#they are from the ceibo tree

[onlysushicat]

Teen love !

[voidselfshipp]

self insert asks: 1,2,5 and 7 for your valorant self insert? :3

Hi shallow!!! Thank you so much for the ask!!!! Ill answer n2 after the cut since ive written it out in fic form.

>only mutuals allowed to reblog.

1. what are the basics of your self insert? name, date of birth, height, etc.?

Name: Jerico Lazaro Castro.

Age: 20

Codename: Ranger.

Clasification: Radiant.

Date of birth:14/9/ 2022 (Valorant takes place in the near future so...)

Height: 5'6.

Place of birth: Buenos Aires,Argentina.

Gender: Genderfluid (he/they/she/xe)

Orientation: Bisexual.

Family: Wei Ling Yi (Sage,adoptive mother). Biological siblings from biological family. Agent Clove (adopted younger sibling)

->They'd be added after the release of KAY/O and before the release of Chamber.

5. does your self insert have any special powers or abilities?

They are a geomancer,they can speak with animals and grow plants! They can partially shape shift by taking on attributes of other animals. They also have a few wild/exotic pets they use un cannon,which have become "Radianized" by being exposed to their powers so much.

7. would any other characters (besides your f/o) have a crush on your self insert?

Its a bit of a tricky question because I selfshipp with half the ensamble of Valorant. But id say that Viper would have a romantic crush on my s/I,and Jett would have a platonic crush.

2. when in canon does your self insert come in? do you have a scene in mind for your entrance?

Ive written out the scene as a fic!!. Just a quick few things. Cw: mentions of abusive household,implided romance with Cypher and Brim who are way older than me/my s/I.

Also! Vieja can be a term of endearment for Argentine moms. Heres the fic:

Spring had settled on the streets of Buenos Aires. Jacarandas and Ceibo trees in full Bloom as the heavy trunks of the silk floss tree doubled over a little and just about to burst with the silken seeds that usually grow within it.

Sage,Brimstone and Cypher where here to pick up a possible New agent for the protocol. One their healer knew quite well,actually.

Wei Ling still remembered what she had said to her good friend and leader of the protocol,Liam, about this agent.

She had entered his Office with this desicive glint in her eyes and firmly said "Brimstone,I Thought about this possible New threat after Kay/o's arrival. And I think we're going to need a few more Agents if this Omega Earth theory is right ...I happen to have a candidate if youre so inclined"

Liam had the vague inkling where this was going"Who are you proposing..?"

"My child"

--I Feel bad for picking them up today...--Sage sighed,scratching the back of her neck as she walks with her companions down the path of the Bosques of Palermo, a Giant green space In the middle of the capital of the buenos aire's province.

--Well,you are going to offer them this spot on the day of their birthday...--Liam added,patting his friend's back with understanding-- there really was no other time?

"No" thought cypher whom had already gathered all the information there was to know about Sage's kid. Hes had it ever since he joined the protocol "theyre Busy with university afterwards"

--Sadly,No.--Wei Ling shook her head as she spoke-- Maybe I shouldntve said anything,Will the protocol allow them to continue their carreer?

--Online classes should suffice--Cypher perked up-- We shouldnt take away vestiges of their normal life,it would make a mess of their head,specially Someone so young. How old are they turning?

--Twenty -- she answered

--Christ --Breathed out Brimstone as he looked at the ground.--i already have enough with Phoenix,Yoru and Jett.

--I promise you,Jerico is a very well behaved person. --The healer said,putting her hands on the pockets of her sage green sweater-- if anything they'll be a calming force for the other agents.

--Ill take your word on it.

--You can trust me,Ive known them for a while now.

Liam looked at the lushness around him. He wondered if this early setting in of spring had anything to do with Jerico. He knew they were a radiant,but he didnt know much else. He mightve seen a picture once or twice but thats about It.

--I guess I should know this if we're going through with the recruitment--Liam began--Cypher must already know that,being how he is. But how did you end up with a kid?

Sage sighed loudly, the circumstances that brought her wonderful kid to her were an unpleseant memory-- Back before the protocol,the monastery had planned a peregrination here to Argentina. An odd place, at least when I heard about it.

A gentle wind passed through them,the air cold and bringing the faintest scent of sunflowers.

--When we got here I was told we were going to help with the less fortunate here. That my powers would help...-- She continued, noticing the scent and smiling all relaxed. Clearly it brought her comfort for a personal reason-- I noticed this young girl,couldnt be more than fifteen. She was caked in dirt and Grime,and she was starving and hurt on her knee.

--That was Jerico? --Brimstone asked,surprised-- you make it sound like she ran away..

--She did--Sage confirmed-- She...had a really bad family-- the rage on her tone made it sound like "really bad" didnt even begin to cover it-- When I healed her,she said "youre like me", and told me she was a radiant too. I honestly dont remember what came over me but I took her In. Then..stuff happened with the monastery and the protocol found me. Ive been giving some of my money to them to Keep living here,I didnt want them to lose their original culture.

Liam wasnt sure how to react,other than-- You sound very happy to have them. Im..im sure its just the same on their side.

Wei Ling grinned-- yeah,within the first year of me adopting them,they called me mom. I remember I couldve cried that day...I actually think I did.

Brimstone chuckled-- You two are adorable.

Cypher had kept quiet,knowing well the struggles of parenthood. They round a corner as they walk and see a Giant pond before them and on the edge of it, few meters away, were a Group of youngsters enjoying warm drinks and snacks and laughing.

--thats them,im guessing-- The moroccan Man said,pointing at the Group discreetly.

--Yeah,thats them. -- she agreed,watching how all around the Group a few sunflowers grew alongside lillies of the Valley,forget-me-nots and even a few lotusi near the water.

All the while,the Group of youngesters were blissfully unaware of their onlookers. Jerico was enjoying brewing some mate as one of their buddies recalls a story of their childhood.

They hand over the mate and one of their other pals say-- hey,isnt that your mom?--He pointed at the three people to their left.

--Yeah,Guess she came to say hi-- They answered,leaning Back to get a better look since the rest of their Friends were kind of blocking their field of view.

--Seem's we've been spotted--Said cypher with a smile in his voice-- All yours,Mamma Bear.

