#leisure valley park

[soniadigitalblog]

PLACES TO VISIT IN GURUGRAM:

AIPL JOYSTREET: It is one of the diverse and meticulous projects in Gurugram, and an excellent example for both commercial and retail investment. Joy Street has all kinds of direction-based lifestyles for a dynamic population. It provides vibrant vibes for every age group. The entire complex is designed with pedestrian-friendly pathways, great parking spots, eye-catching frontage, airspace landscape area, and a variety of sidewalk cafes and restaurants, which makes it a complete package of destinations to visit on holidays with friends and family. This new retail project not only provides shops and 1 BHK flats in Gurugram but also 'smart suite' office spaces. There are lots of advantages to its location, such as a convenient location, commercial complex, eco-friendly design concept, stormwater drainage system, 100% groundwater recharge system, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, reuse of treated water for horticulture, and solid waste management system. Address- Badshahpur, sector 66, gurugram, haryana 122018.

RANGMANCH FARMS: If you want to recharge yourself in some great memorable time with your loved ones , then this place is for you. Rangmanch farms has lots of indoor and outdoor activities such as sky cycling, zipline, rappelling, Rock climbing, 10 Low rope course, 10 high rope course, Tyre wall climbing, Commando net and wire crossing. A great buffet which has a variety of dishes from rural food, north india and south india and desserts too. Rangmanch Farms is an idyllic and picturesque destination that provides a serene atmosphere and an array of engaging activities that suit people of all ages. It is the best spot for picnic and get-together place where everyone can enjoy 15 acre areas of landscape full of nature and flora and fauna. Even though it is also reasonable for a one day tour where you have facilities of resting and calming places. Address- Garhi Harsaru-Budhera Road (near Chhilna Mandir) Sadhrana, Gurugram, Haryana 122505.

SKYJUMPER TRAMPOLINE PARK: It is a large indoor facility filled with trampolines where visitors can spend their happy hours. It opens from Monday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 10 pm. Safety measures are also assured, such as padded surfaces and netting to reduce potential injuries. There are lots of activities available, including jumping, dodgeball, basketball, and foam pits. Skyjumper trampoline parks offer many benefits, such as physical fitness, socialization, mental health, increased bonding with family and friends, and hosting birthday parties. It has unique features that make it stand out from other parks. It offers an unmatched experience of amusement, physical workout, fun, challenging sports, fitness, and more all in one place. It also provides basic necessities like socks and leggings. Address: Fountain House, Level-02, Creaticity Mall, Shastrinagar, Yerawada, Pune, Maharashtra, 411006, India.

SULTANPURI NATIONAL PARK It will be notified as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance ,in 2021. It is bird paradise for bird watchers. Birds used this park as a resting place till the following March-april.A total of around 250 bird species were seen in the park. This park is an important breeding colony for over 50 pairs of painted storks.It is also home to the striped hyenas , blue bull, wild dog, wild cat, four horned antelope, indian porcupine, hedgehog etc.The park area covering 359 acres was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1971 and upgraded as a national park in 1991.The credit for discovery of this bird sanctuary goes to bird lover named Peter Jackson.It has different type of flora and fauna. It is a very important wintering ground for waterfowl. Address: National park, gurgaon Farukh Nagar Rd, sultanpur, gurugram , haryana 122006.

ROCKSPORTS GURUGRAM: Manish Gupta is the founder of rocksport. It offers outdoor entertainment and adventure programs as well as educational adventure tours. A place to enjoy also spend some quality time with your family, friends and a place where you get a lot of activities. It is a rejuvenating dose of excitement and adventure with the rocky Aravelis enveloping from three sides. They have sports like Rock climbing , Zipline , Zorbing , Rope Courses, short trek , village activities like camel rides or tractor rides. One of the best picnic spot in Gurugram is Rocksports. There are lots of games which are based on team capabilities. The teams that collect the points are awarded at the end of the day. Three meals i.e; Breakfast, Lunch and Evening snack which are organic, nutritious and healthy for every adventurer. Address: Gairatpur Baas, Badshahpur, Gurugram , Haryana 122103.

LEISURE VALLEY PARK: Excellent places to discover culture and have fun with family and friends. A very well maintained park with greenery all around and fresh air all around the park. It is spread over 101 acres. Kingdom of dreams, MG road and Cyber hub is the nearest attraction of this place. This park provides ample space for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and yoga.The children play area is also equipped with lots of swings and slides. It is a Landmark place of Gurgaon. A well maintained park is artistically designed to dress this place for adventurers and travellers. Impressive greenery and a beautiful fountain were presented as attraction points for travellers and it also helped them to keep their mental health and peace on upper hand. People should carry water bottles and wear comfortable shoes for the fullest enjoyment. Address: 287 NH 8, Sector 29, Gurugram, Haryana 122021.

GALLERIA MARKET It is one of the popular shopping destinations that have lots of products. It is also ranked as one of the most expensive markets in Delhi. It is well built with a pretty fountain in the centre and also has very systematic architecture. Variety of food court are also available so that a visitor can enjoy shopping and eating at one place and gather some shopaholic memories with a pinch of taste. Lots of beauty well being places are also available here like geetanjali salon and many more. This market has one of the great bookstores available where all kinds of fictional , factual , historical , thrilling based books are present with reasonable prices .And if i could extend this place's importance then i would say it's the best place for bookworms. Collectively it is one place with all varieties. None other than all kinds of electronic devices present at this place. So basically this place is for shopaholics, nerds, food cravers, techno experts and many more. Address: Near Sector 30, Sector 43, Galleria Market.

MUSEO CAMERA The journey of cameras began in 2009 when they collectively gathered all kinds of knowledge about cameras and later on displayed it in one place with all authentic based cameras. It is entirely devoted to photography.This museum is very helpful for people who have some passion about photography , camera and other relatable things. It is a great example of the juxtaposition of passion of a great individual and local government to create institution lasting value at a global level. This is more than a museum , it's a passion driven labour of love beyond expression. Founded by Aditya Arya, a profound photographer. This place releases a great amount of Dopamine which makes every human fall in love ,giddy and content with this artistic place. It has the purpose of education and enjoyment at same time. Must visit here for once with children , friends and family. It gives a more memorable experience than others. Address: shri ganesh mandir marg, DLF phase IV sector 28, gurugram , haryana 122002.

HERITAGE TRANSPORT MUSEUM It is a major museum dealing with the history of transport evolution.It is spread over a 95000 sq. feet area of exhibition gallery displaying vintage and classic cars. It opened in 2013. It has around 100 projects in the display area. This museum provides a glimpse of the rich history of transportation. It offers automobile galley , pre-mechanised transportation, heavy mechanised transportation, railways , aviation ,two-wheelers , toys , historical collections , maritime , contemporary art gallery , rural transportation. This museum is an outcome of the passion for transport and collection of one man named Tarun Thakral. He developed a great interest in transport which further led to a great museum with business opportunity. Address: Bilaspur - taoru road { major district road } off NH8 (bilaspur chowk), taoru, gurgaon (haryana) 122105.

SKY LASER TAG It is one of the advanced and technologically advanced based games which not only allow children to engage in game but all age types can enjoy. Only a passion of childhood and enjoyment is a must. It is one of the most loved avenues for birthday parties and corporate meetings. Laser Guns are the main source of equipment for playing. It doesn’t involve getting messy. Dive into adventure at sky laser and let the spark fly. Get ready to jump, laugh and make memories. This place also makes you feel like you are in a sci-fi movie. Address: Ground Floor, ILD Trade centre, sector 47, gurugram, haryana 122018.

[dvchvnde]

On a precarious overhang above a steep fjord, he comes across a stranded doe. 

The sight is almost pitiful. Leaning against the edge of a sheer cliff, peering down into the ravine below. 

It doesn't surprise him. 

He's been tracking this particular doe for the last eight clicks up the winding river. Following it at leisurely pace with his rifle strung around his shoulder. Waiting. It's young, he knows. Doesn't know the terrain. The area. This little fawn is from the rim—a far way from home, now. 

It's not a position anyone would want to be in out here. All turned around, lost. 

If there's anything Johnny learned after being here for a year is that it's almost laughably easy to get lost. This valley, the winding river, the towering limestone monoliths, have a strange way of bending the perception of reality. At first, it all looks the same, bar several key features. But the deeper into the park, it all starts to flatten into an eerie mimesis. 

This must be what happened to this poor little doe. Swallowed up by the sprawling wilderness. Snatched off the overgrown trail, sense of direction all asunder. Lost in a dizzying plateau. 

Without much else to rely on, this little doe turns to her instincts. Climb high. Look for something familiar—a looming waypoint to follow back to the trail like the northern star. 

He watches it all unfold through the scope of his rifle, keeping trot with this pretty deer lost in the wilderness. What to do with her is still a mystery. Dinner, perhaps. She's as good as dead out here on her own, anyway. 

Johnny levels the rifle, eye glued to the soft expanse of her meaty neck. Through the heart, he knows. A quick death. Painless. It's a shot he's taken so many times in the past that he knows he could close his eyes and meet his target blind. 

But—

The doe stops dead in her tracks. Head lifting from the soft grass she grazes on. Ears twitching. Flickering. She doesn't blink. Her tongue comes out, swipes over her nostril. Alert. Nervous. 

The noise reaches his ears a second later. Soft footfalls, a huff. It's not animal. 

Strange. Johnny was sure he'd be the only person out here for miles, possibly even centuries. This untamed wilderness on the outside of Nahanni wasn't a place most humans found themselves. So far removed from civilisation. Land untouched for aeons. The sprawling wilds was untenable. Desolate. 

The air in his lungs stagnate. He lifts the rifle higher, higher, and—

Oh. 

It's a surprise. On the ledge of the escarpment above him, a face appears. Hidden by the thicket boxing them in, he almost misses them entirely. 

The little doe holds her position on the shelf below. It's only a shallow drop to the rolling incline angled out to the mouth of the river, and he realises, suddenly, that this wayward wanderer is lost. Struggling. 

You peer down, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the deer below you, almost within arm's reach. He can see indecision roll across your face as you glance back toward the dense forest behind you bracketed by an intimidated stretch of slate monoliths that winds deep into the horizon, and then to the river beneath to. To risk it by going backwards through untamed terrain. Sheer drops. Daunting fjords. Or to take a chance on the river's edge. 

