#just two pals getting pho

[hxneyfaerie]

followed by pho 🍜

[beware-of-pity]

Sins of the Father(s) I

Masterlist

-Next

Bruce Wayne (Battinson) x Reader

Crossposted on Ao3

Summary:

Bruce and you had known each other for as long as you could remember. His father and yours had been best pals and business patterns before Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha had met their demise in that dark ally when Bruce was just nine. You, on the other hand, were not privy to what he had gone through after your father was mysteriously assassinated while conducting his political campaign as he ran for senator of the state of New Jersey after years as Gotham's mayor. Upon the demise filling both of your lives and that of the people of Gotham, Bruce swore vengeance against all criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice for which he trained himself physically and intellectually, all to become Gotham City's guardian and protector. Now, two years into this project of his, which you've been kept in the dark of, you've both lost sight of one another. In hopes of getting closer once more, you invited him for Sunday's lunch. Unbeknown to your doubts, he comes.

Chapter I: The Deal

. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐

 The air was crispy, and the gravel of the pathway churned under the wheels of his polished, black, vintage sports car. The last days of October had brought nothing but continuous rain and chills of cold air, but to his luck, this Sunday morning was mostly filled with grey clouds littering the sky and a hint of mist in the air. What a better sign that winter would soon be upon Gotham. As he stirred the wheel to direct his car towards the closed gate where beyond laid a mansion too familiar to his liking, all he could think about was why he had accepted your invitation for Sunday’s lunch. Maybe it was because you had practically begged him on the phone or because it wasn’t the first time he had turned you down in a month. Eventually, his guilt over the neglect he was ensuring over your relationship got to him, which prompted him to call you back and accept the invitation. Despite the night of fighting crimes and the darkness lying beyond the shadows the Saturday night before; for the sake of the occasion, he had turned in ‘relatively’ early from his nocturnal schedule to get some sleep before having to drive to Bristol Township, a few miles outside of Gotham City. Still, he would lie if he were not to say that his eyes did sting a bit at the strong light of the day, which he had almost forgotten the feels of as it grazed his skin. Fortunately for him, he always had a pair of sunglasses lying around, even in the car he barely drove.

He cursed your father, at times, for having built your family home so far away, but he knew he never did so in bad faith. It was as if he was still joking with him, like when he was still alive - how they would banter like a father and son would, which they had been for a time. Your father and his had been close friends and business partners when they were both alive. Best pals, they would call each other, so your families had spent a lot of time together. He fondly cherished those memories of his childhood, coming from a time when he remembered what genuine happiness felt like, which had now turned into a ghost of the past. The Sundays spent at the now burned-down Wayne Manor, the lunches, the dinners, the times you two played together, chasing each other around in the gardens until you would fall and scrap your knee and cry bloody murder - but also like how you would not want anyone but him beside you as your mother cleaned your wounds and bandaged those up. How after that you would not let go of his hand, how you would follow him around like a puppy, or a chick following its mother. He supposed it was because you were younger than him and sought out someone your age to help you through the world. But now? He barely saw you, and what he mostly heard from you came from the news, seeing as you had become a relatively known public figure, or your scarce and few phone calls, which he admitted were not few because you didn’t call, but because he barely had the time to answer them. Maybe it was that which had brought him to accept your invitation, and despite how he had been beating himself up for doing so during his ride here, the moment the mansion had come over the horizon and grazed his eyesight, something else too stirred in him.

Longing. Longing for a past that was just that, the past. For a time that would no longer be, one he would never get back because the world had taken it from him. Now the question was….was he willing to let himself back into what he had left behind to become the darkness that fought what lurked in it?

He didn’t have the time to think of an answer to that question, as he pulled the car into its lowest gear, allowing it to stop in front of the gate where a security guard was stationed. When he presses to the window, with a second double-take, seeing him inside, the guard smiles and greets him.

“Welcome, Mr Wayne. They’ve been expecting you” Bruce strains a smile, an unfamiliar sight on his face, as the guard waves him in.

When he parks at the front of the double door of your family home, a valet opens the door for him, who he leaves the keys of his car so he can move it out of the way, before he turns to the door, now open and with a butler he knows all too well, smiling down at him in front of it. “Mr Wayne, how good to see you again” Michal, your mother's butler, had practically raised him to a degree, or so he would think, just as Alfred had done, so the awkward pull he felt made him feel a stir of uneasiness. Could he be normal for a minute? He chastises himself; he doesn’t want people who he had been around all his life to suddenly think he had snubbed up and was too good to be in their presence because of how reserved he had become.

“It’s good to see you too, Michal” The same strained and small smile he gave the guard at the gate is back on his face, this time, less tense than the previous one “Please, please, come in, it’s too cold to be standing around” Michal hushed him inside. Seems like the heater of the house had been turned on, the drastic change of air making him shiver slightly “Let me take your coat” he allowed for it to be pulled from his frame. His dark, rich material suit, which Alfred had forced upon him, made him feel like a stuffed turkey at the Kentucky Derby, but he had allowed it so when Alfred had reprimanded him about keeping appearances, even with people he considered family. As he looked around the familiar environment he had not been in for a long time, he had not noticed the approaching figure beside him. A detective he was, and he could not feel a snooping mother crawling around.

“Oh, Bruce!” Your mother Marcia always had a fondness for him, especially before her son, your brother, was born, and often had coddled him and rinsed him with affection like he had been her own. His mother and yours had shared the same friendship your fathers had; he knew she had been especially heartbroken at the loss of her friend and for her to go through the same thing with her husband, made Bruce deeply feel for her.

“Mrs Estermont” the lines on his often hardened face, softened. The more he stayed here the more he felt himself melting out of his usual cold and unpassed self. His jaw relaxed under the motherly kisses she was bestowing on his stubbled cheeks “Oh, please. Marcia’s fine. No need for formalities, dear” she said. Bruce strained another smile “Marcia then”

Before he could put another word in, your mother was calling for your siblings to come and greet him. “You must see them, they’ve grown so much I’m sure you won’t recognize them,” she said, obviously proud of the two.

Indeed, it was a drastic change to now have a twenty-year-old boy and a nineteen-year-old girl standing in front of him when he mostly remembered them as a seventeen and fifteen-year-old duo. Had time passed so fast? Or maybe it was him losing time…

“Uncle Bruce” your sister’s voice brought him back to the reality now standing in front of him. Elena was the youngest, and now she had grown into a pretty young woman. He remembered her with brown shoulder-length hair, which she now sported Into a black wolf cut, delicately styled and many earrings, too many than he remembered. Your brother was no different; he too had grown his hair, and not only that, as he now stood taller than he had last time, though still not as tall as him.

“You two look good,” he said, his voice lighter than usual “You’ve certainly grown” While your sister gloated at his praise, your brother smiled mischievously “She’s still short” He knew well how this would end if he did not put a stop to it before it was too late. So, before your sister could protest, he said calmly “She will grow, in time” he said “No need to rush, huh?”

Your mother smiled “Bruce is right. No need to rush nature”, she said “Now, off you go and don’t cause any trouble”

He watched as the two scouted off, now just him and your mother again.

“You look pale, and you look thin” she pointed out bluntly but with a hint of underlying concern in her words. He sighed “I’m fine”, then he smiled slightly “Nothing a good lunch cannot cure, am I right?”

Marcia nodded her head, happy with his words “I suppose you’re right. I should be happy you even came. (Y/N) would have killed me had I asked her to ask you another time”

Bruce raised a brow slightly but kept neutral about her words “Had I had the time I would have come” he reassured “I know” she strained a smile “I just worry”

“Of course, you do” reassurance was what your mother needed most now and he wanted to give her as much as he could “And it’s my fault, I should have been around more” he shook his head. He only had himself to blame for the predicament he found himself in. She, in turn, shook her head as well “Nonsense, deary. You’re a grown man now, it’s normal for you to have taken over every responsibility your father once held.”

Bruce wasn’t sure if he would ever tell her that his connection to your family wasn’t the only thing he was neglecting. The stocks of Wayne Enterprises had been plummeting as of late, and he didn’t know how many papers he had to sign in those meetings with his accountants, Alfred forced him to attend, to recover the losses his negligence had been the cause of. And again, once more, there was no one else to blame but himself. He would be lying if he were to say he did not particularly care about keeping the company afloat. He used the funds he got out of it to fund his nightly crusades, making his bat suit, his gadgets, and the construction of his Batcave - all funded by the company his father had built, which he was currently sailing into a slow bankruptcy. He wasn’t sure your mother would take kindly to such revelation when Alfred didn’t, something his butler always reprimanded him for. He only nodded along to your mother’s words, as if in agreement.

“How’s (Y/N)?” He asked. Your mother sighed, a hint of exasperation in it “she’s….as busy as ever” she said “It was as hard to get you to accept your invitation as much as it was to get her out of Gotham to visit me”

Bruce chuckles drily - that sounds like you. “Does she not visit you often?” He asks “less and less these days,” She says, “It’s always an excuse with her. ‘I have a hearing on Tuesday’ or ‘I need to prepare a speech for Friday’”

It was obvious your mother was not pleased with you avoiding coming to visit, even with good reasoning “It’s a wonder I got her here today, and even now, she’s cooped up in her father’s office, working”

That catches him off guard slightly. He looks at her, thrown, to which Marcia catches on quickly “It’s hers now” Bruce didn’t know if he could understand the emotions your mother filled her words with “In his will, he gave it to her” fondness though was surely one of them.  He could see her, spacing in her thoughts slightly “I still cannot get myself to go in there” something significant in his voice as it quieted “I know.” There’s a finality in his words, the underlying understanding between the two deeper than they both realised. He could almost see it atop the staircase in Wayne Tower, the double doors of his parents’ room locked in a thick chain coiled crudely through the handles, a padlock sealing whoever stood in front of them off from whatever was beyond. He shakes the memory out of his mind

“Do you mind if I….?” His voice trails at the end, but the unsaid words were louder than those he spoke “If you want”, the warmth in her voice was almost a reassurance to him “Only if you think you…” She, too, it seems, cannot bring herself to finish her sentence, but Bruce understands what she wants to say more than if she had said it. “Bruce?” Her calling to him stops him in his tracks before he can step into the staircase “Please….talk to her” Bruce's expression falls slightly. He had not willed himself to admit so, but he had been slightly excited to see you again, but the mention of your father's office and your mother’s plea of conversation brought a wave of mixed emotions.

A sense of nostalgia for the memories he had shared with your father in that office, but also a pang of sadness at the absence he now felt. “….I will,” he replied, his voice slightly quieter. The wooden stairs creaked under the weight of his steps, though the sounds were muffled by the carpet covering them. He made his way to the office, his thoughts swirling in his head. He remembered the times he had spent in there with your father, discussing business and politics or just chatting over a glass of expensive bourbon that he probably was too young to drink. Your father had taught him a lot of things, preparing him to become the man he could have become in his father’s stead had things gone.. differently. Those memories now seemed distant and bittersweet, marred by grief and pain. As he reached the door, he raised his hand to knock, but before he could do so, he heard the sound of your voice from inside. Your mother had not told him you were with someone.

He paused, listening to the tone of your voice and the words you were saying, trying to decipher what was going on behind the door. "I don't care what you think, you've never taken this seriously" your voice was strained and serious "I will not take the fallout of the consequences of your actions coming to bite back at you” Though he knew it was wrong of him, he pushed towards the door to listen in. "you don't understand, you've got to help me out" he didn't know this other voice "I...I didn't kno-“ "you think i should throw myself at your feet to help you out after you lost me half of my father's assets to my uncle?" you asked, "for the sake of you?" you asked almost incredulous. He could almost sense it, the anger and disappointment in your voice, but also a hint of resignation.

“I didn’t know what I wanted” the other woman’s voice was now quiet and closed in “only what was expected of me” "You think I care?" you asked "You've helped your husband ruin my life, content yourself with that, aunt” His brows picked at the dressing of the woman, the realization of what he was listening in dawning on him . He could hear the deep sigh you let out "I'm part of the City Council now, I cannot just go around and get involved in marital spats" Bruce's ears perked up at the mention of you being part of the City Council. He felt a pang of guilt at missing out on this important development in your life which he had learned from the news on the TV. But it also filled him with pride. He always knew you had the potential to make a real difference in Gotham….like your father.

The room went quiet for a moment before the hushed conversation continued "I'll see what I can do", you said quietly, "but I cannot make any promises and remember, you’ll owe me for this” The tension in the room seemed to lessen, and he could almost feel so even from the outside. After a few moments, the sound of footsteps approached the door. Bruce instinctively let go of the doorknob, walking a few steps back as if he had just arrived, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping. The door opened, revealing your aunt, who appeared relieved yet sombre. Mascara ran down he slashes, a clear sign of her previous distress, and her hair had become slightly untamed. The fried end caused by the bleach in her hair was seriously not helping her in making her look better. She caught a glimpse of Bruce, surprised by his presence, but quickly composed herself and gave him a thin smile. "Bruce....how you've grown," she said quietly. He nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes darting briefly to your office before looking back at your aunt. "Ms. Estermont" he greeted her, his voice calm and polite. He couldn't help but wonder what had just transpired between you two. “Bruce?” Your voice called from within, a hint of surprise and perhaps, he wanted to believe, excitement. Your aunt seemed to sober “I’ll go” she said “it was nice seeing you again, Bruce” Bruce gave her a polit nod of acknowledgement, moving aside, watching as she walked away, his thoughts still on the conversation he had overheard. As soon as she was gone, he turned his gaze back towards your office, his heart pounding slightly in his chest.

Sitting down in the same chair your father used to sit in, you cut his very image. The dark leather almost engulfs your frame in it. Bruce took in the sight, of you sitting in the very same chair your father had once occupied, a pang of nostalgia mixed with sorrow filling his heart. You looked so much like him, with the same intense gaze and determination etched on your features. The image of you, so reminiscent of your father, tugged at his heartstrings. He had always been fond of your father, who had been a mentor and a friend to him. Seeing you now, taking up the reigns and sitting in his chair, was a bittersweet reminder of the past.

"Bruce" you smiled "Come in,come in"Bruce hesitantly stepped into the office, his eyes locked on your smile. He tried to push aside the guilt he felt for overhearing your conversation, replaced by the warm feeling he always got when you smiled at him. He will not mention what he had heard, he had decided. 

"I'm glad you could make it" you said "i don't think I could go another month without seeing you” His heart skipped a beat at your words. It warmed him to know that you missed him just as much as he had missed you in these past months. "It's good to see you too" he replied, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his face. "two months,huh?" you asked "we saw each other last in August, it's October now” Bruce nodded in agreement, realizing just how much time had passed since the last time he had seen you. "Yeah..." he admitted, his voice softer than usual. "Life just seemed to get busier and busier." It was the excuse he had been telling himself for the past few months, but deep down, he knew he had been avoiding you, trying to hide his alter ego from you. "I'm sure you are, now more than ever,no?"

His heart skipped a bit at your words. What did you know? Have you figured it out? Is that why you had asked him here? Was this all a ploy-

“I mean, I heard about your stocks plummeting, I’m sure you’ve been busier than ever with the company” You finished your sentence and he mentally beat himself up for what thoughts he just had. Even if you had figured it out, why was he suddenly thinking of an escape plan? You were his childhood best friend…the last thing you would do is turn in him to the authorities.

“Yeah…” he fidgeted slightly with his hands, his heart still racing from the spiral he had gone through. You smiled "I'm just glad you accepted my invite," you said "I've missed you, and....I've been worried” Bruce's heart squeezed at your words. He could hear the worry in your voice and could see it in your eyes. He knew he had been distant, and he felt guilty for making you worry. "I've missed you too," he said quietly, taking a few steps closer to your desk. "please, sit" you said, "make yourself at home, it is, after all, no?" With the many times he had spent in this house, his name might as well be on the lease.  He settled into the chair, allowing himself to feel at ease in your presence. As he sat there, he realised just how much he had missed being in your company. The soft lighting in your office, the familiar scent of old books mixed with the faint smell of your perfume, the tickling of the old cloak. It all brought back a wave of nostalgic memories.

