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demonprosecutor · 4 years

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YOU REALIZE THAT HANDSOME MEN ARE THE TALK OF THE TOWN

the sheets smelled of lavender with the underlying hint of sweat, something unfamiliar and reminded you that you were far away from home, which was wasting away in the revelry of satyr-like monstrosities. the lack of warmth behind you was enough hint that zagreus was long gone from his post, the indented area cool to the touch.

in spite of the previous day’s... excitement, you felt incredibly well-rested even with the troublesome aches that came from riding myroclus without his saddle pad. hair clung to your cheek, eyes blearily blinking to take in the contents of the unremarkable room that you found refuge at. the travel pack was dumped onto the wooden table near the center of the room, animal furred rugs adorning the floors, and the window was scantly opened to allow sunlight within - brightening the insides in a manner that made it feel homely for the wayward traveller.

stygius was propped at the corner, almost careless in the way it was left, and you stare at it hard. you had been meaning to inquire zagreus about the weapon, about its origins. after wielding it briefly yesterday against anura, it was unnerving. alive almost. filled with a battle-hunger that you knew that you would not be able to sate. (whispering about ichor and ancient cyclopean hands crafting it and titan-flesh cleaved like flayed meat)

perhaps these were the moments where curiousity such as yours was not wise and you tear your gaze from the weapon meant for more than war (for desolation, for abject violence). a shudder marches like the myrmidon army, down your spine, unrelenting. it was time to turn thoughts towards more pleasant things.

you stretch, arching your spine and popping joints with a satisfaction of a well-fed feline, walking towards the door to open it. a bit of fresh air wouldn’t hurt anyone, you reasoned internally, only to find zagreus on the other side - poised to knock and awkwardly balancing plates of food and cups of wine, looking too much like a first-day servant in the palace of a king.

“oh! you woke up.” he says, shouldering his way in when you move to the side to allow him in. there’s a hint of disappointment in his voice that makes the arch of your brow go even higher than usual whenever zagreus was involved in a sentence.

“you sound...” the door clicks close, as you gesture vaguely. “disappointed.” the prince lays the plates and cups without spilling a drop, something that must’ve been noteworthy considering the way he softly cheered and grinned.

zagreus turns to you, smiling sheepishly and rubbing the back of his head. “i was looking to get you breakfast. in bed.” the meal was... strangely extravagant. a hot stew with meat bobbing inside the broth, steaming bread and wine. this would be more appropriate to call lunch or dinner.

“this... is breakfast?” you ask, voice pitched uncertainly. how chthonic gods ate in the underworld was beyond you, but this meal seemed to be... pricy. that’s when the strangeness of the morning hits you, you rush over to the travel pack and open the significantly-lighter pouch before looking up at zagreus with accusation brimming your gaze, hissing. “you took money?”

“erm. yeah. it was just laid out there and i thought it was something that the both of us could use.” he looked genuinely confused by your ire, the breakfast and nice gesture left forgotten. “it wasn’t even that bad! just 2 dekadrachm for two meals and wine!”

you white-knuckle the strings to the pouch, hard enough that it creaked underneath your hands. “you got swindled, zagreus. two dekadrachm for that? i could’ve made that myself and in better quality!” the pouch now held drachmas, and obols. he had just spent the equivalent of twenty drachmae. you feel like a bull with the way your breathing goes heavy. “we’re going to talk to them.” zagreus was still two heads taller, yet in your fury, he looked smaller. you poke his chest, “and we are getting that dekadrachm or die trying.”

he looks crestfallen with the reaction given - completely opposite of what he had intended. “of course, let’s get that money back.” and as always you feel slightly bad.

hesitation pauses your actions, reaching out to lay a gentle hand on his arm before he turns, “look. i appreciate the gesture, ok? this was...” the words float around your mind, plucking it like magic. “-- sweet. but we have to save money now. we don’t have access to all of the same amenities as before.”

zagreus still doesn’t manage to meet your gaze, nodding slightly, taking the plates in the same silly manner as when he entered before the both of you leave the room.

the town was quaint enough, dirt roads flattened by the hooves of mules and the feet of men, a district for shrines of the gods, and a whole avenue for food and shops. zagreus leads you towards an innocuous restaurant, one with the seediest little man you’ve ever seen. oh zagreus.

the man rubs his hands together villainously, upper lip sparse with facial hair and receding hairline emphasizing the shine of his baldness. “hello there, traveller, have you come back for more?” he raises his knives in ready for the next order.

zagreus grimaces, setting the wine and plates down onto the table nearest to the chef. “not quite. my friend has something to say to you.”

the chef blinks, registers the food before levelling his smarmy gaze onto you, as if realizing you were there for the first time. sneering once the realization came that you couldn’t be duped as easily as the poor prince. “what is it.” he sets the knives down, and crosses his arms, lined with muscle and looking too much like he could snap you in half. however, you are reassured by the presence of zagreus who was definitely a million times stronger.

you gesture to the food aggressively - “two dekadrachm for that?” it’s difficult to not let accusation flood tone, but the two of you had a particularly stressful day yesterday and felt entitled to the bit of snappishness that came along with hunger and exhaustion. the chef, understandably so, was offended by the tone of voice, by the sheer aggressiveness of tone, and the status of occupation that was easily seen by the state of your clothing. it was clear, from first glance, that you were a servant. a servant for a goddess, but a servant nonetheless.

he sneers at you, smarmy eyes and demeanour completely different in comparison with how he spoke with zagreus. it takes you aback slightly (even if its something that you’re well-aware about, lady persephone and zagreus had always treated you as an equal...) the chef gives you a once-over that makes both you and zagreus bristle. “tch. what do you know about quality? you’re a mere servant, probably content to eat food off of the ground like a stray dog.” he spits on the ground, a sign of dishonour that makes your hands clench and brows knit together.

how rude. does he think you went into service like this because you wanted to? partly, yes, you wanted to thank the goddess for her willingness to allow you into her fold. but a lone, traumatized individual fresh from the horrors of desecration and war -- you were a lamb ripe for the picking. it was necessity.

hot shame curdles in your chest, tears pricking your eyes. zagreus notices your distress, the way your shoulders curled slightly forward as if to protect yourself, and its almost boyish the way he plucks at the back of your chiton. you have half a mind to allow him to go off on the chef, but you stop yourself - you cannot always rely on the prince to fight your battles.

