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starlightrows · 4 years ago

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Something Sweet

Chapter 5: Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Bubble Baths

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Series Masterlist

Pairing: Modern! Paz Vizsla x reader

Word Count: 3.3k

Warnings: NSFW, oral (f receiving), fluff!!!

Summary: You and Paz work hard to rebuild and keep afloat. Paz decides you need a little extra TLC!

AN: My contribution to @maybege ‘s birthday bash! I haven’t abandoned Pastry Chef!Paz and Florist!Reader. Happy Birthday May!

The bakery closes much earlier than the bar does, so after the bakery closes Paz drives you to your apartment to help you load up your car with a bunch of your stuff to help start the moving process. It will be a little while before you can actually move in with him. You’ll need to give notice to your apartment complex, be put on the lease for his apartment, and a great many other things. Details to be worked out later. For now the rest of your clothes and bath products would have to do.

When you get back to his apartment, neither of you bother with trying to put any of it away. You just leave it in the living room.

“Do you want a shower before bed?” He asks you

“No, I just want to sleep,” you mumble. Taking off your shoes and changing into a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a hoodie.

Waking up so early to open the bakery every day leaves you both exhausted around 2pm when the store closes. It makes the most sense for you both to just sleep all afternoon and then get up again in the evening to spend time with your friends.

And tonight, you would have to go back to Boba’s Place to talk about whatever he was ominously alluding to. You’ll worry about that later.

You crawl into Paz’s bed and cozy up under the warm comforter. He bends over to press a kiss to your forehead

“I’m gonna throw dinner in the crock pot, then I’ll be right back” he whispers. You nod with closed eyes and hum in acknowledgment. Sleep pulls you under before Paz even gets to the kitchen.

He isn’t far behind you. He throws some chicken in the crock pot with seasoning and sauce and leaves it to cook for a couple hours. As soon as it’s set he’s in bed with you and knocked out too.

When you wake up a couple hours later, he’s still asleep. So you get up as quietly as you can and start making sides to go with dinner. Just some halved baby potatoes and roasted broccoli. You figure that you’ll both have plenty of time to let the sides finish cooking, eat, and relax a little bit before you go meet up at Boba’s place after closing.

Paz gets up shortly before dinner’s ready. It stirs something in his soul seeing you in his kitchen, wearing his hoodie, cooking dinner for the two of you. He can’t help standing in the hallway, and just staring at you. He snaps out of it before you have the chance to notice, and comes into the kitchen to greet you.

He slides his arm around your waist and kisses the top of your head “Thank you for making sides, I can set up plates”

“Sure” you smile. Paz sets out plates, cutlery, and cups. You serve up dinner, and sit down to eat. As you cut into your dinner you realize something, sitting here at his table, cooking dinner together… this is your new normal. The thought of it makes you smile.

After dinner is cleaned up, you change back into jeans but leave Paz’s hoodie on. He goes down stairs to warm up the truck, and you bring down a batch of peanut butter cookies to share with Boba and Fennec after locking up the apartment.

Paz drives you both downtown with one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding your hand. He parks behind Boba’s Place and waits for you to climb out of the truck to head in through the back entrance with you.

Fennec is wiping down tables and Boba is counting the till, he glances up when he hears you both come in. “Have a seat” he says nodding at the bar.

You place the plate of cookies on the bar, and hop up onto one of the stools. Paz slides onto the one beside you.

“Drinks?” Boba asks “on the house”

“No thank you” you say softly

“Paz?” Boba looks to his friend

“I’m good” Paz puts up a hand in appreciative decline “Why’d you ask us to come over tonight?”

“Fennec?” Boba looks up at his partner

“We’re all locked up boss” she assures him, and heads over to the bar to take a seat next to you

“Alright, here’s the thing” Boba leans in “I don’t think the fire was an accident”

You look up quickly “What?”

“What are you talking about?” Paz asks

“I was talking to one of my old friends, works with the fire department, says the arson investigator that was at your place is…. crooked… if you catch my meaning” Boba explains

“So what? You think it was done on purpose and the arson investigator is covering it up?” Paz asks

“That’s exactly what I think” Boba says “Faulty gas line? If that was true… wouldn’t all the building on our street be at risk or be getting mandatory checks?”

“Fair point… any idea who would do something like this?” He asks.

You reach your hand towards Paz under the bar, without even thinking about it Paz flips his hand and laces his fingers with yours. He glances towards you, and sees your face… Despondent and overwhelmed.

“Are you kidding?” Fennec chimes in “Who has been grilling our asses for months trying to get us to sell out? Who came sniffing about trying to get her to forfeit the deed to the store even though it’s in ruins?”

You squeeze Paz’s hand “Gideon” Paz says

A heavy silence hangs in the air. Everyone knows it’s true. It’s just…

“Now what do we do?” Paz asks, somewhat rhetorically

“We go after him!” Boba says “We have to—”

“If this is true. And Gideon really is trying to sabotage our businesses then we could be putting ourselves in real danger going after him” you cut Boba off “If we are wrong and we accuse him we can get in real legal trouble for slander… and if we’re right and we don’t do it quick enough or correctly, who knows what he’ll do to us… he committed arson to get me to break, what other crimes will he commit if we start making trouble?”

You lean forward to rest your elbow on the bar and place a hand on your forehead. Feeling a stress headache starting to come on.

“She’s right” Paz says “We’re lucky no one was around and got hurt during the fire. I agree we have to do something, but we need to be careful about this”

Boba and Paz toss out ideas to catch him in the act, find a paper trail, figure out who actually started the fire, put in for a second arson investigation, and on and on and on.

It’s too overwhelming, it’s all just too much. Fennec notices you look like you’re about to breakdown crying and jumps in.

“Guys, stop” she says calmly “Honey, it’s your store. What do you think?”

Paz turns his attention back to you, feeling a bit guilty for not noticing how quiet you’d gotten.

You take a shaky breath “You’re right. We do have to do something. But I don’t think I can handle all this… I have an idea that can help a little more long term” you say.

Paz rubs your hand with his thumb, and gives you an encouraging smile.

“I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time. I want to petition the city council to have our buildings marked as historical landmarks. That way they are entitled to proper upkeep and maintenance, and they are protected from money hungry bastards like Gideon” you explain “Boba, you are more than welcome to keep the investigation going. I’ll do whatever I can to help, but I really don’t think I have it in me to fight this head on like this,”

“It wouldn’t hurt to have the protection of a historical landmark status,” Boba offers “But he is behind all this. I know it. If we don’t do something others, including us, are at risk of losing their businesses or getting hurt. I’m not going to sit back and wait for him to burn down everything we’ve worked for”

“So we fight this from both sides,” Paz says, “We’ll work on getting the city council’s approval, you work on collecting evidence on Gideon”

Boba and Fennec exchange a look and they both nod “I’m not sure how much we can help with the city council thing, but we’ll do what we can if you need us”

“Just be careful” you say “I don’t want to lose my business and my friends”

“Don’t worry about us, we’ve got old contacts that will help us out” Fennec assures you

The night winds down after that. You leave the cookies with Fennec and Boba, and head home with Paz.

——

As the chill of autumn creeps in, the bakery gets more and more popular. Instead of light summer flavors like lemon and strawberry, you and Paz start concocting richer autumnal flavored treats. Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips, cranberry and orange rind scones, oatmeal cookies with dried black and raspberries, and chocolate truffles with piped icing spider webs. And of course, warm bread is made fresh every day.

When you’re not working at Paz’s shop, you’re working on design repairs to your own shop, or dealing with your insurance and the construction company. As much as the area needs all the rain that’s begun falling, it’s inconvenient for a construction site. And any spare moment after that is being spent putting together your presentation for the city council.

It’s kind of fun doing all the research for the presentation. Finding old newspapers from the local library, scanning the pictures, reading the stories of what other businesses occupied those spaces. Apparently Paz’s storefront has always been a bakery. All the way back to when the building was first constructed. And Boba’s Place started out as a saloon. It seems that history does seem to repeat itself, and some traditions are kept alive into the modern day.