"you haven't changed anything, I see," he said, his voice as always never above a murmur "I couldn't bring myself to," you said "It feels like, he's still here even after all those years, watching over me as I took in his steps”

Bruce's heart ached at your words. He could hear the hint of sadness and nostalgia in your voice, the pain of your father's absence still fresh in your mind. "He would be proud of you, you know that right?" he said gently, his gaze fixed on you. "I'd like to think so too," you said "but I still have a long way before I feel like I've reached the point where he would tell me that” He leaned forward in his chair, resting his forearms on the edge of your desk. "You're being too hard on yourself," he said, his voice soft but earnest. "From what I've seen, you've already accomplished so much.” The truth in his words was so that you could not dispute them "You're on the City Council now" he added, a note of admiration in his voice. "You're making a real difference in Gotham. Your father would be absolutely proud of you, just like I am.”

"you've heard?" you asked with joy “I entered in September when the session began but I will be sworn in in January, I participate how I can for now, but I’m planning on building a coalition”

“that seems like a plan” he said “"You should feel proud. Not just anyone can be on the City Council. It's impressive, really”

You scoffed “It's certainly a job when you're opposing people like Mitchell and his second-in-command Tomlin,” you said, slumping slightly in the chair, that was almost too big for you ", especially with the upcoming elections. Oh, god, help me so, if he puts forward another motion to discuss to take away from Reál's rising numbers”

Bruce listened intently, noticing the exhaustion in your tone. The mention of upcoming elections and Mitchell's continuous attempts to undermine Reál's progress was concerning. "Don't let him wear you down," he said, his voice firm and supportive. "You're smarter and more capable than he is. You just need to stay focused and strategic.”

"easy for you to say when you don't have to deal with him almost every day" you retorted "god, I hope he loses so I won't have to deal with him”

“That’s one way to see it” he said with a hilt of his mouth “The better way. I need him out of my hair” you pointed

you turned your wrist to look at the time"Lunch is in about an hour" you said "can I offer you anything? Coffe? Wine?” To which he shook his head “I’m fine” “Oh, come on, Bruce. You can ask for anything,” you said “Don’t be shy” He watched as you stood to walk to the cabinet your father kept his ‘indulgences’, as he used to call them. “Alright, fine” he relented “cup of wine, red”

The cup in his hand felt heavy even when it wasn’t filled even halfway, the cristal shone in the light coming through the heavy curtains “Come with me?” he raised a brow at your question and only then did he notice you had reached in a drawer for the pack of cigarettes now in your hands.  He hadn't expected you to have cigarettes hidden in your office, especially considering how strongly you had opposed your father's smoking habit in the past. His gaze flickered between the pack and your face, wondering if this was just a one-time thing or if you had developed a habit yourself. Perceptive as ever, you took his silent question as your eyes locked “I always told him those would kill him” you fiddled with the packet “In the end he did die…just not from them”

The reference to your father's passing brings a pang of empathy to his chest. He remembered the countless times you had scolded your father, trying to discourage him from smoking. He could hear the resignation in your voice now, accepting the fact that your father's death hadn't been caused by cigarettes but by something else altogether. “Were those his?” He asked “yes” you paused “Now they’re mine” He knew the consequences of smoking all too well, and the thought of you giving in to that habit both concerned and frustrated him. “….I’ll come with you” he said, his voice betraying a hint of resignation and reluctance as he stood from the chair

“Jesus Christ, is it cold” you said once you were both walking in the back of the house, the gravel shifting as you walked along the path. You two were both covered in your coats and yet it seemed the weather was getting the better of you two. Bruce shivered slightly as the cold air hit him. He wrapped his coat tighter around his body, a contrast to the warm feeling he usually felt with you. "Yeah, it's freezing" he agreed, his breath visible in the cold air. He sipped at his cup, hoping for the wine to warm him slightly.

He watched as you placed the cigarette between your lips, the familiar taste of tobacco filling your mouth, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He knew how much you had fought with your father about his smoking habits, and now here he was, watching you indulge in this killer of a drug. Once lit, you took a long drag, feeling the nicotine fill your lungs. The harshness of the smoke stung your throat, but you welcomed the familiar sensation. Once exhaled, the smoke dispersed into the cold air, creating a cloud around you two. “I didn’t know you smoked” he pointed “You never told me when you called”

“I don’t” you said “This…is a once in-blue moon kind of thing” “It’s still a thing” he pointed out “Please, Bruce, spare me your cloak of self-righteousness” you huffed “Your objectivity over what I do died the day you pulled away from me” your words were biting…..but they were not untrue. He winced slightly, wanting to rebuff but the words died right on the tip of his tongue “I’m sorry” is all he could master “It’s fine” you reassured “We’re not children anymore….we cannot spend every waking moment together. I understand that”

“Still” he protested “I feel like I’ve abandoned you in a way”

You exhaled your previous drag “You can make it up to me”

He raised a brow “How?” Curiosity waned at him, awaiting your response and suggestion

You smiled with an underline of mischievousness “How about lunch?” You asked, “I’m free next Thursday”

Of course, his first response was to run away and tell you no. Could he commit again to something that wasn’t his vigilante work? But you…you weren’t just someone, you were his friend, his constant and comfort, who had been with him through thick and thin. He couldn’t just ditch you as he had in the past year after his activities had picked up after he had befriended Gordon and the signal was put into place. His grip on the glass of his cup tightened slightly. He pondered your offer for a moment, his mind racing to find an excuse. "I appreciate the offer," he said, his voice laced with a hint of hesitation. God, he hated this, he hated that he couldn't be honest with you about everything. He nodded against his best interest “Thursday then”

He only hoped he would not regret this.

A/N: I will make a master list soon, if anyone wants to be tagged in future chapters, please comment so. This is written with in mind The Batman (2022) and The Penguin (2024), so spoilers ahead. The first few chapters take place before the events of the movie.I tried to get Matt Reeves' characterization of him as best as I could. I absolutely love that we got an inexperienced, wet, always on the verge of tears, Bruce. He's so hot.

[guvato]

Tamalog Day 22

The day began like always, once everyone was awake by 7AM i checked on them and called the Sitter for everyone except Soyofuwatchi, who evolved into Neliatchi by the time she had woken up. I then proceeded to look for both the Garden and the "Training Room" to know if they were real or if if something was missing, but turns out i didn't explore the Pix enough yet and i found the Garden, which had some Trees that i'll be doing my best to water every day to see what we can get from them. Swiping right one more time gave us an animation of Neliatchi unlocking and entering the Training Room to become a Chef, and i was just so happy to discover this, but i was also confused that i couldn't start the training per se. Turns out you just gotta go in and out of the Training Room a couple of times for the mini-game to begin, which is fairly simple and straight forward but it pays and raises the Happiness meter so i will be using it alongside the Arcade. Then i called the Sitter for Neliatchi and finally went to sleep.

Waking up at 5:30PM to make sure the Sitters wouldn't scold me, i picked everyone up and proceeded to check on everybody. Kuchipatchi needed some food, so i fed him a couple of Tasty Burguers, gave him a bath and left him to do whatever he wanted. Picochutchi wanted some food but was fairly happy, so we went to the delivery app and bought basically everything there, which left us with about 6k Gotchi Points so we might be good for a while still. Neliatchi and i decided to cook something together, but we got some Sugar Cotton and that is no food so i fed her the California Rolls we made yesterday and some bagels, yes bagels she just needed one more thingy to be maxed and i didn't want to overfeed her like it's a digivice.

Night came quick and i didn't know what time Neliatchi goes to sleep so i wanted to buy her something before she went to sleep. Going to the Tama Shop we first drew our daily prize, which we got 3rd place and not much Gotchi Points came with it, i honestly would prefer the 4th place's lollipop, but anyway, i bought her a Fluffy Cloud and a Violin. Going home i had time to listen to her playing Violin before she went to sleep (now i know her sleep time is 8PM lol.) Kuchipatchi was all good, just a little hungry but nothing that a Prosciutto Melon couldn't handle, sadly we didn't dance today, but you never know what dance floors tomorrow brings. Picochutchi had two meals today and both consisted of Pho Noodles, which she loves, so her happiness meter was pretty much always high even though we didn't play much today other than doing the Tama Arena Event again and ONCE AGAIN getting 3rd place cuz i suck, but we got more points than yesterday (all picochutchi btw i am only involved on the being bad part.)

Since Neliatchi goes to bed super early i just had to wait for Kuchipatchi to ask me for some pets to know that it was nearing the end of our day, which not much time later he did call for me and i answered of course cuz i am just a great Tama Care taker. Not much time later i got to see Picochutchi listening to her Music Box again, which she loves to do, i really didn't know they had animations for Tamas playing with the Music Box if you just place it on the living room for them to interact with, i thought it just layed there lol. After some good music, Picochutchi went to bed, ending one more Tama Day for us.

Super short day today also, tomorrow imma go to work so we might have more things since i will be playing with the Pix much more, both to better my relationship with Neliatchi as i heard you can get more close to them other than "Friendly", i am looking for the "Best Pals" ranking with all my might tomorrow! Also will be training Neliatchi so she can become the best chef ever when she goes back to Tama Plant. Anyway, Thanks for reading and i hope to see you tomorrow. Good Night <3

[theultimateultimateweapon]

Kirby: Meta Knight and the Knight of Hades (Chapter 9)

“It’s no mistake! Meta Knight has appeared!” 

Hearing Waddle Dee’s cry, Sword Knight gave a vacant look.

Javelin Knight got angry. ���Waddle Dee! This isn’t the time for jokes!”

“But, I’m not kidding!”

Trident Knight shouted, “Meta Knight is wandering between life and death in bed on the battleship Halberd!”

“I-I know, but… that’s Meta Knight. It has to be!”

The Meta Knights looked at each other.

“No way… a fake?”

“Is it another disguise master like Beryl masquerading?”

They didn’t understand what was happening.

Waddle Dee continued watching the battle with a funny feeling.

Blade Knight, who quickly opened his eyes, couldn’t believe what he saw and muttered. “It’s a lie, I’m looking at an illusion. I can’t look at an illusion of Meta Knight… I can’t take it anymore…”

Kirby, on the other hand, had no doubt at all. “Wow, Meta Knight! You’re completely healed! Good! We were all worried!”

Kirby bounced up and jumped at Meta Knight.

Meta Knight staggered and muttered. “Kirby… did I come back… to this world?”

The fallen King Dedede staggered and got up. “Is that Meta Knight? No way, but he’s… a fake, it’s a fake isn’t it?”

“King Dedede? Heh… I’m so happy to see your face, for the first and hopefully last time.”

The red knight was surprised to see Meta Knight appear, but returned to the fight and started slashing.

Meta Knight quickly dodged and tried to pull out his sword, but he had no sword on him.

The sword he had in the land of Hades was a ghost sword with no substance. He couldn’t bring it to this world.

“...Oops!” Meta Knight held up his cloak and muttered, backtracking. “Wings like a red butterfly! It’s that Morpho Knight that Papi mentioned!”

“Mango… knight? Yeah, he was originally Galacta Knight!” Kirby shouted while avoiding the attack.

Meta Knight’s eyes shone. “Galacta Knight!?”

“Yeah, we were fighting Galacta Knight until a while ago. When we thought we finally defeated him, a red butterfly suddenly appeared and was obsessed with him.”

“Then, it was Galacta Knight who gave the agonizing death cry! The red butterfly and Galacta Knight fused to become Morpho Knight!”

“Mor-pho? More of what-!?”

While talking, Morpho Knight’s attacks were getting faster.

Neither Kirby, who had no copy ability, nor Meta Knight, who had no weapon, could fight back. All they could do was protect themselves while guarding and dodging.

“...Strong.” Meta Knight determined the strength of the enemy while avoiding attacks.

The eyes behind his mask began to shine. “The power of the butterfly from another world has been added to Galacta Knight. The overwhelming strength of the legendary warrior, even stronger…”

“It’s you after all, it’s the real Meta Knight!” King Dedede shouted. “Old pal, I’m excited to fight alongside you against a strong opponent, but how? You’re unconscious on the Halberd, right…?”

Morpho Knight spread his wings, soared, and plunged. Kirby and the others hurried to dodge. His crimson sword smashed the floor and scattered countless debris.

King Dedede frowned and said, “Urgh, we need to retreat!”

“What?”

“Buddy, you don’t have any weapons, Kirby has no copy ability, Blade Knight is weak. Only I can fight, but I can’t win against a monster like this. We need to regroup!”

“You want to run away? Stupid.” The stronger the opponent, the more his fighting spirit burns. This was Meta Knight’s true heart. “I can fight!”

King Dedede stomped on the floor and screamed. “Chill out, Meta Knight! You don’t have anything to fight with!”

When he heard this, Blade Knight shouted, “Meta Knight, here!” He held out his sword. “Please, use this!”

“Blade Knight! Thank you.” Meta Knight grasped the sword and shook it lightly.

King Dedede glared at Blade Knight with anger. “Don’t do it! Meta Knight, this is getting out of hand!”

The king’s murmur did not reach him. He grabbed his sword and glanced at Morpho Knight.

Morpho Knight swung his sword up. It had grown in size again, storing energy.

Far from giving up, Meta Knight kept fighting and fighting.

“This is… the joy of living, the heat of battle. This is what I want!”

He jumped high and slashed at Morpho Knight. However, the red knight moved fast. He easily evaded and snuck behind. His huge sword attacked Meta Knight.

Kirby hurried and expelled an air bullet that hit Meta Knight. Meta Knight was blown away and escaped the attack.

“Kirby! I want you to attack the enemy anyway!”

“I can’t! An air bullet isn’t going to hurt such a strong opponent!”

King Dedede was annoyed. “Tch, looks like I’ll have to fight after all! Kirby, Meta Knight, get behind me!”

The two quickly replied.

“No! I will fight too!”

“No, I’m staying here!”

“Well, if you insist…!” 

Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Kirby glared at Morpho Knight.

However, his strength was overwhelming. He swung his huge sword. Even King Dedede’s hammer couldn’t compete.

Was this the end for them!?

Meanwhile, the Meta Knights at the bottom of the hole were in turmoil.

“What’s happening!? Is it the real Meta Knight or a fake!?”

“He can’t be real! Meta Knight is on a bed in the Halberd!”

At that moment, Sword Knight’s communication device started ringing. His heart skipped a beat. “Yes, I’ll ask Captain Vul if he’s still there. Yes, this is Sword Knight!”

When Sword Knight answered the call, Captain Vul’s voice rushed out.

“Sword Knight! It’s terrible! Something awful has happened!”

“What’s wrong? No way, Meta Knight…”

“He’s gooooone aaaahhhh! Waaaaa!” Captain Vul was in a panic. He sounded on the verge of tears.

“Ca-captain Vul, calm down. Did he disappear…?”

“The doctor came to inform me that Meta Knight, who was supposed to be lying on the bed, suddenly disappeared! Thi-, this is awfaaaaaaahl!”

Sword Knight cut off communication with the captain. “It seems that Meta Knight disappeared from his bed!”

“What…! That means…!”

“No doubt, what appeared there…”

Sword Knight was in awe. “It’s the real Meta Knight! However it happened, Meta Knight woke up and appeared in this ancient temple!” 

Suddenly, Waddle Dee screamed.

Sword Knight shouted, “What’s wrong, Waddle Dee?”

“The red knight… he’s too strong…” Waddle Dee reported in a quivering voice. “The great king is already running away with Kirby. Meta Knight is being cornered!”

The Meta Knights felt sick. 

Trident Knight slammed his fist against the wall. “Ugh! If we could just get out of here…! Then we could go help Meta Knight and fight!”

“This is your fault!”

The Meta Knights turned to Beryl.

Javelin Knight was angry. “That’s right. Originally you just stole the treasured sword Galaxia… to…!? Oh yeah!”

The Meta Knights raised their faces at the same time.

Sword Knight shouted. “The Galaxia! We forgot the most important thing! Waddle Dee!”

“Ye, yes!”

