#group retreats Jamaica

[beardedmrbean]

Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is running out of cash and nearing its end "unless something changes dramatically," according to a new report. 

The Free Press, an independent news organization founded by former New York Times journalist Bari Weiss, on Tuesday published a scathing deep dive into the "scrappy start-up that struck gold in 2020" headlined "BLM Collected Over $90 Million in Donations. Where Did It Go?"

"Capitalizing on the lucrative opportunities afforded to them as high-profile progressives, the three celebrity founders moved on, leaving the operation to wither in the hands of deputies who, sadly, turned on each other. A remarkable spate of legal trouble, brushes with law enforcement, and tangles with the Internal Revenue Service have all but spelled the death of the enterprise that you probably know best as Black Lives Matter," Free Press reporter Sean Patrick Cooper wrote. 

"The spectacular rise and fall of BLM has surprisingly little in common with earlier civil rights campaigns, other than, perhaps, good intentions," he continued. "How BLM’s leaders exploited George Floyd’s murder to raise millions that they then put into their own pockets more closely resembles the stories of famous grifters like Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos or Sam Bankman-Fried’s foray into ‘effective altruism.’"  

Cooper noted that in 2020, at the height of activism related to the death of George Floyd, corporations "revved up their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and threw millions of dollars at BLM" but four years later "DEI programs are in retreat" and the left cares more about Israel than police reform. 

"And BLM four years later? It looks like little more than a hustle," Cooper wrote. 

He feels the "latest proof" is that Sir Maejor Page, also known as Tyree Conyers-Page, a former leader of the Atlanta area BLM chapter, was sentenced to 3-and-a-half years in federal prison for money laundering and wire fraud earlier this month. 

LEFT-WING ACTIVIST ALLEGEDLY DEFRAUDED $450G USING 'BLACK LIVES MATTER OF GREATER ATLANTA' FACEBOOK PAGE

But Page isn’t the only former BLM leader to face unflattering accusations. 

"For years, local chapters have fought national parent BLM organizations in disputes over who actually represents the movement and are thus the rightful heirs to tens of millions of dollars in donations. You’ll note that I mentioned parent organizations. There are actually two of them: BLM Global Network Foundation and BLM Grassroots. The latter was formed in 2019 as an umbrella organization of local chapters of the group and is co-directed by Melina Abdullah. Since then, media reports have accused Abdullah and other chapter leaders of using Grassroots’ coffers to pay for vacations to Jamaica and her own personal expenses. (She hasn’t been charged with a crime," Cooper wrote. 

"Abdullah has denied the allegations, but at least $8.7 million in donations is unaccounted for. The answer to where the money went may come soon," he continued. "California attorney general Rob Bonta has demanded that Grassroots turn over delinquent tax filings and late fees before Sunday, October 27. If it doesn’t, the organization’s tax-exempt status will be revoked."

The Free Press report declared that "charting the entire implosion of BLM is a confusing, chaotic endeavor," made even more confusing by legal disputes between BLM Global and BLM Grassroots. It detailed how BLM Global founders acquired a Los Angeles mansion, another mansion in Canada billed as a "transfeminist, queer affirming space politically aligned with supporting Black liberation work across Canada," and additional real estate including a Georgia property big enough for a private runway. 

Cooper reported that co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who has long denied misusing funds, also paid several friends and relatives hundreds of thousands of dollars for things like security "services." 

BLM HAS LEFT BLACK AMERICANS WORSE OFF SINCE THE MOVEMENT BEGAN, EXPERTS SAY

"But lately, donations to BLM Global have gone from a torrent to a trickle. In the fiscal year that ended in June 2023, BLM Global collected $4.6 million while spending $10.8 million, according to its federal filings. And while it still has $25 million in assets, its cash is dwindling. Unless something changes dramatically, the end is likely nigh," Cooper wrote. 

"Maybe, if the founders had been as committed to social justice as to enriching themselves, BLM could have enjoyed a long life as a progressive institution," he added. "But it wasn’t to be."

Cullors did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She has long denied any wrongdoing related to misusing funds. 

Black Lives Matter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

[bestjamaica]

Private Transportation Service Jamaica

Your Jamaican adventure begins the moment you step off the plane, and there’s no better way to start than with Best Jamaica Tours’ Montego Bay Airport Transportation Service. Conveniently located at DESK 4 inside the Montego Bay Airport, we make getting to your destination smooth, hassle-free, and enjoyable.

We pride ourselves on providing the best taxi service in Jamaica, offering top-notch transportation to all major hotels and attractions across the island. Whether you’re headed to the beautiful shores of Negril, the bustling town of Ocho Rios, or the serene Ocean Coral Spring, our fleet of vehicles guarantees a luxurious and comfortable ride.

At Best Jamaica Tours, no group size is too small to excite us and none too large for us to handle. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, we cater to your specific needs. Our vehicles are clean, spacious, and equipped with all the amenities to make your journey enjoyable.

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. That’s why we ensure every driver is professionally trained, courteous, and knowledgeable about Jamaica’s roads and culture. We don’t just drive you; we give you a taste of what makes Jamaica special. Our affordable rates and impeccable service ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Why settle for less when you can ride with the best? Book your Montego Bay Airport transportation with Best Jamaica Tours, where your satisfaction is guaranteed. Best Airport Taxi Service Jamaica

[llivo-team]

Top Beachfront Vacation Rentals Around the World

Khurram Iqbal | Founder of LLIVO, Volunteer Blog Writer for LLIVO | IT Leader | Expert in Consolidation & Modernization | Creative Content Creator | Ideation Specialist | Former Assistant Vice President | Previous Professor of English Language & Literature

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, stepping out onto a sun-kissed beach just beyond your doorstep. Beachfront vacation rentals offer this idyllic experience, combining the comforts of home with the allure of the ocean. In this blog, we'll explore some of the world's top beachfront vacation rentals, each providing a unique coastal escape for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking a secluded retreat or a lively coastal adventure, Llivo has the perfect rental for you.

If you're looking for a beachfront rental that suits your needs, take a look at our carefully curated Beachfront Stays to start planning your next coastal getaway.

1. Caribbean Escapes

The Caribbean is renowned for its pristine beaches and luxurious accommodations. One standout option is the Georgian Heaven Estate in Montego Bay, Jamaica—a seven-bedroom villa with direct beach access, a private pool, and exquisite ocean views. Imagine lounging by the pool while the tropical breeze carries your worries away. Llivo’s listings include similar Caribbean rentals that provide the same blend of luxury and privacy, perfect for a family gathering or a romantic escape.

For more insights on planning a Caribbean vacation, visit our Guide to Listing for helpful tips and details on maximizing your stay.

2. European Coastal Retreats

Europe’s diverse coastlines offer a wide range of beachfront rentals, from quiet seaside escapes to bustling cultural hubs. In Sicily, Italy, Villa La Giara provides an intimate, one-bedroom retreat with stunning sea views—ideal for a romantic getaway. Many Llivo listings along the Mediterranean coast offer similar features: direct beach access, beautiful gardens, and proximity to historical landmarks.

Check out our Explore Llivo Rentals page for European vacation options that let you experience the rich cultural history while staying on some of the continent's most beautiful beaches.

3. Asian Beachfront Villas

Asia boasts some of the world's most exotic beaches. In Boracay, Philippines, you'll find beachfront villas that offer direct access to powdery white sands and turquoise waters. These rentals are the ultimate tropical paradise for travelers. Whether you're looking for luxury in Thailand or a secluded haven in the Philippines, Llivo's Asian beachfront rentals have something to cater to your desires.

To learn more about what makes these locations special, take a look at our blog on Sustainable Tourism and how to make environmentally responsible choices during your travels.

4. North American Coastal Homes

The United States is home to some breathtaking beachfront rentals, especially along the East and Gulf coasts. On St. George Island, Florida, you can find vacation homes that provide direct beach access and boast uncrowded, natural beauty—perfect for a family vacation or a peaceful getaway. With Llivo, you can explore various North American coastal homes that ensure a seamless combination of comfort, adventure, and stunning views.

Our guide on Maximize Rental Income can also help property owners in these regions improve their offerings for guests seeking a perfect beach escape.

Selecting Your Ideal Beachfront Rental

When choosing a beachfront vacation rental, here are some key aspects to consider:

Location: Consider the rental's proximity to attractions, amenities, and local hotspots.

Amenities: Look for properties that offer desired amenities such as private pools, outdoor spaces, and easy access to the beach.

Size: Ensure the property comfortably accommodates your group.

Reviews: Pay attention to reviews from previous guests to gauge their experiences.

For a curated selection of beachfront vacation rentals, Llivo provides extensive listings tailored to various preferences. Whether you're in search of a luxury retreat, a family-friendly villa, or a cozy romantic hideaway, Llivo makes it easy to find the rental that matches your dreams.

To discover more tips on finding the best deals and maximizing your beach vacation, be sure to explore our Last-Minute Vacation Deals to find fantastic rental options even on short notice.

Final Words

Embarking on a beachfront vacation allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean while enjoying the comforts of a home away from home. From Caribbean luxury estates to Mediterranean seaside retreats, Llivo offers a variety of beachfront rentals that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re planning a peaceful escape with loved ones or seeking the vibrant energy of a beach destination, Llivo’s transparent listings and easy-to-use platform ensure that your next beach holiday will be unforgettable.

For additional guidance, sign up on our Signup page to receive exclusive offers and travel tips directly in your inbox.

[holidayexpertz]

Discover the Beauty of Dominica, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica with Holidayexpertz Vacation Rentals by Owner

The Caribbean is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, each offering its unique blend of tropical paradise, culture, and adventure. Whether you're seeking the untamed beauty of Dominica, the rich history and vibrant beaches of the Dominican Republic, or the lively spirit of Jamaica, Holidayexpertz offers a wide range of vacation rentals by owner to suit every type of traveler. From luxury villas to cozy condos and beachfront cottages, find the perfect place to call home during your Caribbean getaway.

Dominica Vacation Rentals: The Nature Island’s Hidden Gems

Dominica, often referred to as the "Nature Island," is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. With lush rainforests, boiling lakes, and untouched beaches, Dominica offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Vacation rentals in Dominica provide a perfect base for exploring its natural wonders, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s beauty.

Top Vacation Rentals in Dominica

Rainforest Villas: Enjoy the serenity of Dominica’s lush rainforests with villas that offer spectacular views, privacy, and easy access to hiking trails and waterfalls.

Beachfront Cottages: Perfect for couples or small families, beachfront cottages on the island’s west coast offer direct access to secluded beaches and calm, clear waters.

Mountain Lodges: For those seeking adventure, mountain lodges offer proximity to Dominica’s famous Boiling Lake, providing an ideal base for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Top Attractions in Dominica

Morne Trois Pitons National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls, and stunning volcanic landscapes.

Champagne Reef: A unique diving and snorkeling spot where volcanic activity creates natural bubbles underwater.

Titou Gorge: A beautiful gorge where you can swim through a canyon with waterfalls and natural pools.

Emerald Pool: A serene waterfall and pool surrounded by lush vegetation, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Dominican Republic Vacation Rentals: Beaches, History, and Culture

The Dominican Republic is a vibrant destination known for its lively cities, historical landmarks, and pristine beaches. From the colonial charm of Santo Domingo to the white sands of Punta Cana, vacation rentals in the Dominican Republic offer a mix of luxury and comfort.

Top Vacation Rentals in the Dominican Republic

Luxury Villas: In popular destinations like Punta Cana and La Romana, luxury villas offer private pools, beachfront access, and spacious living areas perfect for families or groups.