so you swallow the bile down and straighten, zagreus’ knuckles bumping against the curve of your back. “i may not know much as a servant, but i do know my way around food. how would your customers feel if they figured out that you’ve been stinting them on the meat? that you use fats to thicken your stew to waste less ingredients? or that you’ve been swindling them for far too much money? servants are not good at many things, but they are good at gossip.”

your little tirade was loud enough to garner the attention of potential customers who look at the restaurant and the food that had been laid out for view pleasure with a grimace before swerving and moving away to other restaurants. the chef, of course, notices this, panic evident on his features, shushing you quickly.

the speed that it took the other to fold surprised the both of you, even more so with the way he tossed the dekadrachm onto the ground for you to pick up, plumes of snow tossed in the air by the action. zagreus looked rightly mad with the careless way the coin was given back, teeth gritted and body posture leaning forward, but you got what you came for and that was enough.

cheerfully, you hook arms with him and with no small amount of effort, yank him away before starting a morning brawl with the wrong person. “what the---- i was going to give him a piece of my mind!” there’s a brief moment of struggle before he acquiesces with the stern look levelled at him, not bothering to unwind his arm from yours. too much like a guard dog barely leashed. “you shouldn’t let people walk all over you like that.” crest-fallen, sad, indignant on your behalf, which was flattering, but.... you round the corner, nose lured by the smell of baked bread and cheese brought to you by the gentle winter breeze, something that had your mouth watering.

even if stew was something nice, winter had always begged for baked bread and it was a good staple to have on journeys. “oh shush. enough of that business.” you say dismissively, coins jingling in your pouch, as you stop before the quaint bakery.

the main baker was a dark-skinned woman, dark eyes gleaming like tilled earth and smile reminiscent of the snow. her hair, voluminous and curled, was held back with two strips of faded-green cloth that characterized the average grecian woman’s hair adornments. “hiya! how can i help you both?”

you lean in, peering at her exquisitely-made bread and pastries, a block of cheese on a clay tablet nearby. zagreus mirrors you, as you rub your chin in careful consideration. “your bread looks so... well-made.” you praise, mouth watering once more. “crispy, fresh, and warm -- family recipe?”

the woman laughs, a jovial sound that makes you flush slightly. “you got that right! passed down for generations and no, i’m not going to give it up just cuz a pretty face asked me to.” you think she was talking to zagreus who had moved further down the display to eye one of the pastry makers make their desserts, but she chuckle-snorts at you. “not him, was talking about you.”

oh. you stare wide-eyed, straightening and blushing hot enough that you couldn’t feel the cold of demeter’s winter settling on your unfortunately-unprepared self. “oh. i...” the words leave you easily, flapping your hands as subtly as you could. happiness? fluster? who knew. “erm, thank you.” the baker’s smile warms as she peruses her wares with a hint of lord hermes-esque mischief. zagreus notes this, the way your face warms in a way that is starkly different from the heat that comes from the chill of winter, lips spreading wide in a smile. your gazes meet and he wiggles his brow impishly, prompting a look from you. he has the audacity to laugh out loud, laurels around his head flickering quickly before they fade back to a charcoal-black of inactivity.

“here you go!” the baker prompts your attention, holding out a clay plate filled with bowls. “i snuck you in something extra, seems like your friend there is someone who tends to eat a lot, on the house!” you blink owlishly at the plate, even moreso when she grabs your bag and carefully wraps the bread, cheese and tarts to be used for travel.

“this is too much,” you say weakly, attempting to deposit the proper amount that would fit her services. she looks at the pieces in her hands, picking out 3 drachmae before pushing the rest back into yours.

“it’s alright. like i said: on the house!” she exchanges a warm smile with you before turning her attentions to other customers. you stare after her, starstruck - well, at least until zagreus loops his arm with yours, chuckling quietly.

“it appears you have the wiles of lady aphrodite, my friend.”

that has you flushing even harder, swatting his arm with a hand, “quiet, i was merely... taken aback. that’s never happened to me before.” there’s a sense of giddiness in your chest. of course, you have never had... interest directed at you, so suddenly having it was... flattering! (if a better word could be found...) your eyes flicker about, spying the coy glances that passerbys tossed zagreus, men and women alike, eyeing him with an interest that he seemed oblivious to. a smile graces itself on your features, craning your neck to whisper, “and besides - i’m not the only one with the wiles of lady aphrodite. it seems that you have fans.”

as if for the first time, zagreus lifts his head and looks around, finally noticing the looks and the stares. a faint pink tinged the pallour of his cheeks. “oh.” the smallness of the word makes you snicker, and the way he waves almost shyly to a group of men and women, nearly has you cackling. “stop that! this is... new to me. this interest.”

you both are nearing town square, heading towards the shops that boasted more travel-appropriate items. you hoped that you could trade some of your nicer chitons for weapons and travel-clothing. but that wasn’t at the forefront of your mind. “wait, so you’re telling me this interest...” you gesture at the people doing double-takes at zagreus, brow arched, “is a new thing?”

zagreus shrugs lightly, “i mean: i guess i had people interested in me, and i them, but... you know, majority of people i interacted with were either my cousins, assholes or not a viable romantic interest.”

well, the cousins part made sense, he was related to the olympians, but the other two had your interest piqued. “i see. well, who was your first interest?” you had arrived at the avenue with all the shops, bustling with patrons and exploding with colour in spite of the temperature. various shop-owners displayed their jewelry and pots proudly, haggling with customers and counting drachmae with greedy fingers.

the prince ducks his head, avoiding a low-hanging banner, face contorted as if not sure he was willing to reveal his secret or not. you’ve learned to be patient with him because you knew that he was comfortable with you and that he usually needed to work up the courage to talk about personal things such as this. (not that love or crushes was ever a topic you had tread upon.) “My first interest was... achilles.”

you think you misheard, nearly stumbling over a loose stone, looking at him in confusion. “achilles as in... ‘fought in the war at troy’ achilles? theeeeee.... ‘ended a whole war because his philtatos died’ achilles? that achilles?” zagreus nods at all of that, as you absent-mindedly go to the nearest clothing shop, running fingers over the cloaks and furred boots. “seriously?”

“as serious as death.”

“huh.” you weight the cloak before holding it out to measure it against the width of the prince’s chest. “well, he was a looker, good choice. did he reciprocate?”

zagreus allows himself to be measured, “no, his heart had already belonged to another. it’s a long story.” he takes the cloak and hangs it over his arm, as you look for a size most appropriate to you.

“well, i mean we’re going to be stuck together for a while, so i guess i have time for long stories.” you selected something warm and good at bracing against the cold, haggling with the owner with the cheapest price possible before moving on to a blacksmith.

