#portuguese wine tasting

[winemastery]

Porta 6 Lisbon Region Red Wine Review (Episode 416)

[sailorgoon13]

Lorenzo Berkshire

Basics:

Full Name: Lorenzo Berkshire

Nickname: Enzo

Gender: Male

Date of Birth: 10 June, 1980

Heritage: English, Portuguese

Blood Status: Pure Blood

Wand: Mahogany, Dragon Heartstring, 11 1/2", Stiff

Appearance:

Hair Color: Chestnut brown

Eye Color: Brown

Skin Tone: Olive undertones

Height: 5'11"

Body Type: Lean and muscular, with defined muscles in his arms, legs, and abdomen.

Style: Sophistication, elegance, and a hint of edgy flair. Favors fitted pants paired with tailored button-down shirts. For formal events, he gravitates toward sleek suits in rich fabrics like velvet or silk, often in deep, bold colors that command attention. Loves his accessories like a bold watch or thin gold chain necklaces.

Features: Jawline, Intense gaze, Well Groomed appearance, Confidence, Style

Personality:

Traits: Funny, Charming, Competitive, Loyal, Complex

Likes: Fashion, Socializing, Intellectual Challenges

Dislikes: Incompetence, Losing, Close mindedness, Disrespect

Hobbies: Quidditch, Dueling, Drawing

Fears: Failure, Mediocrity, Rejection

Family and Friends:

Father: Mr. Berkshire

A shrewd businessman who oversees the family's investments and enterprises.

Values hard work, ambition, and determination

A dynamic and adventurous wizard

Mother: Mrs. Berkshire

Comes from an old English wizarding family known for their wealth and influence.

A socialite who is actively involved in wizarding society

Down-to-earth and compassionate. Values kindness, integrity, and loyalty

Friends: Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, Mattheo Riddle

Magic:

Special Abilities: Exceptional flyer

Boggart: His friends turning to the Darker side

Patronus: Falcon

Polyjuice: Rich golden hues. Would smell like expensive cologne and freshly-cut citrus. The taste would start with a sweetness like ripe figs or dates, followed by a warm, spicy kick of mulled wine or aged oak. The after taste would be like sipping fine brandy.

Amortentia: Cologne, Subtle notes of wet grass from the Quidditch pitch, red wine

Backstory:

Lorenzo Berkshire was born into a world of wealth, privilege, and magic. His parents were prominent figures in the wizarding community, known for their influence, intellect, and refined taste. From a young age, Lorenzo was immersed in a world of luxury and sophistication, surrounded by the finest things money could buy.

Growing up, Lorenzo was groomed for success from the moment he could walk. His parents instilled in him the values of ambition, determination, and excellence, encouraging him to pursue his dreams with unwavering confidence and tenacity.

As he entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Enzo quickly established himself as a formidable presence among his peers. He excelled academically, earning top marks in his classes, while also demonstrating exceptional skill and agility on the Quidditch pitch as a Seeker for the Slytherin team.

Outside of academics and Quidditch, Lorenzo's magnetic charm and charismatic personality made him a natural leader among his classmates. He effortlessly navigated the complexities of social dynamics, forging alliances and friendships with ease, while also earning the respect and admiration of those around him.

He also had a penchant for romance, enjoying the thrill of courtship and showering his romantic interests with attention and affection. He loved taking girls out on extravagant dates, wooing them with grand gestures and heartfelt compliments. However, despite his best intentions, his relationships often fizzled out quickly, leaving him feeling disillusioned and disheartened.

Academics:

Best Subject: Charms

Favorite Subject: DADA

Favorite Professor: Snape

Worst Subject: Arithmancy

Least Favorite Subject: Transfiguration

Least Favorite Professor: Trelawny

Student Life:

Always eager to learn and expand his magical knowledge.

Quidditch is not just a sport for Enzo; it's a passion and a way of life, and he pours his heart and soul into every match

A social butterfly

Well-liked and respected by his peers, known for his magnetic charm, quick wit, and kindness

The nicest asshole you'd ever meet

Grapples with his own insecurities and fears like any teenager

Template: @hazyange1s

[aliwritex]

Yuki thoughts: italian florist/teacher!readerxyuki. 1.8k smut.

notes: i was reading a book and got inspired, this is totally me projecting and reader is petite. it’s also quite messy. The plot is that they already know each other and are getting together. enjoy.

“Can you hold this for me?” He held the bouquet together while you tied it. “Do you like it?”

“I always like your bouquets”

“Thanks. I was already ready for closing so i just need to turn off somethings and we can go”

He nodded again. When you came back out he grabbed the bouquet and watched you undo your apron to reveal the pretty dress you had on. You grabbed your bag and your book and walked out with him, locking the shop. You walked side by side, as he guided your bike that carried your bag and the flowers. You stopped at a wine shop on the way to his place and you grabbed a red wine, nothing especial, just something to get you in the mood.

When you got to his house he rested the bike by the door, pulling your bag, the flowers and the wine from the basket and letting you in through the door.

“Can you open this while I do the flowers?”

He dropped your bag on the couch before nodding and you headed to the kitchen together. Yuki handed you a vase before starting to uncork the bottle. In a couple of minutes he handed you a glass and walked over to the other side of the isle, sitting on the high stool as he watched you finish the flowers.

“Never had Portuguese wine before, ‘t’s nice”

“Port is my favorite, it’s the sweetest and it’s very alcoholic” you took a sip, walking over to him and settling yourself between his legs. “so, careful.”

“Yes, ma’am” he ran his hands up your thighs, starting to go under your dress.

“Let’s have a little more wine before we get to it, yeah?” he nodded, collecting his hands to himself and pulling the other stool with his leg to help you sit.

