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sapphiics · 3 years

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Didn’t we almost have it

a/n: I heavily suggest listening to Dammit by Jana Kramer while reading this, it is where I got the entire plot from.

dt: to my dear @morcias because who else just loves morcia so much. plus I asked her a million questions to help me figure out details for this.

word count: 3k

content warning: it’s angsty(?) and quite sad but with a very happy ending.

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God did Penelope hate driving through Illinois.

The only reason she was coming back was for the bridal shower of a girlfriend from college, otherwise she would’ve stayed in California, where she was at least a good thousand miles away from this place.

All it did was make her nostalgic, almost painfully so. The entire state serving as a physical reminder of her old life. One she had not a chance in hell of getting back.

The urge to race her car to the nearest ‘Leaving Illinois’ sign coming over her yet again, Penelope makes a right turn onto Commonwealth avenue. Christina’s house was only five minutes from where she was.

It was the walkway that first drew her eye. A stone path, small flowers lining it. She could almost hear his heavy footsteps getting louder as he jogs to greet her, meeting Penelope in the middle with a chaste kiss as she hauls grocery bags under her arms, enough food for four.

As she nears closer, her eyes travel up the length of the two-story building, it’s utter perfectness painfully pressing into her like a stab to the gut. It took every ounce of restraint that she possessed not to slam the brakes and just gawk at the vision in front of her.

That was the house.

The dream house. The one the two of them fantasized about back in college. Penelope can practically see the late nights they spent in her dorm, cramped together on her twin bed, their fingers intertwined. His free hand running over her head, pushing her hair back behind her ear and tilting her into his shoulder. Hushed planning of their happily ever after. She can hear his voice whispering in her ear, about how they would have two perfect daughters. He would be a FBI agent, and she would work for a nonprofit organization. He’d cook, she’d clean, he would take care of the lawn, she’d do the laundry.

That was the plan. Their own special, simple, linear plan.

Until real life happened, essentially taking those plans and throwing it off a cliff. That’s all it was now, a pretty daydream to keep Penelope from having to accept the fact that nothing in her life is going like she hoped, and she’s probably going to end up alone.

None of that stopped her from turning into the lot of the house, the door slightly cracked open. A large ‘For Sale’ sign hung on it.

Giving her the perfect opportunity to see what she could’ve had. To spend a few fleeting moments dreaming of the life she would’ve had with him.

Finally found that dream house, and yet the dream guy was long gone.

Her hands shakier than she would’ve liked, Penelope slowly steps out of her car, the two story home everything she ever envisioned.

The path up to the house was lined with daffodils, she could see as she passed them. The front door was a smooth dark brown. Solid wood, contrasting with the otherwise creme exterior of the house.

That would’ve been his touch. He always liked that building and renovating stuff, she could almost hear him begging her to let him remodel the place. To really ‘make it their home.’

The entrance didn’t nothing to deter her, the arching ceilings and oak floors straight out of her most vivid dreams. The arches reminded her of college. Charles Deering Memorial Library, to be specific. She had always liked the gothic architecture, and even he could admit that the towering building’s medieval influence was well executed. And that chill day in March, the ninth, to be exact, when they first met. She was working there part-time, and he needed something from the football archives.

It was his smile that drew her in, his eyes drawn up real small as he flashed her two rows of perfect teeth.

What she would give for one of those smiles right about now.

An embarrassingly loud gasp left her mouth as she walked in further. Ahead of her were a pair of large black couches, perpendicular to each other. A grand fireplace in front of them, an open space perfect for a nice big flat screen.

Hockey. That’s what would be playing. He was huge on the sport, and her mind drifted to an image of the two of them sitting on the couch. Him in a worn out jersey and his lucky socks, her in his beat leather jacket, feet propped up in his lap. She has headphones and her knitting, he has a beer she steals sips of and has a loose grip on her ankle, his fingers pressing against the small tattoo she got the day she turned eighteen. Just like old times.

Without even glimpsing at the side door that led to the kitchen, Penelope could already visualize him sitting on the counter. A soft white tee and some sweatpants, strumming on her ukulele and singing some old 90s ballad off key while she chopped vegetables. Later that night, after their girls went to bed, the two of them dancing together to her parents’ old record player. An old Bee Gees song softly in the background as they sway.

Her mind racing, she’s already thinking of summer barbecues. Her and JJ drinking margaritas in the shade, their children’s laughter bringing a grin to her face. Him talking it up with Rossi about god knows what as he mans the grill. The sun setting as he takes a seat next to her, tugging her into his side and placing a small kiss on the side of her head.

The overwhelming realization that Penelope is never going to get that future, never going to have the future she so desperately wanted with him, hit her harder than ever in that moment.

And next thing she knows she can feel tears running down her cheeks. Alone, in the middle of an open house in the one state, the one city she vowed to never return to, and she’s sobbing like a baby.

“Well Hello Miss!” ,a kind old woman steps out, shocking Penelope back to reality, “You here for the house?”

“Yes,“ she says softly, hastily wiping at her face, “Yes I am. Just a quick look around.” Her hands swipe at her dress, trying to regain even a semblance of composure, “You have a beautiful home.”

The woman casts her a sympathetic smile,

“Thank you. Me and Sarah have lived here for over forty years. We raised our five children in these very walls,” the lady beams, a smile coming over her face as she looks around the room,

“We figured that with them all gone and us not getting any younger, we could downsize just a bit.”

Penelope let out a polite laugh, but stayed silent otherwise.

“You stay for as long as you like! My name’s Carolyn by the way. Let me know if you need anything!”

“Penelope, and thank you,” she smiles at her, Carolyn returning to the back of the house.

Penelope’s eyes catch onto the grand staircase, passing over the perfect crème walls and carpet flooring.

Her feet moved towards it, the view before her so accurate to her vision that it was like somebody reached into her brain and pulled out the design themselves. She needed to have this place.

Right before she can take a step on the stairs, she sees Carolyn return, a dimmed smile on her face.

“I’d like to buy the house,” Penelope states confidently. She couldn’t possibly leave here without having it.

It didn’t matter that she lived across the country, with decent enough friends and a steady job. This was the house, and if she had the chance to get at least one part of the dream, she damn sure was going to take the opportunity.

Carolyn winces, a regretful look on her face. “I’m so sorry Penelope, we just had somebody place an offer for it.”

“Oh,” Penelope’s eyes widen slightly, and she can feel the tears pushing their way to the surface. For just a second, she let herself get entranced by the home, and it hurt more than she was willing to admit that she couldn’t have it.

“Are you looking for a similar house ? There’s one just in Fullerton Road, and I believe it is on sale.”

“No I… I just got caught up,” Penelope waves her hand around the side of her head, her cheeks turning red, “It’s okay, an amazing family deserves this home.”

“Actually, the young man who purchased the place is with Sarah in the back right now. He’s already thinking of renovating the place.”

“Sounds great,” Penelope mused, wanting to be anywhere but here. At least a loving family is getting this house. She just hoped they were as happy as she once imagined she would be.

“Here they are,“ Carolyn announces, adding to Penelope’s discomfort. She had to leave, and fast. The last thing she wanted to see was the happy husband who bought this place to catch her, essentially a random stranger, crying in his kitchen.

“Is your family nearby? Why didn’t they come?” A woman, Penelope could only assume was Sarah, Carolyn’s wife, was talking to the new owner of the house. Penelope stiffened, the awkwardness of the situation palpable.

A deep laugh comes from the other person, and she could hear the two people approaching. “Nope, I’m a single man.”

“What the hell did you need such a big house for then?” Sarah quips.

“Just,” the guy takes a resigned breath, “Just wishful thinking I guess.“

Penelope could hear her heartbeats, the sound thrumming loudly in her ears. She shut her eyes, squeezing them to the point of something akin to pain. This couldn’t be happening. This could just be a terrible dream, and when she opened them, she would be waking up in her apartment. Back home, where she was away from her old life here. Safely away from the love of her life, whose voice she just heard for the first time in five years.

“Sarah, this is Penelope. She just stopped by to look at the house.”

Penelope reluctantly turns, peeling her eyes open. To her disappointment, she was still standing in the swept sold house. Still back in her college town.

Still right in front of her ex-fiancé, one she’s just as irrevocably in love with as she was the day he proposed.

“Derek,” she lets out quietly, drinking in everything about him. He’s only gotten better-looking, and Penelope has always been attracted to him.

It was his face, his eyes to be specific, that captured her in this moment.

Because instead of the resentment and anger she had expected, she had deserved, all that was there was a small shimmer of hope. A sliver of hope that she almost cried tears of relief at seeing. Hope she had given up on ever having until she saw it in his face. The same look reflected in her own eyes.

“Penelope.”

His voice usually stern, she can hear the small waver in his tone. Like he’s just as affected by her as she is him.

Even after all these years, she can’t help but melt when it comes to Derek. It was like her innermost self just knew him, recognized that he, no matter how far apart they were, was always going to have a part of her heart. A power over her that she would never give to any other person.

Yet looking into Derek’s eyes, the only man to ever capture her heart, Penelope could’ve sworn he was feeling the same way she did.

“So, um, we’ll just leave you two for now,” Carolyn’s eyes clearly wide as she drags her wife outside of the kitchen, leaving the pair alone together.

Derek walks a couple steps closer to her, the smell of nice cologne wafting to her nose as he moves near.

He opened his mouth, almost as if he were about to start speaking, but Penelope catches his small sigh and the twitch of his hands.

They were so close, closer than they had been in years, yet that short distance felt wider than the thousands of miles she had made sure to have between them for the past half a decade.

The lack of touch. That’s what was halting them.

They were always touching one another. It was an unspoken language, just for the two of them to understand.

To be so close yet not touching, it felt so inorganic to Penelope, so abnormal.

Penelope looks just a little off to the right of him, his presence too overwhelming. He was examining her, and the quiet was anxious.

“Why didn’t you take the ring?” Derek spits out, his low voice subdued by the hurt she could just hear in his voice. “ I could handle how you left, no note or calls. But you left me your ring Penelope.”

She thought she was prepared for this, the anger he would have for her. But hearing the words in real time, from Derek himself, made her stomach turn. A ball of nausea tossed in her stomach, Derek’s pain something that never failed to physically wound Penelope.

“Derek...,” her heart breaking at how much she affected him.

“Did I,” he pauses, sucking in a shallow breath, “Did we mean that little to you?”

“No.” She locks onto his eyes at that, holding his stare. “You- us, that was everything to me.” A fierceness was in her voice that shocked her, and at the look of his slightly widened stare, she wasn’t the only one. The idea that Derek for a second could fathom the idea that he wasn’t the love of her life, her soulmate, was a stake to the heart.

“Was it marriage? Was it not wanting to be married? Because you could’ve told me.”

Surprising her own self, she moves in a half-step, her hands enclosing one of Derek’s clenched ones. Her fingers act on instinct, sliding through his, rubbing her thumb on the back of his index finger. Five years and his fingers still naturally close around hers .

Her teeth firmly sunk into the flesh on the back of her lip, she peers up at Derek, his expression unreadable. He was always better at the reading people thing, it was like second nature to him.

“I promise you, Derek Morgan, there is nothing I have ever wanted more than to marry you.”

