#ground transportation miami

[shuttledluxe]

Exploring Miami's Streets: Ground Transportation Guide

Miami, with its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and bustling streets, offers a multitude of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. From public transit to ridesharing and rental cars, navigating the city's streets requires an understanding of the available ground transportation miami services. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various ways to get around Miami, providing insights and tips to help travelers make informed choices for their journeys.

Public Transit: A Comprehensive Network

Miami-Dade County operates an extensive public transit system, providing residents and visitors with access to buses, trains, and people movers. The Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus collectively cover a wide area, connecting key neighborhoods, attractions, and transit hubs throughout Miami-Dade County.

The Metrorail is a rapid transit system that serves as the backbone of Miami's public transportation network. With elevated train service spanning over 25 miles, the Metrorail connects major destinations such as Downtown Miami, Miami International Airport, and Coral Gables. With frequent service and convenient stations, it's a popular choice for commuters and tourists alike.

Complementing the Metrorail is the Metromover, an automated people mover system that operates within Downtown Miami and Brickell. With three loop routes and 21 stations, the Metromover provides free and convenient transportation for commuters, residents, and visitors within the urban core. Its accessibility and reliability make it a convenient option for exploring downtown attractions, shopping centers, and business districts.

For routes not covered by rail, the Metrobus network offers comprehensive coverage throughout Miami-Dade County. With over 90 routes and thousands of stops, Metrobus provides flexibility and accessibility for travelers seeking to reach destinations beyond the rail lines. While bus travel may take longer than rail, it remains an affordable and practical option for getting around Miami.

Ridesharing: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become ubiquitous in Miami, offering convenient and on-demand transportation at the tap of a button. Whether you're heading to the beach, a restaurant, or a nightlife hotspot, ridesharing provides flexibility, reliability, and often competitive pricing compared to traditional taxis.

One of the key advantages of ridesharing is its accessibility throughout the city, including areas not well-served by public transit. With cashless transactions, real-time tracking, and the option to choose between different vehicle types, ridesharing offers convenience and customization for travelers of all preferences and needs.

Taxicabs: A Time-Tested Option

Traditional taxicabs remain a reliable and familiar option for ground transportation in Miami. Licensed taxis are readily available at airports, hotels, and popular tourist areas, offering a regulated and professional service for travelers seeking a straightforward transportation experience.

While taxicabs may be slightly more expensive than ridesharing, they provide the assurance of regulated fares and professional drivers. For travelers preferring cash transactions or seeking a familiar mode of transportation, hailing a taxi is a practical choice for getting around Miami.

Biking: Embracing Active Transportation

Miami's flat terrain and warm climate make it ideal for biking, offering residents and visitors an eco-friendly and active way to explore the city. With dedicated bike lanes, shared paths, and rental services available, biking provides a unique and immersive experience for those looking to discover Miami's neighborhoods, parks, and waterfronts.

Several rental companies offer bicycles for short-term use, allowing travelers to pedal around iconic areas like South Beach, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove. Beyond recreational cycling, biking serves as a practical mode of transportation for short trips and local errands, reducing reliance on cars and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Walking: Immersing Yourself in the City

For travelers keen on immersing themselves in Miami's vibrant atmosphere and urban landscape, walking remains one of the best ways to get around. Many of the city's popular attractions, shopping districts, and dining areas are easily accessible on foot, allowing pedestrians to explore at their own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.

Whether strolling along Ocean Drive, exploring the Art Deco District, or meandering through the lush landscapes of parks and gardens, walking offers a sensory experience that cannot be replicated by other modes of transportation. With a wealth of sights, sounds, and flavors to discover, embracing Miami's pedestrian-friendly spaces allows travelers to connect with the city on a more intimate level.

Rental Cars: Freedom to Explore

For travelers seeking flexibility and independence, rental cars provide the freedom to explore Miami and its surrounding areas at leisure. Major car rental companies operate at airports and throughout the city, offering a wide range of vehicles to suit every preference and budget. With a rental car, travelers can venture beyond the urban core and discover hidden gems along the coast, in the Everglades, or on day trips to nearby destinations.

Having a rental car allows for spontaneous detours, scenic drives, and the ability to tailor the itinerary according to personal interests and preferences. Whether it's a beach day in Key Biscayne, a road trip to the Florida Keys, or exploring the cultural enclaves of Little Havana and Little Haiti, a rental car unlocks endless possibilities for exploration and discovery in and around Miami.

Conclusion: Navigating Miami's Dynamic Landscape

In conclusion, exploring Miami's diverse landscape requires careful consideration of ground transportation options, each offering its own advantages and considerations. From the convenience of public transit to the flexibility of ridesharing and rental cars, travelers can choose the mode of transportation that best aligns with their preferences, budget, and itinerary. Whether navigating the city's bustling streets, cruising along its scenic waterfronts, or immersing oneself in its vibrant neighborhoods, the array of ground transportation services available in Miami ensures that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and discovery. By leveraging the myriad transportation options, travelers can optimize their experiences, allowing for seamless and memorable adventures in the Magic City.

[fllmiaairportcarservice]

Miami Airport to Your Destination: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation Services

When you step off your flight at Miami International Airport, you're not just arriving in a vibrant city with beautiful beaches and a thriving culture. You're also faced with the question of how to get to your final destination. Fortunately, Miami offers a plethora of transportation options to suit every traveler's needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various modes of transportation, including airport shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and even Fort Lauderdale car service, to help you make the best choice for your journey.

Miami Airport Transportation Options.

Airport Shuttles

Airport transportation are a well-liked option for visitors on a tight budget who need to get to their destinations quickly and affordably. Numerous shuttle services connect Miami International Airport to the city's various neighborhoods. Numerous passengers find these shuttles to be a convenient option due to their price and reputation for dependability.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at Miami International Airport and provide Miami airport transportation for those who prefer to reach their destination directly. Taxis offer the advantage of privacy, comfort, and a direct route to your specific location. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Rideshare Services

In recent years, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity because they provide a practical and frequently affordable means of transportation to your location. Simply use the app to request a ride, and a driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your desired location. It's essential to check the app for real-time prices and availability.

Lauderdale Airport Car Service

If you're arriving at or departing from fort lauderdale airport car service, you may be wondering about the best transportation options between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. One of the most convenient and comfortable ways to make this journey is by using a Fort Lauderdale car service. These car services offer a seamless connection between the two cities, providing travelers with a private and efficient mode of transportation.

Fort Lauderdale car services offer several benefits, including:

- Comfort and Convenience

Car services are known for their comfort and convenience. You can relax in a well-maintained vehicle and enjoy a smooth, stress-free ride to your destination. It's an ideal choice for travelers who value comfort and privacy.

- Punctuality

Car services pride themselves on punctuality. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ensuring a timely departure and arrival at your destination.

- Professional Drivers

Professional drivers are knowledgeable about the local area and can provide you with valuable information about Miami and Fort Lauderdale. They are also well-trained in safety, ensuring a secure journey.

- Customized Service

Car services can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're traveling for business, with family, or alone, a car service can accommodate your requirements.

Ground Transportation from Miami Airport

Choosing the best ground transportation from Miami Airport depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Budget: If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, airport shuttles and rideshares may be your best choice.

Convenience: Taxis and rideshares offer on-demand services, making them highly convenient for travelers in a hurry.

Comfort: If comfort is your priority, a car service is your best bet, offering a luxurious and comfortable ride.

Distance: Consider the distance to your final destination. If you're traveling between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, a Fort Lauderdale car service is your most direct option.

Group Size: Your choice of transportation may depend on the size of your group. Shuttles and car services can accommodate larger groups, while taxis and rideshares are better for individuals or small groups.

In conclusion, Miami International Airport provides a variety of transportation options to suit the diverse needs of travelers. Whether you're looking for an economical ride, a convenient taxi or rideshare service, or a luxurious car service to Fort Lauderdale, there's a transportation solution for everyone. Consider your budget, comfort level, and specific requirements when choosing the best mode of transportation for your journey from Miami Airport to your final destination. Safe travels!

[pickingupmymercedes]

Thank you, for everything (it takes a village) - Lewis Hamilton ft. Ayrton Senna

Little something for the 30th Anniversary of Senna's legacy

pairing: Senna! Reader X Lewis Hamilton

warnings: mentions of death, mourning, 30th anniversary of Senna's legacy

wordcount: +4k

song: In your arms - Birdy

a/n: People in Brasil don't say is the anniversary of his death but rather of his legacy, and it's such a beautiful way to see it. I hope Ayrton knows, wherever he is, how loved he still is.

a/n.2: Ayrton was known as Beco/Becão by his family and friends

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi! (Also, my written portuguese is a bit rusty, so if there's anything weird, please let me know)

______________________________________________________________

When hope went away I still held on, to the love that you gave, it’s all I’ve got of you now. I will never know you, don’t get to understand, no answers to questions. It’s too late for that. But I was in your arms, once

A pre-dawn Miami humidity clung to y/n like a second skin, even inside the automatically cooled hotel room. The city slept, but the salty air carried a raw energy that mirrored the turmoil brewing within her. Today, the 1st of May, was a day she always needed to face alone.

She laid there, staring at the ceiling, the weight growing with each passing moment. Today, the air itself seemed thick with an unspoken grief, a shared memory of loss that resonated across the globe. 30 years. Three decades since the world had watched in horror as lives changed forever, hers included.

The sheets felt too restrictive, the silence too loud. Pulling them back, she tiptoed past the rumpled form of Lewis, still fast asleep. He'd offered to come with her, to run by the beach together, but she needed this. Needed the solitude, the rhythmic pounding of her feet against the pavement to chase away the ghosts of a past she barely remembered.

