#melbourne airport to city

[melbournechauffeurservice]

Luxury Minibus Charter in Melbourne

[walkswithmycamera]

Travel Maps, where have you been in the world?

Considering neither of us really want to go to the Caribbean (once was enough) and we're not that into Central or South America as well as South East Asia - this is where we've been.

Remember, we lived in Cyprus for 12 years which wasn't the easiest of destinations to travel from very easily - so our travel trips from there were mostly to Malta and Upper Egypt (via Cairo) each time.

So far, we've managed to clock up almost 110,500 miles through Europe, North Africa (Egypt, Tunisia & Morocco), N. America and Australia - with a couple of places not so easily accessible these days: Lebanon and Syria.

Above image: my Tripadvisor Travel Map

Follow me on TripAdvisor.

I post reviews, photos and find the travel forums great for one to one information.

[melbournecabtaxi]

Navigating Melbourne: Your Guide to Taxi Services in the City

Discover the convenience and reliability of taxi services in Melbourne City. Whether you're heading to a business meeting, exploring iconic landmarks, or simply need a ride around town, find the perfect taxi service to suit your needs. With easy booking options and a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, getting around Melbourne has never been easier. Say goodbye to parking hassles and public transportation woes – experience the seamless journey with Melbourne's top taxi providers.

[gguk-n]

Chapter 3- Heartfelt confession

Accelerating Emotions (Oscar Piastri x Reader)

Series Masterlist

Summary- Oscar decides he wants to spend time with Y/N. The more time he spends, the more his feelings solidify. He likes her a lot. He just hopes she likes him too.

Lando was the happiest person when summer break began since he would no longer have to hear his teammate pine over his best friend's sister. Oscar was a quite and stoic man and nothing could elicit a response from him except Y/N. Even the thought of her getting hurt would make Oscar worry to no end; so he would resort to stealthy pestering Ansel while away for races on what was going on with his sister who honestly was of no help since he lived in another city. So, Oscar now depended on his mother and he would be lucky to catch glimpses of Y/N behind his mom on rare occasions. Nicole was happy her son was calling way more often then usual and she wasn't about to complain. Oscar had ulterior motives and would ask about everyone in hopes of finding out what Y/N was up too. He was sure his sisters could take care of themselves.

Summer break couldn't come any sooner for Oscar either. Oscar was back in Australia enjoying the cooler weather especially after he found out Y/N would also have July off from school when he over heard his mother talking to Y/N about her plans for July. Even Oscar wasn't sure if he ever booked plane tickets any faster than he did in that moment. Oscar decided to 'surprise' his family or another way to talk to Y/N. He texted her asking her to pick her up from the airport since he wanted to surprise everyone. That's how Y/N found herself awake at the crack ass of dawn since Oscar doesn't seem to understand timezones or so it seems and was landing in Melbourne at 5 am. Y/N would rather be asleep on the rare few days she got off from school without having to plan for the next year or make up a teaching plan for the next week. But here she was driving to the airport with the largest coffee mug she could find and a hoodie with Oscar's number on it. It was the warmest hoodie she owned and she had forgotten it was Oscar merchandise that she had stolen from her sibling.

Oscar was stood at the airport arrival terminal when Y/N drove her car to him. She rolled the window down, "You should be grateful I've known you for years because I was ready to leave you stranded at the airport when my alarm rang" she called out and popped her trunk open. Oscar placed his bags in and climbed into the passenger seat. "Thanks for picking me up" Oscar said. "I love you guys too much to explain to Nicole how I lost her son" Y/N replied after taking a sip of her once hot coffee. Oscar didn't really hear anything after 'i love you' honestly you wouldn't either if your crush directed those 3 words at you in any context. He gathered himself, "Take me to your place" Oscar asked rather commanded but who's asking. "What? Why?" Y/N asked now fully looking at Oscar who's eyes had travelled down to the hoodie Y/N was wearing and you could clearly see OP81 plastered all over it if you looked carefully enough since the hoodie looked like it was Y/N's favourite in her collection of clothes. "You're wearing my hoodie" Oscar pointed out. "What? This is my hoodie" she corrected. "It has my name and number on it" he corrected. And for the first time since she woke up she looked at herself and realised that she left the house in the hoodie she slept in which just happened to be Oscar's merchandise. "You support my merchandise" Oscar gleamed. "Ansel bought it, I stole it from him" she commented. Nothing was dimming Oscar's shine. He was just winning, in his eyes, since he landed.

"Why do you wanna come to my place?" she asked getting back to the topic. "I'm planning a surprise and I need to look prepared for it" he said while stealing glances at Y/N in his hoodie. "Since when do you plan surprises?" she asked. Oscar just shrugged and they drove to her apartment. Y/N helped Oscar grab his stuff from the trunk and brought him to her flat. The house was a mess but Oscar had seen worse. "There's coffee in the kitchen. The bathroom's that way. The guest bedroom is to your left. If you need anything, I'll be asleep in my room that's in front of you." she pointed around. "Are you going back to sleep?" Oscar asked with his puppy eyes. "I was going too, but you look like you want something. So spill" she stated. "Can we have breakfast together? I miss your pancakes, like the Japanese style one's you tried to make" Oscar pouted. "Those abominations can't be called pancakes. Now, I do make a really good pancake. So, for the flattery I will fulfill your wish" she offered.

Oscar got changed from the jeans he was wearing to a sweatshirt and joggers. Y/N had ditched the OP81 hoodie much to Oscar's dismay to wear another sweatshirt and joggers. He was hovering around her as she tried to make the pancakes, making her snap. "Okay, Osc, sweetheart, can you stop moving around so much. I can't work when people are in my space." she reprimanded him in the nicest way possible. Oscar took his place on the breakfast bar like a child that had been told off. Y/N served the pancakes with fresh fruits and maple syrup. "I didn't think those pancakes could get any better" Oscar moaned after taking one bite. Y/N smiled at him, "You flatter me" she smiled back. "Can you help me decide how to surprise my family?" Oscar asked. "I knew those weren't empty praises" she laughed.

