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nocturna-starr · 4 years

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Losing Hope

Prompter: @idiot-cheesehead-archenemy

Prompt: Tucker is turned into a vampire

Length: 1718

Warnings: Implications

The motel room was cold and smelled like something had recently died in it. Yet this place was one of the few he could afford with his meagre savings and lack of ID. Here he could hang out until he could fix what was wrong with him.

It would be a while before anyone would even look for him. His parents believed he was sleeping over at Sam's while his friends believed he was at home sick. School had let out two weeks ago so there were going to be no nosy teachers questioning his whereabouts. He was home free.

Tucker Foley threw himself onto his bed. It creaked from all of his weight. He threw his bag against the wall, accidentally ripping part of the old floral wallpaper. The comforter smelled of mould. He was almost afraid to see the sheets beneath. At least it meant that maids don't come up here often. He wouldn't be noticed if he snuck back in...

He picked up the old remote on his bedside table. Half of the buttons were stuck, but it would have to do for now. He turned on the television.

The news was airing another ghost attack. Lance Thunder looked just as uncomfortable as ever.

“Well Amanda, the creep crate is attempting to rob the antique store once again. The Fentons are trying to subdue him. There is still no sign of Phantom.”

Behind the reporter, the Box Ghost was running as fast as he could. A box full of old clocks floated behind him while Jack Fenton chased him with a Fenton bazooka. Every time he shot at the blue ghost, he missed. It was laughable. Danny leaves them the weakest ghost and they still couldn't catch it!

Danny...

It wasn't fair! How come Danny managed to get the cool powers and keep his humanity? Danny got to be the world-famous hero, but Tucker would have to spend each and every day trying not to murder anyone. Why couldn't Sam had been bitten by her creepy friend instead of him? At least the style would have suited her! Why did Tucker always get the short end of the stick? Was this punishment for some awful crime he couldn't remember?

Tucker felt the bitterness creeping through his soul. That wasn't good! He needed to focus on something else before his powers went out of control. Who knew what horrible ability would make itself known? Besides, Jazz always told Danny that good things come to those with a positive attitude.

He changed the channel. A cartoon about a giant mouse and a cat was playing. They were going on some sort of adventure. It was the type of show his grandma used to put on when he was little. It was stupid and mindless, the perfect escape from his panicked mind.

He kicked his shoes off, leaving them to unceremoniously fall onto the floor. He thought about switching into his pyjamas, but what would be the point? He probably wasn't going to get much sleep at night anymore. His body needed to get used to his new needs.

Suddenly, there was a loud banging on the door. Tucker jolted upright, fear coursing through his body. Was it the police? How did they manage to find him?

“Room service!” The voice sounded like the high pitch Danny used to imitate Jazz.

“It's three in the morning lady!” Tucker yelled back, “Go away!”

The person who was most likely Danny, could not be deterred. Instead, the banging became louder and more frequent.

“Go away, Danny!” Tucker yelled. It was still dark out. He still may have those urges. The thought of accidentally killing his best friend only added to the rising panic attack.

And annoyed Danny Phantom phased through the wooden door. In his left hand was two paper bags with the Nasty Burger logo on them. In his right hand, he was balancing a tray of drinks.

“Really Tucker?” Danny rolled his eyes. The ghost boy summoned his transformation rings, “Why did you ru-“

“Stay in your ghost form!” Tucker yelled. The runaway wondered if he had woken up anyone. He hoped they would take him as a normal dude and not come down to investigate.

“Okay.” Danny placed the tray on the side table. He threw one of the greasy bags at Tucker before sitting down on the bed.

The runaway peeked inside the bag. Danny had bought him three burgers and filled the remaining bag full of fries. There was enough food to last him a day or two if he was careful. At Tucker's surprise, Danny smiled.

“Valerie was closing. When I told her I was ordering for you, she filled the bag. I think she may have developed a crush on you Tucker.”

Pain seared Tucker's heart. Why did he have to go on that stupid date?

Danny gracefully sat down on Tucker's bed. The two ate in silence, pretending to watch the inconsequential adventures of the cartoon rat and cat.

Inside his mind, Tucker was falling apart. He knew his best friend would try to convince him to go home, but Tucker could never go back again. Danny would try to find the positives, perhaps even suggest Tucker become his own superhero. Yet the ghost boy didn't understand the intense longing Tucker had every time he looked at a human.

Danny seemed to be deep in thought as well. He was frowning, and every so often he would narrow his eyes or cringe. It was like he was having a war within. Finally, Danny decided to speak.

“As much as I am enjoying watching whatever this is... We need to talk.”

We need to talk...

It sounded like something Sam would say. Her influence was rubbing off of Danny too much. Briefly, Tucker wondered if Danny would be embarrassed if he mentioned it.

“Why did you run away? Did one of the ghosts threaten you?”

“NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT GHOSTS!” Tucker shouted, “SOMETIMES YOU REALLY ARE A FENTON!”

His best friend took a deep breath. Tucker could almost hear Danny counting down from 10.

“Tucker,” Phantom said, barely keeping the hurt out of his voice, “What happened?”

Unearthly green eyes met emerald. Neither of them found themselves backing down. Minutes past before Danny finally seemed to yield. Tucker should have known better. Danny always had been the most determined of the trio.

“If you don't tell me, I'll just bring you back home,” The ghost boy stood up and crossed his arms. Tucker knew he would stick to the threat.

“I am a vampire.” Tucker was careful to keep emotion out of his voice. Admitting his problem had a calming effect. It was like accepting a punishment one didn't deserve. With the calm came a feeling of hopelessness.

“So, Sam was right…” Danny's stubbornness deflated. Now he looked lost and unsure. It was bizarre to see such emotions on the usually cocky ghost boys face.

“My life is over. No cheerleaders, no movie theatres, no graduation, and no future career in technology. Now, do you see why I can't go home?” Tucker brought his knees to his chest. Part of him wanted to feel something. He just felt so... Empty.

“We'll think of something. Maybe there's a way we can refocus those powers or-”

“No Danny, Tucker interrupted, “I'm not half-vampire! I bear the full curse! If you were in human form, I would have killed you! I barely stopped myself from killing the clerk. I’m a monster…”

“We will figure something out.” Danny had always been the optimist, almost to a fault. Tucker knew it was only a matter of time before the vampire overtook the human. Then Phantom would have to subdue him.

“You can't be the only vampire... Maybe Vlad can help! He kind of looks like one...” Danny had started to pace back and forth.

“Or Vlad will use me as a weapon against you?” Tucker suggested.

Danny paused and gave an unimpressed glare. Then he noticed the clock on the wall.

“I have to go. I'm sorry”

“Patrol?” Tucker felt anguish streak through his heart. He needed his best friend! Couldn’t Danny miss one stupid patrol? Memories of a grieving and guilty Phantom flickered in the back of his mind. Tucker was being selfish again. Bad things always happened when Danny missed his nightly rounds. There was a reason Amity Park was one of the safest places on earth.

“Trust me, Tuck. Sam and I will think of something. Remember to shut your blinds. (Sam said sunlight hurts you.) Sam has a book that you might find useful. See you tomorrow night!”

