.

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Marrakech, Morocco's vibrant heart, is a food lover's dream. Dive into the rich flavors and traditions of Moroccan cuisine. Each dish shares a story of Morocco's diverse culture.

Local Delicacies to Try

Don't miss trying the iconic tagine in Marrakech. It's a slow-cooked dish in a clay pot. Try the lamb, chicken with lemon and olives, or vegetable tagine. Serve it with fluffy couscous, a Moroccan staple.

Explore Marrakech's markets and street food stalls. Try msemmen pastries, Moroccan mint tea, and harira soup. These dishes offer a true taste of Marrakech.

👉 Book your trip here

Best Food Markets and Restaurants

Market/RestaurantSpecialtyLocationJemaa el-FnaaStreet food, tagines, couscousOld Town (Medina)Souk SemmarineFresh produce, spices, dried fruitsOld Town (Medina)NomadContemporary Moroccan cuisineMedinaLa FamilleAuthentic Moroccan dishesMellah

Cooking Classes and Food Tours

Explore Marrakech's culinary traditions through cooking classes or food tours. Learn from local chefs and visit vibrant markets. The smells of spices and meats will excite your senses.

Join a cooking class to learn about tagine, couscous, and more

Go on a food tour through Marrakech's souks and try local dishes

Discover Marrakech's culinary secrets with a local food expert

Discover the flavors of Moroccan cuisine and explore Marrakech's culinary treasures. It's a memorable food experience.

Day Trips from Marrakech to Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are just a short drive from Marrakech. They offer a perfect escape for those who love adventure. You can see stunning views, enjoy outdoor activities, or learn about Berber culture.

Explore the Picturesque Berber Villages

Head into the Atlas Mountains to see the beautiful Berber villages. Walk through their colorful streets and meet the locals. It's a chance to see how Moroccans live.

Hike Through the Stunning Landscapes

Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do in the Atlas Mountains. There are easy walks and tough hikes to the top. You'll see amazing views of mountains, waterfalls, and lakes.

Indulge in Berber Hospitality

Visiting the Atlas Mountains means experiencing Berber hospitality. Try Moroccan food, learn crafts, and have a Berber tea. It's a deep dive into Moroccan culture.

Looking for adventure, culture, or a break from Marrakech? The Atlas Mountains are perfect. You'll love the views, the people, and the chance to see Morocco's heart.

👉 Book your trip here

Conclusion

Marrakech, the Moroccan city, is a place that truly shows the country's rich history and lively modern side. The ancient medina's narrow streets and the busy souks full of crafts mix old and new perfectly.

Visitors can see amazing buildings like the Koutoubia Mosque or dive into the city's food scene. You can also visit green oases and big palaces. And don't miss trying the real Moroccan food, all while enjoying the city's lively vibe.

When you plan to visit Marrakech, get ready for a mix of Moroccan culture, kindness, and fun. Wander the medina, talk prices with craftspeople, and see the amazing shows at Jemaa el-Fna Square. Marrakech will surely impress you, making you want to come back and explore more.

FAQ

What is the nickname of Marrakech and why is it called the "Red City"?

Marrakech is known as the "Red City" because of its buildings and walls. They have a pink color from local red sandstone. This makes Marrakech stand out with its vibrant look.

What are the top attractions in the Medina of Marrakech?

The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has many historic and cultural spots. You should see Jemaa el-Fna square, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs.

What are the best things to buy in the Marrakech souks?

Marrakech souks are famous for Moroccan handicrafts and artisanal goods. Look for handmade rugs, leather items, spices, ceramics, lanterns, and metalwork. Remember, haggling is part of the fun.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Marrakech?

Marrakech has many places to stay, from riads to hotels. The Medina, Gueliz, and Hivernage are top choices. Riads offer a cultural dive, while newer areas have modern comforts.

What are the must-try Moroccan dishes in Marrakech?

Marrakech is a food lover's dream. Try tagine, couscous, harira, and pastilla. Don't forget Moroccan mint tea, a national favorite.

What are the best day trips from Marrakech?

Marrakech is great for exploring the Atlas Mountains. Visit Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, and Berber villages. These trips show off nature and Berber culture.

