#and since the hospital is like a minimum 5 hour round trip and i had no idea when i would be released

[steinbit]

thank everything thankable in the world my request for a week delay on my thesis was granted or else i would not have been able to be held accountable for my potential actions tbh

[wulfies-kpop-fanfics]

One Photo → Mark Lee [8]

↳  Pairing: Mark Lee/Reader

↳  AU: Soulmate!AU - The first touch of two soulmates permanently scars their bodies.

↳  Warning: angst if you squint, I guess

↳  Word count: 2,294

↳  Chapters: Prelude | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | You Are Here! | 9

⁙ Summary: For an end of the year photography project, you’re tasked with taking a photograph for your favourite group, NCT127, and coincidentally, discover your soulmate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WEDNESDAY - 8 TWO YEARS LATER

The heart of Toronto would never compare to the magnificence of Times Square in New York, but the mass amount of billboards by the Eaton Center always managed to send you into awe during your nightly trek home from work. 

You looked up toward the billboards with a sigh as you waited for your streetcar, barely managing to squeeze out a smile as you saw Mark’s visage splayed along one of the electronic spaces. The night sky was too polluted with the city’s light to display any real stars, but Mark’s face was more than enough for you. For the past week, you had seen NCT127’s faces sprawled across that billboard, part of promotions for their latest global comeback. It was a brief respite as you waited for your streetcar home every night, to finally know that the day was over and that you could relax.

It had been such a long time since you’ve seen Mark in person. Even though you texted him every day when the two of you were awake at the same time and video chatted whenever he had five minutes to himself, it always felt depressing to be without him. To not kiss or touch or hug at all was torture.

Everyone knew that it was deadly for soulmates to be apart for so long, that depression would set in and even worse physical illnesses were a real risk. It was hard to be so far away and over the past year you had been let go from multiple jobs because you were constantly sick, and therein lies the problem. You simply couldn’t afford the solution to your problem. So, depression and illness it was. It took everything you had to keep your head above water, to keep your dream alive and know that one day your heart wouldn’t ache as much as it does at the present moment.

After a 20 minute ride on the streetcar, you entered your building and took the stairs up to your little hole-in-the-wall apartment, the bare minimum that you could afford after Rhiannon paid her last half of the old place’s rent. A single bed, bath and a tiny kitchen that housed a little chair and round table. Thankfully, there was enough counter space that you could place a tiny TV to watch Netflix on while you ate. You were lucky that the house had a large living room, which doubled as your studio.

The coffee table was one of the only things left from your old apartment, along with the tote of Marvel films you kept hidden below it. Atop the table now rested all of your cameras, a drawing tablet and cards that you got in the mail from Mark from time-to-time, instead of notes, binders and textbooks. Sitting against the wall across from the table was a small bookshelf and an easel with a large frame sitting on it, housing the last portrait you finished the night before, ready to be shipped to the buyer.

After… somewhat enjoying a quick pot of white cheddar mac & cheese and watching a rerun of Supernatural on your little TV, you head into your room and sit at the desk next to your bed. After starting your computer, you opened up discord and sat back in your wheely chair, waiting for Rhiannon’s status to change to green. Wednesday was the day that she had to be up early for her job, so that meant time for a 10-minute call before you went to bed and she went to work. 

Next to your computer was a copy of the photo you took two years ago, of your soulmate and all his friends beneath the shedding cherry trees in High Park. You smiled at it, the memory was fond but now faint in your mind. You reached forward to pick it up, but you stopped yourself. You knew that if you inspected the photo more, you’d only miss Mark and all your friends more. 

There were times where your apartment became so quiet that it reminded you how alone you really were. You had lived with Rhiannon most of your life, and that meant there was at least some noise going on at all times. Whether she had her headset unplugged when she was listening to music or watching youtube videos, she was clattering about when helping you wash and dry the dishes, or if she was walking around and tripped on nothing. She was always talking, laughing, or doing something that always let you know that she was there. Now, you had nothing.  

The silence is broken and you’re startled by the calling sound from discord, Rhiannon’s icon popping up on the top of your screen. You place your hand on your mouse and click the join call button, adjusting the webcam perched on the top of your desktop monitor. 

"Hey," Rhiannon was the first to speak, yawning and reaching back to pull her hair into a perfect, tight ponytail. 

"Hey," you respond, watching her closely and leaning your chin on your right palm. "How are you holding up?"

