#i also can’t sleep in hotels because it’s not my bed and the lighting/temperature/etc is not to my preference | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

dylinski · 5 years ago

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do 1-100, coward

I AM NO COWARD

anyone who actually reads through all this, god bless you. you can blame leigh @thessaia, i give you full authority.

1. Spotify, SoundCloud, or Pandora?

of those three, pandora. although, i prefer apple music.

2. is your room messy or clean?

LMFAO. CLEAN? I DON’T KNOW HER

3. what color are your eyes?

brown, but they’re lighter than that in the right light. almost a caramel with a dark chocolate ring on the outside.

4. do you like your name? why?

yeah, i don’t mind it. its always been there. lol i mean i used to have different nicknames or pretend to be other people. idk i told my parents when i was like five i was going to change my name to Felicia Franchesca Sarahmichelle Lynn. don’t ask. in fifth grade (before dylan o’brien was even famous) i begged my parents to call me dylan and refused to respond to any other name for like a year. also, don’t ask.

5. what is your relationship status?

single as dingle

6. describe your personality in 3 words or less

CHAOTIC, SMARTASS, STABBY

7. what color hair do you have?

answered

8. what kind of car do you drive? color?

kia forte, although my dad calls it an orte since the “f” is missing. funny story, i got pulled over and gave the dude my license and registration and shit but apparently, he didn’t look at it cause he put on the warning “orte” which i promptly laughed my ass off to. if he had given me a ticket i could have absolutely fought that bitch in court in won. SIR I DO NOT DRIVE AN ORTE. IS THAT ITALIAN? DO I LOOK LIKE I CAN AFFORD AN ITALIAN CAR? I DRIVE A FORTE SIR.

9. where do you shop?

ONLINE

10. how would you describe your style?

very idgaf

11. favorite social media account

tumblr

12. what size bed do you have?

full, it takes up my entire room so i couldn’t go bigger if i wanted to

13. any siblings?

answered

14. if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why?

uk, always wanted to live there idk

15. favorite snapchat filter?

idk what its called but it has this higher temperature tone to it and gives me cute little freckles

16. favorite makeup brand(s)

i don’t wear make up, i used to use stilla (i think that’s how its spelled)

17. how many times a week do you shower?

i usually shower like every other day unless its hotter than a pair of saggy tits

18. favorite tv show?

that changes with the weather tbh. i can’t say i really have one. for a really long time it was supernatural though.

19. shoe size?

womans 11.5 (us) i think its a men’s 9?

20. how tall are you?

5′ 3″ or 160cm

21. sandals or sneakers?

sneakers. god i hate sandals.

22. do you go to the gym?

uh, no.

23. describe your dream date

answered

24. how much money do you have in your wallet at the moment?

thats funny cause normally i don’t carry cash but i actually have $20 atm

25. what color socks are you wearing?

im not wearing any atm

26. how many pillows do you sleep with?

answered x2

27. do you have a job? what do you do?

not technically? i’m an hourly temp but i hardly get any hours since i cover for the full-time employee.

28. how many friends do you have?

irl: 0 online: too many to count

29. whats the worst thing you have ever done?

oh god, i honest to god have no fucking clue. i don’t think about this stuff. i’ve done some stupid ass shit but my short term and long term memory are both shot to tits.

30. whats your favorite candle scent?

i think i answered this one for a different ask game. i hate most fragrances and artificial smells, even non-artifical ones. i got a sensitive sniffer. im chill with like vanilla though if its not too intense.

31. 3 favorite boy names

Dylan (not even cause dylan i’ve just always liked the name idk why), Jeremy, Jacob (the other two are random)

32. 3 favorite girl names

i know these are random as fuck, but i’ve always liked them so shoot me.

Andromeda, Persephone, Franchesca

33. favorite actor?

i like a lot of actors, way too many to fucking name and remember off the top of my noggin. for sanity’s sake, we’ll say dylan.

34. favorite actress?

god, again way too many to count. i can’t even think of any right now even though i know i have some. lets say Emily Hampshire

35. who is your celebrity crush?

answered36. favorite movie?

answered37. do you read a lot? whats your favorite book?

i would love to read but my adhd makes it really hard to concentrate. i’ll have periods of time where i’ll read a bunch its insane and then i’ll just kind of stop for a while idk. i always loved because of win-dixie or a wrinkle in time, bridge to terabithia, and american assassin.

38. money or brains?

brains, then you can work for the money and you know shit

39. do you have a nickname? what is it?

sawahbwear, sassafras, whiskey, sar

40. how many times have you been to the hospital?

good lord, i don’t even know. way too many. definitely more than ten.

41. top 10 favorite songs

answered42. do you take any medications daily?

not anymore, i kept forgetting to take them so it fucked me up not being on a regular dosage so i just stopped taking all of them.

43. what is your skin type? (oily, dry, etc)

see, im weird af. cause like my skin is oily af, but also fucking dry and i have shitty eczema 44. what is your biggest fear?

answered45. how many kids do you want?

idfk. i mean for as long as i can remember i always wanted them, but tbh idk if im the type of person to have any…

46. whats your go to hair style?

messy bun

47. what type of house do you live in? (big, small, etc)

small, row house

48. who is your role model?

dont have one.

49. what was the last compliment you received?

probably from michelle i think, or alaina. idk i don’t keep track. unless you consider kiana calling me insane a compliment. 🤷‍♀️

50. what was the last text you sent?

“thankies”

51. how old were you when you found out santa wasn’t real?

tbh, i don’t think i ever thought he was real…pretty sure i could put in time out in preschool for making a kid cry cause i told them leprechauns weren’t real either.

52. what is your dream car?

mustang or challenger

53. opinion on smoking?

conflicted

54. do you go to college?

disappointingly

55. what is your dream job?

no clue

56. would you rather live in rural areas or the suburbs?

rural, but still close enough to shit it doesn’t take me an hour to go places.

57. do you take shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels?

haven't been to a hotel in a long ass time. i do but i never use them.. FREE SHIT

58. do you have freckles?

yeah, but you can’t see them unless i’ve been outside in the sun all day for hours.

59. do you smile for pictures?

relatively

60. how many pictures do you have on your phone?

5604

61. have you ever peed in the woods?

yup, and in a parking lot, and in public.🤙

62. do you still watch cartoons?

i hardly watch tv anymore, but if i did, fuCK YEAH

63. do you prefer chicken nuggets from Wendy’s or McDonalds?

WNEDYS ALL DAY ERRY DAY THE RED HEADED BITCH IS MY HOE OKAY

64. Favorite dipping sauce?

ew, no.

65. what do you wear to bed?

tshirt

66. have you ever won a spelling bee?

answered

67. what are your hobbies?

writing, coding, listening to music??, reading

68. can you draw?

NOPE

69. do you play an instrument?

also no

70. what was the last concert you saw?

like two years ago, circa survive with thrice and a third band idr

71. tea or coffee?

neither

72. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?

neither

73. do you want to get married?

idk

74. what is your crush’s first and last initial?

75. are you going to change your last name when you get married?

idk, part of me wants to but most of me doesnt want to

76. what color looks best on you?

i look good in all colors except white.