The choice is obvious. This river will lead you back to civilisation, to the small towns peppered along the forest. But some places are white water. Dangerous. The current is deadly, and there's no shore to cling to having been eroded away a millennia ago by the same water that carves a terrifying path through the fjords. 

To go forward will eventually bring you to an impasse. To treacherous waters. 

But—

What other choice do you have? 

He sees the moment you decide. When your face crumples like paper, lip quivering as you contend with the sudden realisation that you're stuck. Doomed. The only person to rely on is yourself. To depend on—

Well. 

Almost. 

There's an emptiness inside of him, a funnel that syphons everything into it, spitting it out of the gaping hole in his head. An ache. Everpresent. Constant. Hollow. 

But as he stares up at you, worry cinched tight between your brow, a magnificent bloom of absolute devastation drawing over your pretty face, he finds this barren vacancy suddenly stemmed. Filled. Stuffed with purpose. With reason. 

He can't let you go into the wilds alone. 

The little doe sniffs when you move, loose rock sliding against granite. Scraping. It echoes through the canyon, sound amplified by the jagged rockface of the monoliths closing in. She's about to make a run for it. 

Johnny can't let her do that. Can't let her die out here like that. Not when she led him right to something so incredible—

He breathes out, practiced, and takes the shot—

[preferablywithcastles]

The Enchanting Lichtenstein Castle

History Today we look at the picturesque Lichtenstein Castle, located on a cliff overlooking the Echaz Valley in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The castle’s location adds to its fairy-tale appearance and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It remains a stunning example of the blend between literature and architecture, inspired by Wilhelm Hauff’s novel "Lichtenstein," and brought to life by Count Wilhelm of Württemberg between 1840 and 1842.

Image attribution - Martha Sales

Hauff’s novel romanticized the ideals of medieval chivalry and heroism. The 19th century experienced a resurgence in interest in medieval history and architecture, a trend known as historicism. Count Wilhelm sought to create a physical embodiment of the novel's themes and settings. Neuschwanstein Castle itself was influenced by similar romantic and historicist ideals and a 2009 filming of "Dornröschen" - The Sleeping Beauty - further cemented Lichtenstenstein's place in popular culture. The family of the Dukes of urach which began when Wilhem was granted the title maintains ownership to this day. The castle serves both as a private residence for the family and a public attraction, allowing visitors to explore its historical and architectural significance.

What You Will See When you visit, you'll find the striking castle keep, complete with turrets and battlements that offer fantastic views of the surrounding Echaz Valley. The interior of Lichtenstein Castle is adorned with period furnishings, weapons, and armor, providing visitors with a glimpse into the romanticized vision of medieval life. Guided tours are available.

Image Attribution - Pedro Albuquerque

Where To Eat During your visit to the castle, there are several excellent dining options nearby. Restaurants such as Forellenhof Rössle and Albgasthof Lichtenstein offer delicious local cuisine and hospitality. For dessert, you can visit Bäckerei Konditorei Padeffke in Reutlingen, which is renowned for its delightful pastries and cakes. Though as you can imagine, there's more than one bakery. Accomodation For accommodation, one of the most liked places to stay in Honau is the Forellenhof Rössle, which offers cozy rooms and great dining. Its proximity to Lichtenstein Castle makes it a convenient and charming option for visitors. Places Nearby Hohenzollern Castle: Located about 40 kilometers away, Hohenzollern is one of Germany's most iconic castles. For accommodations in the Reutlinger area, Hotel Fürstenhof Reutlingen is a highly rated choice known for its comfortable rooms and friendly service. Swabian Jura: This picturesque mountain range is known for its scenic hiking trails, fascinating caves, and overall natural beauty. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring nature and engaging in activities such as hiking and spelunking. Bear Cave (Bärenhöhle): Located in Sonnenbühl, about 15 kilometers from Lichtenstein, this cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a great family-friendly attraction that offers a unique underground adventure. Day Trips Stuttgart: The capital of Baden-Württemberg is approximately 60 kilometers from Lichtenstein. Stuttgart has a vibrant cultural scene and is famous for its automotive museums, including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. The city also boasts beautiful parks, such as Schlossgarten and Rosenstein Park. For a most liked place to stay, consider the Motel One Stuttgart-Mitte, offering modern amenities, a central location, and reasonable rates. Ulm: About 85 kilometers away, in Ulm you can visit the towering Ulm Minster, the tallest church in the world, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Danube River. The old town of Ulm offers charming streets, historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and shops to explore. In Ulm, the Best Western Plus Atrium Hotel is a well-liked accommodation choice. Tübingen: Approximately 100 kilometers from Lichtenstein, Tübingen is known for its well-preserved medieval old town and the prestigious Eberhard Karls University. The city offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty, including the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride on the Neckar River. For accommodations, consider Hotel Krone Tübingen, boasting with modern comfort and a central location. Of course, you could always do what we do and look up potential AirBnBs in the area. Currently, there are locations as low as $43 a night available. I'm not affiliated with AirBnB - but help me make it happen. Tell me what places you've been or where you'd like to go, so I can write about them.

Map data ©2024 Google Thank You For Reading And that's my look at Castle Lichtenstein. I am no bot or ai, I'm just someone who loves traveling with his family, especially to medieval sites. So until next time, may all your travels be happy, healthy, safe - and preferably with castles! Do not hesitate to send me messages with more current information. I can only research so much for passion projects. Please take the time to do additional reading about anywhere you visit to ensure you feel safe. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferably_with_castles/ Pinterest: https://ie.pinterest.com/preferablywithcastles/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preferablywithcastles X: https://x.com/castlespref Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk-3-9S8_RUHhdezoyFQe_A

[kimberly40]

Cades Cove, Tennessee is the most visited area of the Smoky Mountains. Roughly 31 miles away from the city of Pigeon Forge, Cades Cove is in the 6,800-acre valley known for its picturesque landscapes.

European settlers settled here in the early 1800s, contributing to why Cades Cove has the largest variety of historic buildings in the entire national park. As you make your way through the area, you can see historic structures like restored churches, old grist mills and pioneer log cabins. The enriched history of Cades Cove has left its lasting mark with its presence still felt today.

The best way to soak in the beauty Cades Cove poses is to take a leisurely drive on the Cades Cove Loop Road. It’s an 11-mile paved one-way road that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering scenic views of the mountain tops, wildflower meadows and rolling greens. The entire loop takes anywhere between two and four hours to drive through, but you’ll wish it wouldn’t end.

Cades Cove is filled with jaw dropping trails and waterfalls in its forests. Abrams Falls is a striking waterfall with a 20-foot drop to a pool and stream located below on Abrams Creek. Along the number of hiking trails, there are numerous opportunities to soak in the serenity of the landscape’s mountains and take pictures.

In addition to the stunning natural beauty, Cades Cove, Tennessee also boasts a long and fascinating past. Learn more about the History of Cades Cove at https://experiencecadescove.com/blog/learn-the-history-of-the-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/

[nyrarachelle-plays]

A Get Together (& I Ain't Talking About the Expansion Pack!)

Tiffani didn't only bring her girls out to the park to picnic, she's invited all of the OG friends and chosen family they've made from the rooftops of San Myshuno to the valleys of Del Sol! She's always loved to host and entertain and it's high time to continue curating the familial traditions she always dreamed of...

Previously. (A Happy Leisure Day!) | Next. (Love and Affection...)

[ggkorean]

• 추천관광 recommended tourist spots • 산/사찰/계곡 mountain/Buddhist temple/valley • 공원/유원지/생태 park/amusement park, recreation area/ecology • 해안/섬/항 coast, seaside, seashore/island/port • 체험/레저/캠핑 experience/leisure/camping • 다리/도로/거리 bridge/road/street • 전시/관람/문화 exhibition/viewing/culture • 관광명소 360° VR tourist attractions 360° VR

[kombathall]

How to Control Belly Fat

Fitness Alert for Gurgaon: Burn That Belly Fat! How to deal with it in our busy metropolis is as follows:

Accept regional, healthful cuisine:

Replace parantha with besan (Gram flour) chila.

Select tandoori instead of fried foods.

Take part in Gurgaon's fitness movement:

Visit Kombat Hall to try kickboxing.

Take a yoga session near Gurgaon or in the Park Leisure Valley.

Walk it off

Wander about Sector 29 in the evenings.

Take the stairs rather than the elevator at Cyber Hub.

Drink plenty of water:

Bring a bottle of water to work.

Select coconut water from nearby merchants.

Make sleep a priority:

Try to get 7–8 hours each night.

Establish a calming evening ritual.

[clearholidaysindia]

Banjar Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a hidden gem nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Indian Himalayas. Known for its pristine natural beauty and untouched landscapes, Banjar Valley offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This picturesque valley is dotted with quaint villages, lush green meadows, and glistening streams, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Offbeat places near Banjar Valley beckon travelers with promises of tranquil retreats and awe-inspiring vistas.

Exploring places to visit near Banjar Valley reveals a tapestry of attractions that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage and natural splendor. One such highlight is the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and trekking trails that lead through dense forests and alpine meadows. Nearby, the ancient village of Jibhi captivates visitors with its traditional wooden architecture and serene ambiance. For those seeking spiritual solace, the Shringa Rishi Temple offers a peaceful sanctuary amidst towering deodar trees.

Venturing further into the heart of Banjar Valley, travelers can discover the hidden gem of Chehni Kothi, an ancient tower-like structure nestled in the village of Chehni. This architectural marvel stands tall against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, offering panoramic views of the valley below. Nearby, the serene Tirthan Valley invites travelers to explore its crystal-clear rivers and verdant landscapes, ideal for trout fishing and leisurely walks along its banks. Each destination near Banjar Valley promises a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring a memorable journey through one of Himachal Pradesh's most enchanting regions.

[alphaeverestbasecamp]

Planning Your Langtang Valley Trek - 11 Days: Tips and Advice

The Langtang Valley Trek is one of Nepal's most accessible and beautiful trekking routes, offering a blend of stunning natural landscapes, cultural insights, and a sense of adventure. Situated north of Kathmandu, close to the Tibetan border, the Langtang Valley is often described as the "Valley of Glaciers." Here is a comprehensive guide to planning your 11-day trek to ensure a memorable and smooth experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Preparation:

Flights and Visas: Ensure your flights to Tribhuvan International Airport are booked well in advance. A tourist visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival or online.