"I should be asking you that, Jesus, you look like the Hulk if he got the swine flu," she retorts, and even through the grainy quality you can tell she has sympathy written all over her face. "I'm doing great, we've got two cleanings today and a wisdom teeth removal, so that'll be fun." 

You scoff and attempt to smile, "I'm fiiiiine, other than the fact that I'm here and you're there, 13 hours in the future and at least one ocean in between us and an entire continent and a half. I'd say that constitutes abandonment."

"I got the getting while it was good and you know that," she stuck her tongue out at you. "You need to keep saving so that you can fly your ass out here." She squinted at the screen. "You really need to drink like… an entire bottle of nyquil, dude."

"If only it were that easy," you groan. "I don't even have a photographer's position yet. All I get is sitting at a desk and responding to emails… even with my head start, I can't find a good job and I barely make enough to keep living in Toronto." You stick out your tongue back at her for the nyquil comment. "As if I haven't been hiding a bottle of dayquil in my desk for the past week."

Rhiannon stopped what she was doing and leaned toward her camera. "You know why you can't get the jobs you want," her voice is soft, empathetic. "Mark is having trouble, too. He's been doing a lot of half days, so I don't know how they plan to do their tour with him being constantly sick." 

You looked away. "I can't afford to take any more time off… I don't want to lose this job. If I do, I'm not sure that I'll be able to make my rent."

"You're going to need to take time eventually,” Rhiannon stated firmly. "If you don't get at least some of your strength back you're going to end up in the hospital like I did. Remember?" 

You glanced back at your screen, watching Donghyuck wander around in the backdrop. You were beyond jealous that they got to live together. 

"Maybe. I just miss you. More than I miss having a clear passageway in my nose." 

Rhiannon smiled sadly at you. "I miss you too, everyone does. You'll be here soon, I promise. I gotta go, sleep well and drink plenty of water, okay?"

"Okay." 

Rhiannon waved at you before her screen went dark, ending the call. The call was shorter than usual, so you presumed that she had woken up late. You zoned out a little, acutely aware that the apartment had gone silent again. You didn't want to cry, to give up after surviving for so long. You had made it this far without letting everything get to you.

You knew that your deteriorating health was because of your separation from Mark and companies saw that as a liability, even though laws had come into place last year to protect separated soulmates from workplace discrimination. You felt a tiny ping of hope when Rhiannon said you would be able to move soon, but you knew she was lying to make you feel better. 

Feeling lethargic, you stand and make your way to the dresser in the corner of your room, stripping and throwing your clothes about the room. You open up a drawer and pull out a pair of sweatpants and the softest t-shirt you could find and slipped them on, wandering to your bed and slowly climbing in. You slipped off your glasses, placing them on your desk and reached forward to turn off your lamp.

You hugged your polar bear and tried to get comfortable, hoping to fall asleep quickly. You supposed you could call into work when you woke up; at least your manager was nice enough to understand when you needed a day off. You rolled over, tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn't come. Not while your phone was constantly buzzing. 

"What the hell," you mumble to yourself, untangling yourself from the knot of blankets you had tied yourself in to reach for your phone. Your lock screen lit up with a photo of Mark, one you had taken two years ago of him standing in Union Station. 

[Rhiannon (5)] 

She sure knew how to type quickly. 

Rhiannon: I'm on my way to work, I'll let you know when I'm there

Rhiannon: sorry our call was so short, I was running a little late

Rhiannon: I talked to Mark last night, did he say anything? 

Rhiannon: are you asleep already? It's been like 5 minutes 

Rhiannon: ok you're basically just ignoring me at this point

You: calm down bro I was getting in my pyjamas 

Rhiannon: I forgot how slow you get when you're sick, I could die of boredom waiting for you to respond 

You: hardy har 

Rhiannon: so have you talked to mark today? 

You: around lunchtime he woke up from a nightmare but I assume hes busy right now 

Rhiannon: Things have been pretty bad around now, I think you might have guessed that

You: Yeah, things aren’t really that great here either, but I’m more worried about Mark… have they given him time off? 

Rhiannon: Not much besides half days. He’s really been missing you. Maybe you should message him and see if he’s not busy

You: Yeah, maybe. I feel really guilty

Rhiannon: I know. I still could help you buy your plane ticket, you know. You: You know I can’t do that, I can’t take more from you than I have already. I owe you too much.

No response. 

You: Rhiannon I’m sorry 

You: Come on, you can’t have scrubbed in that fast!

