#go to vacation on an island and tan and swim in crystal blue waters with coral reefs and the fishies

[chelleisamazing]

Sitting in my room thinking about kms bc I have to go back to work tomorrow and realizing that's what really makes me unhappy lol

[gokitetour]

Top 7 Things to Do in Mauritius for an Unforgettable Holiday

Mauritius is a dream that comes true and has it all: sand, sea, trees, and culture. Regardless of whether you are travelling with your kids, friends, or your spouse, there is much to do in Mauritius that will make your vacation memorable. From bungee jumping to sun tanning, this island destination is sure to make every type of traveler happy. If you would like to discover the sights and allure of this marvelous island, then a Mauritius tour package is the most effective means of guaranteeing that none of the splendors of this island will be missed.

When planning a vacation to Mauritius, it is relatively easy to do so especially if you book yourself a Mauritius tour package from India. Now you can swim in crystal clear water and practice water sports on the gorgeous beaches, trek up to the beautiful waterfalls, and explore the culture of the country all in one vacation! From bird watching, hiking, abseiling, fishing, game viewing, and relaxation, there is something for everyone. Ready to explore? Here are the top 7 things to do in Mauritius to ensure the holiday turns out to be amazing and memorable.

Here are the Top 7 Things to Do in Mauritius for an Unforgettable Holiday

1. Relax on the Pristine Beaches

Mauritius is well known for the marvelous and beautiful beaches. Try to imagine yourself lying on the Flic en Flac, Belle Mare or Le Morne Beach with the ocean waves caressing the sandy coast. These beaches are beautiful for a sunbath, swimming or any other water activities, or simply for doing nothing. It also has a boat option where you can actually go to secluded beaches which makes your day at the beach so special!

2. Dive Into the Underwater World 

If you have ever wanted to wake up and find yourself in a world filled with bright colored fish and exotic marine life, then Mauritius is the place to be. There is no doubt that the island is a paradise for divers, but even if you have never tried it before, it is worth to try snorkeling and scuba diving here. Snorkel around beautiful coral gardens, interact with fish, and if you’re lucky, you will be able to see dolphins or turtles. The most favourite places for such activities are Blue Bay Marine Park and Grand Baie.

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3. Explore the Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses 

Nature lovers will find the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as Pamplemousses, a place they will not want to miss. This beautiful garden is full of numerous types of endemic and exotic plants and flowers, and the most famous is the giant water lily. Take a leisurely walk through the calm and serene trails and be awed by the different species of plants that grow in the island and how they shaped the island’s botanical heritage. That means it’s a great place to come for a peaceful afternoon.

4. Hike to the Stunning Chamarel Waterfall 

The Chamarel waterfall is one of the most stunning natural attractions in Mauritius and it is situated in the centre of the island. The waterfall descends into a quiet pool amidst the foliage of trees making it perfect for photography. If you’ve had your fill of the wonderful scenery, there is another colorful attraction called the Seven Colored Earths which is a naturally formed land formation of seven different colors of earth. It’s truly a sight to behold!

5. Discover the Culture and History at Aapravasi Ghat 

This island is a blend of cultures and to learn more about the history of the country, tourists should visit Aapravasi Ghat, a world heritage site. It is significant to the history of the island because it was here that indentured laborers first arrived in the 19th century. Visiting the remnants of the village lets the visitor experience a unique atmosphere and learn more about history of Mauritius.

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6. Embark on a Catamaran Cruise

Cruising on a catamaran is one of the most effective ways to discover the attractions of Mauritius from the sea side. Spend a day in a boat cruising along the coastal areas and within the warm equatorial region and take time to have a swim in the clear watered laggoons. Most cruises also have lunch available throughout the day and a variety of seafood and fruits to munch on while sun bathing. You might even be able to see dolphins on the way what can be more fun than the sea?

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7. Explore the Unique Island of Île aux Cerfs 

A small island Île aux Cerfs is just half an hour away from the main island by a boat and it is known for sand beaches, clear sea water and water sports. If you are a water skiing enthusiast, parasailing or just want to sunbath on the sandy beach, this island will provide all of that. It is a suitable destination for those who would love to have fun, be relaxed and have some thrill at the same time.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Mauritius is one of the most beautiful countries in the world that will provide tourist with the best of leisure and fun, adventure and exploration. There are many things that you can do for you to make your holiday an interesting one ranging from the sandy beaches to the energetic history of the locals. From the botanical gardens to the sea and snorkeling or a catamaran trip, this island will always be interesting.

If you are now ready to get the most out of your Mauritius experience, then the best way to do it is by asking for a Mauritius tour package. For tourists from India Mauritius tour package from India is quite comfortable and well planned, so you can just sit back and enjoy Mauritius. Do not hesitate – contact us now for your fantastic Mauritius holiday!

[jodellejournals]

little mermaid days

an hour away from my hometown city, a municipality called san joaquin peacefully exists and humbly thrives. it is located at the southern tip of iloilo and it was way back 2005 when we spontaneously walked on its shores until we found an empty lot. it was love at first sight at the scenery that struck us so my tita bought that piece of land. a year later, it became our family beach house. long weekends, summer breaks, birthdays, and anniversaries started to be spent and celebrated there and so it became a home away from the city where i lived my little mermaid dreams. as some of you know, i have always been fascinated by mermaids and their happy-go-lucky life — just swimming, brushing their hair with forks, being friends with crabs and almost all sea creatures, and away from the harsh and cruel human world. i’m such an escapist, i know, but that’s who i am. i have mentioned in one of my previous entries that my favorite disney princess is ariel from the little mermaid so living in a beach house during weekends made me feel like one. thankfully, no ursula was there but only eels. and sometimes, they come for free. a family friend of ours who does business in the area gives us free seafood and we all know it tastes better when it’s free! but i don’t eat eels! they’re not my thing. i only enjoy fresh fishes and prawns. they’re good although i am allergic to the latter one. i am scared of how oysters look like, on the other hand, so i just pass them around. that’s too much food already so let me share to you instead how life was like in the sea side.

usually, we’d leave our ancestral house in the city by 8am although we have originally planned to depart at 7am. filipino time, you know. if there will be plenty of us (cousins from first to third degrees, extended aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews who were tagged along, and some househelp), we’d go in three batches. if we’re a small bunch, one or two batches would be enough. i always pick the car where cousins my age were at and i’d be lounging in the backseat with my pillow, a bag of cheetos or chippy, bottled water, and earphones. life is good. and i’m all set for a cozy hour of car ride. bye-bye, city! whilst on the road, i’d always (and i mean always), look in the window as if i’m in a summer adventure movie like aquamarine. the usual sights were centuries-old churches, spanish colonnial houses, pastry shops, local malls and resorts. all of which were very familiar to me since i grew up passing by them but they still seemed anew each time i laid my eyes. i marveled at my city. it is such beauty. there is really no place like home. then thirty to forty minutes later, my eyes were greeted by palm trees, zigzag roads, little nipa restaurants, and just a bit further, the glittering sea under the piercing rays of sun came into our perfect view. san joaquin, being a southern municipality, is abundant in natural resources. so the closer you get there, the closer you are to mother nature. it’s like a secret hiding place for me — almost like narnia — where i can unwind with birds, fishes, cows, and dogs to name a few. some cows were literally on the road so we make sure that we don’t go way too fast even if there’s no traffic. cows have their agendas, too, so let’s not get in their way. then if we’d get a bit hungry because breakfast was usually prepared upon arriving at the beach house, we’d stop over at a famous bakery shop called nang palang’s pies. a trip to san joaquin is usually never completed without buying boxes of their signature buko pie. delicious, warm, and well-suited for the tropical weather. i’d take half-bites so as to not be full when real breakfast arrives. then after attempts of dozing into a nap and avoiding cows and their agendas, we’d finally arrive at our vacation home.

upon opening the car door, the crashing sound of the waves welcomed us warmly and the buzzing of the crickets, too! i can already feel my tan slowly coming out of my skin. i don’t know why but beaches make everything seem glisten and glitter. the air smelled of fresh leaves and trees mixed with saltiness from the sea. i love that earth smell! by that time, i’d instinctively hear the sea calling my name. it’s shining there few steps away from me, after all. no worries mr. sea, me and my cousins were already in our swimsuits. we were that excited and ready. we have learned from previous visits to be always prepared with the right attire because the sea calling exempts nobody. and the bangka at the shore (that is usually a property of our caretaker) only tempted us more to go for a sunny boat ride. the adults could no longer do anything if we jumped in and rowed that boat! forget the sunscreen, the little children in us back then used to not care much about our skin. playtime was more important and twice the fun at the beach. so one time, my mother called us for breakfast but we were already dipped in the not-so-deep blue sea and basked under the yellow san joaquin sun. too late, chocolate!

but if she triumphed in stopping us, me and my cousins would have an afternoon swim instead. by 3:30pm, usually refreshed from our nap, we were in the perfect mood to be little mermaids. folding chairs in happy colors perched at the shore and tall beach umbrellas stood firmly. now we have sandy toes that made us forget our childish woes. we’d create sand castles or write our names in the sand using sticks. it would stay there for the sky to look upon until a giant wave would wash them all away. gone was any trace of our masterpiece but that’s okay, we always love the sea. then some children at our age would pass by us. they hold with them crystal bottles that looked like one of those that ursula had with potion, weirdly-shaped but pretty-colored stones, kites, and biscuits or chips. i guess it’s their playtime, too. no, they’re not lost wandering anywhere the wind takes them but local residents just roaming around their village. yes, our beach house was at the sea side where many houses of the locals stood firm. when we talked to those children about the place, they knew every twist and turn, how long it would take to get to the next island or village, or how much the goods there cost. these children, small they may be, but mighty is their knowledge. i could not even commute properly until now without asking for some guides and directions! but them, they are like dora’s map that memorized each corner by heart. how wonderful are the lives of these people? living by the sea, breathing fresh air, and swimming in the waters anytime they want. they do fishing for a living and it’s not even a nine-to-six job. clearly, there is work-life balance. the best things in life are indeed, free. so why do we even picture a life in the city? a simple life calls for a simple way of living. but jodelle, you know deep down inside, that each parent wants their children to live a life with the best things that this world has to offer. how? by getting a good education, earning money, investing on insurance, building your own place, exploring countries, and meeting new faces to name a few. that’s how it’s always been painted to us. but what if, once in a while, we just retreat to nature and immerse in a homemade and handmade kind of life? i’d gladly consider that option.

anyway, going back to my story, me and my cousins would start swimming by 4pm right after our encounter with the locals. for me, it’s the ideal swimming time because there was no more blazing heat but only breezing winds. and it would not also be long enough until it’s sunset o’clock! so one afternoon, i laid down by the shore wearing my navy blue swimsuit with yellow flowers on it and my back felt the soft sand and each time the waves kissed the shore. relaxing, soothing, calming. i can just stay here forever, i remember thinking. and while laying there, my only view was the clear sky. it was not blue that time but clear white with some fading yellows on the sides from the noon that has passed. how vast is this celestial body? does it ever end? the world is so big and i felt so small — but free as well. then a flock of chirping birds came into my view and i didn’t mind. i enjoyed them, in fact. they seemed so happy and at peace. isn’t it beautiful how bodies of water, vast skies, and living creatures just harmoniously coexist together? god really created everything perfectly. i stayed laying there a bit longer and saw the sky changed to a different shade in its own pace. just like us humans. another thought came across my mind but it was a bit silly. wild guess? i pretended the sand was snow and created a sand angel! it was not that bad upon checking the outcome. shortly, i called my cousin, dianne, and told her my blissful and happy experience. i can’t be selfish and enjoy the wonders of the shores all to myself, right? so she also laid beside me, created her own sand angel, and we looked up to the sky above, enjoying our moment of peace and quiet. we closed our eyes for a bit and meditated. just two pisces girls being spiritual. but not too long though, because strong waves took us back to our reality.

by that time, the sun was already setting and hues of oranges, pinks, and purples painted the sky. i’m not a swimmer so i just sat at a huge rock in the waters, pretended i had a tail, and parted my wet hair into half just like how mermaids do it. i’d look at the horizon, check ships from afar, observe small boats nearby, and when i look down on my toes, little nemos were there happily swimming. being in nature really makes me feel alive. then as we came out of the waters, the fishermen were also docking their bangkas and pulling their fishing nets. they had a bountiful catch which was enough to feed their family. that signaled me and my cousins that it was time to wash up in the bathroom for dinner will soon be served. expectedly, our viand would be grilled fish to be dipped in soy sauce, calamansi, and chilli peppers and we’d pair it with warm sticky rice. when we were full, we’d leave the ground floor for the adults to play mahjong and climb our way to the second floor to share stories. sometimes, we’d play cards or read books through our iphones. The television did not appeal much to us when we were there. and when midnight came, we’d munch on a bag of doritos for snacks and drink leftover red wine that was usually from our previous visit. all while the airconditioner was on full blast. i miss that kind of comfortable. a little bit later, we’d turn off some of the lights but it wasn’t completely dark. the moon that shone above was enough to give us light and it seeped through our room that was guarded by a sliding glass door. it overlooked the sea 24/7 and we never got tired of that view. when daylight came, there was no need for an alarm clock because the sound of the ocean waves that sweetly lulled us to sleep last night would gently wake us up in the morning sun, too. coming with the terms of nature and its cycles enabled me to be aware of what part of the day it already was. so that’s when i knew it’s time for brunch because the sun was way too high up in the sky. we’d then go on with the day just like how we spent yesterday until we were due to be back in the city.

oh, happy times. it was simpler back then. it used to even feel like days would always be like that forever but look at me now. i’m miles away from where i consider home and “living” a so-called adult life “the way it should be” — working at the office, paying insurance, constructing emails. all those stuff. when did life become like this? did i forget how to have a heart and eyes of a child? i hope not. but being in your twenties can easily get you in a trap especially if there is no time to take a pause and reflect. sometimes, it’s easier to be just a child — forgiving, carefree, light-hearted, full of wonder, and pure in every way. all would be well again after a good cry. but then i have always known that i can forever remain a kid at heart no matter how old i age. i just have to make sure that she’s within me safely guarded at all costs so the world would never harden her. i am glad she still remains soft when i look at her closely. she still has those eyes full of wonder with a carefree heart that carries happy childhood memories from her little mermaid days.