“What do you have with this?” he lifted this glass

“It’s a dessert wine so, nuts, chocolate, crème brûlées or just ice cream.”

“I’ve got ice cream, want some?” you nodded and he walked over to the fridge to grab it. As he looked through the cupboards to find bowls and spoons he found something else. “Nuts!”

He plated three bowls, two with caramel ice cream and a smaller one with the nuts.

“So…, how was the weekend? i didn’t have time to watch”

“Good. Very good, very consistent” he rested his foot on the bar of your stool, his knee between yours.

“Did you have fun?”

“Not enough, very busy and I wanted to come home early. What about you?”

“Just grading some final papers”

“I’m not even gonna ask if that was fun” he chuckled

“Yeah, was a bit boring. But i did drink half of one of these” you pointed to the bottle “I hope my kids don’t realize it from my handwriting”

“You were working drunk?”

“Well, doesn’t really count as work because i wasn’t at school and i wasn’t even getting paid so i think i deserved that.”

“I’m sure you did.”

You were about halfway through the second glass when he pulled you even closer with his foot, his knee now fully between your thighs and your faces incredibly close. “Can i tell you something?” he raised his hand to your face and you nodded against it “You look so beautiful in this dress, its killing me.” he told you, head tilting to kiss at your neck.

You know he could feel your warm skin from how you blushed at his words. Your hand reached for his arm as the other rested on his thigh. He kissed up to your lips, finally meeting them as he buried his hand in your hair, holding you close. You could taste the wine and ice cream on him as he pressed his tongue past your lips.

He stood up from his seat and placed himself between your spread legs, his other hand now on your waist. He pulled you to the edge of the stool, making your hips meet his and your dress ride up your legs. Yuki let his hands travel to your knees and slide up, under your dress till they met your ass. Yours were over his shoulders, toying with his hair as he kissed down your neck again.

“Can I?” He asked, tugging at the bow that kept the top of your dress together. You nodded and he pulled it, making the flaps fall to the sides, exposing your boobs, the summer breeze that came through his windows making your nipples hard.

He watched you for a second “You’re so perfect” His hands cupped each boob, completely covering them before he ducked his head to take one in his mouth. You arched your chest onto his face as one of his hands dropped to your waist to keep you steady, then lower, between your thighs and under your dress, where he felt how warm your skin was.

You bucked your hips against his hand involuntarily, making the tips of his fingers brush against your underwear. It made you whimper pathetically but Yuki smiled against your chest, happy with your reaction.

“So sensitive, fuck” he pointed out “need to taste you”

He lifted his head from your chest and kissed you again as his hands pulled your dress from under your ass, making it pool around your waist. Yuki settled on his knees, right in front of you. He kissed your thighs all the way to your white lace underwear that matched your dress and hooked his fingers on the sides, pulling them down. When he kissed your slit you felt the goosebumps get more intense, all over your body.

“Hold on” he told you, guiding your hands to grip the counter.

You nodded down at him and he immediately started licking you open. His tongue worked all over your lips and down your hole, poking at it every once in a while as you tried not to fall from your seat. But when he took your clit between his lips you lost it. Your body jolted forward making you lose your balance for a second and your hands lay on Yuki’s hair. You couldn’t see it but he smiled.

He locked his arms under your thighs to make sure you were safe this time before he got to work again. His tongue circling your clit as he took his fingers to your hole. You were so incredibly wet that his two fingers slipped in easily, feeling you up to locate before he started curling them up onto your gspot. You moaned quietly at his actions, his lips around your clit, fingers inside you and hand grabbing your ass becoming almost too much.

You didn’t warn him, you were too wrapped up in your pleasure to do it. You came around his fingers, trapping them inside you as he worked you through it, leaving kisses on the insides of your thighs.

He came up slowly, his fingers still inside you as he kissed you, his free hand holding your face.

“Yuki” you sighed “Need you, please”

He kissed your neck, smiling, as he pulled his fingers out, wiping them on your leg and reaching for his glass and chugged the last bit of wine. You giggled at him till he surprised you by picking you up from the seat.

“Athlete, hum?” you joked, actually surprised with his strength

“You could say so”

He kissed your smile as you started to unbutton his shirt. You felt him sit down on the couch, plopping you on his lap as you pushed the shirt off his shoulders. He kissed your neck and chest as his hand looked for the zipper he swore he saw earlier.

“Other side” you chuckled.

His hands quickly moved to the other side of your body, dragging the zipper down as you kissed his jaw and bit softly on it. He pulled the dress over your head and you quickly dropped your hands to unbutton his shorts so he could lift his hips and take them off. He pulled you closer, a hand on your waist and the other on your thigh, now, completely naked you could feel how hand he was in his boxers and you couldn’t wait to have him.

“Yuki”

“Don’t need to get desperate love, I’ll give you what you want. Need a condom, fuck!”

“My bag” you whispered against his lips as you pulled him in for a kiss again.

“What?” he sighed

“I have it, in my bag”

He had his eyes closed as he kissed you and the hand that held your thigh reached to the side for your bag and felt everything inside it till he touched the small package. You watched as he ripped it open with his teeth and helped him put it on, he groaned when your hands touched him. You were kissing his neck when you lifted your hips to align with his cock and slowly go down. When he filled you up completely you both let out a small groan. He kissed all over you, neck, chest, face and lips, holding you close before you started moving on top of him.

You moaned out in his ear at the delicious grind of his cock to your insides, he filled you up perfectly. Yuki started to set a pace for you, his hands guiding your hips back and forth till you got used to it. You were moaning non stop when you started your own movements, matching the back and forth with up and down.