You sighed, staring at your screen and still seeing no response from your best friend. You took a deep breath in and immediately regretted it when you began coughing up a lung, but at least you weren't upchucking your dinner. Instead, you decided to send a text to Mark.

You: mark, you there? 

You close your mind for a moment, thinking that maybe going to bed even later than usual would just make you more sick in the end, but you really needed to know what was going on. 

Mark: yeah I'm here babe, what's wrong, can't sleep? 

You: no not really… do you have time to talk for a bit? 

Mark: yeah, my legs gave out during our first practice so I'm taking a break

You: I'm sorry

Mark: it's not your fault (Y/N) 

You: it kind of is, we're both dying because I can't afford to move 

Mark: (Y/N), we're not dying, and it's okay, you'll be able to move soon

You: face it you know that we are… I haven't felt this horrible in a long time and I've thrown up three times today 

Mark didn't respond right away. 

Mark: why are you putting yourself down so much 

You: I just… have a lot of regrets right now 

Mark: what do you mean

You licked your lips and rolled over in bed, wondering if you should tell him.

Mark: are you okay? 

You: no, I feel like this would make you hate me 

Mark: I could never hate you and you know that. Tell me what's been bothering you.

You: For the past while… Rhiannon’s been offering me money. It’s honestly not much because everyone’s struggling nowadays, but it would be enough for me to fly to Korea, and I’ve felt so guilty about it that I kept saying no and she stopped offering

Mark: You mean that you could have been here faster? You: and now I feel that saying no was a really bad idea… and I.. I can’t afford anything, barely even food and now I hear that you’re even more sick than I am and I feel terrible

You: I don’t know what to do

Mark: It’s okay, (Y/N), really. I know how hard it is to take money from someone else, I’m not mad at you

You: Really?

Mark: I’m just disappointed that I have to keep waiting. You’ll be able to move soon, I promise, I promise, I promise

You: Are you going to be okay

Mark: As long as you are. Take care of yourself, okay? I’ll be there for you the second you land. Okay?

You: Okay. I… I should probably get some sleep now. Mark: Rest well, I love you

You: I love you too 

You sighed, placing your phone on your desk and turning over in your bed. It was time.

[charllieeldridge]

Tipping in Mexico: A How-To Guide For Travellers

Known the ins and outs of tipping in Mexico before your trip. This guide explains how much to tip in Mexico, including restaurants, taxis, tour guides, luggage handlers, bartenders and more. 

If you’re reading this article, it means you’re planning a trip to Mexico, and that’s awesome. The land of tacos and tequila is an incredible country to visit, so get excited!

Before you get to enjoy mariachi with a margarita, though, you’ll want to learn about tipping in Mexico. In a country where tourism is so huge, many people work in hospitality and rely on tips to earn a decent income. 

When and how much you tip depends entirely on the situation.

Eating at a street-side taco truck is obviously far different from sitting down to a 7-course tasting menu in a fancy restaurant. Staying at a locally-owned guesthouse isn’t quite the same as spending a week in an all-inclusive resort.

After living and traveling in Mexico for the better part of the last 3 years, I’ve figured out what the tipping culture is like here. I’ll give you lots of pointers in this in-depth guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of tipping in Mexico.

Here it goes. My guide to tipping in Mexico.

Mexico Tipping Information

If you’re traveling to Mexico from the USA or Canada, tipping culture isn’t much different.

Just as you would at home, you usually tip someone if they provide you a service in Mexico. The amount depends on the situation, which I’ll explain in more detail throughout the guide.

One thing to consider when it comes to tipping in Mexico is the local wage. Mexico just announced an increase in the minimum wage this year to 123 pesos (just over $6). To be clear, that’s a daily minimum wage, not hourly.

Many in the service industry make minimum wage or just above it, so you can imagine how important tips are.

An extra $1-2 here and there isn’t a big deal for you, especially if you can afford to fly to Mexico and stay in a nice resort. However, even a small tip goes a long way for locals who are working in the hospitality industry.

As far as when and how much you tip, it depends on a lot of factors. Let’s dive in and learn about the details of tipping in Mexico.

Is Tipping Customary in Mexico?

Tipping is definitely customary in Mexico, especially in areas where tourism is the main industry like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

For the most part, you’re expected to tip people who provide a service. There are some intricacies to this which I’ll explain more in each individual section. 

There’s a service charge in Mexico in some places, but this is quite rare. It’s more common for them to present a suggested amount on the check.