   👉 Book your trip here

[fayedartmouth]

i can just imagine jj saying 25 to kie post season 4 reunion

I won't get to all of the asks until after the holidays, FYI. The next three days are kind of an intense travel schedule, but I did manage to get this one out!

It is 100% unedited (didn't even read it twice!). Maybe I'll polish it and post it on AO3?? Don't know, lol. It might not be coherent.

Prompt is: "Go to sleep. I'll still be here when you wake up."

It's hard to tell, really, which part is the dream.

Because Kiara knows the reality, that JJ is dead.

But it's not a reality she wants.  It's not a truth she can tolerate.

She wakes, she moves, she breathes, and it feels like a nightmare.

And all she wants to do is wake up, wake up, wake up.

-o-

For the past month, Kiara has been consumed by grief.  Vengeance had been her only sanity, driving her forward when everything else pulled her back.  The more she thought about killing Groff, the less she thought about him killing JJ, and she had told herself that it was what JJ would have wanted, that it would bring them both peace.

But Groff's blood is on her hands, and she still feels it, the way the blade went in, cutting through flesh.  She can still feel it, like she'd plunged the blade into her own heart.

It hadn't so much been belief but desperation that made her take the crown, demanding that they go back to Morocco.  She'll either pull JJ out of his grave of bury herself alongside him, because she thinks Groff killed her, too, in the end.  He hit JJ in the gut, twisting it through his intestines, but he got her in the heart, and she can't.

She just can't.

She sobs at JJ's grave, holding the crown.  The grief overtakes her now, and she cries with an intensity that she can't curb.  The others stand nearby -- too scared, too worried, too everything -- and she doesn't care.  They have all grieved in their own way.  They have all lived this waking nightmare. 

It's time to wake up.

"JJ," she begs, hands clutched in the sand.  "It's time to wake up."

The sand shifts; the universe rends, pulling apart at the seams.

And JJ Maybank comes out of the grave.

-o-

It's surreal, of course.  JJ's been dead for a month, buried in the Moroccan desert, and then he's there.  He's alive, he's whole, he's perfect.

He's confused, too, of course, as they hug him and they hold him.  He gasps, each breath new and terrifying, and his fingers grab onto them as he blinks into the night.

"What happened?" he asks.

There's no answer for that, not one that captures it.  There's no way to explain the way losing him broke them.  There's no way to explain how grief nearly tore John B in two, leaving him unsteady and full of doubt.  It had made Sarah hesitant, holding her stomach and staying back, and Pope's mind didn't just reason to the best conclusions.  His logic was cold and hard as he helped Kiara plot revenge, and Cleo was left with regret for the man she'd made when she asked Pope to pull the trigger that first time.

And Kiara doesn't know how to tell him that the part of her that died, that girl he fell in love with, may be buried, and it might not be resurrected again.  JJ Maybank may come back to life, but she fears Kiara Carrera is well and truly dead.

"Guys?" he asks, gasping for air.  "What happened?"

They wrap their arms around him, holding him as they cry.  He fills the gaps, see.  He completes the circle.  He's the missing piece that makes them whole, and he's back.

That's all that matters is that he's back.

-o-

The answers come hard, and none of them understand.  They tell JJ as much as they can, but the answers still beg questions.  They look at the scar on his stomach, raised and red, and he tries to shake the sand out of his hair.

John B seems unable to let him go, hovering close and touching him constantly.  Sarah mothers him, making sure he eats and drinks, wrapping him up in a blanket to keep him warm against the chill of the air.  Pope cries, kissing JJ and telling him how much he loves him, and Cleo sits down next to him and sighs.  "I'm just so glad you're back."

Kiara watches and wonders.  Her eyes grow heavy but she's afraid to sleep.

Because she's still not sure, is she?

Which part is the dream.

-o-

In the end, the fire burns low, and the others drift to sleep.  JJ doesn't seem tired, as if the last month has been a long nap for him.  He lays down next to her, spooning her in his arms, and nuzzles her cheek.

It's so familiar that she nearly breaks.  She rolls toward him and looks at him.

His lips, his nose.  His dirty blonde hair and those blue, blue eyes.  Her boy.  The other half of her soul.  JJ.

She reaches up, tracing the shape of his face, and it's so real that it hurts.  The idea that she'd lost this, that she'd buried this -- isn't something she can comprehend.

