#mogren

[meximango]

Day 16 - third-rate - Altani + Mogren  - G

Summary: Altani calms down her pissed off moogle friend, as they think about a certain redhead who wronged them

(Vaile would have loved moogles in another time/life, but this is the one where he still needs to unlock his childhood wonder yet again, so instead they just annoy him lol.)

“Can you believe the nerve of that guy, kupo?!” Mogren flapped their wings furiously as they flitted to and fro in front of Altani’s face. 

They’d been agitated like this for a while, so Altani had settled down cross-legged in front of their campfire, waiting to see how long her friend could go on. So far, it's been half a bell. She was currently roasting some fish over the fire, waiting for it to get flaky. A meal might be enough to distract the moogle. If not, at least it would fill her grumbling belly.

“Yeah, the laughter was a bit much. You weren’t even telling a joke! If you were, I would’ve laughed too, because you know I think you’re hilarious, buddy.” “So right you are, Tani. He was waaaay outta line! Not even grateful a moogle was gracing his presence. How many men can even say they’ve seen one of us, kupo. What a brat.” Altani chuckled lightly at that. Vaile was around her age, but he acted like he knew so much more about the world than her, and disregarded her when she tried to get him to loosen up a bit and have some fun with her and Mogren. He thought their antics were childish, but in her opinion, he really was a brat, thinking he was above enjoying time off and relaxing with a bit of drink and cheer. 

(Cahsi had been making some progress with the guy, getting him to open up and soften the sharp edges, probably because she could easily hand his ass to him and didn’t take his shite for very long. 

Altani had mixed success, if she was being generous. She didn’t see him as much, and with Mogren almost always at her side and butting heads with him every time they so much as got within 5 yalms of each other, Altani had had little time to try to strengthen their friendship on her own. They seemed to get along best when training together, martial prowess leading to mutual respect. She’d like to think they were friends, anyway. Vaile didn’t wholeheartedly threaten her anymore with his scythe, and that was good enough for her.

Luvon wasn’t doing so well with him, but he was a very hopeful and persistent guy, so she didn’t worry too much about him. Every time he opened up his mouth, he seemed to say just the wrong thing to set Vaile off, which was funny. Luvon may have been practically blind, but he had a way of seeing right through to the core of people immediately, making them vulnerable. It could be uncomfortable, forced to face yourself and be honest when you’re around him, so she could see how Vaile would hate it. It was difficult for someone who wanted to keep their true feelings hidden to interact with someone like that, so the two did not get along that well yet. Cahsi, Altani, and Luvon had hope for this project, though! Vaile was just like a feral kitten. Eventually with enough exposure to kindness, he would become tamed, but you had to mostly let him come to you. That was the goal, anyway - to ‘domesticate’ him. They were really sick of meeting up and nearly devolving into fights, and he seemed like he genuinely wanted to change and seemed interested in trying out heroics instead, so they agreed to work on befriending him. To give him a support network. That way he wouldn’t fall down back into the darkness again. The trio had explored numerous dungeons together now, but never with Vaile. The plan was to drag him along with their group sometime soon so they could all bond. Nothing like fighting together with someone, facing danger and putting your life in their hands to build trust and understanding quickly! 

Still. A work in progress. Vaile pisses Mogren off or vice versa, then Altani ends up being mediator. She’d like to move on from that, but not yet, apparently.)

“I agree Vaile’s a total brat, but you’re not the first moogle he’s seen, did you know that? That’s why he didn’t seem surprised or awestruck when he first met you. I learned from Cahsi that he had a run-in with a few of your fellow Churning Mist moogles once. They were all over him, teasing and poking fun! He tried attacking a few, but that didn’t end well for him. I don’t think he hates moogles, though. He’s never tried hurting you, right? He just talks a big game. I guess he’s not… whimsical enough to appreciate your kind as much as he should.” “Make him have more whimsy, then!” “I’m trying! He’s stubborn!” “Well keep trying. That does explain our first meeting, though, kupo. I brought out all the stops: the flourishes, the sparkles, I even shined up my pom! His reaction was one of the most lackluster I’d ever seen. But still, I’m not happy with him. He insulted my music!” “He should’ve been nicer about it for sure. Damn colorful insults when the twerp feels like it, though, I have to give him that. If only he’d use that creativity to join us in story time… And to be fair…” “Oh no, kupo, you better not be about to defend him! He called me a third-rate artist, Tani! Prepros-pros?-prostro…crazy!” As though to demonstrate, Mogren played a chord on their harp. The defense fell flat, as it was much messier than usual. “Nah, not an excuse for his rudeness, but you weren’t at the top of your game today, either. You hit the bottle a little hard today–barely saved any for me, you little puffball! And you forgot to tune your harp before offering to play a song. That plus your tipsy playing just wasn't the best mix. Sorry to say, Mogren, but it was a lil messy.” Altani made a motion with her thumb and pointer finger, bringing them close together, to show that it was just a tad off. Not too bad. But definitely not something that was going to impress someone as sober and serious as Vaile. Drunken songs only worked on other drunk people. Mogren plucked at their harp a bit more before sighing, their pom drooping down in front of their face. “It really is out of tune, wah!! How embarrassing, kupo. Still, he should’ve taken pity on a poor spirits-addled moogle! I bet my messy playing is still better than anything he could do.” “Hmmm…” Altani pretended to think for a moment. Before Mogren could shriek in outrage and try to fruitlessly pummel her with their fuzzy little fists, she grinned widely and continued. ”Oh most definitely. I’d bet on you for sure any day, Ren. You’re much older and practiced than him. Can you imagine him trying to play some delicate stringed instrument?” Mogren burst into giggles. “The brute would be so bad at it! The strings would snap immediately. If he messed up, he’d probably break his instrument like a baby having a tantrum!” “I could see that, yeah. Stomp on it or throw it in a ravine. Ooh, or throw it up in the air and slice it in half! Yeah, he’d do something dramatic like that. Bet he’d be great at the drums, though. If he took his anger out on those, we’d all go deaf!” Altani joined in with her own giggles. 

Was it a little mean to laugh about the guy she was trying to get closer to behind his back? Maybe, but also he started it by insulting her best friend when they were inebriated. He had to learn to be a little nicer if he didn’t want people poking fun at him. Besides, he made it so easy. 

“Next time he comes by, I’ll show him just how wrong he was. He’s going to be brought to tears by my beautiful playing! Then he’ll have to run away to hide the tears on his face, but I’ll know!” “Woohoo, that’s the spirit, buddy! Imagine how embarrassing it’d be for him to admit he was wrong and to give you a compliment? I can’t wait.” At least Mogren was no longer fuming and was back to their usual jovial and somewhat mischievous self.

–

A few malms away, Vaile felt a shiver pass through him as he rode away on his chocobo. Why did he suddenly feel like he should be regretful… Oh well, not worth worrying about. He was just glad to be away from the cacophony of that camp.

[travelella]

Mogren beach, Budva, Montenegro

Mujo Hasanovic

[nofatclips]

Love Song for an Ex by Antonia Vai, Live at MÜPA, Palace of Arts in Budapest

[jontycrane]

Budva

By far the most popular place for tourists visiting Montenegro, Budva was much more pleasant than I expected. It is one of the oldest habited places in the world, dating back to 5th century BC, though there is little sign of that. Instead it is a mostly unmanaged sprawl from the sea up to the surrounding hills. It does however have a small but attractive Old Town, filled with ice cream shops,…

[prismhockey]

Thanks to a Twitter friend, these pucks have a new home: with me. Thank you so much, I'm so glad to have these Minnesota Whitecaps pucks in my possession.

[grantmentis]

Women’s Hockey News and Transactions 7/1-7/30

I hope everyone is having a great summer! This will cover major news and transactions in women’s pro/proam hockey around the world, though I may miss some things due to language barrier, so feel free to add! I also try to add a little more context to overseas leagues transactions as I know that may be unfamiliar/news less readily available to some, so the PWHL ones are just lists. A few more minor may be omitted for brevity (ie a player going from a franchises u18 team to the major team)

PWHL (USA/Canada)

Retiring: Amanda Leveille

PWHL Boston has signed: Daniela Pejšová (drafted, luleå) for three years, Emma Greco (PWHL Minnesota) for one year, Hannah Bilka (drafted) for three years, and Sydney Bard (drafted) for three years

PWHL New York has signed: Noora Tulus (drafted, Luleå) for two years, Maja Nylén Persson (drafted, Brynäs) for three years,

PWHL Ottawa has signed: Kateřina Mrázová (extension) for two more years, Gwyneth Phillips (drafted) for two years

PWHL Toronto has signed; Carly Jackson (extension) for one year

PWHL Montreal has signed: Jennifer Gardiner (drafted) for two years, Catherine Dubois (extended) for one year, Claire dalton (extended) for one year,

PWHL Minnesota has no new signings to report since 7/1

Lauren Williams named as a PWHL New York assistant coach after several years working behind the bench with Mount Royal University and Stonehill college

Minnesota has fired several bench coaches and are looking into allegation of misconduct from coach Ken Klee

SDHL (Sweden)

Malia Schneider (who played for both Brynäs and PWHL Ottawa last year) joins SDE HF. Joining her is American forward Liliane Perrault, who was briefly with Froluna last year and scored at a point per game clip

Joining a strong SDE defense core is veteran Dominique Kremer, returning to the SDHL after playing for PWHL Minnesota and serving as captain to the Buffalo Beauts

HV71 adds Canadian Forward Kennedy Bobyck from Minnesota State University and Canadian defender Teghan Inglis, who captained Merrimack last year

Japanese national team forward Akane Shiga (PWHL Ottawa) joins Luleå

Finnish national team forward Kiira Yrjänen joins Leksands IF after playing for HV71 last season. Also joining her is one of USports top scorers last year, Canadian forward Lillian George

American forward Kaitlyn O’Donohoe joins Brynäs after a strong five years at Colgate

Skellefteå extends SDHL veteran Ronja Mogren. They also sign American forward Mikayla Lantto who graduated from LIU this last season.

