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sursereinisle · 1 month ago

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Armored Vehicle Rental in Istanbul For Secure Transportation

Istanbul, a city where East meets West, is one of the world's most vibrant and historic cities. From its breathtaking Bosporus views to its bustling bazaars, Istanbul draws millions of tourists, diplomats, executives, and VIPs annually. However, in an ever-changing global environment, ensuring personal safety is a growing concern, especially for those in high-risk categories. One solution? Armored vehicle rentals in Istanbul.

Armored vehicles provide the highest level of protection and comfort for individuals who prioritize safety without compromising on luxury. Whether you're attending a high-profile event, on a business trip, or simply want peace of mind while navigating through Istanbul’s busy streets, renting an armored vehicle is an essential investment. This article explores the benefits, features, and FAQs surrounding armored vehicle rentals in Istanbul.

Why Opt for an Armored Vehicle Rental in Istanbul?

Opting for an armored vehicle rental in Istanbul provides unparalleled security in a bustling city, ensuring safe travel through high-risk areas while maintaining a low profile. This choice combines advanced protection with luxury and comfort, allowing passengers to focus on their activities without worrying about potential threats.

Rising Demand for Security in Istanbul

As one of Turkey's most visited cities, Istanbul hosts countless business leaders, diplomats, and tourists annually. With global risks and threats constantly evolving, including terrorism and kidnapping, personal security has become an essential consideration for high-profile individuals. Armored vehicle rental companies cater to these needs, providing clients with superior protection during their travels

VIPs, Diplomats, and Business Executives: Who Needs Armored Vehicles?

While ordinary tourists might not often need armored protection, some individuals are at higher risk due to their professions or status. Armored vehicles are particularly in demand among.

Diplomats

Diplomats play a critical role in international relations, frequently traveling between embassies and consulates to negotiate agreements and address diplomatic issues. Given the sensitive nature of their work, they often require the highest levels of security to protect against potential threats. This can include personal security teams, secure transport options, and stringent protocols to ensure their safety while abroad. The importance of their mission makes it essential to maintain a low profile while still ensuring they can operate effectively in foreign environments.

Business Executives

Corporate leaders, whether attending high-stakes conferences or negotiating significant deals, often find themselves in situations that require secure transport. The need for safety is paramount, allowing them to concentrate fully on business operations without the distraction of security concerns. High-profile executives can be targets for various threats, making professional security services a crucial component of their travel plans. Ensuring their safety not only protects them but also safeguards the interests of their companies.

Celebrities

Public figures visiting bustling cities like Istanbul face unique challenges, including intense media scrutiny and potential safety risks. They often require security measures to shield them from unwanted attention and ensure their well-being during public appearances. This can involve hiring personal security teams that specialize in managing crowds and navigating high-pressure situations. By prioritizing their safety, celebrities can engage with their fans while minimizing the risks associated with their fame.

Tourists with Security Concerns

Travelers who carry valuable items or sensitive information may prefer to have extra security measures in place while exploring new destinations. These individuals often seek reassurance that their belongings and personal safety are protected, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Security services can provide peace of mind through trained personnel who monitor surroundings and assist with any potential issues. For these tourists, having an extra layer of protection allows them to enjoy their experiences without constant worry.

Features and Benefits of Armored Vehicle Rentals in Istanbul

Bulletproof Protection

Armored vehicles in Istanbul are specifically designed with safety in mind, featuring bullet-resistant glass and reinforced body panels. These vehicles provide a formidable barrier against a range of threats, including bullets, explosions, and even Molotov cocktails. This level of protection is especially crucial when traveling through high-risk areas or during routine commutes in unpredictable environments. With such features, passengers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are well-protected while on the move.

Comfortable and Luxurious Interiors

Choosing an armored vehicle doesn't mean compromising on comfort; in fact, many rental companies prioritize luxury alongside security. These vehicles often boast plush interiors equipped with high-quality leather seats, advanced climate control, and entertainment systems for an enjoyable ride. Additionally, modern communication tools ensure passengers stay connected while traveling. This combination allows individuals to travel in style, feeling both secure and pampered throughout their journey.

Discreet Appearances

One of the key advantages of modern armored vehicles is their discreet design. Despite their reinforced structures, many models are crafted to resemble regular luxury cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Range Rover. This allows passengers to travel without attracting unnecessary attention, blending seamlessly into urban landscapes. The ability to maintain a low profile while enjoying top-tier security makes these vehicles an appealing choice for those who prioritize both safety and discretion.

Enhanced Driving Capabilities

Armored vehicles are not only fortified for safety but also enhanced for performance. They come equipped with high-performance engines and modified suspension systems, ensuring they can handle a variety of terrains and road conditions. Reinforced tires provide added durability, preventing punctures and ensuring the vehicle remains operable in hazardous situations. These modifications allow for a reliable travel experience, even in challenging environments, making safety and mobility a seamless combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent an armored vehicle in Istanbul?

The cost of renting an armored vehicle varies depending on the type of car, the level of protection, and the rental duration. On average, daily rentals for standard models start at around $500, while luxury or high-end armored vehicles may cost upwards of $1,500 per day.

Can I rent an armored vehicle without a driver?

Most companies provide armored vehicles with professional drivers to ensure maximum safety. These drivers are trained in security measures, defensive driving techniques, and crisis management. While some companies may offer self-driving options, it’s not commonly recommended due to the security risks involved.

What level of protection do armored vehicles offer?

Armored vehicles come with varying levels of protection, from standard bulletproof glass to full military-grade armor. These vehicles are equipped to handle threats like small arms fire, high-caliber rifles, and even explosive devices. The protection level is usually customized based on the client’s needs and risk assessment.

How do I book an armored vehicle rental in Istanbul?

Booking an armored vehicle rental is typically done through a secure online portal or by contacting the rental company directly. You’ll need to provide your itinerary, security needs, and preferred vehicle type. Early booking is recommended to ensure vehicle availability, especially during high-profile events or busy seasons.

Are armored vehicles only for high-risk situations?

Not necessarily. While they are designed to protect against extreme threats, armored vehicles can be used for any situation where safety is a priority. Even travelers without significant security concerns may choose an armored car for peace of mind, especially when transporting valuable assets or important personnel.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city of endless opportunities, rich culture, and dynamic growth. However, for individuals who prioritize personal security, armored vehicle rentals offer a critical solution. Whether you’re a diplomat, executive, or cautious traveler, renting an armored vehicle ensures that you can explore the city in peace and luxury. With state-of-the-art technology, discreet appearances, and professional drivers, Istanbul’s armored vehicles make safety a seamless part of the journey.

#Armored Vehicle Rental in Istanbul

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visacollect · 2 months ago

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Turkey Visa for Indians: Eligibility and How to Apply

Turkey brings its history, culture, and modernity. You can see Istanbul's chaotic streets and the ancient ruins. Many tourists come to Turkey each year. Many people come from India as well.

If you are from India and want to see Turkey, you should know more about their visa process. Here, we will tell you all about getting a Turkish visa so you can have a smooth experience.

Why Visit Turkey?

Turkey has the most stunning views and historical sites. If you love beautiful scenery or roaming around vibrant bazaars, you will definitely love to spend some time in Turkey. But before you pack your bags, you need to do your research, and that includes getting a visa to experience Turkey.

Eligibility for a Turkey Visa for Indians

Familiarity with the eligibility requirements is the first step for getting a visa to Turkey. Indians can apply for various visas to Turkey, that are compatible with the purpose of the trip.

Tourist Visa: If you just wanna have a short vacation, you should get this visa. It is cheaper and allows you to tour and enjoy this beautiful place.

Business Visa: If you wanna go to meetings and attend conferences, you should get this visa because you are going for business purposes. This visa is a bit expensive but will avoid any issues related to your stay for a longer period.

Student Visa: An Indian student wishing to continue his studies in Turkey should obtain this visa. This is mainly for long-term courses and is given to students who are accepted by Turkish educational institutions.

Work Visa: Yielding to those willing to work in Turkey a work visa is obligatory. For the purpose of your application, you are to secure a job offer from a Turkish employer.

E-Visa: To the delight of the Turkish authorities, Indian citizens just need to meet a few requirements in order to obtain the e-Visa. This can be done online and is valid for short stays of a maximum of 30 days.

Documents Required for Turkey Visa for Indians

The Indian applicants who are applying for a Turkey visa have to submit a set of supporting documents that prove their visa application. Below is a list of the main necessary papers:

Visa completed application process: Available online or with the Turkish consulate.

Passport: You should have a passport that is valid for six more months than your arrival date in Turkey. Furthermore, make sure your visa has at least two blank pages available.

Photographs: Passport photo in size with coloured and dated within a year.

Proof of Travel: Confirmed flight tickets if possible.

Accommodation Details: This is the proof of hotel reservations or arrangement base for the accommodation.

Financial Proof: You should produce a bank statement for the last three months showing that you have enough money to cover your stay in Turkey.

Visa Fees: Confirmation of payment for the visa application.

How to Apply for a Turkey Visa from India

The Turkey visa application process is simple and done via online and office visit to a Turkish consulate by Indians. Let's explain each step:

1. Determine the Type of Visa

First, choose the type of visa you want. Complying with the laws for a variety of reasons, be it for tourism, business, or study, you must select the correct visa category to guarantee that your application is processed without any trouble.

2. Online Application (E-Visa)

Those who are qualified to apply for a Turkey e-Visa Online would find it very fast and easy to do. The e-visa procedure is very fast, and you can receive your visa by email if you do it through our website, Visa Collect.

