#Hope everyone can enjoy themselves and have a nice nye | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

babygirlgalitzine · 3 years

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to the future (ao3)

to all the anons who asked me for a nye fic and gave me prompts for it too - i hope you all enjoy this little fic with everything put into it x

one

It’s boiling hot in the club, far too hot, and clammy too. It seems as though everyone and their mother has had the exact same plan to see in the New Year, but right now, Ben’s regretting ever even thinking about it.

He’s in a foul mood, and has been all night, ever since his first steps into the club. Originally, the plan was for him and Jay to go out together, drink as much as physically possible, do the countdown together and then wake up the next day with the worst hangover in existence. But right now he’s just drinking to get through the night, because Lola’s there too. Lola, who has been seeing Jay for the best part of the last few months. Her and Ben get on like a house on fire usually, but Ben’s jealous that she now has all of Jay’s attention. Instead of having the best night out, he’s spending it playing gooseberry - and not even that, even worse than that - he’s being set up with Lola’s friend from home. Callum.

He’s attractive, Ben will allow that. Attractive and tall and he’s got the most beautiful smile Ben reckons he’s ever seen. He smells good and his arms are utterly perfect and he fills out his white shirt as if it’s nobody's business. But still, Ben hates being set up like this.

Callum stands next to him, and they watch as Lola and Jay dance. If it was anyone else, Ben would be cringing, but he somehow just accepts it, though his face shows he’s still in a mood. The music changes and more and more people rush to dance, even though there’s barely any room to breathe anymore. Ben can feel Callum’s breath hitting his cheeks, and he turns to face him, noticing that Callum’s crouching down a little bit, though it’s not berating. “Do you fancy another drink?” Callum asks, nodding in the direction of Ben’s hands, pointing out the now empty cup.

Ben smiles softly, trying to hide it but he’s ultimately unable to do so. “Go on then.” Ben says. “I’ll come with you, leave the lovebirds in peace.”

Callum lets out a low chuckle and Ben wishes all the music would cease to exist, because he just wants to hear that properly now.

So they get drinks together. And they talk, or rather shout over the music. It’s nice. Ben watches as Callum’s neck moves as he finishes off his drink, swallowing it down, and there’s a feeling of complete and utter want that just rushes through Ben suddenly. He’s aware it’s edging closer and closer to midnight as they walk back to the main dance floor, right where they’ve left Jay and Lola. Callum has his arms around Ben, guiding him there, because apparently he can see better with the extra few inches he has on Ben. They eventually make their way back, and Jay gives Ben a knowing look as Lola reaches up and pinches Callum’s cheek, laughing as he squirms away from her touch.

The countdown starts, the DJ pausing the music temporarily, though the sound is even louder now with everyone counting down to the turn of the year.

Everyone around them starts to join in on the countdown, the shouts getting progressively louder. Ben side eyes Callum, and notices that Callum’s doing the exact same.

Smiles start to grow on their lips, both of them threatening to burst out in a fit of laughter, just because they caught one another looking in their direction.

Callum nudges Ben’s shoulder softly, a shy grin on his face now.

Ben nudges Callum’s shoulder too, crinkles forming at the corners of his eyes with how wide he’s grinning now, his annoyance of the evening long forgotten.

“Do you want to?” Callum asks, his lips close to Ben’s ears, all hot.

Ben nods, and turns his face to respond. “May as well.” He says, trying not to sound too pleased about the whole situation, but Callum can see right through him with that smile.

Callum’s hands fall to Ben’s waist, holding him there. Into the last few seconds now, and it shows in everyone around them.

Ben hooks his arms around Callum’s shoulders, both of them facing each other now. He can see the blush on Callum’s cheeks, and he’s fairly confident he’s red in the face too, however well disguised that may be by the flashing lights up above them.

Everyone around them prepares, screams and shouts everywhere. The tension is palpable.

