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rodbank13 · 3 years

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Japanese Nightlife

Because of this, it is extremely essential to exercise precaution, and to know what issues to focus on when partying till morning in Roppongi. Truth being advised, you'll be able to stroll round Roppongi previous midnight without feeling that your security is in danger. Ergo, and in a nutshell, Roppongi would never be considered a scary place if it were positioned in another place on the planet. Roppongi is definitely not the identical now because it was years ago since it has seen a constructive change within the final decade after locals and politicians decided to wash up the mess that was occurring there. Despite this, the district remains to be largely associated with crime. Rooms differ in dimension and elegance whereas the decor is determined by how a lot you're willing to pay; the costlier it is, the extra shade and decorations you will notice, and vise-versa. The TV and karaoke equipment will be at one finish of the room with seats alongside the edges and a desk in the middle. Food and drinks can be ordered by phone and sometimes a free drink is included in the payment. Yatai or Japanese food stands are home to cheap and tasty Japanese Food. They normally operate through the night till midnight to offer food within the streets of Japan. Street foods similar to gyoza, takoyaki, and dango are in style treats which could be bought at a yatai. One 12 Months In Japan The prime highlights include boat rides on the lake, viewing plenty of cherry trees, and consuming plenty of meals from the food stalls. Setsubun marks the beginning of spring in accordance with the old lunar calendar in Japan. In the story, a celestial princess and cow herder fell in love but the two had been then separated by the Sky King. Eventually, the Sky King relented and the 2 lovers had been allowed to see one another at some point a yr. To expertise the Buddhist ritual of joya no kane , head to Zojoji, an enormous Buddhist temple in Tokyo. You can even see the celebration in Tokyo's Koenji neighborhood which places on a a lot smaller show but still attracts over 1,000,000 visitors every year. All festival-goers are invited to affix in the vigorous procession of dancers, offered they wear the standard haneto dancer’s costume . As the story goes, the three founders devoted their lives to Buddhism after catching a small statue of the Boddhisatva Kannon in Tokyo’s Sumida River whereas fishing one morning, back in the 7th century. While the pageant has possibly been round in some form since around that point, the shrine itself has solely been round since 1649. Sanja Matsuri is another boisterous shinto pageant, held on the third Sunday of May in Tokyo’s old style Asakusa district. If you’re in the trip-planning process and curious whether your travel dates overlap with any nice festivals, right here is an up-to-date listing of notable matsuri happening all through Japan . Although each of the common public holidays throughout Golden Week aren't huge occasions by themselves, combined they provide a good opportunity for native residents to shut store and take a while off. At house, families throw beans in mame-maki ceremonies to drive away evil spirits that could foul up issues later. Japanese Family Journey Visit the museum to search out out where the movies have been initially created and even watch a brief animated feature, earlier than venturing up to the rooftop backyard, the place a 5 meter excessive robotic stands guard. If you are trying to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, we've sources that can assist. Start by checking out our pattern journey itineraries and learning about our trip-planning course of. We believe your trip should be a reflection of your private sense of adventure and elegance, and that no two families (or itineraries!) are alike. A key to a successful family vacation is ensuring everybody — dad and mom included — feels included and engaged. Restaurants can be costly or surprisingly low-cost, relying on where you go. Avoid the busy buying malls and look for smaller restaurants hidden in alleyways. It helps others expertise, and recommendations of the country! Thank you a lot, and I hope you've a great time for all your journeys hereon. Also in Odaiba, Aqua city or what's it known as has a children playground and meals court docket on the best floor, plus particular youngsters toilets. Tokyo with 2 Kids for 3 Nights Hi we are coming to Toyko for 3 nights early Sept with our 7 & 8 yr old. We will arrive on a Sunday and leave on the Wednesday. Japan's Most Beautiful Gardens Popular points of interest near Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo embody Hozomon Gate, Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum and World Bags and Luggage Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 17 km from the accommodation. Well situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, The Barn Tokyo is about 300 metres from Shikian, 300 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 400 metres from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi Mausoleum Imperial Scroll Gate. With a backyard, the 3-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a personal toilet. 客廳設計 is near in style sights like Kanei-ji Temple, Chosho-ji Temple and Kemmyo-in Temple. At The Barn Tokyo all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Crown presents beautiful French delicacies and town views, whereas Grand Kitchen serves worldwide dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute prepare journey from Akihabara electrical town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market could be reached within a 10-minute taxi journey. If you’re a SoCal local, you’re sure to have heard of The Huntington, a library, museum, and sprawling botanical gardens in San Marino. Our favourite gem at the 120-acre property is the Japanese backyard within the grounds. The Mayor of Tokyo and others proposed to ship a second donation of trees. With an endorsement from Tokyo City Council, they increased the number of trees from 2,000 to three,020. The second shipment of cherry trees arrived in Seattle from Yokohama in good well being and was transferred to Washington D.C., in February 1912. Meanwhile, the Consul General of Japan in New York Mr. Mizuno suggested that the timber be introduced in the name of the City of Tokyo. At least one licensed tea instructor is current with a workers of other volunteers, who've studied tea for a couple of years. The tea ceremony they perform has been taught in Japan from era to era by the Urasenke branch of the Sen household. Affect Of Japanese Popular Culture Grows Throughout Us Cities Importantly, this form of culture, as Jayson Makoto Chun further demonstrates, was largely based mostly on the transnational links between Japan and the United States. Chun advances the concept of pop pacific as a space of transnational circulate and cultural development through domesticating American influences and repackaging them for Japanese audiences. In each instances, the American pop practice ultimately became an genuine Japanese expertise readily embraced by Japanese followers. The incontrovertible truth that the annual sales of manga books and magazines reach between thirty-five and forty percent of all publications in Japan shows the extent and range of audiences who relate to those materials. Manga is a strong car of affect in the youth subculture, and serves as significant cultural entertainment. In Tokyo you’ll find multi-story arcades, galleries, cinemas, libraries, shops, and museums dedicated to gaming and your favorite pop art forms. On this 3-week cultural immersion, you’ll comply with both tracks to gain a broad data of all three inventive arts and industries. Payne says he is seen a particular improve in demand for Japanese merchandise lately, due largely to the flexibility for followers to access Japanese media, trends and culture on the Internet. Kelts also sees "lots of room for growth, particularly in related product traces" to popular manga and anime. Citation Styles & Tools Quick MLA, APA, and Chicago style guides for bibliographies; tools for storing and organizing sources. Crunchyroll provides each free and paid videos of anime collection and Japanese and Korean dramas. A discussion forum on video games offered by the Game Preservation Society - a spot to seek and share info on historical video games. A information to principally free on-line resources and software that facilitates Japanese research and study.