“how about you? who was your first interest?”

you look up from an arrow displayed, thumb stroking the tip. “i don’t think i had any, i mean? there was a noble a long time ago, but i think it’s been a long while since i’ve had interest.” you toy with the idea of buying another weapon, even if it made your skin sweat and crawl. “do you think we’ll need another weapon?”

the cloak looked dashing on him, furred and lining the broadness of his shoulders attractively. a wayward travelling prince. “i don’t think so. you got your dagger and i got stygius - it’ll be fine.” that was true, and besides, if things got bad - you trusted zagreus to keep you safe.

by the time you had returned to the inn, night had fallen, the sun dipping below the horizon and townsfolk scurrying back to their warm homes. you both were exhausted, despite just shopping, and lugging your wares for the night. a travelpack, dried food, medicinal supplies, and proper travel clothings. it was a good haul, if you were being honest. thank the gods that one of your skills involved haggling.

you stretch, rubbing your eyes, as you opened the door to your shared room ---- only to scream once you realized that someone was in the room. zagreus barrels past you, fists raised and eyes sparking with anger, pausing at the sight of hermes. “hermes? what in hades are you doing here?”

the initial shock wore off and now that you had time to truly study the other, there was a sense of otherworldliness that makes your insides tremble. his scarf floated around unnaturally, winged sandals fluttering to allow for him to float. lord hermes waved playfully, “hey boss! i knew that i would find you here. i tried looking for you at the cottage once i realized that the protections were down, and hooowe! what a mess that place was, crawling with satyrs.” the god spoke fast, not bothering to pause for breath. “and whoooo do we have here?” suddenly, he was in your face, eyes scanning over your features and breaching your boundaries. if it was anyone else, you would’ve shoved the back, but since this was an olympian... you let him have his fill of staring.

zagreus clears his throat loudly, “that’s my friend, lord hermes. we managed to escape the attack by the satyrs - is there a reason why you’re here?”

parcels overflowed his messenger bag, fluttering to the ground before fading away, lord hermes looked through it all, humming to himself. “well, coz, the family is in a bit of a tizzy right now! especially demeter, persephone had disappeared, and well, we heard some more troubling news! she disappeared in an area where it’s heavily shielded by magic. we suspect that the satyr cultists originate from there. we would go and raze it, buuuuuut there’s just too many.” he was far too nonchalant, barrelling on despite the fact that zagreus was still fixated on the part where his mother had disappeared. “anyways, i’ll give you one of my blessings.” lord hermes placed a hand on zagreus’ head, his entire being shining like a beacon, dazzling you before it dies down.

where hermes once was, he no longer was there, leaving a map behind.

sparks of light danced on zagreus’ body, face grim. “my mother disappeared.” he says quietly, sitting down on the cot and draping his forearms on his knees. you let him sit, bending down to grab the map and read it. it looked like a long, arduous journey - perilous, judging by the marks that indicated great danger. he sighs loudly, looking up at you, face pained. “you should stay here. it’s safer.”

the paper crinkles underneath your hands and you take a moment to set it onto the table, curling into fists once they were freed. “i don’t care. i’m coming with you!” you shake your head firmly, “i pledged my service to lady persephone and now, i pledge my service to you.” you drop down to one knee, fist against your heart. “prince zagreus, son of hades, son of persephone, charge of the goddess nyx, i swear that i will do everything in my power to help you.”

he looks soft, pulling you up to your feet and hugging you tightly. “ok, ok. we’re in this together. we have a long day tomorrow, let’s rest.” true, you were terrified. but you were determined to help zagreus and find his mother. then this family would find the peace they deserved. you arrange yourself in a familiar position, curled on your side with zagreus behind you, carefully wrapping an arm around your waist, he murmurs out a quiet good night, something that you return and allowed your eyes to flutter shut.

----

you’re awaken by a beam of sun hitting your shut eyes. a groan leaves your lips, as you push yourself into a sitting position. zagreus, like yesterday morning, was not there - his spot cold to the touch. maybe he was off getting breakfast from the nice baker. your body finally starts aching less, and you stand up, ready to wash your face to prepare for the rough journey ahead.

but something was off. half of the travel supplies were gone, stygius was gone, the map was gone. your mind was slow to alarm, but once the dots had clicked, anxiety rose like an unrelenting crash of waves upon the shores. “what the...” you look for the things, the conclusion settling itself onto your mind, before your attention is captured by a piece of parchment on the table. you lift it up and begin reading it:

when you wake up, you’ll find that half of the things are gone and i’m sorry for that. but the journey is too dangerous, i can’t have someone i care about get hurt for me. i want you to stay there and wait for my return, i won’t be long.

- zagreus.

ps. i borrowed myroclus for the time being.

you read the words over and over until they’re tattooed behind your eyelids. then rage swells in your throat, releasing in an angered yell, as you bang your fist onto the table, shoving it so that it fell to the side.

that bastard, that arrogant, little ... prick! you can make your own decisions for yourself. you didn’t need some prince to decide what was good for you and what wasn’t. argh!

it takes you a few minutes to stop screaming into the cot before you stomp down to the stables and yank the nearest stableboy to your face, seething. “i am very angry. did someone take my horse? about this tall, laurels around his head and mismatched eyes?”

the stableboy quakes and nods, “sir told me not to tell you, he took the horse and travelled out.”

“where?” he shrugs and you release him, tears brimming your eyes. how could he do this to you? how could he leave you behind? in a town with no friends and no one to turn to for help ---

you stop, spine straightening as you stare into the open air. you knew someone who could help you. your steps take you straight to the baker who was already getting ready for the day’s rush, she turns her head to smile at you, only for it to fall at the sight of the tears on your face. “----Thisbe? i’m going to go out for a bit, someone needs my help.” deep within the bakery, someone calls out an affirmative.

the baker grabs your hand and pulls you into her home, and seats you on a chair. she busies herself with brewing tea and grabbing bread, “you look like a mess, what’s wrong?”

you take the offered cup of soothing tea, tasting honey on your tongue before explaining everything that had happened. well, omitting the part about hermes and satyrs and so on. you look to the ground, eyes brimming with tears, “i thought he trusted me. but he left me here... i don’t have money or a horse or anything!” your hands cover your face, crying quietly.

she is silent for a long moment and she leaves your side. you think she’s going back to the bakery to ready for customers while you cried your heart out. but the sound of metal hitting together has you looking up. “here. this should be enough to last you until you hit the next town. if you go into the stables near here, the guy owes me something. he’ll give you a horse.”

she guides you to your feet, laughing at how baffled you look. “why are you helping me?”

the baker holds your hands, squeezing gently - “when i was trying to escape war, someone did the same for me, helped me start my life back up. i don’t know why, but it feels like lady hestia is telling me to help out. to... pay it forward.”

you dry your tears with the back of your hand, “can i know your name? not just... for the guy to know, but so that i can remember the person who helped me.”