Within the next minute, Danny was gone. The vampire chuckled to himself as he cleaned the wrappers. If Danny thought he was going to stay put... Then he was way too trusting. Tucker would switch apartments for the rest of the night. Once the sunset, he would travel further away.

He couldn't burden his best friend with his mistakes. Danny already had the whole world on his shoulders with the ghosts. He didn't need any more difficulties. The hero couldn’t constantly watch him. If Tucker did massively screw up, which he undoubtedly would, the ghost boy would forever blame himself. The best thing to do would be for Tucker to leave.

After throwing away his and Danny’s wrappers, the teen grabbed his bag. He pulled out his cell phone and PDA. Tucker knew he should have left them at home, but he couldn't bear the part with his babies.

Here, Tucker needed to become a man. No one was going to solve his problems for him. Danny or the police will track him down (he cursed his stupidity for not getting rid of the find friends app). He turned the TV off and left.

He had to do this on his own. He would find a cure or learn to control his urges. He would go back to Amity Park. He would hug his parents, apologize to Danny and ask Valerie on a date. He would scream at Sam for setting him up with a vampire, and the two would be friends again. The trio would hunt ghosts like they used to. Everything would go back to normal.

He couldn’t lose hope.

#phic phight 2020 #Phic Phight #danny phantom #tucker foley #apparently I've been spelling mould wrong for years #vampire

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lily-rose26 · 4 years

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O. Doremi fanfic - The apprentice of wizard Kotake

Season 1 - Episode 1

Pov Kotake ON Hello my beautiful readers, because whoever is reading this probably likes my ship with Doremi (or at least doesn’t hate me!). My name is Tetsuya Kotake and I am 8 years old. I will not talk about how I look because I’m sure that everyone here already knows me quite well. I’m not that vain. Lets continue... Unlike the version of me in Ojamajo Doremi, I am living with my cousin Kimitaka. His parents live in a different country and have left my family with this devil that only bothers me with me and with my parents who do not make another life than work. Let's talk about me... I have two dreams: First, I’d love to be a soccer player, and second, I want to win Dojimi's love. The second one seems impossible. What do I have to do to make Doremi love me? It is impossible!! She always looks for the cool guys! “Hey, lovebird! Speed it up! Don’t talk to yourself!” I’m not talking to myself! I am talking with my readers! I left my room and looked at Kimitaka who was looking at me angrily. “Stop dreaming about that crazy Harukaze and give me my food!” “The food is in the fridge! And don't insult her! Only I can do that! I go to the kitchen to get something to eat. Do you want me to take you to the kindergarten?” “Of course not! What will my friends think if they look at me with you?” “I think in reality you are thinking about what Pop will think if she sees you with your big cousin.” I commented with a mocking smile as I put his food in front of him. His face has been red ever since I told him that. Revenge! “I do not care about what a fool thinks!” Kimitaka yelled with his face all red. “Yeah yeah ... Kimitaka ... It's just us, the readers and the author of this fic... You can tell the truth!” “You're so weird …” By now, he’s gone to completely ignoring me. After eating I left school. Like always I stalked my Dojimi, the love of my life. (...) Ah look at her watching ... Igarashi............ Then the fans are surprised that my other me of the novels makes her wait for my love ... I hate that Igarashi! Who does he think he is?! He has everything! Is it reasonable to wish that you were somebody who you hate? "Good morning!" “Masaru! You scared me!” Masaru Yada has been my best friend since kindergarten. He is very quiet, maybe even antisocial, but has a good heart. But you already knew that, didn't you? “Again stalking Harukaze?” he gawked at me, ”When are you going to tell her your feelings?" “When you tell Fujiwara how you feel.” Ahh~ha! Look at his face! He stopped talking. “Alright, you win!” He conceded, “But you’d better say how you feel quickly, Kotake. You know how the author feels about your relationship with Harukaze.” “She can be so cruel though!” I complained,” Do you remember what happened last time?” The school’s bell ended our talk. Like always in class I watched as Doremi acted like the clumsy idiot that she was for another few minutes. She had some weird obsession with magic. I didn't care about having magic, but do you know what I would do if I become a wizard? I would make Doremi love me and make myself the best soccer player in the world! When I stopped daydreaming, I realized that I’d gone a little further than I intended. I was in an unknown place. I felt like I’d seen the store somewhere before though. What a strange Deja Vu. "Store Flat 4" That’s a weird name. Is this real? What can I buy here? Apartments with 4 rooms? : v (Flat = apartments for those who do not know). Since I had nothing to do, I entered the store, but it was quite dusty, and I found myself coughing quite a bit. “Finally a customer! Welcome!” Four boys appeared in front of me: One who looks like Segawa Onpu,(Note of the author: It is Kotake who is narrating so it is normal that he makes some jokes about Akatsuki. Akatsuki will make some jokes about Kotake too, so there’s no need to be angry, Akatsuki fans), another boy with orange eyes and hair, a third boy with blond hair and blue eyes, even lighter than mine, and another blue-green one. Everybody was quite strangely dressed. “What are you looking for?” “Uh?” I looked at a table that had some odd emerald necklaces. I stepped up to it. “That's a magic necklace, you can wish what you want with them!” Magic? There’s no doubt that Dojimi will like this ... “Is it really magic? Surely you’re kidding!” I inquired with an arched eyebrow. “Do you want to try one?” The orange-haired boy asked as he tossed me a necklace. “I would.” I caught the necklace and closed my eyes. “Wait!” The purple haired boy interrupted me, ”You can not change feelings of people or heal wounds, and trying to wish for a massive desire, such as becoming incredibly famous, probably wouldn’t work.” “Then I don't want it,” I put the necklace back in its place, placed my hands in my pockets and started walking toward the exit. “WAIT!” All four boys kneeled at my feet “DON’T GO! PLEASE, SEE IF THERE’S SOMETHING YOU’LL PURCHASE! YOU’VE ONLY JUST COME!” “But I'm not interested in magic,” I replied frankly, ”and those things won't help me at all.” “Surely you can find something here that suits you!” The blond boy spoke to me, “You have the style of a boy who enjoys sports! Try this! It will help you with sports!” He gave me a rather strange amulet which looked almost like a soccer ball. Even Dojimi could make something that looked better than that. “Ehm ... No thanks,” I walked towards the door, ”I'm leaving!” “Wait! Please buy something!” They pleaded less emphatically than last time. They almost seemed hopeless. It was pathetic. Such weirdos. ”Ask for whatever you want!” The guy with purple hair said as he approached me with a crazy look, “We can give it to you!” he continued, “What do you want? Sweets? A soccer ball? A PSP?” “I want a statue of my crush!” I figured that giving them an impossible order would be enough to make them give up. “Okay!” “AKATSUKI N…” the boys tried to stop him, but before my very eyes, a statue of Doremi appeared. According to the mirror across the room, my face looked like an overripe tomato. Crimson, and just a little bit deflated. “HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE HER?! WAIT... AND HOW HAS THIS APPEARED HERE?!” I've looked at them, a little scared, but also a little curious. “Magic amulets, huh?” I've stared at that Akatsuki. I was frightened, and I knew it, but I kept up my strong front. “Y-You are…” I pointed my finger at him, “A witch!” “I AM A WIZARD NOT A WITCH!” he shouted carelessly. “OK! OK! A wizard it is t…” that boy's body started to shine as he became an abnormal purple creature. “What the heck!” I exclaimed,” See you later!” I grabbed the statue and ran for the door. “DON'T LET THAT IDIOT GO!” Hearing what Akatsuki said, the blonde guy grabbed me. “AAAAAAH!!! I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!” With magic, they put me in a chair. Akatsuki was sitting on the table with a very annoyed expression. “Let me go! Take my money if you need to!” I exclaimed. “I don’t want your money!” He shouted, “Look what you've done to me!” “I didn't do anything! I just said that you’re a wi…” One of his friends covered my mouth. “Humans can not know that wizards exist! It’s forbidden!” I gaped at him in confusion, ”I became this ugly creature because you called me a wizard!” Finally the other idiot let go of my mouth. “So you're like this because of me? What do I have to do to make you normal again?” “You have to become my apprentice!” “Eh? I don't want to work in a store! I am a kid!” “It’s so that I can make you into a wizard and you can cure me!” he claimed. “EEEEEEEEEH!? ME, A WIZARD?!” My eyes have shine like stars. With magic I could make all of my dreams come true!!! Be a soccer player! Make the SOS trio and Reika Tamaki disappear! And ask… “Don’t make that face,” he interrupted my wishful thinking, ”The rules of the magic necklace are the same for any magic!” “What?! Could I at least make money appear?” “Yes…” Oh well something is something! “But before you transform, tell me your name.” another one told me. “Tetsuya Kotake.” “I am Akatsuki, my ginger colleague is Fujio, the blond is Leon, and the last one is Tooru. We all came from the wizard world so that we can earn money to buy back land that was taken from us by the witches.” “What!?” I asked,” I don’t understand why you don’t live together?” “No way!” he answered, “Witches and wizards have always been enemies! Or at least for as long as I’ve known…” “OK OK! What do I have to do to use magic?” I spoke very quickly because my parents hate when I get home at night, and I had just seen the clock. Late. “Fujio go get the box, and you, follow me Kotake-kun…” He took me out back to a garden. I looked at the garden while Fujio put the box on the table. “This box has something in it called a tap. You’ll use that to transform into a Wizard Apprentice.” It was a small, circular, white object. Around its circumference were eight small buttons. In the center was a much larger button. The central button reminded me of a soccer ball in its design. “You have to press the biggest button.” Leon instructed me, “This tap is like an instrument so each small button is a musical note Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do.” “For your Magical poron you have to press Do-Mi-So and high Do.” The orange-haired boy told me. I pressed the button and quickly put on the blue shirt that appeared before me. “The best future soccer player in the world is here!” I posed like a superhero. “What did you say?” Everyone has looked at me confusedly. “All magical boys and girls have a magic words!” I pressed the buttons that Fujio told me. A black magic wand shot out of the tap (which was connected to the uniform.) “That’s a poron! You can do magic with that. You just have to make your wish out loud!” I think the orange one was the brains of their group. “OK!” I moved my wand and pointed it at the ground, “I want a soccer ball now!!!” A blue light erupted from the tip of the poron, and a soccer ball appeared where I pointed. But it didn’t take long for the ball to disappear. “Your wishes won’t last long for now. Once you pass the nine exams and become a full wizard they will!” Fujio reminded me. “How boring!! I want to go home!! But first how do I fly?” “You're a wizard apprentice ... You don't fly idiot!” Akatsuki answered, “And you have to listen to me! I am your master now! You can't do many magic or you will run out of magical spheres!” “Ok... Can I go now?” “No! You have to listen to me!” I looked at him as he spoke. “Ok you can go! Leave your window open I'll see you tonight!” “I like girls…” “IT'S NOTHING WHAT YOU ARE THINKING IDIOT!!!” He yelled at me with his face all red. I'm going to give you magical spheres!" “Can you take the statue of Dojimi too?” “What if I don't take it?” “You'll stay like this forever!” I returned to normal with a smile. “I hate you…” Tooru caught Akatsuki before he hit me. I left the store smiling. In this dimension, nobody can hate me! End of Chapter 1! Next chapter: Being Masaru for a day! Written by: Me Translated by: Me and Meridia