Feeling his hand tighten around hers, glancing up to see his brows pulling together, she pushes on, needing to express to him her every feeling. “ You didn’t deserve what I did, and there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by when I didn’t feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such an amazing guy.”

“ I am so,” words that she’s been practicing for years suddenly getting clogged in her throat, making every word come out like a croak, “ so sorry for ever hurting you.”

Tears burning behind her eyes, nothing stuns her more than when Derek cups her face, his large palm enclosing her cheek as he runs his fingers lightly through her hair.

“Is it the house?”

Taken aback, Penelope jolts her head upward. “What?”

His hand now on her shoulder, he turns her to the right, giving her a wider view of the home.

“Is it the right house?”

“It’s the perfect house.” Her voice trailing off at the end.

She faces Derek, his lips pressed together like he’s trying not to say something.

“We could- we could still have it.” His eyes looking at their hands, in a way that was so unlike him, Penelope didn’t dare try to assume anything about what his words meant.

“Have what?” her attempt to keep her voice even failing miserably. Averting his stare, her eyes land on his neck, where a thin gold chain rests.

A chain that had something that looked dangerously similar to a ring hidden under his shirt.

He looks to where she’s staring, a bald-faced look on her face, and his fingers pull out the necklace to reveal a gold wedding band. The one she bought for him, with the special engraving on the inside.

Through the tears rapidly coming to her eyes, she could see Derek’s face. And the vulnerability and love that shined from him to her

Because he kept it. Even in his clear anger and hurt, the heartbreak she put him in, he kept her ring.

“The plan.” Derek reaches behind his neck, his fingers reaching to the clasp of the necklace. “The big wedding, the two girls,” He slides the ring off of the chain, twirling it round in his hand. “Our dream.” He finally places the ring in her hands, gently closing her fingers around it.

Her mouth falling slightly open, Penelope slowly blinks three times. The words that just came out of his mouth so unbelievable that her brain was taking some time to catch up. She pulls her lip sideways into her mouth, too nervous to say anything.

His hands come up on each side of her face, a tender clasp that lets him turn her head up towards him.

“I never gave up on you, on us.” He lets out a sad laugh, “ Hell, I’m here about to buy a house just to try and get a piece of that dream.”

Penelope bobs her head slightly back, the shock of what’s happening still getting to her. “You really still want it?”

And Derek, bless his sweet soul, just looks at her with a small smile resting on his lips. “There is nothing, absolutely nothing babygirl,” the sound of his old nickname for her better than anything she’s heard the last few years, “that I want more than to be with you for the rest of my life.”

A matching smile coming to her mouth, she brings Derek’s left hand down to her own, and slides the wedding band on to his ring finger.

A soft cry breaks from her lips, and she feels nothing other than pure joy when he leans down, taking her lips in a sweet kiss.

Maybe, just maybe, they can have it after all.

————

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rosalyn51 · 3 years

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NEW movie ‘The Colour Room’: Who are Clarice Cliff and Colley Shorter?

My edits. Images: SKY

What is ‘The Colour Room’ about?

The Colour Room (2021) follows the journey of a determined, working class woman, Clarice Cliff, as she breaks the glass ceiling and revolutionises the workplace in the 20th century. Clarice Cliff (Phoebe Dynevor) is a vivacious young factory worker in the industrial British midlands of the 1920s - Bursting at the seams with ideas for colours and shapes, Clarice takes more and more dangerous risks - but she manages to stay one step ahead of the workhouse and impress the eccentric factory owner Colley Shorter (Matthew Goode) on the way with her talent and innovation.

- SKY Press Release

Directed by Claire McCarthy, based on the award-winning play by Claire Peate. In cinemas and on SKY Cinema + Now TV later this year!

Here’s a great piece about the work of Clarice Cliff and her relationship with Colley Shorter. Will Farmer of the Antiques Roadshow is a huge fan of the ceramic artist!

**SPOILERS**

Clarice Cliff A ceramicist ahead of her time

This England Magazine Nov 4, 2020

“Applique Bird of Paradise” is a large dish-form wall plaque circa 1931 which sold for £8,000 “May Avenue”, an 18-inch charger which sold for £21,500, having been used by the previous owner to keep their milk money in! AGIFTED artist and genius businesswoman, Clarice Cliff was ahead of her time. She revolutionised ceramic design and moved from her late Victorian working-class beginnings to the highest echelons of society, becoming director of the Shorter brothers business empire (one of the dynasty names of the potteries). In a male-dominated industry and maleorientated world, Clarice completely went against the grain; her story is as unique as her legendary work.

Born on 20 January, 1899, in the pottery town of Tunstall in north-west Staffordshire, Clarice Cliff was the fourth child of Ann and Harry Cliff and one of seven siblings. Life could be harsh in late Victorian workingclass households, and the Cliff family, with the father working as a moulder in an iron foundry and the mother taking in washing, were no exception.

From a very young age, Clarice’s artistic skill was recognised and, as she was required to bring money into the home, she left school at thirteen for an apprenticeship at a local factory as a free-hand paintress. Her parents were delighted – this was the highest wage you could get on the production line – but after just two years Clarice left the job.

“It was unheard of,” says 20thcentury design specialist and auctioneer Will Farmer. “At that time, your apprenticeship set your career for life . . . and when Clarice went to work at another firm as a lithographer – which was a backward step – her parents must have gone nuts at her!”

But Clarice was learning. As a teenage girl working in a huge factory, she was well known for never taking a lunch break. Instead, she would go round the factory talking to the mould makers, the modellers, the kiln firers.

“People thought she was a bit odd,” Will says. “She wasn’t, of course – she was very clever, making sure she understood every part of the process.”

A year was sufficient for her agile brain to absorb all that was required and, now fully qualified, she made her final move to A.J. Wilkinson, one of the biggest potbanks in Stoke-onTrent. Located in Burslem, it wasn’t exactly around the corner from home, but her enquiries revealed that the company had won international diplomas for its decorations and was highly regarded. More importantly, it employed designers, an aspect eagerly sought by this ambitious young lady even though it was a situation normally reserved for the men.

Two brothers were at the helm of A.J. Wilkinson’s: Guy Shorter was the production manager and his older brother Colley, a man some 17 years Clarice’s senior, was the commercial manager and her boss. The atmosphere was comfortable, the staff were pleasant and encouraging and Clarice felt fully confident that, having spent four years practising all methods of decoration, her ambitions could well mature.

Although employed there as a lithographer, Clarice kept on free painting in her lunchbreak and after hours, and was spotted painting by the paint-shop manager. Impressed, he took her up to Colley Shorter’s office who pulled Clarice off the factory floor and into the design studio where she began to work alongside leading designer Frank Butler.

“You talk about fate, fortune, luck,” Will says, “this is the trigger point in her career. She starts modelling, she starts creating and in a very short space of time she makes it incredibly clear to the management and to her colleagues that she is here to work, to be creative and to increase the fortunes of the company.”

Fast-forward to 1926 and Clarice became even more of an asset. “It was the time of the National Strike when the coal miners downed tools,” Will says, “and with no coal to fire the kilns, it was a very difficult time for the potteries.”

A.J. Wilkinson had just acquired Newport Pottery and, on a tour of the factory, Clarice noticed that the storerooms were full of factory seconds. These pots were considered

unusable, but for Clarice they were an opportunity. With one paintress, a decorating room and a couple of months, she transformed these misshapen pots with blocks of colour.

“It was the start of Bizarre Ware,” Will says. “It was all done behind closed doors in the utmost secrecy, and when it was revealed no-one had ever seen anything like it.”

For these Bizarre Ware originals, Colley called in his best salesman, Ewart Oakes. Ewart was flabbergasted at what he was being asked to sell, but agreed to take them to his best client. Usually travelling by train, Colley lent him his Rolls Royce for the task.

“When Ewart opened the boot and the head buyer from a big china retailers in Oxford saw them, she said, ‘I’ll take the lot.’ From then on it was just like a rolling stone – it gathered pace so quickly,” Will explains.

Not only was Clarice’s work introducing new ideas such as the strident use of colour, it also introduced a female signature for the first time: a massive step forward.

Further examples of Clarice’s Bizarre Ware was widely seen at the British Industries Fair in the spring of 1928. Although initially received with mixed feelings, it was still successful. The autumn of 1928 saw Clarice and three of her paintresses at Waring and Gillow’s Oxford Street store in London, demonstrating their daily work routines. It was a huge success.

It’s estimated that in her career Clarice made eight million pieces and her range of work (collectively referred to as Bizarre Ware) led the way. “Art Deco was the new mood,” Will says, “but everyone was looking at her and copying her. There are a few other factories: Carlton Ware were doing their own interpretation of Art Deco which is very different from Clarice’s. Shelley are doing theirs; very different again. Then there’s Charlotte Rhead, of course, and she’s doing her tube-lined work. But all of the factories were desperate to keep up with her and just couldn’t. Any time they came up with something close, she just handbrake-turned it and left people standing.”

By now, thoroughly modern Clarice was confident enough to buy a car. Colley’s chauffeur had taught her to drive, and the cost of buying and running a second-hand Austin Seven was within her means. There was no driving test to take and she was soon on the road. She became a novelty as the first woman in Stoke-on-Trent to buy her own car. She moved out of her parents’ house and took her own flat.

“An unmarried woman in the 1930s living on her own was a scandal,” Will notes, “but Clarice didn’t care. She actually lied about her age as she didn’t want people thinking she was born in the 19th century!”

As the 1930s approached, her instinctive enterprises rolled on at an ever-increasing pace. The decade seemed to invite colour and change and Clarice certainly kept abreast of the opportunities and trends that presented themselves.

“She was inspired by the major art movements – she was looking at artists like Mondrian, Modigliani, the major Bauhaus movement – she was completely on point,” Will reveals. “New trends that were happening in London and Paris, she transformed them into everyday domestic wares.”

Her ideas seemed inexhaustible: tea sets with matching tablecloths, dinner sets with matching ashtrays – all that she did attracted attention, and her name became a registered trademark with A.J. Wilkinson, acknowledged leaders in their field.

Colley and Clarice had long shared a close relationship. “Let’s just say it was one of the worst kept secrets in the industry,” Will laughs. “Her apartment wasn’t in the wealthiest area and very unsubtly there was often a Rolls Royce parked outside!”

It was in the autumn of 1939, just after the outbreak of World War II, that Colley’s wife, Annie, died. Propriety generally dictated a two-year delay after a spouse’s death before remarriage, but Colley and Clarice waited a year and then secretly

married in a registry office in the nearby town of Stafford. Colley was fifty-eight, Clarice forty-one and, after a 13-year relationship they were legal at last. Clarice moved into Colley’s home, “Chetwynd”. Here, she stepped away from the limelight.

“I look at Clarice’s life and think how much of it is luck, how much of it is talent and how much of it is pure drive,” Will reflects. “I think certainly in the early part of her career there was a lot of luck, but there is the saying, ‘Show me a chink of light and I’ll force the door wide open’. That was Clarice.

“Everyone says that she was a formidable character,” Will continues. “Her team of paintresses, known as the ‘Bizarre girls’, were encouraged to be individuals: wear the latest

clothes, have their hair done in marcel waves, wear bright lipstick. But they were only ever allowed to address Clarice as “Miss Cliff”. At clocking-in time she would wait and hide around the corner and if there was anyone clocking in late she’d get them: ‘You’re late; we’ll dock that off your wages.’ She was incredibly strict.”