77. do you miss anyone right now?

yeah

78. do you sleep with your door open or closed?

closed cause i still live at home 😖 but if i didnt probably open so my cat could come and go as he pleased

79. do you believe in ghosts?

ghosts, no. spirits, yes.

80. what is your biggest pet peeve?

answered

81. last person you called

my dad

82. favorite ice cream flavor?

mint choco chip

83. regular oreos or golden oreos?

damn, regular.

84. chocolate or rainbow sprinkles?

RAINBOW BITCHES

85. what shirt are you wearing?

supernatural. dean and sam with baby

86. what is your phone background?

mitch rapp

87. are you outgoing or shy?

im an ambivert

88. do you like it when people play with your hair?

FUCKING YES

89. do you like your neighbors?

the ones on the right are bearable and the ones on the left can fuck off with their insane semen demons

90. do you wash your face? at night? in the morning?

neither, but i should.

91. have you ever been high?

nope

92. have you ever been drunk?

answered

93. last thing you ate?

hot dog

94. favorite lyrics right now

answered

95. summer or winter?

fall

96. day or night?

night

97. dark, milk, or white chocolate?

dark

98. favorite month?

umm, august? idk

99. what is your zodiac sign

aquarius

100. who was the last person you cried in front of?

i don’t remember, it’s been a really long time since i cried in front of someone.

#thessaia #ask games #BET YOU THOUGHT I WOULDNT #HA #BITE ME #YOUR BITCH ASS BETTER READ EVERY DAMN ONE CAUSE THIS SHIT TOOK ME LIKE A GODDAMN HOUR

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izzy-b-hands · 4 years ago

Text

One Night In History

Written for my DL server Bingo Card prompt: Viking Age.

This one had me stumped, putting it mildly (this is draft and idea three for this prompt.) But finally, I came up with this. It’s...something.

The lads, a museum, a failure by them to read said museum hours, a failure by the museum in not having a night guard, and a wondering as to which exhibit is adequate for an unexpected sleepover.

Also, Emotions.

Set around...let’s say 1977 just because.

My love to all who read/like/reblog!

John would argue it was not his fault. Purely by going in first, why should he have read the sign about the hours?

Freddie would argue that, as the one who had begged for a museum visit, it was not his job to have checked the hours of said museum. Surely, that didn’t fall to him, simply for missing the quiet splendor of a museum environment?

Brian argued that it was not his fault either, even if he had done the calling to find an open museum (of any kind, art, history, etc.) He had been asked to find an open one, and that he had. No one had asked him to check on the hours of it, didn’t they remember that?

Roger argued that it wasn’t his fault, as he was just along for the ride. He had no strong feelings one way or another about how they spent their last few days in the current city before heading onto the next, and he was happy to spend it with them however. So at what point should he have concerned himself with the museum hours?

“So we agree,” Roger said as they carefully walked about the dark halls of the museum. “It’s the museum’s fault. Don’t they have security, or something? Someone who should have been kicking everyone out?”

“Apparently not,” Brian sighed. “It’s a smaller city, maybe they feel they don’t need it?”

“Maybe they do have someone, but he didn’t show for his shift?” John pondered. “Can’t say I blame him. It wasn’t bad in the light, but in the dark...it certainly doesn’t gain anything.”

“How can you judge exhibits you can’t see properly?” Freddie laughed. “Besides, it’s only for tonight. We’ll scare whoever comes to open up for the morning, and then be free. Didn’t any of you ever want to be locked in somewhere at night, just to see what the place was like with everyone else gone?”

“The library,” Brian and Roger said together.

“School, maybe?” John shrugged. “Never really was bothered about that idea for any place, I suppose.”

“Well, be excited about it,” Freddie said. “We might not get the chance again. It’s not unlike school or a library, if we explore I’m sure we’ll stumble upon a room of books or two-”

“We shouldn’t snoop around,” Brian interrupted. “We don’t know what we might disturb.”

“...Are you insinuating there’s some ancient curse we’ll awaken by fumbling around here in the dark?” Roger asked with a sarcastic toss of his head.

“I meant, there could be sensitive research, things in the process of being preserved, that we might disturb,” Brian replied sharply.

“Right, and ancient curses,” Roger grinned.

“Boys,” Freddie warned, before they could properly get into it. “Let’s enjoy this for what it is, and make the best of it.”

“Where will we sleep?” John wondered, peering into exhibits as they walked past them.

“We don’t need to sleep, there’s exploring to do,” Freddie replied.

“No, he’s right,” Brian said. “We should at least have an idea of a spot, somewhere we can’t get locked into like a back room, but somewhere that we won’t give someone a heart attack when they come in for the morning...”

“Oh, I’ve got it,” Roger smiled. “Future of the World exhibit! Space Age beds, and all that.”

“Not bad,” Brian nodded. “What about the Stone Age area though, lots of soft imitation furs, open space?”

“There’s literally four benches in the lobby,” John said. “I meant the benches. They’re right up front-”

“Oh! I’ve got one better!” Freddie interrupted, and led them down another hall. “Viking Age! Even more room than Stone Age, and no beds like Future of the World, but things that are plenty soft and could make good beds, without also possibly electrocuting us.”

“I wasn’t asking for anyone to suggest other spo...fine,” John muttered. “I thought you wanted to have a look around, anyway?”

“We still can,” Freddie replied. “We’ll just make this our home base. Leave our coats and things here, come back once we’re done, and settle down for the night.”

“And what exactly are we hoping to find, in our wandering?” Brian asked, laughing as Freddie motioned for them to set their things down and take after him.

“I don’t know,” Freddie replied. “Nothing in particular. Whatever there is to be found.”

“You’re absolutely chuffed, aren’t you?” John giggled.

“I am,” Freddie nodded. “It’s a lovely break from the monotony, you know? What would we be doing now, if we weren’t locked in here?”

“Sleeping,” John replied.

“Reading,” Brian said.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Roger grinned.

“The point is, all things we could do any other night, in any other city, in any other boring hotel,” Freddie declared as he led them out of the Viking area and down another main hall, then into a back hall, only the emergency lighting to guide them. “This, on the other hand-”

He giggled as Brian darted past him, into an open room full of bookshelves.

“Archives?”

Brian nodded. “I know I said we ought to be careful...but I will be, and I’m absolutely amazed by the state of this; I mean, such a little museum, but look at all this!”

“Shall we head on without you?” Freddie continued, but Brian only nodded, hands already reaching for books.

Further along the back halls were more rooms, some appearing to be only general storage, others with unpacked boxes of who knew what, and-

“Interesting,” John said as they stepped into what appeared to be a control room. Temperature settings, lights, and more were all labeled. “They have all this, but no security system? I wonder if there isn’t one and they’ve not turned it on.”

“You know there’s more museum to see, right?” Roger laughed. “You can’t seriously want to...you do, don’t you? You want to stay here and look at all this?”

John was already gone, murmuring to himself about various things in regards to the systems in the room, looking over switches, opening up boards that revealed even more switches.

They continued on, but the rest of the rooms were unremarkable, at least to the two of them.

“As exciting as you were hoping?” Roger asked softly as they wandered out of the back halls, into the lobby.

“Not exactly,” Freddie admitted. “But I’m glad there was something for Brian and John, at least.”

They settled on one of the benches John had recommended as beds earlier, and winced.

