#cottages at lake ella
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3/24/2023 - Friday
I don’t often go down to Lake Ella in the middle of the day, but yesterday was still relatively cool and also Chef Leon was doing a pop-up take-away lunch so I could not resist! Decided to show you all what the pond looks like in full bright!
I did sharpen the photo a touch to give it a bit of the mid-day glare that I experienced with my eyes; so while it’s not “no filter” it’s definitely “true…
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Serene Sands and Sunset Dreams: A Honeymoon in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Introduction
Embarking on the voyage of matrimony is a profound journey marked by the enchantment of a honeymoon—a special time for newlyweds to revel in their union amidst a destination that whispers tales of romance and serenity. Amidst the myriad choices, Sri Lanka unfolds as a hidden gem, boasting pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and cultural wonders. In this extensive guide, we will delve into the enchanting honeymoon places in Sri Lanka, uncovering the diverse experiences that make this tropical haven an ideal setting for a romantic getaway. From the sun-kissed coastal charms to the misty allure of hill country havens, we'll explore the things to do in Sri Lanka that transform a honeymoon into an immersive and unforgettable odyssey.
I. Unveiling the Tropical Paradise
A. Sri Lanka's Romantic Allure:
Sri Lanka, nestled in the Indian Ocean, beckons couples with its captivating beauty. From palm-fringed beaches to misty hills and ancient ruins, the island nation is a canvas painted with hues of love and tranquility.
B. When to Visit for a Romantic Escape:
Understanding the best time to visit is crucial for a perfect honeymoon. Explore the seasonal nuances and find the ideal time to witness Sri Lanka's magic unfold.
II. Coastal Charms:
A. Mirissa - Sunset Serenity:
Mirissa, with its golden beaches and azure waters, sets the stage for a romantic rendezvous. Discover the charm of whale watching, share intimate moments during a sunset cruise, and relish fresh seafood by the shore.
B. Unwind in Tangalle's Secluded Retreats:
For couples seeking seclusion, Tangalle's pristine beaches and boutique resorts offer a serene escape. Dive into the tranquil waters, stroll along untouched shores, and let the waves compose the soundtrack to your romantic retreat.
C. Bentota - Waterfront Romance:
Bentota, nestled along the Bentota River, invites honeymooners to enjoy water sports, explore lush gardens, and take a leisurely boat ride. The fusion of nature and luxury creates an ideal backdrop for love to blossom.
III. Hill Country Havens:
A. Nuwara Eliya - Romantic Respite Amidst Tea Plantations:
Escape to the cool embrace of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's hill station. Surrounded by verdant tea plantations, this charming town offers cozy cottages, horseback rides, and the chance to explore cascading waterfalls hand-in-hand.
B. Ella - Hiking to Heartfelt Views:
Ella, with its rolling hills and hiking trails, beckons adventurous couples. Take a scenic train ride, hike to Ella Rock, and revel in panoramic views that elevate your romantic experience to new heights.
C. Kandy - Cultural Romance:
In the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy captivates with its cultural richness. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, stroll around the Kandy Lake, and witness a traditional dance performance, immersing yourselves in the island's heritage.
IV. Cultural Capitals:
A. Galle - Where History Meets Romance:
Galle's historic fort, charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant art scene create a timeless backdrop for love. Explore colonial architecture, enjoy candlelit dinners in boutique cafes, and witness the sunset from the ramparts.
B. Colombo - Urban Elegance:
Colombo, the capital city, offers a taste of urban elegance. Indulge in luxury shopping, savor diverse culinary delights, and take a romantic stroll along Galle Face Green, where the sea breeze enhances the enchantment of the evening.
V. Nature's Embrace:
A. Yala National Park - Safari Romance:
Embark on a wildlife adventure at Yala National Park, where leopards, elephants, and exotic birds await. Share the thrill of a safari, and let the wilderness become the backdrop for your love story.
B. Sinharaja Forest Reserve - Wilderness Retreat:
For nature enthusiasts, Sinharaja Forest Reserve provides an intimate setting amid lush biodiversity. Trek through ancient trails, discover endemic flora and fauna, and experience the unparalleled joy of being surrounded by nature.
VI. Wellness and Romance:
A. Spa Retreats in Sri Lanka:
Pamper yourselves with rejuvenating spa experiences. From Ayurvedic treatments to modern wellness therapies, Sri Lanka's spas offer a perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, enhancing the romance of your honeymoon.
Conclusion
In the embrace of Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry, a honeymoon becomes more than just a trip; it transforms into an unforgettable odyssey of love. Whether you seek the tranquility of a beachfront haven, the misty romance of hill stations, or the cultural allure of historic cities, Sri Lanka has it all. As you embark on this romantic journey, let the island's magic weave timeless memories, creating the perfect beginning to your lifelong adventure together. Sri Lanka awaits, ready to be the canvas for your love story.
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Forgotten Bookmarks found in books (x)
1) Vintage paper coaster from The International House of Pancakes.
Found in "Unseen Life in New York" by William Beebe. Published by Duell, Sloan and Pierce, 1953.
2) Trade card advertising I.H. Leyden and Bothers, Clothing and Furnishing Goods, Syracuse NY. Found in "The Pioneers" by James Fenimore Cooper. Published by Appleton, 1879.
3) Amusing advertisement for "Force's Roach Exterminator." Found in "Backgrounds of American Literary Thought" by Rod Hudson and Herbert Edwards. Published by Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1952.
4) Trade card. Found in "A Handbook of American Speech" by Calvin L. Lewis. Published by Scott Foresman and Company, 1916.
5) Antique temperance trade card: “Wine is a Mocker; Strong Drink is Raging.” Found in the lovely "Poems of Passion" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Published by W.B. Conkey, 1883.
6) Small cardboard advertising "coin" - “TRY OUR FRESH Cottage Cheese“
Found in "Last Night at Black Hammer" by Gene Olson. Published by Dell, 1960.
7) Advertising trade card, this one is for "Hood's Sarsaparilla." Found in "Willy Reilly" by William Carleton. Published by John Lovell, circa 1896.
8) Trade card advertising Fuller and Warren stoves and furnaces, as sold by Fayette Allen, Schuyler's Lake NY. Found in "The Rover of the Andes" by R.M. Ballantyne. Published by Thomas Nelson, 1885.
9) Found in "The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature: The Collected Writings of Neal Pollack" published by Perennial/Harper Collins, 2002.
10) Found in "Snow-Bound: A Winter Idyl" by John Greenleaf Whittier. Published by Ticknor and Fields, 1866.
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get to know me!
age? 18 :)
birthday? 20/11
name? clara
why your username? has the same meaning that my name but is in euskera!
where are you from? catalonia, spain!
how many languages do you speak? three. catalan, spanish and english.
pronouns? she/her. ella.
sexuality? bisexual chaos.
city or town? small village. a rural one haha.
career? social and cultural anthropology.
what do you want to do? forensic anthropologist and a writer.
why? I want to give people who still have families in unidentified gutters, the assurance that they can bury them under a name and flowers.
fav time to study? morning in the uni library.
coffee or tea? as a spaniard, coffee gives me the best conversations.
going out or staying in the house? i love a good party (i love purpurina) but i enjoy a lot more blanket and a comedy show.
hogwarts house? slytherin
fav harry potter ship? bLINNY
fav song? eternal flame by the bangles
fav taylor swift song? tied together with a smile
fav taylor swift album? folklore (the lakes while always hold a special place in my heart)
fav book? idk but right now im reading "The invisible guardian" from Dolores Redondo.
series? i love grey's, bones, gilmore girls, ouat, the Bridgeton and maybe all the reality shows on tv (im really into "La isla de las tentaciones").
interests? star trek, dinosaurs, taylor swift, rom-com from the 2000s, books, russian authors, classics, thrillers, period dramas, long spotifty list, fanfiction, sleeping, dark academia, romantic academia cottages and hikking.
ily <3
#me#intro post#get to know tag#get to know me#hogwarts#dark academia#romantic academia#star trek the next generation#study#cottage academia
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Books read in October
I read a paperback book for the first time in over three months months and was sharply aware that I couldn’t change anything about the way the text was displayed to make it more comfortable to read. I wondered, sadly, if I no longer like reading physical books.
Then I became engrossed in the story, and there were long stretches of time when I didn’t think about how I was reading a brick of printed paper. I turned pages as automatically and effortlessly as breathing. I think I was just out of practice.
This month’s Unintentional Colour Scheme: pink, purple and light blue.
Favourite covers: The Time-Traveling Popcorn Ball and The Other Side of the Sky.
Also read: “Good Neighbors” by Stephanie Burgis and Tiny House, Big Love by Olivia Dade. (And half a romance novel which I disliked and have no interest in remembering or reviewing.)
Reread: The last section of The Beckoning Hills by Ruth Elwin Harris. The middle section of Hunting by Andrea K. Höst.
Still reading: Between Silk and Cyanide by Leo Marks, and Angel Mage by Garth Nix.
Next up: The Switch by Beth O’Leary, and Hamster Princess: Little Red Rodent Hood by Ursula Vernon.
*
The Time-Traveling Popcorn Ball by Aster Glenn Gray: A magical story of time-travel and of friendship between eleven year old Piper, who has just moved into a new house, and Rosie, who lived in the same house fifty years earlier. It’s totally charming, and exactly the sort of story I adored growing up. Sometimes that makes me wish I could send a book back in time to my younger self, but I appreciated this book’s references to things that my younger self didn’t know about. I also appreciated how, even though I’ve read similar stories, I couldn’t predict how this one would end. That was very satisfying.
The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett: In 1547, Francis Crawford, the Master of Lymond, wanted by the Scottish government for treason, is back in Edinburgh. The audiobook was the perfect way to experience this! The voices the narrator uses highlights clues in the text, about who’s speaking or the subtext and emotional tones of a conversation, which helped me to follow the story even when I felt confused about exactly what was going on. I enjoyed the Scottish accents, the clever wit, the ambiguity about Lymond’s plans and motives, and the way many characters are very intelligent, perceptive people. I was interested in the historical political intrigue. I loved the twists and revelations, which are brilliant -- incredibly clever and satisfying.
“Good Neighbors” by Stephanie Burgis: The first “fantasy rom-com” about a grumpy inventor who, along with her father, moves into a cottage nextdoor to a notorious necromancer in his big black castle. I wasn’t expecting to read about Mia stitching up undead minions, but appreciate that Burgis doesn’t take this opportunity to give glory details. This short story was fun and satisfying, and I am looking forward to when the rest of this series becomes (easily) available.
Lake of Sorrows by Erin Hart: After Haunted Ground, Dr Nora Gavin heads to the midlands west of Dublin to oversee the evacuation of another body discovered in a peat bog. The setting is fascinating and I like the atmosphere -- this has a strong sense of both place and mystery. However the multiple murders meant there’s more unpleasantness than I’d prefer. But it’s probably not enough to deter me from reading the next book.
