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govassist · 10 days

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The Best Small Towns in Europe for a Charming Getaway

Europe, with its rich history and diverse cultures, is not just about its bustling cities. Tucked away from the urban sprawl, small towns across the continent offer travelers a charming and intimate escape. Let’s embark on a journey through some of Europe's most enchanting small towns.

The Allure of European Small Towns

European small towns are a tapestry of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. They offer a slower pace of life, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions, savor regional cuisines, and explore historical landmarks without the crowds of larger cities.

1. Hallstatt, Austria

Nestled between the dramatic Dachstein Alps and the tranquil Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is often described as one of the most beautiful lake towns in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Austria is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Scenic Splendor: Hallstatt's unique location offers stunning views of steep mountains plunging straight into the mirror-like lake. The town is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

Historical Significance: Known for its salt production, Hallstatt has a history dating back to prehistoric times. The Hallstatt Salt Mine, accessible by a funicular, offers a journey into the town’s ancient mining history.

Charming Architecture: Wander through Hallstatt’s market square, and you’ll be surrounded by charming 16th-century alpine buildings, adding to the town’s storybook feel.

Cultural Attractions: Visit the Beinhaus (Bone House) at St. Michael's Chapel, a unique repository for painted skulls, or explore the archaeological treasures at the Heritage Museum.

2. Colmar, France

Colmar, in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is often likened to a medieval fairytale town. With its well-preserved old town, Colmar is a fusion of German and French cultures, rich in architectural landmarks, gastronomy, and vibrant street life.

Architectural Wonderland: Colmar’s streets are lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings, with the Maison Pfister and the Koïfhus being notable examples.

Little Venice: The district of Little Venice, with its picturesque canals and colorful houses, is a must-visit. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the town.

Wine and Cuisine: As part of the Alsace wine region, Colmar is an ideal base for wine tasting tours. The local Alsatian cuisine is a delightful blend of French and German influences.

Cultural Festivals: The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Colmar International Festival, celebrating classical and jazz music.

3. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Known as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a peaceful village in the Netherlands where traditional thatched houses and wooden bridges dot a network of canals. The absence of cars in the town center makes for a quiet, idyllic setting.

Waterways and Boating: The main mode of transport in Giethoorn is by boat. Travelers can rent a "whisper boat," which, as the name suggests, moves quietly through the water, ensuring the serenity of the village is maintained.

Picturesque Scenery: The village offers scenic views of lush greenery, charming houses, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Walking and Cycling Paths: For those who prefer land, Giethoorn has lovely walking and cycling paths along the canals, offering a different but equally charming perspective of the village.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby De Weerribben-Wieden National Park is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers, providing a beautiful backdrop of reed beds, marshes, and woodland.

4. Ronda, Spain

Perched atop a towering cliff in the province of Málaga, Ronda is one of Spain's oldest towns, offering a dramatic setting and rich history.

Breathtaking Views: Ronda is famous for its Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning a deep gorge, offering stunning views of the Andalusian landscape.

Historical Richness: The town's history, influenced by Roman and Moorish cultures, is evident in its architecture, including the Moorish baths and the Mondragón Palace.

Cultural Experience: Ronda has a strong bullfighting tradition, showcased at the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest and most revered bullrings in Spain.

Natural Surroundings: The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking and exploring nearby vineyards, where visitors can indulge in local wine tasting.

5. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov, in the South Bohemia region, is a jewel of medieval architecture and cultural heritage.

Fairy-tale Ambiance: The town’s centerpiece is the Český Krumlov Castle, with its baroque gardens and an original 17th-century baroque theater.

Renaissance and Gothic Architecture: Wander through cobbled streets lined with Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque buildings, preserved beautifully over centuries.

Cultural Festivities: The town is lively with cultural events, including the famous Český Krumlov International Music Festival and traditional craft markets.

River Adventures: The Vltava River meanders through the town, offering canoeing and rafting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

6. Portree, Scotland

Portree, the largest town on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, is known for its picturesque harbor and stunning natural scenery.

Colorful Waterfront: The harbor, lined with brightly colored houses, is the heart of the town, rich in maritime history.

Gateway to Natural Wonders: Portree is the perfect base for exploring Skye’s rugged landscapes, including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Cuillin mountains.

Scottish Culture: Visitors can immerse themselves in Scottish culture, with traditional music often heard in the town’s pubs and restaurants.

Wildlife Watching: Boat trips from Portree harbor offer opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and sometimes even whales.

7. Bled, Slovenia

Bled, with its emerald-green lake, church-topped islet, and medieval castle set against the Julian Alps, is a slice of paradise in Slovenia.

Iconic Lake Bled: The glacial Lake Bled is famous for its small island home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption, accessible by traditional ‘pletna’ boats.

Bled Castle: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake, Bled Castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Slovenia's history.

Active Leisure: The area is ideal for hiking, cycling, and in winter, skiing in the nearby mountains.

Culinary Delight: Don't miss tasting the famous Bled cream cake, a delightful local pastry.

8. Bibury, England

Nestled in the rolling Cotswold Hills, Bibury is often described as the most beautiful village in England. It’s a quintessential English hamlet renowned for its traditional stone cottages and pastoral landscapes.

Arlington Row: A famous row of picturesque cottages dating back to the 17th century, originally built as a wool store and converted into weavers' cottages.

Trout Farm: The Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain's oldest, offering a delightful family experience and an opportunity to catch your own dinner.

Walking Paradise: The village is surrounded by lush meadows and walking paths, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics by the River Coln.

Architectural Charm: Bibury encapsulates old-world charm with its stone bridges, traditional English gardens, and the historic St. Mary's Church.

9. Manarola, Italy

Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre villages on the Italian Riviera, is a vibrant and picturesque seaside town known for its stunning views and vibrant architecture.

Colorful Houses: Manarola is famous for its brightly colored houses perched dramatically on rugged cliffs, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Hiking Trails: The town is a hiker's paradise, with trails offering breathtaking coastal views, notably the Via dell'Amore that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore.

Wine and Gastronomy: Known for its Sciacchetrà wine, Manarola invites visitors to enjoy local Ligurian cuisine and seafood delicacies in its quaint eateries.

Water Activities: The rocky harbor is ideal for swimming and boating, providing a refreshing escape during the warm Mediterranean summers.

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well-preserved medieval town in Bavaria, Germany. It's like stepping into a time capsule with its enchanting old town surrounded by intact town walls.

Medieval Architecture: Wander through cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, medieval gates, and towers. The Plönlein intersection is a particularly picturesque spot.

Christmas Market: The town is renowned for its Christmas market (Reiterlesmarkt), one of the oldest in Germany, offering a magical festive experience.

Night Watchman’s Tour: A popular attraction, this tour provides an entertaining and informative stroll through the town’s history, guided by a night watchman.

The Crime Museum: For a unique experience, visit the Medieval Crime Museum, which showcases legal history with a collection of curious artifacts.

Conclusion

Each of these small towns offers a unique glimpse into Europe’s soul, away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. They are perfect for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, history, and natural beauty.

If you’re planning a European adventure and need help with your Schengen visa, GovAssist can provide expert assistance. They streamline the visa application process, making it easier for you to embark on your charming European getaway.

#Towns in Europe #Europe #Small Towns #Charming Getaway

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8849994812 · 1 month

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Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Hidden Gems Around the World

Have you ever dreamt of discovering hidden treasures far from the tourist crowds? Picture yourself wandering through cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, savoring local delicacies in a quaint village square, or standing in awe amidst pristine natural landscapes untouched by mass tourism. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a journey with us as we uncover some of the world's lesser-known destinations, brimming with charm, culture, and natural beauty. From enigmatic villages in Europe to unspoiled nature in remote locations, and from Asia's hidden treasures to offbeat experiences in unexpected places, let's delve into the magic of exploring off the beaten path.

The Enigmatic Villages of Europe

Our journey begins in Europe, where picturesque villages await those willing to venture off the main tourist trails. In the Netherlands, the idyllic village of Giethoorn enchants visitors with its network of canals, earning it the nickname "the Venice of the North." Wander through the car-free streets, glide along the waterways in a traditional punt boat, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this charming village.

In Austria, the fairytale-like village of Hallstatt captivates with its stunning alpine scenery and rich history. Nestled between the Hallstätter See and towering mountains, Hallstatt exudes old-world charm, with pastel-hued buildings reflecting in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Explore the quaint streets, visit the ancient salt mines, and soak in the breathtaking views from the picturesque viewpoint overlooking the village.

Meanwhile, in Spain, the cliffside town of Ronda awaits discovery. Perched dramatically atop a gorge, Ronda boasts a rich cultural heritage, from its Moorish architecture to its storied bullfighting tradition. Wander across the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the labyrinthine streets of the old town, and marvel at the panoramic vistas stretching out over the Andalusian countryside.

Asia's Hidden Treasures

Venturing eastward, we uncover a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations across Asia, each offering its own unique allure. In Laos, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang exudes a serene charm, with its gilded temples, saffron-robed monks, and lush landscapes. Explore the historic temples and monasteries, cruise along the Mekong River at sunset, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of this enchanting town.

On the eastern coast of Taiwan lies Taitung, a hidden gem renowned for its natural beauty and indigenous culture. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Taitung offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, from hiking in the rugged landscapes of Taroko Gorge to surfing along the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast. Discover the unique traditions of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, sample local delicacies at the bustling night markets, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, the coastal town of Galle beckons with its colonial charm and rich history. Enclosed within ancient fortifications built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, Galle's atmospheric streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and vibrant cafes. Explore the narrow alleys of the fort, stroll along the ramparts overlooking the ocean, and immerse yourself in the eclectic blend of cultures that defines this coastal gem.

Unspoiled Nature in Remote Locations

For those seeking solitude and serenity amidst unspoiled natural landscapes, remote destinations offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In Norway, the archipelago of Svalbard lies far beyond the Arctic Circle, offering a glimpse into a world of ice and wilderness. Explore the dramatic fjords, encounter polar bears and Arctic wildlife, and marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the northern lights dancing across the sky.

In Chile, the rugged beauty of Torres del Paine National Park awaits adventurers seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience. Home to towering granite peaks, azure lakes, and sprawling glaciers, Torres del Paine offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Traverse the iconic W trek, kayak through pristine waters, and discover the raw, untamed beauty of Patagonia at its most sublime.

Meanwhile, in the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, dramatic landscapes and untamed wilderness await those willing to venture off the beaten path. Explore rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and windswept moors as you hike through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Encounter puffins nesting on sheer cliffs, explore hidden sea caves, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of these remote islands.

Offbeat Experiences in Unexpected Places

Our journey concludes with a visit to some of the world's most offbeat and unconventional destinations, where the unexpected awaits around every corner. In Turkey, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia captivate visitors with their otherworldly beauty. Explore ancient cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock, soar high above the fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, and witness the magical spectacle of sunrise over this lunar-like landscape.

Meanwhile, in Morocco, the Blue City of Chefchaouen beckons with its distinctive azure-hued buildings and labyrinthine streets. Wander through the narrow alleys adorned with cascading flowers, browse the vibrant souks filled with local handicrafts, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere of this enchanting mountain town.

In Italy, the ancient city of Matera offers a glimpse into the country's storied past, with its troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky cliffs. Explore the winding streets and hidden courtyards of the Sassi di Matera, marvel at the ancient cave churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Practical Tips for Exploring Hidden Gems

As you embark on your own journey of discovery to uncover hidden gems around the world, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your adventure:

Do your research: Take the time to research off-the-beaten-path destinations and seek out recommendations from fellow travelers or locals.

Embrace spontaneity: Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries and spontaneous adventures along the way.

Respect local culture and customs: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and show respect for the traditions and customs of the communities you visit.

Travel responsibly: Practice sustainable tourism by minimizing your environmental impact, supporting local businesses, and engaging with local communities in a respectful and responsible manner.

Stay safe: Prioritize your safety and well-being while traveling off the beaten path, and be prepared for the unexpected by staying informed and vigilant at all times.

Conclusion

The world is full of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered, from picturesque villages and pristine natural landscapes to quirky and unconventional destinations that defy expectations. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to escape the crowds and discover something new, the possibilities are endless. So pack your bags, step off the beaten path, and embark on your own journey of discovery—because the greatest adventures await those who dare to explore.

Where will your next adventure take you?

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combatfaerie · 9 months

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Ficlet: Gonna Be Great

Story: Gonna Be Great Word count: 1,582 Relationship(s): Becky Lynch/Seth Rollins Prompt: "Still think I'm cute?" Also available at: AO3 and Wattpad and dreamwidth Summary: In the aftermath of the infamous punch, Seth visits Becky at the hospital.

"Still think I'm cute?"

Seth looked down at Becky on her hospital bed, sipping at a cup of water Bayley was holding for her. It had taken her four tries to get the straw in her mouth, and even then Sasha had done most of the work for her. Someone had cleaned off her face, but Becky still had some blood stains on her arms and hand.

"That's new," Natalya reported as she entered the room with another cup of water. "Mostly she's been saying It's gonna be great over and over." She shook her head and smiled ruefully. "Even now, she's still thinking about her match with Ronda."

"Have they done any scans or anything yet?" Seth asked. He hadn't been able to go to the hospital with Becky right away. Since Sasha, Bayley, and Natalya had, though, he knew she was in good hands.

Natalya shook her head. "Someone was in the machine," she said, "but Becky's next in line. That was… about ten minutes ago? So it shouldn't be long now." She crossed her fingers.

"Becks?" Sasha gave Becky's shoulder a gentle nudge. "Keep those beautiful eyes open, okay? The doctor's going to be back right away."

Becky's blink was ludicrously long, but she managed to open her eyes again. "It's gonna be great."

Bayley sighed. "And now we're back to that."

The blood smears on Becky's hand kept drawing Seth's attention, so he grabbed the damp towel that was at the foot of the bed. "Of course it's going to be great, Becks," he said, gently lifting her bloodied hand and scrubbing at it.

Becky looked up at him and the haze in her eyes was alarming, like a camera lens going in and out of focus. Then there was a moment of absolute clarity in her gaze. "Still think I'm cute?" she repeated.

Seth chuckled, feeling the weight of Bayley and Sasha's gazes on him. "The bloodied look is more Dean's thing than mine," he replied, "but you're adorable. You know that."

Gesturing vaguely in Sasha's direction, Becky smiled. "Hear that? I'm adorababble. Adorabibble?"

"First one was pretty accurate, actually." Bayley reached over and gently brought Becky's arm back to the bed. "Try not to move too much, Becks. We're not sure what's going on yet." Standing up, she motioned to the door. "Seth and I will go ask the nurses how much longer it's going to be. Anyone else want a coffee? Not you, Becky." Bayley didn't even spare a breath before she added that, tugging on Seth's arm. "Come on. I'm not sure when the food court closes."

Seth wanted to protest, saying he had just got there, but he got up anyway, following Bayley out into the hall. "I thought Natalya said it was going to be ten minutes…."

"You're adorable," Bayley echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously? Becky probably has a concussion and this is when you choose to take your shot?"

"What?" Seth sputtered. His face felt like it was on fire and he nearly walked into a corner when they made a turn. "What are you talking about?"

Bayley clutched her hands to her chest and fluttered her eyelashes. "The bloodied look is more Dean's thing than mine, but you're adorable. You know that. What WAS that? I mean, who tries to flirt by mentioning blood and one of their best friends?"

"I wasn't." Seth pressed his hands to his eyes. "I was… I was playing along. Becky was rambling so rather than correct her and get her upset, I…."