[craftyshipper]

Lost IV

Part l, Part ll, Part lll

Some fluff before the danger goes down.

---------

Warmth.

That was all Momo could think as she slowly came awake. Her eyelids fluttering open as her gaze came to rest on the cave wall. The arm she felt across her stomach caused her to smile as she tugged one of the sleeping bags that they used as a blanket, further up their bodies.

Carefully she turned in the strong pair of arms that were holding her. The red and white haired male shifted slightly and settled down again as Momo pressed herself against his chest, causing him to subconsciously pull her tighter to him.

She smiled into the fabric of his shirt remembering the night before when he trusted her with the story of his past. She had of course cried and hugged him, the tender affection causing his own break down. He was doing better these days but remembering all the grief and abuse he went through alongside his mom, still hurt.

"I wish we didn't have to get up today." She murmured.

"Then don't." Came a sleepy reply.

"Were you faking sleep?" Momo giggled.

"I don't know what you're talking about." The smile in his voice was unmistakable.

Slapping his chest playfully, she pulled away and sat up to hover over him.

"What happened to not getting up?"

"Who said I was?"

Momo smiled softly before she leaned down to kiss his lips. He rolled his body so he was on his back and reached up to cup her cheeks in his hands.

When she pulled away he let out a soft sigh before tugging her down to lay on his chest. She let out a small squeak when she fell into his hard chest and she couldn't help but blush. Sure they were pretty much official, but that didn't make it any less embarrassing. Her flushed cheeks made her entire body burn, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Sighing into his chest, an idea popped into her head.

"Would you be up for a swim with me?"

Momo raised her head and stared at her with a raised brow.

"What brought this on?"

"Well, I know we're stuck here, but we don't have to make it feel like a prison. Let's have some fun." She grinned as he gave a thoughtful stare.

"Sure."

"Great!" She jumped up from their makeshift bed to grab her red bikini. She slipped behind the privacy screen she created after dinner last night. It provided a place for them to change their clothes to avoid any embarrassing incidents.

Shouto took the opportunity to quickly change into his swimming trunks again, before removing the blue t shirt he had worn to bed last night.

"Are you ready?" She asked and stepped out from behind the screen.

Shouto nearly turned his gaze away from her, she looked amazing in her swimsuit and part of him felt like a pervert for staring at her. Momo, being the smart girl that she is, noticed the pink tint to his cheeks as he stepped out of the cave. She couldn't help but giggle.

He's too cute when he blushes.

Momo stepped outside and stretched her arms out over her head. The sunlight warming her skin as the cool breeze balanced out the heat. Her gaze found Shouto already standing in a shallow part of the water, the level coming up to his ankles and she was thankful for the crystal clear ocean before them. Otherwise swimming would be out of the question.

Jogging to his position an idea formed in her head. She didn't know if he'd get mad or not, she threw caution to the wind and sprinted straight for him. Unfortunately for her, he turned on his heel at that moment and she barreled into his chest, sending both of them to the ground with her on top of him.

"You know..." He paused, "You're taking be stuck on an island pretty well."

"When I have a wonderful partner as you, why should I worry?"

Shouto gave a small smile and flinched when something dug into his back. She paled.

"Oh my goodness, your bruise, I'm so sorry!" She jumped away from him and helped him sit up.

"That's not what made it hurt, something stabbed me." He touched his back and pulled away to find a small amount of blood. "Great, a scratch I didn't need."

Frowning, Momo reached around and dug into the sand where he previously laid. She was afraid she was going to find a rusty knife or piece of metal. Relief flooded her system when she pulled out a seashell, the pointed end had been poking out of the sand.

"Seashell 1, Shouto 0." She laughed and placed the shell into his hand

"Beaten by a shell." Shouto sighed. "What a tragedy."

Momo was still giggling at him and he stood up. "You think it's so funny?"

Biting her lip to stop her laughter, Momo paled when Shouto stood above her. Not normally the playful type, Shouto was feeling a little devilish. Though it was easy to feel this way when he was around Midoriya and Momo.

"Uh Shouto, wh-what are you doing?"

Realizing his goal, she tried to crawl away but he grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder.

"No!" She giggled. "Put me down!"

Carrying her deeper into the water, he tossed her into the ocean as if she was nothing. She let out a yelp before her body sunk into the water and she scrambled back to the surface to stare at Shouto who was looking very smug right now.

"You are going to pay for that!"

With a shrug he said. "Shouto 1, Momo 0."

Stealthily she created a water gun beneath the water, and she could care less that she was using her quirk for something so childish, she was going to have her revenge. Smiling, she filled the gun up with water and quickly lifted it up and sprayed Shouto directly in the face. The shocked expression he wore made her wish she had a camera to capture it.

“I guess that makes us even.” She raised the gun to rest it against her shoulder.

His stare hardened as he sunk below the water, diving down. She couldn’t move away fast enough, and he grabbed her feet, dunking her down below. She let out an undignified squeal as she went under than was quickly lifting up by her boyfriend.

“That was a cheap shot.”

“I never said I’d play fair.” And then he kissed her.

She dropped the toy into the water and wrapped her arms around his neck to kiss him even deeper, her lips sliding gently against his and she had to resist the urge to let out a small moan. Once she pulled away, she rested her forehead against his and sighed with a smile playing across her lips.

Shouto sighed in content, his arms wrapping securely around her waist, he wished this moment would last forever.

---------

“Look at them.” A burly man dressed in a long brown overcoat passed the binoculars over to his friend. “They are acting like they are on a vacation, they’ve been stuck there for the last four days.”

“Ah, but don’t you see where they got most of their supplies?” He grinned maliciously. “That girl has a creation quirk, she would be most useful among our group.”

“Hm, shall we take her?”

“We will...eventually...let them enjoy this peace before we destroy it all before them, especially when I kill that boy.”

---------

“Do you think we’ll find a clear spring up here?” Momo asked as they continued hiking deeper into the foliage around them. After their swim, they washed up and changed into their other set of clothes. Momo wearing a pair of pink shorts and a tan t shirt while Shouto wore a pair of black pants and a blue t shirt. A pair of black and white converse were worn by both of them.

“We might, I figured we give it a chance before we decide on using your quirk to make a larger tub.” He glanced around the trees. “I mean we could always bathe in the ocean but salt water doesn’t feel too good for that.”

She laughed. “But it’s clear.”

“And salty.” He added. “If we find a spring, the natural minerals in the rocks would have purified it.”

“It would be nice to wash up in clean water.”

They had only been using a small basin filled with water he made from his ice after he melted it with his fire and washed up with the washcloth and soap Momo made.

An odd feeling crawled up Momo’s spine, as if they were being watched and it wasn’t until she bumped into Shouto’s back that she realized he had come to a complete stop.

“What’s wrong?”

Stepping around him, she froze in place, the scene before her sending a wave of nausea over her.

“S-Shouto.” She called out to him and grabbed his arm. “Wha-what happened here?”

He took a look around at the skeletons that littered the ground, they seemed as if they had been there for a very long time. That wasn’t the disturbing part. What made it worse was the fresh blood that trekked its way across the mossy floor, the two bodies laying only a few inches away.

“Shouto?”

“I don’t think we’re alone out here...we need to start thinking about an escape plan.” He grabbed her arm and they both ducked behind a tree to hide themselves. “If the people that did this are still here, we are in more danger than we thought we’d be.”

--------

“Hold on just a damn minute.” Aizawa spoke up again. “You are seriously underestimating my students, especially the two that are missing.”

“I apologize, but even with the quirks that they have, they have someone with an ability to block the use of quirks.”

“An erasure quirk?” Midoriya gasped.

“Yes, he has a quirk similar to yours, but his requires touching the person to do so.” The man frowned. “Exactly how do you expect them to defend against something they don’t know about.”

---------

Part IV done  ^_^

[bestbetsite-blog]

Fun Holiday and Exciting Vacation in Singapore

What are the main factors of attractions which make visitors be fascinated to visit Singapore? What can a traveller or foreigner can be expecting more in this small country than beaches and island?

Sentosa is most probably the famous resort can be found in Singapore. Millions and millions of visitors travel this place every year. There are many wonderful things to explore here included five-star hotels, Universal studios, golf courses and the Resorts world which gives the plenty options of entertainment and one can see more on the websites like cmdbet. Gambling is the wagering of money or something of value (referred to as "the stakes") on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning money or material goods. Gambling thus requires three elements be present: consideration, risk (chance), and a prize.

If you love to have a best experience and get an unforgettable sea show, do not ever miss the Sea songs. It is the one and only show in the world which is set in the blue waters of the sea with crystals. You will have Goosebumps when your eyes start seeing the show of water jets, laser shows, and pyrotechnic displays.

The person who loves multi-dimensional movies can have a damn good experience here in Sentosa as it is witnessing to have the first 4-dimensional movie theatre across Southeast Asia. The 4D max in Sentosa uses highly modern technology and state of the heart to give every traveller best experience of its level in movie viewing.

There is an adventurous zip down and MegaZip Adventure park which is having the longest zip line in Souteast Asia. The amusement park which is found at the peak of a hill and making this zipline experience more amazing and excitement.

For the people whoever like to get a tan by swimming, Sentosa has seashore which is two kilometres worth on the island, where one can do a lot of fun and beach activities like volleyball and throw balls. There are rollerblade and mountain bikes available in an area. Restaurants and shops are situated all over the place and they will ensure that you would not anymore go to hungry while you are there with enjoying the sights.

Certainly, who has not ever heard of beautiful Universal Studios? Theme park is a famous destination for the travellers of the United States. The one is located in Florida and another one is in California. The branch which is in Singapore is the latest among the lot. It has just started activities and operations in this year on March.

This park has more than 20 attractions which are based on a show of television or hit a movie in the area of 20 hectares. Singapore has thousand of options that offers casino and lounges to be fascinated to visit every year without missing.

[themimsyborogove]

I have no excuse for this. I wanted to write something silly and I was really entertained by the idea of Ragnor getting sunburned. And I like the fluffy G-rated first half enough to post as its own one shot. I’ll link the full, er, more-than-G-rated version in a separate post when I get it up on AO3 later.

-----

Catarina has always liked the beach more than Ragnor does. It’s not that he hates the beach, he just hates heat, and humidity, and distrusts any body of water large enough to hold a boat. Just watching the boats passing by on the ocean, rocking in the waves, is enough to make his stomach turn, which the fishy smell of the salt water doesn’t help.

Ragnor much prefers mountains, with their cool, crisp air and clear streams that he and Catarina can sit on the edge of and dip their feet into while they rest during a hike. Even in the summer, when the days are hot and sunny, it isn’t a humid heat. The water in the streams is usually cold and refreshing, and the nights are comfortably cool, which always makes Catarina lean into him as they sit together outside of their tent. Ragnor likes those peaceful nights, where he can wrap an arm around her waist while she rests her head on his shoulder, and they can listen to the crickets chirp and watch the fireflies flutter through the woods with their soft glowing lights and pretend that the world is a little less bright, and noisy, and fast-paced than it’s become.

Ragnor might prefer their mountain hikes, but he knows Catarina likes warm sandy beaches as much as she likes their usual trips, and Ragnor does like to see her stretched out on a beach towel in the sun, enjoying the heat and the sand, so that’s where he plans their next vacation.

There’s a small island in the Caribbean that’s glamoured entirely from mundanes, and the group of warlocks who run the hotels and maintain the wards make a fortune from Downworlders who want to relax on a tropical beach without having to worry about their own glamours.

Ragnor makes Catarina close her eyes before he leads her through the Portal. There’s only one place on the island that’s unwarded to allow Portals to open, and it was clearly carefully chosen so that the first view of the island visitors see is of lush greenery and a pristine white sand beach with crystal clear, turquoise water.

“You can open your eyes now,” he says, and grins as her eyes widen, her mouth making a small ‘o’, as she takes in the beautiful scenery.

“Wow,” she murmurs, staring at the water, and he can tell by her expression that she’s itching to shed her clothes and dive in. “This certainly is a surprise.”

“It’s been a long time since I took you to a beach,” he says.

“Because you hate the beach.”

“I don’t hate the beach.”

Catarina tears her eyes away from the shoreline and turns to raise a moon-pale eyebrow at him.

“Okay, I hate the beach,” he admits. “But I like you on the beach, and that’s enough for me to enjoy myself.”

Catarina laughs and stands on her toes to kiss him. “You’re ridiculous, and this is completely over the top,” she says, but she’s smiling warmly at him. Catarina, always the very definition of practical and minimalistic, has never been one for big romantic gestures, but she’ll occasionally indulge him, and it’s clear she’s pleased with this one.

They check into their hotel, which appears to have been designed to be as unobtrusive as possible so as not to disrupt the natural landscape, and Catarina disappears into the bathroom to change. Ragnor changes into his own swim trunks and digs the the bottle of sunscreen out of Catarina’s bag. He’s about to open it when Catarina comes back out of the bathroom wearing only an orangish-pink and yellow bikini, her white hair drawn up away from her face and off her neck in a bun with a matching flower tucked in it, the total effect against her blue skin making her look like a tropical sunset.

She winks at him, and he realizes he was staring. “Will you put some on my back?” she says, gesturing to the bottle of sunscreen still in his hands. It’s technically a potion, which Catarina always brews herself because she doesn’t trust anything sold in a store to be up to her high standards for sun protection, but it looks similar enough to mundane sunscreen to call it that.

She turns around and he spreads the lotion carefully over her body, making sure he doesn’t miss anywhere. It takes a lot of self control to keep his hands where they’re supposed to be, otherwise they would never make it out of the hotel room. And while he wouldn’t mind spending their whole vacation in the hotel bed, Catarina clearly wants to go swimming. He absentmindedly rubs the leftover sunscreen onto his hands as they make their way out the door and down to the beach.

Ragnor spends the entire afternoon completely distracted by her, and ignores how uncomfortable the heat of the sun feels. He’s always found the tropical sun unpleasant, and today is no different. It beats down on them relentlessly, and the humidity clings to his skin and makes him feel like he’s breathing water instead of air. Catarina nudges him with her shoulder and laughs at his expression as she pulls him into the water to splash him, soaking him in seawater. She’s still laughing when picks her up in retaliation and throws her deeper into the waves. She comes back up with a wicked look in her eyes, diving back under the water to knock his feet out from under him so that he gets dunked as a wave crashes over his head.