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams: Engrossing -- a poignant story of childhood during the late 19th century and womanhood in the early 20th century, and an absolutely fascinating insight into the decades-long process behind the first Oxford English Dictionary. Esme’s father is one of the lexicographers collecting and defining words for the Dictionary. Esme grows up with a fascination for words and begins to collect words that the Dictionary leaves out. I liked that Esme has people in her life who love and support her, but the ending is intensely sad. I’m not sure why that disappointed me. As an ending, it fits this story.
Taking Down Evelyn Tait by Poppy Nwosu: Australian YA. Lottie is furious that no one else seems to realise what Evelyn Tait, her nemesis (and stepsister) is like. Her best friend Grace is in love with Evelyn. Her teachers and her father tell Lottie she should emulate Evelyn. So Lottie decides that she’s going to do just that -- she’s going to be better than Miss Perfect. I thought this was a very realistic portrayal of a teenager’s relationships -- with family, with friends, with school and with herself. It’s amusing and, ultimately, believably positive. It captures Lottie’s perspective and her experiences in-the-moment so effectively and intensely.
Wired Love: a romance of dots and dashes by Ella Cheever Thayer (1888): Nattie, a telegraph operator who chats whenever she can “over the wire” with C., another telegraph operator miles down the line. I love stories where characters fall in love through exchanged messages. And the experiences of telegraph operators is absolutely fascinating -- simultaneously a product of the past and yet incredibly relatable from a contemporary perspective, because the internet and mobile phones mean we communicate so much through text. After Nattie and Clem meet, the focus shifts away from the telegraph office to antics at their boardinghouse, but the story continues to be fun and delightful.
Once Upon a Con series by Ashley Poston:
Geekerella: When Elle discovers her late parents’ cosplay costumes in a box in the attic, she hatches a plan to enter a cosplay competition and use the prize to escape her step-family. This contemporary Cinderella retelling about two teenage fans of a SF series Starfield is a romance-through-messages story. Elle uses her father’s old phone, so sometimes she gets messages from people about ExcelsiCon, the convention her father founded. One message sparks a conversation -- but neither she nor Darien realise just who they’re texting. As expected, this is fun and fandom-y, and it makes the coincidences and Cinderella moments feel believable.
The Princess and the Fangirl: At ExcelsiCon, Starfield actress Jessica Stone swaps places with a fan, Imogen. Jess needs to find a mislaid script before she’s accused of leaking it, and Imogen hopes for an opportunity to promote the #Save Amara initiative. I enjoyed how they both experience a different side of fandom. Imogen discovers the pressures of being a star, when con appearances are your job, and, away from the spotlight, Jess discovers how cons allow people to come together and celebrate things they love. My only disappointment was the way they both deceive Imogen’s fandom friend, Harper. I wish that had been handled differently.
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove by Kellie Hailes: Unlike other books I’ve borrowed because they had “bookshop” in the title, this didn’t focus very much on books, nor did it describe its bookshop vividly. Sophie could have easily owned a different sort of shop without changing the plot, the setting or the atmosphere. This is a light-hearted romance about nice people in a generic seaside town -- not what I was looking for. I wanted more about books and a stronger sense of place.
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Kathleen Gati and Kathrin Kana): This begins with three different women at the start of WWII -- a teenager in Poland, a newly-graduated doctor in Germany and a wealthy consulate worker in New York -- and becomes about the Ravensbruck Rabbits, Polish political prisoners subjected to medical experimentation. Not what I expected or wanted to be reading (which is not its fault. I switched to the ebook, because I'm irrationally squeamish about some medical things and cope better when reading to myself). This story is compelling and does a good job of showing how the pain and trauma didn’t just end with the war. And it’s incredibly important to keep telling stories about distressing parts of history.
The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner: More or less the sort of story I expected from these two. Nimh is the Divine One in a world of magic and prophecy. North is a prince in a floating city of science and engineering. Nimh believes the gods fled into the sky thousands of years ago, and North believes no one still lives down on the surface… until he crashes his glider. I enjoyed this but don’t feel any emotional investment -- yet. I will read the sequel.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade: April and Marcus keep fandom separate from their professional lives -- April to avoid negative comments, Marcus (an actor) to avoid violating his contract. So when Marcus sees a cosplay photo of April online, he doesn’t recognise his friend, he just sees a gorgeous woman getting nasty comments and invites her to dinner. I was hooked. As a romance, this didn’t always focus on the things I most wanted it to, but I understood why it made those narrative choices and liked how the characters resolved their mistakes. And I really liked it as a story about fanfiction and the way we tell stories in response to other stories.
Big Love, Tiny House by Olivia Dade: Lucy goes on a Tiny House Hunting show and drags along her best friend Sebastian. I’ve watched countless tiny house videos on Youtube, so it was fun to see tiny houses depicted in fiction -- although I was disappointed that all the houses are so disastrously bad. Beyond that, I have no strong feelings one way or another about this romance novella.
Memento: an Illuminae Files novella by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (narrated by a full cast): A bonus prequel, set aboard the Alexander prior to the events of Illuminae. The audiobook is so well done! Even though this is a short story/novella, I cared about the new characters it introduces -- I really like the epistolary format and how it requires the reader to fill in some of the gaps for themselves. (I think that’s part of why I love The Illuminae Files but so far have no strong feelings about Kaufman and Kristoff’s latest series.) And it’s always interesting to see more of AIDAN.
#Herenya reviews books#Aster Glenn Gray#Dorothy Dunnett#Erin Hart#Pip Williams#Poppy Nwosu#Ella Cheever Thayer#Ashley Poston#Martha Hall Kelly#Amie Kaufman#Meagan Spooner#Jay Kristoff#Olivia Dade#Stephanie Burgis
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Blue Eyes Part 14
Summary: After the Garrison is shot up, the youngest Shelby daughter finds a new home in London. She strips herself of her last name and tries to live a peaceful life far away from her brothers’ chaos in Birmingham. But fate leads her right back into it after she runs into Alfie Solomons.
Part 14: Something wanders into Alfie and Ella’s life.
Ella had never seen the sunset on a beach. She could recall a few times where she’d gone to the beach as a child. Most likely when they were traveling by caravan or maybe even the rare holiday. Somewhere off the coast of wales. But she remembered spending more time around ponds and lakes. The ocean was something so different.
Living in a city of so many people, it was hard to get a good perspective on one’s impact. Especially since she was a part of such an influential family and living with a man who practically owned Camden. But looking at the ocean made Ella feel so small. Its absolute power and vast size were humbling, to say the least. She could be out floating among the waves and be completely lost within seconds. Just a little speck.
And yet she felt like the world was pressing down on her shoulders. Why? Why was she standing, her knees buckling under the weight of all the responsibilities that weren’t her own? The guilt and consequences she didn’t deserve? Why couldn’t she handpick out all the things that were hers and let loose the rest? Cut ties with the burdens that did her no good? The burdens that others weren’t meant to carry.
She could let them drift off into the ocean, never to be seen again.
“You look a little lost, love.” Alfie murmured, bringing her back to shore.
“Oh, I…” Ella blinked a few times and started to regain the feeling of the sand beneath her bare feet. “I was just thinking.”
“’Bout what?” He wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Don’t you ever want to stay here sometimes?” She glanced up at him. “Stay somewhere calm and peaceful. Somewhere no one will be able to get to you?”
“S’pose everyone wants peace at one point or another.”
Her hand moved to his chest. “But it could last. It could stay like this.”
He frowned when he heard the desperation in her voice. The yearning for something that he was so unfamiliar with. Peace. “Ella, what were you thinking about?” He asked again. “What’s wrong, love?”
“I’m just so tired. Being here, I feel like I can actually breathe. I love being in Camden with you but I still feel…lost. Don’t feel like I belong.”
Alfie felt guilt pressing against his chest. He’d sensed her trouble faintly but hoped that as long as he loved her, he could ease that trouble. “I’m sorry, love if I can-”
“It’s not a matter of what you can do to help it. Alfie, you’ve given me so much already.” She murmured and drew him closer. Her intention wasn’t to make him feel bad. All he’d done was treat her well and took care of her. “They’re my issues. Point is that being here with you, I’ve gotten some perspective. More than I’ve had in the last few months.
Alfie’s forehead was creased with worry but he nodded, allowing her to continue.
“We could be like this-stay like this. Stay here. I mean, what good is London to us, aye? It’s perfect here and we’d be so much happier.” She had effectively convinced herself over the last few hours that they had found paradise. No one would ever be able to find them or break through their wall of serenity. It was foolproof. How could anyone in their right mind ruin their happiness?
“Love, as much as that sounds fucking amazing, it ain’t realistic, is it? C’mere.” He lowered himself onto the sand and held an arm out for her to join him. She cozied up to him even if he was about to break the bad news. “I’d love to just take all the money I have, right, and fuck off to some remote island with you. But we both know that it’d never work out.” He gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “You’d miss your family.”
“No-”
Alfie held up a hand. “’Fore you say that you wouldn’t, think ‘bout it for a mo’. Do you really never want to see them again? I mean, honestly, El, I ain’t stupid.”
She pouted and wrinkled her nose with a defiant sniff. “Don’t matter.”
“We can come back here anytime you want, yeah? But you can’t keep running from things you don’t want to fucking see. ‘Cause one of these days they’ll catch up to you.”
A chill went down Ella’s spine. They had already caught up to her. She was still caught in the middle between the man she loved and the family she vowed to be loyal to. “Okay.” She whispered.
“Didn’t mean to make you upset-”
She forced a smile and stood up. “You didn’t. Just tired s’all.”
“Right, well.” He dug his hand into the sand to stand up with a grunt. “We can head off to bed. Always sleep better here, them waves are like a mother’s lullaby.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ella disagreed. She didn’t sleep at all. Stared up at the ceiling with her hands over her heart. Sounds of the waves, Alfie’s breathing, and Cyril’s snoring were calming. But she couldn’t stop her thoughts from whipping up a storm. Turning her round and round until she was dizzy with anxiety and hurt.
Soon, it became too much to stay lying in bed. So she did her best to quietly get out of bed and sneak past Cyril on the floor. She walked slowly through the cottage, her arms wrapped around her. The stars were easier to see. There were hardly any clouds in the sky and no pollution to blur the twinkling lights. She watched the sky for a little in the sitting room. The glass wall giving her a good view of where the inky expanse dipped into the ocean. The moon reflecting off every wave.
Still uneasy, Ella continued her pacing. Passing by the bookshelf of picture frames and into the kitchen. It was a bit quieter on the side facing away from the ocean. In the front room, she could hear crickets outside in the garden. She paused for a moment and started to pick up on a new noise. Soft shuffling in the front lawn.
Fear perked her senses and she took a step back. It could be any number of people who were willing to follow her to Margate and intrude on the cottage’s peace. Not ruling anyone out, she inched quietly towards the coat rack where her holster was left. She slipped the handgun out and cocked it.