Y/N was sat thinking while munching on her pancakes all the while Oscar would steal glances at her. "You should turn up to the house with flowers. I think they would like that" Y/N said after much deliberation on her part. "That doesn't sound grand" Oscar pointed out. "They are your family. IDK how to make it grand" she retorted. "Maybe you should take your time. It's like you want to get rid of me as soon as possible" Oscar pouted. This boy needs to stop pouting because for some reason his puppy eyes are working on her and she doesn't know how to get out of here, she thought. "Oscar, baby, I have holidays for the next few days before school and I would like to do stuff I can't when I'm busy" she said. Oscar lost his train of thought when she called him baby. "We can do stuff together" Oscar stammered, "As a thank you for helping me surprise my family" he finished. Y/N wasn't winning today, or ever again with Oscar for that matter. "Please" Oscar begged now holding on to both of her hands. Y/N for the first time since he became friend's with her brother looked at him, like really looked at him, his chocolate brown eyes or his cute little freckles that littered his face or the moles that were splattered across his face and neck; this stay wasn't going to end well for her she thought. She couldn't think straight when his warm hands were holding her's like they were the most fragile thing. She just nodded to him, pulling her hands away with a slight blush that was starting to form on her cheeks to put the dishes away.

Y/N and Oscar were sat on the sofa while Y/N was flipping through movies to watch on Netflix. "I thought you were sleepy" Oscar voiced. "I'm not anymore, someone wanted to have pancakes" she chided. Oscar just smiled and he looked like the cutest cat making her smile. She realised what she was doing so she quickly handed the remote to Oscar, "Watch whatever you want, I'm gonna get some stuff done around the house" she said walking to her room. Oscar switched the TV off and followed her into her room. "I can help" he offered, making Y/N jump. "Oscar, you scared me" she said. "Sorry" he apologised with a small smile. "You should get some sleep, you must be jet lagged. I'll wake you up for lunch" she said now pushing Oscar towards the guest room. "Try to get some sleep" she reiterated, closing the door behind her. That's how Oscar found himself lying on the bed while staring at the ceiling, imagining what it would be like to enjoy domestic bliss with her.

At some point in his daydreaming, Oscar fell asleep and only woke up at around 5 pm. He stumbled out of the room to a much cleaner flat and Y/N making dinner. "You're up" she said. "You didn't wake me up" he asked. "You looked so cute sleeping, I couldn't" she cooed. She thought I was cute, Oscar thought. "Cute in a OMG!! baby is cute way or cute in a damn that boy cute way" he asked. "Who's teaching you this stuff?" she laughed. Oscar just shrugged; "Obviously, OMG!! baby is cute way" she laughed. Oscar's shoulders seem to fall. "Dinner's almost done" she said getting ready to serve the food. Y/N and Oscar sat on the table with their plate of food. Oscar was playing around with his food; "Is it not good?" she asked. "No, no it's delicious." he replied. "But you haven't touched your plate" she pointed out. "I...do you still see me as the kid that your brother befriended?" Oscar mumbled. "Oscar, you are the kid my brother befriended" she highlighted. "But, do you see me as you know, someone who is older and more mature?" he questioned. "You are older now Oscar, and more mature too. You drive a Formula One car now, you have a life and career and we are all so proud of you." she said. Oscar hummed, "Are you proud of me?" he asked. "So proud. If you are worried about the season, it's your first season. You'll get better with time. The cars getting used to you, you're getting used to it. I'm sure next year will be the best ever. Mark my words" she reassured. Y/N thought Oscar was having anxiety with his career when he asked her that, but that was far from the truth.

"I know how to surprise everyone" she announced after dinner. "How?" Oscar asked. "We could throw a party at my place and then invite everyone. I think Ansel's visiting soon too. And surprise, you're here." she explained. "When will we do that?" Oscar asked. "Ansel is coming in 2 days, on Friday night we can have everyone come in. I'll send out the invites and you can greet everyone once they come in. I think they'll love it" she elaborated further. Oscar liked that he could stay here for a couple more days. "You're gonna have to help me" she said. "I will" Oscar agreed.

The next few days were spent cleaning the place, planning a menu out for the dinner, wrapping up the presents Oscar got everyone. They sent out the invites and everyone agreed to meet her at 7 pm on Friday. The two of them spent all of Friday decorating the place. You would find the two laughing along or having fun through out the whole planning. Oscar hoped that she would see him as more than just a kid. The time they spent together was precious for Oscar. He had bought her a necklace which he asked her to wear on Friday. "Oscar, this is beautiful. But it must be expensive" she said handing it back. "You should wear it today" he said placing it in her hands once again. "I can't take this. It looks so expensive" she mentioned admiring the necklace. "Please, it took me forever to pick out" Oscar begged. Y/N conceded.

They got dressed for the party. Y/N was wearing a navy blue midi dress, to highlight the necklace. She was struggling to zip up her dress which Oscar saw when he came to check up on Y/N. He quietly walked in and zipped up the dress; "Let me" he said. "Thanks" she whispered, her breath stuck in her throat as she felt his finger hover over her lower back. Before she could take the necklace out of the box, Oscar beat her to it, moving her hair aside, his fingers brushed past the small exposed area on her neck, bringing the necklace around and hooking it up. "Done" he mentioned. Y/N was looking at herself in the mirror with Oscar standing behind her, a small smile on his face. She turned around, "how does it look?" she asked. "Gorgeous" Oscar replied. Y/N was blushing and for the first time Oscar saw it. He felt his chest swell up at the thought of making her blush.

