#i come from a restaurant family and am very lucky everybody knows how to cook haha

[housecow]

Of all the horngy food posting feedees on Tumblr, I think you gave the best taste. That yellowfin looks divine 😍

IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! decadent asf, while everything on that plate was fantastic i am a sucker for yellowtail especially… it was slightly charred with some smoked soy 😍😍😍

[kaznejis]

Vignettes- Marco Peña x reader

Anonymous asked: just some like cute fluff with marco, maybe like different stages of your relationship. like first date, kiss, first time, just cute lil fluff like that.

Anonymous asked: I feel like you’re one of the few people who write Marco x readers that I love, so can I request your typical how you meet, first kiss etc imagines xx

A/N: Thanks for sending these in, I decided to get through two requests with this one. Sorry that I haven’t posted anything in the last week or so, I’ve been away but I am at home now and promise to be much more active! For those who have sent in a request, expect to see it on here sometime soon. :) 

Also, I gave your parents names in order to make the story flow much better- if those are your parents names then lucky for you, haha!

Feel free to send in any requests!

Vignette- A brief evocative description, account or episode

i. 

“Hey Y/N, grab one of these boxes for me?”

“Sure thing, Dad.” You wiped dust from your hands as you hauled another box that was stacked before the now-empty moving truck. 

“Thanks,” He grinned from the doorway, wiping the sweat that clung to his forehead as he did, “Once you’ve moved that into the kitchen I have some bad news for you.”

“Okay,” You spoke slowly, blowing a hair from your face as you deposited the (admittedly heavy) box onto the kitchen floor before joining your dad in the hallway, “What’s up?”

“Your mother contacted some nearby families before we came here; long story short we are eating dinner with one of them tonight.”

“You’re kidding?” You groaned, running a hand through your messy hair as you pictured the state of your appearance. 

“You’ll have time to fix yourself up,” Rolling his eyes, your dad had practically read your mind, “Think about it, we don’t even have furniture right now let alone food.”

“True,” You sighed, “When are we going?”

“Six.”

“Wait-” You spun to stare grab your phone and check the time, “That’s in two hours!?”

“Better get moving.” Your dad laughed as you sped up the stairs toward the bathroom. 

-

Luckily, you did manage to get ready in time and at 5:52 your family stood on the porch of a large house only a few blocks from yours. Shifting the bottle of champagne that served as a piece offering into the crook of your arm as you moved to knock on the door, the three of you twitched nervously in anticipation.

Eventually the door swung open and light flooded the porch that had been previously lit by a few dim garden-lights. A thin, dark-haired woman stood on the other side of it- a bright smile adorning her features. 

“Welcome,” She laughed, beckoning you all inside, “It’s freezing out here. Come in, come in!”

“Thankyou so much for having us,” Your mum smiled as she took the bottle from you and offered it towards the woman, “We don’t really have anything to cook with but I hoped that this would be enough.”

“oooh Anna, thankyou very much,” She placed the bottle down and pulled your mother into a tight hug- doing so caused her to spot you and your father loitering awkwardly in the hallway, “Oh! I’m so sorry, I should introduce myself. I’m Laurel, Laurel Pena.” 

“It’s nice to meet you, I’m Chris” Your father stepped forward, engaging in a side-hug with Laurel before gesturing towards you, “And this is our daughter Y/N” You smiled awkwardly and gave a timid wave. 

“Y/N! Your mother has told me so much about you, come here and give me a hug.” She did so, the hug was warm and comforting- washing away any awkwardness you had originally felt, “Now, let’s go meet the rest of the family.”

Turning down the hallway, Laurel led the three of you towards what was presumably the dining room- noise and light erupted from the room as the activity of a family preparing for dinner bustled from it. Smiling reassuringly, Laurel turned into the room and at the sight of guests the family paused- each member turning toward you. 

“The guests have arrived.” Laurel cheered, throwing her arms in the air as the whole family erupted into greeting. Laurel quickly jumped to introduce the each of you to the other family and vice versa. As she moved around the table, you noticed a boy around the same age as you watching you, a small smirk on his face. Chewing on your lip in an attempt to calm the nerves the gaze penetrating the side of your face caused, you willed the eruptions of want that sunk into your spine to stop. 

Eventually, Laurel placed her hands on the back of the boys chair, “...and this is my son, Marco.” She ruffled his hair before turning to the seat beside him. “I noted that the two of you are the same age so I thought that it would be great that you sit beside him Y/N.”

Cocking his head to the side, Marco stared at you as he awaited your reaction. You simply bit your tongue and let out a harsh outtake of breath in an attempt to steady your voice, “Yeah, that sounds perfect.”

“Great!” Laurel then moved to show your parents to their seats, “Now, I will go and get the last of the food- everyone feel free to tuck in!” 

Lowering yourself into the chair hesitantly. you watched as the table began digging into the copious amount of food that littered the table upon different variations of plates and bowls. Marco reached for a dish before him, causing the toned muscles of his arms to flex beneath the short-sleeved shirt that he wore. Turning the skirt of your dress between your fingers and swallowing harshly, you composed yourself before turning to fill your plate with the food that surrounds you. 

“She always goes all out whenever we have guests.”

“Hm?” You hummed, turning towards the voice beside you as you hadn’t quite heard what he said. 

“My mother,” He smiled fondly, which was a really good look on him, “She always goes all out with the food- we usually have about a quarter of this during normal meals.”

You spluttered out a laugh, reaching to cover your mouth as he grinned at you in triumph, “Well, I’m honoured.”

“You should be,” He snorted around a mouthful of food, “She hasn’t spent that much time cooking in months.” At that, you both continued to converse throughout the night as you both became familiar with each other. You and Marco shared a number of interests and you weren’t going to lie about the fact that you had originally found him extremely attractive anyway- these factors only deepened the feelings you already felt towards Marco. 

Apparently, Marco had felt exactly the same. 

As the night came to a close and everybody had separated to different rooms in the house, Marco had pulled you aside and asked the question that would start everything, “Would you consider going out with me sometime?”

ii.

You said Yes, of course.

Though the date didn’t end up happening until a few weeks later- you needed time to settle into the new house and become familiar with the local area. 

You vividly remembered Marco’s grin when you had gone over to his house and told him that you were ready for the date he had promised you. He had bounded around like an excited puppy, pulling you into a joy-filled hug as his arms squeezed your sides. 

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 11,” He had beamed, staring down at you as he slowly pulled his arms from around you, “I can’t wait.”

It was now ‘tomorrow’ and you anxiously waited beside your window- every time a car pulled up you would jump in anticipation, even if it was approximately an hour before Marco had arranged to pick you up. Chewing on your nails, you moved away from the window and walked over to the mirror in order to check over your appearance; continuing the cycle you had been performing over the last hour or so. 

Just as you begun to settle the nerves that flooded your mind, a car horn sounded from outside the house. Speeding back to your window, you set your gaze upon Marco who was moving to lean against his car. Taking a deep intake of breath and patting down your summer dress one last time, you left your room and headed towards the door. 

“Wow!” Marco exclaimed as soon as you stepped down from the entrance to the house, “You look beautiful.”

You laughed, feeling a heated hue of colour filling your cheeks, “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

You weren’t wrong, Marco wore an unbuttoned plait shirt paired with a black top and ripped jeans- he didn’t look too bad; he looked hot. Marco just shrugged his shoulders and opened the passenger door for you, a content grin on his face. 

“So what actually are we doing today?” You inquired as you slid into the seat, looking over at Marco as he shut the drivers side door behind him. 

“I was going to keep it a secret,” He laughed as he manoeuvred the car out onto the road, “But it’s nothing too big, I thought it would be fun to go bowling and then grab something to eat.”

“Bowling?” You giggled childishly, “I haven’t been bowling in years.”

“Well then,” He grinned at the sound of your laughter, “There’s a pretty high chance that I’ll beat you.” 

“Oh, shut up.” You laughed, shoving him softly (mindful of the fact that he was driving), “That doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m bad at it.”

“Well then we’ll just have to see how it goes.”

“Game on.”

-

In the end, Marco did win the game. It turned out that bowling was a regular for Marco’s family- meaning he had years of experience against your lack of.

After your pathetic defeat, you sat together in a booth within the restaurant that was connected to the bowling complex- each with a burger and a shared plate of curly fries. 

“You know what Marco,” You swallowed the abundance of greasy food in order to speak easily, “I had fun today.”

“You did?” He smiled widely, staring at you intently, “Well, I did too.”

“Well I mean, you did plan the date.”

He continued to stare at you for a beat. as if he was contemplating- then once his mind was apparently made up; he smacked a salt-covered kiss to your cheek, “Whatever.” He mumbled cheekily after doing so. 

You grinned shyly at Marco, bringing your hand up to brush the area of your cheek that he had kissed, “Ew- You got sauce on my cheek.” Marco broke into a howling laugh that practically crippled his body as you scrubbed at your cheek. 

“You’re so cute.” He huffed out as he recovered from his laugh. 

“Whatever.” You echoed, twisting your lips bashfully. 

“Go out with me again.”

“Slow your roll,” You sipped your drink and winked, “We have to finish this date first.”

iii.

One date turned into two...and eventually three. 

Over the two months in which you had now known Marco- you had grown to harbour some intense feelings for the guy. The two of you were in constant contact between dates; texting and calling until the early hours of the morning or simply falling asleep together on facetime. You were adamant that he shared these feelings- giving you the confidence you needed for what you were about to do. 

With an arm curled around your shoulder, Marco was walking you home after offering to do so as soon as the movie you had attended came to a close- therefore giving you the opportunity to, well, kiss him. 

It had been due to happen since that moment during the first date when Marco had lunged over and smacked a kiss to your cheek- the two of you had been stuck in a limbo of whether or not one of you should make the move. This usually resulted in the end of dates closing on an awkward hug or another cheek kiss. 

You were sick of it and taking this much needed step was very much necessary. 

“-I just think that the main character should of made a much better choice, do you agree?” Your prolonged train of thought had taken place whilst Marco had gone on a rant about the main protagonist’s moral choices from the cheap, indie movie you had just viewed. 

“Yeah,” You grinned up at him as his hands trailed patterns upon your shoulder blades, “I agree.”

“You weren’t listening, were you?” He laughed, though he didn’t seem to be offended nor surprised. 

“Sorry,” You snorted out a laugh as he ruffled your hair, “I was trying to listen to you I swear.”

“Well, as long as you tried.” He grinned down at you, moving to encircle his hands around your waist as you came to a stop beneath a fluorescent street-light. 

This was it, you thought, as you stared up at Marco’s lips from beneath your lashes under the glow of the light. 

Though, it seemed that Marco had been thinking about the same thing. Before you could even begin to lean upward he brought his hand up to cradle your chin with his thumb and forefinger, “Can I?”

You huffed out a soft laugh. “You don’t even have to ask.” And before another word can be uttered, you both met each other in the middle and connected your lips into a slow, sipping kiss that made your heart speed up and your knees weaken. 

Eventually the two of you had to pull away for air, as you did so Marco smiled down at you sweetly- with a slight smug look to it, “I’ve been wanting to do that for ages.”

You just smiled bashfully up at him, chewing on your slightly-swollen lip lightly, “Me too.”

“Hey,” Marco spoke, throwing his arm back over your shoulder as you set back onto the path, “Does this mean we’re together now?”

“That’s your way of asking?”

“Yep.”

“Alright,” You giggled, tucking yourself into his side, “Sure, we’re together now.”

iv.

“Are you 100 percent positive that you want to do this?” Marco asked sincerely, running his arm up and down your arm in a comforting manner. 

“Yeah,” You nodded insistently, reaching up to brush a stray curl from your boyfriend’s forehead, “I want you.”

Marco gulped, his brown eyes darkening ever so slightly, “Are you sure? I mean-”

“Marco, love.” You laughed, shaking him slightly, “We’ve wanted to do this for weeks and this may be the only time in a while that the house is completely empty for the entire night.”

“Okay,” Marco whispered, closing his eyes and toying with the end of your loose shirt, “I just don’t want to hurt you.”

Sighing, you pulled Marco forward and pressed a sweet kiss to his lips before pressing your forehead up against his, drawing circles upon his cheek with your thumb, “I know you won’t, I trust you.”

“Good.” Marco mumbled huskily, moving to kiss you again as he lowered you to lay back against the pillows at the top of your bed. 

-

“Fuck,” Marco breathed out as you both lay side-by-side, pliant and sweaty against the bed covers. 

“Yeah.” You grinned widely, allowing yourself to roll over and cuddle up against Marco’s side as the endorphins and love hormones produced from sex coursed through you. 

“That was good,” Marco grinned, kissing you lightly on the forehead as he pulled you into his arms, “Was that good for you?”