Sage snorted and shook her head a little before waving.

--¡Vieja!--Jerico called out with a grin,waving at her too and taking her in and her companions.

Their mother wore a cream,fuzzy and oversized turtleneck underneath a pretty sage green sweater with black jeans and comfy shoes. She hears her hair up with a sun hair clip and a few chains around her neck and sun pendant.

--Little dragon!--she answered,seeing her kid excuse themself and her heart warms up her kids Friends smile all happy for Jer.

She meets them half way and brings them in for a tight hug. She smells the scent of sunflowers and green Apple and nuzzles closer. She hasnt seen them for months now.

--What a wonderful surprise!!!--Jer said,gently pulling away a little.

--Couldnt miss my little one's twentieth birthday-- She answered,patting their waist.

--Thank you for coming--They smile-- Do you want some mate? Snacks? -- they look behind her and see two men.

A tall,buff Man with american face features. He wears a red flannel and black jeans with dress shoes and a watch on his left arm. He has a thick bear and a crew cut with white hairs on the sides. In their eyes,hes quite handsome.

Then, Next to him is a thinner Man,face hidden by the heavy hood of his white jacket. Black jeans too and comfortable though stylish shoes. One hand is in his pockets as the other twirls a blue circlet of some kind,they can see the faint shine of blue within the hood like theres just two,weak beacons in there. His air of mystery already feels so alluring.

--Whoooose the company?--They followed up,which made their mom look down at the ground.

--friends from work-- She answered-- I came here to say hi,yes but I also need to tell you something. Walk with me?

Jerico could see the seriousness in her eyes. They knew their mother wouldnt involve her work if it wasnt important,seeing as she wouldnt even tell them much of what she did.

--Yeah,yeah of course ma. Let me tell my Friends

--I need to do the same,go ahead.

After quickly informing their companions of their scapade, mother and child walk down the red tiled path. Sage explains with stuttering words and a heavy feeling of guilt about the insanity going on in her job.

Jerico has to take a moment to process things, but they know their mom wouldnt lie about stuff this big.

Spotted light spills past lush treetops And the wind pushes by frivolously. Theres a brief silence filled with the chatter and life around them.

--I wouldntve asked if it wasnt important. Im sorry to do it today of all days but-

--Vieja,its fine-- they promised,taking her hand-- alr-....Alright. ill help you,of course I will. But what about my classes? My Friends?

--You can continue them online. Ill make sure of that-- she promised-- And you can come visit on breaks just like I do.

--Alright then,Im in.

--Thank you,Thank you so much.

--Anything for you,mom. And...for the world,it seems.

Sage smiled and pressed a kiss to the side of her kids head-- the world,and me, are so lucky to have you.-- she gets a shy giggle in return and dismissive hand gesture. But they know she means it.

Eventually they loop back to the other two valorant agents and Wei Ling introduces her kid to her co-workers.

Both men stare at a young person,female features,Brown and gold hair tied up in a bun with a shaven Back of the neck. Tall,Slender, greyish green eyes and decked out in a punk attire with fishnets, maximalist battle vest,a striped yellow and black skirt with a ripped up croptop and covered in necklaces. One of them is a matching sun pendant, and a well detailed dragonfly

--This is Liam,Our leader. His Codename's Brimstone-- she pointed to the flannel wearing man-- Brim,This is Jerico, my kid.

--Your mom only sings praises about you--He answered,trying to be polite and not stare into their pretty green eyes so much. He shakes their hand.

--Of course she does

--Well,i havent spoken much about you..--Sage admitted,sheepishly-- not out of shame,just for your safety.-- her kid shrugged and she relaxed-- And this...is Cypher.

--Just Cypher? No human name?-- they couldnt help the slight sass and the quirk of their brow.

--I do have one-- says the moroccan Man, is that smirk in his voice?--But thats classified. -- he offered his hand and they took It, a gentle and firm shake.

--I must warn you,Cypher Is an information broker.-- Sage said with dismay

Jerico seems to understand almost instantly--Oh!..oh --they groaned,rubbing their eyes-- Really? The people you work with,Mom.

--Im sorry...

--I promise I keep the information to myself--He sounded apologetic, knowing well that the person infront of them was just a normal youngster. He knows how kind of disturbing and worrying it can be..

--Sure -- they answered with a slight but totally comprehensible suspicion--Well I aint got nothing to hide so.. Just really,Keep it to yourself.

--He does-- promised Sage.

--Im quite a fan of your art,By the way--Cypher offered as an olive branch. He likes their spunk and sass. He cant help but smile as his chest warms up-- Specially your compositions and colors

The mysterious and hot sounding Man likes their art? Damn...what a birthday gift.

--Thanks...--They say with a slight blush-- I uh put a lot of effort in it.

--I can tell, youre quite talented.

What a beautiful smile they have. It could outshine the sun-- thanks!

--Well,I believe we'll let you continue on your birthday-- Sage added-- Is it okay to wait in your appartment?

Jerico nodded--Sure,Just...yknow privacy?

--Of course. Ill make sure your room is out of limits-- their mom answered.

--Alright! Cool. -- they smile and press their cheek against their moms and makes a kissing sound,--See ya then.

They do they same with the two men,having to stand on the tip of their toes for it and off they return to their Friends. Liam feels his face burn a little and even Cypher seems just a little bashful.

--A greeting I suppose?--Asked the information broker.

--Yeah...--Snickered the healer-- You get used to it,I promise. Cmon now..--Though her gaze lingers on the sight of her kid all smiles and laughs.

She hated to drop this on their birthday but it seemed to have little Effect. Thats good.

A few hours later they enter Jerico's appartment, quite normal with white walls and a nice flooring. Though its more of a maximalist's and nerd's dream house. Cypher is unbothered by it as he already knew his co-worker's kid had a love for well.. everything.

Brimstone does look surprised and inspects the kitchen/livingroom area but daring not to tread any further. Sage ends up talking a bit more about her child, and after a quick text asking for permission and gaining the okay she makes some snacks and drinks.

Eventually Jerico returns,late at night mind you but they return. They get fully caught up with the protocol.

And in just a few weeks they find themselves upon the Valorant Protocol's base with a New life and a New purpose to follow.