420 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Japan eight Days Get the VIP treatment as you take an journey from Tokyo to Kyoto with your own personal tour information during your eight Day Private Japan Tour. Indulge in scrumptious food, get pleasure from comfy accommodations, and explore one of the best of what Japan has to supply. Discover Japan "It's okay if you probably can't swim" Wearing a buoyant wetsuit and life jacket so you'll have the ability to float on the water without shifting your limbs. The pulling guide will assist babies and these who usually are not good at swimming in order that they'll all the time grab and relaxation. It is a confident service that is targeted on comfort and satisfaction even among many blue cave tours. An experienced information with one group charter shall be happy to respond with care. Our websites, purposes, including cellular purposes, and social media sites embrace links to other web sites whose privateness practices may differ from our practices. Our escorted tours in Japan have an average group measurement of around 8-10 travellers with a maximum group dimension of sixteen. Our popular Cherry Blossom Festival itinerary fills up rapidly and travels with a gaggle measurement of 18. Our Japan holidays generally attract these aged between 30 and 70 with an average of age of around 45-50. Whilst fish is a crucial part of the Japanese food regimen, there's plenty else on the menu. Chicken and beef characteristic prominently, whether or not cooked on a hot plate in a delicious teriyaki sauce or deep fried and accompanying an egg. Just 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo and simply accessible by rail, the city of Kamakura has a protracted, wealthy history and makes for an excellent day journey for these looking for somewhat slower pace. The park also has many historic temples, most notably Rinnō-ji, a temple based in AD 848, and the spectacular Nikkō Tōshō-gū advanced. Consisting of 22 lavishly adorned buildings relationship from the 17th century, Tōshō-gū was constructed by more than 15,000 craftsmen brought in from throughout Japan. Markets In Japan Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japans northernmost island, Hakodate is a metropolis recognized for its seafood and the spectacular view from Mt Hakodate that's rated as one of the country’s high night views. Over the years I’ve probably eaten my body weight in sushi but despite being brought within the station, served in a plastic tray and eaten on a practice it will have been some of the BEST sushi we have ever had. The tuna was wealthy, the scallop fats and juicy, the ocean urchin creamy and wealthy. The salmon eggs didn’t simply burst their salty goodness as you bit into them they almost exploded in your mouth. The entrance to the market is directly opposite Ueno station so it's really easy to search out. While within the area head all the way down to Ueno Park, there might be always something occurring here and across the edge is the cultural district with a lot of Tokyo’s museums and galleries. Tanga MarketTanga Market is a coated local market road in central Kitakyushu, known as the "Kitchen of Kitakyushu". There are about one hundred twenty retailers selling seafood and prepared foods packed into the comparatively small block that makes up the market, including a handful of restaurants. Nishiki MarketNishiki Market , also referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen", is a slim 5 block lengthy buying avenue with over four hundred years of historical past lined by more than one hundred shops and eating places in Kyoto. Takayama Morning MarketsHeld every day in two locations within the center of town, Takayama's morning markets are considered one among Japan's three famous morning markets. This region is historically generally recognized as Japan's gateway to Asia and enjoys extensive historical, cultural, and commerce ties with continental Asia, notably South Korea, China, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. The United States is the region’s second largest export market and a top-ten import market, however Kyushu is becoming increasingly integrated into the East Asian regional financial system. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is partnering with American corporations such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to develop and produce fighter planes and missiles. The Japanese manufacturer started assembling F-35s underneath license at its Komaki South Plant in December 2015, the primary of which was delivered to the Japan Self Defense Force in January 2018. In October 2012, the area hosted Asia’s largest aerospace commerce present, “Japan Aerospace 2012” which featured a total of 665 aerospace-related firms and organizations from over 32 nations. Cultivated since the Edo interval, they're highly prized and have noticeable variations to what you may be used to. One of the best methods to explore Nishiki Ichiba is by taste—and there’s actually loads of alternative to take action. There are some snacks you might recognize, whereas others are slightly extra unusual. Depending on how adventurous you're feeling, there’s enough here for a feast, so you'll have the ability to stroll and snack as you want. The Activity Is Cheap! Leisure Experience Reservation Website I also enjoyed these fabulous issues in my these excursions and all the time spent beautiful time with my buddies. I want I truly have seen this Bucket record earlier than my trip to Japan 5 years in the past. I have had Japanese meals before, however that’s obtained to be carried out in Japan I know. Spend two days in rural Gunma using thrilling rivers and swimming in emerald waters. The canyon climbing and riverside activities listed right here are good for the hot Japanese summer. If your travel coincides with summer time in Japan, there are many season-specific adventures to take pleasure in that don't contain overheating in the sunshine. Kakigori, or Japanese shave ice, is a basic summer treat that all visitors should attempt no much less than as soon as. Another cool possibility is to browse underground shopping malls discovered throughout Japan. Usually linked to train stations, underground purchasing areas are crammed with shops, eating places, and cafes, providing air conditioned-relief and leisure to these passing by. In addition, summer season gross sales are common in Japan, making this a perfect time for locating bargains. One factor to notice is that even though these festivals are extremely popular, first-time visitors could also be stunned by the orderliness and tranquility of the crowds. Many attendants at fireworks festival will be carrying yukata, a summer season kimono. So if robots and scantily clad girls aren’t your factor, or you wish to strive a less well-liked (or much less expensive!) one, we’ve received you lined with descriptions under. Note that many of those eating places or cafes require a reservation. Matsumoto – Also generally identified as the “Crow Castle” for its black colour, this fort is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Kanazawa – situated in the heart of town, this castle is adjoining to the well-known Kenroku-en, considered one of three “perfect gardens” of Japan. The 20 Most Stunning Shrines And Temples In Kyoto Selena Hoy reveals 11 of the most unforgettable holy structures you have to see for your self. MATCHA is an online journal devoted to bringing the rich tradition and historical past of Japan to an international viewers. Finally, pour some water from the ladle into your left hand, rinse out your mouth, and spit the water out beside the fountain. Next, maintain the ladle along with your left hand and pour water over your right hand. After hand-feeding wild deer at the Nara Deer Park, visitors can proceed to the imposing Todaiji Temple. Inside, you’ll see the Daibutsu, which is the biggest bronze Great Buddha statue in Japan. Step over the threshold of a temple or shrine entrance gate is one of the most important rules when visiting a Japanese religious web site. The thresholds are as small as a half-inch or as tall as 8 or 9 inches and all the time make an effort to step over it. Like Fushimi Inari, there’s a tunnel of torii gates, although much smaller in size and number. In the case of Shinto shrines you might also see the character gū (宮) getting used instead, e.g. The shrine is a 5/8 dimension replica of Heiankyo’s central authorities constructing Chodoin within the state it was on the time of its opening by Emperor Kanmu. 30,000 square meter backyard is an “excursion type” backyard that is divided into four gardens. Serving as a spot of worship for commoners over 1,300 years, Fushimi Inari Shrine is the headquarters of inari shrines. Enjoy a stroll via the gently rolling land of the spacious grounds of the shrine. What Shinto Shrines do share, in contrast to Buddhist temples, are the instantly recognizable torii gates. 20 Greatest Japanese Museums, Exhibitions & Galleries In The Usa From this basis, the Freer Gallery’s assortment has grown in dimension and scope to incorporate calligraphy, lacquer, prints, and printed books. Japanese artwork within the Sackler Gallery has targeted on graphic arts, ceramics, lacquers, and images, including modern and up to date works. In complete, the Freer and Sackler’s Japanese artwork collections comprise more than twelve thousand objects spanning four millennia. Within a 10-minute walk from Roppongi Station sits one of many largest exhibition spaces in Japan. Hakone Glass Forest - is each an outside and indoor museum devoted to Venetian glass. There are galleries exhibiting Venetian glass from the fifteenth to the 18th centuries, old Murano glass, after which on to fashionable glass creations by well-known international artists, including Dale Chihuly. Tokyo National MuseumThe Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park homes probably the greatest and largest collections of national treasures and essential cultural objects in the country. Mori Art MuseumLocated excessive up on one of the prime flooring of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum hosts fascinating, rotating exhibitions of contemporary artwork. The exhibitions properly complement the nice aerial views that might be seen from the observatory positioned on the floor beneath. The park, which is Japan’s first outdoor artwork museum, was opened in 1969 with the aim of constructing sculpture art extra popular. Approximately one hundred twenty sculptural masterpieces are on permanent display throughout the huge sculpture park. Calmly walking amongst nature whereas enjoying well-known sculptures up-close is an actual thrill that is unique to the outside art museum. There are also play sculptures that youngsters can touch and have enjoyable with, and other options that the entire family can get pleasure from, such as the maze. One of the biggest artwork galleries in the entire world, the National museum boasts over a hundred,000 pieces including 89 Japanese nationwide treasures. C) Other SitesEven websites and not utilizing a sizable variety of images could be of use for obtaining information quickly on the content and history of the gathering. Most websites for institutions with an Asian assortment include a page on its particular strengths, significant donors and essential dates (usually to be found beneath the 'Collections' option). Many embody just a handful of photographs to be able to give a 'taster' to the non-specialist; Japanese sites often embody their best/most famous works. It was finally released online in spring 2003, shortly after Mary Parent died in January 2003, in her eighties. There is a keyword search or a class search, which has plenty of standards, together with artist, medium, country/period, and donor. Museums will likely proceed to mobilize digital and remote technology even after the COVID-19 crisis has subsided. But the pandemic can also reawaken people’s appreciation of the kind of direct, stay experience that only a museum can supply. 10 Guidelines You Have To Know In Japanese Restaurants Its extremely creamy texture and the sourness of cherry tomatoes make an ideal combination! The simplicity of this dish brings out the brilliant factor about the elements. Follow us on social media to add much more wonder to your day. There are correct ways of having fun with your ramen, and special ramen such as the Tsukemen Ramen. They are candy fish-shaped desserts crammed with creamy purple bean paste or the extra acquainted filling of Nutella and banana. [newline]No longer just a lowly service street off the 405, Sawtelle is probably considered one of the finest streets for consuming in Los Angeles. Where To Eat At Grand Central Market Figuring out what to eat at Grand Central Market could be overwhelming, but this information will assist you to narrow things down. One of Japan’s most popular oddities is its famed themed cafés. Allow your self to be charmed by Japan and its classically weird culture with these 10 themed cafés. During the summer downtown department stores have “Beer Gardens” the place you'll be able to sit on the roof, get pleasure from beer and get something to eat. These are all you probably can drink so please watch out and don't drink too much. The finest way to discover a good restaurant is to ask your ryokan innkeeper, but please make sure they know the value range you are in search of and the sort of meals. The innkeeper lives in the neighborhood and is conscious of what is good and what's not. Many major cities have a “Chinatown” where you can get some genuine Chinese meals. Everyone coming to Japan wants to have a style of the well-known Japanese delicacies or try one of the quite a few attractive restaurants. When you first begin your go to to Japan, it might be onerous to pick a good restaurant. There are tons of of kinds of restaurants; to assist we now have introduced a variety of the totally different restaurants that you will discover in Japan. Ryokans are one of the simplest ways to expertise Japanese tradition and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service. MOS Burger – a fast-food restaurant chain (fast-casual) that originated in Japan, it is now the second-largest fast-food franchise in Japan after McDonald's Japan. These restaurants are not as frequent as the opposite varieties listed above, but can typically be discovered on the restaurant floors of larger department shops. Kare-ya are restaurants focusing on Japanese-style curry rice dishes. There is often a minimum of one kare-ya and one ramen-ya inside or around main railway stations. 20 Typical Japanese Souvenirs To Buy In Japan Ceramic bowls are a few of the most popular souvenirs to get from Japan. Mainly because they are all so fantastically designed in addition to being practical for everyday use. It is a sensible Japanese memento you should buy and you will completely adore it. While traditionally they're used to help sign your name onto official paperwork, these name stamps have become quite in style in Japan as people buy these things as presents. After all, Japan is known for some really prime quality as properly as very creative pieces of pens and paper. I bought my fan for around $90 USD dollars, but they'd some fans that went up to the tons of of dollars. A true crossroad of the world, and a land proud of its culture and heritage, Japan is filled with elegant and unique souvenirs for travellers to go house with. [newline]After all, these socks are bought all over the place and for a extremely cheap worth too. You’ll discover all kinds of choices to choose from with all types of designs. If you are desirous to bring home some games or toys, then bringing a Kendama would possibly just be the thing you want. It is a conventional Japanese toy that has been around for ages. It is just like a yo-yo but is also tougher and fun to play with. All around the country you'll find drug shops and beauty boutiques that’ll sell all kinds of cosmetics you can think of. The purchases above have been collected over a number of journeys to Japan they usually've made a fantastic addition to our kitchen. There are stores in Japan the place you'll find all sorts of wonderful snacks and goodies. 月子中心 don't have any specific store in thoughts but thought I'd share some more sweet finds that make good items as nicely. If you read my Tokyo meals guide, you may additionally discover that Bic Camera can also be the place to buy your Tokyo Metro and Toei day passes. Daifuku – These are principally mochi balls with fillings inside. There are so many various varieties here, it's truly onerous to choose but for this trip we thought we'd strive the royal milk tea with chocolate. If you do not buy any, a minimum of you'll get a good chuckle out of some genius inventions you would like that they had back home. 10 Best Onsen Hot Springs Round Tokyo Seven explanation why you must head to Kusatsu on your onsen experience in Japan. The credit card provides that seem on the internet site are from bank card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation might impression how and where merchandise seem on this site . This website doesn't include all credit card firms or all obtainable bank card presents. Many of the bank card presents that appear on the web site are from bank card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Most onsens have their own inns and B&Bs to host guests in these remote areas. These inns have been passed by way of the family for tons of of years, and every onsen has its personal story and mythology about the method it was found and the way it’s blessed by friendly gods. Located in japanese Kyushu, Beppu is one of Japan’s most well-known scorching spring locations, with onsen that both soothe or titillate. The so-called Hells of Beppu are a group of blood-red pools, ponds with eerie mud bubbles, boiling blue lagoons, and waters where crocodiles now live — all meant for viewing, not bathing. If you got here to Beppu solely to loosen up, skip the Hells and head straight for the spa and open-air baths at Suginoi Hotel. There’s also the Ebisu Ryokan, which has common scorching baths, milky sulfurous baths, and the “bedrock tub,” a Japanese-style rock sauna. Amongst the various attractions, Japan’s onsens , that are pure hot baths that assist to cleanse one’s system, are excessive on the to-do listing of many visitors. The Japanese word for a scorching spring is onsen, and there are greater than 3000 of them in the country, more than anyplace else on earth – it’s like Iceland on steroids. In Japan, it is not an unusual or even decadent method to move time soaking in a bathtub of effervescent hot water. Here are some which are thought-about to be the holy grail of the onsen world. Now, we all know that sizzling tubs aren’t the identical as natural conventional scorching springs, however there are nonetheless instances when it could really feel like a gift from the gods. Soothing hot water soaks with therapeutic massaging jets will loosen up the physique and soothe muscle aches. You can also get a massage in one of the adjoining massage rooms. With over 750,000 readers every month, Tokyo Cheapo is the location of alternative for worth hunters who need their yen to go further in Tokyo. We cover all of the basics together with issues to do in Tokyo, how to get from Narita airport to Tokyo, which JR rail move to decide on, getting a SIM card and pocket wifi.