The noise continued and a soft whining began to move closer to the door. It was squeaky and almost sounded like the whimpers of a newborn. Ella drew back one of the lace curtains that faced the front step. It was too dark to see much but she saw the shadow of something small hobbling around in the lawn. It moved on all fours and she assumed it was a raccoon or fox. But the sounds were unlike anything she’d heard from a woodland critter.
Almost grateful for the distraction, Ella opened the door. She kept her gun in hand just in case it was some sort of trap. The whimpering paused for a moment and the animal turned to look towards her.
Ella squinted to try and see what the thing was, moving a bit closer with trepidation. Finally, she came close enough to see that it was nothing to be afraid of.
Standing in the lawn was a puppy. One so small that its belly was grazing the grass. It whined and approached Ella.
“What’re you doing, little thing?” She scooped the animal up with one hand. As she did, something wet and sticky touched her skin. It was then that she realized the pup was bleeding.
Panicked, Ella rushed back into the cottage and turned on a light in the kitchen. Setting her gun aside, she held up the puppy to seek out its wounds. The poor thing was shaking and continued to cry helplessly. There was a gash on top of its head from where the blood had trickled.
“Alfie!” She called, not concerned with what hour it was. “Alfie, come quick!”
The man woke in a disheveled state of alarm. He stumbled out of the bed with Cyril quick at his heels. “What, what?” He found Ella in the kitchen, still half-blind from sleep.
“It’s bleeding, I dunno what to do!”
Alfie rubbed his eyes and peered at the little thing in her arms. “Fucking hell, where’d you get that?” He asked.
“He was out wandering in the yard, I brought him in and…” She held the puppy out to him. “Do something!”
“Alright, alright, calm down.” He lumbered over and gingerly took the puppy from her hands. After examining the wound, he waved a hand towards one of the cabinets in the kitchen. “Get a towel will ya?” He walked over to the water pump and began carefully washing away the blood.
Ella retrieved a hand towel and hovered nervously by his side. “Will he be alright?”
“Yeah, nothing too bad. Already starting to close up. It’s a girl, also.” He informed her as he did his best to keep the squirming puppy still. After successfully rinsing off all the blood, he handed her back to Ella to dry off. Alfie washed his hands and shut off the water. “Must be a stray.”
Ella wrapped the puppy up like a swaddled infant and held her close. “What breed’s it?”
“Pitbull.” He answered and scratched his beard. “Sorta have a bad reputation.” With a yawn, he sat down at the kitchen table. “Were used in sport, bred to be vicious.”
The slate-colored pup hardly looked vicious. She snuggled right up in Ella’s arms and her dark eyes began to slide shut. Exhausted from wandering around in pain all night.
“Shouldn’t matter what breed they are, should matter who raises them.” She mumbled quietly. “A dog with a mean owner’s bound to be mean too.”
Alfie watched as she inexplicably came enamored with the furry thing. “You gonna name her?”
She looked up in surprise. “You mean you want to keep her?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Don’t see you ever giving her up. Might s’well name her so we can all go back to sleep.”
“Oh, I…” Ella thought to herself for a long moment until she finally smiled. “There was a book that Ada used to read me. Silly little thing really. There was a character named Cyril so perhaps we should name her after another one of the children from the book.”
Alfie looked amused at the prospect and nodded. The idea seemed to delight her so he wouldn’t deny her. “What were the other children named?”
“Well, there was Hilary and Robert.” She frowned with a puzzled expression. “I can’t remember what the younger sister was named…but the older sister was Anthea. I always loved that name, wanted it to be my own.” Her cheeks went a little red. “But I think it’s perfect.”
“Anthea?” He stood and gently stroked a hand over the dog, being careful of the injury. “Sounds like a very intriguing name for a mysterious little pup.” He agreed. “What’d you think, Cyril, aye?”
The mastiff’s tail was wagging with uncertainty but he appeared pleased, albeit a little tired.
“I suppose that’s a yes, then.” Alfie smiled and kissed Ella’s cheek. “C’mon, love, let’s get to bed.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Alfie offered to go into town the next morning. They’d have to get more puppy chow for Anthea as they’d only brought just enough for Cyril. And the mastiff was certainly not going to share with the little pitbull. Ella offered to go along and the two made their way down the dirt paths to the main road. Alfie holding Cyril’s leash and Ella carrying Anthea like a little babe.
Alfie knew the town well. He knew some of the folks who lived there year-round but not very well. More often than not, he spent his time there at the cottage and only went to town if he absolutely needed something. But enough people were familiar with him and his reputation. The Jewish gangster from London who liked to take holidays on the shore.
He was most acquainted with the older couple that owned a shop along the main road. A few years ago they had explained that they were going bankrupt because of the wife’s failing health. Alfie didn’t hesitate in the slightest. He stepped in and saved the store, all while ensuring the woman got proper care from a well-respected doctor. Ever since then, Margaret and Frank Robinson treated Alfie like one of their sons.
“’Morning Peggy.” Alfie greeted as he walked inside, Cyril by his side. Ella had gone across the street to a boutique with Anthea, lured over by a few dresses in the window.
“Alfie!” The older woman’s face broke into a smile. “Was wondering when you’d show your face this summer. I hope you haven’t been working too hard.” She scolded.
“Found a better balance.” He admitted honestly. Ella certainly had given him a better balance. “You and Frank alright?”
“Just fine, haven’t been coughing as much.” She began tending to a customer at the till. “Doctor in London’s done wonders.”
“Good to hear, good to hear.” He let her cash out the man, heading back through the aisles.
“Alfie, my boy!” Frank was stacking cans when he looked up. “I thought I heard your voice. But, eh, my hearing’s going so I thought it was just an illusion.”
He chuckled and shook the man’s hand. “S’long as you can hear your wife, don’t matter do it?”
Frank laughed and knelt down to scratch Cyril’s ears. “Hello, Cyril, look healthy, aye? Oh, Alfie,” He glanced up and pointed towards the counter where Margaret was making change for the customer. “Man over there’s lost a pup. Haven’t seen little pitbull ‘round have you? Think he lives by your cottage so it may’ve wandered over to you.”
A shock went down Alfie’s spine. “I’ll talk to him.” He agreed and returned to the counter.
The man by the till was just starting to take his bag of groceries from Margaret. He was a squirrely looking man with a thin mustache and shifty eyes. Not much taller than Alfie but thin as a stick.
“Heard you’ve got a dog missing, mate.” Alfie’s voice was a bit louder than necessary, scaring the man who hadn’t heard him approaching.
He turned and nodded. “Little pitbull, thirteen weeks I think.” His voice stammered under Alfie’s steely glare. “S’a blue-nose. Got a white paw.”
“Hm…” Alfie pretended to think to himself, leaning back and forth on his cane. “Might’ve heard some scuffling ‘round my cottage. Anything else ‘bout it? I’ll keep an eye out for it.”
“Erm, she’s got bit of an injury on her head.” The man’s eyes averted, jerking to the side to avoid Alfie’s stare.
“That right?” Alfie’s hand gripped tightly onto Cyril’s leash. He wanted so badly to beat the man into a bloodied pulp. But he wouldn’t bring that sort of chaos into the Robinsons’ store. “What happened?”
A sour look crossed the man’s face. He clearly didn’t like the question. Maybe because he knew Alfie wouldn’t like the answer. “Does it matter?”
His jaw clenched. “Nah, mate, guess it don’t. Where’d you live, I’ll bring the pup ‘round if I find her.”
“Uh, sure…” The man gave Alfie his address, only half a mile away from the cottage.
~~~~~~~~~~~
After watching the man skitter off, Alfie finished his shopping. Anger coursed through his veins but he did his best to keep it under wraps. He crossed the street to find Ella at the boutique.
One of the shop girls at the counter looked alarmed when the rough-looking man entered with his massive dog. “Erm…sir, could you leave your dog outside?”
Alfie didn’t even look at her. “No. El?” He called.
A curtain covering one of the changing rooms was pushed back. “Are you done already? I’ve only tried on two dresses.” She pouted.
He stopped in his tracks. She had on a black dress with a fitted beaded bodice and fringe that began mid-thigh and ended by her knees. She looked like a positively sinful angel.
Ella saw the glint in his eyes and she smiled playfully. “D’you like it?” She turned around a few times to show off.
“Like it? Love, it’s gorgeous on you.” He replied huskily. A hand dragged over his mouth. “You want it?”
She bit her lip and nodded shyly.
“Right, any others you’d like?”
“Yes, but you can’t see anything else. They’re a surprise.” She warned and grabbed her purse out of the changing room. “Here, Anthea’s asleep.”
Puzzled, Alfie took her purse and found the pit bull pup contently curled up inside, her head lolled out the side as if it were meant to be a dog bed. Simply put, Alfie would buy the entire store for Ella if she’d like. He’d get her a million puppies. And he’d get justice for her puppy. She was much more than a pretty face to him. She deserved respect and peace. And Alfie was sure she’d sleep much better knowing the son of a bitch who hurt Anthea suffered some consequences.
While Ella changed back into her regular clothes, Alfie paid for her purchases. He didn’t even bat an eye at the price. She returned and took her purse and Anthea back. “What time’s it?” She linked arms with Alfie, pressing her cheek into his arm.
“Um…” He checked his pocket watch. “Half-past noon.”
“Are you all set here? I need to make a phone call soon.” The joy in her blue eyes faded.
“Sure, love. We can head back home.”
It was home. They had their home in Camden but Margate had already become a home to them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Do I hafta wait for my surprise?” Alfie gently set Anthea down on the kitchen floor, offering her a bowl of food. Cyril sulked behind him, even though he’d had his share.
“Yes, until tonight.” Ella went into the hall, closing the kitchen door behind her to give herself some privacy.
“Testing me patience,” Alfie mumbled to the dogs.
Ella took a deep breath and reached for the receiver. Her hand trembled slightly but she pushed through and dialed the number. The brief wait for an answer was agonizing.
“Shelby.” Tommy’s deep voice had become so foreign after her months away from him.
“Tom, it’s Ella.”
There was a pause as he struggled with the shock of her call. “El? Where are you calling from?” He thought the operator had said Margate but he was nearly certain Ella was in London with Alfie. Last he heard, they’d been living together ever since her release from prison.
“It doesn’t matter.” She swallowed and curled the phone wire around her hand. “I need to speak to you.”
“No one’s heard from you in quite some time.”
“That’s not what I’m calling about.”
“What’re you calling about then?”
Ella’s stomach turned with anxiety. She was afraid of what she might hear. But the prospect of failing to get the information was enough to get her to press on. “I need to know why you had the family arrested.”
There was a soft sigh from the other end of the line. “You’ve all been released, what’s it matter anymore?”
His disregard made her grimace. “Because it was all very traumatic for us and I want to know what grand plan you had.” She demanded. “I think I’ve a right to know why you were so keen on sacrificing us. What’d you get in return?”