Accommodation: Book a hotel in Kathmandu for your first and last nights. Thamel is a popular area for trekkers, with numerous lodges and guesthouses.

Permits: Obtain your Langtang National Park permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.

Activities:

Rest and acclimatize after your journey.

Explore Kathmandu’s heritage sites, such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Durbar Square.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi| Duration: 7-8 hours

Route:

Start early to avoid traffic. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and terraced fields.

Roads can be bumpy and challenging, especially during the monsoon season.

Tips:

Consider hiring a private jeep for comfort, though public buses are a more budget-friendly option.

Pack snacks and water, as stops along the way can be limited in options.

Day 3: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel| Duration: 6-7 hours| Elevation: 1,503m to 2,470m

Route:

Begin your trek along the Langtang Khola (river). The trail passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including red pandas and langur monkeys.

Tips:

Start early to avoid the afternoon heat.

Wear sturdy trekking boots and carry trekking poles for stability.

Day 4: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village| Duration: 6-7 hours| Elevation: 2,470m to 3,430m

Route:

Continue along the river through forests and across several suspension bridges.

The trail opens up, revealing breathtaking views of the Langtang Lirung peak (7,227m).

Tips:

Take breaks to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery.

Stay hydrated and watch for signs of altitude sickness.

Day 5: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa| Duration: 4-5 hours| Elevation: 3,430m to 3,870m

Route:

The trail gradually ascends, with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.

Visit the ancient Kyanjin Gompa monastery and the local cheese factory.

Tips:

Spend the afternoon exploring the village and surrounding areas.

Taste the locally made yak cheese.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Kyanjin Gompa

Activities:

Kyanjin Ri Hike: Climb to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) for panoramic views of the Langtang range.

Tserko Ri: For a more challenging hike, ascend Tserko Ri (5,000m) early in the morning.

Tips:

Take it slow to adjust to the altitude.

Enjoy the local culture and interact with the villagers.

Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel| Duration: 6-7 hours

Route:

Retrace your steps back to Lama Hotel.

Descending is generally easier, but be mindful of your knees.

Tips:

Use trekking poles to reduce impact on your joints.

Stay vigilant for wildlife and changing weather conditions.

Day 8: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi|Duration: 5-6 hours

Route:

Continue descending through the lush forests.

Reflect on your journey and take in the final views of the Langtang Valley.

Tips:

Enjoy a leisurely pace and take plenty of photos.

Celebrate your trek with fellow trekkers upon arrival.

Day 9: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu| Duration: 7-8 hours

Route:

Return to Kathmandu by jeep or bus.

The journey offers another chance to enjoy Nepal’s diverse landscapes.

Tips:

Prepare for a long, bumpy ride and bring entertainment or a good book.

Arrange your accommodation in Kathmandu in advance.

Day 10: Rest and Explore Kathmandu

Activities:

Sightseeing: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Shopping: Thamel offers a variety of souvenirs, trekking gear, and handicrafts.

Cultural Experience: Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural shows.

Tips:

Hire a local guide for a more enriching experience.

Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of crowded areas.

Day 11: Departure

Preparation:

Confirm your flight details and arrange transport to the airport.

Reflect on your trek and plan your next adventure!

Tips:

Ensure all your documents and souvenirs are packed safely.

Leave early for the airport to avoid any last-minute rush.

Additional Tips and Advice for the Langtang Valley Trek

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date with necessary vaccinations. Consult with your healthcare provider.

Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and know the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Consider carrying Diamox as a precaution.

Travel Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Packing List

Clothing: Layered clothing, including thermal wear, waterproof jacket, down jacket, trekking pants, gloves, and a warm hat.

Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots and multiple pairs of socks.

Gear: Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures), trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack.

Personal Items: First aid kit, water purification tablets, toiletries, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.

Food and Accommodation

Tea Houses: Accommodation along the Langtang Valley Trek is primarily in tea houses, which offer basic lodging and meals.

Meals: Expect a variety of dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and momo (dumplings). Carry snacks for energy during trekking.

Water: Always drink purified or boiled water. Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a filter.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photos, and respect local traditions.

Language: Learning a few basic Nepali phrases can enhance your interaction with locals.

Environmental Responsibility: Follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Dispose of waste properly and minimize your environmental impact.

Guides and Porters

Hiring a Guide: A local guide can enhance your trekking experience with insights into the region's culture, history, and natural environment. They also ensure your safety and navigation.

Porters: Consider hiring a porter to carry your heavy gear, allowing you to enjoy the trek more comfortably and supporting the local economy.

Final Thoughts

The Langtang Valley Trek is a journey through some of Nepal’s most stunning landscapes, rich in culture and natural beauty. By planning carefully and following these tips, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventure. Embrace the local culture, respect the environment, and take the time to savor every moment of this incredible trekking experience. Happy trekking!

[mariacallous]

There’s an international socialist conspiracy afoot, and it wants to make it easier to walk to the shops. Fringe forces of the far left are plotting to take away our freedom to be stuck in traffic jams, to crawl along clogged ring roads and trawl the streets in search of a parking spot. The liberty of the rush-hour commute, the sanctity of the out-of-town shopping centre and the righteousness of the suburban food desert is under threat as never before. The name of this chilling global movement? The “15-minute city”.

Westminster can often seem like a badly scripted spoof of itself, but rarely has parliament descended into parody as far as it did last week, when the Conservative MP for the South Yorkshire constituency of Don Valley, Nick Fletcher, launched a plucky tirade against the concept of convenient, walkable neighbourhoods. “Will the leader of the house please set aside time for a debate on the international socialist concept of so-called 15-minute cities and 20-minute neighbourhoods?” he asked, in an ominous tone. “Sheffield is already on this journey, and I do not want Doncaster, which also has a Labour-run socialist council, to do the same.”

It is not the first time that an online conspiracy theory has made it into the Commons chamber, but it may be one of the most surreal. Simply put, the 15-minute city principle suggests you should have your daily needs – work, food, healthcare, education, culture and leisure – within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from where you live. It sounds pleasant enough, but in the minds of libertarian fanatics and the bedroom commentators of TikTok, it represents an unprecedented assault on personal freedoms.

“Creepy local authority bureaucrats would like to see your entire existence boiled down to the duration of a quarter of an hour,” warned a furious presenter on GB News last week, as if describing a plot line from Nineteen Eighty-Four. The 15-minute city, he suggested, was a “dystopian plan”, heralding “a surveillance culture that would make Pyongyang envious”.

Never before has a mundane theory of urbanism been such a lightning rod for outrage. It’s like suggesting that public parks are part of a sinister plant-worshipping plot to demolish our homes and replace them with grass. Or that public transport is the work of a satanic bus cult. Some online forums have claimed that the 15-minute city represents the first step towards an inevitable Hunger Games society, in which residents will not be allowed to leave their prescribed areas. They see it not as a route to a low-traffic, low-carbon future, but as the beginning of a slippery slope to living in an open-air prison.

As one irate TikToker shrieked, while jumping around his room in disbelief: “You’re going to have to apply for a fucking permit to leave your zone!” (Although he also ascribed the 15-minute city plans to the Tories, so it’s not quite clear which deranged Reddit forum he got his information from).

There are lots of good reasons to interrogate the cute logic of the 15-minute city – could it actually lead to further social segregation? Would wealthy residents, and their money, remain in the prosperous enclaves? Who is providing the services and where do they live? – but the threat of our rights being curtailed by travel permits isn’t one of them.

The conspiracy theory pot was given a powerful stir in December, when the Canadian rightwing culture warrior Jordan Peterson decided to get involved. “The idea that neighbourhoods should be walkable is lovely,” he tweeted, in a post that has since clocked up 7.5m views. “The idea that idiot tyrannical bureaucrats can decide by fiat where you’re ‘allowed’ to drive is perhaps the worst imaginable perversion of that idea,” he continued, “and, make no mistake, it’s part of a well-documented plan.” Peterson quoted a tweet that featured the telltale hashtag #GreatReset, referring to the World Economic Forum’s post-pandemic economic recovery plan – widely used in the stranger corners of the internet as a byword for a shadowy global conspiracy intent on robbing us of our freedoms. The anti-vaccine, pro-Brexit, climate-denying, 15-minute-phobe, Great Reset axis is a strong one.

So where did the fear come from? Many of the UK conspiracy theorists highlight that these “un-British” ideas of urban walkability emanate from France, so they must be distrusted on principle. Worse than that, they point out, the ideology has been driven by a bearded Colombian scientist with radical roots. The ideas had been around since the 1920s, but the 15-minute city phrase was coined by Carlos Moreno, esteemed professor at the Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, who was once a member of a leftwing guerrilla group in the 1970s. And now he’s coming for your cars.

“Their lies are enormous,” Moreno said in a recent interview , describing some of the claims made by his critics. “You will be locked in your neighbourhood; cameras will signal who can go out; if your mother lives in another neighbourhood, you will have to ask for permission to see her, and so on,” adding that they “sometimes post pictures of concentration camps.”

Moreno first promoted his concept of la ville du quart d’heure in 2016, but it gained international attention when the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, adopted it as part of her re-election campaign in 2020. She promised she would close off roads and turn them into public plazas, plant more trees and turn schools into the “capitals of the neighbourhood”, open to everyone for sports and recreation in evenings and at weekends.

The pandemic proved to be a powerful trial for how a 15-minute city might work in practice, and led to bodies such as UN Habitat, the World Economic Forum, the C40 Global Cities Climate Network and the Federation of United Local Governments championing the cause – which also helped to boost unhinged fantasies that it is all part of a grand global scheme of totalitarian oppression.

More recently, the principles have gained traction in the UK, with Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, Canterbury and Sheffield councils considering 15-minute city ideas. Cue outrage from those with no other cause left to flog. “The climate change lockdowns are coming,” tweeted Nigel Farage, in response to Canterbury’s innocuous traffic filtering scheme, while Oxford’s plans triggered similar ripples of incredulous fury.

“Oxfordshire County Council yesterday approved plans to lock residents into one of six zones to ‘save the planet’ from global warming,” screamed one alarmist headline. “The latest stage in the ‘15-minute city’ agenda is to place electronic gates on key roads in and out of the city, confining residents to their own neighbourhoods.” The claims had zero basis in fact, but they poured further fuel on the fire of those battling low-traffic neighbourhoods, and their fellow band of assorted culture warriors.