Lisa Östman and Ellen Laurence have both left Djurgården

Djugården also added four players. Three are young Swedes who played for AIK last year: Alva Hellqvist, Tuva Kärrhage, and Isabelle Leijonhielm. Leijonhielm is the biggest name, having some success with the u18 team for Sweden last year. The other added player is 19 year old Czech national team player Tereza Pistekova who played in HPK in Finland last year and had over a point per game pace.

Alexander Hanning returns to Linköping as an assistant coach on a two year deal, having been successful with head coach Thomas Pettersen in the past

Shay Maloney, drafted by PWHL Boston, is back with Leksands IF but with a clause that she can leave to play in PWHL Boston if she earns a spot

Naisten Liiga (Finland)

Retiring: Kiekko Espoo forward Zaida Holmström, who was the long time captain of Mestis team JYP for 6 years. 19 year old Bianca Kanerva, who played for both the Finnish u18 team and Kiekko Espoo last year, has also retired to focus more on her education

Japanese defender Kokoro Ota joins KalPa, She previously played for the Japanese U18 team and for the Seibu Princess Rabbits

KalPa brings back starting goaltender Aino Laitinen and signs Salla Sivula who was one of the main goalies last year for Ilves

Oona Havana has left Kärpät to join the university of Vermont. She was a point per game in 2023 in Naisten Liiga at 17 years old and made the senior national team, but did not play last year due to injury

Written in Finnish, but i highly recommend this article about Viivi Iso-Kouvola talking about Naisten Liiga's current problem and Finnish women's hockey and the financial situation. Currently, most teams are still pay to play, with only HIFK and HPK as exceptions, leaving players to rely on family and sponsorship. As such, the majority of players do not have long term plans to stay in the league and are interested in playing in other leagues instead.

SWHL/PostFinance Women League (Switzerland)

A very active month for ZSC Lions Frauen! Their many addition include former Czech national team captain Alena Polenská (Mills), who played in Russia last year, Josefine Holmgren, a Swedish defender who played in the SDHL for a long time before joining HC Ambrì-Piotta Girls last year and becoming one of their top producers, and Sonja Inkamp, a fast riser in the Swiss leagues who had two goals for the U18 team in the u18 women's worlds last year

Rosalie Bégin-Cyr has joined Neuchâtel Hockey Academy Dames after six strong years in Usports where she won a championship with Concordia University

Some expected but still nice to see confirmed returns, from top 20 goalscorers in the league last seaso: - Sinja Leemann, Alina Marti, Sandy Heim and Lisa Rüedi for ZSC Lions Frauen -Maija Otamo, Emma Ingold, Saskia Maurer, Lara Christen, and Estelle Duvin for SC Bern Frauen -Jenna Kaila, Romy Eggimann for HC Ambrì-Piotta Girls -Cassandra Rensch for HC Fribourg-Gottéron Ladies

EWHL (Central/Eastern Europe + Others)

Speaking of teams that did a lot, MAC Budapest did a ton! This includes: Netherlands national team defender Jet Milders, 19 year old Hungarian goaltender Bianka Bogati who was on the national team but has not appeared in a game yet, university of st thomas graduate and defender Isabel Lippai, Sacred Heart Graduate and American forward Sophie Lupone

SKN Sabres St.Pölten signs Slovenian forward Gaja Pezdir, who impressed at the D1B Worlds and played for Lakers Kärnten last year. They also add Hungarian natioanl team forward Kinga Jókai Szilágyi who played for Skellefteå AIK in Sweden's second tier league and helped them earn SDHL promotion

EV Bozen Eagles sign Kristin Della Rovere from PWHL Ottawa and Italian national team forward Sara Kaneppele, who had played with them previously but spent the past two years in Germany

EC Graz Huskies sign Ukranian national team forward Daria Tsymyrenko, who played a big role on a stacked HC Ambrì-Piotta Girls team last year, and 16 year old Czech defender Hana Panešová who made her international debut with the Czech U18 team last year at worlds and played in both boys and womens leagues in Czechia last year

[faegoddessog]

Woman in Red- Masterlist

Summary: She's a very successful woman who can't seem to find a partner that can keep up with her. He is just wanting to find someone who likes him for HIM, not his fame. Neither of them are prepared for what hits them when she walks into that coffee shop.

Warnings: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only, Chapter specific warnings at the beginning of each chapter.

A/N: This was supposed to be a wee one shot that jumped into my mind. Apparently there is more to this story than I originally planned. More chapters will be forthcoming as I finish them.

Message me if you'd like to be tagged. Comment and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Afternoon Coffee

Chapter 2: "I really like you..." "But?"

Chapter 3:  Unbuttoning

 Chapter 4:  “You like watching?”

Chapter 5: Every. Drop.

Chapter 6: Not Yet Daylight

Chapter 7: Stay Still and Let Me

Chapter 8: Be My Guest

Chapter 9: Dreams, Bacon and Falling

Chapter 10: Three's Company, Four is a Delicious Crowd

Chapter 11 Mogren Beach

Chapter 12: Jovan and Podgorica

Chapter 13:  ‘Yes Sir’

Chapter 14: Showing Restraint

Chapter 15: Too close for comfort

Chapter 16: Firenze

Chapter 17: Saying "I love you"

[ferosmorningstar]

Since tumblr don't allow me to share the ''goods'' of my art I'll leave my twitter so you can see all without worrying about the censorship.

[fikri-46]

6 best places to visit in Montenegro

Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. Despite its small size, Montenegro boasts an impressive array of attractions, from stunning Adriatic coastlines and medieval towns to rugged mountain landscapes and serene lakes. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient fortresses, lounging on pristine beaches, or hiking through breathtaking national parks, Montenegro has something to offer every type of traveler. The country’s unique blend of Mediterranean charm and Eastern European mystique creates an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Montenegro, each offering its own distinct flavour of the country’s diverse and captivating beauty, ensuring that your journey through this remarkable destination is filled with unforgettable moments.

Here are some best places to visit in Montenegro.

1. Kotor: A Medieval Marvel in the Bay: Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see attraction in Montenegro. Nestled between towering mountains and the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, this medieval town combines natural beauty and historical charm. The Old Town, with its narrow, winding streets, ancient churches, and well-preserved buildings, is a pleasure to explore. The highlight is the climb to the Kotor Fortress, which rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding mountains. Kotor is also a cultural hub, hosting events such as the famous Kotor Carnival, making it a lively destination all year.

2. Budva, The Heart of Montenegro's Riviera: Budva, also known as the "Montenegrin Miami," is the heart of Montenegro's breathtaking Adriatic coast. This lively town is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and well-preserved Old Town. Budva's unique character stems from the 15th-century Venetian walls that surround the Old Town, which combine historical charm with modern energy. Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Mogren Beach, wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the town's many bars and restaurants. Budva also hosts several cultural and music festivals, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and entertainment.

3. Durmitor National Park: A Natural Wonderland: Durmitor National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Montenegro's north is a natural wonderland of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to the Tara River Canyon, Europe's deepest canyon, which provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, and zip-lining. Durmitor is also a hiker's paradise, with trails leading to the park's highest peak, Bobotov Kuk, and numerous glacial lakes known as "mountain eyes." Durmitor transforms into a popular ski resort during the winter, making it a year-round attraction.

4. Sveti Stefan, A Luxury Island Retreat: Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro's most recognizable and luxurious destinations. This small island, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, is home to a beautiful 15th-century village that has been converted into a luxury resort. The island's distinctive pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm make it a popular destination for celebrities and discerning visitors. While the island itself is only accessible to resort guests, visitors can still enjoy the nearby public beaches and the stunning views of Sveti Stefan from the coastal road. Pržno, a nearby town, offers a relaxed atmosphere with excellent seafood restaurants and a charming beach.

5. Lake Skadar is Montenegro's largest lake: Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. This stunning lake, which spans the Montenegrin-Albanian border, is surrounded by dramatic mountains, lush wetlands, and quaint villages. Lake Skadar National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 270 species of birds, making it one of Europe's best bird-watching destinations. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the lake's many islands, visit historic monasteries and fishing villages, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The nearby town of Virpazar serves as the lake's gateway, offering excellent local cuisine and wines.

6. Cetinje: The Historical Royal Capital: Cetinje, Montenegro's former royal capital, has a rich history and culture. Located at the foot of Mount Lovćen, this small town boasts well-preserved architecture, historic monasteries, and museums. The Cetinje Monastery, which houses significant relics such as John the Baptist's right hand, is an important religious site. The National Museum of Montenegro, located in the former royal palace, provides insight into the country's history and royal heritage. Cetinje serves as the starting point for the scenic drive up to Lovćen National Park. Visitors can hike to the mausoleum of Montenegro's greatest ruler, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, and enjoy panoramic views of the country.

Conclusion

Exploring Montenegro offers a captivating journey through its diverse landscapes and rich history. From the medieval charm of Kotor and the vibrant energy of Budva to the natural wonders of Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar, Montenegro provides a wealth of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on picturesque beaches, adventure in stunning natural parks, or a deep dive into the country’s cultural heritage, Montenegro has something to delight and inspire. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, be sure to secure your Montenegro visa in advance. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Montenegro without any travel hassles. With its blend of breathtaking scenery and historical richness, Montenegro promises an unforgettable travel experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

[prisonplanetmatrix26]

Ovaj Mogren prepun turista, anksiozno , ni milion piva ga nebi iščupalo

[meximango]

Day 1 - envoy - G - Mogren + Altani

Summary: Mogren thinks about how Altani has to lie for them.

--

“I don’t want to do this, Mogren. What if they see right through me? How can I get out of this?”

“Well…” The moogle’s pom swayed to and fro as they thought of other options.

Swish.

Swish.

