#buy hill green tea online

[teandhealth]

Buy 100% Natural White Rhino Tea Online At Lowest Price on Kamiliata

Description

Akin to spotting a white rhino in the wild, getting your hands on a bag of white tea leaves is a luxury. The Camellia Sinensis leaves need to be hand-plucked right before they fully open, when the leaves remain covered in white fuzz.

An entire day of farming may only yield half a kilo of premium white tea leaves, making these one of the most delicate and rare tea varieties.

Taste Notes:

Its initial flavour is fresh and sweet, while its aftertaste is rich and delicate. These notes add to the opulence of white rhino tea, and is bound to excite the taste buds of any tea connoisseur.

Ingredients: Kenyan White Tea Leaves

Caffeine Level: Very Low

Steeping Instructions

We have Pride Black Tea

Tropical Purple Tea

Mighty Chamomile Tea

Glorious Green Tea

White Rhino Tea

[celtfather]

Dancing With Hobbits #578

Go dancing with hobbits for Hobbit Day on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #678. Subscribe now!

Keltricity, The BorderCollies, Dublin Gulch, Louise Bichan, Clanna Morna, Dancing With Hobbits, Celtic Wood and Wires, Clay Babies, Brother Sea, Ironwood, Adria Jackson, The Walker Roaders, Mary Frances Leahy, Toby Bresnahan, Clare Cunningham

GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX

The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free.

VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2024

This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2024 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now!

You can follow our playlist on Spotify to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. It also makes it easier for you to add these artists to your own playlists. You can also check out our Irish & Celtic Music Videos.

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC

0:07 - Keltricity "Louis Cyr  -  Motel Henry" from Live at Terra Firma Radio

3:14 - WELCOME

5:28 - The BorderCollies "Kishors" from To the Hills and Back

9:01 - Dublin Gulch "Ballad of the Button Box" from Tap 'Er Light

14:20 - Louise Bichan "The Little Cowpig" from The Lost Summer

16:32 - Clanna Morna "Maid On The Shore" from From The Lowlands To The High Seas

21:54 - FEEDBACK

25:22 - Dancing With Hobbits "Old Took's Victory Dance" from Dancing With Hobbits

28:31 - Celtic Wood and Wires "The Boatman's Dance" from Close The Back Door

31:49 - Clay Babies "Rakes Of Kildare / Drowsy Maggie / Cup Of Tea / Reel Of Mullinavat" from Speechless Vol. 1: Sloppy Session in the Sticks

36:29 - Brother Sea "Oll' Vel Onen" from Brother Sea Ep

40:56 - Ironwood "Crawl on Duke Street" from Gretna Green

44:42 - THANKS

46:38 - Adria Jackson "Solveig's Song" from Troubadour

50:41 - The Walker Roaders "The Story" from The Walker Roaders

55:02 - Mary Frances Leahy "Dance of the Fairies" from First Light

59:00 - Toby Bresnahan "Jock Stewart" from All In Good time

1:02:12 - CLOSING

1:03:17 - Clare Cunningham "Éireann i mo chroí" from ON MY WAY (AR MO BHEALACH)

1:07:24 - CREDITS

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You’ll find links to all of the artists played in this episode.

Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you’ll get 7 weekly news items about what’s happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage.

Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.

Finally, remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.

Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/.

WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST

* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn.

This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. All types. All styles. All instruments. If it’s Celtic music, we play it.

It is here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to keep making music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their communities on Patreon.

You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com.

I have a brand new album that is now on sale. It’s called Dancing With Hobbits. It’s album of all original, hobbit - inspired dance tunes. If you saw the Lord of the Rings movies and heard the music during Bilbo Baggins’ birthday party, then that should give you some idea. It’s fun, upbeat Celtic dance tunes.

It was recorded with Sam Gillogly on fiddle. Sam is no stranger to this podcast, having their own album of Classical Celtic music. But if you’re heard a fiddle on any of my songs in the last 15 years, that was probably Sam.

The album is listed under our band name Dancing With Hobbits. I’ll share music in the coming weeks and later in the show.

If you are a Celtic musician or in a Celtic band, then please submit your band to be played on the podcast. You don’t have to send in music or an EPK. You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music and learn how to follow the podcast. It’s 100% free. Just email Email follow@bestcelticmusic and of course, listeners can learn how to subscribe to the podcast and get a free music - only episode.

THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST!

You are amazing. It is because of your generosity that you get to hear so much great Celtic music each and every week.

Your kindness pays for our engineer, graphic designer, Celtic Music Magazine editor, promotion of the podcast, and allows me to buy the music I play here. It also pays for my time creating the show each and every week.

As a patron, you get ad - free and music - only episodes before regular listeners, vote in the Celtic Top 20, stand - alone stories, you get a private feed to listen to the show or you can listen through the Patreon app.  All that for as little as $1 per episode.

A special thanks to our new and continued Patrons of the Podcast: Bruce, Brian McReynolds, Marti Meyers, Alan Schindler, Karen DM Harris, Emma Bartholomew, Dan mcDade, Miranda Nelson, Nancie Barnett, Kevin Long, Gary R Hook, Lynda MacNeil, Kelly Garrod, Annie Lorkowski, Shawn Cali

HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Go to our Patreon page.

Decide how much you want to pledge every week, $1, $5, $25. Make sure to cap how much you want to spend per month.

Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music.

You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com.

TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

#celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? Please email me. I’d love to see a  picture of what you're doing while listening or of a band that you saw recently.

Email me at follow@bestcelticmusic.

Eric Guarin emailed some photos: "Meanwhile rather belatedly, but some of what me and my wife Terry were doing last summer while listening to the Podcast:

-  Running on the beach near Tarifa, Spain and later in Biarritz, France (picture attached with the beach way in the background)

-  Climbing the Rock of Gibraltar (see picture of monkey)

-  Hiking a piece of the Camino De Santiago pilgrimage trail, near Bilbao (the picture near the ocean).

-  Also managed to see Iron Maiden live, a long held bucket list dream of mine to see a concert overseas. We didn't listen to the Podcast on that occasion ha ha but listened quite a bit while driving around 2400 - 2500 km from Portugal through Spain to the Basque tip of France and then Spain.

We were lucky enough in this life to visit Ireland, summer of 2021. So so so so nice, we LOVED it. BUT due to COVID...no live music!

Someday, we'll manage to get on an Invasion… Slainte,"

      Mary L Deal emailed a photo: "Hi Marc, I'm sitting here messing around  with and printing 3d stuff listening to the latest podcast (Panxty Caper #664) and heard, again dang it, about this year's trip and was wondering if you know if you will be going back to Ireland next year. I would really like to join you on one of these trips. I went to Ireland around1995 with my Mom and would like to share that beautiful place and the people there with my daughter.  Sincerely,"

Geoffrey Huff sent a photo from Abilene, TX:

  Check out this episode!

[ironkettel]

Iron Kettle - Buy the Finest Nilgiri Tea Online

At Iron Kettle, we bring you the best quality Nilgiri tea straight from the hills of South India. Our premium tea leaves are handpicked and processed to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Whether you prefer black, green, or white tea, we have it all. Buy Nilgiri tea online from Iron Kettle and experience the taste of pure, unadulterated tea. Order now and enjoy the goodness of nature in every sip. Visit now - https://iron-kettle.com/collections/nilgiri-tea

[earlyjust]

Candy holder with led light table centerpiece

#Candy holder with led light table centerpiece how to

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Customers can learn how to build décor projects, how to make easy home repairs and how to operate tools through demonstrations and step-by-step instructions right at their local store. There are three types of Workshops offered – Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Do-It-Herself (DIH) and Kids. The Home Depot offers Workshops at all of their locations for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. Your experience and response helps The Home Depot make the improvements you want to see. Driftwood Wooden Candle Holder Round Glass Tea Light Holder Rustic Wedding Centerpiece. Bowl Stand for Kitchen LittleMU Large Black Decorative Table Centerpiece. LED Centerpieces LED Candles Backdrop & Aisle Lighting Waterproof LED Lights. Candy - 10 Inches: Kitchen & Dining Up to 00 Products Metal Mesh.

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Oh, and if you have previously attended any workshop at The Home Depot and would like to provide feedback, please feel free to use this form. Set Of 6 Diamond Tea Light Candle Holder, Christmas Candle Holders, Outdoor Candle Holders For Patio, Dinner Table, Wedding Tables Centerpieces, Measures 3.5' Tall & 3' Diameter (Set of 6) by Everly Quinn. Table & Centerpiece Decor Flowers & Lights Disposable Tableware Chair Covers.

[hellotravel01]

Book Ooty Tour Package to Explore Natural Wonders of South India

So, it is already October, an ideal time to plan a memorable trip to Udhagamandalam, Ootacamund, or Ooty. Commonly referred to as the “Queen of Nilgiris,” Ooty is a quaint and quiet yet fascinating hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. Travel to Ooty would mean verdant greens, hyped with tea gardens, magnificent hills & lakes, and forested lands, and its old-world vibes, making it an ideal spot for travelers to plan a quick escape in the lap of Mother Nature.  