He sputters, mouth full of saltwater, as his head breaks the surface, and hears her bright laughter as she takes his hands and helps him stand back up. “You look like a half drowned cat,” she giggles. “I’ll have mercy and let you out of the water.

They return to their beach chairs, Catarina still laughing, with their arms around each other’s waists. Catarina sprawls out on her towel in the sun with her eyes closed to dry off, looking peaceful and relaxed, while Ragnor settles in his chair to read and watch the other visitors to the island, mostly warlocks and faeries, pass by.

As the sun starts to set, Catarina leans over his chair and plucks his book out of his hands, marking his page before she drops it back in the beach bag. “Come on, we’ll go be cheesy and romantic,” she says with a smile, brushing her lips against his before taking his hands and pulling him up out of his chair.

They walk down the beach as the evening gets darker around them, fingers twined together, letting the waves wash over their feet and erase their footprints in the sand. Catarina leans into his shoulder as they walk and refrains from making any more jokes about the cheesiness of sunset beach walks.

Neither of them notice anything unusual until they come back to the hotel and go from the dark beach to the bright lights of the hotel lobby. Catarina clamps her hand over her mouth to smother her laughter when she sees him in the light. “Ragnor, you’re teal,” she giggles, brushing her fingers lightly over his shoulder, which stings and makes him involuntarily jerk away from her. He looks down at his arms and chest in horror. Instead of the pale green he should be, his skin is an angry, burning teal. Only his hands are still the right color. He looks horrifically radioactive.

“How did you even manage this?” Catarina laughs, as she looks at the stark contrast between the back of his hand and the rest of his arm while she tugs him in the direction of their room. “I saw you put on sunscreen before we left. I know you burn more easily than I do, but I always make it strong enough for you.”

The realization dawns on him. “I didn’t put any on,” he says. “I was about to, but then you came out wearing this,” he plucks at the strap of the bikini tied around her neck, “and completely distracted me.”

Catarina laughs even harder as she opens the door to their room. “So you only managed to sunscreen your hands? Oh, Ragnor, you idiot,” she says fondly, carefully pulling his burning face down to inspect the damage before kissing him gently on the nose. “You didn’t notice yourself being cooked alive at all?”

“You are very distracting,” he mutters, pressing his fingers to the burned skin of one arm, watching it lighten under the pressure, then flush back to radioactive teal. He can’t believe he didn’t notice.

“I suppose I should take responsibility and fix it then,” she says, brushing another light kiss against his cheek. “Don’t try to do it yourself or you’ll leave tan lines and I’ll have to listen to you complain about them for the rest of the trip.”

Ragnor lets her maneuver him into the bathroom where the lights are the brightest so she can see what she’s doing. Because she’s Catarina, and teasing is her nature, which they’ve been doing to each other for centuries, she grins and snaps a picture of him scowling at her with her cellphone, probably to text to Magnus, before she starts.

It takes her a quarter of an hour to heal all of the sunburn, the soft blue glow of her magic cooling and soothing his skin while she works. He could have healed the burn himself, which would have stopped the pain, but he couldn’t do the kind of delicate work he knew Catarina was doing, carefully repairing each layer of damaged skin and restoring it completely. He sighs in relief as the burning fades under her gentle hands. She pays close attention to the lines where the burn stops around his wrists, and around his waist and thighs, where the edge of his swim trunks created the starkest contrast between pale green and burning teal, making sure the healed skin matches the unburned areas before moving on.

After she’s finished healing most of the damage, she makes him sit on the edge of the bathtub so she can tilt his face up to see better, her fingers brushing cool blue flames over his nose and cheeks. He closes his eyes and relaxes into her while she works, enjoying the feeling of her hands on him.

“All done,” she says after a few more minutes, leaning down to press a kiss between his horns. “You are now the correct color of green again. But if you do it again tomorrow, I’m going to make you live with the sunburn and the tan lines.”

Ragnor sighs deeply, leaning forward to rest his forehead against her stomach, careful to not let the points of his horns dig into her skin, which makes her laugh and card her fingers through his hair, despite the stern tone of her voice. He knows she means it though. Catarina generally refused to use her magic to heal minor injuries that she considered natural consequences of stupidity.

He’d have to be more careful if he didn’t want to end up teal again tomorrow.

[yourboatholiday]

Exploring Sicily: Pamper Yourself with the Most Breath-Taking Cruise Ever

Have I introduced you to Sicily!?

Whether to adore quality time with your sweetheart or to relish solitude, yachting through Sicily islands has always been an elite experience. Encircled by several massive and mini islands in the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas, Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island. She invites voyagers with panoramic allure and hypnotising artistry of nature. Encompassing various dazzling formations and three reefs, these Sicilian islands are imbued with well-preserved ruins, never-ending beaches, turquoise adventures, mouth-watering Sicilian sea cuisine, enticing wines, and more.

Recommended: Yacht Charter Prices Italy

Let’s delve in these colourful reefs with a Sicily yacht charter. Set off your journey by exploring the archipelagos and indulge yourself with mind-blowing adventures.

April to early June would be the best time to get tanned or to cherish the clear skies, late September to October is also ideal. Line up a Sicilian sailing cruise to drift around the island chains around Sicily. 

VIEW ALL THE YACHTS AVAILABLE IN SICILY

Top 10 islands to explore in Sicily

Lampedusa

Sail to the southwest part of this island with Sicilian sailing charter to answer your quest for diversity. Lampedusa, the last footprint of Italy before African coastline, has several caves and cliffs along its northern coastline and spread white beaches; greenish-blue sea has inculcated this place as one of the popular tourist destinations from Sicily.

Linosa

Uncontaminated with a scattering population, Linosa is a green beauty with rocky ridges, situated at 31 miles to the north of Lampedusa. Indulge yourself with Linosa yacht charter to relish the tranquillity.

Levanzo

With prehistoric traces of Palaeolithic and Neolithic cave paintings at Grotta del Genovese, Levanzo is worthwhile to stopover whilst sailing around the Mediterranean Sea along the north side of Favignana. Harness a sailboat charter Sicily and drift through the reefs. A few hundreds of people dwell in this land that faces a serene harbour. A Sicilian sailing vacation on this island can be the answer to your voyaging as well as historic thirst.

Lipari

As remains of this island’s history, you can probe around Roman and Greek architectures and Museo Archeologico Eoliano that displays prehistoric elements of near about 4000 BC.

Pantelleria

Closer to Africa, this volcanic island is popular for wines passito and moscato, crafted from Zibibbo grape. This is the largest Sicilian island, with its unique architecture of thick walls to deal with the challenging weather. Depending on the season, this architecture helps to keep the interiors cold or warm. Also, citrus and grapevines are cultivated in a special manner here. Add this to your Sicilian sailing holidays to experience this exclusive architecture.

Favignana

To experience the contrast of blue and pink, visit this dolomitic island Favignana. Tuna fishing is the major occupation so you can start your day with a delicious tuna meal. Underwater sports like scuba diving and snorkelling have made this place a huge attraction.

Marettimo

Relish your solitude with tranquillity; visit this small fishing village Marittemo, the remotest of Egadi Islands. The mesmerizing view of Punta Troia, the highland with an exquisite fortress can blow your mind.

Salina

Along with the lushest Mt. Fossa delel Felci, Salina is one of the green islands in Sicily. Desert wine from dried grapes is the unique attribute of this island. For wine lovers, this can be a Sicilian sailing destination.

Ustica

From the capital place Palermo, Ustica is placed at ferry distance duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. With rocky ridges, highlands covered with flowers, small-scale vegetation and agriculture, Ustica is capably protected from environmental damages.

10.Vulcano

Adventure admirers must-visit Vulcano for its geological highlands, apt for hiking. Even though a smell of sulphur lingers, the famous mud baths and hiking spots attract numerous adventure lovers. With Sicilian sailing charter, enjoy various activities here.

Recommended: Aeolian Islands Sailing Guide

Cruise outings in Sicily

Outset your itinerary from the south coastline of Sicily to visit Linosa. Blazingly-coloured homes and volcanic attributes like craters, along with jaw-dropping beaches of black sand invite sea turtles to hatch in Linosa. This nestling season starts from May and continues till October. From hatching to the baby turtles’ first swimming through the coastlines, you can enjoy every bit of it in beaches like Cala Pozzolana.

Your next Sicilian sailing destination can be Lampedusa. Ingenuity towards hiking can also bring you here to accomplish the trails of Monte Rosso, Monte Vulcano, and Monte Nero – the three crowns of Lampedusa. Then linger to the taste of wine in Pantelleria.

Drift your vessel to Marittemo to find solitude. Next morning, serve yourself with a grand tuna fish breakfast meal at Favignana. Next destination is Ustica. You can go wild and seek adventure here.

Sail to Lipari to relish a fantastic combination of modernity with pastel-coloured houses, mud baths, hot springs and vintage artefacts such as a castle of 16th century and a cathedral built in the 17th.

Hook your sailboat rental in Sicilian Island of Vulcano and then glide to Levanzo to enjoy the prehistoric ambience. The destination would be Salina to enjoy the greenery.

Not to be missed: 3 Tasty Reasons Why You Should Visit The Aeolian Islands This Summer

Private cruise line charters – Your latest sailing vessel

Sicilian islands provide you with numerous possibilities to glide upon the crystal blue-hued water. To help you experience the same, the Sicilian sailing charter comes with various motorised options.

To uncloud all confusions let’s discuss in details –

Crewed yacht

A crewed yacht includes an adept captain or skipper, cabin co-workers, an excellent chef and various onboard associates. With a crewed vessel, you can appreciate the trade wind sitting on the deck and get amazingly tanned. Surrounded by blue, you can cherish some of the best Sicilian dishes made by the chef during your sailing trips Sicily.

Skippered yacht

If you prefer to perpetuate your privacy, a skippered cruise can be the right vessel. Delve into the adventures with an able skipper and navigate around the islands, archipelagos, corals and hues.

Bareboat yacht

Adventurous souls who wish to bestow time upon exploring bashing waves across the marine lines can steer the bareboat yacht. For experienced sailors, bareboat suits the best. Cherish your privacy while controlling the cabin.

Bareboat charters to sail your Sicilian trip

Bareboating imputes cruise without any crew or even skipper. Sailboats are majorly assigned as bareboat, but with valid powerboat license, you can experience the journey with a motorboat.

Bareboat Monohull Sailboats for cruising the Sicilian

To enjoy ultimate sailing adventure, monohull sailboats are majorly recommended for experienced sailors. Ranging from 1-5 cabins and 30-50 ft., you can enjoy cruising winds and high speeds.

Bareboat Catamarans for Sicilian cruising holidays

Catamarans accommodate comfort and privacy. A catamaran is suggested to enjoy the essence of tripping with friends or family. The architectural design lets it explore inlets. Sicilian sailing charters with catamarans are apt for abroad tours with a minimum duration of 5 days.

Bareboat Motor cruise for Sicilian voyaging

If speed is what you are looking for, then bareboat motor vessels are the answer. Navigate from reefs to reefs and taste various cuisines. With sailing certificates and deposit, you can charter this boat as per your trip duration.

Crewed sailboats for gliding over Sicily

For sailing the Sicilian islands and to enjoy diversity and tranquillity, you can choose a sailboat with a professional crew and explore your solitude. Coloured houses, prehistoric finds, hued beaches, and historical architectures are prominent in Sicily. As per your budget, reserve a cruise of your choice and explore Sicily to the best.

Types of motorboats for your Sicilian vacation

Crewed motor vessels for roaming the Sicilian

Pamper yourself with premium feel and friendliness with crewed motor yachts. Enjoy delicacies with exotic drinks and feel the wind relaxing on the deck by choosing this vessel for Sicilian sailing vacations.

Crewed catamarans for sailing Sicilian

Space, comfort, luxury, privacy are the lookouts for ultimate friends or family gatherings. Trip your Sicily vacation with exotic experiences of a crewed catamaran. Relax and sail across the turquoise whilst comforting yourself with trained assistance.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Catamaran Cruise in Sicily

The Sicilian islands are worthwhile to explore. Set off on your journey with your perfect Sicily boat charters and discover the picturesque beauty of inlets and islands.

SEND NOW YOUR ENQUIRY FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE EXPLORING SICILY:

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Exploring Sicily: Pamper Yourself with the Most Breath-Taking Cruise Ever

March 16, 2020

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March 16, 2020

Yacht Charter Prices Amalfi Coast – How much does it cost to rent a boat in Amalfi?

March 13, 2020

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March 12, 2020

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New Post has been published on http://lifehacker.guru/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-u-s-national-parks/

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the U.S. National Parks

With the recent government shutdown dragging into another week, several of our favorite U.S. national parks have been closed due to staffing and funding shortages. So while we wait for them to reopen, we’re looking at a few, little-known-facts about these incredible protected areas. 

With national parks in all 50 states and several U.S. territories, the U.S. National Park Service is expansive. And while everyone knows about Old Faithful in Yellowstone or El Capitan in Yosemite, there is still a lot to discover about the U.S. national parks. From haunted caves to spa-like hot springs, here are 10 things you didn’t know about America’s national parks.

Redwoods National Park is Home to the World’s Tallest Tree

Credit: Peter Burnett/iStock

You may already know that the redwood is a very tall tree, but did you know that it’s the tallest tree in the world? Redwoods National Park in Northern California is home to a forest of veritable giants, the tallest of which measures 379 feet tall, according to the National Park Service. Standing beneath a gigantic 500-year-old redwood, which is still relatively young in the tree’s 2,000-year lifespan, is an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.

Gateway Arch is America’s Newest National Park

Credit: f11photo/Shutterstock

As recently as February 2018, the National Park System welcomed a new park into the fold — Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Gateway Arch has long been a national monument, paying tribute to both Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, the pioneers who helped expand the nation and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the adjacent Old Courthouse. The world’s tallest arch and the tallest manmade structure in the Western Hemisphere, this impressive arch certainly earned its national park designation. 