Bayley still wasn't buying it, and the way she shoved him towards the food court doors made it clear. "Uh-huh. So where did Still think I'm cute? come from then, huh? Oh, that's right, from you—wishing Becky good luck backstage tonight, remember?"

"Oh." Seth tucked his hands in his pockets, shuffling behind Bayley in line. SmackDown was set to invade RAW as part of the lead-up to Survivor Series, and he had simply wanted to commend Becky for the hard work she'd been putting in at the gym. Somehow the word cute had spilled out of his mouth and he had immediately regretted it—No one older than ten wants to be called 'cute'!—but she had just smiled. "Okay, I did."

"Uh-huh." Bayley gave him a steady glare. "Don't tell me you have a crush on her." When Seth didn't answer in three seconds, she chortled with glee. "Oh my god. Seriously? You've known her for years. Why now? What about Sarah?"

"I don't know," Seth mumbled. He hadn't even talked to Roman or Dean about it, only Marek. Bayley was right: it didn't make much sense. He and Becky had been friends for years and spent tons of time together—workouts, going for coffee, wrestling events—and he had never even thought of her in a remotely romantic way until recently. "Sarah and I… I mean, it's basically over. Neither of us wants to be the one to break it off, but…."

"Circling the drain?" Bayley wrapped an arm around his waist. "I know the feeling. It sucks. Honestly, just get it over with. Then you can work on being happier that much sooner—and telling Becky how cute she is."

"And people wonder why I don't mind not having a little sister," Seth grumbled, giving her a gentle shove. They were almost up at the counter, so he tried to make himself calm down. "Don't tell her, okay? I know she's said she doesn't want to date another wrestler, so… there's no point."

Bayley gave a small shrug, grabbing a chocolate bar from a display as the line shuffled forward. "Another wrestler in general, maybe," she hedged. "But you're different. You're her friend. She knows you. She trusts you. Hell, dude, look what she already knows about you and she still wants to hang out with you."

"That's different, though." Seth pulled his wallet from his pocket and tapped it against his thigh. "And I don't want to fuck things up."

"You won't," Bayley said firmly. "Not with her. You want it to work, so you'll put in the effort to make it work. That makes a difference too." Then she turned to the clerk and ordered two coffees before setting the chocolate bar on the counter. "Look at your career. Every goal you've pursued, you've achieved. When you really want something, you make it happen."

Seth rolled his eyes. Winning a championship—scripted or not—was entirely different from winning someone's heart. "Not quite the same—" he began, sighing when he saw the clerk flip over the chocolate bar to scan it. "Seriously, Bayley?"

Bayley waited until she paid to grab the chocolate bar and hand it to Seth as they stepped aside to wait for their coffees. "You know she loves mint chocolate," she explained with an impish grin. "It can be her treat for when she's cleared."

"And she knows I hate it," Seth retorted.

"Exactly! What grander gesture than I don't like this thing, but I know you do, so I got it for you anyway?" Bayley gave him a playful jab to the arm. "Huh? Trust me. She'll think it's sweet."

"Bayley…." When the clerk set their coffees on the drinks platform, Seth double-checked his lid before picking up the cup. With his luck, he would spill the coffee all over himself before they got back to Becky's room. "She could have a broken nose. She could have a concussion. She doesn't need a bunch of… drama right now."

"It doesn't have to be dramatic," Bayley answered with a shrug. "Break it off with Sarah. Tell her it's too hard to be in a relationship with your schedule, blah blah blah. That's probably part of her problem right?" Seth barely managed to get in a nod before Bayley steamrolled on. "So there: break-up's done. When Becky can get back in the gym, work out with her. Tell her what she's doing well. Offer advice on her weak spots. If she puts herself down, boost her back up. You're doing most of this anyway as her friend, you idiot!" She swatted his arm with her free hand. "So… just do more. Ask her out for coffee or something."

"Which I already do!" Seth replied, frustration tightening his grip on his cup. "So how is she supposed to know I mean it differently now?"

Bayley rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I wonder how you ever managed to have one long-term relationship, let alone two. Maybe Sasha can talk some sense into you…."

Seth stopped so suddenly his shoes squeaked on the floor. "Wait. What? Sasha knows?"

"That you've been making heart-eyes at Becky for a few weeks now?" Bayley scoffed. "I'm pretty sure everyone except Becky knows. She thinks you're just being supportive since she doesn't have Charlotte as a shoulder to cry on anymore."

"Shit."

Bayley patted his arm and steered him back towards Becky's room. "Come on. We can probably still catch her before she goes in for her scan. Seeing the chocolate will make her happy, and seeing it come from you," she added, "will make her laugh. And that's always a good thing."

Seth let Bayley lead the way back to Becky's room as he scrambled to think of something to say. Becky might not remember it tomorrow, but he would, so if he was going to start taking his shot, he wanted to make sure his opening salvo was solid.

#combatfaerie fic #rollynch fic #brollins fic

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dedenjoe · 2 years

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I’VE BEEN PAINTING MINIS

So my brother got me into painting minis and scratch-building my own minis. I really want to show off what I've done so far!

This is DRUNKLE! The Hammered Lizard Wizard! He was a gift from two very good friends of mine. I did my best to paint and shadow him (one of two that I applied a wash to because I lost my wash D:)

This is Wash Tub Friendo! Or Babushcrab... Can’t decide which is a better name.

Did I mention I have SIX CRABS!? They are part of a traveling caravan! Still a work in progress. But this little friend is Chauffeur!

Clack-Clink! The sound of claws and pints of beer! and also her name!

Snappers is perhaps the ONLY crab who is more prepared to STAB than to SNIP! He’s got a +1 sword and no qualms about using it!

This is my favorite crab thus far. TREASURE CRAB! His name is obvious sure, but his job is an important one. Carry the treasure and pinch whomever gets to handsy!

This is Potato Jones. They carry potatoes and less important cargo but are no less loved amongst crustacean merchants!

Though not the owner of the Crab Shack Traveling Merchant Caravan, Rider Ronda is indeed related! She and her Runner Ryuti usually have they’re own adventures out and about the many magical lands!

This is Theun! My character for STRAHD. The town’s executioner turned hero! He ended up leaving the party to join the mountain folk so now I’m playing another character (literally just finished the mini and now I won’t be using it for the campaign...)

BEHOLD A STAR SPAWN! No crazy story. Just a big fishy guy. I really liked painting him. Painting the water the best part!

Oh... and this is the PROTO-CLOWN CONTAINMENT UNIT!!!!!! Built him out of an Easter egg, a plastic lid, a tripod, and some miscellaneous toy bits! I am SO proud of how this turned out!

THE PROTO-CLOWN WITHIN! Both the reason for containment and the FUEL for the machine! DON’T QUESTION IT! Just make sure it never ESCAPES!!!... Also...

Remember to smile!

These next few aren’t complete obviously... But I am excited to start painting! This here is a Laser Dino Commando I put together using some robot bits, a toy gun, and a dinosaur toy! Primed and ready to receive a colorful coat!

This little lady is actually what was left of like... four minis that had been destroyed by the cat of the house. Now cobbled together into a demon warrior!

Yet another Laser Dinosaur! Triceratops with what I can only assume to be a triple barrel GAUSS CANON!!!

And finally... TANKYLASAUR!!! You can barely see the dino in this Laser Dinosaur. But its there and I cannot wait to paint!!!

#Minis #Painting #Kit bash #Crabs #Star Spawn #CLOWN #Laser Dinosaur #Demon #D&D

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sirtravisjacksonoftexas · 3 years

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Does Genesis 2:7 Indicate That Abortion is Okay? Um, NO, and here is why:

Oh, abortion, that political subject that divides people more than guns, universal healthcare or, dare I say it, NFL referee calls.

Its one of those subjects that most of us have an opinion on, yet prefer not to discuss. There’s a good reason why.

Nevertheless, sometimes we have to discuss this very subject. Most of us prefer to do so with people who agree with them on said subject. Once again, there’s a good reason why.

One of the times we have to discuss abortion is when the bible gets involved. Taking passages out of context, dodging inconvenient verses and ignoring the historical and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are strategies use by Pro-Choice advocates when they try to argue that the Bible is pro-choice. This is comical, considering that the bible repeatedly indicates that the unborn are fully human (Psalm 139:13-16 (As I mentioned in a previous article, the term “depths of the Earth” is a poetic reference to the womb. Like the depths of the earth, the womb was unseen), Job 10:11-12, Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 44:24, 49:1-5, Luke 1:12-15, 41-44). Indeed, as I explained in two previous articles, two passages that the pro-choice tribe use to try to argue that abortion is okay (Numbers 5:11-31 and Exodus 21:22-25) actually do nothing of the sort (among other things, the former is an execution that doesn’t mention pregnancy (especially when noting both the best translations of the passage and the original Hebrew) while the latter describes a premature birth (as well as potential manslaughter). However, there is a third passage that the pro-choice tribe try to use as prooftext for their belief that the Bible is okay with abortion, one that will make you ask the following question: what have they’ve been smoking.

Genesis 2:7.

I know, I had the same reaction too.

To get a sense of context, let’s read Genesis 2:5-7:

“When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground—then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (emphasis mine).

Thus, Adam, the first man, is created.

Now, you may be wondering (after doing some serious doubletakes) what this passage has to do with abortion? Well, you see, abortionists try to argue that, since Adam wasn’t a living human being until he took his first breath…then likewise, no one is a true living human until they take their first breath after birth. Thus, the unborn are inhuman creatures without personhood, thus its okay to have an abortion, ho hum pass the butter.

However, this idea is flawed on multiple levels. Indeed, its more flawed than the Russian movie “Guardians”.

Let’s take a look at its weaknesses 1 by 1, shall we?

(Before we continue: Though this will be examined at first from the common viewpoint of a literal interpretation of Genesis 2:7, we will eventually cover the metaphorical interpretation of Genesis 2, which not only also debunks the pro-choice claim, it may very well blow your mind. Um, read on…).

1. Don’t Read Between the Lines When There are no Lines.

Genesis 2:7 is not indicative of a litmus test for life or personhood; its merely talking about the creation of man. To say that Genesis 2:7 teaches that human life begins at first breath is the equivalent of stating that Genesis 2:21-24, the passage that tells of Eve’s creation, teaches that a guy won’t find the love of his life until he loses a bone. Don’t get me wrong; I’d definitely have a rib removed if it meant that I got to marry Katy Perry, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Blunt, Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch, Paige “12 Gauge” Vanzant, Mandy Rose (last but certainly not least), or one of several other hot celebs (or a woman who looks like one of them), but the fact of the matter is, we don’t have to donate parts of our anatomy in order to find the woman of our dreams; we just have to get out and meet singles or, failing that, use online dating services.

2. Living Fetus, Dead Dirt.

Adam’s body wasn’t alive until God breathed the Breath of Life into it. Meanwhile, not only are zygotes, embryos and fetuses alive, not only are they made out of living tissue, but fetuses actually move their arms and kick while in the womb. Compare that to Adam, who was both lifeless and didn’t move until God gave him the divine equivalent of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This should be a BIG indicator that the creation of Adam is fundamentally different from birth.

Now, some pro-choice folks might try to say that, due to the fact that dirt has living things within it (bacteria, Tardigrades, worms, moles, bugs, etc), and that Adam was made out of the earth, that therefore he was alive before God breathed the breath of life into him. However, the text indicates that Adam was completely lifeless, yet still physically fully formed. The critters that lived in the dirt that was turned into Adam would have either been forced out by God, or were used as building materials for Adam just like the dirt that they inhabited. And since Adam was lifeless, it would mean that most of these critters, if the latter happened, died during this process. One might counter that any bacteria might have been turned into gut bacteria for Adam (we all have bacteria living inside us), But this assumes that the ancient Hebrew writers knew about bacteria; they didn’t. Thus, they wouldn’t have thought that bacteria in the soil had undergone such a transformation. To try to evoke bacteria into an ancient near eastern text would be eisegesis, reading into the text instead of reading from it. Even if it was okay to invoke bacteria, it still wouldn’t mean that Adam was alive before God breathed the Breath of Life into him, anymore than the fact that my house had a termite infestation at one times means that my house was alive; it would just mean that living things were found inside it. Heck, I’m in my house writing this now; does that mean that my house is a living thing? Nope, to say that would be committing a non-sequitur, a logical fallacy.

Thus, Adam wasn’t alive before God breathed into him the Breath of life.

Course, to be fair, all of this assumes an overly literalistic interpretation of the passage, not considering the strong possibility that it was written in symbolism and code. However, as we will see, this still wouldn’t save the pro-choice argument.

Keep reading…

3. Breathing in Mommy’s Oversized Tummy

While the unborn actually don’t breathe the way people outside the womb breathe, they actually do have a form of respiration. Even at the moment of conception they take in oxygen from their surroundings. The mother’s blood supplies them with oxygen, courtesy of the umbilical cord. Now, to be fair, ancient Israelites didn’t know the mechanics behind this, not having access to our modern scientific understanding, but even they, like the vast majority of people in the ancient world, would have concluded that pregnant women breathed for both themselves and their unborn babies, just as they were known to eat for both themselves and their unborn babies (hence the term “Eating for two”). Just as a baby feeds differently inside the womb than she or he does outside the womb (by means of an umbilical cord), likewise they breathe differently inside the womb than they due outside the womb. This would have been logically concluded in the ancient world without the need for current modern scientific understanding.

4. You’re not Human Unless You’re Made out of Pot soil!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Pro choice folks want to make the argument that Genesis 2:7 teaches that human life begins at first breath, then they are going to have to go down an odd, kinda creepy and half-baked road. You see, if they want to make that argument, then, by that flow of logic, they would also have to conclude that human life doesn’t begin…until its created.

Created, not born.

Remember, Adam wasn’t born; he was created.

Supernaturally.

He came about by the power of God, not by the power of the hunka chunka.

Thus, if Prochoice folks want to keep to their “interpretation” of Genesis 2:7, then, to be logically consistent, they’d have to also conclude that anyone who was born instead of created…isn’t human.

This would give “Pro Choice” a whole new meaning…

5. License to Kill

Question: if one believes that Genesis 2:7 indicates that human life begins only at first breath…then would it be okay to kill an infant that has been born…but hasn’t breathed yet? Babies don’t just start breathing after they come out of the womb; a babies’ lungs are filled with fluid at the time. It takes roughly 10 seconds after birth before an infant can suck in some well needed oxygen. So…is it okay to kill an infant between birth and first breath? After all, it hasn’t breathed yet, and if you hold to the view that Genesis 2:7 teaches that human life doesn’t begin until first breath (and ignore the fact that the unborn breathe in the womb) then, to be logically consistent…

6. Children: Lower Forms of Primate??????????

Adam wasn’t an infant when he was created, nor an older child; he was a fully formed adult.

Does this mean adulthood is when human life truly begins?

Sounds kind of stupid, doesn’t it?

Just as stupid as the idea that Genesis 2:7 teaches that human life doesn’t begin until first breath.

