#italian alpine lake

[sitting-on-me-bum]

A brightly coloured Italian alpine newt photographed in the lake at the Crespina 2 quarry in Tuscany.

Photograph: Manuel Micheli

#manuel micheli #photographer #italian alpine newt #newt #amphibian #animal #lake #crespina 2 quarry #tuscany #italy #nature

[forestduck]

#dolomites #italian alps #swiss alps #alpine #alpine mountains #mountain #mountains #mountain aesthetic #mountain views #mountain vibes #mountain girl #avatar the last airbender #lake aesthetic #forest lake #mountain lake #lake core #nature #nature core #nature aesthetic #foodstagram #forest core

[candlewitches]

its not for 3 months but im so pumped for slovenia (ง’̀-‘́)ง

our shortlist of locations was norway/iceland/ireland but then somehow 4 hours later we decided on slovenia and now we keep finding more cool things to see/do and i wish we could go longer than a week

#we dont have our full itinerary planned bc we just booked the trip a frw days ago #but we’re staying in ljubljana so we’re gonna try to see the main museums there + the castle ofc #and then we want to rent a car and try to hit lake bled/vintgar gorge + the franja partisan hospital + the juliana alpine botanical garden #and then also maybe do a day or two where we go southwest to piran and hopefully also see predjama castle and the caves there #my mom also wants to see if we can divert to trieste when we go to piran #just aaaaaaaaa #according to google a lot of people in ljubljana know english but dont wanna rely on that so we’re gonna learn some basic slovene phrases #(and hope google translate will help with everything else) #+ my mom knows some italian which will maybe be useful in the parts that border italy maybe?? #technically i also know some russian but slovene isnt close enough for it to be helpful beyond going hey that has the same root word :D

[adore-laur]

CLOUD NINE

— a swoonworthy sequel to pink velvet 💍

——

Lake Como is an area with timeless appeal that seizes the eyes of every wanderer roaming the enticing paradise of solitude. Rolling vineyards weave throughout the countryside, with snow-capped mountains rising above the clouds. Romanesque cathedrals and theaters overlook the grand lake beautifully shaped by glacial movements. Opulent gardens of cascading wisteria and olive groves blossom across the region, decorating the premises of historical villas and estates. 

It's bliss for the second time. 

It also happens to be one of the most desired places in Italy for wedding venues, which is why you're currently driving through the captivating village of Bellagio with Harry the evening before the big day. A year has passed since you were in Salerno together for your third anniversary. A year since he proposed on the secluded beach he rented out for you, bent down on one knee with shaky hands holding a pink velvet ring box that encapsulated evermore. 

Now you're back and ready to marry the man who has one hand on the steering wheel of the vintage car and the other resting on your thigh.

Bellagio, which juts into Lake Como, greets you with cobblestone streets hugged by dainty shops and restaurants. Stucco and terracotta houses painted with pastel colors sit with their wooden shutters open, plants on their balconies and ivy climbing their walls. Everything is perfectly placed and flourishing under the European sky. 

A boat launch is where both of you are headed since the sun will be setting soon, and being on the lake is where tourists say it is the most idyllic place to admire. You're going to rent a private speed boat for two hours to wind down and spend time together on the alpine waters before being the center of attention tomorrow. 

The narrow backroads lead to the pier, where many boats are docked. Harry has brought a comically large backpack filled with various snacks, books, and other items to keep busy while on the lake. He's currently humming along to a solemn Italian waltz statically playing through the car's antique radio speakers. His hair whips in the wind, and golden hour light dances across his face.

"I know you're looking at me," he says, gently squeezing your thigh. 

You snap out of your trance and lean over the console to pertly kiss his dimple. "You're just really... bello? Is that how you say pretty?" 

His cheeks flush an endearing shade of pink. "Bello, yeah," he murmurs with a shy smile. "Thank you, baby." 

After another few peaceful minutes of driving, Harry pulls into a parking lot by the docks. The piers bob in the shallow water. The lake is even more stunning up close, with delicate ripples and a mountainous backdrop that resembles a contemporary impressionist painting. 

As you gaze upon the elegant villas sitting along the coastal cliffs, the passenger door swings open, a gentlemen-like gesture Harry always does no matter the countless times you've told him you're entirely capable. You sling your tote bag over your shoulder and pick up Harry's backpack, which is crammed in the space behind the seats. You hand it to him and then interlock your fingers with his before walking to the launch. Luxurious boats rock in the water; their exteriors are glossy and classic, and their interiors are more modern with white leather seats. 

"Ciao, siamo qui per il noleggio di due ore," Harry greets the group of men standing on the pier with cigars poking from their lips.

They all smile and wave the both of you over. Harry initiates a foreign conversation with them that you can't understand, save for a few fleeting words. Eventually, one of them claps their hands together and leads you to a speed boat. As the other men remove the ropes that secure it, Harry reaches his hand out to help you step on. He then guides you to the driver's seat, sitting down and settling you on his lap as he sticks the key into the ignition.

"Ready, cipollino?" he asks, recalling the nickname he gave you last year while tipsy under a streetlight. His hand rests on the curve of your back as the engine rumbles to life. 

"Yeah," you reply with an eager nod. "And stop calling me that!"

"What should I call you, then?" 

"Your wife." 

"Not yet, darling." He kisses your neck and then looks behind him, giving the men a thumbs-up.

They return his gesture, and he doesn't waste any more time as he pushes the throttle forward, making the boat lurch. With your legs draped over his, the village becomes farther away. Sailboats and ferries float on the water, and Italian flags are proudly attached to them. 

The speed creates swells of water that refreshingly spray your skin as you lean your cheek against the top of Harry's head. He steers with one hand as the other reaches down to unzip his backpack. He sifts through the belongings, eventually taking out a container of mixed cheese cubes he bought a couple of days ago when he went shopping at a local food market. 

"Close your eyes and guess," he says over the gusty breeze, hiding the container behind his back. 

You close them and open your mouth so he can feed you. You hear him snap the container's top off and then feel a cheese cube on your tongue. You chew it, humming thoughtfully while you figure out the distinct flavor. 

"Provolone. That's too easy," you say after swallowing. "Give me another one." 

A second piece is given; this time, it's a uniquely rich flavor you've never tasted. You decide to just guess fancy names you've heard in passing. "Um, mascarpone? No, wait. Gorgonzola?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. I have no bloody clue what it is." You laugh and open your eyes, but Harry quickly covers them with his large hand. "One more," he murmurs cutely. 

Parting your lips again, you wait for another piece of unknown cheese. However, a pair of soft lips capture your mouth instead. You feel Harry smirk against it, causing you to tilt your head with a bright smile. 

"Was that too cheesy?" he asks, playfully tickling your ribs before cutting the engine so the boat can drift. "Eh? Get it?" 

You drape your arms over his broad shoulders. "How long have you been waiting to say that?"

He scoffs under his breath. "What do you mean? I come up with these killer jokes on the spot." 

"Oh yeah?" you challenge, calling his bluff. "Tell me another one." 

Harry pouts his lips and thinks. "Let's see. Give me a second; I have loads of good ones." You giggle into his neck as he struggles. "'Kay, I've got it. Why does water never laugh at jokes?" 

"I don't know. Why?" 

He cradles your head and whispers in your ear, "It isn't a fan of dry humor." 

You lean back and narrow your eyes at him. "That was terrible." 

He pretends to throw you overboard, leaving you squealing and holding on tight to his shirt. "Sii gentile."

The following two hours are spent cruising around the lake, pointing out extravagant architecture, and reading the several translated Italian romance novels you bought from an independent bookstore. The mountains are hazy due to the clouds drifting past the jagged crests. The faraway sounds of ferry horns and coos from the wading birds provide a serene atmosphere. You don't plan to remove yourself from Harry's lap anytime soon since his calm breathing and affectionate kisses against your skin make you fall into a blissful reverie. 

It doesn't feel like the wedding is tomorrow. The reality hasn't quite hit you yet; you've always felt like it's been some unreachable day that won't ever happen. But now, you sense the forthcoming nerves and anticipation somewhere deep in your bones. 

Only one more sunrise until he's eternally yours. 

Once the sun has plunged below the horizon and left a blended tangerine and turquoise sky in its wake, Harry lets you take control of the steering wheel to drive the boat back to the docks. You successfully station it between two narrow piers. The men that had previously helped get up from their chairs and come over with rope. Harry takes the key out of the ignition, puts his backpack on, and then grabs your hand and ushers you to land. 

"Grazie per la vostra generosità," he tells them with a hand on his heart. "Buonanotte." 

"Sei il benvenuto," replies one of the men with a kind bow. "Guidare sicuri."

The both of you smile and walk to the parking lot, getting back in the car.

"That was so relaxing," you say as you slightly recline the seat and sigh happily.

"Mm-hmm." Harry rubs his full stomach and yawns. "Definitely gonna sleep like a baby tonight." 

"Really? I think I'll be up all night with anxiety." 

"Why? Getting cold feet already?" 

"No, just nerves," you say. "It's a life-changing event we've been planning for so long." 

His thumb strokes the back of your hand as he starts driving. "I don't know about you, but I'm pretty confident I made the right choice in marrying you." 

"I'm not doubting that. I just—" 

"I know, love," he interrupts softly. "I'll probably be a jittery mess tomorrow if it makes you feel any better." 

You give him a reassuring glance before closing your eyes while he takes the backroads that lead to the villa. The windows are rolled down, warm air envelops your face, and the smell of bread makes you hungry again. Harry will often read random names of restaurants and shops that he passes or quietly hiccup from all the food he ate earlier. 

Just as everything becomes background noise, you suddenly feel the car slow down and jerk to a stop. You open your eyes and see that you're on a flat bridge made of grey cobblestone that connects the downtown area to a dirt path lined with cottages. You look over at Harry and find him staring at you with an indecipherable expression, his mouth downturned and his eyes dancing between yours. 

"I think there's something wrong with the car," he says. 

"What?" 

"It just stopped." He scratches his jaw and sighs. I'm pressing on the gas, but it's not moving." 

You blink in confusion. "The car is in park, Harry. 

"No, I think the car just broke down. Stay here. Let me check under the hood." 

"Just put it in drive. Nothing's wrong with it." 