Delaware Was the Last State to Have a National Park

Credit: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

It took nearly 150 years for the first state to be recognized by the National Park System. Delaware, whose claim to fame is being the first state ratified by the U.S. Constitution, didn’t have a national park until six years ago. In 2013, Delaware was finally awarded its first park, the First State National Historic Park, a feat which had been 10 years in the making, according to National Geographic. Better late than never, we suppose.

Crater Lake National Park Has the Deepest Lake in the World

Credit: Pung/Shutterstock

If you have a fear of deep water, you may want to steer clear of Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and the ninth deepest lake in the world, according to Geology.com. The lake was formed after Mount Mazama erupted in 5700 B.C., and a large volcanic crater was left in its wake. Thousands of years of rain and snowmelt collected in the caldera to create the bright blue, crystal clear water that the lake is known for. According to LiveScience, the average depth of Crater Lake is an astounding 1,148 feet. Swimming is allowed at the end of Cleetwood Cove Trail, but you may not want to think about what lurks in the depths below.

You Can Watch the Sunrise First at Acadia National Park

Credit: Winston Tan/Shutterstock

Early morning go-getters are sure to love Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on Mount Desert Island and along the Northern Atlantic coast, according to New England Today.  From this mountaintop vantage point, viewers can be the first to see the sunrise over the Atlantic, a site that is quite stunning to behold. As Cadillac Mountain can be reached by foot or by car, this is a popular Acadia activity, so don’t be surprised if you have company. 

Mammoth Cave National Park is Haunted

Credit: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock

If traversing through underground caverns isn’t thrilling enough, Mammoth Cave National Park in Lexington, Kentucky has got you covered. The national park, touted as the most “haunted natural wonder in the world” by National Parks Traveler, has a reputation for paranormal activity. Ghost sightings and strange occurrences have been reported throughout years, by visitors and park rangers alike. The ghosts are rumored to be Stephen Bishop, a slave who also served as a cave guide, and Floyd Collins, a man who became stuck in one of the cave tunnels and perished. Scary stuff, indeed.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Is Where The President Healed His Broken Heart

Credit: ericfoltz/iStock

Before he was elected president, Theodore Roosevelt suffered a tragic loss that shaped his career and his life. In February 1884, Roosevelt’s wife and mother died on the exact same day, according to History.com. Inconsolable, Roosevelt abandoned his political career and retreated west to the Dakotas.  Theodore Roosevelt National Park was later established in North Dakota to commemorate this beautiful and rugged area that Roosevelt loved and to demonstrate the role this land played in his work as a conservationist.

Mackinac Island Is the Forgotten National Park

Credit: Michael Deemer/Shutterstock

Mackinac Island, Michigan was named a national park in 1875, a mere three years after Yellowstone National Park was established. As America’s second national park, its federal status only lasted 20 years, at which point Mackinac was turned over to the state. Lucky for us, the four-square-mile island is still a state park today. Its locale on Lake Michigan makes it a popular destination for sailors, while it’s picturesque views draw tourists every year. So don’t let its national park demotion fool you — Mackinac Island is worth a visit.

The First Park Rangers Were the Cavalry

Credit: Wes Lund/Shutterstock

The park ranger uniform is inspired by the cavalry, a historic branch of the U.S. Army. In fact, the cavalry were the original stewards of the U.S. national parks. When Yellowstone National Park was first created, the cavalry protected the park from illegal poachers and loggers and brought a sense of order to the mismanaged operations, according to Smithsonian.com. Just think — without these horseriding heroes, the National Park System might have never made it into the 20th century. We’re sure glad it did.

National Parks are Better (and Cheaper) than the Spa

Credit: Colton Stiffler/Shutterstock

If you have been dreaming of a spa vacation, look no further than the U.S. National Park System. Geothermal hot springs are the perfect alternative to a luxurious spa — and they come with a much lower price tag. Winter in Yellowstone National Park is the perfect time to visit the Boiling River, a natural hot spring that occurs when the Mammoth Hot Springs runoff flows into the Gardiner River. If soaking in nature isn’t your thing, head to Hot Springs National Park, where you can soak in geothermal springs fashioned after European baths. Either way, a nice long soak sounds pretty good.

(C)

[trmcfarlin]

Thailand

I gave Camilla some choices about where she could go for her Birthday and she chose Thailand.  Thailand has 3 main places that people tend to visit; Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the  islands.  Bangkok is a hot, bustling city, with lots and lots of traffic.  People tend to visit for the temples and food.  But, we have have seen too many temples in China and wanted out of the busy city.  We chose to visit Krabi.

We flew into Bangkok and stayed for 1 night.  But, we flew out at 5pm the next day.  I paid hardly anything for our hotel and it was pretty nice.  The girls got their own bed.  Carly even had her own little private stairway to a little attic room.  The first thing we noticed about Bangkok was the amount of people.  This place was crowded and people were out eating under restaurant roofs at midnight.  There was food and restaurants everywhere.  The people are so nice in Thailand.  I thought the women were beautiful and their skin was tan and flawless.  

Thailand is the only country in south-east Asia to have escaped colonial rule. Buddhist religion, the monarchy and the military have helped to shape its society and politics.  Buddha’s are everywhere!

We chose to fly to Krabi from Bangkok.  I researched Krabi and it seemed to be the most family friendly and easily accessible from Bangkok.  

We stayed at a hotel on the boardwalk with a rooftop pool and breakfast every morning.  It only cost us about the equivalent of $25 USD per night.  Thailand uses Baht for their currency and I kept getting so confused between US currency, China currency, and Thai currency.  In order to get the good deals on the street, I had to carry about Baht, instead of using credit cards.

On my first morning, I went for a run.  I absolutely love running along the beach!

It was so hot and humid.  There were days where I just wanted to stay inside in the air conditioning.  I got massages almost every day, since they only cost about $8 USD.  I even got the girls a massage.  

I also got the girls hair braided and they got pedicures.  

We had fruit smoothies constantly.  They had every different fruit imaginable.

Little lizards were crawling around everywhere.

We took a a long tail boat 🚣‍♀️ from Ao Lang to Railay.  Railay had caves, big lizards called Asian Water monitors, monkeys, crabs and caves.  We also ate food from a restaurant boat.  Both girls got stung by a jellyfish. It freaked Carly out and she was afraid to swim.  Then, shortly after, Camilla got stung.  But, it just left a mark and wasn't painful for too long.

Then, we took the boat back to Ao Lang in a storm. The girls said it was like a fun water park ride, while I was scared that those waves were gonna throw us overboard.

Even though we were staying in a family friendly place, it did get quite loud at night.  Thailand never seems to sleep.

The water is so crystal clear and blue.

The next day, we went for a tour of the Phi Phi islands.  They are an archipelago consisting of Ko Phi Phi Don in the morning, Ko Phi Phi Lee in the south, and 4 small surrounding islands.  They were designated as a national park and everything is very clean with tranquil blue waters, caves, and soft white beaches.  We also went snorkeling.

We swam in Bombay Island.

We visited Viking Cave.

We visited Monkey Beach and saw a monkey jump up and grab a soda can from a man and open it.  They are pretty funny.  There were also many babies.

We took the scooter to a rainforest park.  Carly said that everyone was staring at her because she didn’t have a head wrap.  We thought it was such a shame that the ladies couldn’t show off how beautiful they were.

Our hotel was located on Ao Nang beach, about 20 km from the Town of Krabi. The beach extends to the foothills of the very famous limestone formations.  At the end of the beach is a cliff with mountains and forests.  We saw many backpackers.  

We took a scooter to Krabi town.  The town is known for their markets and we did some shopping and eating.  The girls just had fun riding on the scooter.  It took me a while to get used to driving on the left side of the street.

We saw many bats in the Diamond Cave.

Camilla said to me, “Vacations are so different in the movies.  You never see anyone getting sunburned, bitten by a jellyfish, or spending hours on a plane.”

When we flew back to Bangkok, we spent our entire day shopping and swimming.  I spend about $100 USD on a summer clothes shopping spree.  We all have a new wardrobe because the clothes are so inexpensive in Thailand.

https://youtu.be/iKcWudi0nVc

We made it back safely from another trip.  Camilla said she wants to travel to Vietnam next.  Hopefully, Connor can join us for that one.

[flyingcarpettours]

Sharm El Sheikh Excursions

Try unforgettable vacation in one of the most exciting cities of the world with Sharm El Sheikh Excursions, Sharm El sheikh is considered a gorgeous and suitable site for relaxation, this city is well known of its wonderful places at the top of Sinai peninsula surrounding by deserts and mountains which make it one of the wonderful tourist destination in the world. also you will have the chance to enjoy the warm sun, as you can also enjoy taking charming tan and soaking up the sun’s rays, explore the mysteries nature of underwater world, immerse yourself in many amazing excursions such as snorkeling and diving in the white crystal clear water of the Red Sea, you can also enjoy going on safari trips through the spectacular mountains of Sharm El Sheikh and try our gorgeous Bedouin Barbecue, experience the taste of relish Bedouin food.

In Cairo Tours from Sharm El Sheikh by Plane or Overnight Cairo Tours From Sharm El Sheikh by Plane you will visit he great three Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus), Sphinx a huge half-human half-lion statue also you can enjoy Camel Riding Or Horse Riding at Giza Pyramids and have fun ridding a camel for approximately 02 hours, explore the desert while you are relaxed on the back of a camel and enjoy the scenery from outside the Great Sphinx. Then scout to Memphis and Sakkara or Dahshur and discover Sakkara pyramid which is considered the oldest step pyramids in the world, it was built by the architect Imhotep, contains six layers that are gradually decreasing in size.

If you are looking for a more archaistic and antiquated thing, don`t worry we got you covered. Our Luxor Tours from Sharm by flight and our Overnight trip to Luxor from Sharm El Sheikh by Plane, You will get amazed by the aesthetic Pharaonic spots in Luxor, It`s where you will feast your eyes by the Ancient history that`s clear everywhere: tombs, temples, museums, walls and pyramids!  Enjoy the fabulous Karnak Temple in Luxor with the huge Pillar where the sun`s light is focused upon it to create a mesmerizing sight. Beguile your eyes with the Temple of Hatshepsut, known now with the name of El-Deir El-Bahary which lies on the Nile`s West Bank. Don`t miss the Valley of the Kings, which is considered as one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. People from all over the world are infatuated by the fabulous Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Karnak; where pharaohs narrate their stories in a poetic and aesthetic way while the music is playing in the background. Passing through the gates of Luxor, you will be astonished by the glory of the two huge statues; known as Colossi of Memnon. Know more about the mummification in Ancient Egypt by visiting the Mummification Museum. It also displays lifestyle of the Pharaonic kings and how they cared about the afterlife.

If you keen to the water activities, then experience a joyful Sharm El Sheikh Glass Bottom Boat Trip in our amazing Trips in Sharm El Sheikh, as these trips are being done every hour daily and you will entertain your eyes and soul between the beautiful coral reefs, multicolored fish, Near Garden and Far Garden, watch the great brain, it is considered one of the biggest corals in the world, as well as getting excited with Flying Carpet Tours by riding fancy boat to Tiran Island snorkeling trip on a magical sailing trip to the north-east along the Aqaba gulf to Tiran Island, Snorkeling trip Approx. for Two hours till you get to a place called Blue Laguna, it is not only perfect for snorkeling and diving, but it is the perfect sight for those who can't swim and for children, then lunch will be served on board your boat, keep sailing till arriving to Tiran Island, enjoy snorkeling and swimming, snorkeling over one of the most beautiful sights of Untouched corals.

Desert are often a place to indulge in adventurous activities that cannot be undertaken elsewhere. Try a different experience in the vast desert of Hurghada and get to know more the Bedouin life and choose from wide selections of Sharm El Sheikh Day Trips such as Sharm El Sheikh Quad Biking with camel Ride where you will enjoy watching the beauty of the desert in the sunrise or the sunset, gain the experience of riding camel in the desert, get the chance to know about the Bedouin culture and their simple life, taste the flavor of the delicious Bedouin Dinner and try the Bedouin tea while enjoying an astonishing party between the mountains of Sinai.

One of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh is St Catherine Monastery and Moses Mountain Tour where you get to climb the top of the sacred mountain where Moses has received the Ten Commandments from God, and then you will visit St Catherine Monastery which is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries all over the world, built according to the order of the Emperor Justinian between 548 and 565 AD and dedicated to St. Catherine.

Get excited with Sharm El Sheikh Day Tours and get exceptional safari tour to one of the most recognizable places in the desert through Canyon Dahab and St. Catherine Tours from Sharm El Sheikh and enjoy the fascinating colors of the canyons which located at the northern side of Nuweiba approx12 km from Sharm El Sheikh.  Moreover you can choose Tour to St Catherine and Colored Canyon and visit the two amazing sites.

Explore all what Sharm El Sheikh has to offer through City Tour Sharm El Sheikh where you will visit the attractive Mosque of Al Mustafa and the amazing Coptic Church. Unleash your inner and visit Naama Bay, the vital and main hub for all the visitors, and then take the steps that lead to scout around the Mashyia and Soho Square.

Try different evening in Sharm El Sheikh through fantastic Alf Leila W Leila Sharm El Sheikh Show, entertain your eyes with an amazing Alf Leila W Leila Show and special stories in the evening, so you will know more about the Arabian Nights, watch the amazing acting of Arab as well as the Egyptians History, Book Alf Leila W Leila Show with Flying Carpet Tours.

When you plan your vacation in Sharm El Sheikh, don’t miss the chance and explore the real beauty of the Red Sea through Ras Mohamed Snorkeling Trip and enjoy a lot of water activities such as snorkeling and swimming over one of the most beautiful sights of untouched corals, explore the underwater life with its exotic colorful types of rare fish and the marvelous coral reefs that you will never find anywhere else except in Ras Mohamed which is considered a paradise on earth.

For more information about Sharm El Sheikh Excursions

Email: sales@flyingcarpettours.com

Website: www.flyingcarpettours.com

Tel.: +201099906242

[unending-happiness]

The Most Beautiful Thing on the Planet

Alec and Magnus travel to the Maldives Islands for some much needed rest and relaxation. Their alone time gets interrupted by something unexpected. Alec is full of sass and Magnus is his usual magnificent self. Basically, just these two lovebirds in paradise.