“That’s information for those involved in the Shelby Company Limited.”
“Don’t even start that fucking nonsense with me!” She snapped. “I’ve had enough with your behavior. Either you tell me or I swear to God…”
“You’re threatening me now, El? Alfie rubbed off on you, aye?” Tommy’s voice filled with venom.
Hearing him speak Alfie’s name with such distaste was enough to make Ella want to scream at him until the sun went down. Her body quivered with anger as she tried to hold back. “Thomas, tell me. I will not lose the man I love because of your insolence.”
Tommy was confused. “What do you mean?” He asked.
The image of Inspector Blackwell’s smug smile crossed her mind. If she needed to make amends with Tommy even for a second to save Alfie from arrest, then she would do it. “A detective from Scotland Yard has been threatening me.”
Her brother pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ian Blackwell.”
“He approached you as well?”
“Yes. And you are not to tell him anything.” Tommy warned in a low voice. “I’m handling it.”
As much as it angered her, hearing him say that was a little relieving. At least her brother could handle himself with police. “He’s going to arrest Alfie.”
“And why should I stop him?”
Ella nearly bit right through her tongue with fury. “Because I’ll never fucking look at you, speak to you, mention your name, or think of you.” She snarled. “For once in your life, stop thinking about yourself and think about the family you supposedly love.”
Tommy was quiet for a while. “He won’t arrest Alfie.” He replied firmly. “But you need to call me if Blackwell ever approaches you again.”
The fear on Ella’s shoulder released in an instant. “Thank you.” She said quietly.
Her brother hummed an acknowledgment. “You’re alright, then?”
Ella unwound the phone cord from her hand. She was eager to end the conversation and return to paradise with Alfie, Cyril, and Anthea. “Do you even care?”
“Yes.”
She frowned and lowered the receiver away from her ear. She held it over the hook, only inches from hanging up on him. It was reasonable. She could just end the call. End the discussion. End the line of contact between her and Tommy. But then she would just be using him the way he used her and the rest of the family. She always thought she was better than that.
Slowly, she lifted the receiver back to her ear. “I’m fine, Tom. Better than I’ve been for a long time.”
“That’s good.” Tommy cleared his throat. “That’s good to hear.”
“And you?”
“Busy.” The word was clipped and obviously there was much more behind the response. It was a clear indicator that things were not okay.
“Alright-”
“I’ve got to head off to a meeting, El. Thank you for telling me about the inspector.” He sounded as if he were ending a call with a business associate.
“Okay.” She whispered and allowed him to end the call. She returned the receiver onto the hook and stood stock still in the hallway. Alfie was safe. Tommy had actually done her a favor. And now she could return to her life with her love without having any debts.
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#alfie solomons imagine#alfie solomons x oc#alfie solomonsxoc#alfie solomons#peaky blinders fanfiction#peaky fookin blinders#peaky blinder imagine#tom hardy fanfiction#tom hardy character#Tom hardy#Shelby ofc#Shelby sister#Shelby oc
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Henry Mills’ House for Anonymous (Post-Realms Merge) Henry and Ella still live in the Magical Forest with Lucy in the cottage that Henry built on the lake, but Regina updated it with electricity and other modern luxuries.
Send me a character and an emoji and I’ll make a moodboard.
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Region 2 : Cagayan Valley
The Captivating “Callao Cave”
Callao Cave is located in the Barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in the municipality of Peñablanca, about 24 km (15 mi) northeast of Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan province.
The Callao Cave is the leading attraction in the Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape. The Callao Cave is composed of seven chambers which are The Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head and Dog’s Head Formations. The place draws a dramatic picture and each natural narrow above that the streams of light coming from the sun gets into the cave, serving as illumination of the wall through its opening.
How to get there?
From Manila ride a bus bound to Tuguegarao, from terminals located in Cubao or along Buendia Avenue. The travel time is about 10 to 12 hours and the fare are around Php 600.00 per head. From Tuguegarao City rent a trike for at least Php 400.00 round trip. Or otherwise if you were alone you can take a shared ride at Peñatoda (tricycle station in Tuguegarao Riverside to Callao Caves Resort) approximately the fare would be Php 40.00 per head then, a 2 minutes boat ride to Callao Caves for Php 20.00 per head.
What to do in Callao Cave and nearby places?
Callao Cave is relatively easy to explore or what we called spelunking, it is about 184 steps staircase that lead to the cave entrance, showcasing different kinds of its seven chambers and the conditions inside the cave have caused the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, and many other formations.
You may want to maximize your exploration by experiencing riding a boat for only Php 300.00 a boat to explore the one of the largest tributaries of the Cagayan River, the “Pinacanauan River” the longest, widest and most powerful river in the Philippines. Activities that can do river rafting or boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming while the mountains are perfect for trekking and mountaineering
Cuisines
Batil Patung is a Tuguegarao original. Batil means mix and patung means top or topping. The noodles in Batil Patung are the flat kind. The topping consists of sautéed beef or, I guess, carabeef, bean sprouts, sliced leeks, julienned carrots, crushed chicharon, meat loaf slices and fried egg. It comes with a cup of egg drop soup meant to be sipped or mixed with the pancit. Chopped red onions, calamansi and chili peppers are also served.
Every place has their own distinctive type of cuisines, and the way they prepare and cook it and the way it represents their own unique place and culture.
Economy
The Cagayan Valley’s major industries are agriculture with rice and corn as main crops, livestock production of cattle, hog, carabaos and poultry, furniture making of rattan and other indigenous materials, fishing especially along the coast of Cagayan, Isabela and Batanes and Magat Dam in Isabela and also exportation of fruits, fruit preserves and vegetables.
Culture
The friendly Ivatans of Batanes, they are considered as “True Insulares,” they can be found greeting their visitors and tourists walking along the streets of the island province. The Ivatan's culture have been largely influenced by the climate of Batanes. Due to the severe climatic disruptions to their agriculture, they have developed some successful strategies to protect their food supply and their way of life.
One of the endemic clothing of the Ivatans is the vakul. A vakul is a headgear designed to protect the wearer from sun and rain. It is made from vuyavuy palm fiber. The ivatan people are given opportunity to showcase their uniqueness in culture, structure of their houses and other traditions.
Author: Ella Mae Ubana
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Region 3: Central Luzon
Where is the best tourist attraction in Central Luzon?
Let’s go to Minalungao National Park!
Minalungao National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. The park covers an area of 2,018 hectares centered along the scenic Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by up to 16-meter high limestone walls in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The park is considered as one of the few remaining natural environments in this region north of Manila. It is promoted by the local government as an ecotourism destination offering breath-taking scenery of green pristine river and unique rock formations. A system of unexplored caverns has also been identified as potential attractions. Facilities for picnics, swimming, fishing, raft riding and cliff diving have likewise been put up to draw more visitors.
How to get there?
Ride a bus bound to Gapan / Cabanatuan thru ES Terminal at Cubao. Travel time is 2 hours (depending on traffic) for P200 pesos per way. Alight at Gapan Puregold . From Gapan, ride a tricycle going straight to Minalungao National Park. Travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are so many tricycles in Gapan that could lead you straight to Gapan (there is no standard rate, but the cheapest we got was P600 for 4 pax for 2 way already). The booked tricycle will take you straight to Minalungao and fetch you at a certain time you prefer.
What to do?
There are plenty activities to do in Minalungao National Park. First, Bamboo Rafting and Swimming, you can rent a bamboo raft and go through the blue-green Peñaranda River surrounded white limestone. Second, Hanging Bridge, thrill-seekers will love to cross in the steel hanging bridge overlooking the narrow natural passage of Minalungao National Park. Third, Hiking or Trekking, from the hanging bridge, you can also hike a thousand steps to a grotto and glass cross. Fourth, Zipline, adventurers can zip line across the river. Fifth, Cliff Diving, and Sixth, Spelunking or Caving, further on a park trail is a cool cave waiting to be explored.
Cuisine
Every province seems to have its own version of longganisa and Nueva Ecija is no exception. For breakfast, be sure to try Cabanatuan garlic longganisa, a very savory variant of the well-loved sausage typically made of ground pork and spices. If you prefer your longganisa on the sweet side, try batotay, a beef-based longganisa coated with a distinctive sweet sauce. You can also pass by the wet market to buy strings of longganisa to take home.
Economy
Central Luzon is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. It accounted for 8.98 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2013. GDP grew by 4.30 percent. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing sector comprised 16.97 percent of the regional economy and it was 5.37 percent in 2013. Central Luzon contains the largest plain in the country with its agricultural plains accounting for about 40% of the region’s area. It produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines or Rice Granary of the Philippines". Excess rice is delivered and imported to other provinces of the Philippines. Although rice is the major crop, its vast and fertile plains are highly suitable for growing almost all agricultural crops. It has long coast lines rich with marine fishing grounds in Bataan, Zambales and Aurora. About 45 percent of the region’s area is devoted to forestlands. Gold, silver, chromite, limestone, marble, clay, sand and gravel abound in either Zambales or Bulacan.
Culture
Sinukwan Festival is a weeklong festival that captures the soul of San Fernando City. It is best described as the essence of the Kapampangan Spirit. Sinukwan is a cultural festival, so you would expect that most of the events are steeped in the traditional culture of the natives. A festival of this magnitude in the Philippines is incomplete without the spectacular street dances that bring locals together in a remarkably fluid manner.
Author: Rofe Mae Lugatiman
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Region 4A: CALABARZON
Tagaytay Picnic Grove
Tagaytay Picnic Grove is located in Tagaytay City province of Cavite. Known as having a panoramic or scenic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano which claims the title for being the world’s smallest volcano. A recreational place where tourist can relax in the pavilion picnic huts and feel the cool Tagaytay weather, sight-seeing, picture taking at the view deck, stroll through the eco trail, enjoy horseback riding and ziplining activities. Tagaytay Picnic Grove is managed by the city government.
How to get there?
Picnic Grove is located along the Tagaytay-Calamba Road, approximately 10 minutes away from Olivarez Plaza, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
1. Bus: Take a bus ride from Uniwide Coastal Mall in Paranaque. Make your way to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), also called South West Integrated Provincial Terminal. Board a bus bound for Tagaytay, Mendez (neighboring town), or Nasugbu.
DLTB Terminal at LRT Buendia area (near LRT Gil Puyat Station), Pasay City. Board the bus bound for either Nasugbu or Calatagan. This will be taking South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Carmona Exit and will pass through Tagaytay.
Fare would be around be Php 87.00. and the travel time is 2-3 hours, (depending on traffic conditions.) Might be much longer during rush hour.
2. Private Car or Van: From Olivarez Plaza, head south towards the Tagaytay Rotonda and merge into the Tagaytay-Calamba Road. Follow along the stretch of the road. Along the way, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Tagaytay South Ridge Estates and the Development Academy of the Philippines. Picnic Grove is on the right side of the road.