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thecompleteguidetomisery · 3 years

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How to Drive Like a Local in Southern California: A Guide for Tourists and Transplants

One of the challenges of getting to know any new city is learning the unspoken rules of its roads. That problem is compounded exponentially by the quirkiness, shall we say, of Southern California (SoCal) drivers. Therefore, in order to reduce the chances of a misunderstanding, visitors and more permanent arrivals would do well to educate themselves as much as possible about how the locals operate.

Drivers from elsewhere will be used to deferring to traffic laws when deciding who goes first at an intersection (e.g., first to arrive, tie goes to the right, straight before turns, etc.). Visitors and newcomers should know that, as a general rule, traffic laws are only occasionally followed in America’s Finest City.

For the local, rules of the road really means - only apply these practices if you can remember the rules, and only if you feel like doing so.

Changing Lanes

Most drivers are accustomed to a predictable practice of changing lanes when travelling on the freeway. For the average transplant or tourist, lanes are to be crossed one-at-a-time, with enough space to do so safely, and only after communicating the intention to do so by using a turn signal.

For the local, though, each of these criterion is optional.

First, SoCal drivers treat their vehicle’s turn signals like EpiPens: they only use them in case of an emergency.

In other words, to fit in with the locals, avoid your blinkers in all but the direst circumstances. And “dire circumstances” means - you want to get over into an adjacent lane but the butthead next to you either doesn’t care or doesn’t want to make room.

In that case, throw on your blinker as a signal to the butthead that you are about to cut them off.

Then cut them off.

On an unrelated note, San Diegans, and SoCal residents generally, refer to their freeways or highways with the title “The,” as in “The Eight-Oh-Five” or “The One-Sixty-Three.”

As though these are the only entities by those names ever in existence. Or the only ones that matter. The newcomer will be bombarded with references to “The Eight” and “The Five,” and have to resist the temptation to ask, “The Eight? Do you mean the novel by Katherine Neville? Or Quentin Tarantino’s Hateful collection?” or “Which five? The Jackson Five or the Slaughterhouse variety?”

The history is that Los Angeles got the jump on most of the country by building some of their freeways ahead of The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Southern Californians named the roads according to their location, such as “The San Bernardino Freeway.” So there was a local tradition of giving roads more personal names than, say, “Interstate Ninety-Five” on the East Coast.

By the time California reworked its road number system in 1964, the “The” habit was already established. Each of the previously charming names, such as “The Harbor Freeway,” were replaced by their numbered equivalents, as in “The One-Ten.”

Anyway, back to lane changes.

A common place for lane-crossing commotion, in any city, is when a vehicle enters the freeway from an on-ramp and hopes to accelerate less restrictive speeds as soon as possible (i.e., get into the fast lane). Tourists and transplants will be familiar with using their turn signals and gradually working their way over, one lane at a time, until they reach the far left lane.

Rather than limit yourself to that inefficient practice, slice across all lanes, from freeway entrance ramp to the fast lane, on a sharp diagonal without stopping or slowing. The only remaining issue is whether the drivers around you will force you to put on your turn signal before you cut them off.

Finally, reasonable drivers, when getting off a freeway, plan ahead and gradually move right from the fast lane to the exit ramp. For example, if you’ve ever been driving in the far right lane at high speeds in another part of the country, and became aware that you needed to take an exit in two miles, it’s pretty likely you immediately started to work your way over to the exit ramp, one lane at a time, and made it onto the exit ramp without ruining someone else’s day.

You will need to forget this habit.

Instead, stay in the far right lane until roughly a quarter of a mile before your exit. Then, throw on your blinker (either the right or left will do in a pinch since no one pays attention to turn signals anyway), make a ninety-degree right turn, and travel perpendicular to traffic until you make it to the ramp.

When others honk their displeasure, toss up a breezy wave to show that you forgive them for being uptight.

Remember, for SoCal drivers, the key is to create maximum chaos with every move.

Forced Courtesy

Imagine this scenario.

You are driving on a busy side street in one of Southern California’s many villages and there are cars behind you.

You are a little distracted by the condition of the roads and remember seeing a headline in the San Diego Union-Tribune the other day announcing America’s Finest City will spend $700K to assess the condition of its streets. As your right front tire drops into a crater-like pothole, you think to yourself, “Hey, Mayor Gloria, I’ll save you the money and trouble. These roads need A LOT of work.”

And for those of you who don’t know, the City of San Diego’s 2022 Budget includes the phrase: “Each neighborhood in San Diego deserves ‘sexy’ streets…”

Sexy?

I’d settle for smooth. Even silky. In fact, I think I’d prefer smooth or silky road to a sexy one. And why would you want to drive on a sexy street? Wouldn’t it be distracting? What makes a street sexy anyway?

Okay, we’ve officially opened Pandora’s celebrated box with THAT question.

So back to your drive. You mentally try not to avoid the question what makes a street sexy when you notice a person standing on the corner of the upcoming intersection. All their body language says they intend to cross the road. They are standing on the edge of the curb, leaning forward, and looking in your direction, obviously waiting for you to pass so they can move forward. Key phrase: waiting for you to pass... as in stationary.

And, finally, in this scenario you do NOT have a STOP sign.

If you are a recent transplant or tourist, you likely watch to make sure the pedestrian doesn’t dart out in front of you and, because the person is not moving and you do NOT have a STOP sign, you don’t stop.

Well, you can only get away with that out-of-town nonsense for so long in SoCal.

In SoCal, the correct procedure, while driving 35mph with cars following closely behind you, upon seeing someone standing on a corner who looks even the least interested in crossing your path, is to abruptly slam on your brakes and wave the now baffled pedestrian across the street.

You might think of this as “forced courtesy.” It’s a way of making yourself feel better by proving to yourself what a considerate driver you are.

Never mind the cars behind you. Expect that they will hit their brakes in time not to collide with your backside. Besides, it’s their job to be on their toes, alert for your capricious whims.

The walker will stare at you with something not far from puzzled annoyance. Being compelled to cross the road when one isn’t prepared is the adult equivalent of a child being shoved into the embrace of a least favorite relative, like that uncle with the bad breath. Or the aunt who is an enthusiastic collector of something boring and insipid, like cocktail napkins.

The pedestrian will freeze, lizard-like, unsure of what to do.

And pause, the way you do when that self-important friend of yours interrupts you to say something so dumb and irrelevant that you have to take a moment to recompose yourself.

The pedestrian will be certain something must be wrong with you, since you’d just stopped for no reason other than to let them, a perfect stranger, walk across your path. Your counterpart will wonder if you are planning to run them over once they step off the curb. Why else would you do something as foolish as this?

What is most important at this point is your commitment. You MUST remain stopped and gently but firmly tell the walker to get moving. This is no longer about courtesy, and was never about safety. This is about satisfying your ego. You decided to be considerate and, damnit, this jerk of a pedestrian had better honor that. And be grateful for it.

And so continue to pressure the passerby to get moving. Don’t be surprised to hear a growing cacophony of car horns as the drivers behind you, not aware of your unilateral decision to disregard traffic laws, pressure you to get moving.

At that point, it will dawn on your counterpart that you are truly a San Diego driver, and that stopping illegally to coerce random pedestrians to cross the street is just one of your quirks.