[lavanderowl]

can you tell us about your trolls ocs ?

omg! yes thank you for asking !!

Ceibo is a traveling historian so she is super curious about other genres. Her job is to visit as many places as possible, make reports, and send them back to her boss. That's how she meets JD. While she can be book smart she can be a bit naive and overconfident about her survival abilities, JD had to save her many times lol. She LOVES learning about new music tho, and she often sings to herself making weird mashups that don't really mix.

Jade is my bird trainer OC. She is from the troll tree and when she was young dreamed of escaping many times. Finally she had a plan, use bait to catch a bird and use it to fly away from Bergentown. Unfortunately, it worked too well and she couldn't really control where the bird was going, ending up in its nest. From that point on, she continued working training her birds to save all the other trolls. Eventually she found the new pop village, but she was too fond of flying to give it up. She is a bit of the village weirdo BUT kids love when she gives them rides on her birds.

[hunting-songs]

The bonfire turned the night a warm orange, while the cup of tea pleasantly warmed the blonde's hands. He had a blanket over his shoulders to protect himself a little more from the cold while his eyes glowed in an orange color enhanced by the fire in front of him "Kurta legend says that young Anahi was an unattractive girl, but she had a beautiful voice with which she made the people happy by singing. Even the birds stopped their singing to listen to her and the river calmed its wild waters. At the arrival of spring, a dangerous tribe arrived at the place to fight with the Kurtas. In the dispute, Anahi saw to die her brother and her father. Then, the girl fought bravely. They say that the enemies could not capture her easily and decided to use leather strips to tie her up. She spent days and days crying. Until, one moonless night, the girl took advantage of the fact that a guard was sleeping to escape. She crossed the jungle, but soon the guard woke up and found her. The young woman and the sentry fought until Anahi stabbed him. The girl was unable to escape from other guards, who tied her up to a tree and sentenced her to die. They lit a bonfire around the tree, and Anahi began to sing. Her sweet melody made the fire protect her. At dawn, they found a new tree with red flowers and thorny branches. This is how Ceibo came to be, our representative flower"

There was a slight pause as Kurapika drank some of the tea and he smiled softly then "But of course, that's just a legend"

The bonfire had been put up by the mansions gardners to burn the cut branches and after the workday the rest of the staff had joined in the evening with food and drinks like moths drawn to flames. They had sat down a little farer away from the fire on the metalgardenstools that felt harder and colder than usual with the night sneaking up on them as well as the coldness creeping up toes and feet and biting into skin with icy sharp teeth. Boundled up in blankets Senritsu leaned over the armrest of her chair towards Kurapika, peering with to thin slits squinted eyes at the botanic drawings inside the book that even with her eyes narrowed still looked blurry without her glasses as if she was looking at through a layer of rushing water.

"What a pity its a legend, though-", Coyly the woman placed a small hand on her cheek, posing dramatically and fluttering her lashes at the other too theatralically to be serious: "Considering my splending looks", She chuckled quietly, shaking her head over her own silly joke before continueing more honestly: "- and singing voice, I like Anahi. Its good to have a fellow musician finally beeing a hero in stories, even if its a tragic hero. Its music to my ears." The staffmembers by the fire laughed and their voices mixed witht he fresh clinking of the cold air, Kurapikas calm and relaxed heartbeat and the humming noise of Senritsus small smile.

"My horrible humor aside- Its a beautiful story and it shows how easily history and legends can weave into another." Tilting her head from one side to another like a thoughtful bird, Senritsu thought about similar stories she had heard in songs from other secluded groups she had seeked out for research: " It was probably a rival tribe that forced your people originally into hiding and out of fear they stayed hidden. And singing is a traditional way of communicating over long distances to Anahi could very likely been a woman during this conflict that used her voice to warn her clanmembers before danger. I had researched about singing beeing used for communication before for the Yorkshin university but in that case it was specifically yodelling. "She tapped a short finger against the illustration in the book; the red of the ink of the flowers in the book shimmered like rubys in the bonfires light: " I know this flowers, though. My mother always made the caravan stop, when she saw such a tree planted along streets for decorations. Mhmmmm, I think she used the trees bark to treat rheumatic pains in my groups older members and the leafs for salves against inflamed injuries. Did your family used them for this in Lukso, too?"

[7r0773r]

Time Without Keys by Ida Vitale, translated by Sarah Pollack

Iceland, 2000

Ceibos, ceibas, only one letter marks their clear distinction. Red ceibos and green ceibas reign, also elderberries, willows, and cypresses, in the blessed incandescence common in the south awash with songs and colors. In Iceland, the blue and white island, there are no songbirds, only seabirds, no music, except that of hands, hands moving stones, but not every stone, so moss can grow and the green can begin singing, ever softly.

*Author's note: "Not every stone," because those that could be a home to an elf, which many believe in, are respected.

***

Nostalgia for the Dodo

I'm nostalgic for the dodo. What I miss isn't fictional, almost a myth, even if dictionaries do forget it. It appeared as real as old age and death, in a display case at the Victoria and Albert, astonishing me with its existence beyond my childhood readings, the immense and innocent companion of the waistcoated rabbit and his haste.

Akin to a goose, its aggressive beak was of no use to save its sympathetic race from extinction during a time of savagery, maybe worse, when I wouldn't have wished to live. I imagined its feathers swan white, now the yellowed ivory of abandoned pianos or lace from a venerable wedding. I imagined its strange tarsal gait, the deserted guardian of a truth transformed into dim fantasy.

Yes, I'm nostalgic for the dodo, and more, for the countless extinctions it condenses, for the time of crossing the looking-glass to discover that evil could be vanquished, being nothing but an absurd figure escaped from a deck of cards.

***

Between Yeses and Noes

In the beginning I was sweet, obedient. I later discovered a surfeit of motives for No. Then later, much, much later, Yes was possible, when harnessed to love, to trust earned within faithful walls. But, unhappy arc, alone now, Yes decays. Outside the windows and from a distance, No bares its sharpened teeth at the world's obtuseness and its conspiracies.

***

Fortune

For years, to relish errors and their amends, to be able to speak, walk freely, not endure mutilation, to not enter churches, or enter, to read, listen to beloved music, by night be a being as well as by day.