“Deliver this to Meta Knight! Throw it to him, be careful!” Sword Knight threw the Galaxia with all his might.

Waddle Dee reached out and caught it firmly. 

“If he has his Galaxia, Meta Knight is invincible! He can’t lose to any strong enemy! You know what to do, Waddle Dee!”

“Understood!”

Waddle Dee started running with the Galaxia in hand.

(Chapter 8 - Table of Contents - Chapter 10)

[descendant-of-truth]

Favorite thing about him: The level of sass he has for everyone, regardless of who he's talking to or what the circumstances are. I just can't get enough of him roasting everyone. XD

Least favorite thing about him: His lack of screen time, mostly. He has a fair number of appearances, but they're so sporadic that it's hard to figure him out while you're playing.

And it's kind of weird to introduce a dark counterpart and then hardly spend time on the conflict that entails. Like, I loved the Aurumn arc, but I feel like those chapters could have used some Dark Pit to spruce things up and keep it from being just filler.

Favorite line: If I absolutely had to pick one, it'd probably be: "Hold on a second. Your math is a little off. You might want to break out the Brain Age, pal."

My reasons being:

The attitude

It introduced an interesting addition to the plot point about souls making monsters

He's just really smart to have figured out the discrepency of Hades' plan so quickly??

It shows that he makes video game references like Pit does, which is a nice addition

I'm always ready to hear Hades get taken down a notch

BROTP: Him and Pit, of course! They work off of each other really well, especially once they're allies. The real tragedy of this game is that they never get to work together for a whole chapter start to finish.

OTP: I don't ship him with anyone.

NOTP: Literally all of his options are either gods, an adult human man, or Pit, and none of those sit well with me.

Random headcanon: He's very fond of Phos and Lux, and likes to talk to them when he's otherwise by himself.

Unpopular opinion: I see a lot of people write Pittoo like he's the "smart one" between him and Pit, but I don't think the difference lies in their intelligence.

Plus, the idea of these two characters being equipped with more or less the same skillset and opinions and choosing to do completely different things with them is way more fun and interesting than writing them as complete opposites.

Song I associate with him: Okay look I thought about this for like three days and I just. I've got nothing

Favorite picture of him: I really like this shot of him in Palutena's Smash Bros trailer!

Thanks for the ask! This was really fun to write about.

[tempestuous-cosplay]

Flower Asks

Alisons: Sexuality?

Demi-romantic poly-pansexual.

Amaranth: Pronouns/Gender?

They Them non-binary 

Amaryllis: Birthday?

July 20!!!!! Gunna be 25

Anemone: Favorite flower?

Can’t choose. But its something blue, purple, or red. I really like Hydrangeas and Narcissus flowers.  

Angelonia: Favorite t.v. show?

Brooklyn 99, Avatar the Last Airbender, MeatEater

Arum-Lily: What’s the farthest you’d go for a stranger?

Depends on whats needed. 

Aster: What’s one of your favorite quotes?

ah, man, i don’t fuckin know. Probably the line “Change IS nature, dad, the part we can influence. And it all starts when we decide.” from ratatouille 

Aubrieta: Favorite drink?

Water, milk, then sprite. Unless we talkin booze, tequilla.

Baby’s Breath: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

ABSOLUTELY 

Balsam Fir: Have you ever been in love?

Yup. Would love to have that again one day, but not now. 

Baneberries: Favorite song?

Under My Skin by Jukebox the Ghost at the moment, but consistantly its Pierre by Rynn Weaver. 

Basket of Gold: Describe your family.

Better than some but has its issues. 

Beebalm: Do you have a best friend? Who is it?

I have 5 closest friends whom i LOVE and talk to with any regularity. 

Begonia: Favorite color?

PURPLE

Bellflower: Favorite animal?

DRAGON

Bergenia: Are you a morning or night person?

I like being awake in the morning bc then it feels like i have so much time to do stuff, but my sleep schedule always shifts to being a night owl.

Black-Eyed Susan: If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be?

a Kite or a hawk for all that fancy flying.

Bloodroots: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian, a puppeteer, or the next david attenborough. 

Bluemink: What are your thoughts on children?

I eventually want ONE, just one, of my own when I’m living with a community who will help me raise them. But really, i think too many people are having children who just should not be parents. 

Blazing Stars: What are you afraid of? Is there a reason why?

Being in love again bc the last times its happened I got traumatized.

Borage: Give a random fact about your childhood.

I always used to say i would never get tattoos and now i have one and plans for more. Ain’t gunna stop till im covered.

Bugleherb: How would you spend your last day on Earth?  

I would travel up to my friend @b-oredzoi and spent the day with her. She ain’t got a choice. 

Buttercup: Relationship Status?

Single but with some FWB situations goin on.

Camelia: If you could visit anywhere, where would you want to go?

anywhere outside continental US. Im not picky. Top choices Kyoto Japan, the french countryside, p much anywhere in africa.

Candytufts: When do you feel most loved?

when im tripping on acid or when my friends are hugging me real tight. 

Canna: Do you have any tattoos?  

YEAH, got one on my thigh. 

Canterbury Bells: Do you have any piercings?  

YUP, lobes and one cartilage 

California Poppy: Height?  

5′4 and hating every second of it. Wish i was taller. 

Cardinal Flower: Do you believe in ghosts?

100%

Carnation: What are you currently wearing?  

skill boxers stolen from an ex-friend and a shirt that im not 100% sure is mine??? but I’ve had it for a year and wear it all the time soooooooooooo. Mine now

Catnip: Have you ever slept with a nightlight?

I used to sleep with the closet light on until i was, like..... 14? 15?

Chives: Who was the last person you hugged?  

myyyyy mom prolly.

Chrysanthemum: Who’s the last person you kissed?

my pal Eli

Cock’s Comb: Favorite font?

something swoopy and pretty. Or the one thats just emojis. 

Columbine: Are you tired?

always

Common Boneset: What are you looking forward to?

getting top surgery and corona being over. 

Coneflower: Dream job?

philanthropist actor/ director. 

Crane’s-Bill: Introvert or extrovert?

ambivert. 

Crocus: Have you ever been in love?

We did this with balsom fir. anyway, yes i have been!!

Crown Imperial: What’s the farthest you would go for someone you care about?

depending on who they are, as far as they needed me to. I don’t THINK i would kill anyone, but there are a few people i would willingly die for. 

Cyclamen: Did you have a favorite stuffed animal as a child? What was it?

A green and purple dragon named Puff, who i still have. He’s always either in my bed or on a shelf in my room. 

Daffodil: What’s your zodiac sign?

Cancer

Dahlia: Have you done anything worth remembering?

Didn’t die. Helped stop my grans house from burning down. 

Daisy: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

so far its getting my associates degree. Either that or dragging myself out of a horrible depressive, self destructive spiral in 2018-2019, getting the help i needed, and doing better for myself and those around me.

Daylily: What would you do if your parents didn’t like your partner(s)?  

figure out why and wither resolve it or dump the partner.

Dendrobium: Who is the last person that you said “I love you” to?

my dad prolly. 

False Goat’s Beard: What is something you are good at?

Crafty stuff. and animal trivia. 

Foxgloves: What’s something you’re bad at?

organizing anything, remembering dates, statistics. 

Freesia: What are three good things that have happened in the past month?

Got okayed for top surgery

got surprise money!

Got a sentimental piece of art from my grandparents (at long last.)

Garden Cosmos: How was your day today?

p solid. Helped my dad with some yard stuff, made a yummy dinner, saw most of the supplies i need for a new project shipped. 

Gardenia: Are you happy with where you’re at in your life?

mmmmmmm not really, but im getting there.

Gladiolus: What is something you hope to do in the next year or two?

Graduate, move out, get a good, fulfilling job. Travel some more. 

Glory-of-the-Snow: What are ten things that make you happy/you’re grateful to have in your life?

The friends who stuck around

my plushie collection

my tarot collection

my print collections from cons

finally having a queen sized bed

books

my pets (wow, almost forgot about them)

my fursuit making skills

my hair

my gently rising self esteem 

Heliotropium: What helps you calm down when you feel stressed?  

petting soft things, reading, watching Ghibli movies. 

Hellebore: How do you show affection?

all them love languages bro. Every single one. I tailor my affection to the individual and what love language they receive most.   Mostly, I cook for people.

Hoary Stock: What are you proudest of?

We’ve done this one too!

Hollyhock: Describe your ideal day.

Its a nice balmy 72 degrees with a nice breeze. The sun is shinning with some clouds here and there. I go to the zoo with some friends/ a friend and we just share random facts about our favorite animals. we get some cute plushies at the gift shop and then go to a wonderful meal, either greek or korean bbq or Pho and we go back to someones house to watch movies and vibe, sleepy, warm, and content. 

Hyacinth: What do you like to do in your free time?

read, craft, organize my room, draw, garden, swim.  

Hydrangea: How long have you known your best friend? How did you meet them?

I dont have a singular “Best friend”. I do have my Inner circle tho!

Laura- we met my freshman year of collage, first day and we click INSTANTLY. She’s my soulmate and I would go to hell and back for her (RIP to Orphius, but im different)

Bly- we met, like, back in 2014/2015 at house parties but didn’t really start getting SUPER close like we are now until, like, 2017/18/19 ish. Really the only person I actively talk to every single day, my mood twin. We share a braincell. 

Syd- we met at, like, Momocon 2014? 2015?? something like that???? bc we roomed together. We started getting close in 2016 by bonding over fursuit stuff. My go to roadtrip partner. I kinda owe my current joy for life to her bc she helped me through my hell time in 2018 but kicking my ass and teaching me how to make fursuits. 

Eli- we met at Dragon-Con through a mutual friend in 2014, but didn’t really get close until may of 2019. Now we’re p much partners in everything but title bc we just don’t have romantic feelings for eachother. We share a therapist and hang out at least 3 times a month.

Shane: We’ve been friends since, like, 2010 but started getting close in 2017 when they helped me get a job. Then we just,,, stuck around. They kick my ass to get out of the house and do stuff, or did before corona 

Sammi : Friends since 2010 when we were in highschool together. Our friendship was super rocky until we were in different schools and smoothed out as we aged and matured. They are the reason i got into conventions  and cosplay as a whole, so they have only themselves to blame for how I am now. 

Irises: Who can you talk to about (almost) everything?

Eli and laura. 

Laceleaf: How many friends do you have?

my inner circle is, like, 6 people, but friends as a whole like.... idk.... 20?

Lantanas: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

“Your gender vibe, is, like, primordial. Its a perfect blend of masculine, feminin and things that are just indescribable.”

Larkspur: What do you think of yourself?

I hate myself, to be perfectly honest. But Im trying my best to be a good person and a good friend, so I don’t have to like me, as long as the people who matter do. 

Lavender: What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

I love my hair. Also how much better at communication i’ve gotten. 

Leather Flower: What’s your least favorite thing about yourself? 

my adhd and the social symptoms of that.  

Lilac: What’s something you liked to do as a child?

i liked swinging and listening to the sounds of shoes on carpet. Good stim time.

Lily: Who was your best friend when you were a kid?

I never really had a best friend for more than 2 years. They would always move away, So i don’t really have a solid “best friend as a kid.” Why yes, I do have abandonment issues. 

Lily of the Incas: What is something you still feel guilty for?

How my last relationship ended. I pulled some STUUUUUUUPID shit and never got to own up to it or hold the other person accountable for the harm they did to me. It was just overall horrible and never got any type of closure. Likely never will. But it be that way sometimes. 

Lily of the Nile: What is something you feel guilty for that you shouldn’t feel guilty about?  

My grandfather died last week and i feel........ almost nothing bc I honestly really did not like the man. He was horrible to me growing up and horrible to my mother while my grandmother was sick and dying. But he did a number of good things too. But I feel guilty for not mourning him more. 

Lupine: What does your name mean? Why is that your name?

I chose Sawyer bc when I was younger, I was very good at wriggling my way out of work and my mom and aunts would call me “Tom Sawyer”. I also just like Mark Twain and the name Sawyer in general. Feels good

Marigold: Where did you grow up? Tell us about it.

In the suberbs of atlanta in a nice house on the Chattahoochee river. I’m actually still living there while I finish school. 

Morning Glory: What was your bedroom like growing up?

Rosey wall paper and gross maroon carpet until 7th grade, when we painted it all blue and put in blue carpet. It was, and is, very VERY blue. Im gunna be painting 2 walls different colors soon.

Mugworts: What was it like for you as a teenager? Did you enjoy your teenage years?  

Miserable, tbh. A lot of shit happened when i was 16 that left me with a lot of trauma and issues that I didn’t really have the maturity or energy to deal with while in highschool on top of being queer and dealing with that. So it was a lot of fighting with parents, self loathing, and struggling in school. It had its beautiful wonderful moments that I love with all my heart, but for the most part it was just kinda rough. 

Norwegian Angelica: Tell us about your mom.

Georgia born and raised. She tries her best and is a wonderful mother, but we clashed a lot growing up bc she’s fairly neurotic and likes everything to be precise and orderly and perfect and im... ADHD so sometimes close enough is all you’re going to get. Growing up, i couldn’t communicate what was going on with me or happening in my head very well at all, and it caused a lot of tension. 

Onions: Tell about your dad.  

Hes from Bogota colombia and im almost a carbon copy of him. That means our issues with ADHD have a happen of blowing up at eachother. He’s horrible and constructive communication, but overall is sweet and funny and very very clever. My relationships with both of them are p okay nowadays with a few spats here and there that I will deal with when I don’t live with them anymore. 

Orchid: Tell about your grandparents.

I never met my paternal grandparents. My maternal grandfather died when I was 6 and i hardly remember him.

My maternal step grandfather was.... not a good man but he was interesting and incredibly smart and fairly liberal. So there was that at least. But, to be honest, I hated the guy.

My maternal grandmother was one of my favorite humans in the world. She spent her whole life a highschool science teacher. She was funny, witty, elegant, a fairly talented cook who always encouraged me in everything I tried. Im still dealing with some emotional stuff regarding her passing, but Im just always so glad i got to spend as much time with her as I did. 

Pansy: What was your most memorable birthday? What made it be so memorable?

haha shit. Maybe my 21? A bunch of friends and i went and hung out at a park then got hammered at my house after. 

Peony: What was your first job?

Working at the summer camp i went to as a kid. Debating going back if I ever can. 

Petunia: If you’re in a relationship, how did you meet your partner(s)? If you’re not in a relationship, how did you meet your crush/how do you hope to meet your future partner(s), if you want any?

I want my future partner to be a friend where things just, grew and blossomed. 

Pincushion: How do you deal with pain?

Emotional? I try to be constructive and communicative about who or what caused it and doing something productive to help deal with it.

Physical, i just ignore it until it goes away. 

Pink: Where is home?

Wherever Im going to sleep that night. 

Plantain Lilies: If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would stop/change?

When my ex broke up with me, I would have cut all ties all together instead of try the whole “we can stay friends” bullshit. I would have just “I don’t hate you, but If we aren’t going to be together, I can’t be friends with you until I’ve had some time to heal.”

Prairie Gentian: Who is someone you look up to? Describe them.

nope

Primrose: Describe your ideal life.

I’ve made my fortune and when I say things people listen, but I can also run away to my beautiful little homestead with my queer friends and wife and all our animals and children living together in a wonder queer commune. I get to travel twice a year and i never have to worry about money. 

Rhodendron: What is something you used to believe in as a child?

hmmmm. No idea.

Ricinus: Who’s the most important in your life?

can’t pick one person.

Rose: What’s your favorite sound?

wind chimes probably.

Rosemallows: What’s your favorite memory?

oh man, too many to choose. I’ve lived a wonderful life so far. 

Sage: What’s your least favorite memory?

Too many to choose. THe night I got dumped, my grandmothers funeral, my friends funeral, some others that I don’t wanna talk about due to triggers. bleah

Snapdragon: At this moment, what do you want?  

I want..... soup dumplings. 

St. John’s Wort: Is it easy or difficult for you to express how you feel about things?