Here goes nothing. This is happening.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” The entire club explodes, confetti raining down from the ceiling, loud music suddenly playing again and Ben’s standing on the tip of his toes to kiss Callum. It’s hot and passionate for two people who only just met for the first time mere hours ago, but that just makes it better. Callum’s hands are on Ben’s waist still, his thumbs circling against his skin, and his touch is sending shivers right the way down Ben’s spine. Ben grins into the kiss, trying to reach higher and higher, falling deeper into the kiss itself and Callum struggles to hold them both up with his legs that are for some reason turning to jelly.

Callum pulls back for a moment, their foreheads touching. “Well that was a great start to the year.” He chuckles breathlessly. “Best New Years kiss I’ve had.”

Ben grins and bites his lips shyly. “Really?” He asks, his hands on Callum’s face now, feeling the heat of his cheeks under his touch. “Reckon I might need another one, you know, just to be sure.”

Callum hums and leans in to kiss Ben once again, accepting the invitation without even so much as a second thought.

two

“Can you believe it’s been a year?” Callum asks.

Ben’s sitting next to him, or rather, half on top of him. Callum’s threading his fingers through Ben’s hair, and it’s comforting. Ben hums and falls further into Callum’s touch. “Craziest year of my life.” He says, and it’s true. He’s fallen completely head over heels in love with Callum, and he never thought his life would turn out this way. But a year later, here they are, celebrating the New Year for the second year in a row, happy, in love, and as far away from any sweaty club as possible.

Callum’s leg might be going numb with Ben half sitting on it, but he doesn’t care one bit. It’s exactly where he wants to be. Ben in his lap, beer in his hand, family and friends surrounding them as they wait for the New Year to be rung in live on television. It’s somewhat of a low-key affair this year, but he doesn’t mind so much, because they’ve experienced the clubbing New Years together once before. “Are you all really setting off fireworks?” He asks lowly, fingers on Ben’s back, warming him up.

Ben looks towards him with a soft smile on his face. “Yeah.” Ben says. “We do it every year.” He sees the nervousness in Callum’s eyes, and rests his hands against Callum’s cheeks, just as he had done a year previously and it relaxes Callum almost instantly. “Hey, it’ll be fine. If it’s too much for you, we’ll come back inside.”

Callum smiles softly, and turns his head to the side, pressing a gentle kiss to the palm of Ben’s hand. “I don’t deserve you.” Callum whispers. “At all.”

“Course you do, don’t be stupid.” Ben whispers, fully aware that his family would be able to hear their conversation, even if there’s music blaring from the television and everyone’s chatting amongst themselves. “Come in the kitchen.” He says, and stands up, holding his hand out for Callum to grab.

Ben’s family watches them, but they don’t say anything. They’ve welcomed Callum this year, and he spends most of his time around them now, it’s not unusual to see him and Ben cosying up to one another, nor holding hands.

Callum watches as Ben shuts the kitchen door behind them, blocking out the sound from the living room where all the family and friends remain. Ben pulls him into a hug, letting Callum rest his head in the crook of Ben’s neck. His breathing slows down to a calm rhythm, inhaling and exhaling to the same beat of Ben’s hand running up and down his spine.

“We can stay here if that’s what you want.” Ben says. “Nobody will care, they’ll understand.”

Callum sighs for a moment, and takes in the familiar scent of Ben. He kisses Ben’s neck softly and warmly and then pulls away. “I’m not ruining your New Year. I’ll be there. As long as I’ve got you, I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Ben asks, running his thumb along Callum’s bottom lip.

Nodding, Callum smiles. “I’m sure.” He confirms and he’s just about to lean in for a kiss, a proper kiss, until there’s a short knock at the door and Lola pokes her head around.

“We’re heading out now, there’s five minutes to go.” She says.

“We’ll get our coats in a second.” Ben says, and waits for her to leave them be. “Are you definitely sure?”

“Yes Ben.” Callum rolls his eyes, but it’s more teasing than anything else. “I’m definitely, absolutely, one hundred percent sure.”

Ben chuckles softly and unravels himself out of their embrace, opening the kitchen door to reveal everyone filing out into the hallway, shrugging on all their coats. Ben picks up his coat first and then Callum’s, handing it to him with a warm smile.

