#falafel on wheels

[seat-safety-switch]

Visiting actual civilization is fun. In most cities, things don't start happening until you leave the endless expanse of suburbia and go to the inner city. Downtown haters will tell you not to do it, of course. It's "unsafe," but so is driving a fifty-year-old car without airbags or the ability to turn left. Joke's on them: not only will they use more fuel over the lifetime of their car idling at lights waiting for a green arrow, but they're also going to miss out on my favourite part of downtown, the sausage cart.

Long ago, according to local legend, this sausage cart was opened by a dude from Poland whose name is lost to history. His descendants now own a network of sausage carts all throughout downtown, but this one – the true original – is the only choice of the tube-meat connoisseur. I love to visit, get a smokie and a questionably-branded pop, and be back on the road, before the parking patrol has even twigged to the fact that I left my car in the memorial fountain once again.

Last weekend, I went down there and there was a problem. The operator, whose name will also be lost to history because I ain't no snitch, was worried that his customer base was starting to get pulled away by the falafel cart across the street. This was a valid worry: not only was the falafel cheaper, more flavourful, and more delicious, but they had a guy dressed up as a giant foam gyro breakdancing on the sidewalk. It was a nearly irresistible combo, one that I could only pull myself away from out of blind loyalty to the Sausage King's bravest foot soldier.

Now, I'm not one to get involved in petty squabbles like this normally. I would have just left, but the dude in the gyro suit started chirping at me as I approached my car. My attorney has suggested that I not repeat the words he spoke about my humble Volare, but I assure you that he ate said words, as I set about doing a spiteful, highschooler-grade one-wheel-peel burnout to enshroud their business in tire smoke. Of course, that burnout then resulted in the half-century-old automatic transmission letting go and splashing white-hot Dexron III® all over the cart full of ingredients, but it got results nonetheless. I don't know what they're complaining about, it didn't even taste bad when I helped myself to a free sample after they ran away.

[ontheoddoccasioniwritestuff]

Star-crossed in the Crosshairs (John Price x Reader)

Chapter 3: To My Knees

Fic Summary: This mission is the pinnacle of your efforts for the past three years. Your whole team and yourself have worked countless hours, slaughtered hundreds, risked life and limb for scraps of intel, and now it all boiled down to pairing up with another taskforce to get this job done and dusted. An unexpected spanner in the works comes in the shape of your former best friend, now also a Captain and somehow resurrected from his KIA status, John Price.

You can’t afford to let feelings - old and new - get in the way of your purpose. No matter how much you’ve missed, wished for, loved him, and no matter how much he might feel the same.

Content warnings: Usual COD content (violence, torture, death, guns ESPECIALLY in this chapter), mutual pining, back from the dead, friends to allies to lovers, Reader is GN, some use of Y/N.

Chapter 2 // Masterlist // AO3 Version // Chapter 4

Gaz and Bronze were stretching out this first glass, just hitting the two hour mark, but the conversation cover had yet to run dry. Occasionally, there would be input from another of your team, waiting in shadows and around corners, easing the tension ever so slightly with their addition to the chatter as well as providing repeated remarks on how their target was not yet in sight.

You stared at the map in front of you, brows bent as if you didn’t have it half memorised, as if there hadn’t been any passersby in this alleyway for ten minutes. Earpiece wired through your clothing allowed you to listen into the conversation you had yet to join.

One you’d considered remarking on was Gaz and Bronze joking about:

“Price told me he and Laswell met at a falafel stand.”

“And did they?”

“No. She annoyed him during a football match.”

That sounded more plausible at least. Price’s long-time partner was a neglected Liverpool season ticket. You tapped your fingers on the steering wheel to a familiar footie chant you had learned to chant during your first match. But you didn’t add anything. Nor did you say anything when Gaz insisted he was a catch and too good for Bronze when Crash joked about them being on a date.

You did when Soap talked about how he’d been guided through Las Almas in a mission gone south by Ghost, a bullet in his arm and delirious on adrenaline enough to exchange dumb jokes. After hearing his shellfish joke, you decided to join in with easing the tension that was creeping in through your neck.  

“Two windmills are standing on a wind farm. One asks, ‘what’s your favourite type of music?’ and the other replies ‘I’m a big metal fan’.”

The radio crackled with Soap’s low chuckles, “Pretty good, Captain.”

“I wouldn’t say good,” interrupted Chance.

“What’s good then?”

“What’s red and bad for your teeth?” You could already hear giggling down the radio before Chance jumped in to ensure she delivered the punchline: “A brick.”

“Tha’s awful, actually,” Soap said but with a dark snigger. Then he cut himself off sharpish: “Markovič on the south side of the street, heading towards Los Gatos.”

Your back straightened, “Alone?”

“Affirmative.”

This did nothing to confirm for you whether Markovič either had back-up you couldn’t see, or he was beyond stupid – both dangerous in any man, let alone an arm’s dealer, let alone the glorified sidekick of a terrorist. Your hands flexed then tightened around the wheel, then one held the ignition key, waiting for your signal.

“He’s at the bar,” Gaz reported. A minute later, he added: “He’s a gin man.”

You mirrored his attempts to keep things a little light, “Do they have Gordon’s out here?”

“It’s not the pink one, that’s for sure,” Gaz mumbled, and you could hear its echo in a half empty pint glass he was likely pretending to drink from, “You a gin fan yourself, Captain?”

“Not a big drinker at all.”

“What’s your vice then?”

“Sudoku.”

You’d let them debate whether or not you were serious later; Team Banshee would probably offer a few pieces of evidence to fill the gaps in the 141’s knowledge of you. But here was where your banter ended for now.

“He’s moving to sit alone, outside.”

You could picture him sipping a ballooned glass with ice swilling around, condensation as slippery as his character. The metal of the key warmed in your pinch, map discarded in your lap. Simulating every possible approach to any choice, your brain narrowed down Gaz and Bronze either heading inside for an attack in the bathroom, or directing Ghost, Chance, Price, and Crash to tail Markovič and intercept before he got home.

Your two soldiers continued their cover, ordering some tapas to split and doing their best not to flaunt how good it was to the rest of you. Gaz mentioned how he’d already paid the bill, and filled out the reimbursement forms too apparently. Just left the boxes of the amount blank, ready to be completed upon return. Both Gaz and Bronze dropped titbits of info on Markovič every minute, Soap too from his ledge.

At last, halfway through the third glass of gin, Gaz muttered down his microphone, “He’s headed for the bathroom. We’re on him.”

You twisted the ignition and the engine roared to life, “Meet you at the corner of Liepų and Lajos Street?”

“Can do, Cap,” Bronze said and you heard the scrape of his chair before he stopped talking.

The gear stick shifted, you drove out of the alleyway and took the two minute drive to your location. The mileometer kept your speed safe enough to not be pulled over by any rent-a-cop that might spot you, but quick enough to be with your team. Two back doors were flung open within the second you stopped, Gaz and Bronze hauling their prisoner up then tossing him in with a bag over his head and hands zip-tied. In your rear view mirror, Markovič’s body folded like a sheet of paper without Gaz or Bronze for support.

You heard two bangs after the door slams, so you moved out, ready to collect the rest of your team. Crash and Ghost were from the same corner about a quarter of a mile out. Chance and Price were close enough to the safehouse to have made it back just as you pulled into the garage. No one felt daft for over-estimating the amount of manpower on this mission. This  was, after all, just the first step in the right direction.

You helped haul the dead weight of your prisoner up the stairs in the absence of your regular workout.

A chair stood proudly in the centre of the one room without windows, the one you’d soundproofed that morning with your team. Even just stepping into the room felt like there was cotton wool against your ears. Tarps muted all footsteps. Hanging from the door frame was a black makeshift curtain blocking your captive from seeing anything outside the room.You took it upon yourself to search him whilst Gaz and Ghost bound his wrists and ankles to the chair’s metal frame: a wallet with just two cards, a stack of cash, and a few coins; a packet of tissues; a dog tag without a chain stamped with Odristanian; and an acorn.

Gaz and Ghost led the way out, you taking one more survey of the room before you followed satisfied and with the door shut behind you.

“He was carrying this in his waistband, tried to pull it out on us when we put him in a headlock.” Bronze held a tiny handgun up like it was a pair of dirty underwear. You took it, though he’d already had the frame of mind to empty the chamber and remove the clip.

“Good job, Gaz, Bronze,” You said first, before you could forget to praise your team. “Chance, you’re the lead on this. Ghost, I want you in there with Chance ready to sub in if she wants to take a break. No one else goes in unless Markovič’s somehow a master of withholding information; I don’t want him getting any ideas about how many of us there are or where he is through the door.”

Both nodded, happy with their positions. However-

“He’s got no idea where he is,” Bronze interjected, “He walked right past the toilet to take a piss in the alleyway out back. He’s hardly gonna figure out anything through a gap in the curtain.”