Depends. really intense or personal feelings involving my depression or emotions is almost impossible to talk about. But my feeligns about films and stuff i have 0 issues talking about. 

Sunflower: What is something you don’t want to imagine life without?

Laura

Sweet Pea: How much sleep did you get last night?

idk, like 7 hours?

Tickseed: What’s your main reason to get up every morning?

School

Touch-Me-Not: How do you feel about your current job?

im.... technically self employed/ unemployed. I want a job tho. 

Transvaal Daisy: What’s your favorite item of clothing?

My killstar hoodie. 

Tropical White Morning Glory: Describe your aesthetic.  

Disaster gay.

Tulip: What would be the best present to get you?

A tarot deck

Vervain: What’s stressing you out most right now?

Corona virus. and money. 

Wisteria: How many books have you read in the past few months? What were they called?

The entire Heros Of Olymus series The lightning thief and Sea of monsters The trials of Apollo The last unicorn.

Wolf’s Bane: Where do you want to be in life this time next year?

ideally living with friends and one year away from graduation.

Yarrow: Do you know what vore is?

*sweats* yea

Zinnia: Give a random fact about yourself.

im a witch

[oc-rehab-centre]

[HNK OC Review] Sapphire

Hey there guys, gals and other gendered pals! This account has been rather quiet as of late, wouldn’t you say? A shame indeed, although we received our first public OC review request today. While the user would prefer to be left anonymous on this post, this review is available for you and them to read through. So sit down, relax and let’s do a quick review of this Houseki No Kuni OC!

Part 1 - Biography Analysis

+ some quick words in advance!

What there was to read of Sapphire’s bio was admittedly scarce. The amount of information chalked up to about 1 page and just over 500 words. While shorter character biographies are quicker to read and easier to get through - I’m a firm believer that when it comes to telling your OC’s story and telling us about them, more is always great! I would definitely suggest adding more to this bio and there are several templates for OC bios available on platforms like DeviantART and Amino.

Also, apologies if I’m mistaken, but it looks as if this and the other piece of Sapphire sent to me were created in an avatar/anime dress-up game. I’d advise instead of doing this, perhaps drawing your OC yourself or requesting/commissioning artwork from an artist instead. It just adds something more original and personal to your art and OC, plus there’s more creativity that way!

Name: Sapphire Nicknames: Saphy, the Blue Angel, Jewel

There is already a canon “Sapphire” in the Houseki No Kuni universe. However, this isn’t a huge problem. Perhaps add a colour, shade or type into her name to distinguish her from the canon character. For example, there are various diamonds in Houseki No Kuni: Diamond, Yellow Diamond and Red Diamond. Perhaps you can distinguish your Sapphire from the canon “Sapphire”. Below is a picture of some shades of sapphire and I think “Cornflower” or “Kashmir” might fit your character the best.

Credit: SpiralMuse.org

As for your character’s nicknames, perhaps add some more context, like:

Who refers to Sapphire by these names? 

How did she earn these nicknames?

Does she like these nicknames?

I believe doing so would add some more dimension to your character. It would show the reader how she fits into the universe and can even allow them to determine things about their character before even reading through the entire bio. Also, I don’t think that the Gems would know what an “angel” is, given they don’t seem to have much of a grasp on human religion albeit mythological creatures stemming from these religions. 

Age: Between 200-250 years old

Species: Sapphire

While I can’t say a straight-up “no” to this being an answer to this question, sapphire wouldn’t qualify as your character’s species. For this category, I’d suggest writing “Gem” or “The Bone”, as those are the most common names for the species’ of the crystalline characters in Houseki No Kuni. My apologies, just a nitpick!

Strength: 9

Sexual Orientation: Straight

Appearance: Sapphire is a blue gem with long flowing hair tied up in a ponytail. Everyone likes Sapphire’s hair because it is very sparkly and shimmers a lot in battle, making them hard to miss when they fight the Lunarians. Sapphire’s eyes are also blue. Sapphire has markings on her face which appear when she’s very angry at the Lunarians, and they don’t go away until Rutile comes to calm her down. Sapphire doesn’t like these markings but Sensei says that they make her special, but it doesn’t make her like them any more though. Sapphire has large wings made out of wax and pieces of silver that were made by Rutile, which she uses to fly and cut through her enemies with. 

To begin this, in the two images that I was sent with this biography, there is very little consistency in the design, which I reckon is because the customization options varied between the two used games/apps(?). Nothing hints to this character having a wardrobe of outfits and I believe that more care should’ve gone into at least ensuring the design didn’t change so drastically and like this. Like I said, drawing it yourself or asking for art from another person can make a larger difference than you may think!

Now as for what is stated here in this portion of the bio, it is admittedly very cluttered and rather disorganized. The sentence structures are rather awkward in nature and seem to jump from one topic to the other. (eg. Rutile calming her down and Sensei’s opinion on her markings.) A few pieces of this information could definitely be removed from the “appearance” section and placed into another, like “personality” or “relationships”. Please stay true to the fact that this is an “appearance” description and not a description of everything under the sun.

There is a strong emphasis on Sapphire’s beauty and strength in this portion, which is alright, although it comes off as just slightly conceited. (Though I think I’m alone on that stance, nor was mentioning that opinion truly important lmao.) I have a slight problem with her two most apparent traits, I will confess. Sapphire’s facial markings and wings. 

What struck me as odd about the facial markings is that such things have never been seen in the canonverse, it just seems so alien and frankly unnecessary. The markings are cited as only showing up when she is angry and sound as though they serve no sense or purpose other than displaying this single fact. While there is a potential for some interesting OC lore, I would personally suggest removing this feature unless you have a logical way of explaining their presence on her face/body.

The gems also wear thick coats of powder across their bodies, remember? If these markings were anywhere, I imagine they’d exist within/on Sapphire’s crystalline body and would struggle to show up through this powder... This concept is just very confusing and I can’t think of any logical reasons/examples to give you that would make them work. 

Now for the wings, it’s obvious that this was inspired by the Greek tale of Icarus. I personally think that your concept is interesting but it brings up many questions, both for the sake of character-building and well, science.

Why would Rutile create Sapphire a set of wings? How come none of the other Gems get their own wings? Did it take Sapphire time to learn how to use their new wings? In Houseki No Kuni, the laws of physics are constantly defied, but seeing a character flying with wings made from a metal that is 655 lb per cubic foot seems like science the creators wouldn’t push against... Ahem, anyways, I believe these are questions you should explore if you plan on keeping the implemented features there. 

Personality: Sapphire is an emotionless character who is very strong and works alone whenever she can. She thinks that she is too dangerous to work alongside other Gems because she could hurt them when she gets angry or made in battle. This is why Sapphire asks to work alone. Sapphire also wants to protect her friends very much and that’s why she’s always so angry at the Lunarians for taking away the other Gems. Sapphire also competes a lot with Phos because they’re both strong Gems only Sapphire is more loyal and useful to Sensei more than Phos was. Sapphire also doesn’t like Padparashadda very much because Padparashada isn’t helpful to Sensei either when he’s asleep all the time, and because he makes Rutile really upset which Sapphire doesn’t like.

Emotionless, hm? Given the fact that she supposedly have markings that trigger as a result of an emotion (anger), I would hardly go to say she’s emotionless. In this paragraph, she’s listed as: angry, protective, competitive, loyal and passionate - all of which are emotions. 

Just like in the “appearances section”, there is information in this paragraph that would fit better elsewhere, like her relationships with the listed characters, whose affinity and history with are never explained in this bio. 

I think that there are definitely more traits you could add to Sapphire’s personality. She is rather simplistic and I believe there is a lot of potential for her to be much more. Perhaps read about sapphires and find out what they symbolize for some inspiration or even randomly generate personality traits/attributes in online generators! Spice things up a little, make this OC more personal, make them feel more real.

Likes: Sensei, killing Lunarians, blue roses, King, her wings, being strong, the night time Dislikes: Phos, Padparashadda, when the lunarians get away, seeing broken gems, getting very angry

Powers: She has wings that let her fly and attack the Lunarians in order to make sure they cannot return back to the moon. Sapphire is stronger than Phos

Another useless piece of info, but you’ve spelt Padparadscha wrong a number of times. It’s not so hard to do a quick spellcheck! I probably sound like a broken record, but the wings continue not to make much sense to me, and I think you need to revisit the concept a little more. Given how you explained them, they sound very very powerful, seemingly strong without consequence. Also, the fact that Sapphire is stronger than Phos would be more believable and intriguing if Sapphire had clearer motifs and a more developed personality. 

Her likes and dislikes are rather generic, which admittedly broke my interest a little. I’d suggest adding some likes and dislikes that reflect Sapphire’s character a little better than her love for murdering the Moon People. 

The characters she likes and dislikes also may leave the reader curious. Though you went into slight detail about why Sapphire and Phosphophyllite aren’t besties, seeing more info on relationship with Sensei, Padpa and the aforementioned Rutile would be great. 

Backstory: Sapphire was born on the Cord Shore and taken to the school by Sensei. Sapphire liked to cling to Sensei because she saw him as a father and always wanted to please him. When Sapphire was growing up, Sensei could tell that she was powerful when he saw Sapphire’s markings, which showed up when she got mad after seeing some gems return to the building broken by the Lunarians. Sensei let Sapphire fight earlier because he knew she could protect the gems with her hardness and her ability. One day, Sapphire was in battle but the Lunarians escaped too quickly, making her very angry. Rutile gave Sapphire a gift which was a set of wings made out of wax and silver so that the Lunarians could never escape her again. Sapphire’s wings were so powerful she didn’t have to use a sword anymore and could take down even more Lunarians every day with only her wings. 

*inhales*

Oh boy. 

Ok, uh, I feel as though Sapphire’s backstory makes her seem like a very very special snowflake - something you should never strive for with a character. Sensei and Rutile both seem to be out of character, as both seem to feed Sapphire what she wants with a silver spoon... She seems like a bratty chosen one and I can’t say this backstory will sit well with everyone. 

There’s so little here that it makes me question a lot, and it frustrates me that’s there isn’t more to justify the choices and thoughts of Sensei and Rutile. Why did Sensei see such potential in Sapphire? Why would Rutile craft wings for Sapphire? Why did Sapphire get away with working alone?

There’s just so much left unanswered and unexplained... Please, if you ever decide to work on this, please add more and fill in these enormous holes. Adding a timeline would help with the pacing because when all of this is happening and at what ages Sapphire was when these events happened isn’t specified, adding to the confusion. 

Fun Fact

Sapphire has never gotten broken before but she is curious about what it feels like. 

Sapphire wraps herself in her wings when she sleeps.

Haha that first piece of trivia is rather cute. It reminds me of being young, seeing a friend with a cast and wondering what it feels like to break an arm or a leg. I think that’s really cute! The second - well, you already know my stance on the wings ^^’

Notes + Summary

If there is one thing that always sucks about fandom OCs, it’s that the fandoms always impose restrictions on creativity. In the case of Sapphire, I feel that a lot of the creative choices would definitely work to her benefit, but in the world of Houseki No Kuni, several aspects of her character feel unnatural and vague. 

Anyways, here’s a reiteration of my main points from this review.

Please add more to this bio! There wasn’t a whole lot of information in this bio, certainly not enough for Sapphire to be considered a fleshed out OC. As a result of how short this bio is, there are a lot of holes and a lot left unexplained. There is a lot of potential for this OC to be bettered by filling in those holes wisely! You can look online for a template to find section headings you’re missing, like: relationships, statistics, etc.

Getting your own images would be pretty great! Artists are always better than doll maker games!

Altering her name just a little by a colour prefix (eg. “Cornflower Sapphire”, “Kashmir Sapphire”, etc.) would differentiate her from the canon blue Sapphire. 

The removal or better explaining of the facial markings and wings would definitely be beneficial if you want to make her fit better into the series. 

Sapphire is written like a special snowflake, she’s practically written like a protagonist and seems to directly challenge Phos. Perhaps tone down the amount of special features she has, there’s nothing wrong with being just average. Sometimes, looking and behaving like a wallflower can make an OC better?

Explaining Sapphire’s connections with her peers in greater detail would be beneficial, considering they seem to baby her a fair bit. 

Overall, I’d give Sapphire an overall rating of 3.5/10. There just wasn’t a whole lot to work off of from this bio and what’s there is admittedly not superb. I hope this doesn’t discourage you from creating OCs and encourages you to make some changes to Sapphire. As I said, I see a lot of potential in her, as long as you fill in those holes in her bio and correct what is flawed in a way that makes sense and seems natural. 

That’s all for this review, Ciao!

[youthtm]

hi henlo ! i’m jo n i’ll be playing cass and frankie ! i like short walks up the stairs and pinteresting my life away. i lit just finished work , but pls donut b afraid 2 message me if u wanna plot. cass n frankie are a lil half baked bc they’re new muses for me , but They’re getting there ok , they’re Trying their Best.

( PARIS BERELC, CISFEMALE, SHE/HER ) - i think i saw CASSANDRA CASTILLO walking around earlier. the TWENTY-ONE year old STUDENT has been in Carson for FIFTEEN YEARS. from what i’ve seen, they can be pretty SELF-ASSURED and LOYAL, but also VAIN and IMPULSIVE. they were blasting RIVER by BISHOP BRIGGS, weren’t they? they have the power of REGENERATIVE HEALING.

( HENRY GOLDING, CISMALE, HE/HIM ) - i think i saw FRANKLIN WAN walking around earlier. the THIRTY-TWO year old GOVERNMENT AGENT has been in Carson for ONE MONTH. from what i’ve seen, they can be pretty LEVEL-HEADED and CALM, but also UNFORGIVING and RESERVED. they were blasting ANGELS by CHANCE THE RAPPER, weren’t they? they DO NOT have a superpower.

TW; death, serious injury

CASSANDRA CASTILLO !

cass was born into a normal life in the quaint town of mystic, connecticut. her dad was a lawyer, and her mom was a high school teacher. on weekends her and her siblings ( a wc ! ) would go biking around the town. they lived an ordinary life.

in her childhood home, they had a mighty oak in their backyard -- in its branches was a treehouse. one day, as she was climbing down on the ladder, she missed a rung and fell. ‘shattered spine,’ the doctor said to his associate. ‘poor kid won’t walk again.’ he ate his words twenty minutes later, during a follow-up. 

when it came to their attention that their daughter was one of the many ... powered individuals, her parents immediately knew that they had to move to carson. being a high school teacher, mrs. castillo knew exactly how quickly she might become ostracized.

the family moved as soon as possible. it wasn’t difficult for cassandra to become adjusted. she wasn’t carson born, but she was carson bred. carson is her home. she doesn’t really see herself leaving. not unless she has to. 

in terms of personality, cass can be extremely self-centred and the only other people she cares about are the people she’s close with. she kind of vain, and enjoys the limelight. despite that, she’s not sold on the whole hero schtick. cass doesn’t want to give up her life for some shitty part time job with no benefits other than self gratification

cassandra is reckless. since she knows she can’t get seriously injured, she deadass doesn’t give a shit about her physical being. in high school, when she was on the cheer team, she was notorious for risking the most dangerous stunts. she was a nightmare and was top priority for waivers and permission forms.

something that cassandra has never mentioned about her powers? even though she never retains the damage, she feels it. her body is plagued with phantom aches and she’s constantly in a mood because of the horrifying migraines she experiences in thanks to the dozens of concussions she’s should’ve had.

POSSIBLE WC ; exes , ex-teammates (cheer, volleyball, soccer?) , friends , gal pals , the bitch who cut in front of her at dairy queen that one time, party pals

FRANKLIN WAN !

frankie was born in chicago, a hub of life. he’s a big city boy. he loves the hustle and bustle of the city. he likes being able to get pho on a thursday night and finding a mcdonalds when he turns a corner.

he’s a family boy -- everything he does is for his family. growing up, it was just him and his mom. his mother was a kindhearted woman who did her best raising him. she had no choice, though. his father was a kind man who was far too fucking trusting. he stepped into a fight with two people people with powers. he got killed because of it.

frankie’s never gotten over that prejudice inside of him. he hates people with powers. which makes his current employment an interesting predicament to find himself in.

the contrast between chicago and carson makes his head spin. there’s so little to do in maine. still, when he can ignore the presence of the powered people, he can almost think of carson as... calming. 

as one might’ve noticed, he is a very quiet person. usually, he��s very level headed and calm. he prefers to be left to his own devices.

frankie doesn’t really have a temper, but he is extremely unforgiving. he holds grudges like there’s no tomorrow. he leaves his anger to simmer, but will never speak it outloud.

the bottom line is that frankie hates people with powers. he blames them for his dad’s death and he’ll always childishly cling to that hatred.