Paz has been helping out with the research too, among a great many other things to help you out. He reads through historical documents to add to the presentation. Trades off cooking dinner with you. Sometimes he’ll take the calls with the construction company, just to give you a break from it all. And he definitely makes sure you’re sleeping and eating enough. But still, even with his help, he sees how much it’s wearing you down.

He’s beginning to worry about you. The sparkle in your eyes seems to dim further and further with every passing day. You’re getting more and more nervous to give this presentation.

“What are we gonna do if the city council flat out tells us no?” You ask him one afternoon

“They won’t. We have a good case for why our buildings are qualified to be considered historical landmarks, and a whole host of reasons why having a historical landmark in your city is good for the city’s growth and culture” He reminds you “They won’t say no”

“But what if they do say no… what happens then?” The defeat and distress is apparent in your voice.

“Then we keep going” he says “We get your flower shop built back up again. And throw the biggest opening day party this town has ever seen. The world won’t end if the city says no sweetheart”

Despite his comforting words, he can see they aren’t helping you the way he hopes they will. Still you smile, wrap your arms around his neck and thank him softly. He wraps his own arms around you and rubs your back. He promises himself, when this is all over, regardless of how it turns out he’s going to do something extra special for you.

Finally the day you’re scheduled to speak to the city council comes. You both dress nicely, and go to city hall. It’s nerve wracking to sit through all the other matters needing attending before you and Paz are called forward to speak. He holds your hand, even though his own leg is shaking. He’s more nervous than he expected he would be, but has to keep a lid on it for your sake.

When you’re called up to the podium, you both step forward and present all of the historical information and significance you’ve spent the last 2 months researching. You feel like you enter a trance, hardly even aware of yourself as you make your presentation. You come to and realize you’ve reached the end of your slides when the council members tell you that they would be happy to enstate the district of buildings you’ve described as historical landmarks, however the state historical society will also need to approve and register the district.

You’re stunned for a moment. That’s it? That’s all it takes?

The head woman on the council informs you that all you need to do now is mail in the paperwork you’ve already assembled. with the signature of the city council, and wait for their secondary approval and you’re all set.

You thank them graciously, and make your exit with your hand tucked into the crook of Paz’s arm. The second you walk out of city hall, Paz turns to you and takes you in his arms, lifting you gently from the ground and hugging you tightly.

“I’m so proud of you” he says gently

You smile against him “Hey you did half the work, I’m proud of you too”

He chuckles and sets you back down on the ground.

“Come on” he says “Let’s go home so you can take a nap”

“Okay” you reply softly

Much as you always do at midday, Paz drives you both back to the apartment, and you go lay down for a nap while he starts dinner. Except, today, he doesn’t come to bed with you. Instead he drinks a bottle of iced coffee, and gets to work.

Regardless of how today went, he had made secret plans to surprise and reward you for your hard work. He sets up the bathroom with candles, puts out your basket of face masks. He’ll run the bath closer to when you normally wake up. While your favorite dinner is cooking, he starts on a special dessert for you. Chocolate covered strawberries.

You wake up a couple hours later, alone in bed. The apartment smells amazing. You get up and wander into the kitchen, where Paz is just finishing setting the table.

He glances up and sees you standing in the hallway, looking a little sleepy and confused, but happily surprised.

“What’s all this?” You ask

“It’s for you” he says with a grin

“For me?” You come closer, seeing he’s made your favorite meal

“You’ve busted your ass the last couple months. You’ve worked so hard baby. So tonight is for you, dinner, dessert, spa night” he says

A smile spreads over your face and your heart beats faster in your chest

“You didn’t have to do all this for me” you sit at the table with him as he serves you

“I wanted to” he says sitting down with you “and you deserve it”

Dinner is delicious. Cooked perfectly to your liking. And the chocolate covered strawberries are the right amount of sweet and tart and chocolatey. You think it’s over when you’ve finished, and then he tells you to go get ready for him to run you a bath.

“Paz, you’re spoiling me” you smile

“I’m allowed to spoil my girlfriend aren’t I?” He kisses your cheek as he passes by you to run you a hot bath full of Epsom salts, and lavender scented bubbles.

The bath is relaxing. Paz really saw to everything. Candles, light music, face mask, a glass of wine. It’s honestly the most relaxed you’ve felt since you moved to this city.

When the bath water starts to go cold, and you start feeling a little restless in the bath you get up and wrap yourself in a fluffy towel. Stepping out into the bedroom you gaze at Paz, lounging on the bed wearing only his sleeping pants. When you come in he sits up.

“Feel better?” He asks

In answer you drop the towel and climb into his lap, cradling his face in your hands and kissing him deeply. His hands come to rest on your hips, and he kisses you back.

“Paz” you whisper, leaning your forehead onto his “I love you”

He squeezes his eyes closed and runs his hands up and down your bare sides.

“I love you too” he whispers, tilting his head forward and slanting his lips over yours.

His hands drift higher up your body to cup your breasts. He squeezes them gently, and rolls your nipples between his fingers. You hum into his kiss as he takes his time, feeling you. His hands drift lower, settling back on to your hips, pressing you into him.

His hands are warm and firm, as they’ve always been. They lift you off of his lap, and turn you around to lay back on the mattress so he can climb over you. He presses his thigh between your parted legs, and trails his lips down the column of your neck. Every inch of your skin feels exposed, waiting to see where he’ll kiss you next. Down between your breasts, over your tummy, across your hips to your navel.

His eyes shift upward, retracing the path of his lips until they settle on your eyes gazing back down at him. His gentle breath fans out over your thighs, and makes your insides clench in anticipation. Without shifting his eyes at all he parts his lips and presses his face forward into your sex, pushing his tongue between your folds.

A breathy sigh escapes your lips as he licks a broad stripe up from the bottom of your slit all the way to the top. At the top of his stroke he pauses, holding your clit in his mouth for an extra moment before ever so gently beginning to flick the tip of his tongue back and forth across your sensitive bud. Slowly, deliberately and solely for your pleasure he focuses his attention on transitioning from using his tongue to sucking on your clit.

Your hands creep down to where his head rests between your thighs, carding your fingers through his hair and holding him there. A silent plea, please don’t stop.

His ministrations grow more and more intense. Pressing in further, sucking harder, letting out small groans to match your whimpering grasps. Your lips buck forward into his face and your thighs clamp down around his head as your building orgasm grows closer and closer.

“Paz” you moan

He squeezes your thighs and doesn’t let up. On another night he might pull back a bit and tease you before letting you cum, but not tonight. Tonight is for you, he puts in all of his effort into sucking your clit, squeezing your thighs, listening to your moan his name, and catching every drop of your release as you cum on his lips.

When he finally pulls his face away, his chin glistening and cheeks grinning, he looks down at you. Admiring you laying in his bed in complete bliss. He extends a hand down to you to stroke or cheek. You tilt your face into his hand, savoring his affectionate touch before you open your eyes again.

“Your turn” you smile gently

Paz shakes his head, still stroking your cheek “Not tonight” he says softly “Tonight’s just for you”

“You sure?” you ask

“Positive” he pulls his hand away, so he can quickly wipe off his face and bring you your favorite pajamas to put on. When you’re dressed and cleaned up, Paz lays back down with you and opens his arms for you.

You curl up with him, placing your head on his shoulder

“Thank you” you whisper “Today was perfect”

“You deserved every second of it”

Tag List:

@gallowsjoker @simping-for-clones @mxndoscyarika @hayley-the-comet @blackmarketmummy @littedragonlady @adancedivasmom @elinedjarin

#Paz Vizsla #paz vizsla x reader #paz vizsla x fem!reader #Pastry Chef!Paz #Florist!Reader #Something Sweet

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starlight-visions · 3 years ago

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Lacey’s shop reimagined as a cute green house

#Something Sweet #SOSW #Pastry Chef!Paz #Florist!reader

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theroyalsims · 3 years ago

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CROWN PRINCESS ANYA DRAWS LARGE CROWDS FOR EARLY MORNING OUTING

Looks like someone’s popular in Tartosa!