Harry ignores you and opens the door, getting out and slowly walking to the front. His hands place themselves on his hips as he bends his knees and studies the car like he knows what he's doing. He definitely does not. 

"Hey!" he calls out, pointing a finger somewhere next to you. "It's a little chilly out. Do you mind grabbing my suit jacket from under my seat?" 

Suit jacket? What is he talking about? You turn your head and reach under the driver's seat to blindly grab the jacket he apparently brought along. You feel a soft material against your fingertips, and you pick it up and set it on your lap. Sure enough, it's a suit jacket that's neatly folded and the color of a robin's egg. You've never seen it before, and you don't know when he could have possibly bought it since you've been inseparable since arriving in Italy. 

You hold it up, and Harry grins, shuffling over to the passenger window. You notice that the stripes on his button-up perfectly match the jacket. Interesting.

"Grazie," he says nonchalantly, taking it from you and putting it on. "Fits like a glove. Speaking of..." 

You cross your arms over the window and rest your chin on them. "You're acting really suspicious right now, and I suggest you tell me what's going on before I cancel the wedding." 

Harry simply laughs and heads over to the hood. You watch as he reaches into his suit pocket, pulling out a pair of white gloves made of lace. 

Now you're concerned. 

He gazes up at you from under his eyelashes and smirks, putting on the gloves like he's about to perform surgery. "What?" he asks while straightening his collar. "I don't want to get my hands dirty." 

You shake your head in disbelief. "Where did you even get those?" 

He ignores you once again and pulls out his phone. He types something briefly and then holds it against his ear. "Towing company," he mouths to you, pointing at his phone with a wink. 

You're speechless as you sit in the car, wondering what he mysteriously has up his sleeve. You're not stupid; there's obviously something going on because the car clearly has not broken down, and he's calling a towing company for some reason. 

During the short conversation, you listen to him speak Italian in a low murmur, and before you know it, he's hanging up and strolling toward the metal railing of the bridge. He puts his hands in his pockets and paces back and forth, looking up at the peach-colored sky and then out at the sapphire-blue water. 

As you're about to step out and join whatever he's doing, you hear distant music start playing. You look out the window and see a group of people walking in your direction, all holding instruments such as mandolins, horns, and accordions. Harry is also walking your way in your peripheral vision, a cheeky expression on his face. 

You don't know where to look, but your ears recognize the familiar tune of "That's Amore" by Dean Martin when the group starts singing. Harry quickly rounds to the front of the car and does a clumsy spin, then leans his body and elbow on the hood, lifting one foot up as he begins mouthing along to the lyrics with a satisfied smile. 

"Dance with me, amante."

You let out a shocked laugh and join him. "Did you plan all this?" 

He daintily sticks out his gloved hand for you to take. "I might have researched Italian wedding traditions a while ago. One of them involves serenading the bride from outside her window, but... I put my own twist on it, I guess. The car didn't actually break down." 

You hum against his chest as he begins swaying you. "Yeah, I caught onto that pretty quickly." 

"I'm a shit liar," he mumbles into your hair, giving you a twirl. "Anyway, the bride is supposed to lower down a basket of bread, cheese, and prosciutto to accept the marriage." His hand leaves your waist to dig into his pocket. "And my darling, I just happen to have some leftover cheese cubes. Would you be so kind as to do the honors?" 

He pulls out a small bag with only three pieces of cheese left. He takes one out and holds it gently between his fingertips. You take it and dramatically clear your throat. "Harry Styles, I accept this marriage. I cannot wait until tomorrow." 

Grabbing your wrist, he pops the cheese into his mouth, grinning widely as he chews. "I accept your acceptance." 

You continue slow dancing on the bridge as the song crescendos, the singers happily crooning the love-filled lyrics while you're pressed close to Harry. 

Tomorrow can't come soon enough. 

——

White silk with a subtle hue of lavender feels cool against your skin, the thin fabric of your dress lightly blowing in the breeze. 

Harry is right around the corner, probably fidgeting with his fingers behind his back, toeing the ground, and ensuring his outfit is wrinkle-free. You can almost feel his energy, along with the collection of yours and Harry's close family and friends who flew out for the wedding. You hear them distantly chatter as they wait for your arrival. 

Deep breaths are the only kind you've been taking all day, and you're surprised the pendant of your necklace isn't shaking from how hard and fast your heart is pounding. You haven't seen Harry since you fell asleep next to him last night, knowing he planned to sneakily slip out of the villa to get ready with his groomsmen early in the morning. 

It's evening, so a golden tint casts over everything. The private ceremony occurs outside the lakeside courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens and pathways shaded by trees. The white aisle is rolled out, and a tall, flowered arch can be seen from where you stand behind the trimmed hedges. Stone statues guard the premises, some with moss and chipped bodies. 

As you focus on a yellow butterfly that lands on a blade of grass, you suddenly hear the ceremonial music begin playing. Someone behind you squeezes your shoulders and gently pushes you, whispering encouraging words in your ear. You're too distracted by the movement of your dress to comprehend them as you begin walking down the aisle. 

Watch your step. 

One foot in front of the other. 

Don't trip. 

Yet when you finally turn the corner, keeping your eyes on the ground is impossible. It's as if everything happens in slow motion. You hear excited gasps and violins in your ears, but your eyes are the strongest sense at the moment. They naturally gravitate upwards to find Harry. He's wearing all silk, just like the both of you planned, along with the same hue of lavender threaded into the fabric. Silk trousers with a silk dress shirt tucked into them and white suspenders over it. A couple buttons are undone. 

He's so stupidly handsome.

Once your gaze meets his, matching smiles of pure love take over both of your faces. His is a dimpled one that leaves you breathless, and yours is a gentle one that makes his tears spill over. 

You see him roll his trembling lips in, looking down with a soft laugh and sniffle. When you reach him, you accept his bouquet of flowers and stand face-to-face with him for the first time today.

"You look gorgeous," he whispers while shaking his head in awe.

"You look pretty," you whisper back. 

He bites the inside of his cheek and glances down at your lips. "I want to kiss you, but I can't."

You laugh and look at the officiant when he raises his hands. "Welcome, everyone," he says. You may be seated." 

Everyone sits, and you exhale a long breath. You feel Harry squeeze your hands as the officiant drones on about the joining of the couple and what lifelong commitment means. You're not listening, too lost in Harry's teary eyes as they roam your face and dress. 

"Is the bride ready to say her vows?" 

You snap your head to the side and nod, a little embarrassed that you zoned out during what were probably important and sentimental words. 

You release Harry's hands and take the folded note from your bra, making the crowd laugh. Harry rolls his eyes with a smirk. As you smooth the paper's creases, you feel your throat bob with emotion, thinking about how you poured every bit of your soul into the inked words you wrote for him. 

Inhaling deeply, you swallow the lump in your throat. "Harry," you say with a tender squeeze of his sweaty hand, "you are someone who I believe comes into people's lives with a purpose. You came into mine when I wasn't looking for love, but you swept me off my feet with your kindness and attentive nature. I'm so in love with you, truly. When your eyes crinkle with laughter or when you remember intricate details about me. I even love the annoying things, like how you really love peas or how you have to turn the radio down when the roads are busy so you can concentrate. Everything you do and say is beautiful. Your presence is graceful and warm. I'm so thankful I get to be around it for the rest of my life. I love you and promise to do so through every moment, whether rain or shine. Ti amo." 

When you finish, your cheeks are damp with tears as the crowd claps. Harry looks past you, quickly wiping under his eyes. 

"And would the groom like to say his vows?" asks the officiant. 

"Yeah, one second," Harry says as he tilts his head and blinks back tears. He looks back down and takes his vows out from his sock. 

"Ew," you say.

"Shush," he says with a smirk. "Okay, um... I'm going to try to get through this without completely losing it." He clears his throat. "So, I wrote this last night when you were sleeping. I wasn't procrastinating; I just wanted to write it when my emotions were high." 

He unfolds the paper and straightens his posture. "I love you so much. You know it. Everyone knows it. You've had me whipped since I met you, and I swear it's only gotten worse over the years. I told you when I proposed that I was weak for you. Well, I still am. Always will be. Because I hang onto every word you speak, and my heart beats like a madman every time you look at me. The tremendous love you give me is something I don't deserve. It keeps me going, and the fact that I get to feel it for a lifetime makes me the happiest man in the world. Ti amo forever." 

You let out a soft sob and dab under your eyes with your knuckle so your makeup doesn't smear. You secretly give Harry the middle finger for making you cry, and he gives one back, making your family and friends cackle. 

"Now for the rings." The officiant hands both of you your designated bands and then looks at you first. "Does the bride take the groom to be her lawfully wedded husband?" 

You slide the gold band onto Harry's ring finger, his hand shaking. "Lo voglio." 

He seems surprised by your unexpected Italian, raising his eyebrows.

"And does the groom take the bride as his lawfully wedded wife?" 

Harry slides your ring on. "Lo voglio," he repeats confidently. 

"Then it is my delight and honor to now pronounce you husband and wife," concludes the officiant. "Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Mr. and Mrs. Styles!" 

Everyone stands and cheers, hollering in celebration. Harry spreads his arms and pumps his fists with a wide smile. 

"Can I kiss him?" you ask impatiently. 

The officiant laughs and nods. "Yes, you may kiss the groom." 

You immediately grab Harry's cheeks and slot your mouth over his, feeling his arms tightly wrap around your waist as he dips you toward the ground. The crowd whoops, and camera shutters click, capturing the official moment.

"Mrs. Styles," Harry murmurs against your lips, kissing them repeatedly until they ache. 

You grab his hand to walk down the aisle together, waving and smiling at your families as they throw white flower petals in your path. There's a green convertible parked at the end, a getaway car of sorts, for you and Harry to take to the reception. It has a wreath hung across the trunk and bottles of alcohol and bread in a basket on the console. Harry opens the door for you as family and friends gather around, taking pictures and chatting to one another. 

"Wait, we have to change into our outfits before we get there," you say abruptly as he begins slowly driving away. "We didn't think this through." 

When you and Harry were planning the wedding, you agreed that you should both change into comfortable party outfits for the reception so it would be easier to move around and dance. Outfits the others hadn't seen yet were picked out and secretly packed in separate suitcases. 

You took a risk with yours, to say the least. 

"No," he gasps dramatically. "What are we possibly going to do? Bloody hell, we'll have to change in the woods!" 