POSSIBLE WC: roommates (non-powered), co-workers, person he’s dating but doesn’t know they’re powered, neighbour

[spirit-shroud]

if you're still taking requests, how about a plight x m!reader where they need to pretend to be married? x)

okay anon so first of all that is legitimately my favourite fanfiction trope and i love you, so here’s a fun 3.3k word fic i kinda went overboard on, but i hope its still within the lines of what you wanted ^^ Read it on ao3 in my collection of other requests here

“‘Sup! I have a favour to ask.” The voice of the lamplighter came through the phone at far too loud of a volume, and much too fast for you to keep up with. He sounded out of breath. You looked around for a clock and sighed into the receiver. “Huh? I haven’t even asked the favour yet.”

“Plight, dear, friend, pal, buddy. Bro. Dude. Can it wait? It’s six in the morning, where are you even calling me from?” You tried not to sound upset, but you definitely did. You hovered a finger over the hang up button. “…Oh, it… is really late isn’t it. Good morning! I’m at the library right now and, what are you going to be doing in, like, two hours?”  

 “I planned on sleeping, though that’s not happening I guess.” “Yeah, sorry. Something came up and its important. Anyways, meet me at – hold on–” You heard the sound of papers, presumably him flipping through his schedule book. “Ling’s at 8:15?” “How important is it? And you’re paying.” “Of course. And, life or death situation. I promise.” “If you’re sure. I’m going to keep being bitter about it, though.”“That’s fair. See you then, okay?” You meant to say something else, but it came out as a mildly foreboding “Soon.” before you hung up. You yawned, stretched, and decided you had the time to do whatever until 8:15. Plight wasn’t one to ask for favours ever. What could come up that he needed you for? And something that required a meeting, which was all the more odd. You made yourself presentable to the outside world and spent the rest of the morning laying about, contemplating every possible way things could go wrong. That was the most necessary step to leaving your apartment as always. The hour came and you started over. The cafe still wasn’t quite open – The lights were still being tended to by a lamp bot, and Ling filling the coffee machine. He turned around and gave you a wave. “Good morning! Did you sleep well?”   “Good morning. It.. could’ve been better. But, what can you–” You yawned, interrupting your own sentence. “Do, I guess.” The boy looked at the grounds he measured, and added half a cup extra before setting the machine to brew. “It’s just a slow day already, I think. So, what can I get for you?” He gave you a happy smile. “Nothing quite yet, I’m waiting for Lampy.” You sat at the counter and put your head on it. “He’s late to his own appointment again.” “Ah… ‘Seems like you’re getting roped into this as well.” Ling laughed uncomfortably, giving you a pat on the shoulder. “I don’t like the sound of that.” “I’m just going to let him explain it. The whole deal’s pretty, ahh, interesting. But if he’s on his way I should get more coffee, give me a minute.” He dismissed himself with a wave, and you, half-asleep still, waved back. 8:15 turned into 8:45 before Plight finally showed up, covered in a mix of oil and phosphor that didn’t look comfortable at all. The scent reminded you of silly string, for some reason, and sitting next to it was as unpleasant as it sounded. His hair was equally messy, half-covered by his hat, and his hook still not rinsed off of the glow. He made finger guns at you before speaking. “I bet you’re wondering why I needed you here today,” he began, not sounding too sure of himself. “To be honest, I’m more concerned why you look like you lost a fight with a street lamp. And, isn’t phosphor highly acidic?” You tilted your head at him, trying to hold your breath. Ling passed you a mug, and Plight the remainder of the carafe of coffee, expression neutral. Same nonsense as usual. “It is, I’m, like, dying at the moment. Anyways, the worst thing happened. I got back to my house after I talked to you and stuff, except my phone’s ringing and it’s awful. Like, this guy called me in a panic because one of the morning bot crew wasn’t working. And he casually forgot to mention that it was an optical problem because some shitty kid threw rocks at the thing. I had to like, run out and buy some replacement glass which sucked let me tell you, nothing is open until like, ten these days. And, now, I’m not the guy you ask for repairing bots, but I have two things going for me. One, I’m an idiot. Two, I’m determined. So I tried my best and! Got it to work. But I also feel like I’m melting and it was a mess and I regret not just bothering someone else about it. But the east side of the city also isn’t my problem for another day SO I’d say I did a good job. That’s also why I’m so late and I apologize.” He hung his head. You blinked, processed his story a few times over, before shaking your head and taking a loooong sip of your drink. “I’m not sure what I was expecting, honestly.” Ling shrugged and left you to your confused silence. “So, breakfast?” “The usual would be great, thanks.” You sighed. “I’ll have whatever he’s having.” “Good luck, you two.” He disappeared into the back, laughing again as if he knew something.The lamplighter clapped his hands together before continuing where he left off. “Okay so back to the point. I need you to, ahh, pretend to be my husband for an uncomfortable social event?”You narrowly avoided spitting out your coffee. “One more time with that?” You heard him. You had a full understanding of what he just said. However, you were having a hard time believing it. He dug around in his pockets until he found a small package, and slid it over to you. Upon closer inspection, it was a maple-flavoured candy ring, and you stared at him for a long time. “It’s a long story.” “Get talking, then.” You were so… done. But when it came to the lamplighter, you were a pushover at heart, so you at least wanted to hear him out.“I’m not sure where to start on this one, uhh.” He scratched the back of his neck. “So I was being bugged by this girl at my other… other… job, and I kiiiinda panicked and told her I was married because I wanted her to screw off, except there’s a staff party like tonight and now I’m expected to show up there with my supposed spouse. And, I can’t even like, get out of it. My schedule is totally clear. I don’t have anyone else I can ask except for you and I’m kinda all screwed up over it.” “…That implies you already went and asked a bunch of other people.” “Yeah. See, what happened, is, Kelvin said no outright, Ling is busy and y’know him, he needs two weeks notice on everything anyways. Cedric just hung up on me, Rue is a literal fox, Kip is old, too well known, and also a lesbian, and you’re, um, starting to get the picture, I hope.” He sighed heavily. You nervously reached for his shoulder, trying to avoid the bits that were alight with phosphor. “I will help you this once, but we’re going to have to put effort into it. What’s the dress code of the party? Who’s going to be there? Will there be free food? And if we’re doing this we’re going to need legit looking wedding rings and also some fake pictures. We need to agree on an anniversary date, and some other stuff that I’m forgetting right now.” “Speaking of food–” Ling emerged from the back holding two plates, piled high with scrambled eggs, french toast, fried potatoes and bacon. To an average person, it’d be too much, but you dove into it before he even set it down. “Sorry it took so long, still setting up for the morning rush and all. Which should be.. soon…” The boy hung his head for a moment, before adjusting his apron and putting a happy smile on. He was truly the hero of customer service.Plight was staring at his plate, then at you, then back to his plate. It seemed he needed a minute. You spoke first. “It’s not a problem, we’re not in a rush or anything!! But, okay, so we need a date.” “Hm, hiking in the Glen sounds nice. Or maybe visiting the world history museum. Or, you meant like, day, didn’t you.” The boy covered his face with his palm. “Why not 45-23?” “Alrighty, so that’s our anniversary now.” You poked the lamplighter. “Still with us?” “Just. I don’t think I’ve had this much food in a year how do you do this regularly? And that say sounds good, yeah. Let me–” He scribbled it down in his notebook and nibbled at the potatoes.   “You have a problem, dear.” “I’m busy, s’all.” He pouted. “This is really good by the way. And, the… Event,” he said it with such disgust, as if saying the word party would ruin the atmosphere. “Pretty straightforward. Lots of boring office people who think it’s a fashion show rather than an after-work get together where they just smacktalk their clients and drink sparkling apple juice in crystal glasses. It’s literally, like, just juice. It’s so… Tame. And boring.  Anyways, the cool guys and who we’ll probably just stand around the most is the other maintenance guys who are cool as hell. We aren’t even sure why we’re invited to be honest but that makes it kind of better. So I think if we go with something that’s like, kinda flashy, but not in the ‘high class citizen who understands social cues’ area, we’ll be okay and be talked to as minimally as possible. Also if we really need to leave you can fake pass out or something.” You brought a hand to your chin in thought. “I am a pro at being dramatic. But, for outfits, I have… Nothing matching that description.” “And I have reckless spending habits! Guess we’re going to the mall for two pressing things today.” 

“Okay but you have clothes at my house and you’re taking a shower first. I’ll even, like, do your laundry. Please dude.” He wiped his face and his expression soured. His hand was covered in black streaks of machine oil and whatever else. “…Ah.” The pair of you finished up, paid Ling and thanked him before crossing the skywalk into your apartment. Some hours passed before you were both ready again, but you got lots done. Enough edited photographs to fill a small album, all ready-printed and as nice looking as possible. You got a few other people in on what was happening just in case they were asked. It was above and beyond what you’d do for any other situation, but after getting over the initial shock, you realized the situation was more hilarious than anything. You worked on getting your stories straight while you walked towards the mall. You met in middle school, were close friends through high school, but fell apart sometime around college due to conflicting dreams or something (You mostly hoped nobody’d ask you to go in that much detail) when afterwards you eventually ran into each other and started dating. It wasn’t a lie, per se. The truth was definitely stretched, but not beyond recognition. You held hands while wandering around store to store to practice the idea of closeness. Something was off about it, though. You’d never known him to be the nervous sort and yet his palms seemed to get sweatier, his words a little more hesitant by the hour. Even when you’d normally be bickering about this or that was met with no resistance. It was starting to make you worried as well, but you didn’t want to mention it. It seemed while your acceptance was in the fun of things, he had a very different realization.The culmination of those anxieties passed without incident, as there were more pressing matters. Standing in front of a directory for the third time that day, a thought crossed your minds at the same time. “How do jewelry stores even work?” He looked down at you, as if you’d magically have the answer. “I’d imagine like any other store??” “But, like, do you just… walk in, and say, ‘do you by chance have two plain gold bands? Here’s my card. My ring size is 10.5’? Don’t you usually need to order things ahead of time? What if they, like, ask?” “That’s, um, a valid point. I have no idea.” You scratched the back of your neck awkwardly, trying to laugh it off. He followed the motion. “We need an adult.” “Plight, we’re adults. Let’s just find a place and see what happens, okay?” He sighed and tried to find the one he was looking at earlier on the map. “That’ll go well. Two bros, looking at gold rings for some… Reasons.” You walked across the mall, still hand in hand, and stared into some of the outer cases of one store you stumbled across. Everything was far too glittery for your cave eyes, and the numbers high enough to make you feel the crippling debt. “What the f–.” He paused. “Heck. Is a karat? Isn’t that a troll? Why are there fourteen of them? And this one is eighteen?” “I think it’s a measure of like, how much actual gold is in it. Since like, normal pure gold is a sucky material, they put other stuff in it so it’s not as terrible. It’s still pretty terrible, though.  Also the troll you’re thinking of is something else entirely.”“That’s… informative. Also, you’re a nerd.” “I can’t argue with that.” After wandering around for awhile and looking at everything, you both realized you had no idea what you were actually doing there. You decided to settle and look elsewhere. After all, it only had to look like a gold band. You only planned on keeping it on your finger for roughly four hours. You stumbled across the exact thing you needed as you’d used up all your allocated shopping time, and started back to your apartment. He happily carried everything while you walked along. The conversation was over in a comfortable silence. It was something you’d let yourself get used to in a heartbeat. Just the two of you– Wait. He actually was talking and you missed it…?  You shook your head as you leaned against the wall of the elevator, and the lamplighter stared at you blankly. “Did you hear any of what I just said?” “Um,” you stared at the ceiling, then the floor. “Nope.” “That’s fair, first of all. To recap, it starts in about two hours, and it’s a fifteen minute walk, so we have some time to sit down before getting ready and everything. You look exhausted.” He managed to keep every bag on one arm, and offered his other one out to you. You took it, despite not looking happy about it. “I’m not used to going anywhere, since my office is right in my building. I think this’ll be the most anything I’ve done for awhile.” “You really need to get out more.” “And do what? Bask in the sunlight?” Your expression deadpanned.“Okay that was cold. But yeah, I remember you mentioning a few weeks ago you were pretty stir-crazy. Like, hey, maybe you could set up shop in the library sometime? And then I could, like, visit, since I end up there so much anyway.” “I’m sure I could bother George about it sometime, depending on the day… And, next time you’re free we should lay around, watch some movies, the usual. It sure has been awhile.” “Yeah, it… has. This is the first time we’ve actually spent together in months. Kind of strange, given the circumstances.” You both chuckled. You unlocked your door, took off your boots, and immediately laid on the floor. It was nice to be home. Plight got to cutting tags off of your clothes and it went back to a content quiet. The whole situation was starting to feel too domestic and you were wishing for a distraction. You weren’t opposed to it, but you also didn’t want to let yourself get used to it. It was just one night and if it didn’t mean anything six hours ago, it wasn’t going to now. You looked at the clock and sighed at it, which was echoed back. This became a contest over who could sigh the loudest, but it devolved into laughing quickly.  You picked your clothes up from the pile. “We should, um, get ready, it’s almost time.” “Oh, you’re right–” You disappeared into your room and left him to his own devices, emerging a few minutes later. You wore brown pants, a beige shirt, dark green suspenders and a bowtie to match. You admired yourself in the mirror but the same feeling of something being off came back. You ran a brush through your hair and tried to look back, but to no avail. The more you tried to nitpick and adjust things the more awkward it felt to be in. A lot of things were like that, you thought. The more you tried to push away small imperfections the more the original picture was lost. Your mind trailed back to the man in the other room. You figuratively wiped the blush off your face and walked out to greet him. He eyed you up and down. “It looks dumb, doesn’t it?” You deflated, staring at him. You realized you’d never actually seen him outside of his usual long coat. You wished you could’ve a long time ago. You decided to leave the mental comments there.“No! I mean, you look… nice.” He turned away. “So I was kind of thinking, what if instead of sitting by a punch bowl for like, three hours to prove something, we actually do something… fun?” Thinking about it, you shrugged. “Did you have any specific ideas?” He raised a finger, then lowered it. A few seconds later he raised it again, only to lower it again. “Not yet. I haven’t gotten that far. But it’d be like, a date? If that’s cool? I mean, if it’s not then it’s fine and just forget it but I’ve been thinking about it most of the day and???” He ran out of breath and it took some effort to recollect it. “Y’know. At least I hope.” “I’d be down for a date,” you hesitantly said, not too sure of your own words. “But, just to clarify, you did ask some other people to this thing first before settling for me, right?” He tensed up for a minute. “Don’t call it settling. But, I did, and I had a lot of fun today, and accidentally revived some old feelings? Which was… a journey in itself, and then I also decided I don’t really need to prove anything to anyone. Life is too short to stress about dumb things and if anyone decides to bother me about it, I can tell them in loud, rainbow details about the better night I had with my ‘husband’ until they regret asking.” He offered his arm out, which you linked with yours. “That sure is a lot to come out of today.” You were happy to lean on him. You also wished, quite a lot, in fact, you were better at stringing words together. “I put in a lot of unnecessary effort to not make it weird? But then it was weird anyways, and, ahh. Let’s just go for a walk and see if we find anything interesting.” “Sounds good to me.”

