#valley river mall

[pranavrastogiddn]

Balancing Innovation and Tradition: Pranav Rastogi’s Approach to Real Estate

In a rapidly evolving worlad, where modernity often overtakes tradition, Pranav Rastogi stands out as a beacon of balance in the Indian real estate sector. His approach to real estate development reflects an intricate blend of innovative solutions and a deep-rooted respect for Indian traditions, which resonates particularly well with the ethos of Dehradun and other cities that are seeing swift urban growth.

The Rise of Innovation in Real Estate

In the last decade, the Indian real estate market has witnessed tremendous technological advancements. Smart homes, green buildings, and the integration of AI in property management are transforming how properties are built, sold, and lived in. Pranav Rastogi has embraced these advancements, implementing cutting-edge technologies that improve not only the efficiency of construction but also enhance the living experience for buyers.

His projects often feature energy-efficient designs, smart home systems, and sustainable construction materials, all while keeping environmental concerns in mind. His commitment to innovation doesn’t just stop at technology. Pranav Rastogi is also focused on creating spaces that adapt to the lifestyle needs of modern families, offering flexible floor plans and multi-functional spaces that accommodate the growing trend of work-from-home setups.

Tradition: The Soul of Indian Living

While innovation plays a critical role in Rastogi’s projects, he understands that real estate in India cannot be detached from the traditions that define Indian society. The Indian homebuyer often seeks more than just four walls and a roof — they seek a place that reflects their cultural values. Rastogi’s designs integrate traditional Vastu Shastra principles, ensuring that homes offer not just aesthetic appeal but also spiritual harmony.

Whether it’s the placement of rooms to ensure positive energy flow or incorporating courtyards that allow for family gatherings, Rastogi’s respect for tradition is evident. He firmly believes that a home should foster both personal growth and social cohesion, a belief that resonates deeply in India’s family-centric culture.

Real Estate in Dehradun: A City of Tradition and Growth

Dehradun, a city known for its natural beauty and serene lifestyle, has recently emerged as a hub of real estate activity. Its unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities makes it an attractive destination for homebuyers. Pranav Rastogi has been at the forefront of this transformation, with projects that cater to the needs of both the traditional Indian family and the modern professional.

His projects in Dehradun maintain the city’s scenic landscape while providing state-of-the-art living spaces. With an understanding that Dehradun residents value both their heritage and access to modern conveniences, Rastogi’s developments strike the perfect balance.

Building for the Future

What sets Pranav Rastogi apart in the real estate sector is his foresight. He recognizes that the Indian real estate market is evolving, but he also acknowledges that no growth is sustainable without honoring the past. In his projects, innovation and tradition aren’t at odds — they complement each other.

For Rastogi, the future of real estate is about creating spaces where technology serves tradition. By ensuring that his developments are sustainable, tech-friendly, and rooted in Indian values, he continues to shape the future of Indian real estate — one project at a time.

As India marches towards becoming a global superpower, the real estate sector will play a crucial role in shaping its urban landscape. Pranav Rastogi’s approach serves as a blueprint for this evolution. His ability to balance the best of innovation with the timelessness of tradition is something that speaks directly to the Indian homebuyer’s heart. Through his vision, homes are not just structures — they are spaces that hold memories, foster growth, and uphold values.

In a world where progress often means leaving the past behind, Pranav Rastogi’s approach reminds us that true progress is about carrying the best of our traditions forward into a brighter, more innovative future.

[inboundremblog]

Best Things To Do, Spokane: A Guide to the Top Attractions in the City

Credit: Image by Gayatri Malhotra | Unsplash

Must Visit Things to Do in Spokane

Spokane, situated in Washington State, is an active city that captures the essence of new-age city life alongside stunning natural scenery. The city offers its visitors breathtakingly beautiful parks, significant historical monuments and buildings, a variety of attractive art immersion, and a great variety of view food. If you're seeking out things to do, Spokane will not let you down.

At the same time, almost anyone interested in this beautiful city might be satisfied, whether you are interested in nature, history, the arts, or cuisine. Spokane has a lot to offer, and the following is the list of five recommended things to do in Spokane that tourists should visit.

Explore Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is one of the major attractions in Spokane, WashCentre's Center. It is 100 acres, so it has many sights and can provide many exciting things to do for everyone.

The park's green space was constructed initially for the 1974 World's Fair and remains a free-access cultural facility for nationals and tourists nowadays.

Iconic Spokane Falls

Of the highlighted geographical structures in the park, the most impressive feature is probably Spokane Falls. These waterfalls are significant and unique, and while there are no helicopter tours or full-on treks through Victoria Falls, several viewing platforms throughout the park allow for the breathtaking sight.

For a better perspective, spin the Spokane Falls SkyRide, a gondola ride that visually narrates the falls and their vicinity.

Numerica SkyRide

Another popular attraction is the Numerica SkyRide in Riverfront Park, quickly becoming popular. This type of gondola ride is one of the highlights of any visit to this city, as is the beautiful falls it overlooks.

The actual ride takes roughly 15 minutes, and the exciting part is that there are myriad photo-worthy views throughout the experience.

Looff Carrousel

You can ride in the historical Looff Carrousel, a centennial carousel with intricately carved wooden horses for the kids and the child in you. This fun ride attracts kids and the young due to its timeless appeal.

Skate Ribbon and Pavilion

Riverfront Park's entertainment features include an ice ribbon that turns into a roller path. Nestled to the ribbon is the U.S. Pavilion, a large facility utilized for performances, functions, and a spectacular illumination show. Due to its construction and colorful environment, the pavilion can be considered the park's Center.

The M.A.C. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

For those who want to understand the history and culture of the Inland Northwest area, a journey to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (M.A.C.) is a must.

This Center is located in the city's Browne's Addition neighborhoods and has a rich collection of exhibits, including art, history, and Native American culture.

Permanent Collections

This museum's collection is focused on objects from Native American cultures, especially the Plateau cultures of the Pacific Northwest. These collections give a rich history of the Aboriginal community that lived in the area for several generations.

Rotating Exhibits

Besides the permanent collections, there are temporary exhibitions and installations in the M.A.C., focusing on such genres as contemporary art and history with integrated elements. This is usually the case because such exhibits tend to showcase the artists' creations from the region and depict topics related to the area's past and present experiences.

Campbell House

Right beside the museum is the Campbell House, an original early twentieth-century-styled mansion. Tours of the house are available and reveal what life was like in Spokane for the people living there in those days. The Campbell House is one of the city's biggest attractions and an essential exemplification of the area's historical and architectural traditions.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Riverside State Park

Natural lovers should consider themselves lucky to get a taste of Rivers State Park, a treasure trove of opportunities for those who want to spend time in the open air. This is one of the biggest parks in Washington, covering 9,245 acres and four miles northwest of Spokane.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Within the park are numerous, well-marked trails for hiking and biking that pass through wooded areas, open fields, and along the river edge. Some of the most used trails are the Bowl and Pitcher Loop, which gives a perfect view of the Spokane River and remarkable bowl-shaped rocks.