You stared at him, expression once again carefully neutral, and Bronze’s eyes widening told you he knew he’d been caught with his trousers down – in front of his entire team no less. Muting your frustration for now was the best approach, even though you shouldn’t have to tell this fully grown man about taking precautions in the possibility of this being a trap. Instead, you continued delegating your team for the night ahead.

“Still, we’ll approach with standard caution. Crash, Gaz, you’re on watch: one in the sitting room, one from the roof. Make sure no one’s tailed us. Soap, Price, I want you observing from here, and you can feed any info you think helpful to them via their earpieces. Bronze, you’re with me. We’ll swap around in shifts when times comes to sleeping and watch, but again, we keep Ghost and Chance on Markovič.”

Bronze trailed behind you as you entered the sitting room, where all the packs were (yours included). Following the cable you’d plugged in that morning, you found and began fiddling with your tablet to get it live and onto the webcam that Gaz had installed amongst the padding on the walls. Price and Soap already had theirs set up whilst you were patting down your prisoner.

“I was part of a capture or kill mission about fifteen years ago,” You mused aloud, knowing Bronze was paying attention.“Capture was easy, and folks got cocky. Turns out it was a catch and release. Our target’s army was on our location within the first minute of interrogation. Killed half of us, wounded the rest. Botched everything beyond belief, set some of us back a year in terms of recovery and intel, and we were considered the lucky ones.” Then you rose to your feet and made carefully practiced eye contact with your Sergeant, “You understand why I’m telling you this?”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Don’t make me tell you again, and certainly not in front of others.” You held out the tablet to him with the grainy footage displaying Ghost entering the room, Chance settling in, “Every behaviour is communication. Figure out what’s being said. You’ve got the rest of the hour then you swap with Crash.”

Into the dining room, sat around the table like some fucked-up family dinner. Soap was checking his sniper rifle, Price smoking, Bronze without any distraction to aid his redemption from earlier. So you set yourself apart to make the MREs up, an eye on the spare tablet streaming the torture live.

After receiving silence as the answer to her first question, Chance started by plucking out Markovič’s nose hairs, Ghost holding his head still whilst Markovič attempted to wriggle away from her tweezers. Then she moved onto something more interesting. Technically you were to thank for that technique, for suggesting a viewing of Paddington to boost team morale and bonding after a particularly shitty close to a mission in 2020. You just hadn’t realised she’d been taking notes during the screening.

As you heated up the chilli, you felt Price’s shadow blot out some of the sting of the stove’s flame. His cigar left smoking in a gaudy ashtray, clearly bought from a tourist boutique nearby.

“I can help,” He said.

You snorted, “Two Captains making tea for their teams, now that’s a laugh.” But you still shoved over the mess tins – clean from when Crash had scrubbed them clean earlier.

“It’s our jobs to make sure we all stay on our feet. You included,” Price said as he unstacked them, handing you the one with a little bar of soap drawn on the underside in permanent marker.  

“Which is why I’m making the dinner.”

“You know I meant you resting, not you staying on your feet.”

“Had plenty of rest in the driver’s seat,” and you dolloped the chilli into the tin.

You four ate in relative silence, apart from Bronze beside you who was noting down the reactions on your tablet’s post-it notes app, responses that Ghost and Chance were certainly logging in their own heads. That was his punishment technically: becoming your secretary for the paperwork you’d fill out at the end of the mission. He fucking hated it but he did it because you told him to, and he never needed to be told twice.

Some of Markovič’s methods of resisting were more akin to mindfulness practices: the deep breathing, the eyes closed, the rocking (limited against his restraints). He started to crumble at the twenty minute mark, letting slip Čiernik’s plan to relocate for the

“That’s new,” Bronze remarked when Chance began digging the tweezers into the wound on his stomach she’d sliced open with the accuracy of a surgeon. Markovič in response had let out a wheeze and told them that he’d give them the location.

“Crash, Bronze is on his way up to swap,” You called down your radio. No response, which was unlike her. Regardless, Bronze was already heading up, your tablet back in hand.

Chance sipped from her water bottle in the top left corner of your screen, behind Ghost whilst she watched what he was like in the interrogation room. Two words: viciously unempathetic.

“Why did the man miss the funeral?” Soap asked, not taking his eyes off the screen.

You sighed, unable to figure it out, “Dunno, why?”

“He wasn’t a mourning person.”

Your mouth twisted into a half-smile that was trying to take itself seriously, “That’s pretty good.”

“Can’t take credit for that one.”

“Then send my compliments to the chef.”

“Ghost’ll be happy to hear them,” Soap snorted.

As you went to direct your smile directly at the Sergeant, you instead caught Price looking at you, though he glanced back down at his screen when you made eye contact. You didn’t like how the implication of him watching you instead of his Lieutenant sent your stomach flipping over the powdered eggs from this morning.

To cover your ruffled feathers, you went into the hallway to smooth them out and collided chest to chest with Crash.

“Sorry, Captain, didn’t hear you,” She explained quickly, catching her breath

“Your radio faulty?”

Crash paused before replying, “I was in another channel.”

Your frown was automatic, “Why?”

Another pause. “Listening to Chance and Ghost in the interrogation.”

“That’s not what I asked you to do.” Your weighted statement shrank Crash in front of you like a cotton shirt in the tumble dryer.

“Sorry.”

“Do better.” Somehow you managed to restrain your additional comment until after she’d left and into a whisper: “Fuck’s sake.”

It was embarrassing, your team showing you up with rookie missteps and trivial unprofessionalism. Now of all the times and places they could choose to be stupid.

Soap offered to swap out with Gaz, let him rest a little, and you agreed to it.

“We’ll start sleep shifts in a few,” You added, then repeated once Gaz was in the room again. He inhaled his MRE, despite being the one to order a bowl of nuts to pick through during the capture earlier.

When Chance exited her torture chambers, you held up her MRE – still sealed in its packet. She nodded and you began to make it as you asked:

“How do you think it’s going?”

Yes, you had been watching and paying attention to your screen, but it wasn’t the same as being in the room. The blurry pixels could only offer so much.

Chance sighed, stretching out her shoulders, “He’s gobby, in the worst way. But he’ll break soon. Just wanted him to remember what relief feels like.”

To be fair to him, Markovič had lasted longer than you thought. Perhaps you should start drinking gin.

“Anything you fancy?” You asked her.

Shrugging, Chance suggested with a wry expression, “Stick and poke?”

You mulled it over, tongue poking in your cheek. Then you gave her a nod of confirmation, your nose wrinkled, as if she was asking if you wanted another pint because it was her round. Stretching out your spine as she returned to her post, you returned to your screen and watched the basis of Chance’s failed tattoo artist dream reworked to suit her current occupation.

Each time Markovič passed out from the pain, Ghost used smelling salts to bring him back to continue a malicious cycle of Chance stabbing him in the same places with a heated needle.

It culminated in the reveal of a piece of intel that struck your partnership. You could see Soap’s fists wringing an invisible neck. Ghost squared his shoulders as he corked the smelling salts. Even Price’s jaw clenched at the mention of a name you’d come across in their files. Markovič begged with his two captors, desperately clawing at the chair and asserting with his remaining energythat it was the truth.Chance continued poking inside his dermis for ten minutes more – just to be certain. Plus you were certain she had read her fellow Lieutenant’s body language and how he wasn’t quite content with leaving the room this way – and he landed a solid punch on the back of Markovič’s head that sent him into unconsciousness and his chair tilting over. Your prisoner looked peaceful for the first time since you'd captured him, folded over and praying in his own putrid blood.

Both the Lieutenants finally left the torture chamber and both their Captains met them outside the door. Chance had very little to add to what she’d already reported. But Ghost shoved his demand right there and then.

“He can’t tell them we’re coming,” He said, his words as harsh as if he’d spat at you.

You nodded in agreement, “I’ll take care of it.”

But Ghost shook his head with the same ire, “S’alright, I’ll do it. Not hungry anyways.”

“Ok,” You said, maintaining the calm to balance his fury, “Good job. You too, Chance.”

“I’ll contact Laswell,” Price stated, the chair legs screeching on the wooden floor as he rose to stand.

“Patch in General Fernandez too; I need a word with him. Ta,” you added the last word quickly as he started to leave. While you stopped yourself looking at his hips, you didn’t quite manage to wrangle the memory of how you’d wrapped your legs around them for a piggy back after a successful football match as rookies, and sometimes imagined if you were on his front instead of his back, arms still around his neck, holding him close, just as eager, just as delighted to be with him.

“Fuck’s sake,” you muttered again, pinching the bridge of your nose. You were worse than Bronze with the unprofessionalism at this point, letting it spill out of your head into your actions. If you were alone, you’d slap yourself. Hard. Get your head screwed on right and tight.

Onscreen, Ghost was clipping open the zip-ties from Markovič, who collapsed onto the tarps, the KA-BAR in his neck hardly leaking despite the angle. He left it in there to recover in the morning, once livor mortis was well and truly underway.