It’s freezing outside, breath visible as it swirls around in the air. Ben links his fingers with Callum and they walk hand in hand with everyone else, heading over to where all the fireworks line up.

This year, there’s no countdown, not a proper one anyway. This year, they just rely on everyone around them to realise when midnight eventually hits, and when it eventually does, the fireworks set off all around them, not just from the Mitchell’s, but other displays too. They all light up the night sky dazzlingly, a multitude of colours exploding everywhere. Ben stands on the tip of his toes yet again, just as he did the year previously. His hands are cold against Callum’s face, but neither of them seem to care at all. Their lips collide, and it’s a familiar feeling now, even though it still sends tingles down their spine. Callum jumps as a firework booms overhead, but Ben keeps holding onto him until he forgets it all and focuses entirely on Ben, and kissing him. Callum pulls back for just a moment, just one tiny second as he tries to catch his breath. His eyes are still shut, and Ben’s all encompassing, surrounding him. “I love you Ben.” He breathes out and he eventually opens his eyes, finally watching Ben, and watching as his eyes light up at Callum’s words. “More than anything.”

“I love you too.” Ben says, his words barely above a whisper. “So much.”

three

This year, it’s another more relaxing New Year. After such a chaotic year, it’s welcome. This year, they finally got their own home, a space they can call their own. It’s still very much a work in progress, even months after moving in, because Ben’s discovered a newfound love for interior design and has been trying to make their home as perfect as possible for them. The original plan was for them to host a New Years party, but with Ben deciding that the house isn’t quite ready, they’ve put it off for a year, and instead, they’re all back at the Mitchell’s house, this time with more people there, given that the family constantly seems to grow each year.

Music is playing, a cheerful song from years past, one that everyone seems to remember and know, judging by the amount of people tapping their feet or humming along. Callum’s sitting on the sofa, waiting for Ben to reappear with their drinks, and when he does, Callum watches how Kathy pulls Ben in, making him dance with her. A few people join in with them, though it’s mainly just the younger children being all hyperactive from the sugar rush and the excitement of finally being allowed to stay up way past their bedtimes. Ben puts their drinks down for a second, when he finally escapes his mum’s dancing as she moves onto one of the younger children, and there’s a bright red blush on his face but his complete and utter happiness is captivating.

“Come on.” Ben says, holding his hand out for Callum to grab.

Callum shakes his head, though he’s laughing too, mainly because the whole situation is ridiculous, but also because he’s happy. “Absolutely not.” He says, and he’s adamant that he won’t get up and dance. “You’ve had too much wine. It’s gone right to your head.”

“I don’t care.” Ben grins. “I want to dance with you.” He holds both of his hands out now, and squeezes the air to tell Callum to take his hands.

They stare each other down for a moment, both of them teasingly narrowing their eyes at one another until Callum finally concedes, rolling his eyes and he lifts his hands up for Ben to take, which he does gladly, linking their fingers together with a bright and beaming smile on his face. Ben finally gets Callum dancing, though it’s more standing in one position and moving ever so slightly whilst everyone runs about around them, but he doesn’t care one bit, he’s enjoying seeing in the New Year with his boyfriend. The music changes over, though it’s only on for a minute or two before the presenters on the television announce that the New Year is only a minute away. Everyone stands up, all huddled around the television, trying to sneak a glimpse of what’s going on in the city, someone quickly hands out party poppers, making sure everyone has one to pull when the clock strikes twelve and chimes. They’ve decided not to set off fireworks this year, because the weather isn’t good enough for it, so party poppers and glitter confetti will have to do.

The countdown begins, ten right down to one. There’s excitement in the air, anticipation for what’s to come. People steady their hands on the party poppers, streamers and confetti, but not Callum. He holds onto Ben, the most precious thing in the world to him. Ben turns his face and watches Callum, watches as the lights hit his face, watches as his eyes light up too, and all the little freckles that are just sitting on his skin, right under his eyes and across the bridge of his nose. There’s only a few seconds of the year remaining and yes, Ben might be drunk, but he doesn’t care one bit. If anything, the alcohol in his system spurs him on.