The pedestrian will give you an appreciative wave and walk in front of your vehicle, looking all the while to their right (i.e., away from you). Don’t be surprised if one of the confused, impatient drivers behind you decides to tear around you just as the hapless pedestrian steps in their path.

The other driver will honk, and because they are busy staring into your vehicle to determine what’s wrong with you for stopping in the middle of the street, they will not see the pedestrian until the last second and only narrowly avoid a needless tragedy.

You and the pedestrian will each look at one another, eyebrows raised to the top of your respective foreheads, puff out your cheeks and slowly exhale as if to say, “Well, that was a close one.”

As you drive off, you can yell to your counterpart, “Some people just don’t know how to drive!”

Four-Way Stop Signs

Southern Californians have evolved a couple approaches, in place of legal ones, to handle when two or more vehicles arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously and need to decide who should go first in order to avoid a collision.

The first is to slow down enough to give fellow travelers the impression that you will come to a complete stop, only to accelerate and roll through the intersection. The purpose of this maneuver is to save everyone else at the intersection the trouble of determining who has the right to proceed first. What a kind, thoughtful approach. Rather than burdening fellow travelers with another decision, you’ve taken the choice right out of their hands and applied it to your advantage.

It’s a win-win.

You will quickly recognize those naïve and foolish drivers who still believe in applying adult standards of behavior to the act of operating a motor vehicle. They will look shocked, even angry, as they slam on their brakes to avoid colliding with you, and might honk in protest as you pass. It is important to have an appropriate hand gesture ready for those instances.

The most common SoCal response is to give a breezy, passive-aggressive wave. This lets the other driver know that you’re the selfless, laid back type who has already forgiven them for having the temerity to make an unpleasant noise at you.

The other most popular reaction involves a single extended finger.

The second approach to four-way stops is both more complicated and commonplace. It involves planning, patience, and persistence.

The most important step is the first. You must get to your limit line (i.e., the white strip behind which you’re supposed to stop) an instant or two before another vehicle arrives. Then, sit patiently and stare at your counterpart while waiting for them to proceed.

The other driver will likely be confused that you are not moving and will, in their way, wait for you to go, since you arrived at the intersection first.

Don’t be fooled. This power struggle has only just begun.

Remind yourself that your fellow traveler is clearly a tourist who hasn’t yet grasped the SoCal system.

Wave for them to go ahead.

And flash your high beams to hammer home the point. Make sure you do this before they do or you’ll be obligated to proceed forward.

No matter how long you have to wait, keep your foot firmly planted on the brake. Consider putting the vehicle in park.

Then, the moment the other car begins to pull forward, stomp on your accelerator so that your vehicle violently lurches forward about five feet. Just enough distance to get your counterpart to stop moving.

Then slam on your brakes.

Your fellow traveler will, in the interim, have come to an abrupt halt. Feeling shocked and betrayed, they will flash their high beams and wave energetically for you to go ahead.

Remember that this is not about courtesy or efficiency, it is about you and your point of view. You unilaterally determined that the other vehicle should go first, and damnit, you’re the kind of person who sticks to their decision once they’ve made up their mind.

Besides, if you were to pull forward at that moment you’d lose face. Wait until your new nemesis begins to move, and lurch forward again. This is just a test to make sure that the other driver will really follow through with their commitment.

They will, of course, stop again. Finally, in an exaggerated manner, throw up your hands as if to say, “What are you waiting for?!?”

#howtodrivelikealocal

#maximumchaos

#forcedcourtesy

#whatareyouwaitingfor

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malibumart · 7 years

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Paradise Cove Pier

http://malibumart.com/pin/paradise-cove-pier/

#california #frame goals #lifestyle #lifestyle blog #lifestyle magazine #malibu #malibu beach #malibu pier #ocean #paradise cove #paradise cove pier #pch #socal #travel #travel blog #travel blogger #travel guide #wood sign #wood signs

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makymakvrchat · 1 year

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Mission San Juan Capistrano , City of San Juan Capistrano , San Juan Capistrano California. Travel Guide Southern California , California tour , Touring California , Travel Guide Orange County , Orange County Tour

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max-rainet · 3 years

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Happy Wanderers 70 TRAVELOGUEs Slim Bernard KTLA KCOP TV Travel Guide West Coast

view or purchase https://www.ebay.com/itm/384134574535

#travel #guide #happywanderers #camping #roadtrip #glamping #family #daytrip #socal #local #losAngeles

Barnard, Slim / Glendale Federal Savings / KTLA Channel 5 TV Show

Coincides with Television Show in California / KCOP Channel 13

KNBC Channel 4 / Presented By Southern California Ford Dealers

The TV show presented these leaflets with maps, trail guide, and costs for short trips around California, with short biographies of each place, and what to see, The Happy Wanderers TV show 1960s and 1970s, ideas for travel on the west coast. Here is the list of the places: 3 bit of Denmark in California Solvang 4 picnicking in Apple county 40 Shasta Lake 45 Southern CA beaches 49 Newport Beach 56 Los Angeles, 20 mile area 58 Christmas in the mountains 59 Tournament of Roses 62 following the old Oregon trail 64 An amazing square block (los angeles0 65 Vacation in Washington 66 golden door to Mexico 80 Searchlight 81 Ghosts of Glamis 88 highways of Palos Verdes 89 Lake Arrowhead 90 Goldfield 91 Bishop high country 92 Nevada Ghost Towns 93 Nevada Ghost towns. part 2 94 Lake Chapala 95 Where Marshall discovered gold 96 Mark Twain's gold country 97 Covina fishing in the Salton sea 98 Puerto Vallarta 99 thirty five minutes to the ponderosas 100 stars of Calabasas 101 Water wonderland (sea world) 103 Antelope Valley canyons 104 Vancouver Island Canada 105 Vacationing in the Canadian wilderness 106 Parks of the Giants 112 Lost world 113 Monument valley

114 trailing the astronauts 115 down in the Hee Haw valley 117 Arizona's upside down river 118 where time stands still 119 from mule teams to jet age 123 Land of leathernecks 125 last stop of the Colorado 126 A day at the races 127 Swansea ghost town 129 Shark tooth hill 130 Santa Barbara's polo ponies 131 Movie magic 132 Golden gate of the west 133 Magic carpet of wildflowers 135 Along the Santa Ynez trail 136 New northwest passage 137 Morro Bay jaunt 138 Wonder of Yosemite 139 Vacation in Purgatory 140 Wonderful world of youth 141 Trinity Alps 144 Through the western sierras 145 Colorado's ancient cliff dwellers 146 Come to the Fair (los angeles) 149 Apache cattle roundup 150 Yellowstone nat'l park 151 One if by land 152 Fort Apache Indian Reservation 153 Mineral King 154 Mexican Surfari 155 Arizona route 66 156 Los Angeles wonderlands 157 The proud people 159 Jawbone to red rock 160 Rivera of the Pacific

#travel bug #traveler #so cal #west coast #americana #guide

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queenkaywinchester · 4 years

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Your Biggest Fan - Part 4

|| Jensen Ackles x Reader (AU) ||

Word Count: 1,310

Warnings: language. That’s pretty much it.

Series Summary: You are an up and coming mystery/suspense writer. The newest addition to your popular series was just released, which means never-ending book signings all over the country. When your overzealous agent lands you a signing in Vancouver, you meet a fan you never expected to have. And, as luck would have it, you are just as big of a fan of them as they are of you!

Series Master List

Two Months Later

New Text Message

Jensen: Hey, pretty lady! How was your day?

You smiled at your phone and leaned back in your desk chair. You had been staring at your laptop screen for the last five hours. Your publisher had given you ten months to have the next installment of your book series completed, and you only had three pages of nonsense so far.

You let out a deep sigh and turned away from your desk, towards the large window of your office.

Jensen and you had been texting each other on an almost daily basis and called or video-chatted at least once a week. It was like having a pen pal, but more modern. And, a little more flirtatious. You had to admit, there was chemistry there. But, you were so far away, and you were so focused on your new project that you weren’t able to leave your house as much as you wanted.

Oh, and not to mention that this was Jensen freaking Ackles. That was one thing that you were still having a hard time getting over.

Y/N: Oh, just trying to dump my empty brain onto paper. Nothing exciting. How about you? Were you on set today?

The smile widened over your lips as you saw your message was read almost instantly.

Jensen: Oh, I’m sure it’s incredibly exciting. ;) Do I smell another addition to your series? And yeah, we filmed for nine hours. I’m beat. About to eat some dinner. But, it was a good day.

Y/N: A new addition might be in the future… or maybe I’m working on something new? You’ll just have to wait.

Jensen: Rude. But, that’s okay. It’s something to look forward to.

Y/N: I guess, haha.

Jensen: Speaking of something to look forward to, when is your next signing up this way? It would be awesome to see you again. I would fly down to SoCal, but I’m a but tied up here. My offer for a tour of the set still stands.

You let out a deep breath, then turned back to your laptop. You couldn’t stand to stare at that laptop and the stark white wall behind it anymore. After three weeks of being home and trying to squeeze the non-existent genius out, you needed a vacation. And not just a day or two in a new town. No, you needed a week or more to be free and enjoy the destination.

Y/N: Call me.

Within seconds, Jensen was calling you over FaceTime. You quickly answered.

“Hey there, gorgeous. What’s up?” Jensen practically sang with a smile. You chuckled.

“Oh, nothing fun. But, I have an idea.” You raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Jensen smirked. “I’m listening.”

“Okay, I’ll be honest, I’m going fucking stir crazy.” You pursed your lips. “Sooo, I wanted to know if it would be okay if I take you up on your offer?” Jensen’s eyes widened along with his lips.

“You mean, for a tour of the set?” The hope and excitement behind his gaze. His tongue peeked through his lips as he waited for your answer.

“If the tour guide is up for it?” You winked, earning you a deep chuckle.