Swish.

“I'm sure you'll do great, but the obvious alternative, kupo, is that we tell them--”

--”No!” was the squawked out reply, quicker than a flap of Mogren’s wings. She offered no further verbal argument, but the glare told them they would do best not to contend with her. 

Sharp, forceful, final. 

Their friend would not allow even the idea to pass through  either of their lips. Their fluffy little body was fit to burst with the affection that swelled at that. So protective, even at such a young age!

They’d come up with the plan together after much brainstorming. Days on end, and this was it. Altani was going to fool her village into believing she could communicate with the dead, the next chosen medium after a dry spell of several generations since the last had passed.

All so Mogren could go on hanging out with Altani without rousing suspicion. Befriending a member of a beast tribe certainly wouldn't do, after all. Moogles weren't supposed to exist anymore, the thing of myth.

The villagers’ sharp hearing and superstitious nature had taken Altani’s half of their conversation out of context, and come to some very wrong conclusions, which, in the end, was all the best for Mogren. If the child were deemed the next inheritor of the gift of spirit-talking, then Mogren could be written off as a simple ghost. A far-past, distant relative that Altani had befriended when coming into her nascent powers. They could stay hidden, but still converse with their friend, the village none the wiser to the truth and accepting of Altani running off to play with the dead. 

It was a lot of pressure to put on a child who hadn’t even gone through puberty yet, though. A risk and a secret that would only collect weight as the winters pass. All of it for the sake of Mogren, for their continued friendship. Selfish, really. They’d been told to stay hidden from society, and they had! For the most part. One au ra child excluded, of course.  They had been the one to muck it up, helping the girl out after she'd saved their fuzzy butt from a gruesome fate by some wavekin. Should've left it at that, disappearing and letting the girl believe it was all her imagination, instead of luring Altani into friendship over the past few seasons, and then convincing her to keep up conversation even as they got too close to the village and they knew how risky it could be--

And now this kid was paying the price. 

She had never blamed them, not once. When the village rebutted every of her excuses and insisted on their own conclusions--a new priestess, such cause for celebration! Finally we may converse with our dead loved ones and receive the wisdom of generations past!--she had gone along with it rather than reveal the true identity of the person she’d been speaking to. The forbidden friendship.

Altani’s friendship had been delightful thus far, and Mogren could imagine it only strengthening over the years… They had big plans! To teach her some instruments, how to tell the best stories, how to hold her alcohol (a ways off from that one, but Mogren was patient)... if their current plan worked first.

They would do everything in their power to make sure Altani passed the trials her village elder put forth to determine if her powers were true. She was going to become a formidable medium, even if it involved weaving lies faster than a lominsan pirate could chug a pint of ale. 

“It’s the best chance we’ve got, kupo. I’ll help you cheat!” 

Altani sat back, letting out a loud sigh. “Never really done that before, y’know.” She liked to go through life with her own strength, her own skill. The idea of cheating at something to win made her feel icky. Not as icky as of the idea of Mogren getting caught, attacked, or at least banished from ever seeing her again, though. She couldn’t bear that!

So she’d surely get over cheating and lying, she had to. It would get easier with time.

“I’ll do the heavy lifting, you just have to memorize the answers.” A simple execution for sure.

Reconnaissance had revealed the tribe's elder had a scroll that was passed down from leader to leader for decades, revealing the process for appointing a new priestess. Among those notes were the guiding questions that would offer proof. Facts about the long deceased that nobody alive would remember anymore, but were recorded for the sake of this test. Answers Altani would know if she could actually communicate with the dead.

She laughed, perhaps the tiniest bit of manic energy tinging the edges. Maybe it really would be that simple. Remember what to say. Pretend, like it's a game, and not a job interview for life, one that would change her village's view of her forever and determine if she could keep her only friend or not.

“Right. It's just studying for a test. The final exam of ‘Envoy of the Dead: an Introduction’, and one I’ll pass with flying colors. No big deal!” The forced optimism was so strong it circled back to sounding panicked. Her grin looked scared rather than self assured, must be why Mogren flinched.

“We’ll have to work on that confidence of yours, kupo. But that's the spirit!” A lot of practice. That’s all it would take. No big deal indeed. Mogren would drill those answers into her until that scroll was memorized from beginning to end.

After everything, they’d get through it together, just one of many trials in their life. Something they could look back on and laugh about one day. 

[hashtagmagazine]

Discovering Montenegro: 10 Things You Wouldn't Expect

Imagine yourself traversing unexplored mountain peaks, their majestic beauty taking your breath away, or lounging on a hidden beach: a gem tucked away from the world. You wouldn't expect to find such wonders in Montenegro, would you? Yet, it's not just about natural beauty. Here, history whispers from ancient architecture, and a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors teases your palate. From the thrill of outdoor adventures to the charm of local festivals, from vibrant alpine flora to an unexpected diversity of wildlife - Montenegro unfolds itself as a box of delightful surprises. What other unexpected treasures might it hold?

Unexplored Mountain Peaks

You'll be amazed to find that Montenegro is home to countless unexplored mountain peaks, each offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating challenge for adventure seekers. Among the jagged cliffs and verdant valleys, you'll encounter a world of alpine flora begging for exploration. Picture a carpet of vibrant wildflowers, a mosaic of color against the raw, rugged landscape. It's a paradise for botany enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Speaking of photography, don't miss the opportunity to capture the magnificence of these peaks. A few mountainous photography tips: shoot at dawn or dusk for soft, diffuse light, and don't forget to include some foreground interest for depth. Remember, it's about more than reaching the summit - it's about the journey, the discovery, and the memories you'll make.

Montenegro's Rich History

Often overlooked, Montenegro's rich history is a fascinating tapestry of ancient civilizations, influential periods, and tumultuous events, each leaving behind a distinct mark on this compact yet culturally diverse nation. You'll marvel at the historic architecture, a proof to the country's storied past. Ancient Illyrian cities, impressive Roman villas, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman fortresses pepper the landscape, offering a visual journey through time. You can trace the footsteps of ancient civilizations, as you wander through old town squares, narrow cobblestone streets, and towering city walls. Montenegro's history isn't just found in dusty textbooks or scholarly articles; it's alive, etched into every stone, brick, and tile.

Tasty Local Cuisine

Beyond the historic sites and scenic landscapes, Montenegro's unexpected local cuisine is a delightful journey for your taste buds, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean and Eastern European influences. Imagine savoring exotic seafood, caught fresh from the Adriatic. You'll find dishes featuring octopus, squid, and mussels, prepared with local herbs and olive oil. Montenegro's seafood risotto, brimming with a variety of shellfish, is a must-try. Now, let's talk about unusual desserts. Ever tasted 'priganice'? These Montenegrin doughnut-like pastries, often served with local honey and cheese, will leave you craving more. Or perhaps you'd enjoy 'krofne', similar to filled doughnuts, but with a delightful Montenegrin twist. These unexpected culinary delights truly showcase Montenegro's rich gastronomic diversity.

Hidden Beaches of Montenegro

After indulging in Montenegro's diverse culinary delights, imagine basking under the sun on one of its hidden beaches, where the azure Adriatic Sea seems to merge with the sky. Montenegro's coastal diversity offers a plethora of secluded hideaways, your own private paradise, waiting to be discovered.

From the untouched sand of Mogren Beach tucked between jagged cliffs, to the pebbled tranquility of Drobni Pijesak, each beach tells its own tale of isolation and beauty. You'll find no crowds here, just the soft whisper of the waves and the occasional call of a seagull.

Unique Wildlife Encounters

Stepping away from the serene beaches, you'll find that Montenegro's diverse landscapes also host a variety of unique wildlife encounters that are sure to captivate any nature enthusiast. Among the thick forests and vast lakes, Birdwatching Expeditions offer a chance to spot some of the 340 bird species that call this beautiful country home. Imagine the thrill of sighting the rare Dalmatian Pelican, or the awe-inspiring sight of a Golden Eagle soaring overhead. Turning your attention to the Adriatic Sea, Marine Life Exploration reveals a different aspect of Montenegro's biodiversity. You'll be enthralled by the sight of playful dolphins leaping in the waves, or the graceful ballet of sea turtles beneath the azure waters. Montenegro's wildlife is another surprising gem waiting to be discovered.

Tranquil Montenegrin Monasteries

Nestled in the heart of Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes, you'll discover a collection of tranquil monasteries that bear witness to the country's rich spiritual heritage. These serene retreats, characterized by the distinct monastic architecture, are the silent storytellers of centuries-old spiritual practices. From the towering Ostrog Monastery, carved into a sheer cliff face, to the peaceful island retreat of Our Lady of the Rocks, each offers a unique glimpse into Montenegrin devotion.

You'll be captivated by the intricate frescoes and the tranquil courtyards, where monks meditate in solitude. These monasteries aren't just places of worship; they're sanctuaries of peace, inviting you to pause, reflect, and find a moment of calm in your journey through Montenegro.

Thriving Art and Culture

Moving from the quiet tranquility of the monasteries, you'll find yourself immersed in Montenegro's vibrant art and culture scene. It's as alluring as its spiritual heritage. Walk into bustling galleries, where works of influential Montenegrin artists come alive, their stories etched in colors and forms. The contemporary art scene here is a whirlwind of creativity and innovation. You'll find it in tucked-away studios in the old town, on murals adorning city walls, and even in open-air exhibitions. You'll see the soul of Montenegro in its traditional dances, hear it in the lilting strains of its folk music, and taste it in age-old culinary traditions. It's a cultural smorgasbord that's as diverse and mesmerizing as the Montenegrin landscape itself.