Either enter the official Turkey e-visa portal directly or get a visa much easier with Visa Collect experts.

Give your passport info, travel dates, and personal contact details as well.

The visa fee can be paid using a debit or credit card.

You will get your visa in your email. Make sure that you print one and take it with you on the trip.

3. Embassy/Consulate Application

On the other hand, for other visa types such as business, study, or work, you have to apply at the Turkish consulate.

Make an appointment online at the Turkish consular office near you.

Hand in the required documents directly to the office.

Pay the visa fee and keep the receipt for future reference.

If necessary, go for an interview.

You can collect the passport from the consulate or have it delivered to your address by courier after it is approved.

4. Processing Time

The processing time for a Turkey visa can change from one period to the next. E-visa applications normally are finished in one day, consulate applications, however, may take up to 10 working days. Apply at least a month before your travel date to prevent any delays.

Common Reasons for Turkey Visa Rejection

Even though the process is quite straightforward, there are a few normal reasons why Turkey visa applications might be rejected:

Incomplete application forms

Insufficient financial proof

Expired passport

Lack of proper accommodation details

In order to not get denied, be sure that every legal document is accurate, complete, and updated. Collaborating with a trustworthy visa service provider, such as Visa Collect, will help to avoid any possible problems.Visa Collect is your trustworthy friend in the process of getting visas for Turkey and other destinations. The company has many years of experience and a team of visa professionals.

#visa collect #visa services #TurkeyVisa #TurkeyVisaForIndians #TurkeyTravelVisa

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rank-sentimentalist · 7 months ago

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One of the world’s most wanted men, a notorious narco kingpin whose gang is implicated in multiple murders, has left a trail of Google reviews providing valuable new insights into his movements and whereabouts over the past five years.

Christopher Kinahan Sr is the head of the notorious Kinahan Organised Crime Group, which originated in Ireland and is otherwise known as the Kinahan Cartel. Irish police believe the gang has amassed profits of over $1 billion through the trade of illegal narcotics, arms trafficking and money laundering over the years.

The US Government is currently offering a collective $15 million bounty for information leading to the financial disruption or arrest of Kinahan and his two sons (Daniel and Christopher Junior). All three are reported to be based in Dubai, which has so far refrained from extraditing the wanted trio.

Multiple media reports have suggested that Kinahan Sr has sought to reinvent himself in recent years, using his first and middle names “Christopher Vincent” given the notoriety now attached to the Kinahan name.

Surprisingly, he has left behind a significant digital footprint linked to this identity which has made it possible to gain valuable new insights into his activities and movements.

Kinahan Sr’s LinkedIn account used the Christopher Vincent alias, something that was first identified by Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper in 2022. Now, it appears the owner of an identically named profile has been freely posting his thoughts via Google reviews since 2019. The account boasts of international trips to the likes of Spain, Hungary, Turkey, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Egypt, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Perhaps less surprisingly, the account has left reviews for a number of establishments in Dubai near to where Kinahan Sr resides.

Some reviews are short and mundane, such as a comment left for a restaurant in Istanbul in August 2022: “The restaurant is chic and plush, the service was good but not outstanding.” Others, however, reveal interesting clues about his apparent activities in recent years. Some comments detail attending “business networking” conferences in Zimbabwe and of watching a sunset with colleagues in South Africa as they “discussed some business”. Another states Kinahan Sr is a “Platinum Ambassador” on an international hotel group’s reward program.

No reviews for locations outside of the UAE have been posted since the US wanted notice was announced in April, 2022.

(There is more in the article, linked.)

#Christopher Kinahan Sr #Bellingcat #Connor Plunkett #Peter Barth #John Mooney #Beau Donelly #Google Reviews #open source journalism

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cyberbenb · 1 year ago

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Zelensky, Erdogan to meet in Istanbul

President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on July 7, the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications wrote.

The two leaders will hold a joint press conference after the meeting, according to the report.

This is an official announcement of Zelensky’s visit to Turkey, earlier reported by Turkish news agency Anadolu. Zelensky’s international trips are usually not announced in advance for security reasons.

Before Turkey, Ukraine’s president visited Bulgaria and Czechia on July 6 to discuss defense assistance and the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, among other topics.

According to the Anadolu news outlet, Erdogan and Zelensky are set to discuss relations between the two countries, regional and international issues, the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the Black Sea grain agreement, set to expire on July 17.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by Turkey and the UN in July 2022, has been essential in mitigating a global surge in food prices. Russia’s war initially prevented Ukraine from shipping agricultural products through its Black Sea ports.

Moscow has threatened not to prolong the agreement unless the West eases its restrictions against Russia’s grain and fertilizer exports.

Politico: Zelensky argues with Bulgarian president over his opposition to arming Ukraine

During his July 6 visit to Sofia, President Volodymyr Zelensky argued with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev over his negative stance on arming Ukraine in a televised meeting cited by Politico.

The Kyiv IndependentDinara Khalilova

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jogjakarta · 2 years ago

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Indonesian Islamic University Lecturer Lost Contact When Returning from Olso (Norway)

The Islamic University of Indonesia (UII) is grieving because one of its lecturers, Ahmad Munasir Rafie Pratama (AMRP), has not been located after participating in global mobility activities at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN). The UII team consists of four people, including Prof. Fathul Wahid, Chancellor of UII visited USN to strengthen cooperation between the two universities, with funding support from the European Union, through the Erasmus+ scheme.

After a week of activities at USN, since February 5 2023, on February 12 2023 the team left Norway via Oslo airport. Prof. Fathul Wahid last met AMRP in Oslo, Norway on the night of 11 February 2023. The team was divided into three different flights. AMRP alone on the flight back to Indonesia, via Istanbul, Turkey.

According to the plan that was conveyed orally, the route for the trip was Oslo-Istanbul-Riyadh-Istanbul-Jakarta. AMRP did not share detailed flight information with colleagues at UII and neither did his wife.

The trip to Riyadh was made, because some of the tickets were paid for by the conference committee in Saudi Arabia which required the route. Prior to Oslo, AMRP gave a keynote address at an international conference held in Jeddah.

AMRP sent a final message to his wife on the afternoon of 12 February 2023, just before boarding the flight to Istanbul which read: 'waiting for boarding'. Since then, AMRP has never sent another message. Various attempts to contact through various online channels, including email, were made, but AMRP has not responded to any of them.

According to verbal information provided by AMRP and confirmed by WhatApp messages to his wife, AMRP will land in Jakarta on 16 February 2023 at 18.00. AMRP's sister waited at the arrival gate and did not find the person concerned. After confirming with Angkasa Pura, the name AMRP was not in the flight manifest.

UII has tried to contact many parties for help. UII has conveyed this information to the Indonesian Embassies in Norway and Turkey, including contacting the conference committee in Jeddah who ordered flight tickets. UII has also contacted Turkish Airline in Oslo to confirm that the AMRP has boarded the flight. The AMRP family has officially reported this to the police.

Due to the absence of a ticket booking reference number, tracking is not easy. Tracking is also done by scanning online activity. There are traces of online activity in Turkey on February 13, 2023 at around 03:00 and 08:00. After that, there are no traceable online traces.

Currently, UII is still waiting for information from the Turkish Airline office in Jakarta to help determine the final stopover city.

UII continues to track in various ways and coordinate with many parties. UII asks for prayers from all parties so that AMRP's whereabouts will be known soon, in good health and condition.

UII appealed to parties who have information regarding AMRP's whereabouts to contact UII's Humas Whatsapp number 0821 3173 7773.

Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.

Rector

#uii #oslo #lecture #lost-contact #norway

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surgeons2019-blog · 5 years ago

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Here is the chance to present and publish your research paper in the International Journals and with a trip to Istanbul. What more you need...

Grab your slots now... Only a few slots left for the Conference.

#surgery #surgeons #Turkey #Istanbul #Conference #meeting #trip #presentations #abstract

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the-blind-assassin-12 · 5 years ago

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Too Good To Be True (part two)

A/N: Benjamin comes home from his conference and the two of you can finally celebrate your recent successes. But there’s been something looming in the back of Benjamin’s mind that makes it to the forefront. Is it big enough to get in the way of what the two of you are building, or are his fears unfounded? (I’m VERY excited about the next part.)

Word Count: 3,633

Warning: the nerd stuff continues.

Benjamin blinked slowly, squeezing his eyes tightly shut before scrubbing his hand down over his face. The unmistakable bump and jostle of the landing gear touching down on the tarmac pulled him from the deep sleep he’d found during the flight. He’d been slumped into the wall of the plane, the side of his head pressed against the window. Straightening up, he took a breath in through his nose and turned to his right. Glad I leaned left. The surly looking man he’d been sitting next to looked even more unhappy to be back in London than he had when leaving Sarajevo, and Benjamin could only imagine that accidentally falling asleep on his neighbor’s shoulder would have made for a very uncomfortable flight. He cleared his throat and stretched his shoulders, reaching up to slide his glasses from the top of his head back down to his nose. Lifting the window cover, he let the early morning sunlight finish waking him up as the looming structure of Heathrow’s arrivals terminal came into view, the man in the middle seat grumbling about the glare. Home.