There’s shouts of happy new year, and suddenly tissue paper explodes everywhere and falls cautiously to the floor. Ben turns Callum’s head and presses an electrifying kiss to his lips, all passion and warmth and heat and there’s sparks flying everywhere. It’s perfect, and just as electric as their first kiss together was. When they eventually pull apart, streamers and confetti are stuck in their hair, but they don’t focus on that. They focus on each other. Ben smiles shyly, and picks up Callum’s left hand and kisses his knuckles gently, looking into his eyes as he speaks assuredly. “This time next year.” He says. “There’ll already be a ring on that finger of yours.”

#ballum #ben x callum #ben mitchell x callum highway #myfic

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minutemens-incorrect-files · 4 years

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Companions' Fav. NYE Activities?

I wrote this in half an hour! go me!

Happy New Year!

Ada - she doesn't really have a favorite "activity". As much as Ada enjoys watching the fireworks, and participating in what games she can, Ada finds joy in the gathering of friends. When she traveled with Jackson, they would just take the day to hang around and relax. The joy around her makes her happier than the activities themselves

Cait - Drinking games! She's never been too fond of the fireworks and the noise, but she most certainly drinks herself loopy. One of her favorite "drinking games" is shaking the champagne and pointing it at people. You shake it once, point, shake again, someone else. Eventually it'll pop :)

Codsworth - The fireworks! He especially enjoys lighting them. They used to have firework parties before the war, and ever since he first watched them, he found himself enamoured. His favorite ones are the fountains

Curie - Curie absolutely ADORES fireworks. After spending all of her life in a vault, the wasteland has time and time again shown her amazing and wonderful sights. Seeing the fireworks light up the sky (after she got over her initial panic) is something she'll never forget.

Danse - call him boring, but his favorite part is writing down resolutions and how he can achieve them. YES, he enjoys fireworks, and the ability to spend a night stress free with friends is important to him, but setting goals for himself and helping the others meet theirs is just Danse's way of. Well, having fun Danse's way.

Deacon - He enjoys playing games with friends until the countdown. poker is a great way to pass the time, especially if you have a game face like his. Is he fucking with you, or does he really have a bad ha- oh he has two aces. He's never been a huge fan of fireworks, but he'll hang around for them

Dogmeat - Dogmeat HATES fireworks, but he loves scavenging off the table when the day is done.

Gage - Frankly, he doesn't give a damn... Is what he'll say until Sole hands him the lighter. Okay, so he enjoys lighting fireworks, but can you blame him? It's fun. (He also enjoys pointing the Roman candles at people)

Hancock - the countdown. The actual party is fun as hell, but the countdown is just as fun, if not more when everyone participates. He has a tradition of getting everyone he can into the Third Rail for it. Makes it so much better when you have someone to share that midnight kiss with.

Longfellow - The drinking. He'll be blunt, he likes drinking in the company of others when there's a more positive air in the environment. He finds Cait funny as hell too (until the champagne cork hit him in the eye)

MacCready - The fireworks. Lighting up the sky with so many colors and designs is something that make him feel like a little kid. He'll point and "ooh" and "ah". He can't wait until he can light off some fireworks with Duncan.

Piper - Piper doesn't really care about New Years as a holiday. Sure, she'll write a little article for it, but she never got into the partying or the fireworks. She likes taking the day off, closing the paper, and spending the day with Nat, closing it off with some good old Takahashi noodles. (She does like playing poker with Deacon tho)

Preston - Much like Ada, Preston's favorite part isn't an activity, but the radiating joy and hope and togetherness the new year brings. Fireworks stress him out, but seeing everyone gathered, able to let their guard down, it.. really shows that what he's doing really means something.

Strong - Strong did not know what it was to celebrate New year's before Sole explained it to him. He still did not understand throughout the celebration. What he DID understand, is that there were explosions in the sky. He felt like he should be dealing with the source but.. it was kinda... Nice?

Valentine - The dinner. Even though he doesn't eat much, Nick enjoys sitting with everyone and just chatting. Before Sole, he'd invite Ellie over and they'd have dinner together. it was a bit different with so many people. Sitting together, relaxed and able to just enjoy each other's company. Made him feel more welcome and at home than he can remember.