World War II changed everything. Production was handed over to either export wares (it was no longer permitted to produce luxury goods for the home market) but also the huge manufacture of basic white wares for the military. However, even after the war, restrictions persisted and while the pottery companies regained their individuality, all discovered public tastes had changed considerably and tradition was creeping back into fashion. Clarice, now director of all three of the Shorter brothers’ companies, gave her attention to exports, particularly to America and Canada, reviving old lithographs to suit the tastes of these vast markets.

But even before the war Clarice’s work had become much more muted. “By 1936, we’re starting to get the indication that there’s trouble in Europe, there’s a lot of problems with the British monarchy – everything’s starting to change as a mood,” Will explains. “Clarice definitely realised that she’d never revisit those glory years of the early ’30s and once it gets past 1936, a lot of hard-core collectors aren’t interested, even though her career runs until 1964.”

Which begs the question, how much is a Clarice Cliff piece worth?

“The record price at auction was for a May Avenue charger which was sold at Christie’s a few years ago for about £46,000. But you can [regularly] get into the twenty thousands no problem,” Will suggests. That said, you don’t need to be flush with cash to start a Clarice collection. “You can buy something nice and iconic of Clarice’s for under £100, such as a crocus cup and saucer for £60-80.”

In 1961, Colley retired and soon after became bed-ridden. He died of throat cancer in December 1963, at the age of eighty-two. The factory’s continued existence fell to Clarice, but by 1964, overcome by trade difficulties, she sold the factory to Roy Midwinter. “Chetwynd” was not included in the deal. Despite being a very large home, she could not bear to leave it and Colley’s treasured possessions.

It wasn’t until 1969 that Clarice stepped back into the limelight. The Brighton Art Gallery opened an exhibition entitled “The Jazz Age” which inspired a gentleman, Martin Battersby, to create a retrospective of Clarice Cliff, loaning his own limited collection. It became known that there was much more to be seen – if only it could be found! – and Clarice was traced and persuaded to loan some of her own collection.

Clarice was back in the news. But then, on 23 October, 1972, her gardener found her dead in the kitchen of her home. The cause was heart failure. She was seventy-three.

“People used to be very derisive about Clarice,” Will says, who has been collecting and researching the ceramist’s work for nearly four decades. “‘Oh, it’s just cheap stuff sold in Woolworths,’ they’d say. No, it’s not. It’s really expensive and the quality, the execution, the ideas, the range and then the story as well . . . you look at her competitors and they can’t hold a candle to her.

“Even on Antiques Roadshow, after I’ve been valuing for six hours straight and I’m exhausted, if someone reaches in their bag and pulls out a piece of Clarice, it is like getting an adrenaline shot in my arm. I tend to find people know her work, too. I hear some brilliant wrong names like ‘Clarence Clift’, but there is a level of recognition there for a lot of people.”

Perhaps the last word should go to the lady herself: “Having a little fun at my work does not make me any less of an artist and people who appreciate truly beautiful and original creations in pottery are not frightened by innocent tomfoolery!” Clarice stayed true to her vision, made huge changes to both the artistic and social landscape, and refused to accept her lot . . . and all with a smile.

Fieldings Auctioneers hold two dedicated Clarice Cliff sales every year; for more information visit fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk.

#matthew goode #phoebe dynevor #a discovery of witches #bridgeton #clarice cliff #the colour room #the colour room movie

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medea10 · 4 years

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Medea Plays Pokemon Sword (&Shield): Part VI

Okay, it’s been several months since my last update with Sword & Shield.

Mostly because as soon as you finish the main story and the side-quest with Tweedle Dick and Tweedle Balls, what else is there? Just fill up the Pokedex and have a go at the Battle Tower.

I just took some time to go through the Shield game (since Sword is kinda my main game this time around).

I would just like to say, Allister is the cutest little fella.

Maybe it’s because of the episode of Pokemon Twilight Wings that just aired a few hours ago here, but Allister is such a sweetie.

And of course we have Thick-Chick Mama, Melony.

I knew going through her gym was going to be a pain in the rectum, just like Gordie’s. I was right. Her gym is on par with Wallace’s gym in Ruby & Sapphire.

But thanks to some Youtube videos, I managed to avoid falling through the ice pitfalls.

Sorry, she set me up for this joke.

Then in January, we got a taste of what to look forward to when the Isle of Armor expansion hit.

Like catching the odd-looking Slowpoke and meeting new rivals like Klara and Avery.

And I could tell then and there that Klara was one of those psycho, pink-haired bitches and Avery was Robert’s psychic cousin. Will that theory let up once the expansion hit? Let me think about that while I chow down on some Slowpoke Tail curry.

Itadakimasu!

Then a month passed and we were introduced to Pokemon HOME and Professor Oak’s other relative from some weird timeline where Macho Man Randy Savage and Jiraiya did the fusion dance and merged into the Grand Oak here.

A place where you can transfer all the pokemon you’ve caught throughout the years and STILL not transfer them to Sword and Shield.

And then Animal Crossing came out and we forgot about Pokemon’s existence.

Three months later and here we are!

At your arrival, you get an update to your Pokedex.

Don’t get too excited. We get SOME old pokemon added. Not all. Just some.

It’s nice that pokemon like Poliwag and Bulbasaur aren’t illegal in Galar anymore. But um...Ampharos? Dragonite? FRIGGIN’ BLAZIKEN?!

Whatever, take your time, dudes!

After the upgrade, you are met by Klara (in Sword). In a mistaken identity story line, she mistakes you for some other wank for joining the dojo nearby.

You battle her (or Avery in Shield). You wallop her.

OH, YUP! YUP! Look at that! Crazy bitch alert!

Anyways, this rival will try by any means to keep you away from the dojo by enticing you with a style card (which gives you exclusive hairdos and clothes).

But because I like to move this story along, I’m gonna go to the dojo.

Up yours, skank.

The dojo is headed up by an old fella named Mustard. And you’re met up with Mustard’s dotting wife...

I am not kidding.

His wife is named Honey.

And she’s a MILF.

Like I give a fuck about you, Yuno Gasai-Lite. Sheesh, maybe Avery isn’t this much of a cunt like Klara.

Oh, go shove a bent spoon up your ass, you watered-down looking Alucard, mother fucker.

Oh and if you’re wondering, I actually hate Bede, Sordward and Shielbert more than these two. I just feel like being mean since Tweedle Dick and Tweedle Balls aren’t around for me to poke fun at anymore.

Once inside, you’ll meet the master of the dojo, Mustard. He gives you a uniform and then we get down to the three tasks.

Task one:

Catch three speedy Slowpokes.

They took Avery/Klara’s dojo uniform and it’s up to you to catch them.

Just don’t expect a thank you from the Slutty Succubus of the South.

Task Two:

Find the Max Mushrooms.

These babies are the key to unlocking certain pokemon’s potential in Dynamaxing. So in case you keep getting your ass kicked by these special pokemon at raid dens, here’s your chance at getting the Gigantamax pokemon.

So after going through this twisted forest and nearly going insane by getting lost, I’m not about to have this little tramp steal my findings.

After you beat Klara/Avery in a battle again, you get the Max Mushrooms. But they come back with the mushrooms too and insist on cooking them instead of the ones you found.

For once, you did me a favor. I can use this for my Cinderace.

Task Three:

Fight Klara/Avery.

Now this might be a little tricky. Because at the beginning of the battle, Klara and Avery do something sneaky.

Before you could start, Klara sets up Toxic Spikes, causing immediate poisoning for your pokemon. At least Avery only had mist surrounding the battlefield. This bitch intentionally poisons your pokemon.

Just use a Steel type when going up against Klara.

After these three tasks, you get the secret armor of the dojo.

Kubfu.

You will get a Kubfu from Mustard. But that’s not all folks!

While you’re on the Isle, you are now able to have the first pokemon on your roster walk around with you.

Good that you bond with the Kubfu before you go to the next part. Also, all of those XP candies you earn in Max Raid Dens are going to be your best friend.

Okay, time to do what I love to do in Pokemon games.

FUCK YEAH! MISSY GETS TO TRAVEL BESIDE ME!

Anyways, once you bond with Kubfu and you’re the best of friends and train Kubfu to a decent level, then it’s time to take on the Tower of Water or Tower of Darkness.

You can only choose one. If you choose water, Kubfu will evolve into a part water type. And if you choose darkness, Kubfu will evolve into a part dark type. And the tower you do not choose will be closed off to you forever.

You’ll fight a few trainers with one pokemon each. Suggestion is to have your Kubfu past level 70 and know moves like Aerial Ace, Zen Headbutt, and/or Thunderpunch.

At the top of the tower, you are challenged by Mustard. And once you defeat him, you can evolve Kubfu.

By staring at a wall scroll.

I’ve seen stranger ways of evolving a pokemon. I’ll just sit back and accept it for what it is.

After this part, there’s a baby side-quest you have to go through in order to have this fella take part in the Dynamax process.

Apparently, this pokemon is picky about his food. But some Max Honey will make the Max Mushroom soup taste pleasant.

And that’s when Hau 2.0 comes in! And once again, we go through a three-tasked mission in order to get some Max Honey.

Task One:

Reunite a mother Lilligant with it’s baby Petlil.

Back to that twisted-ass forest again.

Some friendly advice, don’t use your bike to get back to Hop when you find Lilligant. Lilligant will get lost and just go back to where it originally was. Just walk.

Task Two:

Chase an Applin.

Task Three:

Go to the special tree.

Hop will tell you to shake it to get the attention of a Vespiquen.

...

ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE HOP?! It is 2020, the worst year on the record. I am not about to be stung by Pokemon’s answer to the fucking murder hornet. And what do I do next?

I shake it like a Polaroid picture.

So I’ve chosen death.

*snorts*

No you didn’t, Pokemon.

You didn’t do this!

-___-

I can’t EVEN...

Anyways, you’re taken to a Max Raid den and you take out a Vespiquen.

Fuck you Hop. Just fuck you.

Now that those three tasks are taken care of, you can feed your picky pokemon some Max Mushroom Soup. And now you can battle Mustard in a six-on-six.

After winning...

Can I please shove her off a cliff?

I know, I shouldn’t be mean to Klara and Avery. But I am. Klara tried to be a pop sensation and only sold 8 copies of her CD. And Avery is the outcast of his family with the least psychic energy. So maybe I’ll cut them both some slack.

I’m just not over Klara poisoning us at the beginning of the match with absolutely no warning.

And that’s the end of that story line.

But there’s still plenty to do around the Isle of Armor.

Catch pokemon for the updated pokedex.

Catch an actual level 80 wild pokemon!

No joke, friggin’ Wailord is level 80.

Also look out for Sharpedo in the water. They’re so fast that you won’t finish the Jaws music score fast enough before Sharpedo bites you in the ass.

Help this fool find his 151 Digletts.

At least he gives you gift pokemon for your hard work.

Like Alolan Meowth, Alolan Raichu, etc.

Combine four items to get a special item or pokeball.