He’d parted ways with Kesting and Oberman after the conference wrapped up. Dr. Kesting was traveling to visit his granddaughter who was studying abroad in Paris, and Professor Oberman had decided to turn the layover in Istanbul into a short holiday. He’d invited Benjamin to join him, since Kesting being away meant that Benjamin would also have some time off, but he declined respectfully. Despite the fact that he’d never been to Turkey, and that visiting the Hagia Sophia had been on his bucket list since he’d first read about it in primary school, there was somewhere else he much prefered to jet off too. A ding sounded from the overhead speakers as the captain addressed the passengers, letting them know that the plane would be taxiing, and thanking them for choosing Lufthansa Airways. But Benjamin wasn’t listening. His thoughts were already on you, and how he couldn’t wait to see your face. Six days have never felt so long.

Of course, there were extenuating circumstances that made those six days seem even longer. The fact that both of you were brimming with excitement over your recent triumphs, and that you’d had to put a hold on celebrating them was the biggest factor. Though his trip had been one highlight after another between the conference, the sight seeing, the food and overall experience, your voice over the phone as he leaned into the hotel pillows had been one of the highest points. He was thrilled for you, completely overjoyed that you’d snagged your dream job, and every thought not directed at the presentation was spent on you; on how proud he was of you, how happy he knew you were. On how this is only the beginning.

That was one side of the coin, the shiny, gilded side. The flipside was tarnished and dull and crusted with things he didn’t want to think about but couldn’t avoid. Julia. It astounded him, the level of unease that he felt when he thought of her. For a time, she was his world. She was the thing that kept him grounded and whole. She was the thing he’d take tall leaps and big risks for, the object of his affection, the keeper of his heart. But that was a lie, all of it. She never really… She never really loved him, never really wanted him. When he thought she was building him up, she was secretly looking for weaknesses, targeting them like termites would do to a rotting foundation.

She hadn’t tried to contact him since a few months after the divorce was finalized, before he met you. But that didn’t help the gnawing feeling growing in his gut that somehow she’d find a way to spoil this for you, be it merely by existing in his memory, or by other means. I won’t let that happen- won’t let her ruin this too. He resolved to talk to you about it, about her and about how he hated the fact that he couldn’t properly celebrate your new job with the British Museum without the fact that that’s where he’d met Julia leaching into it. It was something he thought about ever since you’d shared with him that it was your dream to restore a piece that would be on display there for the world to see, always telling himself that he’d deal with it when the time came. Not that he didn’t expect that it would come, he just didn’t see a reason to bring her up unless it was necessary. Now that you’d be spending a great deal of time and energy in a place that meant something to the tattered remains of his relationship with Julia, he couldn’t avoid the topic any longer.

Avoid isn’t...I’m not avoiding, I just… He didn’t want to hurt you in any way, didn’t want you to think he was keeping things from you or that he doubted that you’d accomplish your goal so he’d never have to bring it up at all. That wasn’t it. Benjamin knew without a shadow of a doubt that you’d achieve anything that you set your sights on. He believed in you the way that you believed in him. You made him feel like anything was possible if the two of you were a team. But as much as he loved you, and as full as his life with you had become, he found himself anxious to broach this topic. Uncomfortable conversations had never been well-received with former partners, and while you couldn’t have been more different from the women he’d been with in the past, he found himself unsure of how you’d respond.

The disgruntled older gentlemen that he’d been sitting next to cleared his froggy throat with a hacking sound that drew Benjamin out of his thoughts and back to the plane as passengers around him started to gather their belongings. He sighed, pulling his laptop case out from under the seat in front of him. His carry-on was tucked into the overhead compartment, zippers straining to keep it closed after stuffing it with mementos and souvenirs from his trip. He took his phone out of his jacket pocket and switched airplane mode off so that he could check in with you. Slinging the strap of his case over his shoulder, he shuffled forward after his flightmate as the man reached his stubby arms up for his items. A few news and email notifications came through and Benjamin’s phone buzzed in his palm as he swiped them away. But before he could open the messaging app, your text came through and chased away the worry he was feeling over Julia and the conversation that was looming around the corner. Got here early, can’t wait to see you.

He grinned as he typed out his response. Just landed, can’t wait either. Now that there was space for him to exit his row and reclaim his bulging bag from above, he didn’t plan on waiting any longer than he had to. He’d missed you for six straight days and he didn’t have to anymore. He thanked the airline attendants as he deboarded, striding with long steps through the gate and into the bustling hub of Heathrow International. Right hand gripped tightly around the leather straps of his bag, he followed the signs to the pick up point where you’d planned to meet him, side stepping lost, confused and frazzled travellers as they tried to navigate the massive airport. Finally making it to the door, he craned his neck to see you perched on the boot of your car, head down as you checked your phone, the breeze toying with your hair. There she is. He felt a warm rush flood his body as he watched you fix the wayward strands. In that same motion, you turned towards the building and saw him, face lighting up and one arm waving excitedly. He felt his eyes crinkle as his smile overtook his features and he pushed the glass door open closing the distance to where you stood.

“Hey,” you greeted him, your smile lifting your voice as you pocketed your phone and opened your arms for him.

“Hey yourself,” he carefully lowered his bag to the curb, taking the strap from his shoulder to lay the laptop case on top of it. You slipped your arms under his, but he caught you by surprise by quickly pulling you into his chest, arms going around your shoulders as he laid a kiss to your temple. “I missed you,” he said softly as he stroked your hair and pulled back to look you in the eye. So much.

You wrinkled your nose, brushing it against his. “So kiss me, then, why don’t-”

He didn’t need to be told twice. Grabbing your face between his palms, he obeyed your command and kissed you deeply, swallowing your surprised little laugh as it turned into a sigh. “There,” he said, lips still resting against yours. “How’s that for missing you?”

“It’s a good start, Benjamin.” You let your hand slide down his arm to find his hand, squeezing it lightly. “Now let’s get home so you can finish showing me how much you missed me.” You let go of his hand and picked up his laptop. There was nothing else in the universe that he wanted to do, no where else in the world that he wanted to go aside from home with you.

He bent to pick up his bag as you took a step towards the car, but again took you by surprise as he wrapped you back up in his arms, your bubbly laughter spilling from your lips and your small hands clutching his forearms as they crossed over your waist. I love this woman so incredibly much. He tilted his face to the side so that he could whisper into your ear. “Sounds good to me.” He could feel the way that his low voice rose bumps all along your flesh, and he knew that you were already thinking about how he planned on showing you. Don’t worry, love, I’ve got you covered. He released you and arranged his features into an innocent smile. “Why don’t I drive?”

You shook your head, blowing air out of your nose as a blush colored your cheeks. “Sure,” you extended your keys out to drop them into his hand. He took them and opened the passenger side door for you, stowing his bag near your feet. “Benjamin?” He raised one eyebrow above the rim of his glasses in question. “Drive fast.” With pleasure. He leaned in to kiss you one more time before circling around to the driver’s side and getting in.

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

The drive back to Southend on Sea was fairly quick, and made to go by even more quickly as Benjamin handed you his phone and instructed you to scroll through the hundreds of photos that he took, telling you about each one with a sideways shift of his eyes from the road to the screen in your hand. He’s so excited. There’d been photos of the hotel where he stayed, the convention center before, during and after the presentations, shots of him and his colleagues in their jackets and sweaters. He’d taken loads of pictures of street vendors and markets selling everything under the sun from the pen he’d purchased for himself that was made from a bullet casing, to the hand-hammered copper coffee pot he’d brought home for you. You could almost hear the tinkering of tools as he described Coppersmith Street to you, imagining a crooked street lined with little tents and booths, each one housing a metal worker, their hands meticulously molding and crafting all sorts of things from the practical to the decorative. The next was a close up photo he’d taken of himself next to an engraved cornerstone that marked the location of Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. You laughed to yourself. Of course. “These are great, Benjamin, I’m so glad you had a good time.” You set his phone into the cup holder and smiled at him as he exited the main road and pulled onto your town’s main street.

“Would have been more fun with you,” he assured you.

“Next time,” you promised back, confident as anything that there would be a next time and that it wouldn’t be long until there was.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Next time.”

The topic changed from his conference to your work, and you filled him in on what he didn’t already know. You’d gotten the inventory list that morning, so you rattled off some of the more interesting items you’d be working on. “I’ve got the whole list at home though, with pictures of some of the artifacts. You can have a look when we get in.”

But that plan was forgotten as soon as you both made it through the front door. Bags dropped and left in the foyer, Benjamin wasted no time in taking you to the bedroom, pausing along the way to pin you against the wall or kiss you halfway up the staircase, your thoughts swimming and shuffling until they became nothing but his name. Neither of you had eaten anything since the previous night but the hunger for each other was stronger than anything else and you were glad to let other needs take a backseat to this one.

An hour or so later, after you’d both showered and changed, eaten and had a cup of tea, the two of you rejoined on the couch. You let the remainder of the afternoon melt away as you randomly remembered things to tell each other. He’d almost forgotten, having given you the coffee pot while still in the car, that he’d purchased you a second souvenir from his trip. “This one’s more congratulatory,” he explained, pulling the small drawstring bag from his pocket. “I meant to give it to you earlier, but…” Shrugging, he handed you the bag, eyes trained on your face to read your reaction.