You smack his arm. "Shut up, I'm serious! I've been waiting all year to show you my outfit. We have to stop somewhere." 

"Love, we can just change in the bathrooms once we get there." 

"Fine. Hurry up, though. I'm excited." 

He rolls his eyes and presses on the gas pedal harder. 

After about ten minutes, you arrive at the outdoor reception area, which has circular tables and chairs on the lawn with a dance floor in the middle. String lights decorate the low-hanging trees, and some people are already gathered with flutes of champagne and plates of appetizers in their hands. 

Harry parks the car and grabs your suitcases, sneakily going around the back of the old-fashioned estate that the venue is a part of. A security guard, wearing sunglasses and an earpiece, stands straight as a pin in front of the fancy double doors. 

"Excuse me, sir," Harry says, never letting go of your hand. "Where's the nearest bathroom?" 

He clears his throat and looks him up and down suspiciously. "Take the first left. The door is the fourth one on your right." 

"Thank you!" you call out from behind since Harry is already dragging you down the porcelain hallway. 

Once you reach the bathrooms, Harry enters one stall while you go in the other. You're both breathing heavily and giggling as you unclasp your suitcases and pull out your outfits.

Yours is a rose gold mesh bodycon dress decorated with rhinestones that came with long, matching gloves. Your beige underwear and bra will be visible under it, but that's the intended purpose. You also bought a faux fur boa scarf to hook around your elbows. You unzip your wedding dress and slip on the other one, then walk out of the stall with your empty suitcase. 

Harry walks out a minute later, and your knees weaken. He's wearing a suit jacket and trousers with no shirt underneath. What's even more incredible is that the color of the sequined material is almost the exact shade of what you're wearing.

"Shut up," Harry says with a laugh of disbelief. "No way we picked the same color." 

All you can respond with is: "Your tits are out."

He looks down at them. "Yeah... I suppose they are." 

"You look so hot." 

"So do you." He runs his hands from your waist down to your ass. "You look dazzling, Mrs. fuckin' Styles." 

"Don't start anything," you warn, gripping the lapels of his suit. "We need to say hello to everyone." 

He smirks. "It's crazy that we thought of the same color. I was going to buy a white vest and matching pants, but something told me to get this instead." 

"That just means you have good fashion intuition." 

"No, I think it means we're soulmates." 

You kiss him. "That, too. C'mon, let's go before people get bored." 

The reception commences, and hugs and well wishes are all around as you and Harry wander the lawn hand in hand. The weather is perfect, and the sun isn't too sweltering because of the breeze from the nearby lake. 

Hours pass, the moon is out, and string lights twinkle around the venue. The dance floor has been open for a while, everyone a little tipsy and sweaty as they dance with each other. You've already done the first dance with Harry, swaying to "Moonlight Serenade" by Frank Sinatra as he whispered sweet nothings with his forehead pressed against yours. 

After another slow song ends and couples find other people to dance with, "Careless Whisper" starts playing. Harry borderline screeches in your face while shaking your shoulders. 

When the bridge plays, he gets down on his knees before you and belts the lyrics, hair falling in his face as his outfit shimmers from the strobe lights. You put the fur boa around his neck and pull him closer. His hands run up the length of your legs, eventually reaching your hands as you help him. 

"My pants just ripped!" he yells over the music. 

"Seriously?!" you yell back with wide eyes.

He tilts his head back and laughs with his hands resting on his exposed stomach. You immediately spot the small, ripped seam on his right thigh and begin laughing along with him. It's not even that funny, but cloud nine lifts you too high to care. 

The party goes on, and people slowly leave as midnight nears. Soon enough, it's just you and Harry left as the music volume lowers and the chairs start being put away. You eventually stumble with flushed cheeks and giddy smiles to the sleek black limo waiting at the front of the estate. 

"Where am I taking the happy couple?" asks the driver.

"Villa Balbiano, please," Harry replies. "And turn the music up loud, yeah? Apologies in advance." 

The both of you clamber into the back of the limo, immediately putting the partition up. You straddle Harry's parted thighs as he begins massaging your breasts. "Take your bra off. Let me see your tits under this dress." 

You unclip your bra, sliding it off and tossing it to the side. Harry kneads your ass and tilts his head back against the headrest, the veins in his perspiring neck becoming noticeable. 

"I'm so gone for you," he says, biting your thumb as if restraining himself from doing a more provocative act. 

"That's sweet." You climb off his lap and sit beside him, putting your seatbelt on. "But you'll have to wait." 

His jaw clenches in annoyance, and you grin. You love giving him whiplash. 

The ride to the villa is short but filled with tension. Harry broodingly looks out the window when the driver pulls into the gravel driveway, his right hand gripping the edge of the seat, his thighs tense.

Once the car is parked, Harry kindly squeezes the driver's shoulder, opens the door, and gets out. In an instant, your door is opened, and you're suddenly scooped up and thrown over Harry's shoulder as he walks up the driveway toward the arched doors. He navigates through the spacious rooms and up the grand staircase in complete silence. 

You know what you're in for. 

Harry tosses you on the king-size bed and crawls over you, placing his forearms on either side of your body. His cross necklace dangles over you, which is ironic considering how he's looking at you right now. 

"Gonna let me fuck my wife, or do I have to wait for that too?" he asks lowly, leaving open-mouthed kisses to your breasts and keeping eye contact with you. 

You bite your lip and slide the straps of your dress down, quickly slipping it off. Harry then grabs your wrist and uses his teeth to take one of your gloves, biting the fabric at the top of your fingertips. They're long and tight, so he struggles, huffing and closing his eyes in disappointment. 

"This is supposed to be sexy. Stop making fun of me," Harry says with a defeated laugh, taking the route of just yanking them off and throwing them on the floor. 

"I didn't say anything," you say, covering your mouth so you don't let a laugh escape. "And those are really expensive, Harry!" 

He just shushes you and takes your underwear off. He then buries his face into your inner thigh as you spread your legs open. You're already wet, your warm arousal sticking to your skin. He laps some of it up and rumbles a groan. 

"Will you let your husband take care of you tonight? Hmm? Tell me." 

"God, Harry." You whine when his nose nudges your aching clit. "Yes. Please." 

"So polite for me." He teasingly licks the inside of you with one stroke of his tongue, but it's not enough. "Such a good girl that was dressed like a filthy slut tonight." 

"Says you," you reply breathlessly. "You had your tits out all night while you danced with my grandma." 

Harry hums a laugh and pushes his nose forward, making you wrap your legs around his waist and arch your back on the bed. He lets out a long moan, beginning to unapologetically lick every last slick drop of arousal that seems to keep pouring out. His hands grip your thighs so tight you're positive there will be bruises left from his rings. 

His quiet moans and suckling are muffled by his face pressed right up against your pussy, his hair tickling the bottom of your stomach as his head tilts with each new angle he tries. Your mouth is parted open, desperate whimpers leaving it as your hands tug at his curls. 

You know he won't use his fingers, always keen on making you come with just one method. You feel dizzy from the tingling sensation in your thighs and core, your orgasm knotting with a deep ache. 

"I'm gonna come," you tell him, digging your heel into his back. "Harry, I'm gonna... I feel it. I can't hold it."

What he does next is heaven. Without moving his head or stopping his tongue, he lifts his hand and presses his large palm down on your lower stomach, massaging it in small circles to help coax the swelling pleasure out. Just as you feel as though you're about to burst, he removes his tongue and lifts his head. 

"No, no, no," you say, jerking your hips up. 

"Hey, look at me," Harry demands, his lips swollen and glistening. "What's wrong? Am I being mean?" 

"I hate you." 

"That's no way to talk to your husband, now is it?" He unbuttons his trousers and takes them off, along with his boxers. "What makes you think I'm not going to stuff you full right now with my cock? Or is that not what you want?" 

You catch your breath and swallow, your throat terribly dry. "No, I want it. I do."

Harry squeezes his throbbing cock and hovers over you with one hand placed next to your head, his arm bulging and sheened with sweat. It isn't going to take long for you to come undone. 

"Yeah?" He reaches over to the nightstand and grabs a condom from the drawer. "You like it when I'm that deep inside you?" he asks, tearing the package open. 

"It's my favorite part." 

He rolls the condom on and kisses your knee. "Is that what you want?" His voice is now soft as he strokes strands of hair from your face. "You want me to be nice and give you what you want?" 

"I know you like it too," you whisper. "Don't even try to lie." 

He smirks while running his tongue across his teeth. "And how would you know that?" 

"Because you always put your hand right here" — you grab his hand and gently place it below your navel — "to feel it. Your eyes roll back every time. I love it." 

His nostrils flare. "You love watching me? How did I not know this about my wife?" 

"You're too fucking gone for me to notice," you say, repeating his words from earlier. 

He nearly growls, lining himself up with your entrance before thrusting in with no warning. You gasp, holding onto his shoulders as he rocks inside of you, his cock burning past your walls. The headboard hits the wall with each of his powerful thrusts, and you moan pitifully when he goes long and deep. One of his hands holds onto the top of the headboard, and his other holds your limp hand on the sheets. 

"So tight," Harry breathes out. "How do you fit all of me, huh? You're so tight and pretty." 

Your legs ache as they bend from the force he pounds into you with. He sloppily kisses your lips, teeth knocking against yours and pleading moans escaping into your mouth. His scruff rubs against your face as he continues thrusting faster and faster until the knot forms again, this time stronger than before. You can feel him in the pit of your stomach, leaving you breathless and crazed when his abs move against the slight bulge that forms there. 

"There we go," he praises. "That's it, baby. Is that what you needed?" 

After another couple of thrusts and encouragements from him, you arch and release while gripping his hand and looking into his eyes. Harry comes at the same time, rutting his hips into yours as he shudders with a deep, guttural moan against your neck. 

He hums, pulling out and cradling your cheeks. "You good?" 

You nod, watching him quickly discard the condom and flop on top of your heaving body. Everything feels hot, sweat dripping down your hairline and Harry's skin sticking to yours. 

"Thank you," you say hoarsely. 

"For what, giving you an orgasm?" he asks with a laugh. 

"For everything," you reply, running your fingers through his damp hair. "I always feel like I'm floating around you." 

"I'm your cloud." 