It seems fitting that a leaflet drop warning against Oxford’s traffic filters plan was organised by Not Our Future – a new pressure group led by none other than Fred and Richard Fairbrass of 1990s band turned anti-vaxxers Right Said Fred. Too sexy for their car? Maybe they could try cycling to the shops instead.

[eyssant]

Yellowstone Chronicles: Tales of Wonder and Wildlife in the West

Yellowstone National Park stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled power and beauty of nature. Encompassing over 3,400 square miles of wilderness primarily in Wyoming, with slivers extending into Montana and Idaho, this iconic park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Established in 1872, Yellowstone holds the distinction of being the world's first national park, and it continues to captivate millions of visitors annually with its mesmerizing geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here's everything you need to know to embark on an unforgettable journey through Yellowstone.

Things to Explore:

Yellowstone is a treasure trove of natural wonders, each more awe-inspiring than the last. Here are some must-see attractions to include on your itinerary:

Geothermal Marvels: Marvel at Yellowstone's world-renowned geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, which erupts with remarkable regularity. Explore the colorful pools and terraces of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the surreal landscapes of the Norris Geyser Basin, and the bubbling mud pots of the Fountain Paint Pots.

Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for Yellowstone's diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Visit Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley, known as prime wildlife viewing areas, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along Yellowstone's scenic roads to soak in the park's stunning vistas and natural beauty. Highlights include the Lamar Valley, the Beartooth Highway, and the Firehole Canyon Drive.

Waterfalls: Admire the park's majestic waterfalls, including the thundering Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, which plunge into the depths of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Don't miss the Upper Falls, Gibbon Falls, and the cascades of the Firehole River.

Historic Sites: Explore Yellowstone's rich history at historic sites such as the Old Faithful Inn, a masterpiece of rustic architecture, and the Fort Yellowstone Historic District, which preserves the park's military heritage.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Yellowstone depends on your interests and priorities. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Yellowstone, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours ideal for outdoor activities. However, expect crowds, limited lodging availability, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Fall (September to October): Fall brings cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and smaller crowds, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing and photography.

Winter (November to March): Winter transforms Yellowstone into a serene winter wonderland, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching amidst snow-covered landscapes. Note that many park facilities are closed during the winter months, and access may be limited due to snowfall.

Spring (April to May): Spring brings thawing landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and the emergence of newborn wildlife. While temperatures can be variable, spring offers opportunities for uncrowded exploration before the summer rush.

Gateway Towns to Yellowstone National Park:

The nearest gateway towns to Yellowstone National Park offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and services for visitors. Here are some of the closest towns:

West Yellowstone, Montana: Located just outside the park's West Entrance, West Yellowstone serves as a popular base camp for exploring the park's western region. The town offers lodging, restaurants, outdoor outfitters, and access to nearby attractions such as Hebgen Lake and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

Gardiner, Montana: Situated at the park's North Entrance, Gardiner is a charming town with historic architecture, art galleries, and local shops. Visitors can find lodging, dining, and amenities while enjoying proximity to Yellowstone's iconic Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Cody, Wyoming: While further from the park's entrances, Cody offers a unique blend of Western heritage, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, catch a rodeo at the Cody Nite Rodeo, or embark on scenic drives along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, Yellowstone National Park offers a world of discovery and adventure for intrepid travelers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're marveling at geysers, spotting wildlife, or hiking through pristine wilderness, the park promises an unforgettable.

[thethirdvoerman]

For the writer's ask game, in the basics, 1, 2, 9, and 10? 😊

1 — music: I do! It's usually something ambient that fits the atmosphere of the scene, preferably no vocals so as to not distract me. I have amassed a small playlist on YouTube that I put in the background when I'm writing, it's mostly horror OSTs, one Midwestern gothic mix with a bunch of songs, and compositions I enjoy. Sometimes I just loop something and let it rip.

2 — pantser or plotter: A bit of both. Mostly stories pop up in my head as messages from God and I do not dare question. I make outlines, but rarely. My current WIP has a vague plan of events, and my Vampire chronicle has like 2 Google Docs and a conspiracy board, full Charlie Day style.

9 — current WIP: I've always dreamt of writing a book and I've been doing so sporadically ever since I dropped out of uni last year. It's called "Postmortem", I have the prologue and 4 chapters done, and chapter 5 is going smoothly. If I had to describe it, it's like a sci-fi urban coming-of-age story set in a small town in Nebraska about a dead girl and her dad hunting ghosts. My girlfriend calls it "pure anime" (affectionate). I'll enclose an excerpt from chapter 5 under the cut (translated into English as I wrote it in my native tongue).

10 — deadlines: I am bad with self-inflicted deadlines, so I don't bother. I don't feel like forcing words out of myself is right, my uni already does that for like 1000 bucks a term. Then again, that explains the leisurely pace of my book writing process doesn't it...

Mio spat on the pavement, then turned exactly ninety degrees with the precision of a soldier, and stomped away from Hunters’ Hall. She could probably wait around; the tiny patch of concrete here acted as both the parking lot and smoking spot for the locals. Yet the mere act of waiting seemed a grueling task in itself, not to mention talking. She could taste the ennui already. A stack of convenient lies upon more convenient lies made up the legend she’d repeat and slightly alter in each town Doc and her stopped at. This time it was “Mio Miyawaki”, yet another empty promise of a person, one that could answer every question about herself without ever telling anything important, nod along in conversation while never revealing what she really thought, and mislead everyone into believing that she was actually, truly genuine despite not even being real.

“Well that’s just great.”

Mio didn’t really hate this bleak reflection of herself. Neither did she like her.

She turned around the corner. The passing-by truck dragged a gust of hot air past her, and Mio instinctively clasped a hand over her nose. In Carrion, summer was always a haze of smog descending into the valley, a mix of exhaust fumes, burning trash and forest fire smoke. Unable to escape the clutches of the trees, like a sea not being able to escape its shores, the sickly fog of ash and stench stayed calm and still. Then, autumn winds would carry it away, and heavy clouds full of snow would come instead. The town, therefore, existed in a constant state of rigor mortis. No life was possible there – aside from, perhaps, the writhing of parasites in roadkill.

The smell of burning and grey ash didn’t feel as annoying as the odor of tobacco in the fog, both gently tickling and cruelly scratching at her throat from the inside.

Her jaws dragged against each other, an industrial chew of machinery, and Mio only felt it as a thin streak of blood ran down her chin. She’d chewed her lower lip into raw meat. Wiping the blood was a mechanical, meaningless gesture. The red of her uniform jacket soaked it up all nice. Neither blood nor ectocardium really stained it.

All so that the illusion of calm wouldn’t be disturbed.

[plural-sunny]

Hello Tumblr I'm back and babier than ever, this is now my agere/littlespace/edits blog :3!!!!!

Banner above by bunnelbaby

Banner above by tnysweetheart

Here's edits i'm doing at the moment (not in any particular order).

(THIS WON'T BE DONE FOR AWHILE) pokemon dni banner masterpost (for myself)

New Requests: OPEN

Request Info: BELOW THE CUT

Notes:

- ALL requests are done leisurely.. this is simply a hobby to help me regress

- please specify any colours, patterns, or themes for any requests :3

- regression & system edits are prioritized on this blog but others are allowed :3

- THIS IS A PLURAL SPACE. I will not do requests promoting anti-plural, anti-endo, or sysmed rhetoric

You may request:

- Icons / Flag Icons

- Paci / Animal Ear / Gear Edits (Unless otherwise requested, will be turned into icons)

- DNI Banners (default text will say: "[x] PROTECTS THIS BLOG! SFW INTERACTIONS ONLY" if you want something else please specify)

- Moodboards

- Itemboards - Fashionboards / Selfcareboards

- Headers (new & experimental)

I will edit for:

- Non-Fandoms (ie. Plushies, animals, emojis, etc)

- Omori

- Pokemon

- Sonic

- Bluey

- Stardew Valley

- Harvest Moon + Rune Factory

- Kagerou Project

- Ace Attorney

- Ghost Trick

- Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (anime only)

- The Owl House

- In Stars and Time

- I'm not currently taking requests for unlisted fandoms

I will not edit:

- Fanart (and if you see me accidentally use some, LET ME KNOW PLEASE!)

- Fandoms not on the above list right now

- Live action or hyperrealistic characters and/or real people

- Some 3d medias

- VTuber / Spritetuber / YouTuber personas

- Medias that do not have canonical or clear images

- Explicit images

- Annoyingly adult medias (Seth MacFarlane works, South Park...)

My CGLRe about me

- I am in an open CGLRe relationship. This does not mean I am comfortable with complete strangers coming into my DMs, inbox, or replies and trying to CG for me or just straight up flirt with me 😅

- my CG is part of my system and will occasionally post on here as well

- I am a Flip with a HEAVY little lean

- I regress involuntarily & cannot force myself in or out of it

- Age regression CAN be an extremely negative & delusional headspace for me, HOWEVER, I am working with my self, my CG, and my friends to make it a happy experience 💕

[ironheartedfae]

Timing: Early August Location: Wicked's Rest State Park Feat: @lithium-argon-wo-l-f & @ironheartedfae Warnings: The Ren Starterpack: Mentions of ( child abuse tw, child neglect tw) Summary: Ren and Gael have a little picnic and talk about Ren's past.

Beyond the last rows of houses, past the outskirts. Out far past where the trails ended, where the only human structures were fire watch stations and the occasional radio tower jutting high above the canopy. Beauty could be found at every turn. Nature in all its splendor. A perfect place to pick flowers, far enough that no humans would cross their paths, and no nosy cu-sith would come sniffing around. Hopefully. Ren didn't know what she might do if the creature tried to hurt Gael. The thought alone gripped her by the heart and shook like a mangy dog gnawing on a bone. 

At the same time, somehow she couldn't imagine the beast doing something so… beastly. It was calm when Emilio found her at the dump. It wasn't even that aggressive the first time they met. She was mostly just…protective. Ren didn't understand why, but she knew what it looked like. 

The walk out had been mostly quiet. Not awkwardly or anything like that. Each of them pointing out various flora and fauna along their hike. Mostly her, but not just. Every once in a while Ren would get so excited she'd grab tight onto the man's hand and rush him over to see some bug she happened to spy. Or to quiet enough that they could listen to a bird call, one she'd spend ages debating with herself which specific species it might be. 