To not be married off in a transaction, valued in goats, to not suffer the dominion of relatives or legal lapidation. To not parade ever again or allow words that inject iron filings in your blood.

To discover for yourself another unforeseen being on the bridge formed by a gaze.

To be human and woman, no more no less.

***

To Translate

Someone overflows at the center of the night. Facing the order of another's words, subjugated rebel, she offers the song of her whole memory, she sheathes them in new skin and lovingly puts them to sleep in a new tongue.

Lights off, the wind trumpets in the trees and there's a chill close to the window and the certainty that every landscape is disrupted within like a sentence that reaches the lair of formidable meaning. There is no benevolent guide waiting in the wasteland.

Steps are taken blindly, starless the sky. And thought anticipates wild beasts.

***

Starling

As if the starling left nothing to wonder but his name. For in whom but him is the auric at work? First it's his beak, in proximity to everything. And those flecks of gold in his feathers? Even dressed this way he bustles about the grasses of the earth. Like a medieval knight, he's ready for a tournament or a siege or the dust from the road in his clothes of a noble vagabond. Experienced and aloof, with him there's no room for dialogue or oblation. Perhaps the eye of Ahura Mazda contemplating in Persepolis the dark satin of his regalia left him spangled with brilliance and of that he is not unaware.

***

Snail

The snail moves with expedition though people don't believe it and think he only transits the wall in search of warm sun.

On the contrary, if you happen on his chalky bubbles in the umbra, know: he neither mates nor slumbers. Desiring better days to come,

he's resolved to swap his home. It's not a skyscraper he eyes with iron and mortar overblown

but the nest where the ovenbird abides. Soon you'll find him crossing ice in search of an igloo just his size.

***

Tiny Kingdom

1 Words: vacant palaces, city half-asleep. Before what knife will the thunder arrive —the flood follows— that awakens them?

2 Vocabularies, errant vocations, stars that irradiate light before their birth, or debris from distant marvels. Their eternal dust floats. How to become their mother liquor, even a wound on which to pause, how to go from arid to arable field  with their celestial mulch?

3 Sometimes words form a chord, the waterfalls ascend, break the law of gravity. Poetry, a powerful moon, gathers desolate tides and lifts them up where they can hazard the skies.

4 Field of fault lines, halo without a center: words, promises, portion, prize.

The past dissolved, no support for the present, crumbled the inconceivable future.

5 Prose under pressure used as deadwood prose without live coals, face down on the page,  no longer wind, barely breeze. Fear its turbulence like one who can't swim fears a reckless boat.

***

Dark

Like this bird that waits until the light dies to begin singing, I write in darkness, when nothing shines and calls out from the earth. I commence in the dark, l observe, I burrow within myself, as I am the darkness, toward  what's darkest of all, down the well of time of being-almost-nonbeing, after the seed, gem, origin, birth of myself, of mother, grandmothers, unattainable ocean of time and lost, swallowed-up creatures.

Patinir, magical and depraved, his otherworldly cave. The rower in the background thinks he's making headway.

***

From Tiger the Leap

From tiger the leap, from tiger, the ambushed hideout. Life lightning fast leaves, after claws swipe, the gash from which perseverance drips.

Then come the reasons to forget; tamed, we lick the new, dark scar when it aches and oblivious to the forest, we cross it again for our daily minimum.

***

The Word

Expectant words, fabulous in themselves, promises of possible meanings, artful, aerial, irate, Ariadnes.

A slight error makes them ornamental. Their indescribable exactitude erases us.

***

Step by Step

All at once wind will come and it will be autumn. Summer leaves and a memory falls and life descends another rung without being noticed, from one yellow to another. Farewell, behind, the step I haven't taken, friendship uncertain, barely a dream. All at once it will be autumn. There is no more time. I lost a magic double of my name, a passing sign that could render a more exact world. I lost the peace, the war. Perhaps I lost my life and haven't yet earned my own death.

In the empty space someone plucks a string, little by little. It is autumn already, so soon. There is no more time.

[bestiarium]

The Juri [Siekopai mythology]

Nathan Horowitz describes the Juri (pronounced ‘Huu-ree’) as ‘air goblins’ and he is one of the very few sources I could find. Siekopai folklore isn’t exactly mainstream mythology, and sadly they are only about 1500 Siekopai people left today, having lost roughly 95% of their population in the 20th century due to imported diseases.

In any case, the Juri are the spirits of the jungle. They stand roughly 1.5 m tall and look humanoid, except that they have the eyes, talons and beak of an eagle. They are are covered in black. Every Siekopai individual who claimed to have seen these beings gives the same description of them. Being air spirits, these beings can cover great distances by gliding on the wind, which they have some degree of control over. The Juri live in colossal Ceibo trees in the depths of the jungle, and they leave when their part of the jungle gets cut down. Much like the Siekopai themselves, who have been driven from their territory by oil companies.

Note that the name ‘Juri’ is used by my first source as the name of a singular entity, the female spirit of the wind, whereas the second source I linked uses it as the name of the wind spirits in general. At any rate, the wind goblins are not evil, they are beings of the jungle. But those who steal from them have to pay a steep price. In one story, the people stole fish from the Juri who ate their eyes in return. Without sight, the people could no longer find their village and return home, and the animals of the forest ate them. If you want to read the myth in detail, check out my first source! If you’d rather watch an animated version of it, check out the second link.

Sources: https://rebellion.global/blog/2020/11/21/jimmy-piaguaje-interview/ https://ted2srt.org/talks/nathan_d_horowitz_the_myth_of_the_stolen_eyeballs (image: a cartoonish depiction of the Juri being visited by a tribesperson, image source: ted2srt.org)

[thespaceantwhowrites]

Me and my fam went into the woods that are near our house... I took lots of pictures of flowers and plants and even some birds. Sadly butterflys move too fast and wont stay still so I couldn't photography them but we saw many different ones.

we walked through a river that dried up, found a little barn and the remains of a bird, the poor thing!

some of the plants I liked and pictures of the woods

there are more, I'll probably post them later

btw, the red flowers are from a ceibo amd are the national flower/tree of my country!!

sorry for the long post, hope everyone is doing ok! <3

[art-now-argentina]

Ceibo, Chloe Henderson

This painting is from a series of work on urban trees, I'm interested in nature within the human environment. The evening lighting gives it a further unnatural setting.