“I loved it,” You sighed, not allowing your mind to catch up before you said what you were about to say, “I love you.”

Marco paused, going still and silent for a moment as you could feel his eyes boring right through you- though he pulled himself back together in a matter of seconds as he let out a glee-filled laugh, “God, I love you too.”

-

Taglist: @mansaaay​ @yongboxerrr​ @the-not-so-iconic​ @sandovalali12

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @KaijuusandKryptids!

*****

Just Another Family Dinner

Alec smiled to himself when he stood in front of the mirror. Family dinners were never appealing to any of the Lightwoods, but that was in the past. The Lightwoods finally became the family they were supposed to be. Every sibling, except for Max who was still young, was heading to the dinner with their lovers. It was a beautiful sight, and all the gang was happy because finally they got to be a normal family, well, ignoring the fact that said family dedicated to erase evil and fight demons. Alec’s mouth curved up, he didn’t care if they weren’t normal, all he cared about was that he had all of his beloved ones by his side.

Evil defeated once again, the Lightwood’s decided to make a family dinner on one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. Of course it was Magnus’s suggestion.

Magnus was sitting at the bed, watching his boyfriend getting ready to go to dinner. It was a beautiful sight, and Magnus felt so lucky to be the one who Alec loved. His boyfriend was wearing a stunning black suit. Magnus did know that all men looked so much better in a suit, but hell, Alexander Lightwood was in another whole level.

A well fitted suit and a white shirt beneath it with the first two buttons unbuttoned. was everything Magnus needed to be drooling. He caught Alec’s gaze in the mirror and smiled. Now that he had admired his shadowhunter, Magnus went to the dressing table to apply his make-up. Once he was done he got up and took his boyfriend’s hand in his. It was a beautiful night and they decided they had the time to go to the restaurant like mundanes. Maryse, Robert, Max, Izzy and Simon were already sitting at the table laughing and talking.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Magnus said once they took their seats.

“Hi, mom, dad, guys, what are you talking about?” Alec asked.

“We were just guessing what couple would be the last to arrive.” Maryse said.

“We decided to arrive in the mundane way. We had time. And I’m a little offended because I have a perfect timing.” Magnus said.

“Right. Like when you got to the institute just in time to stop Alec’s wedding.” Everyone laughed at that. Even Alec. He really had been so wrong.

“I still remember that movie scene.” Simon said. “That was the day I began with the shipping.”

“Like I said, perfect timing. On the other hand, where are my biscuit and the annoying blond? You weren’t talking about that, am I right? Because I don’t know about you but my guess is that they are doing some reckless stuff.”

“Or naughty.” Izzy said.

Robert and Maryse just closed their eyes. Too much information. They all remembered that time almost two weeks ago when Izzy had found the couple in a very compromising situation. Of course she had to tell everybody. Now every time someone goes to the weapons room accompanied, they get suspicious glances. Jace and Clary appeared by the door and took their seats after saying hello to everyone.

The waiter came and took their orders. It was Magnus’s turn to warn Robert about the ingredients in his plate, he wasn’t going to like them. Robert changed his order, after thanking Magnus for his advice.

The food arrived and so did the drinks, all the family made a toast because once again they had defeated the enemy and were safe and secure with all the people they loved. Everyone was glad they could have a little time of peace for themselves.

The night passed with mockery and laughs and soon all the conversation went to the child memories.

“Yeah, but seriously, you think you have your smart boyfriend and everything, you see him like that and think he has always been like this, what you don’t know is that he was the one who slept in history’s class.” Jace said to Magnus. Magnus snorted.

“Yeah, I might have been asleep a few times, but at least I wasn’t trying to impress the girls.”

“Well, it isn’t my fault that girls found history so attractive.”

“You didn’t exactly were showing of your knowledge, more like your new movements with a sword.”

“Uh, what sword?” Simon asked.

“Simon!” All the Lightwood’s whispered-shouted.

“Hey, relax. I’m joking. ” Simon raised his hands in surrender. “I don’t know what age we are referring to, I guess I was just trying to figure it out if this was the beginning of the...”

“Book club?” Clary complemented. Clary already knew how Jace got his conquests; the book club was full of girls.

“Fun fact,” Max said, joining the conversation. “I really don’t know a person who doesn’t ask ‘do you read?’ to Jace when he mentions that.”

“You traitor! I do read.” Jace said, feigning betrayal.

“That’s a joke that never ends, you have to understand that.” Izzy said, sipping her drink. Jace looked at her with a mischievous smirk, Alec saw that and immediately knew what was about to happen.

“You mean like the joke about your cooking skills?” Sadly, they all had to laugh, including Isabelle.

“You are paying for that, you know that, right?”

“It was worth it.”

“But seriously, who can actually cook in this family?” Asked Magnus.

“I mean, there’s a difference between a person who cooks and one that literally burns everything.” Maryse said.

“Mom!”

“Sorry, dear. Magnus is right, we aren’t chefs but hey, you scared me more than once when you were at the kitchen.”

“Fair enough.” Izzy said.

“I know for a fact that I can’t cook, Maryse is a decent cook as well as Jace, Clary, Simon and Magnus.” Robert said.

“What?” Alec asked.

“Does that count? Magnus literally has magic in his hands.” Clary said.

“Yes, that’s what Alec says all nights.” Jace said, winking.

“Jace!” All the members of the family reprimanded him, except for Magnus and Alec, the latter was busy blushing while Magnus just stood there with an incredulous look. That reckless blond was so going to pay, but that would be for another day.

“Oh, right but when you eat my food I don’t see you guys complaining.”

“We wouldn’t do that but what’s fair is fair.” Simon said.

“I still can’t believe I’m not in that list, though.” Alec said.

“Bro, we are cut from the same cloth, don’t question the Lightwood DNA.” Isabelle said.

“Damn it.”

Magnus put a comforting hand on Alec’s knee. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, you have me by your side, we are never going to die of starvation or poisoning.” Alec chuckled.

Life was good. He had a wonderful family, there was mockery instead of just politeness, and his parents had finally accepted their kid’s partners. Simon, Clary and Magnus were part of the family now, a family that each day seemed to know more mundane stuff. Alec was happy to learn, it seems that the little annoying mundanes weren’t actually annoying and had a lot to offer, and Magnus was just so glad that he could introduce Alec to this culture.

For Max’s disgrace all of his siblings remembered his childhood. He ended up with his hands on his eyes and red ears. Yes, one could be a charming and funny baby but why did all have to remember that time? However, he had seen plenty of photographs. “Clary, have you ever seen a picture with Jace running scared because of a rubber duck that mom was holding?” Everyone, except Jace laughed at that. It was even funnier because Jace had more than 10 years.

“Young man, they are little beasts, and I didn’t know it wasn’t real.”

“By the angel, I knew about that but I didn’t know there was a photo. I need to see it.” Clary said, laughing. “Oh, come on, it’s something I need.” She insisted when Jace just stared at her. Finally, he gave up and started laughing.

Alec smiled and thanked the angel that Max didn’t talk about him and Izzy, they had a lot of embarrassing photos. Why do all moms love to take photos of their children while bathing them? He didn’t get it. But he was glad Max seemed happy with just making fun of Jace.

The night was finally coming to an end. Everyone took their glasses and said cheers. They celebrated being together and being safe.                                                                    All of them went to the Institute, except for Magnus and Alec. They took a portal home and collapsed on the couch.

“Well, the restaurant was fine, right?” Magnus asked.

Alec smiled. His boyfriend was a perfectionist and even more if all the Lightwoods were involved. It has been a while since they accepted him in the family and yet, the warlock was always trying to make everything perfect. “Of course it was. You are perfect.” Magnus just liked a little of reassurance. He knew the family loved him but still, it was very new to have a family like this. It made his heart flutter.

“Are you tired?” Magnus asked.

“Nope.” Alec answered, even if his body was feeling a little heavy. They had planned a movie night just for the two of them and he wasn’t going to miss it. “Come on, let’s see this movie you’ve been talking all week.”

“It wasn’t all week.”

Alec raised one of the eyebrows that Magnus loved so much. And the warlock went to find the movie. When he was done, he came back to the couch and snuggled close to Alec. The shadowhunter’s head rested on Magnus’s shoulder when the movie began. Magnus waved his hand and a cup of hot chocolate appeared in their hands.

A romantic movie. Sappy, funny and, in Alec’s opinion, amazing. He would be damn if he admits to his fellow shadowhunters that he actually liked the movie, but it was just Magnus and yes, by the end of the movie Alec felt light, happy and so lucky. He laughed when Magnus made jokes about calling him by a nickname. All the options were awful. And he asked Magnus if would’ve liked to be courted the way it was made almost fifty years ago. Magnus’s eyes sparkled when he said he thought it was something beautiful. Perhaps Alec could do something like that for him. For example, he never wrote a love letter, could he do it now? Maybe.

“What are you thinking about, sweetheart?” Alec shook his head. “Nothing.” At Magnus’s incredulous expression he continued. “I was thinking that I really liked the movie, and how much I love you.”

“Aren’t you adorable? Attacking me with that sweetness of you, it should be illegal.” Magnus kissed his nose.

“Me? Adorable?”

“Yes, mighty, brave and bold shadowhunters can be adorable, Alexander.”

“All right, but you are adorable too.”

Magnus thought, not for the first time, how lucky he was. If someone had told him ten years ago that a shadowhunter would find him adorable and be his boyfriend he would have laughed and declared them out of their mind, and yet here he was, feeling happier than he ever had. Magnus kissed him slowly. Alec smiled into the kiss, making Magnus smile too. The warlock really enjoyed all the kind of kisses they shared, because behind them there was love. It was Magnus who broke the moment.

“Next time you are picking the restaurant.”

“What? No.”

“You’re telling me that after all this time we’ve been together you didn’t learn anything from me.”

“If I recall, you were the one who just two hours ago was asking if the restaurant was fine.”

Magnus kissed Alec’s lips, silencing him.

“Just a warning: next time we go to the institute I’m so going to find all the pictures of you as a child.”

“You’ve seen plenty of them.”

“I said all of them.”

“I’m almost sure you indeed had seen all, it’s not like we had tons of pictures.”

“It’s for science.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. And hey, I don’t know why you are so afraid. We’ve seen the pictures together.”

“I’m glad Max didn’t tell more of the stories behind the pictures.”

“Why? I’m almost sure Clary and Simon already know enough.”

Alec chuckled. “More than they need to. I need to keep the mystery.”

“Shadowhunters.” Magnus said, as if that explained it all. Perhaps it did.

“Shut up, mister ‘I survived the Big Bang’.”

“I’ve never said that. And I am not that old.”

“And yet, you go around telling people that you’re 500, 600, even 800 years.”

“You know what? Once, my shadowhunter boyfriend told me something about ‘mystery’, maybe he was right?” Alec smirked. He loved the teasing. He loved the playful relationship they had. The seriousness they could have. The competitiveness. The laughs. He loved everything. He loved Magnus.

“He is always right.”

“Mm. He is also funny.”

Alec snorted. “He sounds like an awesome guy.”

“Yeah, he is. I’m so lucky.”

“I think he is the lucky one.”

Magnus pecked his lips. Alec barely suppressed a yawn. Magnus laughed.

“Let’s go to bed, darling.”

Magnus got up from the couch and offered his hand to Alec. Alec let himself to be led to the bedroom. Sleep had taken over Alec’s body. He sat on the bed and watched his boyfriend undress. He liked that Magnus didn’t use always his magic. If he had time, he would do things like every other human. Alec’s lips were forming a little smile, from the moment he saw Magnus get dressed for dinner he thought he looked breathtaking. His cobalt suit along with the black shirt had him sneaking glances at him all night. Oh, how much he liked his man in a suit. His man. Every time he said that was as good as the first time, he was so happy that finally he could say that out loud. It was amazing. When Magnus finished he came to see his boyfriend.

“I am the one who’s getting you out of that suit, am I right?”

Alec’s smile told him everything.

He exaggerated his movements, that had the Nephilim smirking. When he was done he helped Alec to climb on the bed and covered them with the sheets. He took his boyfriend in his arms and Alec just snuggled closer to him while humming.

“Good night, Magnus. Love you.”

“Sleep well, darling. Love you too.”

Magnus kissed his temple and smelled his Alexander’s hair. He was finally at home and he knew this life with Alec was his happy place.

[xreaderfic-land]

What Lies Beneath Part 23 Red Hood (Jason Todd) X Reader

Summary: Coming back home to Gotham after several years was a tough choice, but you needed to put the past behind you. You blame yourself for Jason’s death and hope that with a medical degree you can have a second chance at saving the kids of Gotham’s streets, but the past won’t stay buried. As the Red Hood invites himself into your life and the little safe bubble of a lie you call life bursts you’re left struggling to cope. Your secret studying of toxins used by Gotham’s villains is sure to land you in hot water eventually, but you’re always up for a challenge. Life is a game of survival and it’s time you joined in.