So this nightmare fuel takes four items and can combine them into a pokeball, a TR, or a special item (depending on which four items you use to combine). And now that Apricorns are back, you can use them to make those special pokeballs you’ve been only able to get one up to this point.

Help the MILF around.

Welcome to the daunting task of getting Watts. Honey will not be fulfilled until she gets her hands on at least 2,000,000+ watts. Yes, I said that. But it’s to help put special things around the dojo like vending machines, a hair stylist, food for the fridge, and other essentials. But then there are other incentives you get for helping Honey out including battling with Honey and getting rare league cards.

Best method of gaining watts, find Digger Pa and Digger Ma. The digging brothers have parents. Pa digs for watts as long as you give him special ores. And Ma finds the ores (as long as her stupid shovel doesn’t crap out).

Now was buying the expansion package to Sword and Shield worth it? I don’t want to be premature in my thoughts since the second part of the expansion package isn’t out yet. So I’ll save it for later. This has been a fun side-story and it’s been able to take my attention away from Animal Crossing for just a little while. I know there will always be special events with Max Raids. I just hope we can add more pokemon from the National Dex when we can go to the Tundra later this year.

But if you’re one of those folks that’s National Dex or bust, maybe wait off on purchasing the package until we get more info about Tundra.

Okay, see you in a few months!

#pokemon #pokemon sword #pokemon shield #isle of armor #kubfu #mustard #honey #klara #avery

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peachyteabuck · 5 years

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ceo chronicles. pt ii ~ loki

series summary: a set of fics based off of the main au of sugar baby/mommy or daddy dynamics and ceo aus. each fic involves a separate universe wherein each charcter is the ceo of a different company and you’re their sugar baby. sexy times ensue.

fic summary: after treachery within his company leads to a major dip in stock prices, loki's not exactly in the mood to “make love”

pairing: ceo!loki x sugar baby!reader

words: 1,745

trigger warnings: i talk about economics which is terrifying in and of itself, lack of foreplay, angry fucking, squirting, cum play.

ask box / masterlist / commission info / ko-fi

Loki isn’t happy, but he never truly is when he first comes home from work.

Every day he comes in seething about this person in accounting and that person in marketing, grumbling about this thing that went wrong and that thing that went wrong. Every day he steps into the house with fevered steps, ready to fuck you over the surface closest to wherever he finds you in his large penthouse. You’re what he looks forward to at the end of each grueling day, why he hasn’t forced himself into early retirement. If he stepped down he’d receive quite a pretty retirement package, but he still wouldn’t be able to hunt for you in your home at the end of a long work day.

Wherever he finds you, he’ll fuck you then and there. Sometimes it’s the kitchen counter, the bathroom next to the sink, your bed, the couch, the floor. Loki does not like to mince words, doesn’t like to prolong the inevitable. He’s short, to the point, both in business and in pleasure.

Despite this, Loki’s never harsh (or, never stays harsh), when he fucks you. No, he holds you like you’re made of precious porcelain, something unique and valuable and breakable; like you’re some museum piece kept in archives for fear of sun damage.

There are rare times he lets go, just takes you in some feral, wolfish way. These are his even scarcer days off, or those particularly serious times when really fucks up. It’s then, on those notable, raw occasions that Loki holds you down, props you face-down ass-up in the middle of your California king on your perfect one-thousand thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and pounds into your dripping cunt until you’re bruised and screaming and begging for something – whether it be for him to cease immediately to continue until the end of time unknown.

As Loki steps into the door with his teeth barred, slamming it behind him before throwing off his coat, it’s obvious that tonight is one of those times. It’s regular that you’re caught off guard by this change of pace, but this time you saw it coming. The last few nights you’d woken up at two, three in the morning to the other side of the bed void of warmth and the sound of Loki’s strained voice on the phone with his CFO coming from his desk on the other side of the room.

You’d seen it on the news, too, unable to turn off the alerts fast enough to hear the news: there’d been a leak in the product manufacturing department, and a prototype had been leaked to a company rival. A mere days later, what Laufeyson Co. was known for they’d now become second best. They were now an underdog in a world where they’d previously held a monopoly, a long way to fall for such a successful startup.

This tumble down the Fortune 500 latter meant many, many things, including the plummeting of stock prices. This loss of money, especially due to such a heinous act as treachery, puts Loki on an edge you’ve never seen him before.

He finds you in the kitchen, carving a chicken you roasted yourself. As the sliced bits fall down onto the large, dark brown cutting board, it becomes obvious to Loki that they’re meant to be plated with the with potatoes and asparagus resting in the pure white bowls to your right.

No matter, he thinks as he unbuttons the top of his pristine white button-up and unzipping his pants. That’s what ovens are for.

The second your lover comes into view, you understand; you understand what you are to do and what you are to do.

Wordlessly, you wipe your hands on your apron before untying it, running to the closest item of furniture as you peel away the t-shirt of Loki’s you had been wearing. The deep oak dining room table, sans its centerpiece and any cutlery, provides the place for what will surely be the beginning of an eventful night.

Loki’s the first one to speak, moaning as he spreads your folds with his thumb. “Oh God, baby,” you mewl as he avoids the most sensitive parts of you, instead basking in the heat of your soaked center. “You’re so soaked for me, aren’t you?”

You whine out something that vaguely resembles a yes, and Loki grins. He loves seeing you like this, all desperate and dripping and all so quickly, as if seeing him triggers some Pavlovian response in your pussy.

Loki’s, never being one for prolonging his own pleasure, quickly shoving two fingers into your already-soaking cunt. The sharp inhale of break turns into a deep moan as his other hand moves to your clit, rubbing expert circles over the sensitive nub.

“Loki-“you gasp, and immediately your cheeks warm at the sound of the desperate, high-pitched sound. Before it was just a whisper, but now your cries sound so much more pathetic.

He catches on immediately, understanding what you want; what you need. “Oh, my little girl…you’re already so desperate, aren’t you? I’ve barely touched you and you’re already whining like the little cock slut you are, begging for me to be inside of you”

You can feel your wetness drip down onto your inner thighs as you hear Loki undo his belt and free his aching cock. He just barely teases the tip of it against your entrance, an unexpected action that nearly has you tearing your own hair out from the tenderness.

But before you can push back, he’s got a hand wrapped in your hair and is pulling you against his front. His crisp, shirt acts as a frustrating barrier between your bodies, your skin, and you near beg for him to take it off to feel his skin against yours, to feel him so close in such a moment.

But, before you can even open your mouth, Loki shoves his entire cock into your pussy.

“F-fuck,” you moan. You can feel your hands go numb as you grab at the edge of the table, partially for leverage and partially to give yourself something to cling to – as your nails fail to find purchase on the smooth wood.

Loki just smirks, wide and wicked as he pounds into you. “You like that, baby?” He bites at your neck, his hips snapping into your violently. “You like it when I fuck you this hard?” He waits several beats for you to respond, but nothing but gaspy breathes leave your unpainted lips. Loki, angry at your disobedience, slaps your ass so hard tears immediately begin to flow down your cheeks. “Answer me.”

“Yes, daddy,” you cry out, hoping your lack of following orders doesn’t make him stop. “Yes, I love the way you fuck me.”

Still, Loki isn’t satisfied with this minor retribution. He pulls out of you, ignoring your incessant whining as he flips you over. He then slips three fingers into you and wraps his other hand around your throat. You’re so close you can feel the buttons on his shirt, the necklace he insists on wearing with both of your initials carved onto a sleep bit of silver. “Speak, you little slut,” he hisses through gritted teeth. “Tell me how well I fuck you.”

You’ve got both palms grabbing at the arm threatening to restrict your breathing, anchoring him to you. Quickly, words tumble like rocks down a steep cliff. “I love the way you make me feel, Daddy, I fucking love how I can’t walk or think or talk after you fuck me, love how your cock feels in my pussy and throat and ass and hands. Loving feeling you come in me, on me- “

Loki growls. “Tell me you worship my cock, tell me you worship me.”

The pad of his thumb circles your neglected clit, and you cry out as his fingers crook into the spot that always makes you see stars. It makes all the breath leaves your body as you try and obey. “I worship you, Daddy!” You cry out. “I worship your cock, I worship the ground you walk on! I worship your every word!” Your eyes roll back in your head as the coil low in your abdomen tightens like a python stealing the oxygen from your organs and muscles. “Please, please let me come, daddy, please I’ll do anything!”

Loki just smiles and bites at the shell of your ear. “It’s okay, baby girl, let go.”

And so you do, liquid gushing out of you and onto the table. It drips onto the floor, the sound of it puddling erotic as you collapse on the wood – warmed from your body and breath. Air fills and escapes your lungs as a pace your heart nearly can’t keep up with, and you’re left to recover on your own as Loki quickly brings himself to release over your ass.

He collapses next to you on the table, pulling you into his chest and maneuvering you around so that you’re laying lengthwise on the large tabletop. It’s uncomfortable, especially with Loki’s cum still smeared on your ass and your slick still gathering between your legs. Still, it’s hard for your eyelids not to flutter at the sound of your lover’s beating heart and the smells from dinner still wafting from the kitchen counter where you left it.

It’s silent for a while, both of you quiet as you catch your breath and reality settles over you both like a fire blanket. For a moment you’re tempted to move, tempted to fix him a plate or make a sly comment about buying a new table, but it soon passes as Loki’s familiar ringtone blasts from the device’s place on the marble countertop next to your bowl of asparagus ends. You think he’s going to answer it, but instead he allows it to go to voicemail – a rare occasion.

“Aren’t you going to-“ you begin, worried that something truly heinous had happened.

“Nah,” Loki says, eyes shut and breathing even. “I’ll let my assistant handle it when whoever’s calling eventually phones them. For now, I just want to lay with you on this uncomfortable table.”

And so that is what you do, falling asleep on your kitchen table, in the middle of your penthouse, with him still in his dress shirt and you completely naked. It’s nice, you think. To spend time with him alone. Wishing to savor the precious moment, you remain quiet, hoping the peace never ends.

#loki x reader #loki laufeyson x reader #loki odinson x reader #lukis writes stuff #ceo chronicles: loki #ceo chronicles

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matildainmotion · 5 years

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A Fairy Tale School, and A Chance to Change the Story

Once upon a time there was a very special school. It was the flagship Steiner school, the longest-running one in the UK, on the edge of a great forest. Let me tell you about it.

The grounds are stunning – great old oaks, rolling lawns, deer, a stream, an iron spring. The facilities are amazing – a big gym, a proper theatre, a huge vegetable garden, a carpentry workshop, even a forge where you can make a real sword which they showed us on the school tour, the jewellery, the axes and blades that students had made in the fire, like something straight out of a story. I could see my son, the proud owner of three lightsabres, being happy there. My husband and I are theatre-makers and writers: story is the stuff of our work, and here was an educational system with stories at its heart - fairy tales, fables, saints’ tales, Norse and Greek myths, shaping the curriculum.

So we went for it. Like many others we made momentous changes in order to bring our son, now aged 7, to this school, and in time my daughter too, now aged 2. My mother sold the family home after 55 years so that she could buy a small house in Forest Row where she and I and the children could live. My husband had to stay in London because of work – we’d see him at weekends and in the holidays. It would be hard but it was worth it, for the school. I have heard many similar tales – of people coming from much further afield than London, from Japan, from America so their children can come here.