Beachfront Condos: For those who want to be near the action, beachfront condos in Sosúa, Puerto Plata, or Cabarete offer stunning ocean views, modern amenities, and proximity to local attractions.

Colonial Cottages: Experience the rich history of the Dominican Republic with charming colonial-style cottages in Santo Domingo’s historic district.

Top Attractions in the Dominican Republic

Zona Colonial (Santo Domingo): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is rich in history with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and landmarks like the Alcázar de Colón.

Punta Cana Beaches: Known for its white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is a beach lover's paradise.

Los Haitises National Park: Explore the Dominican Republic’s diverse ecosystem with mangroves, limestone caves, and birdwatching opportunities.

27 Waterfalls (Damajagua): A thrilling adventure where visitors can hike, swim, and jump through a series of natural waterfalls.

Jamaica Vacation Rentals: Vibrant Culture and Stunning Beaches

Jamaica is the heartbeat of the Caribbean, famous for its reggae music, lively culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're exploring the Blue Mountains, relaxing on the beaches of Negril, or enjoying the local flavors of Montego Bay, vacation rentals in Jamaica provide the perfect retreat.

Top Vacation Rentals in Jamaica

Beachfront Villas: Luxury villas in Negril or Montego Bay offer stunning ocean views, private pools, and direct beach access, ideal for those seeking a high-end experience.

Private Condos: For a more affordable stay, private condos in Ocho Rios or Kingston offer modern amenities and easy access to local attractions.

Cottages in the Blue Mountains: If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, cottages nestled in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains provide breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Top Attractions in Jamaica

Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios): One of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions, these tiered waterfalls are perfect for climbing, swimming, and exploring.

Seven Mile Beach (Negril): Known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach is ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying local cuisine at beachfront restaurants.

Bob Marley Museum (Kingston): Dive into Jamaica’s rich musical history with a visit to the legendary Bob Marley’s home and museum.

Blue Hole (Ocho Rios): A hidden gem, this natural pool offers cliff jumping, swimming, and a chance to experience Jamaica’s untouched beauty.

Why Choose Holidayexpertz Vacation Rentals by Owner?

With Holidayexpertz, you get more than just a place to stay; you get a personalized and authentic Caribbean experience. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled holiday, vacation rentals by owner offer:

Privacy and Space: Enjoy the comfort of having your own villa, condo, or cottage with all the amenities you need, from private pools to fully equipped kitchens.

Local Experience: Many of our rentals are located in residential neighborhoods or close to local attractions, giving you a chance to experience the true culture and lifestyle of each island.

Cost-Effective Solutions: For families or large groups, renting a villa or condo can be a more economical choice compared to booking multiple hotel rooms.

Flexibility: With vacation rentals, you have the flexibility to cook your own meals, relax in spacious living areas, and enjoy outdoor spaces like private gardens or beachfront patios.

Plan Your Caribbean Escape with Holidayexpertz

Whether you're seeking adventure in Dominica, a beachside retreat in the Dominican Republic, or the vibrant energy of Jamaica, Holidayexpertz has the perfect vacation rental for you. Explore our wide selection of condos, villas, and cottages to find the ideal home away from home for your Caribbean adventure. Book today and start planning your dream vacation with Holidayexpertz!

[mariatogel]

Erotic Vacations: A Journey into Sensual Adventure

Outline

Introduction

Overview of Erotic Vacations

Why Choose an Erotic Vacation?

Types of Erotic Vacations

Couples' Retreats

Singles' Vacations

Group Trips

Popular Destinations for Erotic Vacations

Caribbean Islands

European Cities

Exotic Asian Locales

Luxury Resorts

All-Inclusive Packages

Private Villas and Suites

Adult Cruises

Themed Cruises

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Activities and Experiences

Workshops and Seminars

Adventure and Exploration

Health and Safety Precautions

Safe Practices

Health Services Available

Planning Your Erotic Vacation

Choosing the Right Destination

Booking and Reservations

Packing Tips for an Erotic Vacation

Essentials to Bring

What to Leave at Home

Budgeting for Your Trip

Cost-effective Travel Tips

Splurging on Luxuries

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Must-Try Dishes

Romantic Dining Options

Cultural Etiquette and Legal Considerations

Understanding Local Customs

Navigating Legalities

Personal Fulfillment

Enhancing Confidence

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Testimonials and Personal Stories

Real-life Experiences

Lessons Learned

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

Final Thoughts

FAQs

What are the most popular destinations for erotic vacations

How can I ensure my safety on an erotic vacation?

What should I pack for an erotic vacation?

Are there any legal considerations I need to be aware of?

Can I go on an erotic vacation if I'm single?

Erotic Vacations: A Journey into Sensual Adventure

Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a paradise where you can explore your deepest desires without judgment? Welcome to the world of erotic vacations! These unique getaways are designed for those seeking to combine travel with sensual experiences, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and intimate discovery. Whether you're a couple looking to rekindle your romance, a single seeking new connections, or a group of friends wanting to share an unforgettable experience, erotic vacations have something for everyone.

Types of Erotic Vacations

Couples' Retreats

For couples wanting to reconnect and deepen their bond, couples' retreats provide the perfect environment. Imagine a private villa on a secluded beach, complete with candlelit dinners, couples' massages, and workshops designed to enhance intimacy. These retreats focus on creating a romantic and sensual atmosphere, allowing couples to escape the stresses of everyday life and focus entirely on each other.

Singles' Vacations

Singles' vacations are all about social opportunities and new experiences. Resorts and cruises designed for singles offer a variety of activities to help you meet like-minded individuals. From themed parties and mixers to adventure sports and group excursions, there's no shortage of ways to connect and have fun. Who knows, you might just find romance along the way!

Group Trips

Group trips often revolve around specific themes, such as lifestyle events, swingers' parties, or nudist gatherings. These trips foster a sense of community and camaraderie, allowing participants to explore their desires in a safe and supportive environment. With activities ranging from group dinners to themed events, you're sure to make lasting connections and unforgettable memories.

Popular Destinations for Erotic Vacations

Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean is a top choice for erotic vacations, with its stunning beaches, warm climate, and luxurious resorts. Destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and St. Lucia offer all-inclusive resorts that cater specifically to adult travelers, providing an array of erotic activities and experiences.

European Cities

For those who prefer a more cultural experience, European cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris offer a vibrant nightlife and a liberal attitude towards adult entertainment. These cities are perfect for exploring erotic art, attending exclusive parties, and enjoying world-class dining.

Exotic Asian Locales

Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali offer a unique blend of exotic beauty and sensual experiences. From luxurious beach resorts to bustling city nightlife, these locales provide a rich cultural backdrop for your erotic vacation.

Luxury Resorts

All-Inclusive Packages

Many luxury resorts offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, activities, and entertainment. This ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and adventure without worrying about additional costs.

Private Villas and Suites

For those seeking the utmost privacy, private villas and suites are the way to go. These accommodations often come with private pools, hot tubs, and personalized services, ensuring a secluded and intimate experience.

Adult Cruises

Themed Cruises

Adult-themed cruises offer a unique way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying erotic entertainment and activities. These cruises cater to various interests, including lifestyle events, nudist gatherings, and fantasy-themed experiences. Themed cruises provide a fun and inclusive environment where guests can indulge in their fantasies and meet like-minded individuals.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Onboard activities on adult cruises are designed to keep you entertained and engaged. From sensual dance parties and erotic workshops to poolside games and live performances, there's always something exciting happening on board.

Activities and Experiences

Workshops and Seminars

Erotic vacations often include workshops and seminars that focus on enhancing intimacy and communication. Topics may include tantric massage, erotic communication, and relationship enhancement, providing valuable tools to deepen your connection with your partner.

Adventure and Exploration

For the adventurous, erotic vacations offer a range of activities such as scuba diving, zip-lining, and hiking. These experiences not only provide thrills but also create opportunities for bonding and shared memories.

Health and Safety Precautions

Safe Practices

Safety is paramount on an erotic vacation. Resorts and cruises typically have strict protocols to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all guests. This includes measures such as safe sex practices, consent education, and secure facilities.

Health Services Available

Many adult resorts and cruises offer on-site health services, including access to medical professionals and wellness facilities. This ensures that guests can address any health concerns promptly and continue to enjoy their vacation without worries.

Planning Your Erotic Vacation

Choosing the Right Destination

Selecting the right destination is crucial for a successful erotic vacation. Consider factors such as climate, local customs, and the type of experiences offered. Researching and reading reviews can help you make an informed decision.

Booking and Reservations

Once you've chosen your destination, booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular resorts and cruises. Early booking can secure you the best accommodations and often comes with discounts or special offers.

Packing Tips for an Erotic Vacation

Essentials to Bring

Packing for an erotic vacation requires some careful planning. Essentials include comfortable and sexy clothing, sunscreen, personal hygiene products, and any specific items for activities you've planned, such as swimwear or hiking gear.

What to Leave at Home

While it's tempting to bring everything, it's best to leave behind items that may not be necessary, such as excessive electronics or valuables. This ensures you can travel light and focus on enjoying your vacation.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Cost-effective Travel Tips

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing experiences. Look for package deals, travel during off-peak seasons, and consider sharing accommodations with friends to reduce costs. Researching local dining options can also help you save money.

Splurging on Luxuries

If your budget allows, splurging on certain luxuries can enhance your experience. This could include upgrading to a private villa, booking exclusive excursions, or indulging in spa treatments.

Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences

Must-Try Dishes

Exploring local cuisine is a highlight of any vacation. Be sure to try regional specialties and indulge in fresh, local ingredients. From Caribbean seafood to European pastries, there's something to delight every palate.

Romantic Dining Options

Many resorts offer romantic dining options, such as private beach dinners or candlelit rooftop meals. These experiences provide the perfect setting for intimate moments and creating lasting memories.

Cultural Etiquette and Legal Considerations

Understanding Local Customs

Respecting local customs and traditions is important when traveling. Researching cultural norms and etiquette can help you navigate social interactions and show respect for the local community.

Navigating Legalities

It's crucial to be aware of local laws regarding adult behavior and nudity. Different destinations have varying regulations, and understanding these can help you avoid any legal issues during your trip.

Personal Fulfillment

Enhancing Confidence

Exploring your desires in a supportive environment can greatly enhance personal confidence. Whether it's trying a new activity or expressing your fantasies, these experiences can empower you and boost your self-esteem.

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Erotic vacations offer a perfect escape from daily stresses, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The combination of luxurious surroundings, pampering treatments, and exciting activities promotes overall well-being.

Testimonials and Personal Stories

Real-life Experiences

Hearing about others' experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own trip. Many travelers share their stories online, offering tips and advice for making the most of an erotic vacation.

Lessons Learned

Personal stories often highlight lessons learned and memorable moments. These narratives can offer guidance and help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Please visit here https://colombiaeroticvacations.com for more details.

#eroticvacations

[ministryofvillas]

Poised on the steep slopes of the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill is a heavenly retreat that hovers over the hustle, dust, and noise of Kingston, Jamaica. It offers travellers a choice of accommodation suitable for couples, families and groups of varying sizes across its 12 cottages, sparsely located across more than 26 acres of sprawling tropical countryside. 🏷️ Book your stay here. #jamaica #strawberryhilljamaica #traveltheworld #travelbloggers #ministryofvillas https://instagr.am/p/CoyUTc5oB7l/

[dessola1]

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Amanyara Resort .

Turks and Caicos Islands .

Amanyara Resort .

Amanyara .