Co-Author: @inkteller-17     Tags: @jason-todd-rh    @totallynotashieldagent    @exotiicqueen494    @dragons-of-the-usa      @shadowsndaisies    @e-equals-mcommunism-squared      @icycoldbeanieweanies   @peppermint-17   @theskytraveler   @wintersb0ner

Tags CLOSED DUE TO STORY COMPLETION Word Count: 1,679 WARNINGS: Language

Catch Up Here

—— —— —— —— ——-

Laying with your head on his chest, his hand ran up and down your back as the two of you could calm your breathing. After several long seconds of catching your breath, you looked up at Jason.

“So just how is my cure going?” You asked.

Jason laughed.

“Of course, you ask now how things are going,” Jason said with a smile.

“It’s not like you gave me much of a choice,” You replied back.

Jason ran a hand through your hair brushing it out of your eyes.

“Your last batch was the perfect one,” Jason said.

“Really?” You asked sitting up to look down at him.

Jason nodded.

“Bruce gave it over to Lucius and with the help from Wayne Enterprises, they mass produced it. With the help from my brothers and the Justice League, we were able to save all of the kids,” Jason explained.

Your eyes lit up.

“Really? All of them?” You asked with a small smile that was slowly turning bigger.

“Oh and by the way, Jess and Em wanted me to tell you hi,” Jason added.

Your heart swelled.

“The twins made it?” You asked in disbelief.

“I made sure they were some of the first ones that we gave out the cures to,” Jason told you.

You let out a sigh of relief.

“I am so happy that those two made it,” You said.

“I know how much the deaths of Sookie and Sawyer affected you. I refused to let anyone else die,” Jason informed you.

You pressed a soft kiss to his jawline.

“Thank you,” You told him.

“Also with Wayne Enterprise's mass producing your cure, Lucius was able to triple your supply, so if anything ever like this happens again we will be prepared,” Jason explained.

You let out a long sigh of relief.

“This is honestly the best news ever,” You admitted.

“You never saw it on the news? It made every paper headline and it was on like every news channel,” Jason asked.

You shook your head.

“I stayed away from anything that would remind me of home. I didn’t want to know what was going on in Gotham, it hurt too much,” You explained.

Jason sat up so he was looking down at you.

“That’s my fault,” Jason said.

“It’s not just your fault Jason. There’s a lot that happened that caused that feeling,” You told him.

“I know but I play a major part in that,” Jason said.

You reached up to brush some of his dark hair out of his face.

“We have to stop blaming each other,” You told him.

Jason reached down to trace your lips with his thumbs.

“I know and that’s why I’m sorry,” Jason began.

“Jay, don’t,” But he cut you off.

“No, I need you to know how fucking sorry I am. You were right this whole time, but I was to fucking stubborn to admit it. I should have told you. I shouldn’t have made my brothers lie and keep secrets from you.”

“I am so fucking sorry that I lied to you, manipulated you and kept such a huge secret from you. I hope that one day you’ll truly be able to forgive me,” Jason said.

You could clearly see the hurt on his face. You could tell how sorry he really was.

“Of course I can forgive you as long as you can forgive me,” You said

“Y/n,” Jason began, but you hushed him.

“I said a lot of hurtful things. Not only to you but to your brothers and family as well. I was just so shocked that you guys could just so easily lie to me,” You began.

“Everybody has already forgiven you,” Jason told you.

You forced a small smile. “Of course they did, but that doesn’t excuse my behavior,”

“I know and we can fix that later,” Jason said.

You nodded.

Jason dropped back down next to you and pulled you in close. The two of you both looked up as the door to Mariah’s room opened. She came out fully dressed in her scrubs, her backpack hung on her shoulder, and she held her phone out in front of her.

“Mariah,” You began.

“Save it. Since you two had no shame or respect for my virgin ears, I tortured Tim. So yeah, we heard everything last night. BUT, I don’t have time to scold either of you as unlike you two I have a job to do,” Mariah explained.

You felt yourself blush and Jason began laughing.

“Yeah, thanks Jay, I never wanted to know what my brother sounded like during sex. I’m never going to be able to forget this and I fucking hate you for it,” Tim said.

Jason chuckled and you buried your face into his chest.

��You two kiddos have fun. I’ll see you after my shift,” Mariah said before hurrying out of the apartment.

“She’s going to kill me later,” You said.

“I can’t believe she tortured Tim,” Jason said with a slight chuckle.

You shook your head. You’d have to make sure you bought her a nice gift to apologize for tormenting her through the night especially since she’s going to have work a twelve-hour shift today.

Jason leaned over you to grab his boxers.

“I’m feeling waffles,” Jason said as he got dressed.

“Of course you are,” You smiled.

Jason bent down to kiss you.

“Get dressed and help me with the bacon,” He said.

“How do you even know I have bacon?” You shouted after him.

“How un-American of you to not have bacon,” Jason yelled back.

Rolling your eyes you slipped on his t-shirt before following after him into the kitchen. You leaned against the counter and watched as Jason made himself at home looking through all of your cupboards pulling out everything he would need to make your guys’ breakfast.

Jason broke the silence first. “So now that you’re my girlfriend,”

You cocked an eyebrow.

“Wait, when did you ask me that?” You asked him.

Jason turned to stare at you.

“Well, I thought after our mind-blowing sex it would be obvious,” Jason replied.

“Christ, Jay, that’s not how that works,” You hissed.

Jason rolled his eyes and let out a sigh.

“Fine, will you be my fucking girlfriend now?”

“Oh, wow, so romantic, Jason. Almost reminds me of your epic prom invite,” You shot back dryly.

Jason cringed.

“Fuck, don’t remind me and that’s not an answer,” Jason shot back.

Smirking you walked over to Jay, stood on your tip toes and kissed him.

“Of course, I’ll be your girlfriend, dickhead,” You said.

Jason laughed.

As you pulled out the bacon and your cast iron skillet, Jason’s phone began to ring. You knew Tim’s ringtone as the Red Robin restaurant theme blared to life. Jason answered the FaceTime.

“What’s up?” Jason asked.

“I cannot believe you two!” Tim exclaimed.

“What?” Jason said.

“You two were fucking each other like rabbits. Not only did you keep Mariah up all night you left me up all night. And not for anything worth it either,” Tim snarled.

Jason only cracked a smile.

“I’m sure you’ll get your chance to repay it,” Jason said.

“Not the point!” Tim shouted.

“Sorry Timmy, shouldn’t you just be happy that we’ve kissed and made up?” You asked.

“Yeah, but I didn’t want to be apart of it,” Tim growled.

“You didn’t want to be apart of what?” Damian asked as he shoved his way into the call.

“Nothing!” The three of you shouted.

“Hey, Jay, you’re with Y/n,” Damian smiled.

“Yeah, but I promised you I’d fix this,” Jason said.

“Did he say sorry and mean it?” Damian asked.

“Yeah, Damian, we’re all good now,” You told him.

Damian gave you two a huge grin.

“Awesome, it’s about time,” Damian said.

“Hey, why don’t you two get around and head up here. We can hang out and then cook dinner. Tim, you can surprise Mariah,” Jason suggested.

“Yes! Please say yes, Tim!” Damian pleaded.

“Alright, alright, we’ll come up,” Tim said.

“Okay, see you guys when you get here,” You said before Jason could hang up.

“I guess we’re going to the store after breakfast,” Jason said.

The happiness you were feeling was overwhelming but in such a good way.

After breakfast, you and Jason ran down to the store and bought a cartful of supplies. By the time you got back to your apartment, Tim and Damian were just pulling up.

“Come help me, little man,” You said.

Damian hurried over to help take a few bags.

“Jesus, did you guys get enough food to feed an army?” Tim asked.

“I know how the three of you eat,” You replied.

The four of you headed upstairs. You had Tim and Jason take care of the groceries while you set Damian on mixing the ingredients for one of the desserts you had planned on making.

The four of you passed the time by working around each other to pull off such an elaborate meal. By the time, Mariah got home, the table was set with a large dinner, several desserts and Tim had run down to the flower shop to grab her a bouquet of flowers.

Mariah opened the door all ready to start complaining but froze when she saw Tim standing there holding the flowers.

“What is going on?” Mariah asked.

“Surprise,” Tim grinned and held the flowers out to her.

Mariah took the flowers, sniffed them, and then gave Tim a soft kiss.

“Thank you,” Mariah said.

“I hope you’re hungry, we’ve been busy!” Damian exclaimed.

Mariah laughed. “I’m starving, I didn’t get a break today,”

“Then let’s sit down and enjoy,” Jason said pulling out your chair for you.

As your friends filled the chairs around you, your apartment quickly filled with laughter and arguments, you couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a very long time, you felt whole again. Jason grinned down at you and returned it with a bigger smile. You were one damn lucky girl.

[foodmadewithlove]

The Tradition of Steamed Cheeseburgers: A Conversation with Ted’s Restaurant Owner Bill Foreman

Two hands place a five-ounce ground beef patty into an individual tray, moving it to its new home in a custom-built steam cabinet. After the burger is cooked for 10 to 12 minutes, excess fat is drained, and the patty is placed upon a fresh roll. Melted cheddar cheese awaits in the steam cabinet, finally taken out to encompass the top of the burger. Various toppings, such as lettuce and onions, are included on the final product. The item is given to a waiting customer, sitting atop one of the nine stools around the counter. The visitor has driven over an hour to receive this meal, a smile forming across his face when he see the food being presented to him. After taking a bite, the customer knew that it was worth the drive. 

(Above) Cheesy goodness being put on top of a classic steamed cheeseburger at Ted’s. Credit: Ted’s Restaurant on Facebook.

When diner chef Ted Duberek decided to sell steamed cheeseburgers out of a tiny 450 square foot location in 1959, he hardly realized his burger would become a famous dish across Connecticut. 

Ever since that first day, Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT, has been serving steamed cheeseburgers to customers. When Ted Duberek passed away in the early 70s, his son Paul took over the establishment. Paul decided to use twice ground meat, adding a certain cheddar cheese that kept its form while being steamed. 

When Paul was dealing with back issues, his nephew Bill Foreman decided to quit his previous job and help his uncle out. Upon working for him for many years, Foreman purchased the location from Paul Duberek in 2007. 

Since then, the Wallingford resident has been running the famous steamed cheeseburger location. Each day, the hardworking owner and his staff produce hundreds of cheeseburgers for their customers. An open kitchen allows patrons to see their food being produced. With nine stools and three booths, Ted’s is small but mighty. The restaurant also has two food trucks, deemed the ‘Steam Machines’, used for parties and events. 

(Above) A shot of Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden, CT. Credit: Ted’s Restaurant on Facebook.

I spoke with Foreman to find out what makes Ted’s so unique to customers. The energetic and passionate owner described how the business has been doing amid the pandemic.

Why did you decide to become the owner of Ted’s Restaurant? Were you involved with the restaurant beforehand?

Well, I've worked at the restaurant since I was a kid. It was kind of a bunch of different events that came into one, I left another job, my uncle was having some back issues that he needed to work out. So I started coming to work for him and just kind of a bunch of things worked in the right direction, we're able to work out a deal and I was able to purchase from him in 2007.

By being the owner, what exactly do you do?

Because it's a smaller family run place, basically I am all things all in one. I own it, I cook, I clean, pay the bills. Basically, you name it, I do it or have done it. One of the things that all my employees know is you're not going to be pigeonholed. Like if I hired you, I'm not just gonna hire you to work at a register, you might work on the register one day, you might be making fries the next day, and then out on the truck another day. So, we all kind of do it all, and especially as a single owner operator, that's generally what it is. You're kind of all things to all people.

How many people work at the original location? Are any of those your family members?

I mean, it depends on the time of year, obviously. But we run around 12 to 14 people. My daughter works for me periodically. To be perfectly honest, she's a gymnast, so she doesn't have a lot of extra time. But with everything going on, she was able to help out, especially during the pandemic, which was nice. So, she's the only family member currently involved.

When hiring employees, what do you typically look for in a worker?

The biggest piece for me is just their persona. Are they outgoing? How do they handle people? Are they able to handle high volume atmosphere? I give my employees a lot of latitude. I want them to take care of the customers as best they can. So, you have to be outgoing. You have to be willing to work with the public. You don't have to be comfortable and that's the biggest pieces that I look for.

You mentioned you worked there for a couple years with your family before you purchased the restaurant. How was that experience working with your family members then and now? 