Water Activities

The Spokane River surrounds the park, creating good water recreational opportunities. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are fashionable leisure activities, and with flat water to go on, one can just rent a kayak for the day.

Fishermen can also see different kinds of fish in the river, a common feature of the water source.

Camping and Picnicking

Riverside State Park has numerous camping and picnic areas and is the best place for a weekend camping trip or any event. This natural reservation offers many opportunities for camping, picnicking, and other recreational activities due to its well-developed infrastructure and beautiful natural environment.

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens is a verdant ninety-acre park home to several splendid gardens and stunning landscapes. This park is in Spokane's South Hill and is considered a garden lover's paradise or simply for people looking for a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Duncan Garden

Duncan Garden is one of the well-known venues in Manito Park. It is a formal garden of the European style characterized by an exact repetition of plantages, trimmed lawns, and a water basin in the Center. When in bloom, the garden is bright with colorful flowers, giving visitors a colorful view and peacefulness.

Rose Hill

Rose Hill is another place one cannot afford to miss when in Manito Park. Over 150 varieties of roses are grown in this garden, making the environment sweet and aesthetically appealing. Tourists can view roses in their full glory and their varieties in the garden.

Japanese Garden

The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is a quiet place that hints at Japanese garden design. This calming place has water basins for koi fish, stone lamps, and trimmed trees and bushes. The Japanese Garden is best for meditation since it has a relaxing environment.

Gaiser Conservatory

The Gaiser Conservatory grows a collection of exotic plants and flowers worldwide. An indoor garden such as this one is a paradisiacal milieu that allows people to touch the tropics any time of the year. During the winter, it is mainly in demand, as people prefer to go there to take a warm and colorful rest from the frost.

Spokane boasts phenomenal natural views, countless historical sites and attractions, and a healthy dose of modern arts and recreational activities.

So, start packing, and let me guide you to the things you cannot miss while in Spokane, a city that offers fun, fun, and more fun for anyone who visits!

Discover more about the city’s attractions by reading our blog post at https://sweethomespokane.com/spokane-things-to-do/.

[seeingbeyondtheisland]

ADELAIDE 2024

I have just returned from a trip to Adelaide. You may have noticed my recent name change to "Seeing The Island And Beyond". I explained here on my Instagram that while I intended this blog to only be about my travels outside of Australia, I have since decided to include trips I make around Australia on the blog as I do not travel overseas enough to have continuous content.

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, I went in May which is Winter here in Australia. Adelaide and all of South Australia gets freezing cold winters.

DAY ONE Date: 20/5/2024 Weather: Day: 18 Degrees Night: 12 Degrees Itinerary: Arrive In Adelaide Check Into Hotel - Adina Apartments Luigi's Delicatessan Rundle Mall Alba Hotel

The trip start at Sydney Domestic Airport on the 20th of May, my Mother and I flew from Sydney to Adelaide via Jetstar. The flight to Adelaide was 2 hours.

The last two trips I took were Singapore and Uluru, both very hot places. When I stepped off the plane in both Singapore and Uluru, I was immediately greeted with the extreme heat. This time however was very different, instead of intense heat, when I stepped off the plane I noticed a biting cold as May is Winter in Australia and South Australia gets freezing in Winter. After getting our luggage, we got a cab to the hotel we were staying at Adina Apartments, a beautiful hotel situated in an old treasury building.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were checked in by a wonderful lady named Natalie, Natalie actually took the time to give Mum and I a print out of a map of Adelaide and explain to us exactly where all of the main attractions were located and directions on how to get to them. She also gave us a list of all of the best places to eat in Adelaide. We were both very impressed with the wonderful service Natalie provided us.

After check in, Mum and I went to one of the restaurants on Natalie's list Luigi's Delicatessan. We were greeted by a lovely waitress who explained the menu to us (there is no menu at Luigi's, instead the wait staff explain the menu to you, something they call a "talking menu") We ordered two pasta dishes, orichette with pesto, peas and brocollini and gnocchi with napoletana. The two pasta dishes were out of this world delicious!!!! they came out on a beautiful big board with a basket of house made bread, Mum and I wanted to lick the bowl it was so good AND the portion sizes were so big we had enough to take home to the apartment with us.

Lunch At Luigi's Delicatessan

After lunch, Mum and I went for a stroll through Rundle Mall, I want to mention that Adelaide is a very easy city to get around because unlike Sydney where I'm from, the city of Adelaide was planned in advance and built in a square so all of the major attractions and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. Rundle Mall is like most major shopping centres in Australia with one huge exception, it is all outdoors and has lots of little narrow laneways to explore.

We walked back to the hotel and I had a swim in the pool, I know what you are thinking "are you crazy? you went swimming in 18 degree weather in Adelaide in Winter?" while indeed I am crazy, the pool is an indoor pool which is heated and there is also a spa within the pool complex so I was nice and warm.

That night, we had a bit of difficulty finding somewhere to eat as most restaurants in Adelaide are closed on Monday nights so that is something to keep in mind when travelling to Adelaide. Eventually we found a nice restaurant in the Alba Hotel, a very beautiful new hotel that we were actually looking at staying at originally, however we chose Adina due to its central location, the Alba Hotel is about a 5 minute cab drive out of the city, it also has an outdoor pool which would be beautiful in summer but too cold in winter. The food we had was very nice, unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the food but believe me when I say it was delicious.

COSTS Lunch: $91.00 Taxi To Alba Hotel: $11.00 Dinner: $89.00 Taxi To Adina Apartments: $11.00

DAY TWO Date: 21/5/2024 Weather: Day: 19 Degrees Night: 12 Degrees Itinerary: Adelaide Zoo Sushi Train Koko Black Madame Hanoi

Day two was dedicated to the amazing Adelaide Zoo. Adelaide zoo is Australia's second oldest zoo, opening in 1883 and is home to 2500 animals. Adelaide zoo is most famous for its Giant Panda's Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the only Giant Panda's found anywhere in Australia. Everyday at 1:15PM is the Giant Panda keeper talk where you can learn more about these adorable animals, I learnt many interesting facts, however I won't spoil it by sharing them here. Other interesting creatures in Adelaide Zoo include Sumatran Tigers, Lions, Taipurs, Manned Wolves, Komodo Dragons and much more. The Reptile Enclosure is also pretty awesome and was my second favourite exhibit after the Giant Pandas.

Adelaide Zoo

After our trip to the Adelaide Zoo, we got on one of the Free City Connector Buses that takes you all around the city and got off at Rundle Mall where we had sushi at Sushi Train for lunch. After lunch, we stumbled across a Koko Black cafe and went in for dessert. I had a warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream which was delicious.