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It was amazing how everything was better on vacation, even the coffee tasted better in paradise. Alec stood in the doorway to the deck of their overwater villa. They had been keeping the large sliding glass door opened all the way, so that the indoor and outdoor spaces merged into one. Even at night, there was no need for privacy, the only thing as far as the eye could see were the crystal turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and a blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. They were but a few steps away from water so clear you could see all the marine life below, as your feet settled into soft white sand. It was a stunning sight, but even the idyllic scenery had nothing on the sight that was currently capturing Alec’s attention.

Magnus was lying on his stomach wearing nothing but the shortest, tightest swim bottoms that he had ever seen, not that he was complaining one bit. His already tan skin had been kissed by the sun over the past few days, giving him an almost unearthly glow. Magnus always called him an angel, but Alec knew who the real angel was here. He must’ve just gotten out of the pool, his skin still glistening with drops of water, his hair wet and slicked back. There were a number of comfortable lounge chairs and a hammock nearby, but Magnus was stretched out on the smooth tiki wood of the deck, his hand draped over the edge into their private infinity pool, languidly swishing through warm water. He was facing the ocean, his long legs stretched out toward Alec, toes pointed gracefully. Alec couldn’t see his face from where he stood, but he knew that he still didn’t have makeup on, nor any jewelry, and his nails weren’t painted. He knew because those fingers had just slid down his chest an hour ago, before he left Alec to his book and went outside. He was actually surprised Magnus had bothered to pull on bottoms, as he had taken to this pool naked more than a few times in their time here.

Alec knew that in a short time, all of his usual flair would be back.  Magnus would get dressed up for their lunch date at the resort restaurant. This stripped down version of Magnus was something that few people ever got to see, and Alec felt a great sense of pride at being trusted with a laid bare Magnus. He knew that without the makeup, jewelry, and clothes, Magnus felt like a knight without his armour. However, he knew the truth and reminded him often that his armor was his incredible inner strength. Alec truly loved every version of Magnus, and couldn’t get enough of any of them.

He took a last sip of his coffee and quietly set it down on a nearby table, and moved to join his boyfriend by the pool, yearning to run his hands across his damp skin. He walked quietly, the wood soft and soundless under his feet, thinking Magnus would feel the vibrations and look up, but he didn’t. Closer now, he had a clear view of Magnus’ face. He was expecting his eyes to be closed, or at least filled with a look of serenity, so when he saw that his eyebrows were scrunched in irritation, his lips in a scowl, Alec followed his gaze to his hand. He was holding his iphone, it’s black glittery case shining in the sun, with a colorful game playing on the screen.

“Magnus Bane,” Alec said sternly, snapping him out of his game-induced concentration, “I cannot believe you.”

Magnus jumped, nearly dropping the offending article, before burying his face in the crook of his elbow and groaning. “Ugh. I thought you were reading.”

“I missed you, and you look so hot laying out here all spread ou--” Alec stopped, shaking his head ”--no, I’m not getting distracted. We specifically said no cellphones on vacation.”

Magnus rolled over onto his back, so that he could look up at Alec, pressing the button on his phone to turn off the screen and laying it next to him. “Yes, I’m aware of what we said, but honestly, you were reading, so I don’t see why I can’t just play a game, Alexander. Be reasonable.”

Alec scoffed, putting his hands on his hips over his shorts, “Be reasonable?! You’ve got to be kidding me. You are the one who made the rule. You went so far as to lock my phone in the hotel safe when we got here. You gave my family the resort number in case they needed anything, because, you know, I wouldn’t have my phone.”

Leaning back on his elbows looking up at him, Magnus at least had the grace to appear a little remorseful, “I understand, but the whole no phones deal was made because yours is always ringing and interrupting us.  It’s always Jace, Izzy, Maryse, work, someone is always calling. I love that your family is important to you and that you are dedicated to your clients, but they always want you to fix something, and I just wanted one whole week of not having to share you, my love. Is that really too much to ask?”

“No, it isn’t too much to ask. I know that my work keeps me busy and my family can be a bit much, which is why I agreed, but the point is, you said you wouldn’t use yours either,” a thought occurred to him, “Wait...when did you even get yours out of the safe? How long have you had it?”

Magnus evaded the question, “I just wanted to beat this one level on candy crush..I’m so close, and you were reading that boring book anyway.”

Alec balked, throwing his hands in the air, “Candy crush?! You broke our pact for a game about crushing candy? Unbelievable,” but his annoyance was waning as his eyes raked over Magnus’ toned abs, displayed in all their glory in front of him. Damn libido!

Magnus’ knowing look told Alec that he knew exactly what was on his mind, and he smiled innocently, seeing his chance to distract him, “Darling. I am so sorry. How can I ever make it up to you?”

Alec could think of a way….or ten. “Don’t darling me. I’m still mad at you,” he said, but he lowered himself down, straddling Magnus. Leaning over him, he scooped a handful of water from the pool and dripped it into Magnus’ hair, smoothing it out of his face. “You are the most gorgeous candy crush addict I have ever seen.” He was leaning down to kiss him, when a loud chirping sound came from Magnus’ phone. He quickly snatched it up and sat up, sitting back on his thighs to keep him in place. He held the phone up out of reach, put in the lock screen password, and swiped down notifications, ignoring Magnus’ protests.

It was a text from Ragnor.

I emailed you with the files for next week’s edition, as requested. Honestly, Magnus, Catarina and I have this under control. I don’t know why you insist on working from halfway across the world. Don’t you have something else to do? such as: snorkel, drink from a coconut, or climb that tall broody tree of yours? Speaking of, Alec has instagram. He’s going to see the dates on those pictures when you get back, and I would love to be there when he does. Stop micromanaging. I’m not enabling you anymore.

Alec’s jaw dropped. Magnus was working?! He was working a lot apparently, and he was also on social media. So much for the whole ‘just playing a game’ bit. “You lied to me,” he said.

Magnus gave up trying to get the phone from Alec and slumped back down, putting his hands on Alec’s thighs, “I didn’t lie to you. You didn’t ask me if I was working, specifically,” he said, while slowly sliding his hands up under Alec’s shorts.

Damnit. Why was Magnus so good at removing all thoughts from his mind? He leveled a pointed gaze at his hands, which had the immediate effect of stilling them. “Withholding the truth is lying by omission, Magnus, and you know that.” He leaned down and whispered, “I am going to throw your phone into the ocean.”

Magnus panicked, “Don’t do that! That phone case was a gift from Catarina and it is one of a kind.”

Alec laughed incredulously, “So you aren’t worried about the brand new expensive electronic, but you are worried about the sparkly phone case?”

“All the best things sparkle.” Magnus retorted.

He couldn’t argue with that logic, considering Magnus sparkled most of the time and Alec was crazy about him. For a moment, he thought of removing the phone from it’s case and hurling it, but then he looked at Magnus underneath him, nearly naked and vulnerable, lips pouty and pleading, and he just sighed. He wasn’t going to win this one, so he typed out a text reply to Ragnor.

Magnus can’t come to his phone right now. It has been confiscated by the broody tall tree. He will see you in 5 days.

He decided to pull up instagram next, to see what kind of pictures Magnus had posted of their trip during his secret phone time. Expecting beach pictures, he was surprised when the first thing he saw was a picture of himself. It was a black and white shot of him sleeping, his hair wild against the white pillow, one hand tucked up under his head, the other one curled around Magnus’ hand. The caption on the photo seemed to be song lyrics, ones that Alec didn’t recognize, but that he would be listening to the first chance he got.

I surrender who I’ve been for who you are, nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart. If I had only felt how it feels to be yours, I would’ve known what I’ve been living for all along. ~ Turning Page, Sleeping at Last.

Alec swallowed. He felt overwhelmed with gratitude that life had given him this amazing, beautiful man who loved him. He blinked back tears as he focused on Magnus’ face.

Magnus looked concerned, “What are you looking at? Is it Ragnor? Are you going to throw my phone into the Indian Ocean?”

Alec powered down the device, placed it on the deck, and leaned down, kissing Magnus on the nose and running his fingers through his hair.

“No, I’m not. I’m going to order room service. We are going to stay here all day, and I’m going to worship every inch of your body in a vain attempt to show you how impossibly in love with you I am.”

Magnus placed both hands on his face, and whispered, “I love you too, Alexander.” He smiled, rubbing a thumb across his cheek, “Does this mean I get to finish my game later?”

Alec kissed him breathless, completely losing himself in the most beautiful thing on the planet.

[travelcenter-uk]

Blissful Antigua & Barbuda in 7 days!

They say “Life is a beach” and in the Caribbean, this saying couldn’t be truer. Undeterred by their colonial heritage, Antigua and Barbuda are quintessentially Caribbean. Compassionate locals boasting about being able to hit a new beach each day throughout a year, the “Land of 365 beaches” has entrenched itself as a destination of class and preference among families, travellers, honeymooners, and even the most pre-eminent of celebrities, long for luxury holidays in this mere island.

With the ample number of beaches, there’s a lot of water-based activities to engage in Antigua escalating from swimming with stingrays to a romantic sunset catamaran tour or an enthralling jet-ski adventure. Once you etch the periphery of Antigua’s palpable artistic appeal, surely, you’ll stagger upon more alluring traits. Here you’ll be able to witness the prime breeding and nesting colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the world. Reef-fringed Barbuda is one of the outclassed ecological secrets in the West Indies. Her rugged landscapes, splendid serene shores, salted lagoons and abundant wildlife may be a resource as treasured as its fisheries.

The land-lubbers can tour through St. John’s city (the capital of Antigua and Barbuda) and the UNESCO World Heritage site in English harbour along with a fascinating off-road safari to yield an incredible experience. A zip through the rainforest or an adorable heart-warming horseback ride would please your mind.

Fact: Located in the heart of the West Indian colony, about 1000 miles east of Jamaica and approximately 4090 miles from London, averages an eight-hour fifty-two-minute direct flight journey to the V.C Bird International Airport, Osbourn, Antigua. Antigua has an area of 108 square miles and the sister island Barbuda with 62 square miles.

Your 7-day odyssey!

Day 1 – Say hello to Paradise

What about lounging under the lush palm trees relishing the spark of the pinkie white stretches of silky sand, snorkelling under the turquoise blue waters with assured twilights and ravishing milieus? Any idea of savouring fresh lobsters at the beach bar while sipping rum cocktails nearby a pool? Spend your 1st day in the most emphatic way; tranquillizing your muscles and tanning your backs accompanied by world-class amenities at the Royalton Antigua resort & spa 5* multi-centre holiday destination. Just a 13km drive from the V.C Bird International airport, brace yourselves to feast in with the hotels’ exquisite Antiguan buffet and their delectable cocktails.

Day 2 – Discover the Nelson’s Dockyard and party at Shirley Heights

The island is ripe for the venture, though, and it would be a shame to spend the wholeness of your getaway under a sun umbrella. Equip up to take in the history at Nelson’s Dockyard. From the old cannon-topped frigates of the colonial British forces in the 1700s to the glittering silvery yachts that puff down from Freeman’s Bay today has been fluttering down the waters of Nelsons Dockyard. You can see the aged naval capstans lining the water’s edge with a huge anchor left over from the great English naval warships. Track along the hiking traces which consents you to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Tip: Nelson’s Dockyard is also home to the fabulous Seafood Friday’s event. Not to be missed for any discerning foodie!

Head onto Shirley heights, a restored military lookout, standing at 490ft gives you the best view in Antigua. No trip to Antigua is complete without a night watching the nightfall over the historic English Harbour whilst dancing to steel drum music, dining BBQ and drinking Cinnamon spiced rum. The Antiguans are the most content people you could ever walk in to, so tag along with a local and enlighten your nightlife.

Day 3- Legacy of the Devil’s Bridge

Self-possessed by limestone rock, the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge is the result of millions of years of erosion by the continuous onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean waves on the east coast of Antigua and is famed for the craggy appearance and dramatical swelling of waves. The Devils Bridge has many blowholes in the surrounding rocks erupting like geysers. No, don’t ask me how the bridge got her name, I’m leaving that for you to find out. The spot is also immersed in a lengthy haunting history, so the horror enthusiasts got something I guess.!

Day 4 – Go sweet at Betty’s Hope!

Being one of the primitive sugar plantations dating back to 1651, well-known as Betty’s hope, has the most impeccable fertile soil in Antigua. This stands as a reminder of the deep record of slave ownership by the Englishmen on the island. At present, one of the two sugar mill towers have been restored completely with sails. An on-site visitor’s centre showcases a collection of original tools used in the production process back then. Now I’ve got a slight feeling that you know this heritage landmark is well worth a visit, isn’t it?

Day 5 – Find new friends at Stingray city

Continually rated as one of the top things to do in Antigua, Stingray City will be the highlight of your vacation. Experience swimming and interacting with the rays while feeding and snorkelling with them. Be free enough to click some cuddly snaps featuring your newly found companions *wink*. A short speedboat ride whisks you to a shallow pool with a white sand bottom surrounded by some gorgeous coral reefs, which will surely make your camera tiring.  

Day 6 – A day with the “man-o-war” birds

A short boat trip through the sluggish Codrington Lagoon on untrodden Barbuda to reach the prime spot for seeking out the curious red-throated fliers that bellow and bulge with their weird and wonderful mating displays. This is the largest Frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere including a vast reserve of lush mangrove, mud swamps, brackish bayous and waterways. A comprehensive number of pelicans and sea birds are present here while the sublime landscapes mark the far end of the Codrington Lagoon National park.

Day 7- A shopping vibe before take-off

Distancing just 7km from the Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa 5*, Heritage Quay is the place to be when visiting Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s. Offering two floors of shopping, also known as the shopper’s paradise, provides an array of tax- and duty-free merchandise for you to cash in on amazing values and savings from retail prices of the UK.  Electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals & china, designer clothing & footwear, swimwear, sporting equipment’s, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewellery, high-end watches and other souvenir items are just samples of the goods available.

Nibble, Sip & be jolly

From grilled barbecues and tamarind balls at the beach bar to the finest fish exclusively at the Royalton Resort and Spa 5*. Hang out at the resort and bite away from your all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Antigua and Barbuda aren’t just handsome tourist destinations, they are a melting pot of persuasion drawing people from all over the world. The Antiguan cuisine is mainly found on the spicy side. The locals often whirl around fresh seafood including red snapper, conch, mahi-mahi, shrimp and lobster, also you’ll also be able to sample French, Italian home-cooked, and American dishes alongside Caribbean fare, including the traditional fungi and pepper pot for which the island is famed.