“menelaia,” menelaia leans forward and kisses your cheek gently, placing a piece of bread into your hands and nudging you outside. “go get that stubborn prince back.” you nod and rush out of the bakery, pledging to come back here to return everything to menelaia.

true to form, the man at the stable offered you a hardy steed. a chestnut stallion with a midnight black mane and a fire in his eyes. “he’s tough and fast, trust in him.” you stroke the horse’s side, “his name is amydros, he will get you to where you need to be.”

you place a saddle pad over your horse’s back, amydros nickering quietly, patient. you were pleasantly surprised to find that your stay had been paid for, but that made you that much more determined to catch up to zagreus and give him a piece of your mind.

the sun had scarcely risen above the frost-covered trees, amydos hitting the snow-covered ground with his hooves. you didn’t exactly remember the entire contents of the map, but you knew that he was headed to the next town. hopefully it had a temple to hermes, just so that you could pray to him and ask for help. (help with wringing zagreus’ neck until he got sense back).

your heels dig into amydos’ sides, prompting the horse to run down the well-beaten path of the open countryside, the next town scarcely able to be seen. as long as you stayed on the path, you’d be fine, you hoped...

#hades the game #hades supergiant #zagreus hades #my writing #aku writing #ZAGREUS YOU JERK!

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entoto-natural-park · 4 years

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The Hidden Treasure at the Mountain’s Shoulder

This place is the work area of so many endeavours; Entoto’s High plateau, where it appears among adorable Juniper hills and dreamlike meadows. Ultimately, beyond the horizon of golden fields, this landscape of forgotten dreams reveals its southern border in the abyss Bees’ Cliff (14). Here it shows very soon; the beautiful path (42) to Entoto Natural Park (Nursery) 34, where the massive work has elapsed with nature restoration for many years.

Geographical Situation

Addis Ababa is situated 9° north of the equator, in central Ethiopia. The park area, on the mountain of Entoto, extends from the northern edge of the city, at an altitude of 2 600m and further north over the mountain crest at almost 3 100 m. From several spots, there is the splendid outlook over the sprawling city and the five high solitary mountains, in the southwest to the southeast (Menagesha, Wachecha, Furi Zukuala and Yerer).

Entoto’s High Plateau with an Unknown Origin of the Giant

View from Entoto’s mountain ridge. Facing north from the top ridge, one looks out over vast plains, towards Sululta and some bare mountains. The mountain crest on which the Park is located forms a big water divider. The northern slope drains into the Blue Nile, and the precipitation from the southern slope will end up in the Awash River. This has the curious result that two raindrops falling at the same time just a few centimetres apart, will have quite different destinies: one will after a long journey reach the Mediterranean Sea, whereas the other will pass through the city of Addis Ababa, eventually evaporating in the Danakil Desert, as the Awash River never reaches the sea. The Park is United with the Capital’s Highland. The lower part of the Park adjoins Addis Ababa’s northern outskirts, at the district known as Shero Meda (Shiromeda) Coming from the central parts of the city, the Entoto Avenue leads up to the school of Kuskuam in the north of Shero Meda, and further along the border of the Park to the Church of Entoto Maryam (Håkan Blanck and Pia Englund, Entoto Natural Park 1995). Shero Meda (Shiromeda) - Central Station for Bus and Taxi This community in the northern district of the Capital offers here a central station for further taxi and bus services to the Capital’s city centre and direct taxi connection to Entoto Maryam as well as Entoto Kidane Mehret. However, the town and station Shero Meda is close enough to Entoto Kidane Mehret to offer a pleasant walk to Entoto Natural Park. Shero Meda (Shiromeda) is also the place that allows the most convenient access to Entoto Maryam, located on Entoto’s plateau.

1. Entoto Kidane Mehret Church and Community

Although this rock-based sanctuary and society towers within the Capital’s northern boundaries and its mountain massifs, it seems to be remarkably preserved and well above all stressful whims. Also, this Church and Monastery are astonishing hidden, tucked into the mountain massif rising shoulder where perception arises very soon to be careful because precipices and gullies take over immediately when you just move away from a little piece of this remarkable protective town. A Mountain-based Station for Bus and Taxi Although Entoto Kidane Mehret is quite highly located and appearing distant due to its height above the Capital, nevertheless it’s equipped with a station for regular bus and taxi traffic. This quaint town’s structure creates here a harmonic embrace of the extensive and impressive Entoto Kidane Mehret Church (32) Monastery and Sacred Water Source (31), Juniperus procera Forest (indigenous) 30. The choice of Entoto Kidane Mehret as a central base for further exploration of the Park is natural because both the Capital’s buses and local taxis regularly have this place as the final location. Here they are waiting in the shade of large native trees before they again turn downhill and soon arrives in the Shero Meda (Shiromeda) station and society and the further the more central part of the Capital. Elevated Protectorate The society Entoto Kidane Mehret is a very dedicated and appealing mountain town but should indeed more precisely be described as a profoundly religious Sanctuary and Protectorate of Nature and Inhabitants.

Entoto Kidane Mehret Church, Sanctuary, Monastery and Sacred Water.