"That oddly makes sense. How do you say that in Italian?"

He starts giggling into your chest, dimples carving his flushed cheeks. "Nube." 

You scoff. "Did you just call me a noob?" 

His head whips up as he says, "No. Nube means cloud in Italian." 

"Nube… that's funny." The both of you start silently laughing at each other, slowly coming down from the high. 

"Shit," Harry exhales. "Someone left us some wine." 

You turn your head to where he's looking and see a wine bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag on the dresser. There's also a little note attached to it. 

Harry gets out of bed and walks over to it with his ass on full display, making you start giggling again. He grabs the wine and gets under the sheets, weaving his legs with yours. 

You take it from him, popping the cork and raising the bottle. "Cheers to us. Ti amo forever, nube." 

He grabs your hand and kisses the ring on your finger. "Ti amo, Mrs. Styles." 

You take a swig, letting the crisp sweetness coat your throat before Harry has some. 

You've come to realize that bliss can be tangible. Silk sheets and red wine. Heated skin and purposeful touches. Soft eyes and kisses just because. If you could, you would bottle this moment up to drink, letting the liquified love permanently stain your soul. 

——

#harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles x reader #harry styles au #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #harry styles #adore-laur #cloud nine

[fatehbaz]

The heart of the Apuan Alps in Tuscany, Italy, is home to one of the biggest marble mines in the world, with about 160 active quarries in the Massa Carrara and Lucca areas. Since Roman times, creamy-white Carrara marble has been dug out of these mountains. It is the most sought-after marble in the world, and has inspired artists and architects everywhere.

But the Apuan Alps also host an ecosystem that is home to the Italian alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris apuana). In November, Manuel Micheli, a photographer working with the Apuane Libere organisation, stumbled across the newt in Crespina 2, a decommissioned quarry. [...]

“It was incredible to discover such a group,” says Gianluca Briccolani, the co-founder of Apuane Libere, a volunteer organisation formed in 2021 to protect the mountains from environmental degradation, including water contamination caused by the heavy industrialisation of the marble industry.

Cava Crespina 2 lies under Monte Sagro and overlooks the Mediterranean. It was closed in 2014 and became a perfect place for newt reproduction thanks to an underground spring and rainwater filtration in conjunction with the lake’s impermeabilisation, caused by marble dust waste (marmettola).

Since Micheli’s discovery, the newt population has grown – and the scientific and local community has mobilised to protect the newts. Plans to reopen the quarry were halted earlier this month by Unesco and the Apuan Park.

“Last year, we counted at least three dozen newts in different life stages,” says the herpetologist Gabriele Martinucci. “This was a sensational discovery because it means they live in the quarry throughout the entire year. [...]”

If the Crespina 2 quarry were to reopen, however, the newts there would need to be moved because the excavation would affect the lake where they live, says Apuane Libere.

“We want to do everything to protect the newts,” says Briccolani. “Marble quarrying has nothing to do with art. Entire blocks of marble are crushed to create the calcium carbonate that we find, for example, in our toothpaste. The well-known Carrara marble is no longer used to make the future Davids by Michelangelo, but ends up crumbled or, at most, in the kitchens and bathrooms of a very few rich people.”

It isn’t just newts that are threatened, say campaigners. The Apuan Alps chain hosts about 30% of endemic national flora, including a rare cornflower that grows on the slopes of Mount Borla. But the newts have become “a symbol of the resilience of Apuan biodiversity”, says Andrea Ribolini of the Italian Alpine Club.

Many of those protecting the environment in the area are the children of former quarry workers, including Alberto Grossi, a longstanding activist and group manager for the Apuan Alps of the Legal Intervention Group, an Italian ecological association. [...] Guido Dazzi, a fellow environmentalist, says: “I’m 60 years old and my father was a quarry worker. I come here to monitor whenever I can. [...]”

---

Headline, images, captions, and text by: Alice Pistolesi and Monica Pelliccia. “Brave newt world: the species swimming against the tide of Italian marble.” The Guardian. 23 March 2023. [Some paragraph breaks and contractions added by me.]

#endemic species #amphibian #mining

[bu1410]

''Mr. Plant has owed me a shoe since July 5, 1971." - Chapter III - March 5th, 2024

Bari - Italy

Bar - Montenegro

Kotor - Montenegro

Sveti Stefan - Montenegro

Dubrovnik - Croatia

Lake Skadar - Montenegro.

BAR - MONTENEGRO- FORMER YUGOSLAVIA – October 1982

I returned from Saudi Arabia quite disappointed by the behavior of the Works Director, Eng. Birago. I liked the Taif hospital project, but I think the old Engineer had the whiskey affair tied to his finger, and at the first opportunity he got rid of me. I therefore responded with enthusiasm to the call from VOLANI, a company from Rovereto (Trento, Italy) specialized in industrialized architecture, essentially a direct competitor of FEAL Milan. I went to Rovereto for the interview with the Chief of Staff ''accompanied by Mother''! In the sense that my mother, as soon as she learned that I was going to Rovereto, immediately jumped on the car: beyond the desire to go around, it was one of her favorite destinations! The interview went well, and I was offered a job at their construction site in Bar, Montenegro, then still a territory of Yugoslavia. Before leaving for Bar, I wanted to spend a weekend in Madesimo, in Italian Alps. In 1981 there was no Internet, and therefore we had not booked the hotel. When we were in Medesimo we soon realized that the hotels were all closed (we learned that October/November are the months in which hoteliers go on holiday). In the end we turned to the local Carabinieri station, who suggested we go up to Alpe Motta where there was an alpine refuge that was definitely open.

JOURNEY TO BAR I had bought a new jacket, grey/blue on the outside, and with yellow padding on the inside. I took the flight to Bari, and then from Palese airport a taxi took me to the port. The ferry to Bar would leave in the evening. I enjoyed a single cabin, and the crossing of the Adriatic was uneventful. In the morning, when I tried to open the cabin door, I bumped into the bodies of those less fortunate than me, who had spent the night sleeping on the floor in the ship's corridor. We went ashore, and I noticed that I was surrounded by the usual dozens of women who at the time were shuttling between Italy and Yugoslavia, bringing all sorts of merchandise to their country. One of them, a middle-aged woman, asked me in in somewhat broken Italian:

Do you have something to declare?

No….

Well, it means that you will go through customs with these bottles of cognac, these shoes and these t-shirts on my behalf.

Ok…… Once we passed the customs control, the woman hurried to collect her goods, and she didn't even say thank you!!. I had made a first approach to the typical rudeness of Montenegrins; I would later have to experience other, even worse examples.

HOTEL SUTOMORE At the port exit there was the Site Manager waiting for me. A nice gentleman originally from Mantua: middle-aged, beard, open smile, had already been in Bar for several months with his wife and a few-month-old daughter in tow. He took me to the Hotel Sutomore, located in a village of a same name, a few kilometers north of Bar. The semi-deserted hotel given the season, a 9-storey building, was directly on the small but beautiful beach - the transparent sea reflected the sun of the afternoon that has just begun. It was lunch time, and after a shower, I went to the hotel restaurant, located on the mezzanine. Very large dining room, on Saturdays it was always occupied by receptions and weddings, with horseshoe tables, full of bottles of whiskey as per local custom. (Perhaps this is the reason why wedding dinners often resulted in furious arguments between relatives and friends?) I sat down in the half-empty room, took off my jacket and placed it on the back of the chair in front of me. The waiter, a young man around 20-22 years old, appeared out of nowhere, and without saying a word he took off his white jacket, took my jacket and put it on. -It's fine with me - he said, looking satisfied in the large window - how much do you want?

I looked at him astonished, with a mixture of surprise and anger and told him: it's not for sale, take it off immediately.

And he: but why not? Here all foreigners do this?!

''As well as? I said annoyed.

In the sense that they come wearing new things, sell them to us, and then leave again.

Well - I replied - I'm not "everyone" and I bought the jacket for myself - end of negotiation.

Oh well… if you say so….

What is there to eat? And here was the second unpleasant impact with another locals.

NIGHTCLUB Below the hotel there was a disco-dance hall. On Saturday evening it was packed, with a musical group that performed a Slavic variant of the rock songs popular in the 80s. The evenings inevitably ended in fights, to which alcohol, which was consumed in large quantities, made a substantial contribution. One evening I was at the entrance of the club, and an obviously drunk guy, with the help of a chair, demolished all the telephone booths positioned at the entrance of the club. I asked the girl at the checkout why no one called the police.

It's better not - she replied - things would take a worse turn - and in any case we know who he is, and the police will show up at his house around 5.00 am tomorrow, when he will be sleeping and will be unable to resist.

Ah… okay – I said.

OUR PROJECT The project consisted of the construction of a building for the Municipality of Bar, one to be use by the new Court, plus a school complex. Also included in the same contract were the rehabilitation of an analysis laboratory building in the hospital of Podgorica, 50 km inside Montenegro, as well as the capital of the state - The construction of a clinic in Ulcinj, 26 km south of Bar, the last city in Montenegro next to Albania border. In view of the supervision and some particular processes in which Italian labor was used, the bulk of the workers employed in the project were Yugoslavians. I noticed a detail that I remembered later, when the war broke out in Yugoslavia in the 1990s: carpenters, bricklayers, structure assemblers, were organized into ethnic groups (Slovenes – Serbs – Croats etc) and had no relationship between them. The construction time was from 7.00 in the morning to 2.00 in the afternoon - at 10.00 am there was a break, during which meals were consumed, sometimes cooked on site, with improvised barbecues. All the buildings were of a high standard, with continuous aluminum facades - the Bar complex stood out for a certain elegance, and the imprint of Italian design and materials immediately caught the eye.

THEFT ON CONSTRUCTION SITE Unfortunately the construction site had been the subject of a series of thefts, which essentially never stopped. An estimation made showed that the total value of the thefts amounted to the considerable sum of 870,000 USD. Several reports to the local authorities had brought only one result: one day we Italians were all summoned to the police station where they took our fingerprints. The Chief of Police told us that ''thieves don't exist in Yugoslavia, so it must be one of you who steals the materials''.