Entrance fee is php 50.00
Parking Fee: P35, cars; P50, vans or jeepneys.
Zipline & Cable Car Rates:
Weekdays: 1-way ride, P200; 2-way ride, P300.
Weekend/Holidays: 1-way ride, P300; 2-way ride, P400.
Hut/Cottage Rental: P100, P150, P300, P500
Cuisine
Bulalo is a traditional Filipino soup that is prepared by cooking beef shanks and marrow bones until the fat and collagen dissolve into the broth, resulting in a robust flavor of the dish. The soup is a specialty of the Luzon region, where it is traditionally consumed during cold weather, when it is usually served for dinner. It’s main ingredients are Beef, cabbage, chinese cabbage, corn, fish sauce, garlic, onion, potatoes, lemon.
Economy
The region’s natural resources and its history plays a major role in regional economy. Cavite and Laguna are homes to various historical sites, such as the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, the tallest Jose Rizal Statue in the World, that is located in Calamba City and the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
Culture
The region 4A CALABARZON is rich in history, is also rich in cultural traditions. There historical landmarks, monuments, old churches, and shrines got the region’s landscape. Laguna is known for embroidery, wood carving, and papier-mâché (locally known as taka). Quezon has harvest festivals and flamboyantly decorated houses. Rizal has artisan villages and art galleries.
Author: Ella Mae Ubana
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Region 4B: MIMAROPA
Where is the best tourist attraction in MIMAROPA?
Let’s go to Palawan Island!
Palawan is the largest island of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and the fifth largest island of the country. Much of the island remains traditional and is considered by some as under-developed. Abundant wildlife, jungle mountains, and some white sandy beaches attract many tourists, as well as international companies looking for development opportunities. As of 2016, the main island of Palawan was rated the "Most Beautiful Island in the World" as voted by respective readers of rival travel publications Conde Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure. It is the second year running that Palawan has won the Conde Nast Traveller award, as well as the second time in four years that it has occupied Travel & Leisure's top spot (2013). El Nido, located at the northern tip of the island, is also currently rated the "Most Beautiful Beach in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller readers.
How to get there?
1. Flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa
Most tourists coming to El Nido land on Palawan Island in Puerto Princesa International Airport, through a direct flight from Manila. The two main companies operating daily flights between the two cities are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
2. Taking a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The journey usually continues with a van direct from Puerto Princesa airport up to El Nido bus terminal. Your van transfer will take between 4:30 and 6 hours, depending on the time of the day, and the price for a seat is around P600 to P700.
3. Riding a tricycle to get to El Nido town
Finally, your van will stop in Corong-Corong bus terminal. This is located just 5 minutes away from El Nido Poblacion (the proper town) with a tricycle. You’ll just have to ask you to one of the drivers to take your hotel or guesthouse. During the day, the normal price is P15 per person, but at night, the rates goes up and the tricycle drivers will ask you P50 minimum.
Cuisine
Mindoro's rich marine life strongly influences the local industry and cuisine. It is popular for Adobong Pugita, Octopus Adobo. Adobong Pugita is made with mature octopus that is cooked in soy and vinegar sauce. If cooked perfectly, the dish yields a very flavorful and succulent octopus that is well-matched with steamed rice. It is usually served as a main entree for lunch or dinner or as an accompaniment to beer in the Philippines.
Economy
The region’s economy relies mostly on agriculture, fishing and ecotourism, making it one of the strongest in the country. MIMAROPA is one of the Philippine’s top producers of rice, banana, coconut, mango, cashew, papaya and cassava, which are included among the country’s top export products. The region is the second top fish producer in the country, and its output makes up almost 14% of the Philippine’s total produce annually from 2002-2004. MIMAROPA also ranks as the second top producer of seaweeds, representing 21% of the country’s total output.
Culture
Palawan is not just an island of beauty and abundant resources but a place with colorful and creative culture. In these festivals, the people of Palawan would usually conduct colorful street parades and wear creative costumes. These street dances are one of the most awaited competitions during festivals. The people of Palawan are given the opportunity to exhibit their unique culture, each municipality’s delicacy, and products and many other things related to the festivity.
Author: Rofe Mae Lugatiman
#philippines#cagayanvalley#centralluzon#calabarzon#mimaropa#tourist attractions#cuisine#economy#culture
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The Mills cottage
The day after Henry's proposal, he and Ella began planning and designing the home they would build together. Soon, they began building cobblestone house with a shingled roof. They were married before the house was complete, so they put off their honeymoon until it was finished. Henry and Ella finished the house and when they did, they loved it so much they didn't want to go away for a honeymoon. So, they spent their honeymoon at their new home by the lake.
They did leave the cottage during their honeymoon to find a cure for Ella's infertility curse placed upon her by Tremaine. Ella and Henry wanted to have a baby and start a family. They found the cure and Ella soon became pregnant. However, the cure wasn't perfect, it would only work once. This child would be there only child, but Henry and Ella were okay with that.
They built a beautiful nursery for the unborn child that already loved so much. They were visiting the rebel camp when Ella went into labor and their daughter was born. Ella and Henry named her Lucy Cecelia Cassidy Mills. When Ella was well enough, the family of three went back to their cottage by the lake.
For 8 years, the Mills family lived a good and happy life in that cottage. They planted gardens where fruits and vegetables grew. There's a small orchard of honeycrisp apple trees and in the summer, wildflowers grew. In the winter, the family curled up by the fireplace with hot cocoa and read stories. Yes, it was a good very happy life.
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The 10 Hidden Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka
Life is either a daring adventure… or a rejuvenating escape in one of the top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!
Boutique hotels in Sri Lanka have their uniqueness starting from the rich influences of the Colonial architecture to the extreme touch of local designs!
So, if you are hoping to visit Sri Lanka in 2021 (or any day, I’d say), you have got to know that this tiny Island is full of such unique boutique hotels. Choosing one from the unending list, is definitely going to be a hassle.
To help you save your time and money, I have picked ten out of the many top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, from different parts of the country, for you to choose from.
If you want more assistance for a hassle-free holiday planning to Sri Lanka, you can contact our premium travel experts at Travel Center! It’s the best way for you to get all the information about holidays in Sri Lanka, and…. to grab some of the best deals and offers! (Grab it when it’s available!!!)
Now, to the boutiques!
Let’s start with one of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for the adventurous and exotic travellers;
Wild Coast Lodge (Yala)
After knowing Yala for its wildlife (especially leopards, of course), it’s going to be a tad bit difficult for you to believe in Wild Coast Lodge! It’s like a hidden gem in the exotic greenery of Sri Lanka that we were lucky enough to find for you.
The ‘Wild Coast Lodge’ is a cluster of cocoons (literally what they look like!) tents. They are located in the most scenic edge of the Yala National Park, strapped to the southern coastline.
What Makes the Wild Coast Lodge Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
It is more like camping than just resting in one of the boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!
Why I say so is because of how these cocoon-shaped tents are built!
I mean, where exactly would you find such luxury tents built amidst elephants and monkeys by daytime and leopards in the night?!
Apart from exploring the exotic surroundings of the Wild Coast Edge, you can also get some curated here, like;
Explore the wilderness with Safari game drives, with the assistance of ‘a passionate ranger team.’
Enjoy a rural bike exploration.
Check out their official website on more things-to-do as you book a stay at the Wild Coast Lodge in 2021!
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Safari-ing in Sri Lanka
If you are more of a beach person than a jungle person, then check out the next boutique hotel!
Karpaha Sands (Trincomalee)
You cannot visit Sri Lanka and not have a ‘salt in my hair, a camera full of memories’ experience!
After the must-visit Arugam Bay in the list of beaches in Sri Lanka, comes Pasikudah and Kalkudah. So, on your visit to the Pasikudah, you’ll find the Karpaha Sands boutique hotel!
It’s like a total ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience, except, you need not build your tent.
You’ll find a stretch of luxury boutique hotels lined up on the beach, creating a complete luxury holiday vibe. They’re structured in the most traditional ways, stunning enough to attract visitors.
During your stay in the Karpaha Sands, you’ll be able to;
Explore many vibrant Hindu temples and local markets in the neighbouring Tamil villages.
Get yourself adorned with traditional henna tattoos from a local henna artist.
Attend a fun two-hour cooking class from professional Sri Lankan chef
Take the catamaran cruise and adore the perfect coastline and blue shades of the Indian Ocean
Climb the Kudumbi Malai rock that gives a breath-taking bird’s eye view of the paddy fields, forests and Palmyra palms.
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Beaches in Sri Lanka! A land like no other
Next one is for a romantic getaway. Mostly suggested for adventurous couples. (No pun intended!)
The Ark (Mathugama)
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in Noah’s Ark?
Me neither.
But this Ark is not about fitting the entire population in it! It’s perfect for your honeymoon getaways.
Like I mentioned earlier, you wouldn’t really like it if you are more of a ‘car ride to a romantic hotel nearby’ kind of couple. Because this one is best recommended for the adventurous ones! I’ll tell you why.
First, is the wooden bridge in the Mathugama jungle that you need to trail to get to the boutique hotel. It’s way more adventurous than the other boutique hotels in Sri Lanka when it is rainy! You know, the slippery bridge factor.
Then, the fact that you are going to be on top of a hill. It’s more like a watch-hut what you have here. So, you are literally on top of a hill that gives a thrilling experience!
What is exotically boastful about the Ark is its location on the boarder of the Sinharaja rainforest.
What Makes the Ark Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
Whether you are booking the Ark as your honeymoon getaway or the best accommodation for a solo retreat, you have so much to do here!
Get out of the cosy hotel and spend your day discovering the hidden trails of the Mathugama forest.
Take the extra mile and master the art of rubber-tapping and tea-plucking
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Reasons Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka
Next one is for those who want to stay literally away from the urbanised world! Because unlike in other boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, oil/kerosene lamps replace the mains electricity!
The Mudhouse (Anamaduwa)
The Mudhouse is undoubtedly one of the most unique traditional experiences in any boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.
It’s a perfect getaway for the adventurous travellers, whether you want to travel solo, with the family or your partner!
The best lines to describe this is from W.B. Yeats poem;
“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;”
Located in the most remote location in Puttalam, the Mudhouse is like the perfect escape from the urban world.
Although the real experience of the beauty of the Mudhouse can only be felt once you are there at the location, the idea of this boutique hotel itself is highly fascinating.
Because, imagine yourself in the middle of wetlands that are traditionally criss-crossing to form the ancient irrigation network!
With the breeze caressing your face, the smell of fresh land tingling your nose, you are going to be in a different part of the world completely secluded from the bustles of the city or the urbanising towns.
Not just that, the Mudhouse also is the best go-to boutique hotel in Sri Lanka for you to encounter Sri Lankan birdlife.
It is also one of the best-recommended boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for those who look for green hotels in Sri Lanka.