Everyone showed up almost at the same time, Oscar was waiting for everyone in the living room. The house was a bit cramped with everyone present but the laughter that could be heard echoing through the house was well worth it. Nicole almost cried when she saw her son and Chris gave him the biggest hug. Both of Y/N's parents hugged and greeted Oscar like their own son was visiting. Oscar brought out all the presents he had bought and you could hear everyone chatting away about the presents while Ansel and Oscar stood a little further away from the group; "You didn't even tell me" Ansel said skeptically. "It was supposed to be a surprise" Oscar reasoned. "Sure" Ansel replied sounding not so sure of Oscar's answer. "Don't you like the present I got you" Oscar quizzed. "Yeah yeah, I know you're trying to bribe me. Just don't take too long." Ansel said. "What do you mean by that?" Oscar asked and Ansel just shrugged his shoulders while walking away to help his sister set up the dinner.

Everyone had taken a plate and were sat where ever they could find a place. Y/N was playing with her necklace every chance she got; "Where did you get the necklace from? It is beautiful" Y/N's mother asked her. "You should ask Oscar, he got it for me" she replied after quickly swallowing the food in her mouth. "Now did he" Oscar's mother asked looking at him. "I just saw it while passing and got it" Oscar dismissed everyone. Lando will tell you, and I quote, "He sent me links to multiple luxury brand's necklaces which he vetoed within minutes of staring at them since they weren't good enough for his Y/N. Then he started dragging me around to a new shop in every city we visited and made the employee of the shop show him their entire inventory. It took him months to decide on the damn necklace. I thought I would have to get some one to craft him one" end quote. But Lando wasn't here and no one was about to know.

Oscar offered to stay back after the party even though Y/N insisted that he leave with his family. "I'm the one that wanted to surprise them. I should help you clean up." he stated. "The party was my idea" she retorted. "Let him help you Y/N. Come home early tomorrow Oscar" his father called out as everyone filed out. "Good luck" Ansel and Aldric called out simultaneously as they bid them good bye.

The house wasn't as destroyed and they were done with cleaning the place up in a few hours. It was almost 2 AM when Oscar finally sat, sprawled out on the sofa. Y/N was putting the last of the dishes away. She walked towards the sofa when her toe got caught on the mat on the floor and she extended her arms to brace herself from the fall. Oscar with his quick reflexes caught hold of her extended arms, stopping her mid-way. "You haven't outgrown your clumsiness" Oscar stated, his face inches away from hers. "I have" she whispered. "What would you do if I wasn't there to save you?" Oscar asked now pushing her back on her feet and placing her arms on her side. "I'm perfectly capable of saving myself" she retorted. "Never said you weren't. But I wouldn't mind being there for you" he retorted back. "Why would you be there for me?" she asked. "Because I like you" he said. There he said it, the words that he wanted to say for years. "Oscar" she began, this didn't sound good to Oscar. "You're my brother's best friend. I can't" she began. "But you would if I wasn't" he interrupted. "No, I wouldn't. You're younger than me" she said. "By a year, it doesn't even matter honestly" Oscar reasoned. "You probably feel this way since we've been spending a lot of time together lately" she said. "I've felt this way for years. Don't demean my feelings for you, Y/N. Do you know what you do to me?" he asked. "Oscar, you're ugh...you're you and it would never work out" she said. "You've thought about me" Oscar asked hopefully. "That's not the point" she said. "It is" Oscar pointed out. "I like you Y/N, I have for as long as I've known you. This isn't some silly crush I had when I was 12 or because of the close proximity. You make my heart beat fast and my tongue doesn't know how to speak around you. I've repressed my feelings for you for far too long. I just don't know if I've ever felt this way about anyone." Oscar said. "Oscar, you're" she began but was cut off; "I'm not acting impulsively. Take your time. I'm here for a couple more weeks. I'll leave tomorrow morning but I'll be at my house. Just think about it. Think about us, think about me. For Once" Oscar begged walking towards the guest room. While Y/N was stood there shocked, in her living room.

[louisupdates]

FITFWT24: FASHION

ASIA

24 Jan - Bengkel Space SCBD, JAKARTA: [Axel Arigato shoes] [Nike shoes] [Nike pants] [Matsuda glasses] [Raye sweatshirt and shorts] [Balenciaga socks] [Matsuda sunglasses]

AUSTRALIA

25 Jan - SYDNEY and MELBOURNE airports: [1017 Alyx 9SM bomber shirt and jacket] [Dior sunglasses] [Balenciaga sneakers and pants] [Stone Island cap]

27 Jan - Australian Open 2024: [Balmain polo] Garret Leight Wilson sunglasses]

28 Jan - Sidney Myer Music Bowl, MELBOURNE: [Calvin Klein white tanktop] [Stone Island shirt] [Nike trackpants] [Nike Zoom Vomero 5 shoes] [Adidas Oswego shoes]

29 Jan - MELBOURNE to BRISBANE: [DRFCOfficial sweatshirt] [Martine Rose track pants] [Salomon sneakers] [Ray Ban sunglasses]

30 Jan - Riverstage, BRISBANE: [Stone Island pants] [Neil Barrett t-shirt]

31 Jan - BRISBANE to SYDNEY: [Balenciaga hoodie]

2 Feb - Qudos Bank Arena, SYDNEY: [Burberry t-shirt]

8 Feb/ 9 Feb - SYDNEY: [Leones flames tank top] [Burberry white T-shirt]

TEKATE PAL NORTE FESTIVAL

30 Mar - MONTERREY, MEXICO: [Stone Island pants] [A Bathing Ape t-shirt] [Burberry shorts]

IHEART RADIO AWARDS - 1 APR 2023

LATAM [Fandom votes]