The Crown Princess was off to an early start today when she visited “Cucci Paz!”, a popular seaside restaurant around thirty minutes outside the capital. The restaurant, first established over forty years ago, is not only known for its delicious specialties, but also for its impressive program that gives back to the community.

The restaurant was established by Paz Dominique Soto, who was known locally as “Mama Paz.” The well-loved matriarch, who then was a single mother of six, started selling her home-made pasta dishes and pastries door to door. Her culinary creations became so in demand that she eventually opened a stall by the beach. In just a few years, the stall became a small eatery, and later, Mama Paz opened Cucci Paz!, her first restaurant. Mama Paz has since passed, but her granddaughter, Marie, has vowed to continue her grandmother’s legacy.

(Above: Her Royal Highness met with the the staff of Cucci Paz!, as well as its current owner and CEO, Marie Soto-Markovic.)

(Above: HRH, along with Prince Javier, chats with the restaurant’s CEO and head chef out on the balcony.)

Despite the success of Cucci Paz!, Marie has not forgotten her grandmother’s wish that they continue to give back to the community. The restaurant has pledged to “go local,” meaning all their ingredients - from vegetables to fish, dairy, poultry, and meats, are all sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and producers who exercise eco-friendly, sustainable and ethical farming practices.

The visit, which was in connection with HRH’s work on sustainable and ethical farming, was made at 8 AM, Tartosa Time, well before the restaurant opens to the public. This was so as not to disturb the restaurant’s workflow, as well as avoid disrupting the patrons’ culinary experience. However, despite the early hour, hundreds gathered, some waving Brindleton flags, in the hopes of seeing the Crown Princess - who seemed happy to oblige.

(Above: Crown Princess Anya waves to her adoring public as she heads inside the restaurant, along with Prince Javier.)

The Crown Princess was accompanied by Prince Javier, Queen Estafania’s youngest son. The Prince is currently second in line to the Tartosan throne, after her sister, Crown Princess Gianna. Like his late father, Prince Javier has a degree in Architecture. Although he cannot practice his profession, he collaborates and works with different charities, non-profits, as well as the public sector, so he can offer his expertise in his chosen field.

(Above: Looking Breezy and Beautiful - Anya wore a floral grey dress to her beachside outing this morning.)

Her Royal Highness picked the perfect ensemble for her seaside outing. The Crown Princess wore a brand new breezy floral dress, which she paired with nude strappy wedges. Her Royal Highness finished off her look with her grandma’s watch, multiple gold bangles, and a layered dainty gold necklace. Her Royal Highness is off to a jam-packed day today and we can’t wait to see where she’s headed off to next!

#ts4 #theroyalsims #ts4 story #ts4 legacy #simblr #ts4 royals #ts4 royalty #ts4 royal family #ts4 royal story #ts4 royal legacy #tartosa #mystory

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oysteringofclamelot · 3 years ago

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2021 Fic Round Up

New list for 2022 is pinned on blog

If you read one of my fics, and believe a tag needs to be added to ensure a good experience for all readers, please let me know (respectfully) in the comments. I will do my best to tag appropriately, but appreciate that I may miss something out.

I do not and will not write Dark!Character content.

Total Word Count: 772,368

2021 Total WC: 757,006

The Serendipity of You, T, 15k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Meet-cute, Crushes, Getting Together

To Run Ashore on Desert Sands, T, WIP, Canon-verse, DinLuke (light), The Children of the Watch are a Cult, Rumspringa, Coming of Age. (hiatus)

My Big Fat Mandalorian Parents - M - 9k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Established Relationship, Family Feels, Slice of Life, Part 3 of the My Big Fat Mandalorian Life series. Marked complete for now

The Littlest Things - T - 15k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Slice of Life, Soft, Strangers to Friends to Lovers

Dinner for Two - M - 38k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Slice of Life, Dinner, Getting together, Halldark - Part 4 of the Hallmark Does Not Approve series, Part 2 of the Luke for Din(ner) series

Come Dine with Me - T - 28k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Thanksgiving but Naboo, Terrible Family, Your Faves Are Not Nice (sorry!), Fake Date - Part 3 of the Hallmark Does Not Approve series, Part 1 of the Luke for Din(ner) series

The Buir Necessities - G - 15k, Jungle Book AU, DinLuke, Meet-cute, Quests, Falling in Love, Characters as Forest Animals.

If We’d Known What We Know Now - T - 51k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Divorce, Getting Back Together, Hurt/Comfort, Happy Ending

Getting It On Never Used to be This Hard - M - 16k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Slice of Life, Intimacy, Non-sexual Intimacy, Learning to Love, HallDark - Part 2 of the Hallmark Does Not Approve series, Part 2 of the Vegas Marriage series

Bake From the Heart - T - 3k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Pastry Chef Luke, Hot Dad Din, Meet-cute, 5+1 Things

That’s What You Get for Partying In Bespin - T - 36k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Hallmark AU, Meet Cute, Falling in Love, Married in Vegas - Part 1 of the Hallmark Does Not Approve series, Part 1 of the Vegas Marriage series

Cara’s Guide to Meeting the Love of Your Life (featuring Catfishing, Drunkenness, and a Crying Blond) - T - 5k, Modern AU, DinLuke, CaraLeia, Drunken Shenanigans, Fake Dates, Real Dates

We’ll Go the Same Way Together - E - 97k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Torture (Physical and Psychological), Violence, Angst, Whump (The Worst Whump One Commenter Has Ever Read)

My Big Fat Mandalorian Family - E - 148k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Family Feels, Sequel Kids, Quite a Bit of Sex, Slice of Life - Part 2 of the My Big Fat Mandalorian Life series

My Big Fat Mandalorian Wedding - M - 136k, Modern AU, DinLuke, My Big Fat Greek Wedding Inspired, Family Feels, Fluff, Love, Weddings - Part 1 of the My Big Fat Mandalorian Life series

Soaring Straight to Your Heart - T - 38k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Meet-cute, Weddings, There was Only One Bed, Soulmates

By Mutual Agreement - M - 26k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Jedi Cult, Mand’alor Din Djarin, Plots, Lust at First Sight

The Jedi Place - T - 8k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Father-son relationship, Angst, Loneliness, Gentle Love

The Steady Hands of Time - G - 2.5k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Future Fic, Old Men, Love Confessions

Summer Moon and Winter Sun - T - 14k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Depression, Love, Recovery, Mental Health Scares, Privated Fic

The Academic Implications of Having a Fine Ass - T - 7k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Academia, Meet-cute, Middle Aged Men in Love

Snapshots - G - 3k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Father-son relationship, Soft, Family Feels - Part 2 of the Photo Album of Life series

The Man in the Photo - G - 6k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Mystery, Grown-up Grogu, Period-Typical Homophobia (not explicit), Misunderstandings, Happy Ending - Part 1 of the Photo Album of Life series

Under the Gaze of the Manda - T - 1.6k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Crack-fic, Reminiscing, Paz and Din share a Braincell - Part 4 of the The Six Actions series

The Ritual - G - 1k, Modern AU, DinLuke, Silly, Superstition, Academia, Meet-cute

Alor - M - 18k - Canon-verse, DinLuke, Mand’alor Din Djarin, Misunderstandings, Trigger Warnings for Chapter 6 and Beyond (Grief, Loss, Depression) - Part 3 of the The Six Actions series

Aliit - T - 3.2k, Canon-verse, DinLuke, Din Djarin’s Backstory, 5+1 things, Found Family - Part 2 of The Six Actions series

Resol’nare - T - 22k, Canon-verse; DinLuke, My First Fanfic, Strangers to Lovers, Co-parenting, Crisis of Faith - Part 1 of The Six Actions series

#oysterwrites #fanfic round up 2021

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the-huffle-buddy · 5 years ago

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So here we are with my second drawing for my AU where Isabella takes Phineas to Mexico!

So today she takes him to a typical "panaderia"

So I decided to make this drawing because mexico is near of one of its celebrations with one of its most representative bread: "PAN DE MUERTO" which is the bread that Mexico begins to produce to prepare for "Dia de muertos" (which I will explain in another drawing)

Now: the history of "Pan Dulce"

According to experts, Mexico began producing bread and pastries after colonization, as the Spanish first brought flour to the country.