What Makes the Mudhouse Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
The one unique feature of this boutique hotel is its insight into the ancient lifestyle of the locals in Sri Lanka. It’s a perfect getaway for you, into the traditional life of the multicultural Sri Lankan society. I’d say…a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss.
Other experiences at the Mudhouse include;
Tuk ride to the Paramakanda Temple
Kayak and Paddle boarding
Visit the Local Friday market
Learn Sri Lanka’s traditional martial art (Angampora)
Read more
Sri Lanka – The pearl of the Indian ocean
Next in the list of top hotels in Sri Lanka is another eco-lodge like The Ark and Mudhouse you saw above!
Hideout Cabins (Nuwara Eliya)
The Hideout Cabins, just like the name portrays, is a perfect hideout for couples and solos who plan on retreats into the cold Nuwara Eliya woods.
What Makes Hideout Cabins Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
A wooden boutique, built in a unique shape, this boutique hotel in Sri Lanka gives a whole fairy-tale vibe. It’s like the little cottage that Snow White stayed in, in the woods. Except, this one gives you the perfect cosiness in the freezing hills.
Here are other landmarks around the Hideout Cabins that you can visit while cosying in the boutique within a 500m – 2km distance;
The Gregory Lake & Park
Hakgala Botanic Garden
Galway’s Land National Park
Hideout Cabins, just like The Ark, is a ‘must-visit and experience to have’ boutique hotel in Sri Lanka!
Source : Hideout Cabins (Nuwara Eliya)
Read more
The Best Off the Beaten Paths in Sri Lanka
Next, to one of the most-visited and liked boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.
98 Acres Resort (Ella)
Lately, Ella is like a ‘go-to’ tourist spot for both the locals and for those who visit Sri Lanka.
I cannot say its overrated, given its ‘out of the world’ sunrise and breath-taking views during sunsets.
The climb can be a little exhausting (I agree), but that is why the 98 Acres Resort is a perfect choice for the adventurous couples, backpackers and Instagram influencers!
If you are one of those adventure-seekers, then hike, climb or trek to reach the point of the little Adam’s Peak. Trust me, that’s the best way to absorb some of the breath-taking views of the eco-friendly huts, chalets, and villas!
Tip: Set many alarms as you can to wake up for the sunrise! The misty 5am morning view of the huts aligned in the verdant cliffs, is not something you would want to miss. You might as well need to make sure you have enough storage in your phone. Because, you’ll want to snap away almost everything your eyes catch in the location!
What Makes 98 Acres Resort Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
The resort is another eco-friendly lodge (I must say!) given that the chalets are made of recycled substances, mostly. It’s a luxury experience that you get, as you stay in one of these chic hotels amidst the lush tea bushes covering acres.
The other experiences at the 98 Acres Resort include;
Encountering Sri Lanka’s first-ever zipline (Flying Ravana)
Mastering the art of tea making
Experiencing Archery with the locals
Helicopter rides from the 98 Acres to Colombo
Read more
A holiday to Ella; With great hearts, comes great responsibilities
Next one is off the track because you are going to visit it for the unique work on the interior and architecture!
Boutique Villa (Negombo)
I am not sure if you have this weird desire too, but I have always wanted to live in a half-built house.
What Makes the Boutique Villa Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
Forget about the usual definition of luxury that has painted walls and modern pieces of furniture. At Boutique Villa in Negombo, you’ll literally live in a furnished, yet, half-built hotel. I know it’s a rare type of ‘luxury’, but that is what makes it unique among all other hotels in Sri Lanka.
Another best fact about this Villa is the royal experience you’ll have. Thinking of it in that line, you’ll almost be the king/queen in one of the ancient kingdoms. (with AC and Wi-Fi, of course!)
Your stay at this Villa will give you enough and more unique architectures to explore inside, but if you still want to visit other spots around, then there’s;
The Negombo Beach, located 500m from the Villa.
The Dutch Fort, 6km from the Villa
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Sri Lanka – A melting pot of destinations
Next one in the list of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, is for those who visit Sri Lanka for the love of Kandy!
Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa (Kandy)
Unlike the unending list of fabulous boutique hotels in Kandy, the Mount Havana is literally a piece of heaven tucked away in the hills!
What Makes the Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
It is another perfect getaway, for a peaceful stay, free from the busy routines.
Whether you want to capture some of the spectacular views of the verdant hills or lose yourself in the tea fields around, either way, I am sure, once you checkout from the resort, half your heart (will definitely) be in Havana!
The Mount Havana is at the centre of many trademarks in Kandy. Including;;
Embekke Temple – 9.6 km
Ceylon Tea Museum – 14.3 km
Kandy View Point Mountain – 16.8 km
Kandy City Center Shopping Mall (KCC) – 17 km
Sri Dalada Maligawa – 17.3 km
Next on the list of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, is for the modern adventure lovers.
The Country House Chalets (Galle)
Structured like tree-houses on the ground, the Country House Chalets are masterpieces in the woods.
What Makes the Country House Chalets Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
It is an impossible thought to think of such a boutique hotel in Galle, with the bustling city, it is known for! But, for those who can afford, the stay at the Country House Chalets will be the talk of generations to come in your line.
You can book one of the fine chalets there, depending on the amenities and affordability. Either way, all the chalets have a lot to give you in the getaway woods from Galle.
You can either explore the woods around the Country House Chalets or just stay in your chalet, amidst the tea gardens. The choice is yours!
Tip : The owner of the Country House Chalet is renowned for his extreme hospitality to a lot of those who had stayed here.
Source : The Country House Chalets (Galle)
Next, to a boutique located in the land that is home to the World Heritage in Sri Lanka and final one in our list of best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.
Water Garden (Sigiriya)
One of my favourites out of all the top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!
For those who know Sigiriya as a World Wonder, the Water Garden is a wonder in Sigiriya!
What Makes the Water Garden Unique from other Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka?
It is one of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, that again promotes an eco-friendly stay, amidst lakes and water streams.
A photographer could live the life of his dream here, as the hotel gives splendid views of the Sigiriya Rock and also has peacocks’ wandering the land, most of the time!
Besides getting lost in the unexplainable beauty of this boutique hotel, you can also:
Try your hands at Archery.
Spend your time outdoors playing Croquet
Take a guided tour to the Sigirya Lion Rock.
Go on a cultural tour to Dambulla, Polonnaruwa or the Ritigala Monastery.
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya
Read more
My visit to Sigiriya – Sri Lanka
Now that you have your own list of the hidden boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, why wait?
Visit the Travel Center Website now! Our friendly travel agents will help you book your 2021 holidays to Sri Lanka right away! With that, they will also give you the best guide to the hotels that you can book and more places that you can explore in the pearl of the Indian Ocean. If you had spotted some other hidden gems like these before us, let us know in the comments below!
GET YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY MOOD ON!
Read More:- The 10 Hidden Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka
This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright):- Travel Center UK Blog
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3/17/2023 - Friday
I have not posted a photo of Lake Ella in a while…usually because when I’m there it’s still pre-dawn and there isn’t much to see! But here is a hint of sunlight:
It’s been chilly for the past two days which both Keely and I have enjoyed a lot. I’m dreading what the summer will hold for us, weather-wise, as well as hurricane season which is also swiftly approaching (it starts in June, if you…
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Ella Lake Cottage priced to sell at $157,500! MLS # 1041789 Just in time for summer! Enjoy your down time on Ella Lake only minutes to Hanmer or Capreol.
#bass fishing#bass fishing tips#big bass dreams#catch a bass#catching big bass#fishing for big bass#get sponsored to fish#how to catch bass#largemouth bass#outdoor media#randy yancey angler#Smallmouth Bass#wes yancey#westin yancey#wry media co#yancey bass fishing
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1. I want this primitive Christmas tree, and all the felted animals on it. This needs to be my Christmas tree. 2. I’m obsessed with Yarn Therapy. It makes me want to become a gifted knitter, so I can make beautiful things and make my own felted stuff. 3. Yarn Therapy is in this super cute cottage on Lake Ella. It looks like a damn fairy tale in there. If that were my store, I’d live on the top floor, and the store would be on the bottom floor, and it would be amazing. (at Yarn Therapy)
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On a muggy May morning in a penthouse in Battersea, southwest London, the delectable self-styled “chef and food consultant” Tess Ward is slumped on an enormous grey sofa, cradling a cup of peppermint tea and musing on the downsides of social media.
“Snapchat I’ve deleted, Twitter — don’t really do it,” she says wearily, her home counties accent as sharp as mandolined celeriac. “I’m even a little bit out of love with Instagram. At the moment I’m getting a lot of direct messages there, but I respectfully choose not to reply to them, because they’re all, like, er . . . interesting. I want a break,” she wails, her tones turning mock-northern. “I just want a break.”
Why is Ward so disillusioned? She’s a key member of today’s cohort of gorgeous, uber-connected food writers/chefs/wellbeing gurus (think “Deliciously” Ella Mills of the Sainsbury dynasty and former models Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley), following the favoured career path for upper-crust pretty things, whom the satirical website the Daily Mash unkindly categorised under the headline “Sexy posh girls unveil bullshit fad diet”.
As in all their cases, Instagram has been key to building Ward’s brand: she has nearly 130,000 followers, mesmerised by her soft-focus lifestyley/foodie shots of toasted almonds and beetroot salad, Ward doing yoga on a Yucatan beach, sweet potato and avocado brunches, Ward sunbathing on the shores of Lake Como and looking foxy at the polo in a bright-red floral Gucci shirt . . .
This last shot, posted early last week, nearly broke social media, not to mention a million teenage hearts — and brought her an additional 50,000 followers. It was apparent confirmation that Ward was — as had been rumoured for days — going out with Harry Styles of the boyband One Direction. Only four days earlier he had been seen about town in an identical £530 shirt.
That same day Ward was papped in the passenger seat of an Audi being driven by Styles, whose first solo album was about to be released. Instantly, she became a 21st-century Yoko Ono, loathed by loyal Directioners who are notorious for making voodoo dolls and sending death threats to any woman with whom their idols are spotted socialising.
They started trolling Ward’s social media. An innocuous Instagram snap of her mango and honey ice cream (dairy-free, obvs) attracted more than 3,000 comments along the lines of “Go awaaay”, “Ew”, “This looks disgusting” and “social climber”.
On Amazon her cookbook The Naked Diet, which had so far received about a dozen four and five-star reviews, overnight attracted a tranche of one-star write-ups, along the lines of “boring” and “unoriginal”.
“It’s been so weird, the hate messages . . . very bizarre,” Ward sighs, her fragile frame hunched. “I’m not the kind of person who’s interested in fame and if you’re put in an environment which you don’t understand and you can’t control and you don’t want, it’s horrible.”
She bites her lip; her doll-like, tanned face bleak. “Reporters have turned up at my mum’s house several times, at my old house. I just want to do what I love and that’s cook, it really is.”
So what’s going on? Is Ward, 27, going out with Styles, 23?