#ojamajo doremi #tetsuya kotake #masaru yada #flat4

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fandomfusions · 7 years

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Harry Potter/Pacific Rim

]This fusion is actually an update of something I wrote several years ago, when Pacific Rim had first come out. I think the core ideas still hold up pretty well though, so I’m happy to go back to it.

Harry James Potter, the world’s golden child, the Boy Who Lived, first stepped into a Jaeger at only seventeen years old. Everyone knew it was coming. How could the only survivor of the largest Kaiju ever recorded, the one who’s parents died in a 1st gen Jaeger personally protecting him, ever not step up and fight?

Despite these expectations, the first time Harry steps into his own Jaeger he feels free. The Golden Snitch is the fastest, most maneuverable Jaeger ever made, running on state-of-the-art Firebolt technology. With Ron by his side and Hermione in his ear, Harry felt like he was flying.

Ron Weasley has a harder time of things. Though widely lauded as a brilliant pilot and tactician, Ron tends to feel overshadowed by his much more famous drift partner. It doesn’t help that his entire family has been involved in the program since its conception, and his girlfriend is quickly making a name for herself as both a brilliant scientist and a scarily competent LOCCENT technician.

Hermione Granger, it is said, is the woman who can do it all. While she spends most of her time in a lab mapping the rift, she insists on being the only one to act as ground control for the Golden Snitch, providing knowledge, support, and guidance for Harry and Ron as they head into battle. This gives the three the nickname of the Golden Trio, as they all claim that the job could not be done without the help of the other two. Even with all this, Hermione finds time for politics, passionately (though some say foolishly) campaigning for ethics in the emerging field of artificial intelligence, using the shatterdome AI D.O.B.BY. as an example.

Of course, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are not the only ones in this fight. There are many people in their shatterdome, though a high proportion of them have red hair and the last name Weasley.

Bill and Fleur, piloting the Jaeger Breaker Veela, are the superstars of the program. With their charming interviews, fairly tale romance, and incredible looks (even after Bill’s drive suit burns), they are beloved by pretty much everyone. it is said that their wedding was the only time that the Prophet, the Quibbler, and Colin Creevy’s wildly popular independent blog were ever actually in agreement about something.

Charlie Weasley is the head of the program’s Xenobiology department. He thinks that Kaiju are super cool on an anatomical level and wants to understand everything about them. He often says that he’s love to see a live one up close someday, just to see how it works first-hand.

This sentiment is shared by Charlie’s protege, Dr. Luna Lovegood. She thinks that the key to winning the war is in understanding the Kaiju’s motivations and working with them to sustainable achieve their goals. This opinion does not make Luna a popular figure, and she has very few friends as a result.

No matter what universe he’s in, Percy Weasley is a bureaucrat through and through. He works tirelessly on the overlooked minutiae of the Jaeger program, but when the going gets tough, he defects to Umbridge and her Wall of Life program to further his career, and cuts himself off from his family.