Entoto Kidane Mehret Sanctuary and Town

The Entrance to the Park at Entoto Kidane Mehret (1)

Although the town of Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) offers cosy shops and restaurant, Hotel and Guesthouse is missing, which means that the nearest accommodation for tourism is just 20 minutes walk downhill from Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) att Shero Meda (Shiromeda) community. Shero Meda (Shiromeda) - A well-established community for transportation and amenities This society is the central station for further taxi and bus services to Entoto Kidane Mehret (1). However, the town and station Shero Meda is close enough to Entoto Kidane Mehret to offer a pleasant walk to Entoto Natural Park. Shero Meda (Shiromeda) is also the place that allows the most convenient access to Entoto Maryam, located on Entoto’s plateau. Guest Houses, Hotels and Restaurants Continuing up towards the mountain massif and Entoto Natural Park, this offers an exclusive selection of accommodations. As the area is in progress, it is an excellent opportunity for restaurants, cafes and hotels up to some mile north of Shero Meda’s (Shiromeda) centre. Accommodation north of Shero Meda (Shiromeda) The two choices of travel routes starting from Shero Meda centre and continuing up the hill towards Entoto Kidane Mehret and Entoto Maryam offer here some small and inviting neighbourhoods. At this outer boundary of Shero Meda are shown a few streets where the roads up to Entoto Kidane Mehret and Entoto Maryam are joined, providing convenient access to amenities up to a mile north of Shero Meda’s centre. A Great Plateau Ledge for View and Activities Arriving at the high viewpoint (16) is very convenient, as the substantial rise upwards offers some beautiful and exciting rests with magnificent scenery and historical surprises with old Italian fortifications (38) and trees of a surprising dignified furrowed patina. An Ideal Place for the Well-Equipped Family. From this location (16), provides pleasant resting places for picnics in pleasant tranquillity and contemplation about the unique nature, which is facilitated easily by the high point of view, even over the mist-veiled Capital far below the southern slopes. Much closer, the farmhouse is reminded and not far below even the chanting walls of Entoto Kidane Mehret Church (32).

Entoto Kidane Mehret’s valley and its hiking paths

Further Description Regarding The Contents of the Map

A. The Character of Entoto Kidane Mehret’s valley.

The square (A) serves as a directed and facilitating figure to more easily find points (5), (22), and (37) which are located and form the valley at Entoto Kidane Mehret (32). This area [A] is the beginning of most of the following hiking trails described.

B. The Invitation to the crossroad of wilderness.

The still gently upward hike shown within the circle (B) includes the points (35), (38), (39), and constitutes both a crossroads of somewhat wild paths but also a beautiful rise in a ledge of some metres threshold. This crossroads is located just to the right of point (38), but regardless of the choice of the hiking paths within the loop point (B), all of these will soon contact the continued walk towards the higher positions.

2. Shops for Picnics and Adventures

The most necessary for the Park’s experience and picnics as well as candy shop (2) is across the bus stop from the community (1). For those who are very early in the hours of dawn, there are some further possibilities of other shops also at the beginning of the Juniper forest, just next to the health spring with its associated buildings (31). A hidden path between the sanctuary and the gorge. The trail runs attractively hidden behind Entoto Kidane Mehret (32) in a concealed curve below its wall and passing through a small part of the village before the path (5) opens along a deep ravine and finishing with downhill towards a traditional bridge. A graceful invitation to the waiting adventures. However, most of these alternatives for the further hiking adventures start here just below Entoto Kidane Mehret (32) with a character of beach curved rocks in harmonious wave formations where the children play, and the laundry dries on the inviting soft and clean, polished rock bed, a real inviting beauty to appreciate already the first steps on the bridge (22) below Entoto Kidane Mehret (32).

The Sanctuary of Entoto Kidane Mehret (32) offers several different choices of paths uphill for a great variety of mountain adventure. Just here at Entoto Kidane Mehret and its bridge (22) - [A] starts the options of routes with either a start from (37) - [A] or even (19) is a lovely way to these natural pools just above Bees’ Cliff (14).

Multiple trail options from the bridge at Kidane Mehret Church (32). Thus, there are several very different of paths choices just uphill from point (38) but also becomes enriched by a more thorough, independent, acquaintance with the full south-eastern to north-western eroded soil road (41) located just above points (14 - 16). Grandiose scenarios in the trails of the canyon’s slopes. These trails are all characterized by the unique and dramatic slopes at the canyon (35). The options of trails are here beautifully inspiring and often in contact with each other, allowing another choice of a path by a relaxing return or to an intersection towards an alternative height above the gorge. This option might follow the shoreline of the river (35) or even at the slope’s upper plateau ledge. ** However, it is clear that the canyon’s slopes in some places are too steep to allow a confrontation with a vertical commitment. Still, just this offers what constitutes the extra entertaining in wildlife scenarios and thus giving the walks an extraordinary value. A canyon of adorable beauty and lush greenery Independent opinion or perception of these alternative trails, they are all so surprisingly beautiful and varied that they offer far greater entertainment than could be expected in comparable memories or impressions from the other nature types around the Capital. This stunning beauty of the Park is withheld even compared to the charming countryside of Ethiopia’s with its beautiful Highland scenery. Within this magnificent canyon of seductively smooth light and living, shadows appear all the paths however very clear, but in fact, the different routes are so surprisingly beautiful that any visitors never are at risk to be without all types of pure and vitalizing surprises. An invitation of fragrance and crisp freshness With a pleasant crisp freshness, visitors are invited with the flavouring fragrance of mighty native Juniper forests and overwhelming vegetation. Thus, this dramatic landscape assists the visitors with thrillingly inspiring canyon routes which effortlessly captures all the attention that gives both social pleasures and surprises. The ancient place with breathtaking perspective. With dramatic beauty, this place attracts an exciting approach to exploring an unknown world of nature where environments in this wonderfully excitingly secret dwelling since the beginning of time in the rock formation created scary deep underground gaps and hidden rock chambers amid their surrounding waterfalls.

14. Bees’ Cliff - A rock dwelling beyond time

A magnificent magic shadow world veiled by time beyond memories Here in this enticing deep underworld of shadows and greenery, this treacherous luring cliff vault and abyss gives a home to pure magic twilight where Ravens reside and invite to pleasant arts of flights as well as approaches in playful jacket pinching mischiefs.

A Great Wildlife View with the Meandering streams

Nature Pools at the Plateau Above Bees’ Cliff

Close Encounter With Playing Baboon Families (14) While this place is unique in many many ways, there are also reservations about the impact people can exert on its nature. Because this site contains not only what is desirable for people but also for wildlife, the result is that a conflict of interest and living space can occur. However, this is overall the reason for the attraction of the place where thanks to varying and dramatic scenery create ideal habitats for wildlife that naturally utilizes this rich, three-dimensional diversity in water and rock formations.

The paths up to the natural pools and Bees’ Cliff (14) offer several options; the northern hillside of the tributary gorge (36), the southern slope of (38-39) - (15-16) and (41).

16. The resting place from the era of dreams.

The more ancient Juniper trees in the area shown in the photo below are here still hidden behind and uphill, on the southern ridge of the high plateau. When gazing in the photo direction towards the dim-capped Capital far below, these trees are back and upward. The appearance when arriving at this hidden group of majestic Junipers is inviting. Still, a real surprise since the view towards the Capital already is well decorated with native matured Juniper procera trees. These indigenous Juniper trees are unique and appear to have an origin from a past culture and are here very near just some a minute walk uphill.