Amanyara is a luxury beach resort that sits by a sea of vivid turquoise in the Caribbean Island of Provideenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Basking on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, Amanyara’s lush tropical pavilions and villas overlook half a mile of white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of Providenciales' North West Point Marine National Park. A retreat for all ages, the resort offers restorative wellness retreats and endless possibilities for discovery above and below the waves.

Northwest Point, Wheeland Settlement TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands.

www.aman.com .

Turks and Caicos Islands .

Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a British Overseas Territory southeast of the Bahamas. The gateway island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to expansive Grace Bay Beach, with luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. Scuba-diving sites include a 14-mile barrier reef on Provo’s north shore and a dramatic 2,134m underwater wall off Grand Turk island.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (abbreviated TCI; /tɜːrks/ and /ˈkeɪkəs, -koʊs, -kɒs/) are a British Overseas Territory consisting of the larger Caicos Islands and smaller Turks Islands, two groups of tropical islands in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. They are known primarily for tourism and as an offshore financial centre. The resident population in July 2021 was put at 57,196, making it the third-largest of the British overseas territories by population.

The islands are southeast of Mayaguana in the Bahamas island chain and north of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Grand Turk (Cockburn Town), the capital since 1766, is situated on Grand Turk Island about 1,042 kilometres (647 mi) east-southeast of Miami, United States. They have a total land area of 430 square kilometres (170 sq mi).

The islands were inhabited for centuries by indigenous peoples. The first recorded European sighting of them was in 1512. In subsequent centuries, they were claimed by several European powers, with the British Empire eventually gaining control. For many years they were governed indirectly through Bermuda, the Bahamas and Jamaica. When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the islands received their own governor, and have remained an autonomous territory since.

Adesola Stephanie Adepoju .

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman .

Amanyara Resort .

Turks and Caicos Islands .

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Date today : Wednesday February 1 2023 .

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[goblinhillvillas]

Jamaica Vacation Villas

Goblin Hill is the perfect destination for a Jamaica vacation villa. With luxurious accommodations and breathtaking ocean views, guests will find unparalleled relaxation and rejuvenation in a tranquil, tropical paradise. Our elegantly appointed Jamaica villas feature amenities perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations and group retreats. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views, refreshingly delicious local cuisine and relaxing days lounging in hammocks surrounded by lush gardens. Goblin Hill is the perfect place to create a special Jamaica vacation getaway and make lasting memories.

[gonaturaljamaica]

Yoga Retreat Jamaica – Rejuvenate Your Body And Mind

A many individuals who intend to have an occasion get-away likewise need to make the most out of it. They need to have a great time while simultaneously do things that will help their body and brain, for example, pursuing yoga retreats.

Yoga at the vegan yoga retreats Jamaica is a famous type of wellness movement that includes your body as well as your psyche also. Furthermore, many individuals observe this type of wellness action to be truly powerful in taking out pressure and stresses while making you intellectually and in great shape.

Joining yoga retreats like the yoga retreat Jamaica needs a ton of reasoning during the yoga meeting itself as well as in any event, when actually picking the sort of yoga retreat you need to participate. There are quite least three decisions for you.

To start with, there is this kind of yoga retreat Jamaica that is typically held in intriguing areas, for example, in an island, on the peak or in a woodland. These are done in reason. The fundamental explanation is so individuals can do different exercises for them to completely partake in the outing. Individuals are urged to do some great exercises like swimming, running, climbing, surfing and trekking to upgrade their ideal degree of wellbeing and wellness.

One more kind of vegan yoga retreats Jamaica is held in hotels. The reason for this retreat type is for individuals to feel spoiled, loose and revived. There are various sorts of spa medicines that they can attempt previously or after their yoga meetings. They can likewise have a remedial back rub at whatever point they need to. A great many people who need to leave and avoid every one of the tensions at work incline toward this kind of retreat for them to have a crisp thinking returning to work.

[kemetic-dreams]

                        First Africans in Puerto Rico

Slave transport in Africa, depicted in a 19th-century engraving

When Ponce de León and the Spaniards arrived on the island of Borikén (Puerto Rico), they were greeted by the Cacique Agüeybaná, the supreme leader of the peaceful Taíno tribes on the island. Agüeybaná helped to maintain the peace between the Taíno and the Spaniards. According to historian Ricardo Alegria, in 1509 Juan Garrido was the first free African man to set foot on the island; he was a conquistador who was part of Juan Ponce de León's entourage. Garrido was born on the West African coast, the son of an African king. In 1508, he joined Juan Ponce de León to explore Puerto Rico and prospect for gold. In 1511, he fought under Ponce de León to repress the Carib and the Taíno, who had joined forces in Puerto Rico in a great revolt against the Spaniards.Garrido next joined Hernán Cortés in the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Another free black man who accompanied de León was Pedro Mejías. Mejías married a Taíno woman chief (a cacica), by the name of Yuisa. Yuisa was baptized as Catholic so that she could marry Mejías. She was given the Christian name of Luisa (the town Loíza, Puerto Rico was named for her.)

The peace between the Spanish and the Taíno was short-lived. The Spanish took advantage of the Taínos' good faith and enslaved them, forcing them to work in the gold mines and in the construction of forts. Many Taíno died, particularly due to epidemics of smallpox, to which they had no immunity. Other Taínos committed suicide or left the island after the failed Taíno revolt of 1511.

Friar Bartolomé de las Casas, who had accompanied Ponce de León, was outraged at the Spanish treatment of the Taíno. In 1512 he protested at the council of Burgos at the Spanish Court. He fought for the freedom of the natives and was able to secure their rights. The Spanish colonists, fearing the loss of their labor force, also protested before the courts. They complained that they needed manpower to work in the mines, build forts, and supply labor for the thriving sugar cane plantations. As an alternative, Las Casas suggested the importation and use of African slaves. In 1517, the Spanish Crown permitted its subjects to import twelve slaves each, thereby beginning the slave trade in their colonies.

According to historian Luis M. Diaz, the largest contingent of African slaves came from the areas of the present-day Gold Coast, Nigeria, and Dahomey, and the region known as the area of Guineas, together known as the Slave Coast. The vast majority were Yorubas and Igbos, ethnic groups from Nigeria, and Bantus from the Guineas. The number of slaves in Puerto Rico rose from 1,500 in 1530 to 15,000 by 1555. The slaves were stamped with a hot iron on the forehead, a branding which meant that they were brought to the country legally and prevented their kidnapping.

African slaves were sent to work in the gold mines to replace the Taíno, or to work in the fields in the island's ginger and sugar industries. They were allowed to live with their families in a bohio (hut) on the master's land, and were given a patch of land where they could plant and grow vegetables and fruits. Africans had little or no opportunity for advancement and faced discrimination from the Spaniards. Slaves were educated by their masters and soon learned to speak the master's language, educating their own children in the new language. They enriched the "Puerto Rican Spanish" language by adding words of their own. The Spaniards considered the Africans superior to the Taíno, since the latter were unwilling to assimilate. The slaves, in contrast, had little choice but to adapt to their lives. Many converted (at least nominally) to Christianity; they were baptized by the Catholic Church and were given the surnames of their masters. Many slaves were subject to harsh treatment; and women were subject to sexual abuse because of the power relationships. The majority of the Conquistadors and farmers who settled the island had arrived without women; many of them intermarried with the Africans or Taínos. Their mixed-race descendants formed the first generations of the early Puerto Rican population.

In 1527, the first major slave rebellion occurred in Puerto Rico, as dozen of slaves fought against the colonists in a brief revolt.The few slaves who escaped retreated to the mountains, where they resided as maroons with surviving Taínos. During the following centuries, by 1873 slaves had carried out more than twenty revolts. Some were of great political importance, such as the Ponce and Vega Baja conspiracies.

By 1570, the colonists found that the gold mines were depleted. After gold mining ended on the island, the Spanish Crown bypassed Puerto Rico by moving the western shipping routes to the north. The island became primarily a garrison for those ships that would pass on their way to or from richer colonies. The cultivation of crops such as tobacco, cotton, cocoa, and ginger became the cornerstone of the economy. With the scale of Puerto Rico's economy reduced, colonial families tended to farm these crops themselves, and the demand for slaves was reduced. 

With rising demand for sugar on the international market, major planters increased their cultivation and processing of sugar cane, which was labor-intensive. Sugar plantations supplanted mining as Puerto Rico's main industry and kept demand high for African slavery. Spain promoted sugar cane development by granting loans and tax exemptions to the owners of the plantations. They were also given permits to participate in the African slave trade.[10]

To attract more workers, in 1664 Spain offered freedom and land to African-descended people from non-Spanish colonies, such as Jamaica and Saint-Domingue (later Haiti). Most of the free people of color who were able to immigrate were of mixed-race, with African and European ancestry (typically either British or French paternal ancestry, depending on the colony.) The immigrants provided a population base to support the Puerto Rican garrison and its forts. Freedmen who settled the western and southern parts of the island soon adopted the ways and customs of the Spaniards. Some joined the local militia, which fought against the British in the many British attempts to invade the island. The escaped slaves and the freedmen who emigrated from the West Indies used their former master's surnames, which were typically either English or French. In the 21st century, some ethnic African Puerto Ricans still carry non-Spanish surnames, proof of their descent from these immigrants.

After 1784, Spain suspended the use of hot branding the slave's forehead for identification. In addition, it provided ways by which slaves could obtain freedom: A slave could be freed by his master in a church or outside it, before a judge, by testament or letter. A slave could be freed against his master's will by denouncing a forced rape, by denouncing a counterfeiter, by discovering disloyalty against the king, and by denouncing murder against his master. Any slave who received part of his master's estate in his master's will was automatically freed (these bequests were sometimes made to the master's mixed-race slave children, as well as to other slaves for service.) If a slave was made a guardian to his master's children, he was freed. If slave parents in Hispanic America had ten children, the whole family was freed.

                          Royal Decree of Graces of 1789

The Royal Decree of Graces of 1789 which set the rules pertaining to the Slaves in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

In 1789, the Spanish Crown issued the "Royal Decree of Graces of 1789", which set new rules related to the slave trade and added restrictions to the granting of freedman status. The decree granted its subjects the right to purchase slaves and to participate in the flourishing slave trade in the Caribbean. Later that year a new slave code, also known as El Código Negro (The Black Code), was introduced.

Under "El Código Negro," a slave could buy his freedom, in the event that his master was willing to sell, by paying the price sought. Slaves were allowed to earn money during their spare time by working as shoemakers, cleaning clothes, or selling the produce they grew on their own plots of land. Slaves were able to pay for their freedom by installments. They pay in installments for the freedom of their newborn child, not yet baptized, at a cost of half the going price for a baptized child. Many of these freedmen started settlements in the areas which became known as Cangrejos (Santurce), Carolina, Canóvanas, Loíza, and Luquillo. Some became slave owners themselves.

The native-born Puerto Ricans (criollos) who wanted to serve in the regular Spanish army petitioned the Spanish Crown for that right. In 1741, the Spanish government established the Regimiento Fijo de Puerto Rico. Many of the former slaves, now freedmen, joined either the Fijo or the local civil militia. Puerto Ricans of African ancestry played an instrumental role in the defeat of Sir Ralph Abercromby in the British invasion of Puerto Rico in 1797.

Despite these paths to freedom, from 1790 onwards, the number of slaves more than doubled in Puerto Rico as a result of the dramatic expansion of the sugar industry in the island. Every aspect of sugar cultivation, harvesting and processing was arduous and harsh. Many slaves died on the sugar plantations

[bluexepher]

🌴Dancehall Party

🏖️ Dancehall Party 🏖️

When: Saturday, September 5th, 6PM WRA | 8PM MG Where: Mijus's Retreat, Zuldazar Neutral and cross-server!