Fred and George, as the pilots of Wizard Wheeze, have one of the highest drift compatibility scores ever recorded, until the fight that costs George an ear and puts Fred into a coma for almost two years. Their piloting days are over after that, so the twins throw themselves into designing and building new and innovative weapons for the others. of course, they still find the time to terrorize the rest of the program with their tricks and pranks.

Ginny is still in the Academy, and has some of the highest simulated drop scores ever. The problem is that she just can’t find a drift partner, so she’s grounded and frustrated. Eventually, to the surprise of everyone, she finds herself drift-compatible with Neville Longbottom, who’s parents were great pilots, though he himself was actually studying environmental sciences. They eventually pilot a mark-5 called Harpy Courage.

After the tragedy where the Kaiju Voldemort brought down Emerald Marauder and killing Lily and James Potter, Sirius retires from the program in grief, leaving behind his partner Remus and their Jaeger Romulus Grimm. Remus eventually comes back to the program as a teacher and mentor to the newer pilots alongside Molly Weasley (Arthur works for the government as an ethnographer).

Above everyone else is Albus Dumbledore, the original designer of the Jaegers, still running the program even as an old man. He never piloted himself though, as his drift partner Grindelwald was arrested (turned in by Dumbledore himself, they say) for involvement with alt-right organizations, and his first student Tom Riddle confirmed all his worst fears and defected to form the terrorist organization Beuna Kai. It is Dumbledore who, despite the twinkle in his eye and the offer of candy to those who come through his office, machinates the fight against the Kaiju using strategies only known to himself.

I know that I’ve only covered a fraction of the sprawling HP cast, but this is getting pretty long. If you want to know more about what other characters are doing, feel free to ask, or even add it on yourself.

#harry potter #pacific rim #pacific rim au #way too many characters to tag so I'm not going to even try #hp/pr fusion

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voidsettle · 5 years

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Roman Holiday

September 2018

I didn't plan Rome, it just happened. I was actually going to Venice in October, alone, to celebrate my birthday away from my crowd, cura te ipsum. And then I wanted a practice trip to get (morally) prepared for traveling on my own. I was anxious about everything, from my hotel and language to sightseeing and lack of support. I could never imagine I would fall madly in love.

Tempio dei Dioscuri, Roman Forum

Each, in its own way, was unforgettable. It would be difficult to— Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live (c) Roman Holiday

I bought tickets to Rome almost by accident. I (almost never an impulsive buyer) was preparing for my Venice trip, buying tickets, booking hotel, and then I saw - Rome. And decided to take a look at the tickets. And ended up buying one.

Ave Caesar, Morituri Te Salutant!

The predictions for the trip were not looking bright. First I got a rejection from the first hotel I booked because I was arriving pretty late at night (around midnight). I booked another one and, looking at some reviews, found out this hotel was not really a good choice. And so anxiety ensued.

I didn't know how to get from the airport to my hotel. Taxi'd cost me nearly 70 euros, ouch. The trains stopped running around the time I landed, but I still had to go through the customs. Internet research not only gave no answers but actually increased my nervousness: buses didn't route 24/7, crime (pickpockets mostly) was high, Wi-Fi in cafes was only accessible for locals with Italian cards (something-something anti-terrorism ad nauseam), and mobile companies would try to trick you into spending more. I felt devastated.

But as soon as I set foot in Rome, it all vanished in a cloud of smoke. The great city welcomed me with summer warmth, lively, happily oblivious crowds and small streets with equally small, smart cars. I was captivated instantly - the feeling that'd linger in me for months to come.

Felix culpa, truly.

Veni, Vidi, Vici

Colosseo, Rome. Asians are truly great photographers - I got the shot from a trio of Malaysian girls

I didn't have a plan. I've done my homework, surely - some books on Michelangelo, a couple of movies featuring Rome, bits of research here and there. Ex nihilo nihil fit, the lesson you learn after so many trips. I knew about Places, had a must-see list, a maybe-visit list, and even a in-case-I'm-bored-and-have-free-time list. But for my first morning in Rome, I decided to just stroll down the hill from Roma Termini, where my hotel was, to the foremost Roman attraction, the Colosseum.

That morning - and each one afterwards - I woke up at 7 (a rare feat for me, a devoted late-sleeper) to the chime of bells. An authentic experience, when surrounded by churches - not unlike Istanbul, where you wake up to a muezzin call. It's quite convenient: I never once needed an alarm clock. Although people with weaker psyche probably would be disgruntled.

But I wanted a cup of coffee first. The thing about coffee in Rome (and the rest of Italy, really) is that it's great. Unlike many of the European countries, Italians do know what coffee is: I never had bad - nay, even mediocre coffee in Italy. Here, coffee is not just a breakfast, a legal drug or a communication vehicle; it's a tradition.

Do not sit down for coffee - the price of the order will double the moment you pick a table. Drink it at the bar, standing up, with a piece of fresh pastry and chatting with the bartender and other clients.

This is the best way to adapt to mornings. By day two, I learned to order my coffee in Italian, as locals do; by day three, nearly passed as one.

Moses by Michelangelo, San Pietro in Vincoli

The thing about Rome is: you should not ignore the opportunities. If you see something curious, do not pass by. I discovered the first of Michelangelo's works by chance, ascending the stairs of the random vine-draped arched passage and finding myself facing the church of St Peter in Chains.

Fortunately, I have a sweet habit of walking inside the churches I see, no matter how famous they are - they always give comfort to the tired feet and eyes, allow to rest and might feature something curious.

Mood altered after recognizing the hand of the great master, I strolled down the street that opened the view of the Colosseo.

Get a ticket at the Roman Forum - you get to see Colosseo as well, but no need to wait in lines.

At the entrance, I got acquainted with a couple from Frankfurt, who met in Vilnius, but were originally from Ukraine. What a small world.

Roman Forum is a place of history so deep that it was dizzying. I don't remember much specifically for this reason: ancient places tend to have so much meaning one has troubles stacking it all up into their mind and worldview.

Palatine Hill. Sun, pines and cicadas

So the first vivid and distinct impression I caught was on top of Palatine Hill, and had nothing to do with history but everything with pure sensations.

High dark pines (that specific Roman kind with flat crowns), unbearably loud, suffocating cicadas, bitter fir-tree air, slightly moist and trembling with heat, tasting of stone and sand, scorching sun pouring over the crown of my head down the shoulders with viscous glutinous beads.

This simple, thick and fragrant flavor will always be the first thing that pops into my mind whenever I think of Rome. And thus I fell.

Palatine Hill is more of a park than a museum (like Roman Forum). Colosseo is neither; it's a site of tourism, of people, covered under the multilingual crowds to the point of being completely extinguished under the feet and voices.

The lines are formidable (you don't want to be caught in one of those, trust me). Even with a ticket, I spent nearly 20 minutes waiting for the security check. Inside, there is even more people: they are sitting on the fallen columns, ruined walls, on the sandy ground. They are taking photos, laughing, greedily drinking, fainting from heat, and chatting, talking, shouting! Most eerie feeling when you're alone.

