#louvre museums favourites

[minhosimthings]

Angels in Tibet

Symphony Smut Series Day 13: Amaarae's Angels in Tibet

Lyric: Louvre and Armani I like how you say it

Pairings: fiance!Jay × fem!reader

Warnings: SMUT MINORS DNI 18+, implied use of pheromone, bathroom sex, semi public sex, fingering, p in v sex, overstimulation, missionary, unprotected sex (not for you baby), mention of breeding, rough sex and I'm talking ROUGH, dom!Jay, sub!reader, fluffy in the beginning

A/N: Day 13 baby! 5 more oneshots to go and we'll be over. I just had to do a Paris fic with Jay cause IT'S JAY. @yunabi436 a gift for you darling

THE SYMPHONY SMUT SERIES MASTERLIST

Jay was a 'date to marry' guy. Which was very evident from the fact that he bought you your favourite flowers on your first date which he had asked you about the day before.

The ring on your finger never shone brighter than now, when Jay had proposed a pre-wedding holiday to Paris, even though you had begged him not to spend more money on you.

"What kind of a husband would I be if I didn't?" He reasoned, blocking your attempts to put in your credit card to chip in for the trip, "Plus you've always wanted to see the Louvre so we're going, no buts."

"Not even my butt?"

Paris was beautiful. Paris was amazing. Paris was amazing. But most of all, Paris had The Louvre.

A place you had been wanting to visit since you saw it in a magazine when you were seven. You had always hada knack for art history, which, due to parental pressure, you hadn't taken as a major in college. Jay knew that. And that's why he took you to see the triangular polycarbon (or atleast he guessed it was polycarbon) structure, where treasures beheld your eyes.

"You know the interesting thing about this painting-" you stared at all the beautiful swirls of colours on the frame in front of you, "is that even though it is more harder to paint than the painting opposite of it-" you glances at the crowd of people behind you, "It is still largely ignored."

"So you'd much rather analyse The Wedding Feast at Cana rather than The Mona Lisa herself?" Jay rested his chin on your shoulder, reading the brief introduction of the painter carved at the pedestal.

"Mona Lisa is a masterpiece I will admit. But this!" You gestured dramatically towards the painting with your hands, "This is magnificent."

"Darling as much as I would love to stand here and watch you talk about this painting, didn't you want to get a look at Psyche by Antonio Canova? And isn't that in the next room with the sculptures?"

"Oh yeah." You responded. Seeing all the artworks of the Louvre would take approximately 20 days and you were only here for a week. So you obliged and took Jay's hand casually strolling off to the next room.

Though you hadn't mentioned it, your nostrils had had a sense of misdirection throughout the entire time Jay strolled close to you. You had brushed it off as a thing of the atmosphere, continuing with your tour.

Unbeknownst to you however, earlier that day, Jay had rubbed some of his 'special' cologne onto his wrists and neck. You were a generally freaky person, and he knew that. So your everlasting wish to fuck in the bathroom of a museum was about to be fulfilled today.

"Jay ah-ah fuck."

Jay's got you pinned against him, back to chest, feet balanced atop the muscle of his thighs. Spread wide open, bare and exposed, helpless in the way he traps your throat between bicep and forearm.

“This what you had in mind for the bathroom of The Louvre?” he asks, circles a wet finger over your clit, a ghosting touch that leaves your hips canting upward. Almost frantic, a silent pleading, but he traps you steadfast.

It started as a small kiss. A peck. A brush of the lips so gentle you barely felt it until he pressed his mouth to yours fully. There was no tongue, nor any breathlessness when he pulled away and looked at you again. But you could feel the shift in the air. The drop in your stomach and sudden stillness in the room while a white noise clouded your head. 

You’re a little light-headed, blistered beneath the skin, needy and fidgeting. Maybe you want him to hold you still, to fit you tight against him, to fight against your struggle—something carnal deep down that gets off on his strength, the power you know he can wield over you.

Your vision begins to speckle and fizz, and pleasure coils blinding hot in the pit of your stomach. At his mercy, desperate for anything he’ll give you—the helplessness breaks you apart, soaks you between the legs. The sound of his pumping fingers is filthy and slick, and your cunt sucks him in. Begs more than your mouth ever could.

You meet each thrust of his fingers with a tilt of your hips, exhale a stuttering moan when he begins to grind the bulge of his cock against the curve of your ass. When he pulls you hard against his chest and whispers a string of praise into your ear.

His name is the last coherent word you get out before it’s only feral moans of bliss. You’re so close it’s like a fire burning in your limbs, every muscle tensing as you try to withhold it a little longer to prolong this moment where all you cared about was him and the way he could send you into the stars. When the tip of his finger pinpoints and stiffens to flick teasingly before he latches once again, that’s all it takes to have the elastic snaps, sending a shockwave from your core all the way to the tips of your fingers, your muffled scream echoing off the mirrors. He’s satisfied with himself, smiling as he stands and lets your legs fall limply from his grasp, his hands catching your boneless body from slinking down onto the floor.

This man was beautiful, so godsdamned beautiful.

And he was all yours.

"Can you take more darling?" Jay questioned, clutching your hips to keep you steady, admiring your naked back in the mirror behind you, "I can do it all night if you want."

Without warning, he shoved his cock into your pussy, hearing your muffled whimper as he'd done so. "quiet, don't wanna wake up the sculptures do we?" His own voice was strained as he scolded you, beginning to set his own pace. Unforgiving and harsh, making you lightheaded and dizzy.

You felt him right at your womb again and again and fucking again. You felt any semblance of your very sanity begin to melt away as he fucked you, so roughly that it almost had you begging for him to go easy on you.

He was fucking you like a thing void of a soul, like a rag doll. Every single time you felt him back inside, he pushed you deeper and deeper onto the marble. Your hands had felt useless, not even able to support your own weight. You offered them to him, feeling his lone hand take both of yours, anchoring himself to you without his pace even faltering. It was a reminder to you both that he's fucking huge, so strong and capable of easily overpowering you. It had you nearly sobbing, your insides squeezing him snugly.

Jay holds your stomach down and goes deeper. You squeal as you cum on his dick. He keeps going until eventually he slows down and cums, the warm feeling enveloping your pussy like a cocoon.

Jay looks up at your almost passed out figure and lets you rest your head on his shoulder as he pulls out.

"You doing okay baby?" Jay asks uncertainly, noticing how hard you were breathing.

"Park Jongsoeng how is our wedding day sex gonna beat this?" You joke, leaning against the cold marble. Thank heavens that the museum wasn't too busy today.

"Oh don't worry about that." Jay growls in your ear, squeezing your waist,

"I'll make sure to fuck a baby into you on that day."

Taglist: @ramenoil @mynameisniya150 @demigodmahash + whoever wants to be tagged, send an ask my way!

[hopeworth]

i saw fucking caravaggio man. i saw rembrandt and michelangelo what do i care about some british or scottish dude making portraits of old dead royalty

once you’ve been to the winter palace every other museum just kinda underwhelms dunnit

[lockburn-castle]

the city of love

synopsis in which dokyeom proposes to yn in Paris pairing nonidol!lee dokyeom x gn!reader genre fluff warnings dk being anxious, a small part about cabarets, terms of endearment/petnames, kisses, reader wears a dress, that's all i can think of (do let me know if theres more) word count 1.9k

playlist cant help falling in love marry you

notes: been loving romcoms for a while and decided to write this story based on what id like my proposal to look like HAHAHA hope yall like it !! p.s. 10 things i hate about you is one of my favourites <3 do give me more ideas for fics in the cmmts or send me an ask !!

As Dokyeom paced around the room, his mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts. The suitcase in front of him was half-packed, clothes neatly folded, but his thoughts were anything but organized. The idea of proposing to you filled him with both excitement and anxiety. He glanced at the bag of balloons he’d slipped into his luggage, a reminder of the grand plan he had meticulously crafted for a few months now.

“What if they don’t say yes, hyung?” Dokyeom fretted, pacing around their room as he packed for the trip with Y/N. His phone was on speaker, and he were calling the group for some last-minute advice.

“Have you seen the way they look at you?” Seungkwan’s voice came through, trying to sound reassuring. “I’m pretty sure they’ll say yes.”