Ren found herself lost in the journey. Found that she hadn't even thought of the reasons for coming out this far. Only thinking of the bright warm sunlight, of the way getting to walk alongside Gael through the overgrown woods made her feel like she was a kid. A real kid. For the first time. Arriving at the flower filled valley was a treat, not an end. The picnic they'd packed was another. Ren had practically dove into the tall grass after a particularly fat cricket as Gael set up the big blanket. She was far more exuberant than she'd ever been. And she didn't want any of it to stop. 

"Look! Gryllus campestris! This is the biggest one I have ever seen!" 

—

Each conversation was progress, each exchange, each gentle affirmation and long-winded explanation Gael had with the girl who was fae and yet more human than she wanted to admit. More human than she was raised to believe. He’d never met Darya but as they took their leisurely walk, his cardio having improved since he started going on hikes and she would touch him with excitement or a childish enthusiasm when she pointed out a plant she was fond of or an insect she told him the scientific name of, he came to a more cemented conclusion that he didn’t like her, not at all. He tried not to think about it though; it wasn’t healthy for either of them to compare what they were doing to what would’ve happened if it was Darya instead of him. Instead, Gael held onto each time she took his hand to show him anything, each time she cast him a bright-eyed look with her emerald eyes, seeing youth radiating from her. Now and then, with increasing frequency, he would forget that this was the same girl that he met in the soft rains that day, wide-eyed, afraid, not talking or moving too much out of the very recognized fear that she would be punished for what, he still couldn’t figure out; he lacked the capacity to understand why someone would abuse a child. They hadn’t seen the dog yet. Gael figured it wouldn’t be that difficult to see as it was the size of a cow but he wasn’t questioning not having seen it as he himself was caught in the moments they spent dappled by the sun through the trees, hearing the breeze rustling the leaves and their curly hair, absently whistling in response to a bird he heard that he was sure she’d know the name of if she could find it. The flower field, as they got to it, was expansive and colored with so many colors he wasn’t sure if he could list them all. It was unusual but no one was about to catch him complaining. As Ren’s attention was captured by another insect, Gael set up the blanket carefully, picking a particularly grassy patch where the flowers were more sparse and once it was spread to his satisfaction, he had just set down the large picnic basket he’d packed for them (with her suggestions and input, of course) when she called to him and he turned his head to regard her. “Really? Here, lemme see.” He knelt near her and craned his neck to get a good look at the thing, which looked to be a cricket of some sort. “You weren’t kidding! That’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen, too!” He remarked, taken aback by how large the specimen was.

—

Dazzled as she was by the spectacle all around her, Ren was far too absorbed in her activities to care that she was smiling like a fool. That she was acting like the person she always feared she couldn’t be. If the young fae had realized, she might have shied away. Might have tried her best to reconstruct those walls because everything outside of them was so foreign. So unknown. There was danger in lending your heart to another, but Ren was trying her best to ignore it. Hope was the word of the day. Belief in the man she’d come to know, and the day she wanted to give him. 

So much stress had been passing through their house. Ren knew not all of it was from her, but it was hard to shake that notion. A day out in the woods, picking flowers for their experiment, having a picnic while they talked about matters too heavy to type out online… maybe it was what they both needed. 

“She must be very good at her job.” The red head nodded, holding the cricket carefully in the palm of her hands. She eyed it this way and that, making a perfect mental note before gently letting the critter go. “This place is good for the bugs, I think. Lots of nutrients for everyone.” A softer smile graced the nymph’s lips. If she was meant to have a biome or something of the sort, this would be it. Hell, they could probably find a few actual praying mantises amongst the grass and flowers if they tried. Ren could show off how they legitimately listened to her command. But for the time being, she left them all to their own devices. 

Scooting back until she was on the blanket, Ren picked a sandwich from the basket. One of the ones she’d made. With cucumbers and salami and just a little bit of cheese. Even though it was red meat, it was still one of her favorites. And having a slice or two every once in a while couldn’t be that bad, could it? It wasn’t like her stomach was the pinnacle of perfection any day. Ren began nibbling at the corners. Systematically removing the crusts first, so the better tasting part of the sandwich would come last. “I am glad we are…” A few seconds into speaking she realized a bit too much food was in her mouth. That wasn’t exactly one of the manners she was taught, but it did make it harder all the same, so she swallowed before continuing. “I am glad we could do this today. It is so lovely out. Not even too hot, or too cold. Right in the middle for both of us.” 

— 

The cricket was in her hands and a smile was on her face, bright, shining more than he’d ever seen her and Gael had to keep himself from letting his gaze linger too long on her lest she think there was something wrong with her. Nothing was wrong with her. She’d protest if he said that, he was sure she would. All the discussion they had about how she was a monster, how she was raised to hate the thing that she was, not being given anything and having to lastingly earn the things that she shouldn’t have had to. Color was returning to her dappled skin, her hair was growing out a little bit. Her cheeks seemed less hollow, her expression replacing emotionally distant with curious. It wasn’t perfect, of course it wasn’t - she still spent most of her time in her room and had a tendency to sneak out when she thought Gael couldn’t hear her, which he wouldn’t have if he wasn’t given a few perks in exchange for the injury. She still bore the marks of her abuse, and that was something he would need to navigate. He had faith in her, however, just as he had faith that he himself would be able to help - or at least be better than Darya. Give Ren something she needed, which was to smile and chase bugs in the grass. Gael adjusted himself on the blanket as she did, close to her but not too close, and waited until she picked out one of the sandwiches she’d made as he observed before he pulled one of his own out. She could keep her cucumbers and salami, he was a ham-and-cheese person all day though he did spare himself a pulled pork sandwich that was nicely nestled at the bottom. He snapped to her attention when she started speaking through her mouthful of food, which was difficult to parse but at least she had stopped to swallow. He wasn’t about to get onto her for it. “I’m really glad we could, too.” Gael smiled through his own bite of sandwich. “The sun feels good, the breeze feels good, the air smells pleasant.” He looked over at her, his expression soft. “This is how it’s supposed to be. This is what happiness feels like.” Even if they weren’t going to take any of the flowers home for the science project he had told her about, this was still very healthy for her. It was healthy for him, too, when he thought about it - it had been a while since he was out in nature and he didn’t feel like he was losing his mind. He reached into the basket and pulled out one of two thermoses, unscrewing the lid and pouring some apple juice into it. “Here, try this.” Gael said, offering the lid-turned-cup to the girl. “If you don’t like it, I have water for you.”

—

Something about warm sunlight on a cool enough day was magical. Finding a spot amongst the flowers with such a lovely view was magical. Bright blue skies (like Gael's favorite color) blanketing over sprawling green fields (dotted of course with Ren's) were magical too. But these were the world's mundane magic. The kind that was anomalous only in that most people did not make time to seek them out. Normal people worried about their jobs. About traffic. What they were going to have to grab from the grocery store for dinner each night. Who liked what clothes, holidays, coffee, that sort of thing. Ren had never those luxuries, nor those burdens.She didn't have much of anything.

But now she had this. 

Soft eyes gazed upon her and she didn't feel the need to hide away. Not anymore. Ren didn't feel like her disguise was slipping and every flaw would be noticed if she made the wrong move. Gael had seen her at what she assumed to be her worst. At that moment he welcomed her closer. Reminded her of her humanity. Her personhood. Hugged her close and let her cry. If she could do that in front of him, what was a smile? What was a laugh? What was learning and experiencing joy? 

Ren tried the emotions on like normal girls tried on clothes. Finding that they could exist for something more than utility. More than her mission. That there could be in betweens. Her latest letter back to Darya had been sitting on the small desk for almost two days now. Her reports had slowed since the vodnik attack. Ren found herself extrapolating on older files rather than drumming up new targets. She could always find another detail she managed to overlook, find some new context to it. She didn't always have the time to chase new leads. Not while learning to interact with the world around her, not while getting to know the people that inhabited it. 

A fuzzy warmth filled Ren's chest to bursting. Gael went on about happiness and how life was supposed to be, and she couldn't agree more. Even when that very thought drew out a nasty kick of guilt. A small pain that wilted her into the sandwich. Into the thermos with the strange liquid inside. Ren took the moment of examination to sit in her feelings. To try and not let it show. They were having such a good time, she didn't want to stop that now. Not yet. They had plenty of things to speak on, but first. The picnic. 

Ren sipped, and promptly sipped again mere moments after the sweet juice had finished coating her tongue. Her eyes widened, pupils dilating in wonder and delight as this nectar danced across her senses. The moment of doubt and dissociation was gone in a gulp. The young nymph's attention shot back up at the professor with a wildly shocked look. "It is so good! D-Does everyone know of this?"

—

He thought she might like it. He didn’t know how much though and for a moment the thought occurred to Gael that she’d probably never been given things to eat or drink that were ‘fun’; why give the kid juice as a treat or something tasty to drink while she was training vigorously? He assumed there were no exciting days for her to explore at her leisure, no instance in which she enthusiastically showed Darya a big cricket she found and was met with a smile and a level of humility that she’d also never seen one that size. She wasn’t encouraged to express herself, her interests. Everything seemed to be streamlined; if her skills could be utilized and deployed in the context of her job, then they were allowed to stay but not as things she enjoyed Gael was being presumptuous. He found himself frustrated internally at his inability to just focus on today. So in response to her sudden buzzing, he couldn’t help but laugh, both at the reaction and in an attempt to dismiss the comparisons, the negative thoughts, the idea that he needed to be better than anyone else. He just needed to be there with her. For her. “A lot of people do, yeah! It’s called ‘apple juice’ and it uses, well, juice from apples.” That wasn’t entirely accurate but he didn’t want to ruin the good feelings. “It’s a popular drink, welcome to the club!” Quirking one of his thick eyebrows, he held the thermos up to indicate that the juice was in that one before carefully setting it into the basket securely so it wouldn’t get knocked over. “You can have as much as you want, it’s for you. I just ask that you don’t drink it all at once.” He suggested; she might’ve had a mismatched mental age to accompany her body’s age, and even then he was thinking in human terms and not fae terms but he knew that she understood a simple form of ‘moderation’, even if the word itself was unnecessarily long. He didn’t want to baby her. Contrary to how people tended to treat the young adults around Wicked’s Rest, Gael was cognizant of her human age and wanted to respect her ability to make her own choices; he could ask that she not drink it but she could make her own decisions. It was an interesting line that changed with every 19-20-something year old he encountered. He made mistakes, of course he did but it was all he could do to try to fix those mistakes so they didn’t happen again. He first met Ren as she fiercely stabbed a vodnik to death; she was childlike but she wasn’t a child. The professor thought maybe he still got those two mixed up, try as he might not to. Opening up the other thermos, Gael poured himself some water from it and was content to sip it while she enjoyed the juice. Leaning back, feeling the rays of the sun on his curly-haired head, he wondered briefly how he should broach the topic of feelings. While she was on the high of apple juice, another small wonder that she’d never been given? Should he wait until she calmed down a little bit? This was new territory for him, admittedly. So instead of saying anything at first, he simply took another sip of water and looked around their peaceful environment. “You’re right, it’s the perfect day.”