Owing to Ooty's pleasant weather, it observes tourists coming here all around the year. Those who want to beat the sun's scorching heat find the summer season from March to June perfect to visit the hill station. Once here, there are many exciting things to do in Ooty, from planning a sightseeing trip to Avalanche lake, Botanical Garden, the Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and the intoxicating tea estates. The average temperature during the day varies between 20°C- 25°C; however, nights, on the contrary, are highly chilly, giving clear views for star-gazing. Not to be missed, Ooty also hosts a flower show in mid-May, and Kotagiri’s vegetable show and fruit show in Coonoor, etc., will give memories of a lifetime. 

Those who find it challenging to step out of their hometown because of the hot weather conditions can ideally plan a trip to the hill station during monsoons. One can explore a wide range of Ooty Tour Packages to plan a trip between July to September. Ooty witnesses heavy rainfall during this time, and it seems as if paradise, home to mountains, plants, and flowers bathed in a New Light leave you awe-struck. There is also a probability of experiencing slippery roads and heavy fog during monsoons. But the unique aspect of the Ooty trip is that during rains, fewer tourists come here when the temperature hovers between 15°C- 23°C. The weather remains pleasant throughout to watch Doddabetta Lake, Pykara Falls, and Kalhatti Falls. 

Ooty in winters, from October to February, when the temperature is between 5°C- 17°C, is undeniably the best time to plan a tour here with friends and family. Whether you are an adventure lover, nature enthusiast, family holiday maker, or newly wedded, the overall atmosphere of the place is very comfortable to indulge in fun-filled things to do in Ooty. From a toy train ride, a boat ride at Ooty Boat house, hiking at Catherine waterfall, a visit to Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary & tea museums, buying exotic tea as souvenirs from local shops, etc. So, why wait? Many travel and tourism companies excel in customizable Ooty Tour Packages to provide a fantastic experience under your budget.

Ending Views: Travel in India is full of beautiful experiences, giving you one or the other reasons to discuss with your close people. Whether you are among those who could not plan a vacation in the past due to Coronavirus or an ardent fan of South India’s charismatic beauty. In that case, it is time to browse Ooty Tour Packages  offered by  Hello Travel. It is the best online travel platform, offering tour packages, travel itineraries & holiday deals PAN India & globally that suit your needs, taste & budget. Book an affordable Ooty Tour Package now!

[japanesepenguin]

Walking in a Circle, Part 1

+ I feel the title of this next series of posts is appropriate as it won't be as exciting as previous ones; I took the subway to Ebisu (about 20 minutes southwest) for some tea and then spent four hours walking in a big circle; above, we have the view leaving the area after buying tea, heading off on a new adventure

+ Hey! It's, yet again, the Meguro River; y'all are good friends by now, show your manners and say "hi"

Hello, Meguro River, how're you today?"

+ I'll mention here that those trees lining each side are cherry trees... Y'all gonna get some amazing pictures in a few months

+ I was basically walking straight into the Sun so I turned around and took this photo of a standard residential street corner; that is trash you're seeing; neatly collected and organized; I've seen probably thousands of such collections; I have never once seen a messy pile

+ The area was surprisingly hilly; the green fence on the right means it's either a sports field or a school playground (in this case it was the latter); that little wooden "box" on the left is this:

+ It's a shrine/memorial: 100 years ago this area was used for training war horses (the steep hills were useful to that end); this memorial was erected for those horses (in general) and for two horses (in particular) who had died of disease; the shrine is now maintained by local residents

+ Offerings: A carrot, an apple, two juice boxes, and a bottle of water; approximate value: ~¥700; assuming the offerings are refreshed once a month, the yearly upkeep of this shrine is approximately $75; I want y'all to take a moment and appreciate that: local residents spend $75 a year placing offerings to some horses they never knew in appreciation of their service to a society they never lived in

+ Anyways, here's some vending machines; the one of the left has cigarettes; you have to be over 20 to buy cigarettes (fun fact)

+ Here is a fire extinguisher; just on the street; these are pretty common; what is unusual is that this one has emergency information on the top

+ There's an interesting "disaster" map of the world you can find online with little icons for various natural disasters that are common in different areas: tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and so on; on that map you cannot see Japan---it is completely covered by icons

+ Here's a standard mail box; there's two slots but Akina and I agree they're the same, only one is slightly larger (why not make both the larger size?); all post boxes I've seen so far look like this; that "T" symbol means "post/mail" (as well as "zip code" for when you're writing an address)

+ Just a neat store front... The sign says it's a dry cleaners; the cloth blanket things hanging from the balcony are uh, actual blankets... but like, Japanese style...

+ The picture limit today will have to be some more gingko trees; always changing at different times... silly gingkos

[thebesttealeavesfromafrica]

The Best Tea Leaves From Africa

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa aligned east coast of the Indian ocean with the best collections of agro-productions from Africa. The country is named after the astonishing union of two states; Tanganyika (Mainland) and Zanzibar (Island) to form Tanzania. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Abed Amani Karume are well remembered as the ancestors of the states since they agreed to form a permanent union. It happened on 26th April 1964. The country is shielded by water bodies almost everywhere. These include Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa, Lake Manyara, and others.

As it is not enough, the country has a number of rivers that make the country almost green throughout the year. These include rivers Rufiji, Great Ruaha, Pangani, Malagarasi, Wami, Ruvuma, Mara, Kagera, Ruvu, Kilombero, Tarangire, Ruvuvu, Manonga, Umba, and many others.

Tanzania has also a number of mountains and high hills in some areas to make the wonderful territory well organized. The presence of mountains Kilimanjaro, Meru, Usambara, Ol Donyo Lengai, Udzungwa, Hanang, Loleza, Kipenere, Longido and others impact the suitable agricultural climatic condition.

The country has a lot of wonders, national parks, game reserves, and much more to witness. Zanzibar herself is the place where everyone wishes to visit and see the beauty of the Island. Tanzania has a warm, tropical climate, with seasonal patterns of rainfalls. Some of the countries have a single wet and dry season, whereas other regions have two distinct rainy seasons.

The Best Tea Collections from Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most important tea-producing countries in Africa, and also boundaries Kenya and Malawi, the two other major African tea-growing states. Most of Tanzania’s teas simply called ‘Chai’ in Swahili is exported in bulk as raw products. This situation makes Tanzania not much visible in tea production. Most of the raw tea products which are sold in Europe are sourced from Tanzania.

Some major tea companies in Tanzania have taken steps ahead for the quality of their products. These are Chai Bora and Afri Tea & Coffee Blenders. They have made a great change by sourcing, blending, and branding tea products. Simply, the best tea production from Africa is dominated by Tanzania but the major issue is branding challenges that have made them invisible to the World. The good thing is, the best tea leaves collections of their products are well-sorted and presented by Fumbalo Online Store. This is an online shop that sells tea and coffee products from Tanzania.

Tea was first cultivated under German colonists in 1902 on a very small scale to be used by colonizers. In the 1920s commercial farming of tea began under British authority.

After Tanzania was granted independence from Britain, her new government put under public sectors most of the tea factories and some tea estates. This decision had very bad significances on the tea industry in Tanzania. The government decided to handle the production into the private sector as a rescue mission.

Currently, local companies blend tea products that can compete with any brand of products around the World. They produce bold, well-twisted leaves, in shades of olive green, produce a yellow jade liquor with a bright, broth aroma. A product with refreshing character is well balanced with a rich buttery mouth feel and sweet hay notes. The finished product is clean and satisfying to anyone who tastes the product for the first time.

These companies blend a collection of tea products such as black tea, green tea, and other indigenous products mixed with spices such as ginger, camomile, cardamom, cinnamon, hibiscus, clove, lemongrass, vanilla, and others to ensure the aroma and refreshing products. All these raw products are naturally produced in the country to make the best tea production from Africa brand.

Actually, the companies are able to deliver the best tea production from Africa available in Tanzania. Tea from Tanzania is largely sourced from five main areas. These are Kagera, Tanga, Iringa, Mbeya, and Njombe regions. The regions have climatic conditions that favour the growth of tea.

How to Process Tea from the farm to the cup?

Most areas in the country have the same way of processing tea since they all grow the best tea production from Africa. Tea leaves are harvested from farms mostly by women. They use their hands to pick a few fresh and new leaves on top of plants and put them into their baskets made by using bamboo trees. The collected tea leaves are transported from the farm to the industries within a short time before they wear out or lose their natural state. Most of the time harvesting activity is done during the morning.

Some processes are conducted in the industries to produce a perfect product of tea leaves. These include withering, bruising (for black tea), twisting, oxidation, roasting, frying or boiling, and finally drying to reduce moisture and increase shelf life. In the end, the product is paced into various packages ready for sale.

The following are some of the products of black tea blend you may need to try:

o   Kilimanjaro Tea Premium Blend

o   Kilimanjaro Tea English Breakfast

o   African Pride Tea Luxury Blend

o   African Pride Chai Masala

o   Chai Bora Premium Tea Blend

o   Chai Bora Supreme Tea Blend

o   Chai Bora Luxury Tea Blend

o   Chai Bora Organic Highlands Black tea

Teas are a generator of wealth and employment in rural areas and support the well-being of over 100,000 families in Tanzania. The product is highly sold in the UK, European countries, Asian and American Markets. Are you looking for the best tea from Africa? Tanzania is among the producers of the best tea from Africa. For that reason, Fumbalo Store is not selling just tea. We are selling the best tea products from Africa. For every single dollar, you spend by buying tea products from Tanzania, you help over 100,000 families to live their lives and survive. You may not be able to donate for them, then just by this tea from Tanzania and you are also helping them.