However, you must also be aware of unscrupulous waiters and bartenders who sometimes try to give themselves a 20% tip in a place where gratuities are optional.

They try to sneak a service charge in hoping you won’t notice it and still add an extra tip. This is a problem in places like 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen that are super touristy. 

Generally speaking, you can give small tips (some coins or 20 pesos) when you order street food or a single drink from a bar. This is also fine for luggage handlers and those who bag your groceries in the shops. 

Speaking of those baggers, you should be aware that they are working solely for tips.

You’ll notice that most baggers are teenagers or seniors. They’re not exactly employed by the store and just work for the small tips. I always pay for my groceries with a credit card to get points but make sure I have 15-20 pesos to give to them.

When eating out at nicer restaurants, paying a bar tab, going to the spa or on a tour, it’s better to leave a percentage of the total. I’ll discuss each situation in detail to give you specific examples.

If you have terrible service, don’t feel bad about not leaving a tip. For the most part, service is quite good in Mexico, but there are always some bad apples. 

Tipping at Restaurants in Mexico

Quick Answer: At restaurants, tip 10-15% of your bill.

When eating at a local joint, it’s fine to leave 10% as a tip. I’m talking about the kinds of places that have menu del dia for lunch and the ones where you sit on plastic stools to eat tacos at night.

If you’re eating in a fancy restaurant, you’ll definitely want to up the amount. It’s better to leave 15% at these kinds of establishments. Obviously, you can leave 20% for stellar service if you feel compelled to.

Sometimes restaurants in Mexico will add a suggested amount for a tip, but usually, it’s up to you to do the math and decide.

When tipping at restaurants in Mexico, it’s much better to leave pesos than dollars. People can’t buy their weekly supply of tortillas with a few dollar bills.

Tipping Taxi Drivers in Mexico

Quick Answer: Tipping taxi drivers in Mexico isn’t standard.

Generally speaking, it’s not really a thing to tip taxi drivers here. If you’re a tourist, they’ll usually give you a flat rate anyways and never use a meter. You’re probably paying more than locals, so don’t feel bad about not giving a tip.

If a driver helps you load your luggage and gets it out for you as well, it’s a nice gesture to slip him a 10 peso coin or a 20 note if you have it.

I also give taxi drivers a tip when they’re really friendly or when they help me get home from the bar after 2 AM. It all depends on the situation.

Uber is quite popular around Mexico, and the fares are usually very cheap. I always add a tip or Uber drivers, as the fare still comes out less than what it would be to call a taxi. Plus, they have to come to you instead of you just waving them down on the street.

Taking a tourist shuttle is a popular way to get between the Cancun airport and places like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. In this case, it’s customary to leave a tip.

For example, we had a driver pick us up at 5:00 AM on Christmas to take us to the Cancun airport. He definitely deserved the 100 peso tip I gave him as extra. 

Tipping Luggage Handlers in Mexico

Quick Answer: Tip luggage handlers around 20-40 pesos ($1-2)

This next one is pretty simple. If you’re staying at the kind of hotel that has bellhops, you can (and definitely should) tip them. They’re usually young guys who are making very little and working long hours. 

The standard seems to be 20-40 pesos per bag or a bit extra if you’re the type who travels with everything but the kitchen sink.

Once again, it’s preferable to tip in the local currency but US dollars work if that’s all you have — don’t tip in Canaidan currency.

Tipping at Spas in Mexico

Quick Answer: Tipping at spas is around 10-15%

One great thing about traveling in Mexico is that it’s very affordable to visit a spa. My wife and I recently enjoyed a 90-minute couple’s massage for under $50 total! 

That incredibly relaxing hour and a half only set us back 900 pesos, so it was an easy call giving them 1,000 pesos total and letting them keep the change. I actually wish I had been prepared with an extra 50-100 pesos on top of that.

Of course, if you get a terrible massage and deal with unfriendly staff, don’t feel like you have to leave a tip.

Tipping Bartenders in Mexico

Quick Answer: 20-40 pesos ($1-2) per round of drinks or 10-15% of the total bill

If you’re just grabbing drinks from the bar one by one, it’s fine to leave some coins or a 20 peso note in the tip jar.

I usually run a tab (when a place allows it) and just tip 10-15% on the total depending on the quality of service.

The thing about tipping bartenders in Mexico is that the more generous you are, the more generous they are. Bartenders remember who’s a good tipper and who’s a cheapo.

Your tips are much appreciated and usually get rewarded with hefty pours and quick and friendly service!