Adventure Sports Opportunities

In Montenegro, a wealth of adventure sports opportunities await you, from adrenaline-pumping white water rafting on the Tara River, to scaling the rugged peaks of Durmitor National Park. The country's varied terrain lends itself perfectly to a wide array of outdoor activities. Canyoning escapades in the deep gorges of the Cetina River will challenge your endurance and bravery, while paragliding experiences in Budva provide breathtaking views of pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Feel your heart race as you plunge into the azure depths of Skadar Lake, or trek through the dense forests surrounding Biogradska Gora. Each adventure is another chance to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Montenegro. Don't just visit Montenegro—experience it.

Charming Local Festivals

Beyond the thrill of outdoor adventures, you'll be captivated by the charm and vibrancy of Montenegro's local festivals, each offering a unique insight into the country's rich tradition and culture. These celebrations bring to life the festival traditions that have been passed down through generations. You'll find yourself immersed in a sea of vibrant colors, infectious music, and the tantalizing aroma of traditional food. The community involvement is palpable, with everyone, from young children to the elderly, participating enthusiastically. Whether you're watching the mesmerizing performances at the Kotor Carnival, or participating in the grape harvesting rituals at the Vranac Wine Festival, each experience is a reflection of the country's cultural richness. These festivals, deeply woven into Montenegro's social fabric, are a must-visit on your journey.

Untouched Natural Reserves

While the local festivals draw you into Montenegro's colorful traditions, the untouched natural reserves will pull you into an entirely different world, one of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. These reserves are biodiversity hotspots where you'll stumble upon a variety of species, some of which are endemic to the region. From towering mountains to tranquil lakes, these reserves offer breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Sustainable tourism is a major focus here, ensuring that the beauty of these reserves remains untouched for future generations. Venture into the dense forests, hike on the rocky terrains, and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Montenegro. You'll find it's a world that's as enchanting as their festivals, but in an entirely different way.

Takeaway

Montenegro's a treasure trove of surprises. From uncharted mountain peaks to ancient history, you'll be enthralled. You'll relish the unique local cuisine and hidden beaches, while wildlife encounters add an unexpected twist. The thriving art scene, adventure sports, charming festivals, and untouched nature reserves only enhance the appeal. Don't just visit, discover Montenegro and experience a mesmerizing blend of Eastern European and Mediterranean beauty you never knew existed. Read the full article

[nordnews]

At 09.45–10.45 in the SR Play app, 12.03–13.00 and 14.45–21.10 in P4Skis Women's and Men's World Cup (Peter Sundkvist and Torgny Mogren) 09.45 10 km freestyle ladies 12.00 10 km ...

[turkeytraveltours]

New Post has been published on Lutars Turizm

New Post has been published on https://www.lutarsturizm.com/budvadan-bodruma-deniz-kum-gunes-ve-tarih-bir-ortada.html

Budva’dan Bodrum’a deniz, kum, güneş ve tarih bir ortada

Çocukla Seyahat’in bu ay bir yurtiçi ve bir yurtdışı olmak üzere iki farklı rotası var; Bodrum ve Karadağ, Budva. Yaklaşık 2 ay evvel temelli olarak Bodrum’a taşındık. Şimdi hem kalabalık hem de sıcaklar başlamadan Lorin’le yarımadayı keşfe çıktık. Karadağ, Budva rotasıysa vizesiz, 12 bin liranın altında bütçesiyle, deniz, kum, güneş tatili vaat eden bir seçenekti. Pronto Tour’un davetiyle 3 gece 4 gün Budva’yı gezdik. Burada pasaport ve çocukla yurtdışı çıkı��ına bir parantez açmak istiyorum. Şayet çocuğunuz küçükse ve MEB’e bağlı rastgele bir kreşe gidiyorsa yalnızca defter bedeli ödeyerek 5 yıllık pasaport çıkarabilirsiniz. Karadağ, çocuğun yanında başka ebeveyni olmadan ülkeye girişine müsaade veriyor. Ülkelerin farklı uygulamaları var. Kimileri başka eşten muvafakatname istiyor; anne-çocuk; baba-çocuk çıkılacak seyahatler öncesinde gideceğiniz ülkenin konsolosluğundan bilgi alın.

Anne-kız oyuncak alışverişinde…

Dönelim Budva seyahatimize… İstanbul’dan Podgoritsa’ya yaklaşık 1 saat 20 dakika uçuyorsunuz ve buradan yeniden yaklaşık 1 saat 15 dakika daha otobüs seyahatiyle Budva’ya varıyorsunuz. O denli harikulade bir tabiatı var ki yol uzunluğu izleyeceğiniz köylere ve görüntüye doyum olmuyor. Müddet olarak İstanbul’dan Ege’ye gitmekten bir farkı yok. Fakat tatil bütçesi olarak bu yıl Ege kıyılarıyla kıyaslayınca epey uygun. Gidiş-dönüş uçak bileti, 4 yıldızlı otelde konaklama ve kent tipi ödediğiniz fiyata dahil.

TARİHİ SURLAR PLAJA AÇILIYOR

Pronto Tour’un her güne farklı bir gezisi var. Karadağ’ın bir başka ünlü kenti Kotor’a, Tivat, Perast ve Balkanlar’ın en büyüğü olan İşkodra Gölü’ne giden ekstra cinslere katılabilirsiniz. Ben Lorin’le çok yorulmak istemediğimden yalnızca Budva’yı görmeyi tercih ettim. 3 gece 4 gün kenti gezmek için kâfi, biraz daha denizin tadını çıkarayım ya da yakın başka kentleri görelim diyorsanız haftalık tipleri da seçebilirsiniz.

Budva’da eski kentinin olduğu bölgenin ismi Stari Grad. Sokaklarında dolanırken birden bir surun içinden geçip kendinizi plajda buluveriyorsunuz. Mayonuzu içinize giymenizi ya da yanınızda taşımanızı tavsiye ederim. Stari Grad’ı gezmek, tarihi kale ve kiliselerini dolanmak da dahil azamî yarım gününüzü alır. Labirenti andıran daracık ve kıvrımlı sokakları, ikramlık eşya dükkânları, kafeleri ve restoranlarıyla kentin en tanınan, en turistik yeri.

İşte ücretsiz dondurma hazinesinin bileti.

Lorin puseti olmadan 13 bin adım attığı gün yorgunluktan isyan edip yere oturmuştu. Son bir heves kaleyi de gezebilmek için kalede hazine oyunu uydurdum. “İçeride bir hazine varmış, bu bir müsabaka, şayet bulursak ödül olarak tüm dondurmalar fiyatsız olacakmış” dedim. Gücünün tekrar nasıl yerine geldiğini anlatamam. Kale içinde koşturup durdu, ben de içeri girerken aldığımız bilet-kartı kütüphaneye sakladım. Buldu ve kartı kapıp “Dondurmaa” diyerek güvenliklere koştu. Sonuç olarak siz benim yaptığım yanılgıyı yapmayın ve bebek otomobilinizi kesinlikle yanınıza alın.

Eski kentin meydanında yaz uzunluğu akşamları çeşitli şenlikler düzenleniyor, gitmeden internetten denetim edin. Kentin geri kalanı da Adriyatik’e bakan Mogren ve Slovenska olarak ikiye ayrılan uzun kıyı şeridinden oluşuyor. Burada kafeler, restoranlar ve çocuklar için oyun alanları var. Geceleri denize girenler, dans eden gençler, koşturan çocuklarla her daim hareketli. Lakin tüm kentte pazar günü birkaç restoran ve büfe hariç her yer kapalı. Gereksinim ve alışverişinizi aman pazar gününe bırakmayın, sonra bizim üzere AVM’nin kapısında kalakalırsınız.

Şehrin turist yükünü öteki Slav halkları oluşturuyor. Karadağ’da da Sırpça ve Hırvatça karışımı bir lisan konuşuluyor. Bağımsızlıklarını 2006’da ilan ettikleri için şimdi geliştikleri söylenemez ancak pak ve inançlı bir kent. Halk ve çalışanlarsa son derece gergin!

Yabancı lisanınız yoksa hiç kaygı etmeyin zira onların da yok. 5 dakika sandviçteki tavuğu çıkarıp yalnızca kaşar peynirli hale getirmelerini istediğimi anlatmaya çalıştıysam da sonuçta peynirsiz ve tavuklu bir sandviçle baş başa kaldım. Zati şayet et yiyor ve seviyorsanız bu seyahatte bize katılan benim grup, Lorin’in yol arkadaşı Gülay Barbaros Altan’ın tavsiyesiyle gittiğiniz her yerde balık ve deniz eserlerini tercih edebilirsiniz. Denizin kıyısında yaşayıp bunu da mutfaklarında değerlendirmeyi düzgün biliyorlar. Yediği her deniz mahsulünden son derece şad kaldı Gülay. Ayrıyeten mutsuz olmamak için euro’yu liraya çevirmeyi bırakmak gerekiyor. Euro üzerinden kendinize günlük bir bütçe ayırmak mantıklı.

4 yaşındaki minik gezginimiz Lorin otelin taşlık plajında oyunlar oynadı.

DENİZ SICAK, DAĞLAR KAPKARA

Turunuzu yarım pansiyon seçerseniz size bir öğle yemeği kalıyor, o da kişi başı 7-10 euro ortası hoş bir yemekle taçlanıyor. Öteki Avrupa ülkelerine nazaran çok ucuz değil, lakin kaliteli yemek mümkün.

Şehirde Türk turist sayısı da epey fazla. Lorin geçen yılki Mısır seyahatinden sonra burada da Türkçe konuştuğunu duyduğu insanların yanına “Ben Türkçeyim” diye bağırarak koşmayı ihmal etmedi. Ve tüm yabancı lisanları İngilizce zannetmeye devam etti.

Deniz sıcaklığı çocuklar için ülkü. Birçok kıyı çakıl ve kum karışık. Dağlar nitekim kara ve dumanlı. Tabiatı harikulade. Dağların ortasında denize girmek epey keyifli. Su sporları yaygın. Çokça parasailing var ve kara dağların akabinde yamaç paraşütü de yapılıyor.