The summer season may be coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the beach parities have to end! Ready to dance till the sun comes up? Sip on fresh fruit cocktails mixed with quality rum? Devour sweet morsels like coconut drops? Try a cup of sorrel tea? If yes, then do we have a party for you! LA MASQUERADE events proudly presents a night of Caribbean revelry under the stars. Come celebrate Reggae and Dancehall music with timeless classics and new favorites. The party will go off at Miju's Retreat, a secluded island off the coast of Zuldazar. So let's get together and feel alright~

🥥 Caribbean Music: Jamaica 

Jamaican folk music called Mento emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. Mento strongly influenced the birth of Ska and Rocksteady in Jamaican during the the late 50s into the 60s respectively. The two genres developed into Reggae during the late 60s and became known for its limitless flexibility. In 1965, Bob Marley and the Wailers released their debut studio album The Wailing Wailers. The album contained the single "One Love/People Get Ready", the song was popular worldwide and established the group as a rising figure in Reggae. In 1968, the following records were released and considered legends in Reggae: "Nanny Goat" by Larry Marshall, "Do the Reggay" by Toots and the Maytals, "No More Heartaches" by The Beltones.

In the 1970s, Dancehall was born and became a more sparse version of Reggae than the roots style which dominated the Jamaican music scene. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably, with digital Dancehall becoming increasingly characterized by faster rhythms. Key elements of Dancehall music include its extensive use of Jamaican Patois rather than Jamaican standard English and a focus on the track instrumentals or "riddims". The popularity of Dancehall has spawned dance moves that made stage performances more energetic. Many dance moves seen in Hip Hop videos are actually variations of Dancehall dances.

@wowrpevents​ @the-royal-courier​ @wracentral​ @wraconnect​ @warcraftisastage​ @wrahordeevents​ @wraallianceevents​

[bestjamaica]

Best Tours to do in Jamaica

Ocho Rios, a paradise on Jamaica’s northern coast, is known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. Whether you're a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or history buff, Best Jamaica Tours offers the most unforgettable experiences in Ocho Rios. As the number one tour company in Jamaica, we take pride in delivering exceptional service and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Our tours in Ocho Rios are designed to showcase the very best of this enchanting destination. Start your adventure with a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions. Climb the terraced waterfall, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, and marvel at the lush tropical surroundings. This iconic site is a must-see for anyone visiting Jamaica, and with Best Jamaica Tours, you’ll enjoy a seamless and personalized experience.

For those seeking a more tranquil escape, our Konoko Falls and Park tour offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Wander through beautiful gardens, discover fascinating indigenous wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Jamaica. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through time, revealing the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Adventure seekers can’t miss our Blue Hole Excursion, one of the most exhilarating tours in Ocho Rios. Known as the “Secret Falls,” the Blue Hole is a hidden gem surrounded by lush rainforest. Jump into the turquoise waters, swing from Tarzan ropes, and explore the cascading waterfalls. It’s an experience that combines thrill and beauty, making it perfect for adventurers of all ages.

At Best Jamaica Tours, we understand that your vacation is a time to relax, explore, and create memories. That’s why we offer the best tours in Ocho Rios, customized to meet your needs. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, our tours are tailored to ensure that every moment is enjoyable and stress-free.

Book your Ocho Rios tour with Best Jamaica Tours today and discover why we are Jamaica’s number one tour company. With our commitment to excellence and unparalleled service, you’re guaranteed a vacation experience like no other.

[vaguely-problematic]

the whole 12 minutes is gold but especially this part:

for too long those of us with opportunity and privilege have failed and our responsibility to look at the truth squarely and name the system of racial oppression that artificially divides Americans and benefits those already in positions of relative power.

It’s perfectly understandable to not want to do this. It’s human. No one wants to lose privileges or position. Especially when fear of that loss is magnified and stoked by political leaders for their own supposed Advantage. I say supposed Advantage because if you deny the human rights and dignity of any people you will ultimately destroy the society and civilization that you claim to protect.

58 years ago John Kennedy said those who make peaceful Revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

Not only is addressing systemic racial and economic Injustice The right thing to do. It is the safest most conservative most self-protecting most self-serving thing to do.  contents Under Pressure will eventually explode and that’s not a threat that’s a law of nature. So it’s time to ask ourselves as it is always time to ask ourselves. What kind of nation do we want to live in?

that answer requires moral leadership.

Take it upon yourself to be a leader and set an example of the kind of country You want to live in.

that might mean going down to a protest or making a donation or having a tense conversation about race,

but you’re not going to get that from the White House. So we need to step up and provide it ourselves. America is now officially byop:  be your own president.

(Full speech-to-text transcription under cut)

i’m Stephen Colbert, well, we’re back after 10 days off and I never imagined that after 10 days a global pandemic would not be the lead story.

Remember when we were all afraid of our groceries. I miss those days.

No the story that has pushed 100,000 covid deaths below the fold is America’s pre-existing condition- racism.  protests against police targeting black people have broken out in dozens of cities.

So April was global pandemic May is massive Nationwide protests over systemic racism. I assume June is a plague of locusts then in July pleated pants are coming back.

That’s not just US citizens protesting racism in the United States. protesters gathered in London Toronto. Even Berlin, you know, it’s bad when Germany thinks your country is racist that’s like Jamaica telling you to put down the bong.

These protests were sparked last Monday by the extrajudicial execution of a man named George Floyd face down in a Street in Minneapolis Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes now in civilized countries that’s called Murder.  Minneapolis police officer and cop who so dirty even his badge is crooked Derek Chauvin even adding to the outrage is that it took four days to arrest the officer even though there’s  video of him doing it.

It would be the shortest episode of Law & Order ever in the criminal justice system. The people are represented by two separate but equally important groups the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders who in this case are the police because come on we all saw the video. What are you waiting for? That’s it. I’m going to the protest. do the "dun dun”.

Even after Chauvin was arrested. He was charged with third-degree murder. That’s a pretty light charge. That’s like Prosecuting Jeffrey Dahmer for a bad case of the munchies. We find the defendant, hangry.

Plus the other three officers involved have not been charged with the crime. So if you’re wondering why people are so upset. It’s because this is so upsetting. Also, it’s not an isolated incident on the very same day that Floyd was killed. There was another viral video of a white woman named Amy Cooper who is confronted by a black bird watcher who asked her to put her dog on a leash in Central Park, and he responded by doing this and I’ve hidden please. Please call the cops. Please call the cops. African American man threatening my life. She knows exactly what she’s doing and why that man should be afraid of the police a brilliant performance. She should win the white lady Oscar.  also known as the Oscar.

now Floyd’s death comes on the heels of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arberyurry and also has Eerie similarities to Eric Garner in 2014. And in that same year, there was the case of Michael Brown in Ferguson Tamir rice and Cleveland all of those Echo Emmett Till and the Scottsboro boys, which happened in the context of Jim Crow, which itself was a soft relaunch of slavery. See really got to go back to the Triangle Trade which ultimately stems from man. Man’s inhumanity to man and are essential Fallen nature. So maybe start with the Garden of Eden actually, you know what in the beginning there was a single point of all matter and energy under tremendous pressure. But you know, there’s always a few bad atoms and the whole thing exploded

now in times like these we need empathetic and moral leadership. Unfortunately. We have Donald Trump. normally during National unrest president step up and address the nation’s pain.

Following the death of Michael Brown President Obama met with activists in the White House President Clinton comfort of the nation with a moving address after the Oklahoma City bombing. Even Richard Nixon in 1970 made a surprise trip, or he spoke to students protesting the Vietnam War who can forget his stirring words. We’ve got to come together and defeat are common. Enemy. The Jews I wrote down on this rushed

Trump can’t even match the compassion of a Nixon because as the Protests raged on Pfizer’s discuss the prospect of an oval office address in an attempt to ease tensions, but the idea was quickly scrapped for lack of policy proposals and the president’s own seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity. Okay? Mr. President. We’re thinking a short powerful speech from the Resolute desk where you call for racial healing. I’m sorry. What’s that sir? You want to act it out with a box of Aunt Jemima. You know what? Let’s just scrap the whole thing. Today Trump had a call with the nation’s Governors to discuss the ongoing protests and he read straight from the authoritarian Playbook. Why isn’t comforting words. It reminds me of what? Mr. Rogers said about times of tragedy. Look for the dominators. Oh won’t you be? Oh you will be my neighbor you jerk.

That was mr. Rogers dominating someone.

Then Trump said something really scary, you know and you’ll never see this stuff again. So people are upset about systemic racism and a society that over polices and imprisons black people and Trump solution is to do more of that. You know, what they say those who refuse to learn from history are Donald Trump. So Donald Trump is the big tough guy going to dominate the opposition pew pew pew so naturally on Friday as

Range nearby Trump took shelter in the White House bunker. Well if history has taught us anything is that things always work out well for strong men who Retreat to underground bunkers. Mr. President. Come on. This is your moment. You’re always calling to beat up protesters at your rallies. You could shut this whole thing down just pop a couple of hydroxy xand come out of the White House swinging a 5-iron with a Confederate flag tape do it. But instead he tweeted great job last night at the White House by the US Secret Service. Service, they were not only totally professional but a very cool. I was inside watched every move and couldn’t have felt more safe adding a nobody came close to breaching the fence. If they had they would dad dad. Dad. Dad dot-dot-dot have been greeted with the most officious dogs and most ominous weapons I’ve ever seen that’s when people would have been really badly hurt at least many Secret.

Agents just waiting for Action. We put the young ones on the front line sir. They love it. I don’t know why they’re not letting him give that reassuring speech from the Oval Office my fellow Americans. Let me send a clear message to the people protesting police brutality law enforcement is just a bunch of cool guys who cannot wait for things to get crazy. They see you as target practice now a truly enjoy watching you get eaten by vicious. Dogs now, let’s all come together in peace. Come buy guns my Lord come buy guns.

The protest of the White House were specifically in response to this tweet. These thugs are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor. Tim was and told him the military is with him all the way any difficulty and we will assume control, but when the Looting starts the shooting starts, thank you. Kind of an unnerving way to end a threat. It’s like that scene in Taken. I will look for you. I will find you and I will kill you. Thank you. Stay safe. Everyone top also had some more succinct thoughts tweeting. So terrible where the arrests and long-term jail sentences. We tried to sir, but Susan Collins voted to acquit you.

Now while Trump is in hiding it’s really good to see average citizen stepping up and filling in the void yesterday in Queens police knelt with protesters while in Flint Michigan the sheriff joined the march in Brooklyn protesters protected to Target from looters and Kentucky this group of white women formed a line to protect black protesters from police in Louisville protesters formed a human barrier to protect a cop who got separated from his unit and in Minneapolis.

Group of Mennonites showed up to support the protest Tonight’s Mennonites think America’s too racist! and they live in 1840.

Now I make a lot of jokes about Donald Trump because he is a dull and dark corrupting force that is undermining America’s moral leadership around the world and sewing hatred and fear among his own citizens. So that’s fun. and during this covid crisis the president is totally abdicated his responsibility of leading the people to understand the need to do the right thing for themselves and each other and yet the large majority of Americans have done the right thing anyway,

My Hope Is that the American people will do the same thing now Because ultimately they have to for too long those of us with opportunity and privilege have failed and our responsibility to look at the truth squarely and name the system of racial oppression that artificially divides Americans and benefits those already in positions of relative power. It’s perfectly understandable to not want to do this. It’s human. No one wants to lose privileges or position. Especially when fear of that loss is magnified and stoked by political leaders for their own supposed Advantage. I say supposed Advantage because if you deny the human rights and dignity of any people you will ultimately destroy the society and civilization that you claim to protect.