Well, I mean, working with family is great, and it can be very challenging at the same time. You know, because everybody has their ideas and opinions in your family, so it's not like you just go home to separate places and never see each other. So, I mean it had its moments, but that's just, my uncle had run the restaurant his way for 35, 40 years. You know, to have someone else come in, and even though I was helping and say, hey, why don't we try this? Or try that? You know, it's not always the easiest transition.

Would your uncle take your recommendations? 

Yeah, he would take them. It's like anything else. To own your own home, any business, basically, you have to be a little bit stubborn, you have to work hard, obviously. You know, you don't like other people necessarily telling you what to do all the time. So when someone comes in with a new idea, it's not always accepted right away. It's gotta take some time to kind of sink in. Once it does, you know, it usually works. But you know, it just takes a little time. I run into the same problem with employees and family now, because you think your way is the best, and it's not always the best way to do it.

After taking over the restaurant, did you make any changes yourself? 

The basic menu of the restaurant is a little bit bigger. I mean, no drastic changes, let's put it that way. You know, our menus expanded a little bit, we have a few more offerings, just to kind of offer more things to more people basically. But the basic menu is the same, we're in the same location. So basically, it's the same place that it’s always been.

What type of items did you add to the menu?

We do a steak and cheese now, we do a chicken sandwich now. As weird as it sounds, we actually added french fries. For the longest time, we just did home fries, kind of more breakfast style potato. We just added some new toppings for your burger that you can get, you know, versus what you used to be able to get.

Why did you decide to add those upgrades and changes?

Just to kind of give the menu a little bit of a facelift, a little bit of a fresh take, or a new take, and once again just to try and draw more people in. Obviously, every generation goes by, you need to attract a new generation. So kind of a new way to get them through the door, you know, give the people that have been with us forever something new to offer them. So that was the basic reason.

Since the restaurant has been around for a very long time, have you seen a lot of customers return throughout the years?

Yes, I mean, we're very fortunate we have a very loyal fan base, and they do keep coming back, which is nice. We also have a nice mix of new customers, which is good as well because obviously that's gonna sustain you over the long term. So, we kind of have a great mix of both new and old customers.

How have you taken care of your customers throughout the years, especially when you first bought the restaurant?

Basically, when I first bought it, we tried to do a lot. We did a lot of the same things just to make people realize, listen, just because it's under next generation its not gonna change. We're not gonna change everything about the place. The other side was I come from a hospitality background, so to take care of people is what I was used to. You know, just with customer service, taking care of them, making them feel like you're not just a number walking up to a register, things along that lines. 

Do you think your hospitality experience has helped you run the restaurant?

Oh, definitely. I mean, because obviously, it's a people business. You know, we're 450 square feet when our restaurant inside space is open, so everybody's on top of each other. So you have to be good with customers, you have to be able to talk to ‘em, you know, you can't just give one word and move on. So, just about taking care of people.

The restaurant is most known for its steamed cheeseburgers. Have you seen a lot of people specifically come to your location to try them?

Yeah, like I said, we're very fortunate. We have a very loyal following, and they're very vocal following. If you're coming to us, you're probably coming to us for a steam cheeseburger, that's 90/95 percent of what we do. So if you're coming to us, that's what probably what you're gonna have. 

How is it competing with big name restaurants, for example, other burger joints like Five Guys? How has that been trying to maintain your customer base?

It's always a challenge, anyone new whether it's a burger restaurant, or anybody else is always going to be a challenge, but we're lucky in that we have a unique product. It's still a cheeseburger, but it's very different in the way it's made. The taste of it is even different because of the texture. So, everything is tough in life, you just got to work through it. We do our best to take care of our customers well, and make them feel that they're not just a number when they come up to the window or come up to the door. We try and work with that and do the best we can with it. 

What do customers typically order?

90 to 95 percent of what we do is gonna be a cheeseburger. Most of them are cheeseburgers with your choice of toppings. That's the majority of what we do.

What do you typically get for yourself?

When I do eat here, which is often enough, obviously, cause I work here and own it, I'm gonna get a cheeseburger. The toppings will vary, just because I've been around it so long. I don't have like one standard thing that is my absolute favorite. So, it just depends on the day and how hungry I am.

When the Covid-19 pandemic first started in March 2020, how did that work for the restaurant? Did you have to shut down?

So we were fortunate, the restaurant itself didn't shut down. Our mobile business obviously took a huge hit, because there were no gatherings, you know, couldn’t have parties, couldn’t do events, things along that line. So that side of the business took a big hit, the restaurant itself never close[d], you couldn't come into our restaurant, you actually still can't come into our restaurant, because we're so small. There's just no way to social distance inside of our restaurant being that we’re only 450 square feet. I mean, we're fortunate that we have some outside seating, we have some picnic tables and things along that lines, which helps. So you can still come and sit down, you're just not inside. We did do some enhancements. We were fortunate, we had already worked with some delivery services, so people could order food and get it delivered because we didn't deliver personally. We also moved over and started doing some online ordering to kind of help facilitate people's orders and things along that line. So like everybody else, you had to be creative. We're fortunate the way our layout was that we could not have people in the shop, and still have a window where people come and go and get orders. So we survived it fairly well, I really can't come complain about that side of it. Like I said, our customers are loyal, and they kept coming out even without being able to come inside. So we were pretty fortunate.

Were there any challenges amid that time, specifically financially?

It's been a difficult and stressful time for everyone, whether you're an owner, an employee, customer, whatever the case happens to be. You know, financially we did okay, like I said it was a big hit on our mobile side of the business. I was fortunate in that I only had a couple people, one chose not to come back because of Covid issues, which was understandable, and one I had to lay off. But, you know, it's pretty fortunate in that regard. I talked to all my employees, I told them what it was, what the deal was, how it was gonna work. And, you know, they were all very receptive, they did what they could, and they all understood that maybe they're not gonna get as many hours as [they] used to, but we're going to do the best we can with it.

Have you guys done any food truck events, or are those kind of stopped right now?

Most of ‘em have stopped, we've done a few things as the state of Connecticut has allowed us to reopen a little bit. We work with a few partners and have done some events alongside them with social distancing, and all the protocols that go into it. So, I mean, we've done a few, but it's probably 5 to 10 percent of what it normally is, we're hoping as the spring and summer rolls around, the vaccines come out and more people are to get them that it will allow the state to open up more and allow it for more events and more things to do for people.

Does the location follow typical Covid-19 guidelines?

I mean, we do, but like I said, we don't have anybody inside the restaurant. So if you were to come up to my restaurant, we have two windows up front. So, if you're gonna place your order at the window with my cashier, we're going to make it and then we're going to hand it out to you out the window. So, the contact with the customer is very limited. But yeah, obviously, we follow all Covid protocols, you know, mask wearing. Obviously, as employees, we can't really social distance, because we're making orders together and things along that line. But, you know, we follow all the Covid-19 guidelines and try and make it work as best we can. 

As you mentioned, there's picnic tables outside. Do you think as the weather starts to get warmer, the overall amount of people coming to place orders will increase?

Yeah, so I definitely think as it gets nicer out. I mean, we've already seen a little uptick in business, which has been very nice. You know, people want to get out and do things, and we kind of offer ‘em a unique experience. In that regard, you can come out, you can sit at a picnic table, you can be outside, which is nice. So, I do expect business hopefully to pick up, hopefully it picks up for everyone because we could all use it at this point.

It also says on the restaurant’s website that you're hoping to open more locations in the future, do you have plans to do that? 

Yeah, I mean, that's always something we're looking into. You know, whether that happens, you know, sooner or later, or the next person that owns it after me, I don't know. Right now, we're just kind of focusing on getting through the next year or so just like everybody else is, and getting back to some semblance of normalcy in our lives and keep making cheeseburgers and getting out back to doing events and things like that. And, you know, something like that may come up down the road, we're not really sure, we don't have any plans currently for another location. But you know, there's always the opportunity.

What are your own personal goals for the restaurant over the next couple of years?

For the next couple years, it's just to get things back to whatever the new normal is going to be. We don't have any drastic changes in mind. But you know, we've obviously, like I said, we've done delivery, we've done online ordering. So we've kind of brought technology into it, which is a new kind of piece for us. But it's just streamlining what we have, getting the mobile side of the business back up, and hopefully getting it back to where it was before and the amount of events that we can do. That's kind of the short term of it. Long term, there are some things that are on the back burner at this point, that'll probably be way off. Other locations are a possibility, but that's kind of far off right now. Like I said, we're just trying to get through it. I want to get myself, my family, and our customers through the next year or so and then we'll see where it takes us. 

Since the restaurant has been passed down through family, do you hope to eventually pass the restaurant down to maybe a family member in the future?

I mean, that's always the hope. Whether that happens remains to be seen, whether my daughter's interested or someone else in the family's interested, I don't know. That would be the hope though, you always wanna keep it in the family as best you can.

By keeping it in the family, do you think that has kept customers coming back?

That is important to us, obviously, you know, we were built on a family whether it's our customers that are our family, our own personal family. So yes, we do hope to keep that family idea, and family atmosphere going. That is the goal.

[outvoo]

Interview with Chef Tu David Phu, part 2

OutVoo Interview with Chef Tu David Phu

Conducted by Ian Ippolito & Merced Gonzalez

Today we are talking to Chef Tu David Phu, a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, and one of Oakland’s very own. Since Oakland is where OutVoo was born, we are thrilled that Chef Phu is a fan of the app:

“Whenever I open up Yelp I want to know what’s near me and the thing I hate about Yelp is I have to type in where I am and what I’m looking for specifically.  [OutVoo] does that all for me!”

What were your initial thoughts of Oakland?

When my parents first immigrated over here they landed in Oakland.  My dad received a job offer in Minnesota, but after a couple of winters, and my sister getting frost bite, we returned.  Basically I’ve been in Oakland all my life.  I grew up in Oakland in the 90’s.  It was tough. Like murder capital tough!  I’m not the person to be resentful of that. I feel like within chaos and bad things there is always beauty.  I think the beauty that I had growing up in Oakland was cooking with my mom, having our own little tiny garden in the tiny apartment we lived in.  I found preciousness in the things we were blessed with.  

Oakland is experiencing a culinary renaissance.  What are your thoughts on the food scene?

I think it’s great! I think it’s more diverse now. The only thing I’m really sad about is the homeless situation.  I want to invite everyone to Oakland and I think that’s beautiful, but I just wish there was more regulation on the people who were displaced.

I think the Mayor is working on a few things.

I think the issue is bigger than the Mayor of Oakland.  I don’t blame the City of Oakland. It’s the flaws that we have in our systems.  There is something wrong and we pour money into building more prison systems and a fraction of that could house a lot of homeless people in California.  

When you complain about politics everything is intertwined.  In that aspect I believe in prevention and I think prevention starts at youth.

Were you surprised by this culinary renaissance?  

I’ve always believed in Oakland. I’ve always thought Oakland has so many amazing offerings.  Not just cuisine wise, but also ethnic wise.  There are so many different cultures.  I didn’t really appreciate it until I moved away. Then when I moved away I understood that Oakland is going to blow up so hard.  I moved away in 2010, I was in New York for 2 years.  

Top Chef! What was it like?

It was amazing!  When I signed on to the show...it was to have fun, interact, network and build a brand.  I felt Top Chef was the perfect opportunity for me to tell my story to a bigger audience.  I found that work very purposeful.

Coincidentally enough, there was an episode where I was able to work with immigrant women at Comal Heritage Food Incubator.  I worked with South American women who made green mole and pork for me.  I worked with Syrian women.  I’m not sure if it was in the episode.  There was a moment where we were exchanging our immigrant stories and they told me that they were in a refugee camp for 10 years.  My parents were in a refugee camp for one year during the Vietnam war.   I understand because I hear the stories from my family.  They were telling me the stories of the hardships they went through. They looked at me and said, “All we want to do is be able to cook.”  That sheer rawness of emotion and purity made me feel close to them.  I felt the suffering they felt through my own family and I had this human compassion moment.  I started shedding tears, Tanya Holland started sharing tears and a few of the other ethnic people started shedding tears.  Some people just can’t relate and I don’t hold that against them. The ethnic immigrant story and the suffering that comes along with it is very specific.  It resonates throughout generations.  I see it in the blood, sweat and tears of my parents working hard every fucking day.  They were janitors at the Fox Theater.  I have a tattoo of it.  They really did almost every laborious job you can probably think of to make ends meet. In my personal experience, specifically being on Top Chef, the most powerful thing that inspired me was that moment working with those women.  And I said on TV, this is probably the best meal I’ve ever had, partly because of the stories and compassion.  The centuries old recipes.  They made hummus that was beautiful.  They made lentil soup that was so simple but delicious. It was all hand made, they’re not fine dining trained, but at the same time I can confidently say I cannot execute the way they executed it. At that moment it just confirmed my notion and perception of cuisine and where it comes from.  In that moment I championed them and continue to champion the root of cuisine which is usually mothers and aunties.  The funny thing is, I’m a fine dining trained Chef, and I champion women, and that is were cuisine comes from, but that is not reflective in the industry. It’s weird to me that there is a lack of women in the industry because it’s so machismo.  Not to say women should be cooking, I’m just saying that the best food I’ve ever had came mostly from women.  So it’s revisiting that notion.  If there is any pinnacle, peak of Top Chef, that inspired me, that would be the moment.  