Koko Black

We went back to the hotel and I went and had my daily afternoon spa and swim. For dinner that night, we went to Madame Hanoi, an amazing Vietnamese restaurant just outside the SkyCity Casino. My Mum had a bao bun for an entree and I had spicy tofu which was delicious. For mains we shared Galangal Spiced Half Chicken with rice. The chicken was so tender and succulent and covered in a delicious miso corn puree with pickles, coriander and dried chilli oil. It was the best chicken dish either of us has ever eaten, the portion sizes were big meaning we had leftovers (I may or may not have had the chicken and tofu for breakfast the next morning).

Madame Hanoi

COSTS Taxi To Adelaide Zoo: $12.00 Adelaide Zoo: $42.50 Bus To Sushi Train: $2.05 Lunch: $22.00 Koko Black: $8.00 Taxi To Madame Hanoi: $10.00 Dinner: $66.00 Taxi To Adina Apartments: $10.00

DAY THREE Date: 22/5/2024 Weather: Day: 18 Degrees Night: 12 Degrees Itinerary: Art Gallery Of South Australia Lunch Adelaide Botanic Gardens Pizza E Mozzarella Bar

Day three was very exciting for me because that day I was meeting up with Maura, an internet friend of 10 years!!!!! it was so exciting to finally meet up in person. We met up at the Art Gallery Of South Australia, greeting each other with a huge hug and excited grins. Being from Sydney, I didn't think there would be galleries better than ours in other states but I was wrong! the Art Gallery Of South Australia would have to be better than any of the galleries that I have seen in Sydney. The gallery is completely free to enter, unless of course you are there for a paid exhibition and houses many amazing treasures.

We spent well over an hour walking through the art gallery and looking at all of the beautiful works of art. I was pleasantly surprised to find a digital portrait of Lady Gaga in the museum.

Art Gallery Of South Australia

After seeing the Art Gallery Of South Australia, Maura and I went next door to the South Australian Museum. This museum focuses on native cultures, fauna of Australia, prehistoric creatures, minerals, arctic explorations and much more. There is so much to see here, you could easily spend over an hour exploring everything which we did, and we thoroughly enjoyed everything that we saw.

South Australian Museum

We then went and had lunch at this really nice Ramen bar, unfortunately I cannot remember the name of it and I forgot to take photos, but it was delicious.

Our last stop was the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a wonderland of all different kinds of plants and flowers. We pretty much walked the entire gardens which was tiring but so worth it. There was a little straw hut which Maura and I both agreed reminded us of "The Secret Garden", a green house with lillypads, a rose garden, a greenhouse with a cave and much more.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

At around 4:00PM, Maura and I said our goodbyes and I went back to the hotel. I had my daily afternoon swim and spa and then Mum and I went to Pizza E Mozzarella Bar for dinner. I had a really nice mocktail which I can't remember the name of, for dinner, Mum and I shared a garlic pizza and a spaghetti in red sauce. Both meals were delicious and we defiantly would recommend them.

Pizza E Mozzarella Bar

COSTS Lunch: $23.00 Dinner: $51.00

DAY FOUR Date: 23/5/2024 Weather: Day: 17 Degrees Night: 11 Degrees Itinerary: Bums On Seats Hanhdorf & Barossa Valley With Winery Lunch Tour - Maggie Beer's Farmshop - Barossa Valley Chocolate Company - Chateau Yaldara - Kies Family Wines - Hanhdorf Concubine

My Mum's birthday is in August so I booked a day trip to the Barossa Valley as an early birthday present for her. We went with a company Called "Bums On Seats", I know, funny name we all had a giggle about it. We were picked up out the front of our hotel in a van by a lovely driver by the name of Jeff. We were the first people Jeff picked up and then we went to 2 other hotels and picked up the other guests, there ended up being six of us so it was a very small and intimate group which was very nice. Everyone we met on our tour was really lovely and we were all quite good friends by the end of the day.

Our first stop was Maggie Beer's Farmshop at Pheasant Farm, this was the main reason I booked this tour for my Mum's birthday because my Mum loves Maggie Beer and has always wanted to visit her farm shop. It took us about an hour from Adelaide to get there, our guide Jeff was amazing and told us many interesting facts about Adelaide, the Barossa Valley and the Farmshop on the way.

Mum of course was very excited when we pulled into Maggie Beer's Farmshop and I got a polaroid shot of her before we went inside. The Farmshop is both a cafe and a gift shop in one, Maggie Beer for years had a show called "The Cook & The Chef" and inside the gift shop is the exact kitchen that she used for the show which Mum was very excited to see. After a look in the gift shop, we ordered morning tea at the cafe and sat and looked at the window at the magnificent Yabby Farm. Our morning tea arrived, Mum ordered a scone and a coffee and I had a dark chocolate brownie with pear, sounds like a weird combination but it was the most amazing brownie I have ever eaten!!!! Mum said her coffee and scone were out of this world. After about half an hour in the farm shop, we went back out to the van and hopped on to our next destination the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

Maggie Beer's Farmshop

We arrived at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company and were immediately greeted with the big chocolate fountain at the front of the shop. We were probably there for about 15 minutes, I bought lots of chocolate and even had a chocolate gelato at the gelato stall out the front of the shop.

Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

We headed to our next destination, Chateau Yuldara for wine tasting. The beautiful big castle was built in 1941 by Hermann Thumm, a European immigrant who was sent to Australia due to WW2 and was placed in a working camp on the Murray River. After the war, Thumm was released and found work in winery near Lyndoch. Driving past an old flour mill with his boss one day, Hermann's imagination and passion were sparked, he made many visits to the current land owners and convinced them to sell him a portion of the land. For months, Hermann worked tirelessly to prepare the estate for its first vintage. Wine making began in 1947, Hermann relied on local grape growers for his first vintages.

Hermann had the infamous Chateau built over a period of 18 months, it was originally built to display his collection of furniture and fine china, however today it is used for wine tasting.

I myself am not a drinker (I know weird to be on a Barossa Valley tour when you don't drink), so while everyone was tasting wine, I walked around the magnificent gardens and even met some sheep.

Chateau Yuldara

We headed to Kies Family Wines for lunch and more wine tasting. On the way there, we were given a lunch menu and asked to pick a lunch, I chose a spinach and ricotta filo with fries and mum chose something called the monkey nut chicken. All of our food was really nice and we got to sit and chat and get to know one another a lot better which was really nice. The winery also had a gift shop, thats where I pretty much spent most of my time while the others were tasting wine. I also went into the garden and noticed that they had American Bag Toss so I had a go at that as well.

Lunch At Kies Family Winery

After lunch, we headed to the place I had been most eager to see, Hahndorf. Hahndorf is a cute little German village that was settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, as a result, the town looks and feels exactly like a town in Germany with its original German style architecture and artisanal food. Just walking up and down the streets, I saw many German flags and restaurants with German music playing inside, I even heard some people speaking German (I don't speak a word of German so I could have been mistaken but it defiantly sounded like German). The town itself has a very interesting history.