To make such major changes people are following big dreams, high ideals, deeply held convictions. What are mine? I do not necessarily want ‘the best for my children’ – I think ‘best-ness’ is overrated. Coming from a family of highly powered Oxford academics I tried to be the best and get the best for many years and it left me in a mess. I want rather to give my children a good chance of coming out of school in one piece, whole, connected to themselves, to a community, not ready for the big wide world – that old narrative of adventure and conquest – but rather already in it, present in the world and ready to care for it and each other as well as they can in these uncertain times. Wholeness, community and connection, an ability to be vulnerable and to act from a place of integrity - those were the things I was after when we upped and moved ourselves here at the end of last summer, ready for the start of the new school year.

Very soon after our arrival on the edge of Ashdown Forest, full of hope, I was struck by the amount of cynicism I encountered. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised – where you find dreams that big, you are going to find disappointment on a similar scale. In the woods where Winnie the Pooh lives, there also dwells Eyeore: “Your son’s going to Michael Hall? Oh well, good luck with that – I hope he fares better than me, but I doubt he will,” – heavy sigh, returns to thistles and damp, lonely corner. The pessimism, juxtaposed with the optimistic dreams that also surround the school, have reminded me not only of Eyeore’s gloom but even a level up - the desperate, intractable situations found in many fairytales and myths: the most beautiful king’s daughter that has fallen terribly sick and cannot be cured; the monster that haunts the lands that were once full of wonder; the evil empire that is trying to take over the universe and kill off the amazing Jedi.

Meanwhile, sometimes all is well in the woods, the kingdom, the universe. Peace reigns. I have heard hopeful stories too. I was amazed and encouraged by how many parents are old scholars. I am much more used to the narrative of “I am never letting my child go through what I had to endure” than the story of “I had such a great time at school, I want the same for my little one.” My son was and is having a good time in class one. He is an intense lad, with big emotions and grand ideas, and so far the school have been very quick to respond to his needs and challenges. His teacher is wonderful and there is a gradually growing sense of community amongst the parents of the class. For all of this I am deeply grateful.

As far as I can tell, from the anecdotes I have gathered in the short time I have been here, the school is brilliant until it isn’t - until something goes wrong, until the monster/ sickness/ evil fairy turns up. I realize this is tautological – the problems begin when the problems begin – but problems will always show up, so the true problem is not the monster but how we respond to it. All too often our knee jerk response is to blame another, and with this ‘us’ and ‘them’-ness kicks in, the good guys and the baddies, the innocents and the guilty. First off, inside this story we are in, there is the parent body versus the school – ‘us’ being the parents and ‘them’ being the school - how the school does not listen and never changes. I have encountered the story the other way round too- the school versus the parents – the parents who are always complaining, ready to attack, but rarely listen, or turn up in low numbers when the school has tried to lay on an event in response to a parent request. I have also heard about internal ‘us’ and ‘them’ dynamics: the teachers versus the management and an iteration of the same story and Eyeore-like complaint, “They never listen. No one understands.”

I tried to learn more about the structure of the school and found it incredibly difficult. Even those who have apparently been here for many years could not easily explain to me how it actually operates. I gathered there were different elements- a council, trustees, an Education Management Team, teachers, office staff – but how these positions fitted together and ran everything remained mysterious, a kind of tangled thicket of roles growing around the mansion and keeping princes and parents from being able to break in and have any impact. I had come in quest of wholeness, connection, community, integrity and I was finding people who felt disempowered, fractured and stuck.

In the absence of any head teacher, a hallmark of traditional Steiner schools, from the way people talked ‘The School’ had become in itself a kind of mythical authority figure, hard to reach and impossible to change. I like a challenge and I am not very good at cynicism (though I do a good line in imagining terrible happenings and did, in fact, identify with Eyeore as a child) so I joined the Parents Working Group (PWG) to see if I could make a positive contribution to the school. I had spent the first term feeling like a failure as a Steiner parent because I cannot sew to save my life, had to buy instead of make my son’s crayon roll and could be of very little help in crafting anything for the Advent Fair, so I figured I had better find another way to play my part in the school community.

When I told people about the PWG and its aim to initiate and hold space for constructive dialogue with the school and support positive change, I was hit by a fresh wave of cynicism: “Ah, be careful the school will take all it can get from you, suck you dry and spit you out!”; “Well, good luck with that. You might make a small dent in its side but that’ll be it!” So there we have it – the school as the monster, the dragon that can devour you and that has such massive scaly flanks it can barely be dented, despite the beautiful swords that its pupils forge on its grounds. Or the school as an institution wrapped in creepers and thickets, under a heavy curse that cannot be lifted.

Enter stage right a strange knight in heavy armour with clipboards for shields and a knife of regulation, an outsider, called Sir Ofsted - hero or villain? He rode from the city to the woods, slashed through the thickets, confronted the dragon, gave Sleeping Beauty an “Inadequate” kiss – blessing or further curse? - and lo and behold we all woke up. And, as in the original story, everyone woke up: the kings, the courtiers, the cooks and the gardeners, the parents, the teachers and the management. After 100 years of Steiner education we all have an amazing chance to wake up and decide what happens now, shape how the story unfolds from here. Let me pause at this cliff hanger to introduce a new strand of narrative.

15 years ago my husband, Phelim McDermott, was feeling fed up. He works in theatre. He runs a company called Improbable, which makes big shows and tiny ones, with improvisation at their core. He had dedicated his whole life to theatre, he felt passionate about it, and he spent much of his time complaining about it. He was often angry about how it was carried out, about how people did not listen to each other and things did not change (notice the parallels to our other story). He was doubly fed up – frustrated by the ways things were done and frustrated by hearing himself moan about it but unable to do anything effective. He came across a book: Open Space Technology, A User’s Guide by Harrison Owen. It described a way for groups to self-organise around issues of shared concern, a way that was radically non-hierarchical, refreshingly playful, able to cut to the heart of complex situations really fast and allow truths to emerge and change to begin. He thought he would give it a go. It sounded like a good improvisation exercise. He followed the instructions in the book and wrote an invitation (step 1). He called it ‘Devoted and Disgruntled’ because that’s what he was feeling. It’s a good title and if I could I would steal it to use here at Michael Hall for all the many deeply devoted and disgruntled people whom I have met here. To his amazement and delight people responded to his invitation – about 200 people turned up (step 2). And it was incredible. Now, instead of the constant moaning, people were getting to work, fuelled by their passion and devotion, connecting, taking action, agreeing on change (step 3). 15 years later Devoted and Disgruntled has transformed the landscape of the performing arts in the UK. We have run literally hundreds of Open Space events under this banner, in every corner of the country and even overseas. We have an entire website dedicated to this great, unfolding conversation. Check it out: www.devotedanddisgruntled.com. Some people worry that it is ‘just’ a conversation, a talking shop – but almost all change starts with a conversation and an enormous number of actions have come out of our Open Spaces: shows made, companies formed, new initiatives, collaborations, even marriages (my own included) have emerged out of our events. It is an amazing practice, a brilliant tool – not a sword, but a circle, an open space.

Having witnessed first hand the impact of opening space on the UK theatre scene, how it harnesses the devotion and helps to shift the disgruntlement, I want to bring it here, to our school, now in this moment more than ever. I think it holds the power of a forge – the hot, glowing place that can make hard things soft and malleable again, where change and transformation is possible. And yet it is beautifully simple. You send out an invite. (I have done this– it was in the last Friday Flier (You can read it here: http://www.michaelhall.co.uk/friday-flier) People who want to be there come along. We sit in a circle and a facilitator explains how it works – anyone who wants to call a session can do so, by writing the title on a piece of paper and putting it up on the wall. Together we co-create an agenda. Then we get to work and we follow the magical and yet entirely pragmatic ‘law of two feet’: you don’t stay where you don’t want to be, you follow yourself and go where your time and energy will be best used, and only you know where that is. This is the radical non-hierarchy of it – the fixed roles can fall away and a new fluidity is possible. Not ‘us’ and ‘them’ but me and you, listening to each other and having a conversation on an issue about which we both care deeply and on which we both want to act.

There are many things that I am sure need to change within the school, but fundamentally, for me, the underlying shift that needs to happen is a cultural one. I think we need to start to model the sense of agency and possibility that I am sure we all hope the education is giving to our children. We need to wake up inside the story and notice how we are part of shaping it – we are not passive victims of a terrible curse from a wicked fairy or an evil dragon, or at least as well as playing the part of the victim, there are times when we also step into the role of the dragon, steam coming out of our ears, and curses falling out of our mouths. Notice these. And this fire, these strong words, whomever they come from – teacher, parent, manager - are not bad. They are potent, they are passionate and they are integral to our ability to bring about change.

When my son was in Kindergarten, at another Steiner school in London, he came home one day, in his first term, with a complaint. It was Michaelmas and they had been told a story about a dragon, “But the dragon didn’t do much! It wasn’t scary enough. They tamed it too quickly.” So there we have it. In opening space I don’t want to tame all the dragons. I want them to come. All of them. I want the dragons, I want the kings and the queens, the princes and princesses, I want the peasants, the wicked stepmothers, the caring fathers, the confounded leaders, wise teachers, the witches, the wolves. If you identify with any of these roles, please come. If I have left your role off the list please come and put it on there – make sure it is part of the story. Because right now we have an incredible opportunity to shape what happens next – this is in fact always true, but thanks to the dubious Sir Ofsted we just all managed to notice it.

I am not looking for a happy-ever-after ending. Or even an ‘outstanding-ever-after.’ I want what I wanted when I and my family decided to move here: I want connected-ever-after. Actually even ‘ever-after’ sounds like rather a high demand from which we might all come crashing down with a sense of failure. I will settle for connected-a-good-deal-of-the-time, whole as much as possible, in community through the rough and the smooth. What do you want? How do you wish your story and the school’s story to unfold from here? I am inviting you to come and tell me, and others. Because telling is the beginning of making. Making is the start of happening. The details of the dates and the times are here- http://www.michaelhall.co.uk/pwg- I look forward to seeing you there and to hearing your tales and those of others – the more diverse the better - and to us creating a new one together.