Colosseo, Rome

Also, the place is ginormous. Who could've thought that Rome featured an even bigger arena, Circus Maximus that could fit more than double-sized crowd of the Colosseum. Unfortunately, not even ruins remained.

Whatever city I visit, I manage to get lost at least once, walking away from tourist routes and off into the jungles of the city. This result in all kinds of hilarious and wondrous discoveries; in Rome, it gifted me with Giardino degli Aranci and its smaller version Giardino di Sant'Alessio.

These cozy little pools of greenery in the midst of churches and ruins give off the vibe of a luxurious garden of a Roman Republic villa - emerald-green, piny, shadowy and tart. The specific feeling that mostly locals visit the area persists: Italians are sitting on the many benches, enjoying the cool patchwork shadows of the orange trees, books lazily sprawled in their laps, hats thrown back to the napes, spots of sun dancing over their calm, slumbered expressions. The far end of the garden opens into a spectacular vista of the left bank of Rome and Vatican's San Pietro in the distance framed by the hot, smooth and almost soft marble of the parapet.

Oranges underfoot are aplenty but, unfortunately, inedible: too bitter and acerbic. Not that the tourists don't try: some of the fruits are actually peeled and half-eaten.

There's yet another place worth visiting once near the gardens - the Hole of Rome, a keyhole that opens a view to the three countries of Italy, Vatican (the Dome of San Pietro is barely visible) and Malta (represented by the Maltese Embassy). For me, it's a tell-tale determinant of human nature: heat hammering down people's heads, at least 20-minute long line and a tiny keyhole to witness the symbolic combo. I ignored the keyhole but thoroughly enjoyed the human nature instead: the motivation (when I asked a boy standing almost at the front of the long line) was 'because there is a hole you can look through'. Isn't that just so hilariously wonderful?

Observing the vista from the panoramic gardens, I was seduced by the Tiber quay at the foot of the hill. Seeing a lot, tired and hungry, I was still enraptured by the image that came to denote older Italy for me. Fine squarish cobblestones, light-clad plane trees with mottled, scaly barks and round prickly fruits. Restless, tumultuous Tiber, covered in humpback bridges, chained in taut rangy walls, smooth and weathered. Wide rough-stone parapet of the quay built for resting your elbows (or, if you're capable, sitting) on, enjoying the unhurried serenity - something I will be chasing after in every other Italian town.

A short detour along the quay of Tiber and through Isola Tiberina on my way to seeking dinner at the foot of the Capitoline Hill

Rome is full of romantic experiences, whether one's wandering through the labyrinth of Roman streets or witnessing solis occasum at Castel Sant'Angelo. In September, sun strings itself directly on the spiel of Duomo San Pietro, and pours pinkish light over the crowns of the high planes, diffusing their somberly greens into soft oranges and flooding the city in mysterious glimmering haze of dusk.

Naturally, being this close to Vatican, I couldn't pass on the opportunity. San Pietro bathed in twilight is enthralling, when the warm orange spots of the slim street lights mix with the deepening blue sky and the vanishing yellow of the clouds.

I always had rather lethargic sense of self-preservation when it came to odd people. This got me in a number of situations that my friends afterwards deemed weird and/or dangerous while incredulously staring at me. Near one of the Vatican fountains, I chanced upon a small Italian man with a flaming passion for Roman history and a foot fetish.

So I found myself in the middle of Piazza San Pietro, barefoot, enjoying the lukewarm marble under my feet, very solid and incredibly smooth. Walking around downtown, I also got an unexpected tour from this local guide slipping in some trivia while enjoying the crowded spaces of piazza Navona and fountain Trevi.

I barely got to the hotel that day, feet searing in tired heat. By chance found a great cure: rubbing the soles and toes forcefully with a wet, preferably rough towel. Feels gorgeous.

Homo Sum Humani a Me Nihil Alienum Puto

The two greatest things about Roman streets are gelato and marble stairs - and they're this much better when combined, and made alive by people

People in Rome are great - despite their oddities. Probably one of the reasons I adored this crazy city so much was because of all the weird encounters I had. Within the first 24 hours, I've met people from all over the world. A girl from India, with whom we exchanged photos in Colosseum. A girl from Hungary that got lost in the circular passages of Castel Sant'Angelo with me. Two couples from Toronto who dined at the table nearby in a cafe on one of the pedestrian streets near piazza Venezia - they got all chatty, brightening up my solitary lunch. One of them just happened to be a writer and recommended me a British publishing agency (along with promising me a copy of his freshly published book).

Germany, Nepal, South Africa, the US, Peru - at some point, I stopped keeping track, instead basking in the multicultural melting pot of colors and languages.

And then there were mindless wanderings, ruins on every corner (literally; there are some well-known and others that are barely fenced from the omnipresent tourists), churches literally everywhere, and streets wide and narrow, flavored by delicious cuisine. Traditionally Roman pasta on a checkered tablecloth, homemade wine and street performers combine into a experiences you see in the movies but never assume to be possible in reality.

Trajan Forum, piazza Venezia

When you think Rome, think water fountains, marble stairs and churches.

Walking down the streets of Rome, I promised to make a pledge of love to Roman fountains: they were what got me though the day. You rarely sit in Rome (and when you do, it's either marble stairs of whatever building you pass or inside a church; or on the marble stairs of the church). You don't feel your feet by the end of the day, and that's when fountains give you at least a tiny bit of relief to get to your destination (commonly the next fountain).

Don't leave your hat and sunscreen behind. Have an empty water bottle - the water fountains with drinkable water are scattered throughout Rome; a life-saving mechanism.

Piazza del Popolo full of men blowing rainbow-filled soap bubbles, street artists providing soundtrack on the background and laughing, frolicking children and parents

My second day in Rome was the day of piazzas. I started at piazza Venezia and the nearby Capitoline museums (wonderfully cool, coherent and immersive, not to mention the exciting hunt of the passage from Palazzo dei Conservatri to Palazzo Nuovo, which appeared to be under Palazzo Senatorio, offering an apropos panoramic view of the Roman Forum). Altare della Patria, towering over the piazza, built of cool marble and pure magnanimous giantism served as the observing deck to plan the route.

Next, after an hour of contemplative silence in Pantheon's dome, it was time for piazza Navona with its aquatically-themes fountains and the baroque art of chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone.

With a gelato from Grom (Italian gelateria chain) in hand and determination in heart, I walked under the planes' rustling leaves of the Tiber quay to piazza del Popolo, where I had another half an hour sitting and listening to classical pieces by Chopin, Shubert and Albinoni in chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Before the final stop at piazza di Spagna, I delighted in the view from the Balconata del Pincio at the western border of Borghese gardens. This part of Rome inside Aurelian Walls is where the locals spend their weekends, public park zones and family entertainments aplenty.

Sunset over Rome, view from the top of Spanish stairs

Vialle della Trinita dei Monti leads way along the gardens, opening to the vista of Rome on the right side. The street opens to the top of Spanish steps, where I camped for the next couple of hours under the double bell-towers of chiesa di Trinita dei Monti. Families, friends, dates appointed and met, street vendors selling paintings, roses and cheap toys, hats and umbrellas, sunglasses and various small merchandise - the place is a wonderful spot to savor the life of Rome.