58 years ago John Kennedy said those who make peaceful Revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable. Not only is addressing systemic racial and economic Injustice. The right thing to do. It is the safest most conservative most self-protecting most self-serving thing to do. contents under Pressure will eventually explode and that’s not a threat that’s a law of nature. So it’s time to ask ourselves as it is always time to ask ourselves. What kind of nation do we want to live in that answer requires moral leadership?

Take it upon yourself to be a leader and set an example of the kind of country you want to live in.  that might mean going down to a protest or making a donation or having a tense conversation about race,

but you’re not going to get that from the White House. So we need to step up and provide it ourselves. America is now officially byop:  be your own president.

[sunflowerhazzavol6]

Pacific Coast

A/N- This is probably the first time I’ve sat down and written an entire piece in one afternoon and I actually really enjoyed writing this one, so I hope you all love it as much as I do! I’ll probably start getting to your requests tomorrow, but please feel free to put one in if you haven’t already! I’m excited about what I’ve seen in there so far and I can’t wait to get to writing.

Y/N is with her sister in Malibu, CA to grieve their father and to continue a tradition that he had carried on from their childhood. While there, she meets a familiar stranger and finds herself to be more confident and comfortable with him than with anyone else before him. 3,500 words of pretty much pure fluff with a Jamaica-esque Harry :) Marijuana usage and cursing.

She knew it was the right decision as soon as she let herself relax in the driver's seat, her hand nonchalantly placed out the window as the air blew through her fingers. She had forgotten how beautiful and familiar the Pacific Coast Highway was. Her father had taken her down here a few times during her childhood to relive his younger days as a beach bum surfer, and she treasured those memories more than anything else. Now she was older and understood the pull; Malibu made it easy to escape your boring, corporate life and fall into the easygoing nature of the tide.

Her sister sighed dreamily as she rested her head on her hand, her elbow propped in the window. “Dad would love this. His two girls, off on an adventure.”

“Sure he would. Which is exactly the reason mom would hate it.” Y/n smiles over at her, propping a joint between her lips and leaning into her sister’s hand as she lights it.

“Mom would hate this more than anything else.” Elise was two years younger than her but probably one of the most level-headed mature people she knew. Y/n would never say it out loud, but she felt incredibly lucky to be related to her best friend.

“Hate what? The weed?” She sucks in a drag, relaxing back into the seat as she blows it out and passes it back to her sister.

“Well, yeah. That and the irresponsible spending of money.”

Y/n lets out a syllable of a laugh, the last few traces of smoke escaping her lips. “Fuck it. We’re young. And if all goes to plan, we won’t be spending any of our own money on drinks, which is the biggest expense of all.”

Elise rolls her eyes but smiles, ashing the joint out the window. “So what's first on the agenda? Sunset surf?”

“Not tonight. We need to wax the boards later, though, so that we can tomorrow.” She exits the highway, following the familiar road to their favorite beach spot. The sisters pass the joint back and forth until it’s nothing but a roach, stamping it out in the empty Altoids box in the center console. Y/n can feel herself start to get giggly, the marijuana working its way through her system to relax every muscle in her body. When she looks over at her sister she sees the same thing mirrored back at her, squinty eyes with crows feet in the corners from the pure bliss.

By the time they find a parking spot she immediately jumps out of the car, running to the sand with a happy yell. It's warm from the SoCal sun, and she sighs at the familiarity of it between her toes. “ ‘Lise, grab the blanket!” She calls over her shoulder, reaching down to feel it run through her fingers. Coming to the beach always felt just as warm in her insides as it did on the outside. She could feel her father here, hear his laugh. If she closed her eyes she could feel his hand ruffle her hair, saying, “come on pumpkin, get in the water. Can you smell the salt?”

Her feet carry her forward before she has time to think about where she’s going, magnetized towards the foamy surf. If she could just feel the bubbles around her ankles, then maybe he would make an appearance, he would be right-

“Oi!” She collides with something solid and wet, and she gasps before opening her eyes. “Watch where you’re going!” A strong hand reaches out to steady her by her shoulder, and then she feels it shake with laughter. “Ah, right.”

“Fuck, sorry.” She takes a step back, blushing. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Or you’re stoned.” He secures his board under his arm and then runs his hand through his dark brown hair, dotted with the light grains of sand.

“Er, yeah. Sorry.” She turns an even brighter red, and prays to dear god that he would just think it was a sunburn.

“No need to apologize for being high. You and every other person here. Just maybe get some eye drops if you want to be inconspicuous.” He lets out a deep but raspy laugh, holding out his hand. “Harry.”

She grasps it in hers, giving it a firm shake. Something about him was familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. “Y/n.”

“Right. Y/n. You from around here?”

“Uh, no. I drove here with my sister from Oregon. Our dad used to bring us here in the summers and he just…” She trails off, biting her lip. “Anyways, we’re here for a long weekend to surf and get away from our lives back at home.”

“Malibu is the place to go for escaping.” He sets the end of his board down in the sand, leaning against it. She can see the stretch of his brown skin across his abdominal muscles as he does so, her eyes following the tattooed ferns on his v-line to where it disappears into his dark wetsuit, the arm sleeves tied around his waist to obstruct her view of anything else. She clears her throat and stands up straighter, hoping that the stare only felt drawn out because of her state of mind.

“Is that why you’re here?”

Harry smiles at the boldness of her question, dimples indenting into his cheeks. “Precisely why I’m here. Much harder to feel the pressures of life when your only responsibility is to make sure you don’t drown.”

“That's a funny way to look at it.”

“Is it?”

“Pretty existential if you ask me.”

He laughs again, his smile going lopsided. “Well, y/n, I guess I’ll leave you to your stoned reflections. See you around?”

“I think you’re in control of whether or not you see me around.”

His grin goes even wider at her forwardness, and she seems shocked at it herself. “I suppose you’re right.” He nods to the boardwalk some ways away. “I’ll be at Rusty’s tonight. Come by and I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Hmm. Then I guess I’ll see you around.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“I guess you will. Nice meeting you, y/n.”

“Nice meeting you, Harry.” He shakes his head with a laugh and then nods to someone behind her before jogging away with his surfboard under his arm. Suddenly her sister is next to her, giggling.

“That didn’t take you very long at all. I’ve never seen you flirt like that in my life.”

“My god. Is my heart still beating?” She yanks her sister’s hand and pushes her two fingers against where she thought her pulse should be. “Can you feel anything?”

“Very strong. Very fast.” She laughs, looking over her shoulder at his retreating figure. “Jesus. Look at that ass, too. Did you see his tattoos?”

“Did I see his tattoos? I was practically drooling over them.” She stands on her toes to look beyond her sister. Harry is talking to a small group of girls, all of whom seem to be overly ecstatic about the handsome man in front of them. Y/n gets the sense of knowing him again before shaking it off. ���You’re sure my heart is still working?”

“Positive. What did he say?”

“I think he asked me out.”

“He did what?!” Elise drops the blanket in her arms onto the sand, grabbing y/n’s shoulders. “What exactly did he say?”

“He said he’d see me around, so I said that that was up to him, and then he said he’d be at some place called Rusty’s.”

“Y/n!” She shakes her older sister aggressively with a laugh. “He totally asked you out! Or actually, you asked him.”

“I did? Fuck, how much did I smoke?” She puts a hand on her forehead with a groan, but starts laughing immediately after. “I never would have done that if dad was here.”

“No, you definitely wouldn’t. Now let's get some sun, you beach slut. Calm you down a little bit before you jump someone’s bones.”

The sky is a dark hazy orange when she stands at the entrance of Rusty’s, chewing on her lower lip nervously. Her sister had insisted on the white crop top with the straight neckline, talking about how she had incredible collarbones and needed to show them off. Y/n had never considered the sex appeal of collar bones, but trusted Elise to know what suited her. She had paired it with high-waisted jeans that she had thrifted a year ago. They were her favorite pair- worn perfectly to fit the comfort she required with her clothing while also shaping each curve of her body. If she had her own pair of magical traveling pants, these were it, and her sister had agreed that they were the right choice if she wanted to seem nonchalant in her desire to get laid. Not that that was the goal. Although it would be nice to-

Her thoughts are interrupted again by Harry, though this time he's dressed in a mostly-unbuttoned blue floral shirt and yellow swimming shorts. Two sparrows on his pectoral muscles peak from behind the fabric, and she ignores the feeling in the pit of her stomach about what else the shirt was hiding. “Y/n. It seems like daydreaming isn’t just a stoned thing for you, eh?”

“Apparently not.” She reaches up to play with the gold chain of her necklace, a small garnet hanging from the end of it. “You know, most people wear more clothes when they’re on shore, not less.”

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware you had a particular dress code in mind for me to follow.” He smiles at her teasingly, crossing his arms over his chest. His biceps bulge at the contact but she pays them no mind, focusing instead on his eyes. What before had seemed like a sea-glass green were now more of a murky color, brooding and mysterious.

“I don’t. Just an observation.”

“Ah. Maybe you should tell me more of your many observations inside, yeah?”

“Shouldn’t you be so lucky.” She remarks with a smile. He laughs and follows her inside the bar, pressing a warm hand to the exposed skin of her back as he guides her through the crowd of people. She shudders at the contact, allowing him to bring her to the bar. She doesn’t even hear what he orders for them, soaking up the scene. It seemed busy for a Thursday night, most of the patrons either young people around their age or retired locals.  She had been here before, but hadn’t remembered it after so many years. She cranes her neck until her eyes find the booth that she had inhabited. For a second she thinks she can see the familiar sandy blonde hair of her dad, but as soon as she does it’s gone.

“I hope you like beer.” Harry holds up two full pints, both foaming at the top above the amber liquid. “They’re known for their drafts.”

“I love beer. But how do you even know if I’m 21?”

Harry raises his eyebrows and his eyes go wide. “Are you not?”

“I’m 22. But you didn’t know that. What if you were supplying alcohol to a minor?”

He shrugs. “Drinking laws in America are dumb as it is. But this would have been a very short date.”

She smiles, taking one of the pints from his hand. “A man of morals, I see.”

“A man with seemingly skewed morals.” He looks over her head and then back down to her face. “Want to go sit on the patio? The sun hasn’t quite set yet and I want to see if it flashes green tonight.” She nods, and again his palm finds its way to her back as he lets her lead them to a table at the edge with an unobstructed view of the skyline. He clears his throat and she laughs when he pulls her chair out for her.

“What an English gentleman.” She says as she sits, setting her beer down on the table.

“I’m nothing if not a gentleman.” He boasts, but his dimples allude to his teasing.

“My dad used to look for the green flash too. Mom used to lecture him endlessly for ruining his eyesight, but no matter what we were doing or where we were in Malibu, he would find his way to some cliff or beach to watch the sun set.”

“Used to?”

Y/n looks down, brushing her finger up the side of her glass to gather the condensation in distraction. “Uh, yeah. He died a few months ago. Cancer.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Harry puts a hand over her hand on the table, and their eyes meet. Usually when people apologized for her loss, they were sympathetic but otherwise empty. Harry’s were genuine, empathetic even. “I lost my step-dad a while back. It fucking sucks.”