We had noticed - and photographed - that numbers of shacks buildings used as garages or warehouses had arisen in the vicinity of the construction site and beyond - all made with particular metal sheet that only VOLANI imported from Italy. One morning I arrived at the construction site very early, and I saw a man had loaded into a van some our anodized aluminum sheets - we used it as pillars cladding - I stopped him and asked him outright what he was doing: - Well – he replied – I saw these sheets of metal on the ground and I thought you didn't need them anymore.

Put them back where you found them – I told him

Okay… okay… no problem….

PODGORITZA Every now and then it happened that for work reasons I had to move to Podgoritza. The road first wound along the coast, and then inland, passing through Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkan peninsula, which Montenegro shares with Albania. For lunch we used to stopp at a restaurant on the lake shore, where they served excellent fried carp. These gigantic fish were the result of cooperation between the then allies Albania and China: the Chinese had introduced millions of carp's fry into the lake, repopulating the waters which risked being left without fish. One morning we were going from Bar to Podgorica – me and a colleague of mine in two different cars. It was late November and very cold. It had rained during the night, and the morning frost had formed a thin film of ice on the road. Suddenly my colleague's car began a series of spins - I was following him closely, but luckily I managed to engage a low gear, and without touching the brakes I stopped on the edge of the road, also scraping the side of the Ritmo FIAT against the mountain rock that flanked the road. The colleague's car stopped in the middle of the road, with its nose facing against the direction of travel. I ran to help him get out of the car, just in time: another car arrived, the driver had lost control and crashed into my colleague's car! We realized that the situation had become very dangerous, and that we had to go to both sides of the road and try to signal the oncoming cars. Luckily the traffic was light at that time and we somehow managed to stop the traffic before anyone else ran into the two damaged cars. Then other drivers who arrived helped us to push the damaged cars towards a nearby dock. Once everything was over, and traffic was restored, the police arrived. First thing they asked me why we had moved the cars.

Because they were in the middle of the road, and represented a danger to other drivers – we replied.

No, said the policeman, you had to wait for our arrival, how can we do the investigations now?

Well, do as you like – my colleague told him.

But since the local police, when they meet a foreigner, always looked for every excuse to steal money, they gave us a report for having ''caused danger with dangerous driving''. And we had to pay immediately, otherwise the cars would be confiscated. So eventually we could leave that nightmare of wind and ice.

LIFE IN FORMER YOUGOSLAVIA IN '80. We stayed in Podgoritza for about two weeks, there was a need for a major overhaul in the work at the local hospital. Our Construction Manager had reached us and brought his family with him. His wife was desperately looking for diapers for her daughter, a rare commodity in Yugoslavia in 1982. Finally one day, through one of our local employees, the lady came into contact with a transporter who made frequent trips abroad and who had availability of otherwise unobtainable diapers. They met at a newsstand, generally in the early hours of the morning, and packs of diapers were wrapped in newspaper, so as not to arouse ''suspicions''. Annother day a colleague who had just returned from Italy told us that he had brought an 8 kilo bag of coffee. Unfortunately the coffee was in grains, therefore someone suggested to go to a small supermarket, where he had seen that there was a machine for grinding coffee near the cash registers. Very bad idea! While my colleague was inside the supermarket grinding the coffee, when by magic - perhaps attracted by word of mouth - dozens of local people showed up asking ''where is the coffee'…we heard that the coffee has arrived…'' The cashier said no that the coffee had not arrived (we learned that it had been missing from the supermarkets for some time) and that it had been brought by an Italian who had just arrived from Italy. But the crowd did not want believe it, and began to shout that it was ''the usual story of making the goods disappear and then selling them on the black market at increased prices''. My colleague, frightened by the crowd, didn't even finish grinding all the coffee and left the shop in a hurry, fearing for his own safety. In the meantime a couple of cars from the ''Milicija'' had arrived and quickly put an end to the uproar.

NOVEMBER 29TH - DAN REPUBLIKE PARTY

November 29th was a special day in the former Yugoslavia. Two important events in their history were celebrated: the second plenary session of the AVNOJ (Anti-fascist Council for People's Liberation of Yugoslavia) in 1943 and the first session of the Yugoslav Constituent Assembly in 1945. Propaganda via radio and TV had begun about ten days before , and it portrayed Germans and Italians as oppressors, occupiers of sacred Yugoslav soil, and responsible for countless war crimes. We had been instructed to keep a low profile, not leave the house or hotel in the evening, and to limit inspections on site as much as possible. Despite this, we suffered various provocations from the local authorities, until the day when a delegation from the Municipality of Bar held a remembrance ceremony inside the complex still under construction, where they had forced us to prepare a classroom complete with carpet and stage for the authorities. And so after having set up the classroom, the mayor gave a speech lasting almost two hours, during which he did nothing but insult Italy and Germany. The sovereignist and nationalist rhetoric still took root in a nation that would soon descend into a war which, as an Italian journalist said during the Yugoslav conflict ''was fought with the ferocity of ancient wars but with the lethal weapons of the era modern''.

A SAD STORY OF AN ITALIAN COLLEAGUE. There was this colleague, Adriano, a young man from Udine, who had been datinga beautiful local girl for some time. Adriano would be returning to Italy for a period of holidays, and was preparing for the return journey with his own car, with which he had reached Montenegro along the entire Adriatic coast. He asked his girlfriend's mother if he could take advantage of this trip to take her with him to Italy. Permission was granted, and on the morning of departure Adriano arrived early at the girl's house. At the honking of the horn the girl looked out from the balcony and urged Adriano to go up into the house. What happened a once the Italian boy entered the apartment it was never really clarified. From what we learned from Adriano it seems that his girlfriend's policeman brother had returned from Belgrade during that night, where he served. And had said he was against his sister's relationship with the Italian guy. The fact is that we were called around 10.00 am from the local emergency room, where Adriano had been admitted in a state of shock and with multiple fractures, especially in his face and upper limbs. A complaint was filed, but the local police, knowing who was involved in the beating, dropped the matter, classifying it as a ''Private Accident''. Adriano returned to Italy after 2 weeks in hospital, with an ambulance sent by VOLANI Rovereto.

WEEKEND's During weekends I always took the opportunity to visit the region around Bar. I have beautiful memories of Dubrovnik, a walled city built by the Venetians modeled on Venice but dry. Very beautiful and evocative is Svety Stefan, the islet connected to the coast where General Tito spent his holidays - Kotor, a picturesque fjord which during World War II was used to hide warships. Cavtat, a fishing town near Dubrovnik, where you could enjoy excellent fish and local wine. I also visited Cetinje, little more than a mountain town, birth placeof ''Jelena Petrović-Njegoš, princess of Montenegro, and then Queen of Italy'' following her marriage to Vittorio Emanuele III, King of Italy. At the time, Montenegro and Croatia showed great potential for tourism development, even if heavily penalized by the socialist system. In essence, the reception was modest, the infrastructure was missing or insufficient. With liberalization - and the arrival of the large international hotel chains - I believe that these shortcomings have been filled.

END of 1982 - ABANDONMENT OF THE PROJECT At the end of 1982, VOLANI decided to abandon the project in Montenegro, given the continuous thefts on the construction site, and the lack of payments by the Yugoslav Government. All Italians returned safely home for Xmas & New Year Holidays. I board a flight of then JAT Yugoslav Airlines, which reached Milan' Linate airport after a stop over in Sarajevo.

VISIT TO BAR IN 1984 In August 1984, on the way to a holiday in Greece, I did made a detour to see what had become of the Bar complex. Arriving near the former construction site, I found a disastrous situation: the project had been abandoned unfinished, the local population had wreaked havoc, stealing and dismantling everything they could. The unkempt grass reached up to the first of the 4 floors of what should have been the new town hall. Broken glass, false ceilings, doors, blown out windows, everything was in a state of abandonment. A disconcerting and somewhat incomprehensible vision. I didn't understand the reason why the local administration hadn't finished the project and taken the buildings into use, given that it was so close to finishing them.

[importantwomensbirthdays]

Daniela Ceccarelli

Alpine skier Daniela Ceccarelli was born in 1975 in Rocca Priora, Italy. Ceccarelli had three World Cup podium finishes in her athletic career. At the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, she won the gold medal in the Super G, beating the favorite by .05 seconds. Ceccarelli also won two Italian national titles in skiing.

Image source

#sports #athletes #winter sports #woman athletes #skiing #alpine skiing #italy #italian

[rabbitcruiser]

The Old Swiss Confederacy was formed with the signature of the Federal Charter on August 1, 1291.  

Swiss National Day  

Swiss  National Day, celebrated on August 1, is the country’s national  holiday. Although the Swiss Confederacy was founded on this date in 1891  and has been celebrated annually since 1899, it has only been an  official holiday since 1994. Switzerland is a mountainous Central  European country boasting several surreal lakes, villages, and the  majestic Alps peaks. Its cities have medieval quarters and landmarks,  such as the Zytglogge clock tower in Bern and the wooden chapel bridge  in Lucerne. Furthermore, the country is renowned for its excellent ski  resorts and adventurous hiking trails. Banking is an important industry,  and Swiss watches and chocolate are well known around the globe.

History of Switzerland National Day

Every  year on August 1, there are bonfires, paper lantern parades, fireworks,  and Swiss flags swaying in the breeze. Swiss National Day was first  established in 1891, yet it took more than a century for the hardworking  Swiss to decide to hold a vote and give themselves the day off.

Switzerland  is a mountainous landlocked country in South-Central Europe bordered by  Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein. With a geographic  area of 41,285 square kilometers, the country is slightly smaller than  the Netherlands and nearly twice the size of New Jersey in the United  States.

Switzerland has fewer than 8.7 million people; the capital  city is Bern, and the largest city is Zürich. German, French, Italian,  and Rumantsch are the languages spoken in the country’s several regions,  called cantons. According to the World Happiness Report 2021, the Swiss  Confederation is the third-happiest nation on the planet, trailing only  Finland and Denmark.

Geographically, the country is divided into  three primary regions: the Swiss Alps in the south, the Alps in the  north, and the Alps in the east. The Alps fade into the Swiss Plateau,  which has a panorama of rolling hills, plains, and huge lakes. The Jura,  a sub-alpine mountain range, lies to the northwest along the  French/Swiss border.

Almost the entire country is a vacation  destination. Switzerland features exquisite scenery with snow-capped  mountains and ice-cold mountain lakes, melting glaciers, and mountain  pastures that are ideal for downhill skiing in the winter. The  relatively small country has four official languages as well as the  world’s longest policy of military neutrality. The weather provides four  distinct seasons that dramatically alter the scenery.