Carpe Diem, Carpe Noctem

Colosseo and Via dei Fori Imperiali at night

Nightfall brings relief and freshness, and also lights. Suddenly, Rome wears different colors; blues and greens dissipate into the dark corners, but yellows pull a warm cover over the city. Rome at night is gorgeous.

Do see the lights of Colosseum, this one is gorgeous. Roman Forum, on the other hand, was quite disappointing.

I was knackered after the museum run and the circle stroll around half the Rome. Still - hic manebimus optime - I followed through with the plan, and was rewarded with a magnificent view and, more importantly, atmosphere.

Besides, it's not only the major sights you want to see; Rome at night breathes a different air. Couples of all ages stroll up and down the streets, yellow lights over their heads. Fountains are bathed in white lights, and you find random statues of gods and heroes scattered on city corners, hidden and on display. Downtown is busy, bustling and crowded; the rest of Rome falls asleep and offers a chance to get to know the streets that are not flooded with tourists. It's a different city - but definitely one you'd want to meet.

Imperium in Imperio

View of Rome and St Peter's Square from the top of the Dome of St Peter's Basilica, Vatican

While still at home, getting prepared for the trip, I wasn't very fond of the idea to see the Vatican museums. Travel connoisseurs were complaining at the stuffiness, extreme lines and crowds that don't really allow you to see anything. And, well, they were right.

If there is a possibility to dodge the visit to Vatican museums, it's a decision that'll save time, money and mood.

Of course, it's exciting to see Stanze di Raffaello (School of Athens is obviously my favorite) and Michelangelo's work on Sistine Chapel. Yet the crowds of Vatican are no brutum fulmen, a force to be reckoned with. Besides, I did spent nearly 2 hours in line - it was a good thing I caught a company of another unlucky tourist, who was able to chat my boredom away.

San Pietro, on the other hand, was captivating. The imposing luxury, the solid gilding, the voluminous ornaments of different styles (and complete lack of seats to rest your spent limbs). I massively enjoyed the Dome and the pontifical tombs, especially as I used the latter to finally lose my company from the museums, mea culpa.

Surely, I had to send a couple of postcards from the post office of Vatican, the smallest country in the world (with the best post office; they still came only a month later).

Semper Fidelis

View of panorama of Rome and Altare della Patria from Giardino degli Aranci

Rome is a cosmopolitan and extremely democratic city. You can see the most of it for free. Aside from piazzas (Venezia, Navona, di Spagna, del Popolo and San Pietro), churches (at the very least Pantheon, Basilica di San Pietro and San Pietro in Vincoli) and numerous fountains (Trevi obviously the most significant of them), there are Altare della Patria, Garden of Oranges, Isola Tiberina and Spanish Stairs. If satisfied with a view from above and further away, you can also have a thorough look at Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill and at Colosseo from Via dei Fori Imperiali.

But most importantly, the feel of Rome. Tiny cars and coffee. Churches and ruins at every turn. Somberly green pines with high flat crowns and planes shedding skin in white flakes. Enrapturing Tiber, muddy and relentless in its chains. Ancient, worn out marble stairs. Friendly and happy people from most different corners of the world. Rapidly melting gelato covering you hands in sweet drops. Fountains with refreshing cool water. What's there not to like?

I don't know how to say goodbye (c) Roman Holiday

I was leaving from Roma Termini to Fiumicino airport on this pompously advertised Leonardo express train but cannot say anything in its favor except for its speed. Unlike the bus that actually drives past Colosseum, it quickly flashes past the city and into half-rural landscapes. Cui bono? If you want the last glimpse of Rome, take the bus.

Amor Vincit Omnia

Palazzo si Giustizia at dusk

Soundtrack is important for any trip. In Ye Olde Europe I commonly find myself immersed in the unobtrusive warmth of Kaleo's Vor i Voglaskogi, best suited for the moist softness of Baltic countries and jovial sobriety of the Eastern regions.

For Rome, nothing is better than Puccini's Tosca. Standing outside palazzo Farnese (currently French embassy in Rome) I was listening on loop to Tosca's aria Vissi d'Arte performed by unparalleled Maria Kallas. In Castel Sant'Angelo, E Lucevan le Stelle - Placido Domingo's aria of Cavaradossi - and its life-reassuring, heart-breaking, breath-taking meaning is perfect to make the sense of sombre stone passages and elevated open-air decks.

In Vatican, I switched to Miserere, a piece specifically written by Gregorio Allegri to be performed in the Sistine Chapel. The polyphonic harmony of voices combines in sublime, somber and tranquil melody, repetitive, exalted and pure. It gives the feeling of a lofty Gothic Catholic cathedral with warm sun breaking through its high-and-tall lancet windows, stalling in the upper tiers and airily patching the gray granite floor with the spots of warm glow. The daylight gradually fades into tenebrae, until the candles are extinguished one by one until the single one is left to dispel the darkness.

Panem et Circenses

Finding real Italian trattorias is important - touristy cafes are too pricey and - much more importantly! - have poor food. For Italian places, look out for the signs:

traditional menus (not laminated two-sided paper ones)

menus mostly in Italian

no barkers trying to hoard you in

no sites and attractions nearby

acceptable prices

Italian clientele

In vino veritas (what to eat):

Carbonara (bacon and egg pasta)

Cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta)

Amatriciana (bacon, onion and tomato sauce pasta)

saltimbocca alla romana (veal with ham and sage)

abbacchio alla scottadito (lamb cutlets)

coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew)

puntarelle (chicory - contorni, side dish)

pizza capricciosa

pizza salame/salsiccia piccante

pizza prosciutto e fichi

porchetta (full-roasted pig)

guanciale (pork jowl)

tiramisu (traditional dessert)

gelato (local ice-cream)

Sicilian pastry

local wines (reds or whites; what matters is that you drink them)

E pluribus unum (what to see):

San Pietro in Vincoli (Michelangelo's Moses)

Colosseo

Arch of Constantine

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Castel Sant'Angelo

Trevi fountain

Pantheon

Piazza Navona

palazzo Farnese

Campo de' Fiori

Piazza di Spagna and Spanish steps

Borghese museum and gardens

Piazza del Popolo

Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Sacro Cuore del Suffragio

Piazza Venezia

Trajan's Forum and Column

Altare della Patria

Capitoline Hill and museums

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Isola Tiberina

Giardino degli Aranci

Circus Maximus

Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth)

Pyramid of Cestius

Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Baths of Caracalla

Archbasilica of St John Lateran

Porta San Sebastiano

Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis

Catacombs of Saint Calixt

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Circus of Maxentius

Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Vatican:

St Peter's Square

St Peter's Basilica (including Pauline Chapel for Michelangelo's frescoes and Pieta, Dome and catacombs with the tombs of Popes)

Vatican museums

Sistine Chapel

Ipse Dixit

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

I might be biased in favor of Rome - Tosca, Call Me By Your Name, Roman Holiday; Punic Wars, Michelangelo and Julius II, Alexander III and the Borgias. They say it's the Eternal City. Cannot argue with that. I don't care what is mainstream, argumentum ad populum (tu quoque, huh): I love Rome.