X6-88 - He won't dare say it, but he adores the fireworks. He's never been one for drinking, and he found the game boring and repetitive. But damn.. watching those reds and blues and golds light up the sky was something else. He would stand there and watch the sky, externally stoic as ever, but internally he was like a little kid.

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swiftlythebest · 5 years

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Prompt: Nico asking Levi to be his plus one to the NYE party, what they say when they first see each other in their tuxes (cause HOT DAMN), and what they were up to during the party.

Hot damn indeed, anon, HOT DAMN INDEED. I wish the episode was just them, in their suits, being all adorable and lovey. I mean, what we got was good, but a girl can dream! This ended being a bit longer than I expected, but there was a lot to cover. I tried to line up with the events of the party, like them talking to Jo and dancing. Also, yeah, I threw in a Taylor Swift reference. Look at my URL, I had to. I put a lot it under a cut. I hope you enjoy!

“The Karevs are having a New Year’s party.” Nico Kim announced, breaking the sleepy silence that had descended upon his bedroom.

“Hm? Oh yeah, I heard about that. Dark blue scrubs only.” Levi Schmitt, who had almost been asleep, turned to face Nico.

“Well, sort of. I get a plus one. So I was hoping at least one light blue scrub would be there.” Nico turned and gazed into Levi’s bright eyes, now heavy with tiredness.

“You gonna invite Deluca?” Levi yawned.

“No silly. I have on good authority there’s this one intern who is a great date.” Nico smiled coyly.

“Yeah, but I hear Casey has a girlfriend.” Levi teased some more.

“Are you gonna make me say it?” Levi quirked an eyebrow. “Levi, will you be my date to the Karevs’ party?”

“Aw, how sweet! But no.” Levi yawned again.

Nico’s smile faded. “No?”

“I’m supposed to be covering the ICU that night. So I will be ringing in the New Year actually in those light blue scrubs.” He lifted his hands in a mock cheer.

“Okay. I guess we’re spending New Year’s Eve in the ICU.” Nico shrugged.

“What?”

“There’s no way I’m starting the new year without you. So I’ll swing by the ICU and bring some sparkling cider and we’ll have our own little celebration.”

Levi gaped at him. “You’re incredible.” They shared a small kiss before Nico wrapped Levi up in his arms and they drifted off to sleep.

“Natasha’s speaking!” Levi almost yelled this announcement into Nico’s ear as soon as he picked up the phone.

“Oh wow, that’s great!” Nico knew how important this patient was to Levi.

“No. I mean, yes it’s great, but it also means that Dr. Grey wants to stay here with her.” There was no mistaking the smile in Levi’s voice. “I can come to the party!”

“You can?! That’s amazing! How about you get cleaned up and I’ll come get you at 11:15? That’ll give us at least a little bit of time at the party.” Nico was already laying out the suit he had planned to wear that night.

“Perfect! Perfect, perfect, perfect! I’ll see you soon, handsome!” Levi hung up the phone and practically bolted out of the hospital, hoping his nice dress shirt wasn’t too wrinkled.

Levi opened the door at Nico’s knock and immediately lost his breath. Nico has been looking down and lifted his head, his eyebrows raised slightly and a bright smile on his face. He looked like he had walked out of an ad for attractive men in suits. His suit was a classic black, but he had paired it with a thin burgundy tie and a burgundy shirt with a paisley pattern. It was definitely a good look. Levi could not contain his attraction and reached up to pull Nico in for a kiss.

When they pulled apart, Levi gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry. You just look… really good. Like, so good. Like. Wow.”

“Me? Look at you!” Nico indicated for Levi to give a spin, which he did, laughing at the silliness of the situation. “That color grey brings out your eyes. And you have a pocket square! Adorable!” Levi blushed. “I’m so going to have the hottest date there.”

“Nope, I’m afraid that’s me.” Levi laughed.

“Let’s compromise: we’ll be the hottest couple there.” Nico grabbed Levi’s hand. “Let’s go, you hottie.”