16. Among breathtaking Views and Juniper Giants’ care.

These magnificent and powerful Juniperus procera trees appear in a near park-like setting, located some metre behind the camera view and just at the rim of the high plateau. On the corresponding side, behind and to the left is hidden the over 50-year-old forest of wild and original Juniperus procera trees (40) that provides a unique insight into how nature emerged before the Eucalyptus trees arrived from Australia over 100 years ago.

Photo: Towards the Capital with more than 50 years old indigenous Juniperus procera trees

Dramatic Distances and High Altitudes

The Cautious Choice for Families (19) During the rain season, it,s therefore appropriate to enjoy the beautifully undulated promenade to the site of the Italian built spring water facility (19). Entoto Kidane Mehret’s inhabitants are bringing their household water from this source. Therefore the company is apparent by playing children and people who are fetching quantities of water to their homes. 1. Entoto Kidane Meret Completely surrounded by its society, this station is characterized by an inviting cosiness, but together with an accompanied impression of magnificence that cannot be expected in a massive rock ledge of a mountain. If it was not for the sanctuary that discreetly dominates its outer propagation, this station would be disproportionately abundant where it is located beautifully on this dramatically elevated hidden mountain plateau where it appears like an essential marketplace so generously dominant right next to this quaint community (1). This unique town’s structure creates here a harmonic embrace of the extensive and impressive Entoto Kidane Mehret Church (32) Monastery and Sacred Water Source (31), Juniperus procera Forest (indigenous) 30. Besides, this sanctuary with its Church and Monastery are astonishing hidden, tucked into the mountain massif rising shoulder where perception arises very soon to be careful because precipices and gullies take over immediately when you just move away from a little piece of this cosy mountain town and sanctuary.

https://www.entoto-natural-park.org/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/entoto-natural-park/ https://entoto-natural-park.business.site/ https://www.facebook.com/entoto.natural.sanctuary https://twitter.com/EPark https://goo.gl/maps/vrQhZB6jdEw https://www.plantsmap.com/organizations/entoto-natural-park https://www.pinterest.com/entotonatural/ https://www.instagram.com/entoto_natural_park_/

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mujeeburrehman · 4 years

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Feb 2021 BTO Unit Analysis: McNair Heights (Kallang/Whampoa)

Released during the Feb 2021 Sales Launch, McNair Heights is situated along a busy Balestier Road in the Kallang/Whampoa district. If you’ve ever wanted to live the high life, this BTO is it—two of its three blocks are 40 storeys tall!

This analysis will show you an overview of the BTO and help you decide on the best units to pick if you balloted for a unit there.

Overview of McNair Heights

LocationAlong Balestier RoadNo. of blocks3Highest floor24 to 40Total no. of units626Types of units2-, 3- and 4-room unitsPublic transportationNearest MRT: Boon Keng (along the North-East Line)

Bus stop along McNair Road and bus stops along Balestier Road: Goes to town and neighbourhoods like Aljunied, Bedok, Marymount, Ang Mo Kio, Redhill, Bouna Vista and Tiong Bahru

Drivers’ convenienceEasy access to CTE (just down Balestier Road)Surrounding amenitiesApprox. 13-min walk to City Square Mall, Whampoa Drive Makan Place, and Bendemeer Market and Food Centre. 5-min drive to Shaw Plaza and Balestier PlazaNearby primary schoolsBendemeer Primary School, Farrer Park Primary School and Hong Wen SchoolEstimated completion dateQ2 2026

We checked out the site during a weekday morning and found the area to be bustling with plenty of activity. There were a lot of construction sites in the area with many other BTOs and developments surrounding McNair Heights still under construction. These developments include Kallang Polyclinic (to be opened in 2023) situated to the southeast of the site as well as shophouse-condo 1953 (also scheduled for completion by the end of 2023). With the completion date for the BTO estimated in 2026, the area should feel more settled once residents move in to McNair Heights.

Site for McNair Heights, taken on Feb 2021.

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (left) and the upcoming Kallang Polyclinic and long-term care facility (right).

Existing HDB blocks 122 and 123 along McNair Road.

Traffic was very busy along Balestier Road, seeing as it’s an arterial road with the exit and entrance of the CTE located just down the road. McNair Road, the other road bordering McNair Heights, is much quieter, leading into a residential area and a row of conserved terrace houses.

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Traffic situation along Balestier Road on a weekday morning.

In terms of amenities, the nearest mall is City Square Mall and the nearest hawker centres are over at foodie haven Whampoa Drive Makan Place and Bendemeer Market & Food Centre. All are within walking distance. For something closer to home, there is a small coffee shop and mini mart at Blk 122 (just across McNair Road).

Alternatively, you can expect to find a supermarket, an eating house and other retail shops over at BTO Towner Crest, located along Serangoon Road just next to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. This BTO is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2023.

Public transportation is highly accessible, with buses plying along Balestier Road and McNair Road. Boon Keng MRT station (on the North-East line) is just a short walking distance away. Once on board, it’s just a few stops away from the city centre.

Surrounding amenities for McNair Heights.

Image credit: HDB

McNair Heights comprises 2-, 3- and 4-room units, as well as a series of rental flats over at Block 141C. Rather than a standalone block, the rental units are integrated with the usual 2-room flexi units, taking up the 2nd to 20th floors in two stacks (84 and 86), with the rest of the floors reserved for 2-room flexi units. Note that the 2-room flexi units are reserved for seniors (aged 55 and above) on short leases in this development.

Which unit to pick for McNair Heights?

Unblocked views

McNair Heights sprawling blocks allow unblocked views for certain units in some stacks. Because we don’t know how tall the future high-rise residential development located to the north of the site will be, we will have to disregard those stacks facing that site.

For now, these are the ones to go for if you want unblocked views:

141A: 54, 56 (From 35th floor onwards) 58, 60 (From 16th floor onwards)

141B: 64 (From 11th floor onwards) 66, 68 (From 7th floor onwards)

141C: 74 (From 16th floor onwards) 84, 86 (From 8th floor onwards)

Possible view for stacks 58, 60 and 74.

Image credit: Google Maps

Possible view for stacks 66 and 68.

Image credit: Google Maps

To be doubly sure, check out HDB’s 3D model of McNair Heights to determine the surrounding views of your chosen stack and unit.