[abbysohanatea]

Drink Specialty Tea from Hawaii and Stay Away from Health Problems

Green tea grown in the hills of Hawaii is a really great drink. This combination is so unique that no one can explain it without tasting it. Drinking every portion gives off a unique floral scent with a typical muscatel flavor. This cup will give beginners an unforgettable experience. Specialty tea from Hawaii is about taking care of your health while providing maximum joy.

Would you like to know how beneficial this green drink is for your health? Here are some of the benefits that give you a clear idea.

Lower cholesterol for heart health.

Regular drinking of specialty tea can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The presence of polyphenols increases blood pressure, and antioxidants attack cholesterol levels. It also prevents plaque formation.

Weight loss

Does drinking tea lose weight? Yes, it is now possible with special green tea. The perfect combination of antioxidants and caffeine in this combination helps you lose body fat in a faster and healthier way. Caffeine provides energy for exercise to keep your body in shape, while antioxidants boost metabolism and keep you in shape.

Prevent flu symptoms

Do you always sneeze at a temperature? Do you want to make the situation worse? Then make a glass of green drink and start drinking. Fight bacteria and microbes. Polyphenols and antioxidants strengthen the immune system and fight flu and cold. Buy specialty green tea online and decide if it really helps.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes

The green mixture regulates blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. This helps prevent type 2 diabetes.

Mental health recovery

This is one of the obvious green tea benefits worth mentioning. Want to stay focused while reducing your caffeine intake? Try a special green blend. A moderate amount of caffeine helps maintain an individual's cognitive function. This drink helps people feel less stressed and calms down. Take a glass of this drink for the perfect balance of tranquillity and energy.

Those who drink green tea in the morning accept the freshness of the rest of the day. Start the day with a green mix and excitement before going to work every day.

[heatherfield]

This or That memes

Tagged by @intothemultivers:

wind or rain / closed curtains or open window / bumblebees or butterflies / banana bread or cheesecake / tulips or roses / lemon & honey or apple & cinnamon / hillside cottage or city apartment / warm or cold / book or video game / organized bullet journal or cluttered sketchbook / smoothie or milkshake / sunshine or moonlight / relaxing or productivity / holding hands or back hugs / sunset at the beach or stargazing in a field / poetry or prose / candle or diffuser / longing for the past or longing for the future / vocals or instrumentals / snowy mountain or rolling green hills

Tagged by @echoesofnewords and @jadelotusflower:

slow burn or love at first sight / fake dating or secret dating / enemies to lovers or best friends to lovers / oh no there’s only one bed or long-distance with correspondence / hurt/comfort or amnesia / fantasy au or modern au / mutual pining or domestic bliss / smut or fluff / canon compliant (missing scenes) or fix-it fic / alternate universe or future fic / one-shot or multi-chapter / kid fic or roadtrip fic / reincarnation or character death / arranged marriage or accidental marriage / high school romance or middle aged romance / time travel or isolated together (cabin in a snow storm, desert island) / neighbors or roommates / sci-fi au or magic au / bodyswap or genderbend / angst or crack / apocalyptic or mundane

Tagged by @austennerdita2533:

honey and lemon or milk and sugar // musicals or plays // lemonade or iced tea // strawberries or raspberries // winter or summer // beaches or forests // diners or cafés // unicorns or dragons // gemstones or crystals // hummingbirds or owls // fireworks or sparklers // brunch or happy hour // sweet or sour // Rome or Amsterdam // classic or modern art // sushi or ramen // sun or moon // polka dots or stripes // macarons or croissants // glitter or matte // degas or seurat // aquariums and planetariums // road trip or camping trip // colouring books or water colour // fairy lights or candles

Tagged by @cartoon-heart​:

coffee or tea or both | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

Tagged by @lacebird:

hardcover or paperback / rent or buy / reads in silence or reads with music / standalone or series / annotations or pristine pages / ebook or physical copy / dog ears or bookmarks / mismatched series or complete set / cover matters or you don’t judge / lend books or keep them to yourself / enjoys lit classes or despises them / browses shops or orders online / reads reviews or goes in blind / unreturned books or clean library record / rereads or once was enough / fanfic enthusiast or a stickler for canon / deep reader or easily distracted / must read the book before seeing the movie or order doesn’t matter / has neat bookshelves or messy bookshelves / skips ahead or resists temptation / reads aloud or in your head / guesses plot twists or never sees them coming

Tagged by @austennerdita2533:

write late at night or early in the morning / prefer dialogue or descriptions / drink caffeine or i’ll stick with water / loves prompts or prefers to choose yourself / stickler for canon or preference for au / one-shots or multi-chaps / won’t take on more than one project at once or constantly juggling several fics / abandoned fics or completionist  / gen fics or ship-first fics / pwp or plot-heavy / first-person or third-person / angst or happy endings (How about angst that inevitably HAS a happy ending??) / ff.net or ao3 / crossovers or one fandom only / friends to lovers or enemies to lovers / slowburn or they’re together from the start 

Whoops.... that’ll teach my to hoard memes in my drafts for no reason. :S These were fun, so thanks so much for tagging me! I get there eventually. And it’s funny how some are easy and some are “both” and some are more “neither,” haha.

Tagging whoever would like to do any of these, especially if there’s one you haven’t done yet—and please tag me so I can see your preferences! 

[fayegracexo]

How to Celebrate Lughnasadh

Somehow we are already to our first of three harvest festivals in the wheel of 2019! This year is flying by crazy quick! I can’t believe July is already over and it’s time for Lughnasadh on August 1st! (Fun Fact: The Gaelic word for August is ‘Lunasa’ - Lughnasadh is pronounced Loo-Na-Sah!)

If you happened to catch my last post (if you didn’t, click here! ‘Lughnasadh vs. Lammas’) then you already know the difference between ‘Lughnasadh’ and ‘Lammas’, and some of the history, which means it’s time to get into the fun part...how to celebrate it!

To keep this post simple I’ll put it in list form, and I apologize in advance for mentioning some things more than once, there’s some things that end up being good crossover ideas, so sorry if it sounds repetitive at all! (Just your typical chronically apologizing Libra over here!) 

I’ll start with some traditional ways to celebrate, then list the correspondences, THEN go into a longer list of celebration ideas! I’ll try to keep this short but there’s lots of info and I wanted to give plenty of options, so if you don’t see what you're looking for, just keep scrolling it’s probably there! ;) (It’s long, i’m sorry oh geez)

If not, I’m always available for messages and questions, and i’ll be posting craft ideas, recipes, and more ways to celebrate on my Instagram account that’s connected to this blog. Check the ‘Lughnasadh’ highlight and my story on August 1st for more! @selfcarewitchxo​ 

Now let’s jump in!

How To Celebrate Traditionally

To start, I wanted to suggest some basic ways to celebrate in a more traditional way, and then go into a list with lots more options and details! Some of these might repeat in the list below so sorry in advance! (Libra problems again, I tried to organize the best I could...I’m so OCD)

Lughnasadh is about giving thanks for what has grown in summer, and for the abundance in our lives. We gather what has grown and begin to prep for winter and the darker, colder months, but not before celebrating a successful harvest season!

In the old days, it was tradition to climb a hill and bury or leave an offering of the first and best of your harvest to Lugh, usually the first loaf of bread you've baked. Offerings are left in exchange for blessings, gratitude, abundance, strength, protection, and growth. You can do the same hill idea, or leave your first loaf or other offering on your altar, or another special place.

Lughs’ original festival, was also focused on feasting, games, and athletic competition. Try recreating the same and have some friends over for a BBQ and some friendly competition! 

Gods, Goddesses, Animals and Other Deities

The Celtic God Lugh is the patron deity for this festival, but if you’re not from a Celtic background, don’t use Lugh in your practice, or are from a Dianic tradition, there are many other Gods, Goddesses, animals and deities to choose from to incorporate into your Lughnasadh holiday. 

Tailtiu (Lughs’ adoptive Mother who passed away, the festival is held in her honor) is a traditional female option, but any grain/agricultural/Mother Goddess/Father God figures make great picks. 

For Goddesses, Rhiannon, Annona, Persephone, Cerridwen, Ceres, Demeter, and Isis are all options, and Odin, John Barley Corn, Dagon, Taranis, Vulcan, Mercury, Loki, Tammuz and Adonis are suggestions for the males! This is just to name a few of course! 

As for animals, agricultural animals such as roosters, lambs, sheep, calves, and pigs are associated with the holiday, you can also use the majestic stag! For more mythological options, the centaur, phoenix and griffin are also associated.

Try adding statues, figurines, feathers, bones or other things associated with these Gods/Goddesses/deities/animals as altar decorations!

Decorations

How can you have a holiday without some festive decorations? Take some time to redo your altar space, room, or even your whole house if you want, to get into the holiday spirit! Being a harvest, nature based holiday, there are many cheap, easy, decorating ideas, that include many things we already have at home! 

To start, use some seasonally scented candles, wax burners, or essential oils to make your sacred space smell like Lughnasadh vibes! 