They pulled up to the Karevs’ apartment complex, just managing to get one of the last parking spots. Since they were arriving so late to the party, they figured they wouldn’t drink too much, just a bit of champagne at midnight. Plus, Levi was technically still on call so he needed to be sure he was sober in case he got called into the hospital.

Nico led Levi by the hand into the apartment, a big smile on his face. He couldn’t imagine a better way to ring in the New Year than with his snappily-dressed boyfriend at a party with all his friends. Andrew Deluca stopped Levi and Nico went ahead to grab a drink for them.

“Nico! Nico Kim!” Jo Karev was clearly a little drunk as she made her way over to Nico. “I’m so glad you could make it! You said you were bringing someone. Is he here?” She looked around to try to find his date.

Levi crept up behind Nico, intertwined their fingers, and leaned up to place a small kiss on his cheek. “Hey, sorry about that. Deluca just wanted to know why I wasn’t in the ICU.”

“Glasses!” Jo exclaimed excitedly.

“It’s Levi.” Nico responded curtly.

“Sorry! Levi! Levi’s your plus one? You two are…” She trailed off.

“Together? Yeah, we’re together.” Levi smiled fondly up at Nico.

“Cute! Drinks! Let me get you drinks!”

“Just soda for me. I’m technically on call.” Levi hastened to note.

Jo threw off a mock salute. “Aye aye!”

Drinks in hand, they came to stand at the edge of the party, happy to have a bit of space to themselves. Jo rushed through the crowd, proclaiming it to almost be midnight and everyone grabbed some champagne and a kissing partner for the countdown.

As the time ticked down, Nico turned to Levi, who was watching the party with a delighted smile. This was his opportunity to see his superiors and idols in a casual setting and let them see him as more than just a clumsy intern. Nico was so happy to have given him that chance. As the clock struck 12, he leaned over and whispered, “Happy New Year.”

“Shut up.” Levi teased as he grabbed Nico’s neck to pull him down for a kiss. They kissed for a few moments longer than was probably socially acceptable before pulling back and gazing lovingly at each other.

“This is the best New Year ever. I can’t believe I get to start the year with you.” Nico smiled wide.

“I’ve never had a New Year’s kiss. I’ve never had anyone I hoped to spend the next year with. But I want that with you. I want all the new years. I want your midnights.”

“Did you just quote Taylor Swift at me?” Nico gave small laugh.

Levi shrugged. “It felt appropriate.”

The two were soon pulled onto the dance floor, where they bopped around with the Karevs and Jackson for a while, laughing at how horrible all the doctors were at dancing. Levi’s dancing in particular was more just a bunch of jumping than actually dancing. But Nico thought he looked unbelievably adorable, which he made sure to tell him.

“Cheesy. So so cheesy!” Levi yelled over the music.

“Only for you. Always for you.” Levi stopped jumping to look into Nico’s eyes. Something intense and important passed between them, something neither was ready to put into words, but both knew they were feeling.

“Let’s go home.” Levi said abruptly, breaking them from their reverie.

“We haven’t been here that long.” Nico weakly protested.

“I know. But I want to be with you. Just you.” Levi grabbed Nico’s hand to lead him out of the party and make their way back to Nico’s apartment, both knowing the year ahead was uncertain but would most definitely include each other.

#schmico #anonymous #asked and answered #schmico prompt #levi schmitt #nico kim #nico kim x levi schmitt #nico kim and levi schmitt

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postcards-fromafar · 7 years

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Taipei

Taipei is a small island east of mainland China, and it was a nice break for us since we had six nights there. We found it to be an enjoyable place to go to night markets, eat lots of good food, and also check out some interesting cultural spots, like the National Museum, and nature spots, like Elephant Mountain. It was especially interesting being in Taiwan given that it has been in the US news recently. Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China, considers itself to be an independent country. However, China views it as part of China that will one day be reunified. If a country wants to have diplomatic relations with China, it needs to accept China’s position on this and not have official ties with Taiwan. Trump caused some controversy a couple of months ago when he was the first US leader to take a call from a Taiwanese president since 1979. However, while we were in Taipei, we learned that Trump had spoken to the leader of China and agreed to abide by the “One China” policy.