Tip: Make sure you check out the tasty fare served by street vendors on your way too.

Travel information

The paradise island seems pretty interesting huh?! Don’t disremember to plan your desired multi-centre holiday with Travel Centre UK pending in with the cheapest flight rates and best deals for your convenience. Better giving a try than regretting later on? Crisscross the latest flight deals and holiday packages, call us and get personalised and specialised services on finding cheap flights and all the advice essential for your getaway. Don’t hesitate to take a few seconds and drop a comment regarding your views and ideas if you have visited this gorgeous West Indian gem already!!

Read More:- https://blog.travelcenter.uk/blissful-antigua-barbuda-in-7-days/

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- https://blog.travelcenter.uk

[ganymededreaming]

Lord of the Brocean

                 Kent’s best friend Julie had urged him to take a long-earned break.  Long working hours had left him as strung out as she had ever seen him.  And when she saw an ad for a gay music festival on a remote (and blissfully out of cell service) private island, she knew it would be just the break Kent needed.  She giggled a bit.  Kent, so dark hared, pale, and serious faced, would be a strange sight on a tropical island.  But that’s what made it all the more important he go.                “I don’t know…” Kent stirred his cappuccino absentmindedly.  The café they’d met at after work was almost empty.  “Frankly, it just sounds like a more specific version of that Fyre Fest debacle.”  He gave a small frown a he sipped.  “Kent, come on.  You’ll lose the vacation time if you don’t go now, and I bought the ticket.  And I’ll buy you another if it doesn’t work out!”  Kent pouted, but knew she was right.  And he couldn’t help but stare at the pictures of all the happy, smiling men playing in the sun, the delicious platters of fresh seafood, and the itinerary of parties and musicians.  It all looked so fun.  An office life had been so draining lately.

               “You owe me a dinner anywhere I choose if it’s not as advertised….but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”  Julie beamed as a breeze from the bay blew into the café.

               Kent was never a good flyer.  Something about shooting up in the air felt deeply unnatural to his every instinct.  Usually, his plan was to knock himself out with a glass of wine and a heavy eye mask, but that wouldn’t cut it for the final leg of his voyage.  It was only an hour, from Miami to the remote island on a tiny little charter plane.  A double whammy; not long enough to fall asleep, and as nerve wracking a plane as he could imagine.

               As Kent took his seat, hair flopping in his eyes, he fidgeted with one of the drawstrings to his shirts hood.  Dressed in white and blue, looking up through the windows at the clear sky, he wondered if he’d even be noticed if he fell out of the plane against the vast blue expanse.

               The other men filtered in – an attractive bunch, not a dud among them.  He gave a small smile – at least he could distract himself with that.  A cute twink and his giant boyfriend sat across the row, the twink giggling in his tight tank top and short shorts, playing with the giants long hair and beard.  Suddenly, what he immediately thought must be the most gorgeous specimen of all the men came up to his row.                  “Excuse me, I think this is my seat.  Mind if I sit down, little guy?”  The man was taller than Kent by a good foot, going on two.  The nicknaming was apt, if a little rude.  But instead of irritating Kent, it merely made him blush furiously.  He had sun tanned skin, wave tossed dirty blonde hair, and a toned, broad shouldered body.  Curly dark hairs poked at the top of his floral short-sleeved shirt, two buttons undone, and a tooth necklace of some sort nestled between his pecs.  Bigger than a shark, but Kent couldn’t place it; it was adorably tacky.  But the sparkle of his smile and green eyes were what turned Kent’s knees to jelly.  And he smelled wonderful – like long, lazy days on the beach, sweet and salty all at once

               The man sat down, pressing against Kent in the narrow little seats of the propeller plane.  He started to introduce himself when the shudder of the engine provoked a similar shudder in Kent’s shoulders.

               “Little guy, what’s the matter?”  The man put a friendly, massive hand around Kent, hugging him close.  “Not….good with planes.” Kent managed to stammer out.  “Aw, buddy, no, hey little dude, it’s gonna be alright.  My brother’s the one running this flight – he’s not gonna let anything happen to his bro, or to any of his bro’s little friends.  And you’re my friend now, little guy.  So my bro and I are gonna make sure this trip is nothing but fun for you.”

               By this time, the plane was in the air, as the man – Kent now was beginning to think of him as the good natured madman – massaged his shoulder, and excitedly talked about all the amenities of the island.                “Well, there’s all kinds of waterslides they set up, and there’s all kinds of tasty stuff!  Do you like cake?  Oh man, save room, the shrimp is delicious, but the chef, he makes these tarts, you know-“ “Ahem!”

               A golden twink with floppy, golden hair had approached them with a drink cart.  He wore a scandalously cut outfit for a steward: a tiny tank top that barely covered his nipples, the shortest of shorts, and pointy shoes, everything in a bright purple.  “You boys want anything?”                “Oh, damn Ganny, didn’t realize we were doing that now!  Yeah, get me and my little buddy some rum punch!  Come on, little man, you’re gonna love this.”  Kent chuckled.  The whole thing was so absurd, but he supposed this was the kind of crowd that took vacations like this.  Might as well take in the local flavor.

               As the twink handed the two of them tall hurricane glasses – real glass to Kent’s shock – filled with a bright red liquid, he gave a wink.  “You boys have fun!  I’m going to finish up my run, then the captain wanted me back for his break!”  He giggled and skipped off.                “You two know each other?”  His heart sunk with a dark jealousy for a moment, and he could swear the twink – that “Ganny” – had giggled again the minute the thought crossed his mind.  But when he looked back, he was pouring the largest beer he had ever seen for the giant across the row.  “Oh, yeah little man – remember my bro?  That kid’s my bro’s main thing.  We played once or twice, but he’s honestly not my thing.  Like mine with dark hair, like yours, Kent….y.  Damn bro, gotta think of something better to call you.  Little man suits you just fine though for now bro.”                Kent figured that he had seen the name on his boarding pass, and shrugged ff the fact that he’d known his name.  He was, however, flustered twofold.  First of all, he couldn’t process that many pet names in a single sentence.  Second, the idea he was this hunks type made him a happier, jollier sort of flustered.

               “Anyway, cheers bro!  Here’s to a happy little vacay.”  He knocked back the giant drink in one gulp.  Kent smiled a wry little smile.  “Cheers to that.”  Maybe this would be a good break.  He took a sip.  The drink was sweet, with a sour little kick of lime at the back, and Kent couldn’t quite place the exotic liqueurs…maybe ginger?  But it felt good.  Refreshing.  He unzipped his shirt the slightest bit more, panting, and swigged the rest of it down.  He wiped his brow with a moment of surprise – his hair wasn’t there anymore.  It had been styled up, attractively messed, and lightly held by wax.  And a zit he had noticed that morning was totally gone.  Huh – he shrugged it off.  Maybe when the neighbor had mussed his hair, it had settled like this.

               “Awwww, hey little man!  Now you look like you’re feeling good!  Better?”  By now the plane had started its descent towards the island, a beautiful little piece of sand in crystal clear waters.  Kent gave a genuine smile, relaxing.  “Yeah, man.  You never gave me your name, bro?”  “Awww, bro!  Sorry ‘bout that – you can call me Sid, or just bro for now.  I’ll se you on the island, yeah little man?”  Kent gave a happy nod, and moved to disembark.

               The sun was blinding on the island, and the heat encouraged Kent to zip open his shirt all the way, letting his skin hit the sun.  A light tan blossomed across it, spreading from his chest.  Not as dark as Sid’s, but a little splash of color.

               As Kent walked towards the check in, “Ganny” came bounding next to him, running towards a man in a lifeguard’s visor and a leopard print speedo.  His hairy chest and dusky skin drew a number of stares, and Kent could see the mischief in his eyes, even though his tinted sunglasses.  “D-Man!  You made it!  You’re chilling at me and the boss’s tent tonight, yeah?”  “Wouldn’t miss it.  Just gotta check everyone in.”  He ruffled his hair and gave his ass a swift pat as Ganny skipped off towards the cocktail bar set up nearby.

               The lifeguard settled behind the desk, pointing the happy travelers towards their various tents.  He saw the twink and giant from across the aisle – he was riding on the giant’s shoulders like a little kid, as the giant whooped and hollered as he carried him towards their tent.  Heh – just like two good bros ought to.  He felt a pang of jealousy t that thought, but quickly shook it off.

               As he approached the lifeguard looking man, and handed him his ticket, the lifeguard scanned it and smiled.  “Woah!  Good news and bad news, kiddo – you’re one of our two lucky guys to win a room in an above water cabana.  Bad news is it isn’t ready yet.  Can you be a good little thing and go play in the waves, have some fun while we get it set up?  Sure a tasty little snack like you can find some fun mischief for a couple hours.  Your luggage is gonna be there tonight, so you don’t need to worry.  And the big music acts don’t start until tomorrow morning, so don’t worry about missing anything while you get settled in tonight.”  He ruffled Kent’s hair, and gave him a flirty chest flick.

               Kent bounced up, beaming.  Everyone was being so nice to him!  Julie was right.  He just needed to spend a nice relaxing trip with the guys, chill out with some drinks, go swimming.  “Thanks, man!  So cool of you to do that for me!   You guys at this island are like…the best!”                  Kent skipped off into the island.  Sid was right- the island WAS incredible.  It must have been used for events all the time; it was so built up.  The food was delicious; mountains of shrimp, flatbread pizzas, sushi, giant parfaits, all washed down with giant frozen drinks.  And the sun made him ravenous.  He was so glad he’d worn his swimsuit, so he could splash in the crystal blue water.  But most of the attendees were in couples or friend groups.  Kent felt a little awkward walking over, and playing on his own got old a little fast.  He frowned.  Maybe the whole trip was a mistake.  But one of the slides was a four person tube.  That would introduce him to a few people a little less awkwardly.

               As he climbed the tall wooden steps to the slide, he felt a powerful clap on his shoulder.  “Bro!  Oh my god, bro, I found you!  Gotta introduce you to my other friends!”  Sid stood there, chest slick with sweat from the afternoon sun, blue baseball cap covering his hair, clad only in a pair of baggy board shorts.  He pointed behind him to a tall, muscular black man with shoulder length dreadlocks, and a nervous looking Hispanic twink with shaggy black hair clinging to his hand for dear life.  “This is my bro Sobek, and his little buddy Mateo!”  Sobek reached out his hand and shook Kent’s, nearly crushing it.  “Don’t mind Mateo, he’s just shy.  And nervous for the big slide.  Worries I won’t keep him safe.  Cheeky of him.” He gave Mateo’s forehead a playful flick, and Mateo stuck his tongue out back at him.  “It’s nice to meet you too!  Sid, you didn’t tell us you found someone!”

               Kent couldn’t quite place the name, but it sounded familiar.  Maybe someone from a book?  And his accent wasn’t one Kent was familiar with.  Sobek gave a mischievous grin as if he could see the wheels struggling to turn in Kent’s head.  “I know Sid from work.  Think of us…like managers from different offices.  Am happy you’ve got someone to hold on to this trip.”                Sid beamed.  “Yeah, this is my little guy Kent!  You don’t mind being my date for the afternoon, do you little buddy?”  Kent couldn’t help but blush and nod happily.  “Aw, I’m so glad!  We’re gonna have such a great time, little guy.”  They got to the top and got in the big inflatable tube.  Mateo giddily clung to Sobeks arm, and Kent had only barely glanced towards Sid when he threw a massive arm around him and pulled him in close.

               As they barreled down, Kent heard Mateo’s shrieks of delight and Sid and Sobek’s whoops and hollers.  But his main focus was just on the feelings.  The cool water splashing on him, the warmth of Sid’s chest as he clung close.  He could feel the rest of the world, every bit of doubt and worry drip away, until he finally let out a whoop of his own as their tube was shot out of the slide, Sid and Kent spilling out of the tube into the water in a laughing tangle of limbs.

               The rest of the afternoon and evening went much the same way – swimming at the beach, drinking more cocktails, and hitting the dance floor.  As the sun went down, Sid had a moment of surprise cross his face.  “Damn, bro – just remembered.  I have to check into my room, it was gonna be ready late tonight.  Want me to walk you back to yours first?  Cute little babe like you shouldn’t be alone, jerks like Sobek would just gobble you up.”  “Hey!” Mateo pouted.  Sobek chuckled.  “Don’t worry, I’m only going to be gobbling you tonight, pet.”  Sobek gave Sid a playful punch, before throwing a squirming, blushing Mateo over his shoulder and walking off.

As Kent and Sid walked along the slowly emptying beach, they came to the above water Cabana.  It was a beautiful grass-roofed little house on stilts on the water.  It was a suite, with all the rooms but the bathroom facing out onto the water.  Suddenly, Sid started shouting.  “FUCK YEAH!  My bros rock!  I can’t believe it!  They gave me and my new little bro a cabana!  Aw, fuck yeah, bro, this is so rad little man, can’t believe it, get my own whole place with my new little bro.”  He practically dragged Kent in, through the fancy kitchen, peaceful deck, and into the bedroom, sitting him down on the big king bed.