The history of Hahndorf begins in 1838, George Fife Angas, a director of a South Australian company, made a trip to London to promote colonisation. George met Pastor Kavel during his trip, who was trying to help German Lutherans being persecuted by the King Of Prussia to immigrate to safer places. Angas, moved by the plight of the Lutherans convinced Kavel that South Australia would be a suitable place for the Lutherans to emigrate to and provided a generous donation of 8000 pounds. 187 German Lutheran immigrants arrived in Port Adelaide on the 28th of December 1838 via the 344 tonne ship Zebra. Unfortunately, the passengers were unable to disembark until the 2nd of January 1839 as a result of low tide. Dirk Hahn the ships captain, had grown to respect the passengers and promised to help them achieve their goal of settling and farming together, he managed to negotiate a parcel of land in the Adelaide Hills.

The negotiated contract provided the 38 families with 100 acres of land, rent free for the first year. Of this 19 acres were allocated for housing and roads and the rest for cultivation, the settlers were also provided with a years worth of seeds and some livestock, all on credit as a communal debt. The settlers decided to buy the land at the end of the first year, however it took them a few years to pay off the debt. In addition to the 38 families, an extra 14 families who had settled previously at Klemzig joined the settlement. The new settlement was named Hahndorf (Hahn's Village) in honour of Captain Hahn who had helped the refugees to achieve their goal.

I absolutely loved this little town so much, all of the little shops are so cute, and I even bought a really cute bag in the Hahndorf Bag Shop. I have always wanted to visit Germany, but I want to do so even more so after seeing this village, I'd also like to start learning some German as I literally know none.

Hahndorf

The Bag I Bought In Hahndorf

After Hahndorf, our wonderful tour had come to an end and we were dropped back at our hotel, where we said our goodbyes to all of the lovely people on the tour and our amazing driver Jeff. I of course went and had my afternoon swim and spa and then we went out for dinner.

We walked down to Chinatown that night and went to a really beautiful Chinese restaurant called Concubine, the food was amazing and so was the service. We got a little lost on our way there, so we rang them to ask for help getting there and one of the staff members literally walked down the street to find us!!!!! I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. I of course had Tofu and rice for dinner.

Concubine

COSTS Bums On Seats Tour: $169.00 Dinner: $41.00

DAY FIVE Date: 24/5/2024 Weather: Day: 17 Degrees Night: 12 Degrees Itinerary: Glenelg Beach Cheeseburger Adelaide Central Markets Osteria Oggi Koko Black Rundle Mall

Day five was our last full day in Adelaide, so we decided to go down to Glenelg beach via tram. Glenelg Beach is a beautiful beach that is very popular in the summertime, the area of Glenelg, is also pretty amazing, there are many shops, cafes and restaurants. Lots of little photo ops along the beach front, a fountain in the centre square and a huge amusement centre for kids and big kids. As Mum and I went in winter, Glenelg was pretty quite and obviously we were unable to actually swim, however it was still very worth the trip here.

The first thing we did was go out on to the wharf. As we came back from the wharf, I discovered the little photo ops on the beach and got some photos with them. We then went to a little cafe called Banjo's for morning tea, mum had coffee and I had a mini Hawaiian pizza. We then walked up and down the main street and had a look in all of the little shops before getting the tram back to the Adelaide CBD.

Glenelg Beach

After Glenelg, we were both craving cheeseburgers so while we were on the tram back to Adelaide CBD, I looked up good burger bars in Adelaide and found one simply called "Cheeseburger". Once we got back to Adelaide CBD, we both walked to Cheeseburger and had a delicious cheeseburger for lunch.

Cheeseburger

After lunch we walked to the Adelaide Central Markets. The Adelaide Central Markets has over 80 vendors, selling fresh produce and amazing food. The fruit and veggies looked so beautiful and fresh!!!! I really wished I could have taken some back to Sydney with me. We walked up and down every aisle, I had a snickers pop at Jamu which was delicious and we both decided to return for lunch the next day.

Adelaide Central Markets

That night for dinner we went to Osteria Oggi, a beautiful Italian restaurant. The restaurant is unique in that rather than sitting at an individual table, you sit at a more communal table, the idea of this is to encourage guests to mingle with and get to know one another which I think is quite a lovely idea. They do also have private booths but these are reserved for groups. We had a really lovely server whose name now slips my mind, however I DO!!!! remember she had an Industrial piercing which I was very jealous of. Mum and I shared Spaghetti with smoked passata, capers, olives, chilli and basil and wood grilled zucchini, both dishes were absolutely delicious and had us wanting to lick the plate.

Osteria Oggi

After dinner we decided to go to Koko Black for dessert. We both ordered the same thing that we did on the Tuesday and we both enjoyed it just as much. In Adelaide, Friday is late night shopping night and since we were already in Rundle Mall, we decided to walk through and have a quick look before returning to our hotel.

Rundle Mall

COSTS Tram To Glenelg Beach: $3.00 Morning Tea: $8.00 Tram To Adelaide: $3.00 Lunch: $10.90 Dinner: $60 Koko Black: $8.00

DAY SIX Date: 25/5/2024 Weather: Day: 16 Degrees Night: 12 Degrees Itinerary: Check Out Of Hotel Torrens River Cruise Adelaide Central Market Church

COSTS Taxi To Torrens River: $9.00 Torrens River Cruise: $17.00 Lunch: $16.00

Waking up I was hit with a pang of sadness as I realised that this was the last morning I would wake up in the Adina Apartments. Luckily, our flight back to Sydney wasn't until 3 in the afternoon so we still had almost a full day to spend in Adelaide before heading to the airport.

We checked out of the Adina Apartments, however as we were still going to be out and about in Adelaide, they held our bags in storage for us.

We got a taxi down to the Torrens River. The Torrens River is the reason that Adelaide was selected as the site for settlement in 1836 when the Europeans arrived due to the fresh water available from the river. We went on a cruise down the river with Popeye River Cruises that took us through the entire river. Along the way we were handed around photos of the river throughout the ages and given many interesting facts by our guide, the cruise went for 45 minutes and was a very pleasant way to spend the morning.

The Torrens River

After our cruise, we walked to the Adelaide Central Markets and had lunch at an amazing pizza stall called Atlas.

Lunch At Adelaide Central Markets

After lunch, we walked across the road to the beautiful St Peter's Cathedral. Adelaide is known as the "City Of Churches" and has many beautiful churches to explore. Sadly I only got a chance to see one, however I'm hoping to visit again and when I do, I'll defiantly check out the others. St Peter's is a beautiful church and defiantly something I recommend seeing.