7. A Union of Heaven and Earth.

You’ll notice in Genesis 2:7 that Adam gains life at the moment when God breathes the Breath of Life into Adam’s lifeless, earth-made body. At that moment, air (that comes from God Most High) enters a body that was made out of earth. Now, this is interesting, considering how many ancient tales depict a union of heaven and earth. Sometimes these stories involve a god mating with a mortal (the former heavenly, the latter from Earth). In others, it involves a sky deity mating with either an earth deity, or a deity closely associated with the Earth (most often, this involves a sky god mating with an Earth goddess. Most sky deities were male, while most earth deities were female, which is indicative of the fact that most of the ancients prescribed feminine traits to the Earth and masculine traits to the sky). Sometimes, it involves a deity interacting with some aspect of the natural world. Sometimes, it doesn’t involve a deity at all. Sometimes it involves sex, but other times it doesn’t. Whatever the case, such unions mostly, if not always, result in offspring or a created lifeform. These tales are legion. The following are a few examples:

1. Ouranos (Roman Uranus), the personification of the starry sky in Greek myth, had sex with Gaia, the personification of the Earth, on several occasions. This led to them siring the Titans, Cyclopses and Hechatonchires (the latter of which were supernatural giants, each of which had 100 arms and 50 heads). Ouranos hated his children, putting them back into the womb right after they were born. Later, after Ouranos was castrated by his son Cronus, his blood fell to the Earth (Gaia was the personification of the world). She got pregnant by this blood, and after a year or so, she gave birth to the Meliae (Ash tree nymphs), Gigantes (snake legged giants), and Furies. When Ouranos’ genitals hit the sea, the sperm in them mixed with the waters, giving rise to Aphrodite (though in another version, she was the result of one of Zeus’ many affairs, her mother being the nymph Dione).

2. King Ixion, a Thessalian king in Greek myth (and, in one version of the myth, a demigod son of Ares), once fell for Hera, queen of the gods. Indeed, he even tried to rape the goddess. Fuming, Hera went to Zeus, the king of the gods as well as her bubby, about the incident. This oddly enough led to Zeus taking a cloud and turning it into Nephele, a nymph that looked exactly like Hera. Thinking that Nephele was the queen of the gods, Ixion raped her. Nephele became pregnant, later giving birth to the first centaur.

This is one of the curious examples where the feminine is heavenly and the masculine is earthly.

3. Anu, one of the Mesopotamian sky gods, was the son of Anshar (the personification of the sky) and Kishar, the personification of the Earth. Anu himself got hitched with the earth goddess Antu, aka Urus, aka Ki, together siring other gods (including in one version Enlil).

4. Enlil, an air god himself, had several offspring with the grain goddess Ninlil (grain is grown from the Earth).

5. Odin, the king of the Norse gods (and a sky god in his own right) once went to Earth along with his brothers Vili and Ve. Together, they took two trees (an Ash and an Elm) and made the first humans, Aske (a man) and Embla (a woman).

6. Thor, the Norse god of thunder, was likewise a product of a union of Heaven and Earth; his father was the sky god Odin, his mother an earth goddess named Fjorgyn.

7. Vishnu, a Hindi deity, got Devaki, a mortal woman, pregnant with both Krishna (another Hindu deity, who was Vishnu incarnate) and Balarama. He did this by plucking out two of his hairs (one became Krishna, the other Balarama). Though not a sky god, Vishnu is said to live in the heavens.

8. Viracocha (aka Vairacocha, aka Huiracocha) the highest Inca god, was said to have created the first humans out of stone. In some versions of the myth, they were giants, but in others they were regular mortals. Either way, after a while this race rebelled, which resulted in all but two of them perishing (in one version of the tale, this race was punished by being turned into stones. In another, a flood wipes them out). He then created another race of humans (as well as animals)…out of clay. Viracocha was said to have dominion over the heavens.

9. In Genesis 6:1-4, the “Sons of God” (angels, in the broadest sense of the term) took human wives, siring Nephilim (half human, half angel giants).

10. In the New Testament, God (who, though omnipresent, and though not a sky god, was especially known to rule in the third heaven), uses his divine power to impregnate the Virgin Mary with Jesus, the Son of God.

As you can see, the “Union of Heaven and Earth” theme pops up in numerous cultures. The biblical story of Adam’s creation is one such example of it. No, I’m not implying that all biblical tales that fit this theme are fictional, just saying that they fit the theme. Indeed, as I showed in another article, Tay, a real life chatbot that went nuts, shares much in common with both Frankenstein’s monster and numerous similar monsters in myth, folklore and modern cinema, and nevertheless…Tay wasn’t fictional. She was a real chatbot. Nevertheless, the story of Adam’s creation fits the Union of Heaven and Earth theme (or archetype, if you will) like a glove.

But why is this important?

If you recall, I noted earlier that most earth deities (including divine personifications of the Earth) were female. This indicated that, for most ancients, the Earth was thought of as having a feminine aspect. Though the story of Adam’s creation is lacking an earth goddess, the idea of Earth having a feminine aspect would have been assumed in the passage by ancient readers. Yahweh, seen as a god instead of a goddess, breathes into a lifeless body made…out of the earth itself. This is highly indicative of masculine and feminine imagery being combined. This is a Union of Heaven and Earth, a heavenly deity breathing air (which comes from above…) into an earthen body.

You might be asking yourself though…once again…how is this relevant?

Where am I going with all of this?

Well, I’m going to the overlooked heart of the matter: when men and women join together physically, they can conceive a child.

Repeat; conceive.

Look at all of the examples listed above, then look again at the story of the creation of man. Although not all of these tales involve sex, all use the imagery of masculine and feminine coming together to sire new life. When read from the point of view of ancient readers, the imagery of conception, whether involving real sex or mere symbolism (the latter including the biblical tales of Adam and Christ) is self-evident.

Now, some pro-choice folks might try to re-interpret the symbolism as referring to when men and women have sex in order to induce labor. Now, to be fair, according to some sources, sex can help induce labor. However, so can exercise, eating dates and stimulating a pregnant woman’s nipples (and you cans stimulate nipples without having sex). Along with this, some sources, including a study conducted in 2006, say otherwise when it comes to sex and labor. Indeed, even if sex could bring about labor, it isn’t needed in order for labor to actually occur; it can happen on its own, without the aid of sex.

Can’t say the same about conception.

Now, I repeat: I am NOT saying that a sexual act is actually occurring in the passage. Not saying that at all. I am, however, saying that conception imagery is being used in the passage, a joining of masculine and feminine that results in the creation of life. God didn’t need earth in order to make man, but he did use the Earth (which we often call today “Mother Earth”) in order to bring mankind about.

And since conception is being symbolically used here, not birth…we cannot state therefore that the passage relates to birth in any way.

Indeed, the expulsion from paradise is a far better fit for birth imagery than the creation of Adam.

Think about it: Adam and Eve had a perfect, peaceful existence inside the Garden of Eden, their every need seen to. There is bliss, harmony…until Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. God grows angry (much like many women in labor have become angry due to intense pain) and forces them to leave the Garden, never to return (just as pregnant women push their babies out of the womb. The babies likewise never return to the womb). Just as God’s voice would have been both stern and unpleasant when he chewed Adam and Eve out for eating the forbidden fruit, likewise a pregnant mother’s grunts and shouts during labor would seem disturbing to an unborn infant.

The unbelievable shock that Adam and Eve had when leaving their former abode, leaving it for a strange, alien land, definitely brings to mind what an infant would feel after leaving the womb, encountering an outside world that it could never have imagined before, an outside would that would seem potentially frightening at first. Indeed, we could see an element of premature birth in the tale: mankind wasn’t ready for the knowledge of good and evil, just as many infants born early are not ready to live outside the womb. One could imagine Adam and Eve eventually leaving the Garden of Eden to explore the outer world, but with the fall…one could see their expulsion as being in a sense a premature entrance into that world, just as many infants have entered the world prematurely, instead of staying inside the womb for the full proper time.

Thus, Genesis 2:7 has no bearing on birth, and doesn’t indicate that true human life begins at first breath.

8. The Eden Code

As I mentioned earlier, the story of Adam and Eve’s creation has another interpretation, one that has a lot of evidence to back it up. Warning: when you look at this evidence, it may potentially knock you out of your chair.

No, I’m not responsible for your medical bills if my article literally knocks you out of your chair, so you can’t sue me.

However, after looking at such evidence, and seeing where it leads…you can see that the pro-choice position still holds no water.

But what is the evidence that the creation of Adam and Eve is not meant to be taken literally?

1. The term “These are the generations of” found several times in Genesis is a literary device similar to a chapter break, separating what occurred before it from what occurs after. This phrase usually names a person, with their descendants named soon after. It indicates that what follows describes either what occurred after the person that it names and/or the event that occurred previously to it. The first use of this is found in Genesis 2:4, where it states “These are the generations of the Heavens and the Earth…”. This indicates that the events in Genesis 1 (which mentions the creation of humans) occurred before the events of Genesis 2, where Adam and Eve are created. Thus, Adam and Eve were not the first man and woman, respectively. Some have argued that the sky and the earth were literally ancestors of Adam, and thus the passage is still referring to them, but as we will see, this objection fades in light of other evidence that shows that Adam and Eve’s creation were not mean to be taken literally (though even seen in heavy symbolic light, the passage still adheres to a union of heaven and earth, as we’ll soon see). Others may point out the similar wording between Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 5:1-3 (the latter of which mentions Adam’s creation) and thus argue that the former passage is talking about Adam and Eve, but this would violate the “Generations of” pattern, and its possible that Moses was borrowing imagery from Genesis 1 when he wrote Genesis 5 (a similar thing occurs in 1 Corinthians 15:42-49). One could also try to counter by bringing up the fact that at times the “Generations of” phrase has a short recap of something that occurred in the previous section before it, and thus Adam and Eve’s creation is a recap of what is found in Genesis 1:26-28. However, Genesis 2:7-23 is NOT a brief recap of Genesis 1:26-28. Its FAR, FAR longer, unlike what we see with other “these are the generations of” recaps.

2. Genesis 1:11-12 refers to wild plants; Genesis 2:5 mentions crops (keep in mind, Adam was made in Genesis 2:7). Genesis 2:5 also seems to indicate that crops needed a man to tend them. Thus, it seems that the passage isn’t stating that plants were made at that moment, but that the land wasn’t being cultivated in the region (the passage isn’t talking in global terms, but in terms of a region).

3. Genesis 2:24 talks of a married couple being “one flesh”. If the passage was to be taken 100% literally, then we’d have to conclude that Adam and Eve’s bodies became molded together, making a large hermaphroditic being. Instead, its simply referring to either sex, or husbands and wives working together or functioning as one.

4. Job said that God molded him like clay (Job 10:9), and Isaiah 43:1 states that the nation of Israel was made by God. Lamech, the Sethite patriarch, implied in Genesis 5:28-29 that Noah came out of the ground. None of this means that they were created supernaturally, let alone being formed out of clay or (In Noah’s case) earth. Indeed, Noah himself was fathered by Lamech, i.e. in the old fashion way. (read Genesis 5:28-29 again). Job and the Israelites were obviously no different in this regard.

And before you pro choice folks start invoking Genesis 5:28-29 and its (supposed) relation to birth; trust me, it won’t help you…

Um, read on…

5. If you look at the Hebrew, Genesis 2:7 doesn’t indicate that Adam was made out of dirt.

You heard me right: If you look at the Hebrew, Genesis 2:7 doesn’t indicate that Adam was made out of dirt.

First, let’s look at the passage again:

“then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Emphasis mine).

Some translations use “of” between the Hebrew words rendered “man” and “dust”. Others use different wording, such as “of the”, and so on, but all of these renditions have a problem; they are not translations of Hebrew words. There is no Hebrew word in the passage that indicates that “of” or “of the” are supposed to be between “man” and “dust”. The passage is actually stating “And the LORD God formed man dust from the ground” (alternatively “dust of the ground” or “dust of the earth”). In other words, he’s saying that Adam IS dust (compare with Genesis 3:19). When someone is said to be either dust or of the dust in the Bible, its an indicator of their mortality, not their creation. Dust was also used to refer to humanity (Psalm 103:14). We can therefore interpret the passage to mean that Adam was “made” (i.e. born) of the mortal world, i.e. no different than other mortal men, and that he is being raised from it in order to serve God.

But wait? Adam being born? Doesn’t this salvage the pro-choice position?

Um…nope.

You’ll soon see why…

6. Genesis 2:7 need not be interpreted to mean that Adam literally received the breath of life and became a living being: it can mean that God is simply giving Adam a new reason or purpose for living. BTW: though animals are also said to have the breath of life in Genesis 6:17, 7:15 and 21-22, the Hebrew phraseology in Genesis 2:7 is markedly different from those other passages.

This makes even more sense when you truly understand what the Garden of Eden was. One of the first things that clues us in on its real nature is its location; believe it or not, it was on top of a mountain (Ezekiel 28:13-16). This is important to note, considering that 1. Mountains were often thought of in the ancient world as cosmic gates, where gods would live (Mount Sinai is a good example), 2. Eden was a sacred mountain, a cosmic mountain comparable to a temple’s inner sanctum and 3. God’s divine council, aka the “Sons of God”, a group of very high-ranking spirits (remember Genesis 6:4 mentioned earlier) met with God in Eden to carry out the business of governing creation (with God being in charge of the council and having the final word). Along with this, Ancient near eastern temples were well known to sport artistic depictions of gardens (remember point number 2?).

Also, if you look at Genesis 2:15, you’ll see something very peculiar;

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

The Hebrew words translated as “work” and “Keep it” (In some translations “take care”) are also used in biblical passages that dealt with the duties…of a priest. We see this in Exodus 3:12, Numbers 3:1-10 and 8:15. This kind of language is used far more for ritual priestly acts than it was for simply working with vegetation.

Priestly duties? Temples? Cosmic mountains? The divine council?

Mind blown yet?

Wait, it gets even better...

7. The term “deep sleep” found in Genesis 2:21 is a translation of the Hebrew word “tardema”, which most often doesn’t refer to regular Zs. Indeed, not only does it most often refer to a supernatural slumber, but it is often associated in the bible…with visions (see Genesis 15:12-21, Job 4:13, 33:15, Daniel 8:1-27 and 10:4-21). Indeed, its often noted as prep time before a vision.

Which brings us to…

8. The Hebrew word translated as rib in Genesis 2:21-22 (“tsela”), is more accurately rendered “side”. Adam is actually having his entire side taken out of his body, not merely a rib. This wouldn’t do well for a literal interpretation…but it fits the idea that he’s undergoing a vision, only to meet Eve for real later, when he says that “this is bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”. Indeed, that statement from Adam fits better with the translation of “side” as opposed to rib: Adam is indicating that Eve was “made” out of both his bones…and flesh.

Given all of this, we can interpret the passage as follows; Adam was born, reared up in the mortal world, only for God to give him a new purpose; to be the first priest. His priestly roles included tending the sacred Garden of Eden, the “center” of the universe where God met with his divine council, the original divine temple. Adam is lonely in his new position, so God puts Adam in a specialized sleep that preps him for a vision. He sees a vision of himself, where his side is removed and turned into Eve. Meanwhile, God brings Eve into the garden. Upon awaking from this dream vision, Adam sees Eve, the real Eve. He says right then that this is bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh metaphorically. As he is priest, she is priestess, both tending the sacred garden together.

I’ll...give your a few seconds to process that.

Indeed, there is some indication that Adam was intended to be not just a priest, but a priest king.

Just like Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 7:1).

Just like Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2, Mark 15:2, 1 Timothy 6:15, Hebrews 4:14, 5:6, 10, 6:20-7:28, 8:1-3), who was called “The Last Adam” (compare 1 Corinthians 15:22 with 1 Corinthians 15:45).

Now, pro-choice advocates are probably laughing in their ignorance, thinking that I just shot myself in the foot. After all, if Adam wasn’t created out of the dust of the earth, if his creation is mean to not be literal, then he was alive before God “breathed into him the breath of life” and “made him a living being” (thus seemingly negating my point number 2, if we take the passage metaphorically), and therefore the conception imagery is disproven (you don’t biologically exist before you are conceived). Thus, the birth imagery still fits, and thus we are not fully human until we take first breath outside the womb, right?