“He wanted us to sleep on these,” Roger said, and shook his head. “Never would have lasted on this.”

“Me neither,” Freddie agreed.

They sat in near-silence, the only sounds coming from the buzzing of the emergency lights, their own breathing, and the occasional gust of wind outside the building.

“Speaking of lasting,” Roger said. “Can we talk, about that?”

“About what?”

“You brought it up yourself,” Roger continued. “The monotony of touring, the burn out. If you need a break-”

“I didn’t say that,” Freddie interrupted, sounding hurt. “We all find it boring as all fuck sometimes, don’t we? Or am I alone in that?”

“You aren’t alone in that,” Roger replied. “I wasn’t trying to put words in your mouth, honest. I only mean that if it ever gets to that point...I’d want all of us to feel comfortable to admit it, you know? We can work around that. Take longer breaks in between tours, change up how the tours are tabled out, all that.”

A few moments of silence fell again, and they both shivered as a particularly loud gust of wind went by.

“That’ll be bad weather then,” Freddie sighed. “Hate traveling when it’s ghastly out.”

Roger nodded.

“Did my comment really get you thinking about all that?” Freddie asked softly.

“Thought about it for awhile,” Roger shrugged. “You talking about it just brought it to the front of my mind, rather than on the backburner.”

“Are you...Roger, are you alright?”

Roger brushed away tears. “Fine. Ignore it.”

“I will not,” Freddie said, and turned to take one of Roger’s hands, sitting so he was facing him directly. “Talk.”

“It’s stupid,” Roger muttered. “Got thinking silly things...someday, we’ll be just another display possibly, you know? Some exhibit about bands of the seventies, maybe. And I don’t...”

He sighed. “I don’t want anything on it that shows we didn’t care for each other, you know? That we didn’t take care of each other, or weren’t mindful of each other. I don’t want any of us burning out and doing something stupid, and-”

Roger’s voice cracked. “I’m not searching for another fucking singer, or guitarist, or bassist, you understand? If any of us go now...that’s it. I’ll pack up and move to the fucking countryside, I swear. It’s the dumbest fucking thing, but I don’t know if I could bear it.”

“You would find someone,” Freddie said. “This is what you like doing, even when you’re tired of it.”

“I know,” Roger grumbled. “I’d last a week in the countryside.”

“That’s generous,” Freddie smiled. “I’d give you a day or two. Are you thinking of...”

He trailed off, only because there were at least two big names that came to mind in the recent months. Elvis had passed, as had Marc from T Rex, and there was nothing to make you consider your own mortality like watching other musicians die from various unnatural causes and accidents.

Roger nodded. “I don’t know why it’s come up so much lately. Can’t get it out of my head regardless. And I don’t want anything happening to us.”

“You’re in good luck,” Freddie soothed, letting Roger wrap him in a hug. “Nothing is happening to any of us. Except maybe a backache, from sleeping in a museum tonight, but I think we’ll all survive that.”

Roger smiled, and wiped away his tears again as he let Freddie go and sat back. “I must look a right idiot right now.”

“No,” Freddie said. “You look like a concerned friend, bandmate, and like someone who needs some sleep.”

“You look the same,” Roger said.

“I do,” Freddie nodded. “Shall we head back and bed down? Let the other two follow when they want?”

There was no shame in being as close as they all were, but all the same, in this particular moment, it was a very intimate thing, how Roger held his hand as they walked back to the Viking Age exhibit. Something fragile and dear had been exposed, and it was good that it had, but all the same, now it needed to be cared for carefully.

It was part of why there was no more talking as they settled down together on the part of the exhibit that offered the chance to ‘touch the past’ with the imitation fur covered replica beds and other pieces of replica furniture.

They took to one of the beds, and Roger finally broke the silence.

“You would tell me though, wouldn’t you? If you needed a break? If any of this was too much?”

“I promise you, I would,” Freddie replied. “Only if you can promise me the same.”

Roger nodded, and snuggled up to him. “Think the other two would promise the same?”

“I know they would, and will, if you ask them later,” Freddie said. “And if it makes you feel better, you should ask. They won’t mind, you know that.”

Roger’s eyes fluttered as he tried to hold them open, and Freddie stayed quiet until they finally closed, and Roger’s breathing slowed.

“And you’ve got to promise me you won’t save all this inside again,” Freddie sighed to Roger’s sleeping face. “Talk to me, the next time something like this comes up. Don’t hang onto it until it brings you to tears.”

Roger, apparently half-hearing him, nodded.

“Good,” Freddie said, and let himself relax. Suddenly, Roger’s ambivalence over the day made so much sense, as did the tension he felt in Roger’s back as he threw his arm over him. How long had his friend been hanging onto these worries and fears, all on his own?

They were out completely by the time Brian and John wandered back, yawning and talking with each other about how they’d spent their time. They took to the other replica bed, just before the sun began to rise.

---

“Sorry again, about missing the last call announcement,” Brian called back to the museum staff as they left. “At least they were nice enough about it, finding us in there.”

Freddie nodded. “Could have been much worse. They seemed almost used to it.”

“If they don’t start using the damned alarm system they have,” John said. “Then they’ll probably keep having it happen. Their ruddy announcement system is broken, the alarm has never been set once since it was installed, why would you even bother; I mean, the state of the place-”

“Deep breaths,” Roger interrupted him. “You’ll never have to see that poorly run of a place again, alright? Just forget about that room-”

“It’s going to haunt my fucking dreams,” John groaned. “And I thought I’d seen the worst at half the venues we end up at. I had no idea...”

“Lucky then that we’re on our way elsewhere,” Freddie said.

“Yes, so I can see some other poorly put together electrical system, or alarm system, or lighting, and have nightmares about that,” John muttered.

“No nightmares,” Freddie said. “Think we all ought to just take it easy for the next day or two. Relish what we’ve got, you know?”

“How do you mean?” Brian asked.

“Touring is hard, but we’ve got each other to lean on through it,” Freddie replied. “And we might see some ridiculous shit, or have to deal with it, but end of the day, we’re on to another city and away from all of it. We’ll all be alright, in the end.”

Roger gave him a gentle look. “Yeah. We will be, won’t we?”

They were, as they made their way back to the hotel and a panicked road crew, who had spent the night wondering where in the fuck they were, and why they hadn’t come back from the museum. There was something kind and soothing in the energy that existed in the van as they boarded and started on for the next city, sitting near and almost laying across one another as they got comfortable for the long haul.

And Freddie hoped it would hold out, and carry on through the rest of the tour, for all their sakes, but certainly for Roger. Who now, at least, seemed calmed and relaxed, nodding off with his head in Freddie’s lap.

If Roger was right, and history did remember them, Freddie hoped it might somehow find and remember the moments like that.

#text post #LeeH writes #queen band fic

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snowstorm-thirteen · 7 years ago

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ALL OF DEM! *evil cackle* J/k unless you really want to xD How about every ten? So like 1, 10, 20, etc? :0

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

1. Spotify, SoundCloud, or Pandora?Out of these, the one I use most is SoundCloud, but lately I've been doing this thing where I go to a thrift shop and buy a pile of CDs for 50 cents each. I prefer this to any digital music service because it's a fantastic way of discovering great and really obscure music. Most of the bands I find broke up years ago and fell into obscurity, or never left obscurity at all, and it's a fantastic way to find some unique tunes.