St Peter's Cathedral

This is where our trip in Adelaide basically finished, we went back to the Adina Apartments and got our luggage and then got a taxi to the airport where we flew back home to Sydney.

I must say I really enjoyed Adelaide far more than I was expecting, Adelaide is a small but beautiful and diverse city with beautiful food, unique sights and friendly people from all walks of life.

TIPS - Adelaide gets very cold in Winter so make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, boots and a coat if you visit in winter. - When using public transport, tap your card on the scanner when you get on but don't tap off again as you leave.

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

Thanks to everyone who voted in today's @wdefnews12 #PaniaguaAutoMall #WeatherQuestion of the day. Correct answer: Ice & Snow.

More polls coming up at wdef.com/votenow

[fdmctour]

Manali

मनाली के बारे में Manali Manali, हिमाचल प्रदेश में एक बहुत ही खूबसूरत शहर है। यह शहर पर्वतीय क्षेत्र में स्थित है और प्रकृति की सुंदरता से भरा हुआ है। इस शहर में आने वाले लोग यहां की प्रकृति और शांति का आनंद लेते हैं। मनाली अपनी खूबसूरती, स्थानों और आकर्षणों के लिए जानी जाती है। इस ब्लॉग में, हम मनाली के सबसे लोकप्रिय स्थानों और आकर्षणों के बारे में विस्तार से जानेंगे।मनाली हिमाचल प्रदेश के…

[evan-collins90]

A variety of interior design selections from the book, Successful Food Merchandising & Display (1989)

1. Strawbridge & Clothier - King of Prussia, PA - designed by Pavlik Design Associates

2. Bananas - Garden State Mall - Paramus, NJ - designed by Q-5

3. Fruit Works - Mall at Mill Creek - Secaucus, NJ - designed by Q-5

4. Genesee Valley Mall - Flint MI - designer not listed

5. Pavilion, Valley River Center - Eugene, OR - designed by Kober, Sclater

6. Soda Squirts at The Broadway - Costa Mesa, CA - designed by Cole, Martinez & Curtis 

7-8. Forty Second St. Food Court - NYC, NY - designed by Charles Morris Mount  

9. Popeye’s Fried Chicken - New Orleans, LA - designer not listed

10. The Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie - Quaker Bridge, Trenton NJ - designed by Q-5

[odinsblog]

“How do you enjoy life as the world burns? When the planet is on fire, and the country is falling apart, and the cops shoot another teenager, and half your neighbors are getting evicted or deported, and Bill Maher is still speaking out loud on television, what do you do? I go to the water park with my nephew Miles.

Miles is 12 years old. He is a brilliant, bow-legged troublemaker. I love him despite the fact that he's 12 and still has a rat tail. It's really not that cute anymore, dude. We're not related by blood, but Miles' dad, Kevin, is like a brother to me. So Miles calls me Uncle Josh.

Uncle Josh, when are we going to the Warriors game? Uncle Josh, will you show me how to open that car with a hanger again? Uncle Josh, Uncle Josh, since I'm half Black and half Asian, does that make me Blazian? No, Miles, that makes you Oakland.

It's August, and it's hot, which for the Bay Area, means anything above 67. Today, it's 91. I'm over at Kevin and Miles' place, sitting in no AC, in our tank tops and boxers, watching Key and Peele.

I say, guys, we gotta go somewhere to cool off. Cooler than the movie theater, cooler than the mall, I'm gonna take us to East Bay's water world. Miles' face lights up. But then Kevin says, I don't know you guys. I mean, those water parks, you know, they're so wasteful.

My man Kevin is the worst kind of Bay Area environmentalist. He's that type of dude who will come over your house and use the bathroom, not flush, but instead write a note on your toilet paper telling you how much water he just saved you. That's a true story.

I say, Kevin, it's so hot out here, I could fry an egg on your face, which I will if we don't go to East Bay Water World. Miles says, please dad. I say, please dad.

Kevin says, fine. Go have fun at the park, but take my car. It's a hybrid.

I grab the keys and soon me and Miles are driving through Oakland. We pass by the Trilingual Liquor Store, the farmer's market that accepts food stamps and we make our way through the tunnel and the hills. We emerge on the other side in the valley.

The further we get from the coast, the ground is drier and drier, browner and browner. The only green is the manicured lawns of the suburbs, the golf courses, the empty field of the sprawling county jail. And then we see it and we arrive at our Mecca, our oasis in the California desert, East Bay Water World. And it's even more beautiful than I imagined. There's four wave pools, there's a 50-foot water park, the air smells like chlorine and sunscreen and funnel cake. Delicious.

Miles' mouth is wide, staring at all these things he's never seen before. Carnival games, Dippin Dots, girls in bikinis, Uncle Josh, this place is awesome. I know, Miles. I know.

We go and we jump in the wave pool, we float down the lazy river, we spin through the whitewater rapids until we're totally drenched, grinning ear to ear and surprisingly thirsty. So I go to the funnel cake vendor for something to drink.

Can I get a bottle of water, please? He says, no problem. That'll be $7. $7 for a bottle of water? He looks at the bottle. It says, and he literally read off the bottle, it says this here is bottled and purified up near Lake Tahoe.

This is California water. California water. I buy two bottles and walk back to where Miles is pointing up towards the sky. I follow his gaze and then I see it. There, staring down at us from the tallest point in the park is the biggest water slide I've ever seen. The tallest slide in Northern California, the Annihilator.

The Annihilator is a seven-story, 80-foot freefall drop down all in just under five seconds. It's one of those slides that's so vertical, your back comes off the ride when you go down, so you feel like if you lean over just a little bit, you're done. It's the type of slide that's illegal in 27 states and most of the European Union, but hey, this is California.

I look and see Miles. His mouth is watering in anticipation. We go and get in line.

Now, the worst part of the Annihilator isn't the ride down. That's only five seconds. The worst part is the 30-minute wait in line, standing in the stairs watching and hearing every kid go down the slide, hearing every scream, every shriek, every, oh, sweet baby, Purple Jesus. The That's a direct quote from a nine-year-old. Shout out to Purple Jesus.

Miles is nervous. His hand is clenching the railing. Uncle Josh, is this thing safe?

Before I can answer, I hear a voice shouting from the top of the stairs, Hands up! Put your hands up!

Hands up!

It's the lifeguard, a tall white teenager in red shorts. He's yelling at the girl about to go down the slide. I'm telling you, it's way more fun if you put your hands up.

And the words hit me like a tsunami. It's August, two weeks after Ferguson, after Mike Brown. After those words, hands up became the calling cry for a movement.

In Missouri, people are putting their hands up to protest the police murdering another black boy in America. In California, I'm watching kids put their hands up as they go down a water slide called the Annihilator, and my nephew asks me if it's safe here. It's August in America.