"I couldn't do it without you," she admits.

"You could," he murmurs at her.

She shakes her head, and her eyes are burning.  "I couldn't.  JJ, it -- destroyed me," she says.  "I couldn't."

He frowns, brows pulling together.  "That's not -- I would never--"

She can't stop, though.  "All I could do was think about revenge.  About how you would want to get even.  That was all that kept me going."

He tips his head to the side, and for the first time, she sees his grief.  He'd been grieving for years, struggling against a life that took more than it gave.  Kiara had shattered in a single month.  JJ had been keeping himself together for 20 years, and here he is, still doing it.

"I would never want that for you," he says.  "I just want you to be happy."

"But how was I going to be happy without you?" she asks, voice so quiet that it doesn't feel real.

"There's so much more out there," he tells her. "So much better than me--"

It hurts, like a knife to the heart -- again.  She shakes her head, jaw going hard.  "No," she says.  "JJ, no--"

"I'm just saying, Kie--"

But she won't let him finish.  She won't let him think it. 

It occurs to her now, that JJ died thinking he was expendable.  That JJ died thinking that it was okay that it was him.  JJ breathed his last believing that he had it coming, that he was never meant to be happy anyway, that he'd made too much of a mess to fix it.

JJ had died thinking he deserved it.

He had no idea, did he?  That for all his mistakes, he was the best of them?  That he'd lost the money -- yes.  But they'd lost him.

They'd lost him well before Groff put a knife in his gut to finish the job.

They'd lost him when he jumped off the boat.  They'd lost him when he drowned his misery in alcohol.  They'd lost him when Groff left him for dead the first time, and when he went to his mother's grave alone.  They'd lost him that day in the courthouse, and they'd lost him when he got that letter.  They'd lost him because they stopped trying to hold him.

They'd lost him because they'd stopped seeing him as a person -- and just a problem.

Luke beat the shit out of JJ for years.  Groff had abandoned him and put a knife in his gut.

But the Pogues?  His friends?  The family he'd chosen?

They'd been the ones to bury him in the end.

JJ had been falling apart in front of them, and they'd ignored it.

"JJ," she says.  "Do you know how much we love you?  Do you know how much I love you?"

He looks at her, blinking for a second.  Then, his gaze skitters away.

It's ripping her apart, and she reaches up, cupping his face until he looks at her.

"I should have asked if you were okay," she says.  "I should have sat you down and made you talk.  I should have told you how much I loved you, how nothing changed that."

He looks distressed by this, and he shakes his head.  "I shouldn't have lost the money.  I shouldn't have started that riot.  I shouldn't have brought the cops on all of us," he says, voice heavy with grief.  "Dying was the least I could do--"

She's hated Groff so much over the last month.

But now, she hates herself.

She hates that she let JJ die so alone.

She hates that she used his death for her own means.

She hates everything.

"Kie?" he asks.  "I'm sorry--"

It's a game, right?  This blame game.  The back and forth, who started what and who hurt who.  It doesn't matter, in the end.  There is no good guy and there is no bad guy.  There are just people who make mistakes.

And the people who forgive them in the end.

She kisses him, tear on her cheeks.  She pulls him in, pulls him close.

"I love you," is alls he can say.  "I love you so damn much."

Because she can't change it.  She can't wash the blood from her hands any more than JJ can put their money back in the bank.  She can't go back and make sure JJ knew she loved him any more than JJ can change the downward spiral that got him killed.

"I love you, too," he says, he breathes it.  She feels the cadence of his heart, pounding against her own, and the warmth of his skin as they hold each other.  "I love you, Kiara."

It's penance, and it's absolution.  It's an apology, and it's a promise.

In the end, it's all they have.

It's all they need.

-o-

The night grows deep and dark as the embers die out.  He's still holding her, and she blinks sleepily up at him.  It's hard to tell, see.  Which part is the dream.

And if she closes her eyes.

What the world will be like when she wakes up.

He seems to understand, as he always does, and he caresses her face, kissing her gently.

"Go to sleep," he soothes.  His voice is steady; his touch is strong.  "I'll still be here when you wake up."

Kiara has doubted so much -- the world, her friends, herself -- but she doesn't doubt him.  Not now, not ever again.