[tyfye49-blog]

Some Nowing/Wyrm characters, as well as some other ideas. [WIP]

(based off of this)

Cobalt (the main Nowing protagonist of my story) is an energetic, enthusiastic, Upper-World-obsessed Wyrm with dark-bluish tinted scales. Despite her technical brilliance, she is considered quite troublesome by her elders and peers, and is also considered a poisonous influence to her younger brother, Jasper, as a direct result of her obsession with seeing the Upper World someday (which would be a highly forbidden thing to do). She had to drop out of school because of her disruptiveness, and she now spends her time inventing various gadgets relating to the Upper World, such as air-filters and light-obscuring-goggles. Jasper is Cobalt's younger brother, who would prefer to live a peaceful life of calm complacency. He tends not to be very social because of his horrible self-esteem and anxiety (and his relation to Cobalt). He also tends to be in complete opposition to Cobalt's interests, and consecutively chastises her for making a fool of herself and getting the two of them into trouble. Regardless, as of late, he has caught himself putting a lot of consideration into the theories and ideas he's heard Cobalt ramble. The only dreya who regularly spends time with him aside from his sister is Bromine. Argon is a lazy twit who doesn't care about the impending "war" between the Wyrms and the Flyers. (He is also a member of the House of Nobles, though he is arguably the least popular amongst them) He is much more intelligent (and cunning) than most dreyan believe. He is highly fond of Radium (and by extension, Astatine) and her research. {He will eventually mastermind the attempted genocide of the Flyers of the Upper World.} Alu is Argon's wife, who specializes in developing electrical conduits. She is much more assertive than her husband, but she is also just as cunning as he is. She personally oversees Radium and Astatine's experiments. Chlora is an old, dark-green, forbidden Nowing/Seawing hybrid that lives isolated near the surface. Not much is known about her. Iodine is a member of the royal family (nephew of Queen Hydros), thus, he wears purple robes and purple armor. He has a very, very subtle interest in the study of the Upper World, an interest he has done his best to keep to himself. As such, he has a tendency to make frequent "visits" to the Caves of Commons (or more accurately, he has a habit of sneaking out of the Cave of Nobles). It was through his interests that he comes to [unprofessionally] meet Cobalt. Phosphorus (or Phos, for short) is a young Nowing obsessed with fireworks and chemicals that create light. He is constantly in search of new and better ways to bring light to the dim caverns of Subterrania. Cobalt and Phosphorus are pals, and Phos thinks it would be incredible to see the sun someday. Even though it would probably blind him, he says it would be worth it. (Cobalt repeatedly threatens to glue her special goggles to his face whenever they talk about going to the Surface) Radium is Phos' sister, who has a similar interest in light. However, she uses her light[ning] for....darker purposes. Astatine is a crazed researcher/inventor with a critical mental imbalance that somehow doesn't inhibit her work. She is VERY familiar with Radium. [Astatine likely has some form of autism] She has an extreme fixation on electricity and it's properties. Bismuth is a blind, albino Wyrm. Even though she doesn’t associate with her, many dreyan believe she is related to Astatine. Bromine has a horrible social life because of her extremely strong odor (which she can never seem to get rid of). [Is friends with Jasper and Cobalt. Well, mostly Jasper. Or at least she tries very hard to be.] Other undeveloped characters:

Valence (Vale) (f) - A member of the House of Nobles. - Probably works with Argon. Sohcahtoa / Sokatoa (Soka) (f) - A brilliant mathematician who inadvertently assisted Argon and his followers. She developed the first successful, electricity-resistant rubber.

Synergy (f) - Soka's daughter Tandem (m) - Soka's son Other Ideas: --- "Bubble-Boot" armor? Is that viable? Armor made specifically for excavators who are expanding the caverns, to protect their soles and keep them from getting stuck. --- Argon could have really special variations of the "Bubble-Boots" manufactured to specifically conduct electrical currents into the wearer's claws, so they can literally have the power of lightning at their clawtips without being in danger [technically]. --- Try to picture this; in the center of an enormous, secret chamber, a huge, diamond-shaped, metallic object is being held in place by large clamps. Then, a pair of Nowings donning rubber suits unclamp the object, and it becomes magnetically suspended in the room. The object suddenly begins to rotate, gradually gaining momentum because of magnets set up in the sides of the walls. As the object rotates faster and faster, arcs of electricity begin to arc off of it onto each of the individual magnets. Eventually, the entire chamber is aglow with lightning, the smell of ozone permeating heavily in the air. It shows no sign of stopping.   The ore produces huge amounts of electricity simply as a result of friction. The air resistance produced when it rotates is enough to cause the material to create arcs of lightning. On top of that, the lightning charges the magnets embedded in the walls, strengthening the magnetic force, causing the object to rotate faster, causing more and more friction, causing more electricity, and thus becoming a self-sustaining generator. Valence discovered this ore, and thus, it is named "Valencium". ---

[u4u-voice]

LS Polls 2019 : Ladakh to vote on inclusiveness, local issues

LADAKH: Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir has a unique distinction -- it is geographically the largest Parliamentary constituency in the country but smallest in terms of population. The cold desert has some other special features too, like a polling station at Anlay Pho in Chanthang area established at an altitude of 15,000 feet above the sea-level. There are places in the Ladakh where polling stations have been set up for just 7 voters -- Gaik polling station in Leh and Washi in Nubra segments. The constituency has two districts -- Leh and Kargil. While Leh predominately has Buddhist population, Kargil has mostly Muslim population. The region, where the demand for Union Territory status has been predominant for years, will see a four-cornered contest when polling takes place on May 6. The four candidates in the fray are Rigzin Spalbar of the Congress, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal of the BJP and two independents, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sujjad Hussain. The seat was last time won by BJP's Thupstan Chhewang who defeated independent candidate Gulam Raza by just 36 votes. Chhewang, however, resigned from both the party and Parliament last year, accusing the BJP of not fulfilling the promises made to the people of Ladakh. This time, the BJP has fielded Jamgang Tsering Namgyal, the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the powerful Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). Ladakh was granted the divisional status by Governor Satya Pal Malik, who is governing the state where President's rule was imposed in December last year. The grant of the divisional status, setting up of a separate campus of the Kashmir University and huge central findings for exploiting the solar power potential of the region are likely to help the BJP in the constituency. Spalbar, on his part, promises to bring the region closer to New Delhi, more than has been done by the BJP during its five years in power at the centre. Karbalai is a Congress rebel who belongs to Kargil district and is supported by the religious and social organisation, the Imam Khomeini memorial trust Kargil. Sajjad Hussain, the other independent belonging to Kargil is supported by the Islamia school, another powerful social and religious organisation of the district. Sajjad is also supported by the regional National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both of which have not fielded any candidate from this constituency. "Our Ladakh-specific election agenda is Union Territory status for Ladakh which means freedom from Kashmiri dominance," BJP candidate Namgyal told IANS, "We want inclusion of our Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution. We want opening of Kalash Mansarovar Yatra route from Ladakh to Denjok. We demand Zojila tunnel and also opening of Pahalgam-Sanjoy route," he added. Spalbar said, "Whenever Parliament elections are held in Ladakh, the region gets divided between Leh and Kargil, between the Buddhists and the Muslims. My first and foremost commitment is to end this divide which is traditionally created by vested interests." Underlining that faith should not be a dividing factor, he said, "We have the same cultural, social, ethnic and geographical background. An MP elected by both Leh and Kargil would be the best person to bridge this divide. Unfortunately, in the past nobody tried to bridge this gap and I have decided to bridge this gap once and forever." Hussain told IANS, "I am the unity candidate of Kargil. My priorities are connectivity, education, health sector and others." He underscored the need for a medical college, a University, tunnels across the Zojila and Khardung La Passes "and, of course I stand for the protection of state's special status and I am against the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A." The total number of voters in this constituency is 1,74,618 for whom 559 polling stations have been set up. In addition to 86,752 male and 85,064 female electors, there are 2,799 service voters and three transgender voters. The constituency has four Assembly segments of Leh, Kargil, Zanskar and Nubra. The Kargil segment has 65,294, Leh 72,689, Nubra 14,148 and Zanskar 22,487 voters. (AGENCIES) Read the full article

[topfygad]

14 Ways To ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home

From cooking a dish from your favourite country, to watching a foreign film or binge-watching some travel documentaries, here are some ideas of travel experiences you can have from the comfort of your home.

We’re living in a pretty extraordinary time right now. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the world’s biggest global health crisis of our lifetime. The virus is affecting our health, our economies and of course, our travel plans.

While I’d love to be able to wave a magic wand and make it all go away, it’s impossible. It’s time to sit tight, be respectful and careful, and plan for the future.

Planning future travels

Working in the travel industry I’m witnessing the effects of the crisis first-hand. My website traffic has halved as people aren’t travelling or planning trips. Hotel and tour bookings are down, and many that were taking place over the next few weeks have been cancelled. Some of my upcoming travel campaigns have been postponed until later in the year. My income is taking a hit, but it’ll be nothing compared to hotels and tour operators in places like China and northern Italy. It’s devastating to think about the businesses that won’t make it through this… and it’s not over yet.

I know a lot of you are also in limbo too. Plans are on hold for the foreseeable future… but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a travel experience of some sort, in your home! I’m not talking about cranking your heating up, putting on a bikini and pretending you’re in the Caribbean (although you could try that!)

The beautiful landscapes of Dominica

From cooking a delicious meal from a far-flung destination, to learning a language and enjoying some amazing travel documentaries, whether you’re self-isolating, or just waiting until travel restrictions are lifted, there are plenty of ways to give yourself a ‘travel experience’ from the comfort and safety of your own home.

14 Ways To ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home

Cook a meal from a foreign country

One of my favourite things about travelling is the food. Nourishing bowls of Japanese ramen, silky Italian pasta, spicy Thai curries, Mexican tacos… the list goes on. What better way to enjoy a flavour of a destination in your own home, than by getting busy in the kitchen.

Thai curry night

I’m constantly coming across great recipes online. BBC Food is a great starting point – type in pretty much anything and you’ll find a recipe. Oh, and if you’re in quarantine right now at home, remember you can get your shopping delivered to your door! 

For something a bit different, I’d recommend checking out The Spicery – a subscription box website, which delivers recipe kits through your letterbox. I ordered a curry subscription for Macca for Christmas, and each month a box arrives with a recipe and all of the spices to cook up an incredible feast. You just need to buy the main ingredients (meat, veg etc).

The Spicery – set

The thing I love is that they’re not standard dishes you’ll have tried before. Last month we made a curry from a specific region of Northern India, and our next is this potsticker recipe set from China’s Sichuan Province. 

Another option is a company like Feast Box, which I’m hoping to try soon (I’ll let you know what I think!). This company specialises in world food recipe boxes, delivered to your door, and includes all of the ingredients (meat, veg, spices etc). Dishes on the menu this week include Indonesian fish in a banana leaf, chicken empanadas and harissa and vegetable flatbreads, so it’s a lovely way to eat your way around the world.

Oh, and if you want to go the extra mile, invite a few friends over, pop up some decorations, or ask everyone to wear an outfit that fits with the cuisine. I’ve got a sombrero you can borrow!

Binge watch some travel documentaries 

Whether you have a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, or access to BBC iPlayer, you’ll find plenty of TV shows to satisfy your wanderlust. I absolutely adore the travel series Simon Reeve makes for the BBC. He gets under the skin of the destinations he visits, meeting locals and finding out the real issues people are dealing with. It won’t necessarily make you want to book a trip to where he is, but it’s a great way of understanding the world. 

Other travel TV shows I’d recommend include Planet Earth and Seven Worlds, One Planet (can’t beat Attenborough), Anthony Bourdain’s shows (lots on Amazon Prime) and Race Across The World (BBC – loved series one and series two has just started).

Watch a foreign movie

A feel-good documentary film that I really enjoyed was Craigslist Joe, which follows a guy’s journey as he travels across America living off people’s generosity. It’s all about human connections, but it’s essentially about travel too. 

Or if like me, you travel with your stomach, I’d recommend Street Food, Ugly Delicious and Chef’s Table (all on Netflix). Now that list should keep you going!

Print out your favourite travel photos or make a scrapbook

What better way to reconnect with your travels than to go look back through your adventures one photo at a time. I have a few travel journals from my first backpacking trips, which have tickets, photos and mementoes stuck in. As I get older, they’re lovely to flick through and remember all the little details and the people I met along the way.

Travel scrapbook

With everything online, we rarely print photos these days, so choose your fave snaps and pop them in frames or a scrapbook to look back at later in life. You can upload to a website like photobox and they’ll print them and post them to you. 

Printing polaroids

Watch a foreign film

South Korean movie Parasite is one of the most talked about films of 2020, and it’s brilliant! Very funny – I found myself giggling a lot of the way through it. The fact it’s in Korean only adds to the experience. It’s transports you into a different country’s culture, and the language only adds to that. 

Order a take away

Ok, this is the lazy option for those who want a travel experience at home, but don’t want to put much effort in! I’d recommend looking at your local takeaways and trying something brand new. If you usually order from the same Indian restaurant, how about trying Nepalese or Vietnamese food instead?

Vietnamese pho

I’ve just had a quick check to see what’s available in my area of London and was amazed to see over 45 different cuisines listed! Isn’t that incredible? Everything from Filipino and Turkish, to Iranian, Vietnamese and Syrian. It might not be good for my bank balance, but I guess I’m saving money by not travelling at the moment!

Chinese take away

Read a travelogue or a book that is set abroad

After finally switching from paperback books to a Kindle last year, I’m happy to say it goes absolutely everywhere with me. It’s liberating to have access to so many different books at the click of a button – perfect if you’re in quarantine right now and need some entertainment.

How about reading a travel-themed book? Somewhere that shares an epic journey or is set somewhere exotic? Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, here are a few to start you off…

On The Road – Jack Kerouac The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho Anything by Bill Bryson Step By Step – Simon Reeve Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts The Beach – Alex Garland Love With A Chance Of Drowning – Torre DeRoche Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town – Paul Theroux Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert Anything by Levison Wood Tracks – Robyn Davidson Wild – Cheryl Strayed

The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream

Price: $10.47

You Save: $6.52 (38%)

Price Disclaimer

Learn a foreign language using an app 

Ever since my first trip to Mexico, I dreamed of learning Spanish. How special to be able to converse with the locals and no doubt it’d help with tricky travel planning too. When I went backpacking I enrolled in Spanish school for a month and learned a lot of the basics. 

My first steps in learning Spanish? Via the app Duolingo. I think it’s a brilliant way to start building up some vocabulary and basic phrases. The app is free, and has courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Arabic, Czech, Danish, Hindi, Korean, Greek and more!

Learning Spanish using Duolingo

Watch YouTube videos from your favourite travel vloggers

YouTube is a great place for travel inspiration. Before I travel somewhere new, I often watch a few videos to get an idea of what it’s like. Even if you’re not travelling right now, watching videos is a great way to transport yourself to your dream destination.

One of my favourite channels for inspiration is Benn TK. His videos are so cinematic and beautifully filmed. Watching them makes me want to hop on a plane!

For the perfect mix of travel and food, check out my pal Shu’s channel or for backpacking around the world, Christianne a.k.a Backpacking Bananas will give you some serious wanderlust. I’ve got tonnes of others I could recommend too – so many of my friends are so talented when it comes to capturing a destination on camera, but start with those and email me if you want some more suggestions.

Oh, and don’t forget my own videos, right here on my YouTube channel. 

Immerse yourself in the music of another destination 

This is actually one of my favourite ways to get ready for a trip, but there’s no reason you can’t do it when you’re staying at home too. Did you know that Spotify has top charts for countries around the world?

Spotify top 50 by country

Just go to Browse, then select Charts and you’ll see the top 50 songs in each country. Enjoy the top reggaetón hits in Mexico, find out what’s hot in Thailand, and which artists the people of Poland love right now. Maybe you’ll discover a foreign artist you absolutely love?

Oh, and if the top 50 isn’t doing it for you, I’d recommend Buena Vista Social Club for some Cuban holiday vibes from the comfort of your home.