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vaseturkey5 · 3 years

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The 33 Best Things To Do In Vietnam New 2021 Information

All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance coverage before the start of their journey. Your travel insurance coverage details will be recorded by your chief on the primary day of the journey. Due to the various nature, availability and value of health care all over the world, journey insurance could be very much an essential and needed part of every journey. Ho Chi Minh City - Still known as Saigon to most, HCMC is a metropolis on the go. With the glassy Ba Be Lake and infinite limestone karsts, Ba Be National Park is an untouched piece of Vietnam’s natural magnificence. Expect jaw-dropping waterfalls, valley and mountain trekking, cave explorations, and beautiful landscape closely draped in vibrant green vegetation. Trekking, kayaking, cycling, climbing, and mountaineering dominate the activities right here. Kayak down the absolutely pristine wetland surrounded by the well-known limestone cliffsOne of probably the most fascinating landscapes in Vietnam, Ninh Binh is often ignored for more well-known locations. The iconic limestone pinnacles of Vietnam jut out of rice fields on this space, giving it the name “Ha Long Bay on land”. The Van Long Nature Reserve here is a fully pristine wetland surrounded by the famous limestone cliffs. 外燴 'll also be greeted with a heat welcome from the Vietnamese themselves. Spend an evening on a traditional junk cruising among the many limestone surroundings of Halong Bay. In Laos you will take one of the most rewarding river journeys in the area adopted by some time in remote Phongsali. Enjoy a fishing trip in Hoi An, before a barbecue lunch on board the boat. Spend time sharing experiences of the Vietnam battle with both US and Vietnamese struggle veterans. Journey through the gorgeous Ninh Binh area with its dramatic limestone karsts. Having facilitated the top-rated escorted excursions of Vietnam for North American vacationers for over a decade, Easy Tours knows what makes for a very memorable exploration. The background of this area is the most important web site of infinite paddy rice fields, coconut farms, tropical fruit gardens. It may be very easy for you to catch sight of kids driving on the again of the water buffaloes and farmers working on the fields, buying and selling on the floating markets. Skip the lengthy drive with speedboat transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi to go to one of Vietnam’s prime locations. You’ll zip alongside the Saigon River to Cu Chi, then take a guided tour of the vast community of tunnels utilized by the north Vietnamese military through the Vietnam War . Upon your return, go for drop-off at the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, or your hotel. Our Vietnam Luxury Tours provide you with alternatives to get customized insights into the unique culture by handpicking places and experiences that the majority tourists won't ever see. Although poverty is by no means eradicated, the usual of dwelling of the typical Vietnamese has improved significantly over the past 5 a long time. There is lots of distinctive related info on Vietnam all through this long webpage. Vietnam is a really numerous vacation spot and has something for all types of explorers. The finest time to travel on our Vietnam tours is between December and February when temperatures are milder and rain is minimal. Your tour consists of motels, breakfast day by day and other choose meals, comfy transportation, an skilled Tour Director, guided sightseeing, and more. Our experts make it straightforward, and our educated tour directors deliver each tour to life. Hence, it isn't exaggerative to assert that Hoi An is the “Venice of Vietnam”. Hoi An is outstanding with yellow shade overwhelming the entire romantic town, enchanting many travelers to get their Hoi An tours in Vietnam trip. [newline]Make your own way to the previous imperial capital of Vietnam – the house of the traditional superb time of Nguyen Dynasty. Come to visit Sapa, you should have a chance to admire the heart-touching marvelous great thing about nature and take part in a variety of exciting and distinctive activities that Sapa provides. Vietnam is house to a variety of properties you could embrace in your luxury vacation. From boutique hotels with their French colonial structure, to desert island hideaways only accessible by boat. Visit a floating market on the Mekong Delta, strive your hand at woodcut painting in Hanoi, or explore Saigon by vintage sidecar. Twin Lakes Park There are tons of of caves, underground rivers and long underground passages with stalactites and stalagmites. In 2005 the park has been found a new species of gecko. The park has about 300 caves and caverns with a total length of 70 km. Vietnam has a lot of amusement parks as a outcome of improve in tourism for home and international vacationers. They’re enjoyable to visit for all vacationers, especially those with households and children. Plus, the parks provide a brand new alternative to see one thing new and completely different than the everyday sightseeing locations. Some of the theme parks have water parks, thrill rides, reveals, gardens, and zoos. Son Tra Mountain is a breath-taking national park in Da Nang that stands 693 metres above sea stage. It’s a 35-minute drive from Da Nang, making it a preferred retreat amongst locals and travellers trying to escape the heat and busy traffic of town. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the verdant mountain can also be surrounded by pristine beaches corresponding to Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But, and Tien Sa Beach. The three mountain summits are Dinh Vua which is the highest at 1,296m, Tan Vien which is 1,226m and Ngoc Hoa the smallest at 1,131m. Together they form a three humped crest which is often obscured by clouds on the highest level as a result of diversified climate at the park. Pilgrims and tourists alike normally make the walk to the summit of the Tan Vien peak where an eleventh sacred century shrine stands in reminiscence of the Mountain God. There are additionally superb tropical forest views and vistas all the way to Hanoi to be loved from this peak. The fast-flowing Da River is located on one side of the nationwide park; there are also a number of streams running via the park. It is the largest monument of its sort outside of Washington, D.C., stands here as a memorial to 980 South Carolinians who died in Vietnam. Plans are ongoing for the future development of the Korean War Memorial as funds are raised. Built on the very best level in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks stands on practically forty acres of landscaped gardens. Essentially The Most Beautiful Temples In Vietnam And Cambodia Monks have lived at the Trấn Quốc Pagoda for hundreds of years, instructing the ways of Buddhism to the general public. Before the visitors begin arriving, the monks pray on the a quantity of shrines unfold across the grounds. Monks do not get married and therefore don't live with families at the pagoda. Over the years, the temple was variously named An Quoc and Tran Bac as properly. The Trấn Quốc Pagoda in Hanoi is the oldest pagoda in the metropolis, initially constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế , thus giving it an age of more than 1,500 years. When founded the temple was named Khai Quoc and was sited on the shores of the Red River, outside of the Yen Phu Dyke. When confronted with the river's encroachment, the temple was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngu islet of Ho Tay where it's now situated. Prior to this, Đại Việt, the predecessor of modern Vietnam, had been primarily restricted to northern Vietnam, significantly the Red River Delta. During the times of the Trần Dynasty, Đại Việt made repeated raids south into modern-day central Vietnam, which was then the situation of the Kingdom of Champa, which was a Hindu culture. However, the Vietnamese have been unable to gain a conclusive end result over the Cham, who usually fought back and reclaimed territory. The border was often shifted forwards and backwards, and in one instance, the Champa under Chế Bồng Nga managed to raid and attack Hanoi within the late 14th century. With its harmonious architecture taking advantage of the watery panorama, the pagoda is a picturesque attraction. There is a great deal of Buddhist symbolism at the Trấn Quốc Temple as properly. For years, only a bit of scrap steel coated the Buddha, however in July some Vietnamese immigrants in Oakland upgraded the shrine. Here, Vietnamese immigrants rejoice a Buddhist holiday with a particular ceremony in the Oakland neighborhood. Stevenson, the resident who first put the statue there, is blown away by how the nook has modified. I imply, he’s beautiful," Stevenson says. "I would never recognize him on the street." It is animist, finding gods in everything that has been created, from trees, individuals, animals and even rocks. Most Japanese adhere to both Buddhism and Shinto, discovering no battle between the 2. Christianity can additionally be evident in Japan, ranging from the Portuguese Catholics who arrived within the early 1600s. This is the second in a series of columns on Janet Landfried’s visit to Japan in the spring of 2006. Janet graciously offered to share her articles while I’m on my journey to Indochina visiting Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. First are the attractive carved reliefs on the system of staircases that lead pilgrims to the top of the step pyramid. The second are the numerous seated stone Buddhas, a few of that are in perforated stupas, and others that are headless. Inside you’ll be greeted with big stalactites, considered one of which symbolize the sacred lingam , earlier than reaching the brick temple relationship to the seventh century. Beside pagoda and temple , there may be another worshipping place known as “Đình”, or a communal house in English, which shouldn’t be confused with a temple. In communal homes, Vietnamese are worshipping their villages’ protectors, tutelary spirits, saints of the mountains or rivers where their villages are located at or close by. In some areas, communal homes are additionally used as a public place to discuss the local village issues, the place most respectful males make the final selections. It’s a place, which could be on a grand scale and very ornate or may be easy rooms, to worship an actual individual within the country’s history. The particular person is a Vietnamese national hero like a king, a queen, a basic, a successful Confucian scholar, or a nationwide liberator . In Hong Kong, you can’t photograph inside Buddhist temples, however you possibly can inside the native god temples and shrines, except told to not. The temple will also perform as a cultural center for the Vietnamese neighborhood. Until the work is complete, actions are being held in a library located on the temple’s rear. To preserve the custom, the Vietnamese language is actively taught to young individuals; Vietnamese vegetarian food is offered; and on traditional holidays, cultural performances are held. The solely temple on this listing to fall outside of the Hindu/Buddhist realm is Tây Ninh Holy See, the principle temple of the Cao Dai religion. Caodaism is a syncretic religion, combining aspects of varied religions, and has an estimated four.4 million followers in Vietnam and abroad. 5 Traditional Festivals In Vietnam, Vietnamese Tradition And Traditions Presents and food shares have to be bought – the streets are crowded with shoppers. Special stalls spring as a lot as promote the normal Tet treats – banh chung , mut and fresh fruit. Tet is a time for renewal, so every thing referring to the old 12 months have to be taken down, debts have to be paid, grievances reconciled, new garments have to be worn, and resolutions for the approaching 12 months must be made. Tet Fest happens at Queen Mary of Vietnam Church during the Vietnamese New Year. Vietnamese competition bridge on Eastern mysticism and historic landmarks. The Vietnamese rejoice the nice thought chief Confucius’s birthday. Here, some believe the souls of the lifeless wander the homes of their offspring. The fundamental reasons behind the celebration are to display flowers, greens, and ornamental vegetation from the locals and neighbour regions and to lure visitors to come back to Dalat. Are you wanting ahead to experiencing a pageant that can't discover anyplace else? The celebration is a semi-annual social occasion that celebrates the tradition and history of the earlier capital metropolis which is presently perceived as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The celebration attracts travellers from all round the world to experience distinctive heritage in Hue and moreover Vietnam's national id. This celebration attracts numerous travellers from all through Vietnam. While many travellers recognize going to new locations, setting off to a different nation for a selected celebration or a special competition is also charming for some savvy explorers. There are 24 younger men who dance and wave flags as two teams of troops start preventing. After this occasion, a pair of buffaloes are led to opposite sides of the pageant grounds and are made to stand near two flags called Ngu Phung. When the best sign is released, the 2 buffaloes are moved to within 20m of each other. At the next sign, the 2 leaders launch the ropes that are hooked up to the noses of the buffaloes. The two buffaloes then rush into each other with nicely practiced actions. Khmer people’s new yr competition lasts three days and four days in leap years. Apart from worshipping the Buddha, Khmer individuals consider that yearly the heaven sends a god known as Tevoda to the earth to take care of human beings and their life. To please these spirits, many Vietnamese folks create altars that they cowl in choices and place in pagodas and other public locations. This competition is also recognized as the Cold Food Festival, as a end result of during this time chilled dishes such as banh troi and banh chay are historically eaten. This magical 3000-year-old competition is the perfect method to acquire an excellent view of Vietnamese culture. Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest season with parades, lion dances, firecrackers, video games, and attractive treats. Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims flock to the pagoda for the festival, which climaxes on the total moon of the second month, though the pilgrimage continues for a month both facet; March–April. Many Vietnamese festivals are Chinese in origin, imbued with a distinctive flavour over the centuries, however minority teams also hold their very own specific celebrations. Celebrations happen at historic websites across town such because the famous Hue Citadel and An Dinh Palace. Where to expertise the festival – By the Thu Bon River in Hoi An Old Town after dusk. The pageant is also called the Cold Food Festival as chilled dishes corresponding to banh troi and banh chay are usually eaten. On Tet eve, large crowds converge on city centres, utterly blocking the streets. The climax comes on the stroke of midnight, when the Tao Quan returns to earth. People rush to gather inexperienced leaves for luck, and the noise reaches a crescendo. This is when lost souls return to go to their living relatives, who must treat them with respect by offering them food and presents. Check out the pageant and holiday calendar earlier than youapply on your visa. Especially, make sure to use for the visa no much less than 2 months beforehand when you plan to visit during the Tet Festival. This is when tourists and the Vietnamese in abroad go to Vietnam, and there's a rush for visas. There are additionally plenty of cultural events which might be only celebrated throughout certain occasions of the year , so you’ll by no means know when one decides to pop up throughout your travels. Life in Vietnam is a succession of major and minor festivals, mostly based mostly on the lunar calendar – there might be seldom a day when the festival calendar is clean. Independence Day is a vital historical, political and cultural occasion related to its present standing. In most nations, this holiday originally results in the delivery of the country. The similarity in Vietnam, the origin of this present day tracks again to the 12 months of 1945. 