Mexican chef Yuri de Gortari has explained both sugar and flour arrived in Mexico along with colonizer Hernán Cortés, who granted Rodrigo de Paz a permit to open a mill in the Tacubaya area.

However, the bread produced by the Spanish was bland, and the locals preferred to eat tortillas. Nevertheless, French and Italian immigrants arrived in Mexico, bringing their delicious pastries with them during the 17th and 18th centuries. The French brought brioche and other delicious pastries that were accompanied by a cup of coffee. This led to the Mexican tradition to eat bread and coffee in the morning.

By the 20th century, it was common to find bakeries and pastry shops throughout the country. Moreover, convents and Chinese coffee shops also played an essential role in the consumption of pan dulce.

#phineasandferb #pnf isabella #isabella garcia shapiro #phinabella #phinbella #phineas flynn

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baja-whale-shark · 3 years ago

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Do You Want To Swim With Friendly Whale Sharks In La Paz, Mexico?

Consider taking a tour with Baja Whale Shark in La Paz if you're looking for one of the most incredible experiences of swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico, while also supporting a company that puts the animal and the environment first.

You don't know much about things to see and do while camping in La Paz, Mexico, as part of your trek from Alaska to Argentina. Despite what you didn't know about La Paz, you did know that whale sharks are abundant and predictable in the southern part of the peninsula and that tours to swim with them are available almost every single day of the year. You can add it to your Baja bucket list to swim with the whale sharks once you get to La Paz.

Enjoy an outstanding all-inclusive cruise on a large & spacious sailing catamaran, & snorkel with the largest fish in the world! The whale shark filters surface water for microscopic plankton, which allows us to swim beside these rare and gentle giants. The premiere tour of its kind, our whale shark excursion, includes a cruise of approximately 4.5 to 5 hours and savory chef-prepared meals, a skilled and educated crew, and typically a marine biologist as snorkel leader. We provide a robust support boat, bottled water, beer, sodas, an open bar, private bathrooms, fresh water showers, laundered towels, equipment, and even reef-friendly sunscreen. We are not cattle-car tour operators. Truly a lifetime experience!

Ground transportation from Cabo to the whale shark spot in La Paz and back is usually included in a Baja Whale Shark excursion. Our main office is in La Paz, but we also have a location in Cabo San Lucas. As you begin sailing for the whale shark feeding area on board our private sailing catamaran, you'll enjoy a small breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and pastries. Following the captain's briefing, your hostess & snorkel leader, a marine scientist, will be present & will guide you with exciting facts about the Sea of Cortez and whale sharks.

When the first whale sharks are spotted, tourists join one of our companion tour boats to get up and personal with these massive monsters. Access to and from the water is made possible by boarding ladders. To assist people, your snorkel leader will usually enter the water first. Anyone who wants or wishes to swim or snorkel with a whale shark will be urged, but it is not mandatory. When reboarding, fresh water showers, newly laundered towels, shampoo, soaps, and other amenities are immediately accessible.

Thus, Baja Whale Shark is the right destination to reach & explore La Paz in Mexico. To gather information about Whale Sharks in Cabo, go through our website.

#whale shark in la paz #baja whale shark #best whale shark tour cabo #swimming with whale sharks #premier whale shark tour

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maybege · 4 years ago

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Hi May! Can I ask who your favourite Paz writers are? You're my go-to Paz writer but I'd love to know *your* go-to too!

Also, I'm happy to hear that your hiatus is making you feel lighter! Take care of yourself darling ❤️

Thank you anon! 🥺♥️

Okay so I don’t have like a list of the go to writers for Paz fics just because I think most works I have crossed came from authors who write mostly for other characters and not mainly/exclusively for Paz. That and also I haven’t had time to really read fic during the summer and I feel like I have missed so many things but here’s an assortment of works/authors whose Paz works I really enjoy (in no particular order and without links because I’m lazy and a teeny bit tipsy):

A series called Something Sweet by @starlightrows (pastry chef!Paz has my heart!), a bartender!Paz AU series by @pilothusband (yes please!) and were!Paz by @princessbatears (recently updated after a bit of a break and absolutely worth the wait) are the Paz series I can name of the top off my head.

Then anything by @ohheyitsokay (Elle has a way of words that makes me swoon and yearn in a way that I can only dream of achieveinh with my own writing), also a were!Paz OS by @saradika as well as several little stories by @hdlynnslibrary and @aerynwrites

OH MY GOD AND ALSO THE PAZ FIC THAT STARTED IT ALL: Saviin’ika by @stubbychaos - I’m sure anybody who likes Paz has already read this masterpiece five times over but this fic has such a special place in my heart in that it was the first Paz fic I ever read. Amber has such a gentle and kind and wonderful characterization of Paz that I see him as canon for the universe. No one - not even Disney - will ever be able to top what she has achieved in this story.

I hope this helps anon! If you have any recommendations of your own feel free to send them my way, I’d love to discover new Paz writers 😭🙌

#may answers #also I swear I’ll wake up tmrw and have missed like so many people #but yeah these wonderful creators just came to my mind right now but I know there are so many more out there

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starlightrows · 4 years ago

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Thank you Vee 😘 @thefact0rygirl

I just posted Chapter 3 of Something Sweet (aka Pastry Chef!Paz) today, but I can’t put the last line of that! Spoilers!

So here’s the last line I wrote earlier this week for my Jango series: The Mother (Chapter 5)

“I’m sorry,” you sob “I don’t know why I’m crying. Everything is just so beautiful,”

No Pressure Tags: @hdlynnslibrary @pala-din-djarin @clanoffetts @tibbietibbs

WIP Tag Game

Rules: share the latest line from your work in progress and then tag as many people as there are words in the line.

Thanks for the tag, @inqorporeal! :D The thread was getting craaaazy long, so I’m starting a new one. I’m very curious what your WIP is about, too! :O

Mine:

Waxer grins, squeezing back and saying, Thanks.

No-pressure tags: @alamogirl80 @amukmuk @lilhawkeye3 @rebel-just-for-ct-6116 @purgetroopercody @spotted-newt

#Tag Games #Krax Chats #Something Sweet #The Mother

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topfygad · 6 years ago

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Quintessentially Quito | Nat Geo Traveller India

Boutique hotels and Novo-Andean cuisine are reaching new heights in Ecuador’s capital.

Culture Ecuador | POSTED ON: August 23, 2019

An Ecuadorian cowboy, or chagra, from Hacienda El Porvenir rides by the Cotopaxi volcano. Photo By: William Hereford

Wedged into the folds of the Andes, the world’s second highest capital city (surpassed only by La Paz, Bolivia) contains the best preserved Spanish colonial core in the Americas. Despite this, travellers tend to overlook Quito as they make their way to the country’s Pacific islands treasure, the Galápagos. But times are changing, and this city of two million is having a moment.

A burgeoning food scene, new boutique hotels, and a subway slated to open by year’s end are encouraging visitors to explore this modern city with an ancient soul. “Quito is best understood as a collection of diverse neighbourhoods united under a volcano,” says Jorge Vinueza, of Ecuadorian travel magazine Ñan. “These elements give it a unique energy that you only have to walk its streets to feel.”

The city’s UNESCO-designated centre is a rabbit hole of riches, but don’t stop there. Take the teleférico to the top of the volcano. Stock up on textiles at the Artisanal Market. And on weekends, make like the Quiteños and head out of town.

—Norie Quintos

La Floresta

A barrio with everything essential: coffee, culture, and chismes (gossip)

Ahacienda estate until the early 1900s, this wildflowered area was one of the first neighbourhoods to emerge as the city expanded beyond its colonial borders between the World Wars. There are ornate Italianate mansions, low-slung early modernist houses, and high-rise apartment buildings. Artists and creatives began moving in some 20 years ago to give it the alternative, indie vibe it has today. “The first inhabitants of La Floresta brought with them the spirit of the historic centre, the panaderías, cafeterías, lavanderías, sastrerías—what we call oficios, or trades,” says Vinueza. “Along with the more recent graffiti artists, musicians, and filmmakers, it’s what gives this barrio its aliveness.”