Has Top Chef affected your career? Has it changed your plans?

Are you talking about direct messages in Instagram?  (laughter)

It gets scary sometimes. There are extreme fans and regular fans, but I think for the most part, my portrayal on the show has been very positive.  And I think if you don’t give TV crap they can’t shoot crap out.  I was just myself and I wasn’t trying to be anybody else. It turned out for the good.  

You were a likable, lovable kind of guy, and you helped other people.

It’s not even about the point of me helping people out, I just was raised well.  That’s what my parents taught me.  I’ve been a Chef for a kitchen for a few restaurants and there are young cooks to this day that I keep in close relationships with. And I was very cognizant of how I behaved.  I do commencement speeches and I speak to and I hang out with kids.  I cook with them and I’m aware of the way I conduct myself and that what I role model could inspire and influence them in some way. At least I hope so.  So that is why I try to make sure to be positive.  I think it’s very important.  Not all Chefs think this way.  They can be egocentric, whatever it takes to win ...

It’s a competition, and you’re in a different element, some people snap.

If I’m going to beat someone, I want to beat them at their best.  I don’t want to beat somebody by default.  The reason why I helped out Bruce is because Bruce and I knew each other prior. We were colleagues and we had somewhat of a friendship.  But I wanted to challenge Bruce, I wanted to have the opportunity to challenge Bruce.  That’s the whole reason why I went on the show, I went to see my excellence versus your excellence.  I’m very happy with the Top Chef cast and we’re all a family and I’m very happy with the way I did.  I think just getting on the show was an accomplishment. You know how many people apply for the show? Thousands and thousands.

Was it a long process?

I went through several interviews.  I applied for Season 14 and they told me to come back the next year.  I came back and got on.  There are some people on the show that apply like five, six times in a row, so I got lucky, food timing, they were in need of a token Asian guy! (laughter)

So the amazing and funny thing is that when I got the phone call from Paolo Lucchesi about the Rising Star Chef, the following month they called me to let me know I was on Top Chef.  I was like, oh my God, somebody’s looking down on me.  

And through that course of a year it was very rough, I had a friend that was murdered and I had an Uncle pass away.  So it was a rough year. I felt like those were blessings from them.  I’m not suggesting that I’m religious but I am spiritual and I felt like those were blessings that I’m very appreciative of, you know?  Especially with family and friends and people close to you.  Would I rather have the accolades and opportunity or would I rather have them?  I would rather have them in my life.  So that is the thing with these opportunities, more than focusing on the win, but just embracing the opportunity and just representing yourself and your story well.  I feel like that is the most important thing.

Hung Thanh 1895 Fish Sauce.  Tell us about this!

It’s my family’s fish sauce that we’ve been making for over a hundred years. I’m very very proud of it. I feel like---I’m trying not to be biased--but I’ve tasted a lot of product blindly among my peers, my colleagues, my friends and we all agree that my families sauce is best! (laughter)

Where can we buy it?

My sister is working on distribution to the states.  The conversation has begun but to announce a release date would be premature.  I don’t want to be irresponsible.  

Is your cousin running the company?

Yes, he is.  They’ve won tons of awards and accolades!  They currently sell it in Vietnam and Japan. They even sell to some chefs in Japan and they sell to a distributor in Japan where they re-label it as a Japanese product.  And they sell it in France as well too.  A bunch of French Chefs in France love the stuff.  And that’s the thing, if your product is good and the leading culinary nations buy from you, then you’re doing something right.

You’ve got to send me this playlist!

Chef’s Hawker Centre ...

My new baby!

I had to look up Hawker Centre

The term is derived from Singapore and the way I spell Centre everybody gives me shit for it, C-E-N-T-R-E. That’s the British way to spell Centre. It derives from Singapore but it exists all over Asia, specifically countries that exist along the South China Sea. It was a courtyard where everyone would have a kiosk and all walks of life would go there, rich, poor, that’s where you go to get your food.  Period. Frequently visiting Vietnam I found a certain beauty in that.  People were gathering from all different walks of life.  You can have a millionaire or a government official and a peasant kid and they’re all sitting at the same table eating and they are all somewhat interacting.  I wished Westerners would embrace that more.  I feel like in the 2000s leading up to 2018 there is this elitism that we have that we’re not conscious of.  And what it boils down to is if you want better food, better quality, it reflects in the amount you pay.  So what does that suggest for poor people? That means poor people would never be found in those establishments.  That means poor people would be kept far away.  To remind you, I grew up fairly poor.  And that is why I wanted to offer the Chef’s Hawker Centre.  I wanted to offer a middle price point where it wasn’t an elitist thing.  It was people from all walks of life that can join and eat, and share a table.  It’s very Oakland.  Even though it’s very Asian.  I take that across the nation.  Especially with the current political climate.  Everyone is very divided.  Everyone is very angry at each other.  Everybody has their own reasons to be upset and I think most importantly after we get angry the next step is to stop and listen.  Start to understand.  Have compassion for each other.  I think a great way to do that is at the dining table.  

How do you find the different Chefs?

Every city I go to I try to do four seatings.  Two per day. I would cook at at least one of those sittings.  Just so there is a feature.  Partnering with other Chefs, sponsored by Cochan555 and Feastly among other key brands which keeps the price point and the impact on the consumer low.  It’s $99 for nine courses, alcohol included, it’s a great deal.  It’s a very creative, outside of the box model, mainly for me personally to build my consumer base.  It’s a way to market and I think it is cheaper to do that and more efficient to do that because I’m personally connecting with diners, not just through the dinners, but also through social media with a story attached.

Thank you for sitting down to interview with us!

OutVoo is available for download in the App Store.  

[helloyukimura]

Lucky to have you

Hi everyone, 

Today I am posting a Himchan scenario that my best friend wrote for me because I’m such a Himchanlover haha. I have to admit that I like Youngjae too. He is so handsome and pretty!! 

If you guys like this scenario please give it a lot of likes. Maybe I can convince her to join my blog as admin N.

Admin S

HC: “Hey jagiya, today is the day. You are going to meet my dear members."

You: "Ahh really?, I totally forgot about that. I only thought about finally getting out of this hospital. I am very nervous now."

H: “Ahw you don't have to be nervous. I'll be right there with you and they want to meet the girl I am in love with"

You started to blush.

You: "Ahh Himchan why are you always so straightforward?"

Himchan smiled sweetly at your reaction.

HC: Alright princess, let's pack your things and leave this hospital"

Himchan drives you to your hotel first so you could drop your stuff there and fresh up real quick. You came out of your hotel and stepped into his car.

H: "Whoah this is the first time I've seen you with makeup on. My girlfriend is so pretty."

You: "Thanks, but I've got a pretty handsome boyfriend too~"

You pinched Himchan playfully in his side.

HC: "Hahaha stop it! I am driving."

While Himchan was driving to the dorms, you saw Himchan staring a lot at you through the mirror.

HC: "You know what, it's very weird but with makeup on, you look like a Korean girl. Maybe the members would think that you’re Korean."

You: “Haha really? That would be funny."

Himchan stopped the car.

H: "Here we are."

Your heart started to pound

You: "Wait I am not ready yet!"

HC: "They will like you I promise. It's not that scary."

You: “Yeah you’re probably right. It's less scary than being alone with you in the dorm because I can't trust you~"

You stick your tongue out.

HC: “Yaahh that's unfair~ I was the one holding back when you tried to seduce me."

You: "Haha I was just joking. Why you always take things so serious haha."

Himchan was pouting. You really loved Himchan’s expressions, especially when you teased him.

Himchan opened the door.

HC: "Hello everyone I'm home and I have my girlfriend (y/n) with me~."

He closed the door behind you.

HC: "Guys?"

Himchan checked the rooms.

HC: "Hmm that's weird they're not home yet"

You: "Really?"

You were a little bit relieved. But then you began to blush.

You: "So that means that we are the only one here?"

HC: "Yup, I will call them."

Himchan looked at you.

HC: Why are you blushing that much?

Himchan placed his fingers gently on your chin and cheek and let you look at him. You felt your cheeks burning under his touch.

HC: "Ahh... I know what you're thinking. Don't worry I won't do anything weird to you. I am a gentleman you know. You should know that by now."

He smiled playfully and kissed you on your forehead.

You: "Sorry you are right. I just thought that everybody would be here already…"

HC: "I know I'll call them real quick.

HC: "They will be here in 20 minutes."

You: "Ahh good"

You smiled.

HC: “How about I show you all the rooms."

You: "Yes, I like that idea" 

HC: “This is my room. I sleep on my own. Yongguk also slept in this room but he moved out."

You: "Aww aren't you lonely then?"

HC: "No it's great. I have a bigger bed now. You see, I placed his bed next to mine and now I got a king size bed"

You: "Haha you are crazy Himchan"

HC: "I do miss him sometimes but he was very busy anyway."

You: "Ahh I see."

HC: "And this is Youngjae’s and Daehyun’s room. Daehyun moved out but he still comes over a lot."

You: "I like this room. It's really lively."

H: "Haha yep it really matches them well.

When you finished the house tour you heard keys turning in the door and immediately the house was filled with a lot of different voices. You recognized each voice very clearly. You took a hold of Himchan’s hand.

H: "There is no need to be nervous really."

You felt reassured by Himchan’s smile.

DH: “Hello, we bought some delicious cake~"

YJ: "And we also bought some ingredients for a delicious dish."

JU: "Himchannie hyung, do you know something we can make out of these ingredients?"

Himchan looked at the ingredients with sparkly eyes.

HC: "Neh I will fix something for everyone. Leave it to me."

That way I can also show (y/n) my cooking skills in real life he thought to himself.

YJ: "You must be (y/n) right? Nice to meet you."

Youngjae greeted you. He really was very handsome. He also had a gentle appearance.

DH: "Ahh so nice to finally meet you, Himchan talked a lot about you."

You: "Ahh really.."

JU:" Hello my name is Jongup. Nice to meet you.”

Zelo: "Annyeonghaseo, my name is Zelo."

HC: "Isn't Yongguk coming today?"

YJ: “He didn't know if he could make it. So he told us to eat first.”

You stood next to Himchan and watched him cooking. It was weird to see the B.A.P members in real life but they were really kind to you. Also, you felt comfortable around them.

YJ: "Do you like the drama, Shopping Louis? It's on TV now. You can watch it together with us if you want?

You: "Ahh I like funny dramas. I am coming."

Youngjae smiled at you and showed you where you could take a seat. You sat on the couch in between Daehyun and Youngjae. You were laughing a few times because of the jokes. Youngjae and Daehyun made funny jokes too so you had a comedy scene on TV and beside you.

YJ: "Haha you have the same humor as us (y/n). Not everyone understands our jokes."

You: "Haha really? You guys are so funny. How could anybody not like it?"

JU: "Himchannie hyung sometimes nags at them."

DH: “Yeah he thinks that we are really annoying sometimes"

YJ: "Right Himchannie hyung?"

HC: "Neh.."

Himchan looked a bit annoyed.

YJ: "Ahh have you already seen our rooms?"

You: "Yeah Himchan oppa showed me. His room was very neat"

DH: "Haha only because you came. Normally it would be a messy room"

HC: "Yahh Daehyun shut up"

YJ: "Haha stop it Daehyun, we said we wouldn't tease Himchannie hyung today remember?"

DH:" Neh.."

YJ: "So, what did you think of our room?"

You: "Ahh it was very lively. And I really liked the photo's on the bedside table"

YJ: "Ahh really? I can show you some more and tell the story behind it."

You: "Really?"

YJ: "Yes come with me I'll show you. "

You looked behind and saw Himchan concentrating on making the dish. Hmm is it me or does he looks a bit angry? You thought.

Later on, you sat beside Youngjae and listened to the stories he told you behind all the pretty photos he had made.

You: "Those photos really have a good quality."

YJ: "Yeah it's because of this camera.

You: "Wow that's so cool!"

YJ: "Do you want to make a picture with it? I'll show you how it works.

You nodded happily and played with the digital camera and his special Polaroid one. You really liked Youngjae. He could be a good friend of you. You had a lot in common with him and he was easy to talk to. When you walked into the living room again you smelled something very delicious.

You: "Oew that smells so good Himchan."