She laughs a bit at his bluntness. “It does. There's really no other way to describe it. Because it affects everyone at some point, right? And it’s no one's fault. It just... fucking sucks.”

“So that’s why you’re here then? You mentioned earlier that he brought you here in the summer.”

She smiles at his memory. “Yeah. My sister and I didn’t want to halt tradition just because he couldn’t be here. Even as adults he insisted that we come along with, so it kind of just became something that we expected to do every summer for the rest of our lives. I don’t know. I guess we didn’t want to stop just because he was gone. If anything he’d want us to continue to enjoy the place he loved so much.”

“I like that. That you didn’t even really have to think about it.” He holds up his glass. “Well in that case, to your dad. May Malibu always be a place for him to be with you.”

Y/n feels tears sting her eyes as she holds up her own glass to clink against his. “To dad.”

She watches as Harry takes a swig of his beer while she mirrors him. Immediately he jumps into conversation, sensing her need for distraction while she reflects. He talks a bit of nonsense about how the surfing was that day, watching her face to read into where her head was at. He was always good at that, and could sense even the slightest change in someone's demeanor. Y/n seemed like the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, and seemed emotionally intelligent enough to the point where she would deal with her emotions when she felt them rather than pushing them to the side. When the clouds in her eyes seem to disappear he slides to sit beside her rather than across from her, casually slinging his arm over the back of her chair. “Look. Sun is setting. You know, I’ve been told that if you can see the flash, you get a wish.”

“Is that so?” She subconsciously leans into him, watching the skyline. The rest of the bar seems to settle into a gentle hum as everyone cranes to see the sun.

“Definitely.” He drops his hand to her arm, rubbing his thumb back and forth. She bites her lip at the contact, looking up at him. His features, while chiseled and structured, were equally as soft and kind. She could sense that in the future he would sport crows feet at the corner of his eyes while others would harbor insecurity over the frown lines in their forehead. Her eyes followed the slope of his nose down to his shell-pink lips, and then jumped back up just in time to see the bright green reflecting in his eyes. As soon as it’s there it’s gone, and his pupils dilate when they meet hers. “Did you see the-”

Now it’s her turn to cut him off, her lips pressing to his. His eyes widen in surprise before drifting shut, his lips softening to invite hers in more. He didn’t need to ask her to know what her wish was, and found himself drawing her closer, needing more, more, more. He had never felt a kiss like this before, one filled equally with passion and softness. He could feel the air of self-consciousness in her lips as she started to pull away, and just as quickly he brought her back in with the pull of his own lips, coaxing her into relaxation. When he finally does separate their lips she’s rendered speechless, glancing around. No one seems to have noticed, too busy discussing the phenomenon they just witnessed. Meanwhile she’s processing the phenomenon in her own head, eating away at the walls of her belly.

“Wow.” He breathes, scratching the back of his neck before looking around. When his eyes come back to hers he grins, the left side of his mouth quirked up higher than the right. “Wow.”

She clears her throat, taking a sip of her beer and raising her eyebrows at him over the glass. He laughs, and when she comes back up he kisses her again, gliding his tongue along her upper lip to collect the foam before pulling back into his own seat, the boyish smirk taking over his face. “Anyways.”

“Anyways.” She repeats.

“How was that?”

“I’ll consider giving a good Yelp review.”

He laughs and she can’t help but kiss him again. This makes him smile more, and he leans back into a stretch as she pulls away, clearly pleased with himself. “Well that concludes your tour of Malibu nightlife, anything beyond that is going to cost you a pretty penny. I suppose I could cut you a discount, since you’re grieving and all…” He trails off when she smacks him, and he grabs her wrist while he laughs. “If you’re going to be throwing yourself at me like that, at least buy me dinner first.”

“God, you’re relentless!” Her cheeks are a bright red now, and he slides his hand so their fingers are intertwined.

“Seriously, you want some food? They’ve got some mean burgers here. I won’t make you pay though. Although I do expect more of whatever that was afterwards.”

“Harry.” She hisses through her teeth. “God, I’m never kissing anyone off of a whim again.”

“I sure hope not. I liked that being just for me.” He waves at a waitress, who seems to know him. She mouths the word ‘burger?’ and he holds up two fingers. She nods before walking away.

“Do you always come here and kiss strange girls?” Y/n asks, laughing.

“No. You’d be the first. Usually I drown here in my loneliness and drink until the pain ebs away.” He takes a sip of his beer. “Not actually. But I do come here enough that they know my order it seems.”

“Interesting.” She smiles into her glass as she finishes off the beer.

“Wow. I’m going to have to keep up with you.” He finishes his own, before taking his sunglasses out of his hair and ruffling it.

“So, Harry, what do you do?”

“Hmm? Oh. I’m a musician.”

“You are?” She perks up a bit, folding her arms on the table in front of her. “What kind of music?”

“Any, really. Lots of rock influences, but I mainly just play whatever feels right.”

“Anything I would know?”

He smiles and she’s immediately frustrated by his coyness. “Harry.”

“What?” He grins even wider, playing with the napkin dispenser.

Suddenly it hits her like a truck. Her own familiarity with him, the girls on the beach. “Styles. You’re Harry Styles.”

He hums as a confirmation, running a hand through his hair. “So about that Yelp review…”

She can’t help but laugh, shaking her head and burying her face in her arms with a groan.

“What’s that about?” He snorts.

“I just threw myself on a world renowned rock star.”

“I licked beer off of your lip.” He points out, leaning down to rest his chin on his arms in front of her.

“Only because I suffocated you with my misplaced hormones.” She peeks out from her forearms, and he can see the blush on the tips of her cheeks.

“Misplaced? Hardly. You only jump started what I would have done later. Though I would have done it consensually, mind you.” He sits up straight while she groans and buries her face back into her arms. “Y/n, I’m teasing.” He laughs. She holds up her middle finger and he grabs her hand, kissing her knuckles. His voice drops to a hushed whisper. “Y/n, if I didn’t want to kiss you I wouldn’t have. Can you please come out of hiding now?”

She slowly sits back up, glaring at him. “You could have told me who you really were before I threw myself at you.”

“I kind of like that you agreed to go out with me without knowing.”

“So we’re inflating your ego now, are we? That’s at least one star deducted.”

He grins at the return of her playfulness. “What a shame. I suppose I’ll have to earn it back, hm?” He leans into her.

“I suppose you will.”

[wendysanderson]

WENDY SANDERSON ( YARA SHAHIDI ) is a 17 year old JUNIOR student at Broadripple Academy. SHE is originally from JAMAICA PLAIN, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS but moved to Broadripple 1 YEAR ago. SHE is EXCITABLE and EMPATHETIC but can also be CLINGY and IMPATIENT.  

BASICS

Name: Wendy Sanderson

Age: 17

Grade: Junior

House: Keough

Cabin Room: Room 1

How long have they been at Broadripple: Started her sophomore year

Where are they from originally: Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts

Extra curricular: Chamber Choir, Women of Broadripple, Yearbook (writer), and Broadripple Unsolved

PINTEREST

CHARACTER AESTHETICS

Half-eaten bowls of Lucky Charms, colorful jackets from the local Goodwill, a heavily annotated copy of Mary Oliver’s Devotions, chipped nail polish, a varied collection of sunglasses, the ‘Are You Still Watching?’ Netflix screen, the Arnold Arboretum in bloom in the springtime, a hot cup of fruit tea, snack-based rewards systems, bottles of coconut oil, the communal groan of frustration on the decrepit Orange Line, $2 face masks, and late night Wikipedia deep dives.

TRAITS

Positive Personality Traits: Excitable, empathetic, imaginative, outgoing, affectionate, and generous

Neutral Personality Traits: Talkative, noncommittal, inquisitive, literary, and perceptive

Negative Personality Traits: Clingy, impatient, unreliable, scattered, blabbermouth, and moody

FACTS

About two years ago, Wendy’s family came into a solid chunk of change. Wendy’s mother Bahar is a nurse and caretaker. Over the past decade, she had been taking care of a wealthy elderly man in the Back Bay. When he passed, he unexpectedly left her some money in his will. Wendy’s parents almost immediately decided it would be invested in Wendy’s education. Her dad’s parents wanted her to receive a Catholic one, and her dad wanted Wendy to practice some independence, and so Broadripple came up in their research and she was off. Wendy’s hand in the decision-making process was decidedly minimal.

Wendy enjoys Broadripple in that it’s fun to romanticize a bunch of old buildings. She enjoys creating narratives about and daydreaming of students of the past among the hallowed halls more than she does doing group projects. The school itself is too far-removed from society for her to find it particularly scintillating, but she’s making do! She’s a pretty positive person, though undoubtedly impatient. But she’ll admit it has its other draws. Their reputation is near-flawless—disregarding all that spooky shit, which she personally finds cool and intriguing, since the endless forest has some real The Witch vibes—and it bolsters a lot of interesting clubs and classes she can be a part of. The longer she attends, the more uncomfortable she is with the wealth of her peers, as well as impatient with those she deems rude and snobbish. She also has a habit of falling in love/developing crushes easily, often, and recklessly, and Broadripple certainly doesn’t have a shortage of attractive people. It’s a real gold mine, there.

Wendy’s favorite subject is Literature Analysis. She enjoys it because it is something of a creative outlet; she firmly believes there’s a lot of leeway in how things can be interpreted and she enjoys interpreting things ad nauseam. She particularly likes when they cover poets, but none of that boring classical white guy stuff. She’s more of a Toni Morrison-Mary Oliver-Anne Sexton-Jeanette Winterson-Gwendolyn Brooks type.

HEADCANONS

Wendy misses home a lot. She’s a very sentimental, clingy person. It’s hard for her to be away from the people she loves. Every once in awhile she’ll take a Greyhound back home for the weekend.

Queen of having a wardrobe primarily composed of statement pieces!

Spent nearly the entirety of middle school writing elaborate Jane Austen fanfictions. She is absolutely loyal to Mr. Knightley’s ass! 🙅 Mr. Darcy do not interact.  🙅

[Let’s_Hear_It_For_The_Boy.mp3 on repeat]

Falls in love 5 times a day, yunno.

Writes a lot of poetry that may or may not be good but the poems sure are in abundance!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RETREAT

What do they think about The Retreat? Stuck in the middle of the woods in a creaky, old cabin is less than what she hoped for. Born and raised in the city, staying in the actual dorms at BA took a major adjustment period already (the tree frogs and crickets alone heard distantly through her open window on a hot night already kept her up). It’s fun to poke around scary places on campus on the weekend with the BAU, but then it’s also nice to go back to the safe dormitories afterward. All in all, she’s not super psyched to be here but she will try and romanticize tf out of it for as long as she can! And tag along with BAU shenanigans, of course.

Do they have any previous experience with camping or other outdoors? Absolutely none. <3

What does their cabin bunk look like? How will they decorate their space?  Wendy is a proponent of the opposite of minimalism, which is Clutterbitch. She has various knick knacks and pictures and posters, as well as plenty of bins and storage to keep all her products, books, snacks, etc. There is no surface left untouched, let’s say that, and most likely a string of fairy lights somewhere. She also has a couple half-dead plants and a collection of postcards from her sister who travels around the country with the nonprofit she works for.

Do they believe in the supernatural? To what degree? This answer is gonna be a little repetitive irt the first answer above but at this moment in time, yes! And I say “at this moment in time” because she, at the moment, she wants to believe in it. When she was in the school dorms, it seemed like a fun thing to entertain. She’s a curious person and she has a lot of flights of fancy (as dubbed by her parents), so when it came to her attention that there was an unofficial club that explored the spooky past of the school? She was like, sounds fun! :) I wanna be included! :) So I’ll say she genuinely believes in spooky stuff, but not cryptid stuff.