“If they say no, can I steal them from you?” Dino joked with a laugh. “They make amazing cookies.”

“Not helping,” Dokyeom mumbled, nervously folding another shirt into their suitcase.

Dokyeom's fingers brushed the edge of the velvet ring box, its weight a tangible symbol of his hopes and fears. “I just hope everything goes smoothly. What if all this effort is for nothing? They might leave me.”

“Don’t worry about all of that,” Jeonghan advised gently. “Remember to have fun. Trust the plan. Everything will fall into place if it’s meant to be.”

“And don’t forget to pack the ring,” S.Coups chimed in with a grin that Dokyeom could practically hear.

Dokyeom took a deep breath, nodding even though no one could see him. “Alright, I think I’m all packed. Let’s hope everything goes according to plan.” He muttered the last part.

Everything had gone surprisingly well so far. You and Dokyeom had talked about this trip to Paris for years, but something always got in the way. Now, finally, both of you were able to take a seven-day leave and make it happen. The city felt like something out of a dream — timeless, and full of hidden wonders.

On the first day, after landing in Paris, you both felt the excitement settle in as you headed straight to the Louvre. The enormous layout of the museum took your breath away as you went inside, surrounded by art from all around the world. Walking hand in hand, you wove through the maze of halls, pausing at famous works like the Mona Lisa and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

When you reached the sculpture Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, you both stood in awe. The way the marble figures intertwined seemed almost too lifelike, as if they were frozen in a moment of affection. You couldn’t help but admire the way the light bounced off the smooth stone, highlighting every detail. Dokyeom’s arm hugged your waist as you both took in the beauty and history surrounding you.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” You whispered, eyes fixed on the sculpture.

Dokyeom nodded, a small smile on his lips. “Yeah, but you know what’s even more beautiful?” He turned to look at you, his smile widening.

You rolled your eyes playfully, nudging him gently. “You’re such a cheeseball.”

“I mean it, though,” he chuckled, squeezing your hand. “I still can’t believe we’re here. Together.”

In that moment, surrounded by art and history, everything felt perfectly right.

You spent more time at the Louvre than planned, snapping tons of photos for Instagram and for your own memories.

On the second day, you and Dokyeom decided to explore the Montmartre, starting with the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The white domes stood out against the sky, offering an amazing view of Paris below. Inside, the intricate mosaics shimmered in the light, creating a serene atmosphere as you took in the stunning architecture.

After leaving the Basilica, you strolled through the nearby Place du Tertre, a lively square filled with the buzz of street artists and their easels. You and Dokyeom sat down to get your portraits done, soaking in the lively atmosphere. The atmosphere was vibrant, with the sounds of sketching, laughter, and conversations blending together into a perfect Montmartre experience.

After a delicious lunch at a little café, you both headed to the Musée d'Orsay. There, you found yourself captivated by masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh and Monet. Each painting seemed to pull you into its world, and the museum’s elegant interior only enhanced the experience. The two of you wandered through the halls, taking in every detail of the beautiful works of art.

As evening approached, your excitement began to build. You were about to experience the legendary Moulin Rouge, a cabaret show in Paris you’d heard so much about. Dokyeom, always full of surprises, had secretly bought tickets for the famous venue. As you arrived, the bright lights, vibrant costumes, and captivating performances whisked you away to a world of entertainment you had only dreamed of. Checking "watching a cabaret show" off your bucket list felt even more magical than you had imagined.

By the third day, you decided to slow things down, spending the afternoon at the Champ de Mars for a picnic, with the Eiffel Tower looming gracefully above. You both laughed as you watched tourists pose dramatically in front of the landmark, feeling content in your own world together. Later, you took a scenic cruise along the Seine River, the water shimmering in the late afternoon light.

The two of you returned to the hotel room early to prepare for a special dinner at the Eiffel Tower, a night you had anticipated with excitement. You had chosen a stunning white Chanel mini dress, its chic simplicity accentuated by black off-shoulder sleeves that framed your shoulders gracefully. A delicate ribbon, adorned with a Chanel camellia, cinched the waist, adding a touch of timeless elegance. The soft glow of the evening light made the fabric shimmer subtly as you moved.

Dokyeom had chosen a new suit to complement your outfit. His classic black and white suit was impeccably tailored, with a simple yet elegant Chanel brooch pinned to the lapel.

“I had to pick out a new suit to match you, you know,” he said with a playful smile. “And I didn’t want to risk being turned away because of the dress code.”

“I'm glad though. You look handsome as always.”

After taking some photos on the balcony, you headed out to the restaurant. As you were about to leave, Dokyeom asked you to wait outside while he spoke with the concierge.

You were puzzled by the request, but when he returned, he explained that he had arranged for extra towels and soap to be delivered to your room. You didn’t think much of it and continued your way to the dinner venue.

The both of you indulged in a long-awaited culinary experience at Le Jules Verne, a restaurant you had been eager to visit ever since seeing it in Murder Mystery 2. Dining high above Paris with panoramic views of the city, the experience was as unforgettable as you had hoped. The sophisticated atmosphere and exquisite cuisine made it a perfect end to a delightful day — or so you thought.

Back at the hotel, Dokyeom asked you to close your eyes. He gently guided you into the room, covering your eyes with his hands.

“Close your eyes.”

“What are you up to? Don’t do anything silly; this dress is expensive!” you chided, knowing he might do something playful.

“Relax, I’m not doing anything stupid. Are they closed?”

“Yes, kyeom, they are. What’s going on?”

“Keep them closed. I’ll let go now.”

He removed his hands, and you heard him shuffling things around. “Okay, you can open them now.”

You slowly opened your eyes and took in the breathtaking scene before you. Rose petals were delicately scattered from the entrance of the hotel room, leading to a heart-shaped arrangement in the center, where Dokyeom stood, enveloped in a sea of petals. He held a bouquet of roses, their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully with the soft light of the room. Silver balloons floated on the windows, their reflective letters spelling out “Marry Me?” Your heart raced as you took in every detail, feeling a wave of emotion swell within you.

As you stepped further into the room, Dokyeom moved to stand within the heart of petals, his eyes full of love and nervous anticipation. He handed you the bouquet, his hands trembling slightly, then knelt down with a deep breath, pulling out a ring box. Your breath hitched as you saw the ring — its diamond gleamed with a brilliance that seemed to capture all the warmth and love in the room, shimmering with every flicker of light.

“Dokyeom…”

“Y/N, love, these five years with you have been the most incredible of my life. You’ve been my rock through every high and low, my constant when everything else was uncertain. I can’t imagine a future without you, and I want to continue building that future together. I want to create more memories with you, face every challenge side by side, and share every joy. My love for you is beyond words. Will you marry me?”

Tears welled up in your eyes, spilling over as you nodded, your voice choked with emotion. “Yes, of course I will. I love you so much.” You extended your left hand, and with a gentle, reverent touch, he slid the ring onto your finger. The moment felt suspended in time, the diamond’s brilliance reflecting your shared happiness and the promise of a future together.

“Okay, thank God, because my heart was pounding and my knees were killing me,” he joked, making you laugh as you admired the ring.

“I had it custom-made.”

“Really? It’s perfect,” you said, turning your hand to catch the light. The ring’s elegant design and intricate details made it feel even more special. “I love it.”

“Yeah. I thought you’d like it more this way. I had fun designing it and made sure to include all the details you love,” he said, as you admired the diamond sparkling in the moonlight.

“Thank you, Dokyeom. This has been absolutely amazing.” You looked at him and gave him a kiss.

“Let’s take some pictures!” you said, grabbing your camera.

That night, after posting some photos on Instagram, your phone buzzed incessantly with congratulations and likes. But you barely noticed, wrapped up in the comfort of late-night snacks and your favorite movies, nestled beside your new fiancé.

“By the way, how did you pull off that incredible surprise?” you asked, gazing at Dokyeom with curiosity.

“Well, the concierge is a secret weapon,” Dokyeom said with a mischievous grin. “They’re like fairy godparents for tonight. I think they were so charmed by the proposal that they didn’t charge me a thing. They said it was the sweetest thing they’d ever seen — except maybe the time a couple asked them to help with a proposal on a gondola in Venice. ”

You laughed softly, feeling a rush of warmth and affection. “I love you, Dokyeom,” you said, your voice soft as you gazed into his eyes.