Miami slept, bathed in the faint glow of pre-dawn light, but Y/N felt wide awake, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Stepping out onto the balcony, the salty air stung her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she gazed out at the vast expanse of the ocean, the darkness slowly giving way to a canvas of vibrant oranges and pinks.

A single tear traced a path down her cheek, a silent tribute to a love stolen too soon. Every year on this day, it was as if the world held its breath, waiting for her grief to surface. This anniversary wasn't a celebration; it was a stark reminder of the void that had forever shaped her life.

The need to move, to outrun the memories that threatened to consume her, became an insistent ache. With each step, a memory flickered to life, but one always stood out the most, the one few people knew of.

She was four, piloting her tiny kart around a makeshift track at Interlagos. The familiar scent of burnt rubber and exhaust fumes flooded her senses, transporting her back to a time before tragedy struck. Y/n grinned, her hair whipping in the wind, as she pushed her little kart to its limits.

A wild turn, a sickening jolt, and the world tilted sideways. Then, strong arms scooped her up. "Tudo bem aí, filha?" (Everything okay there, darling?)  Her father's voice, warm and reassuring. He checked her over, a playful glint in his dark brown eyes. "Você tava indo bem, se assustou?" (You were doing great, did you scare yourself?)

Y/n shook her head, a defiant tear clinging to her cheek. “Eu acho que tá bom por hoje já.” (I think that’s enough for today) Ayrton ruffled her hair, a conforting glint in his eyes. “Não pai, eu quero baixar o tempo da volta”(No dad, I wanna lap faster) little y/n stood her ground, already half way back into her kart. "Vamos voltar lá e mostrar como se faz então, Senninha” (Let’s go back there and show who’s boss then, Senninha).

The memory faded, replaced by the rhythmic sound of the waves. Y/n stopped, chest heaving. Frustration gnawed at her. She would never know that feeling of hearing him cheer her on in that deep, familiar voice again. All she had were these fleeting snippets, these echoes of a life stolen too soon.

Each stride was a battle cry against the past, a desperate attempt to find some semblance of peace. She ran until the sun climbed higher, painting the sky in vibrant hues, until her lungs burned and her legs screamed for mercy. Finally, Y/n slowed to a walk, chest heaving, sweat stinging her eyes.

Collapsing onto a weathered bench, she leaned forward, hands on her knees, gasping for breath. As the initial wave of exhaustion subsided, a new clarity washed over her. The memories would always be there, a bittersweet reminder of a love lost.

But today, she would celebrate his life, his passion, his legacy that lived on, not just in her name, but in the hearts of countless who still chanted his name at races.

Returning to the hotel, Y/n showered, the steam slowly clearing the remnants of the run and the emotional turmoil. Opening the bathroom door, she found Lewis propped up on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up, a concerned look in his warm brown eyes.

"Morning," he said, his voice slightly raspy. "Early run?"

She offered a tired smile. "Needed to clear my head." She sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling a towel around her damp hair. "Big day ahead"

Lewis put down his phone, his gaze intent on her. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice softer now. "You alright?"

Taking another deep breath, she met his gaze. "Yeah, I'll be okay. Just… emotional, even more so this year"

Lewis reached out and took her hand, his touch a warm anchor in the storm of her emotions. "No judgment," he said quietly. "Today isn't easy for you, I know."

Y/n leaned into his touch, finding comfort in his understanding. "Interviews all day and the dinner at night" she sighed. "They want me to relive it all – the memories, the grief. It gets exhausting sometimes."

Lewis nodded. "Maybe you could have your people reschedule some of it. There's no need to—"

She cut him off with a gentle shake of her head. "No, Lew. I can't hide from it. Today may be hard, but it's important. It's a chance to celebrate his life, to keep his memory alive." she squeezed his hand, a newfound determination strengthening her resolve. "I just…" she hesitated, her voice thick with emotion, "I wish I could remember more."

Lewis's gaze softened further. "You may not have years of childhood memories, but you carry his spirit in you. His passion, his strength, that's part of who you are."

Y/n looked out the window, at the city slowly waking up to a new day. His words held truth. She may not have clear memories of her father, but his legacy, his love, was woven into the fabric of her being.

Taking another deep breath, she met Lewis's gaze, a small smile danced in her eyes "I hope so.”

Today would be impossibly hard. As people celebrated a hero, she would mourn a loss, but they would all be facing the future nonetheless. He may have been gone, but the love he gave her remained, with her and in her.

"I remember you my way, It’s not perfect or fair, I paint you with colours, That weren’t ever there. Feels harder these days after so long, ‘Cause my memory fades"

The sterile hotel conference room felt strangely warm, the air thick with a mix of anticipation and unspoken grief. Y/n sat opposite Galvão Bueno, the legendary Brazilian motorsport commentator, his kind eyes reflecting a lifetime of witnessing triumphs and tragedies on the track.

But this wasn't just another interview. Galvão knew Ayrton. Knew him not just as a driver, but as a friend, a competitor, a kindred spirit who left a void in Brazilian hearts, and most acutely, in Y/n's.

The interview began, a dance between formality and shared history. Galvão's questions flowed, laced with a quiet respect that Y/n appreciated. "Ayrton" he began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips "sempre teve uma maneira diferente de cativar o público” (always had a way of captivating a room"

Y/n nodded, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Ele tinha” (He did) she admitted "Mas para ser bem honesta, eu lembro de sempre ficar puxando ele para sair dos lugares porque ele parava para conversar com todo mundo” (But to be honest, I remember always dragging him out of every room because he would stop and talk to everyone)

A warm chuckle escaped Galvão's lips at her confession. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Você sabia que antes de toda corrida, ele fazia um ritualzinho? Ele parava na frente do carro, fechava os olhos, e... bom, ninguém sabe direito o que ele fazia. Mas ele tocava o carro em três lugares específicos – o nariz, a roda direita dianteira, e aqui” (Did you know that before every race, he'd have this little ritual? He'd stand by his car, close his eyes, and…well, no one knew exactly what he did, but he'd touch the car in three specific places – the nose cone, the front right wheel, and then, right here) Galvão tapped his chest over his heart.

Y/n smiled, surprised that someone still remembered that sequence. But, although this was the Ayrton Senna she knew from the countless documentaries and newsreels, how he recounted that from memory was a glimpse of a private Ayrton, a man seeking solace and strength before the roar of the engines began, not something she would notice while watching a video.

"E tem mais, Senninha” (There's more, Senninha) he said, using the affectionate nickname many Brazilians called her by. "Você sabe que ele era muito supersticioso. Ele nunca usava um capacete novo pela primeira vez em um final de semana de corrida. Sempre insistia em um mais velho, mesmo que estivesse ruim para usar.” (He was fiercely superstitious, you see. He wouldn't wear a new helmet for the first time on a race weekend. Always insisted on the old one, even if it was a little worse for wear.)

Y/n couldn't help but let out a small laugh, a welcome sound that broke the tension in the room. "Parece exatamente algo que ele faria” (That sounds exactly like something he’d do) she said, a newfound appreciation blooming in her chest.

Galvão continued, weaving a tapestry of anecdotes. He spoke of Ayrton's meticulous work ethic, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and then, with a twinkle in his eye, of his playful side. "Ele sempre arrastava os reporters brasileiros para o kart em Interlagos, lá onde você aprendeu a pilotar” (He'd always drag Brazilian reporters to go-kart at Interlagos, right there where you learned how to race" he reminisced, a fond smile creasing his face. "E deixa eu te contar, seu pai sempre ganhava da gente, por muito!" (And let me tell you, your father would always beat us, by far)

Y/n listened, captivated. These were stories of a man, not just a legend. A man who found joy in competition, even outside the high-pressure world of Formula One. As the interview progressed, a kaleidoscope of Ayrton unfolded before her, a man filled with complexities and contradictions, yet undeniably her father.

Stepping out of the stifling conference room, Y/n felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. Galvão's interview had stirred a potent cocktail of emotions within her – a heady mix of pride, nostalgia, and a gnawing sense of loss. Back in her hotel room, she found her ant Viviane unpacking a basket of goodies as she waited for her youngest niece. The scent of warm pão de queijo filled the air, a familiar comfort amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

"Você chegou, florzinha" (You’re here, little flower) the elder woman said, her voice as warm as the sun, pulling Y/n into a tight embrace. "Como foi?” (How did it go)

Y/n sank into the hug, the scent of lavender and her ant’s comforting embrace temporarily pushing aside the weight of the interview. "Foi bom” (It was good) she mumbled, pulling away slightly. “Galvão knew Dad well, that's for sure” y/n’s changed to English, hoping it’d be okay to use the language she didn’t have to think so hard to answer back in.

Both women sat by the outdoor sitting area of the room, the crash of the waves a comforting distraction as y/n ate the last bits of the cheese bread that were being served all day during the interviews on the anniversary and promotions for the new Netflix show.

"I believe everything's going well for the dinner latter tonight” the younger offered, more out of obligation than conviction. Viviane’s gaze sharpened, the lines around her eyes crinkling with a quiet understanding. She held Y/n’s gaze until she asked "But something troubles you, doesn't it?"

Y/n hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her shirt. It was a familiar pattern her family knew all too well, the switch to English, the fiddling, the lack of glint in the eyes she had inherited from Ayrton.

Taking a deep breath, y/n confessed, "It's just…all these interviews, all these stories about Dad. I feel like everyone knew a part of him I never did."

A shadow flickered across Viviane’s face, a brief echo of the grief they both still carried. She reached out, gently squeezing Y/n's hand. "My love" she began, her voice soft yet firm “Beco was a complex man. Even those closest to him couldn't fully grasp him. He was a whirlwind, a force of nature on the track, but off it…" she paused, a wistful smile gracing her lips. "He was a private man, and yes, perhaps a little distant at times. He lived for his racing, dedicating every fiber to it."