2 May - Centro de Convenciones Amador, PANAMA CITY: [Converse x A-COLD-WALL* Reversible Gale pants and shoes]

5 May - Coliseo de Puerto Rico, SAN JUAN: [CDLP tank top, Stone Island pants, Nike shoes]

8 May - Jeunesse Arena, RIO DE JANEIRO: [Saul Nash trousers] [Wales Bonner tank top]

11 May - Allianz Parquq, SÃO PAULO: [MSGM x Google Pixel “Daily Metro” print All-over Set]

12 May - Ligga Arena Cap, CURITIBA: [Y-3 shirt] [Adidas x Y-3 pants]

15 May - Antel Arena, MONTEVIDEO [black Burberry tank top] [Stone Island pants] [Axel Arigato shoes] [Palace x Gap jacket] [Palace x Gap track pants]

18 May - Velez Sarsfield, BUENOS AIRES: [CP Company t-shirt, pants, and jacket]

21 May - Jockey Club del Paraguay, ASUNCIÓN: [Acne Studios white tank top]. [Adidas Y3 pants] [Adidas shoes]

23 May - Bicentenario Stadium, SANTIAGO: [Wales Bonner jacket]

26 May - Arena 1, LIMA: [Mastermind t-shirt] [Stone Island pants]

28 May - Coliseo Medplus, BOGOTÁ: [Prada polo shirt and pants] [Salomon shoes]

30 May - Parque Viva, SAN JOSE: [Saul Nash tank top] [CP company pants] [Axel Arigato shoes]

1 Jun - Autodrómo Hermanos Rodriguez - Curva 4, MEXICO CITY: [Burberry shirt]

4 Jun - Auditorio Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, QUERETARO: [Maison Margiela tank] [Stone Island pants]

6 Jun - Arena VFG, GUADALAJARA: [Saul Nash tank top] [CP company pants] [Axel Arigato shoes]

AWAY FROM HOME FESTIVAL 2024

8 June- MERIDA, Mexico: [Mastermind t-shirt] [Casablanca football set] [Stone Island shorts]

PINKPOP FESTIVAL

22 Jun - LANDGRAAF, Netherlands: [Givenchy t-shirt and pants]

MAIN SQUARE FEST

4 Jul - ARRAS, France: [Givenchy t-shirt] [Stone Island pants]

RUISROCK FESTIVAL

7 Jul - Ruissalo Island, TURKU, Finland: [Maison Margiela black numeric wool gilet] [Adidas Y3 pants]

MEO MARES VIVAS FESTIVAL

21 Jul - VILA NOVA DE GAIA, Portugal: [Casablanca powder blue jacket] [Adidas black track jacket: backstage] [Moncler white sneakers]

MORRIÑA FESTIVAL

20 July- PORTO DE A CORUÑA, Spain: [Burberry black cotton track pants] [Burberry cotton mesh vest in jungle]

ARENAL SOUND FESTIVAL

2 Aug - BURRIANA, CASTELLO, Spain: [Burberry green shirt and swim shorts] [Nike white shoes]

SANTANDER FESTIVAL

3 Aug - SANTANDER, Spain: [Stone Island t-shirt] [Adidas Y3 black shoes] [Stone Island black pants] [ [Lacoste t-shirt] [Stone Island shorts]

UNTOLD FESTIVAL

8 Aug - CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania: [Prada black tank] [CP Company track pants in “Thyme”]

SZIGET FESTIVAL

10 Aug - BUDAPEST, Hungary: [Adidas UK x Wales Bonner neon yellow tank top] [Adidas x jjjjound track pants]

FREQUENCY FESTIVAL

16 Aug - ST. PÖLTEN, Austria: [CP company t-shirt] [CP company cargo pants]

CABARET VERT FESTIVAL

18 AUG - CHARLEVILLE-MÉZIÈRES, France: [Ahluwalia polo shirt]

VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL

23 Aug - PORTSMOUTH, UK: [Saul Nash black vest and pants] [Martine Rose baseball cap] [Ray Ban sunglasses] [Axel Arigato shoes]

ZURICH OPEN AIR FESTIVAL

24 AUG - ZURICH, Switzerland: [Casablanca Paris t-shirt] [Nike shorts]

FESTNINGEN FESTIVAL

30 Aug - TRONDHEIM, Norway: [Burberry black t-shirt and jogging pants]

MONZA GRAND PRIX 2024

31 AUG - 1 SEP - MONZA, Italy: [Axel Arigato Drew knitted vest] [Prada denim jeans] [Palmes Olde shorts]

LIVE FROM FEST ISTANBUL

6 Sep - Festival Park Yenikapı, ISTANBUL, Turkey: [Stone Island t-shirt in onion rose]

LOLLAPALOOZA BERLIN

7 Sep - Olympiastadion & Olympiapark, BERLIN, Germany: [Amiri shirt and shorts] [Sex Pistols t-shirt] [Sex Pistol white t-shirt]

SUPERBLOOM FESTIVAL

8 Sep - Olympiapark and Olympiastadion, MUNICH, Germany: [Prada jacket] [Nike shorts] [Stone Island t-shirt]

[girlgerard]

there was a huge and awful anti-trans rally in melbourne city yesterday morning that they probably would have seen on their way to the airport, thats the only thing i can think of that might be the cause

fuck. wait i had no idea i really need to educate myself on trans politics in oceania thank you for telling me. god that makes me feel sick and also so so grateful we’ve spent a year feeling safe in these massive concert halls during this whole moral panic. is everyone ok?

[teeswrites]

C.L- Never be the same

Synopsis

Playlist

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

----------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Pasta e gelosia (pasta and jealousy)

 March, 2024

She was back in New York. F1 2024 season was about to begin and Charles was almost begging for her to fly to Bahrain and be at the paddock with him.