Highlights

-Huaxi Night Market- This small market was a combination of some really tasty food and really weird booths and shops. For example, there was one booth where the guy was just selling calculators. There were also an inordinate amount of porn DVD shops.

-Meander hostel- We loved our hostel. They had several different activities, like a free walking tour through the Ximending neighborhood and a movie night (we watched Pulp Fiction).

-Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall changing of the guard- A huge national monument that is in memory of the former president of the Republic of China. Every hour, there is a changing of the guard ceremony for the guards who are watching his statue. It was quite the show!

-View of the city and Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain- This was a relatively short hike up (under half an hour), but it was all stairs. I was panting by the time we got to the top, but the view was worth it. We went at sunset so we were able to see the sun going down over the city.

-Addiction Aquatic- This is a gourmet seafood market. For all you Chicago people, imagine a smaller Mariano’s with just seafood. When you first walk in, there are lots of tanks with crabs. Some of them are HUGE and look like sea monsters.

-Pingxi Lantern festival- As Dan posted before, this is one of the coolest things we’ve done on the trip. The Discovery Channel called this the second biggest NYE celebration in the world. Everyone buys lanterns and writes their hopes and wishes for the year on them and then sends them up in to the sky. There were 8 official launches, where groups send them up together. We bought one earlier in the day with Leslie. There were four different colors on it, representing luck, health, success, and safety. We wrote our wishes for each of these things on the four panels (looking at you, Notre Dame championship). Then the lantern got lit and we sent it up into the heavens!

-Our market/karaoke evening- We met up with a friend of a friend at Shilin Market (see people section). He brought along two of his friends, and we had some drinks at the Shilin night market. They then took us to the Green Door, a dive bar where their friend’s band was playing. We watched the band, had a bunch of beer, and Leslie and I karaoked to Call Me Maybe. Dan met another new friend and played pool, and we went home at the end of the night tired and smelling like smoke but happy to have made new friends! This was such a random, fun evening, and we are so glad that it happened.

-Renting bikes- Dan and I rented bikes through the city’s bike system (similar to Divvy in Chicago) and biked around for a couple of hours, mostly by the river. It was a fun way to see more of the city than we would have been able to on foot.

-Going to Tamsui with Dana, Mark, and Craig- We went to Tamsui, a seaside district, for the afternoon. We grabbed drinks with Craig, Dana, Mark, and their dogs and wandered along the boardwalk.

-National Palace Museum- This museum has ~700,000 artifacts and art from ancient China.

Bummers

-It was unseasonably chilly while we were in Taiwan- in the 50′s most of the time. However, it was still warmer than Chicago so can’t complain too much!

-There were a couple of creepy dudes the first night who very intensely stared at us for longer than was comfortable. Fortunately, we didn’t get any of this the rest of the time. I think it’s partly cultural though- it’s not as rude to stare at people in other places the way it is in the US.

-Leslie leaving- :( :( :( We knew the time had to come but wish it hadn’t come upon us so fast! Leslie headed back to Chicago on the 13th.

Eats

So much eating to do in so little time! We got most of our inspiration from this article: http://thesmartlocal.com/read/scoot-to-taipei

-Street eats- There was so much good street food in Taipei and it was all so cheap! We stuffed ourselves with the following:

Churro like things- fried dough goodness

Mochi balls with peanuts

Braised pork rice with egg on top (only $1USD)

Pepper bun- cooks by sticking to the inside of this oven, filled with meat and green onions

Popcorn chicken

Small fried crabs that tasted like wheat thins- I enjoyed these (probably wouldn’t have tried them if I hadn’t already had a couple drinks), and Leslie LOVED them

Fried salt and pepper squid- They sell this along the boardwalk in Tamsui. This was another seafood snack that I found myself enjoying, much to my surprise. It’s chopped into small bits and fried so more appetizing than the entire fried squids on sticks.

Scallion pancakes- I had this three times while in Taipei; it was that good. They fry up a pancake like thing and crack and fry an egg underneath it. You can add stuff to it, so I added cheese and bacon. YUM!