You don’t need an elaborate plan. Just wander. You might decide to take in an art film at the pioneering Ochoymedio theatreor visit the offices of travel magazine The Ñan to purchase some authentic souvenirs the staff picked up during their sojourns throughout the country. Scoop up designer-made decor from Libertina Tienda GalerIa or sample superfoods like quinoa at Vegano de Altura and chocolate at Hoja Verde. Time for uncafecito (a black coffee)? Head to Jervis or Botánica. For a free guided stroll of the neighbourhood, check out Quito Street Tours.

Panama hats were born in Ecuador, where they’re still woven by hand from toquilla straw. Photo By: Robert van der Hilst/Getty Images

Room Check

Le Parc Hotel

This sleek spot in New Quito’s Benalcázar neighbourhood is walking distance to crêperies, cafés, and high-end shopping, as well as La Carolina, the city’s version of Central Park, ideal for strolling and jogging. Well-appointed rooms feature mid-century modern furniture. en.leparc.com.ec

Hotel Mama Cuchara

One of the city’s newest boutique hotels grew out of an old house in the traditional working hood of La Loma Grande, near many of the sites in the historic centre. The house once harboured conspirators of the 1875 assassination of President Gabriel García Moreno. Now remodelers have reversed years of neglect and incorporated contemporary architecture to create a structure that evokes history without replicating it. Ecuadorian art adorns the rooms, and the restaurant’s menu changes daily to highlight dishes from different provinces. https://ift.tt/2L1zF3h

Casa Gangotena

With its prime location on Plaza de San Francisco—the heart of the historic quarter—this is undoubtedly the best address in the city. The former palace home of presidents and landowners was rebuilt in art nouveau style with art deco touches and eventually turned into a 31-room hotel. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for unfettered views of the old town. www.casagangotena.com

Buen Provecho

Four ways to eat well, from street food to Novo-Andean.

Café Society

Quiteños drink coffee all day long (and don’t even think about ordering decaf). Try the cafeterías in Plaza Grande for people- watching. Serious coffee lovers should head to Café Galletti Teatro Bolívar, a family-run business that works with small fincas. To warm up on chilly nights, select one of three popular hot drinks: canelazo (made with sugar cane alcohol), vino hervido (mulled wine), or chocolate con queso (yes, with cheese). Sip them with dazzling city views at Pim’s Panecillo or Cafe Mosaico.

At Quitu, chef Juan Sebastián Pérez prepares for an extravagant spread. Photo By: William Hereford

Chamomile ice cream sweetens any tasting menu in Quitu. Photo By: William Hereford

Getting Creative

Long overshadowed by Lima, Quito’s food scene is now making headway. Inventive chefs such as Alejandro Chamorro of Nuema are elevating Novo-Andean cuisine using products of coast, sierra, and jungle and reinterpreting indigenous and Spanish colonial traditions. At Chulpi, Carlos Saltos dishes out fresh takes on street food in a small house in the residential Las Casas neighbourhood. Don’t miss the pairing menu at Quitu, chef Juan Sebastián Pérez’s altar to Ecuadorian gastronomy.

Street Scene

For a dollar or two, you can feast like a king on Ecuador’s comida callejera, or street food. Different areas have their specialties, so make like a local and nosh on tripamishqui (chewy but flavourful tripe) at outside stalls in La Vicentina; quesadillas (more of a pastry, nothing like the Mexican dish) in San Juan; candies from Las Colaciones de la Cruz Verde (try the so-called caca de perro—”dog poop”); and cookies made by the Carmelite nuns at the Carmen Alto convent in the historic centre.

Hot Cocoa

Chocolate may well have originated in the Ecuadorian Amazon, but only in recent years have homegrown chocolate companies refined and developed the raw product. The most well known of them, Pacari, offers a two-hour minicourse in its historic downtown store that includes making and packaging your own organic truffles. Other chocolate houses worth visiting: República del Cacao, Chez Tiff, Hoja Verde, and fair-trade shop Tianguez (located under San Francisco church).

The High Points

Explore a city of historic splendour in a region of natural wonder.

Fine Arts

Quito has marvellous museums, including the Museo de la Ciudad and the Museo Nacional del Banco Central, but don’t overlook these two under-the-radar gems: The Casa del Alabado showcases the surprising and sophisticated workmanship of pre-Columbian art within an elegant Spanish colonial house. And Casa Museo Guayasamín displays paintings and murals at the home of Ecuador’s most famous 20th-century artist, Oswaldo Guayasamín.

The neo-Gothic spires of the Basílica del VotoNacional tower over Quito’s historic centre. Photo By: William Hereford

Fresh Air

Despite its notoriously fickle weather (keep a rain jacket in your bag), Quito often sees the sun. After you’ve acclimatized to the altitude, take the teleférico up the city’s volcano, Rucu Pichincha, for a look around. Loved by locals, centrally located Parque La Carolina has running trails, a man-made lake, and the orchid-filled Botanical Gardens. On Sundays, rent a bike and cruise Quito north to south on roads closed to traffic for the weekly Ciclopaseo.

Divine Sights

It could take weeks to see all of the city’s churches. If there were a people’s choice, it would be San Francisco church and plaza, its winged Virgin of Quito statue above the altar replicated to gigantic proportions on Panecillo Hill. But there’s also the gleaming, gold-leaf-plated interior of La Compañia, built by the Jesuits in baroque style. If you don’t fear heights, scale one of the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional for heavenly vistas.

Out of Town

All the volcanoes and lakes within a 96-kilometre radius encourage weekend jaunts. North of Quito is the world-famous Otavalo market; stay at the new Otavalo Hotel and arrange a guide for the textile and music workshops. South of Quito, adventurers can climb the majestic (and active) Cotopaxi volcano or take in the views from horseback at Hacienda El Porvenir. Baños, at the base of another volcano, Tungurahua, is known for its thermal springs.

Walk the Line

Ecuador’s equatorial encounters.

The French-led Condamine expedition famously mapped the line between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres just 22 kilometres north of Quito, and visiting the official site, La Mitad del Mundo, is a popular excursion. A massive monument and bright yellow stripe of demarcation make for cool snaps straddling the line. The problem is the 18th-century explorers were about 800 feet off. To get closer, you’ll have to go to the nearby Intiñan solar museum, a hokey attraction with mock physics experiments. For the most accurate GPS readings and scientific explanations, head to Quitsato, near Cayambe, site of a large solar clock and the best place to appreciate the gravity of where you are standing.

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#IFTTT #Cheapr Travels

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starlightrows · 4 years ago

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Something Sweet

Chapter 0 - Chasing Dreams

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Modern!Paz Vizsla x fem!reader

Word Count: 3.4K

Warnings: angst, symptoms of depression (not graphic or diagnosed), brief mention of alcohol and drug use, hopeful ending

Summary: Paz finds himself trapped in a routine that’s keeping him tied to a lifestyle that brings him no joy. It’s not until a phone call from his good friend Din, that he realizes that there are better things waiting just over the horizon if you can just be brave enough to make the leap of faith

This chapter is labeled chapter 0, because it takes places before the events of the actual story and does not include the reader. If you’re only here for the couply-goodness, feel free to skip this chapter and sit tight the romance is coming I promise!

Chapter 0 - Chasing Dreams is dedicated to @maybege who inspires me to chase my fan fiction dreams every single day, and is single handedly responsible for my love, yearning, and obsession with the Big Blue Mando Man we all know and love as Paz Vizsla! This is one is for you May ❤️

The 5am train is full of commuters, heading into work with coffee cups in hand and more or less rested ready to start the day. Everyone seems to be on the same page, consume enough caffeine to be personable by the time you get to the office, use the time on the train to do your hair or makeup or start a little early on emails from your phone if you’re behind. It’s all very hustle and bustle, keep your head down and keep grinding to make it in the big city.

Paz rode the 5am train every morning. But not heading into the city. No, he got on the train at 5am and rode it all the way down to the end of the line to get back to his dumpy little shoebox of an apartment on the outskirts of the city around 8am.