You shifted to sit upright as you pulled the strings of the small dark blue bag apart. He licked his top lip as you reached in and pulled out a small, thin copper wire ring adorned with a blue, white and black glass marble. “Benjamin,” his name slipped out it a gasp as you turned the small object over in your palm, the drawstring bag fluttering to the cushion beside you. You looked at him, at the way he was smiling at you, and you could tell how much he wanted to explain his choice. Go on then, B. “Is this the-”

He nodded. “The evil eye, yeah. I got it from the same bloke who made the pot. It’s,” he waited until you’d pushed the ring onto the pointer finger of your right hand. “It’s supposed to ward off bad luck and only welcome good things.” He knew that you knew that, knew that you knew what it was and what certain cultures believed it did. “I thought you could use some luck with this new job. Not that you need luck, just that-”

You leaned in and kissed him on the cheek as he backpeddled away from having you think that he didn’t believe in you. “I love it, Benjamin, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” You lay back against him, resuming the position you were in before he recalled the gift he’d tucked in his pocket, continuing your lobby of “oh yeah!”s and “oh did I tell you that”s until you’d both run out. You would have been content to remain tangled up in one another as the sun set and your living room turned dark, as Benjamin slowly ran his fingertips up your arm and over your shoulder, through your hair and around your ear. But it seemed that he had one last topic in mind.

“There’s something we need to talk about.” He continued to trail his fingertips up and down your arm as he spoke against your skin, pressing a light kiss to your temple before pulling away.

That uneasy feeling you’d packed away for later slowly swam back through your stomach. No, we really don’t need to. You already knew where he was going from the way his tone had changed, the way his touch had gotten softer and more gentle, a preemptive assurance that he’d be there for you after the discussion was over, as though trying to prove that what he was about to say wouldn’t change how he felt. I know, Benjamin.

You sighed, sitting up and turning to face him, winding your legs across his lap and under his arms. His hands landed on your thighs, and you could feel the warmth of his palms through the thin material of your leggings. Behind his glasses you saw uncertainty swimming through his eyes, his brows stitched together as he quietly waited for you to speak. A small flare of anger rose in your chest as you realized that he was nervous, almost afraid to bring her up; as though simply speaking his ex-wife’s name would be enough of a betrayal that you’d leave him. I’m not her. I’m not going to build a bonfire with your belongings or guilt you into anything. But you extinguished that flicker before it could grow. The anger was for Julia, not him, so you’d save your venom for her, if ever you had the misfortune of meeting her. You gave him a small smile, reaching out slowly to pull his glasses from his face, fingers brushing his forehead as you did. Folding the arms, you twisted at the waist to set his lenses on the coffee table before returning your gaze to his.

“Benjamin,” you placed your hands on his forearms, fingers curling around as your thumbs swept against the shoddily tattooed skin near the crook of his elbow. He let out a breath and you felt him relax under your touch. Good, there’s nothing to… You shook your head slightly, a strand of your hair falling in your eyes that you left there in favor of removing your hand from his arm to fix it. “I know that that’s where you met Julia.” He swallowed and nodded, grip tightening instinctively on your thighs. “I know that…” You narrowed your eyes and exhaled through your nose as you contemplated your next words. “I know that’s always going to be a...a memory that you have, you and her, in that place.” His mouth fell open and he leaned forward, his grip sliding further up your thigh. You knew he wanted to protest what you’d just said, tell you no, that you were wrong, that he never thought about her at all anymore. But that’s not true, Benjamin, and it’s okay. “But that doesn’t mean,” you went on, “that you can’t make new memories there.” You moved your palms higher up his arms, nails scratching over his biceps, a smile finally finding its way to his lips. “Better ones,” you added.

A flash went through your thoughts then, imagining the opening night of the new exhibit, all your hard work behind you, your arm looped through Benjamin’s as you led him through the Great Court. You pictured the way his smile would beam with pride, could almost feel how he’d tug your hip closer to his, how he’d turn so that he could press his lips against your temple, grinning against your skin. Better ones, for sure. You cleared your throat. “It doesn’t mean that she gets to ruin that place for you, Benjamin.” I’m not letting that happen.

He inhaled slowly through his nose, letting the breath back out the same way. “For us.” He stated, nodding in agreement. “I don’t want that. I don’t want her to ruin it for me, for you...for us.” She won’t, Benjamin, she can’t. “I just… I had to,” he sighed again. “I had to mention her because I needed you to know that she doesn’t...she’s not important to me anymore. You’re what’s important to me- your happiness and your success and, and…” He looked down at the azure eye on your finger. “And just you.”

While it pained you to know that he still worried that you’d wake up one day and change your mind about him, decide like Julia and Allie had that he wasn’t enough for you, it also filled you with joy to hear his words, to know that they were true. “Just you, too, Benjamin.” You responded. “Just me and you, that’s all I need.”

He kissed your knuckle next to the ring he’d given you, smiling against your skin. “You’ve got me,” he promised. I know I do. “And I can’t wait to make new memories there with you. See you all covered in paint and polish. That little smudge of...something, I don’t know what it is, by your eyebrow.” He traced the spot he was referring to and you laughed as his smile grew. “Just like when we met. It was hard to keep a straight face to talk to you, you had gold paint across your forehead but,” He paused and kissed the spot where he could still see that phantom smudge. “But I’m so glad I did.”

Since the day you met, when you’d been working on that celestial ceiling in that library, the stars had continued to line up for the two of you. With your new job and his recent successes, it seemed like the stars had no intention of doing anything but guiding the way for you both. No matter what life throws at us, B, I’m glad you kept a straight face too.

@something-tofightfor @its-my-little-dumpster-fire @suchatinyinfinity @thesumofmychoices @gollyderek @malionnes @becs-bunker @warriorqueenofnarnia @elanor-of-imladris @traeumerinwitzhelden @songtoyou @michellemybelles-world @obscurilicious @breanime

#too good to be true #TGTBT #benjamin greene #benjamin greene x you #benjamin greene x reader #gold digger fanfiction #gd #Gold Digger Benjamin #benjamin couldn't resist taking his picture where franz fell #WWI swot

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creepingsharia · 5 years ago

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New Jersey: Turns out Prospect Park mayor who complained about DHS questioning has a history of jihad support

Creeping Sharia first posted on Mohamed Khairullah in February 2017 via New Jersey: Syrian Muslim mayor declares Prospect Park sanctuary for illegals

Then again in February 2017 as his terror-links brought to light via New Jersey: Is Muslim mayor who declared amnesty for illegals linked to Syrian terrorists?

Most recently, in September 2019 via New Jersey: Syrian Muslim mayor who declared sanctuary for illegals, claims searching international travelers violates Constitutional

Others are picking up on yet another terror-linked Muslim in elected office in the U.S.

Turns out NJ mayor who complained about DHS questioning has history of jihad support

By John Rossomando

A New Jersey mayor who expressed bewilderment after being stopped and questioned by Customs and Border Protection (CPB) agents in August distributed aid in 2013 with pro–Muslim Brotherhood jihadists allied with al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate, social media posts show. Other posts show Prospect Park mayor Mohamed Khairullah's sympathies with various Syrian jihadist groups.

It isn't known whether those activities triggered the CBP questions. The agency declined to comment.

Nevertheless, Khairullah told the Washington Post in September that he "doesn't go near shady organizations" during numerous trips to Syria as a relief worker.

He complained at a September press conference organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that CBP pulled him aside upon his August return from Turkey to New York's JFK airport. The agents took his electronic devices and interviewed him about his travels and his background. Agents told Khairullah they were keeping his phone, and it took him 12 days to get it back.

"I felt that I was selected basically because of my name and identity," Khairullah said. He also claimed that his support for U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar might have led to his having been singled out.

"It's flat-out insulting," he said. "It's flat-out stereotyping of Muslims and Arabs."

Khairullah claimed that his rights were violated when CBP agents asked him if he had met with any terrorists during his trip.

CAIR backed the claim that Khairullah was targeted solely due to his religion. "And the only reason they're taken back to secondary inspection and questioned that way is because of their faith, what they happen to be wearing, and what direction they pray," said CAIR New York litigation director Ahmed Mohamed.

It is more likely that Khairullah was pulled aside by the CBP due to his frequent travel to the Syrian war zone via Istanbul, former CBP agent Phil Haney, who specialized in targeting potential terrorists, told the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT).

"This has to do with indicators of potential terrorism," Haney said, noting that the 2008 Holy Land Foundation Hamas terrorism financing case proved the existence of a network of individuals and groups in the U.S. that support Islamist terrorism abroad.

Khairullah's Charity and Its Terror-linked Partners

The mayor worked on relief missions and was a board member with Watan USA, the American branch of the London, England–headquartered Watan Foundation. Watan's partner organizations and some of its leaders have supported and assisted al-Qaeda in Syria. Its co-founder and president, Moaz al-Sibaai, belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood–linked Muslim Council of Britain's Business and Economics Committee.

A 2015 IRS tax form listed Khairullah as a Watan USA board member. It signed a cooperation agreement in 2016 with Turkey's IHH Humanitarian Relief.

Leaked Turkish documents show that IHH provided logistical and financial support to al-Qaeda's then-Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra, in 2013, in conjunction with Turkish intelligence agency the MIT. IHH has aided al-Qaeda since the 1990s and maintains close relations with Hamas, according to a report by terrorism analyst Evan Kohlmann, published by the Danish Institute for International Studies.

Khairullah's social media shows he repeatedly expressed support for Jabhat al-Nusra. For example, he praised the 2014 defection of a Hezb'allah faction to al-Nusra, saying, "The Lord will be pleased." Other Khairullah Facebook posts show him supporting the Jabhat al-Nusra–led jihadist coalition called the "Army of the Conquest." He backed its 2015 military campaign in Syria's Idlib Province.