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Ceibo/802090/2570496/view

[yourworldmyworldourworld-blog1]

Bolivia - The land of the Salt Flats and much more

Now onto my trip into Bolivia. A land where the people are kind yet proud. Which means issues can arise and no one wants to compromise. One of the highest places on earth. A land growing in exportation and a land of new insights.

Day 1. (16.10). From Peru, Puno we left at 8am bus to Copacabana. Arrived at the border at 11am and got to Copacabana at 13:00 (Bolívia is 1 hr ahead of Peru). I arrived and had lunch at a Coffee-Restaurant Gourmet "Ali" at Av 6 de Agosto. Order the trout lasagna; it's amazing. Then back near the white anchor for a quick singari sour - the bolivian equivalent of Pisco sour. At 2:15 pm boat to isla de sol Set off arriving at 3ish. I found the Intikala hostal (bol50) for single with bathroom but no paper, towel, soap or breakfast also no wifi (for bol80 all of the above included). I also had the option of inti pacha hostel. Off I went to walk to both viewpoints. Sunset was stunning even if overcast. I saw sunset at las velas restaurant and dinner next door to the hotel - quinoa soup for bol10. Would have loved to have walked back to last velas for some hot wine but with the thunderstorm and having to walk through a small forest alone in the dark I thought best not to. Next time. Also be aware that the north part of the island is shut for tourism due to a conflict that started 1.5 years ago between the communities in the Centre and North of the island. The Centre gets no income and the North has great tourism. Consequently the center stopped tourists crossing to the north as they don't want tourists. The North, in turn, does.

Isla del sol - south side

Day 2. (17.10). I woke up at 5 am to find that the sun was already up. It was overcast but the view from my window was stunning with peaks covered in ice. Back to bed for a 9am wake up. I checked out and off I went to see the red flag where you could not walk past due to the Northern conflict. It was a nice walk and a sad reality that tourists for a year and half now have not been allowed to go beyond this point to the Northern part of the island. Then back to the hotel and off to the other view point further south. By that point, the sun had come out and what a view. Now back at the hostel for 12. Watching the view with some muña tea and some peanuts. I will head down for the 3:30pm boat around 2:30pm. You have to pay for wifi here. So 24hrs without connection to the outside world, which was quite nice. I had lunch with an amazing view then ferry back for 3:30pm. Make sure you set off to go town (taking the left turn on the junction). It is hard to miss the way as there will probably be a few people coming up that way. On the way to the island we were dropped off at the temple and not the port (where we were picked up) as the climb up from the port is quite tough so make sure you carry as little luggage as possible. You can leave your big bags at the cafe by the big anchor (literally a large anchor in Copacabana). Just buy something there and they will keep it. Any doubts ask the Peru Hop guides if you are travelling with Peru Hop. Arriving back in Copacabana at 5pm we had 1hr. So we walked to the church which is quite beautiful with Arabic architecture then back down to get some food and our bags. Then 6pm bus to La Paz. In La Paz we stayed at Loki hostel, which, although known to be a party hostal was actually quite chill. The location is central but near some apparently dodgy streets. I had no issues and as the hostel is in a building which was formerly a hotel, being on the 3rd floor when the bar is on the 7th means you can’t hear much noise. The noise that annoyed us for two nights straight was coming from the street.

La Paz - view from Mirador Killi-Killi 

Day 3. (18.10). First breakfast at Loki which was ok but not great so I would recommend going elsewhere in town although Loki is just easy. I then set off to get some money out from the ATMs right in front of the hostel. The hostel also does not do laundry but there is a laundry place across from the hostal that does laundry and delivers back at the hostel - 12bol per kilo. Today we went to see the Mercado de las Brujas which is just a collection of stalls. From there I went to get my Peru Hop top. Then calle Jaén and then the Killi-Killli mirador. I advise you get a taxi up there and back down. It cost up 10 bol up as we were half way there and 20 bol to get back to the hostel. We made it back for 11ish. We had lunch at Cafe Vida - vegan place with a delicious lunch set menu with soup and salad plus juice for 35bol. Then back at the hostel for some chill time until I went to meet Agnes for drinks at HP Bronze Coffee Bar. I had a quinoa beer which was super nice called Niebla brewed by the place. Then back at the hostel and on the way bought ceibo chocolate (Bolivian chocolate which is quite yummy).

Lunch bowl at Cafe Vida

Day 4. (19.10). Wake up at 8am to head out into La Paz to take the Teleferico. I took the orange line north (3Bol a ride) and stayed on it until the end, then bought another ticket to the White line and stayed on it until the end and lastly the Blue line (called línea celeste). On this last line you can either take it back to the centre of the city or out to the south of the city to connect with the green and yellow lines. The south of the city is the richer part of the city. The orange line is the longest and takes you up towards the mountains which is pretty awesome view. Then the white line is also quite cool as it takes you past the tall buildings. The blue line then drops you off just outside the centre, near the Wild Rover hostel. I then walked back stopping at the restaurant called Ali Pacha recommended by Agnes. The menu looked amazing, Bol100 for a set lunch menu that looked beautiful. I was just not in the mood so went back to the cheaper option: Cafe Vida. Bus at 9pm to Uyuni with Todo Turismo buses.

CRIBSHEET OF LA PAZ

Where to stay: I stayed at Loki which although known as a party hostal is like a 7 floor former hotel and I had no issues in my room. They also do individual rooms. My issues was on the street as both nights I stayed in La Paz there was a band outside playing until 11pm. The other options that other PeruHop travellers stayed at was Buckie Hostel and Adventure Brew B&B which were on Av Ismael montes but also pretty close to the centre. 

For Restaurants: I went to Cafe Vida and loved it (vegan and delicious - BOL35 for lunch deal). I also ate at Loki but not the greatest food. Also gave a chance to street food which was ok. Other places I would try/ recommended: Bolivian Popular Food (Calle Murillo 826); La Casona (Av Mariscal Santa Cruz); Ali Pacha (Calle Colon No 1306); HB Bronze Caffeebar (Plaza Tomas Frías 1570). 