Your hips were driving both of you insane. Your hands held his face close, not letting him away from your kiss as his hand rested high on your thigh, his thumb reaching for your clit. Yours kisses were messy and desperate, full of tongue and lips bites.

“So fucking hot, look at you”

You blushed, burying his head under your chin and kissing his hair while he kissed your chest. Your movements had gotten frenetic as you got more desperate. Yuki moaned against your chest, grabbing your waist tighter and pressing his thumb harder to your clit.

“Yuki, so close” you whined.

He just nodded, his hair tickling your skin as he held you close. Yuki started circling your clit and in seconds had you falling apart for him. Your orgasm triggered his own, making him shoot inside you, your moans merging in one as you rode out your high on his lap.

You felt him smiling on your chest, his teeth scratching you slightly. You guided his face to yours with both your hands, kissing the sides of his head, his nose and then his lips. He squeezed your ass again, making you groan into his mouth. You threw your bag on the floor and guided him to lie back on the couch.

You looked out his window into the low setting sun, the night settled in.

“Is that your neighbor’s window?” he nodded lazily “and it’s open?”

“Oh god. You think they saw something?”

You chuckled “I hope not, i really like nonna Conti. She always gets my best bouquets.”

[werepuppy-steve]

20 questions for writers

tagged by @devondespresso !!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

38! i've been trying to upload more tumblr ficlets, so hopefully it'll be double that by the end of the year!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

69,777

3. What fandoms do you write for?

stranger things, currently! but i've also written for naruto, bnha, and a few others

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

starry eyed love

the magic that we'll feel is worth the lifetime

capital p

constant, pleasure

misty taste of moonshine

(not that im not grateful but these have been my top 5 for the past two years, can we give some love to my other fics please 😭)

5. Do you respond to comments?

yes! it takes me a little bit, but i will respond!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

i dont think i have one? happy endings only in this house <3 but if i have to choose, strawberry wine probably has the most bittersweet ending

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

probably all of them lmao. like i said, happy endings only here.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

thankfully no!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

i've only seriously started writing it last year, but yes! mainly pwp ft transmasc steve, but i hope i can get the courage/motivation to write longer stories that contain smut but aren't smut focused.

10. Do you write crossovers?

not currently

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

i don't think so? i hope people would let me know if someone did

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

yes! i think it was on my previous ao3, but i can't remember which language it was translated in. portuguese, i think?

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

no but i think it'd be fun!

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

currently it's steddie, but if you ask me to go back to my roots, it's sasunaru

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you will?

all of them 😭 but i don't want to say that i'll never finish them. i might rework them into something different if the inspiration strikes me.

16. What are your writing strengths?

uuuuuhhhhhhhh. warm fuzzies? is that a correct answer?

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

the part where you actually write the story

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

english is my only language, so it'd be a little difficult

19. First fandom you wrote for?

naruto

20. Favorite fic you've written?

when i think of favorite, i automatically think of magic, but my second favorite is probably she put her love down soft and sweet, just bc it's my first big proper smut fic and i worked really hard on it. but really all my fics are my favorite bc i put so much love and time into them <3

idk how many people you're supposed to tag for this ajfhajfjjs

@flowercrowngods @corrodedbisexual @steves-strapcollection @steddie-island @steviewashere

@thefreakandthehair @steddieas-shegoes @hotluncheddie @sidekick-hero @cuoredimuschio

[sgiandubh]

He hates Sam and says he's stupid but boys his book to try to expose him.Sam collects the 💵💶💷 from her sale and she is left with a book that she says she is not interested in and with a minimal handful of notes on her blog.

Who is dumber of the two?!🫵

Dear Dumber Anon,

Please write in Spanish or Portuguese, next time. I will effortlessly translate it for free, I swear, and with great pleasure (but will answer in English, for the sake of good manners).

You mean Marple? Of course she was going to buy that poor book and I wouldn't be surprised if she even ordered it signed.

Sometimes people do strange things, you know. It's the persistence that gives me pause.

For example: I may be a mighty gourmet, but I hate andouillette with a passion. It's a French sausage made out of coarse pig intestines. If it's not properly cooked, it literally smells and tastes like shit on a shingle (not the beloved American Mid-Atlantic staple: just shit). Now why would I ask to join the Association Amicale des Amateurs d'Andouillette Authentique (The Friendly Club of Lovers of Authentic Andouillette), who very seriously grades every year the quality of this particular specialty and ferociously protects its traditional recipe? Just to endlessly bitch about it?

Thanks, but no thanks. I'd happily order my customary bavette (flank steak) cut of beef (always with a side of pommes Pont-Neuf) and a glass of Baux de Provence rosé wine. And hope the table conversation matches my pleasure. It always does, because in real life these people dwell in a galaxy far, far away from mine.

[dogsuffrage]

Getting into wine has been pretty enjoyable. Sharing a bottle of wine and discussing its aroma and flavors and taking notes and appreciating how every wine is different and special is so fun. There's so much to learn and study and appreciate. Wine really is such a connector to nature. I saw one taster compare the aroma of a wine to "the smell of your lover's sweat" and this is the only beverage I know of that can do things like that. Very cool to develop a taste for. Just do a bit of research on how to properly taste wine and grab something Portuguese (Portugal has never done me dirty, so good) and appreciate it. And one thing I've learned is good wine does not need to be crazy expensive. My favorite wine rn is Vinha da Fonte, a Portuguese red blend from TJs that is $8. Just avoid huge companies as a rule, go for individual vineyards. I did a tasting at a local vineyard and you can taste the soil. Like it tastes like here. Wine is crazy. Getting old is fun.