Y/n nodded, a familiar ache tightening her chest. "It's not that I blame him," she said quietly. "He was the best."

Viviane’s smile softened. "He was, my darling. But being the best came at a cost. It left little room for the mundane, the everyday things that build memories."

A flicker of a childhood memory sparked in Y/n's mind – the faint scent of her father's cologne, the warmth of his hand enveloping hers as they walked through a park. They weren't grand gestures, but they were hers, proof of a love that existed beyond trophies and championships.

The elder saw the shift in Y/n's eyes, the glimmer of a forgotten memory. "Não se compare com o Galvão ou com qualquer outro, meu amor” (Don't compare yourself to Galvão or the others, my love) she said gently. "Você é a filha dele. Você conheceu o Beco, o homem com o mesmo olhar que o seu” (You are his daughter. You knew Beco, the man with the same eyes as yours)

Y/n's gaze drifted out to the bustling Miami cityscape, a blur compared to the vivid image forming in her mind's eye – a playful smile on her father's face as he taught her how to say pão de queijo. It was a fleeting memory, but a precious one nonetheless.

The stories, though fragmented, were pieces of a larger puzzle, a picture of her father that was starting to take shape, not just as a legendary driver, but as a man capable of love, laughter, and quiet moments of joy.

As they finished their lunch, Viviane placed a comforting hand on Y/n's cheek. "Go now, my darling," she said, her voice soft yet strong. "Celebrate your father, honor his memory. But don't forget to celebrate the love you shared, the love that lives on within you."

Y/n nodded, tears welling up in her eyes, this time tears of gratitude for the woman who had been a constant source of love and support throughout her life. Leaning in, they embraced tightly. "Obrigada, tia. Por tudo" (Thank you, antie. For everything) she whispered, the words thick with emotion.

As she left the hotel room later, for another round of interviews before the official dinner, Y/n went to the window, gazing out at the ocean once again, taking a deep breath, she whispered, "Obrigada, pai. Por tudo.” (Thank you, dad. For everything). It was a simple phrase, but for her, it held the weight of a lifetime of love and an unspoken promise to keep his legacy alive.

"And these aren’t tears because you’re gone, But for all the years that we lost, All those times I missed that love, Had it just for a moment"

As the night dawned in Miami, the heat dissipated but the humidity continued to clung to the city like a second skin. Y/n bustled around the room, a flurry of nervousness. The dinner to celebrate Ayrton Senna’s legacy started in a couple of hours and although the event had been meticulously planned for weeks, and by at least 30 people, the weight of the world felt concentrated on Y/n shoulder’s, the formal host to the dinner.

Lewis emerged from the shower, a towel wrapped around his lower waist, beads of water clinging to his dark braids. He stopped short at the sight of Y/n, a smile spreading across his face as he took sight of her sat perched on the edge of the bed, a faded white t-shirt of his hanging loosely on her frame, a white towel turbaned around her wet hair.

"Planning on hitting the town like that?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. "Although" he added, his voice dropping a touch lower, "I do love the look."

Y/n laughed, a sound that banished the last vestiges of worry from Lewis's heart. "Not quite," she said, her smile widening. "I’m trying to figure out what to post"

He noticed her phone held open on the bed, displaying two video options. As he walked closer, his bare chest brushing against hers for a fleeting moment – a small reminder of the intimacy they shared – Y/n looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with a light he hadn't yet seen earlier in the day.

"Help me choose" she said, her voice filled with a newfound energy.

He picked her up and sat her on his laps, occupying her place by the edge of the bed, the scent of his shower gel a subtle but pleasant counterpoint to the sweet aroma of the lotion she had applied. He leaned over to see the two videos.

The first one, showed a baby Y/n, barely a year old, toddling through a sun-dappled garden, her chubby arms flailing as she chased a flurry of brightly colored butterflies. In the background, Ayrton with a gentle smile on his face, playfully swatting the butterflies away from his daughter.

The second video, showed a slightly older Y/n, around two years-old, in a swimming pool. Ayrton, submerged in the water next to her, was demonstrating how to blow bubbles. Y/n, a mischievous glint in her eyes, mimicked his actions, creating a flurry of glistening bubbles that danced around her face.

"The bubble one. Something about that mischievous gleam in your eyes always has me hooked” Lewis said, amusement dancing in his voice

Y/n laughed, a sound so genuine and unburdened that it made Lewis's heart skip a beat. "I was always a rowdy thing" she admitted, a playful glint in her own eyes.

"A charming one, at that" Lewis confirmed, reaching out to kiss her shoulder. Picking the video, Lewis handed the phone back to her. "Let the world see that side to you" Y/n grinned, tapping on the screen to schedule the post.

She got up and disappeared into the bathroom to get dressed, and a few minutes later Lewis walked into Y/n intently listening to her phone on speaker, as she fiddled with a stray curl as she spoke.

"Adriane" she soothed; her voice laced with a warmth that cut through the phone's static. "Você está indo como minha convidada, lembra?” (You're coming as my guest, remember?)

A nervous laugh tinkled on the other end. “Eles sabem disso?” (Do they know that?). Andriane, Ayrton's last girlfriend and a prominent Brazilian television personality.

Y/n bit her lip, a pang of sympathy shooting through her. "Eu sei.” (I do know) she sighed. "Eu sei que eles nunca realmente te aceitaram, mas você era diferente. Você foi a única que ele me apresentou” (I know they never really accepted you, but you were different. You were the only one he introduced to me."

A brief silence followed, then Adriane spoke, her voice softer now. "Ele queria uma família, Y/n. Uma família para você. Ele sempre falava isso, seu futuro, com ele” (He wanted a family, Y/n. A family for you. He talked about it all the time, your future, with him)

Y/n's heart clenched. Memories flickered – fleeting glimpses of her father smiling at her from across a dinner table, his eyes holding a tenderness she hadn't quite understood at the time. Perhaps, she thought, there had been more to those moments than she'd realized.

"Obrigada Adriane, por tudo. Por ter sido parte da vida dele, e por ser parte da minha, do seu jeito.” (Thank you Adriane, for everything. For being a part of his life, and for being a part of mine, in your own way) she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Adriane sniffled softly and then laughed “Você é tão charmosa quanto ele, Senninha” (You are as much of a charmer as he was, Senninha) a sound that banished the last traces of tension. "Vai dar tudo certo.” (Everything will be alright)

With a final exchange of goodbyes, Y/n hung up. Glancing over at Lewis, who was attempting to catch the few Portuguese words he could understand. She took a deep breath. "My family’s not gonna make this any easier" she sighed, her voice hesitant.

Lewis turned and reached for her, pulling her by the waist with a questioning look etched on his face. Y/n, feeling a flicker of anxiety, explained the conversation, but mostly of the unwavering loyalty she felt towards the woman who held such a significant piece of her father's story.

As she finished, Lewis placed a gentle hand on her cheek. "You miss him, don't you?" he asked softly, his eyes filled with understanding as you gave him a sad smile and nod.

"It doesn't matter how long it's been" Lewis continued, his voice firm yet gentle. "Grief doesn't have a deadline."

Y/n remained silent, the weight of his words settling in. He knew the anniversary was a constant reminder, a punch to the gut every year. He could only imagine the whirlwind of emotions it brought – the bittersweet memories mixed with the crushing weight of what could have been.

"It feels unfair, sometimes…" she started, her voice catching signaling she wouldn’t complete her thoughts. Lewis tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer. "It is unfair," he agreed, his voice a low rumble against her ear.

Y/n leaned into his touch, seeking solace in his words and the steady beat of his heart. The dam finally broke, and a light sob went thought her body. Tears streamed down her face, hot and silent. Lewis held her close, whispering reassurances against her hair, letting her feel without judgment.

"Every year," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "it's like a punch to the gut. A reminder of all the birthdays, holidays, just…everyday moments I missed with him." Her voice cracked. "Everyone has stories, memories. They remember his laugh, his jokes, his warmth. All I have are these…flashes of moments, barely enough to string together a semblance of who he was."

Lewis didn't try to fix it, to offer empty platitudes. He simply held her gaze as she spoke, a silent promise etched in his eyes. He wouldn't try to replace the memories she never had, but he would be a part of her future, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold.

“It's okay to mourn the future that was stolen from you” he whispered, his voice gentle, as Y/n leaned into his touch, a flicker of something akin to peace flickering in her eyes. "Do you think he would have liked me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

The question hung heavy in the air. It was a question she'd probably grappled with for years, a silent fear gnawing at the edges of her grief. Lewis knew he couldn't give her a definitive answer, but he could offer her the solace of a possibility.

"There's no doubt he would have loved you fiercely." he said, his voice firm with conviction. “And he would have been so proud of the woman you've become."

Silence settled between them once more, but this time it was a comfortable silence, filled with a newfound understanding. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "For being here, for listening, for understanding."

Y/n turned, her eyes meeting his in the mirror, a fresh wave of tear forming in her eyelids. A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

"These aren't sad tears" she explained, wiping away at her eyes "They're just…wish you were here' kind of tears… For this" Y/n gestured at the phone on the counter. "For the celebration, for being surrounded by people who loved him. I just wish he could be here too."

Her voice softened, an acceptance in her eyes. The pain and loss would always be there, a part of her story. But there was also space for joy, for celebrating his life, and for building a future for herself.

As he pulled her into a warm embrace, Lewis whispered into her ear, "He is here, Y/n. In you, in your strength, in the mischief you still carry in your eyes. Every step you take forward is partly because of his love for you."

They stood there for a moment longer, a silent conversation passing between them. Y/n pulled away, wiping the last vestiges of moisture from her cheeks.

"Alright then" she said, a playful glint back in her eyes. "Let's go celebrate Dad. And show Miami a little Brazilian hospitality."