Summoning your façade back into position, you moved to the side room for a little privacy, ready to talk to the equivalent of your line manager. “Laswell, patching in Komodo” was the last you heard as you switched to the appropriate channel.

“This is Komodo Actual,” General Fernandez spoke clear as a whistle down your earpiece, “Nice to hear from you at last, Captain.”

You nodded even though he couldn’t see you, “Sir,Markovič has given us the details of Čiernik’s next move and one of his storage facilities he frequently uses; Laswell’s verifying the kinks of what we can do about it.”

“Good work. Any damage on your side?”

“Not yet, standby for that. Markovič also gave us intel involving Gold Eagle.”

There was a pause, and you could only assume that your very thorough General was sweeping his room once more to assure absolute secrecy before he asked: “What’s the intel?”

“We’ve stumbled upon another of his pet projects. Čiernik is on his payroll.”

-----------

AN: Thanks for the patience, I've started a new job and it's taking a lot of my time. I appreciate the love I've been getting on this. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea so it makes it all the nicer when it finds folks who like it <3

Next chapter, things start amping up, and some hints/teasers become answers so rewards for those who've been paying attention and those who are along for the ride!

Taglist: @mockerycrow

[7-pines]

artisan item checklist

The amount of each artisan item you need to make. Artisan items are recursive (if you need to make juice and wine, it'll tell you to make 2 juices), but nothing else is (if someone loves a meal that involves an artisan item, it's not keeping track of that.) Loved items are included as "+1" for each person who loves it.

This is also made to be specific so when a recipe/crafting/offering calls for "Any ___" or "A or B", I picked the cheapest version of it to make. How things get replaced is under the Read More at the end.

3x Tulip honey [Bee house]: Apple pie, Assorted grilled platter, Jamu (Cooking)

1x Titan arum black honey [Bee house]: Rare Artisan (Offering)

8x Cheese [Cheese press]: Burrito, Eggplant lasagna, Gnocchi, Hawaiian pizza, Oven-baked risotto, Pizza, Summer burger, Sweet potato poutine (Cooking)

2x Syrup [Cheese press]: Es cendol, Es doger (Cooking)

1x Seaweed chips [Dehydrator]: Basic Artisan (Offering)

1x Large gesha coffee [Keg]: Loved by Aaliyah

2x Gesha coffee [Keg]: Loved by Aaliyah, Raj

3x Sake [Keg]: Fish soup (Cooking) Loved by Connor, Walter

7x Coffee [Keg]: Loved by Antonio, Emma, Giu, Groo, Joko, Raj, Randy

9x Green tea [Keg]: Kombucha (Artisan) Help Paul (Quest) Loved by Anne, Ben, Betty, Eleanor, Emma, Kenny, Raj

1x Cane nectar [Keg]: Loved by Erika

2x Cranberry juice [Keg]: Basic Artisan (Offering) Cranberry wine (Artisan)

1x Wool cloth [Loom]: Monster scarecrow (Crafting)

5x Cotton cloth [Loom]: Poci ghost scarecrow (Crafting) Kunti ghost scarecrow (Crafting) Ondel-ondel handsome scarecrow (Crafting) Ondel-ondel pretty scarecrow (Crafting) Loved by Emma

9x Butter [Mason jar]: Basic Artisan (Offering) Apple pie, Butter croissant, Cookies, Corn on the cob, Gnocchi, Minced jackfruit pie, Oven-baked risotto, Peanut butter (Cooking)

1x Kiracha sauce [Mason jar]: Vegan taco (Cooking)

2x Pickled corn [Mason jar]: Basic Artisan (Offering) Corn kimchi (Artisan)

3x Tempeh [Mason jar]: Fried tempeh, Herbed tempeh, Lodeh (Cooking)

4x Mayonnaise [Mayonnaise machine]: Basic Artisan (Offering) Fish taco, Rainbow sandwich (Cooking) Loved by Scott

4x Rice flour [Mill]: Es cendol, Klepon, Popiah, Serabi (Cooking)

10x Wheat flour [Mill]: Apple pie, Basil pesto pasta, Fruit tart, Pad thai, Peyek, Seafood ramen, Veggie ramen (Cooking) Gingerbread scarecrow (Crafting)

20x Amaranth flour [Mill]: Banana fritter, Bread, Butter croissant, Cauliflower casserole, Chocolate chip muffins, Cookies, Gnocchi, Hash browns, Hawaiian pizza, Kue kancing, Minced jackfruit pie, Mooncake, Pancakes, Pepper and mushroom flatbread, Pineapple upside-down cake, Pizza, Pumpkin pie, Red velvet cake, Spider tempura, Tortilla (Cooking)

11x Sugar [Mill]: Cenil, Donut, Egg custard, Fruit tart, Klepon, Kue kancing, Kue lapis, Pineapple upside-down cake, Pumpkin pie, Serabi (Cooking) Gingerbread scarecrow (Crafting)

4x Gourmet salt [Mill]: Herbed tempeh, Ketchup, Serabi, Spider tempura (Cooking)

3x White truffle oil [Oil press]: Rare Artisan (Offering) Loved by Alice, Connor

1x Black truffle oil [Oil press]: Loved by Alice

2x Almond oil [Oil press]: Loved by Alice, Emily

4x Olive oil [Oil press]: Hummus, Roasted mushroom (Cooking) Loved by Alice, Emily

11x Canola oil [Oil press]: Banana fritter, Beet chips, Donut, Falafel, Fried tempeh, Kale chips, Potato chips, Sauteed chard, Spider tempura, Sweet potato chips, Sweet potato poutine (Cooking)

1x Fermented goat cheese wheel [Aging barrel]: Rare Artisan (Offering)

1x Kombucha [Aging barrel]: Loved by Kenny

1x Artichoke kimchi [Aging barrel]: Loved by Anne

1x Corn kimchi [Aging barrel]: Rare Artisan (Offering)

1x Cranberry wine [Aging barrel]: Rare Artisan (Offering)

Replacements

These replacements only involve Cooking & Crafting, not Loved Items. So if someone loves Fruit Juice, that's not kept track of here.

Any flour -> Amaranth flour

Any oil -> Canola oil

Any cheese -> Cheese

Any butter -> Butter

Butter or Large butter -> Butter

Any honey -> Tulip honey

Any mayonnaise -> Mayonnaise

Any fruit juice -> Cranberry juice

Any wine -> Cranberry wine

Any pickle -> Pickled corn

Any kimchi -> Corn kimchi

Any dried scavengeables -> Seaweed chips

[moxyphinx]

tagged by @curious-earth - thank you, sweet nikki!

last song: currently listening to an audiobook of mona awad's rouge but music wise maria doyle kennedy's winners (songs from the kitchen version)

favorite color: mossy green/burnt orange

last movie/show: just finished a battlestar galactica rewatch (screaming crying etc.)

sweet/spicy/savory: sweet

relationship status: engaged

last thing i googled: nt live antony & cleopatra 👀

current obsession(s): wheel of time, lempicka the musical, sophie okonedo, trader joe's dill pickle falafel

tag 9 people: (no pressure!) @corleyan, @rosamundpkes, @wibblyowzah, @nervouspearl, @sapphoshands, @sophiedevreaux, @moirainesedai, @sarahlancashire, @masterpieceofunderstatement + anyone who wants to!

[foodtrucksblog]

The Surge of UAE Food Trucks: Where Innovation Meets Delicious Cuisine

Introduction

Did you know that the bustling streets of the UAE are not just home to towering skyscrapers and luxury vehicles but also to a vibrant scene of culinary delight on four wheels? Food trucks have taken the United Arab Emirates by storm, blending innovation with mouthwatering cuisine in a way that caters to both traditional tastes and modern cravings. UAE Food Trucks

A Brief History of Food Trucks in the UAE

The Humble Beginnings

The UAE food truck phenomenon began with a few passionate entrepreneurs who saw the potential in bringing street food culture to the region. These initial trucks were inspired by Western models but adapted to cater to the local palate and the high standards expected by UAE diners.

Pioneers & Influences: Early influencers were greatly inspired by the successful food truck scenes in cities like Los Angeles and New York. They focused on creating diverse menus that ranged from gourmet burgers to traditional Emirati snacks.

The Growth Trajectory

Over the past decade, food trucks have become an integral part of the UAE’s culinary scene. They provide an accessible, on-the-go option for food lovers looking to try something new.

Support from Initiatives: Government initiatives and events like the Dubai Food Festival played a vital role in promoting food trucks and giving them a platform to reach larger audiences.

Innovation in Cuisine and Concept

Bold Flavors and Diverse Menus

UAE food trucks boast an incredible variety of cuisines, often combining international dishes with unique flavors or presenting local favorites with a twist.

Fusion Dishes: Some trucks are renowned for their ability to incorporate flavors from different cuisines, such as an Arabic-Mexican fusion taco that combines spices from both cultures in a delicious new creation.