[overwatch]

As a Portuguese, it's rly incredible to finally see my culture represented in a videogame, especially since Esperança is based in my hometown Porto. So I just wanted to show you some comparisons and point out some details that will escape most people, since Portuguese representation is non-existent in the media:

When Esperança loads, you can immediately see that the map is heavily inspired by Aliados/Santa Catarina street/Bolhão and what is obviously supposed to be the chapel of souls or the church dos Congregados, the 'elétrico' (yellow tram), and its many metro/tram tracks that cover our cobblestone streets. A nice lil detail is that there is a lot of construction work happening on the map just like all over Porto since we became one of the top cities to invest in with our tourism boom.

You can go to a fado place. Hey ever heard about fado? Probably not - here is my favorite if you'd like to listen. Fado is traditional Portuguese music that according to google 'evokes a despairing belief in a futile destiny filled with pining and hopelessness'. Portuguese culture it's pretty melancholic, yeah.

You will see these ceramic black chickens, they're called rooster of Barcelos. Everyone used to have one in their homes but now it's kind of corny decor and sold as tourist trinkets mostly.

You have of course our river and rabelo boats and what I believe is a picture of our windmills and highways (which I immediately recognized from driving across the country) and our dams (this might be weird but Portuguese dams are so beautiful! they look gigantic and we don't have plain land so to me they always look like something straight out of LOTR).

Porto is a cobblestone street city, with gothic and Manueline-style architecture that you can see all over Esperança. On the map, I found our loooooooooong steep staircases, (fuck) ctt mailboxes, gazebos, our distinct direction signs, our tall tower of clérigos, and our city hall. Also, Lusitano tile repairing is such a nice lil nod to Porto's commitment to rehabilitating our tile-decorated façades. There's also a giant Portuguese flag I forgot to screenshot that is a nod to our giant flag in Cais de Gaia (can't find a picture but it's ridiculously gigantic trust me).

Chestnuts, chouriço assado, our coffee shops filled with our traditional coffee cups, queijadas and natas (if you are from Lisbon and tell me to call it pastel de nata will literally punch you this is Porto map so it's nata), and of course BREAD. In the map one of the spawns is an adega full of wine barrels - you can google it but Porto was a port (hint hint) for wine and our culture is very connected to wine. And yes we still have them and you can visit them for wine tasting.

There's our yellow metro and idk if this was intended, but we have invested a lot of money to have a TGV (high-speed train) and it's supposed to connect Porto to the capital in just 1:15 hours but it's been like a decade and only now it seems they are serious about it - anyway, I found the timetable for the highspeed amusing.

And who is the guy in the portrait? Well, he looks like 95% of all Portuguese men. If you know a Portuguese guy chances are he is short, has dark brown hair with unkept beard, and glasses too. I bet his name is Luís Miguel João Pedro.

By the way, if you don't know, Esperança means Hope.

[romcommunist]

Recipe submission! One of my favorite soups :)

Caldo Verde

SERVES 6 TO 8

Traditionally a Portuguese dish, not sure how my very white family found it. We prefer collard greens, but kale/most dark greens can be substituted. You can also substitute the chorizo for other savory sausages, it’ll just be less spicy. Blend extra solids if you’d like a chowder-like consistency. Serve this soup with hearty bread and a final drizzle of olive oil (infused oils are fun to experiment with! Check local farmers markets!)

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

12 ounces Spanish-style chorizo sausage, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 onion, chopped fine

4 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups water

1 pound collard greens, stemmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in Dutch oven/large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer chorizo to bowl and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add onion, garlic, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and pepper flakes and season with pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add potatoes, broth, and water; increase heat to high and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Transfer ¾ cup solids and ¾ cup broth to blender jar/food processor.

Add collard greens to pot and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in chorizo and continue to simmer until greens are tender, 8 to 10 minutes longer.

3. Add remaining 3 tablespoons oil to soup in blender and process until very smooth and homogeneous, about 1 minute. Remove pot from heat and stir pureed soup mixture and vinegar into soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add more pepper flakes if you’d like, and serve.

publishing to refer to for later, come off anon so i can credit you when im able to make it. thank you!! sounds good. love chorizo

[winemastery]

Porta 6 White Wine from Lisbon Region (Episode 385)

[europaworldtravels]

How to Enjoy Luxury Travel in Portugal

Portugal, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is an ideal destination for luxury travel. From the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley to the pristine beaches of the Algarve, Portugal offers a range of experiences that cater to those seeking the finer things in life. Here's how you can indulge in luxury travel in Portugal and make the most of this beautiful country.

Stay in Exquisite Accommodations

Five-Star Hotels and Resorts

Portugal boasts an impressive selection of five-star hotels and resorts that promise opulent comfort and world-class service. In Lisbon, you can find luxury establishments like the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz and the Bairro Alto Hotel, both offering unparalleled amenities and breathtaking views of the city. In the Algarve, resorts such as Vila Vita Parc and Conrad Algarve provide serene retreats with stunning ocean vistas and top-notch facilities.

Historic Palaces and Boutique Hotels

For a unique and luxurious experience, consider staying in a historic palace or a boutique hotel. The Pestana Palace in Lisbon, a 19th-century palace turned hotel, offers a regal experience with its lavish decor and lush gardens. In Porto, the Yeatman Hotel, located in the heart of the historic wine cellars, provides a blend of luxury and tradition with its wine-themed design and Michelin-starred dining.

Savor Gourmet Dining

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Portugal is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer exquisite dining experiences. In Lisbon, Alma and Belcanto, both with two Michelin stars, serve innovative dishes that showcase the best of Portuguese cuisine. In the Algarve, restaurants like Ocean and Vila Joya provide gourmet dining with stunning coastal views.

Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley

No luxury trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest wine regions. Enjoy private tours and tastings at prestigious vineyards such as Quinta do Crasto and Quinta do Vallado. Stay in luxury wine estates like Six Senses Douro Valley, where you can relax in elegant surroundings while savouring exceptional wines.

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Luxury travel in Portugal with Europa Word Travels promises an unforgettable experience filled with elegance, comfort, and exceptional service. By staying in exquisite accommodations, savouring gourmet dining, exploring in style, and indulging in pampering experiences, you can enjoy the best that Portugal has to offer. Call them at +34 91 139 32 77 to plan your tour.

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[fuckkbrunch]

I wasn't looking forward to this one, and that feeling proved correct.

When I bought the halibut for two weeks ago, I also bought the octopus and squid for this one. Those three things cost me ninety seven fucking dollars.

Appetizing!

The recipe called for TEN octopus tentacles, but these two cost me enough that I made an executive decision.

First step...

I double checked, and the octopus stock recipe from the back of the book is the exact same method and ingredient list from the beginning of the Portuguese soup recipe, so this counts as two in one.

I suggest sharpening your knives before this one. Cutting up octopus is a trick.

"Searing" the squid and octopus was kind of gross. I didn't know that when you heat up octopus, it produces a red foamy liquid that gets all stuck to the pan.

Tony suggests eating the octopus pieces from the stock, which I did. They were surprisingly meaty, if a little flavourless.

On to the soup. Oh yeah, I also had to reduce an entire bottle of wine down to one cup, which took over half an hour. This was boring to cook, and boring to eat.

This looks like some kind of alien stew. The wine made everything a really unappealing purpley brown, and all the veg being large dice is an ugly choice as well. If this had ten whole tentacles in it, that would just be insane.

Just realized I didn't even take a picture of the plating. It was just a bowl, so you're not missing anything.

| Portuguese Squid and Octopus Soup |

Taste is a 1 out of 5. Maybe even less.

Difficulty is a 2 out of 5. Soup is usually pretty easy.

Time was about 3 hours. Most of it simmering time.

Surprisingly, the octopus and squid itself were tender and pretty nice to eat, but it was just so overwhelmingly tomato based.

I enjoyed the store bought bread that I served on the side more than I liked the soup...so...yeah. Next.

[supersabbatical2024]

5/24: Fri. Tour with Ishmael, who was sniffling when we first got in his car for our trip and tour of Sintra, but as the day wore on, he was coughing and hacking the whole time. 3 days later, Claude would come down with the same thing… #CallHimIshmael. Amazing ride to Sintra, where we saw castelos and palaces, and gardens, each one bigger and more spectacular than the previous (#Men.) Some guys were kind of arty and quirky, and one brought in something like 50+ different species of plants and trees from around the world, and now the vast garden is stunning and thick with pine trees, jocandas, cork, and others. Not sure of the exact list, or which are from afar and which are native… But we got to touch a cork tree, and see how they shave it down. It’s sustainable because it doesn’t hurt the tree, though it does take 9-10 years to grow its bark back. #BarkBack The palaces and homes are just crazy with wealth (so much wealth in Portugal back then!!) and they built canals and placed birds and animals to keep the residents of the home amused…! The blue and white tile…yum. Fresh Fish lunch was delicious, as was the sheep cheese and olives. I eat too many olives, just can’t help but enjoy the magic of the creamy sheep cheese and tangy olives and portuguese rolls.

Friday night wandered into quiet little portuguese restaurant near BessaHotel. Found it by randomly wandering up and down narrow cobblestone streets. Really hard to go wrong around here, but also, it’s kind of fun to just wander and try random stuff, and get what ya get and don’t get upset…Roly poly host who spoke no english, but very sweet. Ate next to French couple who were eating there for 6th night in a row (they got a bottle of wine as a parting gift!). Finally tried Ginjia after our wine. Ginjia is a cherry liqueur-traditional Portuguese aperitif. First sip tasted like cough medicine, but tasted better and better with each additional sip. Grows on you… Claude drunk. Sara very little effect, as always. Roly poly water glasses.

[auroraescritora]

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER IV

Hi, I came earlier than expected. As I had some time free, here's another chapter. There's probably more until Friday, but I'm not sure. Hope you enjoy. And thank you for your support in advance.

In this chapter I need to give some warnings. For those who know me, they know that I always write about sex, whether in the beginning, middle, end or during the whole story, but as this blog is new, I thought it would be good to let you know. Another thing is that, as I am posting as I write, some things may change. So, if there's something new that has changed, I'll let you know in the final notes or here at the beginning. And like, I mean, I don't like very... nice characters, so Percy and Nico's personalities will start to show, okay? Nothing villainous, but it could generate some kind of discussion, and I don't warn you about that things. In fact, I rarely do announcements, although I do enjoy talking about the story. (Warnings are about things I don't usually write about, subjects too taboo, or some kind of non-con). In this way, you are invited to give your opinion on any aspect of the story, whether in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Yes, I'm almost trilingual or would I be polyglot? srsrsr Anyway, I hope it's a good read!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III

"Then, let me decide. I just need your permission.”

"Permission to do what?"

Nico watched in slow motion as the hand that had been around his shoulder traveled to the back of his neck, massaging the spot, and gently pulled him closer, tilting his head until it reached just the right position for Percy's lips to finally come down against his in the sweetest, most innocent kiss he'd ever tasted, as if Percy was determined to regain everything they'd lost, starting with a tender, chaste kiss, a light brush of lips, candlelit dinners, and... and a lot of hugging?

The problem was things didn’t stay chaste for long. Moaning and shuddering, Nico felt one of Percy's hands slide down his back in a slow, willing caress, slipping inside his shirt, pressing him against his chest just as he opened his mouth in a needed gasp to have his tongue captured and sucked, so deliciously that he found himself closing his eyes and moaning again, clutching Percy's shoulders fearing he would fly away.