In Detroit, they're shutting off poor people's water. California is suffocating of thirst. Half of my friends are putting buckets of ice over their faces on Facebook. Israel is bombing water treatment plants in Gaza, and in America, we have water parks in the desert. Industrial Almond Farms in the desert, prisons in the desert, my family, me and my nephew right here in the desert looking for anything that could be called an oasis. And Miles asked me if it's safe here.

What am I supposed to tell him?

I don't want to lie to my nephew. I want him to know that yes, some people will always see him as a threat, but I also want him to laugh and play and go get on this crazy ass waterslide.

How do you enjoy life as the world is burning? How do you teach your nephew to hate the park but love the ride? The thing is called the Annihilator. I think it might be trying to tell us something.

And now we're next in line. A girl with blonde pigtails is shaking her head. The lifeguard says, it's okay, you don't have to do it.

She backs away and now Miles is up.

He steps to the edge of the slide, puts his feet in the rushing water.

I can see the brown hills in the distance, Oakland and all its beautiful contradictions waiting on the other side. I wave at Miles, say, you got this. You got this, dude.

And he waves back at me, and when he does, he lets go of the railing. His hand shoots up in the air and the rushing water carries him away. He lets go. He shoots out and disappears over the edge. My nephew!

I rush to the side and look over, and there's Miles at the bottom of the slide, safe and alive and pulling up his bathing suit. He jumps up and runs to get back in line, and the cycle continues. Water, blood, life, death, and maybe rebirth.

I'm still on the top platform of the slide.

I walk to the edge, look down at California, lift my hands, and let go.”

—Mr. Josh Healey

[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

anyway other thoughts:

Criston becoming suddenly forward with Alicent would have worked much better imo if they weren’t already fucking lol OR there was more context about the power dynamic thing I think is happening here where initially she just wanted to exert control over any avenue of her life (and over someone else) and he was chill with it at the time but now he has actual power as hand

I do miss Otto a lot already rip

the subplots are all interesting but feel painfully like subplots. this show is too short to have filler episodes. of the subplots I did like the cold open (?) border skirmish between random noble houses a lot. also Aegon roasting Aemond over his mommy kink lmao

Rhaenys nearly outright suggesting that Alicent and Rhaenyra should just fuck it out was hilarious

fun to finally see Alys Rivers but WHY was she giving valley girl mall goth 😭😭

really curious why Daemon started crying at the weird Rhaenyra hallucination at Harrenhall. I don’t think he suddenly feels remorse for B&C ihhfgff is he that fucking torn up over his neice-wife being mad at him? that’s so fucking funny

[rabbitcruiser]

North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton (No. 3)

The North Saskatchewan River Valley park system, including its associated ravines, holds over 30 urban parks forming a part of the larger park system. Collectively, these parks form the largest municipally-operated urban park and the largest contiguous area of urban parkland in the country. The park system encompasses over 7,300 hectares (18,000 acres) of land.

Several municipal parks and Strathcona Science Provincial Park form the North Saskatchewan River valley parks system. 

Among the various municipally-maintained parks in Edmonton, the ones located in the river valley hold the highest availability of washrooms and picnic sites. The majority of the parks in the river valley have trails that connect to other areas of the park system. The river valley also holds a number of recreational facilities including baseball fields, dog parks, playgrounds, slipways, sports fields, and tennis courts. Although there exists a concentration of recreational facilities in the river system, service facilities including equipment rentals and food and beverage facilities remain scarce in the river valley.

As of 2007, it was estimated that 10 million guests visit the river valley annually, making it the second most visited site in Alberta after the West Edmonton Mall. However, concerns were raised that higher visitation rates to the river valley, along with the continued urban developments within it, may cause disruption of local wildlife, and threaten the long-term health of the river valley.

Source: Wikipedia

[sikkimtourpackage]

Conquer the Himalayas: A Trekker’s Dream Adventure

The Himalayas, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," is a breathtaking mountain range that stretches across five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and profound cultural heritage, the Himalayas beckon travelers from around the globe. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines natural beauty, spiritual enrichment, and thrilling experiences, a Himalayan Tour Package is the perfect choice for you. This article explores the various aspects of traveling to this majestic region and why a Himalayan tour should be on your travel bucket list.

Why Choose a Himalayan Tour Package?

When it comes to exploring the Himalayas, opting for a Himalayan Tour Package has numerous advantages. Firstly, a well-curated package takes care of all the logistics, allowing you to focus on experiencing the beauty and culture of the mountains. From accommodations to meals, transportation, and guided tours, everything is planned for you. This not only saves you time but also ensures a seamless experience, especially in a region where navigating the terrain can be challenging.

Additionally, a Himalayan Tour Package often includes experienced guides who are well-versed in the local culture and geography. They can provide insights and stories that enhance your understanding of the places you visit, making your journey even more enriching.

Destinations to Explore

The Himalayas are home to numerous breathtaking destinations, each offering unique experiences. Some of the must-visit places included in most Himalayan Tour Packages are:

Leh-Ladakh: Famous for its rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, Leh-Ladakh is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. From the serene Pangong Lake to the thrilling Khardung La Pass, the region offers plenty of trekking, camping, and biking opportunities.

Manali: Nestled in the Kullu Valley, Manali is a popular hill station known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture. A Himalayan Tour Package to Manali typically includes visits to Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the ancient Hadimba Temple.

Shimla: The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is renowned for its colonial architecture and panoramic views. Visitors can stroll along the Mall Road, visit the Christ Church, and explore the surrounding hills.

Rishikesh and Haridwar: Known as the spiritual hubs of India, Rishikesh and Haridwar attract pilgrims and adventure seekers alike. A Himalayan Tour Package to this region often includes yoga retreats, river rafting, and visits to ancient temples.

Nepal: The Himalayan range in Nepal is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. Trekking packages to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are popular among adventure lovers.

Cultural Experiences

One of the highlights of a Himalayan Tour Package is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The region is home to a diverse range of communities, each with its own traditions, festivals, and cuisines. Whether you’re attending a local festival, participating in a traditional dance, or enjoying a meal with a local family, you’ll find that the hospitality of the Himalayan people is unmatched.

Many Himalayan Tour Packages also include visits to ancient monasteries and temples. These sacred sites offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region and are often located in breathtaking settings, surrounded by towering peaks and lush valleys.

Adventure Activities

For adventure enthusiasts, the Himalayas are a playground offering a myriad of activities. From trekking and mountaineering to paragliding and river rafting, a Himalayan Tour Package can be tailored to suit your adventurous spirit.

Trekking: The Himalayas boast some of the best trekking routes in the world. Popular treks include the Triund Trek, Valley of Flowers, and the Everest Base Camp Trek. Each trek offers stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature.

Paragliding: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding in places like Bir Billing and Manali provides an exhilarating experience of soaring above the mountains.

River Rafting: The rivers flowing down the Himalayan slopes offer thrilling white-water rafting opportunities. Rishikesh is particularly famous for its rafting adventures.