2. is your room messy or clean?Currently, rather messy. I usually like to keep my place clean, but we've had this heat wave lately, so I've taken to flopping on the couch and doing nothing.

3. what color are your eyes?Weird. From a distance they look kind of... golden brown? But that’s deceptive. They're like, hazel, but with blue rings around the outside of my iris. This picture of a multicoloured eye from Wikipedia is very similar to mine.

4. do you like your name? why?

I hate my full birth name, but I like what I go by now because it really suits me.

5. what is your relationship status?

It’s really complicated, lmao.

6. describe your personality in 3 words or lessAwesome, cool, radical. I kid, I kid. xD Chill, accepting, introverted.

7. what color hair do you have?Black

8. what kind of car do you drive? color?I don't have a car. I walk or I get the bus.

9. where do you shop?Pretty much everywhere, but mostly at Coles and IGA.

10. how would you describe your style?Gothic punk butch lesbian meme queen.

11. favorite social media accountYou mean like... one I use or one I follow? My fave to use is Tumblr, and my fave person to follow is Jacksfilms on YouTube.

12. what size bed do you have? King single.

13. any siblings?One brother.

14. if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why?Finland. I went there in 2006 and I totally adored it. Also it's winter there right now, and that's better than this heat wave, lmao. Would also accept a position in Antarctica.

15. favorite snapchat filter? I don't have Snapchat, but that dog one I see people use is kinda cute.

16. favorite makeup brand(s)I don't use makeup, like, at all these days lmao. Back when I did, I just got whatever was cheap.

17. how many times a week do you shower?Most days, like 4 - 6.

18. favorite tv show?Steven Universe, if that wasn't obvious, lmao. I'm also really into Land of the Lustrous right now.

19. shoe size?9 in womens, 6 in mens. Those are the Australian sizes, I have no idea what those are internationally.

20. how tall are you?163 cm, or 5'3

21. sandals or sneakers? Out of these, sneakers, but I usually wear boots.

22. do you go to the gym? Nah, I do most of my workout at home. It's cheaper and easier that way.

23. describe your dream dateMovie and dinner. A good classic.

24. how much money do you have in your wallet at the moment?About $10.

25. what color socks are you wearing? Black.

26. how many pillows do you sleep with?Two.

27. do you have a job? what do you do? I don't have a "job" but I'm a videographer and editor by trade. I also have training and qualifications in a range of other fields, because I got bored when I was younger and studied, like, everything lmao. Currently I'm in a volunteer position tutoring teenagers in filming and editing.

28. how many friends do you have? Quite a few. I'm scared to try and count exactly in case I miss anyone out.

29. whats the worst thing you have ever done? I thought I was straight for an embarresingly long time. That was pretty bad, lol. I also ran a cringey YouTube channel in 2006 - 2007.

30. whats your favorite candle scent?

31. 3 favorite boy namesChad, Chad, and Chad.

32. 3 favorite girl names*sings* Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl

33. favorite actor? I don't really have one lmao.

34. favorite actress? As above. I don't follow any actors or actresses specifically, I just like watching stuff lmao.

35. who is your celebrity crush?Not sure if she strictly counts as a celebrity, but I've had a massive crush on Simone Simons since I was in high school.

36. favorite movie? Inception, and Imaginaerum by Nightwish. I gotta rewatch Imaginaerum.

37. do you read a lot? whats your favorite book? I don't read as much as I used to, but my favourite book at the moment is The Erth Dragons by Chris D'Lacey.

38. money or brains? As much as I love money, I like having a brain.

39. do you have a nickname? what is it? Snow, which is also, well, kind of my name. xD I've also been called Yellow Diamond, so that's p cool.

40. how many times have you been to the hospital?Way too many to count. When I was a kid, I ate a lot of stuff that wasn’t edible, so I got rushed to the emergency room a lot. Even the times I swallowed actual poisons, I never got sick, much to the bewilderment of the doctors.

41. top 10 favorite songsIn no particular order: Ghost Love Score by Nightwish, Solitary Ground by Epica, Speed of Light by Van Canto, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Hotel California by The Eagles, Lightning Rod by The Offspring, Sarcasm by Get Scared, Between Halloweens by The Matches, The Pizza Song by The Bouncing Souls, and Alcohol and Oxygen by Anadivine. This changes fairly often, but these are my top tracks as of right now.

42. do you take any medications daily? Yes.

43. what is your skin type? (oily, dry, etc)Soft and dry.

44. what is your biggest fear? Bit of a cliche, but my biggest fear is fear itself. I hate being scared, it makes me think irrationally. It used to be arachnophobia, but with the amount of spiders that make their way into my unit, I kind of got over that through exposure, lmao.

45. how many kids do you want? None, zero, zilch.

46. whats your go to hair style?I don't strictly style it, but it naturally falls into this look that I really like.

47. what type of house do you live in? (big, small, etc) I live in a unit, which is fairly spacious for a one bedroom place.

48. who is your role model? I don't really have one, I just do my own thing.

49. what was the last compliment you received?I honestly can't remember. Probably something to do with my videos.

50. what was the last text you sent?Texted my Dad telling him I was ready to be picked up from the supermarket.

51. how old were you when you found out santa wasn’t real?Something like... 8 or 9? But I managed to convince my parents I still believed until something ridiculous like age 12.

52. what is your dream car?Something that works, doesn't look like its been stolen, and is affordable. I have simple dreams.

53. opinion on smoking?I'm a smoker, and I say, never start smoking. But if you're gonna smoke, don't be a dick about it. Always smoke downwind of non-smokers and don't leave your butts all over the place.

54. do you go to college? Nah, I'm way too old, lmao. But I did when I was younger.

55. what is your dream job? I'd love to edit TV ads and news reports, but I can't work full time, so I'm currently working towards selling paintings at local markets. I get to work my own hours and set my own rates, so if the first couple of markets go well, I'm gonna keep up with that.

56. would you rather live in rural areas or the suburbs? In the past, I would have answered rural, but I'm really enjoying near-city life right now.

57. do you take shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels? Yes! I also take the soaps.

58. do you have freckles? Like, about, 6 in total lol.

59. do you smile for pictures?Only when prompted. I usually keep a neutral expression in photos.

60. how many pictures do you have on your phone? A few hundred.

61. have you ever peed in the woods? Yes. I occasionally go on week long hiking trips, and when you're surrounded by woods, there's nowhere else to pee lol.

62. do you still watch cartoons? Me? Watch cartoons? Scandalous. I only watch Serious Adult Shows™

63. do you prefer chicken nuggets from Wendy’s or McDonalds?Australian Wendy's doesn't do nuggets, but I like the ones from Hungry Jack's.

64. Favorite dipping sauce? Ranch

65. what do you wear to bed? Pretty much whatever.

66. have you ever won a spelling bee?We don't do spelling bees here, but my dyslexia was really bad when I was younger, so I would have failed like Hell if we did.

67. what are your hobbies?Video editing, painting, walking, collecting really cool rocks, watching TV, sometimes reading, playing bass, listening to music, gaming.

68. can you draw? Yes. I'm currently dabbling in animation, and I'm (very slowly) working on one for my YouTube channel.