"That’s good, hm?" Percy murmured sometime later, lips still glued to his, nibbling slowly, hands safe and away from any sensitive parts. For now.

That was so unfair! Nico had waited so long for this moment! And now it was hard to think, let alone return an acceptable answer. He had missed that closeness and mostly had missed kissing Percy, even if Nico had only kissed him once before heading off to Italy, embarrassed and with his tail between his legs.

"Baby.” Percy whispered once more against his lips and licked them, catching him off guard once more, his tongue finding Nico’s, sealing their lips together, Percy's hands digging into his hair, pulling it a little, making him moan, while the other hand on his waist dragged him across the bench, pulling him closer, almost putting him in his lap, that is, when coughing was heard somewhere near them.

"Are you gentlemen ready to order?"

The kiss was broken with a wet sound and a needy whimper that came from Nico himself. The truth was simple, Nico was flying, floating in sensations he didn't even remember ever having, and not even the waiter trying to get their attention could stop him from feeling it. Then, his back was placed against the seat of the bench, and Percy's hands returned to his shoulders, now massaging him slowly as if that would calm him down. He heard a chuckle, and then Percy's voice came through the room, husky and slow, asking for wine and the dish of the day. Just one dish. Anyway, it's not like they're going to eat a lot.

"Thanks.” Percy said after a few minutes, Nico was content to sit still and watch the waiter walk away in embarrassment.

“Bad boy, embarrassing poor servants. What will they say about us?”

"Who's bad here?" he found himself saying, not the least bit sorry, although he was not the one who started it.

“You're right, I am. As long as you're good to me.”

He didn't even bother to answer, just looked at the smug expression on Percy's face, so arrogant he had the urge to show him who was in charge. Then, as if by magic, Percy smiled and held his face and pressed their lips against his for a long time in an affectionate gesture that warmed his skin the way something more intense would.

"Don’t be mad.”

"Do you think you can solve everything with kisses?"

"Not everything. Sex and gifts can also help. Who knows a very relaxing massage?”

Nico felt like hitting Percy until he couldn't anymore. Luckily, their food arrived, and an entire bottle with two glasses was placed on the table.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

“It's your favorite.”

It really was his favorite, dry and red, strong. A good vintage too. He wondered if every Italian family was like that, looking like they had wine in their veins instead of blood. It didn't matter, so Percy opened the bottle and filled their glasses to the brim.

“To new beginnings and old friends.”

They toasted, taking a few mouthfuls in between kisses and laughter, and drank some more until the bottle was empty, the sky outside long ago dark, lost in the black of the night along with any inhibitions they might’ve had.

***

And as he'd said before, his life was one big cheap cliché. Nico didn't remember how he got home, who opened the door, or how they got upstairs to his room. Had they locked the door? Where was his backpack? And the guitar? Had they--

"Nico… baby…" He threw his head back and moaned. He was so drunk, his legs on Percy's shoulders and hands gripping anything he could get hold of.

It hadn't been long since Percy had thrown him onto the bed and ripped off his shoes and pants, boxers, jacket, and shirt all at once. He barely had time to climb onto the pillows before Percy was there, between his legs, touching, kissing, marking with his teeth wherever they landed. Everything was going so fast that when he least realized it, Percy was licking his cock quickly, from top to base, to go past his balls and then…then his entrance, nibbling and using his fingers and tongue, both of them fighting the drunkenness and the narrow path, so narrow... it'd been so long since he had tried anything, even if that thing hadn’t been successful.

“Nico, are you sure--”

"I am! I am!”

“Is everything fine? It's so tight… hmm…” But Percy was moaning as if he was the one being touched. "And it smells so good…"

Nico was so glad he'd been prepared! He didn't even have time to finish the thought when he felt... he felt Percy's fingers slip out of him, replaced by Percy's tongue, wet and slightly rough, brushing around the puckered area to force himself in, moving rhythmically… he wasn't going to make it, it had been so long since anyone had tried to touch him there, it felt so much better this time, so good he could… his spine bowed and he groaned, a deep sound coming from his lungs, escaping his lips. And, of course, Percy's mouth was already there, momentarily helping to prolong his orgasm, Percy's fingers penetrating him again, now sliding around more easily, the lube finally doing its job. But it was too late. Percy's lips on his cock were too intense, more than he could handle. He finally felt himself coming and coming as Percy sucked him hard, licking the head, making it ache so good he had to pull Percy by the hair to push it away from his cock, still pulsing with the semen that escaped from Percy's lips, trickling down his neck.

"All good?” Percy asked, but he didn't know. It felt like Percy had ripped his soul through the orgasm. Nico could barely open his eyes or breathe, still feeling himself throb and shudder. "I hurt you?”

Nico could only shake his head, trying to control his body. It’d been so sudden that his nerves were still trying to keep up with the events, and he… Nico couldn't remember anyone ever doing this for him, so… so… thoroughly.

“Nico.”

He was trying. He swore he was. He was just having a hard time getting his head to stop spinning.

“Nico, look at me.” So he did, because it seemed simple enough.

"Here you are. My Nico lied to me?”

"I lied?” Nico didn't understand the question. Why would he lie? He blinked slowly and saw that Percy didn't look angry. He was lying between his legs, still fully dressed. Percy held Nico’s hair and stroked it with a pretty smile on his face.

"When was the last time?”

"I don't know. Never? I never got to… you know, go to the end.” He found himself sighing, his eyes growing heavy from Percy's fingers on his scalp, slowly lulling him to sleep.

“That explains a lot.”

“Hm?”

“Why don't you get some rest?”