Candles in holiday colors, or tied with holiday colored ribbon, make a good altar addition! (See below for list of color correspondences) 

Dried corn, rice, wheat, corn dollies, fallen twigs, dried straw, herbs, crystals, corn stalks, pumpkins, squash, dried oats, dried beans, a cornucopia, sunflower seeds, flowers, a scythe, a sickle, or a cauldron are quite seasonal options! (Keep reading for suggestions for crystals, scents and herbs!)

Crystals 

These crystals are associated with Lughnasadh. Try using them as altar decorations, in your spellwork, or to meditate with during the holiday!

Amber, aventurine, carnelian, citrine, moss agate, topaz, golden topaz, obsidian, tigers eye, brown agate, clear quartz, cats eye, lodestones, peridot.

Plants/Herbs/Flowers/Scent Associations 

Lumping this one a little since these have dual uses! 

Wheat, Basil, Mint, Queen Anne’s Lace, Calendula, Yarrow, Sunflowers, Marigolds, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Rose, Rosemary, Rose hips, Blackthorn, Vervain, Peonies, Poppies, Ginseng, All Spice and Chamomile all have associations with Lughnasadh. Use these to decorate, make tea, cook or bake with, scent your home or altar space, or to leave as an offering! (Keep reading for suggestions on how to use these) 

Colors

Try candles and ribbons in shades of green, brown, bronze, orange, yellow and gold. Personally, I always choose a yellow, brown, gold, and green candle for my Lughnasadh altar space.

Yellow represents solar energies, happiness, and transformation.

Brown represents earth energies, strength, protection, and animals.

Gold is to illuminate, for success, divine power, and the harvest.

Green represents abundance, prosperity, fertility, growth, wealth, life, and vegetation.

Food & Drink Ideas 

As Lughnasadh is a feasting holiday to give thanks, consider having some friends and loved ones over for a BBQ or potluck! both are great traditional ideas. Try these food and drink suggestions to indulge in holiday flavors!

Foods: BBQ, breads, roasted lamb, pot luck, berries - like blueberries and blackberries, potatoes, pies, nuts, pumpkin, mushrooms, garlic, honey, acorn squash, summer squash, apples, oats, rice, beans, fried chicken, berry pancakes

Drinks: Since wheat is a big thing, beer is a staple drink, but if you’re more of a wine person try elderberry, blackberry or blueberry wine. For alcohol free options, cherry or apple ciders are great, or plain apple juice. 

Mint and chamomile are associated herbs, they make a great tea suggestion! Sweet mint, peppermint or spearmint make lovely iced teas. Blueberry or blackberry teas are also delicious! 

I’m also personally adding mojitos to this list as a modern update. Since mint is associated, adding some from your garden in a refreshing mojito sounds like a good way to incorporate it to me!

Try some oats or blueberry pancakes in the morning with a seasonal juice or herbal tea, then do a bigger feast for dinner of lamb or chicken, with a beer, then pie for dessert!

More Ways to Celebrate 

Bake Bread

There’s lots of recipes online for you to bake your very own loaf. Try adding herbs, or twisting the dough into Celtic knots for extra flair. You can also ‘paint’ the bread! Try Pinterest for some great recipe ideas. Bake extra to give away to a loved one or leave as an offering!

Have a Popcorn Party

Since Lughnasadh is associated with corn, try having a movie night wit friends and making different varieties of popcorn! Do you like spicy, or sweet kinds? This is a great idea to try with kids! 

Have a Beer

As a grain holiday, relaxing with a cold brew is a good way to relax this Lughnasadh. Safely and responsibly of course.

Create a Besom

A besom is a witches broom. This is a good time of year to use dried straw, fallen twigs, ribbons and charms to create your own. Personally I love to see lavender in them, gorgeous!

Make Candles

If you have the supplies (even cooler if you have you own bees and wax!) try making candles. Bonus points for seasonal colors and scents, triple points for recycling old wax and bringing life back to old candles! 

Harvest/Canning

Harvest your fruits, veggies, and herbs you’ve grown to use them in thanks in teas, tinctures, salves, your cooking, spellwork, and to hang up to dry. Make salsas, or preserves or jams to try on your Lughnasadh bread, or try canning to have a treat in the cold months!

Spend Time Outdoors

Take a walk, hike up a hill, have a picnic, visit a Farmer’s Market or produce stand for local goodies, or go pick fruits, like apples, berries or peaches at a local orchard! Find a way to soak up the last of the season’s warmth.

Have a Fire/Light a Candle

Have a bonfire solo or with friends, and consider burning away some things that need to be released. Throw things that don’t serve you (that are fire safe of course!) into the flames and let them be released. Let the fire ‘reap’ the bad from your life, and ‘sow’ positivity back into it.

If you can’t have a fire, choose a seasonally colored candle, or a few, and give thanks by it’s light! You can carve runes into them if you’d like also!

Spellwork

Lughnasadh works with themes of success and abundance, so it’s a great time of year to do spellwork involving your career, health or love life. If you or someone you know is trying for a new job, or hoping for a new relationship, or maybe buying a house, or moving to a new location, try a little spell to help you manifest your (or theirs!) goals.

Scrying/Divination

Break out your tarot, oracle cards and scrying/divination tools! This is a good time to try new methods you haven’t worked with before, such as bones or runes. If you’ve never tried fire scrying, use your Lughnasadh bonfire or candle as a first attempt!

Cooking/Baking/Drink Making

Feasting with friends or loved ones is a good way to celebrate! (Try the menu ideas above!) Try using herbs you’ve grown or purchased from a local stand in the recipes!

Make a Corn Dolly

Traditionally the least sheaf that was ceremonially cut was used to make a ‘corn dolly’, and carried to the village. The corn dolly would be made into a corn maiden (or corn mother) if the harvest was good, or a ‘cailleach’ (Celtic word for witch, hag) after a bad harvest. These dollies could be clothed, or dressed with ribbon. If you make a doll at Lughnasadh, she can be used again in six months for Imbolc, and can be dressed in spring colors. The harvest Mother, becomes the Spring bride! (Some traditions don’t believe in reusing the doll, but that depends on your practice!)

Smudge/Cleanse/Bless Your Space

Smudge away that negativity that’s been lingering, clear the air, and your life, so that you may grow bountiful! Buy a smudge stick or make your own with sage and added herbs if you’d like. Mugwort, rosemary, lavender and juniper are good additives. Open the windows, let the light and breeze in! Start fresh and clean this holiday, and reap those bad energy places!

Make a Gift

Acts of service and selflessness are important on Lughnasadh. We’re in a place of abundance, and it’s time to share the bounty and love with others. Make a gift for a friend, loved one or neighbor to share the holiday spirit. Try flowers you’ve picked, breads or foods you’ve made, jams or jellies you preserved, or another homemade craft item. Make it with love! They’ll be sure to feel the positive vibes. They’ll see this act of kindness, and pass it on...the world needs more love!

Acts of Service

Lughnasadh is centered around themes of prosperity, generosity, continued success, and giving thanks; which makes it a great time to help those around us, and share the blessings of our abundance with others. 

Consider volunteering your time, organizing a community cleanup, picking up trash at the beach, having a friend, neighbor, or loved one over for a hot meal, or offering to help a neighbor with something they need. Devote your time, and watch the blessings come back to you.

Make a Gratitude List

What has ‘grown’ in you life this year that you’re thankful for? Have some seasonal tea, sit by a candle, and make a gratitude list of everything you’re blessed with in life. 

Make a reap/ sow list

On that note, you can also try a reap/sow list. Write down what you’re proud to have “planted” in your life, and watched grow, and also what your’re not proud of. What needs to be ‘reaped’ from you life? What weeds are strangling you, that need to be pulled for a bountiful harvest next year? Use this time as personal reflection, and choose what to reap and sow to live your best life in alignment with your true self. Think in ‘Regrets’, ‘Farewells’, ‘Harvest’ and ‘Preserves’

Regrets: Think about things you meant to do this summer that did not come to fruition. Project your regrets onto fire safe objects, like pine cones, and throw them into your fire. You can also write on dried corn husks or paper. 

Farewells: What’s passing from your life? What is over? Say goodbye. You can use visuals or writing for this, and also throw into the fire to release, or a lake or ocean. You could also use a flower bulb and plant it, to watch it grow back next year.

Harvest: What have you already harvested this year? What is sprouting? Find a way to represent those things and create a visual reminder to hang in your home. 

Preserves: Think about the fruits you have gathered this year and how you can hold onto the sweet memories. Make a remembrance box, or box altar, to help remember special things, times and people. 

Make a Craft

Lugh is the God of craftsmanship, so try making something festive to decorate your home or altar! Wheat can be used for wreaths and door decorations, apples can be turned into seasonal candle holders, or try making your own corn dolly or besom. Search Pinterest for these great ideas or check my Instagram account for the how-to’s! (@selfcarewitchxo)

Go to a Craft Fair

And again, on that note! Since Lugh is the God of this, see if there’s any local craft fairs in your area and buy some local goodies!

PHEW!

That’s it folks! Your complete guide to celebrate Lughnasadh! Thank you for being patient with me as I got this posted. If you hear from me on other sites you know I already typed this whole thing once and it got deleted! Ahh! I’m glad to have this up finally!