“I love you too, Y/N,” he replied. He gently pressed a kiss to your forehead, a gesture that made your heart swell even more.

In that moment, surrounded by the soft glow of the room and the cozy comfort of each other’s presence, everything felt perfect.

You had always thought people exaggerated when they called Paris the city of love. But experiencing it firsthand, you couldn’t agree more.

[naturallyteal]

Did you know Aziraphale modelled for Simon Vouet in France in the 17th century?

😉

Allegory of Virtue between 1625 and 1650, Louvre Museum, Paris (with changes made by me: head exchanged; laurel and wing colours)

(Fake) Interpretation: The symbolism of the colours the Angel is wearing, are clearly hinting at the involvement between him (his favourite colour is yellow for Crowley’s yellow eyes) and Crowley (whose favourite colour is of course blue, for Aziraphale’s multicoloured-but-mostly-blue eyes). The title “virtue” is thereby subtly questioned, just as by the less than proper attire, uncharacteristic for Aziraphale. Also, the silver victory laurel (clearly Crowley’s) he holds triumphantly, makes the onlooker question how exactly he won that trophy from the Demon.

Used from the show:

View more posts of famous artists and their Good Omens fanart:

[Titian]

[Raphael]

[Vincent van Gogh]

[René Magritte]

[rose-lunaire]

nbc hannibal characters during summer vacation: headcanons

pairing: hannibal x gn!reader, will x gn!reader, bedelia x gn!reader

warnings: none, just fluff! suggestive content if you squint

hannibal lecter

summer’s not his favourite season, it’s way too hot for a his liking, but he enjoys it nevertheless

coat lazily draped over his shoulder, the sleeves of the shirt tucked meticulously just under the elbows, exposing the veiny forearms, slightly drenched in sweat and musky perfume

he would invite you for evening walks in downtown vienna, explaining every bit of the astonishing architecture

he loves your curiosity, how you find beauty in all things around, your eyes seem to bring out the best in everything that’s around

dark narrow streets of cobblestone feel safe with his arm around your waist

night museum tours!

stargazing through the glass walls of pyramide du louvre

as he goes on about the meaning of each constellation his eyes always come back to you, the center of his night sky, his universe

he can’t draw ever his gaze away from your awestruck face

the night walks never seem to end, the city’s like a mythological labirynth hannibal creates with his never-ending tales

in the end you forget about everything and just follow him into the dark

will graham

he’s an outdoorsy guy and every extra hour of sunlight is the best gift for him

would take you backpacking in the mountains

weeks of astounding views, piece and quiet, just birds and stars keeping you company

you talk for hours, sometimes just savour the silence around you

he’s prepared for everything: rain? he has two raincoats in your favourite colour. craving a home-cooked meal? will has a tourist cooker and all necessary ingredients. and when you’re cold at night, he drapes a warm blanket over both of you, enveloping you in a loving, almost too hot, embrace

if you’re not into survival stuff so much, you could just go see the waterfalls during the weekend and roast some marshmallows over the fireplace in the comfort of your own home

he loves your summer tan!

you would go sunbathing to the nearby lake and spend the afternoon reading books on the pier

and in the evening you would rent a boat and cruise into the setting sun, scaring all the swans with your laughter

bedelia du maurier

i can see her yachting as soon as the ice melts in the bay

would take you on trips along the west coast, visiting every city and village you see

you would discover new dishes and experiment with new drinks

sometimes you would stay the night on the coast, enjoy the nightlife until the sun rises

every day is an adventure with her

prosecco and reading philosophy essays

would definitely splurge on sundresses and silk headscarfs

everywhere you go, people seem to think of her as some aristocracy of sorts

she enjoys the attention and uses it to get anything you want

the world’s your oyster

a/n: have a wonderful summer, everyone! send me asks <3

[ruminiscence]

Paris: A Year Abroad in a short film

Audio: "Burnt Norton" by Lana Del Rey, a rendition of the original poem "Burnt Norton" by T.S. Eliot.

Where do I even start? Paris has wholly shaped me in ways I never imagined. We refer to Paris as the city of love, but I'm now more inclined to call it the city of art - which only leaves more room for love in your heart. There is so much to contemplate and appreciate in frequenting the vast array of art museums here - from the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Centre Georges Pompidou, and many more. Not only has my perspective on art expanded, but so has my worldview. That’s because art is truly everywhere in this city; art can be found in the walkable streets amidst the rich architecture, the fashionable outfits seen in daily life, and even the exquisite decor in stores and when you cheekily peek into Parisian appartments!

There's always something new to discover in Paris, I'm almost saddened at the thought of the things I've yet to discover or missed. The treasures to unveil in Paris move far beyond the typical tourist hotspots we all know and love. I am obsessed with Parisian boutiques; they are chic and unique (that unintentionally rhymed) in the best way possible. One of my favourites is La Tonkinoise à Paris, located in the 11th arrondissement. This particular arrondissmenet is the best in Paris to be honest, it holds a special place in my heart as I had the wonderful opportunity of living there, so perhaps you can say that I am somewhat biased. Still, I can confidently say that this animated, hip and creative neighbourhood is one everyone should have the chance to explore.

La Tonkinoise à Paris, owned by the lovely Chantal, is my favourite hidden gem in Paris. I had the pleasure of befriending Chantal as I ended up frequenting her store one too many times; I've garnered quite a collection over time. This boutique offers a wide range of eccentric and sustainable jewellery, with her earring creations being the show stoppers, in my opinion. Her jewellery is composed of rings, pearls, brooches, charms, and watches, all unearthed in flea markets and recycled. I love that every piece of jewellery indeed is a unique piece. The decor changes based on the season and theme of her new collections, making it an ever-changing and exciting shopping experience. This is honestly the best jewellery store I have ever been to in my life! I wish the pictures I took could do the jewellery and the boutique's decor justice, but it simply won't, I'm afraid.

Now, onto food, I genuinely need to figure out where to start here. My favourite authentic French restaurant would have to be 'Le Potager du Père Thierry', located in Montmartre. Although it's incredibly small, I love the cosy vibe; I feel like I can enjoy delicious food with friends without feeling surrounded by strangers. Surprisingly, it's also very quiet (yet packed) - I guess the food is just too distracting.

As of late, my favourite non-french restaurant has to be 'Big Black Cook' (let's ignore how inappropriate that pun is, though funny). It's located in the 2nd arrondissement and serves Caribbean food, my friend claims that it was the best meat she's had!

For brunch, I recommend Café Méricourt in the 11th arrondissement. Their green Eggs & Feta are absolutely incredible and quite innovative as far as brunch places go.

As for a boulangerie - seriously, anywhere, literally anywhere in Paris, go to your nearest bakery; there need not be a big fuss - you're in for a scrumptious baked treat regardless!

I'm ever so grateful for the chance to have lived in Paris for an extended period; you cannot appreciate Paris in its entire splendour from a mere short-term visit. The city is an actual work of art; art is everywhere in the city, from the street performers and musicians, the light filters through the trees, the city's many architecturally rich bridges, the picturesque cafés and boulangeries, the beautifully presented food, the way that the city's many different neighbourhoods each have their own distinct character and vibe. In Paris, art is everywhere.

[the-offside-rule]

Declan Rice (Arsenal) - Cupid and Psyche

Requested: yes

Prompt: meeting Declan at an art museum

Warnings: none

A casual Thursday in Paris for Y/n, the art student. When she decided to take a leap of faith and move to Paris, she didn't think it'd get her into such predicaments. Missing metros, causing arguments accidentally in street markets, meeting strange and exciting people. But this was life. It was going to happen to someone, it just so happened to be Y/n. Her parents implored her to stay close to home and study locally, but no. She had to go for her own sanity.

Now that leap of faith brings us to the louvre in Paris at half past two on a Thursday afternoon. She walked delicately and quietly around the famous museum with her headphones blocking out any sort of human distraction. The Mona Lisa; too busy. Medusa's raft; not as busy but it had been seen before. Her favourite piece was a marble sculpture, sculpted by Antonio Canova. It depicted Cupid reviving his lover Psyche with a kiss. Looking at it was tender, it was blissful. It made her believe in love and gave her hope that one day she would one day find someone that equally made her feel this way.