Switzerland National Day timeline

1648 Swiss Independence from Roman Rule

The Swiss gain independence from the rule of the Holy Roman Empire.

1848 Constitutional Amendments

Switzerland is established as a federal state under a new constitution.

1971 Women Can Vote

With 66% of the vote, a referendum guaranteeing women the right to vote in federal elections is approved.

2002 U.N. Membership

Switzerland  becomes a member of the United Nations, an intergovernmental  organization dedicated to world peace and economic growth.

Switzerland National Day FAQs

Is English spoken in Switzerland?

English is the most widely spoken non-national language in Switzerland, with over 45% of the population frequently speaking it.

What is Switzerland well known for?

When  we think of Switzerland, we immediately think of ski resorts, lakes,  chocolate, and cheese. The Alps mountains provide the ideal backdrop for  Swiss people to raise cattle and create cheese and chocolate. They also  make excellent ski trails and winter resorts.

What is the reason behind Switzerland's lack of capital?

Switzerland,  unlike many other countries, did not have a genuine capital for many  years. This was because it was a confederation for a long time, an  association of separate cantons gathered together in a bigger body but  without true cohesiveness.

Switzerland National Day Activities

Organize a family reunion

Participate in prayers and singing

Fly the Swiss flag

Celebrate  by organizing large family reunions and barbecues. Communities  throughout Switzerland mark the anniversary with bonfires, fireworks,  and parades.

Prayer  and the singing of the Swiss anthem are part of the official  festivities (the Schweizerpsalm). Church bells sound around the country  at 8:00 p.m.

No Swiss National Day celebration is complete without the Swiss flag. Wear the red and white with pride!

5 Interesting Facts About Switzerland

The Swiss Wed Late

There are 7,000 lakes in Switzerland

The right to bear arms

Diminutive

The Lowest Obesity Rate in Europe

A U.N. survey lists the average marriage age among Swiss people as 29.5 for females and 31.8 for males.

Switzerland's lakes are excellent for swimming and there are plenty to pick from.

Switzerland boasts one of the highest gun ownership rates among industrialized countries.

Switzerland has a land area of 15,942 square miles and a population of 8.67 million people.

Switzerland is a fantastic place to live a healthy lifestyle.

Why We Love Switzerland National Day

Celebrating Swiss culture

Celebrating the fight for independence

Inspiration for the future

Swiss  National Day is a celebration of Swiss achievement and excellence. The  observance is a time to reflect on the country’s contribution to the  global community.

Throughout  the year, different countries all over the world commemorate their  independence days to remind various peoples of the struggles they had to  endure to obtain freedom. These celebrations also have an educational  value for the younger generation.

Often,  achieving independence necessitates the sacrifice of thousands of  lives. Every year, politicians seek to foster peace by commemorating  Independence Day and paying honor to those who have died.

Source

#Avenches Roman Amphitheatre #Bern #Bundeshaus #Luzern #Lucerne #Vierwaldstättersee #Lake Lucerne #Swiss Alps #Bellinzona #Castelgrande #Melchsee Frutt #Old Swiss Confederacy #formed #1 August 1291 #anniversary #Swiss history #Swiss national day #original photography #landscape #cityscape #countryside #River Aare #architecture #tourist attraction #Schweiz #Switzerland #Mount Pilatus #Mount Rigi #Stanserhorn #Seebodenalp

[veronicasanders]

"Get to Know Me" Tag Meme

Thank you for the tag, @duckprintspress!! Sorry that it took me so long to do it! (Also I know that I'm not really involved in this discussion but I feel like I need to say for the record that while Raphael is *definitely* the best turtle, Michelangelo is a respectable choice too. Sometimes you meet people who say they love Leonardo and it's like...bro, who hurt you? Plus I'm legally required to link to this XKCD comic anytime the Ninja Turtles are mentioned.)

Three Ships: Well, I write RPDR fic, and seeing as how my avatar is Courtney Act, it would be wrong not to mention the two main ships I write with her: Bianca Del Rio/Courtney Act (Bitney) and Adore Delano/Courtney Act (Adorney). Third places changes a lot based on what I'm reading/writing but I always really love the Sasha Velour/Shea Coulee (Sasha) dynamic. (Also, @theartificialdane and I just wrote a few scenes where Pearl and April are highkey flirting and I'm pretty into that.)

First Ever Ship: As a kid, I was really REALLY into TV couples with strong bisexual energy. Jessie and Slater from Saved by the Bell, Max and Kyle from Living Single, Clare and Steve from OG 90210. I was also very hyper fixated on The Baby-Sitter's Club books for like, years, and really just always felt a *spark* between Dawn and Kristy. (But seriously, go back and read how Kristy describes Dawn compared to how she describes anyone else, or how other people describe Dawn for that matter. And fun fact: Ann M. Martin is in fact a lesbian. So...)

Last Song: Madonna's Holy Water (from Rebel Heart)

Currently Reading: Nonfiction: Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price, Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means Too Much by Sendhil Mullainathan and Elder Shafir. Fic: I mean it's no secret that I'm deeply fucking invested in slash obsessed with @artificiallita's Bitch Fight (also guess what just started playing as I typed this? Heaven is a Place on Earth. Coincidence?) and @artificialcandycane's Will You Make Me Believe? Also, I just beta'd a chapter of Dartmouth420's The Single Gay Dads Club, and it's so fucking good, you guys aren't ready!!

Currently Watching: I just started Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and it's already SO UNHINGED. Plus doing a re-watch of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend which never fucking disappoints. And about to start the latest episode of Sarah Silverman's podcast.

Currently Consuming: A giant bottle of water, honeydew and this Italian cheese I bought earlier at an International Food Fair. I don't remember the name but it's Alpine, I think? And hard. And delicious.

Currently Craving: An end to my daily migraines, a massage, and maybe getting to bed early for the first time all week.

Tag people you want to get to know better! @imafuckingtranslibra-blog @junosjukebox @glittertrail @sweetestberryofthebunch @dakotagorgeousworld @tumble4rpdr @djooodie @fab-wolf-in-the-gloom @fannyatrollop @momsthetic

#tag games

[ebrithilbowser-blog]

This thing looks like those early AI pictures. If this really comes to be (which I don't believe), I hope one of those fabled mountain dragons drowns it under an alpine lake, like they did back in the day.

#How does he manage to make everything he touches uglier than the last thing?

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this Week - #84

Huell Babineaux X 2:

🍿“Many people are saying” that Better Call Saul is a better show than “Breaking Bad’. I loved BB, which I saw 2-3 times already, and I waited until Saul is done to start watching it. So this week I started bingeing, and in one swoop go, watched the first 4 seasons (40 out of 64 episodes).

Maybe because it’s too much for one seating, I did not find it as compelling as advertised. Jimmy’s arc from a fast-talking conman to a sleazy corner-cutting ‘criminal’ lawyer was uninteresting, and his relationships to his brother Chuck and to his lover Kim Wexler felt flat for me. At his core all he was was a bullshit artist salesman. Walter White, the cancer-stricken chemistry teacher who was looking for a way to pay his medical bills was much more real. But like the name of S3E3, I had already committed significant ‘Sunk Costs’ so I kept on going on.

There were many good moments there, f. ex. the opening scene of “Fifi” (S2 E8) done in a single shot.

I may come back to seasons 5 and 6 soon or later. (Photo Above). 

🍿 Comedy for 13-year-olds Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, only because of my crush on Anna Kendrick. But it also had Huell, the TSA agent from ‘We’re The Millers’ and naked Kumail Nanjiani as a tantric masseur with a foot-long ponytail.

🍿

The Housemaid (2010), a ‘sexy’ Korean soap opera about a live-in maid who gets impregnated by the very upper-class master of the household. A subtle critique of extreme wealth that doesn’t really work. With Youn Yuh-jung, the grandma from ‘Minari’. 4/10.

🍿

“Make America Great Again”: A Night in the Garden is a bone-chilling short documentary from 2017 about the Nazi rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

More than 20,000 people attended the proudly-fascist, pro-"Americanism" rally on February 20, 1939. Swastikas, pro-Hitler demagoguery, the savage beating of a protester and defiant anti-Jewish creed in broad daylight. Just like today.

🍿

Zelig, Woody Allen’s 1983 masterful mockumentary about a “human chameleon”, an ego-less man who needs to be liked so much, that he transforms his physical appearance to conform with his surroundings. A seamless blending of genuine 1920′s newsreel footage with vintage look love story. Fantastic cinematography by Gordon Willis. With terrific cameos by Susan Sontag, Saul Bellow, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and other intellectuals of the time. Re-watch. 9/10  🍿 

Another completely random pick that I never heard of beforehand, and for which I’m happy for: The Girl By The Lake (2007). Starring the always excellent Toni Servillo, and based on a Norwegian crime mystery by Karin Fossum. It’s about a stoic police inspector who is called to investigate the disappearance of a little girl in a small but beautiful Alpine town.

Directorial debut of a Andrea Molaioli, it was the Italian movie awarded with the highest number of David di Donatello (10 out of 15 nominations). Molaioli’s framing and edit of soundtrack was fresh and unusual, and the score which seemed arbitrary, added tremendous meaning to the moody images.

Best discovery of the week.

🍿  

I also never heard of Jim Abraham’s Jane Austen's Mafia! (1998) before. A light spoof of ‘The Godfather’ (as well as ‘Casino’ and other Scorsese’s gangster sagas), in the exact style of all the other Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker’s slapstick comedies. Lloyd Bridges’s last role in a Leslie Nielsen-type Brando parody. Not 'Airplane!’ level, but with some gags and jokes that work. 4/10.

🍿  

Sylvia Sidney X 2:

🍿Sabotage, a 1936 Hitchcock spy story about a woman whose husband is a terrorist. Includes a long, suspenseful plot of a boy carrying a bomb on a public bus and the fact that the innocent boy, Sidney’s brother, dies on the bus explosion together with all the other passengers. Also, she kills her husband and gets away with it. It also includes (and credits) an early Disney Silly Symphony cartoon as part of the story.

🍿“Welcome to Earth..” Her last role in Tim Burton’s bizarre Mars Attack. Also with Tom Jones, Jack Black and Pam Grier.  First watch. 3/10. “Ack ack! Ack! Ack ack ack!...” 