-Shaved ice- a go-to dessert in Taipei. We had mango shaved ice and banana chocolate shaved ice. Such a nice treat and big enough for two people to share. Despite the chilly weather, we had this a couple times during our stay.

-Breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk- We read about this place in a food blog so braved the line for Chinese breakfast on our first morning in Taipei. We got so much food for only ~$4USD per person!

-Dumplings at Hangzhou Xiaolong Bao- Because what would another stop in Asia be without dumplings?

-Addiction Aquatic- I opted out but Dan and Leslie had cheesy oysters, grilled shrimp, and sashimi bento. They seemed quite pleased with themselves.

-Kooks- Restaurant on the mountain that Dana, Mark and Craig took us too. We got our Western food fix (macaroni, pesto chicken burger, and french fries). The owner is married to a Canadian expat and her little kids were running around by us; it was a cool spot!

Drinks

-Bubble tea- At Leslie’s encouragement, I tried tea with boba (the bubble like things) for the first time. It was good and filling! The bubbles are fun to chew on but disconcerting when they shoot up your straw while you’re drinking.

-Taiwan beer- available in lots of different flavors (mango, grape, honey, etc)

-Ginger tea- available at markets and street food carts. Exactly what it sounds like & good for a cold day.

-Coffee at Wilbeck- This place has fancy brewed coffee and lattes. I got banana hot chocolate.

-Funky Fresh bar at the Shilin night market- They had a lot of good craft beers and several fruity beers (kept me happy). Also, some guy thought Dan looked like a celebrity and was delighted when Dan let him take his picture with him.

-Beer and Cheese- This place hit the spot. We had tasty beer and cider and grilled cheese sandwiches. Dan had a Reuben sandwich, and I had a pesto cheddar one.

-Green Door- Craig, Dana, and Mark took us to this local dive bar, complete with cheap beer, locals doing karaoke, and a pool table. It was a good time.

People

-Leslie- Leslie was our partner in crime once more for our time in Taipei.

-We met some cool people on our walking tour through the hostel- we later met up with one of them, Philip, and his friend Nacho at the lantern festival. It’s always fun to meet up with fellow travelers.

-Craig- Our friend Chris connected us with his buddy from his time in Shanghai. Craig took us out to a bar in the Shilin night market and also joined up with us a couple days later. He has been living in Taipei for ~20 years teaching English, so we enjoyed hearing about his experiences.

-Dana and Mark- We met Dana and Mark through Craig. We hung out with them at the Shilin Market and the dive bar, and then they generously took us out with them to Tamsui a couple days later! It was great getting to know them (and meeting their cute dogs!)

-Aaron- We met Aaron at Green Door. He and Dan instantly bonded, and it was really hard to tear Dan away from their pool game at the end of the night.

Observations and Insights

-Most likely to die by: gluttony. So much good street food.

-Taiwan is the most gay friendly Asian country other than Thailand. It could be the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage this year.

-There are lots of stray dogs. Groups of them like to hang out in the grass by the river. We saw a super adorable group of 7 puppies. Dan wouldn’t let me touch them, much to my dismay (although I see the wisdom in that).

-Lots of people are scratching off lottery tickets at little storefronts throughout the city.

-While biking, we saw a lady biking along while listening to opera music. She had two parrots sitting on her handlebars. I aspire to someday be like her.

-We learned that onion is considered a meat for Buddhists.

-The MRT stations have soundtracks for when the train is arriving and departing. When it is pulling into the station, there is either soothing or triumphant music (one that sounds like an exuberant “Here comes the bride” song). When it is about to leave, the train starts making noises designed to stress you out.

-It is illegal to teach English to children of kindergarten age or younger. However, all of the middle class people want their kids to learn English earlier, so it still happens. In schools where English teachers are teaching the young kids, they have places for the teachers to hide if the school gets raided by the government so that they don’t get deported.

Tips

-Get an Easycard. You can use these for public transit and also to buy stuff at places like 7-11.

-Cash is more accepted than credit card. Using small change also seems to be appreciated.

#Taipei #Taiwan #Asia #MeanderHostel

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