"Where are you going?” But it was too late. With another sigh, his eyes closed once more, putting him to sleep faster than any pill ever could.

***

When Nico opened his eyes again, it was still dark, and the clock on the wall marked two in the morning. They were still in Nico’s bed, and as usual, Percy had kept his promise; they were sleeping on their sides, the sheet covering them, Percy behind him, hugging him around the waist, with his other hand under... under his head, curling around his neck, chest against back, face against the back of his neck and, maybe, he was holding on to this one arm around his neck like he was hugging a teddy bear close to his chest. Strangely, he didn't feel suffocated the way he would with anyone else, it was like… like a physical reminder that they were here together, and this time Percy wasn't going to let him get away.

What was he doing? A few hours ago he was saying that he wasn't ready and that he didn't want a relationship, and now… what? Was he comfortable staying in that position, trapped in that more than possessive hold, and still… still enjoying it? Approving Percy's attitude? He had sworn he would never let anyone get that close again, in that affectionate way, but this was Percy, wasn't it? Nico knew he could trust him. Right? And after all, it was just sex. What was wrong with that? Even if he was talking about Percy, the person who knew him the most in this world...

That is, he had come back because he missed Percy, but he didn't expect to be reciprocated and much less so quickly, also because they had so much time together and nothing had happened in the past, so why would it happen like this? Out of the blue? He knew Percy tried to be the best version of himself, though, knowing Percy the way he knew him?... Well, Percy wasn't the kind of person to forgive easily, a trait they both shared. Then, no one could blame him if he was expecting to spend time with his friend to finally come to terms with the fact that things between them weren't going to work out. Now, he found himself at this dead end, actually being reciprocated. The truth is, Nico hadn't prepared for any of this, hadn't planned or thought about what Percy liking him back really meant for his future. He would probably have gone back to Italy after graduating in a few years, staying long enough to take care of what he needed, and then…then he would do what his father had been asking him for years.

What was he supposed to do now? This couldn't be a good idea, he was sure something would happen and destroy everything because that was what happened to him, and he would have to deal with the consequences. So why did he get carried away? Was it because of the wine? What excuse would he use now that he wasn't drunk anymore? Why was he still in the same position, as content as he'd ever been, letting himself be held like that and feeling Percy practically press him against the bed in his sleep? And if he--

“Nico?” Percy said hoarsely, his sleepy voice drawing his attention.

"Did I wake you up?”

"Your heart. Is racing.”

To prove his point, Percy brought his hand to the middle of Nico's chest and massaged the spot, moving his hands up and down, making things worse. Nico wanted to cry and wanted to struggle. He wanted to run back to Italy and hide where no one would ever find him again. In the end, all Nico did was lie still, barely breathing, feeling Percy move against him. Percy tucked one of his legs between Nico’s, making him gasp as Percy brushed his lips against the back of his neck, turning Nico’s head slowly toward him until Percy brought their lips together in a slow, affectionate gesture.

"What happened, hmm? What's the problem?” Percy said, sounding more like he was asleep than awake, grinding against him, slow and calm, in control.

Nico didn't know exactly what was going on, he just knew it was working. Feeling skin on skin and so safe, he let his breath out and opened his mouth, finding Percy right there, ready to welcome him sweetly, going back to hugging him tightly, sliding their tongues together, easy and delicious, as if they had always had done that, as uncomplicated as breathing.

"Aren't you going to tell me?" Percy pulled away for a moment and blinked slowly at him, a little more awake.

Nico just looked at Percy, hair tousled and lips swollen, eyes almost closing with exhaustion. That's when reality hit him like a punch in the stomach. He loves Percy, really loves him. Nico didn't like Percy because no one else wanted to be his friend at his worst or because Percy stood up for him during childhood, it wasn't even because Percy had always been his best friend and always would be. Now, looking into those green eyes, he finally realized the truth. How could he not love someone so generous and caring, someone so kind? So helpful, always willing to solve his problems without Nico even having to ask for help?

"I love you.” Nico said without thinking, distracted by the way Percy leaned towards him once more, about to give him another kiss. That made Percy stop in his tracks, wrinkle his nose in a confused expression, and then smile, moving the rest of the distance closer, touching their lips in a light brush.

"I love you more. Very. A lot more.”

It was strange. He didn't feel any different than he had five minutes ago, but it was good for his heart, allowing him to lift a weight off his back that Nico didn't even know was there. Percy saying he loved him didn't make him feel better or worse, either. It was a pretty obvious fact, especially after seeing everything that had happened these last few years. The only apparent effect was to warm his heart, like the phone calls did, like looking into Percy's face and seeing the warm smile there, always available for him, or how Percy's arms were always open to receive him.

“No need to worry about it." Percy said, going back to caressing the middle of his chest, turning him to face Percy and hugging him again, not an inch of distance between them, Percy's hands sliding down his back, one of them digging into the hair at the back of his neck, Percy's favorite place to touch him now, and in the past when he didn't know what that gesture meant. Or when he chose to ignore the fact.

"Worry about what?"

“I can see it in your face.”

"I did nothing.”

“But you want to. So, before you create these stories and act impulsively, talk to me.”

“Per.”

“You promised you wouldn't run away.”

"When was that?”

"When you said you come back to stay."

Nico didn't promise anything, but it was like he had.

In the end, Percy was right. He should worry less. What was the use of anticipating what might happen if the future had so many possibilities? Or those positive, happy thoughts could be Percy's influence on him. Nico suspected that once Percy stopped touching him, those worries would come back like an anvil thrown at his head. However, at that moment, he would let himself be comforted and hugged, he would let Percy's smile light up the darkness around him, and he would let one more kiss make him sigh and forget that tomorrow was a new day and that with it, more problems would appear to worry him.