“Please come” “I can't. I have a job. Plus I don't want to be seen with you at the paddock” “Why not?” “I like to be anonimous” ” “Fuck it!” “No. Don't fuck it. I can't let down those who need me here and I don't want to end like LadyDi” “But you can let me down? And I said Bahrain not Paris” “Charles” “Hum?” “If I asked you to skip a race to come watch me win a prize, make a speech or a revolutionary surgery would you do it?” “I would love to but I can't miss a race if it's not extremely needed to” “See? Same thing” he huffed “Quit your job, then. Come live with me in Monaco and travel around the globe to see me racing” “Are you out of your mind?” “I’m being serious” “You… I can't believe you!” She said with the most incredulous tone she had “What? What is so bad about it? I have enough money for both of us. Even more than you earn for a whole year of working” “Fuck you!” “Pardon?!” He was the one incredulous now “Do you think you can belittle my job, think I only do it because of money and I would rather be quiet and move to Monaco with you!? Guess what, Charles? I have a career that I love. Plus, I don't care about you because of your money. And I would rather live in my New York City full of rats and air pollution than live with someone who thinks like that about my profession and my character. Have a nice race in Bahrain” then she hung up the phone. “SHIT, SHIT SHIT!” Charles cursed “Idiot! Stupid! Can't you be mouth shutted?” he told himself.

…

March, 24th, 2024.

Melbourne, Australia 

Charles finished in P2. 2 seconds only after Carlos. He was happy, of course, but it didn't matter, cause she was not speaking to him again. Every night after a grand prix he tried to call her. But he still wasn't successful. He was there in Melbourne trying again, sitting on an airport bench, hoping she would pick that one up. And to his surprise he didn't have to wait for more than two beeps to listen to her beautiful voice on the other line “Hey…” he smiled “Hi…” “I was watching the race” “Really?” “Yes. P2. Congratulations” “Thanks” he cleaned his throat “But honestly, it doesn't matter too much” “Why not?” “Cause I am sad” “Why?” “Cause you are not here. And you also refused to talk to me all these days so” “I needed some time to think” “I took some time to reflect as well” “Anything you want to share” “Yes, please” “Go ahead” “I am sorry. For what I said or insinuated. I do think you have an honorable and respectful profession which you are passionate about just as I am about mine. So I’m sorry I made you feel worthless” “Thanks, Charles” “Also, it's ok if you are not here every race but when you have, I do want you by side” “Can't I share my thoughts now?” “Please” “Ok. I have a busy routine, busy schedule, and sometimes don't even have time for me. But  I do understand why you want me to be at the races with you, so I reviewed my agenda for this year and can make it from time to time. And I also want to be supportive to you” he smiled “It means a lot to me, thank you” “That's ok” “So, are we good?” “Yes, we are” “This makes me so happy. Now I can celebrate the P2” she laughed “But I am dying to know. Which race will you attend first?” “Imola” “May…” he took a deep breath “That's good! But, hum… Can I go visit you in New York? During my breaks?” “I would love to” “Ok” he looked forward and his flight was being called “I must go now. I am very happy we solved it” “Me too” “Alright. Bye bye” “Bye, Char. Have a good flight” “Thank you. Bye” then he hung up. The monegasque couldn't be happier.

//

May, 2024

Imola, Emilia Romagna, Italy

"Buonasera, vorremmo un tavolo per..." Charles turned and started to count how many they were "uno, due, tre, quattro..." And turned back to the hoster "un tavolo per cinque persone, per piacere" "adesso non che un tavolo libero. Deve aspettare più o meno circa tredici quindici minuti, va bene?" he chewed his inner cheek "un attimo, per favore" he turned to the group behind him "Hey, guys" they stopped talking and looked at the monegasque "Are you okay with waiting 15 minutes?"  Charles brothers agreed, such as Kimi "What about you, princess?" "It's fine" "Great!" He turned again to the hoster "aspettiamo, signore" "vorrete aspettare al bar?" "Si, vorremmo aspettare al bar" "Va bene. Seguimi, per piacere".

…

She was leaned on the bar counter waiting for the barista. Charles slipped off the conversation with his brothers, and Kimi to talk alone with her "Excuse me, lady. Can I offer you a drink?" She turned to him with a smile on her face "Such a gentleman. I'll accept the drink, sir" he smiled "What would you like to drink?" "Sparkling water, please" "Are you going to drink sparkling water?!" "Yes" Charles arched an eyebrow "Are you pregnant?" "No..." she looked down at her belly "Do you think I'm out of shape?" "You? Never" she smiled "Why are you not drinking, then?" "I don't have a reason" "Hum. Are you sure you are not pregnant? If you are, I hope that at least it's my baby" she raised an eyebrow and thought “it's not like you had enough time to make a baby”, then suppressed a giggled. "Fine! You won. I would like a..." she thought while looked at the menu "Limoncello. Limoncello Champagne. But you must drink it with me" "In the same cup?" "No" he pouted "I'm in agreement anyway". Charles turned to the bartender "Scusi, ragazza..." "Mi dica" "Vorremmo due Limoncelli Champagne, per favore" "Torno subito" they watched the barista leave "I want to thank you for coming. I know that travelling it's exausting" "It's my pleasure" she approched him "I enjoy to be around you" "I enjoy your company as well. I adore it" she smiled. The young girl came with the drinks "mille grazie!" "Prego. Volete qualcos'altro?" "Non, è tutto. Grazie!" she nodded, then left. 

She was about to sip the drink when Charles stopped her "Wait!" He tangled their arms until his glass where under her lips and hers under his lips. "Together on three" she giggled "Ok" "One. Two. Three!" They poured their Limoncello in each other's mouth. She laughed "This is so lame" "Oh, come one! This is cute. We are cute" "Yeah..." They stared at each other, hopefully she was feeling the same he was. The restaurant's hoster coughed, breaking the atmosphere they were dipped into "Scusi d'interrompere voi..." Charles turned to him "Il vostro tavolo è pronto" "Eccellente!" Then turned to the men near them "hey, guys! Let's go" and then offered an arm to her "Can I have the pleasure?" She giggled "Of course" "Venite per favore" the hoster said and they followed.