Biz bir gün otelimizin önünden kalkan tekneye binerek 5 dakika uzaklıktaki Sveti Nikola Adası’na (Hawaii Adası) yüzmeye gittik. Anakaraya ufak bir toprak kesimiyle bağlı olan Sveti Stefan Yarımadası’nı ise lakin tekneyle dışarıdan görebildik. Aslında kentin tarih açısından en kıymetli yerlerinden biri burası. Bir devir 12 ailenin yaşadığı kasabada Sırbistan Kraliçesi’nin yazlık meskeni de varmış. Şimdilerde ünlü bir otel zincirinin derece lüks bir tatil köyü. Fakat üzülmeyin, Hawaii olarak isimlendirdikleri Sveti Nikola da hoş bir gün geçirmek için çok sempatik bir ada. Bir restoran ve 3-4 tane barı olan adada deniz çok hoş lakin suyun içi taşlık ve yosun sebebiyle kaygan, yanınıza deniz ayakkabınızı almayı unutmayın. Tekneyle adaya gidip dönmek 5 euro, çocuktan da para alıyorlar. Adada şezlong ve şemsiye 15 euro. Lakin havlunuzu serip yayılmak fiyatsız. Hayli keyifli bir gündü, adaya geçin derim.

KADIN SÜRÜCÜLÜ TAKSİ SEÇİN

Bir taksi sorunu var bu kentte. İstanbul üzere değil, çabucak taksi bulabiliyorsunuz lakin özel taksiler otellerin yakınında fazlaca oluyor, bilmeden biniyorsunuz ve yaklaşık üç katı bir fiyat ödüyorsunuz. Üzerinde ‘Palmi’ yazan taksiler pak ve olağan tarife, üstelik sürücülerin birden fazla bayan ve seyahat sonunda taksimetreden fiş çıkıyor, ödeyeceğiniz fiyat aşikâr. Kısa yola da isyan etmiyorlar. Bir not da içinde 500 GB yüklü olan turist internet paketlerine düşmek isterim. 10 euro verip, bir çizgi alıp 500 GB internetle tatilinizin tadını daha da rahat rahat çıkarabilirsiniz.

GEZİ NOTLARI

– Stari Grad’daki tüm kiliseler akşam açık olduğundan gündüz yerine akşam serinliğinde gezmek âlâ bir seçenek olabilir.

– Tarihi yapıları gezmeyi seviyorsanız, kent merkezinden biraz uzaklaşmayı göze alarak Podostrog, Duljevo, Praskavica, Rustovo ve Stanjevici manastırlarını görebilirler.

– Mogren Plajı’na giden yolda karşınıza çıkacak Dans Eden Kız Heykeli ile Antik Roma mezarları kentin yakın ve uzak tarihinin görgü şahitlerinden.

  HAZIR TRAFİK SIKIŞMAMIŞKEN…

Budva tatilimizin akabinde tekrar Bodrum’dayız. Hazır trafik sıkışmamış, sıcaklık 26-28 ortası değişiyorken dilediğimiz koya gidebiliyoruz. Bizim beğenilen beldemiz Torba. Konaklamıyorsanız bile şahane otellerdeki restoran ve plajlara dışarıdan girebiliyorsunuz. Fiyat olarak daha makul olan belediyenin Torba Cafe’sine gidebilirsiniz, lakin gün uzunluğu şezlong savaşları var. Bir öteki seçeneğinizse kıyı uzunluğu sıralanmış balık restoranlarının iskeleleri. Burada da favorimiz Mercan Restoran. Hasret Hanım’ı bulun, gerisini ona bırakın. Hem fiyatları makul hem de hoş bir servisi var. Akşamüzeri Torba’nın bütün çocukları hatta Bodrum’un öteki bölgelerinden birçok çocuk Babun Çocuk Kitapçısı’nda buluşuyor. İçinde her çeşit çocuk kitabı, önünde tatlı bir parkı var. Hafta sonları farklı atölyelere mesken sahipliği yapıyor. Kafesinde ağaçların altında dinlenmek güzel bir seçenek.

Çocukların doyasıya eğlenmesi için Bodrum’daki en âlâ adreslerden biri yeniden Torba’daki Vogue Supreme Hotel’in içindeki Candyland. Devasa aquapark’ı, dalga havuzları, Bodrum’a girişte herkesin dikkatini çeken dönmedolabın da olduğu lunaparkı ve küçük diskosuyla Candyland çocuklar için adeta bir cennet. Hem otel konuklarına hem de dışarıdan ziyaretçilere açık. Öncesinde rezervasyon gerekli.

Torba’da konaklayacaksanız veiyi bir yemek, hoş bir plaj istiyorsanız en düzgün alternatif Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels &Resorts. Çocuklu aileler için Family Beach isminde başka bir plaj var ve otelin ısıtmalı havuzlarından biri olan infinity pool’u kullanabiliyorsunuz. Oteldeki herkes çocuklarla çok ilgili. Lorin biz sarfiyat gitmez havuza girdi ve neredeyse tüm gün çıkmadı. Cankurtaran olarak çalışan bir ablası çabucak suya girerek Lorin’le ilgilendi hatta yüzmeyi öğretti. Bana da lokal ve gurme lezzetlerini harmanlayan imza restoranı Malva’da, executive şef Necmi Ağaç’ın mikrolokal lezzet anlayışıyla hazırladığı yemekleri tatmak için fırsat doğdu. Öbür restoranlarında da vegan ve organik seçenekler var. Deniz ve havuzdan yorulan Lorin uykuya daldığında Frankie Beach Club’da DJ müzik eşliğinde eğlenceli birkaç saat geçirdim, ne palavra söyleyeyim çocukla tatilde kendinize de vakit ayırmak işin bonusu oluyor. Susona’nın Frankie Beach’ine ve bünyesindeki restoranlara rezervasyonla günübirlik girmek mümkün.

Bodrum’da bu yaz da otellerin içinde sanat galerileri açılıyor. Hem çocuk hemsizin için uygun bir aktivite. Susona’daki Frank Arka Studio bunlardan biri. Fransa merkezli dünyaca ünlü sanat galerisi Perrotin Gallery, yaz uzunluğu Bodrum Loft’ta sanatseverlerle buluşuyor. METT Hotel’deki Nine Cloud standı, Anna Laudel Bodrum’daki Daniele Sigalot’nun ‘Around the WORD’ isimli şahsî standı de görebileceğiniz öbür sanat yapıtlarından yalnızca birkaçı.

  CENNET VE KARAİNCİR

Bodrum’da nerede konakladığınız çok kıymetli değil, aracınızla ya da dolmuşlarla her koya rahatlıkla gidebilirsiniz. Bizim favori koyumuz Cennet. Deniz kıyısı yumuşacık kum. Çocuklar için ülkü sığlıkta, biraz açılırsanız koyun ismini nereden aldığını anlıyorsunuz. 5-6 metre tabanı görmek ve dağların ortasında yüzmek insanı hakikaten cennette hissettiriyor. Küçük bir işletme var. Şezlong 100 lira. Tost 40, limonata 30 lira. Otopark fiyatsız. Dilerseniz kendi sandalyelerinizle de gidip fiyat ödemeden denize girebilirsiniz.

Çocukla gidilebilecek bir başka deniz seçeneğiyse Akyarlar’daki Karaincir Plajı. Ne yazık ki burada halk plajı ismine pek yer kalmamış. Uygun fiyatlı beach’ler üzere değerli olanlar da var, seçim sizin. Pırıl pırıl bir suyu ve altın sarısı kumu var. Lakin denizin suyu soğuk. Bodrum’da Mavi Bayraklı 67 plaj var, münasebetiyle denizi gördüğünüz anda üstünüzü çıkarabilirsiniz fakat tekrar de en güzeline gideceğiz üzere bir savınız varsa Mazı Köyü’ndeki Hurma Sahili’ni es geçmeyin. Ağaçlarla dolu bu köyü bitirdiğinizde karşınıza masmavi bir deniz çıkıyor. Ufak birkaç pansiyon var. Tam baş dinlemelik. Su sıcak lakin denizi taşlık. Son olarak önereceğim deniz elbette İçmeler. Kumbahçe’deki İçmeler’in suyu o kadar soğuk olmasına karşın içinden çıkmak istemiyorsunuz. Aspat Koyu’nu da tavsiye edecektim lakin biz gittiğimizde bir otel koyun etrafını çevirmişti. İçeri giriş için kişi başı 1.000 lira istiyorlardı. Üzgünüm, Bodrum’un en hoş koylarından Aspat artık halka kapalı.

Deniz sonrası kıyı yürüyüşlerinde Bodrum’un her beldesinde kesinlikle bir çocuk parkı bulursunuz. Bodrum Kalesi’ni hazine oyunu sistemiyle gezmek de eğlenceli olacaktır.

[anzacdaygallipoli]

Budva’dan Bodrum’a deniz, kum, güneş ve tarih bir ortada - Lutars Turizm

New Post has been published on https://www.lutarsturizm.com/budvadan-bodruma-deniz-kum-gunes-ve-tarih-bir-ortada.html

Budva’dan Bodrum’a deniz, kum, güneş ve tarih bir ortada

Çocukla Seyahat’in bu ay bir yurtiçi ve bir yurtdışı olmak üzere iki farklı rotası var; Bodrum ve Karadağ, Budva. Yaklaşık 2 ay evvel temelli olarak Bodrum’a taşındık. Şimdi hem kalabalık hem de sıcaklar başlamadan Lorin’le yarımadayı keşfe çıktık. Karadağ, Budva rotasıysa vizesiz, 12 bin liranın altında bütçesiyle, deniz, kum, güneş tatili vaat eden bir seçenekti. Pronto Tour’un davetiyle 3 gece 4 gün Budva’yı gezdik. Burada pasaport ve çocukla yurtdışı çıkışına bir parantez açmak istiyorum. Şayet çocuğunuz küçükse ve MEB’e bağlı rastgele bir kreşe gidiyorsa yalnızca defter bedeli ödeyerek 5 yıllık pasaport çıkarabilirsiniz. Karadağ, çocuğun yanında başka ebeveyni olmadan ülkeye girişine müsaade veriyor. Ülkelerin farklı uygulamaları var. Kimileri başka eşten muvafakatname istiyor; anne-çocuk; baba-çocuk çıkılacak seyahatler öncesinde gideceğiniz ülkenin konsolosluğundan bilgi alın.