Why he chose to move to the city after getting out of the Marine Corps was beyond him. His commander told him that he had a friend that was looking to hire some muscle as private security for his upper echelon nightclubs and it could be a good job opportunity for him fresh out of the service. Not having anywhere else to go, he took the job. Now his days blurred together in a lopsided haze. Wake up around 3pm, eat something cheap and tasteless, work out, shower and get dressed to work. Catch the 6pm train into the city and spend all three hours thinking about far away places. What his life might be like if he was someone else or somewhere else. Get to the club and start work at 9pm. Spend the night watching people dance and sing and scream, drink ridiculously expensive alcohol and take brightly colored party drugs that blow out their pupils and make them want to dance and sing more. By the time 5am rolls around again his head is pounding from listening to electronic dance music for 8 continuous hours, and he spends the remaining 3 hours of his day riding the train back out of the city and wishing he had made different choices in his life.

Of course he does get Monday’s and Tuesday’s off, those days he still doesn’t really know what to do with himself. It’s too expensive to have a car in the city, so he can’t drive anywhere. And he’s too far away from any of the attractions of the city to walk to them. So he tends to spend his off days either walking around the track at the local park, or in his tiny kitchen kneading bread dough and baking test batches until it comes out the way he liked it. This is one of the big things he spends his time wondering about. If he kept up working in private security, and paying for this shit apartment, would he someday be able to afford to move closer to work and spend less time commuting? Maybe he could eventually save up and get a place with a bigger kitchen so he could try making more things. He liked baking. Kneading bread dough, making cake batter, mixing frosting colors. It’s telling that a man like him dreamt about pastries and cooking every night, and spent his long commuting hours debating on saving up more for a better place or spending a little extra on culinary equipment.

He didn’t tell anybody this is how he spent his time and money, not that he really talked to anyone these days anyway. Since leaving the service he hasn’t been good about keeping up with his brothers in arms, or his friends from before getting deployed. He hasn’t really made new friends in the city either. It’s not that he doesn’t want to talk to any of them, he’s just busy and when he does think about reaching out to someone, he always figures they’re busy too. Every day the sun rises and sets, and it’s like he’s just floating through life, waiting for something to change.

One Monday, Paz is walking around the track at the local park. It’s scraggly and not well maintained but at least it’s outdoors. He’s thinking about the sourdough loaf back in his apartment rising right now. Hopefully this one will turn out good, he’s planning to try a dutch oven bake soon, but that requires buying a dutch oven and he’s trying so hard to save up for a better apartment. His phone vibrates in his pocket, and he considers just letting it go to voicemail figuring it was probably his boss asking him to come in and work tonight. But something in him tells him to look, the name on the screen surprises him. Din Djarin. His long time friend from way back before joining the service. Paz answered the phone.

“Hey buddy, Happy Birthday!” Din says. Paz stopped walking

“It’s not my birthday?” Paz stepped off to the side of the track and sat down on a bench running a hand over his face.

Din laughs on the other end of the line, “Yeah it is, April 30th right?”

Paz pulls his phone away from his face and checks the date, “Holy shit, it is my birthday,”

“Yeah man. Did you really forget?” Din asks, he sounds like he’s moving around Paz hopes he’s not bothering him or getting in the way of his day right now.

“Honestly yeah, it feels like April just started,” he admits

“Been busy then? Running around in the big city, making big money, romancing cute hunnies?” Din teases, Paz can hear another voice on the other side. He figure’s it’s Din’s son, he’s gotta be about two or three years old now.

“Yeah, something like that,” Paz mumbles

“Yeah? Then why don’t you sound happy about it?” Din asks, sensing his friends lack of enthusiasm

“It’s fine, really. The city is nice, I just wish I could actually live in it and enjoy it. Actually I wish everyone who lived here actually enjoyed it. Kinda just feels like everyone who lives here only knows how to work or be a strung out party goer,” Paz sighs

“Guess the big city life isn’t all it's cracked up to be huh,” Din says “Listen… you should come out to visit sometime. I feel like this city is more your style. We’re still a major city with nice attractions and events, but there’s more community here and things are a little slower ya know,”

“I can’t just drop everything and go all the way out there. You live over 2000 miles away,” Paz says, though the prospect of a smaller city with a community atmosphere does sound awfully appealing

“Paz, you’ve been working for a private security company for two years and I can almost guarantee that you haven’t taken a single hour of paid time off or sick leave. Flights are a little pricey, I’ll give you that, but you can stay with me so you don’t have to pay for a hotel or anything,” Din offers “I’ll pay for your half of your flight, call it a birthday present,”

“I’ll tell you what Din, I’ll think about it. You’re probably right, I do need to get out of the city for a bit. I’ll talk to the boss about taking some time off,” Paz says, standing back up.

“That’s the spirit!” Din exclaims “Call me when you figure out a time that’s good for you so we can book you a flight,”

Paz and Din chat idly for another couple of minutes before Din bids him goodbye, and happy birthday. Paz tucks his phone back into his pocket and smiles. For the first time in a very long time, he’s actually looking forward to something.

----

Two weeks later Paz is sitting on a plane for the first time since coming back to the states after deployment, with two weeks off of paid vacation time on his way to visit Din. It’s a long six and half hour flight and the seat is pretty small for how wide his frame is, but he’s hopeful. If nothing else, he was going to get to spend two weeks with his best friend.

Din is waiting for him at the airport when his flight arrives. He greets him with a bracing hug and the promise of a really good dinner waiting for him. The moment Paz steps out of the airport he knows he’s in trouble. Instead of a massive industrial looking city full of high rise buildings with thousands of people pushing their way through to get on with their day, he’s met with bright blue skies. Trees that are just starting to put out new leaves and flowers for spring. The air is fresh and clear. A feeling wells up in his chest, when he turns and can see mountains in the distance. It’s beautiful.

“You coming?” Din draws him out of his thoughts, tossing his suitcase in the back of his truck.

“Yeah, I just didn’t realize you lived so close to the mountains,” Paz admitted stepping up into the passenger seat.

“Everyone says that when they first come here. You should see them in winter when they’re covered in snow,” Din says. Paz can imagine it, but he hopes to see it with his own eyes.

Din drives through the city, it’s a lot like the city Paz had just come from, except older and less flashy. Less people, and less cars. All of the businesses looked unique and inviting.

Din passes a street and points down it without looking, “My studio is right down there. It’s a great little spot. All the business owners on the block are close, we play poker and shoot pool on Tuesday nights at the bar on the corner. You’re definitely coming with me for that this week,”

“I could shoot some pool,” Paz laughs.

Din turns out of the downtown area, and takes a main boulevard lined with fast food restaurants and dive bars. Din points again, “That’s the stadium for the university. Hope you like football, because it’s kind of a big thing here,”

“Still think I could have pulled a scholarship for football straight out of high school if I wasn’t so dead set on going into the Marine Corps,” Paz jokes

“It’s just as well,” Din shrugs with a smile “you make one hell of a Marine,”

Din turns down another road off the main drag. They pass parks, an elementary school, neighborhoods, and a lone Dairy Queen before turning into another neighborhood full of very nice houses with front lawns and trees giving off pink and white flower buds.

Din pulls the truck up into one of the driveways, and cuts the engine. Paz gets out of the truck and takes in the house. It’s massive by his standards.

“Is your girlfriend a CEO or something?” Paz asks with a laugh. Din gives him a look, and goes to take the suitcase out of the back.

“No? She and her brothers flip houses together,” he replies “why do you ask?”

“Your place is huge, man! When I was a kid these are the kind of houses I thought millionaires lived in,” Paz follows Din towards the front door.

Din laughs, as he unlocks the door. “Maybe in other states, but not here. The million dollar houses here are the size of castles. This house is pretty average for this area, and it didn’t cost us an arm and a leg to get,”

Paz nods and follows his friend into the house. It’s not just a house, it’s a home. Paz can tell because even though it’s clean on the inside it looks lived in, well loved. Pictures and art on the walls. The living room had a big tv and sectional couch, perfect for hosting game day events and watch parties. He could see a chest in the corner that clearly had toys in it. The kitchen was huge! A double doored refrigerator, cabinet space and marble countertops. He can see through a sliding glass door there’s a backyard, a play structure and home swing set sat in the middle of it for Din’s little boy. He didn’t have any pets but he could picture a dog running around out there too.