Wrong.

For one, the text indicates that Adam is an adult when he got the “breath of life”, i.e. a new purpose in life. Thus, we’re back to the same objection in point number 6 (Keep in mind, Pro-choice folks accept that adults are fully human). Two, the text, when read in the metaphorical manner, implies that Adam was fully human before he received this new purpose (which would include the fact that he had been breathing the whole time). Three, Genesis 2:7 isn’t intended to denote when biological life begins; it’s indicating the beginning of Adam’s new spiritual life, one that he did not have previously (this doesn’t mean that he didn’t have a soul beforehand, only that he was embarking on a new spiritual journey with God). Indeed, one can see that Adam’s call into the Garden, the time he spent there to tend it, would be prep time for him eventually partaking of the Tree of Life, and thus becoming immortal. Thus, the call, the moment where Adam received his new purpose and became a “living being” (i.e. attaining his priesthood), would be the “conception”, the beginning of a new spiritual life for Adam. Just as an unborn infant didn’t have biological life before conception, Adam didn’t have a true spiritual life before God called him to a new purpose. Not only was a new spiritual life conceived”, but if Adam had eaten from the Tree of Life, he would have later had a new “birth”. This is strikingly similar to Jesus’ statements in John 3:3-8, where he speaks of both regular birth…and the second birth, salvation.

And what is the end game of the latter?

Eternal life, the same thing that the Tree of Life offered (compare Genesis 3:22-23 to Romans 6:22, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55).

Just as Adam had a call that was intended to eventually result in everlasting life, likewise Jesus calls all to salvation, which will eventually lead to everlasting life.

Jesus…is the New Adam.

Thus, the passage isn’t connected to abortion; it’s connected to Jesus, salvation and eternal life.

BTW: We can also still see the union of heaven and earth in the passage; though “Earth” and “breath” (i.e. air) are symbolic of mortality/humanity and a new purpose, respectively, Earth still had connotations of femininity in the ancient world, and the sky (from which air comes) had masculine aspects (keep in mind, God, who brings the air, is described in masculine language in the Bible). Thus, Heaven and Earth are coming together metaphorically, conceiving a new spiritual life in Adam. Once again, this doesn’t mean that Adam was the first person with a soul; it means that he was the first to partake of a highly special spiritual relationship with the Lord, one that would have resulted in eternal life…if he and Eve hadn’t eaten from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Thus, even the metaphorical interpretation of Genesis 2 doesn’t salvage the pro choice position.

Indeed, it kills it.

After all, Adam’s spiritual life was conceived in Genesis 2:7, in anticipation of a new birth, i.e. by eating of the Tree of Life. This spiritual pregnancy, if you will, was aborted by Adam and Eve eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God obviously was enraged, not taking kindly to this act, preferring that they had instead eaten of the Tree of Life and attained a new state of being, a new…birth.

In like manner, the gift of the Gospel’s new birth, the new birth that Jesus offered, is available to everyone. Many have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, knowing that one day they will have new resurrection bodies, transforming into a new form of everlasting life. Most, however, have not.

And the question you have to ask yourself is…what road are you going to go down?

The road to spiritual abortion?

Or the road to a new birth in Christ, the Savior of world?

The choice...is yours.

Choose wisely.

Sources:

“Titans and Olympians: Greek & Roman Myth” by Tony Allan and Sarah Maitland (Dr. Michael Trapp: Consultant), 25-27, 60, 62-63

“The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology” by Arthur Cotterell and Rachel Storm, 44-45, 278, 302,

“Encyclopedia of Gods” by Michael Jordan, 275-76

“Theogony” by Hesiod, 1250-200 (see “Hesiod: Theogony and Works and Days”, translated and with introductions by Catherine M. Schlegel and Henry Weinfield, 27-29

“Misinterpreting Genesis” by Ben Stanhope, 83-146

“Supernatural” by Michael Heiser, 27-32

“The Unseen Realm” by Michael Heiser, 44-55

“Origins” by Paul Copan and Douglas Jacoby, 215-217

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw2LCTQHMUI

“Zondervan NIV Exhaustive Concordance: Second Edition” by Edward W. Goodrick and John R. Kohlenberger III, 270, 1509,

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2018/01/18/what-lives-your-dirt

https://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/tardigrade/index.html

https://www.soils4teachers.org/biology-life-soil/#:~:text=Living%20organisms%20present%20in%20soil,organisms%20such%20as%20burrowing%20rodents.

https://fanimal.online/animals-that-live-in-dirt/#:~:text=Around%2025%25%20of%20Earth%27s%20creatures,characterized%20as%20%E2%80%9Cfossorial%E2%80%9D%20creatures.

https://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Ouranos.html

https://www.theoi.com/Gigante/Gigantes.html

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/617843264207323136/does-numbers-511-31-teach-that-abortion-is

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/628201944522096641/does-exodus-2122-25-teach-that-abortion-is

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/629088091319255040/is-jesus-a-mythical-figure-based-on-the-norse-god

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/630556070338822144/was-jesus-a-mythical-figure-based-on-odin-um-no

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/624904287995265024/do-so-called-similarities-between-jesus-and

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02362

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Thematic_Guide_to_World_Mythology/WL_eONflrKgC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Earth%2Bgoddess%2Bsky%2Bgod&pg=PA105&printsec=frontcover

https://www.worldhistory.org/Anu/

https://www.worldhistory.org/Enlil/

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/628108215679336448/was-jesus-christ-based-on-the-hindu-god

https://sirtravisjacksonoftexas.tumblr.com/post/640688336102637568/the-robot-and-the-angels-a-curious-journey-into

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Jealous_Gods_and_Chosen_People/NwGhnDHV6NsC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Uras%2Bsumerian&pg=PA38&printsec=frontcover

https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/rel100hinduism/2015/11/24/vishnu-the-savior-the-preserver-and-the-protector/#:~:text=Vishnu%20is%20also%20believed%20to,Vishnu%20is%20known%20as%20Narayana.

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sex-to-induce-labor

https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/health-care/article174009276.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/natural-ways-to-induce-labor#sex

https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/19990101/sex-to-induce-labor#1

https://www.health.com/condition/pregnancy/sex-to-induce-labor

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Uncle_John_s_Bathroom_Reader_Nature_Call/cClZDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=human%2Beggs%2Bancient%2Bworld&pg=PT138&printsec=frontcover

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4684-0400-5_17

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25015803/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22827343/

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002395.htm#:~:text=The%20mother%27s%20placenta%20helps%20the,lungs%20are%20filled%20with%20fluid.

https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/fetal+respiration

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/

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missambrose16 · 5 years

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Dare

Word Count: 2,363

Pairings: Braun Strowman x Reader

Warnings: Smut, swearing, some violence

Plot: Nia and Ronda make a dare with you to sneak into Braun’s locker room. It all goes well until you’re caught.

“You want me to do what?!”

“You heard us, Y/N.” Nia spoke wither her arms crossed over he chest. “If you lose your match tonight against Mickie James. You have to sneak into Braun Strowman’s locker room.” The rest of the girls struggled to hold in their laughter when they saw the terrified look on my face.

I’ve only been on the main roster for a few years. In the short amount of time, I’ve made a name for myself in becoming Raw Women’s Champion my first year being on the main roster. I’ve made friends with most of the superstars here. Everyone except the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman. We haven’t been able to get along very well. The instant I came onto the main roster I wanted to accomplish two things. Make a name for myself, which I have and make friends with everybody, which I have not.

I shook my head at the lot of them. ”First off you’re insane for even making up a dare like that. Secondly, I’m gonna win against Mickie tonight so don’t get your hopes up because there is no way that she’s going to beat me.”

“Oh alright, Y/N,” Ronda said, rolling her eyes. Just then something came over me. I felt so confident in beating Mickie James that I decided to raise the stakes a bit. “What you don’t believe that I can beat her?” They shook their heads while giggling at me. “Okay, I’ll tell you what. If I don’t win my match tonight against Mickie, I’ll go to Braun’s locker room, strip naked, and take a shower in his bathroom.” I spoke sternly.

Oh, I’ve done it now. They screamed with laughter, turning red in the face. “It’s fine, I know it won’t happen you know why? It’s because I won’t lose.” I said shouting over their hollering. I looked off to my right as someone called my name. One of the backstage crew members came up and informed me that my match was next. I nodded and headed to the entrance. I stood at there stretching and trying to focus on my easy win. My music hit and I walked out not bothering to greet the fans like I normally would. I was determined to win and I can’t afford to be distracted by some little kid that wants my autograph or the occasional pervert that wants my panties.

I hopped into the ring and stared at the ramp as I continued to do my stretches. The seriousness etched into my face as I waited for my opponent. A second later Mickie’s theme music filled the arena and she appeared onto the ramp with Alexa Bliss in tow. I rolled my eyes knowing the sneaky things Alexa will do for her “best friend” to win.

Mickie entered the ring flaunting for her fans. She threw a few petty insults my way as her little cheerleader backed her up from outside the ring. I laughed along with her until I spat in her face and slapped her, knocking her back into the turnbuckle. I ran up and kicked her in the gut over and over before the ref backed me off of her. I backed away from her with my hands up.

I watched as she struggled to get up, her friend coming up to encourage her from outside the ring. I grabbed Mickie, pulling her up and spinning her around to knock into the other turnbuckle. I walked back before rushing off to tackle her but, she moved out of the way making me slam my shoulder into the ring post. Mickie grabbed me by my hair and slammed me down on my back. I held onto my head trying to get the pain under control. Mickie held her arms out, showing off even when the crowd groaned at her.

Alexa jumped and cheered for her. I looked over to see Mickie and Alexa celebrating. I jumped up and hit Mickie in the back, she fell onto the second rope. I placed my foot on the back of her head making the rope collide with her neck and choke her. Her arms flailed around trying to grab hold of my foot to release the pressure. I backed off and smiled at her while she struggled to breathe. I backed off going to the opposite side of the ring to bloat, the crowd erupted with cheers.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a small figure come up by my feet. Alexa tried to grab my ankle but I backed away before she could touch me. I tried to grab her from the ring but backed up. “What are you doing?! What are you trying to play at huh?!” I yelled.

That twisted smirk of hers crept up on her face. Before I could turn around I was grabbed from behind and before I knew it, Mickie had rolled me over on my back and I was down for the count. Her music played again and she got off of me before running out of the ring. I sat up and looked up in defeat. Not only have I been beaten by the lowest of lows but, I have to take a naked shower in a not so friendly monster’s bathroom.

I sat on the back of my heels and held my head in my hands. I felt defeated. When suddenly that familiar roar filled the arena. I looked up shocked to see Braun Strowman walk out onto the ramp. I stood up and walked out of the ring. I went to walk past him but he blocked me. I didn’t dare look up into his eyes. I moved to the side and so did he. I looked up at him, he looked down at me staring into my soul. He huffed before walking past me to get ready for his match.

When I got backstage I saw Ronda and Nia standing there waiting for me. “What the hell?!” I shouted. “Did you tell him?!” They both looked at each other, confused. “The who what?” Ronda spoke. “Braun! Did you tell him about the bet?” I yelled. “Whoa, Y/N, keep your voice down,” Nia said looking around to see a few stares pointed our way. “Let’s go somewhere so we can talk.”

We arrived outside of Braun’s room and I looked at the both of them. “We promise we didn’t say a word.” They both said. “Oh, really so how do you explain what happened out there? It’s like he knew about it somehow.” I said looking down. “Well, I don’t know how he knew-- if he knew but, you don’t have much time to do the dare. Get to it!” Ronda said pushing me into his dressing room. I looked around to see a regular WWE dressing room but there was a smell of leather mixed with cologne.

I hurried and stripped off my clothes so I could get this stupid bet over with. I went to the bathroom, turning the shower on. I stood under the warm water, washing the sweat away from my match. I couldn’t believe that I was actually doing this. I’m in my crush’s shower. Yes, I’ve had some sort of feelings for Braun ever since I came to the WWE. I tell Nia and Ronda all the time that I don’t like him but they can tell. There’s no way he would like me, up until tonight I’m pretty sure he’s never even looked at me before. I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn’t hear to door creek open.

“Hey.” I jumped looking over to see Braun standing there through the glass shower door. I grabbed a towel to cover myself. “I’m assuming these belong to you.” He said as he swinging my black lace panties. I gasped reaching out to snatch them from him. He pulled them away from me. I stared at him. “You wanna explain to me why yer in my shower, in my dressing room?”

“I...um, w-well you see...I,” I tried to speak, he looked at me waiting for a comprehensive answer. “I l-like you.” I cursed at myself for saying that. He raised his eyebrows at me. “I mean I lost a bet.”

“I know,” he spoke. I looked up at him. “You do?” He nodded. “I heard your little conversation with Ronda and Nia. I also know about that crush you have on me.” He said stepping closer. “I guess we’re both the same. I’ve had feelings for you the second you came onto the main roster but I figured you didn’t like me.” I shook my head. “That’s not true.”

“If you like me as much as you say. Then show me.” He whispered down to me. Suddenly a burst of confidence rushed over me. I dropped my towel, he looked down at me taking me in. Before I could act he placed his lips on mine. The noise from the crowd drowned out. He picked me up and by instinct, I wrapped my legs around his waist. He moved from the bathroom to the somewhat small leather couch in the middle of the room.

He sat down with me on his lap, his hands had a firm grip on my waist as I moved my hips onto his now fully hard bulge. A low growl crawled out from his throat. I leaned forward to kiss his neck, his thumb massaged over my nipple making a moan come out of me. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this moment,” he huffed, ”going out there every week in that new ring gear of yours.” A few months ago I changed my ring attire to look more similar to Ronda’s, just a sports bra and shorts.

“I knew I felt someone staring at me.” I smiled into his neck. He lightly grabbed me by my neck making me look at him. “You’re so beautiful.” I smiled once more and kissed him before crawling off of his lap keeping, eye contact. He took off his shirt as I unzipped his pants, the bulge much more visible from the material of his boxers. I kissed along the imprint pressed against his underwear. “You’ve been teasing me long enough, Y/N.” He rumbled. I smiled up at him before biting my lip. I slid the top of his underwear down to expose his hard cock. I wrapped my hand around it, enjoy the pleasant weight it had.

I wrapped my mouth around the head of his cock. He hissed when I swirled my tongue around the head of his cock as my lips engulfed him. I moaned around him making his cock throb in my mouth from the vibrations. I licked along the head of his cock not fully wrapping my mouth around it. I felt a sharp pain on my ass and heard a loud slap echo throughout the room. I yelped out loudly. “I said enough teasing,” Braun spoke lowly. “Come up here.” He said grabbing me and laying me down on the couch. He spread my legs apart, before letting out another a growl. He planted kisses along my thighs making me giggle because of his beard. He kissed further up into my inner thigh before passing right over to continue the same pleat of kisses on my other thigh. I groaned impatiently wanting him to stop teasing.

He got the sense of what I wanted but all he did was chuckle at me. “It’s not fun to be on the other end of the stick is it little one?” He spoke. “Please.” I moaned. “Please what,” he said kissing right over my pussy, I moaned louder this time. My hand traveling down to grab his hair to push him closer to my core. He pinned my arms down by my side. I moaned in disagreement and squirmed. He smiled down at me. “Your ears work just fine, sweetheart. I said what do you want?”

“M-my pussy. I need your mouth on my pussy.” I choked out. Without a second’s thought his hot tongue worked its way through my folds and flicked pleasantly against my sensitive bud. I cried out wanting to grab onto his hair but he continued to hold my arms down. I lifted my hips up wanting him to devour more of me. He moaned causing me to shake from the vibrations.