Anne-kız oyuncak alışverişinde…

Dönelim Budva seyahatimize… İstanbul’dan Podgoritsa’ya yaklaşık 1 saat 20 dakika uçuyorsunuz ve buradan yeniden yaklaşık 1 saat 15 dakika daha otobüs seyahatiyle Budva’ya varıyorsunuz. O denli harikulade bir tabiatı var ki yol uzunluğu izleyeceğiniz köylere ve görüntüye doyum olmuyor. Müddet olarak İstanbul’dan Ege’ye gitmekten bir farkı yok. Fakat tatil bütçesi olarak bu yıl Ege kıyılarıyla kıyaslayınca epey uygun. Gidiş-dönüş uçak bileti, 4 yıldızlı otelde konaklama ve kent tipi ödediğiniz fiyata dahil.

TARİHİ SURLAR PLAJA AÇILIYOR

Pronto Tour’un her güne farklı bir gezisi var. Karadağ’ın bir başka ünlü kenti Kotor’a, Tivat, Perast ve Balkanlar’ın en büyüğü olan İşkodra Gölü’ne giden ekstra cinslere katılabilirsiniz. Ben Lorin’le çok yorulmak istemediğimden yalnızca Budva’yı görmeyi tercih ettim. 3 gece 4 gün kenti gezmek için kâfi, biraz daha denizin tadını çıkarayım ya da yakın başka kentleri görelim diyorsanız haftalık tipleri da seçebilirsiniz.

Budva’da eski kentinin olduğu bölgenin ismi Stari Grad. Sokaklarında dolanırken birden bir surun içinden geçip kendinizi plajda buluveriyorsunuz. Mayonuzu içinize giymenizi ya da yanınızda taşımanızı tavsiye ederim. Stari Grad’ı gezmek, tarihi kale ve kiliselerini dolanmak da dahil azamî yarım gününüzü alır. Labirenti andıran daracık ve kıvrımlı sokakları, ikramlık eşya dükkânları, kafeleri ve restoranlarıyla kentin en tanınan, en turistik yeri.

İşte ücretsiz dondurma hazinesinin bileti.

Lorin puseti olmadan 13 bin adım attığı gün yorgunluktan isyan edip yere oturmuştu. Son bir heves kaleyi de gezebilmek için kalede hazine oyunu uydurdum. “İçeride bir hazine varmış, bu bir müsabaka, şayet bulursak ödül olarak tüm dondurmalar fiyatsız olacakmış” dedim. Gücünün tekrar nasıl yerine geldiğini anlatamam. Kale içinde koşturup durdu, ben de içeri girerken aldığımız bilet-kartı kütüphaneye sakladım. Buldu ve kartı kapıp “Dondurmaa” diyerek güvenliklere koştu. Sonuç olarak siz benim yaptığım yanılgıyı yapmayın ve bebek otomobilinizi kesinlikle yanınıza alın.

Eski kentin meydanında yaz uzunluğu akşamları çeşitli şenlikler düzenleniyor, gitmeden internetten denetim edin. Kentin geri kalanı da Adriyatik’e bakan Mogren ve Slovenska olarak ikiye ayrılan uzun kıyı şeridinden oluşuyor. Burada kafeler, restoranlar ve çocuklar için oyun alanları var. Geceleri denize girenler, dans eden gençler, koşturan çocuklarla her daim hareketli. Lakin tüm kentte pazar günü birkaç restoran ve büfe hariç her yer kapalı. Gereksinim ve alışverişinizi aman pazar gününe bırakmayın, sonra bizim üzere AVM’nin kapısında kalakalırsınız.

Şehrin turist yükünü öteki Slav halkları oluşturuyor. Karadağ’da da Sırpça ve Hırvatça karışımı bir lisan konuşuluyor. Bağımsızlıklarını 2006’da ilan ettikleri için şimdi geliştikleri söylenemez ancak pak ve inançlı bir kent. Halk ve çalışanlarsa son derece gergin!

Yabancı lisanınız yoksa hiç kaygı etmeyin zira onların da yok. 5 dakika sandviçteki tavuğu çıkarıp yalnızca kaşar peynirli hale getirmelerini istediğimi anlatmaya çalıştıysam da sonuçta peynirsiz ve tavuklu bir sandviçle baş başa kaldım. Zati şayet et yiyor ve seviyorsanız bu seyahatte bize katılan benim grup, Lorin’in yol arkadaşı Gülay Barbaros Altan’ın tavsiyesiyle gittiğiniz her yerde balık ve deniz eserlerini tercih edebilirsiniz. Denizin kıyısında yaşayıp bunu da mutfaklarında değerlendirmeyi düzgün biliyorlar. Yediği her deniz mahsulünden son derece şad kaldı Gülay. Ayrıyeten mutsuz olmamak için euro’yu liraya çevirmeyi bırakmak gerekiyor. Euro üzerinden kendinize günlük bir bütçe ayırmak mantıklı.

4 yaşındaki minik gezginimiz Lorin otelin taşlık plajında oyunlar oynadı.

DENİZ SICAK, DAĞLAR KAPKARA

Turunuzu yarım pansiyon seçerseniz size bir öğle yemeği kalıyor, o da kişi başı 7-10 euro ortası hoş bir yemekle taçlanıyor. Öteki Avrupa ülkelerine nazaran çok ucuz değil, lakin kaliteli yemek mümkün.

Şehirde Türk turist sayısı da epey fazla. Lorin geçen yılki Mısır seyahatinden sonra burada da Türkçe konuştuğunu duyduğu insanların yanına “Ben Türkçeyim” diye bağırarak koşmayı ihmal etmedi. Ve tüm yabancı lisanları İngilizce zannetmeye devam etti.

Deniz sıcaklığı çocuklar için ülkü. Birçok kıyı çakıl ve kum karışık. Dağlar nitekim kara ve dumanlı. Tabiatı harikulade. Dağların ortasında denize girmek epey keyifli. Su sporları yaygın. Çokça parasailing var ve kara dağların akabinde yamaç paraşütü de yapılıyor.

Biz bir gün otelimizin önünden kalkan tekneye binerek 5 dakika uzaklıktaki Sveti Nikola Adası’na (Hawaii Adası) yüzmeye gittik. Anakaraya ufak bir toprak kesimiyle bağlı olan Sveti Stefan Yarımadası’nı ise lakin tekneyle dışarıdan görebildik. Aslında kentin tarih açısından en kıymetli yerlerinden biri burası. Bir devir 12 ailenin yaşadığı kasabada Sırbistan Kraliçesi’nin yazlık meskeni de varmış. Şimdilerde ünlü bir otel zincirinin derece lüks bir tatil köyü. Fakat üzülmeyin, Hawaii olarak isimlendirdikleri Sveti Nikola da hoş bir gün geçirmek için çok sempatik bir ada. Bir restoran ve 3-4 tane barı olan adada deniz çok hoş lakin suyun içi taşlık ve yosun sebebiyle kaygan, yanınıza deniz ayakkabınızı almayı unutmayın. Tekneyle adaya gidip dönmek 5 euro, çocuktan da para alıyorlar. Adada şezlong ve şemsiye 15 euro. Lakin havlunuzu serip yayılmak fiyatsız. Hayli keyifli bir gündü, adaya geçin derim.

KADIN SÜRÜCÜLÜ TAKSİ SEÇİN

Bir taksi sorunu var bu kentte. İstanbul üzere değil, çabucak taksi bulabiliyorsunuz lakin özel taksiler otellerin yakınında fazlaca oluyor, bilmeden biniyorsunuz ve yaklaşık üç katı bir fiyat ödüyorsunuz. Üzerinde ‘Palmi’ yazan taksiler pak ve olağan tarife, üstelik sürücülerin birden fazla bayan ve seyahat sonunda taksimetreden fiş çıkıyor, ödeyeceğiniz fiyat aşikâr. Kısa yola da isyan etmiyorlar. Bir not da içinde 500 GB yüklü olan turist internet paketlerine düşmek isterim. 10 euro verip, bir çizgi alıp 500 GB internetle tatilinizin tadını daha da rahat rahat çıkarabilirsiniz.

GEZİ NOTLARI

– Stari Grad’daki tüm kiliseler akşam açık olduğundan gündüz yerine akşam serinliğinde gezmek âlâ bir seçenek olabilir.

– Tarihi yapıları gezmeyi seviyorsanız, kent merkezinden biraz uzaklaşmayı göze alarak Podostrog, Duljevo, Praskavica, Rustovo ve Stanjevici manastırlarını görebilirler.

– Mogren Plajı’na giden yolda karşınıza çıkacak Dans Eden Kız Heykeli ile Antik Roma mezarları kentin yakın ve uzak tarihinin görgü şahitlerinden.