So she closes her eyes and leans into his touch, and lets the sound of his heart lull her to sleep in the soft Moroccan sand.

Whatever she wakes up to in the morning, she'll wake up with him.

[everythingkashmir]

Led’s Lense

The Other Kashmir

A Valley’s Physical Graffiti

By Faisul Yaseen

In the Himalayas, where the murmurs of the Jhelum weave through the lush valley, Kashmir has been a muse of poets and painters. Its name invokes both enchantment and anguish, a duality reflected in Led Zeppelin’s iconic song, Kashmir. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant with contributions from John Bonham over a period of 3 years with lyrics dating to 1973, the song featured on their sixth studio album Physical Graffiti in 1975. This timeless ode transcends physical geography, yet its mystical allure inadvertently mirrors the very soul of Kashmir.

It would seem rather bold, and even a little farcical, to compare Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ with Kashmir valley. Yet tracing how the song born in the deserts of Morocco finds an uncanny kinship with a paradise mired in its own metaphoric deserts spurns curiosity.

Verse 1: Oh, let the sun beat down upon my face

If the sun could speak, it might recount the shadows it has witnessed in Kashmir. Led Zeppelin’s yearning for the sun’s warmth feels alien to a valley where winters are not just meteorological but political, where warmth is siphoned by fear that has reduced its famed sunlight to a pale glow that barely pierces the haze, casting a chilling pall over a land that once basked in idyllic harmony.

Chorus: I am a traveller of time and space

The stories in Kashmir are great works of fiction, sold with the finesse of the best of salesmen. Tourism hoardings show lakes as pristine and houseboats as inviting travellers to rediscover paradise. But the real travellers of time and space in Kashmir are not Instagram influencers but locals wandering in search of existence.

Governance in Kashmir functions on paradoxes - the claustrophobic presence contrary to the wide open landscapes. For every tourist sipping Kehwa on a Shikara, there is a youth piecing together the fragments of his shattered life. The spaces may be the same but the experiences are universes apart.

Bridge: My Shangri-La under the summer moon

Kashmir is Led Zeppelin’s Shangri-La, the mythical utopia nestled in towering peaks. Utopias are subjective, though. One man’s heaven is another man’s hell or purgatory. The beautiful valley becomes cruel irony for its denizens, who usually cannot savour its magnificence because it’s always reminding them of its perils.

All the rhetoric about Kashmir sounds almost hollow. Promises ring as empty as the deserted streets. In this dystopian Shangri-La, progress is measured not by prosperity but by publicity. New malls are inaugurated. Old memories erased.

Verse 2: Oh, father of the four winds, fill my sails

In Kashmir, the winds carry stories instead of sails. The winds carry the whispered prayers of a generation that has known nothing more than nothingness. The winds also carry the spirit of the people. Art adorns the walls. Poetry and music flourish. And, youth navigate censored spaces to tell their stories. Under relentless hopelessness, the spirit does not break.

Coda: When I am on my way, when I see

How many moons away is Kashmir from its road? This is a haunting refrain that never ceases ringing around the region.

When one beholds, Led Zeppelin puts forth a dreamy vision. What do we see when we behold Kashmir? A crown jewel? A problematic periphery? A land to own? People to love? All such answers decide the region’s dismal destinies.

The Unfinished Symphony

Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir ends with a sweeping, open conclusion, just like the region itself: untamed and mysterious. The music reflects the Valley’s breathtaking panorama. However, the underlying tensions and the lived reality of its people is another story. Rober Plant’s vocals and Jimmy Page’s guitar lines echo the paradox of its beauty and hopelessness. Kashmiris are left to wring out their purgatory alone, their voices buried in the cacophony.

Encore

Perhaps Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir should be the anthem adopted for the Valley. It is after all an attention-grabbing song. The majestic orchestration could go with the snowy passes and evocative lyrics could narrate the daily grind of Kashmiri life. If nothing else, it would be a fitting irony for a region where beauty is wrecked.

Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir is a call to rise above the mundane. It is a hymn to transcendence. However, the valley it shares a name with is still waiting for its transcendence. Until that day, Kashmir will remain an unfinished melody, its notes heavy with longing and defiance, resonating against the mountains that keep its secrets and sorrows.

Greater Kashmir