A 2016 Facebook post by Khairullah shows the Army of the Conquest entering the city of Idlib after kicking out the troops loyal to the Assad regime. A linked video in the post showed a tank flying the flag of Jabhat al-Nusra.

"Kneeling for thanks on the occasion of the liberation of #Idlib," Khairullah wrote.

He also posted a video by Ahrar al-Sham, sometimes referred to as the "Syrian Taliban." It was founded by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri's personal representative in Syria, Abu Khalid al-Suri.

Khairullah even thanked ISIS for taking bandits off the streets of Syria.

"A good thing that ISIS has done is to eliminate the thieves and bandits in their area of control. Allah knows what was behind this move," Khairullah wrote in a Jan. 5, 2014 tweet.

Khairullah did not respond to an email asking about his statements.

Mulham al-Jundi, the Turkey-based Syria director for Watan, with which Khairullah works, also has expressed support for Jabhat al-Nusra. For example, he condemned the Obama administration's December 2012 decision to classify it as a foreign terrorist organization.

Al-Jundi called al-Nusra the "strongest striker on the ground against [Syrian dictator] Bashar al-Assad and his army."

Syria's branch of the Muslim Brotherhood also condemned the designation. So did Mohammed Ghanem, former government relations director of the Muslim Brotherhood–linked Syrian American Council (SAC). Khairullah served as an SAC board member in 2016.

In 2012, al-Jundi thanked Jabhat al-Nusra's humanitarian arm for taking control of flour distribution to Aleppo's bakeries. News accounts from that time show that the terrorist organization took control of the flour industry as part of its hearts and minds campaign.

"AQ's Syrian branch controls and runs flour mills, and sells to bakeries and direct consumers. The group uses this method to increase popular support more than for profit margins," a 2017 Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) report said. "Upon taking control of grain silos and bakeries in Aleppo in early 2013, AQ created and implemented a complex bread-distribution program designed to feed the entire city."

FDD noted that al-Nusra's involvement in the bread-baking business also provided a revenue source.

"Today we have reached some factories, the price of the mobile bakery costs about $200,000 to produce 10,000 bundles of bread a day… tighten your tricks :)," al-Jundi wrote in a December 2012 Arabic tweet, while acknowledging that his organization had been to some of the bakeries.

At that time, Jabhat al-Nusra's humanitarian arm had a monopoly on raw materials for baking bread in the area around Aleppo. Jabhat al-Nusra also was declared a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department in December 2012.

"#Nusra_Front in its endeavor to ease the human suffering of the people of the city of Aleppo helped to provide some bakeries with flour to assure bread for the citizens of #Syria," al-Jundi wrote, acknowledging Jabhat al-Nusra's involvement with providing raw materials to bakeries in Aleppo.

Other photos on Khairullah's Facebook page from that time showed him at an apparent Jabhat al-Nusra rally in Aleppo following Friday prayers. In one picture, three people held up the terrorist group's flag. Khairullah was in Aleppo at the time on behalf of Watan, delivering bread to those in need.

Khairullah accompanied a Muslim Brotherhood–linked militia called the Sheikh Abdu Fatah Abu Ghuddah Battalion during his April 2013 trip. It is named after the second supreme guide of the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, who led an uprising against dictator Hafez al-Assad in the early 1980s. The Abu Ghuddah Battalion shared a common sharia committee with Jabhat al-Nusra, the Emirati newspaper wrote.

Watan leaders, including Khairullah, used GoFundMe campaigns and other online fundraisers to finance their operations. Most of his links, as well as those posted by fellow Watan leaders, have either been deleted or expired. JP Morgan Chase closed an account belonging to Watan USA in 2015 without explanation. The account was restored. The bank declined to comment on the reasons behind closing the account.

#Islam #Jihad #Muslim #Sharia #Immigration #Politics #News #DHS #FBI #Legal

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solaristraveller-blog · 7 years ago

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Hotel Mercure Istanbul Taksim Review - Turkey

Hotel Mercure Istanbul Taksim Review – Turkey

The Hotel Mercure Istanbul Taksim is a four star hotel about 15 minutes walk (uphill) from Taksim Square. Taksim Square is famous for being the epicentre of various demonstrations a few years ago and it is also at the top of the historic district. From the Hotel Mercure you can easily access the waterfront as well and the Besiktas Stadium.

I was in Istanbul for a week to attend the International…

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#accor hotels group istanbul mercure #bleisure trip turkey #business holiday istanbul #hotel review istanbul mercure #istanbul turkey conference trip #mercure hotel istanbul taksim review

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visacollect · 6 months ago

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Turkey Visa for Australian Citizens

Turkey, a nation that connects Europe and Asia, is a well-liked vacation destination for both leisure and business travellers. Many people consider it to be a must-visit location because of its fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine. However, it's crucial to comprehend the Australian visa requirements before making travel plans to Turkey. This post will discuss the many Turkish visa categories that Australian citizens can apply for, as well as the qualifications and application procedure.

Do Australians Require a Visa for Turkey?

Different visa policies have been established by the Turkish government for holders of different nationalities. Sadly, Australian citizens are not eligible for the visa exemption for Turkey. Therefore, they need to get a valid visa before visiting Turkey. Nonetheless, Australians can quickly and easily apply online for an e-Visa. Australians can go to Turkey for up to 90 days during a 180-day period and remain there for business or tourism with an e-Visa.

Traveller electronic visa

You must apply for a tourist e-visa if you intend to travel to Turkey for a vacation or leisure trip. This kind of visa only permits one entry into the nation during its ninety-day validity period. The 180-day validity of a Turkish tourist visa allows visitors to see the nation's well-known sites, including the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the historic city of Ephesus, and the stunning beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores.

Business e-Visa

You will need to apply for a business e-visa if you are visiting Turkey on business. In addition, holders of this travel document are allowed to remain in the nation for ninety straight days during a 180-day period. You can go to Turkey for meetings, conferences, and other business-related events if you have a business e-visa. In addition, individuals who want to study, work, or conduct research in Turkey are eligible for the business e-visa.

Turkey Visa Requirements

Australian nationals must meet certain requirements before applying for a visa to enter Turkey. Generally, the kind of visa and the application determine the requirements for a Turkey visa. To apply for a Turkey e-visa, applicants must provide three essential documents:

A valid Australian passport is one that has two blank pages and at least six months left on it.

Email address: You must supply a current, working email address in order to submit your application and obtain a travel document.

Method of Payment: In order to obtain a visa, applicants must pay both the service fees and the embassy fee. Since the application process is online, you can pay online with a debit card, credit card, and PayPal account.

The bare minimum of paperwork needed to apply for an e-visa for Turkey are these documents. In addition to this, you might require the following:

An electronic passport photo

Evidence of lodging, like a hotel reservation or an invitation from a Turkish host

Evidence of insurance coverage for travel

Evidence that you have the money to pay for your stay in Turkey

A ticket for a flight back or forward

It is crucial to remember that the prerequisites could change based on the kind of visa you are applying for, so it is recommended to check the official website for the most recent details.

How Can an Australian Apply for a Visa to Turkey?

You can apply for this travel document from the comfort of your home if you meet the requirements and are qualified for an electronic visa to Turkey. The process of applying for an e-visa is much simpler than it is for a standard visa.

All you have to do to obtain your Turkey visa is:

Go to VisaHQ, choose a visa category, your citizenship, and your destination.

Complete the online application, making sure to include all necessary paperwork and information. Your passport details, travel schedule, and personal information will be required.

Make an online payment to cover the cost of the visa and fill out the application for a visa to Turkey and attach any necessary paperwork.

Your e-visa application will then be processed by the Turkish embassy, which will verify its legitimacy. Your application will be processed and an e-visa will be sent to you via email. When visiting Turkey, you will need to print the e-visa and show it at the border.

Time Spent Processing

An e-visa for Turkey typically takes 24 hours to process. To guarantee you receive your visa in time for your trip, it's advisable to apply well in advance of when you intend to travel, as the processing time may vary according to the season.

Furthermore, the embassy will probably postpone or refuse your visa application if your Turkey visa application has any errors or mistakes. As such, it is advised that you verify the information you have provided before submitting your application.

#visa collect #visa services #Australian Visa #Turkey Visa

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drtanstravels · 5 years ago

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It’s been a while since I’ve checked in because we’ve had a relatively quiet two months, until now that is. We had been anticipating our first venture back to mainland USA since we left New York three years ago for quite a while, but for slightly different reasons than the usual excitement that comes with a big trip; the bulk of our stay was going to be in the state of Wyoming for another one of Anna’s conferences, this time the Midwest Ocular Angiography Conference being held in the small town of Jackson. We were going to be in a white, working class state that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump and one where a licence isn’t required to carry a concealed weapon so we figured the two of us together might draw a bit of attention. Then there was the fact that Wyoming is the least populous state in the United States so when we were looking for information about where we’d be staying, among the endless memes such as these, we also found a lot of people, mostly ironically, even calling into question the state’s existence:

Our plan was to fly out on the night of Friday, July 5, taking a 15-hour direct flight to Los Angeles, California, but due to the time difference, landing around the same time we left. We would then stay a night in LA, fly out to Jackson, Wyoming where we would spend the following four nights before spending a similar amount of time traveling around both the Great Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Let’s get this show on the road!