This is it. This is what he’d spent the last two years dreaming about on the train rides to and from the city. This is his far away place. He’s been here for less than half an hour and he already knows, he is meant to be here.

The next two weeks are the happiest Paz has ever felt. Exploring the downtown area, visiting the parks and the nature reserve just outside of town, the restaurants serve great food that doesn’t cost a fortune. He takes Din’s little boy to the zoo and out for ice cream. He gets to know Din’s girlfriend and her two brothers, apparently flipping houses in some of the older more run down parts of town is very rewarding and breathes new life into the city. He visits Din’s tattoo studio, and goes with him to the bar on Tuesday night like he promised.

Everyone there is friendly, welcoming and adamantly against him leaving at the end of the week.

“You sure you have to go back, you’re part of the crew man!” says Cara, she owns the boxing studio down the street.

Paz took a swing from his beer, and laughed “You think I want to go back there? I gotta figure out how to get out of my lease, quit my job. I gotta find somewhere to live and work here first,”

“If you’re looking for a job just to get on your feet, I could use another bartender,” Boba, the guy who owns the bar says “Fennec is looking to move to part time too, more time slots available for work,”

“If you’re serious, I’ll take you up on that offer,” Paz says.

Boba extends a hand to him, “Job’s yours if you want it,” Paz grins and shakes his hand.

A few days later Paz is genuinely sad about having to hug Din’s little boy goodbye, and get back on the plane to take him back across the country. Back to the city that never sleeps, and doesn’t appreciate the little things in life. Back to the six hours round trip of commuting. Back to the scraggly uncared for parks and dirty streets. He promised himself on that plane ride, he would not get caught up in the monotony and blinding routine like before. There is a better life waiting for him. All he has to do is make the leap of faith and take it.

———

He holds himself to his promise. In the first week when he got back he spent the entire three hour train ride to work researching apartments in the area he wanted to live. He was shocked to find out the exact same price he was paying for his shoebox apartment with no amenities and terrible maintenance; could get him a huge apartment with a big kitchen, access to a pool, gym, and shared entertainment space. It even came with a parking spot. And there were other options that were almost as nice for less money. And to think he had wasted so much time and money pretending he was happy, or was getting close to being able to afford to be happy living in the bigger city. What a joke.

He had Din submit an application to an apartment complex he really liked about a week after he got back. The second he found out he was approved and got the apartment, he put in his two weeks notice and started packing. Another six hours plane trip didn’t sound very appealing but, at least it was a one way trip this time.

Paz found moving out of his apartment to be exceptionally easy. He threw all of his belongings into two suitcases, and shipped the few things that wouldn’t fit in a box he could pick up at the post office when he got there. Everything else was not worth saving, so he put everything out on the side of the road in front of his old apartment with a piece of paper taped to it that read: FREE!

Unfortunately moving into the new apartment in the new city was a little more challenging. Furnishing an apartment from scratch is no small task. But to his amazement and truly heartfelt joy, all of Din’s friends he had met when he came to visit helped him move things into his new place. Boba even loaned him his truck to go pick up bigger furniture like the couch and bed frame he ordered. Cara and Peli, the woman who owned the auto parts store on the next block over from Din’s studio and Boba’s bar, sat with him for hours assembling IKEA furniture. Din’s girlfriend even came by with Din’s little boy, to visit uncle Paz and help him figure out how to appropriately decorate and furnish a “real apartment”.

He loves his new life in this new city. Working for Boba at the bar in the evenings is pretty low stress, and he makes quite a bit in tips. During the day he’s been working on sourdough starters, determining the best herbs and flavors to top focaccia bread, trying his hand at doing French baguettes. And more recently, he’s been trying to make chocolate croissants from scratch. Though he hasn’t had much success yet. But he keeps trying.

Every time something comes out perfect, he writes down every step in a blue notebook he found lying around with his things before he moved.

Paz never imagined his life turning out like this. If he was told just 3 months ago he would be moving across the country on a whim, to chase his dream of living a simpler life, he wouldn’t have believed it. And then things got even better.

About six months after moving, Paz really felt like he was home in this city. He split his time between working part time as an instructor at Cara’s boxing studio, bartending for Boba, and working on his culinary hobby. Until one day, the older couple that owned the bagel shop a few doors down from Din’s tattoo studio closed up shop. Apparently they were retiring, packing up the business and moving out of state to be closer to their grandchildren.

There was a sign on the vacant building indicating the unit was about to become available. A thought crossed his mind…. he had no idea where it came from or if he was remotely qualified to pull it off… but it couldn’t hurt to ask.

“Does anyone have a contact number for the couple that owned the bagel shop?” Paz asks the group

“Yeah,” Cara pipes up “I house sat for them once. Why?”

“I want to buy their industrial baking equipment, and takeover their lease,” he replies seriously

“You want to run the bagel shop?” Fennec asks

“No… I uh, I wanna open a bakery,” Paz admits

“You do make a mean sourdough dude…. I say go for it,” Din encourages him

“I’m sure they’ll sell you the equipment at a discount. Hell they might even leave it to you for free if you tell them what you’re gonna do with it,” Cara tells him, she writes down a phone number on a napkin and hands it to Paz. He pockets the napkin with a thank you and a nod.

The next day he calls the number, and has a lovely chat with the wife who, as Cara pointed out, was eager to get the equipment off their hands. She also provided a ton of helpful information on running a small business in this area, who trustworthy suppliers were, a good lawyer to get all the paperwork done, a good accountant to file taxes next spring, and more. Honestly it was a lot more than Paz has even considered, but something in his heart was telling him it’s the right decision. That this is a challenge he absolutely had to tackle. That maybe this has always been his calling.

And right he was. Vizsla’s Bakery had a grand debut the following autumn. And he knew, this is it. He’s finally made it. All of the time he spent in the Marines fighting in wars he never truly understood, all of his years spent working a mindless job in a depressing city, pretending he was not struggling. All of it has led him here. To a city he loves, with friends so close to him they’re like family, a home… a real home. And a dream he can finally live out.

Tag List: @maybege

#Star Wars #The Mandalorian #Paz Vizsla #Paz Vizsla x reader #Paz Viszla #Paz Viszla x reader #Pastry Chef!Paz AU #Pastry Chef!Paz #Modern!AU #Modern!Paz Vizsla

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starlight-visions · 3 years ago

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Lacey’s Plant Shop Inspiration

#SOSW #Pastry Chef!Paz #Florist!reader #Plant Shop #Flower Shop

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bajawhaleshark-blog · 7 years ago

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Got a Bucket List? Let us Help You Cross Something Off!

Welcome to Baja California Sur, home of some of the world’s best beaches, brilliant displays of marine life, and a colorful Mexican culture. La Paz is the capital city of BCS, and with 220,000 citizens, it is the largest in the state. It is bordered by the Sea of Cortez, which is often referred to as the Gulf of California. This body of water is so filled with life that oceanographer Jacque Cousteau once referred to it as the “World’s Aquarium”.

So you’ve arrived. Now what? There are many things that make a visit to La Paz an exciting one, but one thing stands above the rest: Swimming with whale sharks. The experience is one so meaningful that it is a bucket list item for many. And guess what? We can help scratch that one off. And we’ll one up the goal, giving guests a day to remember both before and after their encounter with the gentle giants, the largest fish in the oceans of planet earth, the Whale Shark.

The Whale Shark is indeed a shark, but don’t worry, it doesn’t want to eat you or me. Like a whale, they are filter feeders, and find their way back to the Sea of Cortez to fatten up in the plankton and krill rich waters. Snorkeling with whale sharks is a safe and fun activity, and following the directions of the snorkel leader/dive master, will be one you aren’t likely to forget.

Upon arrival aboard Island Cat you’ll be treated to a breakfast of fresh pastries, fruits and yogurts, and beverages both non-alcoholic or otherwise are available. And our crew members can make a mean Bloody Mary, my friends.