“Don’t stop I’m going to come.” I moaned out. “Say please.” Braun stopped momentarily to speak. “Please! Make me come, please! I need it!” I screamed. “Come.” Just like that I came undone on his command, my body shaking in pure bliss as I screamed out his name. Before I could come down from my orgasm. I felt him push into me and fill me completely. I moaned and grabbed onto his shoulders. “You okay?” He spoke with genuine concern on his face. I nodded and with no hesitation at all he drilled into at a destroying pace.

The sound of loud moans and slapping skin filled the room. I was sure that if someone were to pass by they would hear us for sure. Or at least hear me from down the hallway. Using his thumb he massaged it over my clit making me jolt as I my pussy clenched around him. “Fuck, Y/N! You’re so damn tight.” He growled, slamming into me at a faster rate. I clenched around him once more making him let out a howl. “Shit, little girl you need to come. Now.” He said staring me down. My mouth stayed open for a second before a loud cry escaped it as my second orgasm came rushing over me like a tidal wave. With a few more rough thrusts he pulled out exploding onto my stomach with a series of deep growls.

I stared up at him with tired eyes. A layer of sweat taking over the both of us. “Looks like you need to take another shower.” He said with a tired smirk on his face. “So do you.” I smiled back up at him.

#mine #Braun Strowman #wwe braun strowman #braun strowman smut #wwe smut #wwe oneshot #wwe fanfic #wwe raw #wwe #braun strowman fanfic #braun strowman oneshot #oneshot #fanfic

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moralesbynature-blog · 5 years

Text

Through Time (unedited)

There it was, the Winose Ring, he couldn’t believe it, he had all but brushed her off, but she was right. If he wouldn’t have listened to that old woman, his journey might not have ever ended. He would have never thought to look here of all places. He grabbed the ring, and stared at it, as it shined in the light, he was flooded by memories from a former life, of a lost love. Soon all his visions started to make sense, the fragments of nonsense now perfectly clear. He had to find her, but how? “I need to buy this ring.” He said to the clerk. The clerk looked at it, and shook his head. Samuel’s face dropped. “But why?”

“Ring is not for sale, ring is family heirloom. My grandmother smuggled ring, into city, with many rebel soldiers shooting at her trying to steal.”

“But I need this ring. You have no idea how much this ring means to me.” The clerk looked at Samuel, the depression on his face.

“How much you pay?”

“I’ll give you everything I own.” A smile grew on the clerk’s face. “Please I need this ring.”

The clerk held his hand up to silence Samuel’s begging. “Hmmm, grandmother would want ring to be worn and shown the world. You can take it.”

Samuel’s face lit up, as the clerk smiled at him. “Thank you good sir. You have no idea, how much this means to me.” Samuel put the ring into his pocket and headed for the door. The clerk held his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat, Samuel turned around.

“You are forgetting something no? You promise everything you own for ring.”

Samuel looked at the clerk, grinning and rubbing his greedy little hands together. “You are right, I did say everything I own,”

The grin grew wider. “Your words, no mine.”

A look of concern grew across his face. “So if I give you everything I own, You will allow me to keep the ring. I have your word?”

The clerk looked at him. “You have my word as shopkeep, and on grandmother’s soul. You may keep ring.”

A look of unease grew on his face. “Very well then. You see the thing is. I am homeless, I have no job, and I only have nothing to my name.” He reached into his pocket and pulled them out. The clerk’s grin was quickly replaced by intense raged, as Samuel shouted and waved goodbye, while walking out the door. As the door slammed behind him, he pulled the ring from his pocket kissed it and laughed into the sky. “Now where are you?”

Well past midnight Samuel is laying wide awake, staring at his ring between his two fingers. ‘Where are you?’ He thought. ‘How do I even start to search for you. The ring is one thing, but I don’t even know your name.’ He sat up staring at the ring. ‘Come on, tell me something!’ ‘That’s odd, either the clerk was lying, or his grandmother had really big hands. This ring looks way to big for a woman. In fact.’ He places the ring onto his finger, it slides on perfectly. ‘There is no way a this could fi…

Samuel’s eyes widen, his body froze, the room began to glow with a warm orange light. His heart started to pound, i=what is going on, he thought. A strong wind came from nowhere, he looked over at the window it was closed tight, yet the wind was so unbearable it made his eyes water. He looked around the room, and no a thing was moving, but he could feel the wind blowing hard, so hard that it started to lift his up. The roof was blown off, as the wind forced him upward. Silently screaming hoping that someone would hear him and would be able to help. Higher and higher the wind blew as the town became less and less noticeable, and the moon larger. He could move again, he tried screaming for help, but he was too far up, no one could hear him scream. Suddenly the wind stopped, and as fast as he got up, he went down, with his arms flailing he screamed for help as if someone would be able to do anything, the ground got closer and closer, and knew this was the then. He exhaled heavily and closed his eyes, as he prepared as best he could for the inevitable. Now just a few feet from his death a giant hole opened up in the ground, “Oh come on,” he shouted as he fell through. His heart pounding from his impending demise, he passed out.

Samuel jumped a woke gasping for air. “Whoa, what a crazy dream!” he placed his head in his hands. He rubbed his face and started to yawn.

“What’s going on?” Said a woman’s voice. Samuel jumped up, and fell off the bed. “What’s the matter with you? Come back to bed, it is way too early.” Samuel looked around the room, nothing looked familiar.

“Where am I? Who is that?” He inched his way up onto the bed. The woman turned around and smiled at him. Shocked he started to tremble, it was her.

“Sammy! Are you ok? You’re shaking?” She reached out for him, but he moved away.

“It’s you?”

“Of course it’s me, who were you expecting?” “Did you hit your head or something? You do remember that i am your wife right?” She showed him her ring.

Samuel inhaled deeply, it’s the Winose. But how he was wearing it? He looked at his hand. The ring was gone. He stood up.

“You are starting to scary me. Maybe we should see a doctor.” She reached for his hand, but he moved further away. “Samuel it’s me Ronda.” She got out of bed and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around him. “Surely you remember this,” she kissed him. All the memories from his life with her came flooding back once their lips touched. He smiled and grabbed hold of her hands.

“I am sorry I frightened you my love. It was just a bad dream.”

“It is over now, come let us get some breakfast.” She grabbed him by the hand and led him away. Samuel couldn’t believe his eyes, somehow he was transported back a hundreds of years. “Sammy come and try this,” Ronda places a ruby red strawberry into his mouth, the juice burst when he took a bite. “Simply amazing right?”

“That it is.” He smiled. Horns soon filled the air. “Oh no. Its him.”

“Shush now, or he’ll have your head. And I’ve grown quite attached to your body with a head, I don’t think I could be parted without it.”

“My love, I’m pretty sure, I’ll have the bigger problem.” They laughed and loud ear splitting ‘halt’ replaced the sounds of horns.

Giant men carrying a small carriage stopped in front of Samuel and Ronda. The doors flew open, a very small man came stomping out. “You there!” He squealed pointing at Ronda. “What is your name?”

“It is Ronda sire.”

“Ahh, what a lovely name for such a lovely woman.” He took her hand and kissed it, she pulled away in disgust. “I shall make you mine.”

Samuel grunted and moved forward, but was stopped by his wife. “That is a lovely offer, but I am already someone else’s.” She looked lovingly into Samuel’s eyes. “This is my Sammy, he is my moon and my stars. And I can not imagine a life without him.”

“Have you ever tried?” the little man said smiling. “If I were to kill him here and now, you will have no choice but to imagine a life without him. And then you will be mine.”

“You are right, but if you were to kill him, I will never truly be yours, because even in death, my heart will belong to him.”

“Love? I don’t need love, I am an emperor, I have all the money in the world, there is no room for love.” he clapped his hands, his soldiers armed themselves. “It has been decided, you all heard it from her own mouth, she will be mine once he is dead.”

“What no!” She looked at Samuel, who is now surrounded by soldiers. “Your grace, you mustn’t. Please I beg of you, do not kill my love. I will be a much happier wife, knowing no one had to die because of me.”

“Are you saying you will be mine, willingly even if he lives?”

She looked over at Samuel, with tears in their eyes. “Yes I will.”

“Very well then. Men!” He called his men back, Samuel ran up to Ronda and hugged her.

“No, you can’t go, I have no life without you.”

“I would rather you be alive, without me, than dead with me. I heart will not be able to the regret. Know that I will love you, always and forever.”

“Alright enough of this. I’m letting you live, but my patience is wearing thin.”

“We will meet again, in this world or the next, my love.” Samuel kissed her. This outraged the the emperor.

“Men!” He shouted. He pulled Ronda away from Samuel and down to the ground. Samuel rushed the emperor, but his men grabbed him and punched him in the stomach. Samuel dropped down to his knees. Now eye level with the emperor, he pulled out a knife.

“Why did you kiss my wife to be? The punishment for that is death.” Ronda pled in the background, but her words fell onto deaf ears. “I hope you enjoyed that kiss boy, because it will be your last. Samuel spat into his face. The emperor smiled. “She’ll pay for that.” He looked over at her. “With her life.”

“No, you don’t have to do it, punish me. Not her punish me.”

“Oh I do intend on punishing you also boy, in far worse ways.” He walked over to Ronda. “Look at your beloved. Look how small and weak he is. You could have had a powerful life. But now you are going to die, and he is going to watch the light fade from your eyes.”

Tears fell down both their eyes, as he took the knife and slowly slide the blade across her neck. As blood slowly oozed down her caramel skin, Samuel looked away. The emperor order his men to hold his head in place as the light slowly faded from her eyes. He dropped her dead body to the ground. And walked over to Samuel, tears rushing from his eyes. He whispered I love you, and the blade entered his heart. The Emperor and his men left them there to die in the dirt. Once the men were miles away, Samuel raise his head, and crawled his way to Ronda, he sat up and pulled her lifeless body onto his lap, his tears falling on her. He grabbed her hand placed it on his face, he felt the cold metal of her ring on his check, he pulled it off and placed it on his hand. Then suddenly a burst of wind blew him upward. “No!” He shouted as he tried to take the ring off his finger. “I want to stay here I want to stay with her.” he struggled to reach for her. As the wind carried him away.

He was back in his own room. No time has passed at all. He felt his chest a scar appeared where the knife had been. He took the ring off and tried putting it on again. Nothing happened. He threw the ring across the room, and thought to himself that he will never be able to find her again.

Years passed Samuel was walking down the street when something compelled him to stop and turn around. And there it was the object of his desire. A lifetime of searching, all coming to an end. His breathing shortened, his fingers trembled as he reached out. He grabbed her shoulder, the wind blew through her curly brown hair. She turned around smiling at first, but then a look of confusion. He stared into her deep brown eyes, struggling to find the words.She looked over at his hand, still h=on her shoulder, and she started to back away, smiling nervously. His hand slowly fell down to his side, while she turned back around to continue with her day. ‘Wait,’ he was able to force out. She stopped. He dropped down to his knees and professed his intentions. Her eyes swelled with tears as she cupped her hands around her mouth. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out. She looked at it, and grabbed his hands and pulled him up to her. Tears now rolling down her face, as she smiled and light giggles escaped her. With the sun setting in the background, he could not help but feel at home. Now filled with content, that his journey has finally come to a close. He placed the ring on her finger, her eyes widen as she gasped for air. ‘Oh my Sammy, we finally meet again.’ Tears flowed from his eyes. She turned around with a grasp on his hand, and led him away.

#timetravel #love stroy #short story

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pkansa · 6 years

Text

The Klokers Klok-01 is unique, cool, sophisticated, and interesting. For so many of the watches I take a look at on WWR, it’s a take on the traditional form – strap, springbars, hands, quartz or automatic movement. There’s an unlimited variety of this formula, and many many makers do it well. To really make an interesting step, however, one must look outside the traditional form, and invent something totally new. Klokers has done just that with its Klok-01, the second piece from this artsy and interesting French brand.

I spent the past week with the Klok-01, on my wrist, in my pocket, and on my desk, cycling through two leather straps as well as the desk stand and pocket case. In short, it’s a fresh and interesting take on the watch, with unique design elements. It’s polycarbonate case is questionable, but its overall look and utility is unwavering, and it makes a handsome addition to your wrist, or desk.

First Impressions

This watch is so darn cool! From the beginning, the box it came in was interesting – a simple white box, with the Klok-01 presented in the middle of a foam panel, with straps curving around. Simple and easy. I appreciate Klokers for swaying away from some sort of garish presentation box, and going for a simple white box, intended for the single opening.

The Klok-01 makes an immediate impression. Presented apart from the straps, it’s an immediate nod to the creativity and versatility of the piece. I put on one of the straps include, and then slid and clicked the Klok-01 into the mount, and there it is, on my wrist.

Setting with the large crown is easy, although it takes a moment of getting used to setting the dials backwards. More on how to read it below.

The straps are finished nicely, with the custom mounting bracket really making them stand out as cool items themselves.

The black leather pocket case/desk stand is finished in soft black leather, although the positioning of the clock mount, and general build seem a little under-built to me.

Fit and Finish

It’s important to remember that the case of the Klok-01 is polycarbonate plastic. It appears to be one piece going from the silvered case section to the clear domed crystal section. Given that it’s all plastic, the finish is perfect – no scratches or scuffs, and a smooth transition from silver to clear. On first glance, it’s hard to tell that the case body is plastic – but it is.

The caseback is brushed stainless steel, and has helpful etchings explaining the latching mechanism, and which screws to remove for battery service.

Dial printing is perfect, and I especially love the subtle red index markings on the black color edition. That little touch really makes it extra interesting.

The crown has an etched Klokers logo, and Klokers is printed on the index marker as well. Finally, it’s worth noting that “Hours” “Minutes” “Seconds” is printed in English, French, and German around the edges of each ring. Cool!

On the Wrist

Klok-01 is certainly an eye catcher. It’s a larger watch, but certainly NOT huge. The relatively sleek case sits on my wrist nicely, and although it sits a little higher than most watches, because of the mounting mechanism, it’s not unwieldy at all. The size is just right to make the dials clearly visible, without becoming cumbersome.

Because it’s primarily made of plastic, this watch is much lighter than you’d expect based on its size. It feels light and airy on the wrist, and is easy to wear for an entire day. The metal mounting bits of the strap warm up after you’ve worn it for a bit, and actually feels quite nice. As far as an every day wearer, this is a great option comfort wise.

Reading the time off the dial takes getting used to – time is read on the red index line, and given that the entire face is visible under the clear plastic, it looks a bit complicated when you first glance at it. It’s not the easiest to glance at the time in a quick moment, but a very slightly longer glance at the index is really all it takes. Definitely not much more of a distraction, and certainly worth it.

The Klok-01 is certainly eye catching, but not ostentatious or flashy. I loved wearing this and talking about it with friends – but never felt like I was making an overly flashy statement, like wearing some sort of diamond and gold giant tourbillon watch or something. This one is just interesting and cool.

As a daily wear, the only hangup I had was the plastic crystal – will that scratch easily?

Complications

Time

The Klok-01 is simple – Hour, Minute, Second. But how it shows the time is unique. Here’s how to read the Klok-01:

Three concentric discs (hours, minutes and seconds) rotate counter-clockwise to indicate the time along the vertical axis at 12 o’clock (patent-pending).

https://www.klokers.com/img/cms/TUTO%20KLOK-01.mp4

Feedback

The unique styling of the Klok-01 leads to some interesting materials, design, and usability quirks. None are particularly insurmountable, and arguably add a bit of interest to the piece. However, there’s one issue that haunts me every time I wear it – the polycarbonate (plastic) crystal. Most watch crystals are made from either sapphire or mineral glass, save for some smartwatches. These very hard materials are selected for their clarity and scratch resistance, among other qualities. However, for some reason, Klokers has opted for a plastic crystal – oh so scratchable plastic. That means that even brushing the watch up against slightly harder plastic, your wall, edge of your desk, or really anywhere else has the potential to scratch it. That’s a bit of a letdown, and a constant fear I have while wearing it. I’d say if there was one thing Klokers could do here, it’s switch to an all stainless steel case, and domed sapphire or at least mineral glass crystal.