“New…little bro?”  Kent looked up at Sid, confused.  Sid started to take his cap and necklace off.  “Yeah little man...” Sid looked sheepish for a moment.  “I grew up the youngest of three brothers, and I always was kinda pushed around as the little bro.  And I just wanted a little bro of my own, yknow?  So…maybe you could do it? Be my little bro, little guy?”  Sid earnestly looked like he might cry if Kent said no, but he had no intention of that.  Kent chuckled a little.  “Yeah, I’ll be your little bro.”  Sid immediately lit up again.  “WHOO!  Fuck yeah, you’re not gonna regret it little bro, gonna be such a good big bro for you, make sure no one messes with you, keep you safe and happy.  Now come on, get out of those trunks, let’s pop in the shower, wash all the days funk off.”                Kent gave a small whimper and looked away.  “What’s the matter?  No reason to be shy, just us bros, yeah?”  Kent gave a quiet nod, and slipped out of his trunks, still a little nervous looking.  “Aw, that’s it little man, nothing to worry about.  Now hop in the shower little bro, meet you in there in a sec.”  He gave Kent a playful swat on the ass as Kent scampered off.                The shower was big, tiled in tan terra cotta, with a small wooden bench, and sliding glass doors almost twice as tall as Kent.  He had just stepped in, letting the warm water flow over him, when Sid stepped in.  “Aw, see, told you, nothing to be ashamed of little bro.  You got a nice body, kiddo.”  Kent smiled, giggling.  “Thanks, big bro.  Nothing compared to your big muscles tho.”  Sid looked at Kent with a look of sheer adoration.  “So fuckin’ sweet, first time you called me big bro.  That’s right.  Go on, flex for me little bro.  Show your big bro your muscles.”  Kent gave a flex – he was surprised, it felt bigger and more toned than he had remembered.  “That’s it.  Nice biceps bro.  Nothing like my sick guns tho.”  He flexed a giant arm, showing off his taut muscles.  Kent almost drooled.  “That’s it.  Go on and squeeze it bro.  Give it a fuckin’ kiss too.”  Kent panted a little as he squeezed it, before drawing his lips gently to it.  Even under the warm water, he could taste faintly taste the sweet and salty tang of sweat.  “That’s it.  Soooo fuckin’ sweet.  Let’s get you all soaped up.”

Sid started manhandling him, rubbing shampoo into his hair, soaping his body up as Kent began to whimper.  “You get me too bro, soap me up.”  Sid lifted his arm, shoving Kent’s face in.  “Course you can always tongue me off.  Come on, little bro, get me all clean.”  Kent couldn’t help himself, tonguing Sid’s armpit, licking up his intoxicating musk.  “So fuckin’ tasty bro.  So good…”  Sid chuckled.  “Better really get me clean now.  Come on, soaps on the bench.”

Kent ran his soapy hands over Sid’s rock hard muscles, lingering over his abs before finally soaping up his massive cock.  “That’s so fuckin’ big bro….” Kent drooled a tiny bit as he said that, hardening as Sid massaged the soap into his ass, gently tapping his puckered hole with his finger.  “Heh, you’re not too shabby.  What you packin’, 6 inches?”  He grabbed Kent’s dick, pressing it up against his own hard cock.  “Nothing compared to my rod, ‘course, but pretty hung for a little guy like you.”  Thick and veined, Sid’s dick hovered around twice Kent’s size.  “That’s fuckin’ perfect for my little bro, take after his big bro, but still, we both know who the real big bro is.  Bet you’re gonna brag to all your little friends how hung your bro is, huh?”  As the warm water rinsed them off, Sid smacked Kent’s ass, and scooted his arms underneath Kent, picking him up, pressing their bodies together.  “Gimmee a fuckin’ kiss bro.”  Kent leaned into the kiss, letting Sid slip his tongue inside him.  Supporting Kent with one arm, Sid flicked the water off, then opened the door, carrying Kent out of the shower, throwing him on the bed.                “Legs up little bro.  Let me see that hole.”  Kent grinned, lying back and lifting his legs, spreading his cheeks apart.  “Look at that cute little hole.  So good for me.”  Sid dove forward, lapping at his hole.  Kent began to whimper.  “Ugh, fuck bro….big bro, eat me out.  Need my hole filled.”  Sid happily obliged, feasting on Kent’s hole.  Kent threw his head back, just enjoying it, relaxing as his big bro’s tongues worked him open.  Kent got up and lay next to Kent.  “Come on bro, sixty-nine with me.  Suck my cock.  Eat it, bro.”  

Kent eased himself on to Sid’s cock, pushing his head deep down and taking in more of that addictive scent.  “So fucking tasty, bro.”  He sucked at the precum-beaded head, greedily trying to shove it deeper.  “Uh….take it easy bro.  Plenty left, and it’s all here for you.”  Kent whimpered, Sid probing him with a finger now, stretching him out.                Sid rose up, pulling his finger out, suddenly looking dead serious as he sat down on the bed next to Kent.  “Sit up, little bro.  What I say next is gonna be important.”  Kent sat up, curling up next to his bro.  “You’ve got a choice to make now.  I know you’re horned, bro, so am I, but you ride my cock?  That’s it.  Gonna be Poseidon and his little bro ‘gainst the world.  Forever.  You want that bro?  Be my little man, let me take care of you, stick by my side?”  Sid tilted Kent’s head up from the chin, looking him in the eye.  “Tell me.  Say you’re gonna be my little bro.”  “Please...oh my god bro, just wanna be your little bro forever.  Don’t let me go back to being all stressed bro.  Let’s just be happy fuckin’ bros forever.  You…heh.”  He started laughing.  “What’s so funny bro?” Sid frowned.  “Well…you scared all the scary stuff away!  You’re the best.  ‘Course I wanna be your little bro.”  He beamed.

“Fuck yeah bro!  That’s my best bro for life.  You’re not gonna regret this, I’m gonna make sure of it.  Leave it to big bro.  Now let’s get our fuckin’ cocks taken care of, yeah?”  Sid ruffled Kent’s hair and grabbed his cap off the bedside table, throwing it backwards on Kent, then patted his lap.  “Now jump on my lap bro – gonna give you best ride of your life.”

Kent giggled as he settled into Sid’s lap, wrapping his arms around Kent’s neck and leaning in for a kiss.  “So sweet.  Let me just…” Kent guided his slick cock towards Kent’s entrance.  “Ready bro?” Kent nodded.  Sid slowly pushed in, his cock slowly stretching Kent open until just the head popped in.   Kent gasped, whimpering and leaking onto Sid’s stomach.  “H-hurts bro…” Sid rubbed Kent’s back and nibbled his ear.  “You’re so fuckin’ tight, little guy…gonna make you relax, gonna make you perfect hole for your big bro’s cock.” Suddenly, the pain started to dissipate.  In fact, even the memory of the pain dissipated.  All Kent could focus on was the feeling of being wrapped in strong arms, and so, deliciously full.

Inch by inch, without any effort, Kent sunk down onto Sid’s dick, whimpering and writhing before bottoming out, falling into Sid’s warm chest, panting.  “Look at that.  So proud, bro.  So full of your stud bro’s dick.” He rubbed at Kent’s stomach, kissing him.  “Let’s get you all full of my spunk too.  Not real bros until I’ve creamed you too.”  

With that, Sid began jack-hammering Kent, drilling him. By now, Kent could barely form words, the pleasure was so intense.  He had a brief moment when suddenly, he remembered that he hadn’t checked his email – fuck, what if the office had tried to contact him, maybe there was wifi, after sex he’d grab his pho- “Eyes on me bro.” Suddenly, Sid grabbed his face, forcing him to look into his eyes, the pumping of Sid’s thick cock filling his mind, his thoughts washing away in the tides of pleasure.  “Just gotta stay slutty and happy for your big bro, and he’ll take care of the rest.”

After the pounding went on for a good while, Sid flipped Kent to the bed, going deeper, holding Kent’s legs in a breeding press.  All Kent could do is let out a high pitched whimper.  “Gonna cum bro….get ready.”  But despite the warming, almost instantly Kent was filled with what fet like gallons of cum.  It leaked out onto the bed, filling his brain with nothing but the scent of cum.  And that triggered him, as hands free, he shot all over both of their chests.  Sid grunted and shouted.  “Fuck yeah! Shoot that load bro.  My cute little pussy bro cumming just from my big fuckin’ cock.  So fuckin’ sweet.”  He gave Sid a kiss on the forehead as he pulled out, pulling Kent against him as a little spoon.  

“When you wake up tomorrow, feeling your hole still slick with my cum, you’re gonna remember.  You’re my little bro now.  And walking around tomorrow, we’re gonna show everyone we’re the best pair of bros here. You got that little guy?”               And with the last of his strength, Kent cuddled back into Sid…Poseidon. His god, his lover, his bro.  “Fuck yeah.”

[cathrynstreich]

5 Beach Vacations That Don’t Require Leaving the Country

While taking a vacation can be a big expense that some might try to avoid (especially if you’re a new homeowner), you don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy some hard-earned time away from the office. Canada has its own beautiful beaches you can spend some time building your tan at.

Wasaga Beach, Ontario One of the most popular destinations for summer vacationers, Wasaga beach is known as Canada’s beach city. It has a bustling vibe similar to the beaches you’ll find in Florida, U.S.. Located between the Georgian Bay and Niagara Escarpment (both UNESCO Biosphere Reserves), it is the world’s longest freshwater beach at 14km.

Havre-Aubert Beach, Quebec There’s no need to go all the way to the Caribbean for crystal-blue sandy beaches when you have this option right here. Take a trip to the Iles de la Magdalen (Magdalen Islands), a chain of islands right in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and sunbathing are all part of the day. In August, the water reaches a warm 68 degrees, making for the perfect swimming conditions.

Tribune Bay, British Columbia Located on the inner waters of Vancouver Island, this pristine beach’s crystal-clear water will have you thinking you’ve left the country. The beach is nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for good reason. One of the warmest salt water swimming areas in the province, the shallow waters reach near tropical temperatures in the summer.

Grand Beach, Manitoba Located just one hour north of Winnipeg, Grand Beach is home to one of the largest ‘artisand’ festivals in the world, where sand artists from all over come every August to compete for the title, creating incredible sand castles and sculptures from the soft white sand.

Singing Sands, PEI Recently nominated as one of Canada’s natural wonders, Singing Sands is filled with stunning red quartz sands, and surprisingly warm waters that make for great beach days. It gets its name from the strange phenomenon of the sand here; when you walk on it, it produces a sound that some liken to singing, while others say it’s more like a squeaking noise. Either way, it’s something you have to experience to believe.

The post 5 Beach Vacations That Don’t Require Leaving the Country appeared first on RISMedia.

5 Beach Vacations That Don’t Require Leaving the Country published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

[touristguidebuzz]

5 Things to do and see in Zambales, Philippines

Out of Town Blog 5 Things to do and see in Zambales, Philippines

Five things to do and see in Zambales, Philippines

Zambales is a Philippine province known for, well, lots of things! It’s blessed with brilliant beaches, parks, hiking trails, mountain ranges, seafood restaurants, seaside hotels… and the list goes on. Its short three to four-hour travel time from Manila further makes Zambales a favorite tourist destination.

Surfing in Liwliwa, San Felipe Zambales photo by hectorhannibal via Flickr

There’s so much to do and see here in Zambales that one might be at a loss with making an itinerary for a vacation in this province.  But worry no more, for I’ve created a list of 5 simple things to do and see in Zambales, that will pretty much give you a glimpse of the province’s real beauty.

1. Plunge underwater to see shipwrecks, or get on a yacht

Zambales, being a province directly facing the sea, is blessed with plentiful dive spots. Subic Bay, for one, is one of the most known diving spots in the province for its picturesque views of the open sea and the most unique diving sites.

Diving in Subic Bay photo by Boardwalkdivecentre.com

Subic is a first class municipality with an active military history during the American Period in the country. It was a functional military base even after the end of the Second World War. The accumulation of shipwrecks in Subic Bay have now turned into hot diving spots, and, a favorite hangout place for various schools of fish! There are plenty of diving resorts along Subic Bay. Arizona Dive Shop in Olongapo City is one of the most well-known. SCUBA Tech Philippines in the same city also offers diving lessons for beginners.

Dolphins in Subic Bay photo by Edward Musiak

Subic Bay is also known for hosting national regattas. Subic Sailing, the “home” of the Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailors (SAGS), holds races annually and also hosts sailing lessons as well. Watch others set sail, or learn to do it on your own.

Also Read: Spoiler Alert to Subic Bay’s Ocean Adventure

2. Beach hop and hike a trail… at the same time!

Having the perfect diving spots isn’t the only thing that Zambales is proud of. Having beautiful seas also mean having beautiful beaches. Potipot Island and Anawangin Cove is just some of the most visited beaches in Zambales. The white-sand Potipot Island and its peaceful atmosphere of open skies and driftwood make it a famous island getaway. Meanwhile, Anawangin Cove’s hills and cream-sand beaches are perfect for relaxation. Generally, people visit Zambales’s beaches because most of them allow beachside camping, and some, cooking as well.

Potipot Island (photo by Potipot Island FB Page)

If that’s not enough, you’ll be surprised to know that some of Zambales’ beaches aren’t just seaside, tanning, swimming, paradises. Some beaches, like Capones Island, has a rocky trail that is visited more often than its small pocket of cream-sand beach. This is because at the end of the trail, at the highest peak of the small island, is an abandoned Spanish Lighthouse that looks like it’s taken from a vintage postcard. If you don’t fancy taking pictures of antique buildings, then you’ll definitely appreciate the view of the open skies and deep blue waters.

Also Read: 7 Fantastic Beaches in San Antonio Zambales (with Tips and Directions!)

3. Hike to Mt. Pinatubo, and see nature’s wrath and love

Considered as one of the most destructive natural calamities in Philippine history, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 has took kilometers of houses, farmlands, and even lives. Today, Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales, has turned into a hiking destination.

Mount Pinatubo Crater

There are plenty of tour packages being offered, but you may also organize your own tour. The roads are suitable for heavy-duty four-wheeled trekking vehicles, so hiking time can be reduced. The trail that needs to be trekked on foot is just half an hour’s hike at most.

Mount Pinatubo Adventure

The aftermath of the 1991 eruption is still visible in some parts of the trail, such as the gloomy, grey-colored lahar deposits that you’ll most likely encounter in your trek. However, above the trail is the Crater Lake, an oddly beautiful lake that was formed after the volcano’s eruption. The Crater Lake, sometimes called Mt. Pinatubo Lake, stands proudly in the center of the grey environment, an oasis in the grey dessert. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the lake at the end of your tiring trek, and witnessing nature’s ability not only to destroy, but also to create.

(Tip: For beach or island hopping adventures, hiking, and seaside relaxing, make sure to visit Zambales during the dry season, which generally occurs from October to June. Avoid the wet season as hiking may get difficult or impossible.)

4. Get away from the crowds, and closer to nature

If you plan to have a quieter vacation in Zambales, there are some tranquil destinations that you can go to.