I’m going for that “messy on purpose” look so it doesn’t take forever to complete. I also have this sloppy shit I did for Christmas last year.

youtube

69. do you play an instrument?I play a few, but my main one is bass. I'm also trying to learn the ukelele.

70. what was the last concert you saw? I think it was some random local band.

71. tea or coffee?Coffee all the way.

72. Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?We have neither. I just get my coffee from wherever.

73. do you want to get married?Maybe? I'm not entirely sure.

74. what is your crush’s first and last initial?I have a few crushes, and I don't know all their initials lol.

75. are you going to change your last name when you get married? I like that thing where people combine their last names.

76. what color looks best on you? Black. Even my grandmother, who hates black, thinks it suits me best.

77. do you miss anyone right now? Kinda.

78. do you sleep with your door open or closed?Closed. It keeps the temperature nice.

79. do you believe in ghosts?Yes.

80. what is your biggest pet peeve? When people constantly send me messages like "?" or "you there" or "hi" over and over and over again while I'm trying to work on other things.

81. last person you calledA doctor's office to see what their walk-in rates were. Let's just say I won't be going to that practice. xD

82. favorite ice cream flavor? Good old chocolate.

83. regular oreos or golden oreos? I've never even heard of the golden ones.

84. chocolate or rainbow sprinkles? Chocolate all the way.

85. what shirt are you wearing? Plain black.

86. what is your phone background?It's Yellow Diamond.

87. are you outgoing or shy?I'm both. It depends on the situation.

88. do you like it when people play with your hair?Nah. Feels weird.

89. do you like your neighbors? Yes. The people in my block of units mostly keep to themselves, and are very friendly when I run into them.

90. do you wash your face? at night? in the morning?Both, when I can be bothered.

91. have you ever been high? There was one time I accidentally mixed up my mother's narcolepsy medicine with my atheritis medicine as a teenager. That was fucking wild. I could hear colours and smell sounds.

92. have you ever been drunk? A lot in the past, yes, but not now.

93. last thing you ate? Battered beef strips.

94. favorite lyrics right now"Oh, we are the working dead, and we lurch for minimum wage, but I'd really rather be... eating your brain!"

95. summer or winter? Winter, definitely.

96. day or night? Night.

97. dark, milk, or white chocolate? Dark chocolate.

98. favorite month? Idk, May?

99. what is your zodiac signTaurus

100. who was the last person you cried in front of? I literally don't remember lmao.

And that's it! I can't believe I did that whole thing, omfg.

#canitellusmthin #asks #this is fucking long #there's a read more for a reason lmao #also thanks for asking!#this was so much fun

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randyk1m-blog · 5 years ago

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The Christmas/December season is upon us, and to most of us, that usually means travel plans to cold winter countries. And we get it, you’re excited to be able to finally spend the white Christmas you’ve been looking forward to the entire year, but heading for a winter trip requires a bit more planning than a regular one. Without proper planning, a happy winter trip can easily and quickly turn into a painful cold experience. Here’s our recommendation of 9 things to bring for a winter trip based on our Singapore food blog & travel blog‘s personal experience.

-Ear Muffs and Gloves

When we think about prepping for winter, we often think about those big ticket items like which winter jacket looks the best in our pictures etc. However, we often forget that in cold weather, it’s usually our smaller body parts that freeze first. Body parts such as the ears and fingers are where we personally have found to be the ones that hurt the most when that happens. Bring along ear muffs and gloves to keep them from freezing.

-Inner thermal wear

Forget bringing the dozens of tshirt you were planning to wear. Chances are that because you’ll be in your winter jacket most of the time, the tee shirts you wanted to bring would most likely not even see the light of day, much less the camera. Choose instead to bring more inner thermal wear so you’ll be able to switch between days.

-Medication

You can prep all you want, but sometimes the body is just not used to the sudden drop in temperature. Prep for the worst by also bringing along fever, cold, flu pills etc, so in the unfortunate situation that you do fall sick, you would be up and about soon enough, and the the sickness wouldnt ruin your entire winter trip.

-Cap

Another area often forgotten is the top of your head which has a widely exposed area of skin (especially if you are balding). This is especially important if the country you are heading to is snowing. Snow flakes that land on your head not only drops your overall body temperature, but also increases the risk of you falling sick etc. So do bring along a cap especially if your winter wear doesn’t come with a hoodie that covers your head.

-Socks

Be it when you’re heading out or just trying to sleep in your hotel room at night, Socks are both a necessity and a luxury to have in winter countries. Because of the number of nerves around our feet area, a wet feet will directly impact our body temperature and drop it drastically.

-Waterproof shoes/Boots

In the same vein of keeping our feet dry, waterproof shoes are also very important. We often forget snow is in fact just frozen water. When snow lands on our feet, it gets absorbed into our clothed shoes and would soon enough seep into our socks and toes. Boots are also preferred to help protect your ankles in case u slip, and also if you step into snow layers that are thicker than expected.

-Lip Gloss/Chapstick

We can try to protect alot of areas of our body from the cold, but one part that we can’t really do anything about is our lips. While cold lips doesnt affect our core temperature etc, but over time, it’ll lead to cracking and we all know how painful cracked lips can be.

-Moisturizer

The Cold dries out our skin pretty rapidly. Apply moisturizer before bed every night to re-hydrate the dried out skin and prevent things like winter rash etc that would be a pain to deal with during your winter trip.

-Winter Coats/Jacket

Last but not least, the most obvious of the lot, is to definitely bring your winter coats/jackets along with you. Good quality winter jackets may be expensive, but that investment will definitely pay off when you bring it for your winter trips. The best part is that you can just re-use it again year after year.

However, if like me, you keep your winter jackets/coats in the store room and bring them out only once a year, do not be shocked if you suddenly find molds on parts of your jacket.

Honestbee‘s newly launched Laundry services on their mobile app is perfect if you ever find yourself in this scenario. It doesnt even matter if you are a late packer and only realize that there are molds or dirty patches on your jacket a week before your trip, as Honestbee offers same day pickup and has the fastest laundry turn over in the market. It only took them 2 days to dry clean my jackets and send it back to me.

They picked it up from me at my place on Sunday Night and sent it right back to me on Tuesday night. Easy, hassle free and i never even had to leave my house; all i had to do was just choose from the app what time I’ll be home for them to send/deliver the jackets. Which is very worthwhile considering they only charge $9.90 to dry clean a jacket and $19.90 to dry clean a winter coat.

But their quick turnaround doesn’t mean that they’ll just do a sloppy job and ruin your jackets you paid so much for. From the Honestbee app, you would able to choose if you prefer “Dry Clean” or “Premium Dry Clean”. For dry clean, Honestbee compensates up to 15X order amount (industry standard is 10X), whereas for premium dry clean, Honestbee compensates up to $1,000 per item, capped at $5,000 per order, which is the highest compensation policy in the market.

Want to dry clean your jackets for winter too? Use promo-code: TRAVEL15 at checkout which will entitle you to $15 off with min. purchase of $25 (for first purchase only, valid until 28 February next year).

The post 9 Things to Bring for a Winter Trip appeared first on Singapore Travel Blog.