I think someone wanted to come with us

Friday, July 5, 2019 I had a lot of loose ends to tie up during the day, then Anna returned from work and we began to pack. This was no easy task as the temperature in Wyoming is a little scattered. With the exception of a couple of colder outliers that were in the mid-teens, most days were going to be between 27°C (80.6°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), however, the nights would be quite cool, every evening in single digits, sometimes dropping to 0°C (32°F). This meant we would have to pack for both summer and winter, especially due to the fact that Anna had also planned to spend two nights “glamping” in a tent. Anyway, we went through our boxes of winter clothes, got everything packed, dropped the dog off at Brownie Buddies, and made our way to the airport.

There’s been a recent trend of disasters occurring around the same time we are in, or not long after we leave, a country:

We were in Honolulu, Hawaii (I realise it’s not a county in itself, but part of the US) for an ophthalmology conference from April 29 – May 2, 2018. The Kilauea volcano erupted the day we left, followed by several earthquakes including one at a magnitude of 6.9, as well as multiple lava flows. 700 houses were destroyed.

We then stayed in Tokyo, Japan from May 2 – May 7 on the way back from the Hawaiian conference. Two months later Western Japan suffered its worst natural disaster since the 2011 earthquake and the worst weather-related disaster in 36 years with flooding and landslides killing around 200 people and two million more evacuated after July 5. Another two months after the typhoon, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 occured in Hokkaido, killing at least 39.

We visited Chiang Mai, Thailand for another conference from June 27, 2018, I returned on June 30 and Anna on July 2. In what was only a relatively small story when it broke, 12 teenage soccer players and their coach became trapped in a cave in neighbouring Chiang Rai on June 23, not being rescued until 18 days later, one volunteer rescuer suffocating in the process.

We were in Hangzhou, China from September 12 – 15, 2018, with Anna arriving on the 13th from Hong Kong. The day I landed in Hangzhou, Hong Kong, also technically a “special administrative region of China”, was hit by Typhoon Mangkhut, leaving 400 seeking medical care and 1,500 taking refuge in temporary shelters.

Later in the month we had a holiday in Turkey from September 24 – 29 and they didn’t escape lightly, either. Not only was there a hurricane warning for Turkey on the day we left to return to Singapore, but Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by his own government just two days later as well.

This year we spent February 1 – 5 in Sri Lanka, a mere two months before a series of bombings in churches and hotels in Colombo killed 257 people.

So, what does all of this have to do with our trip to Wyoming? Well, we had a one-day layover in Los Angeles and a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit about 240 km (150 miles) north of LA just before we departed from Singapore, that’s all.

We caught our flight, landed, and it is alway amusing people-watching at Los Angeles International Airport, including the middle-aged woman we encountered resembling Lolo Ferrari who wouldn’t be able to sleep on her back for fear of being crushed under the weight of her own ridiculous breast implants. Once through immigration we caught a shuttle from our terminal to our hotel at the airport and an extremely strong female driver who appeared to have just returned from the manicurist picked up our exceptionally heavy suitcases like they were nothing and loaded them onto the shuttle. When we got to the hotel we grabbed our bags and I asked her how she managed to do that and keep a full set. She just gave me a cheeky smile, winked, and drove off. We checked into the hotel before making our way downstairs to a bar where we pulled up a seat for a few drinks, but the staff all seemed a little freaked out, talking about the earthquake. It seemed a little fresh in them all until I looked up at a screen showing CNN and the numbers didn’t quite add up. It turned out that another 7.1 magnitude quake with several aftershocks hit about an hour before we landed at LAX. They weren’t dwelling on the previous day’s occurrence, this stronger quake that everyone was nervous about had only just occurred. The staff just wanted to get out of there and check that their homes were still intact, plus we were pretty tired so we just had a couple of drinks and went back up to our room.

Saturday, July 6, 2019 You never get a great sleep when you make a flight as long as the one we had, constantly waking up during the night, struggling to get back to sleep, then waking up early again. This left us a fair bit of time to kill in LA before we had to fly out later that night so we decided to catch a cab to a nearby shopping mall, but first we grabbed some breakfast in the hotel cafe. One thing we were aware of, but to the degree of which we had completely forgotten, was the portion sizes in the US. Case in point, we got a breakfast burrito each and probably wouldn’t need anything else until dinner! Time to walk this one off in Westfield Culver City.

Add “NBA record most missed shots in NBA history” to that list

This mall had a ton of sporting goods stores selling NBA jerseys, caps, and other stuff, predominately Lakers gear. I’ve mentioned before that I loathe, hate, and despise the Lakers, think Kobe Bryant (left) is the most overrated player to ever lace them up, and believe that LeBron James’ spoilt, overprivileged attitude is ruining the league. This offseason the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans, a deal that could ruin the franchise for years to come if it doesn’t work out and left them wanting to sign another star player Their eyes were set firmly on free agent Kawhi Leonard, whom had just led the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship. Instead, Leonard announced that very morning that he intended to sign with the Lakers’ crosstown rival L.A. Clippers, a team that also managed to trade for Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George, and Lakers fans were PISSED! There was a guy who ran one of the stores, an overweight dude in a Kobe Bryant throwback jersey and all other Lakers attire who was close to tears. “If only we still had Kobe, man,” he said longingly of a player that retired three years ago. “He’d be 41, but we’d still have a chance, with Kobe you always had a chance.” He’s talking about a guy who couldn’t stay healthy toward the end of his career, playing a grand total of 107 of a possible 244 games over his final three seasons, the Lakers’ three worst regular seasons in franchise history for that matter, all while pulling in a cool US$78,953,000 in salary over that time. Yeah, he’d get it done today.

We spent the bulk of the afternoon wandering around Westfield, finding quirky objects such as Twix chocolate bar packets that claimed to contain four of only the left-side bars. We are attending Anna’s cousin’s wedding in Vancouver, Canada in September so I managed to pick up a three-piece Calvin Klein suit plus a shirt from JC Penney for a grand total of only US$355.88 (AU$506.49) plus tax, well under half-price and it actually fits. This isn’t boasting, but the price will make a bit of sense when I use it as a comparison later in this post. Anyway, take a look at some photos from our less than one day in Los Angeles:

The TV while we were in the bar on Friday night

Breakfast is served

These things were enormous

For those who believe the right Twix bar is unlucky and need twice as many in total

And vice versa

Anna had a weird craving for In-N-Out Burger, but we didn’t have time and before long we were back in the airport, ready to take a short flight from LA to Jackson, Wyoming. There is only one flight per day to Jackson and I was beginning to think there may be some truth to the conspiracy that Wyoming may not even exist when we boarded the plane and there were a grand total of 12 passengers onboard. Anyway, a bit of background information on our alleged destination:

Jackson is a small city in the Jackson Hole valley of Teton County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 9,577 at the 2010 census, up from 8,647 in 2000. It is the county seat of Teton County and is its largest town.

The town gained significant fame when a livestream of the town square went viral on YouTube in 2016, leading to much fascination with the town’s elk antler arch, its law enforcement, and its prevalence of red trucks.

As of the census of 2010, there were 9,577 people, 3,964 households, and 1,858 families residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 79.8% White, 0.4% African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 15.2% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.2% of the population.

Upon finding out those demographics, I immediately set myself the goal of getting a photo with one of those nine or 10 Pacific Islanders if Wyoming did indeed exist, especially if they drive a red truck. Failing that, a guy in a MAGA hat shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. I can honestly vouch for the existence of Wyoming as we landed in the Jackson Hole airport. No memories planted by the government, just real visions of a tiny airport decorated with discarded elk antlers. Anna had hired a car, but we wouldn’t be picking that up until the following day. Instead, we had a driver collecting us to take us to our motel about 10 minutes outside of town. When we arrived at the Flat Creek Inn at 8:30pm, sitting directly opposite the National Elk Refuge, the place had an appearance resembling kind of a much larger version of the motel where Earl and Randy lived in My Name Is Earl. In fact, if the motel were located in any major city in the US, it seemed almost inevitable that at least one hooker or backpacker would have been murdered there and stuffed into a wall cavity. Realistically though, it was a nice enough place and pretty much suited our needs. Our flight, the airport, and our home for the night:

Our packed flight

Flying over “Wyoming”

Anna out the front of the airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Outside our room