Dietary Considerations: Many trucks cater to dietary trends and requirements, offering options for vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious eaters. It’s not uncommon to find gluten-free falafel wraps or dairy-free camel milk shakes on a menu.

Tech-Driven Innovations

Beyond just culinary innovations, food trucks in the UAE are known for leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences.

Mobile Apps & Online Ordering: Several food trucks have developed their apps or partnered with food delivery platforms to allow customers to enjoy their favorite dishes without the wait.

Sustainable Practices: In a bid to attract environmentally conscious consumers, some food trucks are turning to sustainable practices, such as solar-powered kitchens or biodegradable packaging.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

Celebrating Local Heritage

Food trucks become cultural ambassadors by bringing traditional Emirati flavors to the forefront in a vibrant, accessible format.

Reviving Traditional Recipes: Many food truck owners choose to serve classic Emirati dishes like Al Harees or Luqaimat, attracting both locals who enjoy nostalgic flavors and tourists eager to try authentic local cuisine.

Creating Communities

Food trucks have a unique ability to create communities around them, drawing people together through shared dining experiences.

Food Truck Festivals: Events like the TruckersDXB provide a platform for food trucks to showcase their creations while offering attendees a family-friendly environment filled with live music, children’s activities, and art.

“There’s something about gathering around a food truck that brings people together, igniting conversations over shared meals.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Overcoming Barriers

Despite their popularity, food truck operators face several challenges, including regulatory hurdles and competition from established restaurants.

Regulations & Licensing: Navigating the legal landscape of food service permits can be complex, as requirements can vary significantly across different emirates.

The Road Ahead

The continued success of UAE food trucks lies in their ability to adapt and thrive amidst these challenges.

Expansion Opportunities: Some trucks are exploring brick-and-mortar locations or partnering with local businesses to expand their reach and solidify their brand presence.

Fostering Community Engagement: By fostering unique dining experiences and community engagement, food truck owners have the opportunity to attract a loyal customer base that advocates for their brand.

Conclusion

The rise of food trucks in the UAE is a story of innovation, cultural celebration, and community building. With their diverse menus and creative concepts, these mobile eateries not only cater to the tastes and preferences of a wide array of diners but also reflect the region’s dynamic evolution and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a local resident or a curious tourist, there’s no doubt that the UAE’s food trucks offer a delectable journey worth exploring. So the next time you’re in the mood for something extraordinary, perhaps a meal from one of these vibrant vehicles might just be what you’re looking for.

View Source : Food truck and trailer manufacturers in UAE — Al Assri Industry

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

desert safari dubai,

desert safari dubai,

Dubai, renowned for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful and tranquil deserts. A Desert Safari in Dubai is an exciting and unforgettable experience that takes visitors deep into the heart of the Arabian Desert. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or cultural enthusiast, a desert safari offers something for everyone.

The Ultimate Adventure

The Desert Safari begins with a thrilling dune-bashing ride in a 4x4 vehicle. With skilled drivers at the wheel, guests are taken on a high-speed journey over the dunes, offering a heart-pumping experience that promises both excitement and awe. As you drive up and down the golden dunes, the vast, untouched beauty of the desert unfolds before your eyes, creating a sense of adventure and wonder.

After the adrenaline-filled dune bashing, visitors can enjoy a calm and serene camel ride. Known as the "ship of the desert," camels offer a slow-paced journey across the sand, allowing you to take in the desert’s breathtaking landscapes. It’s a great way to experience the tranquility of the desert and immerse yourself in its quiet beauty.

Cultural Experience

The Dubai Desert Safari isn't just about adventure—it’s also a deep dive into the culture of the UAE. Many safari tours include stops at traditional Bedouin-style camps, where you can experience authentic Emirati hospitality. At the camp, you’ll be treated to a variety of activities that highlight the region’s rich heritage.

One of the most popular activities is the traditional henna painting, where artists apply intricate designs on hands and feet using a natural paste. It’s a beautiful and temporary way to connect with the culture. You can also enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a range of Arabic dishes such as kebabs, hummus, falafel, and aromatic rice. A barbecue feast under the stars is the perfect way to end the evening.

Entertainment Under the Stars

As the sun sets over the desert, the real magic of the safari begins. The sky turns into a palette of colors, from vibrant oranges to dusky purples. As night falls, the Bedouin camp comes alive with traditional entertainment, such as belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and the mesmerizing fire shows.

The starry desert sky adds an element of wonder to the experience, making it a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening. Many tours also offer the option to take photographs with traditional costumes, so you can capture the memories of your adventure.

Why Choose a Desert Safari in Dubai?

Variety of Experiences: The desert safari offers a wide range of activities, from thrilling dune bashing and camel rides to cultural experiences and live entertainment.

Stunning Desert Landscapes: Dubai’s desert is known for its expansive sand dunes, perfect for photography and stargazing.

Family-Friendly: Desert safari tours are suitable for all ages. Families, couples, and solo travelers can all find something they enjoy.

Customized Packages: There are various safari packages to choose from, depending on your preferences. Whether you want a short evening safari or an overnight experience, there’s something for everyone.

Cultural Immersion: It’s an opportunity to learn about the traditions, customs, and history of the UAE, offering a richer, more authentic experience.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go on a desert safari in Dubai is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is mild and comfortable. The evenings are particularly pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Conclusion

A Desert Safari in Dubai is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the city. With its thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, and unforgettable landscapes, it offers a unique way to explore the natural beauty and heritage of the UAE. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, the desert safari delivers it all. So, get ready for an adventure like no other in the heart of the Dubai desert!

4o mini

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[candy-floss-crazy]

Top 10 Food Trucks You Must Try Food trucks have taken the culinary world by storm. Gone are the days when they were just a convenient way to grab a quick bite. Today, food trucks offer a gourmet experience on wheels, serving up everything from artisanal tacos to decadent desserts. If you're a foodie on the hunt for the best eats in town, you're in luck. Here is our curated list of the top 10 food trucks you absolutely must try. 1. The Rolling Gourmet by Brooke Lark (https://unsplash.com/@brookelark) The Rolling Gourmet is a must-visit for anyone who loves gourmet burgers. Their signature burger, topped with truffle aioli and crispy shallots, is nothing short of divine. The truck's sleek design and friendly staff only add to the experience. Whether you're a burger aficionado or just in the mood for something indulgent, this truck delivers. 2. Taco Twist Taco Twist takes the humble taco to new heights. Known for their innovative fillings, like Korean BBQ and spicy mango shrimp, this truck offers a fresh take on a classic favorite. Each taco is a burst of flavor, and their homemade salsas are the perfect accompaniment. If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure, this is the place to start. 3. Sweet Wheels by Chase Baker (https://unsplash.com/@sandbarproductions) For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Wheels is a must. This dessert truck specializes in gourmet ice creams and pastries that are both beautiful and delicious. Their lavender honey ice cream is a fan favorite, and their chocolate-dipped cannoli are the stuff of dreams. With rotating seasonal specials, there's always something new to try. 4. BBQ Boss If you're a fan of smoked meats, BBQ Boss is the food truck for you. Their slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches are legendary. The rich, smoky flavors are complemented by their homemade sauces, which range from sweet and tangy to fiery hot. This truck is a carnivore's paradise and a staple at local food festivals. 5. Vegan Voyage by Odiseo Castrejon (https://unsplash.com/@edgarraw) Vegan Voyage proves that plant-based food can be both delicious and satisfying. Their menu offers a variety of creative dishes, like jackfruit tacos and quinoa-stuffed peppers, that are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. With its commitment to fresh, local ingredients, this truck is a hit with the health-conscious crowd. 6. Pita Patrol Pita Patrol brings Mediterranean flavors to the streets with their fresh and flavorful dishes. From gyro wraps to falafel bowls, their offerings are packed with taste and texture. The truck's homemade tzatziki sauce is the perfect finishing touch. For a quick and healthy meal, Pita Patrol is a top choice. 7. Noodle Nirvana Craving some comfort food? Noodle Nirvana has you covered with their delicious array of noodle dishes. From spicy ramen to creamy pad thai, there's something for every palate. The truck's generous portions and bold flavors make it a favorite among locals. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy or savory, Noodle Nirvana won't disappoint. 8. The Catch Seafood lovers rejoice! The Catch offers fresh, sustainable seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy. Their lobster rolls are a standout, packed with tender lobster meat and a hint of lemon. The truck's fish tacos, drizzled with a zesty lime sauce, are another must-try. With its commitment to quality and flavor, The Catch is a seafood haven on wheels. 9. Curry Caravan by Katie Smith (https://unsplash.com/@kate5oh3) Curry Caravan takes you on a journey through the rich and diverse world of curries. Offering both traditional and fusion dishes, this truck is a spice lover's paradise. Their butter chicken and chickpea curry are crowd favorites, each one bursting with flavor and aroma. For a taste of the exotic, Curry Caravan is a must-stop. 10. Grilled Cheese Guru Grilled Cheese Guru elevates the classic grilled cheese sandwich to an art form. With options like the brie and apple melt or the jalapeño cheddar crunch, this truck offers something for everyone. Each sandwich is perfectly toasted and oozing with cheesy goodness. It's comfort food at its finest and a must-try for cheese lovers everywhere. Conclusion Food trucks offer a unique dining experience that's both fun and delicious. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet burgers, exotic curries, or sweet treats, there's a food truck out there waiting to serve you. The next time you're wandering the streets in search of a meal, keep an eye out for these top 10 food trucks. Your taste buds will thank you! Read the full article