Musicians in Havana, Cuba

Research your dream trip on your fave travel blogs

So some of your travel plans may be on hold, postponed, cancelled or err, completely uncertain… but we can still dream and plan. With free time on your hands you can spend time researching everything you could possibly need for your next holiday, and be ready to act as soon as things go back to normal. You might even scoop a great deal.

Enjoying the beaches in Muscat

You can check out my Destinations page to find travel guides for all the amazing places I’ve travelled to. I’d also recommend looking at myTravel Inspiration page if you you’re still deciding where to go.

We’ll be heading away on a honeymoon at the end of 2020, so I’m starting to research ideas for that while I have some extra time on my hands. 

Enjoying colourful Tokyo

Visit a top museum or gallery… virtually

Did you know that some of the world’s most famous galleries and museums have virtual tours? Wander the curvy interior of New York’s Guggenheim Museum using Google Street View or take a trip past the mummies and the rosetta stone in London’s British Museum. The Louvre in Paris also has a special virtual tour option on its website here.  

The best part? No queues or tourists getting in your way! And you can visit in your pyjamas… 

Tour the planet using Google Earth  

When was the last time you looked at Google Earth? For me it was several years ago… I think when it launched! However, it’s a seriously cool tool, and gives you the opportunity to travel around the world from home.

Click on the ‘Voyager’ tab to see interesting categories in more detail – everything from learning about a specific destination, to taking a tour of literary locations around the world.

Google Earth – Voyager

Alternatively, hit the ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ button and be virtually transported to random destinations across the planet.

Have a go at making something from a different country

One of the things I’ve loved most on my travels has been creating something to bring home. Whether that was trying batik painting in Indonesia, or learning how to make goat’s cheese in Norwich a few weeks ago. It’s a lovely way to connect to a culture.

If you’re looking for things to try at home (especially if you’ve got kids to entertain), how about one of these…

Buy a sushi kit and learn how to make sushi  Buy some masks and decorate them in the style of Mexico’s Day of the Dead Make a Japanese hand fan Try your hand at calligraphy Create your own dreamcatcher

Making sushi at home

Making a dreamcatcher

Learning calligraphy

Mix up some exotic cocktails

At tough times I often turn to my shelf of Caribbean rums. They definitely help ease the pain! If you want to feel like you’re travelling, without leaving home, how about mixing up some tasty cocktails from around the world?

Lots of destinations have a famous signature drink, so you could try a different one each week! Here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Mojito, Daiquiri and Cuba Libre – Cuba Pisco Sour – Peru Bellini – Italy Sangria – Spain Caipirinha – Brazil Manhattan and Tom Collins – New York, USA Dark N Stormy – Bermuda Singapore Sling – Singapore Sidecar – Paris, France Margarita – Mexico

Stirring my passion fruit mojito

My passion fruit mojito

I hope this fun guide has given you some inspiration if you’re stuck at home or your travel plans have been postponed. Let me know if you have any more ideas I should add to the list!

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

The post 14 Ways To ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home appeared first on Wanderlust Chloe.

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/33nZq5r via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

[randylavalley]

A Weekend in Toronto on a Budget

Certain it's a costly city, yet it's possible to take a trip for a weekend break in Toronto on a budget. The resources of Ontario is not only one of the most heavily populated city of Canada, but it's one of the most diverse cities in the world. With over 200 distinctive ethnic groups and also over 160 languages spoken, it stands for a crossroads of the world. This converts to an abundance of diverse foods. With communities like Greektown, Chinatown, Little Jamaica, Little Italy and also extra, it will certainly be difficult to decide when it concerns grub. There's a lot of fun points to do in Toronto and a lot of them are free or economical. Don't ignore Niagara Falls! The United States and Canada's most powerful waterfall is a rock's throw out and also can not be missed. Read on for the expenses taking a trip a weekend in Toronto on a budget plan.

Entering as well as Out of Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport terminal is the busiest flight terminal in Canada, and most likely your first stop in Toronto The least expensive means to obtain from the airport terminal right into the town hall is by taking the Southbound 900 Airport Terminal Express Bus to Kipling Terminal. From Kipling, you can transfer to the subway as well as you'll be on your way to your desired destination. Below's a web link to the metro system of Toronto to more guide you. The ride will cost you $3.25 Canadian or regarding $2.50 in USD.

Where to Remain in Toronto.

When it comes to where to remain in Toronto on a spending plan, a hostel is your best bet. Hostelworld.com is a wonderful location to start your search. The Bros advise Planet Tourist Hostel. One evening in a 6 bed dorm will cost you around $35 USD. Advantages include one of the much better cost-free breakfasts you can obtain, cost-free health and fitness courses on the roofing with an incredible sight of the city, cost-free walking tours, club crawls and also a shopping list of various other enjoyable activities. It's additionally found in an excellent part of the city, with access to some of the much better neighborhoods of Toronto. A stay at Earth Tourist Hostel will put you in position to experience a lot of enjoyable things to do in Toronto.

Friday

First things initially. Look into the hostel, hand over your backpack, and hit the streets of Toronto. If you're a smart traveler, you loaded some treats and food to bring with you and already had a decent morning meal. Head to Kensington Market as well as get hold of a mug of coffee and a bagel to provide you the energy you need to begin your weekend in Toronto. Kensington Market has a mix of second hand shops, coffee shops and trendy shops. The neighborhood releases a Bohemian ambiance, and also is one of the most photographed part of Toronto forever reason, it's a chill spot to hang out.

Take a stroll midtown on Spadina Ave as well as you'll second guess whether you're in Toronto, China, Thailand or Vietnam. Toronto is house to among the biggest Chinatown's in The United States and Canada. Delicious, affordable food is simple to discover here so maybe take a few notes for areas to hit during your weekend break in Toronto on a budget. Keep heading downtown up until you find yourself looking directly at the popular CN Tower. Loosen up, obtain some pictures, people enjoy a little bit. After admiring the tallest free-standing structure ashore in the Western Hemisphere, it's time to see what various other points there are to do in Toronto.

A 20 minute walk will lead you to Nathan Phillips Square, Canada's largest city square. The square is the host to shows, once a week farmers markets, rallies, demos, art screens as well as winter season vacation events. The "Toronto" authorize next to the showing pool is a popular spot for an image, and the pool is changed to an ice rink throughout the winter months. Recently, Nathan Phillips Square was packed with over 2 million wild Toronto Raptors followers to celebrate their 2019 NBA Champion.

All that strolling methods you've gained on your own a good meal for dinner. Toronto has almost any type of choice you can consider. The Bros advise The Jerk Area in Kensington Market for some bomb Jamaican food. If you like spicy, prepare to have your head blown off. Later on, hang with some hostelmates or catch a flick on Netflix and also obtain some rest for tomorrow.

Saturday

Today's strategy is to leave the city and experience among nature's best shows. If you decided to stay at Planet Tourist, make the most of the complimentary breakfast. The hostel offers up morning meal until 1:00 PM with fruit, bagels, waffles, coffee, tea and also even more. Take an extra banana, a bagel as well as make some snacks for lunch and also toss it in your bag for the road. The huge Niagara Falls are an hour and a fifty percent away by bus, and are absolutely worth the excursion from Toronto.

Megabus uses a vast array of bus departures and returns. The bus quit goes to the Toronto Train Terminal, and also tickets will certainly run you about $35 USD. You'll be dropped off at the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal. For the backpacker attempting to restrain expenses taking a trip in Toronto, walking the 45 minutes along the US-Canada boundary of the Niagara River is not just the best lead up to the falls, yet it benefits your spending plan also.

The initial view of these powerful crushing drops will certainly take your breath away. It's definitely among the best falls we have actually seen in our travels, and also it's fantastic just how accessible it is. The Canadian side is the method to go, as you get the most effective views of all the falls, specifically the world class Horseshoe Falls. Make certain to bring a jacket. Is it raining, or is it the mist? No person knows for sure but the falls are so strong that the mist flies up over 200 feet from the base where the water comes crashing down. You can stand right beside the falls for complimentary. Miss the House Maid of the Haze trip. Article up in Queen Victoria Park with a view of the drops as well as your packed lunch. One more spending plan travel win in Toronto.

When you come back right into the city reward yourself to some food in Chinatown. The Bros recommend Pho Pasteur Dining establishment for some genuine Vietnamese dishes at an economical price. There's a ton of fantastic budget plan friendly dining establishments in the area, so do your research and get after it! En route back to the hostel, pop in the grocery store for some beers and also share sometravel tales with new pals on the hostel rooftop from around the globe.

Sunday

Odor that? Smells like free morning meal again. A weekend break in Toronto on a budget ain't simple, so every chance to reduce costs while taking a trip assists. If you have a later flight, the hostel will certainly let you store your bags even after you look into. Benefit from this as well as take a walk around the College of Toronto school, or take a look at among the city's breweries. Amsterdam Brewhouse and Heavy Steam Whistle Brewing are two spots along the coast of Lake Ontario that serve great food too. Bar snacks and also a couple of pints should certainly get you in the appropriate state of mind for your flight house. Get back to the hostel, grab the knapsack as well as state your goodbyes. Catch the metro to Kipling Terminal and also move to the 900 Airport Express Bus back to Toronto Pearson Airport to wrap up your effective weekend in Toronto on a spending plan.

Costs Traveling in Toronto

The Bros are sharing our prices traveling in Toronto because we think this honesty can influence people to travel to brand-new destinations they otherwise assumed were out of reach. By sharing our stories and by revealing specifically how much several of these experiences actually cost, we wish we can assist somebody available take the actions to transform their traveling goals right into reality. See listed below to have a look at specifically just how much it cost throughout a weekend break in Toronto on a spending plan. Note that we overlooked the flight expenses, as these will differ relying on where you are flying from.

The post “ A Weekend in Toronto on a Budget “ was first appeared on Bros Around the Globe

Looking for IV therapy services in Toronto? Contact The IV Lounge.

[purrcraze]

20 Facts That Will Make You Want A Siamese Cat

Whether you are reading this list to find out if a Siamese cat is right for you, or if you already have Siamese cats but just want to find out more about them, you’ve come to the right place. Be warned, this list could make you want to get another Siamese cat!

Let´s start with where Siamese cats came from, which could also be linked to their loyalty and love for humans, as well as some other personal traits that they have.

1. Siamese are one of the Oldest Recognized Cat Breeds

Originating from Thailand, formerly known as Siam. There are two versions of the Siamese cat: The original/traditional breed, which is known as the Thai cat, and the modern Siamese cat. The Thai cat’s features are considered to be ‘old style’, having a more rounded head and body.

Whereas the modern Siamese has a more triangular head shape, triangular ears, and an elongated, muscular body.

Their first appearance can be found in a book, referred to as ‘Tamra Maew’, The Treatise on Cats, or also the Cat-Book Poems. It is a class of manuscripts which was published in 1330.

The book is one of the world’s oldest books as well and is owned by the National Library in Bangkok. In the book, we can see cats with piercing blue eyes, dark points on their tips, and they are also shown as pets of royal families.

Siamese Cat (Blue Point)

  2. Their Original Name is Poetic

So, since the Thai cat is basically the ‘older’ version of the Siamese, they are closely related, yet still distinct from one another. Knowing this, I think that it’s safe to say that the original name counts for them both.

The Thai cat is also known as ‘Wichien-maat’, which roughly translates to ‘Moon Diamond’, or ‘Diamonds and Gold’. Most likely it was their elegance and beauty that had earned them the name right away.

3. The Royal Cats of Siam

When the Siamese cats found their way into the Western hemisphere they were often referred to as the ‘Royal Cats of Siam’, or ‘Palace/Temple Cat’.

This nickname reflected the legend that they were the pets of the King of Siam himself. Not only his pets but also his companions and protectors.

They would guard him by his throne, and should anyone threaten the king they would immediately wish they hadn’t, as the Siamese would pounce down and attack.

4. Siamese Cats Appeared at the First Crystal Palace Cat Show

In July of 1871, two Siamese cats from Southeast Asia, brought by a Mr. Maxwell, can be found in a catalog from the first Crystal Palace Cat Show in London.

The male was named Pho and the female was Mia, and they were the first Siamese cats to leave Siam and were known by their names, and also had a litter together later on.

They were brought to America in 1878 and were received by President Rutherford B. Hayed and his wife Lucy as a gift, from the American Consul who was stationed in Bangkok, Thailand.

5. They are Very Loyal

Perhaps it has something to do with their history and origins. Do you think they remember once protecting a King? They sure do act like it.

Siamese cats tend to become very emotionally attached to their humans and are known to be one of the most devoted and loyal of the cat breeds.

Sometimes a Siamese cat will prefer to make strong bonds with one particular person, and even follow them around.

Siamese Cat (Lilac Point)

  6. They are Great with Children, Families, and Other Pets

Siamese cats are clever, and they are able to understand that a baby or child is part of the family, and may even become their guardian.

Provided that the child is taught how to treat a cat with kindness and respect, it will be returned by the Siamese tenfold.

Siamese cats will not tire from getting plenty of affection and play time from different members of the family. They will also love having their own play pal, such as another cat or dog.

7. The Color of their Fur is not Determined by Genetics

Siamese cats are a natural breed, and the pattern of their fur is not determined by genetics, but rather by a temperature-sensitive enzyme.

When a Siamese cat is born, they come out completely white. Siamese kittens won’t develop their markings until they are several weeks old.

This is because the womb would have kept them very warm, and they would need to be exposed to a different atmosphere for a little while first before any pigment can begin to show.

Siamese cats are essentially temperature-sensitive albinos. When their bodies drop below a certain temperature (100.4-102.5 F / 38-39.2 C, which is the standard temperature of a cat), the albinism is blocked, and the modifier gene, which inhibits pigment in the fur, is activated.

The nose, ears, paws, and tail are usually at a cooler temperature, which is why this is where the majority of pigment lies.

Therefore, Siamese cats which live in warmer climates will have a lighter color fur than the ones which live in colder climates.

8. Their Fur is Easy to Groom and Maintain

Like most shorthair cat breeds, they are excellent at taking care of their fur and keeping it clean and beautiful. This also means that they shed less.

It is a common misconception that Siamese cats are high maintenance or difficult to care for. Perhaps this is true when it comes to keeping them preoccupied, but definitely not when it comes to grooming.

A good brush once a week would be enough to keep their coat looking glossy and gorgeous. You’ll probably find yourself doing it more often than that though, as the affectionate Siamese usually loves it, and the both of you will most likely have an enjoyable time.

9. They Come in Several Colors

We all know the signature Siamese to be a light cream color, with very dark brown points. This is known as the ‘Seal Point’ Siamese. There is also the Tabby Point Siamese.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) also recognizes three other colors:

Blue Point: a light gray body with cool, steely grey points

Chocolate Point: Similar to the Seal Point, but with a lighter brown shade

Lilac Point: a much lighter and warmer shade of grey points

10. Siamese are Known for Living Long

The average Siamese can live between 15-20 years. So long as they are cared for well, and fed properly, there have been many Siamese which surpassed this age. If you’re looking for a close companion to have around for a long time, a Siamese cat would be perfect for you!

One example of this would be Scooter the Siamese, who lived to be 30 and was even declared the new world’s oldest living cat by Guinness Book of World Records.

Siamese Cat (Chocolate Point)

11. They have Unmistakable Voices

Siamese cats are known for being talkative, very opinionated, and having the ability to keep a conversation going all day long.

They’ll be sure to greet you when you come home, and enthusiastically tell you all about their day. The birds that they saw, how much food they ate, how much they slept, and so on.

Keeping to the theme of nicknames, nowadays the Siamese cat is often referred to as ‘Meezer’. This comes from them being extremely vocal and having a distinct, loud yet low-pitched, and demanding voice.

12. They are Highly Intelligent

Siamese cats are one of the most intelligent of cat breeds, as you will find them in the top 10, in any list, of most intelligent cat breeds that you search for. This includes the ‘Animal Planet’s Smartest Cat Breeds’ list.

This also means that they can easily learn how to do many tricks, such as high-fiving, playing fetch, walking on a leash, and many other tricks like maybe even how to use the toilet and flush.