Are they easily spooked? On the whole, surprisingly, no. But again, this environment is very unfamiliar to Wendy. All of her outdoors-y knowledge stems from the time she spends at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston and in/around Jamaica Pond. She grew up in a city and has very little experience outside of it. Unfamiliarity can brew paranoia, but her spooks are more animal (bears, bobcats, fishercats) related than supernatural.

AND FINALLY,

A very dumb but (hopefully) fun quiz made by your admins, please share what result you got

in which no one is surprised <3

[themaskedwriter]

Three Jerks

Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary – After the Battle of New York, you decide to get away from the city for a vacation in the Caribbean. But one week away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple quickly turns into a few years as you find you enjoy the simplicity of island life. As it turns out, you’re not the only native New Yorker who finds solace on the white sandy beaches of Jamaica.

Warnings – Angst, Fluff, Sexy Times, Cursing, and Drinking

Word Count – 5K

Notes: This is a Canon Divergent fic based on Anthony Mackie’s response to a question at the ACE Comic Con in Seattle. If you’d like to watch the video, the entire panel discussion with Mackie, Sebastian, and Tom Holland is on YouTube. Fast forward to 1:03:50.

Clues: 

1. This author prefers writing angst more than anything.

2. This author is notorious for her cruel cliffhangers.

3. This author loves adding a good plot twist.

YN had noticed the three new additions to the lonely stretch of beach she’d called home for God only knew how many years. When she’d gotten off the clunky little prop plane at Sangster International Airport, she’d told the taxi driver to take her to the nearest beach bar. A half a mile later, he’d pulled up to the Dead End and she’d known right then that she was exactly where she’d needed to be.

The Battle of New York had completely demolished the office building she’d worked in since she’d graduated from college, and her tiny apartment hadn’t faired much better. With only the clothes on her back and a fairly decent savings account, she’d booked the first flight out of New York to Jamaica.

She’d only intended to stay for a week, but once she’d learned that the owner of the Dead End was ready to retire, she’d drained her savings account and bought the tiny beach bar. What had started out as a whim had quickly turned into the best decision of her life. Island life was nothing like New York and she actually enjoyed waking up each morning and going to work, which wasn’t something she could have ever said about her job in the city.

The locals had taken their time warming up to her, but once they realized that she was there to stay—and that she had no intentions of turning the dive bar into some hipster joint—they had welcomed her with open arms. Her clientele included a few regulars that lived on the island full time, as well as tourists—like she’d been that first week—who were looking for the first bar they could find once they landed on the island.

There was a hotel right next door, so most people ended up getting a room and wasting their entire vacation sitting on one of her barstools and spending all of their money. YN didn’t mind, though. Middle class working men and women tipped better than the snooty rich folks down the beach at the Sandals resort. A few of them came ‘slumming’ every so often, and they always annoyed the shit out of her and her regulars.

She’d pegged the three new guys as entitled rich men on a business retreat at first, but after a few days—and some sizable tips—she’d had to rethink her initial assessment of them. They were a peculiar group of men, and something about them struck her as odd from the very first time they’d parked their cute little tushes on her barstools. Within the first few minutes she’d realized that they were all former military. It wasn’t so much the way they looked—every one of them had full beards and their hair definitely wasn’t 'high and tight’ like she’d seen in the movies. The way they moved, and the way they spoke gave away their military training, but she hadn’t said a word to them about it. They seemed like they wanted to get away from their former lives, and as someone who’d done the same, she couldn’t hold it against them.

The three of them—Thomas, James, and Grant—weren’t a group of guys you would’ve expected to be joined at the hip like they were. Thomas was a true extrovert, and was always quick with a smile and a flirty comment. James was sullen and taciturn, but YN figured it had something to do with the fact that he only had one arm. Grant, on the other hand, was a dream come true. As with all groups of men, one stood out as the leader, and in this particular group, it was definitely Grant. Tall and muscular with a mop of dark blond hair that was a few shades lighter than the beard he sported, he was an imposing man that was obviously used to giving orders. Thomas and James always seemed to defer to him when it came to making decisions, so YN assumed he must have been their commanding officer while they’d served together.

The three of them had set up shop a little ways down the shore. Their establishment, Three Jerks, was unlike anything she’d ever seen on the island.  They’d bought a few jet skis and rented them out by the half hour, but they’d also purchased a dilapidated food truck and sold jerk chicken, red beans, and rice while the tourists waited for the jet skis to come back in.

As much as she hated to admit it, it was a great idea. She’d been as skeptical as the rest of the locals, but curiosity had gotten the better of her—not to mention the smell of jerk chicken wafting down on the breeze—and she’d ventured over to give their culinary skills a taste. She hadn’t been disappointed. Whoever had taught Thomas to make jerk chicken had known what they were doing. Within a week, Thomas had been forced to leave the jet ski rentals to James and Grant so he could focus on the food truck.

The three of them came by her bar most evenings, and she truly enjoyed their company, but there was a part of her that wanted to spend some one on one time with Grant. Listening in on James and Thomas’ constantly bickering like an old married couple was entertaining, but she felt a pull toward Grant that she hadn’t felt since she’d moved to the island. There had been a few flings with vacationing tourists, but that had mostly been due to the need to scratch an itch.

With Grant, it was different. He had these old, soulful eyes that spoke volumes about his mysterious history. He may have put on a carefree attitude for everyone else, but YN had learned over the years to see beneath the surface of a carefully constructed façade.

For some reason she got the impression that Grant wasn’t like most of the men that had come across her path in the past few years. There was something almost old-fashioned about the way he spoke to not only her, but everyone he conversed with. His politeness wasn’t something put on for the sake of his business—it seemed to be as genuine as the heart-stopping smile he gave her every time he sat perched on a barstool before her.

“The usual, please,” Grant told YN as he slid onto his favorite stool.

YN didn’t even need to turn around to know who’d dropped by. “What about you boys—the usual as well?”

“They’re not here,” Grant said, causing YN to turn around in surprise.

She poured three fingers of whisky into a glass and placed it neatly on a paper napkin embossed with the name of the bar. “And how exactly did you manage to get away from those two?”

“Thomas met a dame.”

YN smiled at his use of the antiquated term. It was little things like that that had her wondering where in the world he’d come from.

“And James?”

Grant laughed as he took a swig of his whisky. “The dame had a friend who took a liking to James. Thomas paid him a hundred bucks to double with him so he could get lucky.”

Shaking her head, she began to laugh. “Oh, to be a fly on that wall.”

“I know, right?”

Another customer flagged her down, so she left Grant alone with his drink. She knew this was probably her only opportunity to get him alone, so if she was going to make a move, it had to be tonight. It was the off season, so the bar wasn’t busy—it would just be a matter of getting the few customers that remained to go home so she could close up shop and try to get lucky herself.

Fate seemed to be on her side as one by one, her regulars called it an early night and left her alone with Grant. She’d been scared that he would leave before she got her chance, but he’d seemed content to drink his whisky and watch the sun set over the horizon.

“I think I’m going to close up early tonight,” she told him as she wiped the bar down with a damp rag.

“Oh,” he said, surprised at her announcement. “I can go, if you want.”

“Actually,” she began as butterflies began fluttering in her stomach. “I was hoping you’d join me for a drink…somewhere a little more private.”

She watched the confusion on his face turn to understanding and she held her breath as she waited to see what he would say. A part of her feared that she’d just ruined one of the only friendships she’d made on the island, but another part knew that she’d never forgive herself for not at least trying.

He tore his gaze away from hers and stared at the empty glass before him. He’d known how she felt about him for a while now, but he’d never acted on it. It wasn’t as if he were free to pursue a relationship, but then again, his duties and obligations had kept him from having a life for the better part of a century. Maybe it was time to be a little bit selfish.

“I’d like that,” he finally said, chancing a glance to see how she’d take his answer. He saw the relief wash across her face as a huge smile lit up her eyes in a way he’d never seen before.

“Okay, just give me a few minutes to close up shop.”

“I’ll help,” he offered as he began to help her secure the bar for the night.

The pretense of the drink was forgotten the moment they crossed the threshold of her tiny bungalow beside the bar. Before she’d known what was happening, she was pressed up against the back of the door as Grant’s lips began to softly caress hers. His hands weren’t as gentle as his mouth as he slid them beneath the hem of her shirt. The contrast between his rough hands and tender kisses had her mind reeling.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispered as his mouth left hers to explore the exposed flesh above the collar of her t-shirt.

“Don’t you dare,” she warned as she hooked one of her legs around his waist to draw him closer to her.

Regaining some of her senses, she finally let herself indulge in the one fantasy she’d had since she’d first laid eyes on him—burying her hands in his hair. The thick strands were just as soft as they appeared and as she ran her fingers over his scalp, she could feel the moan rise up in his chest before she heard it.

She’d expected him to be rough with her, and although she wouldn’t have complained in the least, he’d turned out to be a slow and patient lover. It was almost as though he was worshiping her body with his hands and lips. She lost count of how many times he sent her careening over the edge before he finally joined her.

Lying spent in his arms, she wondered if this would only be a one time thing, or if they’d finally crossed the line between friends and lovers for good. If this turned out to be the only opportunity she’d get to be loved by him, she’d be sorely disappointed. He’d completely ruined her for any other man, and she knew she’d never be able to go back to the cheap one-night stands she’d thought she’d enjoyed with the tourists.

Forcing her mind to leave her worries for tomorrow, she willed herself to relax and enjoy the afterglow of the most amazing sex she’d ever had. As she felt her minds softening toward sleep, his fingers began to lightly trail over her skin.

“Do you want me to leave?” he asked softly, not sure if she’d already fallen asleep or not.

His question had her senses reawakening as she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “I’d really like it if you stayed.”

She knew she was putting herself out there even more than she already had, but she was desperate to keep him for as long as he was willing to stay.

He leaned over and gently kissed her. “I’d like that, too.” He paused for a moment. “I should probably grab a shower, though. Care to join me?”

The prospect of shower sex had her wide awake in an instant. Sliding out of the bed, she grabbed his hand and led him toward the bathroom. As she turned on the water, she saw his eyes begin to darken with desire and she realized she was going to be in for a long night.

___________________

“That’s him,” Peter whispered to Ned as they hid behind a tuft of grass on the beach a few yards from the bar.

“Are you sure, Peter?” Ned asked as he squinted his eyes. “That doesn’t look like Captain America at all.”

Peter rolled his eyes and let out a huff. “He’s undercover—of course he doesn’t look like himself. It’s just like Falcon and the Winter Soldier—they’re trying to blend in so no one knows who they are.”

“I don’t know,” Ned said, still not convinced. “Why would Captain America be renting jet skis with the Falcon and the Winter Soldier in Jamaica? That doesn’t seem like something superheroes do.”

Peter was starting to get frustrated. “Mr. Stark told me he’d gotten really good intel that these three were down here.” He turned to his friends and began to plead. “C'mon, man. This is the first real mission Mr. Stark has given me since we went to Germany. I can’t screw this up—not like the ferry.”

Ned nodded and pulled out his phone. Zooming in as much as he could, he snapped a picture of the long-haired, bearded guy Peter was convinced was Captain America. “I guess this guy could be Cap.”

“Send me that picture,” Peter said as he pulled out his phone. “I need to text this to Mr. Stark.”

“So, if he’s Captain America, then that means your mom is on a date with the Falcon,” Ned surmised with a nod. “Way to go, Aunt May.”