HC: "Yeah right I made salmon with..."

A few loud sounds distracted you. It was Jongup and Zelo playing a game you knew. You walked over to Jongup and Zelo.

Zelo: “Oh hi (y/n) we are playing street fighter."

You: "I know that game. My brother used to play it. Sometimes I play it with him."

JU: "Really? You are so cool"

You: "Haha thank you but I wasn't that good. I always lose from him."

JU: "If you want we can show you some tricks you can use it if you are going to play with your brother again?"

You: "Haha we could try"

You sat in between Zelo and Jongup and Jongup gave you his console. Okay so if you do this or this... You blushed a little because you weren't familiar with boys sitting so close to you but other than that they really felt like brothers to you.

JU: "Yes you are getting better now!"

HC: "Jagiya can you help me with putting the dishes on the table?"

JU: "We will help too!"

YJ: "Ahh daehyun it's eating time!"

JU: "Oh we need two more plates"

You: “Should I bring them?"

JU: "It's in that kitchen cabinet over there"

You tried to reach the plates but it was too high for you to reach.

HC: "I'll help you..."

You saw Youngjae’s arms above your head. He easily took the plates and gave it to you.

YJ: "Here you are"

You: "Ahh thank you. Youngjae oppa."

You blushed a little but also felt a bit confused. You saw Himchan getting a little sad. You were all sitting at the table. Himchan is unbelievably good at cooking. It almost looked as if you were at a restaurant you thought. You looked at Himchan who sat beside you.

You: "Whoah Himchan it looks really good!"

Himchan blushed a bit.

DH: "Aww look at him blushing, it's so cute~"

HC: "Yahh do you want me to punch you?"

Everybody burst out laughing.

H: "I will make a plate for you."

Himchan put the plate in front of you.

You: "Thank you Himchan oppa."

The others were waiting.

HC: “You guys can do it yourself!"

Zelo laughed.

Zelo: "You get really special treatment (y/n). Himchan must really like you"

Everybody was eating happily and you enjoyed it really much. You felt like you were part of a funny and cosy family.

YJ: "I have a great idea. We should show (y/n) the night life in Itaewon. There are so many stores and street foods you have to see and try."

Everybody was nodding their heads with a smile.

HC:"I thought of that too."

You: "Ahh thank you guys I really like that idea.

After an hour you were in the middle of a big shopping district with a lot of People and street food stalls. It had a really different feeling because it was night and there were a lot of lights. You felt very happy to be in this very pretty place with the B.A.P members. They made you feel safe and they were all very happy too.

You: "Thank you for bringing me here guys.”

You walked over to Himchan.

You: " it's a bit romantic right?"

You smiled brightly at Himchan.

You saw Himchan's eyes melting at your smile.

HC: "Yeah, I am happy that you are happy"

He placed his arm around your shoulders.

You: "Himchan, the others are going to see it." You whispered.

YJ:"(y/n), come here you have to taste this one. "

You: "I am coming, Youngjae!"

You walked to Youngjae who was standing by a street food stall with delicious looking curling potatoes.

YJ: "I will buy this for you, you really have to taste this"

S: "Ahh it looks really delicious!"

YJ: "Look you can put in different sauces. Do you want natural, cheese flavour or spicy sauce flavour?"

Further on, Himchan was staring at the ground.

DH: "You are jealous right? It's very obvious and easy to tell from your face"

HC: "Okay I am jealous. But I have the right to be jealous. Youngjae is taking her away from me and I think there is chemistry between these two. I also think that Youngjae is kind of like her ideal type. She really loves these gentleman types.

DH: "You are a gentleman too hyung… Well, sort off... You can be if you want to. "

HC: "I am just a funny guy with some cooking skills. And I think Jongup likes her too. Normally he won't talk to girls but he can talk a lot and comfortable with her."

DH: "Ahw Himchan I understand your jealousy. I am like that too but it's really behind your ears. Everybody likes her a lot but in another way than how you like her. We won't take her away from you. It feels more like she is a new member of the family.

HC: "Family..."

Himchan was silent for a moment.

DH: "Look at them. Doesn't it give you a family feeling?"

Himchan looked up at you and saw you smiling brightly at the things Zelo and Jongup were saying. He saw you not looking in front of you and because of that bumping into a couple causing Youngjae to apologize at them for your action. Himchan started laughing.

HC: "You are right Daehyunnie, they really look like a family. I am happy I met her and brought her home so she can meet my precious dongsaengs"

DH: "I am also happy we could meet her"

H: "Thanks, Daehyun."

You really had a great evening. Itaewon was very pretty and everything was extra special because the B.A.P members were with you and making everything very funny, safe, memorable and especially funny. They all did some stupid and funny things that made you laugh so much you couldn't breathe. 

After they let you see the whole city you came back at the dorms. Everybody had bags with little snacks and things in it for you.

You: "You guys didn't have to buy all these things for me. "

DH: "It's okay. We like you"

JU: "You are part of our family now"

You blushed a bit.

You: "Thank you guys."

After a while, you searched for Himchan.

YJ: "Himchannie hyung is in his room"

You: "Thank you Youngjae."

You knocked on Himchan’s door.

HC: "Neh come in."

You: "I found you."

You saw Himchan sitting on his bed with some Polaroid pictures. You sat beside Himchan.

You: "When did you make those?"

HC: "I made them today for you. So you can remember this day."

You looked at the photos and saw yourself smiling with the members while ordering and eating street food.

You: "Whoah Himchan I am so happy you made these pictures for me. They are so pretty. It really means a lot to me."

Himchan stroke your hair, while you were looking at them you also felt a bit sad.

You:" I miss you on these photos. You are not standing on a single one of them... I am also a bit sad that I didn't even saw you making them. If I had paid more attention to you I would have noticed it. I would ask Youngjae to make one picture of the two of us."

Himchan smiled widely. He patted you on the head.

HC: "You really are cute. And don't worry I am glad you and the Dongsaengs were getting along so well. That and the smile you had on your face the whole time were making me happy too."

You: "Thank you Himchan. I feel really lucky that I met you. I am filled with happiness today and it's all because of you and the others who are so sweet to me."

Himchan smiled very widely and gently cupped your cheeks. He moved closer to you and gave you the sweetest kiss you ever had. Your lips moved along with his. You already had kissed Himchan a few times but this kiss had really set your heart on fire. This kiss was overflowing with Himchan’s feelings through it. You felt like you're the luckiest girl in the world. After a while, Himchan removed his lips from yours and looked at you with a happy smile.

HC: "Will you come over tomorrow too?"

You nodded with a blushing face.

You: "I would like that."

You gave Himchan a big hug and never wanted to let him go. 

The End!

[davidinosaka-blog]

January 28

Hi everyone! I haven't written in a while, so this will be a pretty long post. I haven't written since Christmas Day, when my family was here and we were traveling around together. So much happened during that trip, there's no way I could cover it all. So I want to go ahead and focus on what's happened since my family left, because there's so much to tell! I'm going way back to January 29, when I took the 8:00am Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. I was in a bit of a rush getting packed and ready to leave that morning, but we made it to the station at around 7:40, which we thought would give me plenty of time to get on my train. It would have been, except that the days leading up to the New Year are the busiest traveling days all year. I was starting to freak out a little, because I didn't know what platform I needed to go to, and every station attendant I saw was already surrounded by other travelers. I checked the time when I had 8 minutes until the train pulled out, freaked out a little, and started pushing my way towards a station employee. It all turned out fine, but I hadn't even been on the train a full minute when the doors closed and we started moving. After I got home, I got to take it slow and relax, and I met two of my host mom's former piano students when they came over with their newborns to catch up with my host mom. I had no idea that my host mom kept in touch with her former students, but when I asked her about them she said she still communicates with lots of them, and that in some families, she's taught two or three generations over the years. After we all finished visiting, my host sister, Azumi, took me to get my haircut. This was my third haircut since leaving Austin, and just like the first two I was terrified that my hair would get massacred. It went very well, though, because this time I was able to talk with my barber as he worked and tell him what I wanted. He asked lots of questions about barbershops in America, and asked me what each tool was in English as he used it. As we were wrapping up, he asked me which college I was studying at in Osaka, and I had to explain to him that I was only a sophomore in high school. He had been under the impression that I was much older than I am, which I'm still not used to, but he laughed about it and had me guess how old he was. Hopefully I'll be able to go back to the same place next time, but you never know. The next day, my host mom prepared a sort of yogurt, but it was very different from what I had been expecting. She added in every fruit she could find at the store: apple, strawberry, mango, banana, papaya, coconut, kiwi, and aloe, which I had no idea you could eat. Since then, there's always been some in the refrigerator to snack on. The next day, New Year's Eve, my host family (minus my host brother, who was still in Canada) and I all went to a traditional Japanese hotel in Mie, a prefecture close to Osaka. The hotel was built on top of several hot springs, which I had never used before, and it was where I got my feet wet (PUNPUNPUNPUN). It was actually a lot less uncomfortable than I had thought it would be, and my host mom's boyfriend, Goro, and I were able to relax in the baths for half an hour or so without feeling too strange. After we got out and dried off, we had a little down time and then went to dinner, which was a traditional Japanese feast. There were courses on courses on courses, with lots of food that I never knew existed. In particular there was a very expensive shellfish that was sort of hard when raw, but when it was cooked it was some of the best food I've eaten in Japan. Throughout the meal there was entertainment provided by a man performing traditional Japanese dances and a sushi chef who prepared an entire fish in less than a minute. The chef was very impressive, but the fish's tail was still twitching in the middle of the dish, which sort of threw me off of sushi for the rest of the night. The dances were very well performed, and I later found out that the dancer was actually just my age;he just looked much older. Once I learned that, I was even more impressed by his performance. The next morning, New Year's Day, we all soaked in the baths one more time, then stopped at a temple to pray for good luck on the way home. The temple seemed very different from when my family and I were touring because instead of a tourist site, it was the center of the community and the celebration for the coming year. There were families having picnics inside the walls, there were barbecues going on all over, and people were pouring in to wish each other a happy new year and to pray. The next day, January 2nd, my grandmother came to visit! We met up explored Tokyo, then I went back to school for a few days while she saw the sights in Kyoto. On the 8th, Azumi had a piano performance in a hotel lobby with an all-you-can-eat cake buffet, so my host mom and I decided to go check it out. All in all, it was a very fun experience, and I got to hear Azumi perform for the first time. She was very good, and her personality was much more professional while playing than while rehearsing and relaxing at home. On the way home in Goro's minivan, we jammed out to some American pop songs, which transitioned into Michael Jackson, which transitioned into Elvis Presley. I thought it was hilarious, because everyone was singing “You Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog” as we were driving through neon signs and traffic. Maybe I was just in a happy mood, but I thought it was really fun. The next night, Goro took me and my host mom to see a performance at Osaka Castle, and it wasn't like anything I'd been to before. The actors were all on a stage in front of us, and images were projected onto the walls of the castle behind them as the story progressed. I didn't understand what the actors said, but the story was easy to follow, and the setup was incredible! When my grandmother came back to Osaka after Kyoto, we went to see it again, and it was just as good as the first time. On the 10th, I went to school from the Tsuchida's home for the first time, and it was surprisingly easy. There's only one turn, and it's at a dead end, so I don't think there's a way I could get lost on my way. School itself was pretty fun, and we jumped straight into some new grammar and vocab in Japanese class. On Thursday, Bain and I went to the middle school attached to Momoyama, our high school, and made calligraphy and mochi with the middle school students. It was interesting being around younger students, because they spoke to us the same way they spoke to the teachers, as opposed to other students. The next day I went on a field trip with Bain, Mr. Shuto, who's my homeroom teacher, and with three other students to go look at ancient pottery. The trip was incredible from the start, because instead of going to a museum, we went to the government office where newly uncovered pieces are sent to for cleaning and categorization. We got a behind the scenes tour of how the entire process works, and were allowed to touch and hold pieces of pottery more than a thousand years old. We ended with a project similar to a rubbing; we used little sacks of ink to copy the patterns from small pieces onto paper. It was awe inspiring to recognize just how much history Japan has, and how lucky I am to experience it. After we came back to school, Bain and I had to watch a biking safety video since we both commute by bike now. I had been expecting a video like Red Asphalt from driver's ed, but instead it was set up like a drama, with flashbacks and cliffhangers. After that we went to our homeroom classes to present about our field trip experience. Because I'm the last student in my class by alphabet, I was the last one to present, but this time I was much more comfortable leading up to my turn speaking than before. I think that taking a break from foreign exchange and taking time to be a tourist recharged me, and since my family left, I've been much more outgoing than before they came. The next day, my grandmother came over to my host family's house, and we made a huge sushi lunch before dropping her off at the airport. Even though all of the food was just from a normal supermarket down the road, my grandmother thought the taste was better than at Uchi, one of the only sushi restaurants in Austin. The next week, in my Tuesday math class, I started making friends with some of the guys in my Japanese math class, especially a guy named Takeo. He's only spoken with me in English, which is very impressive for a student here who hasn't gone to study abroad. He's applying to come to either St. Stephen's or St. Andrew's in Mississippi next year, and I think it'd be really cool if he came. I think that the school is actually nearing a decision now, because I heard the pool of prospective students is down to 5 or 6. I'm very excited to find out, too, because they'll be the student I host in Austin next year. In our Thursday home economics class, we all presented a children's book we had written. We split into small groups of 5, and out of each group chose one person to present. I was chosen for our group, so I had to read my (very basic) Japanese to my class, but everyone thought it was a good book topic, so we all had a good time. At the end of the period everyone voted for which book they thought was the best out of the ones that were presented, and I came in second! After lunch we did school photos for our student ID cards, which was very fun. Everybody was joking around in line. It was really fun, and when I joked about being a model part time in the US, my homeroom believed me, and I had to explain that no, I'm not actually a model, which I never thought I would have to clarify. After school I went straight to my first violin lesson with my host sister and her teacher. It was something. The teaching method was very different from in the US; my teacher, Mr. Matsuda, physically corrected my form as I was playing, and had me work on all of the very basic aspects of playing. Overall, the lesson went very well, and my teacher wants me to pay him by helping him improve his English during our lessons. I'm really looking forward to working with him again, and I think that I'll be able to improve quite a lot here. On Sunday night, Ryosuke came home from Canada! Before going out to the airport, I met one of his best friends, and we went out to the airport with him. It was a very festive atmosphere, because 40 students were coming home from their year abroad, and everyone's family had come out to meet them. I was given a Japanese flag and a “Welcome Home” banner to hold, which I thought was pretty cool, until I saw another group of students throwing their friend in the air for celebration. When Ryosuke came out and saw his family, he ran up his mom, ducked past her, and hugged Azumi first, then eventually went back to his mom. It was a really lighthearted way of greeting his family. After he and I met, he had to go and take a big welcome home photo, and as he was taking it he joked to me about his double chin, since he had gained 10 kilograms, or about 20 pounds, while he was gone. During the car ride home he and I talked a lot, and in general joked around about Canada and his family's English skills. Everyone was poking fun at him too, for gaining so much weight while he was gone. When his grandmother saw him, the first thing she said was “You got fat, didn't you?” Poor Ryosuke. Roasted by his own grandmother. On Monday we threw his big welcome home party with his soccer teammates, which was crazy fun. Everyone came up to me and introduced themselves, then told me bad jokes in English about each other. It was really cool, and since then I've seen lots of the soccer team around school, and they call out and wave to me when they see me. The next day we went to go eat blowfish, which Ryosuke said he missed a lot, and then to go to Spa World, a huge hot spring type place in Tennoji. It was really cool, and it seems like a sick place to hang out. On a weekday, a full day pass is only about $10. The baths themselves were really cool. There were two that stood out in particular: one that was filled with carbonated water that bubbled on your skin, and one that was just filled with sake, Japanese wine. It was pretty awesome. On Thursday in track and field, we said goodbye to the students on the team that would go to study abroad next year, and I felt really at home with the team for the first time. I'm still not sure if I want to stay in the club, though. I really do like the people, but the workouts don't appeal to me, to the point where I consider skipping more often than not. My feeling is that since I don't love it, I might as well try something new for the second half of my time here, but if I do that, I won't be able to compete, which I think would be very fun to do here. That's a problem for me to figure out myself, though. That's all for now! I love you all!