Connect with me on Instagram to see what i’ll be doing for the day, and send me the ideas you’ve decided to try out! I’d love to see your crafts or anything you’ve baked! Also if you have any ideas to add, let me know and I’ll post them!

HAPPY CELEBRATING!

Blessed Lughnasadh Witches!

~ Faye ~

@selfcarewitchxo​ 

[a-wonderingmind]

I was tagged by @peggysousfan, :)))

What is the colour of your hairbrush? Navy blue, the spare one is wooden 

Name a food you never eat: Steamed green beans; I’m not normally picky, but I’ve had to subdue the gag reflex while eating them one too many times.

Are you typically too warm or too cold? Too warm;I am excellent at dealing with cold. I have been known to go out in shorts in 12C weather before...

What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Answering practice questions for my upcoming exam :’’’’(

What’s your favorite candy bar? Just for the nostalgia, a Knoppers Nussriegel.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game? No. I’m a 5′0 girl and crowds are scary.

What was the last thing you said out loud? “Sometimes life deals you a bum hand,” talking about having to do aforementioned exam two days after my Granny’s funeral.  

What is your favourite ice cream? Hazelnut. It’s divine.

What was the last thing you had to drink? I am currently drinking tea as I write this, like the British stereotype I am.

Do you like your wallet? Jaa, it’s a black and blue leather thing we got at a German market a few years ago and it’s a trusty companion lol

What was the last thing you ate? Gingernut biscuit yum

Did you buy any new clothes last weekend? That’s a very specific question. Last weekend? I haven’t bought any new clothes since last year oop

What’s the last sporting event you watched? No word of a lie I think it might be the 2010 World Cup; I don’t watch sports much at all, and the idea of sitting down to watch even the Olympics holds no interest for me. I did watch the 2012 opening ceremony though, it was in my country that year. 

What is your favourite flavour of popcorn? Sweet and salty. Fite me.

Who is the last person you sent a text message to? My youth leader; we needed to organise some band stuff.

Ever go camping? Yes! I am lucky enough to live a hald hour drive away from prime camping hills and I go at least once a year with my church

Do you take vitamins? As a child, but not now.

Do you go to church every Sunday? Online bbyyyyyy

Do you have a tan? It’s perhaps a residual tan - I worked in Mallorca last year and it’s not quite faded over the winter as normal.

Do you prefer Chinese food or pizza? See above; not fussy lol  

Do you drink your soda through a straw? No, I don’t drink my *fizzy drinks* through a straw.

What colour socks do you usually wear? Doesn’t matter, as long as they are ankle socks. 

Do you ever drive above the speed limit? Nope, don’t have a full licence yet, have barely driven 40mph.

What terrifies you? That I won’t be able to help my friends when they need me most, letting people down, heights.

Look to your left. What do you see? My window, my phone, and my revision pad.

What chore do you hate most? Vaacuuming. I am smol and the hoover is heavy.

What do you think of when you hear an Australian accent? Miss Fisher!

What’s your favourite soda? My favourite fizzy drink is a Spezi - a cola/orange cross.

Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru? I have to say, I don’t frequent fast food places, often it’s on the road, so we go in to be able to stretch our legs.

What’s your favourite number? 7, it’s the friendliest.

Who’s the last person you talked to? My youth leader, when she dropped my guitar back to me.

Favourite cut of beef? Come at me but minced? it’s the only form of beef I eat, bc meat’s expensive, I’m a student, and it’s one of the things I consciously do to try and reduce my carbon footprint.

Last song you listened to? Oh Wonder’s Keep on Dancing

Last book you read? The Shortest History of Germany, by James Hawes

Favourite day of the week? ngl, I’m partial to Saturday. 

Can you say the alphabet backwards? nope

How do you like your coffee? Warm; as we’ve established I’m not fussy lol

Favourite pair of shoes? My sturdy flower boots!

Time you normally get up? 9 - 9.30; I may not technically be a teenager anymore, but someone should tell my brain that.

Sunrises or sunsets? Sunrises, there’s something about their quiet atmosphere that captures me, even though I don’t see them often.

How many blankets are on your bed? One?

Describe your kitchen plates. White ceramic, with an earthy teal rim.

Describe your kitchen at the moment. Mostly tidy, though I think my brother made pasta earlier so his dishes probably haven’t been dealt with rip

Do you have a favourite alcoholic drink? Honestly not had enough experience to decide on a favourite at all, most of my experience is student house parties so I can tell you what I dont like lol

Do you play cards? I am partial to Irish snap, if that counts. 

What colour is your car? Not got one, no full licence.

Do you know how to change a tire? I have the theoretical knowledge to, I changed tires with my Pflegevater, so probaby?

Your favourite state? The quiet calm that comes with a warm summers evening, where the world is restricted to the nature around you and the campfire you just made. (Oh sorry you meant federal state? Schleswig-Holstein, der echte Norden, of the green green lands of NotAmerica oop)

Favourite job you’ve had? I worked in a Kita as part of my BFD and the kiddies were just the sweetest!

How did you get your biggest scar? I have two of similar size from similar accidents - trying to take things out of the oven I have touched either the literal heating element on the oven ( an oval on the side of my finger where it meets my hand) or the pan the food was in (a similar size oval on my wrist just above where the oven gloves ended). I am scarily unafraid of heat so these things happen lol

I nominate any mutuals who want to, I know it’s rather long :)  

[strawberrymeriadoc]

Saturday afternoon

Merry went to get dressed and brush his teeth. Pippin sat looking out the window. A fine start to my morning he thought. After about 15 minutes, Merry came over, standing in the doorway between the living room/kitchen and the short hallway to their bedrooms. “I was wondering...would you like to go hiking today?” he asked, half expecting to get shot down. “Would I?! Oh yeah, I’d love to” Pippin exclaimed. The boy thought it was a splendid idea. He was really feeling claustrophobic surrounded by Minas Tirith’s many walls. Merry breathed a sigh of relief. He was thankful for his friend’s reaction. That’s one of the things he liked best about Pippin--he was always down for just about anything and he made everything fun. 

[“Alright, then where should we go?” prompted Pippin. Merry hadn’t thought of that yet. He hadn’t really expected to get this far. “Umm, we could take the train to the foothills of Mordor. Or possibly the trolley up to the top of the city and then hike around the peak of the mountain. There are also trails along the river at Osgiliath I believe-”  “I say Mordor!” interrupted Pippin “I must get out of this stifling place. I’ll go buy us some train tickets online. Think you can be ready soon?” “Perfect! Just give me 15 to eat a quick lunch and I’ll be ready to go” 

The train was a relatively recent addition to Gondor’s transit system. Where before there were only roads for horses and later for automobiles, there was now a high speed train line that spanned between Mordor and Rohan, connecting Gondor to its neighbors. Sadly the train line for now did not go past Rohan or else Pippin would be using it to visit Frodo in Rivendell often. Or perhaps see his friends Treebeard and Quickbeam in Fangorn forest. 

Merry and Pippin walked down the winding street past Merry’s favorite flower shop which was closed. Then they walked by Pippin’s favorite cafe. He told Merry about all the different types of teas they had there from all over the world. How he particularly enjoyed the unique flavor of a particular Southron tea. Now Merry absolutely loathed tea, though he knew a decent amount about it considering. He was always interested in things that could be categorized. It felt fun and like he could actually understand something for once and hold it in his mind. Pippin continued about the most recent green tea he had tried: “It was so good I actually bought a bag of it to take home. That’s what I’ve been drinking this week in the mornings.” 

The pair arrived at the station just outside of the outer wall with 15 minutes to spare. Though it took them almost as long to find the platform and then two seats together. The train left the station and the yellow Fields of Pelennor blurred as they seemed to run alongside the train. The ride was exceptionally smooth and the two marvelled at how fast they sped along. Merry got a bit dizzy from the poles that they passed at regular intervals. Something about the regularity of it stressed him out. The train stopped at Osgiliath. The town seemed older than Minas Tirith. But not in a quaint way, at least not to Merry. Pippin was looking out and marvelling at the Anduin, the large river they were about to cross. As the train went over the bridge, Merry saw two white egrets on the shore of the river. That must be a good sign, Merry thought a little self-consciously. Next the train stopped at Minas Morgul. After a while, they came to their destination, the Ephel Duath stop. This was also the last stop on the train although many engineers were working on designing a way to get the train up over the mountains eventually.

The two boys stepped out. Pippin put his arms above his head and stretched. Feels good to get some fresh air, he thought. There was really not much civilization at all. And that’s why it was perfect to Merry. There was a synagogue at the top of a rise. And before it were four or five houses along a narrow, curved track. The hamlet was on the foothills that quickly gave way to the grey rock faces above. Merry marvelled at the trees that were starting to turn. There were pockets of pumpkin orange and amber amid the cooler green trees. “Right! Where’s the trail then” Pippin exclaimed, breaking the silence. Merry was suddenly hurled out of his ponderings. “Oh, well, I don’t know. It’s not like I’ve been here before either, Pip” he snapped . Pippin looked hurt. “I-I’m so sorry, Pippin,” Merry stammered, “I really didn’t mean that.” Pippin looked down and walked further ahead. Merry’s instinct was to apologize again but he worried he would be doing it more for forgiveness than for Pippin’s sake. He knew Pippin didn’t have to forgive him. Merry should just sit with the veracity of what happened. 