As the large and spacious catamaran gets underway, we encourage you to relax on the bow of the ship, and enjoy the sunshine during the easy cruise. Prior to arrival our on board Marine Biologist will tell you all about the whale shark, allowing time for Q&A before heading into the feeding area.

The whale shark doesn’t breach for air like a normal whale, which can make it tough to locate initially, but odd wave breaks, a large dorsal fin, and a large darkened mass gliding through the waters are easy giveaways. Once the massive white-spotted fish has been located, snorkelers will jump in the water in pursuit. Depending on whether the shark is eating vertically or as it moves, you may be in for a short swim. But the experience of being in the water alongside the endangered gentle giants as they feed is worth it, and is one of both awe and wonder.

Back aboard Island Cats are two full bathrooms with extra large showers if you wish to wash off the sea and clean up. When done, a complete lunch made by on board chef using fresh, organic ingredients waits for you in the galley. It’s not uncommon for lunchtime to be a loud occasion as guests excitedly share their stories of their time underwater with the whale shark.

On the return cruise, head out to the bow of the ship for a last hour or so of being pampered in the sunshine. (Psst - ask for a Mango Margarita- you won’t regret it!) And be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins or jumping stingrays!

For further information, or to book a Whale Sharks Encounter, see: www.BajaWhaleShark.com. In the U.S. or Canada call: 541-325-7369, in Mexico call 612-152-9940.

#Whale Shark Baja #Whale Sharks La Paz

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costaricaexperts · 8 years ago

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6 Best Costa Rica Coffee Plantation Tours

You have heard about Costa Rica’s wildlife, lush rainforest and the breathtaking beaches, all of which have made it famous. There is, however, another reason to add Costa Rica to your travel bucket list: coffee.

Besides winning prestigious awards in international competitions, Costa Rican coffee has grown to be much more than an economic boost to the local culture. This brief guide will show you where you can enjoy this tasty tradition on your next trip. Read on for some history, faqs, and locations dedicated to Costa Rican coffee culture.

Let’s start with some historical facts about the golden grain!

After Costa Rica declared its independence in 1821, the newly established government saw the big potential of coffee as means for economic and social development. The central authorities provided many financial incentives to coffee farmers and gradually became one of the main crops produced in the Central Valley, and often referred as “el grano de oro”, in English the golden grain (Instituto del Café de Costa Rica).

Why is Costa Rica’s coffee so good?

Costa Rica offers a combination of ideal conditions to produce quality coffee beans: higher altitudes, fertile soils of volcanic origin combined with cool climates and steady rainfall, produces beans with fine flavors and aroma.

What variety of coffee is produced in Costa Rica?

For quality control, since 1989, 100% of the coffee produced in Costa Rica is arabica beans (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica).

What does coffee mean to ticos?

Coffee has a strong connection with the Costa Rican hospitality and family traditions. These days, it is offered to guests as a welcome beverage to socialize following your afternoon siesta, accompanied by local pastries and corn cakes or empanadas. – Yum cafecito time!

Although coffee is produced throughout the country, it is much more predominant in the Central Highlands and Southern Mountain range. Our list focuses on the top coffee experiences in these regions.

This coffee journey begins in the Central Highlands:

Hacienda Espíritu Santo

Located in the town of Naranjo, right outside of San Jose, this 600 plus acre coffee plantation offers an immersive, detailed tour of Hacienda Espíritu Santo facilities. The journey is divided into 7 stations, from the very first steps of maintaining the coffee crops to their showroom or casita where you will see the traditional Costa Rican way of brewing coffee – or café chorreado.

Continue to learn the process of harvesting and roasting and all the work involved in the production of their beans. You will also take a look at the evolution of its production process, as well as the role of the national symbol, the oxcart, and how it was used as a mean of transporting coffee.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Tour

Finca Rosa Blanca is a boutique style property offering its guest the chance to discover their renowned coffee plantation. This is a fun activity, located in the greater Central Valley area and less than 1 hour from the international airport in San Jose. With views of the nearby volcanoes, the beautiful green surroundings make this a great easy-breezy way to enhance your authentic Costa Rica vacation.

Learn how organic coffee is grown, harvested, dried, and processed. During the harvest season – from October to January – you can even participate in the picking! If you want to take your love for coffee to the next level, this tour involves a demonstration of how experts test and rate gourmet coffee. Practice your skills at the coffee bar and make your favorite! After so much learning, relax and claim your spot in one of the spacious decks while you take in the fresh air of the central valley. Provecho!

*This tour is exclusively for guests staying at Finca Rosa Blanca Inn.

Doka Estate

Located on the slopes of Póas Volcano, Doka Estate is one of the largest coffee and sugarcane plantations in Costa Rica. This family-owned business represents the agricultural heritage and country’s history, here you will find the oldest wet mill in the country according to UNESCO. Enjoy a guided walk around the charming property and take your mental notes about all the process involved in making a quality cup of coffee.

Expert Recommendation: This is a great choice for those who choose the San Jose area has a hub between destinations. Use your free day and add this activity.

*This tour is typically combined with a visit to La Paz Waterfall & Gardens, and a visit to the oxcart factories in Sarchí. Inquiry for more details.

Let’s move Northwest to the next tour on our checklist!

Don Juan Coffee Tour

Don Juan Coffee & Chocolate

Whether it is part of your morning routine or you simply love the taste, there are many reasons to get a good cup of coffee. But, when you wake up surrounded by one of the most famous cloud forests in the world, breathing in the crisp-clean air outside your eco-lodge, a craving for a warm cup of coffee is only natural. If you haven’t guessed, we are talking about the Monteverde Cloud Forest. In addition the obligatory nature hikes, this mystifying destination offers much more to travelers in the form of local coffee culture.

On your next visit to Monteverde, book a visit to Don Juan’s Coffee Farm. This tour gives you a closer look of the production of Don Juan’s coffee. After learning the drying and roasting process of the beans, explore other food staples of Costa Rica. Embark on a culinary journey. Discover the history of cocoa pods and make your own chocolate using traditional Costa Rican recipes. Yes, you will get to try your creations! This sweet experience continues to the “El Trapiche” (a mill made of wooden rollers), which is used as a tool to extract sugarcane juice and make tasty sweets and much more. This visit wouldn’t be complete without the chance to buy an authentic cup of Costa Rican coffee at the souvenir shop.

We’ll turn around and head to the South Pacific region:

Santa María de Dota Coffee Plantation

A full day experience starting from the Santa Juana Lodge, in the South Pacific Coast. Board a 4×4 vehicle and awake your adventurous side! Travel up over the mountain ridge of Fila Chonta, in Tarrazú. Arrive at the coffee plantations of Los Santos region, considered to be the finest coffee in Costa Rica.

Take a behind the scenes experience of what it takes to make a worldwide-renowned, gourmet coffee at Dota. Get to know the rural charms of Costa Rica as your guide takes you inside the local cooperative and explains its role in the community. After learning all the fun facts, you deserve to reload your energy – a typical Costa Rican lunch will be waiting for you after the tour.

*This tour is accessible for guests staying at Santa Juana Lodge.

Café Cedral

With this tour, you will visit another gem in the South Pacific region. Combining high-end accommodations and authentic experiences at only 3 ½ hour drive from San Jose is Hacienda Alta Gracia. This hotel offers one of the best off-the-beaten-path, boutique-style accommodations and activities.

Don’t miss out, and immerse in the countryside, cowboy culture of the Pérez Zeledón region. “Shop local” and add the Café Cedral Tour to your stay. This a great way to contribute to the economic growth of a small community. Run by several families of the area, the organized cooperative is located in the foothill of the Talamanca mountain range.

The tour starts at the stables, begin your horseback ride through unpaved roads, cross small creeks and enjoy scenic-picture perfect views. Arrive at the town of Cedral and experience a great example of sustainable rural-tourism, learn about their coffee plantation and quality beans. Get your own delicious, gift-worthy bag of coffee on your way out.

*This tour is exclusively for guests staying at Hacienda Alta Gracia. You can choose to access Cedral by horse or car.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your coffee adventure with a Costa Rica Expert.

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