"I don't understand this at all." Y/n turned her head to the man beside her, looking up at the marble as if it were just another stone. "Then you've never experienced love." Y/n mumbled quietly, but not quietly enough. The stranger turned his head and his look of confusion stayed the same. "Excuse me?" He asked, his British accent clear and thick. "I said you've never experienced love. I like to think this depicts love in its physical form." She repeated. "And why is that?"

"Well, the story goes that Psyche-" She pauses and points to the woman. "Was so beautiful, that Venus herself felt threatened and decided to send Cupid to seek her revenge and to kill her." She explained. "And what about that screams love in its physical form?" The man asked even more bewildered than he once was before. "Well Cupid fell in love with Psyche and instead of killing her, he hid her away in his Palace to protect her. He then visited her each night and warned her to never look at him. Her sister however convinces her that Cupid must be a hideous monster so one night, while he is asleep,she looks at him and he leaves her for breaking their bond."

"Once again, I beg the question."

"Let me finish!" The man sighs and allows her to continue her story. "Distraught, she goes to Venus for help who sends her on quests to find her lover. For her last task, she has to go retrieve Propserina's beauty fron the underworld but opens it on the way back up and falls into a lifeless sleep. Cupid then finds her and returns the beauty to the box and kisses Psyche, granting her immortality so they could be married as equals." The man nodded and looked at the marble again, this time taking in the story and understanding the meaning differently. He appreciated it more and she could see that. "That's a beautiful story." Y/n nodded along and smiled as if she had seen the sculpture for the first time. She looked down as she caught a glimpse of a hand in front of her, before she turned and saw the man smiling at her. "I'm Declan, by the way." He said. Y/n took his hand and returned the smile. "Y/n."

"Lovely name. You from Paris?" He asked. "No. I'm guessing by the accent you aren't either?" She said. "What? I don't sound French?" He asked in a ridiculously stereotypical French accent, making the girl giggle. "What brings you to Paris?" Y/n asked after she calmed down from laughing. "Single. Very single." He replied. Y/n's eyebrows twisted into those of confusion. "And how is coming to Paris going to help you with that?" She asked. "Well, I figured the dating apps weren't working. May as well pretend to be confused in an art gallery."

"And how is that going for you?" She scoffed, folding her arms and looking up to him. "Not too bad, I reckon." He replied, making the once confident and sure woman now crumble and turn bright red. "Well it doesn't count if you don't intend on meeting someone later." Y/n said. "Good point." Declan whipped out his phone and handed it to her, with a new contact ready to be dialled in. Y/n grinned and took the phone, throwing her number in and handing it back. "So how about we finish off looking at the gallery and grabbing a coffee afterwards?" He suggested. "I think that's a marvellous idea, Declan." She smiled. Declan hooked his arm around hers and looked down to her. "Then let's go, madame."

[shortace]

Least favourite response when I tell somebody to stop touching an exhibit in the museum: "I was just..."

No. You weren't just looking, you weren't just curious, you weren't just taking a second.

You were risking permanent and catastrophic damage to a historic artefact, that's what you were doing. Would you go to the Louvre and poke at the Mona Lisa? Actually you probably would, but they can afford the type of protections and security I can only dream of. You shouldn't be allowed out in public.

[moonchild-in-blue]

ART MUSEUM DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE

my favorite pieces are the Detroit Industry Murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts painted by Diego Rivera and Flowers in a Rococo Vase by Paul Cézanne, which I saw at the National Museum of Art back in 2015!!!!!!! tell me yours if you want

AAAAAAAAAA PLS YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I ADORE THIS!!!

I LOVE hearing about people's favourite pieces like. This is fr my love language 🥹 it's amazing to look at something you would maybe not give much importance through someone else's eyes 💙

AND YOU GOT TO SEE THEM??? WOW that's so incredible!!! Those murals are gorgeous - I can only imagine how surreal it must've been to stand there like 🥹✨

Okay so, in order, mine are Monet's garden paintings - I don't think I have one specific favourite, but the water lilies and bridge paintings are so special to me! Love love love Monet (did see some of his work at the London MoMA!!! So special!!!).

Then we have Psyche Revived By Cupid's Kiss by Antonio Canova, which I have been very annoying about in here before lmao. It's on the Louvre and I really want to visit it 🥺 I know for a fact that I'll weep seeing it in person 🥺 (it's also my favourite myth btw 💘)

Then my most favourite is probably Portrait Of A Lady by Gustav Klimt. I've been in love with it for a million years now 💙 HERE:

Everyone talks about The Kiss or Adele or any other with his famous patterns like Death and Life and The Virgins, etc etc. But for some reason Portrait Of A Lady makes me go all fuzzy and warm and teary-eyed. I can't explain why. Would also love to see it in person one day - it's in an Italian museum (forgor the name).

[mambalae-s]

hiiii mamba baby congrats on your 100 milestone !! so proud of u & can’t wait to continue to support you throughout you’re writing journey— you‘re so talented !! ꒰ꕤᐢฅ́˘ฅ̀ᐢ ꒱ྀ ིɞ

hehe you alr know my fav is toji <3 to describe myself, i’m really introverted but when it comes down to it i‘m not scared to speak my mind on certain things! i consider myself pretty hesitant to open up to people sometimes, but once you get to know me i can be primarily down to earth :) i also depict myself as more of a listener than a talker. my love language would definitely be food, quality time, and physical touch. my favorite season would maybe have to be winter !!

for the optional prompt— i‘d say me and toji really likes to do either missionary, full nelson, or doggy too. two kinks i could name would for sure be degradation and praise. i’m always weak when those too mix together >.<

as for a dream date !! hmm, i would probably envision me and toji somewhere out of the country like paris. i’d force him to go sight seeing with me and we would visit all sorts of foreign restaurants and museums— including the louvre museum & eiffel tower too, taking lots of pictures and he keeps them in his wallet just for memories <3

karma thank you so much for requesting with me!! i’ve been so eager to start for you ever since! (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ im honoured really to be even writing something for you!! i’ll do my best just as i was up till now to make something that’ll make you happy!

╰┈➤ snowfallen wonders — karma x toji

╰┈➤ song — mami by paloma mami

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 when i think of karma and toji, i think of luxury, but also simplistic comfort! i’d think of you two as an it-couple, that pairing that’s so enchanting and kind of mesmerizes everyone around them.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 really, the two of you together can be a bit intimidating! truly a power couple to be admired and revered, you know? all within that, i see the both of you spending most time amongst yourselves too, just enjoying each other’s company.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 toji absolutely loves giving you surprise kisses at any instance and time throughout the day. every now and then, he’ll lean down and press the sweetest kiss against your cheek, then pressing his lips to yours when you turn your head to him!

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he’s so tender and sweet with you i’d like to think in the way he takes care of you. he wants to make sure you’ll never have to worry about absolutely anything at all! he takes to looking after things that you at times don’t give much thought to, and looks after maintaining your shared home so that you’ll be able to rest easily

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 other times, he likes to surprise you with gifts as well! he always buys you beautiful clothes and sweet smelling perfumes, and makes sure that there’s always a fresh bouquet of flowers for you. it’s all so that he can see your bright smile that he’ll tell people lights up even the darkest night

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 while he treats you very much like a queen, he also takes care of you in ways that doesn’t involve spending as well! toji enjoys planning at home dates, like candlelit dinners! a wonderful spread of homecooked food that he lovingly makes for you and glasses of your favourite wines.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 other nights, he looks after drawing warm baths for you, where he’ll gently detangle your hair and scrub your scalp with shampoo, and while you both lean against each other inside your bathtub scattered with fluffy bubbles and rose petals, he’ll gently comb through your hair with your favourite conditioner — and trust and believe, you’ll never have to spend another day worrying about expensive hair care, because toji takes care of it, no questions asked

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he’ll take time massaging the products in until your curls and coils are soft and silky, and when you’re both nice and freshened up, he looks forward to wearing face masks with you. it’s his favourite thing in the world feeling your gentle touch rubbing his face with the array of skin care creams that you’d select beforehand, and he’ll always take his chances to press a quick kiss to your lips when you least expect it, sometimes smearing a bit of the products on your mouth!