—

A perfect day for trying new things. For opening up and allowing herself to at least pretend to be just a normal kid for once. Ren was cautious. She always was. It’s hard to say if it was just a fact of her nature, or (like many other facets of her personality) grafted into her. A foundation built, brick by brick. Not of clay or terracotta, but of extensive labors, hard won lessons, and (debatable) truths about the world around her. Each carefully laid by one who sought to make her into something perfect. Or at least their vision of it. 

Ren would be strong. Stronger than the warden children from the compound. Ren would be fast. Ren would be able to sense out the fae and move among them undetected. Welcomed even. Ren would send out field reports back to the compound, let them decide her actions and then she would just as dutifully carry them out. Ren would have no trouble killing her own kind. 

Except she did. 

Wardens believed the fae to all be monsters. If they didn’t, their jobs would have far too much nuance to keep on how they’d been trained for centuries. Maybe Darya truly thought she was starting with a blank slate. Maybe she just assumed there would be nothing on the canvas she painted into a soldier. Beneath the layers of blood stained strokes, there was a person. One with not one, but two mother wounds. The family she’d been told left her, and the one she was learning did not love her in the way they could have. Only in the presence of something real did the facsimile lose its luster.

What Darya had shown Ren was not love. It was a shadow on a wall. Scaring away thoughts of rebellion. It was the monster and the hero. It was all just stories that she was told were caring. She inferred that it was love, because she had to. Because that’s what kids want. That’s what they all need. Every time the older woman came in and Ren did everything in her power to earn those few moments of contact, she was searching for it. A brief shoulder touch, a rustling on her head, a pleasant nod… she was chasing love. 

Begging for it. 

Here, among the wildflowers, sun shining like a warm blanket… Ren didn’t need to plead for something she’d never really had. Gael gave so freely, so openly. She felt almost guilty at earning it as quickly as she had. Felt a lot of things she couldn’t really explain. Like the very sudden inclination that she wanted to let herself be closer. After finishing her sandwich and delicious juice, she scooted over. Tentatively, the redhead leaned, allowing her head to come to rest on Gael’s shoulder. 

“Should– Should we start?” She didn't want to. A great big part of her wanted to just leave the day as lovely as it could be. But this had been the whole reason for it. Ren knew what this all was. A soothing balm on something that they both knew was going to be rough and ragged. 

— He’d gotten to know her well enough to know that if there was something she wanted to do, a way she wanted to engage, she’d make it known to him one way or another. Such was the case here when Gael remained where he was and she made the conscious choice to scoot closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. And he made the conscious choice to turn his head slightly, brushing his jaw against her skull, feeling her soft curly hair on his chin, the motion not unlike a dog wanting to rest its head on someone’s leg. Lowering his head, his cheek against her for a brief moment, Gael inhaled deeply and calmly through his nose, breathing steadily, keeping his expression mild, soft, half-lidded. “Yeah, maybe for a few minutes.” He suggested. “I don’t want to overwhelm you. Let’s start slow.” He began with a light shrug of the shoulder that she wasn’t leaning against. “Tell me about how you’re feeling right now and we’ll go from there, okay?” He asked, glancing down at her earnestly. “And if there’s something you don’t want to say, then you can say no and I’ll respect that.” Gael wanted to make sure that this wasn’t an interrogation, something he could learn about her that he’d subsequently hold over her head. He wasn’t going to guilt her, coerce her into saying anything she didn’t want to. This was a delicate process but the fact that she was willing to come out here to even talk in general, the way she was acting during the trip so far, how she now leaned against him with the timid gentleness of a child wanting to know if it was okay for them to touch, all these things told him that even if she weren’t to talk about anything, she’d already come so far from where she started months ago and he was proud of her.

—

A short breath caught briefly in her chest before a long exhale pushed it along. Ren leaned into the comforting touch. Closed her eyes and felt the weight shift from her neck to his shoulder. Felt the roughness of his stubble at odds with the softness of his smile. Darya would never. She could never. Iron skin or sheltered heart. The effect was the same. Distance. Always arm’s length or more. 

“Okay.” Such a simple word. Breathed out like a sigh. A rush of water breaking through a dam of poorly placed leaves, built up over time as the canopy withered through the seasons. Ren made no move to change her position. Here was good. Here was safe. The girl had never felt so seen as when she was with Gael, never felt so secure. It was why secrets had to be shared. The past laid out, so they could both come to understand one another even better. 

“Right now is–” Butterflies and wasps. Coziness and dread, somehow all wrapped up in one. Ren’s head was spinning and her heart was a great iron anchor. The moment was everything she could have ever hoped for. Things she didn’t know she wanted right up until they were given. She felt wanted. That never happened before. Useful, sure. But not wanted. “Now is good, I think. But perhaps stained. By what came before.” A flash of pink dashed across dry lips. Another sigh. Deliberation on where to go, what was the best thing to say next? Was there even a best in this scenario? Probably not. 

“I do not remember my family.” Ren remembered most things with near picture perfect clarity. Even so, things that far back were lost to a yet to develop brain and a flurry of activity. “I only remember Darya. The compound. When I was very little it was just us.” The nymph fidgeted, making use of her fingers by weaving together a few long strands of grass she plucked absentmindedly. “That was my whole world. She cared for me. But she also trained me. As I grew older, it became more of the second, less of the first. I–” The strand of grass split off under the tension of Ren’s fingers. Breaking apart from the rest of the knotted wheat. “–I thought it was because I had to earn it. Being cared for. That I had done something wrong.”

Ren examined the plant. The structure of it. Where it broke off and left the rest behind. She was silent for a few moments, contemplative. Careful about what she wanted to say next. “That was when I started to think that it was bad just to be what I was. She was teaching me to fight monsters. Monsters who were like me. She did not call me one, but she–” A breath, uneasy and far too heavy, blew away the plants from her hands. “–she did not have to.” 

—   

She didn’t flinch from him. Rather, this time Gael felt her soft, light weight press against his as she leaned into him again and he allowed himself to lean back. An exchange of body heat, a physical connection, a repeat of that day on the bed. Her heartbeat was much calmer now, her face free from tears; he didn’t feel desperation in her body language. How far she’d come. And yet, the ghosts of her past still haunted her, stuck to her like a chill you couldn’t shake. A disease that took such a beautiful thing and forced it to look in the mirror to view itself with horror because who could love a thing like that? Nothing Ren said about Darya could’ve surprised Gael anymore, the initial rage that bubbled inside him with learning the bulk of the woman’s deplorable actions as he sat on his laptop, reading the things she did through the conduit that was his conversation with Ren having since simmered down to a residual irritation that lined his esophagus, gnawing at the soft tissue as he learned a new thing to hate her for. He couldn’t presume to truly know Darya and as such, he didn’t feel right casting unbiased judgment but from one human to another, he wished the earth would spontaneously open its maw where she stood and plunge her into the deepest, furthest pits of Hell. …But that coping mechanism was just as unhealthy, Gael knew that too. You couldn’t heal the wounds from the past by pretending they didn’t exist, by the cause suddenly being removed forever. As Ren spoke to him about more of those fragments, bearing the wounds to him, he was given something he felt she spared few others - the opportunity to simply talk about it, start treating those wounds until they could turn into scars that she would carry with her but no longer were they open, neglected as she was. This day was important, these conversations and words she told him were important. “She means a lot to you.” Gael offered quietly, keeping his head facing forward. “She raised you and trained you. Taught you everything you know.” He inhaled deeply. “And she kept you at a distance. Never comforted you when you needed it. Made you feel like a stranger in your own skin.” He knew how that felt nowadays and he hadn’t forgotten that he said he’d talk to her about that while they were there… and how he couldn’t predict how that conversation would turn about. It caused his stomach to twist itself into knots the way he was sure hers did when he suggested she just… express herself. How could he be so selfish and hypocritical? That was for down the line, however. “It’s okay to feel conflicted about her.” Because that was true. There was a reason why the heavily abused and neglected clung so desperately to their beliefs, the idea that whoever was abusing them was the only light in their world of darkness. It was a terrible conditioning effect, implemented from an age that was never right because it itself was never right. “It’s also okay to think that she’s not all bad while realizing that there are some things she did that are bad.” Good, bad, simple terminology to describe an evil in one of the purest forms - the corruption between a parent and a child. The acid that simmered in Gael’s esophagus churned at the thought.

—

Open honesty was once again rewarded with patient understanding. Ren didn’t smile, not exactly. This wasn’t the time for that, but… she did allow her cheek to squish in closer. Looped a small arm around his. Trying out another new gesture as she listened. As she tried her best to commit these things to actual understanding. If only it was as easy as just remembering the words.

Knowing something and feeling it were not the same thing. 

If knowledge was a stream, each current a different branch of study, knowing would be standing along the shore. Pulling fish from the depths to feed oneself, but staying dry all the while. Feeling however, was an immersive dive. Flowing down the river. Cool waters cradling and lifting your body while the waves lapped around you. It was wind dancing along wet skin. A weightlessness with applied pressure. All surrounding, all consuming. Blotting out the world around you as your head dipped below the surface. 

Feeling was like floating, feeling too much was like drowning. 

Ren wished she could just crush away the feelings that threatened to pull her under. Conflicted, confused, and careful. A few tentative breaths cooled the rush of heat always swelled when she tried to feel. How often had the only emotion to surface been anger? The fires of rage, fueling her like a furnace. Everything else was simply too much to process. An overwhelming tide where it all mixed into one force that just made her cry. Ren hated crying. She hated being mad, too. But at least there was something you could do with anger. You could direct it outward, could expend the energy by throwing herself into fights far too big for her to handle on her own. She, a defiant David against every Goliath that dared cross her path. 