Tipping Hotel Staff in Mexico

Quick Answer: 50-80 pesos ($2.5 – $4) for cleaners

For this section, I’m just talking about standard hotels and not the all-inclusive resorts. I’ll get to those in a little while here. If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s not really a thing to leave tips for the staff. 

At your average hotel in Mexico, there’s never an envelope to leave a tip for housekeepers. If you feel like being really nice, of course, you can definitely leave a 50 peso note as a sign of appreciation. 

Tipping Tour Guides in Mexico

Quick Answer: 80-100 pesos ($4-5) if part of a big group, 15-20% for a private tour

There are lots of awesome tours you can sign up for in Mexico. Tour guides here work very hard and usually provide excellent service. It’s customary to reward a good tour with a good tip.

When you’re on a big group tour, it’s fine to leave something like 100 pesos. If a lot of guests do this, it adds up to a really nice tip. Remember that daily minimum wage is just over 100 pesos after all.

If you’re taking a private tour or doing something like chartering a fishing boat, you should obviously tip more. In these instances, it’s better to leave 15-20% of the total. 

Tipping at All-Inclusive Hotels in Mexico

Quick Answer: 20-40 pesos ($1-2) for buffet, 80-100 ($4-5) for sit-down meals, 50-80 ($2.5-4) for housekeepers

Tipping at all-inclusives in Mexico is a controversial issue. Many people are of the belief that since the hotel is “all-inclusive,” they shouldn’t have to worry about carrying around cash.

I can definitely see why some are of this mindset. You paid a lot of money for a relaxing vacation. The last thing you want to do is worry about exchange rates, getting change, and doing math! 

When I first went to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico back in 2012, this was definitely my thinking.

I spent a ton of money to be there already and didn’t even consider bringing cash to the resort. Plus, I was living in China at the time where tipping just isn’t a thing and I was used to that.

After a few years of living in Mexico, I now realize what a jerk move that was. The people who work at these all-inclusive resorts make peanuts for their daily wage.

A tip of $1-2 may not seem like much to you, and in fact it may be a pain to make sure you even have those small bills on you, but it’s much appreciated and goes a long way for locals.

My best piece of advice is to try and get a nice stack of 20 and 50 peso notes before your all-inclusive stay. If that’s too much trouble, $1 bills are fine. 

The general rule of thumb is to give a small tip to baggage handlers (20-40 pesos) and a daily tip for housekeepers (50-80 pesos) depending on the state of your room.

Speaking of housekeepers, if you personally slip them a nice tip and ask them nicely, they’ll make sure to stock your mini-fridge with drinks and replenish it often. Nobody’s counting how many cervezas you’re getting at an all-inclusive!

For buffet meals, you can just leave 20-40 pesos on the table if a waiter brought you drinks. When you sit down to nicer meals, it’s better to leave 50-80. If you’re a huge group, you should obviously leave a bit more.

When it comes to bartenders, tips go a long way at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Not only will you be first-served, but your drinks will be stronger, potentially made with top-shelf booze, and staff will be extra friendly.  

Now You Know What To Tip!

That’s all you need to know about tipping in Mexico. I can’t stress it enough how important tips from international tourists are to locals. Not only do many people rely on tips, but they also work very hard for them. 

It’s important to keep things in perspective when traveling to Mexico. If you’re spending $300+ a night on a hotel room, you can definitely afford to tip the bellhops, housekeepers, waiters, and bartenders.

If you had an incredible tour or an extra helpful driver, be sure to reward their excellent service. 

I always recommend carrying small change in Mexico so you have money handy for tips. Those 10 peso coins and 20 peso notes are great to have around for leaving tips as you go. 

One final thing I’ll add is that it’s always best to leave tips in cash (local currency is best, followed by US dollars).

You can add a tip to your bill and pay the total by credit card, but it takes longer for that money to get into the staff’s hands and it’s taxed. I always use my credit card to pay the bill and tell them I have cash for the tip.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand more about tipping in Mexico. I also hope you’re even more excited about traveling to this amazing country where the people are always ready to help you have a good time. 

Looking for more travel information on Mexico? Check out our top posts:

The Complete Travel Guide to Mexico

Top Places to Visit in Mexico This Year

When is The Best Time to Visit Mexico?

Food in Mexico: A Culinary Guide to Meals, History and Tours 

51 Awesome Things To Do in Mexico

Note: Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com, a website for sourcing royalty-free images and video clips. Find out more here. 

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