“I literally don’t have anything to say about that,” she sighs, as her PR snaps: “My clients don’t talk about their personal lives.”
Many distraught Directioners are convinced there’s nothing to talk about because this is all a publicity stunt to flog cookbooks (although what’s in it for Styles is less clear). Last weekend, Ward attended his “secret” London gig until, according to one fan who claimed on Twitter to have been standing near by, she was told by Styles’s people: “That’s enough, you can leave now.” In other words, her presence had been noted, job done.
If this is all a ploy to boost Ward’s profile, I doubt she would be so visibly shaken. Shortly after we meet, Ward disables her Instagram messaging facility, posting: “For everyone following and messaging me, I am thankful but please be kind to me. All I want is to share beautiful food with you all.”
Assuming there is a relationship, then Styles, who is refusing to comment, is a lucky chap. Because, even compared to his arm-long list of exes (Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, Caroline Flack, Pixie Geldof, Rod Stewart’s daughter and someone from Made in Chelsea), Ward is a catch, ridiculously pretty in frayed jeans and an embroidered denim jacket, bobbed fair hair, endearingly darker at the roots, framing an angelic face — a testament to the power of good genes and quinoa.
She’s also — when not brooding on her role as Britain’s most-hated woman — extremely likeable: voluble and friendly with a dry sense of humour.
“People can be so weird,” she continues on the social media theme. “You post a salad and they’re like, ‘That’s not nutritionally balanced.’ I like to be playful. There’s a slight puritanism about the way a lot of people post about food — they’ll be like, ‘I’m eating this salmon bowl and it’s got all these omegas, it’s perfect for getting your skin to glow.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t care! It’s a f***ing salmon salad!’ ” She frowns as she scrolls through comments on her Instagram feed. “Here’s this pasta recipe I’ve written. ‘Even if it’s not perfect it’s good when it’s made with love’ — that’s a bit too earnest. I was like, ‘Ew! God, far too nice for me.’ ”
Part of London’s It crowd (she is forever being snapped at parties with minor royals and the models Suki Waterhouse and Amber Le Bon and was, allegedly, introduced to Styles via “mutual friends”), Ward has walked here in Battersea from the house she shares in west London. “I used to live alone, but when you cook, you need people around to offload the food.” She’s looking to buy in hipper Stoke Newington, nearer the buzzing bars and restaurants.
Her parents — she has a brother, who’s a student — divorced when she was ten. Her father, who lives between west London and Oxfordshire, works for a multinational property company. “Dad’s a bit nuts; he wears tweed suits and bright purple shirts and odd socks always,” she says, smiling, scrolling through her phone to find a picture. “Look, here he is going to a fancy-dress party, dressed as bouillon, so in a chicken hat.”
Her mother, who lives in Oxford, is a yoga teacher. “She’s very spiritual, she sends me pictures of her in her crystal healing area. So cute. I have the best parents. They’re very progressive, bohemian, they’ve always been like, ‘Do whatever you like, it’s your body, it’s your life’, but everything has consequences and as a result I’ve always been very responsible.”
Ward was a tomboyish child, happiest helping her maternal grandfather, a farmer, to “pluck pheasants and gut fish’’. She attended a Quaker boarding school, then a small private day school for girls in Oxford. “I hated it. I was disruptive and got in so much trouble. I really didn’t feel the cookie-cutter school system was for me.”
However, she flourished at the local private sixth form college and ended up following a classic upper-middle-class path of reading history of art at the University of Leeds where, with a lot of free time, she held “a lot of dinner parties”.
On graduating, she did some modelling “but that didn’t sing for me”, so studied classical French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu, before working at various establishments including the Ritz and River Cottage.
“Cooking for people didn’t really do it for me. You’re always making the same stuff, and in a restaurant the hours are long and it’s hard physical labour. You’re on your feet for at least 14 hours a day and I’m not very big — my parents were like, ‘You’re quite pale and weathered.’ ”
She started reviewing restaurants for Grazia magazine, consulting brands such as Fortnum & Mason and Grey Goose. In the future she is hoping to open a restaurant and write a sequel to The Naked Diet, whose title reflects Ward’s “stripped back” approach to unprocessed food.
Like Ella Mills, Ward has been “mindful” of what she eats as a result of health issues — travelling alone around India on her gap year she picked up a parasite that was eventually cured by a clinical nutritionist (she has done an online course at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition). She’s allergic to soya and avoids wheat: “It gives me a stomach ache.” She doesn’t eat dessert much because “I don’t have a terribly sweet tooth” and dislikes melted cheese — “so pizza’s out”. She has just given up red meat “more for the planet than for dietary reasons. Other than that, I’m pretty relaxed.”
The #avotoast world is an increasingly crowded one and can be bitchy. Last year she had a skirmish with the Bake Off finalist Ruby Tandoh, after Ward tweeted: “Let’s all make baking books and wonder why the world has health and sugar addiction problems.” Tandoh lashed back calling her a “denizen of the weight loss industry” on Twitter, screenshotting a reference to a “Skinny Bitch” cooking class Ward had hosted.
“A lot of girls in food aren’t so nice,” Ward says. “Though the Hemsleys really are good girls. I went to their first book launch when I was submitting my first draft, looked around and thought, ‘This is the beginning of a thing, isn’t it?’
“Ella’s book was coming out, it became a wave and the media lumped us into one category. But I was very aware that these were girls telling people what they should eat. I’m not a qualified nutritionist, I’m a chef — my standpoint is food being delicious primarily and secondarily what’s good for you.
“Healthy living is a trend and that’s more my thing than clean eating, which is a fad and something I feel I was pulled into. The vegan and the clean can perpetuate a lot of other problems, which aren’t good.”
#tess ward#Harry Styles#some good PR person is managing this mess#I'm reserving judgment at this time
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- Batty’s Headcanons -
Batty’s Headcanons
Batty:
Headcanon #1
Batty is afraid of clowns. Ever since Batty got bitten and attacked by Pennywise, even happy clowns cause her to feel fear. Batty gets really nervous around them and faints when she’s near them. Batty hates the circus and makes sure to never go because that’s how scared she is. Batty knows they aren’t Pennywise but she deludes herself into thinking all clowns are Pennywise in disguise. Pennywise knows Batty is afraid of clowns and appears to her in this form constantly. The child has frequent nightmares about clowns and is unable to sleep most nights because of it. Batty has also been known to attack clowns with a bat and this has gotten her in big trouble numerous times.
Headcanon #2
Batty has fake teeth. Batty has been losing teeth regularly, but her agent doesn’t want her to have teeth gaps in her movies. Her agent claims teeth gaps aren’t cute nor will people want to see any imperfections when it comes to their favorite child actress. Batty sometimes removes them as a prank towards people that have no idea she has them.
Headcanon #3
Teen Batty: Batty will legally change her name to Batty when she’s old enough. Batty hates her real name because that’s who her fans know her as. ‘Dana’ has become an identity or a role to play while ‘Batty’ is the real her. Batty separates the two names and one day she will give up being Dana to be Batty forever.
Headcanon #4
Teen Batty: Batty will quit being an actress when she is in her 20’s. Batty by that time will have made enough money to live comfortably and she would get tired of being an actress. Giving up fame would make Batty happy, though Batty is happy being an actress sometimes, she just hates the fame that comes with it. Batty will give it up one day and she will live in the country somewhere where nobody from Hollywood can find her to pester her.
Headcanon #5
Batty doesn’t know the difference between salt and sugar. Batty only knows that they are both white grain substances and she mixes the two up all the time. Batty has been known to put salt in coffee and sugar in soup. Because she can’t tell the difference between the two, people should be wary of what Batty uses to season her food.
Headcanon #6
Batty looks to the left when she lies.
Headcanon #7
Batty doesn’t get much sleep.
Headcanon #8
Batty has Aspergers and a learning disability.
Headcanon #9
Batty isn’t very good at math, but she’s pretty good at English
Headcanon #10
Batty’s reading has the reading level of a Middle Schooler.
Headcanon #11
Batty plays the ukulele and the guitar. Batty has been playing both since she was five years old and she can play songs like House of the Rising Sun and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Other songs are Purple Haze and Wish You Were Here. But she is very self-conscious about her guitar/ukulele playing. Batty doesn’t think she’s any good, so she practises by herself and away from other people. She also doesn’t like singing in front of people, but will sing in front of a camera.
Headcanon #12
Batty can remember her dreams
Headcanon#13
Batty wears her portal ring on her left middle finger. The ring feels more comfortable on Batty’s middle finger than on her ring finger. This is because the ring is too big for her ring finger.
Headcanon #14
Batty has a deep fear of being abandoned. Batty’s birth parents were mostly absent when she was younger and they are still absent now. Batty didn’t have many friends before coming to Derry, and even then she is picked on by her classmates. Thankfully, Batty made friends in Derry, but they are older than she is. The child is always afraid these friends will leave her. Every time she makes a mistake, Batty freaks out and apologizes because she doesn’t want people to hate her. Loneliness is an emotion felt frequently by Batty. At all times, Batty is afraid of waking up and finding that nobody wants her around anymore and the thoughts have been getting worse and worse. It is a huge source of stress for Batty, but people have been helping her with it.
Headcanon #15
Batty has acted in six movies and she is currently filming one. The movies she has acted in are: Lawless Katherine, Good Ship Lollipop, Curly, Family Times, Cinder Ella, and Dynasty. The one she is acting in at the moment is Little Princess
Update: Batty has completed the filming for the movie and will act in one in February 1991.
Headcanon #16
Batty can cook a few things because her parents are never around. Batty can cook macaroni n cheese, ramen, rice, eggs, and bacon. The child is teaching herself how to make pancakes and is saving up for a waffle iron. Batty often cooks for herself, but the maids make things for her. Some of Batty’s recipes have something added to them. Batty can also make omurice and macaroni with scrambled eggs in it. Sometimes Batty adds steak and garlic powder to her macaroni and cheese.
Headcanon #17
Batty has separation anxiety. Batty has been abandoned by people/friends numerous times, causing the child to develop a fear of being alone or of being separated from somebody. Batty will frequently beg people not to leave her even if they’re not going anywhere, and she has also been known to cling onto people if they have to leave. Some people don’t know how to deal with this and they get concerned for her well being. Batty also clings to her real parents when they have to leave her and she has mental breakdowns when they forget her during a holiday. Their neglect has contributed to her feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Headcanon #18
Batty’s texting style is informal and she uses emojis when she texts.
Headcanon #19
Batty has a bodyguard, a stylist, and an agent. The agent’s name is Mike Miland, the bodyguard’s name is Griff Garland, and the stylist’s name is Darla Kirk.
Headcanon #20
Batty has a smartphone and two flip phones and a new home phone: Batty has a Samsung Galaxy, a DoCoMo SH-11C (pastel pink), a MOTOROLA MICROTAC 9800X, and a pager. As for the home phone, it is a wired home phone with caller i.d. It is relatively new.