Besides that, the piece is great!

Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for a truly unique, functional, and inspired watch to wear around the city or to the office, the Klok-01 fits the bill. Its look is unique, its clear and readable, and its latching system lets it transition from your wristwatch to your desk clock. Looking for a weekend beater, outdoors sportster, or gala sweeper, this is not the one.

Final Thoughts

The Klokers Klok-01 is a truly unique, inspired time piece. The combination of interesting materials, a unique, interesting, and eye catching face, clear legibility, and innovative and flexible latching system make this a standout timepiece of any collection – certainly mine. Go grab a Klok-01 and set yourself apart from the crowd.

Brand & Model: Klokers Klok-01

Price: 399,00 €

Who we think it might be for:

If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Use a domed sapphire or mineral glass crystal, instead of polycarbonate. As hard as the polycarbonate may be, it’s still going to scratch much much much more easily than sapphire. As a daily wearing watch, pocket watch, and versatile mounting watch, scratch resistance is really key here – the polycarbonate really just doesn’t cut it.

What spoke to me the most about this watch: The slide-rule inspired design, with that super unique bezel, and easy to read index. This is a unique piece for unique people.

Specs

KLOK-01 WATCH-HEAD

Circular slide rule inspired watch

Three discs (H, M, S) turn counter-clockwise

Time display along a vertical line at 12 o’clock

Swiss Made Movement, High Tech Ronda

Interchangeable strap

Dimensions: Ø 44 mm, 11.5 mm deep

Material: metal-polymer composite

Glass: transparent polymer with built-in magnifying lens

Water Resistant

Swiss Made

Movement: Ronda movement (quartz)

1,5 V battery

Two-year warranty

The klokers key: a pushbutton at 8 o’clock to unlock the watch head from its base

Colors: yellow, blue and gray.

STRAP KLINK-01

Interchangeable strap

Dimensions: 230 mm x 22 mm

Strap material: real leather, alcantara (sand)

Pin buckle material: stainless steel; engraved buckle

Colors: matte black, satin black, chocolate brown, indigo blue, sand, newport yellow

DESK & POCKET

Dimensions: 90 x 55 x 20 mm folded, 245 x 55 mm opened

Color: matte black

Compatible with KLOK-01 and KLOK-02

Case made from high quality PU (smooth grain evoking the full grain of genuine leather)

Metallic parts made from stainless steel

Upcoming: The KLOK-08

Stay tuned for a comprehensive writeup of Klokers’ latest piece, the KLOK-08

The @klokerswatches Klok-01 slides onto my wrist.. and rules #affordable #unique #under$500 The Klokers Klok-01 is unique, cool, sophisticated, and interesting. For so many of the watches I take a look at on WWR, it's a take on the traditional form - strap, springbars, hands, quartz or automatic movement.

#klok-01 #klok-08 #klokers

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pinkstarbeam · 7 years

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Walking computer. Chapter one: Shocking discovery

It’s finally done! A huge thanks to @justpidgance @thenerdbeast and @tory-b for helping me finish this after a good month and a half of writers block

Lightning struck the ground miles away from the Holt family home and soon after a boom of thunder sounded, Katie Holt, the youngest of the Holt household was unfazed as she typed away on the keyboard of her desktop computer. Opening her skype after a quick youtube song search she noticed that one of her friends had messaged her, opening up the chat she quickly scanned over the simple message

HunkaHunka: Hey KatieKat: Hey, enjoying the storm? :3c HunkaHunka: Eh, I don’t really mind it, but anyway how is your history report coming? I just finished mine. KatieKat: I’m working on it as we speak, JFK was one scandalous man. HunkaHunka: Oh you’re working on your laptop then, unplugged I hope. <.< KatieKat: No, I’m on the desktop. HunkaHunka: Katie! It’s storming what if lightning hits near us and fries your computer then electrocute you? KatieKat: Hunk pls that’s just a myth, and besides the storm is miles away.

Another rumble of thunder sounded though this time it seemed louder, the storm had been miles away a mere few minutes ago, shaking her head Katie figured it must have been some kind of echo.

HunkaHunka: Did you jinx the storm or something? That thunder was crazy loud!

Katie went to type her response when out of the corner of her eye she noticed a bolt of lightning strike the power box outside, but before she could react the electricity coursed its way through the electrical circuits and into the tips of Katie’s finger, the zap so powerful that she went flying back all the way across the room, the last thing she saw before blacking out was her desktop going up in flames.

A month-long coma and multiple physical therapy appointments later Katie was back to her normal self, the incident that had happened in late November seemed so far away now that it was mid-February. She had felt weird ever since the incident but never brought it up thinking it was probably just her body still getting used to the metal pole in her left arm after she broke it from slamming against the wall that night. “Geez you’d think after almost two months my body would feel better.” she mumbled as she slouched back against the number of pillows she kept on her bed for comfort. Looking to her left arm she poked at the area that she knew was now metal and no longer bone, it made her feel like some kind of cyborg which in her book was pretty fucking cool. Picking up her laptop she felt a strange jolt in her left arm, dropping the computer back onto her bed she quickly grabbed her left arm whilst stringing out a line of mumbled curses as she waited for the pain to dull. “What the hell was that-” she began, but cut herself off as she pulled her right hand away from her left arm to reveal that her whole left inner forearm was glowing, and not just glowing but, looked like a digital keyboard. She had to be dreaming...Right? Poking the T key on the keyboard she heard a subtle tap and nearly jumped out of her skin. Grabbing her laptop she quickly opened it and brought up a blank Google Doc, looking to her left arm again she began to type out her name, once finished she felt a cold chill run down her spine as the google doc read simply ‘Katie Holt’. Shutting her laptop she quickly scrambled away from it feeling as if she had just committed some kind of crime. ‘What the hell is going on?’ she thought and picked up her phone. Once again the same jolt came once her left hand came in contact with the smartphone, hissing loudly she began to dial hunk and put the phone to her ear. “Katie! What’s up?” Hunk answered cheerfully. Katie blinked as she heard an echo “Are you in a tunnel?”. “What? No, I'm in the living room watching my twin sisters why?” her best friend asked confused. Katie’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion, moving the phone a little away from her ear she spoke again “Are you sure?”. “Yeah, I mean I can snapchat you them watching lion king right now,” he laughed. The sixteen-year-old questioned how hunk heard her so clearly and why there was an echo. Sitting her phone on her bed she began to speak again. “Can you hear me?” Katie asked. “Uhm yes? Loud and clear why?” Hunk asked sounding as equally confused as she felt. Biting her lip she got up and walked to the other side of her room, she had to be slightly drowned out there right? “What about now?” the sixteen-year-old asked one more time. Her best friend groaned “Yes Katie, crystal”. “Hunk, I am literally walking down the hall to the kitchen and my phone is in my room.” she said walking out her door. “No way, did you invent something?!” he asked excitedly. Katie looked her right hand that she had been holding against her chest and moved it away “No.”. “What was that? You faded out.” Hunk replied. Feeling sick Katie brought her right hand up to her mouth as if to cover it and started speaking “And now?” “Good again.” the older boy declared. Katie started to shake horribly, what was going on? Why could she hear phone calls in her head and type on her computer using her left arm that was now a subtle green glowing keyboard for some reason. Running to her room she quickly locked the door behind her in an absolute panic as she tried to search for some kind of logical reasoning for this, but the only one she could come up with was she was dreaming and after multiple pinches she was fairly certain she was wide awake and living some kind of nightmare or one of Matt’s childish pranks that sometimes went too far. “Hunk I gotta go.” she said and hung up on Hunk before he could object. Opening her computer she began to type using the normal keyboard into Google ‘I can hear phone calls in my head’ which made her sound like some kind of crazy person. A thing called phantom ringing came up, but that wasn’t what she meant and the rest was useless voicemail and speakerphone stuff. This was something out of one of Lance’s comic books and though she enjoyed the stories she knew they were all fictional, science fiction if you will, but what was happening to her right now wasn’t fiction, she had become some kind of computerized human in the few months after the incident. “Relax Katie.” she spoke out loud to herself whilst taking a deep breath “Just go to sleep, everything will be fine after a nap.” she mumbled the last part whilst tucking herself under her green comforter. Beginning to close her eyes she blocked out any thoughts from entering her mind as she focused solely on things that made her feel sleepy, but her focus was quickly changed when there was repetitive loud knocking on her front door. ‘You have to be kidding me.’ Katie thought as she slid out from under the comforter. “Katie it’s me!” she heard Hunk’s familiar voice call to her as she descended the stairs. The brunette blinked in confusion as she opened up the door to see Hunk holding the hands of his little twin sisters “The heck Hunk!?” she said being mindful of little ears. Hunk walked in quickly and gave his sisters a bag of toys he had brought “You can’t just sound all panicked and hang up on me like that!” he declared puffing out his cheeks. Katie couldn’t help but smile a bit at her best friends behavior, he had been protective of her and Lance since they were kids so she should have seen all of this coming. “Alright, Ronda and Rachelle stay here and play with your toys alright?” Hunk said looking to the twin girls that were currently looking through the bag of toys. The brown eyed girls nodded signaling to both Hunk and Katie that it was safe to go talk in the next room, for the time being, walking into the kitchen Katie felt her anxiety rise at the thought of explaining all of this to Hunk, but she rather it be him than some doctor who would probably make her some kind of human lab rat. “Alright, so what is going on?” Hunk asked as he helped himself to a glass of water. Biting her lip the sandy-haired brunette began to search for the right words “Well you see…” she began “Something or well, I think the accident did..something to me.”. The ebony haired teen blinked “I mean you have a metal pole in your arm so.” he said sipping his water. As she began to fidget with her hands she remembered her left inner forearm had turned into a keyboard “Okay I'm going to show you something, but you can’t tell ANYONE about this, and I mean anyone Hunk, that includes Lance and your Moms.”. Sitting down his water as he felt the air get more serious the older boy then gave a nod but was confused as to what could be so serious from the girl who literally sends alien memes to the group chat at four A.M. Taking a deep breath Katie stretched out her left arm and gently poked at her inner forearm, suddenly the digital keyboard came to like and Hunk’s tan features went pale. “Th-That’s one convincing tattoo.” Hunk nervously laughed. Katie shook her head taking Hunk’s hand “Touch it.” her tone serious. Gulping he gently poked at one of the keys and noticed it turned darker like an actual digital keyboard would at touch “What the fu-” he began to yell but, Katie cut him off by slamming her hand over his mouth. “That’s not the only thing, remember the phone situation?” Katie asked not removing her hand from the other mouth. Hunk nodded. “I could hear the whole call in my head and my right wrist was acting as the transmitter.” she said removing her hand from the male’s mouth. Hunk stood silent for a good minute not sure how to exactly reply to the fact that one of his childhood best friends was now some kind of cyborg, yet not, more or so like a walking computer. “What else can you do now?” he finally asked. “I-I’m not sure…” Katie answered as she raked her sandy brown locks through her fingers “All this happened after I touched my laptop and phone.”. “Wait after you touched them?” Hunk asked. She nodded “I picked up both and in doing so I felt this really painful jolt, but after it happened I had a usable keyboard on my skin and could hear phone calls in my head.”. “Have you tried any other electronics?” he asked. Katie blinked “Didn’t know you saw me as some kind of masochist.”. Hunk rolled his eyes “I didn’t mean it like that and you know it, I mean can you like get powers from other people’s electronics.”. The sixteen-year-old shrugged “Give me your phone and we’ll see.”. “What? No!” the male squeaked as he held his phone protectively “Use Matt’s laptop or something!”. “And have his search history seared into my brain?! No way!” she nearly gagged at the thought of what could possibly be on Matt’s computer. “Wait for what?” he asked, “You would get the stuff off his computer if you touched it?”. Shrugging Katie closed her eyes “Let me check something.” she then began to think about files on her computer and suddenly a file of pictures simply title ‘friends’ popped up and began to come into view one by one as if she was looking a computer screen. “Well?” Hunk asked. Opening her eyes to answer she was quickly cut off by Hunk’s scream “What?!” “Your eyes are glowing!” he yelped. Katie looked at him like he was insane, but the noticed on the wall behind them was a projection of the picture she had been viewing when she opened her eyes, it was one of their group of friends at the beach last summer. Seeing her shock Hunk turned to see what Katie was looking at “You’re doing that?!”. She nodded and closed her eyes again thinking of something else other than the photo and when she opened her eyes there was a youtube video of a kitten playing in place of the picture as Hunk watched in astonishment and slight horror. Closing her eyes one last time she cut off any kind of thought that could project and when she opened her eyes again there was no longer any kind of projection on the wall. Hunk brought both of his hands together and held them in front of his mouth as he drew in a deep sigh “Katie this is…”. “Weird, strange, freaky?” Katie suggested. “Awesome!” the older boy declared. The brunette shook her head a bit in shock “Come again?”. She asked seeing as a minute ago Hunk looked like he was gonna faint. “I mean yeah it’s weird, but like, you’re a walking computer!” he cheered happily. “Wouldn’t cyborg fit better?” she asked. He thought for a moment “What is the definition of a cyborg?” Katie felt a strange shiver go up to her spine “Cyborg, noun, a fictional or hypothetical person whose physical abilities are extended beyond normal human limitations by mechanical elements built into the body.”. Hunk blinked “Did you just…” “I just fucking did a web search with my brain!” she squeaked holding her head as panic overtook her. “Alright calm down, it’s new information to this already shocking development, but I'm sure with time we can figure this out.” the male spoke as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Sighing Katie threw herself into one of the bar stools her family had around the breakfast bar, all of this was making her head spin, had she really turned into some kind of superhuman? It would explain why the shock hadn’t killed her, but still how was it scientifically possible? Raking a hand through her hair once more she let out an annoyed groan as she placed her head on the bar as her head continued to spin. Rhonda walked into the room, her dark brown curls bouncing around her face as she tugged at Hunk’s leg “I’m hungry!”. Shortly after Rachelle ran in “Me too!”. Hunk laughed “Well maybe big sister Pidge wants to go out to lunch with us?” he asked using Katie’s nicknamed. Katie raised her head and managed a smile at the two girls who were currently giving her puppy dog eyes “Alright, let me go get my bag.”