17 Best Souvenirs From Vietnam Vietnam is not any completely different and whenever you travel there, be ready to be thrilled. The Vietnamese, not unreasonably, see tourists as wildly rich – how else might they afford to cease working and travel the world – and a primary quoted price is often pitched accordingly. In Van Phuc Village you probably can choose silk, purchase it and later use it to order an outfit for your self. This is the proper instant snack within the streets of Vietnam and one of the most common fruits loved by vacationers in addition to locals. While they have spiky crusts and irregular form, jackfruits have a sweet scent and scrumptious flesh perfect for these with a candy tooth. Sand painting is a modern artwork kind in Vietnam with a history of just some years, but it has fast-gained vast recognition amongst each locals and guests. It is the artwork of pouring coloured sands mixed with man-made or natural pigments into bottles or different transparent containers. Original items have been drawn on rice paper however you’ll discover some on canvas too. Must-visits embrace Ben Thanh Market, Cholon, and An Dong Market. Shopping in Vietnam is a superb experience, and not only for the wonderful bargains and awesome souvenirs you can find. Local markets are a part of the Vietnamese culture, and the expertise of buying at the same locations because the locals do is an expertise you'll not get within the extra fashionable retailers. So for the most effective experience, in addition to the most effective in bargains and items, the native markets are the best places in Vietnam for purchasing. All the local coffee retailers will also have the ability to promote you their own blend. Wearing robes, scarves or any type of garment made from this soft, exquisite material will make one seem elegant and in-tune with traditional Vietnamese trend. The first-rate silk production industry in Vietnam is extensively known throughout the world. This conventional craft has been studied and perfected by artists across the nation, and is an important part of the Vietnamese people’s cultural heritage. For these trying to do some shopping throughout their holiday, Vietnam is an absolute delight. In Hanoi, the calligraphers settle in front of the Temple of Literature for a month within the Tet period. The tea culture was launched by the French through the colonization within the nineteenth century, however it was not till the following century that tea production has actually grown. There are totally different sorts of tea corresponding to green tea, lotus, jasmine, chrysanthemum, artichoke, and so forth. The most emblematic of the country stays undoubtedly lotus-scented tea. Have you heard the Vietnamese work and artworks are considered probably the greatest on the planet in phrases of artwork values and profound implications inside? In Vietnam, the Nguyen Art gallery is famous for showcasing essentially the most authentic and authentic paintings and artworks which completely catch your eyes at first sight. The excellent mixture of rustic wooden and inventive, skillful artists creates unique wooden artworks, luxurious home decor, and unique furnishings. Onerous Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minh City Cocktails start at about 120K VND and go up to 200K or more. It’s exhausting to order incorrect, as they’re all hand-crafted and yummy. This is a wonderful rooftop bar with a view of every thing down below and a sunset to the west. There’s pleased hour deals and an array of nice meals to order. Crazy Cat’s Coffee Pub – Located subsequent to a Taco NGON location, Crazy Cat’s is laid-back spot to take pleasure in Pasteur Street beer and a taco. Dirty Fingers Bar & Eatery – This sports bar options stay music and western meals along with a giant screen tv. Variations of the word Chè on the menu always imply the “sweetness” of the soup. Be sure to try the taro soup, glutinous rice soup, or tapioca soup. Well, the premise of all Vietnamese dishes, in fact, is rice. By the finest way, I didn’t embody pho on this listing on function. Because I feel that’s the one dish everyone knows about. If you’re craving Western brunch favorites like pancakes, a bagel sandwich, or even just a grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll be pleasantly stunned by the menu at Cafe Marcel. I recommend the mushrooms and eggs or, my personal favorite – the Croque-Marcel. It was a spur of the moment thing that turned out to be considered one of my favourite food experiences in Vietnam. To make the broth, pork and beef bones are simmered with lemongrass then seasoned with fermented shrimp paste, annatto, sugar, and chili oil. It’s then garnished with chopped green onion, slivers of raw onion, and cilantro. Despite being deep-fried, I was shocked by how refreshing the dumplings were due to the greens and dipping sauce. 10 Distinctive Markets You Could Only See In Vietnam There are additionally plenty of dishes which is in a position to leave your tastebuds tantalizing like banh bot loc , banh trang me , banh duc and cha ram tom dat . Vuong Hong Sen, a researcher on the Museum of Vietnam History in Ho Chi Minh City, has different rationalization. He said that these 5 markets were named after the land’s house owners or the primary merchant in that market. Until now, the derivation of the market nonetheless causes argument, but we can't deny that Ba Chieu Market is a hotspot for each home individuals and foreigners. Walking is essentially the most applicable method to wander and discover each nook of this Saigon market. The fastest way to attain Binh Tay Market is to choose a taxi.ora bike taxi, particularly when GrabBike makes travel a lot simpler. If you resolve to take a bus, get into the blue bus No. 1 from the Central Bus Station will directly lead to Cholon Bus Station. What’s extra, vacationers can also purchase fish shares, crustaceans, even very good prawns, small sharks and so on, all of that are ultra-fresh. People can even buy day by day goods, flowers and roughly something for self-catering in Hoi An as this market is really a treasure-house for consumers. Street facet shops sell quite a lot of objects, from watches to clothing to pharmacy objects. Ho Chi Minh City witnessed many generations moving from different components of Vietnam to earn a residing. On settling down in a spot removed from their residence, merchants often miss their birthplace, household and hometown products. As a result, Ba Hoa market was set as much as fulfill the nostalgia of people from Quang Nam Province. Although the market was renamed later as Ward eleven Market, native individuals keep calling it as Ba Hoa Market. It is the finest way that local residents categorical their appreciation to Mrs. Hoa – the founding father of the market. Located on the banks of Thu Bon River, this heritage market is the perfect place to deal with the foodie and Shopaholic in you at the similar time. From fresh fish cuisines to handmade souvenirs, you can seize every little thing from right here in bulk. Ben Thanh Market is located within the city heart , you can go on foot, by motorcycle, by taxi or you presumably can even strive a Tuk-Tuk like vehicle. If you are prepared to cook dinner any conventional Vietnamese dish of the Vietnamese Cuisine, the ground ground is your house (unfortunately you gained't find many unique ingredients to arrange a Exotic Vietnamese dish). Floors 1st, 2nd and 3rd are primarily textile, clothes and accessories, but also on the first ground yow will discover jewelery and imitation jewelery. Using a bike or taking a taxi is the quickest approach to attain the market. There are a number of buses arriving at An Dong Market from the bus station near Ben Thanh Market daily like Bus no. 11, 56, 38 and forty five. Reasons To Visit Vietnam With Kids The Travel With Kids tv show not solely helps dad and mom navigate the logistics of touring with youngsters, but introduces families to locations around the world. Join us as we journey to exotic places around the globe, meet the locals, strive new meals, discover historical past and nature, and have a genuine journey. Find out what it’s wish to travel with youngsters from tantrums to sibling rivalry to precise family bonding and recollections to last endlessly. Directly east of Hanoi is Halong Bay, an UNESCO World Heritage site. These are greatest explored by bike and sampan and you'll spend a wonderful day or two exploring the world. Families with older children might enjoy an evening on a transformed rice barge, slowly cruising along the palm-fringed canals and enjoying dinner on deck. For a little bit of respite from the chaotic streets of central Hanoi, make your approach to the Red River District. This is doubtless one of the few elements of Hanoi that escaped bombing during the Vietnam War and the quiet streets are lined with conventional courtyard homes and peaceable Buddhist temples. Join an area family in their ancestral house and help grandma make a tasty lunch of spring rolls washed down with a pot of inexperienced tea. We additionally supply much better worth for a big family group. It is an efficient alternative to invite your relatives to get this provide. Vietnam family holidays are specifically designed and operated by Viet Vision Travel, probably the greatest tour corporations of Vietnam trip packages. Vietnam is a superb place for these family bonding adventures and has plenty of actions that households love. Below is a guide for households touring to Vietnam, together with information about family travel and ideas on the place to go. Chic Avani Quy Nhon faces the ocean and provides direct entry onto the golden sand. An infinity pool stretches in the direction of the water, and can be close to a brand new glass-walled kids’ membership, so you presumably can chill out in the water while the little ones are entertained. Popular Culture The lack of a post-secondary education is mostly not a barrier to occupying high-ranking enterprise or political positions, although this had begun to alter by the late 1990s. Vietnamese pop music was influenced early on by the large U.S. military presence in South Vietnam. Much of the music retained its traditional instruments, excluding warfare songs and struggle anthems. Vietnamese pop genre was not as renowned in the course of the war, as most music would include patriotic music, struggle songs, or songs from the U.S. Cải lương originated in Southern Vietnam within the early 20th century and blossomed in the Thirties as a theatre of the center class during the nation's French colonial period. Unlike the opposite people forms, it continued to prove in style with the lots as late as the Seventies and the Nineteen Eighties, though it is now in decline. In recent years, Vietnam has experienced fast globalization in its industries, from style to leisure. As the usage of Viet indicates, the Vietnamese have for hundreds of years had a way of the distinctiveness of their society and tradition. However, because the inclusion of Nam shows, the land they inhabit has expanded over time, and likewise has its personal internal divisions into northern, central, and southern areas. Additionally, as evidenced by the name change, their historical past has been profoundly influenced by their contact with different, usually extra highly effective, teams. People maintain youngsters and cross them around throughout the day. During the evening infants sleep with their mother and father within the mother and father' mattress. Infant care is largely the duty of female members of the family. Mothers play the first position, though in cases after they must be away, older relations help look after the children. The culture dictates that authority figures have the obligation to look after and shield all their constituents. Vietnamese not solely will anticipate absolute steerage from their health care professionals, however will comply with out contesting or questioning their decisions. The following is an instance of how cultural variations might play a role in rehabilitation services. Its greatest concern has been unrest in rural areas brought on by official malfeasance and land disputes. The authorities can also be concerned about relations with non secular teams within the south, particularly Catholics, Cao Dai, and Hoa Hao, who've demonstrated in opposition to the federal government because the 1990s. Another source of concern is smuggling and the manufacturing of counterfeit commodities. Three issues that have elevated dramatically in urban areas through the 1990s have been theft, prostitution, and drug abuse. Many who engage within the latter two activities are sometimes from the poorest segments of the population. Official corruption associated with the drug commerce and intercourse trade are another vital problem. City residents typically congregate to take a seat and loosen up in any respect hours of the day in parks, cafes, or on the road aspect. This effectively brought all of Vietnam under French management. The French colonial regime was distinguished by its brutality and relentless exploitation of the Vietnamese folks. Resistance to colonial rule was intense in the early years, however weakened after the late Nineties. Such teams grew in strength in the course of the turmoil of World War II. On 19 August 1945 an uprising occurred by which Vietnamese nationalists overthrew the Japanese administration then controlling Vietnam. On 2 September 1945 Ho Chi Minh officially established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Besides the dearth of services, there isn't any quality management so the quality of the existing providers and programs is questionable . The first step of this project was to enact an ordinance similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act to offer a legal foundation for shielding folks with disabilities. [newline]It requires full participation of individuals with disabilities in rehabilitation, education, employment and job training. The ordinance is aimed toward promoting gradual integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society. It is price noting that the ordinance calls for collaboration between communities, households and people with disabilities to be able to perform its mission. Sole responsibility does not rest on the shoulders of the federal government. Rehabilitation services are a comparatively new phenomena in Vietnam. Vietnam Double happiness, longevity and wealth motifs translate from comparable bamboo wall hangings inside. An military of well-groomed waiters descends as you make your means through the main eating room out into the garden past. Meticulously laid tables reside beneath lush banana palms as classical music wafts from an unseen orchestra. Once seated, smells from the kitchen and an all-you-can-eat buffet tempt skipping an aperitif. According to Budget Your Trip, vacationers can anticipate to spend round d938,910 ($41) per day in Vietnam, which is relatively decrease than in Thailand. But, in case you don’t need to backpack and prefer a extra snug journey experience, price range $60 to $100 per day in your complete costs . In Vietnam, you'll find luxurious lodging, such as rural resorts surrounded by nature, for around $30/night, and the typical lodge value for a couple is d940,619 ($41). In this space, there are additionally condiment-heavy dishes, which could be ready with dry spices. Nightlife in this S-shaped Vietnam doesn’t stop at bars, nightclubs and sky lounges. You can always catch attention-grabbing nightlife activities relating to theater, night market shopping, local festivals and extra. Besides that, many incredible cultural shows are held at night time for tourists to discover Vietnamese cultural values namely the Water Puppet Show and a few conventional dance reveals. Read this article to search out out extra about one of the best places in which you can have a style of one of the best Vietnam nightlife. Big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi at the second are full of lively pubs, clubs and bars. The same applies to many vacationer locations such as Halong Bay, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. The excellent news is that it’s not particularly expensive to go out at night as Vietnam brews a number of the cheapest draft beer on the planet. Like a portray, the old city Hoi An radiates allure and wonder which captivates many vacationers. You’ll also go to a rooftop bar for a drink and sweeping views. Most of the preferred bars and clubs listed here are operated by someone from the sizable expatriate group. You can help the neighborhood by having fun with your drinks at a few of these that donate parts of their proceeds to needy local children. On stunning Phu Quoc Island on the western aspect of the country, the nightclub scene is decidedly laid back. On this quintessentially idyllic tropical island, you will discover a number of quintessential seashore bars set right on the sands beneath thatched roofs. You’ll have an opportunity to taste local specialties as nicely as favorite beverages across the old city. Indulge your inner foodie with a avenue meals tour through bustling Hanoi.