No afternoon sun

In Singapore, the hot afternoon sun comes in two directions: the northwest direction from March to September and the southwest direction from September to March. If you want to avoid being baked in your own home, these are the best units to pick:

141A: 50 141B: 62, 66, 68 141C: 84

Privacy

If privacy is important to you, you will want to go for corner units that are away from the lifts and rubbish chutes. These are the ones to pick:

141A: 50, 56 141B: 62 141C: 74, 86

Other considerations:

Avoid stacks (84, 86, 66, 68) that are close to or facing the very busy Balestier Road, where you are expected to experience high traffic and noise pollution.

Stacks facing areas where people tend to congregate like the pavilion (number 4 on the map), fitness corners and playgrounds will also be less tranquil, especially if you’re picking a unit on the lower floors. Pick a higher floor unit on these stacks if possible.

Our recommendation if you’re opting for a 2-room flat: Stack 78 (While this stack doesn’t have unblocked views, the next building is some distance away.)

Our recommendation if you’re opting for a 3-room flat: Stack 62 (This stack is not facing the road or any areas with high human activity and has no afternoon sun. Also, the next building on the future residential site will likely be some distance away.)

Our recommendation if you’re opting for a 4-room flat: Stack 50 (Away from the roads, not facing the playground directly and no hot afternoon sun. Might have the potential of unblocked views.)

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source https://civilco.construction/feb-2021-bto-unit-analysis-mcnair-heights-kallang-whampoa/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/02/feb-2021-bto-unit-analysis-mcnair.html

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mariaclaragomez276 · 4 years

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The Ultimate Europe Ski Guide: Alpine Edition

If the pandemic pressed pause on your summer holidays, and you’re not planning to go into hibernation this winter, ski season might just be the most socially distanced of them all. Face coverings are the outfit du jour, the average length of a pair of poles is more than two metres, and with many resorts restricting the number of visitors and limiting lift passes, there’ll be plenty of space to enjoy to yourself on and off piste.

Austria

Rustic mountain lodges in picturesque, traditional villages set the scene for any Austrian adventure, but the hills truly come alive when sprinkled with snow. Significant investment in lift systems means less time spent queuing and more time on the slopes. Don’t be put off by Austria’s low-altitude reputation – sophisticated snowmaking machines can be found in most resorts, while its pastureland is mostly still skiable in low snow fall compared with mountainous heavy weights such as France and Switzerland. Here are the best boutique places to warm up after hitting the slopes with some Schnapps, strudel, or schnitzel…

Art & Relax Hotel Bergwelt, Obergurgl…set on a sunny plateau with the highest pool in the Alps, this chic chalet retreat takes high altitude luxury to the next level.

Boutique Hotel Wachtelhof, Hinterthal Maria Alm…with ski-in and ski-out access to 120 kilometres of ski runs, this is one of the best destinations for back country adventures. Crosscountry skiing excursions can be arranged by the Wachtelhof team, before cosying up beside one of the chalet’s roaring fireplaces.

DasPosthotel, Zell am Ziller…an eco-conscious lodge with a solar-heated swimming pool, DasPosthotel stays green (on the inside) all year round.

Grossarler Hof, Grossarl…nestled in one of Austria’s most beautiful mountain valleys, you will have powdery pistes a plenty to choose from. Stop off at a cosy mountain hut along the Salzburger Almenweg and relax with a hot Gluehwein drink.

Hotel Tannenhof, St Anton am Arlberg…originally built in the 1920s, this glamorous local landmark was rebuilt piece-by-piece in 2011 and restored to its former glory. Located in the sunniest spot in St Anton, known as the ‘cradle of Alpine skiing’, follow in the footsteps of the social elite at this timeless Tyrolean retreat.

Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg…offering a personal ski guide to show you the best ski pistes and routes in the Arlberg, this homely hideaway takes service to new heights.

Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat, Lech am Arlberg…just a short ski-lift ride away from the world-class pistes of Lech and St Anton, this contemporary chalet also comes with state-of-the-art in-suite technology to make the most of down time as well as your slope sessions.

France

Home to the best variety of ski resorts in the world, there is something for everyone and every level in France. From the glitz and glamour of Courchevel 1850, Val Thorens, and Méribel in Les Trois Vallées to the quieter, tree-lined slopes of Megève in the foothills of Mont Blanc, you’ll also be perfectly placed to enjoy some of the most legendary après ski spots in the Alps – where the days of shotskis in swanky clubs might now be better enjoyed sipping mulled wine slopeside. Be sure to pack your most stylish pair of salopettes for these chic retreats…

Hôtel Le Strato, Courchevel 1850…set in an enviable ski-in ski-out position, this glamorous refuge sits at the foot of the Cospillot piste and is only five minutes from La Croisette.

Hôtel Pashmina Le Refuge, Val Thorens…at 2,300+ metres, you’ll have panoramic views over the Tarentaise Valley, along with an onsite Goitschel shop for all your snowsport needs.

Le Coucou, Méribel…spanning ten floors built into the mountainside, this ski-in, ski-out lodge continually brings the outside in. Pierre Yovanovitch’s chic interiors run from the rooms to the restaurants – Beefbar has a terrace you can ski straight onto for lunch on the mountains.

Le Refuge de la Traye, Méribel…inspired by classic Savoie design, its eco-luxury chalets are dotted about a miniature hamlet in enviable proximity to Les Trois Vallées.

Le M de Megève, Megève…located in the heart of the quaint village of Megève just 100 metres from the Chamois ski lift, this trendy winter bolthole offers a hot quartz massage to relax stiff muscles.

Italy

It has been over a decade since the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for their picturesque scenery of frozen lakes and dusky pink sunsets over the snow-capped peaks. Home to double-diamond runs and Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the most glamorous ski resort high streets in the Alps, snow-seekers will find something for the most skilled and the most stylish. Head for the famous Sella Ronda, a one-of-a-kind 40km route which loops around four Dolomite passes of the Sella massif, including the awe-inspiring Val Gardena.

Forestis, Brixen…a summit-level sanctuary which is deeply connected to its South Tyrolean mountainscape, this serene spa hotel is perfectly poised for ski-in ski-out as much as it is for post-piste relaxation.

Rosapetra Spa Resort, Cortina d’Ampezzo…placing a strong emphasis on wellbeing, this relaxing retreat is the ideal place for ski-weary legs to rest and recover.

Hotel Montchalet, Ortisei…sleigh rides, snowshoe walks and, of course, skiing, this modern mountain lodge is a winter playground with personal saunas to warm up in after a day in the snow.