#rome #italy #vatican

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fashiontrendin-blog · 6 years

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The Best New Menswear Pieces To Buy Right Now

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The Best New Menswear Pieces To Buy Right Now

Cheap Monday Fast Tape Sweatpants

The hype around side-stripe trousers may have died down slightly, but as the ideal bridge between streetwear and tailoring, they still deserve a place in your wardrobe. We’re particularly fond of this bee-coloured pair from Cheap Monday, which has got us buzzing all over again.

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J W Anderson x Converse Patent Leather Chuck 70

If Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson isn’t conjuring up stylish high fashion for his own brand, he’s devising high street pieces with the likes of Uniqlo, Topman and now a second collection for Converse. These shiny triumphs might just be the must-have shoes to nab this summer (or at least this week).

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Rains Jacket

We hate to break it to you but summer won’t last forever. So make sure you’re prepared for when the rain does eventually come by snapping up a waterproof jacket early. This matte finish example from the AW18 collection of aptly named brand Rains gets our vote.

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Paul & Shark Striped Crew Neck Jumper

You can’t move for Breton stripe tops in club menswear, but thanks to the addition of its mini logo, this version by Paul & Shark gobbles up all the competition. The fact that it’s rendered in Italian-made cotton is simply a bonus.

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Cutler And Gross x Paul Smith Crystal Pink Sunglasses

As leaders in their respective fields, any collaboration between luxury eyewear maker Cutler and Gross and the grand duke of British fashion, Paul Smith, was always going to be tasty. Eight new pairs of frames have been created by the duo, with these hazy pink ones going straight in our basket.

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Carhartt WIP x Brain Dead Swan T-Shirt

Workwear brand Carhartt WIP and streetwear label Brain Dead have dubbed the green shade of this jumper from the pair’s new capsule collection, ‘ocean’. But it could well have been named ’emerald’, because boy is it a precious gem we would dig endlessly for to get our hands on.

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Creed Discovery Coffret

The saying goes, bad things come in threes. But that’s not the case when talking about fragrances. And so French perfume sorcerer Creed has pulled together a trio of its most potent magical potions in a single handy travel pack. Easy peasy, spritz me pleasy.

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The Idle Man Viscose Floral Shirt

Over the last few months, we’ve cast our eyes over a mountain of Cuban collar shirts, so believe us when we spot a doozy. Shining like a treat in among the Sierra is this floral smasher from The Idle Man that also comes in at a relative snip.

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A.P.C. Jessy Jacket

We’re not quite sure who this Jessy fella is, but what we do know is that we want his jacket. Devised by slick French label A.P.C., the zip-up design comes in 100 per cent cotton and with a classy track-top shape, but it’s the subtle chevron detailing that really gets our hearts racing (and our wallets twitching).

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Wrangler Blue & Yellow Baseball Tee

Who needs Thursday to throw it back. Denim brand Wrangler is all about the retro styles this season, so make like the 1980s in this old-school yellow number with its bold branding and contrasting sleeves fashioned after traditional baseball uniforms.

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Marks & Spencer Collection Pyjama Set

As a sad passing consequence of lost youth, it’s not alright for a fully grown man to still wear Spiderman PJs. So as you tearfully throw them in the bin, pick up this rather adult set from Marks & Spencers in a soft cotton-blend as a replacement.

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Gillette Disposable Body Razor

Got abs like Michelangelo’s David? You’ll probably want to manscape to show them off, then. Don’t worry Adonises, Gillette has you covered with its first disposable razor designed specifically for below the neck. It features a larger, rounded head to tackle the concave curves of your body so you can show it off like the gleaming monument you are.

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A Day’s March Swim Trunks

With all these fanciful patterns of upside down flamingos and overgrown Royal Chelsea Flower Shows, it’s easy to wonder what a boy has to do to get a decent, reasonably priced pair of quality and, most importantly plain, swim shorts? Oh, just buy these ones from A Day’s March, apparently.

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Universal Works Patchwork Jacket

Your nan’s old patchwork quilt will probably never make it into the style pantheon, but this mishmash jacket from Universal Works stands a good chance. In a cool Indigo tone and cut with a relaxed fit, there’s enough pattern to deem it statement, but it’s not so busy you can’t wear it as part of a smart-casual get-up.

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Polar Skate Polo Shirt

In case you haven’t heard of it, Polar is the painfully hip, skatewear-turned-streetwear label that doesn’t charge you a month’s rent in exchange for a brick. This long-sleeved polo is a good entry piece, with its funky logo and effective striped sleeves – it’s a clever design worth its buck, basically.

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Sorensen Dancer Sweatshirt

Soren Peder Lauritz Sorensen was a Danish chemist famous for inventing the pH scale used to measure acidity and alkalinity. Not that he has anything to do with this ice cool sweatshirt from the British brand of the same name. We just thought you’d like to know.

Buy Now: £145.00

MVMT Checker White Caramel Watch

Some like their watches with all the bells and whistles and tooting horns. Others just prefer the simple life. And for the latter allow us to suggest MVMT (pronounced ‘movement’), and in particular the brand’s checker model. Comprising a stainless steel case framed by a leather strap in ‘caramel’, it’s one to drool over.

Buy Now: £145.00

Adidas Continental 80 Shoes

It’s official, the 1980s are a ‘thing’ at the moment, but so far in the sneaker world it’s been all chunky trainers hogging the limelight. Bucking the trend is Adidas which has reissued the Continental 80, one of its sleeker models from the decade. Sometimes less is more.

Buy Now: £74.95

Karl Kani College Stripes T-Shirt

The DeLorean has gone haywire this season, so much that it’s hard to remember what decade it actually is. Head to 1992 with this fresher-than-Prince-Will-himself T-shirt from hip-hop fashion brand Karl Kani, which is exactly what heatwave wear should be – freeing, fun and outrageously colourful.

Buy Now: £30.99

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foodgemsg · 7 years

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http://ift.tt/2joPLDj Read on our visit to Princess Cruises | How Do I Survive With Limited Internet for 4D3N by FoodGem

Media Travel

Personally, I have never been on a relaxation trip. Busy shopping, many miles of endless walking and even work on my trip. These adds to travel fatigue though it was meant to be an unwinding on holiday. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, isn’t it? In my recent cruise journey with Princess Cruises being in Ko Samui basically gave me a taste of what a perfect relaxation trip. If you have been following my IG @Foodgemsg ; great foods, drinks, entertainment and more. Being an active blogger/ influencer, it felt rather empty initially, missing 24/7 internet access. Well, there’s internet on sea, however it is costly at USD$0.79/ minute and at slow surfing speed. Probably a blessing in disguise! I need not check on my work and stuffs (Shhhhh!). Always feeling welcome and a part of this big family with friendly crews and passengers. Looking forwards to a list of endless activities on Princess Cruises.

Food

Being a foodie on vacation, food play a big part on my beautiful adventure. I would have to admit that the food on board Princess Cruises are very impressive. Enjoy in the comfort of stateroom with 24 hours room service or dine at any dining room extending from casual dining to speciality restaurant, where each restaurant presents the perfect food for every palete.