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robertsbig60 · 10 months

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Sell My House Fast Dallas, What You Should Know

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wherespaulo · 4 years

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Hiking across Spain -- Seville to Santiago de Compostela

May 22 – June 26, 2019

From late May to late June of 2019 I’d decided to walk across Spain, from Seville to Granja de Moreruela along the Via de la Plata, and then to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Sanabres -- 635 miles over 36 days. The Via de la Plata follows the route of an old Roman Road which, in the 9th century, along with the Camino Sanabres, became a pilgrim’s route to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. As I’m sure has been the case with many a pilgrim on this route over the centuries, the inner journey would be just as important as the geographical.

I’d stay in small B&B’s/hotels and have my luggage transferred between them, so I’d only need to carry my day pack. I would navigate using Gerald Kelly’s simple guide and follow the way markers which vary depending on the region, although one can always rely on the customary and rudimentary painted yellow arrows on any Camino route if you get stuck.

I’d learnt over the years, and trust me on this, that light footwear is much more comfortable over long distances -- if you’re fit and steady on your feet then heavy boots are only really needed if carrying a heavy pack or walking in snow. So I wore very light running shoes for the whole route. When travelling light the average daily distance of 18 miles on relatively gentle terrain was not difficult, but the scorching heat in the south was tough for a while! For the first 14 days, Seville to Caparra, I had to set off very early, many times when it was still dark, so that I could finish by mid-afternoon before the temperature rose above 92F – after Caparra the temperature generally stayed below 80F as the altitude had increased to above 2000 feet.

I passed through some beautiful old Roman towns -- Zafra, Caceres and Salamanca were some of my favorites. Most had approaches into their walled towns over ancient pedestrian-only arched bridges spanning wide rivers, leading to enormous stone cathedrals and opening into vast plazas but the approach into Zamora, which sits on a riverside cliff top, took some beating.

Throughout the south and middle of Spain the landscape would continually interchange between open woodlands of cork oak, perfect lines of olive groves and vast expanses of vineyard. But when passing through uncultivated scrubland I was forever accompanied by the wild gum rockrose bush – as the sun started to rise, and once the temperature had exceeded 75F by about mid-morning, it’s distinctive intoxicating yet subtle woody and spicy aroma would start to fill the air. I could almost set my watch by it, if I had one. But as soon as I entered Galicia in the north west the landscape changed to lush shades of green, it started to rain (the first on my hike) and the bush promptly disappeared. Together with the Celtic traditions and bagpipe music everywhere (the Galician Celts were never really conquered by the Romans) I thought I’d unknowingly traveled through a portal into the wilds of Ireland. As well as the tastier food and solid granite architecture everywhere I’d probably say, if I had to choose, that Galicia was my favorite part of the hike.

I’m always on the lookout for interesting wildlife and I heard these before I saw them, cheering me on as I entered every town and village. The incessant clapping of multiple white stork beaks as they precariously peered out from their characteristically large, robust nests, all packed together and perched on top of every elevated position in sight – the ancient church or castle towers providing perfect galleries from which to applaud the performance below.

The storks were sorely missed when they abruptly disappeared somewhere in the north of Spain but another highlight of the avian variety was while eating my lunch in the shade of an olive bush, somewhere between Almaden and Monasterio, when I was thoroughly entertained for a full hour by a family of colorful European bee-eaters swooping for their own preferred cuisine in a never-ending dance of dazzling blue, yellow and red-brown flashes.

Being one of the less popular Camino routes I didn’t meet too many people but when I did they became the major highlights of the trip:

I met Joseph, mid-fifties, paunch, dark hair and thick moustache, over a few badly needed beers outside a small bar in Aljucen on a scorching hot afternoon. While chain smoking he would totally crack me up with his fast Galician accent but there was something mysterious and shifty about him – over the coming days he would just appear at strange times, as if out of nowhere. We’d hike a few times together and I would learn that his ‘real’ name was actually Ramon (or was it?) and he’d spend half the year working on an Argentinian fishing boat. Great guy but I wouldn’t buy a second hand car off him!

In the albergue in San Pedro de Rozados I met David who offered some of his pig cheek when he saw I wasn’t impressed with the tiny chicken drumsticks I’d ordered. We hiked the next day together to Salamanca, regaling stories from our pasts, our hopes and fears. He told me he was 71, although he seemed strangely ageless, and that he lived in the Findhorn Community, an eco-village in the north of Scotland – it wasn’t what he said so much as how he said it, the way he looked at me, as if he was peering into my very soul. I knew right then that I had to visit this Findhorn place. Indeed, they say the Camino’s are like that, where guiding lights will lead you onto new and unexpected paths.

Clemente was my soulmate. Of similar age and shaved heads we were totally in-tune even though we spoke different languages, communicating in single words, by using Google translate or waving our arms and making noises. We hiked many days together, sometimes in silence, always stopping for tortilla and expresso mid-morning and finishing the hike off with a very large late lunch washed down by copious amounts of red wine. One of my favorite memories was walking together in the rain, and without any prompting, we broke out into a rousing chorus of “I’m singing in the rain” with such enthusiasm -- me in English and Clemente in Spanish. We carried on like this for about 30 mins in pouring rain without a care in the world.

Silvia seemed to be in a rush with a purpose about her as she sped out of Salamanca in the early morning darkness like a ‘bat out of hell’. I was probably the only one around capable of catching her. She became my pace setter, almost at running speed. I did eventually catch up where I learned she was from Barcelona. I was thankful she spoke a little English, and she explained how the first couple of days of a long hike always served to remove the stress from her other life – by the third day she would start slowing down a bit.

Many people hike the Camino’s for the inner journey, being in no rush to reach any particular geographical destination. I spotted the young Korean about half-a-mile ahead, sitting on his rucksack in the middle of the footpath, watching the clouds, meditating and smoking a cigarette – he hadn’t moved an inch by the time I passed him where he barely even noticed me. Then there was the young Italian guy, unhurried, holding his roughly hewn staffs vertically and purposefully, one in each hand, planting each one down firmly with each very slow step. He’d ambled all the way across Spain like that – I never asked him how long it had taken him, but he didn’t care. And mustn’t forget the guy in his 80’s wearing traditional pilgrims attire, lugging his wheelie bag along a boggy footpath, unperturbed by the enormous hill that reared up in front of him. So how did he get to the bar in A.Gudina before us? Of course, it was the spirit of the Camino -- others had carried his bag over the hill for him…just like they did over the next few days too!

Most of these guys, who I would meet multiple times at different stages, were staying in the alburgues (bunkhouses with no fee, although the etiquette was to pay 10 euros per night) and carrying all their luggage. This all made me feel a tad guilty with my relatively posh accommodation and small day pack to carry. In retrospect, staying in alburgues is probably the best way to hike in Spain if you want to meet lots of interesting people -- as long as you can put up with the snoring. I did get invited to dinner a couple of times at their alburgues – one of these was in Tabara where Jose, the friendly yet eccentric manager and local author, passed around a selection of his home-brews; dangerous and probably illegal moonshine equivalents in dusty looking corked bottles. I’ve never tasted rocket fuel but if I had…

I was thrilled to be joined by Alex in Ourense and we caught up from where we last left off over the next four days en route to Ponte Vela. The highlight of this section was a visit to the 13th century Monasterio de Oseira. It had been raining hard so there were less than ten parishioners for their Sunday service, shivering and bedraggled. We were more than happy to have a chance to warm up when prompted by joining in the procession with the eight resident monks, doing circuits of the cloisters while Gregorian chanting, a pastime which originated in Galicia and which Clemente’s father was a well known local practitioner. As the voices from our small choir echoed around that vast, cold and damp interior, they seemed to resonate with something much deeper…something infinite.

As I stood before the enormous cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and considered the many weary pilgrims who’d ended their trek at this very same spot, I wondered whether, just like me, they’d considered that the real journey had only just begun.

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