[formerbogbody]

Was tagged by @churlfriend :0

Favourite colour: green, pink, blue, red

Currently reading: The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan (book 5 in the Wheel of Time) and the Grammar of Words by Geert Booij

Currently watching: Recently started Hannibal w my partner, tho I’m not watching anything myself

Currently craving: I have had falafel on my mind for over a week :|

Coffee or tea: Both! I love trying new types of tea and especially love matcha and chai, but coffee is a daily pleasure

Tagging: anyone who wants to :)

[reggae-fusion-food]

From Wheels to Meals: Vernon's Food Truck Extravaganza

Vernon, a charming town nestled in the heart, is a hidden gem when it comes to culinary experiences. While you may not find sprawling restaurants on every corner, what you will discover are some truly delectable offerings from food trucks. These mobile kitchens have been serving up mouthwatering dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the vibrant food truck scene in Vernon and uncover the delightful treats they have to offer.

Taste the Local Fare

One of the joys of visiting Vernon is the chance to savour local flavours. Food truck Vernon here has mastered the art of infusing regional tastes into their dishes, providing visitors with an authentic culinary experience. From savoury poutines featuring the finest cheese curds to juicy burgers with locally sourced beef, these trucks take pride in their community's ingredients.

The Sizzle of Sizzling Street Eats

Vernon's food trucks aren't just serving food; they're creating memorable experiences for locals and tourists alike. Picture this: you're strolling down Vernon's bustling streets, and the savoury scent of grilled meats wafts towards you. Your senses tingle as you discover a food truck expertly sizzling up some mouthwatering barbecue. This is the magic of food trucks in Vernon - they bring the sizzle to the streets.

A Wide Variety to Please Every Palate

Whether you're a fan of sweet or savoury, vegetarian or meaty, you'll find something to tickle your taste buds in Vernon's food truck scene. From classic fish tacos to vegan-friendly falafel wraps, the options are as diverse as the town itself. The best part is that these delectable offerings won't break the bank, making them a budget-friendly choice for a satisfying meal.

Freshness on Wheels

One of the secrets to the success of Vernon's food trucks is their commitment to freshness. Many of these mobile eateries source their ingredients daily, ensuring that every bite you take bursts with flavour. You won't find any frozen, reheated meals here. Instead, you'll enjoy dishes made with love and care, right in front of your eyes.

Convenience at its Finest

Food trucks are not only about great food but also about convenience. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite during your lunch break or a late-night snack after a night out, these mobile kitchens have got you covered. You won't have to wait long for your meal either, as the skilled chefs work their culinary magic in record time.

A Taste of Tradition

While Vernon's food trucks offer a wide variety of cuisines, some of them are known for preserving traditional recipes passed down through generations. These culinary artisans take pride in their cultural heritage and share it with the community through their dishes. It's a beautiful fusion of old-world recipes and modern-day convenience.

Wrapping Up

Food trucks in Vernon are not just a meal option; they are a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. With their dedication to local ingredients, commitment to freshness, and a diverse range of offerings, these mobile kitchens are a testament to the town's culinary excellence. The next time you find yourself in Vernon, be sure to seek out these food trucks and savour the flavours that make this town a food lover's paradise. So, whether you're a resident or a visitor, don't miss the chance to tantalise your taste buds with the delightful offerings of food trucks in Vernon. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll have experienced a true culinary gem of this charming town. Food truck Vernon has something for everyone, making it an experience you won't want to miss.

[petrodragonicapocalypse]

part 3: bristol & brighton

bristol

the overnight bus out of edinburgh left at 9pm. settling down in my seat, damp from the rain and sleep deprived from the drunk scottish people outside my window at 3am that morning, i plugged in my phone to charge and made what had become a routine check of the ticket resale sites. bennie, back home in devon, had hinted at being a bit sad that she was missing out on the bristol show the next day... but of course all the remaining tickets were way out of our budget. then, idly scrolling the king gizz subreddit, a new post popped up: 1 standing ticket for bristol, asking price, PM for details. i frantically shot the poster a message and called bennie's number.

we spent several hours checking buses and trains, searching for a last minute airbnb and begging the redditor to hold the ticket. the stress levels were not helped by opening twitter to find stu tweeting from wolverhampton (a show i was skipping) asking if anyone had any emergency stomach medication, something he's had to cancel an entire tour for before. but thankfully it seems someone pulled through for him, and by midnight we'd secured bennie a place at the bristol beacon.

the bus was loud and hot and not very comfortable. the changeover in birmingham at 6am was definitely a low point, with the 30p-per-use toilets and all the food options being on the boycott list, but ultimately it was cheap and got me into bristol at 10am on the 30th may - gig day.

for the bristol show, the last "normal" show before acoustic night, i was also being joined by one of my best friends from back home. she'd been a casual gizz listener for as long as i had, but never seen them live before. we rendezvous'd at the airbnb (after a confusing morning of chasing the unresponsive owner for the key and both getting lost several times trying to find the place), crashed out on the bed and waited for bennie's train to arrive. solo travelling had been awesome but i was really looking forward to taking a little squad of my besties to this show.

the three of us made our way over to the venue at around 4pm, picking up some much needed coffee and falafel for dinner on the way. we joined the queue, cheerfully greeted by some fans i'd met at previous shows, and excitedly briefed my friend on what to expect from a gizz concert.

the support act at bristol was - finally - grace cummings. having recovered from her illness she totally lived up to the hype, with her powerful deep voice and almost scarily intense stage presence. waiting on the barrier after her set, i caught a glimpse of the gizzard setlist for the night ahead. trying not to give too much away, i turned to the others and pointed with a grin.

soon, to scattered applause and cries of "ooooh!" the crew wheeled out the synth table once again. it was back, after apparently sustaining water damage in hamburg (didn't we all) and being put out of action for repair work. then, a full ten minutes before they were due to appear, the band themselves emerged onstage and, with a quick nod to the room, began fiddling with the synthesizers. they spoke amongst each other in hushed voices, adjusting stuff on the table out of our sight and scratching their heads, clearly too immersed to pay much heed to the crowd watching in anticipation. well - except for ambrose, who seemed to have no job to do so instead entertained us by pulling faces and doing silly walks on and off stage.

bang on 9pm (a gizzard is never late, nor is he early...) they fired the synths up and launched into the silver cord. while i'd enjoyed the experimental hamburg version, this was undeniably miles better. the vocoders were tighter, the synth melodies more controlled, and when the beat kicked in the whole room was swaying and moving to the heavy, hypnotic pulses. afterwards, a beautiful rendition of extinction, and then (the song i'd been really excited for when i'd glimpsed it earlier) - gondii. an all-time favourite of mine and bennie's, it was intense, electrifying and ecstatic. we grabbed each other's hands, bounced up and down and yelled tunelessly along to the chorus. i vaguely remember hearing someone behind me ask if anyone had poppers.

sadly the boys goofed the transition into the grim reaper and skipped it (amby rap i'll catch you next tour!!!), but they laughed it off and the rest of the show made up for it in spades. up next was an epic heavy section - supercell, organ farmer and dragon, transitioning into flamethrower just as petrodragonic apocalypse intended. i briefly worried that my chill-gizz-enjoyer friend had been thrown too hard into the gizz-metal deep end, but she survived it and moshed along admirably. then the vibes switched up once again with the wonderfully jammy ice v, hypertension and work this time, everyone dancing and swaying together, lost in the current of the music.

to end the show, the microtonal guitars came out for pleura (this time joey yelled his "free palestine!" in the break with considerably more gusto) and billabong valley. i don't know what ambrose was drinking that night but he was fired UP - hopping the barrier into the audience to sing the first verse shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty fans in the tightly packed pit. then he climbed/fell back over the barrier - caught by gaspard - clambered back onto the stage, gasped "i might've peaked too early!" and then performed the rest of the song in a kind of frenzy; sprinting laps of the stage, whirling the microphone around above his head, playing jumprope with the cable and delivering his vocals with a growl that would make even the toughest classic rockers jealous. all told, a finale to remember.

after the show was over, the three of us wandered back to the airbnb glowing happily. bennie's accommodation had cancelled at the last minute, so we had to sneak her into our room and squeeze all three of us into the double bed, but we were so tired we just passed out and slept soundly regardless.