Skiing and Snowboarding: During winter, regions like Auli and Gulmarg transform into winter wonderlands, attracting skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the right time for your Himalayan Tour Package is essential to ensure a pleasant experience. The best time to visit the Himalayas largely depends on the specific region and the activities you wish to pursue:

Summer (March to June): This is the peak season for travelers, especially for trekking and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are lush and green.

Monsoon (July to September): While the monsoon brings vibrant greenery, it can also lead to landslides and travel disruptions in some areas. However, this is a great time for cultural festivals.

Autumn (October to November): Autumn is another excellent time to visit, with clear skies and breathtaking views. The temperatures are cooler, making it perfect for trekking.

Winter (December to February): Winter in the Himalayas offers a unique charm, especially for those interested in snow sports. However, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential road closures.

Conclusion

A Himalayan Tour Package promises an unforgettable journey through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. With its stunning vistas, rich cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities, the Himalayas are a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment, thrilling adventures, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the majestic Himalayas await your exploration. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an incredible journey to the roof of the world!

[battle-of-alberta]

The 2023 Annual Blog Survey is complete!

Thanks for participating! [ Check out the results here. ]

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What is this blog?

This is an ask blog for personifications of Canadian cities Edmonton and Calgary as well as a handful of their friends around the province. See brief bios below!

Please check the desktop/browser version of this blog for a more detailed vision, FAQ, and Story links among others. You're welcome to use my characters in your own works, please tag me so I can see!

My main blog is @allbeendonebefore. I go by Hapo (she/they) and I am running this blog primarily from Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton). My background is primarily in classics, information and museum studies; I am not a historian, but I do have historical training and interest.

Ask Status: Open!

There is currently (July 2024) a backlog of 8 asks, please be patient for answers :) Sometimes I will answer an ask right away or sit on it for months, I don’t necessarily answer them in the order I receive them.

Asks without a recipient will generally be directed towards Ed and/or Cal; you can also ask me directly! Please be respectful when asking questions, especially around politically or historically sensitive issues. I will occasionally answer asks on current events, but they may already be old news by the time I get to them!

Asks are open again for the first time in over six months :)

Meta Stuff

BoAB Meta Tag | 2022 Blog Survey Results | The BoAB uQuiz

Characters below!

Main Characters

Edmonton | Edward Murphy Masterpost | Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes Begrudging capital of the province and self-proclaimed black sheep, Ed represents an eclectic mix of blue collar oil culture and government service. When he’s not trying to escape the gravitational pull of 1980′s nostalgia for Gretzky and The Mall or snarking his way through question period at the legislature, Ed enjoys partying hard at festivals and long bike rides in the river valley.

Calgary | Calvin McCall Masterpost | Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes Largest city in the province and fourth nationally, Calvin’s youthful energy and optimism is tempered by a conservative streak and a preoccupation with being taken seriously as a major city at home and abroad. He is most famous for his annual Stampede celebrating the romantic wild west... contrary to his actual upbringing in the mild west!

Red Deer | Elaine Hartley Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes The city halfway between the provincial powerhouses, Red is either fuelling up vehicles, people, or both at once in Gasoline Alley. Maybe if people stuck around after emptying their bladders or filling their stomachs, they’d discover she has more to offer than her delicious home cooking!

Lethbridge | Lilith Sheran Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes The former financial hub of the province and former American whisky fort, Lilith has transitioned from a gritty coal mining past to the laid back lifestyle of a university city. Although she is one of Canada’s windiest cities, she rarely has a hair out of place.

Fort McMurray | Reginald “Mac” Buffalo Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes An isolated hamlet at the heart of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Athabasca tar sands, Mac is a tough, working class rig pig. Behind his massive pick up truck, corded muscles and defensive nature is a shy guy (and a big fluffy Newfoundland/husky mix dog, Patches).  

Medicine Hat | Madeline Hargrave Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes A sleepy retirement community and overall ray of sunshine, Madeline usually takes a back seat in the provincial conversations and prefers to work on her own projects. Famously referred to as having “all hell for a basement”, Madeline’s wealth in natural gas and electricity continues to light her way.

Grande Prairie | Josephine Cardinal Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes A fast growing industrial city, Josephine’s hot temper and no-nonsense attitude occasionally conflicts with her romantic perception of herself. She is very proud of being a northern city with a surprising number of amenities and is more than happy to share with her neighbours.

Banff | Eleanor Crandell Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes An internationally famous mountain resort town, Eleanor is usually busy hosting and entertaining visitors from abroad (as well as Calvin every weekend). When not attending to guests, she is as down for skiing and wilderness hikes as she is for the buzzing shopping and nightlife scene.

Jasper | Jasper Swift Bio | Relationships | Trivia | Notes A former fur trading post turned heart of a national park, Jas tends to be a little more laid back than their counterpart in Banff but no less popular. A little quieter and wilder, Jasper’s claim to fame is their cozy cabin culture and annual Dark Sky festival.

Other Municipalities

Strathcona | Edith Garneau: Former municipality representing Edmonton’s south side and the University of Alberta campus, Edith is typically found inhaling copious amounts of cuisine on Whyte Ave or rehearsing for Fringe Fest when not plotting the downfall of the government.

Bowness | Caroline Cochrane: Former municipality representing Calgary’s northwest, Caroline represents what used to be a popular recreational spot for day-tripping Calgarians during the early 20th century. These days, she is usually trying to organize community fundraisers with themes beyond “western”.

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St. Paul | Paula: Small town originally founded as a Metis settlement, Paula’s current major attraction is the centennial UFO landing pad (with accompanying UFO Hotline, naturally.)

Vulcan | ? : Small town originally named for the Roman god of the forge, now capitalizing on their reputation as Star Trek Capital of Canada for obvious reasons.

Drumheller | ? : Small town in the Alberta badlands famous the world over for fantastic fossil finds, many of which are housed at the nearby Royal Tyrell Museum.

Cardston | Orson Card: Small town founded around one of the most northern locations of Mormon Temples in North America. Orson is a polite and sincere (if unsettlingly so) fellow who helped build southern Alberta’s irrigation system.

Sherwood Park | Marion Clover: A bedroom community east of Edmonton and one of the largest population centres in the province despite technically being a hamlet. Marion is a refined lady (pun intended) that supervises one of Western Canada’s biggest industrial zones.

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Missing a character? While my goal is not to personify every municipality in the province, I will occasionally reference others. Keep your eyes peeled!

[chaoticdesertdweller]

A sign to just "be"

A flowering tree

A random bottle of pee

English lavender and a bee

These are all things I see @ New River Valley Mall, Virginia

📸 DJF

[smoshblr-aita]

Confession:

TLDR: I went on an outing with a friend recently and don't know what to make of it.