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element-effect-blog · 6 years ago

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7 Brutally Honest Marketing Conference Survival Tips

Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can all agree that IMPACT Live 2018 was absolutely fantastic.

With more than 500 of our closest marketing and sales friends, we all experienced two very full and memorable days of learning, meeting new people, and having a total blast while doing it. (You can check out the recaps here and here.)

Here's the thing, though.

Marketing conferences -- especially the good ones -- are exhausting marathons that leave me at once elated and energized to take action, and completely and utterly ready to embrace a new life as a human contact-avoiding hermit.

In fact, this was me last Thursday, the day following IMPACT Live 2018:

I spent the entire day on the couch in our office, hiding behind Bear, our team's cuddle consultant, while I did work.

This emotional and physical deflation isn't a new experience for me. This was my second IMPACT Live, and I've been to INBOUND three times.

I also know that both INBOUND and Content Marketing World are just around the corner. So, I want to take a few minutes this morning to share with you my favorite tips for surviving conferences -- and not the usual, "Oh, yeah, don't forget to network," kind of tips.

I'm talking about my favorite ways to get the most out of these epic, inspiring events without losing your sanity.

#1: Dress with Some Sort of Layering Strategy

Conference venues are fickle, independent ecosystems that have little to no regard for seasons, weather patterns, or expectations of attendees who wish it to be not too hot or too cold.

And often, rooms within the same venue will vary drastically from one to the other in temperature.

Bring a blazer or wear a light sweater with you each day, even it's the middle of summer. It doesn't matter if it's basically Death Valley or the dead of winter outside. You may freeze or, alternatively, remain a hot, sweaty mess indoors, depending on how effective (or functional) the venue's air conditioning or heating system is.

If you're a female, don't forget to carry a hair clip or band with you in your bag, so you can quickly toss your hair up, as needed.

Which leads me to my next clothing-related piece of advice...

Like most normal people, I try to pack "lean" when I'm traveling for work. Even though I rarely take a plane -- I'm an Amtrak kind of gal, and I'll explain why later -- I just don't want to deal with the hassle of having a ton of luggage.

It was so ungodly hot in Hartford last week (and a touch on the warm side in our venue), that a few folks from the IMPACT team actually made a quick run to Target to buy some new clothes to wear while at the conference.

For the same reason, it was also not uncommon for IMPACTers and IMPACT Live attendees to perform a quick costume change during the day (or before evening festivities), because staying in the same outfit all day in 95+ degree weather would have been gross.

Here's another related truth:

I can't go a week away from home for work without at least three coffee-related shirt fatalities -- particularly if we're talking about conferences, where I'm spending at least 50% of my time rushing around. (I'm not really strong in the coffee-while-walking department.)

The moral of both stories is simple -- while you might need to put a little extra effort into closing your carry-on or suitcase, it's worth it to toss in a few extra shirts and underthings.

Whether you're , sitting in an audience, or speaking in front of one, being around people comes with the territory of marketing conferences. You want to feel comfortable and at your best as much as possible.

A fresh shirt can do just the trick, so pack one -- there may not be a Target near where you are.

#3: Mind What You Carry

Last year, when I got home from INBOUND, I had trouble bending over, or turning left or right at the waist for about a week.

Of course, I had no one to blame but myself.

I had spent the week prior carrying a 2010 MacBook (which must have weighed 1,000 pounds), three notebooks, books I had purchased from the gift shop, pens, business cards, a hairbrush, my wallet, and much more in a tote slung over my left shoulder.

Conferences involve a lot of walking. But because you usually don't get to go back to your hotel room until late in the evening, after the day is done, there's this compulsion to carry everything you could possibly need with you.

Learn from me. Resist this urge to be a pack mule as much as possible. If you don't, you will be miserable, and there's a good chance you could hurt yourself.

Here is what I carry now, after learning this lesson the hard way:

iPhone (and earbuds)

iPhone charging cable (and wall plug)

Small travel wallet (not my usual big wallet, and it only contains my ID, credit cards, a little cash and credit cards)

MacBook (now much smaller and only 3 pounds!)

Hairbrush (and clip)

Travel-size deodorant

Small body spray or perfume

Chapstick

No books. No planners. No extra notebooks or water bottles. No extra weight.

I may end up coming back each evening with additions to my daily haul -- like swag or books I've purchased, etc. -- but I spend most of my days only carrying around exactly what I need, and nothing more. And my shoulders and back are forever grateful.

What ends up going into your daily bag will likely be totally different from what goes into mine, and that's okay. My only request is that, before you walk out each morning, you take a long, hard look at what's in your bag and ask yourself, "Do I really need all of this?"

#4: Don't Skip Meals

Even though I'm a huge fan of food and an avid snacker, I'm awful at breakfast. I don't know what it is, but if you want me to put anything in my face besides black coffee before 11 a.m., you'll have to force me to do so.

The exception is when I'm at a conference. For example, every morning at each INBOUND I've attended, I've stopped by the New England mecca, Dunkin' Donuts, for coffee and a breakfast sandwich. I do so under duress, but I know I'm saving myself a potential disaster later on.

In a surprise to no one, I've also learned this lesson the hard way. I won't go into details, but I was hangry and exhausted, and everyone around me suffered.

Even if meals are provided by the conference organizer, the line may be insanely long -- or you may miss a meal entirely due to conversations with your team or new contacts.

If you hate breakfast like I do, suck it up, and eat a banana or something. If you miss lunch for some reason, don't skip it -- make it a point to take a quick break and grab a protein box from Starbucks. Finally, I don't care how tired you are at the end of the day, eat something before you go to bed.

Conferences are an endurance test, so don't run on empty.

#5: Don't Forget Your Business Cards

I don't need a lot of explanation for this one, so I'll cut to the chase. Not so long ago, there was a 9-out-of-10 chance I would forget my business cards when packing for a work conference. And, being me, I would only discover my oversight in the middle of a conversation, when someone asked me for mine.

Don't be like me. Pack your business cards in your suitcase first. Every. Single. Time.

#6: Don't Stay Out Late Every Night

At most of these conferences, there are nightly networking events and sponsor parties. Also, if you're like us at IMPACT, you'll have client dinners, team bonding meals, and many hotel happy hour opportunities all over your calendar.

Besides eating, not running yourself into the ground (or, let's be honest, not partying too hard in the cocktails department) is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself in tip-top shape at a conference.

While I know how awful it feels to miss out on a good time just as much as the next person, you don't have to go to every single party or event. Or, if you do, you don't need to stay until last call.

Not only will you have a better chance of getting a good night's sleep, you'll keep your reputation in tact by not accidentally going overboard in front of coworkers or valuable new connections. Given how tiring these events can be, you have to recognize your tolerance may be lower if you're sleep-deprived, dehydrated, and/0r running on an empty-ish stomach.

(My usual rule of thumb is that I'll give myself one moderately "fun" night. Otherwise, no matter what post-session events I attend, I'm in my hotel bed watching Murder, She Wrote by 10 p.m.)

#7: Finally, Try Taking the Train

While trains are not always the most efficient way to get around, they are my favorite.

For example, it's about five hours to travel via Amtrak from my home in Annapolis, Maryland, to Connecticut, where IMPACT Live takes place every year. And it's about eight hours to Boston, the home of INBOUND.