Entering the small diner in downtown Altea was always a pleasant experience, the air always smelled of delicious foods and the staff was friendly and polite which made you want to return in the future. Walking over to a booth both teenagers slid into either side accompanied by one of the twins, as they sat there Katie couldn’t help but feel like some kind of freak of nature that didn’t belong around normal humans anymore. Hunk noticed Katie shift uncomfortably “Katie relax, you look normal as long as you don’t, ‘ya know.” he said addressing the glowing eye situation earlier. “Know what?” a familiar voice asked. Looking up Katie seen Shiro, her brother Matt’s and Allura’s boyfriend holding two normal menus and two kid ones “I forgot you worked here!”. The older male laughed “Wow I'm hurt Katie, to think I grew up with you.”. She stuck her tongue out at him as she felt a wave of calmness wash over her, Hunk was right, as long as her powers or whatever you wanted to refer to them as didn’t act up she looked like a normal teenager. “Alright what will we be having to drink today?” Shiro asked as he pressed his pen into the writing pad. “Two fanta oranges for the twins and just a tea for me.” Hunk said as his eyes scanned the menu. “Okay, and for you Katie?” the eighteen-year-old asked. Katie thought for a moment “Just a glass of water.”. “Alright, i’ll be right back with those,” Shiro said with a smile as he walked back towards the kitchen. Relaxing back against the red-padded booth Katie watched as Ronda and Rachelle doodled on the paper menu with the supplied crayons, taking out her phone she went to turn on her camera, however when she did her vision changed to be as if she was looking into a camera. Hunk noticed how pale Katie had grown “You okay?”. Katie quickly exited the camera setting on her phone and closed her eyes, when she opened them again everything was back to normal ‘No. No, I am not.’ she thought laying her head down. Shiro approached the table and sat the drinks down before casting a look of worry at Katie “Are you okay? Should I call Matt to come get you?”. Sighing she shook her head “It’s alright guys, just tired.” she lied faking a smile. Both males gave her a look that basically said we don’t believe you, but we will let it slide for now to which Katie was very thankful for. Shiro took their orders and left for the kitchen once more leaving the twins and the teens alone once more. “Katie are you sure we shouldn’t talk to an actual-” Hunk began, but was cut off. “No!” Katie said covering her face with her hands. Her best friend frowned “Katie how else are we gonna figure this out?”. “I don’t know.” she replied honestly “All I know is that if I tell an actual doctor what is going on I'm either gonna get thrown in the loony bin or become a human lab rat.”. “Isn’t Allura studying bio-med?” he asked sipping his tea. Sighing the sandy-haired brunette glanced out the window “I don’t know Hunk.” she repeated herself. Hunk gave a sigh of his own he crossed his arms over his chest “We can’t just ignore this and you know it.” “Well can we at least just talk about it later?” Katie hissed in annoyance. Rachelle picked up her coloring page that was inside her menu and showed Katie “Look Katie! I gave the cat glasses like yours!”. A smile crossed the older girl’s face “That’s really cool Rach’!”. Ronda held up her coloring page, it was the same picture except this cat had Hunk’s signature working headband on rather than Katie’s glasses “I have mine bubba’s headband!”. Both teenagers smiled feeling the worry of all the techno mumbo jumbo leave their thoughts for a little while thanks to the girls, they even joined in on doodling on napkins with the crayons while they waited for their food. Needless to say, the afternoon was saved thanks to the twins, but Katie and Hunk both knew, in the end, they would have to really talk all of this through in order to reach a conclusion even if Katie wished to just ignore it.

When Monday came Katie felt as if the whole world was watching her and waiting for her to mess up and reveal that she was now some kind of superhuman. Staring into the full-length mirror in her personal bathroom she felt like she should look slightly different, but she didn’t she still had the same mid back length sandy brown hair, hazel eyes hidden behind reading glasses, and pale freckled skin. “I can do this.” she mumbled to herself as she nervously ran her brush through her hair one last time. “Katie!” Matt yelled from outside her bedroom door “Hurry up Shiro is almost here to take us to school!”. “Coming!” she replied and quickly gathered her things. Shiro taking the Holt siblings to school wasn’t anything new, he had been doing it since he got his permit back when Katie was in her last year of middle school so that none of them had to ride the dreaded bus anymore. “Bye Mom! Bye, Dad!” Katie yelled as she ran past the kitchen and towards the front door. “Oh! Bye, sweetie!” her Mother called back. “Have a good day sweet pea!” her Father replied after. Quickly slipping on her shoes that were at the door she then exited the house to see Shiro’s black SUV parked in the driveway, Matt already in the passenger seat as the two talked about who knew what. Opening the passenger side back door Katie climbed in “Talking about me?” she joked. “Oh definitely.” Matt played along with a snort. Shiro shook his head with a smile on his face “We were talking superheroes.”. “Never took you for a superhero fan, Shiro” Katie said buckling. “I mean I really wasn’t until Matt showed me this one, his name is Barry Allen and his super ego is known as The Flash, pretty cool dude.” he replied as he backed out. “How insane would it be if stuff like that could actually happen?” Matt added. Katie gave her best attempt at a laugh trying to hide her nerves “Yeah, it would be pretty insane.”. Keith, Shiro’s adopted younger brother and one of Katie’s best friends took his headphones out “You guys are both nerds.”. “Says the guy who's listening to five years old All Time Low songs.” Shiro snorted. Katie and Matt stifled a laugh while Keith shot a death glare towards the rear view mirror so Shiro could see it. Katie was thankful Keith was with them, he was easily her third best friend next to Hunk and Lance even if he and Lance didn’t really get along all that well, he was her cryptid and alien buddy. Once they were at the school Katie quickly hopped out of the SUV and made a b line for the school’s front doors, Keith easily keeping up with her as they entered Altea High with it’s oh so familiar smell of sub par cafeteria food and teachers lounge coffee. “Hey, Pidge!...Mullet.” Lance called out their nicknames as he approached them. Keith groaned “You’re annoying. See you first period Katie.” he said ruffling his friend hair before walking off to his locker “Man, what’s his issue?” Lance asked as he walked with Katie towards the cafeteria. Katie shrugged “I mean you could call him by his actual name you know.”. He smirked “Mullet isn’t his actual name?” he joked. She elbowed his side as a small smile crossed her face “Come on at least try to be nice McClain.”. “Ouch last name! That hurts Holt.” he said putting an arm around her shoulders as they entered the cafeteria. Removing his arm from around her Katie sat down across from Hunk and Shay at their table while the two lovebirds were sharing a cutesy moment of debating who loved who the most, it was enough to make her lose her appetite. Lance faked a loud cough causing the pair to look up “Hey.”. “Oh hey, Lance.” Hunk waved with a smile then looked to Katie “Hey to you too.”. Katie nodded and looked to the side signaling to Hunk that she needed to talk to him. “Ah, I'll be right back okay?” he said looking to Shay. Shay nodded “I need to go find Allura anyway to give her back her notes.” Hunk nodded and told Lance that he and Katie would be right back which earned a questioning eyebrow raise from the other male. “You two hiding something from me?” Lance asked. Hunk shook his head “It’s just robotics club stuff.” he lied. “Yeah!” Katie added. “And you can’t talk about it around me?” the Cuban asked. “Lance anytime we mention robotics you either fall asleep while we talk or change the topic.” she replied placing her hands on her hips. “True, alright see you guys later!” Lance said heading for the lunch line. Hunk and Katie both gave a sigh of relief and made their way outside of the school and to the back alley way where they could talk in private. “Alright, so any new discoveries?” Hunk asked leaning against the wall. Katie shook her head “No, but that doesn’t mean whatever this isn’t going to act up today.”. He nodded in agreement “Yeah I mean if you do that google search thing again you’re bound to look suspicious.” Groaning the brunette slid down the wall burying her face in her hands “Hunk what am I gonna do?”. “I really think we need to tell Allura.” Hunk answered. “Tell me what?” A familiar feminine voice asked. Katie yelped in surprise as she looked up to see the one and only Allura, her light blond nearly white hair was braided and thrown over her shoulder giving the full view of her curious and suspicious blue eyes. “N-Nothing!” Katie squeaked out waving her hands wildly “It’s nothing!”. Allura frowned “Katie you know you can tell me anything.” ‘Except this’ Katie thought. Hunk couldn’t hold it in anymore “Katie has super powers!” “Hunk!” Katie hissed. “I’m sorry, okay, but this is just weird and Allura is the only person we know who could possibly help!” He said throwing his arms out on either side of him. Allura has a small chuckle “That’s a funny joke guys, now what’s really going on?”. Katie sighed running her hands through her hair “It’s...It’s not a joke.”. The older female’s eyebrows knitted together “Katie it’s physically impossible for super powers to be well real.”. Looking around to make the coast was clear first Katie touched her inner left forearm causing the keyboard to light up “Well they are.”.

#walking computer #WA #voltron fanfic #pidge superhero au #this will be a slow burn pidgance fic so aye

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travel-pilgrim · 5 years

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Climbed down Ronda's water mine in Spain to arrive at this beautiful gorge

#travel #traveldestination #amazing

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bestsextoysformen2019-blog · 5 years

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What Is New In The Lubricant Market For 2019?

If you’ve been on Twitter in the last 24 hours or so, you will perhaps have heard the distant sound of a shit-tonne of sex writers facepalming in unison. The cause? UFC Women’s Bantam Weight champion and actress Ronda Rousey, who when answering some readers’ questions for Maxim told a 36-year-old reader this:

What should a guy always do (in bed)? Take his time. In general, a girl takes a minute. He needs to get her ready. You should never need lube in your life. If you need lube, then you’re being lazy…and you’re not taking your time.

The bit in Italics? Emphasis not mine, by the way – this is what Ronda chose to emphasise herself, fundamentally misunderstanding the various ways bodies work, how lube can enhance and aide your experience of sex and, in the process, adding a little dollop of lube-shaming on top.

What kind of message are you wanting to send out here, Ronda? That a guy should measure his worth in bed by means of whether or not he has to use lube? That a girl should feel unworthy because even if “she takes a minute”, she still needs lube? Or is it just the message that you really shouldn’t be giving sex advice? Because I don’t know what kind of science you’re basing this on, but I can tell you that it’s wrong as hell.

The ever eloquent and fabulous Rachel Kramer Bussel wrote a brilliant rebuttal of Rousey’s comment for Salon, which I highly suggest reading for comments from sex educators and some of my great blogging peers. And Emily Nagoski, Ph.d (buy her book, Come As You Are – it will blow your absolute socks off) has started #tweetyourlube, inviting you to tweet pictures of your favourite lube/your lube loves using the hashtag.

Me? I can evangelise about lube until your ears fall off. I am 24 and I use it as an additional source of wetness when my partner and I engage in PIV sex, and I use it during any form of anal play, even there’s little to no penetration involved. I am not using it because my partner can’t get me wet, and he is not using it on me for the sake of laziness.

Lube is not the enemy. In fact, I’d venture to say that whatever your gender or sexual orientation, lube is probably your friend. Yes, take your time…but take your time and don’t be afraid of using lube to aid you along.

- Rachel Kramer Bussel, for Salon, November 2019

So, I would love to grab this opportunity to do exactly that – evangelise about lube and give you some awesome recommendations.

Liquid Silk

Ah, lube of my life, light of my loins. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you will know that I absolutely adore Liquid Silk. I am personally a fan of the little 50 ml. bottles (compact, will last you for yonks), but there are 250 ml. bottles with dispensing pump available as well. It doesn’t feel sticky, it’s a lovely consistency and, if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding or menopause, Liquid Silk acts as a moisturiser in addition to a lubricant.

Sliquid

Organic, not tested on animals, a tonne of great variants and a texture that has been praised by many a sex blogger. Sliquid has a range which can make anyone see stars – and they make pretty lovely massage oil to boot. If you’re sensitive to certain ingredients in other lubes, Sliquid can be a perfect alternative.

Yes Organic Lube

Another organic lube, which I discovered when they sponsored Eroticon a few years back. Hypoallergenic & soil association certified organic, this is a soft and silky lube that replenishes natural moisture, protects mucus membranes, and if necessary, supports healing. It’s not got any scent or taste to it, so you are free to bask in just how good it feels.

Sh! Lube Liquid

As well as being an East London treasure trove of sex positivity, Sh! also has their own line of lubricants. I’m partial to the water-based Lush Liquid (suitable for use with condoms), but they have a good range which can suit most people’s need – and they do anal lube as well.

System JO H20

System JO has both this water-based lube and their Premium Silicone one – I am, as you may have gathered, very partial to water-based lubricants, but both of them are really good quality.

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vacationsoup · 5 years

Photo

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/los-arqueros-golf-and-country-club-san-pedro-de-alcantara/

Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club San Pedro de Alcantara

The Friendly Club House at Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club

This is the first course designed by the late and the great Severiano Ballesteros.

It’s also one of the best value courses in the region.

To set the stage I am an average golfer, I have a handicap of 18. It could be lower if only I could drag myself away from the office to play a little more frequently. Los Arqueros is a favourite course of mine, it is a tricky, idiosyncratic golf course with lots of challenges. There are some easier holes but there are plenty that have been created to catch you out. It is a course I always make time to play.

As you take the road up to Los Arqueros it might be a good idea to buy some balls from the road side golf ball seller. If you play Los Arqueros more than once in a week there is a good chance you could be buying back the balls you thought you had lost.

The club house is friendly, the staff know what the course can do to you.

Walk or buggy?

I like to walk the course, but I play most of my golf in S.E.Asia where golf courses dictate you take a buggy. Walking makes a nice change. Having said that most of my friends look at the hills and ask, “buggy?”.

Hole 1. 347 meters, par 4, handicap 11.

As you look down the hill from the tee, the driving range netting is to the left. Forget looking to the right, it’s out of bounds. It’s tempting to play a 3 wood here, the sensible option; take a long iron. Too often I ignore the advice I give myself and take a 3 wood. A 5 iron off the tee is fine. If all goes well, the second shot gives you a sight of the green, down the hill. It’s not a long hole but the first shot off the tee is important. The hole is one of the more forgiving. Tip, don’t over hit your second shot, if you do, you’ll be in a world of pain.

Hole 2. 156 meters, par 3, handicap 17.

At the bottom of a steep slope you come to the 2nd hole. The view opens up to the 2nd, 3rdand 4thfairways. Hole 2 is relatively simple. The website at Los Arqueros says ‘aim to the left of the green’, I just hope to get to the green without dropping into the bunkers that Seve created to defend the green. A 5 iron normally gets me there. If you land in the bunkers, the big green gives you a chance to remedy the first shot.

Hole 3. 361 meters, par 4, handicap 5.

To the left there is a big lake. To the right the 4thfairway. Don’t go left. I go with a driver at this tee. There’s plenty of room on the 4thfairway to make amends for a wild shot to the right. The green is on a slight hill, so take a longer club for the second shot, it will help you get past the stream that lies 10 meters infront of the green.

Hole 4. 311 meters, par 4, handicap 13 – dog leg left.

Aim to the right of the fairway. I always take a driver. It suits my game. There’s room to the right on the 3rdfairway for the slice or fade. Just don’t go left. On the dog leg you will see a small tree infront of the green with bunkers left and right. They are quite tame.

Hole 5. 154 meters, par 3, handicap 15

Uphill, so take a longer iron. I should heed my notes here, I always think I will get there with a 6 iron. I never do and leave the tee cursing myself for not using a 5 iron.

Holes 2 3 and 4

Hole 6. 519 meters, par 5, handicap 3

This hole and the next 2 are the 3 holes that make Los Arqueros memorable. Play them well and you can be forgiven for talking about it in the club house, ad nauseam.

At the tee you see water infront of you. If that’s not hard enough don’t go left, a stream runs the length of the hole. Just go right. The second shot is another tricky one down a very narrow fairway. Go middle…left or right is horrible. The first and second shots are crucial to make a good score on this hole

Hole 7. 304 meters, par 4, handicap 4

A short climb up a steepish hill to the 7thtee. If you are walking you might think, “why did I not take a buggy?”

If you thought hole 6 was narrow! At only 30 meters wide, with hazards left and right there is only one thing you do, pray! Take a 5 or 6 or 7 or a putter off the tee. Just play straight. The score card says the hole is a handicap 7, I have always made it play like handicap 1. It’s the hole to catch out all club golfers. It’s not a long par 4 it’s just very narrow and you have to play to the fairway, there is no left or right on this hole.