  HAZIR TRAFİK SIKIŞMAMIŞKEN…

Budva tatilimizin akabinde tekrar Bodrum’dayız. Hazır trafik sıkışmamış, sıcaklık 26-28 ortası değişiyorken dilediğimiz koya gidebiliyoruz. Bizim beğenilen beldemiz Torba. Konaklamıyorsanız bile şahane otellerdeki restoran ve plajlara dışarıdan girebiliyorsunuz. Fiyat olarak daha makul olan belediyenin Torba Cafe’sine gidebilirsiniz, lakin gün uzunluğu şezlong savaşları var. Bir öteki seçeneğinizse kıyı uzunluğu sıralanmış balık restoranlarının iskeleleri. Burada da favorimiz Mercan Restoran. Hasret Hanım’ı bulun, gerisini ona bırakın. Hem fiyatları makul hem de hoş bir servisi var. Akşamüzeri Torba’nın bütün çocukları hatta Bodrum’un öteki bölgelerinden birçok çocuk Babun Çocuk Kitapçısı’nda buluşuyor. İçinde her çeşit çocuk kitabı, önünde tatlı bir parkı var. Hafta sonları farklı atölyelere mesken sahipliği yapıyor. Kafesinde ağaçların altında dinlenmek güzel bir seçenek.

Çocukların doyasıya eğlenmesi için Bodrum’daki en âlâ adreslerden biri yeniden Torba’daki Vogue Supreme Hotel’in içindeki Candyland. Devasa aquapark’ı, dalga havuzları, Bodrum’a girişte herkesin dikkatini çeken dönmedolabın da olduğu lunaparkı ve küçük diskosuyla Candyland çocuklar için adeta bir cennet. Hem otel konuklarına hem de dışarıdan ziyaretçilere açık. Öncesinde rezervasyon gerekli.

Torba’da konaklayacaksanız veiyi bir yemek, hoş bir plaj istiyorsanız en düzgün alternatif Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels &Resorts. Çocuklu aileler için Family Beach isminde başka bir plaj var ve otelin ısıtmalı havuzlarından biri olan infinity pool’u kullanabiliyorsunuz. Oteldeki herkes çocuklarla çok ilgili. Lorin biz sarfiyat gitmez havuza girdi ve neredeyse tüm gün çıkmadı. Cankurtaran olarak çalışan bir ablası çabucak suya girerek Lorin’le ilgilendi hatta yüzmeyi öğretti. Bana da lokal ve gurme lezzetlerini harmanlayan imza restoranı Malva’da, executive şef Necmi Ağaç’ın mikrolokal lezzet anlayışıyla hazırladığı yemekleri tatmak için fırsat doğdu. Öbür restoranlarında da vegan ve organik seçenekler var. Deniz ve havuzdan yorulan Lorin uykuya daldığında Frankie Beach Club’da DJ müzik eşliğinde eğlenceli birkaç saat geçirdim, ne palavra söyleyeyim çocukla tatilde kendinize de vakit ayırmak işin bonusu oluyor. Susona’nın Frankie Beach’ine ve bünyesindeki restoranlara rezervasyonla günübirlik girmek mümkün.

Bodrum’da bu yaz da otellerin içinde sanat galerileri açılıyor. Hem çocuk hemsizin için uygun bir aktivite. Susona’daki Frank Arka Studio bunlardan biri. Fransa merkezli dünyaca ünlü sanat galerisi Perrotin Gallery, yaz uzunluğu Bodrum Loft’ta sanatseverlerle buluşuyor. METT Hotel’deki Nine Cloud standı, Anna Laudel Bodrum’daki Daniele Sigalot’nun ‘Around the WORD’ isimli şahsî standı de görebileceğiniz öbür sanat yapıtlarından yalnızca birkaçı.

  CENNET VE KARAİNCİR

Bodrum’da nerede konakladığınız çok kıymetli değil, aracınızla ya da dolmuşlarla her koya rahatlıkla gidebilirsiniz. Bizim favori koyumuz Cennet. Deniz kıyısı yumuşacık kum. Çocuklar için ülkü sığlıkta, biraz açılırsanız koyun ismini nereden aldığını anlıyorsunuz. 5-6 metre tabanı görmek ve dağların ortasında yüzmek insanı hakikaten cennette hissettiriyor. Küçük bir işletme var. Şezlong 100 lira. Tost 40, limonata 30 lira. Otopark fiyatsız. Dilerseniz kendi sandalyelerinizle de gidip fiyat ödemeden denize girebilirsiniz.

Çocukla gidilebilecek bir başka deniz seçeneğiyse Akyarlar’daki Karaincir Plajı. Ne yazık ki burada halk plajı ismine pek yer kalmamış. Uygun fiyatlı beach’ler üzere değerli olanlar da var, seçim sizin. Pırıl pırıl bir suyu ve altın sarısı kumu var. Lakin denizin suyu soğuk. Bodrum’da Mavi Bayraklı 67 plaj var, münasebetiyle denizi gördüğünüz anda üstünüzü çıkarabilirsiniz fakat tekrar de en güzeline gideceğiz üzere bir savınız varsa Mazı Köyü’ndeki Hurma Sahili’ni es geçmeyin. Ağaçlarla dolu bu köyü bitirdiğinizde karşınıza masmavi bir deniz çıkıyor. Ufak birkaç pansiyon var. Tam baş dinlemelik. Su sıcak lakin denizi taşlık. Son olarak önereceğim deniz elbette İçmeler. Kumbahçe’deki İçmeler’in suyu o kadar soğuk olmasına karşın içinden çıkmak istemiyorsunuz. Aspat Koyu’nu da tavsiye edecektim lakin biz gittiğimizde bir otel koyun etrafını çevirmişti. İçeri giriş için kişi başı 1.000 lira istiyorlardı. Üzgünüm, Bodrum’un en hoş koylarından Aspat artık halka kapalı.

Deniz sonrası kıyı yürüyüşlerinde Bodrum’un her beldesinde kesinlikle bir çocuk parkı bulursunuz. Bodrum Kalesi’ni hazine oyunu sistemiyle gezmek de eğlenceli olacaktır.

[faegoddessog]

Woman in Red CH 11/17

Chapter 11: Mogren Beach

Series Summary: She's a very successful woman who can't seem to find a partner that can keep up with her. He is just wanting to find someone who likes him for HIM, not his fame. Neither of them are prepared for what hits them when she walks into that coffee shop.

Chapter Warnings: Explicitly mature content, 18+ only, Unprotected PiV (play safe ya'll!), Angst, fellatio,

A/N: In this story, I make no mention of birth control or condoms or STI's. Please, darlings, please love yourself enough to protect yourself appropriately when you have sex. <3

Message me or leave in a comment if you'd like to be added or removed from my tagged list!

@purejasmine, @slowsweetlove, @richardslady121, @austinbutlerslovers, @tadpoleteef, @allittakesisoneflight

Here is the Woman in Red Masterlist

Here is the link to all my posted work: My Dirty Little, and not so little Stories.

Chapter 11: Mogren Beach

Their stopover in Iceland was fun. A driver took the five of them in a limo, possibly the only one on the island,  to see the Bridge Between Continents. It was an actual foot bridge that spanned a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After they went to the Blue Lagoon for about four hours, Aya treated them all to facials and in-water massages and bought them all lunch. They left all noodly and relaxed. When they climbed into the limo,  Stacey plopped down next to Austin and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. 

“A girls gotta nap after that, especially if she’s gotta fly the plane.” She closed her eyes and snuggled into his chest.  Austin, having little choice in the matter, just shrugged and pulled her close.  Charlie sat down on his other side and he offered his arm to her as well. She smiled at him and snuggled in too, though because of her height, she leaned back more on his shoulder. His eyes felt heavy too as the car started.  Aya and Shaya talked in quiet tones across from them. 

When they get to the plane, Stacey’s eyes pop open. She stretches, kisses a groggy Austin hard on the mouth, then literally bounds from the car to start preflight checks. 

Aya giggles and gets out as Austin rubs his eyes, Charlie plants a kiss on his cheek and gets out too. 

Shaya shakes their head. “That girl is like a damn fairy, I’ll tell you what. But maybe that’s what makes her such a good pilot,” they smile at Austin. “She likes you, that’s not always the case. She’s picky. I like you too, you are a good man. But I need to tell you, I love Aya like a sister, so don’t you fuck her up.” 

“It is my deepest intent not to do so,” he says seriously. “I am” he hesitates,  “well let’s say I’m coming to care for her too.” 

“Mmm, hmmm, just be mindful, she’s more fragile than she wants to let on.” Shaya pats his knee kindly then follows their cohort to the plane. 

“What was Shaya telling you?” Aya asks, taking his hand as he finally emerges from the vehicle. “Just how much they love you,” he smiles, “everyone seems to. Love you that is.” His eyes go soft as he looks at her. 

She looks at him briefly, smiling, before quickly looking down.  It only takes an instant for her inner self to recognize what those words and that gaze mean. She’s seen makeshift attempts before, but only once was it true. Only once before did it pierce her heart, and it ended up tearing her soul.   And she was not about to repeat that shit, nope, nope, nope.  She shoves those thoughts aside and looks back at him with a smile. 

Aya’s seemingly bashful glance down seems uncharacteristic of her. She is shaking her head and he could see the pink rising in her face. Weird, her self confidence is usually all encompassing, why did the mention of people loving her make her curl inward.  He is about to lift her chin when she looks at him with a huge fake smile. “Let’s go”, is all she says. 

****************

The rest of the flight to Montenegro was uneventful. Unless you count that Stacey invited Austin into the cockpit. To be fair,  he was genuinely interested, having learned to fly old B-17’s for his stint on Masters of the Air. He had a basic understanding of flight and asked relevant questions. It fucking turned her on. 

“This is what autopilot was literally invented for, thank you Lawrence Sperry,”  she flipped the switch and practically leapt onto him, straddling his lap as he sat in the jumpseat behind hers. 

“Whoa, Stacey, we should check with Aya first, sweetheart, ” Austin said, turned on himself, but still feeling weird about all this freedom with sex. 

“I told you she’d eat you alive,” said Aya from behind them.  Her arms came around his neck. “You are not beholden to me Austin, fuck her if you’d like.” She leaned in to kiss his ear. ‘Good,’ she thinks, ‘let Stacey distract him.’ He grabbed her hand, holding it to his chest. 

“Yes, fuck me if you’d like,” Stacey’s smile was sweet but her eyes are pure wolf. She was grinding on his hard cock as her pencil skirt rode high on her hips. 