The store where we’d be buying dinner

In our room

A little dingy, but it’ll be fine for the night

Anna sitting on the bed

Me trying to give the room a sexier vibe

After we had checked into our room it was time to try to find something to eat and that is where any semblance of normalcy ceased. This was truly an area where you couldn’t achieve anything without a car and, despite being only a 10-minute ride, a taxi into Jackson was US$40.00 (AU$57.00) each way so we were limited to the convenience store that was linked to our hotel, one that closed at midnight. Now, one thing that needs to be made clear here for anyone who hasn’t suffered from jet-lag before is that it is simply agony, especially when it is the result of an excruciatingly long flight from South-East Asia to North America. Traveling to the west coast of the US isn’t quite as bad as the east, but it’s still awful — You are unable to keep your eyes open at 4:00pm, it’s almost as if you suffer from narcolepsy and you have no problem falling asleep once you go to bed if you make it to what would be the time you would normally sleep back home, but then you find yourself wide awake a couple of hours later at 3:00am, unable to switch back off. The one upside of that late-afternoon and onward period where it’s tough to stay awake is that you are also a little delirious and anything can become absolutely hilarious. That is the position in which we found ourselves at this point. Anyway, we went down to the convenience store, but there wasn’t a lot of food options and no alcohol, however, there was a microwave and an electric coffee maker in our room so we bought two packets of instant noodles, a large frozen pizza, some jerky, and a small turkey pot pie, as well as some Tabasco sauce and two bottles of sparkling water. Dinner would soon be served. We took our instant foodstuffs back to the motel, I went to the bathroom while Anna heated some water in the coffee maker for our noodles and upon return was informed of some unpleasant news — Our room was devoid of all cutlery and crockery. Never mind, she came up with the brilliant idea of using two coffee stirrers for chopsticks. This method worked perfectly between her Kermit the Frog-like fingers, but wasn’t conducive to particularly successful eating in my massive mitts, although I eventually managed in the end, much to Anna’s amusement. But this was nothing, things were only getting started. It was time to prepare our second course, a large, frozen, pepperoni pizza. This one we did have the equipment for, or so we thought. Our pizza was vacuum-sealed so I had to tear the inner package open with my teeth. Once done I also discovered it was a little large for the microwave, but on the other hand the microwave had a button specifically for pizza. Our pizza spun and spun, smearing cheese and tomato paste all over the inside of the oven and then it occured to me; This was America and that button was for reheating cold pizza, not cooking a frozen one. This was not some dual convection oven, this was a basic microwave and if you’ve ever tried to cook an unbaked bread product in a microwave before, you’ll be more than aware that it essentially just steams it. Our microwave was getting cheesier and pastier as time went on so we had no choice but to remove the pizza and cut it in half, sans knife. Anna’s inner-MacGuyver kicked in and she thought cutting through our steamed pizza with the cardboard base upon which it had come would be the best approach. The only problem was that there were no plates to put the two halves on so Anna gnawed half of her portion of the floppy, steamed pizza from the cardboard, laughing to the point of crying at how ridiculous the situation was, while at the same time lamenting that her half wasn’t cooked properly and quitting halfway through. I started to eat my share of the pizza from the glass base of the microwave, but agreed that it needed further steaming. Nothing an extra minute of heating couldn’t fix, I even got the crust to rise a little. We gave up on the idea of even attempting to eat the pie so I cleaned the cheese and tomato paste from the inside of the microwave using makeup-removing wipes, followed by washing the microwave base in the bathroom sink, leaving an oily, red ring around the basin. What better way is there to follow a hilariously bad meal than with a hilariously bad film? RoboCop was on TV so it seemed that our night had just planned itself. Some of the offerings on hand that evening:

On the menu tonight

Easy for the daintier among us

Not so much for the larger of the species

We tried to make it fit

Pure ingenuity

Going…

Gone.

Nothing some medicated wipes couldn’t fix

My half turned out okay for a steamed pizza

Sunday, July 7, 2019 It was tough staying asleep again that night and we were awake early so we did a check of the room to make sure there were no lasting repercussions of the steamed pizza episode, checked out of the motel, and waited for our ride to take us into town to pick up our rental car, snapping a few pictures in the process. Anna had done a little research and found a cafe and bakery called Persephone so we drove down once we had our Toyota Carola and pulled up an outdoor seat for brunch. The cafe was run by hipsters so it would probably be one of the only places around to get a half-decent cup of coffee, plus we had learnt our lesson the previous day so we only ordered an appetiser each, instead of bloating ourselves on a enormous main meal when we don’t usually even eat breakfast.

Before long our brunch was finished, but it was too early to check into our new hotel so we decided to have a look around the shops. We had never been to this part of the US so I was expecting it to be a bit like Fargo, either the film or the series, but I was pleasantly surprised, however, one thing needs to be said — There is a ton of taxidermy around these parts! Go into almost any store and there is going to be anything from stuffed jackalope creations on a small table, to stuffed and mounted elk and bison heads on the wall, to full bearskin rugs with the head still attached. Add to that the wide variety of redneck t-shirts and and cowboy gear on offer, fossilised animals, and bear shit-shaped chocolates and we had an interesting afternoon ahead of us. Anna likes to find a ring for every place she visits and although there were mainly ones with ugly turquoise stones, she managed to find a unique, black gold ring in a jewellery store that has an ancient elk tooth that is actually a remnant of a tusk from when elk hadn’t fully evolved into the animal we have today. I picked up a Wyoming t-shirt with different regional animal turds on the back. Once done, before checking into our hotel, we went to a supermarket because we wanted to see what you would find in a small town US supermarket in a sparsely-populated state and we weren’t left disappointed; there was an entire bar of different flavoured fried chicken wings, you could get 80 fl.oz (2.36lt) jars of pickles, but I guess that’s because there isn’t a lot else to do in this town, especially in winter, but eat. We just bought a foam cooler for later in the trip, as well as some other supplies, but we were delayed on the way back to the car when a gust of wind came up and blew the lid off the cooler, hitting an older Mexican man in the head in the parking lot. He felt guilty for some reason and chased after it, returning the lid to us.

We then went back and checked into our home for the next three nights, the Four Seasons Resorts and Residence Jackson Hole. It was a really nice place, our room was massive, and there was food and drinks for Anna’s conference in one of the downstairs conference rooms, as well as outside by some fire pits, so we just spent the night snacking and drinking with old colleagues and some new friends. I didn’t get any pictures from the evening, but here’s the motel from the previous night, the vibe of some of the stores, and our new room:

Our motel from the previous night

The Elk Refuge across the road from the motel, sans elk

On the way into town

Hanging out with what was once a bison

This stuff was everywhere!

Anna was worried she wouldn’t see any bears on this trip so she wanted this taken

As soon as I saw this book my post had a title

One of the finer volumes ever published on the topic of wild faeces recognition

Seriously, almost all shops are like this inside

You could just settle for a fur

The perfect gift for your coprophiliac friends

Anna was a fan of this Dolly Parton picture

Fossils for sale

Some of the redneck attire available

Part of the wing bar inside the supermarket

More wings

I should’ve put something else with these pickles for perspective

Looking into a small portion of our bathroom at the Four Seasons

Part of the room

The view from the bed

Monday, July 8, 2019 Anna’s conference began early each morning and finished around 1:00pm, which wasn’t an issue for either of us because of the jet-lag and even if we did manage to nod off again after waking up in the wee hours, we’d be wide awake again about 7:00am, just in time for the conference. Anna would go about her business in the morning and we had a Nespresso machine in our room so I would drink coffee and watch the NBA Summer League until she returned, but today didn’t look like it was officially the third week of summer, it was one of those outliers I mentioned at the beginning of this post; cold outside, about 13°C (55.4°F), and pouring rain. When Anna returned the rain had stopped, but it was still cold. We went and had lunch in neighbouring Teton Village and then took the arial tram up the mountain into the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort:

The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) is a ski resort in the western United States, at Teton Village, Wyoming. In the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains, it is located in Teton County, 12 miles (20 km) northwest of Jackson and due south of Grand Teton National Park. It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley and is known for its steep terrain and a large continuous vertical drop of 4,139 ft (1,262 m).

Jackson Hole’s original aerial tram was closed to the public in the fall of 2006 and replaced with a new tram that opened in 2008. The tram’s vertical rise is 4,139 feet (1,262 m) to an elevation of 10,450 feet (3,185 m) above sea level.

That explains a whole lot, because the previous day we had both felt a bit out of breath at times, but we didn’t realise that we were at that elevation. Denver, Colorado is known as the “Mile High City” due to its elevation and I experienced a little bit of breathlessness when I was there, but nothing like this. However, it turns out that at 5280 feet (1609.3 meters) above sea level, Denver is barely half the elevation of the Mountain Resort and only about three quarters the average elevation of the entire Jackson Hole valley, something we definitely weren’t prepared for.

Once we were at the summit it became abundantly clear that I was glad we had come in summer. People were saying that it had been snowing as recently as a week prior and before we arrived the previous day there had been a storm of enormous hailstones out of a clear sky! There was still a bit of snow on the ground and a fair bit on the peaks so we went inside the cabin there to have a cup of awful coffee and then started to explore around the area. People around here are completely oblivious to the cold, as was proven to us time and time again on this journey, the first evidence of this was locals walking around near the snow in shorts and t-shirts! We were only out a short while when an announcement came over stating that everybody needed to get back on the tram or be stranded in the cabin for an unknown period of time, because there was a thunderstorm coming and if lightning struck the metal platform for the tram, everyone standing on it would be fried. Instead of packing onto the tram, we sat in the cabin, drank more shitty coffee, walked around and got a bit wet outside, and waited for the next opportunity to leave, embracing the lack of children in the cabin and the space in the tram, all the while the operator played classic rock on our descent and we spotted foxes and marmots on the mountain. Our day up until that point:

A little grim outside our hotel window that morning

A challange in the restaurant in our hotel. That’s almost a 1kg burger and a litre of beer

Heading into Teton Village

“Hey, let’s go up there!”

Beginning our ascent

A panoramic view of the summit

Anna was complaining that the wind was making her teeth hurt

These people are fearless

Coming over a bit bleak

Making the most of everyone else fleeing

It’s nicer up here alone

A fox running around

Now beginning our descent

Another fox in the snow

About halfway down

Most shops and restaurants in and around Jackson close at 10:00pm so we decided to take the opportunity to drive into town and get our outfits for the Western-themed dinner the following night. It was also essential that we remembered to refer to the clothing as our “outfits” and not “costumes,” because this is how a large portion of the local population actually dress every day, including some of those in attendance.