Peter slapped his friend. “Ew, gross, man. That’s my aunt you’re talking about.”

“What about her friend, Debbie?” Ned asked as his eyes grew large. “She’s going to hook up with the Winter Soldier.”

“No one is hooking up,” Peter said with a huff. “May isn’t like that.” He paused for a moment. “Debbie? Yeah, probably, but not May.”

“Ooh,” Ned said as he began to chuckle. “It looks like Cap is getting lucky tonight, too.”

“What?”

Ned pointed to where the man and the bartender were closing up and heading toward a small bungalow beside the bar.

Peter looked back down at his phone. “Do you think Mr. Stark needs to know about that?”

Ned shrugged. “I don’t know? Is it important who he’s banging?”

“What if she’s a Russian spy?” Peter asked as his mind started reeling with possibilities.

“Good point,” Ned agreed. “Better let him know just in case.”

Peter’s lips formed a thin line as he nodded in agreement. Typing out a quick update, he hit send and motioned for Ned to follow him back down the beach to the Sandals resort where Mr. Stark had booked their “vacation.”

___________________

The next few days were like a dream for YN. Not only had Grant stayed the entire night, but he’d spent the next few nights at her place as well. Thomas and James had brought their new lady friends to the bar, and she’d immediately hit it off with the native New Yorkers. It had been nice to find out what was going on back home, and to hear that the city was finally starting to recover from the infamous battle that had torn it to shreds. YN had thought it was odd that the three men seemed uncomfortable talking about the Battle of New York, but she brushed it off and continued chatting with the ladies.

Thomas’ friend, May, had brought her nephew and his friend along with her, but the two boys opted to stay at the beach while the adults enjoyed drinks at the bar. YN had offered them sodas or virgin mixed drinks, but they seemed content to hang out by themselves.

James had given Grant a knowing look the first time he’d reached out to graze his fingers over her knuckles. YN wasn’t sure what to make of it, but she hoped that both James and Thomas approved of her new relationship with their friend. She didn’t want it to change the dynamic between the four of them, although, as long as they were distracted with their new lady friends, it didn’t seem to matter what Grant did with his spare time.

“Who’s that down there with Peter and Ned?” Debbie asked as she gestured toward the beach with her daiquiri.

May shielded her eyes against the setting sun as she squinted toward the beach. “It looks like Tony Stark.”

YN had been asking Grant a question, so she saw the minute his demeanor morphed from fun and lighthearted to lethal. The instant change in him—as well as Thomas and James—had her taking a step back.

Grant turned toward his friends. “Go. Now.”

Thomas shook his head as James stood up from his stool and let out a resigned sigh. “Not without you.”

All three of the ladies were confused at the sudden turn of events, but it was May that finally spoke first. “He’s not that bad, honestly. A little pompous and full of himself, maybe.”

“Rogers,” Tony called out as he stepped under the awning of the bar and removed his sunglasses.

When Grant turned around to face him, YN felt as though the ground beneath her was crumbling. She’d known that the three men had been hiding from something, but now she was slowly coming to realize that she had no idea who she’d been sharing her bed with the past few nights.

“Tony,” Grant said warily as he moved to stand in front of Thomas and James. “You should have called first.”

Tony took an outdated flip phone from his pocket and turned it over in his hands. “I would’ve, but I didn’t think this thing got good reception this far south.” Turning serious, he gave Grant a hard look. “What are you doing down here, Steve?”

It was as though someone had poured ice water down her back. Steve Rogers? The Steve Rogers? She turned to stare at Grant, but she had a hard time resigning the bearded man she’d come to love with America’s favorite son. It all made sense, though—the chivalry, the odd references, even the antiquated language he was so fond of using. She’d been sleeping with Captain America.

“We’re not doing anything wrong, Tony,” Thomas said as he stepped forward to stand beside Steve.

YN’s attention was now on the other two men she’d come to think of as friends.  Thomas and James obviously weren’t their names, but she honestly had no idea who they were. Since she’d come to the island, she’d tried to stay away from the goings-on in the world.

“I know,” Tony said, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. “The kid’s been filling me in on your little enterprise.” He looked over toward the jet skis and food truck down the beach. “Gotta say, I love the name.”

“What do you want, Stark?” James asked as he gave Tony a hardened look.

Tony gave James a wink. “I’m not here for you, stubby.”

“Wait just one damn minute,” May said as she finally realized what was going on. Turning on Tony, she stalked over to him and began poking him in the chest with her finger. “Did you send Peter down here to spy on fugitives for you? What in the hell were you thinking?”

“May, May, no,” Peter said frantically as he rushed past Tony to grab his aunt’s arm. “It’s okay, really. Cap wouldn’t hurt me—he wouldn’t hurt anyone.” He looked up at Steve. “Right?”

Steve had been confused for a moment, but once he heard Peter’s voice, he realized who he was. “You’re the spider-kid from Queens. The one from Germany?”

May’s eyes grew large and she was about to tear into someone, but who would’ve gotten the tongue-lashing was left up in the air as Tony quickly interceded. “Happy. Take the kid and his family back to the resort. I’ll be along shortly.”

YN stood slack-jawed as a burly man in a suit began ushering a cussing May, a dumbstruck Debbie, a stuttering Peter, and his starry-eyed friend toward the road where a sleek black car sat idling at the curb. So much was happening so quickly, she was having a hard time keeping track of it all.

Once it was just the men, Tony turned to Steve with a pleading look in his eye. “Something big is coming. I don’t know what, but it’s bad. We need all hands on deck.” He paused and gave Steve a hopeful look. “Whaddya say? Want to get the band back together?”

Steve let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “What about Ross?”

“I’ll take care of Ross,” Tony assured him.

“What about me?” James asked.

Tony let out a huff. “I still hate you, Barnes. But Rogers won’t come back with out you two numbnuts, so that doesn’t leave me much choice.”

“You goin’ to send me back to the Raft?” Thomas asked as he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Tony.

“No one’s going to the Raft,” Tony assured them. “I told you I’d deal with Ross, and I will. Rhodey will keep him occupied while we deal with this threat. After that, we’ll have some leverage to get your names cleared with the UN.”

Steve turned to look at Thomas and his gaze landed on YN. With a heavy heart, he realized that in a matter of minutes, he’d completely lost her trust. The look she was giving him was a mix of hurt and anger and he couldn’t very well blame her.

With a sigh, he looked away and focused on his friends. “Whaddya say, guys? It’s your call.”

“I say we stay,” James began, but before Thomas or Steve could reply, he held up a hand. “But I know your dumbass. You’ll never sleep knowing the world is in danger and you didn’t go help.”

Thomas shook his head. “I hate to admit it, but I agree with Buck.”

Steve shook his head. “You two go get what we’ll need while I talk to Tony.”

Thomas and James nodded and turned to go. They both stopped and gave YN a sorrowful look. Muttering apologies, they shuffled off toward the apartment they shared over the rental shop.

“Can I get a drink?” Tony asked YN once the other two were gone.

“Make that two?” Steve asked with a grimace.

YN didn’t say anything as she turned to pour the drinks. He hadn’t specified, but she assumed Tony Stark was a whisky man, so that’s what she gave him. Feeling as though she’d be intruding, she started to walk toward the other end of the bar, but Steve stopped her.

“YN,” he said softly as he reached out to touch her arm. “Please let me explain.”

Tony narrowed his eyes as he took in the scene. Pointing back and forth between the two, he slowly began to nod as if he’d just figured it out. “Something’s going on here, isn’t it?” He focused his attention on her. “YN, right? I’m taking it you didn’t know?”

She looked to Steve to see if he’d answer, but when he simply hung his head and took a sip of his whisky, she turned back to Tony. “I knew he had a past—we all do—but I didn’t know he was Steve Rogers. He told me his name was Grant.”

“It is,” Steve said looking up at her with pleading eyes. “It’s my middle name.”

She shrugged. “So, it was a half-lie, but still a lie.” She shook her head as all the anger she’d been feeling over the past few minutes finally came to a head. “Was it all a lie? Did I ever mean anything to you?”

Tony started to make a snarky remark, but Steve held out a hand to stop him. “Not now, Tony.” Looking back at YN, his shoulders slumped. “It wasn’t a lie—I swear. I never meant to get involved, but…”

“I made the first move,” she finished for him as she shook her head. “You tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen. I guess it’s my own fault.” She grabbed a rag and started toward the other end of the bar. “Don’t worry about saying goodbye���you’ve got more important things to do.”

This time Steve let her go.

“Damn, Rogers,” Tony said with a low whistle. “You sure know how to pick 'em.”

“Shut up, Tony,” Steve said as he downed the rest of his drink.

Tony laid a hand on Steve’s shoulder. “Look, take it from someone who’s been there—go fix things with the lady before you go. If you don’t, it’ll just weigh on your mind and I need you on your game for this one, buddy.”

Tony pulled out his wallet and left a crisp hundred dollar bill on the bar before patting Steve on the back and heading toward the car that had just pulled back up to the curb. Steve let out a deep breath and thought about Tony’s advice. Maybe he was right. Leaving things like this would be something he’d regret for a long time to come.

He walked around the bar and came up behind YN. Reaching out, he laid a hand on her arm. “YN.”

She turned to look at him, and he could see the redness in her eyes where she was trying not to cry. He hated that he’d hurt her. He should have told her the truth that first night, but would it have made this any easier?

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth,” he said as he reached to cup her face. “I was an idiot not to trust you.”

“Would you have ever told me?” she asked as she stared into his eyes looking for answers she wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I want to say yes because you mean a lot to me.”

“I mean a lot to you?” she asked with a huff of indignation as she pulled away from him.

Knowing he was going to have to lay it all on the line, he ran a hand down his face and resigned himself to the inevitable. This wasn’t how he’d thought this conversation would go, but she deserved the truth—the whole truth.

“I love you, YN.”

Her back was to him, but his whispered words were just loud enough to have her stopping in her tracks. “Don’t lie to me. Not again.”

He walked over to her and turned her around to face him. “Look at me. I wouldn’t lie about that. I love you, and I’m pretty sure you love me, too.”

She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “So what if I do? That doesn’t change the fact that you’re leaving.”

“Maybe not,” he said. “But it gives me a reason to come back.”

She opened her eyes and found him looking at her with hope-filled eyes. She’d fallen in love with those eyes, and she’d never thought she’d see the day where those feelings would be returned—but here they were.

“You can’t promise that.”

“I can promise to do my best,” he said as he pulled her into his embrace. “Knowing that you’ll be here waiting for me will give me that much more reason to win this fight.”

“I came here to get away from superheroes and their fights,” she said with a laugh as she lay her head on his shoulder. “It’s just my luck that I’d go and fall in love with one.”

Steve’s heart swelled at her admission. “Yeah, life’s funny like that.”

She looked up and met his eye. “You’ll be careful?”

“I can’t let down my best girl, now can I?”

She framed his face with her hands as they met one another halfway. The kiss was full of sadness and regret, but she’d take what she could get at that point.

“I’ve gotta go,” he said as he pulled away.

“Until we meet again.”

He gave her a sad smile. “Until we meet again.”

___________________

YN thought about Steve’s promise to come back to her as she watched one of her regulars turn to dust before her eyes. She had no idea what was happening, but she knew it wasn’t good. Whatever battle he’d been fighting must not have gone well. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw her hand start to dematerialize in front of her. It seemed as though she wouldn’t be keeping her promise to be there waiting for him after all. As she began to fade away, she closed her eyes and whispered, “I love you, Steve.”