Where did that come from, Pippin thought, I was just making conversation, I didn’t mean anything by it. He just continued walking up the one track towards the synagogue which seemed to be the only landmark around. Merry decided to stay where he was since Pippin clearly needed some space. He dissociated and stared at the ground. It was light blue gravel. It made him think of a zen rock garden. Pippin turned the corner on the track and was shocked to find a clear path entrance and a small display with a map. “Welcome to Mordor” was written in large black letters above the map of trails in the Ephel Duath. Pippin studied the map for a few minutes then ventured to the trailhead. He realized he didn’t know where Merry was and even though he was still hurt, he didn’t like the idea of leaving him behind for potentially hours. Pippin took a deep breath and turned around to head back down to the station where he guessed Merry would be. Pippin rounded the corner and saw Merry standing in the distance. He was gripping his hand tightly and staring at the ground with his head down. “Found the trailhead. It’s just around that bend there,” Pippin announced hesitantly as he came up to him.

Merry looked up. “Oh really? That’s great!” he said trying to sound encouraging, “Um, do you still want me to come? I really understand if not, I can hang here until the train comes”. “No it’s alright, let’s go” Pippin said though he sounded a little defeated. “I’m terribly sorry, Pippin. I have PTSD and sometimes I just...change suddenly. Especially if I’m startled...I’m not saying it as an excuse, I’m just trying to explain what happened” Merry hoped Pippin wouldn’t think less of him. But on some level what was done was done. He knew Jamie wouldn’t have forgiven him. 

“Thanks for apologizing,” Pippin said, “I was a bit hurt to be honest” “I promise I’m working on it,” Merry added “I’ve been going to a therapist for a few months and I hope that will help…” Pippin gave him a warm smile, “I understand. I forgive you” “Thank you,” Merry said earnestly. “Alright let’s get on this trail!” Pippin exclaimed.  

Pippin and Merry set off on the trail. The path was not wide enough for them to walk abreast in most places, so they walked single file with Merry taking the lead. The trail was of dirt littered with large brown roots and white quartz stones they gingerly walked over. Slowly they wound their way up the mountain. The mountain rose up steeply to their left and dropped off suddenly to their right. Down the incline, there were yellow, battered-looking birch trees. The two companions walked silently except for when Merry would point out birds that he spotted with his keen eye. Pippin knew more about insect identification, but they were harder to spot for him while walking on the trail. 

Merry was enjoying himself. He felt freer being surrounded by trees rather than walls. There were great solid oaks and tall red chestnuts. It was all grander than anything he had seen in the Shire--though the hills, streams, and farm fields would always have a special place in his heart. 

Pippin was thinking about all the new sounds he was hearing. There was a loud knocking sound that seemed to be following them up the mountain. Merry informed him it was a woodpecker: “Probably a Pileated from the sound of it.” Pippin noticed the melodious rustling of leaves overhead and how the leaves were just starting to turn. He relished the oranges and yellows. He thought he could hear a murmuring stream far off in the distance. 

“Hold it! Hold on a minute,” called Pippin to his friend who was getting ahead. “I need a breather and to drink some water.” Merry realized that he too was thirsty and drank some water from the blue metal bottle he had brought. The place where they stood had a beautiful view of the rolling foothills of green and blue below them. Pippin took the time to stretch a bit and Merry, although feeling self-conscious of copying, followed suit. He wasn’t as in touch with his body as Pippin always seemed to be. He admired that about his friend even if he was a tinge envious. Or, rather, he wasn’t so much envious himself, but it was exactly the kind of thing his parents would point out to him and note his clear inferiority. 

After a few minutes they restarted their hike. “How much longer were you thinking of going? I’m not quite tired yet but thought we ought to have a plan,” Pippin advised. Merry looked at the clock on his phone. Hmm it’s getting on towards 5, he thought, and sunset should be around...7. And we’ve walked about a half hour… “Want to go for another half hour and then turn back? That should give us at least thirty minutes before sunset and it’ll all be downhill,” Merry offered. Pippin agreed and they headed further up the mountain. 

Just then two dwarves rounded the bend. They had long braided hair and beards. “Hullo there!” one called. “Hello!” the hobbits answered. “Lovely day for a stroll on the mountain, eh?” said the dwarf adjusting his large backpack. “Yes!” They both answered. “We’re just here on a short hike,” Pippin continued, “We came from Minas Tirith this afternoon.” “Did you come from Minas Tirith as well?” asked Merry. “Aye, that we did, laddie” responded the other dwarf. “Though before that we came from Moria. We wanted a chance to see the mountains while we were so close here in Gondor” “Lovely!” said Merry, “I’ve never been to Moria. I’ve heard it’s very interesting,” “Oh well then you’ll have to come some day. The great halls are spellbinding as the bright light of day streams in and hits the glittering stones.” the dwarf said. “I’m Lon by the way. And this is my friend Goni” he gestured to the other. “I’m Merry,” Merry said. “And I’m Pippin,” Pippin cheerfully piped in. “Well we best be going but it was good to meet you Merry and Pippin” he said, bowing. “Likewise!” “Yes!” said the hobbits in unison who were flustered by the bow but quickly responded in kind.  

“Well they seemed nice,” said Pippin quietly after they had walked further on.

“Yes! I haven’t really had a chance to speak to many dwarves. There aren’t that many in Minas Tirith and those that are are usually just passing through. I wonder if there will be any in my humanities program.”

“There’s a few in the science department though none currently in either of my classes.”

“Interesting! Well, still better than us. Far as I can tell we’re the only hobbits in the whole school.”

“I guess there aren’t that many of us to begin with, and even fewer who decide to leave the Shire.”

The companions came to an old white marble statue. It had a tall rectangular base and above it was the form of a man. But his head was missing. The hobbits wondered what king or warrior he had been. They looked around, but any inscription that had been on the statue’s base had long ago worn away.

As they went higher up the mountain, there were more evergreen trees. Orange pine needles covered the trail and cushioned their footfalls. Merry loved the soft feeling of the needles. After a while Merry took out his phone again and noticed that it had indeed been a half hour. “Well, looks like it’s time to turn around,” he said. But the two were reluctant to turn back. They looked out over the view of the mountain range ahead and the foothills below. They could see the Anduin glittering in the sun. 

Merry felt full somehow. Full of a love not only for the place he was in, but the progress he had made in life the last few months. He was healing. And he was growing. He knew there would be many more obstacles to come, but he at last was beginning to feel like himself. Like he was a person at all. He looked at his companion and smiled. “Thanks for coming on this hike with me, Pippin. I really needed it and it was so lovely to come with you,” he said. “I-I had a good time too,” Pippin responded, “I often have a really good time with you. You make me feel... happy.” “You make me feel happy too,” said Merry.

Merry was filled with a desire to kiss Pippin. But at the same time, he didn’t know what he would want to do once that moment had passed and he felt it was a point of no turning back. Kisses had this terrible weight in Middle Earth. It felt like a contract that was supposed to mean the same thing to everyone and to be a sign that one was romantically and sexually interested in that person. I wish kisses could mean this loving, intimate, loyal thing, Merry thought, I don’t want it to necessarily lead to anything else. But in Merry’s experience, it always did lead to something else: groping, invasion of physical and psychological privacy, a feeling of total non-separateness with the other person, expectations of further kisses, and sex. I want it to mean “I love you. I care about you. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to me.” Like a pact of love and trust, Merry thought. Merry realized it was such a specific desire, he’d really have to explain himself. He wondered if perhaps Pippin would be amenable to that or might even feel the same way. 

The moment stretched out. It was silent save for a robin singing in the distance. Merry gathered his courage: “Pippin, I want to kiss you. I know that can mean many things. It usually means you feel romantically towards a person. But to me it means I care about you and want you to feel safe and happy…and I love you. Would you like to?” Merry’s confidence immediately sank back into the earth and he was left feeling vulnerable, unreal, and ashamed. He looked down as he realized Pippin was silently judging him and his outburst. 

In truth, Pippin was trying to think quickly. It was unexpected but at the same time it felt...right. The day was beautiful, they had just hiked up a mountain together. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t considered it in the back of his mind. But he too was conflicted. A kiss on the lips? That’s what people do when they’re dating! Is Merry asking me out? But Pippin remembered Merry’s words and realized that was not what he was saying. This was unchartered territory for Pippin (and for Merry). But he wanted to kiss him and what he said had resonated. 

“Let’s try it,” he said after pondering all this for a few moments. Merry looked up, surprised. “Yeah? Ok” he said hesitantly. He took a step towards Pippin and clasped both his hands. Then Merry kissed him. It was a very soft, sweet kiss and after a while they both melted into it. Then Merry pulled back. “Was that alright?” he asked, sounding concerned. Pippin grasped his face softly and kissed him. “Yes,” he whispered, “I love you, too.”

Merry felt warm and his heart melted. He leaned his forehead onto Pippin’s and they stood like that for a few moments. Then they looked out over the valley. Merry put his left hand in Pippin’s right. They could see the clustered tops of trees below in greens, oranges, and yellows. Along them rose a steep indigo peak with some exposed silver rock faces. The mountain cast long shadows in the valley, and Merry became aware that it would soon be getting dark. “It’s a shame to go but it’ll be getting dark soon,” Merry ventured, “Shall we head back?” “No,” said Pippin, leaning in to kiss him. He waited for a smile from Merry and then kissed him lightly on the lips. “Ok, now I’m ready,” Pippin added. 