Headcanon #21
Batty carries a bag around with her. Inside, she carries: A lighter, two cell phones, a pager, a pack of pens, a laser pen, bag of cheerios, container of macaroni, her cassette player, cassette tapes, headphones, a change of clothes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Headcanon #22
Batty drinks energy drinks before bed so she can’t fall asleep because she has horribly vivid nightmares.
Headcanon #23
Batty has the ‘power’ of transparency. Ever since Batty entered a portal shot out of her broken ring, she has been able to turn transparent. It is a very bad thing and that means she is slowly disappearing, but it will kill her when she is 12 years old.
Headcanon #24
Batty has eleven pets: a frog named Freddie Mercury, three cats named Bats, Mango, and Jester, two rats named Rattimus and Cheese, two hermit crabs named Xerxes and Iago, a male rabbit named Strawberry, a dog named Skittles, and a chipmunk named Nibbles.
Headcanon #25
Batty’s ninth birthday was on 7/19/90. For her birthday, she got: a rabbit, a Tamagotchi, a 3DS, the Hobbit book, two teddy bears, a Polaroid camera, lipstick, a backpack with bat wings, coloring books, a pocket knife, a doll, a Care Bear, two bikes, a painting, Power Rangers, a train set, a plush cat, dino plush, a toy truck, a rubber duck, a watch, a blanket, a wind up car, a Neopet. A bat plush.
Headcanon #26
Batty’s injury history: Batty has been bitten in the shoulder and she has had a chunk of flesh ripped out. Batty has had a rock bashed against her head. Batty has had her legs bitten up and burned. Batty has had her arm and hand broken. She’s been stabbed twice. She has been shot at. Batty has been smacked. She has been Force choked. Batty has been kicked in the stomach and face, she’s been drowned in a special circumstance, she saw four people die. Shards of glass have been lodged in her arm. She has had Its claws dug into her sides until she bleeds. Her head has been smashed against the floor. Batty’s hands have been burned. Batty has been attacked (but not hurt) with an ax. She has also been hit in the head and legs with a metal bat. Batty was kicked in the chest and had her throat cut open.
Headcanon #27
Batty runs away when she can’t deal with her problems.
Headcanon #28
Batty tells people she loves them frequently because she’s afraid the universe will kill her and cause her to fade away. Batty knows that at any time, the universe can detect her presence. Before she goes to bed, she texts people she loves them before going to bed in case she doesn’t wake up.
Headcanon #29
Batty’s Fears: Clowns. Large dogs. Heights. Drowning. Nightmares. Not waking up. Being abandoned. Making mistakes. Being yelled at. Dying. Being a nuisance. Being hated. Getting hurt. Needles. Sid The Bully (no longer a fear). Not being able to control her power/ring. Fading away.
Headcanon #30
Batty thinks she’s a burden to her friends and family. Ever since Batty realized she made her real parents unhappy, she has been very insecure and believes she lacks the ability to make anybody happy.
Headcanon #30
Batty has a beach house in Weston-super-Mare in Britain. It is located in North Somerset. Batty sometimes goes there during the summer and once a week at least once a month. It is more like a cottage, but Batty really enjoys going there. Her parents have a boat too they take out on the ocean or a nearby lake such as the Marine Lake.
Headcanon #31
For the Christmas of 1990, Batty received: stickers, a yellow flower, and many other things. She spent the day with her friends and family.
Headcanon #32
For Christmas, Batty handed out rocks. She has handed out: 19
Headcanon #33
There are some foods Batty likes. Batty likes: brownies, strawberry shortcake, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, root beer, cheese, and peanuts.
Headcanon #34
There are some foods Batty dislikes. Batty dislikes: beans, caramel, and tea.
Headcanon #35
Batty has a few legal guardians in North Park. Those legal guardians are Stan Marsh, Clyde Donovan, Kyle Broflovski, and Kenny McCormick
Headcanon #36
Batty went to Japan in 1987 in April. During her month long trip to Japan, Batty went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kamakura, and Nagoya. Batty spent the most time in Kyoto at a film location. During her trip, Batty got many souvenirs including a few kimono, a couple of dolls, and a fan. While there, Batty met a lot of other Japanese film stars and some animators. While there, Batty fell in love with the food and culture, but she still doesn’t like tea despite trying macha.
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Before & After: Ice Skating
@trueloveismagic prompted: It’s winter in the United Realms. Lucy is ice-skating on the frozen lake by the Mills cottage. The ice begins to crack under her feet. You know what they say? History repeats…….
Though, I twisted it a bit and this takes place before the Drizella's curse was set and Lucy is 6. I've also decided to make this a one shot series, of Henry, Jacinda and Lucy's lives before the curse and after. So, feel free to prompt things for this family.
Also on AO3
Lucy knew of the modern world, of course she did. Her father and grandmother told her stories of the realm he had grown up in, where things worked a lot different. Their family would come visit, but she had never been there herself. Ella was afraid of the other realm and what it could bring, so they stuck to having Emma, Snow, David and the rest coming to them. Still, Lucy was fascinated by the different things that her grandmother and great-grandparents would bring her. Emma would always charm different electronics so they didn’t have to be charged and Snow would bring her fashion that couldn’t be found in the villages.
One particular visit, Snow and David had gifted Lucy with a pair of ice skates. Neal was learning how to skate himself and they figured that she would like to as well. They had specified, however, that she had to wait to be with Regina or Zelena before using them. Lucy didn’t understand why, but she abided by the rules. Little did she realize, her grandmother and great-aunt would charm the frozen lake when she skated so she didn’t fall through. Ella of all people knew how fragile lakes could be.
A few weeks later, more snow had fallen and the lakes were frozen. Henry was busy writing while Ella had a visit with Tiana. Once upon a time, Henry had dreamed of living in a big castle with all his family. However, he had grown up and found he loved the smaller things. They had built the cottage themselves, with some help from Hook, Regina and Jack. It had been finished shortly after Lucy’s birth and was the perfect size for them, plus more children when they expanded their family.
Lucy loved when her aunt visited, but as a six year old, she quickly grew bored with the conversation. She went over to her father, who was sitting at his desk. He now wrote for the village’s paper and had an article due in a few days’ time.
“Daddy, can you play with me?”
Henry looked up, rubbing his chin. He had been letting his facial hair grow out a bit, but knew he should probably shave. “I’m sorry, angel, I really have to get this article done. I’ll take a break soon, I promise.” He looked out the window. “Why don’t you go play outside? You could build a snowman.”
Lucy frowned, but went into her room to bundle up to go outside. She loved where they lived, but since her parents had set up in the middle of the woods, she didn’t have any kids around her age to play. She had been begging for a baby sibling for a long time, but her parents explained that it was complicated. Grownups always said that things were complicated, it was so annoying.
After putting on her coat and boots, she noticed her skates in the corner. Her grandma and great-aunt weren’t due for a visit, but maybe she could still have a little fun on the lake anyway.
Telling her mom where she was going, Lucy headed outside. She played in the snow for a bit, building a snowman and making snow angels. Eventually, she decided it was time to practice her skating. When Snow had brought Lucy her skates, she had also gotten pairs for Ella and Henry too, so they’d all have family skates whenever Regina came by after it snowed. She was a natural, much like her father.
Going out onto the ice, she held onto the tree to start, slowly inching her way forward. Soon, she was skating with ease. She grinned as she spun around, feeling the cool winter air on her cheeks. Her hair and coat were wet from the snow, but in that moment she didn’t care. She was having way too much fun.
Halfway through her time on the ice, Lucy decided to do a jump she had seen in one of her books. She landed on the ice perfectly, though she started to hear some cracking. Looking down, she could see the ice moving. Before she could do anything, she was falling into the lake. All she could manage, was to scream as she was submerged into the icy water.
Henry heard the scream and hopped out of his seat, running out the door. Tiana and Ella were right on his tail. He scanned the property and didn’t see his daughter at first, until his eyes settled on the pink knit hat floating in the hole that was in the lake. Ella must have saw it too, because she instantly started running for the water.
“No,” she whispered. “This is not happening again!”
He didn’t even have to ask what she meant. He had heard about her childhood, how both she and her sister, Ana, had fallen into the lake. Marcus had saved Ella, but couldn’t do the same for Ana. It was what lead Ella’s step-mother into darkness.
Without a word, Henry started running on the ice. He knew it was dangerous and that he could end up in the same situation as his daughter, but he had no other choice. Skidding and sliding, he finally made it to where the hole was. Reaching in, he grabbed hold of his daughter’s hand and pulled her out. Lifting her into his arms, he carefully carried her back to the lake’s edge where Ella and Tiana stood, looking terrified.
Lucy lay unconscious in his arms, soaking wet. He quickly carried her into the house and laid her down on the ground. He removed her jacket and felt for a pulse, quickly finding it, though it was clear she wasn’t breathing.
“She’s got a pulse,” he told his wife and friend, the former having tears streaming down her cheeks. “Tiana, add more logs to the fire. Ella, get her some warm, fresh clothes to change into.”
His heart was racing as he followed the memories he had of taking a CPR class shortly after Neal was born so he could babysit. He began to perform the chest compressions, before opening the airway in her nose and giving her the needed rescue breaths. It didn’t work the first time, so he did it again, no response. The third time, however and she began to cough out water. By that time, Ella had returned in the room and her knees buckled, a sob escaping her lips.
Henry let himself breathe for the first time since it happened, kissing his daughter’s forehead. “Hey there, Luce,” he whispered. “You gave us all quite the scare.”
“Daddy,” she whined.
“I know, you must be feeling awful. Don’t worry, Mommy’s got a change of clothes for you. You’re going to be okay.”
He stepped back to let Ella change her and then he carried her off to bed, tucking her in nice and tight. They didn’t want to overheat her, but gave her a few extra blankets. Tiana went to go get the village doctor to check on her, just in case. It wasn’t long, before Lucy had drifted off to sleep again, this time breathing as she did.
Ella sat at the foot of Lucy’s bed with Henry behind her, rubbing her back. “We could’ve lost her,” she whispered.
“We didn’t, though.”
“I…I don’t know what I would’ve done.”
“She’s here, El. She’s safe.” He bit down on his lip. “This is all my fault.”
Ella looked up at him. “Don’t say that.”
“But it’s true. If I had just taken a break and gone out to play with her, she never would’ve been on the lake.”
“We both let her go outside alone, just as we’ve done a hundred times before. It’s not our fault that this happened. Lucy knew better than to go on the lake and she did it anyway, sometimes kids don’t listen.” She tilted her head. “I happen to know that you didn’t always listen to your mother and ended up in danger.”
Henry had to hold back a smile at that. “True.”
“And was it her fault?”
“Of course not.”
“So, then this isn’t yours.” Ella gently kissed him.
Henry let out a sigh and wrapped his arms around his wife. Their little girl was safe, that was all that mattered.
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