For typical foods and drinks: empanadas (saltenas); sopa de maní (peanuts soup); plato pásenos (typical dishes); sackhta (dehydrated potatoes, chicken and salsa and pepper). Then for the drinks you have Singani sour (a Bolivian pisco sour); for beers look out for Pasena and Wari brands.

To do: city tours; the markets (La Lanza, de las Brujas; Rodriguez); teleférico with 7 lines); trekking (choro which starts at la cumbre up el chairs to come back to la Paz, taquesi until chulimani, three day trek from tiwanacota); Tiawanaco (archeological site at Bol100 entry, Chaqueltaia (5,200m mountain full day trek); vale de la Luna; Vale de las Animas (geological formations); Muele del Diablo (30 mins from la Paz and a 3 hr walk); Camino de la Muerte.

From La Paz to Uyuni: Todo Turismo buses. 

Uyuni Tours: use FindLocalTours to look at the possible options. When you get to Uyuni there are lots of options but don’t opt for the cheapest as you need experienced drivers and that will cost you a bit more. I used Perla de Bolivia and had no issues (USD200 with all included plus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama).

Day 5. (20.10). Arrived in Uyuni  for 8am. Some people headed straight to their salt flat tours which is definitely doable. I instead, checked in and relaxed. Watched Netflix at the hostel: Piedra Blanca. The hostel is clean and very nice only a bit outside the town but only 5/10 min walk. Went into town bought pasta and cooked it at the hostel. Relaxed day.

Day 6. (21/10). Wake up and breakfast was good. Left the hostel around 9am to get to the agency promptly. Arrived there at 9ish and waited around until 10ish when we set off to the train graveyard. From there we went to a salt making town which has souvenirs etc. I didn't buy a dragon but I should have or instead have props for the salt flats. We resorted to using a banana, which served as a boat quite well. Then lunch at the next stop at the salt flats and more photos. We stopped at another beautiful spot and took more photos. Then we stopped at a coral volcanic island for an one hour walk. We then stopped again for sunset and wine. We then carried on towards the evening hostel.

Sunset at day 1 at the Salt Flats

Day 7. (22.10). Day 2 of the sat flats. We woke up at our salt hostal at 7am and were out by 7:30am. We decided not to do the galaxies cave as it wasn't amazing and would cost us bol20. Instead we headed to the army of stones which are volcanic formations from when the volcanoes erupted and formed interesting shapes raised from the floor. We drove past the altiplano lakes and siloli desert to later stop to see the flamingos. We had lunch at a flamingo lake. We then carried on to the stone tree for 3/4pm then the red lake when we entered the national park (bol150). Almost at the hostel we passed the sol de manana geysers with boiling sulphur (volcanoes below the surface). We arrived at the hostel by the hot springs for 6pm had tea and dinner. The entrance to the hot springs was bol6. Some went some didn't as it was super cold but the stars were beautiful.

Day 8. (23.10). Wake up at 6am to leave at 7am. If you can wake up for sunrise and head to the hot springs, do. The sunrise is beautiful. At 7am we headed to the Salvador Dali desert (the paintings came first). The green lake followed with a beautiful view of the Licancabur volcano. From there we left the reserve and headed to the border. We arrived at the border at 8am and the Bolivian side was easy. At the Chilean side we took an hr or so. They stamp passports then check bags for food etc. From there into Chile.

Alicancbur - day 3 almost at the Chilean border

Thank you Bolivia.

Your world. My world. Our world. 

[aradiamegido]

thefingerfuckingfemalefury​:

middleearthorcseeksspaceorc​:

scootsenshi​:

weeelllp​:

rsbenedict​:

kaijutegu​:

good news, you can! the company’s called Tony’s Chocolonely and their entire purpose is to make slave-free chocolate and reform the chocolate industry.

https://tonyschocolonely.com/us/en

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony%27s_Chocolonely

Whole Foods carries it. If you don’t want to support an Amazon-owned company, World Market carries it. You can also buy it directly from the company. 

It’s the best chocolate I’ve ever had and it’s 100% slave free. Tony’s Chocolonely works really hard to push for transparency within the chocolate industry and actually has and is following an action plan to eliminate slavery within cocoa production. They’re good people who make good chocolate.

A list of slavery-free chocolate companies:

Aldi

Aloha Feels Chocolate

Alma Chocolate

Alter Eco Chocolate

Amano Chocolate

Askinoise Chocolate

The Beach Chocolate Factory

Belicious

Black Mountain Chocolate

Cacaoteca

Caribeans Chocolate

Castronovo Chocolate

Charm School Chocolates

Chocolate Cartel

Chocolat Celeste

Chocolate Tree

Chocolate Troubadour

Choconat

Coco Chocolate

Compartes Chocolates

Dandelion Chocolate

Dark Forest Chocolate

Denman Island Chocolate

Divine Chocolate Co.

Eating Evolved

Eat Your Hat

El Ceibo

The Endangered Species

Equal Exchange

Fairafric

Forever Cocoa

Fresco Chocolate

Fruition Chocolate

Gayleen’s Decadence

GEPA Chocolate

Giddy Yo Yo

Grenada Chocolate Company

Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate

Guittard

Habitual Chocolate

Hagensborg Chocolates

Health by Chocolate

Hilo Shark Chocolate

HNINA Gourmet

Honest Artisan Chocolate

Hooray  Tuffles

Ithaca Fine Chocolates

L.A. Burdick Chocolates

La Iguana Chocolate

Lake Champlain Chocolates

La Siembra Cooperative

Lillie Belle Farms

Madecasse

Malagasy

Maverick Chocolate Company

Max Havelaar

Mayan Monkey

Mayordomo

Mia Chocolate

Montezuma’s Chocolates

Nayah Amazon Chocolates

Newman’s Own Organics

Purdy’s Chocolate

Omanahene Cocoa Bean Company

Ombar

OpuLux Fair Trade Chocolate

Original Hawaiian Chocolate

Parliament Chocolate

Montevérgine

Patric Chocolate

Plamil Organic Chocolate

Potomac Chocolate

Pure Lovin’ Chocolate

Rain Republic

Rapunzel Pure Organics

Ritual Chocolate

Samaritan Xocolata

Sappho Chocolates

Seed & Bean Chocolate

Shaman Chocolates

Sibú Chocolate

Solkiki Chocolate

Sweet Earth Chocolates

Sweet Impact Fudge

Sweet Riot

Sun Eaters Organics

Taza Chocolate

Terra Nostra Organic

Terroir Chocolate

TCHO

The Chocolate Wave

Theo Chocolate

The Original Chocolate Bar (Houston, TX)

Tobago Estate Chocolate

TONY’S CHOCOLONELY

Vivani Chocolate

Vosges

Wei of Chocolate

Xocolatl Chocolate

Zotter

Crazy how the main three chocolate companies in the US are all terrible

Makes sense

Sign me up for this.