Crab Shack

Crab shack is famous for its steam seafood extravaganza. Featuring savoury freshly steamed Alaskan King Crabs. I’ve received 6 large Crab legs with a variety of fresh seafood eg. fresh clams, prawns, mussels and more! The portion is really HUGE, do visit on an empty stomach. 4 course dinner consists of appetiser, soup, main, dessert with coffee or tea at USD29 per person. UNBELIEVABLE!!! It’s definitely a steal.

The popcorn shrimp appetizer started a bang. Choice of dipping sauce in Bayou style or tartar.

Manhattan clam chowder with bacon, tomato and potatoes. Locks of love for these extra clam juice it calls for just what was in the clams.

Selection of gateaux and tarts from the pastry shop, served with coffee or tea.

2. Santa Fe/ Pacific Moon

Princess Gourmet Beef Burger: Savoury good beef patty topped with blue crab meat dressed in asparagus and hollandaise sauce. It is served with french fries.

Cream of wild mushroom soup with sun-blushed roms tomatoes.

Not the usual scallops that is laid on the plate. Sea scallop that has been hand-picked off a rock by a scuba diver. Diver scallops are more biologically amicable and less lumpy. Diver scallops also give a firmer, gentle texture with a nice colour. It comes with three beurre-blanc, vegetable julienne and red bliss potatoes. Definitely one of the must try dishes at Santa Fe.

Beautiful pink rain drops surfacing chocolate mousse on brownie.

Strawberry Sorbet to cleanse the palate. It is infused with lemon and wild thyme.

3. The Savoy Dining Room

Seafood stew with Chilean sea bass, black mussels and clams. Fresh seafood in a plate of creamy broth. Flavoured with sauteed fennel and a variety of herbs, spices and seasonings. Best to enjoy the stew with slices of toasted baguette soaking in the goodness of every drop.

Trio of premium seafood selection from lobster, shrimp and squid with orange filets lime-cilantro vinaigrette. The sweetness of seafood with the citrusy of fruits makes an amazing starter.

Double beef consomme with mini choux buns and green onions. Although its a clear soup but the stock is richly flavoured.

Watermelon and Feta cheese showering with toasted pumpkin seeds and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil lemon.

4. Buffet at Horizon Court

Something that elevates to a buffet is that they serve a wide selection of foods – but not limited to Western, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Indian cuisines. It starts as early at 5am and ends at 11pm. Expect to see ribeye steak, salmon sashimi, alluring desserts and more! Buffet was delicious, consistent, even its presentation in the tray.

5. High Tea at The International Dining Room

The large selection of high tea does not impress me. Not a fan of very sweet pastry. Probably it’s just me, saving the calories at other restaurants or even the buffet!

6. Room service dining

Say yes to 24 hours room service! That gonna be one of the coolest as I get to order any meal anytime in the comfort of my personal stateroom. Breakfast served after I’ve washed up in the morning or a simple salad/ sandwich at midnight. Speedy delivery after 20-30 minutes of waiting. Hot foods served and prepared specially upon order. Besides the western breakfast, you can also order Chinese food eg. Wonton noodle! Room service can never be better.

Accomodation

Nothing beats lying on a comfort Princess bed after a long day of activities. Satisfying your senses with Princess amenities such as 100% cotton, high thread count linens and duvet, down pillows and more!

Entertainment

I woke up every day so psyched for what lay ahead. Probably a morning Japanese bath experience or Zumba class, followed by shopping at duty free boutiques. In the afternoon, pick a champagne at the art gallery or offshore excusion. And in the evening, live entertainment in the lounges, games at casino, enjoy a movie under the stars, the spectacular musical production or even dancing in the disco.

Highly recommended Production Show that you shouldn’t miss: Bravo

Light opera musical theater and pop opera songs show tunes exhibited in a rich setting summons a significant night at the Opera. Starring the Diamond Princess singers, dancers and orchestra. Featuring Lena McKenzie, an off-the-beaten track Soprano, who caught everyone’s attention with her perfect high notes.

The night is still young with gala balloon drop party.

Galley tour and behind the scenes for an insider’s look of how our meals are prepared.

Featuring Chef Nilo Palma presenting in a light hearted and comedy cooking demonstration.

Love boat disco deck party at Nepture’s Reef and Pool.

Facilities

Participate in Princess Cruises’ onboard activities, including movie under the stars, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, gym and more!

Indulge in luxury spa experience named Best Spa on a Cruise Ship by Spafinder Wellness 365. The Lotus Spa provides pampering services – from manicure to massages. Or visit a simple wood paneled dry sauna and a tiled steam room.

Gymnasium, aerobics room with jogging tracks.

Shore Excursions

Elephant show exhibited the ones essentially highlighting ability and inventiveness of the elephants.

Elephant trekking with authentic jungle paths and a gentle breeze.

Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is a Buddhist temple on Ko Phan. It is a small island offshore from the northeastern area of Ko Samui, Thailand. The 12-meter-tall Golden Buddha takes endurance of steps flanked by two emerald dragons with the towering focal figure at the foremost. Big Buddha fulfills both the religious visitors and also the tourists. Mirroring these standards, a ring of extensive bronze prayer bells surrounds the Buddha. Tenderly influencing in the cool sea breeze. Use one of the wooden strikers to delicately ring every bell for good fortunes as you take in the eminent perspectives. I’ve recorded the process and hope anyone who plays this video gets the blessing too.

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2017 Diamond Princess Schedule | Departure Dates from Singapore

Princess Cruises; voted as “Best Cruise Line in Asia. Set sail on a roundtrip cruise holiday from Singapore through the ports of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Short trips at these weekend getaway spots from Singapore. It’s only a short cruise to many amazing holiday breaks for families, couples, friends and solo travellers.

5 Days 2 Ports Thailand Roundtrip from Singapore. Available date/s: 2017 Feb 23, Thursday Interior Stateroom starting from: $778.00* SGD per person.

5 Days 3 Ports Malaysia Roundtrip from Singapore. Available date/s: 2017 Mar 11, Saturday Interior Stateroom starting from: $778.00* SGD per person.

7 Days 3 Ports Thailand Roundtrip from Singapore. Available date/s: 2017 Mar 4, Saturday Interior Stateroom starting from: $1103.00* SGD per person.

There’s so many great spots in Southeast Asia. If you have time for a longer journey, consider a 9/11 day roundtrip cruise from Singapore calling in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam’s most popular ports of call, including the captivating city of Bangkok, the antiquity Ho Chi Minh City.

9/11 Days up to 6 Ports Southeast Asia Roundtrip from Singapore. Available date/s: 2017 Feb 8, Wednesday 2017 Mar 16, Thursday Interior Stateroom starting from: $1688.00* SGD per person.

*Subjected to Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses

Visit princess.com for more details.

The post Princess Cruises | How Do I Survive With Limited Internet for 4D3N appeared first on foodgem: Food & Travel.

#Princess Cruises | How Do I Survive With Limited Internet for 4D3N #Food #FoodPorn #FoodGem #AsianFood

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