Not everything could be solved that way though. More, in fact, couldn’t be. “I do not think I knew comfort was even a thing I wanted, until here.” Ren squeezed tighter, inhaled the subtle scent of cedar and leather. Something she hadn’t even realized had become so synonymous with home. “I was alone. I lived in a cabin. On the compound but away from everyone else. Darya said it was for my safety. I would be left to my own training, and she would come to observe when she dropped off supplies. Was not so different when first arrived in Wicked’s Rest. Still get supplies. Only now I do not see her.” The nymph’s mouth dried, a pang of guilt at the fact that she realized how relieved that made her. She’d been so excited, she’d always been so excited to see her mother. Distance drew them apart. And yet– “She sent call. Day I ran away. Checked in. She sounded… concerned. Sounded proud. I had been angry at her and not sent reports, and she was worried I think. And I–” She quieted. Slumped slightly. Kept her breath steady. “–It was same day as the cu-sith. Too much filled my head at once. Could not think properly. Went to where I thought it would be clear. Only made things worse.” Ren licked her lips again, her eyes fixated on the edge of the blanket. Frayed strings, just like her mind. “I–I do not want to be bad daughter. But I was mad that she showed she could be good mother. I was mad at how much I still need her. Mad at how much I want her to care about me. At how much I would still do to get this. Mad at everything.” 

— Her cheek against him, an arm wrapped around his own and further words in an attempt to express herself, each one acting as a small task of its own that she tried now that she had the space and ability to do so. Gael reciprocated by brushing her head with his jaw again lightly, gently, like a cat marking a human with the glands under their chin only with the touch of a finger on highly-fragile glass. The man thought carefully on each of the words that Ren said, every sentence that felt like it was cracking off just a little more of the shell that surrounded the small, beating heart of the girl. Wounded, tired even at her young age, pumping survival and primal instinct through her but not ever supplied with what she needed: joy, happiness, love. And as she spoke, as she said these sentences, Gael wanted to scoop her up in his arms and stop the conversation where it was, embracing her, apologizing for making her discuss this when he knew how difficult it was, wanting to give her more juice and to turn her loose in the field once more so she could find that hidden happiness again. But they both knew this was something that needed to be addressed, the splinter that kept the wound from healing properly. And Gael admired her strength, even if she didn’t see it. “You’re not a bad daughter.” He affirmed first. “It’s understandable that you were mad.” The more Gael thought about it, the more he wondered if Darya was concerned for her or was she more concerned at the fact that her little super soldier who went out into the world and gathered information for her was no longer making contact. He paused for a moment, taking the opportunity to scoot a little closer to her this time. “I think there might be part of her that cares for you.” He explained slowly, looking at the grass that swayed slightly under the touch of the wind that shifted through their curly hair. “But she waited until you were grown and gone before telling you that.” 

It was a difficult thing to say and Gael didn’t want to straight up call it abuse, even if it obviously was; telling her daughter that ‘her kind’ were monsters, that fae were inherently dangerous and needed to be killed, that she should hate what she was. Then of course when Ren found independence, people she could talk to and relationships that would actually give her the things she needed, Darya calls and wonders if she’s okay and that she was worried. The thought tensed a small part of him up despite knowing better and he released the energy by popping his neck, tilting his head away from the girl. “Just because she wasn’t a good mother until it was on her terms doesn’t mean you’re a bad daughter, Ren.” Gael repeated, the idea that she held herself to this impossible standard that was forced on her making the acidic feeling in his esophagus rise. “You’ve killed but you’re not a murderer. You’re a fae but you’re not a monster.” He bit his tongue now to keep himself from going overboard with his own emotions, wanting to get back onto his passionate soapbox about how Darya wasn’t worth Ren’s affections or craving for approval, how Ren was so much better than anything Darya could’ve offered her after 20 years of abuse and neglect, how Ren had friends and people who cared deeply about her over the course of a few months than Darya had her entire life. 

He breathed deeply, feeling himself simmering down from his flash of anger, the temperamental creature that rose inside him on occasion, the sleepwalker beneath the surface that ruined things. He didn’t want to ruin this. He didn’t want Ren to leave again. “If she asked… would you return to her?” Gael asked softly.

—

A long drawn moment of quiet contemplation consumed the girl. Each idea Gael proposed was tucked away, neatly and carefully. Revered tomes of wisdom to be reviewed over and over until she could call them true. Ren swallowed hard, when he reminded her that he didn't see her as a murderer, a monster. The two statements and how they contradicted one another in her brain had driven them to this conversation, hadn't they? If she wasn't a murderer, it was because she only killed monsters. But if she wasn't a monster, then neither were the people she killed. 

Ren had realized more and more since she got to Wicked's Rest how much choice she had in everything. Why hadn't she stopped at the first? Why didn't she question more when they looked back at her with betrayal and fear. Weakness. She thought they were cowards, weak cowards begging for their own pitiful lives, but no. They were probably just people. Terrified and confused as to where the hellion came from and why she was trying to kill them with such fury. 

"It is not just… it is not so simple as this." Ren looked towards the horizon. Beyond the tree line as best she could guess was the direction of the compound. "I killed them." Tiny arms loosened as she sat up straight. Tucking her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on folded arms. Somehow the sweet contact seemed too much. She didn't want to sour it, not with this. "I did that. Nothing changes this. Not even if I was told to do so. Darya was not here. She did not make me hold the knife. She only gave me ideas. I should have made my own." You're a kid. That's what Emilio kept saying. Was she? Most days Ren felt like she was just a hollow vessel for other people's intentions. 

"Not all of them were bad. Certainly not, not if I also am– not a monster just for what I was born as. Maybe–" Ren paused again. Wetting her lips and talking a breath. "Maybe I am– because of what I have done. How do you fix something like this? What if the ones I have hurt… what if they had people they cared about, people who cared about them… what if they had their own Gaels or Noras or Vans or anything like this. I must have hurt those people too, and I did not even hold knife to them." It had been eating away at her, the more close bonds she made, the more she realized she'd be upset if something happened to these people, the more Ren realized she had done just about the worst thing someone could.  Multiple times. And had felt no remorse until someone dared show her what kindness was. 

In a way, she wished she could go back. At least she didn't wake up in the middle of the night panting and sweating, seeing ghosts of the faces she couldn't force herself to forget. "No." Defiant. Small. Weakly, she responded to his question. "...Yes." Taken back about as soon as it'd been unleashed. "Maybe. I do not know." Each was a lie, each was the truth. Her stomach hurt but not from intricate rules that bound every fae, at least not fully. Ren let her head droop further. Till she was looking down at the blanket where a line of ants had begun to make their way towards some of the apple juice that had been splashed in her earlier excitement. 

Could she ever just stay in a state like that? Happy, content. Or was it always doomed to be more like this. Moments of precious pretend, then bitter harsh truths. Go back, go back, go back. To where, to when? Was there ever a time when things were just okay? When they would have stayed that way if nothing changed? No, she supposed. Life didn't work out that way. 

"It is not like I can just stop, if I do not send reports, she will not send supplies."

—

Gael adjusted his position when she pulled away from him - they were getting to the meat of the issue. A root cause, one of the bigger wounds he wanted so badly to address and help start to heal. But even he wasn’t sure how to fix it. It was a problem and not a small one at that. Gael didn’t want to admit that he might not’ve been the most well-equipped to tackle this problem, the one where she’d killed several people. He had already snapped at Emilio for his description and defense of hunters, and what was Ren’s upbringing if not “a hunter of fae”? He wracked his brain for answers, an explanation that would soften the blow or words of affirmation that might make her feel better but she brought up some valid points. If they were all like Ren, creatures who could doll themselves up to appear human, pursue relationships the way Ren had been, had thoughts and feelings and emotions… a capacity for love… How many people did Gael know that weren’t human? ‘Supernatural’ as Emilio had called nonhumans. How many people did Gael know as people, not aware of what was under the glamour, the trick of the light? What they kept inside, their true natures as beasts with human skin– No, that wasn’t the right train of thought. That was a dangerous place, one he didn’t want to go to. No, they were still people. And Ren had killed a bunch of them. That was true. Gael couldn’t contest that. It had happened and she was now coming to the realization that it wasn’t the right thing to do. And yet… “She wasn’t there in person.” He said aloud after a lengthy moment of silence. “But she was still there with you.” He looked earnestly at the girl, making sure his expression remained gentle, as full of understanding as he could manage despite not knowing exactly how she could’ve felt. “You did those things because no one taught you any better.” His expression managed to soften more, his brow twitching. “My grandfather had a saying. ‘Violence is not the fault of the weapon, but of the person who wields it’.” He licked his lower lip and changed the way he was sitting slightly, pulling his legs in a little so he could rest an elbow on one. Gael tapped on his chin in thought. “You were the weapon. Darya is the person wielding you.” He considered. “I… can’t give you a clinical answer on how to fix what’s been done.” He admitted. “But you’re still very young, both for a fae and a human. You have so much life to live, so many things to learn, so many choices for you to make.” He craned his head, searching for her gaze that was on the ground now. “I don’t know what supplies she sends you as collateral for your reports. But if you let me, I’ll provide you with anything you want or need. Books, food, a new knife, a plant for your room.” He inhaled deeply. “Whatever you want, however you feel is right now. And I’m here with you right now. The past may be broken but that doesn’t mean your life and how you want to live it going forward is.”

—

The quiet stretch was a long bout of self imposed agony. Things Ren wouldn't recognize as anxiety but would whisper things her way. Telling illogical things that were proven so false so quickly. Gael, clever professor. Fountain of warmth. A hearth made man. He assured the nymph the decisions still lay on the hands of the one who taught her. Professed her a weapon in those instances, not fully at fault. 

Maybe it wasn't perfect, maybe it didn't fully pull the sting away from those bright green eyes, catching sight of the man as he stooped to meet her gaze. Maybe it didn't fix things, but it was a start. It was a step towards okay. Nextdoor to normal. 

Slowly, slowly, she nodded. Pressed her lips together and mimicked something of a sad smile. If Ren had been more accustomed to the normal life she might have lived, more adjusted to living and enjoying company, she might have proposed a toast. 