Chocolate companies that deserve support here <3

[ginyang98]

31 and 88

35- 3 Fave boys names.- Stefano - I've always said that if I have children (if I want them or not it's not something that I'm thinking on rn) and I have a boy, I'll name him Stefano. (Stefano is an Italian name that means crowned with laurels)- Edgar (my OC's name(?) "Who defends his land with a spear". I like this name because I feel like the people who has it are actually pretty great. It sounds protective and also the people I know with this name is pretty mysterious and I love mysteries... Also if I were a boy I would love to have this name? Yeah?- Arturo/Arthur (other OC name). The bear. It's another name I would love to my kid to have.+2- Caleb - I love how it sounds (I don't know the meaning LOL But I love the sound it makes?)- Luis/Louis/Alois - It's not for DT either. I think it's one of the most common names here in Mexico, for man. But. I love the name. It's simple, but every Luis is different from each other. Also, it's a pretty name, it means "who's glorious on battle" and I think it's epic?(k since you asked me before for girl names too but you already seen some of them ill say other ones:- Rebecca - It's a very strong name. And I love strong names?- Amaris - It sounds sweet and I would love to be named that way if I weren't Georgina? Yeah?- Victoria - Another strong woman name. It means victory, and I think it's super great for a girl. - Karin - It sounds perfect for a vampire girl >:3- Anahí - (My name, actually). It means "beautiful as the Ceibo Flower". Anahí was a native woman in Uruguay that was killed because the Spanish people thought she was a sorceress. They burnt her in a tree of Ceibo. After that, that tree let grow some beautiful flowers that only grow on full moons. I think the meaning its beautiful and I think it somehow fits me pretty well. 88.- Do you like it when people touches your hair?I love it so much. I get pretty relaxed and I usually fall asleep. But only with people I know from very long time. If there's a new person I know and tries to touch my hair I tend to get really anxious and freak out. I just don't like when people I don't really know touches me... I hit them when they do >:v

[likemybonfireheart]

🇦🇷 THE LEGEND OF ANAHÍ 🇦🇷 . The Ceibo is both the national tree and flower of Argentina. It is very resistant to both ice and fire and seen as a symbol of courage and strength in the face of adversity . According to legend, there was once an indigenous woman, daughter of the chief of the Guarani, named Anahí who lived on the shores of the Paraná River. She was small and unsightly, however, her looks were forgotten on summer nights when she came to sing with her beautiful voice to her tribe about their gods and the love of their land . When the conquistadors came to conquer the land, they took Anahí and others from her tribe as prisoners. One night, the guard fell asleep and Anahí saw a chance of escaping. The guard, however, woke up just as she was getting away and so she stabbed him. His screams startled the rest of the soldiers and Anahí was caught. Her punishment for killing the man was to burn at the stake . On the night of her sentence, she was tied to a tree and a fire was lit. The flames quickly caught on and the woman began to sing to her land and her nature . The following morning, the soldiers stood astounded at the spot of her death. In place of the ashes they had expected to find, there was a blooming Ceibo tree showing off its splendorous red flowers . Paper: @hahnemuehle_global Brushes: @schimoni_art and @craftamo Paint: @artphilosophyco and @winsornewtonargentina . #ceibo #ceibotree #flordelceibo #legendofanahí #nationalflower #watercolor #gouache #watercolorpainting #gouachepainting #landscape #treegoddess #painteveryday #instaart #artistoninstagram #bonfireart (at Quilmes Bs As) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKcNh-fn2cv/?igshid=an4z72k9dq0x

[dskimages]

Oh the familiar and oh the different plants you find around the world. To those that live here, this Ceibo tree is ordinary. To those not from here (like me), it is unique and beautiful. Where is this? Ecuador - in the Bahia, Manabai area. For being a relatively small country Ecuador certainly has a variety of plants from the coast to the mountaintops. I cannot speak to the mountains, but I found the Bahia area interestingly dry. At least the ocean isn't far away to cool off. . Oct 2016 . Nikon D7100, f5.6, 1/8000s, ISO2500, 135mm . #DSKImagesNW #myphotooftheday #mypicoftheday #InstaPhoto #JustGoShoot #Snapshot #Monochrome https://www.instagram.com/p/CJoFbnVgKei/?igshid=86zkh2r26ssm

[elbiotipo]

it's even more than that, I need to find the quote but if I'm not misremebering he straight up says that tigers and jaguars come from the same original population but they diverged in different enviroments (that's evolution!!!!!), and then it cuts it off saying "but tigers and jaguars are the same tho"

DUDEEEEE you could have been Charles Darwin instead of arguing about jaguars

then he says that the bark of the ceibo tree is an effecitive antidote against the the poison of the claws of jaguars, which jaguars have, obviously, haven't you heard that jaguars are poisonous

the jaguar/tiger thing is so funny I wish I could explain it, this Jesuit dude spends FOUR pages arguing that the Asian tiger and the American jaguar are the same animal, and it argues it a capa y espada, he cites authors (all of them wrong), he lists similitudes, he brings theological arguments, he insults other chronists ("unlike what MR. PAW (his personal enemy) says...")... all of it to argue something so wrong, he should meet with Captain Ahab and discuss if whales are fish

and then he hits you with "differences in the coat of the two animals or other minor differences might be explained by the fact that they live in different enviroments"

DUDE THAT'S EVOLUTION YOU ALMOST DISCOVERED EVOLUTION

I think for real I should do a paper on jaguars when I'm done with this

[experiencingmyjoy]