Lewis grinned. "Lead the way" his arms wrapping her and turning her around so he could kiss her.

The 30th anniversary of his death, although grim and a meticulously planned affair, held a significance that went beyond events, interview and RSVPs. It was a celebration of a life well-lived, a father cherished, and a daughter determined to carry his legacy forward, one mischievous bubble at a time.

______________________________________________________________

TAGLIST - @saturnssunflower @xoscar03 @chocolatediplomatdreamerzonk @happy-golden-hour @vicurious28

@0710khj @thecubanator2 @neilakk @bigratbitchsworld @adriswrld

@fearfam69691 @cmleitora

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Boeing, Spirit and Jetblue, a monopoly horror-story

Catch me in Miami! I'll be at Books and Books in Coral Gables TONIGHT (Jan 22) at 8PM. Berliners: Otherland has added a second date (Jan 28) for my book-talk after the first one sold out - book now!

Last week, William Young, an 82 year old federal judge appointed by Ronald Reagan, blocked the merger of Spirit Airlines and Jetblue. It was a seismic event:

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.254267/gov.uscourts.mad.254267.461.0_6.pdf

Seismic because the judge's opinion is full of rhetoric associated with the surging antitrust revival, sneeringly dismissed by corporate apologists as "hipster antitrust." Young called America's airlines and "oligopoly," a situation he blamed on out-of-control mergers. As Matt Stoller writes, this is the first airline merger to be blocked by the DOJ and DOT since deregulation in 1978:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/antitrust-enforcers-block-the-jetblue

The judge wasn't shy about why he was reviving a pre-Jimmy Carter theory of antitrust: "[the merger] does violence to the core principle of antitrust law, 'to protect] markets –- and its market participants — from anticompetitive harm."

The legal arguments the judge advances are fascinating and worthy of study:

https://twitter.com/johnmarknewman/status/1747343447227519122

But what really caught my eye was David Dayen's American Prospect article about the judge's commentary on the state of the aviation industry:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/01-19-2024-how-boeing-ruined-the-jetblue-spirit-merger/

Why, after all, have Spirit and Jetblue been so ardent in pursuing mergers? Jetblue has had two failed merger attempts with Virgin, and this is the third time they've failed in an attempt to merge with Spirit. Spirit, meanwhile, just lost a bid to merge with Frontier. Why are these two airlines so obsessed with combining with each other or any other airline that will have them?

As Dayen explains, it's because US aviation has been consumed by monopoly, hollowed out to the point of near collapse, thanks to neoliberal policies at every part of the aviation supply-chain. For one thing, there's just not enough pilots, nor enough air-traffic controllers (recall that Reagan's first major act in office was to destroy the air traffic controller's union).

But even more importantly, there are no more planes. Boeing's waitlist for airplane delivery stretches to 2029. And Boeing is about to deliver a lot fewer planes, thanks to its disastrous corner-cutting, which grounded a vast global fleet of 737 Max aircraft (again):

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/2024-01-09-boeing-737-max-financial-mindset/

The 737 disaster(s) epitomize the problems of inbred, merger-obsessed capitalism. As Luke Goldstein wrote, the rampant defects in Boeing's products can be traced to the decision to approve Boeing's 1997 merger with McDonnell-Douglas, a company helmed by Jack Welch proteges, notorious for cost-cutting at the expense of reliability:

https://prospect.org/infrastructure/transportation/2024-01-09-boeing-737-max-financial-mindset/

Boeing veterans describe the merger as the victory of the bean-counters, which led to a company that chases short-term profits over safety and even the viability of its business:

https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213075

After all, the merger turned Boeing into the single largest exporter in America, a company far too big to fail, teeing up tens of billions from Uncle Sucker, who also account for 40% of Boeing's income:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/its-time-to-nationalize-and-then

The US government is full of ex-Boeing execs, just as Boeing's executive row is full of ex-US federal aviation regulators. Bill Clinton's administration oversaw the creation of Boeing's monopoly in the 1990s, but it was the GOP that rescued Boeing the first time the 737 Maxes started dropping out of the sky.

Boeing's biggest competitor is the state-owned Airbus, a joint venture whose major partners are the governments of France, Spain and Germany – governments that are at least theoretically capable of thinking about the public good, not short-term profits. Boeing's largest equity stakes are held by the Vanguard Group, Vanguard Group subfiler, Newport Trust Company, and State Street Corporation:

https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-01-18-airbus-advantage/

As Matt Stoller says, America has an airline that the public bails out, protects, and subsidizes but has no say over. Boeing has all the costs of public ownership and none of the advantages. It's the epitome of privatized gains and socialized losses.

This is Reagan's other legacy, besides the disastrous shortage of air-traffic controllers. The religious belief in deregulation – especially deregulation of antitrust enforcement – leads to a deregulated market. It leads to a market that is regulated by monopolists who secretly deliberate, behind closed board-room doors, and are accountable only to their shareholders. These private regulators are unlike government regulators, who are at least nominally bound by obligations to transparency and public accountability. But they share on thing in common with those public regulators: when they fuck up, the public has to pay for their mistakes.

It's a good thing Boeing's executives are too big to fail, because they fail constantly. Boeing execs who are warned by subcontractors of dangerous defects in their planes order those subcontractors to lie, or lose their contracts:

https://www.levernews.com/boeing-supplier-ignored-warnings-of-excessive-amount-of-defects-former-employees-allege/

As a result of Boeing's mismanagement, America's only aircraft supplier steadily has lost ground to Airbus, which today enjoys a 2:1 advantage over Boeing. But it's not just Boeing that's the weak link aviation. US aviation is a chain entirely composed of weak links.

Take jet engines: Pratt & Whitney are Spirit's major engine supplier, but these engines suck as much as Boeing's fuselages. Much of Spirit's fleet is chronically grounded because the engines don't run. The reason Spirit buys its engines from those loveable goofballs at Pratt & Whitney? The Big Four airlines have bought all the engines for sale from other suppliers, leaving smaller airlines to buy their engines from fat-fingered incompetents.

This is why – as Dayen notes – smaller US airlines are so horny for intermarriage. They can't grow by adding routes, because there are no pilots. Even if they could get pilots, there'd be no slots because there are no air traffic controllers. But even if they could get pilots and slots, there are no planes, because Boeing sucks and Airbus can't make planes fast enough to supply the airlines that don't trust Boeing. And even if they could get aircraft, there are no engines because the Big Four aviation cartel cornered the market on working jet engines.

Part of Jetblue and Spirit's pitch was that they hand off the routes that they'd cut after their merger to other small airlines, like Frontier and Allegiant. But Frontier and Allegiant can't service those routes: they don't have pilots, slots, planes or engines.

Spirit hasn't been profitable since 2019 and is sitting on $4b in debt. Jetblue was proposing to finance its acquisition with another $3.5b in debt. The resulting airline could only be profitable by sharply cutting routes and massively raising prices, cutting 6.1m seats/year. With a debt:capital ratio of 111%, the company would have no slack and would need a bailout any time anything went wrong. Not coincidentally, the Big Four airlines also have debt:capital ratios of about 100-120%, and they do get bailouts ever time anything goes wrong.

As William McGee reminds us, it's been 14 years since anyone's started a new US airline:

https://twitter.com/WilliamJMcGee/status/1747363491445375072

US aviation is deeply cursed. But Boeing's self-disassembling aircraft show us why we can't fix it by allowing mergers: private monopolies, shorn of the discipline of competition and regulation, are extraction machines that turn viable businesses into debt-wracked zombies.

This is a subject that's beautifully illustrated in Dayen's 2020 book Monopolized, in the chapter on health care:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/01/29/fractal-bullshit/#dayenu

The US health care system has been in trouble for a long time, but the current nightmare starts with the deregulation of pharma. Pharma companies interbred with one another in a string of incestuous marriages that produced these dysfunctional behemoths that were far better at shifting research costs to governments and squeezing customers than they were at making drugs. The pharma giants gouged hospitals for their products, and in response, hospitals underwent their own cousin-fucking merger orgy, producing regional monopolies that were powerful enough to resist pharma's price-hikes. But in growing large enough to resist pharma profiteering, the hospitals also became powerful enough to screw over insurers. Insurers then drained their own gene pool by combining with one another until most of us have three or fewer insurers we can sign up with – companies that are both big enough to refuse hospital price-hikes, and to hike premiums on us.

Thus monopoly begets monopoly: with health sewn up by monopolies in medical tech, drugs, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance, and hospitals, the only easy targets for goosing profits are people:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/05/hillrom/#baxter-international

This is how you get a US medical system that costs more than any other rich nation's system to operate, delivers worse outcomes than those other systems, and treats medical workers worse than any other wealthy country.

Now, rich people can still buy their way out of this mess, but you have to be very rich indeed to buy your way out of the commercial aviation system. There's a lot of 1%ers who fly commercial, and they're feeling the squeeze – and there's no way they're leasing their own jets.

Stein's Law holds that "anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop." America's aviation mergers – in airlines, aircraft and engines – have hollowed out the system. The powerful, brittle companies that control aviation have so much power over their workforce that they've turned air traffic controller and pilot into jobs that no one wants – and they used their bailout money to buy out the most senior staff's contracts, sending them to early retirement.

Now, I'm with the people who say that most of US aviation should be replaced with high-speed rail, but that's not why our technocrats and finance barons have gutted aviation. They did it to make a quick buck. A lot of quick bucks. Now the system is literally falling to pieces in midair. Now the system is literally on fire:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/us/miami-boeing-plane-engine-fire.html

Which is how you get a Reagan appointed federal judge issuing an opinion that has me punching the air and shouting, "Yes, comrade! To the barricades!" Anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop. When the system is falling to pieces around you, ideology disintegrates like a 737 Max.