Raise a cup of apple juice high for the concept of time. Time enough for justice. For healing. For the world to spin on its axis and Ren to learn how to exist within it. How to live with herself and what she had done. Time enough to form bonds with people like Gael who so clearly wanted to help soothe the wounded parts of her heart and soul. 

Ren let her forehead drop a little forward. Just enough that the very crown of her head met his. A gentle bump, and an affirmation that if nothing else, she was willing to try. And so, so thankful for the hand of guidance he offered. 

Ren pulled back slightly, but not of fear or anxiety this time. Just enough to get a better look. Enough that she could compose herself and throw an idea out, as her mind was always looking for solutions rather than just letting her feel her feelings. Emotions were a puzzle she was keen on solving. Even when she couldn't. Even when she shouldn't. 

 "There are… still dangers out there. Things people do not see coming. If I can protect them from those… if I can stop danger from happening, maybe this is penance? Maybe it is only fair…" 

—

Her eyes met his, to his quiet relief and she dropped her head before it made contact with his. A small smile made its way onto Gael’s face as he closed his eyes briefly, taking the small motion as a nonverbal indicator that she was at least receptive to the things he said. Happy that he didn’t push too hard, he wanted to tell her how proud he was of their conversation, the good things that she’s done. He’d be sure when the situation presented itself. For now, though, he was satisfied with the small, gentle head bump and he kept his dark eyes on her as she pulled back, the same small smile on his angled face. And Gael’s expression lightened with a gentle enthusiasm at her suggestion, accompanying it with a nod. “I think that’s a great start. Protect people from the objectively bad ones. Like what you did with me. “Though I hate to break it to you, little fern. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair and it probably won’t ever be.” Gael explained, softening his gaze once more. “But that willingness to move forward and more importantly, letting you be kind to yourself are great steps to take.” He reached over for more of the apple juice, pouring some for her and offering the cup to her again. “The rest will come with time and patience.” He winked. “Little pleasures. Feeling happy. Rain comes but the sun always follows.”

[gokitetour]

10 Best Tourist Places in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, famously known for its eventful history, is truly an enchanting land blessed with breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures. It is situated amidst the magnificent mountains of Central Asia and acts as a melting pot of ancient cultures and vibrant traditions. Despite its negative portrayal in the media, Afghanistan has an abundance of captivating tourist destinations that showcase its indomitable spirit and stunning beauty. Exploring the historical streets of Kabul, encountering the iconic remnants in Bamiyan, wandering through the picturesque valleys of Panjshir, and marvelling at the architectural marvels of Herat are some of the ways to experience the charm of this country. Each of these locations has a unique story to share about its vibrant past and unwavering resilience, inviting traveller’s to discover a side of Afghanistan that is often overlooked.

Here are some of the best tourist places in Afghanistan.

1.Kabul: Kabul's Attractions: Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, holds significant political and historical importance. It not only boasts notable sites such as the Darul Aman Palace, which recounts Afghanistan's turbulent past, and the Gardens of Babur, a serene retreat showcasing impressive Mughal architecture, but it also houses the Kabul Museum. Although the museum has suffered during times of war, it remains committed to preserving and showcasing the country's priceless heritage. Kabul successfully blends the old and the new, reflecting the unwavering resilience and determination of the nation.

2.Buddha statues of Bamiyan: A Mysterious Site: Bamiyan is well-known for its colossal Buddha statues, which were tragically demolished by the Taliban in 2001. However, the niches where these statues once stood still remain, preserving the grandeur of a past era. In addition to this tragedy, Bamiyan Valley offers stunning landscapes with towering cliffs and captivating beauty, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Furthermore, Bamiyan takes pride in being the home of Band-e Amir National Park, which showcases mesmerizing blue lakes, further adding to its charm.

3.Herat: The Mosque City: Located in the western part of Afghanistan is the captivating city of Herat, known for its rich historical background. The Herat Citadel, also known as the Iktyaruddin Fortress, stands proudly as a powerful symbol of the city's ancient heritage. Additionally, the Friday Mosque displays remarkable Islamic architecture, featuring intricate blue tiles. Wandering through the old part of town, visitors are enchanted by the charming bazaars and narrow lanes that evoke a sense of a bygone era.

4.The Blue Mosque is in Mazar-e-Sharif: Named after the stunning Blue Mosque or the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, which is believed to be the ultimate resting place of Ali, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad, Mazar-e Sharif is a city that is full of spirituality and awe. During the Afghan New Year, the city comes alive with lively celebrations and fairs, providing a truly vibrant and vivid spectacle for everyone who visits. By taking pleasure in a harmonious fusion of tradition and faith, Mazar-e Sharif offers a distinctive and lasting experience to its visitors.

5. Panjshir Valley: Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the Panjshir Valley, a genuine gem in Afghanistan. This extraordinary destination is a haven for those seeking adventure and enthusiasts of nature, owing to its vibrant green landscapes, tranquil rivers, and majestic mountains. In addition to its natural wonders, the valley carries immense historical importance for its crucial role in the resistance against the Soviet occupation.

6.Kandahar: Welcome to Kandahar, the second-largest city in Afghanistan, where history and culture intertwine to captivate visitors. Be amazed by the captivating architecture of the Red Mosque, which is a prominent attraction in the city. Taking a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Old City of Kandahar, with its ancient marketplaces and traditional homes, provides a glimpse into the fascinating past of the city. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani, a remarkable historical landmark that serves as a testament to the city's rich heritage.

7. Band-e Amir National Park: Get ready to be amazed by this magnificent natural wonder, which consists of six breathtaking deep blue lakes, each separated by natural dams. As you explore, you'll be captivated by the surreal landscape that contrasts the vibrant azure waters with the barren, rocky surroundings. What adds even more intrigue to this place is the fascinating story behind the creation of these lakes, a combination of geological processes and local legends. Blending nature and culture, a visit to Band-e Amir guarantees an intriguing experience!

8. The Minaret of Jam: Prepare to be amazed by The Minaret of Jam, an astonishing UNESCO World Heritage site that stands at an impressive height of 65 meters. This architectural marvel, which dates back to the 12th century, serves as a true testament to the brilliance of that era. Located in a secluded valley alongside the remains of an ancient city, this minaret showcases intricate brickwork and captivating inscriptions. As you witness the cultural magnificence of the Ghurid Dynasty, you will be transported back in time. The Minaret of Jam is a destination that should not be missed, as it is guaranteed to leave you in awe!

9 Aynak:  If you are a history enthusiast, then Aynak is like a dream come true! This exceptional place is an archaeological site that houses artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age and the Buddhist era. Remarkable Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and a remarkably large statue of the Buddha can be found here. Regrettably, there is a mining project that presents a danger to this precious site. Nevertheless, dedicated efforts are currently being made to preserve and document these priceless relics. So, rest assured, the treasures of Aynak are being taken care of!

10. Faizabad: Faizabad is a small town located in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. It is known for its picturesque and peaceful setting, making it feel like a little piece of heaven. The town is blessed with the presence of the Kokcha River, which adds to its beauty. For those who love adventure, Faizabad serves as a starting point to explore the stunning Wakhan Corridor. This town is a hidden gem, offering a unique and less-visited experience for those who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. If you crave tranquillity and want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, Faizabad is a place you should definitely consider exploring!

Discover the wonders of Afghanistan - a country that offers more than meets the eye. With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Afghanistan is truly a hidden gem. Despite its troubled past, the resilience of this nation is reflected in its stunning tourist destinations. Whether you are seeking tranquillity in picturesque valleys or marvelling at grand historical landmarks, Afghanistan has something for every traveller. Thanks to Afghanistan visa services, exploring this beautiful country has never been easier. Not only will your visit open your eyes to its hidden treasures, but it will also contribute to Afghanistan's positive image. So why wait? Come and experience the timeless charm and untold stories of Afghanistan, with the convenience offered by Afghanistan visa services.

[visit-cades-cove]

Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains

Nestled within the picturesque embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove stands as a captivating testament to the untouched beauty of nature. This serene valley, surrounded by rolling peaks and lush forests, offers visitors a retreat into the heart of the Appalachian wilderness. From the captivating Cades Cove Loop Road to the informative Visitor Center, there's an abundance of experiences awaiting exploration.

Cades Cove Loop Road: A scenic drive through the cove's enchanting landscapes, the Cades Cove Loop Road is a must-visit for any traveler. Stretching over 11 miles, this leisurely route offers unparalleled views of blooming wildflowers, historic cabins, and perhaps even a glimpse of the diverse wildlife that call the area home. Be prepared to pause often for photos and to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Cades Cove Visitor Center: Begin your journey at the Cades Cove Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources to enhance your experience. Knowledgeable park rangers provide insights into the history, ecology, and recreational opportunities within the cove. Don't miss the chance to explore the museum exhibits that delve into the lives of the people who once thrived in this remote haven.

Cades Cove Priceless Views: Nature enthusiasts and photographers alike will find endless inspiration in Cades Cove. The valley's diverse ecosystems, including forests, fields, and streams, create a symphony of colors and textures that change with the seasons. Capture the ethereal mist that often blankets the landscape or witness the brilliant foliage that paints the cove in autumn.

Cades Cove: More Than Meets the Eye: While often associated with its surface beauty, Cades Cove holds layers of history waiting to be uncovered. The remnants of homesteads and churches offer a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, revealing the challenges and triumphs of those who once lived here. The Cable Mill Historic Area is a living tribute to the past, showcasing a working grist mill and other preserved structures.

Exploration and Accessibility: Cades Cove caters to a wide range of visitors. Whether you're an avid hiker, cyclist, or simply prefer a leisurely stroll, the cove offers trails of varying lengths and difficulties. For a more immersive experience, set out on foot to fully appreciate the intricate details of this natural wonderland.

Cades Cove: Nature's Retreat: A visit to Cades Cove is a departure from the bustling modern world, a return to a simpler time when nature reigned supreme. The allure of this breathtaking valley lies not just in its stunning vistas but in the tranquility that permeates the air. As you explore the winding roads and hidden trails, let the serenity of Cades Cove remind you of the remarkable beauty that Earth has to offer.

In conclusion, Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical significance, and serene landscapes. From the mesmerizing Cades Cove Loop Road to the informative Visitor Center, every corner of this valley invites you to explore, learn, and rejuvenate in the heart of the Appalachian wilderness.

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