[thesylvalining]

Time to trade Lisa’s mountain bike for… Lisa! And when she’s back from tour, it always means one thing:

So first, the girls shared aperitivo with their buddy Loic on the church steps in Faenza, with cheese from the Modena hills and wine from Loic’s latest tour in France. I enjoy this photo because somehow Lisa made Loic look like a swimsuit model with too many clothes and me look like a CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival) groupie. Meanwhile, Lisa looks lovely and excited to to see her eclectic subjects come together so well.

Next stop(s), obviously, is/are our favorite bar/restaurant/beach/nightclub/obsession on in Marina Romea: Boca Barranca! Lisa’s amazing longtime friend Nico is along as well. There are refreshing dunks in the ocean, Spritz, the mouth-watering fried seafood plate we’ve eaten our weight in and the equally mouth-watering bartender… everything turns out to be just as good as we remembered :). 

This time, the journeys perpetuate the watery theme. I take to calling us sorrellas (sisters) from other fellas because — per usual — we’re hooked at the hip.  Like thirsty camels, the sorrellas swap heat for aqueous dips at every opportunity. At this juncture, it seems fitting for me to be so near tenacious water. I appreciate water’s fluidity, its propensity to literally go with the flow, to be at home everywhere in the world.

We soon find ourselves drawn, like a water droplet from a sponge, out of the penetrative heat in Faenza. We arrive in Crespino del Lamone via the train up the Lamone river valley (which, after cresting the Apenninni dumps out in Firenze). From there, it’s a blissful cruise down to our dipping spot of choice. The first is overrun by what New Girl‘s Schmidt would call “youths” (pronounced ewe-thz), predominantly the testosterone-fueled variety. The second, while still afloat in testosterone, boasts a couple of families and several tiered pools in which to disseminate the youths.

In the swelter of Italian summer, I have discovered innumerous ways to whittle away a sweaty afternoon. The time spent dipping, napping, journaling and watching the youths cannonball off an abandoned building while the occasional train grumbled by overhead was precious. Precious because it was spent with Lisa, precious because it was a beautiful day and a fantastic time to be alive. Precious because both of us were fully present and wholly content doing a lot of nothing in particular.

Being present is another gift from the Universe, stashed in my increasingly bountiful cornucopia of Neat New Tricks. It is not that I have ceased to feel angry or sad about how everything between Tyler and I turned out. No — I feel difficult emotions but I am unafraid to let them wash over me like the often murky, refreshing waters of the Adriatic. It absolutely acceptable to feel strongly because we are human — I am human. But I have learned better, more enriching ways to be, partially because I consciously live in the present moment, without (too much) lingering in the past or hoping for the future.

I’m realizing, it’s all about a comprehensive view of life — like Benjamin Hoff explains in The Tao of Pooh. I swear, every time I pick it up, there’s a little jewel of wisdom waiting for me to ponder its shiny facets. Hoff explains best what I’m getting at: our favorite moments in life often occur before a much-anticipated event. Like finally opening birthday presents, going on vacation or seeing someone especially cool after not seeing them for a couple of weeks… 😉 The moments between and before are the crusts of bread if you can’t wait to eat the soft inside — but without them, there’s not actually bread.

My Italian buddy Igor and I were discussing life and such things at his house near Bagnacavallo whilst hanging laundry and nibbling bread and chocolate. It was before a particularly quirky and wonderful concert by Devendra Banhart on Monday night (I’ll wax lyrical upon this later). I said: I feel like I’m in my 20s again. Once again, I bask in the same natural spontaneity and joyousness — but with the brain, experience and self-awareness I have now. I feel lucky but it is far beyond luck. I’ve ceased to search for happiness, but it found me anyway as I suspect it does when life flows easily.

Waterfalls are happy places.

The tan lines of a cyclist!

Let us return to the Lamone river where the The Tao of Pooh was again eerily appropriate. As the water rushed by, I pulled my tarnished bookmark and read:

“Say, Pooh, why aren’t you busy?” I asked.

“Because it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.

“Yes, but –”

“Why ruin it?” he said.

“But you could be doing something Important,” I said.

“I am,” said Pooh.

“Oh? Doing what?”

“Listening,” he said.

“Listening to what?”

“To the birds. And that squirrel over there.”

“What are they saying?” I asked.

“That it’s a nice day,” said Pooh.

“But you know that already,” I said.

“Yes, but it’s always good to hear that somebody else thinks so, too,” he replied.

I closed the book with a laugh, read the passage to Lisa (contemplating her second nap on the pale ledge above me) and we both turned back to our important nothings, listening to the birds, the squirrels and the youths now cannonballing off the waterfall.

And on the way back? Gelato! Duh!

Back in Faenza, Palio season was in full effect. For those of you who’ve dipped a toe in Italy, the word Palio may hasten forth images of titillating horse races in the medieval heart of Siena. Faenza holds its own version throughout July, a fully and ornately costumed affair between the different rioni (neighborhoods), each with their own colors and meeting places (which are boisterous and serve good, inexpensive food all month).

The Palio starts with youth (ewe-th) flag tossing and horse races (which keep Sylva up into the wee hours of the night) and culminates at month’s end with the same song and dance for adults. Lisa and I popped out to watch with the parade to the final race with the rest of Faenza… And let me just say, anyone who knew me in my awkward years knows to say I was obsessed with medieval stuff (Nini? Kelly?) is putting it mildly. So I rather enjoyed the entire affair!

Freaking knights in freaking armor, everybody!

Each rione has a competition for prettiest wench, I mean lady.

And each rione has its own spirited band.

A day later, we marched ourselves and our bicycles up to the ridge of San Mamante, beloved by cyclists for its hilly spine and idyllic views. Also beloved by watery wenches such as ourselves, because ExperiencePlus! organized us all a lovely poolside aperitivo…

After Lisa trudged off somewhat reluctantly to lead another tour with the infamous Enrico 🙂 I was left largely to my own devices. Nature put in its liquid two cents, too, cooling down scorching Faenza with much-needed rain:

Even with my sorella gone, I live a far cry from a solitary life — I have aperitivi, multiple dates in one week with my bike and actual humans (even with a guy I met on the train — you guessed it, more later). Or I travel solo, which I truly savor. Or I also linger about the castle like a friendly spirit, diligently working on my book (almost finished and ready to be sent off), this blog and corrections for the article (now finalized!) for the Italian magazine, Ossigeno.

And I have oh-so-much time to ponder. I can process how much my life has changed and absorb this delectable sense of freedom and adventure into my very bones, which were created, I believe, to absorb such things. And to celebrate them!

You guessed it: The Tao of Pooh has something to say on this matter. Hoff unearthed a quote that’s so beautifully apt I’m going to quote Hoff quoting Lu Yu.

The clouds above us join and separate,

The breeze in the courtyard leaves and returns.

Life is like that, so why not relax?

Who can stop us from celebrating?

And what more says celebrate than when your morning Nutella on wholegrain tigella (imported from the recent mountain bike trip) suddenly looks exactly like the country you’re so very happy to be celebrating in!??!

So, to celebrate the celebration, I combed my fresh-out-of-bed hair and adventured. Sylvas adore a good adventure — even, and often especially, da sola (alone). I hopped aboard the same train Lisa and I rode for our river dip trip –surprisingly almost clean, not entirely packed — to Marradi. Marradi? Yes, the same spot the sorellas began their multi-day hike in the colder, windier, rainier days of late April. This time around, it was hotter than Beyonce’s sister Solange.

The hike became an all day affair, especially after I missed the nonexistent train between 1440 and 1859. Unfortunately this meant missing hamburgerata (a bi-annual hamburger cook off with their friends) with the downstairs neighbors, the same whose lovely daughter (and friend) I teach English to several times weekly. But it meant more time in the wide, wonderful outdoors where I always feel at home.

I found the forest, even in crowded Italy, largely devoid of other humans. I could hear them on distant dirt bikes and cars and early on, passed a group watching their buddy hang glide off an open, hilltop. And evidence of humanity presented sporadically with a fence, a rickety shelter or scared sheep bolting down the path ahead of me, the bells around their necks ringing a frantic tune. Otherwise, it was just me, the birds, the squirrels, the breeze…

… the trees and the ivy…

… the old cobblestones on the road to Eremo di Gamogna (the hermitage of Gamogna)…

… and quite possibly the best lunch spot around!

By the time I arrived back in Faenza it was after 1930 and of course, I was ravenous, but tired and very sated after a long sojourn in The Nature.

The beauty’s in the messy details…

Heading out of Marradi.

Lunch spot views.

Sylva = very scary.

Almost to the lunch spot!

A walk in the woods, anyone?

Heading back down.

There’s an Italian saying: Chi dorme non piglia pesci, or those who sleep don’t catch any fish. I may not have been in the business of catching fish (although some people might be able to argue that point… Lisa? 🙂 ) but recently I definitely was in the business of not sleeping… case in point why this clock…

… says 0400 (4 a.m.). Yep — more on that next time. Ciao for now!