I'm Kickstarting the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There's also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/21/anything-that-cant-go-on-forever/#will-eventually-stop

Image: Vitaly Druchenok (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ECAir_Boeing_737-306_at_Brazzaville_Airport_by_Vitaly_Druchenok.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

--

Joe Ravi (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Panorama_of_United_States_Supreme_Court_Building_at_Dusk.jpg

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

[petewentzisblack1312]

oh btw its worldbuilding wednesday so im gonna whip out the cyberpunk characters and include some corporations and factions. please feel free to ask questions about anything. pitch a corporation or faction or something. send a name you think would be cool for a cyberpunk character. go nuts.

the setting is new miami: A seaside port city in florida that is losing ground to the rising sea levels. Densely populated with a large Caribbean diaspora that mostly handles transport and delivery (nomads)

character list (so far) here

corps and factions

the promethean collective: they distribute jailbroken cybernetics. activist/hacktivist group.

eagle & co group of businesses:

argos inc (part of e&co): surveillance and security solutions. "keep a hundred eyes on the prize"

theseus (part of e&co): cybernetics company. "building a better you"

horner media group: entertainment company. they have subsidiaries like labels and imprints and production studios and stuff but i havent settled on any yet

drake co: department store and ecommerce platform (walmart meets amazon). 'find your treasure' they have an alexa type holographic assistance called annette (this is relevant to one of my players)

i need to come up with a bunch of organized crime gangs as well. feel free to send a cool or funny concept/gimmick for one.

[orcinus-veterinarius]

Do you believe that SeaWorld Orlando should get involved in the situation with Tokitae?

Oof... this is a... loaded question.

Should they get involved? From my outsider's perspective, I would answer with a hestitant yes. While the least stressful situation for Toki would be to build her a new, superior habitat on the grounds of the Seaquarium, I no longer think that's a viable option. The city of Miami has denied permits for a new tank in the past, although the current mayor touts herself as deeply invested in Toki's wellbeing, so maybe things would be different this time. However, the condition of the Whale Bowl is rapidly deteriorating. Based off what I've heard from current MSQ employees, the Dolphin Company hasn't addressed any of the issues that lead to the USDA condemning the tank last year, and it's kind of falling apart. With hurricane season having started up, there's real concern that the structure won't survive a direct hit. And even if it's decided today that MSQ will build her a new habitat onsite, it'll be months before construction is complete. The Whale Bowl honestly may not have that long.

Which brings us back to SeaWorld. Orlando is about four hours north of Miami. While still undeniably stressful, transporting Toki there would be a shorter and infinitely less complicated trip than getting her to the Puget Sound. The design of SeaWorld's current killer whale habitat would allow Toki to be separated from their resident pod of 5—probably permanently, but at the very least until it's determined it's safe and healthy for them to interact. Toki would likely move into "Orca Underwater Viewing" (circled in white), the second largest individual pool, which can be closed off from the rest of the habitat. This was actually already done a few years back, when the pool was used to house several recuperating pilot whales. While it may appear small from this aerial image, it's significantly larger and deeper than the Whale Bowl (when I visited in 2022, I was actually unable to see the whales from the viewing window when they swam to the far side of the habitat) and is equipped with rockwork, which would provide an undeniable upgrade in Toki's quality of living while allowing her to remain in cold, clean, pollutant-free water with access to the very best in managed cetacean husbandry and veterinary care.

This may sound almost perfect, but there are a few very real issues to be addressed. Most likely, SeaWorld's current pod would lose access to this pool until Toki either passes away or is transferred out—either to the fabled sea pen or a newly constructed habitat at the Seaquarium—limiting them to the show habitat and three larger back pools (the third is covered by the white roof). Additionally, underwater viewing is the only pool with rockwork, and it would be rather unfair to take that away from them. And while the risk is low, there's still a chance Toki could spread illness to the resident pod, or vice versa.

Then there's the financial perspective. Dine With Orcas is hosted in this habitat, and SeaWorld would have to discontinue that program for the foreseeable future if Toki moves in. Depending on public display permitting, they may also have to close the underwater viewing windows. This could lead to a lot of disgruntled park visitors, something upper managment doesn't want. And of course, there's the ever precaricous issue of public perception. SeaWorld has only recently recovered from the financial woes inflicted on it by Blackfish, and with the Tokitae drama very much in the public eye, her transferring there would undoubtedly be spun by animal rights groups as SeaWorld villainously snatching her from the precipice of freedom for their own greedy gains (even if the oppostie is true... they would be losing revenue due to program cancellation).

Ultimately, the decision lies with NOAA. They are the only ones with the authority to authorize a transfer, or to remove a cetacean from a facility should they deem it unfit. For Toki herself, I believe SeaWorld to be her best reasonable option. But I also understand why SeaWorld managment would be hesitant to take her in, both for the welfare of their own orcas and from a public relations perspective. Should they decide to offer her a home, I will be pleasantly surprised at their charity, because I do not forsee it going well for them.

[archivist-crow]

On this day:

NC16002

On the day of December 28, 1948, a DC3 with registration number NC16002, carrying thirty-one passengers, was approaching the Miami Airport. Pilot Robert Linquist radioed in that he was just fifty miles south, over Key Largo, and beginning his landing approach. He and his copilot could see the lights of Miami and were awaiting landing instructions. The DC3 would be on the ground within twenty minutes. It never arrived.

Prior to takeoff, the airplane's batteries were discovered to be low on water. They were refilled, and the pilot said he would recharge them while in flight. Because the batteries were recharging, there was a lack of two-way radio contact at the end of the tarmac. Linquist agreed to fly around San Juan, Puerto Rico, until the batteries were recharged and he could make two-way contact. A short time later contact was established, and the plane headed for Miami. But the aircraft seemed to pass in and out of a radio void. Linquist reported that he had trouble transmitting, but not receiving. Some of his messages could be picked up by stations far away, but not nearby. This discrepancy would not be caused by transmitting or battery problems. Yet everything else appeared well when NC16002 was near its destination.

At that time of morning, the sky was still dark, so any explosion would have been seen. It was the beginning of a warm tropical day with a slight headwind. The waters being flown over were shallow and clear with no place for an airplane to hide. Yet the DC3 vanished quickly and completely from unknown causes. This was the second sudden disappearance of an aircraft in a series of three disappearances in the late 1940s that brought attention to the Bermuda Triangle.

Text from: Almanac of the Infamous, the Incredible, and the Ignored by Juanita Rose Violins, published by Weiser Books, 2009

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Marine Corps analyzes 'maritime gliders' options

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/20/2023 - 13:00 in Military

REGENT (Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport), a manufacturer of all-electric sea gliders for sustainable marine mobility, has signed an agreement with the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) to demonstrate the technology of marine gliders for defense logistics operations.

Viceroy seagliders are hydrofoilies with wing effect on the ground that operate exclusively in the maritime domain. They address a recognized gap within the U.S. Department of Defense for high-speed, low-cost, low-subscription and low-noise mobility in coastal areas and fulfill a number of mission sets, including troop and cargo transportation, expeditionary transportation in advanced base operations and communications.

The Viceroy will be able to carry up to twelve passengers or almost 1,600 kg of cargo over a distance of almost 300 km. With future battery capacities, Regent expects 'flights' of up to 900 km.

REGENT also signed an agreement with Surf Air Mobility to establish a base for operations of these "planers" in Miami.

Tags: Military AviationseaplanesRegentUSMC - United States Marine Corps/U.S. Marine CorpsViceroy

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[skyler10fic]

To Have and to Hold: Ch. 7 Captured

By Skyler10

Summary: Honeymoon destination revealed, Bobbi and Hunter come back into the picture ;) (pun intended), and Daisy and Carol stretch that Mature-for-sexy-times rating after some dressing and undressing.

Read on Ao3

------

Spring indulged the city with a sneak preview of its glory with a sunny, warm week to end March. All knew that it wasn’t here to stay just quite yet, but it was coming in full soon, a promise, a kiss of days approaching. 

For the past rainy week, Carol had dedicated her free time to honeymoon planning. She knew they wanted something relaxing, beachy, and new to both of them. After her talk with Daisy about making more decisions regarding the wedding, though, she was careful not to lean too hard on Daisy to make the final call. She clicked through search results for LGBTQ-friendly honeymoon destinations. There was no point in looking at islands that didn’t want them there in the first place. Every destination listed in Europe looked gorgeous but far away. Within the US, Hawaii seemed ideal but also far in the other direction. Miami seemed within their budget and fun, but not as relaxing. And hot and humid. They needed something farther north. 

One website offered just the thing: Pegasus Resort on Cape Cod, especially run by and for LGBTQ couples. They would take a ferry boat ride to and from the cape. Besides planning their activities, all she would have to do is book their flights and hotels. And a dinner for the resort’s upscale restaurant, of course. The other restaurants were more casual, and Provincetown had more options, but a special romantic dinner was basically a requirement for their honeymoon.  

Carol heard Daisy come in from her yoga class and called to her. “Hey! How was yoga?” 

“Hi. Good.” Daisy walked into the dining area where Carol was sitting at the table with her laptop and snacks. She leaned down to peck a kiss to Carol’s cheek. 

“I’ve got a honeymoon plan ready if you want to hear it?”  

“Ooo honeymoon? Uh, yes, obviously.” Daisy scooted one of the other chairs next to Carol’s so she could see the screen and took a few grapes from the snack plate. 

Carol took her through the Pegasus Resort website, photos of the area, and a few ideas of things to do. 

“And best of all, it fits the budget.” 

Daisy’s eyes widened. “For real? Babe, I’m so impressed. I’ve never been to Cape Cod.” 

“Me either! It’s not set in stone yet, so if you want to change anything, we can, but if not, I’m going to get it booked.” Carol’s mouse hovered over the Book Now button. 