Traveling the same distance by plane would obviously be much faster, but the benefits of train travel far outweigh any efficiencies I would gain by flying.

Instead of rushing through airports, dealing with security, and generally hating life, my travel is stress-free. There's no security. I can carry full-size toiletries. I can bring a bag larger than a carry-on with no added cost. I can bring my own meals, snacks, and full-sized beverages.

But that's nothing compared to the peace and serenity of the Amtrak quiet car. I can work. I can nap in relative comfort. I can stare out the window as we go over rivers and lakes, and through large cities.

Most of all, I have plenty of time to mentally prepare myself for the whirlwind of activity and having to be "on" for people 24/7. And, on the way back, I have those hours to myself to decompress in a totally calm environment, before I have to deal with puppies and all of the, "So, how was it?!" conversations.

In short, thanks to the train, I am able to bookend most conference experiences (at least those on the East Coast, heh) with some much-needed me time, with no one bothering me.

I know, the train isn't for everyone. But if what I described sounds like heaven to you, I urge you to give it a shot. It may take me longer to get from point A to point B -- so, my travel mornings tend to start pretty early -- but it's 100% worth it to me.

What are your favorite tips for surviving conferences?

Source

https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/marketing-conference-survival-tips?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ImpactBrandingDesignBlog+%28IMPACT+Blog%29

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dorothydelgadillo · 6 years ago

Text

7 Brutally Honest Marketing Conference Survival Tips

Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can all agree that IMPACT Live 2018 was absolutely fantastic.

Heck, I even got to speak this year!

Here's the thing, though.

In fact, this was me last Thursday, the day following IMPACT Live 2018:

Current status.🐻 (📸: @chrisduprey82)

A post shared by Liz Murphy (@naptownpint) on Aug 9, 2018 at 1:20pm PDT

I spent the entire day on the couch in our office, hiding behind Bear, our team's cuddle consultant, while I did work.

This emotional and physical deflation isn't a new experience for me. This was my second IMPACT Live, and I've been to INBOUND three times.

I'm talking about my favorite ways to get the most out of these epic, inspiring events without losing your sanity.

#1: Dress with Some Sort of Layering Strategy

Conference venues are fickle, independent ecosystems that have little to no regard for seasons, weather patterns, or expectations of attendees who wish it to be not too hot or too cold.

And often, rooms within the same venue will vary drastically from one to the other in temperature.

So, plan accordingly.

If you're a female, don't forget to carry a hair clip or band with you in your bag, so you can quickly toss your hair up, as needed.

Which leads me to my next clothing-related piece of advice...

#2: Pack More Than You Think You'll Need

But here's a fun fact:

Here's another related truth:

The moral of both stories is simple -- while you might need to put a little extra effort into closing your carry-on or suitcase, it's worth it to toss in a few extra shirts and underthings.

Whether you're networking, sitting in an audience, or speaking in front of one, being around people comes with the territory of marketing conferences. You want to feel comfortable and at your best as much as possible.

A fresh shirt can do just the trick, so pack one -- there may not be a Target near where you are.

#3: Mind What You Carry

Last year, when I got home from INBOUND, I had trouble bending over, or turning left or right at the waist for about a week.

Of course, I had no one to blame but myself.

Learn from me. Resist this urge to be a pack mule as much as possible. If you don't, you will be miserable, and there's a good chance you could hurt yourself.

Here is what I carry now, after learning this lesson the hard way:

iPhone (and earbuds)

iPhone charging cable (and wall plug)

Small travel wallet (not my usual big wallet, and it only contains my ID, credit cards, a little cash and credit cards)

MacBook (now much smaller and only 3 pounds!)

Hairbrush (and clip)

Travel-size deodorant

Small body spray or perfume

Chapstick

That's it.

No books. No planners. No extra notebooks or water bottles. No extra weight.

#4: Don't Skip Meals

In a surprise to no one, I've also learned this lesson the hard way. I won't go into details, but I was hangry and exhausted, and everyone around me suffered.

Even if meals are provided by the conference organizer, the line may be insanely long -- or you may miss a meal entirely due to conversations with your team or new contacts.

Conferences are an endurance test, so don't run on empty.

#5: Don't Forget Your Business Cards

Don't be like me. Pack your business cards in your suitcase first. Every. Single. Time.

#6: Don't Stay Out Late Every Night

While I know how awful it feels to miss out on a good time just as much as the next person, you don't have to go to every single party or event. Or, if you do, you don't need to stay until last call.

(My usual rule of thumb is that I'll give myself one moderately "fun" night. Otherwise, no matter what post-session events I attend, I'm in my hotel bed watching Murder, She Wrote by 10 p.m.)

#7: Finally, Try Taking the Train

While trains are not always the most efficient way to get around, they are my favorite.

Traveling the same distance by plane would obviously be much faster, but the benefits of train travel far outweigh any efficiencies I would gain by flying.

In short, thanks to the train, I am able to bookend most conference experiences (at least those on the East Coast, heh) with some much-needed me time, with no one bothering me.

What are your favorite tips for surviving conferences?

from Web Developers World https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/marketing-conference-survival-tips

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wayneooverton · 7 years ago

Text

Diving the Solomons Islands Onboard the Bilikiki

There are some dive trips you dream about for years before you take them, and some liveaboards so famous that it seems like you’ve already sailed. Diving the Solomon Islands onboard the Bilikiki was just such an experience for me. The boat was the first liveaboard in the Solomons, operating here since 1989. Its melodious name comes from one of the islands’ most distinctive birds, the “Beach Thick Knee,” or as locals call it — the Bilikiki bird.

Though I never see its namesake bird on land, I’m beyond excited as we approach the Bilikiki from the harbor in Honiara, the Solomon Islands’ capital. I’m about to embark on a 10-night trip that will visit the Florida Islands, the Russell Islands, the isolated Mary (Mborokua) Island, and the world-famous Marovo Lagoon. And I can’t wait to board.

The Bilikiki

Before its rebirth as a dive boat in 1989, the steel-hulled 125-foot (38 m) long Bilikiki plied these waters first as a fishing boat and then a cargo ship. The dive boat refit looks to be top-notch as I board on the spacious dive deck, which can accommodate 20 divers and plenty of gear. There will be plenty of time to get my stuff set up later. First it’s time for a brief tour of the boat and to meet the other guests and crew.

There are three levels, with all the cabins below. The salon, kitchen, eating area and dive deck are on the middle level. A deck up top features plenty of chaise lounges for catching some sun as well as a small photo room. The salon is decorated simply but comfortably, with big blue sofas and pillows hugging one wall. A wet bar and camera table occupy the other side of the room.

In the covered eating area outside all my fellow cruisers wait, as eager as I am to get underway. There’s a big group traveling with a dive shop in Hawaii, including my roommate (who’s actually Scottish). A few more folks from the U.S. and another Scottish couple round out the group. Pro tip: If you’re ever on a dive boat with three Scots, don’t try too hard to understand them when they speak to each other, especially after a few cocktails. Just nod and smile.

There are 14 crewmembers on the boat, including our chef Wilson, who’s been working the galley for 24 years. Dive guides Tina Gauer and Oli Burle have been on the boat since July 2016, and take turns conducting dive briefings. We’ve each got a station with under-seat storage and tanks are filled in place. Happily, this means you must set up your gear only once.