…

She sat between Kimi and Arthur, wishing it was Charles who sat at his younger brother's place. 

"So..." Kimi started "Do you have been in Italy before?" "Yes, once. In Modena. What about you?" he giggled "Conceived, born and raised in Itay" "Oh, you're Italian!" "Yes" "My grandfather's family was Italian. But I never met them" "Where are you from?" "U.S" "Where in U.S?" "Boston. But I live in New York" "Nice!" "Yeah. Anyway, you should stick into F1 Ferrari. It would be nice to have an Italian on the grid" "Are you suggesting a replacement for Charles or Carlos?" "It doesn't matter" she shrugged and drank her Limoncello. She had a weird expression on her face, she remembered the stress Carlos put Charles into and how that made her stressed at that night in Maranello "Are you angry with him?" "With who?" "Charles" he pointed, discretely, with his head "No! Not with him" "So it's with Carlos. What have he done?" "Well, he's just not my favorite person" the alcohol made her tongue slightly loose. Charles looked at her and Lorenzo's words turned into no-sense sounds only, what were them talking about? Kimi giggled "I can see. May I know why?" "Why do you care?" "I like a good gossip" she thought a bit, his honesty was appreciated by her "He got infected by a zombie virus and tried to kidnap me so he could kill me, cut my body, freeze it and keep it for eating later" "just like Santa Clarita's diet?" "Yes" he laughed, she sighed "He's stressing Charles. Then he stress me" "really? They seem to get along very well" "We don't know everything that happens behind the cameras" "oh! Fine. You won. I know about that very well" "See?" Charles interrupted them "ton eau" he placed a bottle of water in front of her "I haven't order water" I had. You drank alcohol, you need to keep balanced with water" she smiled, grateful "thank, Charles" "It's nothing" she grabbed the water and turned back to Kimi. She poured the water in a glass "Vuole un po' d'aqua?"

"Sì, per piacere"  she poured in his glass "Where did you learn these?" "These what?" "The phrase you just said" "I heard a waiter saying it in Maranello" "It makes sense" she giggled "there you go"  "Thank you" she sipped the water. "You know he cares about you, right?" "I know. I appreciate it" she gave another sip "I misjudged Charles, you know? When I met him" "Did you?" "Yeah. But he turned to be a better person than I thought he was" "That's kind" "Yes. But how about you? Where fro Italy are you?"  "Bologna" "Always wanted to visit" "Maybe I could show you one day" she chuckled "Kimi, I'm too old for you" "I don't care you are older than me" she sipped her drink "How old are you, kid?" "17" she almost choked laughing "You're a baby!" "I'm not" "I'm telling you, I'm too old for you" "How much old?" "11 years" "Are you 28?" "I am" he huffed "You look way younger" "Thanks" he sipped his coke , trying not to feel the awkward moment "But I would love it. As a friend, of course" she grabbed her phone "Leave your number" "I am truly honored, miss" she giggled "Just stop trying to flirt with me" he laughed "I can try" "fine" "Ok, then. Have you already decided what are you going to order?" "Not really. You?" "Me neither" she turned to Lorenzo "Lorenzo, excuse me" "Yes?" "Pouvez-vous me donner deux menus, s'il vous plait?" she stretched her hand "Carrement. Mais... il n'y en a qu'un" "C'est ok. On partage" "Voilà! Et... c'est 'tu' non 'vous' pour toi" she smiled, shyly "Ok. Merci" she turned to Kimi again "Let's see..." she opened the menu and sat closer to him so they could read it together. Charles wasn't happy with that scene.

…

"What's wrong with you, Char?" "Nothing, I'm fine" "Did I upset you?" he smiled softly "No! Never. I said it's nothing" "It doesn't sounds true to me" "Why not?" "Because you look upset" "Well... You and Kimi flirted all night. How am I supposed to feel?" "What?! We didn't flirt!" "Qu'est-ce que tu me dit sur aller à Bologne ensemble, ajouter lui numéro dans ta contacts, lire le menu comme ça, hein?" he sticked in her body exaggerating what actually happened with Kimi. She smiled "Don't be jealous" "Why shouldn't I? I always have tons of reasons to be jealous but you never seem to care" "Char" "What?!"  "First of all, he's just a kid" "True..." “And also, this is not about Kimi only, is it?” “Not really?” he sat on the sand “Will you tell me what’s the matter?” she adjuted her dress and joined Charles “Since I first saw you, I feel so much about you, that is almost scary. I knew that you would put my last relationship in ruins, that you would make me dumb and blind,  that I would hate myself and never be the same again” “So you regret meeting me?” “No! I am trying to say that you are such a hard person but I’m crazy about you. So,please, make it easy to me” “I already have been in a horrible position where I was used, scammed, cheated, and I had to develop this bulletproof shell, you know?” “I understand. But I don’t get why you act like that with me. Did I give you any reasons?” “You broke up with your girlfriend because of me. I feel like the girls that my exes broke up with me to be with” “It’s  not like that” “So it’s like what?”