Daisy bounced in excitement. “Yes, book it! While it’s still miraculously affordable.”  

Carol set to work filling out the information. Daisy weighed in when necessary, and soon enough, they had all the transportation and accommodation confirmation emails in their inboxes. 

Carol relaxed into her chair. “Whew, it feels good to have that done.” 

Daisy stood and reminded her, “Next up, our appointment with Bobbi and Hunter to talk about decorations and photos. We have about half an hour.” 

“Half an hour, huh?” Carol let her eyes linger over Daisy’s sports bra, bare midriff, and form-fitting yoga pants. 

“Unh-uh,” Daisy shut down her line of thinking. “I have to actually shower and get ready, and that is not enough time. Tonight. After.”

Carol stood and kissed Daisy with a promise on her lips. “Tonight it is.”

Daisy smiled against her and pulled away reluctantly. The clock was ticking and they couldn’t miss this crucial appointment.  

—----------- 

When Daisy and Carol arrived at the cottage and half-acre grounds that now served as Bobbi and Hunter’s office, they learned Hunter was out shooting some B-roll for another wedding video, but Bobbi was ready for action. She had only been in the business a few years, hence her availability so soon to their date, but she already had a system for each element: decoration packages, florists she worked with, photoshoot options… she even had suggestions based on their colors. She may not have had a long resume in the business, but she certainly had the skills, style, and strategy to be a rising star within it. 

Daisy lit up at Bobbi’s guidance and competence. Carol still didn’t know the difference between a dahlia and a peony, but seeing Daisy happy was all that mattered to her. Being out of her element didn’t help with her resolution to be a more active participant, however, so she relied on Bobbi’s photos for visual references. 

After hours of decoration options and floral arrangement talk, Bobbi sent them outside to walk around the grounds for a break. Bobbi said it would help her get a sense for how they interacted naturally. She’d be nearby if they needed anything, and she would shoot a few practice candids but not close enough to hear them talk. 

The spring breeze was still chilly enough for them to wear their leather jackets (brown and relaxed fit for Carol, black and stylishly cut for Daisy), but the fresh air helped them unwind. They made their way down a dirt path to a pond lined with willows. Carol slipped her hand into Daisy’s as they walked and tried not to be self-conscious that Bobbi was watching them. 

“So,” Daisy began as they reached the pond, “what are you thinking of all this? You’ve been quiet.” 

“Right now,” Carol stalled, “I’m thinking about how your hand fits in mine and how beautiful this all is. If we weren’t already here to plan our wedding, I might propose.” She leaned in toward Daisy and winked. 

Daisy smiled but didn’t let her off the hook that easily. “And what about in there?” She tilted her head toward the cottage. “I know this isn’t really your thing, but I want you to be happy with it too.” 

Carol tried to put some of the terms together correctly. “I think the corsage ideas are exactly what your mom, grandma, and Aunt Wendy and Victoria would all wear, which is a wide range of personalities, so that’s something. And the… mmm… hanging things for the chapel walls? Also good. How about you?” 

“Yeah, for sure.” Daisy squinted against the sun as she looked out to the pond. “I’m honestly not sure we need decorations for the aisle. The chapel is so small, you know? I also wanted to ask you first, before Bobbi brings it up, what do you think about a unity candle in the ceremony? Or something like that?” 

“Unity candle? I don’t know. Tell me more.” Carol furrowed her brow and tuned in. The flowers and ribbons and table centerpieces were one thing, but ceremony symbolism and meaning-laden rituals were another. 

Daisy let go of Carol’s hand and held up two imaginary candlesticks. “Okay, so we’d each have our own candles lit before the ceremony, or we can light them, but the point is we would use them together at the same time to light a bigger middle candle. The important part to me is that we don’t blow out the individual candles.” 

“Ah. Right!” Carol followed the metaphor. “So we’re still individual people, but also we’re a couple. And getting married doesn’t change that we’re each our own person.”

“Exactly.” Daisy shrugged. “If you want to. If that’s too cliche or cheesy, we don’t have to, though.” 

“No, no, I like it. So Bobbi’s going to ask us to pick out candles then, right? Because I have to be honest, I haven’t given much thought to wax color and consistency or height or whatever.” 

Daisy smiled and slipped her arms around Carol’s waist. “I don’t think we need to stress about it too much. They are pretty basic and I have one or two in mind.”

“Thank you.” Carol leaned in and kissed Daisy sweetly. “And the candle is accurate because you light me up.” 

Daisy pulled back but kept her arms firmly around Carol. “The fire-themed puns are already starting?” 

“Well, you do set my heart aflame,” Carol explained. 

“Here we go,” Daisy sighed. 

“One, this was your idea, and two, you are the light of my life. You might even say my love burns for you.”   

“Done?”  

“For now, yes. For the rest of our lives? Just getting started.” Carol assured. 

Daisy rolled her eyes and kissed her. When they parted, she shook her head. “Now you’ve got me thinking of them too.” 

“Yes! I want to hear it!” 

Daisy dropped into a sultry voice. “Babe, you’re the hottest thing since fire was discovered.” 

Carol tried not to laugh. “Okay, we’ll work on it, but a solid start. A+ for the sexy tone, though.”

“Thank you,” Daisy said proudly and then noticed the sun was lowering in the sky. “We should wrap this up. But I haven’t forgotten about tonight.”

“Me either.” Carol winked. 

They walked back to the cottage to finish their appointment with Bobbi and discuss photo poses and locations. Bobbi showed them the practice shots she had taken of their break, and they scheduled some photos of the two of them in normal clothes and some in their gowns. 

—--------- 

On Sunday afternoon, picking outfits for the photoshoot (besides the wedding gowns, of course) led to a full circle moment. As Daisy sat on the bed looking at makeup pro tips and couple posing ideas, Carol put on her deep red jumpsuit and black blazer that looked like the one she had tried on in white at the bridal shop. 

“How about this?” she asked to get Daisy’s attention. Daisy looked up from her computer and took in Carol’s outfit. 

“Yes, please.” She didn’t hide her lingering gaze. “I know exactly what I would wear with that one too.” 

“Yeah?” Carol stepped in front of the closet door mirror, which was long enough to reflect the whole outfit.

Daisy set her laptop on the bedside table and walked up behind Carol. “Three words. Little. Black. Dress.” 

Carol’s eyes met hers in the mirror. “But which one?” 

“My turn to try on.” She closed the closet door behind her so it would be a surprise until she had it on. When she opened it, Carol was sitting on the side of the bed, idly scrolling through the poses Daisy had left open on her computer. 

“How’s this?” Daisy asked, one hand on her hip with the other gesturing down the dress. Carol’s eyes followed her hand and continued down Daisy’s strong legs. Daisy had added heels for maximum effect, highlighting her calves. 

Carol walked over and stood beside her in the mirror. “Very sexy. Look at that power couple. Damn.” 

Daisy turned and pulled Carol in by the hips for a surprise kiss and then backed away just as quickly. “Okay, we have to pick out the casual outfits before I jump you for real.” 

“We have time for both,” Carol pointed out and took off the blazer. She hung it on the hanger and then took off her jumpsuit. “Your choice. I can put on my shirt or not.” 

“Stop,” Daisy whined. “You know I’m highly distractable. Shirt on first, I find something that looks good with it, and then I take it off. In that order.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Carol winked. She decided to speed up the process by walking into the closet and picking out a navy and lavender plaid button-up for herself and a blouse in a matching lavender top for Daisy. “I figured out we have these weeks ago and thought they might be good.” 

“Our wedding colors! Wow, these colors really are us.” 

Carol handed her the blouse. “And I figured we’d just wear jeans with them.” 

Daisy took off her black dress and heels and put on the blouse. She passed Carol and picked out a pair of jeans from the closet. “Hmm, these.” 

They were not her most comfy jeans for everyday wear, but they complemented her form in the right ways for a photoshoot. Carol picked a similar pair for herself. 

When they were dressed, they stood in the mirror together again. 

“What do you think?” Daisy asked.

“I think this is it.” Carol flattened her collar. Daisy turned to check out how her outfit looked from the back, and Carol wet her lips. “God, those jeans were made for your butt. I’m always both jealous and turned on when you wear those. It’s very confusing.”

Daisy laughed. “Like you can talk.” She swiftly squeezed Carol’s round bum in her tight jeans. 

“Hey!” Carol laughed. “Okay. That’s a casual outfit, a dressy outfit, and our wedding dresses. That’s enough, right? We still have two hours until we’re meeting Elena and Mack for dinner and to talk about the ceremony.”

“Yep,” Daisy popped the p. She grabbed a small black gym bag with rainbow handles they had gotten free at Pride but hadn’t used. “Anything we need for the photoshoot can go in here, and we can hang the other clothes in the garment bags with the bridal gowns.”

“Good plan.” Carol took the bag from Daisy and dropped it near the foot of the bed. “Okay, that’s enough dressing. Time for undressing.” 

Daisy kissed her and, as promised, unbuttoned her shirt until it was free. Carol took it and her undershirt off, and Daisy stripped off her own blouse and paused to kiss her again. She pulled away to hang the shirts on hangers so they wouldn’t wrinkle. Impatient, Carol wrapped her arms around Daisy from behind and unbuttoned her jeans while she was hanging the shirts. Daisy grinded back against her in retaliation, and Carol kissed her neck. 

“You know,” Daisy said, turning to unbutton Carol’s jeans in return. “This would go faster if we did one thing at a time.” 

“Okay.” Carol took off her jeans, laid them out on the bed, and stuck out her bum as she leaned over the bed and slowly and deliberately rolled them into a tight, neat log. She raised an eyebrow at Daisy, who was staring with her own jeans around her ankles. 

“Point made.” Daisy rolled up her jeans quickly and stuck both pairs in the bag. “We can worry about shoes later.” 