“Well, I offered darlin’. When did you want to make your way up north?” You thought about it for little over a few seconds, then picked up the tablet resting on top of your printer.

“Well, I’ll see if I can find flights for tomorrow? Or is that too soon?” Jensen’s eyes widened and his perfectly chiseled jaw dropped.

“Tomorrow? Uh, wow. Okay—”

“Sorry, that’s such short notice. What was I thinking?” You blushed as you retracted. What the hell was going on with you? You never questioned yourself. But, the startled look on his face made your heart race.

But, much to your relief, Jensen shook his head.

“No, tomorrow is fine. I mean, you probably don’t want to have a tour after a three-hour flight, not to mention all that time at an airport.” Jensen’s words came out a little faster, obviously from excitement. “Just let me know when your flight is, and I can pick you up if you want. Maybe take you to grab a meal if you want.”

“Well,” you balanced your phone in one hand, and tablet in the other, “The only flight from LAX to Vancouver leaves at noon tomorrow. So, I should land around three, and have my luggage and go through customs and everything by three-thirty?” You were actually doing this. Not that you weren’t a spontaneous person. But, you had never just up and left for another country the next day.

Well, at least not until now.

“Is the flight full?” he questioned as you navigated the travel site. Within seconds, you had your tickets in your email inbox.

“Nope, and my tickets are purchased.” You couldn’t help but giggle. This whole thing was so exciting. A spontaneous adventure. “Now, I just have to book a hotel.”

“Oh, wow. Okay, then. I’ll be at the airport by three-thirty.” Jensen offered his award-winning smile.

“Okay. Wow, this is actually happening!” You giggled in disbelief. You stared at Jensen, silent for a few moments. “Well, I guess I should go pack, then.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Your smile remained as you watched his cheeks flush. “I’ll text you later and, uh, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jensen winked, then ended the call.

You leaned back into your chair. Well, that just fucking happened. You were leaving for Vancouver tomorrow, meeting up with Jensen fucking Ackles, and touring the set of one of your favorite shows. All on a freaking whim.

Well, go you. It’s about damn time you did something like this. It’s not like you didn’t travel, but it was always planned and always for work. When it came to an actual vacation, it had probably been a good three years since you had gone anywhere more than an hour outside of Los Angeles County.

You stared out the window at the shining sun. Well, shit. What was the weather like in Vancouver now? It was always chillier up north. Did you already put your winter clothes into the garage? Your head spun as you processed the situation. Then, a much more important question crossed your racing mind.

“Where the hell did I put my passport?”

You let out a shaky sigh as you watched your purple plaid suitcase approached you on the conveyor belt. There were at least thirty other people still waiting for their luggage in the surprisingly crowded Vancouver International Airport.

You clutched your laptop bag at your side as you leaned down for your suitcase. Luckily, it had been one of the first one’s unloaded, which meant you could be out of there quicker and well on your way to find your tour guide.

Once the wheels of your suitcase were firmly on the streaked epoxy floor, you were heading for the glass doors. Dim light shone through the tall glass windows that lined the walls, exposing the yellow flashes of taxi’s passing by. As you neared the automatic doors, they opened, greeting you with a chilly gust of Canadian air.

Once you were on the sidewalk, you shivered. Your jacket was probably on the bottom of your suitcase, which wasn’t the best place for it. You thought a knitted pullover would be enough. But, the northern air was a little cooler than when you were last there.

Speaking of being outside, it was about time you were entering the car of your handsome friend. You peered down the sidewalk, past at least thirty faces, but didn’t get a glimpse of those gorgeous emerald eyes.

“Y/N?” you heard a familiar voice chirp from behind you. You turned towards the sound and your eyes instantly locked on glimmering emerald.

Ah, there they were.

If you want to be added or removed from my tag list, please send me an ask. Thanks!

Queen Kay’s Loyal Followers (Forever Tags):

@fandoms4everyone @sophiebobzz @idk-life01 @spnbaby-67 @cocklesbelli @musiclovinchic93 @corasbunker

Your Biggest Fan Series Tags:

@mrsdeanfuckingwinchester @cherrycokegirls1 @smoothdogsgirl @tardis-is-mine @just-another-winchester @cocoatales @sev3nruby @sterekloveaffairs @ariethegreat98 @secretsandlove81199 @maddieburcham1 @niamandthings @typicalweirdbookworm @diariesofthebeautyobsessed @viviandarkbloom06 @winchesterprincessbride @redeyedvixen @soobi89 @ericaprice2008 @faegal04 @swanwinchester @somilotopia

#jensen ackles #jensen ackles x reader #jensen x reader #jensen ackles and reader #jensen ackles x reader series #jensen x reader series #jensen ackles series #supernatural rpf

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suckrfish · 3 years

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I got a sponsored post on Facebook for a travel page for Miyagi, Japan. I clicked on it out of curiosity and read each post about features of the cities and traditions. It made my heart ache to travel. I just want to see the world.

I always wanted to go to Japan. Like my SoCal trip, I want to check out the whole country beyond Tokyo. I also wish we had, not a guide but, someone that can travel with us to translate and hang out. The thing is I know exactly who would be the right person, but we haven’t spoken in a long time. We used to be close, or I thought we were close. I highly doubt they would want to go with us (or acknowledge my presence) if I asked.

#personal #travel #COVID things #friend

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sunflowerhazzavol6 · 4 years

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Pacific Coast

A/N- This is probably the first time I’ve sat down and written an entire piece in one afternoon and I actually really enjoyed writing this one, so I hope you all love it as much as I do! I’ll probably start getting to your requests tomorrow, but please feel free to put one in if you haven’t already! I’m excited about what I’ve seen in there so far and I can’t wait to get to writing.

Y/N is with her sister in Malibu, CA to grieve their father and to continue a tradition that he had carried on from their childhood. While there, she meets a familiar stranger and finds herself to be more confident and comfortable with him than with anyone else before him. 3,500 words of pretty much pure fluff with a Jamaica-esque Harry :) Marijuana usage and cursing.

She knew it was the right decision as soon as she let herself relax in the driver's seat, her hand nonchalantly placed out the window as the air blew through her fingers. She had forgotten how beautiful and familiar the Pacific Coast Highway was. Her father had taken her down here a few times during her childhood to relive his younger days as a beach bum surfer, and she treasured those memories more than anything else. Now she was older and understood the pull; Malibu made it easy to escape your boring, corporate life and fall into the easygoing nature of the tide.

Her sister sighed dreamily as she rested her head on her hand, her elbow propped in the window. “Dad would love this. His two girls, off on an adventure.”

“Sure he would. Which is exactly the reason mom would hate it.” Y/n smiles over at her, propping a joint between her lips and leaning into her sister’s hand as she lights it.

“Mom would hate this more than anything else.” Elise was two years younger than her but probably one of the most level-headed mature people she knew. Y/n would never say it out loud, but she felt incredibly lucky to be related to her best friend.

“Hate what? The weed?” She sucks in a drag, relaxing back into the seat as she blows it out and passes it back to her sister.

“Well, yeah. That and the irresponsible spending of money.”

Y/n lets out a syllable of a laugh, the last few traces of smoke escaping her lips. “Fuck it. We’re young. And if all goes to plan, we won’t be spending any of our own money on drinks, which is the biggest expense of all.”

Elise rolls her eyes but smiles, ashing the joint out the window. “So what's first on the agenda? Sunset surf?”

“Not tonight. We need to wax the boards later, though, so that we can tomorrow.” She exits the highway, following the familiar road to their favorite beach spot. The sisters pass the joint back and forth until it’s nothing but a roach, stamping it out in the empty Altoids box in the center console. Y/n can feel herself start to get giggly, the marijuana working its way through her system to relax every muscle in her body. When she looks over at her sister she sees the same thing mirrored back at her, squinty eyes with crows feet in the corners from the pure bliss.

By the time they find a parking spot she immediately jumps out of the car, running to the sand with a happy yell. It's warm from the SoCal sun, and she sighs at the familiarity of it between her toes. “ ‘Lise, grab the blanket!” She calls over her shoulder, reaching down to feel it run through her fingers. Coming to the beach always felt just as warm in her insides as it did on the outside. She could feel her father here, hear his laugh. If she closed her eyes she could feel his hand ruffle her hair, saying, “come on pumpkin, get in the water. Can you smell the salt?”

Her feet carry her forward before she has time to think about where she’s going, magnetized towards the foamy surf. If she could just feel the bubbles around her ankles, then maybe he would make an appearance, he would be right-

“Oi!” She collides with something solid and wet, and she gasps before opening her eyes. “Watch where you’re going!” A strong hand reaches out to steady her by her shoulder, and then she feels it shake with laughter. “Ah, right.”

“Fuck, sorry.” She takes a step back, blushing. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Or you’re stoned.” He secures his board under his arm and then runs his hand through his dark brown hair, dotted with the light grains of sand.

“Er, yeah. Sorry.” She turns an even brighter red, and prays to dear god that he would just think it was a sunburn.

“No need to apologize for being high. You and every other person here. Just maybe get some eye drops if you want to be inconspicuous.” He lets out a deep but raspy laugh, holding out his hand. “Harry.”

She grasps it in hers, giving it a firm shake. Something about him was familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. “Y/n.”

“Right. Y/n. You from around here?”

“Uh, no. I drove here with my sister from Oregon. Our dad used to bring us here in the summers and he just…” She trails off, biting her lip. “Anyways, we’re here for a long weekend to surf and get away from our lives back at home.”

“Malibu is the place to go for escaping.” He sets the end of his board down in the sand, leaning against it. She can see the stretch of his brown skin across his abdominal muscles as he does so, her eyes following the tattooed ferns on his v-line to where it disappears into his dark wetsuit, the arm sleeves tied around his waist to obstruct her view of anything else. She clears her throat and stands up straighter, hoping that the stare only felt drawn out because of her state of mind.