Anghalo Falls in San Felipe is a less visited place, and is the ultimate, pot of gold for trekkers. The trail to Anghalo Falls starts out with mostly flat grassland before turning rockier and steeper. Nevertheless, the 15 to 20-minute trek to this wonderful water world shouldn’t be a hindrance for anyone who wants to chill out in Anghalo Falls’ cool water.

If you plan to be more hands on with the wild, Wildlife In Need (WIN) in Subic Bay can be another destination. WIN is a California-based non-profit organization that expanded in the Philippines. The staff would be more than happy to accommodate guests who want to see rescued monkeys or birds, or learn a thing or two about Philippine biodiversity.

Also Read: When the summit and the sea kissed – Mt. Bira-bira and Nagsasa Cove

5. Buy a kilo of mangoes after partying

Did you know that Zambales’s mangoes were once listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the sweetest mangoes in the world in 1995? And, in 2013, the country’s Department of Agriculture declared Zambales’s mangoes as the sweetest of its kind in the country?

Zambales Mango – Worlds Sweetest Mango

Mangoes are one of Zambales’s primary produce. That is why in 1999, the locals decided to spearhead the Dinamulag Festival, or the Zambales Mango Festival, to celebrate the province’s yellowest and sweetest produce. The festival is usually held during the first week of April. The schedule varies.

There are plenty of things to do in the Zambales Mango Festival. There are plenty of food stalls, colorful dancers, souvenir shops, and, well, mangoes. A kilo of sweet mangoes can be bought for less than Php 100 (approximately 2 US dollars).

Also Read:

A Heavenly Weekend at Crystal Beach Resort

5 Out of Manila Road Trip Destinations

Travel Guide: Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos Pangasinan

5 Things to do and see in Zambales, Philippines Melo Villareal

[mrrolandtfranco]

Best Destinations for Fishing Charters in the USA

A day spent on the boat with family, the warm sun on your back, fishing rod at the ready – what could be better?

Of the thousands of charter fishing spots around the globe, a few stand out. Our picks have ideal offshore habitats for big game, along withwarm waters gorgeous scenery, and tropical weather.. We’ve included two of the best charter and guide services in each location to help you plan and book your trip.

Get your line in the water year round in these top fishing destinations:

Fort Lauderdale, FL

For Lauderdale beaches offer 23 miles of golden sand and sunshine. Sail the blue-green waters on a chartered catamaran. Then, dive beneath the surface to meet-and-greet the local sea life. With Fort Lauderdale’s geographic proximity on the Atlantic coast, the gulfstream current passes just two miles offshore. If you have ever dreamt of catching marlins, sailfish, tuna, or even barracuda, Fort Lauderdale is for you.

Top Area Charter: Lady Pamela II

“I have fished many charters and this was one of the best. The price was competitive, the boat was great, 14-foot bow which handles the waves incredibly well. The crew of Mark and Joe couldn’t have been nicer. Joe was energetic, never stopped moving. Captain Mark took us to where the fish were and was quick to spot line releases. Now the fish: we caught 14 tuna, two king mackerel, a silk shark, bonito and ramona. Probably a fish every 15 minutes! Great day!” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Fishing Headquarters

“Most AWESOME time had today. Captain Rod and Ashley were both very attentive to all passengers needs. Captain Rod was SUPER great. He made sure that everybody caught a fish to go home with. He took us to spots where the moment I dropped my line, 5 seconds later I pulled up a fish! … Going back again in a couple of days to try night fishing! Highly recommended!” – TripAdvisor review

See all Fort Lauderdale rentals

Florida Keys, FL

The Florida Keys are a wonderful vacation spot for families in search of relaxation or adventure. Take scenic U.S. Highway 1, known to locals as “The Overseas Highway” to get there. The area offers a unique fishing environment due to the structure of the islands. Edible, big game fish can be had year round. Florida Bay is referred to locally as the backcountry, home to five of the sought-after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish and snook.

Top Area Charter: Robbie’s

“I recently had the opportunity to go fishing with a large family group at the end of April on the Captain Michael. It happens that I was getting married the next day and we were looking to accommodate ~20 people fishing without having to pay for multiple boats, captains, split everyone up, etc. The party boat was the perfect solution. The mates Brett and Anthony were excellent, gave expert advice, and helped out significantly on the back of the boat keeping everyone baited up and moving. Even the captain, Ed, made sure everyone had a good time just by talking to individuals that were along for the ride and hanging out upstairs. We did include three kids in our party (4, 6, and 8 years old) who had a great time and all caught fish! I highly recommend it and will be going back. Thanks guys!” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Bud ‘n’ Mary’s Marina

“My son and I stayed at Bud n Mary’s over the holiday break. My 10 yr old son and I made arrangements to fish with Captain Rick Stanczyk…. By far this was the BEST charter that I have EVER been on. We had 20 Jacks, 10 Mackerel, and 2 huge cobias by 10:30 am! Our arms and hands were tired from reeling in fish after fish after fish… It doesn’t stop there. My son caught a 300 lb bullshark shark and a black tip shark. I caught a rare Sawfish. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RICK!!!! 5 Stars!!” – TripAdvisor review

See all Florida Keys rentals

Outer Banks, NC

This stretch of barrier islands extends along 200 miles of the North Carolina coast. They protect the state’s mainland from Atlantic swells and provide beaches and vistas. Charter fishing is one of the biggest draws for vacationing anglers, mainly due to the Outer Banks’ proximity to the Gulf Stream. In some areas, like Cape Point on Hatteras Island, the Gulf Stream is a just a 15-mile boat ride away. Hundreds of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish are caught and released in their waters every year.

Top Area Charter: Crystal Dawn Head Boat Fishing

“I live here in KDH and have gone out 3 times now! The crew is great, and it was so simple to set up. The day of our trip it was raining so they changed the hours of our trip. They held the boat for us since we were running late and they were so good about it! You can tell the captain and mate love what they do and Vanessa was so helpful with setting it up! Great atmosphere and it wasn’t crowded. Thank you and I will make sure to bring more friends and family back when they come back to visit!” – TripAdvisor reviews

Top Area Charter: Qualifier Charters

“Awesome Crew!! Our group had a great time. The Captain showed his experience level when putting in the extra efforts to get a hold on the leader of a Blue Marlin. The mate made extra efforts to show hospitality and assist when needed. We would definitely recommend the Qualifier for an offshore trip!!” – Facebook review

See all Outer Banks rentals

Charleston, SC 

Charleston is the oldest and second largest city in South Carolina. Its waters provide abundant fishing opportunities year round. In the flats and rivers around Charleston, angler’s find Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Ladyfish, and Bluefish. The harbors and near shore waters offer Channel Bass, Spanish Mackerel, different types of sharks, and the elusive Tarpon.

Top Area Charter: Charlestown Charter Fishing

“Had an absolute outstanding day on the water with Captain Geoff. We caught redfish non stop and they grew larger with each spot we went to. He consistently put us in the right spot and his knowledge and professionalism were excellent. I would definitely recommend him for your next charter. Geoff is the man!” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Headshaker Charters

“Capt. Legare is a very experienced hard working guide in the Charleston area. Puts you on fish and know the tides and waterways as if he had been on these waters his entire like and guess what . . . He has! Great equipment (Hell’s Bay flats skiff) arched with a great attitude” – TripAdvisor review

See all Charleston rentals

Cape Cod, MA

New Englanders consider Cape Cod a slice of heaven on Earth. Upscale seaside towns dot the 65-mile stretch of land in Massachusetts. Water sports abound, and yes, plenty of fish are just offshore for the catching. Popular species found in Cape Cod waters include striped bass, bluefish, bonito, tuna, cod, mackerel and even sharks.

Top Area Charter: Reel Deal Fishing Charters

“Starting out with Captain Ian at dawn we hoped to catch some fish but NEVER thought we would find ourselves in a pod of humpback whales off of Chatham. He keeps his boat meticulously clean and was constantly on the move to find the fish for us. In the end one striper and one blue fish as keepers but lots more that we threw back. He taught us some tricks about photographing our fish and then even filleted the fish for us on board so no guts back home. A great morning out on the water.” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Shark Shark Tuna: Cape Cod Fishing Charters

“From reserving the charter, to fishing, to you name it, Capt. Shane was the best. He and first mate Zak did a great job getting us out to the best fishing spots for striped bass, flawlessly maneuvering the boat to drift through the throngs of fish as we pulled them in one after another. Couldn’t have been better.” – TripAdvisor review

See all Cape Cod rentals

Miami, FL

Miami’s reputation and strong Latin influence is well known. By night, dance the hours away in a nightclub, or indulge in a fancy meal at one of the city’s celebrity-owned restaurants. By day, hit South Beach and get a tan. Miami is an angler’s paradise, too. The coral reefs, fast current, and warm water support a diverse ecosystem. Miami’s stretch of ocean is teeming with sport fish that make for a delicious dinner or a great mount.

Top Area Charter: Mark the Shark’s Fishing Charters

“Mark the Shark Hunter and his team are exceptional! This is a great fishing charter for a group of not “all fishermen”! … Everyone is sure to walk away satisfied! Oh yeah and I probably should mention the fish…I was first up and that King fish was amazing eating! Thanks to the entire crew for catering to us the entire day! We can’t wait to come back!” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Nomad Fishing Charters

We had an excellent day out fishing with Orlando! He had all the right equipment, bait, and a great boat. He knew exactly where to go for whatever was the best fish to catch at that time of day. He was very knowledgeable about everything that had to do with the fish, explained everything and was very fun to be on a boat with for 5 hours! He also let us keep trying until we caught more before ending the day and once we were satisfied then we cruised back in. Bonus… we ended around 6pm so we got an amazing sunset cruise. Highly recommend Nomad Fishing Charter! Great day!” – TripAdvisor review

See all Miami rentals

Galveston, TX

Galveston, TX is home to over 30 miles of clean, sandy beaches. Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of swimming and surfing spots. The warm Gulf of Mexico is a perfect backdrop for your fishing expeditions. Kingfish, snapper, and dorado are abundant within 30 miles of shore. Go a little farther, particularly near the oil rigs, and you’ll find grouper, sailfish, even tuna.

Top Area Charter: Galveston Sea Ventures

“My two sons and I had a terrific time catching red snappers. The Captain and first mate were outstanding the whole trip, from port to snapper bed and back to port. We couldn’t have asked for better treatment. And the fish we brought back were very tasty.” – TripAdvisor reviews

Top Area Charter: Get Bent Galveston

“We have gone out with Captain Mike a few times now (trout, jetty, and shark fishing), and every trip has been excellent! Capt. Mike knows his fish! He is patience with everyone no matter what their skill level. He is great with kids or seasoned fisherman looking for a “mount worthy” catch! I would definitely recommend Get Bent! Galveston!” – TripAdvisor review

See all Galveston rentals

San Diego, CA

Blue skies, balmy breezes, and beautiful weather are hallmarks of the San Diego area. San Diego embodies laid-back California culture. Fishermen from around the world visit San Diego to fish the bountiful waters of the Pacific Ocean. San Diego is home to 75 state-of-the-art fishing vessels. Depending on the season, yellowfin, bluefin, yellowtail, albacore, mahi-mahi, marlin and mako can be caught offshore.

Top Area Charter: H&M Landing

“Awesome trip on the Malihini! Seriously, one of the best crews I’ve fished with, and I’ve been doing this a long time. The second captain Mike was really great, blending some humor with a lot of passion and friendliness. The captain fished really hard. Galley was great and the cook and other deckhands were also great. Seriously, can’t think of a single negative. Will go again soon.” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Captain Clowers Charters

“If you’re looking for a relaxing and fish filled day on San Diego Bay, Captain Alan Clowers is your guy. Our party of four, three generations, caught seven species of fish including 15 hard fighting Bonefish. Alan connects exceptionally well with kids ensuring a fun-filled day for all. I highly recommend Captain Clowers Charters.” – website review

See all San Diego rentals

Montauk, NY

Montauk is the small, quiet neighbor to The Hamptons. Known for its natural beauty, Montauk is surround by water on threes sides. Fishing, beachcombing, kayaking and surfing vie for your attention here. The summer season brings live music to the town’s pubs and cafes. Montauk is located over a hundred miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. All the fish from Long Island Sound and waters of Rhode Island and Massachusetts swim by on their annual migrations.

Top Area Charter: Blue Fin IV

“The Blue Fin IV is simply the best most comfortable charter boat in Montauk. Capt. Michael has no weaknesses whether inshore trolling, bottom fishing (Michael can anchor on the smallest piece there is) or off shore big game fishing. His second generation local knowledge can not be matched. Don’t make the mistake I made, bring large coolers to bring your fresh catch home, he supplied the ice for the coolers too!” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Susie E. II Sportfishing

“I’ve been on many fishing charters down in Florida, but this was my first time going out on a charter in Montauk – Capt’n Burt and the crew were great and my friends and I had a ton of fun! Unlike some of my other experiences where the captains have been somewhat apathetic about your experience and not willing to make your time on the water unique (or successful), Burt and the crew were total opposites (plus his boat was clean – bonus!). … When we got back to the docks it was clear that we’d had a much better day compared to the other boats – most of our fish were keepers over 15-20lbs. Fishing with Burt was definitely a highlight of our trip!” – TripAdvisor review

See all Montauk rentals

Seward, AK

Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and scenic communities. Three hours south from Anchorage, this seaside village is a combo of shops, galleries, and nature. A sparkling bay for fishing and a rugged mountain flank the village. The Kenai Fjords National Park and Mount Marathon are major draws for tourists, too. Visit during August for the Silver Salmon Derby, the state’s largest. You can get out on the water and cast your line for several-hundred-pound halibut or salmon.

Top Area Charter: Crackerjack Sport Fishing

“We were on the all day combo halibut and Salmon with only 6 passengers. Neil was our captain and went out of his way to try and help everyone catch halibut and salmon. The weather was amazing that day and we also saw quite a few hump back and killer whales our boat caught 7 halibut and 3 silvers. I would definitely recommend taking a fishing trip with this outfit.” – TripAdvisor review

Top Area Charter: Fish Seward Alaska Inc.

If you want to catch a lot of fish and have a great time doing it use Fish Seward Alaska. Captains and crew are excellent and will put you on fish all day long. Service is first class! I will be back next year because it will take me that long to eat the fish we caught.” TripAdvisor review

See all Seward rentals

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