The two turned and started down the mountain, traipsing over blankets of burnt orange pine needles. Merry had enjoyed kissing Pippin very much. But he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. This sort of thing never ends well for me, Merry thought, I hope he won’t treat me differently now.

“You know who else we don’t see much of?” Pippin asked.

“What?” asked Merry, unsure of what Pippin was talking about.

“Elves!”

“Ohhh. There’s just one professor in the humanities department I know of--Professor Arwen. She occasionally teaches Elvish and I think a few other classes”

“Did you know I think she and Professor Aragorn in the Earth Sciences division are married?”

“I had no idea!”

“My friend Frodo is studying Elvish right now. He’s staying in Rivendell at the moment.”

“Oh wow, I’ve heard Rivendell is beautiful!”

“It looks really nice in the Fall. Frodo’s been posting a lot of pictures of it. He also has an account of just fountain pen handwriting in Elvish. I could show you when we get back if you’d like to see it?”

“I’d love to! G-d I wish I knew Elvish. I wish I knew a lot of languages. I’m supposed to be studying Rohirric for the first time this quarter. I haven’t studied a language in almost 10 years and I’m worried I’ll be really bad at it.”

“You? No, I’m sure you’ll do great”

“Thanks” 

Merry gave Pippin a warm smile. It seemed his friend was treating him normally after all. They passed the marble statue and continued along the trail. It was faster going downhill, but with the thick cover of trees, it was starting to get darker than Merry had anticipated. Still, hobbits have keen eyes and they made their way among the roots and stones on the trail. The dwarves must have known how dark it would get soon and that’s why they were heading back so early, Merry thought, internally scolding himself. He was expecting to be held accountable for this like he would have at home. But Pippin didn’t blame him or yell at him so he relaxed a little. Merry looked out. The last of the sun was still hitting the Anduin which glittered like so many fireflies. Eventually they came far enough down that they were closer to the foothills than the mountain ridges above. “Hey, look!” called Pippin as he pointed ahead. There was the trailhead and the sign with the map. The sun finally set behind them, leaving a thick line of orange and pink clouds just above the purple mountains. 

The two companions made their way past the synagogue on top of the hill. It was white with brown shingles. There were a few yellow lights on the outside keeping it lit, but there seemed to be no one inside. I suppose they don’t start Havdalah for another hour, thought Merry. Or maybe the congregation is too small to meet for it. The hamlet was silent. Or at least it seemed so until Merry and Pippin had reached the base of the gravel path close to the train station. Across from it they could hear the sounds of voices and of a fiddle. It was a tavern. “So that’s where everyone is,” noted Pippin. Merry was inclined to go in, realizing how hungry he was. But he remembered the time and the limited number of trains. “We should find out when the next train is,” he said. Pippin had already started towards the tavern. He let out a sigh “Oh, I suppose you’re right.”

[avengerscompound]

The Little Guy

The Big Guy:  A Bruce Banner Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Buy me a ☕ Character Pairing:  Bruce Banner x F!Reader

Word Count:  2341

Warnings:  Slight Angst, Fluff, Pregnancy, Smut (F|M, Vaginal sex)

Synopsis:  Meeting the big green guy wasn’t exactly a normal day, you didn’t expect it to you leading a life on the run and keeping your child’s nature from the world.

The Little Guy

Bruce Banner scrambled back from you, the woman whose arms were just a moment ago wrapped around him.  You were a stranger but somehow you seemed familiar to him.  The last thing he remembered was being holed up in an apartment building in Florida.

Then… then… a swat team had bashed down his door.

He looked around panicked.  “Who are you?”

You both said the words at the same time and it startled him even more.  He looked around at the wide open field he was in.  It was bordered by forest and a cabin stood at one end and at the other, an old barn with brightly colored childish pictures painted down the side.

He looked down at himself.  He was naked and a chain of daisies hung around his neck.  Nothing was adding up.  He looked back up at you and saw the same confusion on your face.  “Where am I?  How long was he…?  Oh god, did he hurt you?  Are you okay?  What did he do?”  He said coming a little closer to you.

You stumbled back from him.  “You - you’re naked.”  You stuttered.

Bruce looked down at himself and quickly grabbed the oversized pair of pants that had pooled around his ankles and pulled them up covering himself awkwardly.  He looked down at himself again.  The pants were handmade, and a lot of care had been taken in the stitching.  The daisy chain still hung from his neck.  It was clear that daintier fingers than the other guy’s would have been needed to make it.  He looked over at the barn again taking in the simple artwork that reached high up on the wall and suddenly everything clicked in place.  “Have I been living here?”

“Who are you?”  You asked again, still cowering from him.  “What happened to Hulk?”

“That’s … I’m the Hulk,”  Bruce said, looking you up and down.  “Well, I mean, I’m not … did he hurt you?  What’s going on?  How long has it been?”

“How can you be Hulk?”  You yelled.  Bruce startled and backed away from you a bit more.

“It … I was doing these tests.  I made a miscalculation.   He’s the result.”  Bruce explained hoping you’d stop panicking soon because he really needed to panic right now.  “Please, when he’s in control I … I’m not anywhere.”

You shook your head.  “I don’t know.  You’ve been here with me for two months.”

“What’s the date?”  He asked you.  “And where’s here?”

You took a couple of deep steadying breaths, calming yourself.  You had just seen the giant green man you had been getting to know transform before your eyes into this much smaller white man.  If you could get used to the Hulk being around, you could get used to this.  “Come inside. I think there should be some clothes that fit you.  My dad and uncles come up here a lot.”

After you have given him a change of clothes and make him tea you sit down and fill him in.  You tell him the when and the where.  You tell him how you met the Hulk.  How you’d become friends.  That you were just planning on going back home because you needed to work.

He, in turn, tells you about the experiments that made him what he is.  How the government had come for him.  How they wanted to use him as a weapon.

“I can’t believe he was in charge for almost 4 months.  It’s usually something that goes away when I sleep.”  Bruce said, shaking his head.  “You’re sure he didn’t hurt you?”

“Do I look hurt?”  You asked.  The question had become a little tiresome and this whole situation was making you feel a little frayed at the edges.

“No.  But, that’s out of character.  I just - I can’t get my head around…”  He said shaking his head.  “You said he talked to you?”

“Yes.  We were friends.  Well, he’s kind of like a little kid.  But he’d come when there was cooking.  We played little games together.  He liked to paint and one time he sat still and let me paint his skin like it was a canvas.”  You explained.

Bruce shook his head again and he ran his hands through his hair.  “I don’t know what to do.  Or where to go.  All my stuff was in Florida.”

You sat back in your chair and rubbed your temples.  “We’re pretty far from Florida.”

“I know.”  Bruce lamented.

You didn’t say anything for a while.  “I’m completely cut off here.  You can stay but I don’t know what you would do for money.  And other people in my family come up here.”

“I know.  That’s - that’s not fair to you.  I’ll try and figure something out.  If I had a phone maybe… I don’t know.”  He said looking at his hands.

You sighed and there was a silence again for a few moments.  “You can come and stay with me.  I don’t know.  If you’re really wanted.  I live in the city.  But I have a loft and it’s big.  There’s a rooftop garden.  You can stay.  Figure out your next move.”

He looked at you like a hopeful puppy.  All that was missing was the wagging tail.  “Really?  You wouldn’t mind?”

“No.  That’s okay.  I don’t know you, but I knew him.  I’ll trust you because I trust him.”  You answered.

Bruce shook his head like he was trying to clear it.  “That was not something I thought I’d ever hear in my lifetime.  I really don’t understand anything that’s happening right now.”

You and Bruce made the long drive back into the city with only two stops. You got fuel and grabbed some gas station snacks and the crappy egg salad sandwiches they sold and then stopped at the next rest stop to eat them.  It was one of those ones that always seem like the place hill people select their next victims in b grade horror movies.  You’d stretched and eaten by the side of the road before moving on your way.

By the time you arrived home, it was past midnight and you were both exhausted but you knew a whole lot more about each other.  This small soft-spoken man was the opposite of the Hulk in so many ways but it was strange because you could still see him in there.

You led him up to your loft.  It was a large industrial style space that was broken into two.  The first part was your living room, gallery, kitchen, and studio.  There were racks of finished paintings standing on one side of the room and racks of empty canvases on the other.   Several of your favorite paintings hung on the wall and there were a few unfinished pieces next to crates of paints and brushes in the corner.  A large couch sat in the middle of the room with a coffee table covered in stacks of sketchbooks and piles of pencils and charcoal.  The room on the other end of the loft was your bedroom on the left and a bathroom with an old clawfoot tub on the right.

“The couch folds out.”  You said pointing to it.  “I’ll get you some blankets.  I might have some of my exes clothes here.  He was bigger than you.  If you tell me your size I can duck out and get you some more clothes.”

“You don’t need to do that,”  Bruce said meekly, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.  “You’ve already done enough.”