If they aren’t provided with enough stimulation, such as cat mazes, teaser games, and other puzzle toys, expect to come home and find that your Siamese has rummaged through anything they can. Don’t be surprised if they have found out how to open doors, cupboards, etc.

13. They are Outgoing and Loving

Siamese cats are known for getting on well with other pets, in families with children and/or elderly. They love playing, especially as kittens, but even as adults they enjoy to keep active.

It shows in their slender and slim build, so having some perches and cat trees would be useful. Siamese will often make up their own games, such as playing hide and seek.

They are even more enthusiastic for cuddles and affection, as they are for interactive playtime. My Siamese would sleep with me in my bed almost every night. Very often her head would be on my pillow and she’d snuggle up under the covers with me.

14. They will Supervise Everything you do

Although they are very outgoing and loving, they do tend to form very strong bonds with one particular person. It is not uncommon for them to follow their owner around, watching and supervising everything that they do. They even try to help sometimes!

You can be assured that a Siamese will never ignore you. I think that this is just one of many examples which makes them excellent companions.

If they’re not just watching, then they’re probably trying to play or get in your lap for a cuddle. Some would refer to this as ’needy’ behavior, and it is partly true because without someone to keep them company they will get lonely and depressed.

The fact that they are so needy for company is the reason that most breeders will only sell Siamese in pairs.

Another Chocolate Point

15. They Enjoy Water

All cats are attracted to the sound of running water because it’s their instinct to find fresh water, but most of them hate being wet.

However, a Siamese cat might not have any problem. Aside from the running water thing, they are also extremely curious and playful. So, their instinct is to find out what’s going on, and then find a way to play.

16. Crooked Tails and Crossed Eyes

Originally, Siamese cats had a kink in their tail and crossed eyes. The cross-eyed condition is also related to the enzyme that causes their point coloration.

When Siamese cats were brought to the west, many people found these unattractive and began to breed them out. Despite this, you can still find Siamese cats with crossed eyes and kinked tails.

The reason that they chose to breed these out of them is purely for aesthetic reasons because Siamese cats with crossed eyes have no problems seeing or focusing, so there is nothing to worry about if you have one.

There is yet another legend which explains this. Prepare for another story time.

It is said that many years ago, a war broke out in Siam. Buddha’s golden goblet had been left behind unprotected, as all the men had left to fight in the war, and two Siamese cats were chosen to guard it in the sacred temple. The female’s name was Chula, and the male was Tein.

After some time, Tein left Chula alone to try and find a new priest to care for the goblet. Chula, nervous and uneasy, wrapped her tail around the goblet. It is said that she never took her eyes off of it, which caused them to become crossed.

Chula had a litter of kittens, which all turned out with kinked tails and crossed eyes as well.

17. Famous People have Owned Siamese Cats

Not only have Siamese cats dominated in the movie industry, most likely because they look so elegant and beautiful, but there have also been many famous celebrities who have owned Siamese cats.

Before we had celebrities, Siamese cats were only owned by members of nobility back in 10th century Japan. They would be kept in grand pagodas, and would often be used to guard previous manuscripts.

In no particular order, some famous people who have owned Siamese cats are:

Frank Zappa (American musician, composer, songwriter, and record and film producer)

Andy Warhol (American artist, leading figure of pop art)

Anthony Perkins (American actor and singer)

Elizabeth Taylor (British-American actress)

Marilyn Monroe (American actress, singer, and model)

Kesha (American singer, rapper and songwriter)

Laurence Olivier & Vivian Leigh (English stage and film actors)

Monica Vitti (Italian actress, best known for Michelangelo Antonioni from the 1960s)

Jean Cocteau (French writer, designer, artist, filmmaker, and playwright)

Syd Barrett (English musician, composer, singer, songwriter, and painter)

Michael Landon (American actor, writer, producer, and director)

Dorothy Provine (American singer, actress, dancer, and comedienne)

James Dean (American actor)

Ellen DeGeneres (American comedian, TV host, actress, writer, producer, and LGBT activist)

John Lennon (English singer, songwriter, peace activist, and co-founder of the Beatles)

18. All Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes

Okay, so this may be an obvious fact to some people, but do you know why all Siamese cats have blue eyes?

As mentioned previously, Siamese cats are temperature-sensitive albinos. Well, albinism extends to eye color as well.

For both humans and cats, there are two layers in the iris of the eye which determine what color your eyes are. These two layers are the stroma and the epithelium.

Usually, cats have pigmented cells scattered in both layers. But for Siamese cats, there is no pigmentation in the stroma.

Most cats with blue eyes would at least have pigment in the lower layer, but here lies the reason that the blue eyes of a Siamese are so seemingly unique.

The reason that Siamese seem to have such a particular and distinct color of blue in their eyes is because of the lack of pigment in both of these layers, not just one.

19. Two Siamese Cats Helped Foil Espionage

The entire plot of the movie ‘That Darn Cat’, where a Siamese cat helps stop a kidnapping, is based on a similar true story that happened in the 1960s.

Two Siamese cats would not stop meowing and clawing at the walls of the building of the Dutch embassy in Moscow, Russia.

Their owner knew right away that the cats must be hearing something that a human’s ear can’t, so they investigated it.

Sure enough, 30 small microphones had been hidden behind the wall, which had been planted by Russian spies.

I’m sure their owner must have been really grateful for being a cat lover.

20. They are very Active

If you’re an energetic person, or one of the members of the family is, that is perfect.

The Siamese cat is an active one and is known for having an unusual amount of energy for a cat. If they are not exercised, they could gain some weight.

Their legs are not made to carry weight so this could be dangerous for their health. So, you get to train your Siamese cat how to walk on a leash, which I’m sure will be fun for both cat and owner.

I do hope that this list inspires somebody to go out and get a Siamese cat for themselves. From my own experience, they really do make amazing companions and have unlimited love. It is indeed true that two are better than one.

[psoriasiszap]

Psoriasis News Storm – Stassi Schroeder, Lasers, Cannabis and Vitamin D

Cannabis Could Be the New Super Ingredient in Skin Care

CBD creams are coming out in many different industries. It's not really a surprise that there's some correlation between CBD creams and a reduction in psoriasis symptoms.

The potential for topical CBD treatments doesn’t end with acne. They may also help people with psoriasis get relief with minimal side effects.

Skin care is in, and the beauty industry is on the lookout for the next natural, plant-derived super serum.

Cannabinoids, or CBD, are a chemical compound found in marijuana, and they might be the ideal ingredient.

Marijuana has gotten more sophisticated in recent years, as weed has become legal in more and more states.

Currently, marijuana is legal recreationally in nine states and the District of Columbia, and medicinally in 29 states and Washington, D.C.

Source: Cannabis Could Be the New Super Ingredient in Skin Care

Vitamin D Could Provide Psoriasis Relief for Patients

Sunlight has long been known to aid in reducing the effects of psoriasis in those of us that are afflicted with the disease. This new study shows that it may go one step further and actually help by increasing the vitamin D levels in the body.

It's interesting to think that simply increasing your vitamin D levels would work to decrease psoriasis symptoms.

New research suggests increasing vitamin D intake could reduce the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin condition psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a relatively common condition, affecting an estimated two to four per cent of the population. It is characterised by reddened, raised, scaly patches of skin, which commonly occur on the elbows, knees and scalp but can affect any part of the body. Psoriasis can develop at any age and tends to be a lifelong condition.  For many people, it fluctuates in extent and severity, and can be challenging to manage despite the array of treatments on offer.

The Massey University study aimed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves psoriasis when compared with those taking placebo capsules. Dr Michelle Ingram, who conducted the research as part of her PhD in Nutritional Science says, "This study was partly motivated by observations that some people with psoriasis report a reduction in symptoms during the summer months, when vitamin D production in the skin is usually at its highest. Vitamin D incorporated into a cream or ointment is also a relatively effective treatment for psoriasis, yet no one had looked into whether vitamin D supplementation might be of similar benefit."

Source: Vitamin D could provide psoriasis relief

'Laser fabric' Treats Skin Diseases - An Easier Phototherapy

This is one of the more interesting advances in technology to come along in a while. So-called "Laser Fabric" could be worn to help with the difficulty of home phototherapy for some psoriasis sufferers.

Being able to simply put a piece of clothing on and treat your psoriasis would be great...not I just need them to make gloves.

Wearable photo dynamic therapy system said to improve patient experience in addressing acne, psoriasis and AK. French scientists at Texinov Medical Textiles have developed a knitted laser fabric that can treat skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, and actinic keratosis with light.

Knitted laser fabric can treat skin diseases. Fluxmedicare has been developed in collaboration with a pan-European health consortium PHOS-ISTOS. Following successful clinical trials, the painless laser fabric will be the quickest device to the market, says the developer, which adds that the laser bandage “will be used to eradicate unwanted skin conditions, with no side effects”.

Initially developed to improve the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) – rough, scaly patches on the skin that develop from years of exposure to the sun – the light emitting textile is said to “be able to treat and even cure a number of skin complaints such as acne, Paget’s disease, psoriasis, and other diseases like baby jaundice”.

Source: 'Laser fabric' treats skin diseases

Be sure to check out our other phototherapy articles here.

Stassi Schroeder Goes Makeup Free - Wants Psoriasis Sufferers to Know "You Ain't Alone"

Stassi Schroeder is yet another celebrity to come out and speak about her battle with psoriasis. Stating it simply "shit sucks" she gives younger psoriasis patients someone to look up to when they feel down.

Psoriasis doesn't have to keep you in the house, or hold you down!

The Vanderpump Rules beauty got candid about her struggle: "Sh-t sucks."

Whether she’s sharing an embarrassing side effect of her chin implant, or giving her fellow Vanderpump Rules pals style advice, Stassi Schroeder has no problem telling it like it is. Since hitting our TV screens in 2013, the L.A. fashionista has been an open book with the public — especially when it comes to her struggle with Psoriasis.

Over the past few years, Stassi has publicly shared her battle with the skin condition in hopes of empowering others also dealing with it. Wednesday evening, the beauty gave fans a very raw look at the effects of psoriasis on Instagram.

Source: Stassi Schroeder Goes Makeup Free to Let Psoriasis Sufferers Know "You Ain't Alone"

For more psoriasis news, check out our psoriasis news page.

Be sure to read our reviews of the best shampoo for psoriasis and the best over the counter psoriasis cream.

    The following post Psoriasis News Storm – Stassi Schroeder, Lasers, Cannabis and Vitamin D is republished from: Psoriasis Zap OTC Remedies

[rou5a-blog]

Smile upon arrival, smile to say thank you, smile to gently decline an offer, smile and kindly accept the ride and embrace the giant city of Bangkok. Embrace the crowd where you could possibly wait for 300 people before you can book a taxi. Then keep a smile plastered on your face in the daunting traffic because at some point you’ll find it rewarding. Like most Asians, Thai people are not confrontational and they hate it when you are violent. So, keep practicing…

Old ladies having lunch near the Khlong Toey slums

Bangkok: a city of Light – Plan your itinerary

We had a warm humid and rainy welcome as we arrived in July, in the middle of the monsoon season. Bangkok minus the suburbs is split in two main areas that host most attractions, good hotels, restaurants and nightlife hubs. The old town around the river and downtown districts that can be easily navigated via the Sukhumvit BTS line.

Sukhumvit BTS

Bangkok is big and hot so it’s recommended to define your points of interest ahead. Always pack  water, wear light clothes and keep a rain cover before venturing out. Getting lost will not help you discover new things unless you navigate with GPS/paper maps. I found “A walking tour  – Bangkok” helpful; the book includes a series of timed walks that takes you through Bangkok’s main districts exploring different architectural styles. It presents 9 paths through 11 maps and 100 illustrations. I also had a small pocket guide from Lonely planet with a pull out map.

Navigate the old town through the river…

Highlights

Khlong Toey slums

I was heading to the river side seeking a BTS station after a strenuous attempt to walk  to the reclining Buddha temple and stumbled on an array of colorful housing that clearly belongs to the less fortunate population of Bangkok. I kept roaming around, wandering inside and coming day after day after day…You may wonder what’s attractive in poor people housing?

Delicate constructions hosting thousands…

Tons of things; colors, simple decorations, plantations, utensils, footwear carefully placed on their doormats, glimpses of neat comfortable rooms that may host too many people considering its capacity. The place is simply booming with love and life…

At the entrance of the slums

Didn’t mean to intrude…

Riding along the Chao Phraya (river of kings)

  There are different options depending on your personal preference. I got addicted to the normal express boat that gets as cheap as 10 Bhat.  There is a private option which is the long tail boats available in major piers. Their prices depend on your ability to bargain and customized journey. Beware of cons who may try to rip you off in the middle of the water.

You can reach the Wat Arun temple with a crossing ferry.

Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

The “reclining” Buddha

Very close to the grand palace, located behind the Emerald Buddha near the Sapphan Taksin pier across the river from Wat Arun temple or temple of the dawn. The Wat Pho is one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok, other than the giant golden Buddha there are plenty of chapels, statues and architecture to explore. People miss out on the massage school there. If you are interested in a relaxing massage pre-book to avoid a long wait.

Two monks chilling…

Jim Thompson’s Thai Silk Company

Silk ladies

The house is near the National stadium BTS,  located beside a Khlong as Jim used to easily navigate with his boat to the river and across the city and some areas in the country. It’s  overlooking the slums and close to MBK shopping mall.

The khlong right outside Jim’s house…

The place is intriguing because of the inspiring story about an American guy who managed on his own to save the silk industry from extinction in Thailand. Jim was initially studying architecture but for some reasons he failed to get his license, eventually he landed a position in the O.S.S. (now CIA) near the end of WWII,  and was sent to Thailand. He was simply motivated by the fact that the country was importing so much silk despite its potential. From there he managed to make Thai silk and his brand one of the best world wide. He ventured all over Asia, in the process he managed to gather a large collection of Thai art and antiques he acquired from the war ruins.  Some accusation regarding stealing Buddha relics made him donate his house and art collection as a museum. No one knows how he died or if he did as he just disappeared in Malaysia at the age of 52, there were no body, till today the mystery remains unresolved.

Street food

There are two flavors I appreciate in Thai cuisine; red hot chili peppers and lemon grass. Those two flavors are the base for most Thai recipes although the red chili was originally brought by the Portuguese. As a streetfood addict, I fell in love with the sweet sticky rice with mango, fried fish, squid, shrimps, oysters and the amazing Pad thai which is stir fried rice noodles mixed with seafood or chicken or meat.

The city of Darkness: when the night comes

Night life

The night markets are attractive if you are looking for some cheap brands and souvenirs for your pals after sightseeing.  Patpong market is easy to reach as it’s between Siam BTS station and Sala Daeng. There will be a train of street vendors, follow that…

Traditional street vendor

You’ll be pestered with the sex shops and go go bars, the girls will suddenly block your view with their menus explicitly dedicated to numerous vaginal activities you didn’t think were possible.

The most central night market.

Where poverty reigns

Back to the riverside slums; stories of violence, drugs and sexual abuse are most common. The inhabitants are people who left their home towns  with a dream of a relaxed and wealthy live in Bangkok. However they ended up in small spaces suffering from unemployment, poor hygiene, fragile infrastructure and ignorance.  There are numerous efforts to help and support the kids in these areas for a better future, like the one that father Joe initiated.

Those immigrants flow to Bangkok bearing dreams and expecting endless opportunities. Those dreams crashed at the feet of merciless employers that demand an insane schedule in exchange for a small salary. As a tourist, you may or may not want to play your part when it comes to social responsibility and make sure aware of who you are dealing with and what you are encouraging when spending your money. For example don’t abuse girls because their families are in need, don’t engage in fishy action in Patpong clubs, don’t encourage animal abuse by riding on the back of strained elephants  and the list goes on and on.

You may also want to Read About Thailand…Part 1

    Smile upon arrival, smile to say thank you, smile to gently decline an offer, smile and kindly accept the ride and embrace the giant city of Bangkok. Smile upon arrival, smile to say thank you, smile to gently decline an offer, smile and kindly accept the ride and embrace the giant city of Bangkok.