Walking Within Wisdom #21 - Eric Isaac Sound Weaver, singing bowl enthusiast, soundbathist

September 9, 2019

 Have you heard about “singing bowls” “gong baths” or “sound healing and wondered what it was? Here is a bit of background…

 According to Tibetan oral tradition, the existence of singing bowls dates back to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 – 480 B.C.). The tradition was brought from India to Tibet, along with the teachings of the Buddha, by the great tantric master Padmasambhava in the 8th century A.D

 Singing bowls produce sounds which invoke a deep state of relaxation which naturally assists one in entering into meditation. They are a quintessential aid to meditation, and can be found on private Buddhist altars, and in temples, monasteries and meditation halls throughout the world. Notes of the crystal bowls are tuned to specific frequencies found within the human body, thus when the sound moves through the atmosphere and touches us, it causes our cells to move in different directions at a different speed, in rhythm with the sound wave. This puts us in harmony with the sound wave. As a result, studies have shown that sound has a direct impact on the mental processes, muscles, nervous system, (heartbeat, pulse) digestive system and circulatory system. Alignment with the tones of the Crystal Bowls is one of the most dynamic forms of sound healing found today.

 I have had the good fortune of experience many sound journeys and gong baths. In Costa Rica there wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t go to the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort for a transformative sound journey with Garden de Ceibo and Ashi Alison Fellers such great memories! If you are ever in Nosara Costa Rica this is a must!!!

https://bodhitreeyogaresort.com/events/sound-journey/

 So that gets me to today’s Walking Within Wisdom. Although I wasn’t exactly “walking” at the Denver Gem and Mineral Show, the experience with Eric Isaac, Lisa Berkana Gervais and SoundGalaxies Singing Bowls transported me! Does that count for walking???

 There is so much wisdom and healing with these beautiful people and instruments, you REALLY need to experience them yourself!

If you are in Denver this week (now through September 15, 2019) you should run, and go see these beautiful bowls and experience this for yourself…  Here is the Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/events/480243489223025/

 OR just go over to the Clarion Hotel at 200 WEst 48th Avenue - second floor and go to Sound Galaxies US intro!!!

 “Come meet the creator of these beautiful crystal singing bowls from Germany SoundGalaxies the US team and other practitioners as well those that just like to play bowls for their own expansion & joy! No experience required to jump in and play a bowl! We will have various happenings in the evenings during the show, stay tuned on Instagram and Facebook for details!  www.soundgalaxies.us”

 If you live or visit Seattle/Pacific Northwest, Eric lives and practices there!

 Don’t miss this experience!!! Perhaps this will be a very different walk with me!!! If you go PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE!!!

[traveltoblank]

5 Things to do in Yasuni National Park

Yasuni National Park is one of the most biologically diverse spots on Earth. This massive rainforest is located in northern Ecuador as part of the Amazon River Basin. We spent a whole week exploring one of the greenest places on earth!

While Yasuni is less than 1% of the Amazon Basin, it is home to almost one-third of the areas amphibian and reptile species, more than the US and Canada combined! With this dense biodiversity, it will be hard to not witness some majestic plants and animals on your adventure into the jungle of Yasuni National Park.

We recommend spending at least a week to explore the many different areas and Kichwa communities located throughout the park. Also, make sure to pack ample mosquito repellent to protect yourself from unnecessary inching or worse.

There is so much to do in the rainforest, with so many tour options, we wanted to share the five best activities to do in Yasuni National Park. No matter how you chose to explore the area, make sure to check these places out.

1. Hiking the Amarun Nambi trail to Centro de Interpretación Yaku Kausay:

We hiked the beautiful Amarun Nambi trail to Yaku Kausay interpretation center. There is a small museum where they explain the history of the national park, its purposes, its communities and its fauna and flora.

In the museum you will also meet with local women which will give you an introduction to their culture (traditional cooking) and welcome you with China de Coca or Guayusa. Next, there is one cabin with high quality hand carve wood models of the main species you can see in the park. At the end of the museum there is a small handcrafted souvenirs store with proceeds going to help support the community members.

2. Observation Tower Cury Mullo:

To get the best panoramic views of the rainforest, take a short walk from the river to the Cury Mullo Observation Tower. The tower is 50 meters tall, right next to a giant tree which is just as tall. Climb the tower to get views of the treetops and river as far as the eye can see. You also get a closeup view into the neighboring tree.

From the tower we got some amazing views of monkeys hopping between trees and birds search for food. You can also potentially see over 200 different species of birds including the macaw, toucan, hawks and more. 

3. Saladero de Loros:

The Saladero de Loros is a small exposed salt lick along the rivers edge. Every mornings you can find hundreds of parrots including two species feeding in this small area. The birds must eat salt to counterbalance all the poisonous fruits they consume throughout the day. It is an interesting experience to see how nature has evolved to ensure the animal’s survival.

Within the national park you are required to stay at least 30 meters away from all wildlife to protect both the animals and yourself. Therefore the boat that takes you to the saladero can not get too close to the cliff. We highly recommend bringing along a pair of binoculars to get a closer view along with a nice telephoto lens to snap some amazing parrot shots.

4. Pink River Dolphins:

Even though it is not technically part of the Yasuni National park it is a must if visiting this part of the rainforest. The dolphins are located 8 hours boat ride away from Coca in the Martinica community conservation land, near Rocafuerte. Once in Rocafuerte you can take a tour directly to see or visit them as part of your stay with the community.

The dolphins are feed a small amount, once per day for the local community to better track and protect these beautiful animals. We had to go to the spot twice before seeing a pink dolphin up close.

5. Big Ceibos and the Pink Boa Tree

Hike along a loop trail to enjoy some of the most unique and missive examples of flora in the park. In the middle of the loop is the largest tree we have ever seen, both in width and height. This is the king of all Ceibos trees, also known as Big Ceibos. The tree is over five meters wide at its base and 50 meters tall. There are even several “rooms” that you can climb into between the large root system.

Also along the trail is the Pink Boa Tree. This average sized tree has a massive pink root that winds its way through the forest floor like a boa snake. Climb along the root for some fun forrest photos.

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