“Is that why you’re here?”

Harry smiles at the boldness of her question, dimples indenting into his cheeks. “Precisely why I’m here. Much harder to feel the pressures of life when your only responsibility is to make sure you don’t drown.”

“That's a funny way to look at it.”

“Is it?”

“Pretty existential if you ask me.”

He laughs again, his smile going lopsided. “Well, y/n, I guess I’ll leave you to your stoned reflections. See you around?”

“I think you’re in control of whether or not you see me around.”

His grin goes even wider at her forwardness, and she seems shocked at it herself. “I suppose you’re right.” He nods to the boardwalk some ways away. “I’ll be at Rusty’s tonight. Come by and I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Hmm. Then I guess I’ll see you around.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“I guess you will. Nice meeting you, y/n.”

“Nice meeting you, Harry.” He shakes his head with a laugh and then nods to someone behind her before jogging away with his surfboard under his arm. Suddenly her sister is next to her, giggling.

“That didn’t take you very long at all. I’ve never seen you flirt like that in my life.”

“My god. Is my heart still beating?” She yanks her sister’s hand and pushes her two fingers against where she thought her pulse should be. “Can you feel anything?”

“Very strong. Very fast.” She laughs, looking over her shoulder at his retreating figure. “Jesus. Look at that ass, too. Did you see his tattoos?”

“Did I see his tattoos? I was practically drooling over them.” She stands on her toes to look beyond her sister. Harry is talking to a small group of girls, all of whom seem to be overly ecstatic about the handsome man in front of them. Y/n gets the sense of knowing him again before shaking it off. “You’re sure my heart is still working?”

“Positive. What did he say?”

“I think he asked me out.”

“He did what?!” Elise drops the blanket in her arms onto the sand, grabbing y/n’s shoulders. “What exactly did he say?”

“He said he’d see me around, so I said that that was up to him, and then he said he’d be at some place called Rusty’s.”

“Y/n!” She shakes her older sister aggressively with a laugh. “He totally asked you out! Or actually, you asked him.”

“I did? Fuck, how much did I smoke?” She puts a hand on her forehead with a groan, but starts laughing immediately after. “I never would have done that if dad was here.”

“No, you definitely wouldn’t. Now let's get some sun, you beach slut. Calm you down a little bit before you jump someone’s bones.”

The sky is a dark hazy orange when she stands at the entrance of Rusty’s, chewing on her lower lip nervously. Her sister had insisted on the white crop top with the straight neckline, talking about how she had incredible collarbones and needed to show them off. Y/n had never considered the sex appeal of collar bones, but trusted Elise to know what suited her. She had paired it with high-waisted jeans that she had thrifted a year ago. They were her favorite pair- worn perfectly to fit the comfort she required with her clothing while also shaping each curve of her body. If she had her own pair of magical traveling pants, these were it, and her sister had agreed that they were the right choice if she wanted to seem nonchalant in her desire to get laid. Not that that was the goal. Although it would be nice to-

Her thoughts are interrupted again by Harry, though this time he's dressed in a mostly-unbuttoned blue floral shirt and yellow swimming shorts. Two sparrows on his pectoral muscles peak from behind the fabric, and she ignores the feeling in the pit of her stomach about what else the shirt was hiding. “Y/n. It seems like daydreaming isn’t just a stoned thing for you, eh?”

“Apparently not.” She reaches up to play with the gold chain of her necklace, a small garnet hanging from the end of it. “You know, most people wear more clothes when they’re on shore, not less.”

“Is that so? I wasn’t aware you had a particular dress code in mind for me to follow.” He smiles at her teasingly, crossing his arms over his chest. His biceps bulge at the contact but she pays them no mind, focusing instead on his eyes. What before had seemed like a sea-glass green were now more of a murky color, brooding and mysterious.

“I don’t. Just an observation.”

“Ah. Maybe you should tell me more of your many observations inside, yeah?”

“Shouldn’t you be so lucky.” She remarks with a smile. He laughs and follows her inside the bar, pressing a warm hand to the exposed skin of her back as he guides her through the crowd of people. She shudders at the contact, allowing him to bring her to the bar. She doesn’t even hear what he orders for them, soaking up the scene. It seemed busy for a Thursday night, most of the patrons either young people around their age or retired locals. She had been here before, but hadn’t remembered it after so many years. She cranes her neck until her eyes find the booth that she had inhabited. For a second she thinks she can see the familiar sandy blonde hair of her dad, but as soon as she does it’s gone.

“I hope you like beer.” Harry holds up two full pints, both foaming at the top above the amber liquid. “They’re known for their drafts.”

“I love beer. But how do you even know if I’m 21?”

Harry raises his eyebrows and his eyes go wide. “Are you not?”

“I’m 22. But you didn’t know that. What if you were supplying alcohol to a minor?”

He shrugs. “Drinking laws in America are dumb as it is. But this would have been a very short date.”

She smiles, taking one of the pints from his hand. “A man of morals, I see.”

“A man with seemingly skewed morals.” He looks over her head and then back down to her face. “Want to go sit on the patio? The sun hasn’t quite set yet and I want to see if it flashes green tonight.” She nods, and again his palm finds its way to her back as he lets her lead them to a table at the edge with an unobstructed view of the skyline. He clears his throat and she laughs when he pulls her chair out for her.

“What an English gentleman.” She says as she sits, setting her beer down on the table.

“I’m nothing if not a gentleman.” He boasts, but his dimples allude to his teasing.

“My dad used to look for the green flash too. Mom used to lecture him endlessly for ruining his eyesight, but no matter what we were doing or where we were in Malibu, he would find his way to some cliff or beach to watch the sun set.”

“Used to?”

Y/n looks down, brushing her finger up the side of her glass to gather the condensation in distraction. “Uh, yeah. He died a few months ago. Cancer.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Harry puts a hand over her hand on the table, and their eyes meet. Usually when people apologized for her loss, they were sympathetic but otherwise empty. Harry’s were genuine, empathetic even. “I lost my step-dad a while back. It fucking sucks.”

She laughs a bit at his bluntness. “It does. There's really no other way to describe it. Because it affects everyone at some point, right? And it’s no one's fault. It just... fucking sucks.”

“So that’s why you’re here then? You mentioned earlier that he brought you here in the summer.”

She smiles at his memory. “Yeah. My sister and I didn’t want to halt tradition just because he couldn’t be here. Even as adults he insisted that we come along with, so it kind of just became something that we expected to do every summer for the rest of our lives. I don’t know. I guess we didn’t want to stop just because he was gone. If anything he’d want us to continue to enjoy the place he loved so much.”

“I like that. That you didn’t even really have to think about it.” He holds up his glass. “Well in that case, to your dad. May Malibu always be a place for him to be with you.”

Y/n feels tears sting her eyes as she holds up her own glass to clink against his. “To dad.”

She watches as Harry takes a swig of his beer while she mirrors him. Immediately he jumps into conversation, sensing her need for distraction while she reflects. He talks a bit of nonsense about how the surfing was that day, watching her face to read into where her head was at. He was always good at that, and could sense even the slightest change in someone's demeanor. Y/n seemed like the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, and seemed emotionally intelligent enough to the point where she would deal with her emotions when she felt them rather than pushing them to the side. When the clouds in her eyes seem to disappear he slides to sit beside her rather than across from her, casually slinging his arm over the back of her chair. “Look. Sun is setting. You know, I’ve been told that if you can see the flash, you get a wish.”

“Is that so?” She subconsciously leans into him, watching the skyline. The rest of the bar seems to settle into a gentle hum as everyone cranes to see the sun.

“Definitely.” He drops his hand to her arm, rubbing his thumb back and forth. She bites her lip at the contact, looking up at him. His features, while chiseled and structured, were equally as soft and kind. She could sense that in the future he would sport crows feet at the corner of his eyes while others would harbor insecurity over the frown lines in their forehead. Her eyes followed the slope of his nose down to his shell-pink lips, and then jumped back up just in time to see the bright green reflecting in his eyes. As soon as it’s there it’s gone, and his pupils dilate when they meet hers. “Did you see the-”

Now it’s her turn to cut him off, her lips pressing to his. His eyes widen in surprise before drifting shut, his lips softening to invite hers in more. He didn’t need to ask her to know what her wish was, and found himself drawing her closer, needing more, more, more. He had never felt a kiss like this before, one filled equally with passion and softness. He could feel the air of self-consciousness in her lips as she started to pull away, and just as quickly he brought her back in with the pull of his own lips, coaxing her into relaxation. When he finally does separate their lips she’s rendered speechless, glancing around. No one seems to have noticed, too busy discussing the phenomenon they just witnessed. Meanwhile she’s processing the phenomenon in her own head, eating away at the walls of her belly.

“Wow.” He breathes, scratching the back of his neck before looking around. When his eyes come back to hers he grins, the left side of his mouth quirked up higher than the right. “Wow.”

She clears her throat, taking a sip of her beer and raising her eyebrows at him over the glass. He laughs, and when she comes back up he kisses her again, gliding his tongue along her upper lip to collect the foam before pulling back into his own seat, the boyish smirk taking over his face. “Anyways.”

“Anyways.” She repeats.

“How was that?”

“I’ll consider giving a good Yelp review.”

He laughs and she can’t help but kiss him again. This makes him smile more, and he leans back into a stretch as she pulls away, clearly pleased with himself. “Well that concludes your tour of Malibu nightlife, anything beyond that is going to cost you a pretty penny. I suppose I could cut you a discount, since you’re grieving and all…” He trails off when she smacks him, and he grabs her wrist while he laughs. “If you’re going to be throwing yourself at me like that, at least buy me dinner first.”

“God, you’re relentless!” Her cheeks are a bright red now, and he slides his hand so their fingers are intertwined.

“Seriously, you want some food? They’ve got some mean burgers here. I won’t make you pay though. Although I do expect more of whatever that was afterwards.”