🍿  

George Clooney’s political thriller The Ides of March, with a screenplay by Beau Willimon just before he made 'House of cards’. It's similar to other “Election Campaign Race” for The Nomination, ‘The Candidate’ and ‘Primary colors’, etc. (And it’s always the Democratic nomination, right?), and it’s fast, and well-built. Everybody in the whole film whispers all their lines. Just 10 years later, it seems anachronistic. 7/10.

🍿

RIP, Olivia Newton-John / RIP, Anne Heche -

🍿First watch: High-school musical for high-schoolers Grease. Horny teenagers played by 24-years-old Scientologist John Travolta, 30-year-old Olivia Newton-John, and 33-year-old Stockard Channing as Rizzo. 50's fantasy of white nostalgia, also with Sid Caesar and Frankie Avalon. The dancing numbers were great though, especially ‘You're the One That I Want’.

🍿Birth, my second by Jonathan Glazer (after ‘Under the skin’), and co-written by Jean-Claude Carrière. A one trick, inexplicable and nearly-good story about eternal love. Elegant widow Nicole Kidman is convinced that a 10-year-old neighbor boy is her dead husband. It has 2 beautiful scenes: A concert shot (at 26:00) that holds its gaze on her face for 4 minutes, and the final, sad scene on the beach. Lauren Bacall and Ann Heche play small roles. 4/10.

🍿  

Geri's Game, the first Pixar film to feature a human being as its main character, about an old man who competes with himself in a game of chess. Winner of the 1998 Oscar for Best Short.

- - - - -

Throw-back to the art project:

Adora with Huell Babineaux Laying On Top Of $80M Stash.

Mars Attack Adora.

- - - - -

(My complete movie list is here)

#movies

[fandompeepsgoburrrr]

Due to 3 hopes i changes quite a lot of songs and even added quite a few. I also changed the order somewhat.

Please enjoy this Character Theme Song playlist. I worked hard and am very proud, let me know what you think!

Full track list under the cut

Edge of Dawn

Black Eagles: Trouble - Valerie Broussord

Edlegard: Monster - Crashing Atlas

Hubert: Reaper - Glaceo

Ferdinand: Glass Piano - Kathleen

Dorothea: Shangri-La - Caitlyn Scarlett

Bernadetta: Courage - Clay Finnesand

Petra: Finish Line - He is We

Caspar: Call me Fighter - Matt Beilies

Linhardt: Fly Away - Lola Blanc

Jeritza: Cover My Traces - Reach

Crimson Flower: Jericho - Celdweller

--

Blue Lions: Panic Room - Au/Ra

Dimitri: It Knows Me - Avi

Dedue: Walk Through Fire - Chuxx Morris

Felix: Playing God - Paramore

Ashe: Lions! - Lights

Sylvain: Sky Full Of Song - Florence & the Machine

Ingrid: Handmaid - Xenen

Mercedes: Stand In The Light -  Brody Ray

Annette: Climb Higher - PinkZebra

Miklan: Come And Get It From Me - Sun Heat

Glenn: Blue Skies (Remix) - Workday Release

Azure Moon: Soldiers - Fjoka, Neoni

--

Golden Deer: New Tradition - Saysh

Claude: Wander. Wonder. - The Arcadian Wilds

Hilda: Time To Go - Jilian Linklater

Lorenz: Prodigal Son - Rationale

Lysthiea: Future Me - Echosmith

Ignatz: Dear Doubt - Michael Schulte

Ralpheal: Fighters - Kris Allen

Marianne: Stray Italian Greyhound - Vienne Vega

Leonie: Keep Fighting - FireFlight

Holst: Never Surrender - Liv Ash

Verdent Wind: Into The Wild - Connell Cruise

--

Abyss: Can't Go to Hell - Sin Shake Sin

Ashen Wolves: Alarm - Score

Yuri: Monet Issues - Chase Petra

Hapi: Like That - Bea Miller

Constance: Talk Too Much - Coin

Balthus: Botton Is A Rock - Mother Mother

Alfreic: Cruel - Everlove

Cindered Shadows: Breath Of Life - Florence & the Machine

--

Garreg Mach: Feels Like Home - Atoms to Ashes

Catherine: Lion's Tale - The Miscreants

Shamir: Things - Matilda Smedius, William Beneckert, HiP CouLouR

Cyril: Old Scars/Future Hearts - All Time Low

Alois: On Your Side - CiN3MA

Gilbert: Dreamer - Brave The Royals

Hannamen: Conspiracy of Silence - The Swoons

Manuela: The Grey - Annelle Staal

Jeralt: Guardian - Aether Realm

Sitri: Solitude - Valahlore

Byleth F: Valley of The Dolls - Marina

Byleth M: All Eyes on You - Smash into Pieces

Anna: Adding To The Noise - Switchfoot

Silver Snow: Heavy Hands - Ryan Lake, Joshua Duchene, Mary Clair Le Plante

--

Saints and the Apostles: The Call - Regina Spektor

Rhea/Serios: Plenty - Aeseaes

Seteth/Cichol: Stories - Lilli Furforo

Flayn/Cethleann: The Glow - Shannon Saunders

Indech: Chasing Twister - Delta Rea

Macuil: Feel Good - Weathers

Aubin: Make Them Hear You - nine

Chevalier: Legacy - Lost Star

Noa: One Foot In Front Of The Other - Emilie Autumn

Timotheos: Broken Bird - Jared & The Mill

Sothis: Legends Never Die - Ty Brown

--

Agarthians: Hush - One True God

Solon: Violence Fetish - Disturbed

Thales: Long Forgotton Sons - Rise Against

Kronya: Warpath - Tim Halpern

Cornelia: Alpha - Little Destroyer

Myson: Me and Mine - The Brothers Bright

--

(Elites)

Nemisis: Woke Up A Rebel - Ruebens and the Dark

Blaiddyd: Run Wild - Laney Jones

Fraldarious: Dare Ye Cry Mercy - Sirena

Dominic: We Are The Brave - VERIDIA

Daphnel: Indestructible - Daniel Baron

Charon: Savage Daughter - Sarah Hester Ross

Lamaine: Dragons Accoustic - Annelle Staal

Gautier: Soldier - Fleurie

Gloucester: Crooked Ways - Motion City Soundtrack

Goneril: Helios (Burn Me To The Sky) - Alpine Universe

Riegen: The Darker The Weather/The Better The Man - Missio

Maurice: Monster - Gabbie Hanna

#fe3h #fire emblem three houses #fe16 #fire emblem 3h #few3h #fire emblem warriors three hopes #fe 3 hopes #3 hopes #character themes #playlist #azzy speaks #Spotify

[voyagevista9]

Experience Romance and Adventure: Honeymoon in a Monte Terlago, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italia with VoyageVista9

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with your beloved as you explore the enchanting beauty of Monte Terlago, nestled in the breathtaking region of Trentino-Alto Adige, Italia. At VoyageVista9, we understand the importance of creating unforgettable moments with your partner, which is why we've curated the ultimate honeymoon experience in this picturesque destination. Join us as we delve into the romantic allure and adventurous spirit of Monte Terlago, where every moment is a celebration of love and exploration.

A Romantic Retreat Amidst Nature's Splendor

Monte Terlago offers newlyweds a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for a romantic escape. Picture-perfect landscapes, including towering peaks, serene lakes, and lush forests, set the stage for intimate moments and cherished memories. As you wander hand in hand through the picturesque surroundings, you'll feel the magic of romance enveloping you, creating a bond that will last a lifetime.

Luxurious Accommodations with a Touch of Elegance

At VoyageVista9, we believe that every honeymoon deserves to be filled with luxury and comfort. That's why we've handpicked a selection of exquisite accommodations in Monte Terlago, each offering a unique blend of elegance and charm. From cozy chalets nestled amidst alpine meadows to boutique hotels with panoramic views of the Italian Alps, every retreat promises a romantic atmosphere and world-class amenities. Relax and unwind in style as you indulge in the finer things in life with your beloved by your side.

Indulge in Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

No honeymoon is complete without savoring the delectable flavors of the destination, and Monte Terlago offers a culinary experience like no other. At VoyageVista9, we invite you to tantalize your taste buds with the rich and diverse cuisine of Trentino-Alto Adige. From hearty mountain fare to delicate Italian delicacies, each dish is a celebration of local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Whether you're dining at a cozy trattoria in the village or enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars, every meal is a feast for the senses.

Embark on Thrilling Adventures and Outdoor Escapades

For adventurous couples, Monte Terlago is a playground of exhilarating activities and outdoor adventures. With VoyageVista9, you'll have the opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of the Italian Alps, from scenic hikes through alpine meadows to thrilling water sports on Lake Terlago. In winter, embrace the magic of the snow-covered landscape with skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing adventures. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments in nature, Monte Terlago offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Capture Memories to Last a Lifetime

As you embark on your honeymoon adventure with VoyageVista9, be sure to capture every precious moment together. From romantic sunset walks along the lakeshore to cozy evenings by the fireplace, these memories will serve as cherished reminders of your love story. With our professional photography services, you can immortalize your journey and relive the magic of Monte Terlago for years to come.

Plan Your Dream Honeymoon with VoyageVista9

At VoyageVista9, we're dedicated to helping you create the honeymoon of your dreams in Monte Terlago, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italia. Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, or relaxation, we'll tailor your experience to your unique preferences and desires. From luxury accommodations to personalized excursions, we'll handle every detail of your journey, allowing you to focus on creating lifelong memories with your beloved. Contact us today to start planning your dream honeymoon with VoyageVista9 and discover the beauty of Monte Terlago in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italia.

#tour #flight #travels #tokio hotel #cars #VoyageVista9Honeymoon #MonteTerlagoRomance #TrentinoAltoAdigeAdventure #ItalianAlpsGetaway #LoveInTheMountains #RomanticRetreat #LuxuryHoneymoon #CulinaryJourney #OutdoorEscapade #MemoriesToCherish #NewlywedBliss #HoneymoonGoals #ExploreMonteTerlago #DreamDestination #HoneymoonWithVoyageVista9 #NatureLoversParadise #AdventureAwaits #RomanticGetaway #WanderlustCouple #DiscoverItaly

[alhijazholidays]

Do you dream about a trip to Europe filled with romance, history, and magnificent scenery? Look no farther than Alhijaz Holidays' exclusive Europe tour packages  from Calicut, Kochi (Cochin), Trivandrum -Kerala. Our programs are tailored to perfection and provide an unforgettable vacation through France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the magnificent city of Venice. Explore these classic destinations with our effectively planned itineraries, which will make your European vacation really unforgettable.