she was right “ I don’t… I don’t know what to say. Can’t you give me a chance? I don’t like to be the guy that lies about things being superficial only when I want to have all of you” “So it wasn't just a booty call, right?” “Are you talking about Maranello?” “Yes” “It wasn't” she took a deep breath “Sorry, Charles. It's me, not you” “It's me not you. Really? What the fuck is wrong with you?” “I can't be too close to you” “Am I contagious now?!” “No, no. I am the problem here. When I get too close to people, especially in romantic relationships, I get too attached, you know? And I can't, cause people leave and when it happens, it hurts excessively and I don't want to feel pain anymore” “I already told you I ain't leaving! I show it to you! What else can I do to make you believe me and trust me!?” “I don't know. I tried already but this mechanism of pushing away works so well for me…” “So I am the only one taking risks and trying hard here?” “Not completely” “This is fucking ridiculous, I do understand some people are dismissive because they have trauma or whatever but I can't be with someone who's not willing to try not to be dismissive with someone who's as supportive as I am” she could tell Charles was hurting “Charles” she touched his wrist “I am sorry. This is very hard to me” “I know it's. But I am here to help you. Support you. Hold your little but very skilful hands through the damn process” she looked at him “Ok. I can try” “I only believe seeing it” she chuckled, then poked his chest “Stop!” “I am being serious! This is the last time I am trying” “Fair enough” he smiled, then kissed her forehead before pulling her to a hug. “And just for the record…” she started “I really like you. You don't know about that but I see you everywhere. In the subway while I cross New York to go to work, in my bathroom when I shower, in my kitchen when I cut tomatoes, in the elevator of the building I live in, in my apartment which number is 1610... And there are other places but I think you get it" he crossed his arms "I got it, you flirted with Kimi and now wants to compensate me" she rolled her eyes and kissed him in the sequence. He placed his hand on her face then waist and when they parted he pulled her for another hug and buried his face on the crock of her neck. Her white silk dress was so soft he wanted to live there.

"Je te vois partout aussi" she breathed in his cologne and the cool night's air filled her nostrils. “I feel like I can live here forever” “Me too” “I have good news to you” he lifted his head “What's it, princess?” “I am going to Monaco. See you race at home” he smiled brightly, then jumped on her and threw her on the sand standing on top of her and kissed her lips “You just gave me the best news” she smiled “Did you book a hotel?” “Of course” “So unbook it. You are staying with me” “At your place? In Monaco?” “Yes. I refuse any rejections coming from you” “Do you know what it sounds like?” “What?” “A living dream” “I can make all your dreams come true if you let me” she smiled “You can start with kissing me with those beautiful lips of yours” “As you wish, my lady” he pushed down and lost himself on her lips. Next Sunday was going to be great, he could feel it.

[dastardly-ethereal-love]

I’m an absolute mess.

I was listening to it on the way home from work and had to pull over to the side of the road to have a bloody cry.

I didn’t sleep well last night and so I’m tired which makes me more emotional it seems… but I’m also just moved by the story. It’s so hard to listen to all that Az does for Crowley to get him out of Hell and then the after? I thought the after would be better but it’s not… it’s not an easy fix. It’s still filled with such loss.

I don’t know why exactly but that loss is hitting me so hard right now. Is it because I’ve lost my own love? We did try to hold onto it but I don’t know… it makes me wonder if I should have tried harder? Why didn’t he try harder? He told me when we separated that I had to work on myself and I did but he didn’t… why did he lay down that expectation and not follow through himself?

Why didn’t I get loved enough to fight for? I first thought it was because I was not enough but now I’m learning it’s more complicated than that. I am enough. We just weren’t right for each other.

—

A friend from Melbourne is coming up to Sydney in a couple of weeks and we are going to hang out. I’ve met him maybe once? But we have spoken since we were in high school online and whatnot. I offered to pick him up from the airport and he turned me down with a lovely comment about not wanting to put me through that especially since he’s got a hotel in the city. Haha I’m used to being with a person like my ex who would expect me to be inconvenienced for his benefit… and to not be appreciated for it. It was refreshing to hear him say no! I’ll sort myself out. :)

—

But I want to scream. I want to fall apart. I want to cry. Because I loved Tom so much. But it is done. It’s over. He doesn’t love me and I’m the very patient ex who does so much still to keep the peace. Gah! I am going to be okay… I’m just working out boundaries and self worth and recognising my own value.

I’m off to get a nice dinner and a bottle of wine and then work on stuff for work. Haha I have school holidays next week for 2 weeks. I’ll have some time to sort my shit out. I hope!

[distantlaughter]

"Poker always works"

by Christian Von Hocke, originally written 24 July 2009 for Zeit Online (x)

Formula 1 pro Nico Rosberg talks in an interview about his life as a globetrotter, exotic food and his preferences for other sports.

Question: Mr. Rosberg, like right now in Budapest, you're on the road all year round with Formula 1 around the world. Don't you sometimes get homesick?

Nico Rosberg: I've had nine hotels in four weeks, which is exhausting. But homesick? No. I really enjoy traveling, it's very educational and very interesting. That's what I would also do in my free time: get to know new countries, discover new people, the way they live.

Question: So you've turned a hobby into a profession right alongside driving.

Rosberg: Yes, there are many places in the world that I would like to see and that excite me. I'm also planning a big trip during the winter break. I'm interested in India, for example, with its spirituality, or South America, Patagonia, a safari in South Africa. Even just hiking. That's not something I would normally do, but it's good for the body's regeneration. There's so much I can do, I'm just afraid that I'll take on too much and it will end up being too stressful.

Question: Michael Schumacher has regretted that he never saw anything of the Grand Prix venues apart from the airport and the track. Do you also explore the cities where you race?

Rosberg: Yes, especially at the overseas races. I have a bit more time there because we always arrive a bit earlier due to the time change. But even so, there's always the Saturday evening before or the Monday after the race. We have great races in interesting cities like Melbourne or Singapore or Shanghai.

Question: And what do you do there?

Rosberg: I go into town. I have a nice meal in a restaurant or go out for a drink or shopping in the evening, or I go to the beach and go surfing. Or I look at the special features of the city. I'm also very interested in photography and always have my big camera with me.

Question: But traveling can also be quite stressful. Can you sleep on the plane?

Rosberg: No, very badly. I have to lie horizontally and need rest so that I can concentrate on falling asleep, otherwise it doesn't work. For that reason alone, I have to fly business class. That's not a problem in Europe, where I always have my camper van to take me to the tracks.

Question: There are 17 Formula 1 races in 2009 alone. Have you ever woken up and not known which city you were in?