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Thanks for reading! Comments are always welcome^^

[poemoftheday]

Poem of the Day 30 April 2024

Sonnets from the Portuguese  6:

BY ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Go from me. Yet I feel that I shall stand 

Henceforward in thy shadow. Nevermore 

Alone upon the threshold of my door 

Of individual life, I shall command 

The uses of my soul, nor lift my hand 

Serenely in the sunshine as before, 

Without the sense of that which I forbore, .. 

Thy touch upon the palm. The widest land 

Doom takes to part us, leaves thy heart in mine 

With pulses that beat double. What I do 

And what I dream include thee, as the wine 

Must taste of its own grapes. And when I sue 

God for myself, He hears that name of thine, 

And sees within my eyes, the tears of two.

[dustedmagazine]

Mons Veneris — Ascent into Draconian Abyss (Signal Rex)

Lock up the communion wine and cover those tender orifices (earholes included), Mons Veneris is back. If you are as delighted by that news as this reviewer, maybe seek help. But also seek out this record and play it, at excessive volumes. Doing so won’t make you a better person, or a happier or a healthier one. Repeated exposure to Ascent into Draconian Abyss will likely garner opposing results: worse, more miserable, more disturbed. But we should note that those words also describe the general condition of the earthball and most of its inhabitants. Somehow the music of Mons Veneris — black metal that manages to be traditionalist and utterly singular at the same time, no small feat — keeps creeping in from the margins, and along that trajectory it ascends closer to the light of day, which is increasingly difficult to distinguish from Nietzsche’s infamous abyss.

So it’s apt that Ascent into Draconian Abyss seems to stare back, with unabating truculence and bizarre intensity. The Portuguese band doesn’t ease you in: the opening, title track is a 20-plus minute experience, modulating from strangely primal chanting in its first 50 seconds; through long expanses of elemental, more-and-less recognizable black metal riffage (though still afflicted with some of that primal, mournful chanting and moaning); into angular eddies and even slightly more conventional song forms, which threaten to resolve into black’n’roll (to be sure, Mons Veneris has a strong taste for obscenity, but let’s not get carried away). Mostly though, “Ascent into Draconian Abyss” seems to dramatize that very thing — a hard climb, an endurance contest with dread, which ends up dropping you into a psychologically fraught void.

When you finally clear those 20-odd minutes — and are extricating yourself from that void — “Whisperers of the Plague” seems to restate the first track’s main riff and rhythmic structure. It’s dispiriting; do we have to do this all over again? But the band is just messing with us. The riff eventually mutates and the following 16 minutes get progressively stranger. There are the musical equivalent of mechanical failures, spates of more demented chanting and the band even permits itself a sort of guitar solo (which is as alarmingly ugly as you might suspect it would be).

But it’s in the final song, “Chant to the Unknown,” that things get really weird. After the foregoing 38 minutes, the song’s dalliances with hummable melody and conventional aesthetics are disorienting, even transgressive. Because it’s Mons Veneris, those dalliances are counteracted by echoing, off-kilter pulsations of guitar, which add dizziness to the disorientation. Even standing on dry land, you’ll feel a little seasick. Just as you achieve better footing, the music falls away, and washes of electronic noise, a fogbank of sound, drift in and envelope you. You get lost all over again, and you start looking for signs of that aforementioned ascent. Good luck: the fog is pretty thick. And what’s that smell? Sulphur? Is this stuff mist or smoke? We both know the answer to that. It’s a Mons Veneris record: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here….”

Jonathan Shaw

[paramedicabroad]

Cultural Landscape of Sintra

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Serra de Sintra mountain range lies a place of unparalleled beauty and historical significance: the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Portugal. Join us as we embark on a journey through this enchanting destination, where fairy-tale palaces, ancient ruins, and verdant forests converge to create a truly magical experience.

Sintra is a place where history comes alive, where centuries-old castles and palaces whisper tales of bygone eras. From the imposing Moorish Castle, perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the town, to the opulent National Palace of Sintra, with its distinctive twin chimneys, every corner of this cultural landscape tells a story of Portugal's rich and diverse heritage.

No visit to Sintra would be complete without exploring its magnificent palaces, each more breathtaking than the last. The colorful and whimsical Pena Palace, with its turrets and towers rising above the treetops, is a true architectural marvel. Meanwhile, the romantic and mysterious Quinta da Regaleira beckons visitors to explore its underground tunnels and secret gardens, while the stately Monserrate Palace showcases exquisite Islamic-inspired design.

But Sintra's allure extends far beyond its architectural treasures. The cultural landscape is also home to verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and lush gardens that provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're wandering through the leafy pathways of the Pena Park or marveling at the towering trees of the Montserrate Gardens, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of nature at every turn.

Sintra has long been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and poets, drawn to its otherworldly beauty and romantic atmosphere. The likes of Lord Byron, Hans Christian Andersen, and even Portuguese royalty have all been captivated by the allure of Sintra, immortalizing its beauty in their works of art and literature.

No visit to Sintra would be complete without indulging in the local culinary delights. From traditional pastries like the famous queijadas and travesseiros to hearty seafood dishes and aromatic wines, the gastronomic offerings of Sintra are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Preserving the cultural landscape of Sintra for future generations is a top priority for Portuguese authorities, who have implemented measures to protect and conserve its historic buildings, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites. Through sustainable tourism practices and community engagement initiatives, efforts are underway to ensure that Sintra remains a cherished destination for years to come.

Ready to explore the enchanting cultural landscape of Sintra? Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in a world of fairy-tale castles, ancient ruins, and natural wonders. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a magical escape, Sintra offers something for everyone to discover and enjoy.🏰🇵🇹