Hole 8. 480 meters, par 5, handicap 1

The 3rd in a series of 3 tricky holes. The golfing ego always gets the better of me on this tee. I always take a driver and aim to the left, My fade brings the ball back into the fairway.

Do not go right. The only way you will see that ball again is when you buy it back from one of the numerous lost ball sellers that dot around the course.

The decision you make on the 2ndshot dictates how well you play this hole. Do you take a 3 or 5 wood and clatter over the big gully? Or, do you lay up and play safe.

Hole 9. 283 meters, par 4, handicap 9

All up hill. I like walking this course but at the end of this hole you do tend to think ‘why?’

One of the easier holes, a 3 wood followed with a seven iron to the green, that is if all plays well. If?

The turn

Hole 10. 330 meters, par 4, handicap 4

The temptation is to take the driver, put it away. To the left, out of bounds, to the right a lump of rock. All this makes the landing area narrow. Take a long iron or hybrid. The tee shot is the make or break shot for this hole, get it right and the rest will be strawberries and cream. It’s only a handicap 4 because golfers make it so by not thinking through the first hole properly.

Hole 11. 144 meters, par 3, handicap 10

My bogie hole and I don’t mean I always hit a bogie here. From the bottom of the hill It does not seem like a long par 3, but don’t let that fool you. I agree with the club website, ‘play a club that is 2 clubs longer than you first think’.

Hole 12. 320 meters, par 4, handicap 2

A magnificent view. Stretching below a big fairway that narrows towards the top. I like to take a driver but too often it lands me in trouble. Out of bounds to the right and a bunch of trees to the left. Take a 3 wood, it will pay to be shorter off the tee. If you land to the right the green can be unsighted. To the left there are trees and potentially no sight of the green. It’s handicap 2 for this reason.

Hole 13. 458 meters, par 5, handicap 6

My handicap 1. A good drive off the tee will clear the gully infront of you. Your second shot is just as tricky, another gully cuts into the fairway on the right. It eats balls for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like hole 6, your first two shots are important if you are to beat this hole.

Hole 14. 289 meters, par 4 handicap 18

Like all holes on this course there is a degree of difficulty you have to manage. Drive well and the hole is easy. Go right from the tee and the ball is gone. No rescue. No second shot. Gone. Go left and you hit trees.

Hole 15. 376 meters, par 4 handicap 8

The big driving hole. Lots of space left and right. You can be caught by the bunker placed mid fairway but that’s as tricky as this hole gets.

Hole 16. 140 meters, par 3 handicap 16

A few years ago the water played to the left. You now tee off over the water to the green. Those who are spooked by water, play an old ball.

Hole 17. 350 meters, par 4 handicap 12

Another good driving hole. Go left for what you will see as the obvious reasons. The second shot is up hill, so play a longer club. Just don’t go right on any part of this hole as the ground falls away down a hill into messy rough.

Hole 18.335 meters, par 4 handicap 14

If you are still with me, well done.

From the tee you are looking up hill. If you are in a buggy ‘nice’, but if you are walking just think of the beer that’s got your name on it in the 19th. I aim left up hill, it’s a nicer way in from the left than playing out of trees on the right. A decent drive should leave you with a shortish iron to get on to the green.

That’s it.

Los Arqueros is a lovely course to play. It’s got character. You could imagine Señor

Ballesteros designing the course with a smile on his face knowing it will catch out and reward the golfer in so many different ways.

Don’t take my word for it, go play it and see if you agree.

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

Ctra. Ronda A-397 km 44,5, E-29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 952 78 46 00

Fax: +34 952 78 67 07

[email protected] www.losarquerosgolf.com

#Andalucía #Andaluciagolf #GolfLosArquerosAndalucia #HolidayInSanPedroDeAlcantara #LosArquerosGolfandCountryClub #SanPedroDeAlcantara #Spain #VacationInSanPedroDeAlcantara #VacationSoup

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everyonethinksmynameiskayla · 7 years

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Casa to Barca, part one: Random men sitting with me in silence while I eat

I’ve always wanted to go to Morocco, so when I got to Senegal and was putzing around on the internet, as one does, and discovered that flights from Dakar to Casablanca were only like $100 I decided I was going to make it happen before my Fulbright was over. Then, when I was in the planning in my head but not actually scouring travel blogs and booking stuff stage, I downloaded VirtualBox and started running Windows parallel on my Mac (see an earlier post about that) and the default background for Windows was a photo of a beautiful landscape in a magical-looking place. I did some image-based searches and discovered that place was Ronda, a small city in the southernmost Spanish province, Andalucía. So I decided I would go there too. Ronda is indeed a magical place, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

This trip was a bit more than two weeks total so these posts might be a bit long, so I’m going to divide them up into smaller parts. I’ve already posted some of my favorite pictures on Wanderlust and will be uploading a few more as well as some videos shortly.

So! I flew into Casablanca, which I had heard was nothing special from a touristic perspective so I just went to see the big famous mosque, Mosquée Hassan II, hung out in a café for a bit and then took the bus to Marrakech. I flew through Madrid to get to Casablanca (ironically, since later I went to Spain but not Madrid) and I realized while I was tying to sleep on the couch at Starbucks that the last time I was in the Madrid airport was when I was leaving Senegal in 2014. It was raining when I got there, which was bizarre because I hadn’t seen rain in at least seven months (since the rainy season here hasn’t started yet).

Anyway, my taxi from the airport took me right to Mosquée Hassan II. They are not messing around with that thing, it is absolutely one of the largest and most beautiful structures I have ever seen. I happened to be there at the call to prayer, which was deafening from directly below the minaret but I love me a good call to prayer so that was a bonus. I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in a café in the main plaza, marveling both at how I seemed to be the only woman sitting at a sidewalk café out of the hundreds of patrons around the plaza and also at how if I didn’t know where I was and someone told me I was in Europe I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. Seriously, Casablanca looks and feels so European. Then I went to the bus station and was totally mind blown by how fancy it was and then was even more mind blown by the bus I took to Marrakech, it had the most leg room I’ve ever had traveling in something that wasn’t a train and maybe even then and each seat was like a small lazy boy recliner with like a foot rest thing that popped up and everything. I guess since I was coming from the Senegalese context I was expecting Moroccan travel to be a bit more similar to the sept-places and mini-buses of Senegal and perhaps that was unfair or presumptive but man, was I wrong. To be fair, even once I got to Spain I kept almost burning myself in the shower because it never occurred to me that there might be hot water. I get so wrapped up in however/wherever I’m living.

Marrakech was kind of meh. The proverbial ‘everyone’ is always like “obviously Marrakech is a must for any trip to Morocco” but everything was the exact same color (seriously, by law everything has to be a terra-cotta orangey color because otherwise sandstorms make the buildings too dirty) and the medina is cool but parts of the newer part of the city kind of look like when rich suburbs try to give their “downtown” that “downtown” feel by unnecessarily putting the shops and restaurants into strips and the parking lots in the back, but all the stores and restaurants are still chains and you’re like “well, you tried”. There was even a Fudruckers. Like. What? What even is Fudruckers? But I digress.

Like I said, the medina was cool as always – every mid-size to large Moroccan city has a ‘medina’, or at least it would seem to me that’s the case, which is basically the “old city” and generally only accessible to pedestrians (except in Marrakech motorbikes were allowed which meant that my life flashed before my eyes every two minutes, it’s okay though it made up for the uniformity of color in the excitement department). The medinas are always labyrinthine and full of narrow alleys and little maze-like paths with vendors selling sweets and tea and scarves and oils and accordingly they’re generally the main tourist attraction. Plus all the cool monuments and mosques are usually inside the medina. The Marrakech medina was the same color as the rest of the city, but since it was my first medina I enjoyed wandering around, until I got to the souks, or market area, which is when I realized what a couple of my friends who had been to Morocco meant when they said that Marrakech is mostly for tourists to shop. In the middle of all of this is a huge square that has at least 50 of the exact same—seriously, they’re all identical—juice stands set up in rows in the middle surrounded by some ladies doing henna on little benches under umbrellas and snake charmers playing for giant cobras which were just casually hanging out on the street which seemed like a good idea. I got a lot of juice from those stands, it was so good and it was so hot outside, but it was always a bit stressful because when you get close they all start yelling and trying to get you to come to their stand but since there is no distinguishable difference between them it’s hard to choose and I would think okay I should go to the first guy I make eye contact with but then it was always too much pressure and I felt bad for the guys that I didn’t buy juice from. As I write this I’m realizing that maybe that’s the point…

The highlight in Marrakech was actually my hostel, which was right in the center of the medina and was exactly how I would picture a hostel in Morocco. It was ‘riad’ style, which meant it had an open air ‘courtyard’ in the middle and then each floor looked down into that, except instead of a garden in the ‘courtyard’ as is required to be an actual ‘riad’ it was a bunch of rugs and cushions and low tables and the whole place was dimly lit with those metal lanterns with the holes punched in them in cool patterns. When I got there I knocked on the door and the guy who opened it immediately said “Kyla?” which surprised me and then he gave me my first thé a la menthe (mint tea, Moroccan signature, so good) and some weird things that were either crackers or cookies. There were only two other people there, a Congolese guy who appeared to be living there while he worked at a travel company call center (probably practical, the place only cost like 3 euros a night) and a Slovakian guy who was touring the world on his motorcycle.

^ Lighting wasn’t great for photos, but I tried

While exploring, I came across a café where you could also get henna, which I did because I missed having henna on my hands and arms all the time like I did in India since the girls would practice on me. Then I had my first ‘Moroccan crepe’ from a lady making them on the street, she even put an egg in mine for me and made me a little sandwich and I had that with some tea for lunch for a dollar. Thus began my love affair with Moroccan crepes.

^ My henna, while drying and the next day, and lunch

To get to my next destination, Imlil, up in the Atlas mountains about an hour and a half outside Marrakech, I took a ‘grand taxi’ which is as close as you’re going to get to a Moroccan sept-place except it’s a 2013 model Toyota minivan and it only seats six which means that being in the way back doesn’t break both your neck and your spirit which was good since I was in the way back. As you drive out of Marrakech the mountains quickly come into sight behind the clouds and then all of a sudden you go from the desert to the forest and mountains so fast that I actually missed it because I was selecting a podcast to listen to.

Imlil is tiny and quiet, most people use it as a base to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas, which I did not have the time nor the gear to do. So instead I decided to try to find this waterfall that I had heard tell about. However all this hear-tell had not included the factoid that there are in fact two waterfalls, one which is about a mile up the mountain and the other which is about 20 miles up the mountain. So, long after I had passed the impossible-to-see turnoff for the path to the waterfall I was actually looking for, people I was passing in the little villages and trekking teams with their mules were telling me “yeah, yeah, just keep going you’ll come to the waterfall”. Eventually it had been several hours and I sat down on a rock and said to myself okay, you’ve definitely walked more than a mile at this point. Since the hike had been lovely so far, with great mountain views complete with bubbling springs and wildflowers, I decided to just backtrack. I made a pit stop at a rooftop restaurant I came across in a little village that seemed entirely dedicated to housing trekkers preparing for the ascent, except I was the only person there so when I asked the guy hanging out at the bottom of the stairs if the restaurant was open he looked at me like I had just asked him to marry him for a second and then recovered and said uh yeah sure and led me upstairs to the terrace which had a stunning view but all the chairs were on top of the tables and he scrambled to put them down and then came over and asked what I wanted to eat and I said well what do you have and he was like well what would you like and I was like uh do you have tagine and he said no, we only have Berber omelets, which seemed pretty straightforward so I got that. No regrets there, turns out Berber omelets are really good—they’re basically deep-dish omelets made in a tagine (the cone shaped thing that they make Moroccan food in) with tomatoes and onions and all kinds of yummy spices.

^ My Berber omelet and the view

They guy who brought the omelet upstairs, not the same guy as before, put the omelet down in front of me and then pulled up a chair and sat sort of across from me and said absolutely nothing for like five minutes before getting up and leaving while I stared with great determination at the omelet waiting for it to cool down a bit which was really strange but turned out to be a theme in Imlil. When I got back to my hotel, which I had wisely chosen based on the quality of the roof top terrace and view (10/10, plus my room was also on the roof so all I had to do was step outside to enjoy it) I took my first hot shower which was super exciting and then sat outside for dinner, which was vegetable soup and then a vegetable and chicken tagine that was as breathtaking as the view, the guy who seemed to be the sole person running the place also sat silently adjacent to me while I ate for the most amount of time possible without me exploding from confusion and awkwardness before getting up and leaving. I always thought it was annoying and invasive when men outside of a normal social setting in which such behavior would be acceptable (i.e. a party) asserted their ‘right’ to my time and attention but my god this was so much weirder.

^ Tagine and the roof terrace

But anyway to get back to my hike, I was just about back to town when I saw out of the corner of my eye a small path going straight down next to me and a tiny sign that said “waterfall” with an arrow…and so I actually did find the original waterfall, which was full of day trippers from Marrakech and some industrious locals had set up a little restaurant on the rocks next to it and everything. I took a different way back, following the irrigation canals down to the main street.

^ The waterfall

The next day I was pretty tired so I mostly hung out on the roof and read and ate more tagine and Moroccan crepes and drank tea, but I also spent a few hours trying to find and eventually finding the radio tower, to get the panoramic view of the valley. One would think that since you can see the radio tower from almost everywhere it wouldn’t be hard to get to but one would be wrong. I spent a lot of time making false starts up the steep rocky hill below it before I finally found the actual “path” that led up there, and when I got up there I couldn’t stay long because despite the view being beautiful it was so windy that I couldn’t stand up during one of the gusts because of a legitimate and well founded fear that it would blow me clear off the top of the mountain. (My pictures from these hikes are on Wanderlust)

The next day I was heading to Fez and I was a little bit stressed because my train was at 10:45 from Marrakech and it would take about an hour and a half to get there and you have to wait for the Grand Taxis to fill up before they leave which could take five minutes or an hour so I got to the station/town parking lot as early as I could and I walked in and told the guy who had a clipboard and reflective vest and therefore seemed to be in charge I was going to Marrakech and before he could even say anything another older white guy who was getting into a car said “we can take you, we’re leaving now” so I got a free ride straight to the train station from a Montenegrin man and his daughter. Funny how things just work out that. Continuing the trend of things working out, I got to the station and my Moroccan friend had advised me that I should switch out my second class train ticket for first class one since it was usually only a few dollars more and you were guaranteed a seat and it was much more comfortable for the kind of 9 hour ride I was about to do, so I decided to take his advice. I got my new ticket and then went and got a coffee at the McDonald’s in the station and waited to board. When I threw my coffee away I also threw away my old second class ticket because that made sense to me and I can’t read Arabic so I did not know that it said on my new ticket that it was only valid alongside my old one. However the ticket collector on the train could read Arabic and so just when I was settling in to my comfy first class train car and celebrating my good fortune he took my ticket and goes “where’s the other ticket” to which my only response was “uh”. Long story short, he said I had to buy the second class ticket again, which had been $20 and I was basically beginning him to have mercy, like how could I have known?? and so he literally gets on the phone, calls someone back at the train station and has them look in the trash at the McDonald’s, but they don’t find it so in great agony I bought the ticket again. Then the very, very nice older lady sitting across from me felt bad and was like it’s okay I would have done the same thing, you couldn’t have known and then she reached into her purse and pulled out the equivalent of ten dollars and insisted that I take it because she didn’t want my trip in Morocco to be stained by having to buy the ticket again. Then when I came back from the bathroom I discovered that her daughter, who was sitting next to me, had bought me a juice from the food cart guy. Traveling is humbling.

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