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he’ll end up tasting the strange bitterness of your face creams and masks, but it’s so minuscule when you playfully bop his nose in retaliation. he loves to hear the sound of your laughter, and he’ll pull you in and press his forehead against the bare skin of your tummy, kissing you there and whispering that he couldn’t help himself. “you just looked so cute all focused and concentratin’.”

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 as toji does, he really enjoys surprising you. the both of you hadn’t ever travelled out of the country before, but you’d spent several late nights in his firm embrace, talking about where you’d both like to go and the things you’d do there. he’d thought that there would be no better place for you to begin seeing the world than paris

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 so! he put some money aside to take you in december. he knows that it’ll be a bit more expensive with the holidays, but he wants to see france at its brightest, with the beautiful lights and snowfall covering everything.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he’s so intent on making your travel perfect that he plans to go before it snows, wanting for the both of you to experience the first snowfall. no one knows this but you, but he’s a bit of a sappy romantic! months go by starting in the midst of summer, and he makes sure that everything’s prepared. he books a hotel for you months in preparation, buys the flight tickets, and makes note of everything he sees that he thinks you might like

𓆩ᥫ᭡ in preparation, he finds these amazing online courses to spend time with you so that you can learn some french together! and by the time you’re both booked for your flights and traveling on the way, you both make an agreement to spend most of your flight practicing with all the phrases you’ve learned! id think he’d enjoy seeing you so focused as you put your sentences together, worrying over the gramatical technicalities and verb conjugations that he can’t help but find you irresistibly adorable. he’d lovingly kiss you every now and then and tell you, in french, how proud of you he is

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 when your flight lands, toji has a designated chauffeur that takes you both to the hotel right away. he understands that you’d be exhausted after a long journey, especially seeing as you’d really tried your best to stay awake so that you could admire all the lights of the city! however, you’d so cutely fallen asleep on his shoulder, he couldn’t help but to take a photo of you, mouth slightly open as your head bobbed against him.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 it’s on the next morning when your day properly starts! first, you must fill your tummies with the sweetest and fluffiest pancakes and french toast, covered in anything you could dream of! from fruits, maple syrup, chocolate or powdered sugar, or french toasts so big that you think they must be the size of your head all stacked up together!

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he knows how you appreciate all different kinds of art forms, so he takes you to many different museums and galleries — from paintings of old, to contemporary displays of portraits and photography, he wants you to truly enjoy the things that so desperately captured your passions. you saw street performers, musicians and singers alike, at nightfall, he takes you to see the eiffel tower!

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 it’s as you told him about how it was illegal to take and distributed pictures of the tower at night (is it still? im sure that patent’s passed, right?) when the first snow finally fell. toji wastes no time to pull you in for a sweet kiss, taking your attention from beautiful white flakes to the warmth and softness of his lips. when he pulls away, he says with a quiet and winter missed whisper, that ‘sure it’s corny, but i wanted to kiss you when the first snow fell.’

NSFW HEADCANONS

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 toji loves to make you watch as he destroys you. i’d think there are lots of videos and photos that he has of of himself making you take him in the dirtiest and filthiest positions imaginable

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he’ll tell you what a pretty little slut you are for him while he ruthlessly fucks you from behind, an arm locked around your throat to suspend your trembling body. toji makes sure to capture your lewd expressions, eyes rolled back and your tongue slobbering over your taste on his fingers as you babble obediently how you love his cock, how that pretty pussy of yours was all his to destroy.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 he loves torturing you amidst a rough session by slowing his thrusts, pushing deep into your cunt yet moving so painfully slow that you tearfully beg, willing to do anything just for him

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 when he locks his fingers around your neck, using his other hand to pinch and twist your nipples, he tells you exactly what to say while pressing his hips snug against your ass. he wants you to feel that big cock of his twitching inside your little cunt, all so that you couldn’t think straight and lose all sense of reason

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 “go ‘head, baby… tell daddy what you want, hm?” he’d grin when you tried to struggle or push your ass further against him, only needing to slap one hand against your sensitive breasts to get you to obey. with your pout smushed together by his grasp and eyes streaked with tears, you begged, pure filth pouring from your swollen lips.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 “p-please, daddy…! please, i jus’ wanna cum… want you to keep fucking me, please…!” but even this wouldn’t be enough for toji, sadistic as he is. he’d make you look right at the camera, posing so that your sopping pussy could be seen taking him all the way in while your hands wrapped around his neck to display your tits.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 “i love this cock… love feeling this cock stirring up my pussy! want all your cum pumping inside me till i can’t think of anythin’ else…” and toji, he laughs before he shoves your face down into the mattress and roughly pushes into you, reveling in the way your cunt clenched around him and a wanton cry fell from your lips.

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪 “thaaaat’s my cute little slut. want daddy’s cock so bad, dontcha? yeah? best believe ill give it to ya… gonna fuck this pretty pussy till it breaks.”

mamba celebrates 100 — jjk and haikyuu selfship event!

[radiokathryn-if]

What is an ideal date for the ROs? If that makes sense. Like, what would they want to do/where would they want to go on a date? Unless its spoilers of course, please ignore ☺

this one got a bit long!

In a change of pace I'm going to share Nate's ideal date from before the radio show blew up and the fame went to his head! Because it's surprisingly adorable──he'd take you music café hopping. You might have to drive a while in-between cafés but that'd just give you time to talk about the new music acts and artists you found. He'd insist on paying for you at at least one café and in my head it's either the first or last one. He'd drive you home, a list of MC─approved artists written in biro on his arm with a giddy smile and the promise of a mixtape in his lips. Where did it all go wrong?

Our classy girl Eva would love a museum date. It might seem a bit cliché but she really enjoys museums! She likes art exhibits the most but she wouldn't mind exploring a history museum just to see what there is. She's been to the Louvre in Paris before so if you were ever in France she'd take you there to see what was new. It's quiet and calming, your hands are entwined and she's excited to share her knowledge with you and learn something new herself. There's no pressure to come up with conversation or be somewhere else any time soon!

Mica is the most spontaneous out of all the ROs but I think something simple like making food from scratch together would be ideal for them. They've known you the longest so classic dates to do something like a restaurant or movie to do ice-breakers with isn't needed. Mica already made you go do the most random things like hiking or mini golf or indoor rock climbing or cheese tasting as a friend so to them it wouldn't feel all that different. Making something like a pizza from scratch together in your own kitchen where you can good off and have a flour fight and make a smiley face pattern out of toppings and just be together is something they really love the sound of.

I don't think it's much of a surprise that Detective Han's idea of a good date is something small like going to a trivia night at a bar. It's not as... intimate... as a classic sit-down-and-eat date and they get to use the trivia questions as a means to both start conversations and show off their intelligence! Please help them romance is hard. If by the end of the night their shoulders aren't tense anymore and you're both laughing at the ridiculous questions that prompt ridiculous answers then that's a good night for them!

José loves thrift shopping and antique hunting so going to do their favourite activity with their favourite person would be just swell! To make it more fun the two of you agree to buy something for the other to exchange at the end of the date──maybe you'd go to a café for lunch or a casual restaurant for dinner and you'd take the scenic walk back to their apartment block and they'd point out some patterns in the stars like they were constellations (but aren't because they don't know astronomy) and they'd leave you with a long kiss pressed to your cheek and a promise to do it again. The object you bought them finds a home pride of place on the desk in their studio.

This one might be a shock! You'd think that for an introvert like Ji Han a dance class date would be his worst nightmare but no, his idea of an ideal date would be to take you dancing! He wants to be able to hold you close whether is be sweet dance like a waltz or a more steamy dance like a tango or rumba. Though he'd prefer the more touchy dances... it's an excuse to touch you and tease you use it against you later when you're alone. If you enjoy it as much as he does then it might become a regular thing, every fortnight comes around and you're both anticipating it. Dancing is good for cardio... did you know? Menace.

Fauve wants to go to a karaoke bar. She's never been and has always wanted to experience it. It's a simple wish but it's just never come up as a possibility. She doesn't care if your voice is horrendous (she's not exactly gifted in the vocal department) because the whole point of karaoke, at least to her, is singing the songs in the most hilarious way possible. Make her laugh so hard she had to hold her tummy!! When you're finished and she invites you in to her flat and you're simply sitting with each other to cool down──she's got heart in her eyes when you don't ask anything else from her, just talking and sitting and laughing. She takes a picture from a polaroid and keeps it in her journal as a bookmark!