You waved him off.  “You can’t just wear ill-fitting clothes the whole time.  I sewed for Hulk, I can shop for you.  I have to go out anyway buy some food.”  You grabbed some blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels and brought them back to him in a stack.  “Here you go.  The bathrooms through there.”  You said, pointing.  “I’m just going to get ready to sleep and crash after that make yourself at home.

The following day you made good on your promise going out and picking up groceries and clothes.  When you get home you try to get your life back on track.  Returning to your art as Bruce tries to figure out what to make his next move.

That took a lot longer than you both thought.  He had money but accessing it meant the government would be able to track him.  He had friends and people in the deep web but he wasn’t sure which of them had sold him out.

You would tell him it was fine but to begin with it kind of wasn’t.  It was hard working with him always around.  It was hard to relax.  Letting a strange man stay with you occasionally felt like the stupidest thing you could possibly have done.  But as days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months it became fine.  He helped out around the apartment, cleaning, filing your paintings.  He worked in the garden.  He fixed those little niggling issues that had been plaguing the place.  He helped you with some IT things, setting up a website to organize clients to come through and to sell paintings online.  He kept saying these things weren’t his expertise but he did them without being asked anyway.

He started doing science in a corner you let him set up for himself.  Often just checking his own blood.  Not that he exactly had a lab anymore.  You’d bought a few second-hand things for him on eBay.  You felt like you owed him for the things he had done for you, even though he said he’d done them because he owed you for what you’d done for him.

You missed the Hulk occasionally but there were times when you could see a green glint in his eyes or he’d smile a certain way and you could see him as clear as day.

On paper, you and Bruce Banner were so different.  He was quiet and analytical.  He liked logic and structure.  Science was his passion and put so much of himself into it.  Whereas you were chaotic and noisy.  You liked mess and sound.  You were an artist right down to your core.  Yet somehow you just worked well together.  Gradually you realized that this wasn’t just the feeling you had for your friends.  You were actually a little bit in love with him.

It was a Wednesday night and you were taking a bath.  You had a bath pillow behind your head and there were candles burning on the windowsill.  You had thrown a bath bomb in the water and now you sat soaking in the vanilla scented water that swirled, pink and blue around you.

There was a knock on the door and when you told him it was safe, Bruce came in holding two mugs in his hands.

“Made you tea.”  He said offering you a cup.

You took it and had a sip watching Bruce as he sat on the end of the tub.

“I made contact with a friend of an old colleague.  I haven’t said who I am exactly or where.  I think he might be able to help me with at least a part of my problem and if he’s gone, then the military might stop caring about me too.”  He said.

“I wish you wouldn’t call him a problem.”  You said putting your cup down on the corner of the bath.  

Bruce sighed.  “You don’t know what it’s like.  I lose time.  He destroys things.  I never know if I’ve hurt or killed people when I come back.”

You rubbed his leg, leaving a wet patch on his pants.  “I know.  But he’s not bad.  I think he’s trying to protect you.”

“He hates me,”  Bruce said.

You shrugged.  “If you say so.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment.  He just sat holding his tea and looking down into the colorful water.

“Why don’t you get in?”  You asked.

He looked at you startled.  “What?”

“Get in with me.”  You repeated.

He looked around the room and a deep blush crept into his cheeks.  “But…”

“I’ve seen you naked before.  And you’re comfortable enough to just be sitting there.  Why not?”  You asked.  It wasn’t a demand.  Just a suggestion.  He looked at you trying to assess if you were serious before putting his own mug down and getting up.

He stripped off his clothes turned away from you like he was trying to keep his modesty.

“You want me to close my eyes?”  You asked.

He shrugged a little and turned to face you pushing his pants down and quickly stepping into the water.  The water level rose right to the lip but didn’t spill over.  There was a moment where Bruce didn’t seem to know where he wanted to put his feet, but eventually, he nestled them in on each side of your hips.

“You don’t seem very relaxed.”  You teased.

“I just - you don’t think this is weird?”  He asked.

“I would have thought given how we met, nothing is really that weird.”  You answered relaxing back in the water.  He kept staring at you, his body stiff and uncomfortable looking.  “Bruce.  You didn’t have to get in you know.”

He didn’t say anything, he just kept staring.  “I like you too, you know?”

You looked him in the eye.  “I know.”

“It can’t happen.  I want it to.  But… I have such a thin hold and if he comes out…”  He said.

“What?  I’d show him my art and we’d do some painting together?  It’s not like my loft isn’t big enough to hold him.”  You shot back.  “I know him, Bruce.  Better than you do.”

Bruce sighed and looked you over.  For a moment you thought he was angry at you. He suddenly lunged forward making the water from the bath splash violently over the side and his mouth was on yours.  You wrapped your arms around him and sinking back into the water and smiling into the kiss.

// NEXT

[wheresanne]

10 Things to do in Jiufen Old Street: A Day Trip from Taipei

Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) in Taipei

An hour bus ride outside of Tawan’s capital city, this famous village shows a glimpse of northern Taiwan and Taiwanese life outside of the city. Beautiful tea houses, alleys full of food, interesting gift shops, hundreds and hundreds of red lanterns, you could experience how the Jiufen Old Street is always packed with visitors and locals.

About Jiufen Old Street (九份老街)

Jiufen is a small village in the mountains and next to the water, located an hour's drive from Taipei. Rumor has it that Jiufen is actually the village inspired in the “Spirited Away” Hayao Miyazaki movie (2001). True or not, the village does look similar to it! 

How to get to Jiufen from Taipei

Since Jiufen Old Street is a popular tourist place, you can use a public shuttle bus or by taxi or even signing up with a tour.  Remember to always use Google Maps for navigating in Taiwan!

By Train and Bus 

Take the MRT blue line to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station Exit 1, then take bus #1062 to Jiufen Old Street Station. Check the bus 1062 timetable here. 

Use Google Maps for navigating in Taiwan!

(Bus 1062 goes directly from Taipei’s Zhongsxiao Fuxing MTR all the way to the entrance of Jiufen Old Street. If you are taking the train, please note that the station is Ruifang.)

Or you could take a taxi.

How to go back to Taipei (from Jiufen Old Street)

You can take the Keelung bus 1062 back to Taipei for about a 1hr15min ride. The bus stops in front of Zhong Xiao Fuxing MRT or just take the bus to Rui Fang Station. 

Things to do in Jiufen Old Street

1.) See the water and Keelung Mountain

When you first arrive at the “Jiufen Old Street” destination, the bus or taxi will likely be on a sharp-cornered hill. You will need to walk up the hill, where you’ll see many other visitors and locals with market stands or gift shops. 

That is the green Keelung Mountain, the huge orange-roofed Hà Hải Thành Hoàng Miếu Temple, and as you walk up the hill, you can see the Shen’ao Elephant-Trunk-shaped peninsula out in the sea.

2.) Walk through Jiufen Old Street “Dark Alley” Markets and Gift Shops

As mentioned above, when you first arrive, you will have to walk up a hill lined with markets. The alleys will be jam-packed with people (or it was during the Chinese New Year when I went!) since it is the main thing to see in Jiufen. Walking through the food and gift shops in the “Dark Alley” is how to get to the famous Jiufen Teahouse!    

3.) See the famous Lantern Tea House

After you walk through the alley of markets, you’ll find the famous Jiufen Tea house! 

4.) Drink Tea, Coffee, or Eat Snacks in a Tea House

From the tea house windows or balcony (on Shuqi Road) of the tea house, you can enjoy the tall views of Keelung Mountain, the sea, or Jiufen village. A-Mei Teahouse is pictured above. I heard that you have to make a reservation online since it is one of the most famous tea houses. I just went to another tea house on this road.

5.)  Look at All the Masks and Other Interesting Shops!

6.) See the Taipei Sweet Potato & Mining Tunnels

7.) Buy some gifts or snacks in the shops! 

While I was walking through the alley and gift shops, I saw a variety of bags, magnets, key chains, pens, wooden-carved Taiwanese souvenirs, everything Taiwanese you could ever imagine. Since I didn’t have much room in my backpack for souvenirs, I only bought the Taiwanese pineapple cakes.  

Jiufen Old Street can be explored in two or three hours, here are a few other destinations you can visit nearby Jiufen! Personally, I did not visit these places below, but I wish to visit them in the future:

 8.) Send Your Wishes in Lanterns to the Skies in Pingxi

Probably crowded all the time, locals and tourists can stand on the village train tracks to release their sky lanterns, filled with their wishes. Pingxi is mainly popular for the sky lantern festival, where you can see hundreds of lanterns lit in the sky; and it’s becoming more eco-friendly or eco-conscious. (Sources: Taiwan News 2018 and Taiwan-Scene 2019)

9.) Find the Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock in Keelung City

I didn’t visit Keelung, yet, but I wish to find the Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, and go into the small city to see the Shiqiuling Pingan Temple, Shiqiuling Fort, Fo Guang Shan Ji Le Temple, Maritime Plaza, and Wangyougu. (Source: Google Maps)

10.) Shifen Waterfall

I didn’t visit Shifen Waterfall, yet, but I wish to see the waterfalls and green scenery here!  (Source: Google Maps)

Want more Taiwan? You can read my full “15 Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan”  post or see more Taiwan photography #Taiwan on my site.

If you have any questions or recommendations, please contact me or leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!