“Harry.” She hisses through her teeth. “God, I’m never kissing anyone off of a whim again.”

“I sure hope not. I liked that being just for me.” He waves at a waitress, who seems to know him. She mouths the word ‘burger?’ and he holds up two fingers. She nods before walking away.

“Do you always come here and kiss strange girls?” Y/n asks, laughing.

“No. You’d be the first. Usually I drown here in my loneliness and drink until the pain ebs away.” He takes a sip of his beer. “Not actually. But I do come here enough that they know my order it seems.”

“Interesting.” She smiles into her glass as she finishes off the beer.

“Wow. I’m going to have to keep up with you.” He finishes his own, before taking his sunglasses out of his hair and ruffling it.

“So, Harry, what do you do?”

“Hmm? Oh. I’m a musician.”

“You are?” She perks up a bit, folding her arms on the table in front of her. “What kind of music?”

“Any, really. Lots of rock influences, but I mainly just play whatever feels right.”

“Anything I would know?”

He smiles and she’s immediately frustrated by his coyness. “Harry.”

“What?” He grins even wider, playing with the napkin dispenser.

Suddenly it hits her like a truck. Her own familiarity with him, the girls on the beach. “Styles. You’re Harry Styles.”

He hums as a confirmation, running a hand through his hair. “So about that Yelp review…”

She can’t help but laugh, shaking her head and burying her face in her arms with a groan.

“What’s that about?” He snorts.

“I just threw myself on a world renowned rock star.”

“I licked beer off of your lip.” He points out, leaning down to rest his chin on his arms in front of her.

“Only because I suffocated you with my misplaced hormones.” She peeks out from her forearms, and he can see the blush on the tips of her cheeks.

“Misplaced? Hardly. You only jump started what I would have done later. Though I would have done it consensually, mind you.” He sits up straight while she groans and buries her face back into her arms. “Y/n, I’m teasing.” He laughs. She holds up her middle finger and he grabs her hand, kissing her knuckles. His voice drops to a hushed whisper. “Y/n, if I didn’t want to kiss you I wouldn’t have. Can you please come out of hiding now?”

She slowly sits back up, glaring at him. “You could have told me who you really were before I threw myself at you.”

“I kind of like that you agreed to go out with me without knowing.”

“So we’re inflating your ego now, are we? That’s at least one star deducted.”

He grins at the return of her playfulness. “What a shame. I suppose I’ll have to earn it back, hm?” He leans into her.

“I suppose you will.”

#harry styles fluff #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction #harry edward styles #Harry Styles

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canyonhermit · 4 years

Text

Lost? (Portentum Canyon Masterpost)

So, you’ve found yourself lost in Portentum Canyon, California. Calm yourself. I know, all the trails look the same after a certain point. But don’t worry, my child, you’re safe here. Hm? Where are you? Who am I? What’s that sound? Why does that deer have three eyes? Let’s cool it with the questions. Take a seat and I’ll lay it all out in simple terms.

This post includes:

I. Who am I? - Who is The Hermit?

II. Where are we? - Guide to Portentum Canyon

III. What can I do for you? - How to interact

IV. The Author

V. Taglist

Who am I?

I’m what the folks around here like to call The Hermit. I live here, in the middle of the canyon, by myself. I get lonely sometimes, but I’m lucky to have weary travelers such as yourself every once in a while. I’ve been here for longer than you can even fathom- human minds, they’re so inhibited.

(The Hermit deals with all content tagged # hermit’s words)

Where are we?

Portentum Canyon, the most obscure and uncharted nature preserve in California. It’s big enough to be a state park but there were too many incidents to get it officially recognized, which is probably why you’ve never heard of it. Over 500 square miles of dense forest, steep cliffs, and dangerous rapids. Hiking here is definitely not for the faint of heart, but I’m sure you know that. It’s rarely traveled by humans, so it’s mostly populated by some of the most beautiful native wildlife in the country: the American black bear, common blue jay, Sierra Nevada red fox, hyampom hog bear, six-eyed deer, Central American whintosser, red-headed woodpecker, western double-headed coyote. It’s scorching hot in the day, but frigid at night.

Nights here are treacherous and often lethal. Besides the fauna, the woods are plagued by restless spirits. They inhabit abandoned buildings and crashed vehicles, even the trees themselves. Some of them haven’t even died yet.

You were lucky to find my little shack before sunset. I know, it looks like a mess from the outside- some have said that it looks like it would tumble down the cliff and into the river if I so much as sneeze- but I promise it’s rather cozy inside. If you can get past the abandoned coffee cups and books on the floor, there’s a pair of mismatched armchairs (ignore the large purple stain on the back cushion of mine, it’s no concern of yours) and a fireplace. It’s always been lit, however, I don’t remember ever lighting it. There’s a window but it’s best you avoid it at all costs. There’s a wooden shelf full of books- yes, I know they look like they’re about to fall to the floor, but I assure you they want- and a small stove and sink. How do I have running water and heat all the way out there? None of your business, kid.

What can I do for you?

Unfortunately, there are no gifts without charge. You must be tired- I have food and drink, but you’ve got to offer me something in return. Requests can be anything, physical or otherwise, and offerings are in words (a story, a memory, a poem, anything non-physical) as long as you deem your payment of equal value your request! For instance, you could offer a story in return for a hot cup of coffee, or a book recommendation in return for some heartfelt advice.

(Similar to the ask/offering system of @/normal-horoscopes, @/theambersalesman, and @/thetatteredveil. My responses are primarily cryptic horror-writing oriented as opposed to genuine, more benign responses from those blogs, and payment is in words instead of objects.)

The Author

Hello! My name is Lawrence, I’m the writer behind The Hermit and the concept of Portentum Canyon. I’m a writer specializing in horror, I am absolutely in love with every legendary American cryptid, I speak three languages, and I’m allergic to fiberglass. I dabble in spirituality, witchcraft, and the occult, and I’m a nerd for urban legends.

I’m a Califonia native and I can assure you that (as far as I know) Portentum Canyon does not exist. It won’t exist unless I manage to manifest it into materializing in our dimension, but that’s not extremely likely. However! It is heavily based on the urban legends (haunted and abandoned buildings, rampant cults, ghosts of perished hikers, the occasional UFO, etc) surrounding Turnbull Canyon in SoCal, with an environment comparable to Yosemite Valley and the surrounding national park. (The header photo is a picture I took of Yosemite Valley on a disposable camera that would later be dropped into a lake and barely salvaged.) The creatures inhabiting it are various North American cryptids and legends with the addition of a few that are simply products of my imagination. Feel free to ask about them, I’d be happy to infodump!

To ask for me, simply clarify “to the author” in your ask. No offering necessary because, unlike the hermit, I’m not a rapacious immortal bastard. I’m not a pro at anything, but I’m still open to answering questions about my research on California, cryptids, and urban legends, or simply about myself. Or anything, honestly, I get bored. Out-of-character content is tagged # author’s words.

This blog is inspired by @/normal-horoscopes, @/theambersalesman, and @/thetatteredveil but does not claim any canonicity within said blogs. This blog and all characters and writing are copyright to me, the author. I am not an expert on American cryptids and urban legends and the stories and descriptions expressed here should not be considered factual or accurate.

Taglist

#hermit’s words = Posts The Hermit has added to and asks answered by The Hermit

#author’s words = Out-of-character posts I (the author) has added to and asks I have answered

#foodstuff = Asks requesting food or drink, horror writing

#talk = Asks requesting words (advice, stories, etc), may or may not be horror

#canyon lore = Asks and posts referring to and/or explaining legends pertaining to Portentum Canyon

#canyon friends = Asks and posts referring to and/or explaining the creatures and spirits residing in Portentum Canyon

#cw ____ = Content (primarily in horror writing) that may be considered triggering or disturbing. If you’d like me to add a cw tag for your triggers, send an ask or message me and I’ll be happy to do so.

#[blog name] = Content interacting with a certain blog

I will add more as this blog grows and changes!

This blog is a safe space for everyone except for bigots. If I catch you disrespecting anyone, you’ll be thrown off the ravine or fed to the double headed coyotes without hesitation :)

That’s all! Welcome to Portentum Canyon, where the sun is hot and you are never, ever alone. Animals with more eyes than are natural are always watching you. You cannot avoid them. Have a nice stay!

#hermit's words #author's words #cw long post #canyon lore #canyon friends #masterpost #portentum canyon masterpost

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hlupdate · 4 years

Link

Harry Styles twirls in the center of the floor of the L.A. Forum, dancing wildly to his new song “Golden.” The venue is deserted. It’s Thursday afternoon, just a few hours before the release of his hotly awaited second album, Fine Line. He’s rehearsing for Friday night’s big album-release celebration show. (Outside the arena, the parking lot is full of tents—fans from around the world have been camping out all week, awaiting a spot on this floor.) After a few hours of rehearsing with his band, Harry cuts loose as the new album begins to blast over the speakers, breaking into a dance of joy. It’s probably the last time he’ll ever hear this song in a room where nobody else is dancing.

Backstage, he lounges on a leather couch in his corduroy flares, a string of pearls and a yellow T-shirt depicting a panda and the words “I’m Gonna Die Lonely.” He and his musical wingman, Tom “Kid Harpoon” Hull, argue over the set list for the upcoming world tour, even though it doesn’t start until April. His mother reaches for an apple; ever the dutiful rock-star son, Harry directs her to the bowl where the tastier apples are hidden. He’s restless with anticipation for the world to hear his new songs, and he’s not doing a great job of hiding it.