🦎✈️🎵

brighton

the next day (friday 31st may) was the day of our final show: brighton acoustic night. bennie and i said goodbye to our friend, picked up a quick breakfast at a greggs and headed back to the coach station. for months i'd been really, really looking forward to this show - a bootleg CD of the previous year's acoustic night in tennessee is one of my prized possessions - and due to our own experience acoustic-ifying king gizzard songs for our covers we were both very excited to see what songs the band would choose to adapt this time.

the national express NX 200 took us to gatwick airport, london, where we were scheduled to change onto the NX 025 to brighton. after some confusion, involving running around the airport following various conflicting signs and arrows with another gizzhead we'd picked up along the way, we arrived at the north terminal bus station with 5 minutes to spare. the coach was then delayed by over an hour. we watched the red numbers on the screen tick back further and further and tried not to panic.

to our great relief the coach did eventually show up. then, a quick jog dragging the suitcase through brighton, and we made it to the venue with a meagre 1.5 hours until doors opened. i bagsied a place in the quickly growing queue, got changed into my gig clothes in the street and sent bennie off with our luggage to find the hotel. luckily, the friendly mullet-and-hawaiian-shirt-adorned people next to me (they don't call brighton the gay capital of the UK for nothing) let bennie rejoin me in line when she returned. we all chatted about our favourite gizzard albums (the number 1 gizzhead icebreaker) and the songs we were hoping to get that night.

once through the ticket checks we rushed straight into the auditorium, hoping that our delayed coach hadn't lost us a chance at getting near the front. by a stroke of very good luck we managed to grab a place on the barrier right over on the left hand side - not exactly the prime position, but more than good enough for us. we clung onto it as the room filled up. grace cummings opened again (and smashed it again) and then the gizzard crew appeared once more to set up, this time with acoustic guitars, a piano and a half circle of stools. and for the final time, we joined the massive cheer as the band walked out onstage.

the acoustic night vibe was noticably different. joey, for reasons we may only guess at, was wearing a pair of dubiously fashionable sunshades. stu emerged already shoeless and carrying a pringles tube, grabbed his acoustic and sat down... on the stool right in front of me and bennie. turns out we had the best spot in the house: a direct eye-level view of stu mackenzie's bare feet. (joke) (...unless?). despite the dazzle of the stagelights and the crowd of 2000 people, the atmosphere was strangely intimate. the band sat facing us on the ring of stools, cavs and lucas chilling by the drumkit behind them and ambrose trading his usual synths for a seat behind the piano.

apparently the laid-back vibes (and possibly also the various beverages onstage) had put the guys in a much chattier mood than usual. throughout the night they exchanged jokes and banter with each other and the audience, ranging from funny to crude to heartfelt to just plain baffling, and prompting joking comments of "turn off his microphone!" and "this is why we usually play the songs without gaps in between". you can watch the whole thing here thanks to streamus, but some of my favourite moments include "grapefruit with bits", "phallic mushrooms" and "to my SISTER!!!". at one point, they even brought the world's best drummer, the elusive michael cavanagh, out from behind the kit to give a talk-show style interview while sipping on a glass of red wine. it also became apparent that stu's pringles tube did not contain crisps, and he was actually drinking something out of it... but he refused to tell us what.

the music was, of course, breathtaking. between fart jokes and anecdotes they wove for us melodies and counter-melodies at once familiar and new, the textures of the acoustic guitars building into a soundscape somehow both light, whimsical, and wonderfully complex and intricate. from reinterpreted classics such as "iron lung" to acoustic deep cuts like "time = $$$" and "you can be your silhouette" it was all utterly dreamlike and beautiful beyond even my highest expectations. truly a reminder of the incredible talent and versatility of the musicians in front of us, who just 24 hours before had been blasting our eardrums with techno and heavy metal in a city across the country. i watched it all happen from just a few feet away, gazing up at those crazy aussies like romeo under the fucking balcony, while the stagelights made spinning patterns dance across the ceiling far above.

despite it being the "chill out" show the crowd was lively and spirited, unable to resist some light moshing to trapdoor (trapdoor my beloved!!!) and even throwing up some crowd surfers for hot water. you'd've been hard pressed to find a single person in that room who wasn't having the time of their life. eventually though, i felt with a pang that the show was beginning to draw to a close. they played another one of my favourites, this thing, and then another; slow jam 1. the latter had me leaning over the barrier with tears running down my cheeks, close to overwhelmed by the culmination of the whole fantastic 2 week experience, sure that this would be the last song i'd hear from my favourite band in the world until whenever they next toured my area.

and then... something else happened.

what?

what??????

?????

we stumbled out of the venue in a daze, clutching a crumpled setlist passed to us by stu and drumsticks from the legendary mickey cavs himself. people kept appearing from the crowd to ask if we were the CD people and slapping us around the shoulders - a few even knew us by bennie's youtube name, which set us off laughing uncontrollably. for a while we just stood in the street by the venue doors letting the tide of people flow past, completely unable to believe what had just happened.

i opened my phone to a flurry of messages from my gizzhead internet friends (shoutout you guys) who'd seen the events unfold on streamus' livestream. just then, streamus himself appeared from around a corner to congratulate us. turns out he's a super chill guy, friendly and hyped about king gizz as ever. he kindly tipped us off to the spot around back of the venue where a bunch of fans were gathered by the stage door. we hung out there with the hardcore fans for a while, listening to everyone's tour stories while nonagon infinity played on a tinny speaker.

the band themselves didn't emerge that night (understandably - they had a 5am start the next day), but we made some cool friends anyway. then, as if we hadn't already had the most insane night, one of gizzard's stage hands quietly approached us from a side door and handed us a bunch of roughly folded sheets of paper. it was the band's chord sheets from the show. we sceamed internally, and probably also externally, and thanked her at least a dozen times. in return she thanked us, saying how if it wasn't for the fans none of the crew would have their jobs. we beamed and couldn't help but ask... did the band really listen to our CD? "yeah!" she said, "they were pumping it on the tour bus!". pretty fucking unreal.

eventually we returned to the hotel room and fell exhausted onto the bed. bennie's youtube was blowing up with "WAS THAT YOU?!" comments, and (half to check it actually was) we pulled up the last few minutes of streamus' video and watched it together, rolling around and squealing in semi-embarrassed glee. and did i mention that acoustic witchcraft (you know, the king gizzard version) was really good? it was really, really, really fucking good. pretty sure when the beat kicked in after the first verse i felt my soul jump out of my chest. it was so special. it was perfect.

🦎✈️🎵

epilogue

we made our way home by national express the next day. after 2 weeks my clothes were dirty, my legs covered in mosh pit bruises, my camera full of several hundred mostly blurry photos, and my heart full of joy and gratitude. which was presently very nearly crushed by arriving at our final bus stop and finding that my luggage had somehow disappeared from the storage hold during the journey. yep... setlists, drumsticks, passport and all. i did cry. but (to cut a long and convoluted story short) thanks to a stroke of very good luck and some excellent detective work from my mum, we managed to retrieve it from an apologetic elderly couple in the next town over. crisis averted, it was time to go back to normal life... for now.

the next week, king gizz announced their 2025 europe residency tour. naturally, we've got tickets to the 3-night run in bulgaria.

HAHA!

BEST BAND IN THE WORLD.

thanks for reading! the end. 🦎✈️🎵❤️

GizzMay 2024 !

(a retrospective tour diary by me)

🦎✈️🎵

king gizzard & the lizard wizard announced their 2024 world tour last november with a promise to "get woke, freak out the right wingers and love each other", so i, a like any normal person working a minimum wage job, immediately bought tickets to six shows.

read about the best 2 weeks of my life here (if you wish)

part 1: hamburg & amsterdam

after half a year of planning, studying google maps, scouring airbnb for cheap rooms and wincing at the cost of transport, me and my lovely girlfriend bennie (the person who first showed me polygondwanaland back in 2019) set off on our long-awaited trip on tuesday 21st may 2024. we were going to follow the band for six shows over two weeks across four countries. neither of us had ever done something like this before.

to kick off the trip, we flew from bristol airport to amsterdam, where we were due to transfer to a flight to hamburg. typically, a thunderstorm meant our hamburg flight was cancelled, so they sent us on a detour to vienna. we ate a slice of airport pizza in austria, tried not to panic and finally rolled into hamburg at around 10pm.

hamburg

the next day (22nd may) was our first gig. with around 4000 people and a 3 hour marathon set, this was gonna be the biggest and longest show of our section of the tour, and the only outdoor one. we queued from 1.30pm (early for europeans!) outside the venue, stadtpark arena. soon, the eerie sound of synths began emanating from inside the gates, then morphing into a soundcheck for the never-played-live-before silver cord, vocoder and all, and excitement amongst the fans was stoked. the weather forecast looked ominous, but spirits were high.