We were going to get dinner together. We met at a mall and took transit together, and I followed her around since this was her city and I was unfamiliar with how to get around by foot. Honestly, it felt like a normal outing at first, she showed me around downtown and we took a detour walking to our dinner place, taking a nice scenic route weaving through the river valley.

We arrived at a ramen place slightly before 8 PM. It's a place that she recommended, so we went, and the food was delicious. I've never had a hangout with her like this before, we only knew each other from a club we were in together for 3 years, and we both were on the executive team together.

When we talked to each other, it was endless. We talked for so long that we didn't even realize that the restaurant was closing around us, in fact, the waitress had to inform us that the restaurant was past closing (10 PM, it was 10:15 PM when she notified us) but there was no rush for us to get out. I've only had two people in the past that conversations had happened like that: with previous crushes. Sometimes we can just talk and talk and never stop. I think this is where the rosy atmosphere started.

After dinner, we wanted to go and see the fireworks happening in her city that started at 11 PM. We walked downtown, and thought that we wouldn't watch them because it was so busy and a bit uncomfortable due to so many drunk people on the streets. But as we were walking back to the train station, the fireworks started and we stopped by the side of the road to watch it together. I noticed that we were closer now, physically - her and I's arms were touching.

When the fireworks finished, it was a mad dash for the train station and it was quite scary. I've never seen so many people trying to pile onto a platform at once. I didn't want to get lost in a city I was unfamiliar with, so I suggested that we hold hands to not lose each other, and we did. I swear I did this with innocent intentions, but as the night went on, I think it spurred more romantic gestures after. When I hold hands with someone, I like to use my thumb and trace the outline of the other person's index finger. She returned the favour in kind as we held hands.

Getting in the train car was interesting too. Miraculously, thanks to my assertiveness of getting through the doors quickly, we managed to find seats, not together, but across from each other horizontally. There were some drunk people on the train, so I don't know what overcame me, but I used my legs to traps hers around mine so that we only faced each other - sort of to protect her if you will, while we were sitting.

A few stops before our station, she suggested we get up and move towards the doors. This was the worst as we were squished together. However, our hands were wrapped around each other's waists. When the train lunched forwards I would hold her tighter and closer to steady her.

When we got off, I thought we would stop holding each other since it wasn't as crowded anymore, but she still held onto my hand. I don't know what to make of this - was she enjoying this too? There wasn't a reason to hold hands now. We walked a short while to the parking lot where we had parked our cars.

We showed each other our cars - I gave her a tour of my new one since she hadn't seen it before. In my car, we spent another hour talking. I rambled on and on about my interests and even talked about Smosh(!), and she listened. I showed her my Spotify playlists, we talked of musicals, favourite artists, and that when I come back to her city in a month's time, we should hang out again. We would plan to go hiking together, as that's something both of us want to do.

...So when the time came to say goodbye, I felt us linger. She had work tomorrow morning - or rather, today, it was near 1 AM. I didn't want to keep her out longer, she leaves for work at 6:45 AM. This is what happens in parking lots to me with girls - queer lingering in a place that I intend to leave, with her in my car. There's something left unsaid in the rosy atmosphere, anticipation. When we both got home safely, we texted each other.

I'm not sure what to make of the whole outing, it felt like it evolved into a date when I reflect on it. Does she like me? What just happened? Do I like her? I've been replaying the evening in my head trying to make sense of it.

.

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

Now looking for three storm systems to affect the Tennessee River Valley in the next week or so. Definitely the time to be #WeatherAware with all the upcoming changes.

All that and much more in tonight's edition of #WDEFNews12 #WeatherOvertime. #ShareAndEnjoy

[nada-khader]

Egypt maintains its position as first destination for MENA-based travellers in Q2 of 2018: Wego

Egypt maintained its position as the top destination for MENA-based travellers in the second quarter (Q2) of 2018, according to a research released on Monday by Wego, the online travel marketplace for the MENA area.

The popularity of several tourist locations among visitors from the MENA region is highlighted in this research. The destination rankings are based on the flight and lodging searches made by millions of Wego app and website users in the second quarter of 2018.

Egypt continues to be the top destination, per the survey, thanks to regional tourists' ongoing support, both for leisure and for business.

It went on to say that tourists just can't seem to stay away from this mysterious nation, which is well-known for its historical attractions, gorgeous river cruises, lively marketplaces, and overall value for money.

India, meanwhile, advanced significantly by two positions to take over second spot in Q2 2018 from fourth place in the same quarter of 2017.

According to the survey, this large increase is mainly due to the holy month of Ramadan, which starts in mid-May, and the large number of Indian expats living in the Gulf who choose to return home during this time (or right after).

Similarily, it moved up two spots in Pakistan from position 11 to position 9 for the same reason.

Meanwhile, it was revealed in the report that Saudi Arabia had lost ground.

According to the research, Saudi Arabia was formerly ranked second in Q2 2018 but has now dropped to third place.

The survey noted that domestic and foreign tourists travelling for business, pleasure, and Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) continued to find Saudi Arabia to be a popular destination in Q2.

Try one of the numerous activities, sites, or experiences available on trips in Egypt. Utilize our exclusive offers by scheduling one of our Egypt day tours right away.

A great way to experience the city and all of its attractions is via Cairo day tours. There is something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis, from ancient landmarks to cutting-edge commercial malls. Cairo distinguishes itself from other cities by virtue of its bustling streets, delectable cuisine, and hospitable locals.

Travelers may enjoy thrilling and instructive Luxor day tours. Luxor is the location of some of the most magnificent ancient sites and structures in the whole world, such as the Valley of Kings, the Karnak Temple complex, and the Colossi of Memnon.

No matter what kind of experience you're seeking when seeing this magnificent nation, make sure not to pass up the chance to make lifelong memories while discovering all the lovely things that lie inside its boundaries with one of our Egypt tours!

[evan-collins90]

Various mall selections from the book, ‘Shopping Centers & Malls 2′ (1988)

1. Galleria at Erieview - Cleveland OH (Oct. 1987) - designed by Kober/Belluschi Associates

2. Galtier Plaza - St. Paul, Minnesota (Nov. 1985) - designed by Miller Hanson Westerbeck Bell 

3 & 5. Montclair Plaza - Montclair, CA (1985) - designed by The Jerde Partnership 

4. Pompano Square Mall - Pompano Beach, FL (1985-86) - designed by Walker Group/CNI

6. The Halle Building - Cleveland, OH (1986) - designed by Cope Linder Associates with Steven Cohen and Associates

7. Valley River Center - Eugene, OR (1986) - designed by Kober/Sclater Associates

8. The Mall at Mill Creek - Secaucus, NJ (1986) - designed by Gerard F. Santucci, Hartz Mountain Industries. 

9. The Promenade - Vaughan, ON (1986) - designed by RTKL Associates/Crang & Boake

10. Town Center at Boca Raton - Boca Raton, FL (Oct. 1986) - designed by RTKL Associates