“The punishment for not using the name-tag board is three tablespoons of vegemite,” Tina says, walking us through safety procedures. Needless to say, we’re all vigilant about marking ourselves on or off the boat all week. There are four dives each day and one each night. Tina, Oli, and Andy, a Solomon Islands native who’s working on his divemaster certification while I’m there, take turns guiding the dives.

After our initial boat briefing, we head downstairs to check out our cabins. My roommate (and newly assigned dive buddy) and I have one of two cabins with twin beds rather than a double. Our en-suite bathroom’s not large, but it’ll suffice for the week, and we have no problem stowing all our stuff with storage under the beds, on a shelf above the bed, and in a compact closet. After getting comfortable, we head up to the dive deck for our first briefing.

Diving the Solomons

“I can guarantee you one thing,” Tina says, “you will always be diving alone on the sites.”

Bilikiki regularly dives between 40 and 50 sites on a 10-day trip, depending on weather, guest abilities and requests, and dive guides’ knowledge of the day’s best sites. And since there’s only one other dedicated liveaboard in the Solomons, Tina’s right: on our trip, we’ll never encounter another diver. Diving takes place from two tenders, which the crew adorably calls “tinnies,” since they’re little metal boats. As it’s time to dive, either Tina or Oli call out, “tinny one, ready to board!” Trips to dive sites are short, with none lasting more than five or 10 minutes.

Since the Solomons anchors the bottom eastern point of the Coral Triangle, we’re spoiled for choice. Walls? Check. Fields of coral? Check. Drifts? Check. Sharks and rays? Macro? Check, check and check. We sail west out of Honiara, stopping first at the Russell Islands. I’ll cover the top dive sites in a forthcoming article, but suffice it to say, we are not let down.

After our check dive, our next stop is Leru Cut in the Russell Islands, which is just as its name implies. This narrow cut is much like an underwater slot canyon, seemingly cleaving Leru Island in two. We enter single file, careful to keep our fins off the bottom. Light streams in from above, giving the canyon an ethereal feel. At the end, we surface to see sheer walls covered in jungle vines, and on the way back out, we see clouds of butterflyfish, angelfish and parrotfish waiting in the blue.

The week progresses with one fantastic dive after another. At Ben’s Point on the uninhabited Mary Island, we can hear the boom of a nearby volcano rumbling underwater every few minutes. At Kicha Island in Marovo Lagoon, we have a smorgasbord: first we hook in and watch reef sharks hunting in the current, then sweep along a wall covered in swirling jacks, snapper and groupers. We end with almost 40 minutes in one of the most beautiful shallow coral gardens I’ve ever seen.

On the way back to Honiara, we stop for the second time in the Russell Islands at White Beach, called the “million-dollar dump” because it’s the final resting place of so much WWII materiel, including trucks, a crane, a Caterpillar, and ammunition. In the 73 years it’s been underwater, the rusting wrecks have become perfect homes for lots of macro critters, but just seeing all the history on the seafloor is spectacular. And finally, we take a spin on Devil’s Highway, an adrenaline-charged drift dive over the edge of a coral wall where we wait, tucked out of the current’s wrath, and watch manta after manta glide by, feeding in the current.

Time for Dinner

It would be remiss not to mention the food onboard Bilikiki. Like any liveaboard worth its salt, the mantra onboard is eat, sleep, and dive, and Wilson keeps us well-fed all week. When the Bilikiki began sailing in the late 1980s, they had a hard time keeping enough fresh produce on board. So, in a stroke of genius, the cruise directors provided the local villages along the boat’s route with seeds to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables. When it’s ready for harvest, the villagers sell back the fully grown produce to the boat as it sails. This keeps the guests in fresh bananas, salad, pineapple, greens, etc., and villagers eat the rest themselves. Each season the villages are supplied with new seeds, and the cruise director negotiates the produce sale.

After 10 nights on board and dozens of dives, my dream of diving the Solomon Islands on Bilikiki has finally come true. And unlike many long-anticipated adventures, my time onboard manages to not only fulfill all my pre-trip fantasies of deserted islands and teeming dive sites, but to exceed them.

The Details

With 10 cabins, the boat can accommodate 20 guests. Cruises run from seven to 14 nights; longer itineraries like ours visit Marovo Lagoon.

How to get there:

The Bilikiki sails from Honiara, the Solomons’ capital city. Getting there from the United States will usually require a stopover in Australia.

Qantas operates daily flights to Brisbane from LAX, landing at around 6 a.m. Depending on when you land, you can catch a Solomon Airlines flight to Honiara the same morning at 10 a.m.. Note that they only depart from Brisbane on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Flights back to Brisbane are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. You can also fly to Honiara from LAX via Nadi, Fiji, on Fiji Airways.

When to go:

The diving is great in the Solomon Islands year-round, so when to go is a matter of personal preference. Just a few degrees below the Equator, the air temperature is consistently warm and humid year-round. Expect a bit of rain, averaging between eight and 12 inches per month. Water temperatures are fairly consistent as well, ranging from around 82 to 87 F (28 to 30 C). You should be fine in a 3- to 5 mm full wetsuit. The boat is in dry dock for maintenance and crew vacations from mid-January to early March to coincide with the rainiest season.

What to bring:

You’re diving in a remote location, so make sure your DAN or other dive insurance is up-to-date. Nitrox is your best bet on the boat with so many repetitive dives, so don’t forget your cert card. It does cost a bit extra, but it’s well worth it. Although there’s a stock of rental gear onboard the Bilikiki, it’s best to bring all your own, as well as a few spare parts just in case. And finally, bring a bit of cash (USD) on the cruise for souvenirs. You’ll stop at a few local villages during the week to peruse intricate wood carvings and you’ll need cash at the end of the week to settle your tab with the cruise directors, who pay the village chief on your behalf.

Where to stay:

You may need to spend one night in Honiara before boarding the Bilikiki and perhaps one after the cruise as well. There are a few good, central options, including The Heritage Park, The Solomon Kitano Mendana and the Coral Sea Resort, the island’s newest hotel. Each has at least one good restaurant as well.

Special thanks to Solomon Islands Tourism, the MV Bilikiki, and photographer Matt Smith. Join him in 2018 on a 10-day photo safari on the Bilikiki.

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mrbobgove · 7 years ago

Text

Diving the Solomons Islands Onboard the Bilikiki

The Bilikiki

Diving the Solomons

“I can guarantee you one thing,” Tina says, “you will always be diving alone on the sites.”

Time for Dinner

The Details

With 10 cabins, the boat can accommodate 20 guests. Cruises run from seven to 14 nights; longer itineraries like ours visit Marovo Lagoon.

How to get there:

The Bilikiki sails from Honiara, the Solomons’ capital city. Getting there from the United States will usually require a stopover in Australia.

When to go:

What to bring:

Where to stay:

Special thanks to Solomon Islands Tourism, the MV Bilikiki, and photographer Matt Smith. Join him in 2018 on a 10-day photo safari on the Bilikiki.

The post Diving the Solomons Islands Onboard the Bilikiki appeared first on Scuba Diver Life.

from Scuba Diver Life http://ift.tt/2BRXi7X

0 notes