Fine Line is the soulful, expansive, joyous pop masterpiece Harry’s been reaching for ever since he blew up nearly ten years ago, as the heart-throb of One Direction. As he sings in “Lights Up,” the single that dropped in September, he’s stepping into the light. “It all just comes down to I’m having more fun, I guess,” he says. “I think ‘Lights Up’ came at the end of a long period of self-reflection, self-acceptance,” he says. “Through the two years of making the record I went through a lot of personal changes—I just had the conversations with myself that you don’t always have. And I just feel more comfortable being myself.”

His life has changed in oh so many ways—some involving the occasional magic mushroom, others involving the even more psychedelic power of a broken heart. The music ranges from the Laurel Canyon hippie soft-rock vibe of “Canyon Moon”—Harry calls it “Crosby, Stills and Nash on steroids”—to the R&B pulse of “Adore You.” Fine Line is a break-up album that’s often sorrowful, but reflecting the introspective evolution of a 25-year-old navigating the seas of Having Sex and Feeling Sad, despite having spent so much of his youth in the spotlight. He’s refusing to follow trends or fit any formula. “The overall arc is just that I tried to redefine what success means to me. I tried to rewire what I thought about it. A lot changes in two years, especially after coming out of the band and just working out what life is now. I feel so much freer, making this album—you get to a place where you feel happy even if the song is about the time when you weren’t that happy.”

The first time Harry played this album for me, back in June, it was a few miles away in L.A.’s Henson Studios, the same room where his idol Carole King made Tapestry—for him, sacred ground. “I look back on the last album,” he said then, referring to his 2017 solo debut. “And I thought I was being so honest, just because there’s one line about having a wank. I had no idea. You write a song that’s pretty open and honest, and you think that’s just my song, but then you hand it over to people, and it’s like, ‘Oh fuck!’ Until people hear them, they’re not even songs. They’re just voice notes.”

Here is Harry’s song-by-song guide to Fine Line—along the creative and emotional journey he took while making it.

“Golden” The first song written for Fine Line, on the second day of the sessions at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu. “That was always the first one I played to people,” he says. “That was just always going to be Track One.” It’s a blast of vintage Seventies SoCal soft-rock, the kind of Laurel Canyon mellowness that suffused his first album, layered in guitars and harmonies. “When we wrote ‘Golden,’ we were sitting around the kitchen in the studio, and I was playing it on guitar. There were five of us singing the harmonies—the acoustics in the kitchen made it sound so cool, so we thought, this song’s gonna work.”

Even in this sunny SoCal pop tune, there’s a tinge of bittersweet loss—as the sun goes down, he pleads, “I don’t wanna be alone.” As he says, “I don’t know much about Van Morrison’s life—but I know how he felt about this girl, because he put it in a song. So I like working the same way.”

“Watermelon Sugar” Harry did this fruit-crazed jam on Saturday Night Live, stretching out with his live band. He wrote “Watermelon Sugar” with producer Tyler Johnson, Tom Hull and guitar sidekick Mitch Rowland; as with the whole album, he worked with members of his tight rotating cast of friends and collaborators, rather than the usual hit squad of pros. “If you’re going in with session writers or something, you spend one or two days there, and there is no way that person really cares about your album as much as you do. Because they’re into something else tomorrow. I know that Mitch, Tyler, Tom, Sammy [Witte], Jeff [Bhasker] wanted the album to be as good as I wanted to be. They don’t care about if it’s their song or not. They’re not concerned how many songs they get on an album. They want it to be the best album it can possibly be. We’ll bond over music we love and things we’re going through. It’s not like there’s one person in the group that’s like, ‘Well, no, I don’t talk about that. I just make beats.’”

A massive influence on the album—and on his life—is his experience on his first solo tour, stepping out without One Direction. “The tour, that affected me deeply. It really changed me emotionally. Having people come to sing the songs. For me the tour was the biggest thing in terms of being more accepting of myself, I think. I kept thinking, ‘Oh wow, they really want me to be myself. And be out and do it.’ That’s the thing I’m most thankful for, of touring. The fans in the room is this environment where people come to feel like they can be themselves. There’s nothing that makes me feel more myself than to be in this whole room of people. It made me realize people want to see me experiment and have fun. Nobody wants to see you fake it.”

“Adore You” “‘Adore You’ is the poppiest song on the album,” he says of the latest single. “This time I really felt so much less afraid to write fun pop songs. It had to do with the whole thing of being on tour and feeling accepted. I listen to stuff like Harry Nilsson and Paul Simon and Van Morrison, and I think, well, Van Morrison has ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ and Nilsson has ‘Coconut.’ Bowie has ‘Let’s Dance.’ The fun stuff is important.”

“Lights Up” After kicking off his solo career with “Sign of the Times,” a sprawling glam-rock piano epic, Harry surprised many fans with his first single from Fine Line: a succinct, sleek R&B groove. “When I played it for the label, I told them, this is the first single. It’s two minutes thirty-five. You’re welcome.” It came late in the sessions—“Lights Up,” “Treat People with Kindness” and “Adore You” were written in the final week this spring, in a burst of inspiration.

For Harry it has something to do with stepping out on his own. When he began songwriting, it was as a member of the group. “‘Happily,” that was the first time I saw my name in the credits. I liked that. But I knew I’d only sing part of it. I knew if I wrote a really personal song, I wouldn’t sing it. It was like a safety net. If a song was too personal, I could back away and say, ‘Well, I don’t have anything to do with it.’ The writing was like, “Well if I was going to write a song about myself, I’d probably never sing it.” It’s like story-telling sometimes if you’re like telling a really personal story then the voice changes every few lines, it doesn’t quite do the same thing. As the songs got more personal, I think I just became more aware that at some point there might be a moment where I would want to sing it myself.”

“A turning point was “Two Ghosts,” a ballad from his solo debut. “’Two Ghosts’ I wrote for the band, for Made In the AM. But the story was just a bit too personal. As I started opening up to write my more personal stuff, I just became aware of a piece of me going, ‘I want to sing the whole thing.’ Now I look at a track list and these are all my little babies. So every time I’m playing a song, I can remember writing it, and exactly where we were and exactly what happened in my life when I wrote it. So the whole show is this massive emotional journey, you know? That’s a big difference, rather than every twenty minutes you go, ‘Oh, I remember this one.’”

“Cherry” The most powerful moment on Fine Line—a raw confession of jealousy. His engineer Sammy Witte was playing an acoustic guitar riff that Harry overheard and loved. “That was the moment of saying, yeah, I want my songs to sound like that,” he says. It ends with a female voice speaking French, while Harry jams on guitar. “That’s just a voice note of my ex-girlfriend talking. I was playing guitar and she took a phone call—and she was actually speaking in the key of the song.”

“Falling” A dreamy soul ballad. “Tom had come up to my place to grab something and he’d sat at the piano and I’d just got out of the shower and he started playing, and then we wrote it there. So I was completely naked when I wrote that song.”

“To be So Lonely” “The song ‘To Be So Lonely’ is just really like articulation of Mitch’s brain. Even when Mitch plays to himself, he’s got the swing.” The song was composed on a guitalele—a ukulele with six strings. “They’re really good for writing on, because you can travel with them. I had one of those with me in Japan, so they’re really good for spur-of-the-moment ideas.”

“She” A fantastic six-minute rock epic with a loopy guitar excursion, as if the Prince circa “Purple Rain” jammed with Pink Floyd circa “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” “Mitch played that guitar when he was a little, ah, influenced. Well, he was on mushrooms, we all were. We had no idea what we were doing. We forgot all about that track, then went back later and loved it. But Mitch had no idea what he did on guitar that night, so he had to learn it all over from the track. That one to me feels really British. I usually sing with a slight American twang, because the first person I ever listened to was Elvis Presley. When I’ve been doing the track listing, and ticking off the ones to definitely make the album, it’s always in the first three to be ticked. That’s a phenomenal song.”

“Sunflower, Vol. 6” An experimental trip with “deep cut” written all over it. “I would love people to listen to the whole album. I want people to listen to every song. Even with streaming and playlists, I love listening to records top to bottom. So I want to make make albums that I want to listen to top to bottom, because that’s just how I listen to music.”

“Canyon Moon” “I was in a pretty big Joni hole,” Harry admits. Inspired by his Southern California surroundings—and his obsession with Joni Mitchell’s 1971 classic Blue—he tracked down Joellen Lapidus, the woman who built the dulcimer Mitchell plays all over that album. Back in the day, Lapidus introduced Mitchell to the wonders of the mountain dulcimer; Joni took it backpacking around Europe and wrote some of her most classic songs on it. Harry and Tom Hull got their first lesson in the instrument from Lapidus herself, at her house in Culver City. He proudly calls this song “Crosby, Stills and Nash on steroids.” When he played Fine Line for Stevie Nicks this summer, she picked this as her favorite—and as you may know, Stevie’s opinion means a lot to the young man she called “my little muse Harry Styles.”

“Treat People With Kindness” This up-with-people sing-along doesn’t sound like anything else on the album. It began after the slogan was featured prominently on Harry’s first solo tour. “I told Jeff, I would love to someday write a song called ‘Treat People With Kindness.’ And he was like, ‘Why don’t you just do it?’ It made me uncomfortable at first, because I wasn’t sure what it was—but then I wanted to lean into that. I feel like that song opened something that’s been in my core.”

“Fine Line” The longest and most eccentric song on the album—one of the first to be written, as a simple folkie ballad, but it kept expanding and evolving. “It’s a weird one,” he says. “It started simple, but I wanted to have this big epic outro thing. And it just took shape as this thing where I thought, ‘That’s just like the music I want to make.’ I love strings, I love horns, I love harmonies—so why don’t we just put ALL of that in there?” It typifies the spirit of the whole project. But he knows he can’t please everyone. “When my granddad first heard ‘Lights Up,’ he was, ‘Yeah, I had to listen to it a couple times to get it. But I’m just glad you’re still working.’ It was funny, but I thought, I’m just glad I’m still working.”

#Harry Styles #fine line #stunt mention

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