Jackson's ideal date is a spin on a classic──instead of seeing a film in a cinema he'd take you to a drive in theatre! You'd go in a closed-in car, not an open top, so you could talk during the film and not disturb the other people attending. I know not everyone likes talking during a film but Jackson loves discussing the film as it's happening, he wants to hear all your thoughts as they're happening. He might take you to see a film he's already seen just so he can focus on you more than the film!

Spa night with ???! Please pamper them and let them pamper you! Servings of 'light' alcoholic drinks like champagne or something while you sit together and just talk about everything and nothing. They're a bit clingy, hands on your thighs when they sitting between your legs, your hands in their hair to massage their head. They take a turn to massage your shoulders, your faces might have guacamole on them but it's nice and relaxing.

[ltwilliammowett]

What are the museums you mentioned in London and Paris?

My favourite places in Paris are the Louvre, Museé d'Orsay, de l'Orangerie, Quai Branly, Petit Palais (you can get a great chocolate cake there, but be careful. Don't eat it outside in the courtyard or the titmice will have it). Musée des Arts décoratifs, Museé de Armée + Invalides, Musée de l'Homme, Musée national de la Marine à Paris and countless churches. but I haven't finished all the houses yet, I still have a few on my list that I want to see.

In London, there are the British Museum, Natural History, Victoria and Albert, National Gallery, Museum of London Docklands, National Maritime Museum, Soan's Museum, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Portrait Gallery, The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities, Tower and Jack the Ripper Museum, but even here there is still a lot to see and went again.

[detectivedrewshouldgetaclue]

Happy Saturday, Clue Crew! I want to talk about the art displayed, next to Nancy Drew’s bed (as seen in Alibi in Ashes). I’ve already discussed (in a previous post) how Alphonse Mucha is featured, quite prominently, in several of the ND games. At a glance, one might think the three, framed posters, on the yellow wall, are his work. However, they were done by a contemporary of Mucha, named Paul Berthon. Like Mucha, Berthon worked in the Art Nouveau style, which is why it is easy confuse their pieces!

Paul Berthon…was a French artist who produced primarily posters and lithographs… Berthon studied as a painter in Villefranche-sur-Saône before moving to Paris… His study of the decorative arts influenced his print making, influencing the strong lines and natural details that guided his art. The vast majority of Berthon's lithographed posters did not include advertisements and were meant to stand on their own.

The piece on the far left, of Nancy’s wall, is a print named The Salon de Cent (Salon of the One Hundred). If you are unfamiliar what “the Salon” is, in reference to art history, it was:

…the official art exhibition of the French Academy of Fine Arts (Academie des Beaux-Arts) in Paris. First held in 1667, its name stems from its location at the Salon Carre in the Louvre. For almost 150 years…the Salon was the most prestigious annual or biannual art event in the world.

The aforementioned print, was advertising Salon des Cent, which was a commercial art exhibition in Paris, based at 31 Rue Bonaparte.

The Salon sold color posters, prints and reproductions of artwork to the general public at reasonable prices. The Salon held exhibitions until 1900. Many of the posters advertising Salon des Cent exhibitions have themselves become collectors’ items.

The middle poster of Nancy’s Art Nouveau collection, is another advertisement, for violin lessons (Leçons de Violin).

The last poster of the trio is L’Ermitage.

L’Ermitage was a monthly, literary review that was published in Paris, France between 1890 and 1907.

The publication came under new management in 1896 during which time the literary review was reorganized. Subjects included in the magazine expanded beyond poetry and plays to also include that of the visual arts. With the expansion of subjects, the editors decided to commission Art Nouveau illustrations to grace the covers…

Art Nouveau reflects the ideals and desires of Paris at the end of the nineteenth century, which include happiness and indulgence in life and beauty without all the turmoil and problems of the newly industrialized world. In this piece, Berthon uses a woman with long, flowing hair and flowers as a symbol of beauty and purity. The print consists of just four colors in addition to the black ink.

L’Ermitage was included in the Les Maitre de L’Affiches series, or Masters of the Poster. This series was originally offered as a subscription for collectors, in which a different poster was mailed out monthly and which could be bound together at the end of the year. L’Ermitage was mailed out in 1900 as plate 227 of the series. These posters were greatly appealing due to their smaller, more manageable size, and the high quality of printing materials. The original larger posters usually had to be rolled up to store and were printed with a lesser quality ink.

A lithograph copy of L’Ermitage is currently on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, the United States.

That does it, for the posters, on the yellow wall! But you’ll notice a canvas, prettily centered over Nancy’s bed. This is the very recognizable Almond Blossom, by the one and only, Vincent van Gogh.

You’ll see that the piece, in ASH, is a mirrored image, of van Gogh’s original. I can only assume this was done for copyright purposes, but that’s just conjecture.

Vincent loved nature. Blossoming trees, like in the painting Almond Blossom, were one of his favourite subjects to paint. He painted a number of variations on the theme: ranging from a small flowering sprig in a glass to lavishly blossoming trees.

Almond trees flower early in spring. The tree therefore marks the arrival of spring and the start of new life. And that was very appropriate in this case, as Vincent didn’t paint this work for just any old reason…

The painting was a gift for Vincent’s newborn nephew. The boy was born on 31 January 1890, and Theo and his wife Jo named him Vincent, after his uncle. Van Gogh was delighted to hear the news: ‘It does me, too, more good and gives me more pleasure than I could express in words’.

The painting became a treasured possession as soon as Vincent presented it to Theo and Jo as a gift. At first, it hung prominently above the piano in Theo and Jo’s living room. Later, once Jo had moved to Bussum following Theo’s death, the work hung in her and her son Vincent’s bedroom.

Following the death of Vincent and Theo, all of Vincent’s paintings passed into Jo’s hands. She sold a number of works during her lifetime, but Almond Blossom was so precious to Jo and her son that it was never to be sold. And that’s why to this very day, it is on display at the Van Gogh Museum.

For Van Gogh, painting Almond Blossom signified a new start. At the time, he had already been at an asylum in Saint-Rémy for almost ten months. Due to an attack of his illness, Vincent had not worked for weeks. He was now allowed back outside to paint, surrounded by nature.

Vincent worked hard, but that cost him dearly. Once he had completed the painting at the end of February, he had an attack that lasted for two months; his longest ever crisis. Once he had recovered, a new disappointment awaited: Vincent had missed his beloved flowering season.

‘If I’d been able to continue working, […] I would have done others of the trees in blossom. Now the trees in blossom are almost finished, […] I have no luck’.

Vincent chose an unusual perspective for Almond Blossom. He painted the branches from below and very close up. It is as if you are lying on your back on the grass, looking up at the branches above you, so that you can no longer see the entire tree. Vincent had seen this approach in Japanese printmaking and was inspired by it. These prints often zoom in on details from nature, and the image was sometimes cropped.

The subject itself also feels very Japanese, as blossom played a significant role in Japanese printmaking.

There you have it! I hope this information helps you appreciate ASH and Nancy’s room, a little more. I know I really appreciate the art, featured in the Nancy Drew games. I think it’s part of why I went into art history, to begin with! I owe a lot, to these games.

That is all. Happy scrolling.