Rosberg: Not that, but I was once at the airport at check-in, and the woman asked me: Where are you flying to? And I didn't know. I'd been to four or five different countries that week, I was tired and unfocused, and I just couldn't think of it. She looked at me like I was stupid (laughs).

Question: Do you sometimes wish you had an office job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you could throw your coat over the hook and stretch your legs in front of the TV when you're done working?

Rosberg: No. Whether it's a nine-to-five job or a Formula 1 racing driver isn't that important. I don't know if it would make anyone else happier if they led my life. My friends all have nine-to-five jobs, and they're no less happy than I am. It's always what you make of it that matters.

Question: But you also need a bit of home, don't you? Many people always have their music player with them to simulate a feeling of home wherever they go.

Rosberg: I'm not a music fan. I got an iPod as a gift, but I haven't really used it yet. For me, it's the cell phone. It connects me with friends and family. That's cool, I can also use it to go on the Internet. When I don't have it with me, I feel very naked. Like today, I don't even know what's going on anymore.

Question: Anyone who travels so much must have acquaintances all over the world.

Rosberg: That's true - wherever I go in the world, there are my best friends. I know them either through racing or from the past. I grew up in Monaco, and nobody stays there. Today, my old friends are everywhere, in Australia, China, America or South Africa. I can call them up and ask if we want to have a drink.

Question: Can you maintain hobbies while traveling?

Rosberg: I like to play football, but I rarely do that when I'm traveling. Poker is always on. I'm not very proud of it, actually it's nonsense to sit in front of a computer and play poker. But it's fun. Otherwise: eating. Does that count? I already see it as a hobby, I love to eat for my life, delicacies, creative, new things, especially country-related. I was in Marrakech with my girlfriend the other day, they have gigantic food there.

Question: In your travels, do you notice how places in the world change from year to year, and not just in terms of cuisine?

Rosberg: Yes. My parents have a country house in Aix-en-Provence. At first it was quite isolated, but now it's become a huge settlement with an industrial area.

Question: Let's be honest: What is your least favorite place in the world?

Rosberg: Kuala Lumpur. We're always just sitting around at the airport there (laughs).

[flippphones]

what happened on your holiday with the guy

Okay this might be a long post so sorry to anyone not interested in the intimate details of my life lol.

There were a few things he did that I didn’t like personally while we were away but the main thing was we were on different flights back to Melbourne and were supposed to meet up & go to a hotel together because it was after midnight when we got back in. Hhe was staying in Melbourne for a few days & I live 2 hours out of the city.

He got in first & discovered that the hotel had cancelled the booking. I had a half hour flight delay so I still had to go through bag pickup & customs after he’d got in. In that time he found a friend that would let him stay over in Melbourne & asked me what I was going to do cos his friend only had a couch. I said idk I literally just found out & it was too late for transport so I could only sleep at the airport until morning. He said ok I can wait for you to get to arrivals but the situation will be the same so I said “ok. Just go.”

Just upset me that a) didn’t wait to say goodbye or make sure I knew what I was doing before leaving the airport and b) didn’t even check in to see I had got home ok until the following evening

[sleepy-butch]

started talking on Tumblr on the 7th of August, 2019, asked her to be my girlfriend on the 9th of November, 2019, met her at Melbourne airport after 2 years of long distance on the 11th of January 2022, asked her to be my wife while overlooking Taipei City on the 12th of January, 2024❤️ it’s cool that you said yes, @cumfor-me

[tocitynews]

A Widespread Microsoft Outage Disrupted Flights, Banks, Media Outlets And Companies Around The World On Friday And Highlighted Dependence On Software From A Handful Of Providers – New York City reporting

The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps and services, and escalating disruptions continued hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing it.

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.”

Major disruptions reported by airlines and airports grew. Flight tracking website Flightaware reports more nearly 1,000 flights canceled and over 12,000 more are delayed. Chicago O'Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Newark , La Guardia and Boston Logan International Airport lead Flightaware's "misery map" with the most delays and cancellations.

In the U.S., the FAA said the airlines United, Delta and Allegiant had all been grounded. American Airlines lifted its ground stop just after 5 a.m ET, saying they were able to "safely re-establish operations."

An earlier ground stop for Frontier Airlines was lifted just after midnight, and the carrier said they had resumed normal operations, for now.

Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport slept on a jetway floor, using backpacks and other luggage for pillows, due to a delayed United flight to Dulles International Airport early on Friday.

Across the pond, Edinburgh Airport said the system outage meant waiting times were longer than usual. London’s Stansted Airport said some airline check-in services were being completed manually, but flights were still operating.

The budget airline Ryanair said they are "experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third party IT outage which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.”

Widespread problems were reported at Australian airports, where lines grew and some passengers were stranded as online check-in services and self-service booths were disabled. Passengers in Melbourne queued for more than an hour to check in, although flights were still operating. Airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas were severely affected by the outage.

News outlets in Australia — including the ABC and Sky News — were unable to broadcast on their TV and radio channels, and reported sudden shutdowns of Windows-based computers. Some news anchors broadcast live online from dark offices, in front of computers showing “blue screens of death.” Telecommunications providers, banks and media broadcasters were also disrupted as they lost access to computer systems. Outages reported on the site DownDetector included the banks NAB, Commonwealth and Bendigo, as well as internet and phone providers such as Telstra. The New Zealand banks ASB and Kiwibank said their services were down.

Television stations in the United Kingdom were being disrupted by the computer issues.

Hospitals in Britain and Germany also reported problems.

Israel’s Cyber Directorate said that it was among the places affected by the global outages, attributing them to a problem with the cybersecurity platform Crowdstrike. The outage also hit the country’s post offices and hospitals, according to the ministries of communication and health.

In South Africa, at least one major bank said it was experiencing “nationwide service disruptions” as customers reported they were unable to make payments using their bank cards at grocery stores and gas stations.

Numerous European airlines are using manual check-in.