We found several stores selling what we needed and it soon became abundantly clear why cowboys used to rob banks and shoot people back in the day — It was so they could steal money to buy their clothes! The reason I mentioned the Calvin Klein suit that I had purchased in Los Angeles a couple of days earlier for US$355.00 was for a comparison. For my “outfit” for the dinner I figured I’d get a Western shirt, some boots maybe with a fringe running up the side, a hat, possibly some chaps, but those dreams were all shattered when I saw the prices. A shirt was at least US$100.00, most pushing US$200.00. It was impossible to get a pair of boots my sizes for much less than US$500.00. I even found the sweater The Dude wears in the film The Big Lobowski, marketed as such and it was US$239.00! For a zip-up woollen sweater! Fortunately, I was able to snag a shirt for US$59.00 on a post-fourth of July sale rack and when you see it you’ll realise why, plus a cheap hat for another US$39.00 (all plus tax, of course).

We looked around a few of the areas of town that we didn’t explore the previous day and soon it was time for dinner. We’re not used to this cooler weather, plus we both love cheese, so what better option could there possibly be than fondue? We found a place called Alpenhof Lodge that had fondue back in Teton village near our hotel, then settled into a bar claiming to be “World famous” called the Mangy Moose Steakhouse and Saloon for a few beers and some live country music, or “Farm Emo” as I like to call it, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last time we’d be listening to it on this journey. A pattern we would discover while in this part of the country was that bars close at 11:00pm no matter what day it is, but we still managed to have a good time that night before walking back to our place to try to get some much needed sleep. How the rest of the day looked:

In another arch made from discarded elk antlers. There are a few of these around

I see what they did there….

The main street of Jackson

I love ‘The Big Lobowski’, but I’m not paying that much

$567.00 is the sale price for a very small pair of boots

That’s the original!

All the cars here are enormous!

Someone’s excited for fondue

There was a ‘Galaga’ machine where we had dinner, too

Settling into the Mangy Moose

Our entertainment for the night

They inexplicably have an original 1950s Las Vegas showgirl costume framed on the wall near the toilets there…

…as well as what looks like the evolution of bear traps

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 It was our last full day in Jackson prior to moving on to the holiday leg of our stay and the weather was nice so we had to make the most of it before I made a complete fool of myself in front of a bunch of strangers that night. I did my usual routine — a coffee and NBA Summer League — before Anna returned home, we had a bite for lunch, and then she confirmed what she had been considering the previous day as a way to fill in today; we were going to go whitewater rafting on Snake River:

The Snake River is a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest region in the United States. At 1,078 miles (1,735 km) long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, in turn the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean.

Formed by the confluence of three tiny streams on the southwest flank of Two Oceans Plateau in Yellowstone National Park, western Wyoming, the Snake starts out flowing west and south into Jackson Lake. Its first 50 miles (80 km) run through Jackson Hole, a wide valley between the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range. Below the tourist town of Jackson, the river turns west and flows through Snake River Canyon, cutting through the Snake River Range and into eastern Idaho.

When Anna gets her mind set on something her intent is always to do it properly, however, I didn’t have to worry about her inadvertently signing up to do the full length of the river, just a stretch of about eight miles (12.8km) through Snake River Canyon, an area known to have some of the best whitewater rafting in the US. There were several options regarding the size of rafts and the amounts of people thereon, but we wanted to keep it intimate so we opted for one with room for eight people plus our guide. Our journey down the river was going to consist of Anna and myself, as well as Adrian, one of Anna’s colleagues that works in Sydney, Australia, and Nicole, an ophthalmologist we had met at the conference that we got on well with from Chicago. The other four spots would be taken up by some randoms that wanted to join us, which ended up being a family of four from Oregon. We took a shuttle bus for about an hour to the point in the river where our journey would begin. For a few dollars extra you could rent a wetsuit, but it was a nice, warm day so everyone besides Adrian and Nicole decided they didn’t need one, a decision we would all regret in hindsight. We all put on some sunscreen, the combination with Adrian’s black wetsuit making him look a pale shade of blue, as if he had a vitamin-D deficiency or maybe it was just his first ever time in actual sunlight, but he would have the last laugh. Once we had donned our lifejackets we pushed the raft out into a calm part of the river, boarded, and Hunter, our guide who was also clearly a massive stoner that had his own radio show with his friend, gave us our instructions as we floated downstream, informing us on how to react to each command, what to do if we have an “out of boat experience,” that type of thing. You could tell from a million miles away that this dude spent the nine months of the year that weren’t summer completely baked in neighbouring Colorado, just punching decriminalised cones and snowboarding. One thing that he said, however, had me a little worried; he told me I was going to freeze in my cotton t-shirt. Should’ve opted for the wetsuit. After receiving our advice and instructions we started to hit some small rapids, but it was when the first wave sprayed over our boat that we truly realised that this river was formed from glacial runoff and was absolutely freezing. The four of us were seated in the back two rows of the boat, the family in the front two with the father and the teenaged son having volunteered to be at the very front of the boat. Every time we hit a rough patch that sent water over us the teenaged kid seemed to cop it the worst and from the very first time you could just see him perpetually shivering and his teeth audibly chattering the entire ride. It was a really great time, the scenery was stunning, and it was hilarious when we would see a capsized boat or people doing something stupid and a possibly still-stoned Hunter would make chicken noises and yell either “Utah” or “Florida” at them, the latter an obvious reference to the less than stunning track record people from that state have in the common sense department. Not all of the people in the water were in there accidentally, though. Some of them were swimming! I mentioned earlier about how these people are impervious to cold and some thought a dip in the frigid waters was rather refreshing, one group even turning their inflatable boat upside-down and used it as a slip-n-slide. Me? I was soaked in my t-shirt, probably shouldn’t have worn socks either, my hands and feet were wrinkled and completely devoid of any colour whatsoever. In my own defence, it wasn’t the kind of boat I was expecting and I didn’t think I would get quite so wet, but we had an absolute blast and I’m just thankful I didn’t have an “out of boat experience.” Here’s a few shots from inside the boat, some of our group, and a couple more of our beautiful surroundings:

Heading down to the water behind the family that would be joining us

Yup, we’ll be on a small one of those

All aboard!

And we’re off

Going to have to put the camera away and paddle soon

Adrian, Anna, Hunter, Nicole, and my saturated self

The upside-down boat is the slip-n-slide

It doesn’t look that rough, but it certainly was

Another area of the river

Looking back on from where we had come

We got back in the shuttle bus and made the one hour trip back to the hotel, trying to get the feeling back in our lower extremities the entire way, as the moment we had spent a large portion of the previous day shopping for was almost upon us; when we arrived back at the hotel it would be time for us to start getting ready for the Western-themed dinner. I was a little nervous about the dinner for the sole reason that when I purchased my cowboy shirt, it was one of those seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time moments. You see, as I mentioned, the shirt was on a discount rack for fourth of July stock that the store now needed to get rid of, but this wasn’t just any old shirt — It was an extremely ugly shirt with a design based on the good ol’ stars ‘n’ bars. Yes, my shirt was a particularly patriotic-looking one that resembled the American flag and I was worried the irony would be lost on some at the event. Admittedly, it really was the cheapest shirt I could find, but my concern was that some people wouldn’t find it anywhere near as funny as we initially did. At least there would be others that would look just as stupid as I would, as Adrian had just ordered a generic cowboy costume online and this was his first time even trying it on, although we had to remind him to refrain from calling it a “costume,” because it closely resembled the wardrobes of some in attendance.

When we arrived there was a live country band churning out some more Farm Emo so Anna started to do the rounds, chatting to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances and I hit the bar, which had some really good local microbrews available. Soon it was time to sit down for dinner, but not long after we were seated some of the organisers wanted to get everybody up again to do line-dancing and they were relentless! They just wouldn’t take a “no” for an answer, but fortunately they also weren’t going to get a “yes” out of myself. It was a good thing too, because the end result wasn’t pretty:

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As you can clearly see some people got a little more into the line dancing than others, possibly even enjoying themselves, as is also evident here:

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The food started to come out and the line-dancing devolved into just regular dancing to country music for those that refused to give up the dance floor. Dinner was good, but there weren’t a whole lot of options and there was one woman on our table who had allergies to seafood and nuts, as well as being lactose intolerant, ruling out the bulk of what was served to her. The night continued on, but one thing that occurs when drinking at high altitudes is it takes you nowhere near as much to get drunk so the crowd started to peter out a little as people began to realise they were getting sleepy and went back to their rooms. As for Anna, Nicole, and myself, we decided to hit up the Mangy Moose again, joined by a cool pharmaceutical representative from Chicago we had met, Tony. We hung around in the Mangy Moose until they were going to close, the girls getting served special, albeit exceptionally strong, house Slurpee cocktails. When the Moose closed, we headed back to our rooms, myself content in the knowledge that I would never need to wear that shirt ever again. Or so I thought; one of our plans for this trip was to attend a rodeo and Anna was insistent that I wear it, fully aware that it could possibly get me killed. Anyway, here’s how the dinner and drinks looked:

This is what I’d be rocking

More Farm Emo

On the menu tonight

Some really got into the line-dancing

The table centrepiece

It was a fun night, but I couldn’t dress like this all the time

Back at the Mangy Moose

The next day we had lunch with Tony and then drove out to Grand Teton National Park to begin the holiday leg of our journey.

Stay tuned for the conclusion to this story to see us exploring the US Pacific Northwest and “glamping” in Grand Teton National Park, as well as staying in the world famous Yellowstone National Park, encountering more than our share of geysers and wildlife along the way. If that doesn’t interest you, at least check to see if I have my Borat moment at a rodeo:

via GIPHY

Hanging out in Wyoming, an American state that some don't even believe exists It's been a while since I've checked in because we've had a relatively quiet two months, until now that is.

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