[jackredfieldwasmyjacob]

Hola, a friend and I are thinking about doing a sightseeing trip to Madrid in the middle of november. Do you have some insider tips what we should see? :)

hi anon, yes of course !!!

so, one thing about madrid, it isn't a monument city but a walking city. i'd say walking through the city center, centered around the two main squares, puerta del sol and plaza mayor (both also massive tourist hotspots so expect a ton of people). just walking around that area, around arenal street, calle mayor (main street), carretas street and others is enough to get a feel of the oldest part of the city (also called 'madrid the los austrias' or 'austrian madrid', when spain was ruled by the habsburgs). it's my favourite area honestly, alongside the barrio de las letras, which you can get to walking or in a few metro stops. its name translates to 'neighborhood of the letters' because a ton of writers lived here, and you can find phrases from spanish literary classics engraved on the streets, it's lovely.

apart from that central area, other cool spots i would really recommend you should check out is gran vía (busiest street in the city, it literally translates to 'broadway', it has a ton of theatres as well), malasaña (hip arts district, love the vibe, also it's so beautiful and there's always stuff going on, really nice place to go out at night as well), chueca (next to malasaña, it's the queer district!!! also very beautiful), debod (my actual favourite place in the city!!!!!! it's this hill that holds an egyptian temple - the temple of debod - that was gifted to spain after the aswan campaign, you can visit it and also the views from the city from here are lovely, you can find the best sunset here), el rastro (the largest flea market in the country, you can visit it every sunday, you can find anything here. also nearby, in the cuesta de moyano, there's a book fair also open only on sundays), retiro park (our main park, really pretty, it's very nice to just chill; it also has a lake you can row on, and cool statues and stuff), and the royal palace (it's open to the public if that's your thing, but the area around it is very very nice, i always end up here when i hang out with my friends).

now let's talk museums!!!! madrid has a ton of museums, i'll tell you the ones i recommend but depending on what you're looking for there's probably something for you. important to note is that at least the prado and the reina sofía museums are free everyday one hour before they close !!!!!! important !!!!!! check in case there's other museums that do this, but i'm unsure, i think it's those two and maybe the thyssen?

so. the main three art museums in madrid are the prado museum (the counterpart of the louvre, that sorta vibe), the reina sofía museum (our modern art museum, only stuff from picasso onwards), and the thyssen museum (ngl i haven't been here, it's a private museum made out of the collection of this one countess). all of them (more or less) are in the prado boulevard, which is also very nice to walk by so it's always lovely to go there even if you don't enter the museums. nearby there's also the national archaeological museum, my personal favourite one.

other smaller but also cool museums that i love are the madrid history museum (the facade is insane, also has tons of cool maps of the city), romanticism museum (an old romanticism-era palace with romanticism-era paintings and other stuff), cerralbo museum (underrated af; it is the personal collection of this one noble, the building itself is absolutely insane), and the sorolla museum (if you like sorolla this is your place!).

(i'm nearly done i swear)

if you have time and want to visit a nearby city, my recommendations are: alcalá de henares (really close to madrid, it has the second oldest university in spain, with a medieval feel to it, it also has the madrid archaeological museum - it was a roman foundation under the name of complutum - and most importantly, it's known for being the birthplace of miguel de cervantes, writer of don quijote!!!! you can visit his house, it's now a museum :), el escorial (deep in the mountains, it has the monastery of el escorial, maximum icon of spanish renaissance, it was the winter palace of the monarchy and holds the royal crypt, where most of spanish monarchs have been buried), toledo (oh if you love medieval cities you'll love this one. it was the first capital of spain, and it is most known for being the city that during the medieval times had christians, muslims and jews living peacefully. there's tons of churches, mosques and synagogues to visit, and it is very well preserved, with narrow steep cobblestone streets, cannot recommend it enough), and segovia (toledo is to the south of madrid, and segovia to the north! it is most famous for its roman aqueduct, the best preserved and highest in the country, and it also has a ton of historical buildings, including its alcázar, a palace that inspired the sleeping beauty castle !!!!!). also it's not a city but there's a national park in madrid, the sierra de guadarrama national park and it's super beautiful, it's this lovely mountainous area perfect for hiking or just chilling, and depending on when in november you come, you might see snow!

as a final warning!! i don't know where you're from but in november madrid is probably colder than you are expecting so make sure to pack some extra layers just in case !!!

[wilsons-striped-ties]

october tc challenge (days 1-31 one shot)

original post here!

this has been rotting in my drafts for months but since I no longer like mango, these are all about passion fruit!

Day 1: How long have you known your TC for?

two years and eight months

Day 2: What sets your TC apart from everyone else?

his class is really interesting and the way he teaches is very hands on and it's just so easy to remember stuff, and he's one of the only two teachers I had that wrote us personalized notes for our graduation

Day 3: If you were able to sing a song to your TC, what would it be and why?

favourite by isabel larosa cause I wanna be his favourite student and he seems like he'd like the vibe of the song but if i were to be very honest, secret love song by little mix ft jason derulo because it reminds me of him just so much

Day 4: What fictional character does your TC resemble?

I'm not sure to be very honest

Day 5: If your TC called you beautiful, how would you react or respond?

okay I will die because he gives compliments in a really nonchalant way like pretending that it doesnt bother him and will carry on pretending he didn't say anything but he will mean it, especially if he says it in a small voice and I will just die

Day 6: What landmark in the world best describes your TC?

Louvre Museum, everyone knows the exterior of the museum and the surroundings and everyone's always like oh yeah the Louvre etc etc but not everyone has the chance to go in and marvel at all the artworks and the interior of the museum as compared to its exterior and in the same way, everyone looks at passion fruit with his scary looks and unpredictable reputation, but I think I'm one of the only lucky few to actually know his personality and see a hidden, surprisingly thoughtful side to him

Day 7: Do you think you’ll stay in contact with your TC after you leave? If you’ve already left, have you?

I have left but I frequently come back to school so I do stay in contact with him, maybe once a month or so?

Day 8: Can you think of any advice for somebody currently crushing on their teacher?

use it as motivation for studies!! use it to your advantage!! become a teachers pet it's super fun and you'll have more advantages in the class!! on a serious note, having a crush on a teacher is great and all but you've got to be careful not to be groomed by them okay, it may seem like a wonderful thing if you're noticed by them in a more romantic way or something but reality is that you've got to be careful, you can't know a person well enough even if you've known them for a very long time. take care and stay safe yeah? you're important. don't base your whole life on someone else, even if it's easier/more tempting to. been there, done that, got hurt a lot. protect yourselves and you're worth more than you realise <3

Day 9: Have you ever gone somewhere with your TC non-school related?

no but I wishhhhhh

Day 10: Has your TC ever complimented you? Either appearance or personality?

he always says I'm very self driven and humble and an awesome and obedient student (i melted when i saw him write that in his card to me for graduation)

Day 11: Do you have a favourite outfit for your TC?

it would either be his black dress shirt or his dark blue dress shirt, he usually wears the same things over and over HAHA but he looks really good in jeans, surpringly

Day 12: Have you ever cried in front of your TC? How did they react?

nope

Day 13: If your TC named their child after you, how would you feel?

oh goodness hmm I would feel honored because that would be the highest praise from him I feel, but still, nah

Day 14: What has been your best moment with your TC?

i think when i gave him cupcakes for his birthday, he instantly melted and it was so special to me and i really hope it was special for him too

Day 15: Has your TC ever flirted with you, be it playfully or seriously?

not really, but he's teased me once or twice I thinkk

Day 16: Have you ever stalked them on social networking sites? If so, how often?

oh yes for sure, but he's not active anywhere, but he flipped the tables and told me he looks at my instagram quite frequently, so i post more for him HAHAH

Day 17: Describe your TC in three words

thoughtful, passionate, proactive

Day 18: Do you have any nicknames for each other?

unfortunately nope but he's called me his star history student once

Day 19: Have either of your parents met your TC? If so what did they think of him/her?

yup, both, and he recognized them so fast it's scary, they know a bit of my delusions HAHA and they don't comment anything much

Day 20: Are you or have you crushed on another teacher before? What happened?

mango, before passion fruit came but ultimately after graduating, I made the decision that passion fruit is better and more worth my time :'

Day 21: Have you ever met your TC’s partner/wife/husband? What was it like?

nope, but I've saw his youngest kid a couple times before, very cute HAHA

Day 22: Imagine your school is asking students to write an article on student teacher relationships and you’ve been asked to help. What sort of thing would you want to put in the article?

oh woah um maybe the advantages and disadvantages of it???? i don't know

Day 23: How do you imagine your TC’s body to be like?