Miramonti Boutique Hotel, Merano…overlooking the spa town of Merano, you’ll be perfectly placed to discover the relaxing thermal baths. And with snowy slopes all around, this is sublime ski country.

Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa, La Salle…work up an appetite on the slopes before dining on Aosta Valley regional cuisine in Relais Mont Blanc Hotel’s restaurant, nestled at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps.

Alpin Royal Wellness Refugium, St Johann…set in breathtaking mountain scenery of the Ahrntal in South Tyrol, an impressive array of winter activities are on your doorstep – from skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and sleigh rides.

Switzerland

Arguably the birthplace of skiing, where the sport developed in the 19th century, Switzerland is the original world of winter glitz. From the wide open slopes above the tree line in St Moritz and the trendy après scene in Verbier to its traffic-free traditional mountain villages, the Swiss are hard to beat when it comes to winter getaways. And with the country’s first fully automated gondola opening this December, snow seekers will now be transported from Tufternkehr via an intermediate station in the Wyss Gufer to the Unterrothorn. The Kumme will be the first gondola in Switzerland that can be operated without staff — perfect for a ski season where person-to-person contact needs to be limited. Just be sure to leave some room for melted raclette and potato rösti after carving up the piste…

Cordée des Alpes Hotel, Verbier…with over 410 kilometres of groomed ski runs and 90 lifts across the four valleys of Verbier, there is serious skiing on hand at this impressive wooden ski lodge, with beautiful aged wooden floors and timber balconies.

Crans Ambassador, Crans-Montana…pick up snow-sport supplies at the on-site ski shop and stroll to the nearby lift at this wellness-focused retreat, complete with its own Performance Lab where you can pick up tips on improving your form.

Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad…enjoying a central location on Gstaad Promenade, this early 20th-century grand dame benefits from all the local amenities of Gstaad town. With a Michelin-starred restaurant, Art Deco bar, and 3,000 square-metre spa, there are plenty of reasons to stay inside as much as enjoy the great outdoors.

The Crystal Hotel, St Moritz…located in one of Switzerland’s most glamorous ski resorts, intermediate skiers will find 56 miles of Corviglia skiing just above town, while more advanced powder-seekers can take the cable car to Piz Nair.

Hotel Firefly, Zermatt…surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Valais Alps and the iconic Matterhorn (you know, the mountain on the Toblerone bar), this stylish lodge boasts a sleek, glass-and-steel-roofed spa with contemporary interiors to boot.

Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt…an authentic Swiss chalet at the foot of the Matterhorn, Hotel Schweizerhof is a true winter wonderland – with an in-house ski expert and all manner of modern sports gear to hire.

Go off piste…Spain, Greece, and Norway

Look beyond the Alps to some of Europe’s lesser known ski resorts, including Spain’s Sierra Nevada (which translates as ‘snowy range’), Greece’s Metsovo, and Norway‘s fjordscape. If you’re searching for a slice of wilderness, these off-the-beaten-track destinations should be top of any adventurer’s winter wish list…

El Lodge Ski and Spa, Granada…45 pistes and six off-piste ski runs surround this Spanish ski hotel, and Chairlift Parador 1 is just 50m from the front door. Cosily kitted out with vintage ski posters, antler chandeliers and animal prints by designer Andrew Martin, the contemporary interiors redefine log cabin luxury.

Grand Forest Metsovo, Metsovo…one of northern Greece’s best-kept secrets, this boutique hotel is your gateway to an area of Greece known and loved by a privileged few.

Storfjord Hotel, Skodje…step into a Scandinavian folk tale at this fjord-fringed woodland cabin, set on the crest of a hill with the Sunmøre Alps as its backdrop.

The post The Ultimate Europe Ski Guide: Alpine Edition appeared first on Small Luxury Hotels.

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davidoespailla · 6 years

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As Home Buyers Flock In, Fort Worth Embraces Its Cowtown Reputation

Amy Mikler for The Wall Street Journal

When Maridon and Jason Grochowski found a vacant lot in Rivercrest Bluffs, a gated community in Fort Worth’s River District, they signed on the dotted line right away. But they knew they had a long wait ahead of them.

The nearly 15-acre development on the Trinity River still lacked streets, curbs, sewers and other infrastructure when they bought their land for $375,000 in 2014.

Last year, the Grochowskis finally moved into their 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom home. With views of the bluff overlooking the river and access to the hiking trails from their backyard, “you have the feeling of being out in nature,” says Ms. Grochowski, 47, a stay-at-home mother of two children and a real-estate investor. But when she and her husband, a technology consultant, are craving steak from Del Frisco’s or heading to the Kimbell Art Museum for an exhibit, Fort Worth’s Sundance Square in downtown and cultural district are only five minutes away.

Maridon and Jason Grochowski’s home in Rivercrest Bluffs, a gated community in Fort Worth’s River District.

Amy Mikler for The Wall Street Journal

Young professionals and families are discovering the charms of Fort Worth, a city of about 875,000 people with deep roots in the cattle industry. In recent years, this Cowtown has gone Uptown with the rise of upscale condo developments and gated subdivisions offering high-end amenities. Professionals coming from pricey cities outside of Texas are looking for larger luxury homes with a “yard for their dog,” says real-estate agent Martha Williams, co-founder of Williams Trew in Fort Worth. “If they’ve been living in an apartment in New York or L.A., they want a more a residential setting.” Proximity to the city’s cultural district and the Trinity River Trail system is also a draw.

The Grochowski kitchen in the 5,000-square-foot house, built by Fort Worth-based Village Homes and completed last year.

Amy Mikler for The Wall Street Journal

In 2013, the average price of a luxury home, defined as the top 5% of the market, was $672,825, with 358 properties sold. Today, its $716,729, with 651 luxury properties sold in 2018, according to MLS data provided by John Giordano, a residential developer and an agent specializing in luxury properties with Giordano, Wegman, Walsh & Assoc. This does not account for private listings or land purchases for new construction, he adds.

But the market is cooling. With more inventory recently, “the prices are softening a bit, especially in the high-end market,” Ms. Williams says.

Ryan and Jessica Dodson moved from suburban Mansfield to the Colonial Hills neighborhood of Fort Worth last spring. They gut-renovated and built an addition onto a 1942 home they purchased for just over $1 million. The design, inspired by one-story California contemporary ranches, features a wing for the couple’s three school-aged children and a master wing for themselves.

Ryan and Jessica Dodson gut-renovated a 1942 home in Colonial Hills near Texas Christian University.