“Exactly.” Carol led her to the bed and in seconds, they were entangled, with hands tugging at undergarments and lips meeting again and again and thighs slotting naturally between each other. 

Daisy had an odd thought cross her mind that she was grateful to not only be born in an era and culture where they didn’t have to hide their relationship and could be married but also one in which they didn’t have to wait until marriage to have this. Not that it had ever been particularly accepted for queer couples to marry as long as they refrained from premarital sex, but it was more that she was relieved that figuring out sex wasn’t part of their wedding stress. Getting married had plenty of complications and emotions attached without that element. 

“What are you thinking about?” Carol asked as she saw the pensive expression on Daisy’s face. Carol stroked up and down Daisy’s side, and Daisy’s expression softened. 

“Just that I’m so glad we don’t have to figure this part out on our wedding night.” 

Carol involuntarily let out a little laugh and then agreed. “We would not have made it this long if we were supposed to wait.” 

“True, but can you imagine having to worry about not even knowing what to do and having our first time after all of this? Months of planning and scheduling vendors and life commitment, then to also be like sooo how does sex work anyway?” Daisy ran her fingers up Carol’s stomach to her breast and teased her nipple in emphasis. 

“That is way too much pressure for a honeymoon.” Carol rolled on top of Daisy and teased her inner thighs before working in to her warm, wet core. “Knowing every part of you, years of memorizing every sigh and gasp and moan… that’s what our honeymoon is going to be, and I wouldn’t trade one messy, imperfect night of all the time it took learning each other.”

Daisy bucked her hips into Carol’s touch and let out one of those moans. “Fuck, yes. Mmmn!” 

It hadn’t always been sexy to learn what they liked in sex, and they still tried new positions and toys on occasion that might or might not be for them, but their “Is this normal? How do we even do this?” days were worked out in college, during dates that turned into sleepovers and late nights studying for anatomy exams turned “studying” each other’s anatomy, so to speak. They had been young and awkward and new to it all together, and they found through experience what online advice in sapphic sex articles worked and didn’t for them. Now, as an established couple about to be married, they hardly had to think anymore about what to do with their hands, getting twisted up in the sheets, or being embarrassed or self-conscious about their bodies. Their legs and arms and lips and tongues seemed to just simply fit, as if they were made to be intertwined in lovemaking. But every movement and muscle memory was from years of vulnerable communication, awareness, and practice bringing them higher and higher out of the awkwardness of inexperience into the ecstasy of expertise. 

The wisdom from experience helped Carol time Daisy’s orgasm just so she was desperate but not frustrated. And it helped Daisy know when to reach for one of their vibrators, and which one, when Carol needed more to finally crest over the edge of pleasure. After Carol came, they kissed deeply, letting their tongues play, as the vibe still buzzed beside them. Daisy retrieved it and placed it between them, aligning with Carol’s folds so it was securely held against them both. She knew by now exactly where to put it and how to keep it there with their position.

“That took practice, for example,” Daisy panted. 

“It did, mmmhmm,” Carol agreed, turning it into a moan of pleasure.

Daisy did have to adjust it as her hips bucked, but they ended up coming together nearly at the same time, a rare feat, providing further emphasis that the work they had put in over the years was well worth every awkward, weird, imperfect moment it took to get there. 

—--------------- 

That night, as Carol was in the shower, Daisy had an idea of what her wedding gift to her would be. She searched her favorite wedding websites for the new-to-her term: boudoir photography.  She’d seen packages on Bobbi’s website, and looking into it, she thought Carol would appreciate it. It was a bit challenging to find pose ideas for brides that didn’t seem porny or made for the male gaze, but she could do the solo ones herself, and then if Carol was interested in some together, they could finish the shoot after the wedding with some creativity and adapting.

[shuttledluxe]

Miami Bound: The Ultimate Handbook for Ground Transportation

Miami, a city known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and bustling nightlife, welcomes millions of visitors each year. Navigating through this energetic metropolis can be an adventure in itself, especially when it comes to ground transportation. Whether you're a tourist exploring the city or a local looking for convenient ways to get around, having a comprehensive understanding of Miami's transportation options is essential. In this handbook, we'll delve into the various modes of ground transportation available in Miami, offering insights, tips, and recommendations to ensure smooth travels throughout this dynamic city.

Public Transit

Miami-Dade Transit operates an extensive network of buses, Metrorail, and Metromover, providing affordable and efficient transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Buses cover a wide range of routes, connecting different neighborhoods and attractions throughout the city. Metrorail offers a rapid transit system with elevated trains serving Miami and its suburbs, while Metromover provides free automated people movers within Downtown Miami and Brickell. Utilizing public transit not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows you to experience the local culture and interact with fellow passengers.

Ride-Sharing Services

The rise of ride-sharing services has revolutionized urban transportation, offering convenient and flexible travel solutions at the tap of a button. In Miami, popular ride-sharing platforms such as Uber and Lyft operate extensively, providing on-demand rides to various destinations within the city and beyond. With competitive pricing and user-friendly interfaces, these services are ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience without the hassle of driving and parking.

Taxis and Limousines

Traditional taxi services remain a prevalent mode of transportation in Miami, with numerous taxi companies serving the area. Taxis offer a convenient option for travelers requiring immediate transportation or prefer the familiarity of licensed drivers and regulated fares. Additionally, for those seeking a touch of luxury or special occasions, limousine services are available, providing chauffeured rides in style and comfort.

Rental Cars

For travelers looking for autonomy and flexibility in their transportation, renting a car is a popular choice in Miami. Several rental car agencies operate within the city, offering a wide selection of vehicles to suit different preferences and budgets. Renting a car allows you to explore Miami and its surrounding areas at your own pace, giving you the freedom to visit off-the-beaten-path attractions and embark on spontaneous adventures.

Bicycles and Scooters

Miami's flat terrain and pleasant climate make it an ideal city for cycling and scootering. With an extensive network of bike lanes and designated paths, biking offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Additionally, electric scooters have gained popularity in recent years, providing a fun and efficient mode of transportation for short-distance travel within urban areas. Several companies offer bike and scooter rentals, allowing you to easily access these alternative modes of transportation.

Conclusion

Navigating Miami's diverse transportation landscape can enhance your overall experience in the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and explore its myriad attractions with ease. Whether you prefer the convenience of ride-sharing services, the flexibility of rental cars, or the eco-friendly option of public transit,ground transport in Miami offers a multitude of ground transportation options to suit every traveler's needs. By familiarizing yourself with these various modes of transportation and planning your journeys accordingly, you can make the most of your time in Miami and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic urban paradise.

[nicholasaccorne]

Elevate Your Miami Travel with Private Jet Chauffeur Services

When it comes to luxury travel in Miami, nothing quite compares to the seamless experience of private jet travel combined with premium chauffeur services. At Key Transportation Services, we understand that your journey doesn't begin and end at the airport - it's about the entire travel experience. That's why we're excited to introduce our exclusive private jet chauffeur services in Miami, designed to elevate your travel to new heights of comfort and sophistication.

The Perfect Pairing: Private Jets and Luxury Chauffeurs

Imagine stepping off your private jet at Miami International Airport or Opa-locka Executive Airport, only to be greeted by a professional chauffeur ready to whisk you away to your destination in a luxury vehicle. This is the level of private jet car service we provide, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is marked by elegance and efficiency.

Why Choose a Private Jet Chauffeur in Miami?

Seamless Transitions: Our chauffeurs are expertly coordinated with your flight schedule, ensuring zero wait times and smooth transitions from air to ground transportation.

Local Expertise: Our Miami-based chauffeurs know the city inside and out, guaranteeing the most efficient routes to your destination, whether it's South Beach, Brickell, or beyond.

Privacy and Security: Just as your private jet offers discretion, our chauffeur services maintain your privacy and security on the ground.

Luxury Fleet: Choose from a range of high-end vehicles that match the luxury of your private jet experience.

Personalized Service: From your preferred refreshments to specific route requests, our chauffeurs cater to your individual needs.

The Key Transportation Difference

At Key Transportation Services, we don't just provide rides - we craft experiences. Our private jet chauffeur service in Miami is designed for discerning travelers who expect the best. Here's what sets us apart:

24/7 Availability: Whether you're arriving at dawn or departing at midnight, we're always ready to serve.

Professional Chauffeurs: Our drivers are more than just drivers - they're hospitality professionals trained to provide top-tier service.

Attention to Detail: From immaculate vehicles to punctual service, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring your satisfaction.

Flexible Booking: Last-minute changes? No problem. We understand the dynamic nature of private jet travel and are always ready to adapt.

Experience Miami in Style

Miami is a city of luxury, and your ground transportation should reflect that. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, our private jet chauffeur service ensures you arrive at your destination - be it a crucial meeting in Downtown Miami or a relaxing retreat in Coral Gables - refreshed and ready to make the most of your time.

Book Your Miami Private Jet Chauffeur Today

Ready to experience the pinnacle of luxury travel in Miami? Contact Key Transportation Services today to book your private jet chauffeur. Let us show you how we can transform your Miami travel experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Remember, in the world of luxury travel, it's not just about the destination - it's about how you get there. Choose Key Transportation Services for a journey that's as remarkable as your destination.

[latest-trends-2024]

Best Restaurant in St Augustine -PALADAR CUBAN EATERY

Best Restaurant in St Augustine to go for an authentic and delicious food.

Discover the authentic flavors of Cuba in St. Augustine at Paladar Cuban Eatery.

Looking for a taste of the Caribbean without leaving St. Augustine?

Look no further than Paladar Cuban Eatery. This vibrant restaurant offers a truly immersive experience, transporting you to the heart of Cuban cuisine. With its authentic dishes and warm atmosphere, Paladar Cuban Eatery has quickly become a local favorite.