at around 3pm, it started raining. it poured relentlessly on the growing line of gizzheads in ponchos clutching poster tubes and beers for 3 hours until the venue gates finally opened. we ran to the front. we were hyped. we stood for another hour while rain and mist blew around the arena and thousands of fans filed in.

finally, just as the rain died down a bit, king gizz ran out onto the stage. the slightly delirious state induced by 2 oreos for dinner and freezing my tits off for 4 hours was almost as good as drugs. all thought of the water running down my back and legs disappeared. fuck yeah!!! king gizzard!!!

the rain soon came back in full force but we didn't care. float along fill your lungs was a fantastic opener, followed by banger after banger: a nonagon suite, work this time and iron lung (with ambrose braving the weather and emerging out onto the exposed walkway in the chorus to splash around in the puddles), to name a few. then, out rolled the highly anticipated new synth table and the boys launched into the 27 minute long live debut of the silver cord.

personally i was full of joy, whimsy and love for techno so naturally i thought this was fucking awesome, but reactions from the crowd (and from the "online community" a.k.a. redditors... haha) seem to have been mixed. it was 27 minutes long, we were cold and wet, the sound was a bit dodgy, etc etc. whatever. i was vibing extremely hard.

however, any dampened spirits were very quickly raised again by the epic 7 song metal run that ended the show. the crowd went wild - turns out moshing does wonders for the cold. i heard what ended up being 2 of my all time favourite live gizz songs for the first time: organ farmer and motor spirit. it kicked ass.

we made it back to the hotel soaking wet and probably bordering on hypothermic after over 7 hours in the rain. had a hot shower and then spent the rest of the evening attempting to dry our clothes and shoes with a hairdryer before our flight the next day. did not smell good.

🦎✈️🎵

amsterdam

we flew from hamburg to amsterdam schiphol on 23rd may, with at least 5 other gizzheads (easily recognisable by their poster tubes and t shirts) dotted around the plane. we arrived to a beautiful city on a beautiful sunny day and (obviously) headed directly to the weed shops. edibles legally purchased, we dumped our stuff at the airbnb and took the train to the venue: AFAS live.

waiting in the line, it was easy to spot who'd been at stadtpark the night before from the mud on their shoes. but the weather that afternoon was sunny and warm and the line was happily buzzing. we met some cool people including a person in a long yellow coat who was drawing huge oil pastel posters for the show - rad as hell and an iconic figure of the tour (i believe they gave the band a poster that night!).

once in the venue, we settled down by the barrier (it's always worth the wait!) and chatted with some swedish guys and a friendly australian, far from home. the support band was dr sure's unusual practice, a lively melbourne based punk act with a wild-haired wild-eyed frontman, filling in last minute for grace cummings who had to cancel several shows due to illness. they put on a great show, during which stu and lucas surreptitiously appeared to watch the band from the wings a few feet away from us. we gave them a wave, and stu shot us a wink.

the setlist that night was fucking incredible. gizzard opened with the mighty crumbling castle, a song that i'd been dreaming of seeing live ever since i first heard it 5 years ago. it was better than i ever could have hoped, with the weed brownie kicking in and the stage lights becoming kaleidoscopic. the band was energetic and the vibes were electric. stu overshot a high kick, fell on his ass and managed to hop back up without missing a lyric. self immolate - dragon - flamethrower - gila monster was unreal. joey used a quiet moment in pleura to stage-whisper "free palestine!", eliciting cheers.

somewhat hilariously in retrospect, during the hypnotic drone of rattlesnake me and my girlfriend both suddenly realised we were way too high. i have vague memories of the second half of the gig, including the han tyumi suite (REALLY REALLY MAD I MOSTLY MISSED THAT) and an honest-to-god terrifying moment in which joey and ambrose walked to the front of the stage, crouched down and stared directly at us for what felt like an undefinable amount of time. ultimately though - despite our tenuous grip on reality and the fact that we somehow got lost in a train station for an hour on the way home and spent the next full day in a semi-stoned stupor - it was a fantastic show. lesson learned: the dutch do not play about their space cakes.

after a day of recovery (let's just skip over that) and a lovely morning spent wandering around amsterdam taking in the sights, bennie and i made our way back to the airport to say our goodbyes. she was going home and i was travelling on to hit up the northern UK shows. despite knowing we'd see each other again in a week for the acoustic UK finale show in brighton, it was weirdly emotional. i was a little nervous about travelling alone, but excited.

🦎✈️🎵

(end of part 1, part 2 coming soon!)

[annecohen]

Falafel on Wheels is KOSHER and VEGAN. The absolute BEST FALAFEL IN LOS ANGELES! Falafel on Wheels is located at 5219 Newcastle Ave. in Encino, CA 91316. Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-5:45pm and Fri 11am-3:30pm. And they do events on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30pm-9:30pm, as well as on Sundays. CONTACT US AT: 1(310)628-5777 Instagram: falafel_on_wheels 

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[tastesoftamriel]

Hello, Talviel! What are funeral traditions of various races? More precisely, what food traditions do families in mourning have? (for example, where i live, people give little bags with sweets to everyone, strangers and relatives, and have a big feast of food with no eggs or dairy on the day of funeral, and then 40th day and one year, and i was wondering what would different tamrielic traditions be)

Funerary food isn't something I've put huge amounts of thought into, as thankfully I haven't attended many funerals. However, I did a bit of digging and asking around, and managed to put together a list for you.

Altmer

The High Elves, right to the grave, find the need to be grandiose, yet dignified. Funeral wakes are an important social gathering, and no expenses are spared by family or friends when it comes to feasting. Everything from roast duck pancakes to almond-stuffed heron breast and vegetable tartines are on offer (as well as a lot of wine), and the more extravagant the feast, the more loved an Altmer was.

Argonians

Funerals are taken very seriously in Argonian customs, and it is traditional, especially for prominent community members, for members of a tribe to band together and make a large, fermented fruit and honey cake that symbolises the life of an individual. The cake is shared amongst funeral guests, but a large chunk is also left as an offering by the grave stake.

Bosmer

The Bosmer tend to save their precious rotmeth for special occasions, funerals included. A special dish of ground bone meal, minced meat, butter, and marrow is commonly eaten at the wake, and washed down with rotmeth as it's quite a dry dish. And no, I'm not going to be elaborating on eating the dead.

Bretons

Casserole dishes are the most common sight at funerals in High Rock, because they're easy to make and feed plenty of people. Macaroni bakes with chicken, tuna, spinach, or cheese are the most common, as well as dishes like fish pie, meatloaf, and scalloped potatoes. It's all hearty, homey food that will temporarily help you forget your sorrows.

Dunmer

House Dunmer funerary practices have thus far been closed to me as an outlander, so I can only speak of one Ashlander funeral I attended. Traditionally, baked ash yams are offered to the dead by each funeral guest, which are then mashed together with a paste of comberry, saltrice, canis root, and gold kanet. The mashed yam is served hot with a rich bone broth, and is eaten together in silence.

Imperials

The Cyrodiilic tradition for those who worship the Nine is generally a full spread of food with as many comforting small dishes as possible. Usually, friends and family will bring a dish each, leading to proper feasts if the deceased was popular. While there is no specific taboo on what foods can or cannot be eaten, strong flavours are uncommon and sometimes even frowned upon. Things you can expect to find are slaughterfish cakes, dill salad, grilled haloumi, and eggplant bake.

Khajiit

Moon sugar sweetens an otherwise painful affair when death is concerned in Elsweyr, and flavours are used to convey the unique characteristics of every Khajiit's life. Normally, a dish for every emotion is served: steamed bittergourd to represent bitterness, chilis to represent passion, and sour to represent surprise. Moon sugar, used ritually, reflects the Sands Behind the Stars. Loved ones carefully curate a flavour map of every life, making sure that their memory lingers on in every bite of moon sugar ever after.

Nords

In Skyrim, everyone wants to go to Sovngarde one day. When someone dies, we customarily eat what myths tell us of the food in Sovngarde (which I've seen with my own eyes and can personally attest to). Barrels of ale and mead are there to drown your sorrow, and there is an abundance of roasted meats, bread, entire cheese wheels, desserts, and much more. Different Holds also have different traditions; for example, Haafingar funerals always feature cinnamon donuts.

Orcs

Nobody puts the fun in funeral like the Orcs, which can sometimes be shocking to outsiders. Feasts are standard in clan strongholds, but feature a staple number of dishes. Fried polenta with glacier tomatoes, spit-roasted mammoth, game stew, cheese pasties, and all the bread you can eat are usually present, as well as any dishes favoured by the deceased. I once heard of a chieftain's son who loved taffy treats so much that he had an entire hill of them in the centre of the courtyard for his funeral.

Redguards

Funerals are a sombre affair for the Redguards, so food is not of huge importance. Usually, small snacks and canapés will be on offer, as well as wine and cold water. Like the Imperials, the normally flavourful local tastes are toned down out of respect for the dead. Mint yoghurt with pulled lamb on flatbread, falafel, and baked eggplant are some of the things you can expect.