HAHA next question

Day 24: What would you do if you found your TC blog which was devoted to you?

if i was a teacher and found a tc blog devoted to me? scared cause i know the extent of this community HAHA but secretly honored at the same time

Day 25: Has anybody in your school (students or teachers) noticed any inappropriate or unusual behavior between the two of you?

we don't have any inappropriate behaviour between us but two of my closest juniors know that I always hang around him, take pictures with him and like him quite a lot, and his best friend (a math teacher who always hangs around him) knows a little bit about how close we are cause he was there when me and passion fruit were talking in the canteen a couple hours after I gave him his cupcakes

Day 26: Has your TC ever said something to you to make you think they may like you?

probably not? he does like me as a student but not romantically i feel, but i know i'm one of his more memorable students probably

Day 27: If teacher-student relationships were legalized, would you tell them how you felt?

maybe...? i wouldn't want to wreck his family nor our relationship together though

Day 28: What do you imagine your TC doing right now?

it's a sunday so he's probably marking worksheets and spending time with his family

Day 29: Do you ever see yourself dating somebody your own age? Why or why not?

possibly, but i don't really like the guys my age, i prefer someone a couple years older than me

Day 30: If your TC told you they were leaving, what would you do?

i would be so distraught cause he's one of the main reasons why i still go back to my high school and the school would just be so different without him, he's been in the school for ten years man, and if he was leaving then it would probably be the last time i ever see him, i don't see him out of school... now im emo :'

Day 31: Describe your perfect date with your TC?

museum dates, or just anything where we can hold hands and walk comfortably, and talk and get to know each other more in a quiet space, maybe a dinner date too

[zetexa]

Checking in to the Best Vacation Spots Worldwide Planning your next vacation? 

Choosing the perfect destination can be quite a challenge with so many amazing options across the globe. To help you decide we 've compiled a list of the best vacation that offer unique experiences, beautiful landscapes and incredible adventures. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach escape a cultural city break or an adventurous wilderness retreat this guide has something for everyone. 

1. Santorini, Greece Santorini  

It is constantly heralded as one of the best vacations for couples and honeymooners. This picturesque island in the Aegean Sea is famous for its breath-taking sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. The stunning villages of Fire plus Onia offer romantic settings with stunning views of the caldera. Explore ancient ruins dine on delicious Greek cuisine, plus relax on the unique black sand beaches for an unforgettable experience.  

2.   Kyoto, Japan 

For those in search of a harmonious combination of history, culture and natural beauty Kyoto is a top contender among the best vacation spots. This former imperial capital of Japan is home to stunning temples, traditional wooden houses as well as beautifully designed gardens. Travel during the cherry blossom season in spring or the brilliant autumn foliage in fall for the most beautiful scenery. Don't miss the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red tori gates plus the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

3. Maui, Hawaii 

Maui is one of the perfect vacation destinations in the world. This paradise has fabulous beaches, lush rainforests, and huge Haleakalā towering above. Some must-dos include snorkelling at Molokini Crater, driving on the scenic Road to Hana, and seeing the sunrise atop Haleakalā. Whether you just feel like lying on the beach or exploring the natural treasures of the island, Maui has it all. 

 4. Paris, France 

Paris, the City of Light, is no doubt tastefully done and is a sight to behold. World-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral testify to the significance of Paris in the world. Have a leisurely walk along the Seine River, explore bohemian neighbourhoods like Montmartre, and indulge in a buttery croissant at a sidewalk cafe. All in all, the city is an epitome of a rich history, arts, and love. 

 5. Queenstown, New Zealand 

Queenstown completes the trip for you if you are a person who is always looking for adventure and loves to explore nature. It's a lively town on New Zealand's South Island west coast, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. It's famously known as the birthplace of bungee jumping, but you will also find jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, and skiing. In short, it's breath-taking and endlessly exhilarating, with activities that one cannot find elsewhere. 

 6. Cape Town, South Africa 

Cape Town, in its contrasts, is the place where urban sophistication meets natural beauty, making this one of the best vacation spots not only in Africa but in the world. Dominated by the national icon, New Seven Wonders of Nature—Table Mountain—this city is the place to get breathtaking views of the city and the cable car to the top. From the top, offer panoramic views of the city or experience the vibrant V&A Waterfront down below, historic Robben Island, a ferry away, Camps Bay beaches, and the nearby Cape Winelands for a diverse enriching experience. 

 7. Amalfi Coast, Italy 

The Amalfi Coast is one of those luxurious best vacation spots and best scenic getaways in all of Europe. All of southern Italy is home to the rugged coastline, coloured villages, and clear azure waters along the shoreline. Drive through its winding coastal stretches, great history towns like Positano and Ravello, and savour in flavourful bites of its local cuisines. The beauty and charm of the Amalfi Coast have put most people to regard it as their favourite destination for relaxation and romance. 

 8. Bali, Indonesia 

Bali, Island of the Gods, is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and chilling atop Ubud's beautiful rice terraces. The island features the ancient rocks of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples and the sandy beaches of Seminyak and Nusa Dua. The vibrant culture, friendly locals, and beautiful landscapes turn Bali into the best experience for both adventure and serenity. 

 9. New York City, USA 

The city that never sleeps—New York City—is among the best urban explorers' vacation spots. The iconic skyline, first-class museums, and ultra-diverse neighbourhoods make the options for discovery seemingly endless. From Lady Liberty to Broadway to Times Square, Harlem, and Brooklyn; hustle, bustle, and all manner of the coolest stuff. If you want to explore a city, New York City has the energy and diversity to help you do it. 

 10. Australia, Great Barrier Reef��

The Great Barrier Reef makes the best vacation spot for those who love marine life; in general, scuba divers will love it. This is the largest coral reefs system in the world, off the coast of Queensland. The chances of snorkelling and diving in the transparent-blue waters immerse one in vision after vision of various coral formations and tropical fish and other species of the underwater marine world. Spot the spectacle of the Whitsunday Islands and the flying, thrilling view of the big plane over the reef together with the tropical beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Why These Are the Best Vacation Spots 

The destinations provided above include some of the best vacation spots in the world because of their special, unique factors and great experiences all visitors can experience. Each spot has so much special to offer, be it amazing natural beauty, intense cultural vibes, or thrilling adventures. Each spot offers an option for traveling with easy styles and preferences, making sure every traveller finds the best place according to needs. 

 Tips to Finding the Best Vacation Spots 

Here are some tips to help you choose the best vacation spot for you: 

 1. Identify Your Passions 

Think of an activity or an experience that you enjoy. Would you like to lay back on a beach, soak in a cultural experience, or explore destinations? Knowing what your passion is will help narrow down the choice of locations perfect for you. 

 2. Consider the Season 

For whatever time of the year, the best vacation spots could change. Research your perfect destinations about the best periods to visit for perfect weather and experiences. 

 3. Expenses 

Your pockets will have to spend on choosing the best spots for vacations. Some spots will be costlier than others, so consider your spending limits on the tip of your visiting spots. 

 4. Travel Companions 

Who will accompany you on your vacation? Some vacation spots are perfect for family vacations, others for single travellers, and yet others for couples. Make sure the chosen spot counts in the needs and preferences of the ones you will be traveling with. 

 5. Accessibility 

Consider how accessible your desired spot it. Most preferably, some of the best vacation spots will be hard to access, often signifying long flights and constant connections. Give some slack about travel time and convenience. 

An eSIM will keep you in touch, especially during holiday season, if traveling around the globe happens to be on your agenda. It is quite easy to have access to data from almost any country without switching physical SIM cards. The Zetexa eSIM options provide QR-code activation and are proposing trip plans one can adjust easily to one's needs. Be it the breathtaking landscapes of Santorini in Greece or the vibrant culture of Bali, Indonesia—eSIM will keep you connected and sharing your journey as it happens. 

People can just travel to the finest spots for a vacation with a number of days that can be connected. From romantic setting suns in Santorini to busy streets in New York City, an eSIM has got you covered straight out of the box. From places as good as Kyoto, Japan, to the best eSIM options themselves, excellent coverage and convenience within New Zealand's adrenaline terrains in and around Queenstown are the only places this journey would get exciting. Focus on just one set of fantastic places to holiday at, and yet make some unforgettable memories at each one of them—all through an international eSIM that keeps one connected. 

When taking your next trip, consider your interests, budget, and who you are going to travel with in order to make a choice regarding the best vacation spot. They offer a variety of experiences ranging from romantic trips in Santorini, Greece, to adrenaline experiences in Queenstown, New Zealand. Be it roaming the lively streets of New York City or the quite temples of Kyoto, the best vacation spots will surely be the places of unforgettable memories and the best experience. So pack your bags and get going to explore the most amazing places in the world.