The Cubano: A Culinary Icon

One of the standout dishes at Paladar Cuban Eatery is the iconic Cubano. This classic Cuban sandwich is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Featuring juicy roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between toasted slices of homemade bread, the Cubano is a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. It's no wonder this has become one of the restaurant's most beloved sandwiches.

The Frita: A Taste of Miami

If you're a fan of burgers, you won't want to miss the Frita at Paladar Cuban Eatery. This famous Cuban burger from Miami is a unique twist on the classic American staple. The Frita is made from seasoned ground beef blended with a pork patty, then topped with crispy shoestring potatoes on a soft Cuban bun. It's a flavor explosion that will satisfy even the most discerning burger enthusiast.

Why Choose Paladar Cuban Eatery?

Authentic Cuban Cuisine: Experience the true flavors of Cuba without leaving St. Augustine.

Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: Enjoy a casual and friendly dining experience.

High-Quality Ingredients: Paladar Cuban Eatery uses only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Exceptional Service: The staff is dedicated to providing outstanding service to every guest.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to St. Augustine, Paladar Cuban Eatery is a must-visit destination for Cuban food lovers. With its delicious menu and authentic ambiance, it's sure to leave a lasting impression.

[good-life0021]

Where Do Limo Services Pickup at Miami Airport

Navigating transportation Miami airport can be challenging, especially when you're looking for a reliable and luxurious ride. Limo services at Miami International Airport typically pick up passengers at designated points, ensuring a smooth transition from flight to ground transportation. These areas are conveniently located to minimize wait times and provide easy access to your vehicle.

Once you've arranged your limo service, the chauffeur will be in constant communication to guide you to the exact pickup location. Whether you're at the main terminal or a specific gate, the process is streamlined for your convenience. The focus is on making your journey from the airport to your destination as effortless as possible, with the luxury and comfort that only a premium limo service can provide.

Choosing a limo service for your transportation Miami airport needs ensures you start your visit in style. With professional chauffeurs who know the ins and outs of the airport, you can trust that your pickup will be timely and efficient. This service not only enhances your travel experience but also sets the tone for a memorable stay in Miami.

[sunnyworldwidelogistics]

Mr. Li's Shipment to Colombia: My International Shipping Plan Ensured Timeliness Through Three Transshipments

Mr. Li's Shipment to Colombia: My International Shipping Plan Ensured Timeliness Through Three Transshipments

Let me share a small international shipping story to Colombia.

Last week, Mr. Li from the Shanghai factory needed to ship a batch of goods to Colombia and asked if I had a cost-effective plan for Colombia. The usual route to Colombia is Shanghai-Miami-Colombia. Due to Colombia's strategic geographic location, many international shipping routes to South America start from China, transfer through the United States to Colombia, and then transfer to various airports and ports in South America.

Common airlines for South America include Avianca/QT and LATAM Airlines, which are cost-effective. Due to differences in timeliness and services, prices range from 58 to 68 RMB. There are also transshipment routes from Hong Kong to Colombia, though slightly more expensive at 78-85 HKD. Airlines like QT, AV, CM, PO, and UC are commonly used for South America. Although there aren't many international shipping routes to South America, we've developed quite a few.

QT offers a high cost-performance ratio with good prices, so the conventional international shipping route is to airfreight from Shanghai to Los Angeles, truck to Miami, and then ship to Colombia via QT Airlines. However, upon arrival in Colombia, there are still several hundred kilometers to the customer's destination. This leaves two choices: air transport or ground trucking.

For a journey of several hundred kilometers, local air services are available but are primarily passenger services. Since airlines prioritize passengers, they only carry cargo when passenger demand is low, making delays highly likely. The other option is ground trucking. While trucking is slower than air transport, we control the departure times, and the total distance is only a few hundred kilometers. Therefore, overall, the timeliness of ground trucking within Colombia is guaranteed.

Mr. Li expressed concern that the multiple transshipment points in this international shipping plan might cause delays. I assured him that the international shipping agents we partner with are not chosen randomly; they must be senior members of associations to qualify as our agents.

As a seasoned international shipping company, we offer numerous plans, largely due to our membership in various logistics associations, such as:

- WCA: World Cargo Alliance, a global freight forwarder network; we are senior members (87909).

- CIFA: China International Freight Forwarders Association, AAA certified member.

- WIFFA: World International Freight Forwarders Alliance.

- ISEA: International Shipping Enterprises Alliance, an international shipping enterprise alliance.

- JCtrans: JCtrans Logistics Network, a leading international freight forwarder in China.

- Shenzhen Airlines Association: As a vice-chair unit, Hongmingda Logistics has substantial involvement and contributions in the air logistics field.

These associations help us provide reliable agent services. Foreign associations screen out strong, qualified international shipping companies for us. For an international shipping company, this is crucial.

These associations act like a firewall, filtering out small, unprofessional shipping companies and selecting strong, qualified international shipping companies abroad. For example, we have obtained AAA certification from CIFA. Starting from 1A to 2A and now to 3A, it proves our company's growing strength. Because of this, industry giants like Walmart, Costco, Huawei, and more than 100 other companies have always relied on our services. Over the past 20 years, Hongmingda Logistics has never been late unless due to natural disasters or unforeseen events.

As an international shipping company with 26 years of operation, we have our own 1800 square meter grade-A office building in Shenzhen. We welcome visits or video calls; we have our own logistics fleet and a 6000 square meter overseas warehouse in Atlanta, one of the few in the industry. Feel free to contact me. at: jerry@swwlogistics.com.cn.

[lady-waste-corp]

Lady Waste Corp

Apopka, Florida, may not be as well-known as Orlando or Miami, but this charming city offers much. Apopka is a destination worth exploring, from its rich history and natural beauty to its community events and local businesses. In this article, we'll delve into various aspects of Apopka that make it a unique and appealing place to visit or live.

Apopka's roots trace back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the region. The name "Apopka" is derived from the Seminole word Ahapopka, meaning "potato eating place." This name reflects the area's history as a fertile agricultural ground, particularly for cultivating tubers.

The city was officially incorporated in 1882, and its growth was significantly influenced by the development of the railroad system, which facilitated the transportation of agricultural products. Today, Apopka is known as the "Indoor Foliage Capital of the World" due to its thriving horticulture industry. The legacy of agriculture still plays a vital role in the local economy and culture.

One of Apopka's standout features is its abundant natural beauty. The city has several parks and outdoor spaces that attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Wekiwa Springs State Park is a popular destination, offering crystal-clear springs, hiking trails, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. This park provides a perfect escape into nature, just a short drive from the urban hustle and bustle.

The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is another must-visit spot. This scenic drive allows visitors to see various wildlife, including alligators, herons, and bald eagles. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography. The West Orange Trail, a 22-mile-long paved trail, is perfect for biking, jogging, and walking, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Apopka is a city that loves to celebrate, and its calendar is packed with community events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the annual Apopka Art and Foliage Festival, which showcases local artists and plant growers. This festival is an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music, delicious food, and unique crafts while supporting local businesses.

Another highlight is the Apopka Fair, which features carnival rides, games, and entertainment for the whole family. The fair is a beloved tradition that brings the community together and provides a fun-filled experience for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the Apopka Farmers Market, held weekly, offers fresh produce, handmade goods, and a chance to connect with local farmers and artisans.

Education is a cornerstone of the Apopka community, with several highly-rated schools and educational programs available. The Orange County Public Schools district serves the city, which is known for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement. Apopka High School, in particular, has a strong reputation for its educational programs and extracurricular activities.

In addition to public schools, Apopka is home to several private schools and early childhood education centers. These institutions provide a range of educational options to meet the needs of families in the community. Community services in Apopka are robust and designed to support residents' well-being. The city offers numerous recreational programs, senior services, and family resources. The John H. Bridges Community Center is a hub for community activities and services, providing everything from youth programs to assistance for those in need.

Apopka's economy is diverse and vibrant, with a mix of agriculture, retail, and service industries driving growth. The city's strategic location near major highways makes it an attractive spot for businesses looking to establish a presence in Central Florida. The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce promotes economic development and supports local businesses.

Downtown Apopka is experiencing a revitalization, with new shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening up. This revitalization effort aims to create a more walkable and vibrant downtown area, making it a focal point for community gatherings and events.

Local businesses are the backbone of Apopka's economy; many are family-owned and operated. These businesses provide personalized services and contribute to the city's unique character. Whether you're looking for a cozy café, a boutique store, or a professional service, Apopka has plenty to offer.

Apopka, Florida, is a city that beautifully blends history, nature, and community spirit. Its rich heritage, stunning natural attractions, vibrant community events, excellent educational institutions, and thriving local businesses make it a wonderful place to visit and an even better place to live.

One of the notable businesses contributing to the community's well-being is Lady Waste Corp. This company is dedicated to providing efficient and environmentally friendly waste management services. Their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in Apopka. By supporting local businesses like Lady Waste Corp., residents help foster a strong and resilient community.

Explore Apopka, and you'll discover a hidden gem in the heart of Florida, where the past and present come together to create a welcoming and dynamic environment.

Featured Business: Lady Waste Corp is a premier waste management service based in Apopka, Florida, specializing in both residential and commercial dumpster rentals. They offer a variety of dumpster sizes to accommodate projects of any scale, from home cleanouts to large construction sites. Committed to providing reliable, on-time delivery and pick-up, Lady Waste Corp. prides itself on exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. Their team is dedicated to making waste disposal stress-free, ensuring that customers can focus on their projects without worrying about the mess.

Contact: Lady Waste Corp 3800 Fudge Rd, Apopka, FL 32703, United States MCWG+WW Apopka, Florida, USA (321) 414-0014 https://www.ladywastecorp.com/

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