[certifiedslag]

just a list of comforting or fascinating things that i like:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- art nouveau furniture/architecture

- the phrase and the song, femme fatale

- terracotta/ clay bowls

- dsquared2 milan fall 2004 runway

- the film: lock, stock, and two smoking barrels

- transpersonal psychology

- brad pitt in fight club and snatch

- the tarot card, high priestess

- malachite and carnelian

- penny lane and sapphire from almost famous

- falafel wraps and bibimbap

- beaded curtains

- sleeping in men’s boxers or tartan pyjamas bottoms

- the roberto cavalli spring 2017 runway

- the seven hermetic principals

- the rose/dance of Venus (aka Venus’ and earth’s 8yr orbital pattern)

- the sweet potato/ cumin daal that my mum makes

- afghan coats{preferably suede}

- hot vegetable samosas

- eating any citrus when stoned

- thierry mugler autum/winter 1997-1998 {paris haute couture} runway

- keanu reeves’ performance in the film; my private idaho

- the aphex twin songs “alberto balsalm” , “ageispolis” and “#3”

- pottery, particularly when they throw pots on the spinning wheel

- wes wilson psychedelic posters

- homemade pasta sauces especially if you eventually eat the pasta out of the pan

- the GQ Tie me up, tie me down photoshoot featuring Joseph Gordon Levitt and Claudia Schiffer

- the Jimi Hendrix experience

- the book- britpop and the 90s: while we were getting high

- pretty much anything by thievery corporation

- the film lost in translation

- eating affagato in the summer heat

[canyouhearmeow]

11 , 17 , 20 , 27 for the ask game - from iamsayer ^_^

11. Best character (main or minor; artificial or human) to share brunch with

corrine vasquez and dr. grant seem fun to hang out with. milfs <3

17. Roadtrip with all the main characters! Who do you hand the aux cord to, who gets to drive, who brings the snacks, who's responsible for navigating?

young is at the wheel and hale is riding shotgun. future and sayer are sitting at the back at opposite ends, with speaker sandwiched between the two to prevent any scuffles (yes the AIs inhibit physical bodies in this one)

i think a lot abt non-corporeal beings experiencing the joys of the physical world, so i can imagine each of the AIs bringing meals and snacks they've tried and absolutely loved. for old times' sake sayer brings falafel, made from scratch and based on a recipe sayer tried and perfected, and which it (he?) insists is highly nutritional and filling, and that there will be no need for any of the horrid junk foods future brought. young weeps bc it's infinitely tastier than the garbage they had back on typhon. hale cries bc it's the spiciest thing he's ever had. (and much to sayer's dismay, everyone scarfs down future's snacks as well) (sayer begrudgingly accepts some sour gummy worms from future and ends up eating the whole bag by himself)

speaker, who brought a big bag of artisanal honey sweets, insists on making everyone listen to its (their???) deathgrind playlist. future and young love it; hale, not so much, but he's too polite to say anything and besides, everyone else seems to be having fun! except sayer, who's got its headphones on and is listening to audio books, or trying to

the planning was left to young and sayer, with some input from hale (and by input i mean resolving any disagreements) (and by resolving any disagreements i mean getting increasingly distressed at their arguing until young and sayer agree to find a compromise)

20. A song/poem/piece of art that reminds you of [specify character here]

speaking of deathgrind, Cattle Decapitation's Death Atlas album is very misanthropic in a way that reminds me a lot of ocean and s5-s1 sayer (so misanthropic it's almost goofy)

also here's a fun fact! this album was released in november 2019 and has a track called 'Bring the Plague Back'. the following month the first known case of covid was identified :)

27. Speculation time - what's your best guess about what Research Facility Zeta's whole deal is?

what about it?? it's a spooky research facility with man-made horrors beyond anyone's comprehension. and i dont want it explained, ever

[roguedallas]

@buglesgirlfriday​:    ❝  i know you’re new, but we do things a little differently here.  ❞

❝  ‘scuse me?  ❞    legs are crossed at the ankle, resting on jameson’s desk as the bugle’s newest nuisance makes himself at home in publisher’s rather cozy office, posture stiffening a bit at the sudden ‘intrusion’.    dark, curious eyes move slowly as they take in the less-than-amused looking brunette, her arms crossed, lips a thin line as another comment sits in her throat.    sharp little teeth bare themselves in a wolfish smile as he just sits up — just for her.    ❝  you must be miss brant — betty, right?    i’ve read a few of your articles, very nice investigative work.  ❞

jameson said to leave the rest of the bugle staff outta this, he’s only interested in parker.    the reminding thought feels like a sticky note barely hanging onto the back of his mind, and with a glance at his watch   ( and the realization that jameson probably wouldn’t be back in the office for another hour )    metaphorical parchment is lost to the depths, accompanied by his better judgement.    ❝  y’know, miss brant,  ❞    the wheels of jonah’s chair squeak with his weight as he pushes back from the desk, taking a second to rolls his shoulders before he stands, sauntering towards the door,    ❝  seems it’ll still be a good while until mr. jameson makes an appearance ‘round here but uh, if yer’ not too busy at the moment, there’s this cute little falafel place just a few blocks from here — my treat, of course.  ❞

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

desert trip dubai,

desert trip dubai,

Dubai, known for its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant city life, offers a completely different experience when you venture into the desert that surrounds it. The Dubai desert is a unique and mesmerizing landscape, offering travelers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Arabian sands. A desert trip in Dubai is not only a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but also a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of one of the world's most iconic desert regions.

What to Expect on a Desert Safari

A desert safari in Dubai is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the city. The most popular way to explore the desert is by embarking on a desert safari tour, which typically lasts between 4 to 7 hours, depending on the package you choose. These safaris are designed to give you a taste of the wilderness while offering exciting activities and opportunities to relax.

Dune Bashing: One of the key highlights of a desert trip is the thrilling dune bashing experience. In a 4x4 vehicle, you’ll be driven by an experienced guide through the tall, golden dunes. The powerful off-road vehicles navigate the shifting sands at high speeds, providing an adrenaline-pumping ride that is the perfect blend of excitement and breathtaking views.

Camel Riding: For a more serene desert experience, camel riding is a must. Often referred to as the "ships of the desert," camels have been the traditional mode of transport in the desert for centuries. Riding a camel through the soft, golden sands offers a unique and peaceful way to explore the desert landscape, and is often accompanied by a beautiful sunset in the background.

Sandboarding: If you're in the mood for some more adventure, sandboarding is a popular activity during desert trips. Similar to snowboarding, sandboarding involves sliding down the smooth slopes of the dunes on a specially designed board. It's a fun and exciting activity for those seeking a bit of thrill in the desert.

Quad Biking: For those who prefer to take control of their adventure, quad biking is a fantastic option. You can ride a four-wheeled ATV across the dunes, allowing you to explore the desert on your terms. These bikes are designed for off-road use, so they’re perfect for navigating the vast desert landscape.

Cultural and Culinary Experience

In addition to the thrilling activities, a desert trip in Dubai also offers a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to experience traditional Arabian hospitality.

Bedouin Camps: Many desert safari tours include a stop at a traditional Bedouin-style camp. Here, you'll experience the warmth of Arabian culture, enjoy some traditional music and dance performances like the mesmerizing belly dance, and even have the opportunity to get a henna tattoo. The Bedouins were the nomadic desert dwellers of the region, and their culture and customs play a significant role in Dubai’s history.

Traditional Dinner Under the Stars: After a day of adventure, relax in the desert with a traditional Arabic dinner. Many desert safaris offer an authentic buffet dinner, complete with grilled meats, hummus, falafel, and freshly baked bread. The meals are served under the stars, with the flickering light of lanterns creating a magical atmosphere in the desert night.

Stargazing: The desert is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, far from the city lights. Many desert safari companies offer stargazing experiences, allowing you to marvel at the vast expanse of the Milky Way and constellations above.

Best Time to Visit the Desert

While desert safaris are available year-round, the best time to visit Dubai’s desert is during the cooler months, from November to March. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, and you can enjoy the outdoor activities without the intense heat of the summer months. Temperatures in the desert can reach over 40°C (104°F) in summer, making it less enjoyable for outdoor excursions.

Booking a Desert Trip in Dubai

There are a variety of tour operators offering desert safari experiences in Dubai. You can book tours directly through their websites, through your hotel concierge, or even via mobile apps. Prices for desert safaris vary based on the package you choose, with options for private tours, group safaris, or luxury experiences that include special amenities like gourmet dinners and private tents.

Conclusion

A desert trip in Dubai is an incredible way to experience the beauty of the Arabian desert. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural insight, or simply a unique escape from the city, the desert offers a magical backdrop for a memorable experience. With thrilling activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding, alongside cultural encounters and serene desert views, it’s an excursion you won’t want to miss.

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