Aqueous Transmissions Time to trade Lisa's mountain bike for... Lisa! And when she's back from tour, it always means one thing:

[cflaesgems16]

International Interview: Jackie (Mexico)

Introduction:

Jackie and I first met in our Basics in Financial Analysis class last semester (which only lasted like four weeks). Since Jackie is a BEM student like me we have all the same classes. Soon after our encounter in our finance class we became really good friends. We always sit by each other in classes, work on homework and group projects together, get lunch at East Canteen (our favorite restaurant). Jackie is my closest friends here, I know I can go to her with any questions academic, personal or silly. I am lucky each day that we have met.  

Jackie is in her third year studying marketing and communications at ITESM in Mexico. A lot of people have negative perceptions of Mexico, but Jackie loves where she comes from--Mexico is nothing like what we see in the movie. I hope within the next few years (after saving some money) I can go visit her and eat a ton of tacos and drink a lot of tequila. Jackie loves asian food (she’s the Mexican who cooks me Korean food), she’s passionate about learning whether it’s a new language, a different culture or in one of our business courses, and we share a lot of the same values. All in all she’s just a great person, who is always willing to help a friend in need.

1. What are three things you loved about your host country?

It's a really nice, calm and safe city.

It's really central so I can travel to other cities and countries very easily. Although if you wanna catch a flight we have to go to Basel or somewhere else to use the economic airlines.

I loved how everybody helped me to solve my problems when I arrived here and that it is very organised so it's easy to move and understand how everything works here.

2. What are three things you missed from your home country while you were abroad?

My family

The food and the people (Mexican people are really warm and welcoming)

The weather!!! It's always hot and nice in Mexico.

Also I like that you can find pretty much everything (except banks) on Sunday. For me, in Mexico, a Sunday means going to a restaurant or a mall, walking with my family, going to the cinema, buying groceries, and here in France everything is closed on Sunday.

(That was more than 3, sorry)

3. What was your favorite place that you’ve ever visited and why?

Rome. It's a beautiful city with years and years of history, with excellent food. It is not expensive, and the Romans are nice people. The weather is nice, and there is so much to see there. I spent five nights in Rome and it was just perfect.

4. What is one place that you would like to visit and why?

In Europe:

Salzburg, Austria: I heard it is a really nice city like a fairy tale.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: because... it's Amsterdam.

Mykonos, Greece: because it's nearby the sea, it's beautiful and probably the safest part in Greece.

Budapest, Hungary: some people say it's the most beautiful city in Europe.

In Africa:

South Africa. I heard it's such an amazing experience to be there.

Morocco. I want to see the desert

Egypt: So much history. And I want to see the pyramids.

In Asia:

Thailand: the food, the cities, the culture

South Korea: one of my best friends is from S. Korea and the way she describes it I think it should be an amazing country to visit.

Japan: because of the temples, the food, the culture, the history.

China: although it is too big, I'd like to see some cities, especially Hong Kong, Huairou (it's where the Great Chinese wall is) and Shanghai

In America:

Chile: I know it's a beautiful country with nice landscapes and it's safe.

Argentina: it must be fun and the food is excellent.

Costa Rica: the landscapes and the people.

Colombia: the landscapes and the people.

5. How has studying abroad changed you?

I grew a lot. That's the first thing I can think of. I had to face a lot of challenges so having to deal with them is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

I got to know myself more. I wanted to discover myself; what I really like, what I want in life. It's been really nice to have the chance to be me and think of these questions.

I also learned to appreciate my family more, and that I really miss them and if I can choose, I'd love to live close to them.

I learn about other cultures and discover that at the end, people around the world are not so different from others, or me. At the end, we all want to be happy, we all want to somehow succeed in life (whatever that means to each person; maybe it's love, maybe it's a good job, maybe it's money, maybe it's being a hippie and being in contact with nature).

I learned to appreciate my country but also to judge it. I learned that I cannot not care about others, about politics, about the world. And that maybe it's time for us to make a change.

6. What advice would you give other students who plan to study abroad?

First, make sure you're not under age.

Dare to do things differently but always be cautious and smart. Having fun does not mean being stupid and reckless.

Be reckless ... a little. Be careful. But know that being young is the only time you get to do some not so stupid things just for fun.

If you can, travel with people you really care about. I traveled with my boyfriend and it's by far the best experience I've ever had.

Hug a lot of people.

Talk to a lot of people.

learn from other people.

Listen to other people.

Help other people.

Don't eat junk food everyday.

Travel as much as you can.

Travel cheap.

Try every typical food. No matter what it is. Try it and then decide whether if you like or not. But don't say no before trying it.

Join different programs, or students groups.

Learn a lot from your teachers. Take that one difficult class with the bitch professor (those are the best and the ones you'll remember and will thank the most).

Cry, laugh, dance, sleep, don't sleep, cry again, every time you need it.

Always smile.

Say I love you really often to your significant others.

Be thankful.

Drink. At least once in your life, you have to drink a lot. But be careful when you do it. But don't mix different types of alcohol, please.

Take care of yourself.

Read the news, talk about politics.

Learn as much as you can from your host country.

Speak other language! Especially if your mother tongue is English.

Enjoy being with friends but also enjoy your loneliness.

Go to museums

Learn to cook a fancy dish. Or at least, learn to cook.

Get home safe.

Introduction:

J’ai rencontré Jackie dans notre cours L’Analyse de la Finance en le dernier semestre (qui était juste quatre semaines). Car Jackie est une etudiante BEM nous avons les mêmes cours. Après notre rencontre dans le cours nous sommes devenu proche amis. Nous sommes toujours assis l'un à l'autre dans les classes, travaillons sur des devoirs et des projets de groupe ensemble, obtenez le déjeuner à East Canteen (notre restaurant préféré). Jackie est mes plus proches amis ici, je sais que je peux aller à elle avec des questions académiques, personnelles ou stupides.

J'ai de la chance chaque jour que nous avons rencontré.C’est la troisième année à l'université pour Jackie qui étudie le marketing et la communication à ITESM en Mexico. Beaucoup de personnes ont une idée négative de Mexico, mais Jackie aime son pays--le Mexique n'est rien comme ce que nous voyons dans le film. J'espère dans l’avenir (après je économise l’argent) je peut la rendre une visite et mange beaucoup de tacos et bois le tequila. Jackie aime la cuisine asiatique (elle est la mexicaine qui me cuisine la cuisine coréenne), elle est passionnée d'apprendre si c'est une nouvelle langue, une culture différente ou dans nos cours de commerce, et nous partageons les mêmes valeurs. Dans l'ensemble, elle est juste une grande personne, qui est toujours prêt à aider un ami dans le besoin.

1. Quelles sont les trois choses que vous avez aimées dans votre pays d'accueil?

C’est très aimable, calme et une ville sûr.

C’est très centrale donc je peut voyager à autres villes et pays facilement. Néanmoins, si vous voulez prendre un avion, vous avez besoin d’aller à Basel ou ailleurs pour une compagnie aérienne moins cher.

J’aime que tous ceux rendre m’aider quand je suis arrivée là et c’est très organisé donc il est facile de bouger et comprendre comment tout marchent ici.

2. Quelles sont les trois choses qu’ils vous ont manqué de votre pays d'origine pendant que vous étudiez à l'étranger?

Ma famille.

Aliments et les gens (les mexicains sont très chaleureux et gentils.

Le temps!!! Toujours c’est chaud et agréable en Mexico.

Aussi j’aime que vous pouvez trouver tous les entreprises ouverts dimanche (sans les banques). Pour moi, en Mexico, dimanche signifie aller au restaurant ou le centre commerciale, marchant avec ma famille, aller au cinéma, faire du shopping, et ici, en France tous sont fermé dimanche.

(Pardon, c’est plus que trois)

3. Quel était votre endroit préféré que vous avez déjà visité et pourquoi?

Le Rome. C’est une ville très belle avec plusiers ans d’histoire avec l’aliments excellent. Ce n’est pas très cher et les romains sont gentils. Le temps est agréable et il y à beaucoup de choses à voir. J’ai passé cinq nuits à Rome et c'était parfait.

4. Quel est l'endroit que vous aimeriez visiter et pourquoi?

En Europe:

Salzburg, Autriche: j'ai entendu dire que c'est une ville vraiment sympa comme un conte de fées.

Amsterdam, Hollande: parce que… c’est Amsterdam

Mykonos, Grèce: parce que c’est proche de la mer, c’est beau et probablement le plus sûr parti de Grèce.

Budapest, Hongrie: certains disent que c'est la plus belle ville d'Europe.

En Afrique:

Afrique du Sud:  j'ai entendu dire que c'était une expérience extraordinaire.

Maroc: je voudrais voir le désert.

Égypte: Beaucoup d’histoire et je voudrais voir les pyramides.

En Asie:

Thaïlande: les aliments, les villes, la culture.

Corée du Sud: l'un de mes meilleurs amis est de la Corée du Sud et la façon dont elle décrit, je pense que ce devrait être un pays incroyable à visiter.

Japon: parce les temples, les aliments, la culture et l’histoire.

Chine: néanmoins c’est trop grand, je voudrais voir des villes, particulièrement, Hong Kong, Huairou (c'est là que se trouve le grand mur chinois) et Shanghai.

En Amerique:

Chili: je sais que c’est un pay très beau avec les paysages agréable et c’est sûr.

Argentine: Il doit être amusant et la nourriture est excellente.

Costa Rica: ;es paysages et les gens.

Colombie: les paysages et les gens.

5. Comment les études à l'étranger vous ont-elles changés?

Je me suis developpee beaucoup. C’est la première chose que je peux penser. J'ai dû faire face à beaucoup de défis ainsi avoir à traiter avec eux est probablement une des choses les plus dures que j'ai jamais eu à faire.

J’ai appris beaucoup qui concerne moi. J’ai voulu décrire moi-même; ce que j'aime vraiment, ce que je veux dans la vie. Il a été vraiment agréable d'avoir la chance d'être moi et de penser à ces questions.

Aussi, j’ai appris être sensible à ma famille, plus, et qu’elle me manque et si je peux choisir dans l’avenir je voudrais habiter proche d’eux.

J’ai appris d’autres cultures et j’ai décrit qu'à la fine, les gens du monde ne sont pas très différents. À la fin, nous voulons d'être heureux, nous voulons réussir dans la vie

(Tout ce que cela signifie pour chaque personne, peut-être c'est l'amour, peut-être que c'est un bon travail, peut-être c'est d'argent, peut-être que c'est un hippie et être en contact avec la nature).

J'ai appris à apprécier mon pays mais aussi à le juger. J'ai appris que je ne pouvais pas me soucier des autres, de la politique, du monde. Et que peut-être est-il temps pour nous de faire un changement.

6. Quel conseil donneriez-vous aux autres étudiants qui prévoient étudier à l'étranger?

Premier, assurez-vous que vous n'êtes pas mineur.

Osez faire les choses différemment, mais toujours être prudent et intelligent. S'amuser ne signifie pas être stupide et téméraire.

Soyez imprudent ... un peu. Faites attention. Mais sachez que le fait d'être jeune est la seule fois où vous pouvez faire certaines choses pas si stupides juste pour le plaisir

Si vous pouvez, voyager avec des gens que vous aimez vraiment. J'ai voyagé avec mon petit ami et c'est le meilleur séjour que j'aie jamais eu.

Étreignez beaucoup de gens.

Parlez avec beaucoup de gens.

Ecoutez à beaucoup de gens.

Aidez beaucoup de gens.

Ne mangez pas beaucoup de cochonneries toujours.

Voyagez beaucoup.

Voyagez moins cher.

Essayez la nourriture qui est typique pour ce pays, région ou lieu. Quoi qu'il en soit. Essayez-le et décidez si oui ou non. Mais ne dites pas non avant de l'essayer.

Devenez un membre de programmes différents ou les groupes d'étudiants.

Apprenez beaucoup de vos professors. Prenez cette classe difficile avec le professeur qui est un chiant (ceux qui sont les meilleurs et ceux que vous vous souviendrez et vous remerciera le plus).

Pleurer, rire, danser, dormir, ne pas dormir, pleurer à nouveau, chaque fois que vous en avez besoin.

Sourire, toujours.

Dire que je t'aime vraiment souvent à vos autres significatifs.

Être reconnaissants.

Buvez. Au moins une fois dans votre vie, vous devez boire beaucoup. Mais attention quand vous le faites. Mais ne mélangez pas différents types d'alcool, s'il vous plaît.

Prenez soin de vous.

Lisez les nouvelles, parlez de politique.

Apprenez tout ce que vous pouvez de votre pays d'accueil.

Parlez autre langue! Surtout si votre langue maternelle est l'anglais.

Profitez d'être avec des amis, mais aussi profiter de votre solitude.

Allez au musees.

Apprenez à cuisiner un plat de fantaisie. Ou du moins, apprenez à cuisiner.

Rentre à la maison.