Discover the Essence of Europe:

France - Romance in Paris:

Discover the charm of Paris, the City of Love, with our Paris trip packages. Wander hand in hand down the Seine River, admire the renowned Eiffel Tower, and savor wonderful French cuisine at small bistros. Allow Paris's charm to steal you away on an enthralling journey through its historic streets and scenic sites. 

Italy - Marvels of Italy:

With our Italy tour packages, you may engage yourself in its beauty. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, see this enchanting country's cultural riches and artistic past. Enjoy real Italian delicacies, discover centuries-old architecture, and make lasting memories against the backdrop of Italy's breathtaking landscapes. 

Venice - Enchanting Venetian Getaway:

Embark on an incredible journey in Venice, a city unlike any other. Cruise along its serene canals in a traditional gondola, see the complex architecture of St. Mark's Square, and get lost in the maze of narrow lanes lined with hidden treasures. Our Venice tour packages provide a memorable experience in this timeless city of romance and mystery. 

Explore Europe's Hidden Gems:

Belgium & Holland - Charm of the Low Countries:

Explore the hidden gems of Belgium and Holland, where medieval architecture meets vibrant modern culture. Explore Brussels' medieval streets, taste in beautiful Belgian chocolates, and see Holland's gorgeous tulip fields. Our Europe vacation packages from Kerala take you on a fascinating journey across the beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage of these beautiful nations. 

Germany - Cultural Delights of Germany:

Explore Germany's rich cultural tapestry, from the fantasy castles of Bavaria to the busy streets of Berlin. Experience the Oktoberfest celebrations, discover Munich's historic sites, and relax in the picturesque splendor of the Black Forest. Our Europe tour package from Kerala promises an exciting experience of this diverse and dynamic country. 

Switzerland & Austria - Alpine Splendor:

Enjoy yourself in the amazing glory of Switzerland and Austria, where snow-capped peaks and clear lakes await. Explore the picturesque villages of the Swiss Alps, take scenic train journeys through mountain valleys, and drink up Vienna's rich musical tradition. Our Europe Holiday package from Kerala takes you on a memorable journey through the alpine vistas and cultural wonders of these beautiful countries. 

Book Your European Adventure Today:

With Alhijaz Holidays' Europe Holiday package from Kerala, you may embark on an exciting journey across Europe. Whether you're drawn to the romance of Paris, the allure of Italy, or the enchantment of Venice, our expertly crafted itineraries ensure an engaging and unforgettable journey. Contact us now to begin planning your dream European holiday and go on an incredible journey! 

Visit Site:https://alhijaztravelsandtours.com/packages/europe-tour-packages/

Contact: [phone]

#tour package #tourpackage #travel agency

[umichenginabroad]

Abhi in Paris Week 8: Grinding & Going 13,000 feet high!

Hi folks, I'm back again with a life update. This week was filled everything from grinding for labs & exams to going to the top of the French Alps :) Europe has SO much to offer, Iove it!

Monday: Diving into ENSEA's Lab (March 4th)

Monday marked the beginning of a typical week at ENSEA, but with a twist—a dive into the world of communication systems labs. At ENSEA, our labs are equipped with cutting-edge circuits, sparing us the hassle of fumbling with breadboards. Armed with a signal generator and spectrum analyzer, I delved into the intricacies of signal processing, the hum of machinery adding to the excitement of my first lab experience at ENSEA.

Tuesday: Bonjour to Progress (March 5th)

Tuesday brought with it a sense of progress as I delved deeper into my French studies. The evening was dedicated to conjugating verbs and mastering the art of giving directions, a testament to the strides I've made since arriving in France. Honestly, I'm proud of myself. I've gone from being completely lost to only being slightly lost :) Anyway, after class, I went back home to make gnocchi with a cream & tomato sauce and sip on some French wine.

Wednesday: Lost and Found in Geneva (March 6th)

Wednesday dawned with the promise of adventure as I embarked on a journey to Geneva aboard the TGV Lyria. A small hiccup at the train station—mistakenly heading to Gare de l'Est instead of Gare de Lyon—only added to the thrill of the adventure as I narrowly caught my train.

Arriving in Geneva, I was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d'Eau. The city's old town beckoned with its labyrinthine streets and centuries-old architecture, while the allure of luxury watch boutiques and designer stores added a touch of glamour to my explorations. A leisurely dinner at a charming Italian eatery in the heart of the old town offered a taste of Geneva's culinary delights, though the city's prices served as a reminder of its upscale reputation. Geneva is something else - there's no poverty, the streets are sparkling. I couldn't find a single grocery store, but saw a million boutiques and designer store. And to top it all of, the price of anything is absolutely insane. You'd have to be a millionaire to live there.

Thursday: Scaling Heights in Chamonix (March 7th)

Thursday was a day of adrenaline-fueled adventure as I journeyed to Chamonix, a spot for outdoor enthusiasts nestled amidst the towering peaks of the French Alps. Opting for a hike up Aiguille du Midi, the height of the French Alps, I found myself navigating treacherous icy paths and sheer cliffs—a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience for someone not accustomed to such terrain.

Reaching the summit via the Telepherique de L'Aiguille du Midi (a cable car that scales up 10,000 feet), I was rewarded with sweeping vistas of the majestic Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding alpine landscape. Standing atop the glass box jutting out from the base station, I felt a rush of exhilaration mingled with awe—a moment suspended between earth and sky, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.

Friday: Back to ENSEA's Grind (March 8th)

Friday saw me returning to the routine of classes at ENSEA, where I immersed myself in the world of power engineering lectures and labs. For the first time, I had the opportunity to work with high-powered lab equipment. It's the equipment used for power transmission in the real world, not the normal miniature circuits we use in lab.

Saturday: Versailles: A Window to France's Glorious Past (March 9th)

Saturday was dedicated to exploring the opulent splendor of the Palace of Versailles—a testament to France's rich history and grandeur. From the glittering Hall of Mirrors to the meticulously manicured gardens, every corner of Versailles had a deep history of the French monarchy. It was one of the most beautiful palaces I've ever seen!

Sunday: Rest and Reflection (March 10th)

Sunday offered a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of travel and adventure. With a visit to the gym and a tough cycling class, I took the time to recharge. I spent the evening catching up on work and grinding for an exam the next day!

My goal is to never stay still. I've only got so much time here! So, next week, I'm off to Edinburgh, Scotland, and then Cork, Ireland for Saint Patrick's Day!

À plus tard! Abhi Athreya

University of Michigan, Aerospace Engineering 2025 ENSEA in Cergy, France

#ipewinter24 #umichenginabroad #ipeensea #france #AbhiAthreya

[dottholidays]

Explore the Charms of Europe: Unforgettable Tour Packages by Dott Holidays

Are you dreaming of wandering through cobblestone streets, marvelling at centuries-old architecture, and indulging in delectable cuisines? Look no further than Dott Occasions' carefully created Europe visit bundles. From the romantic allure of Paris to the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland, our tours offer an immersive experience that will leave you enchanted.

With Dott Holidays, your European journey begins with convenience and comfort. Our tour packages are meticulously designed to cater to every traveler's preference, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a foodie, an art lover, or an adventure seeker, we have the perfect itinerary to suit your interests.

Picture yourself strolling through the picturesque streets of Venice, getting lost in its intricate maze of canals and bridges. With Dott Holidays, you can immerse yourself in the romance of this enchanting city, experiencing a gondola ride along the Grand Canal or savoring authentic Italian gelato in a quaint piazza.

As you explore Europe with Dott Holidays, you'll encounter the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps, where snow-capped peaks meet lush green valleys. Take in panoramic views of this stunning landscape aboard the famous Glacier Express train, a journey that will leave you in awe of nature's grandeur.

One of the highlights of our Europe Tour Packages is the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Acropolis in Athens. Our knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of these cultural treasures, enhancing your appreciation for Europe's rich heritage.

Whether you're sipping wine in the vineyards of Tuscany, admiring the art collections of the Louvre Museum, or exploring the fairytale castles of Germany's Romantic Road, Dott Holidays ensures that every moment of your European adventure is filled with wonder and delight.

Don't miss out on the chance to explore Europe's wonders with Dott Holidays' Tour Packages. With our unbeatable prices, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences, your dream European getaway is just a click away. Book now and let us transform your movement dreams into the real world!

Dott Holidays' Europe Tour Packages! Embark on a journey through iconic destinations such as Paris, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy, where every moment is infused with wonder and discovery.

Paris: The City of Lights

Begin your European adventure in the romantic streets of Paris, where timeless landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum await. Indulge in delectable cuisine, stroll along the Seine River, and immerse yourself in the city's artistic ambiance.

Switzerland: Alpine Splendor

Next, venture into the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, where snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and charming villages await. Experience the beauty of Interlaken, Lucerne, and the Swiss Alps, and marvel at nature's majesty at every turn.

Germany: Historic Charm

Discover Germany's rich history and vibrant culture as you explore cities like Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg. From medieval castles to bustling markets, each corner of Germany offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present.

France: Gastronomic Delights

Continue your journey through France, savoring the Flavors of gourmet cuisine and fine wine in regions like Bordeaux, Provence, and the French Riviera. Explore charming villages, vineyards, and coastal towns, indulging in the art of living à la française.

Italy: La Dolce Vita

Finally, conclude your European odyssey in Italy, where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and culinary delights await. Wander through the streets of Rome, Florence, and Venice, soaking in the beauty of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Michelangelo's David, and the Grand Canal.

Conclusion:

With Dott Holidays' Europe Tour Packages, your dream of exploring Paris, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Italy becomes a reality. Immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and culture of these iconic destinations, creating memories to last a lifetime. Book your European adventure today and let us guide you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.

Visit Our Website: https://www.dottholidays.com/tour_package_view/european-marvels to book your next international Europe Tour Packages from Dott Holidays

#europe tour packages #europe trip #europe package