He did. 

She didn’t even take her underwear off, just pulled them to the side after pulling him out of his joggers.  She was fast and hard and furious, but quieter this time, not wanting to disturb Shaya in the bunks just behind the cockpit.  Aya stayed and held his hand the whole time, kissing his neck, whispering how hot it was telling him to watch as her tight little slit swallowed him whole.  He thrust up into her again and again. After she came, she got off him, his still hard cock bouncing.

“You got him  from here, yeah Aya?” She said kissing her then settling back down to fly the plane. 

“Indeed,” she pulled him off the seat as he tried to tuck himself back into his pants. He wasn’t sure he liked fucking Stacey, she kinda kept using him and leaving him hanging. Although right now it didn't matter, because Aya was coaxing him to the bedroom. Aya was kissing him. Aya was rubbing her pussy back and forth on his hand to show her how wet watching them had made her. Aya was laying back offering herself to his pleasure. Aya was gripping him, shaking with the force of her orgasm. Legs, arms and cunt wrapped around him as he spilled into her yet again. Aya was holding him to her breast and stroking his hair. Aya, all for Aya. 

When they emerged,  Charlie fed them. He read his script, making notes in the margins. Aya did some work on her laptop. Soon they were landing, parking and going through customs, all of them. 

They piled into a big SUV, for about a half hour through the dark countryside, dotted with billboards that floated into the view of the headlights and winked out again. They went through a tunnel and shortly after, they entered what looked like a resort town and stopped at a fancy apartment building.  After getting keycards from the front desk, they rode the elevator up. 

“Ding” they stopped at the topmost floor. 

“This is us” says Shaya, pressing her cheek to Aya, making kissing noises, then does the same to Austin. 

Stacey pulled him down to her for a deep french kiss before turning on her heel and dragging her bag out into the hall. Charlie pressed her full lips to his ,”night night” she said sweetly and left. 

Why they were doing this here and not in the hallway, Austin didn’t know or question. He had gotten quickly past wondering why this crew did all the things they did. Austin made to pick up his bag and follow them. 

“Nope,” said Aya, pressing her keycard to the pad in the elevator. The doors closed and Austin looks at the panel of buttons then at her, confused. They were at the top, weren’t they?

She just pointed up as the elevator rose further and then opened onto a dark covered patio. She steps out, pressing her keycard to another pad on the wall. 

“Sasha, turn on the lights and open the door please,” she says loudly.

The lights come on inside a wall of windows that he hadn’t even registered, the door to his left clicks open. The patio is covered in plants and potted trees, a sunning deck is off to the right. He can just make out patio furniture in the dark. The darkness of the ocean is all he can see beyond. 

She beckons him in. The foyer has an inlaid mosaic on the floor, a coat closet to the left, a bedroom and bathroom directly across from the main door. A wide hallway leads to the right. It is lined with full  bookshelves on its left and the glass windows looking out on the patio to the right. It opens into a beautiful modern kitchen with white cabinets and sleek lines. There is  a huge black marble two level island with a sink in the middle with bar height seating across the back. 

The room has a vaulted ceiling and extends into a dining space where a black topped table with white chairs sits. Past that is the living space with a huge curved white couch, a thick black rug covers most of the white stone floor and a big abstract black and white painting hangs on the wall.  The floor to ceiling windows extend the whole wall to the right, broken only by a double sided gas fireplace that serviced the patio as well. The far wall across the end of the room was also nothing but windows and standing in the corner was a pearl white grand piano. 

“Wow, this is lovely Aya.  What made you decide to buy a place here?" he asks as he sets down his bag. 

“Do you remember when you were in my work apartment that first night and I told you that I own a few buildings you couldn’t see from there?”

He just nods.

“Well, you can see one of them now,” she opens her arms. 

“The whole building?” he is a little flabbergasted. He knew upscale and this building was it. 

“Yup, the crew is in a three bedroom unit downstairs that I rent out as a VRBO, along with several others, but this is my Mediterranean Sanctuary, only I stay here.” 

“Oh, well I’ll go see about getting a room then,” he teases, picking up his bag, “I suppose Charlie might be willing to share.” 

“Ok, ok, me and my guests,” she rolls her eyes trying to cover the unnervingly possessive feeling that just sprouted from his words. 

Austin chuckles as Aya goes to the fridge.  It’s filled with her favorite fresh local things. She needed to give her housekeeper an extra bonus. She pours sparkling water from a big glass bottle into a stemless wine glass, offering one to Austin as well. They wander into the living space. 

“Do you play?” he indicates the piano. 

“I did as a kid, but my teacher kinda messed it up for me.” Aya says sitting on the wide bench and flipping the fallboard open. 

“Oh no! What happened.” Austin sits next to her. 

“Oh she just yelled a lot when I didn’t practice, which made stubborn little me want to practice less.” She plays a chord, the piano perfectly in tune. “ She told me I could be a concert pianist, that I was progressing so fast. But even if it could have been a passion for me, her attitude made me quit.” She plays a volley of notes that stream into Vivaldi’s Summer. She abruptly stops, looking at Austin and shrugging. 

“That is horrible.” he says, laying his fingers on the keys, “I mean, she was, not your playing." He wraps his arms around her waist, planting a loving kiss on her forehead, "you just keep amazing me, at every turn.” 

“C’mon, I’ll show you the rest,” she pulls away from him, her heart pressing against her chest. She doesn't want to feel this way, she tells herself.

There are double doors on the wall behind the dining table. It opens up into a huge bedroom dominated by a massive wooden four poster bed.  Each corner has an ornately carved pillar. In contrast to the stark black and white of the other rooms, this room is decorated in complex reds and deep browns and light creams. There is a Moroccan flair to the decor with rich, lavish fabrics, carved wooden pieces and elaborate wall sconces. There is a rug so thick you could sink your toes completely into it, if you tried. There are two doors to the left, each ornamented above with subtle moorish arches. One to the big bathroom, the other to the walk-in closet. To the right was, shockingly,  more windows with thick curtains tied to each side and billowing out in graceful curves.  Situated in front of the glass is a massive clawfoot tub, big enough for two people, possibly three if one was Stacey-sized. 

“This was supposed to be a three bedroom penthouse, but I insisted that they make this big master suite  instead. I don’t need that many bedrooms," Aya explains as she shows him the bathroom. 

“I feel like I’m on an old hollywood movie set, Casablanca or something,” he says with a smile, pulling her in close. 

She supposes she could toss out that famous line, but just now she can't remember what it is. Austin is simply too close, smells too good, is too distracting.  She stays in his embrace this time. Her heart pounding in her chest, swelling despite her wishes. The heart wants what the heart wants. 

They decided they were tired enough to at least try to sleep, considering the local time was nearly 1:30 AM. She again offered him the spare bedroom, in case he wanted some space. Usually, she preferred it that way, needing her own space,  but she was finding his company was easy. Filled with calm quiet spaces that, oddly, she didn’t feel the need to fill. 

“Why would I pass up the opportunity to be fucked in my sleep?” he teases her. “No really, please fuck me in my sleep anytime you want,” he says seriously. 

“Oh I don’t think I want to wait until you are asleep,” she puts her arms around his shoulders, pulling him in for a kiss. A kiss that ended up with Austin seeing just how luxurious the carpet really was and just how deep he could get his toes into the pile. 

*******************

The next day, the rising sun pierces into the room and right into their faces between the forgotten curtains. They hunker down into the sheets, both mentally cursing. 

When they do get up, the sun has crept across the room. They eat a quick breakfast and set out to see Budva and walk off some of the jet lag. They walk the old town and have lunch there.  They don’t see the three others at all. 

“They like to do their own thing.” she comments when he asks, “Sometimes Charlie likes to hang out by the marina. She has a thing for boats.  Shaya is shopping or hiking, I'd bet my life on it. Stacey is likely sleeping in so she can haunt the bars later, she likes to troll for men.” Aya says, she thinks of all the times she has joined in on those one night stands. They don’t seem as appealing as they used to.  

The walk to Mogren Beach is less than 15 minutes. There are a moderate amount of people out today. They sunbathe for a while, then he drags her out to the deeper water to play and swim in the crystal clear waters. 

Aya tries to keep herself in check in this public place.  The water dripping and sparkling off his bare chest,  and his muscles rippling, makes it tough. But more than anything, seeing him laugh makes her yearn for him. She finds it unnerving and delicious all at the same time. 

At one point, she leaps on him, trying to dunk him. Caught unawares he goes under. He turns, grabs her and erupts from the water, tossing her. Her arms flail and splash as she too, goes under. She comes up sputtering and laughing. He is right there, pulling her up into his arms. Salty seawater flavors his tongue as it sweeps against her bottom lip. Her legs wrap around his waist in the water, pressing herself needily against him. They both forget entirely where they are. They both are ready to pull aside their respective suit bottoms and fuck right there, despite the universal knowledge that water is a terrible lubricant. 

“Aya,” he breathes his blue eyes shimmering like the surface of the water, “I- I -” 

“Ohmigawd! are you like, Austin Butler?” A young woman, barley not a teenager, is on a float raft and paddling towards them. 

Austin lets out a breath, turning toward the young fan with his practiced smile. Thankful for the fact that the water was deep enough to hide his hard-on. 

He is practically the archetype of humility and politeness as she gushes about his performances and flirts with him openly. He asks her name and where she is from; kind to his core. He smiles and waves his little finger-tip wave towards a couple other girls who titter and refuse to approach. Their phones are out and pointed towards the three of them. The girl asks if he would pose for the cameras. He goes to put his arm around Aya, who is patiently waiting beside him.  As the girl turns, she ‘accidentally’ falls off into the water in front of him triggering the oldest of male instincts. He puts out his arms to catch her. The girl thrashes in the water, screaming that she can’t swim, then is clinging to him with her arms around his neck.

“Whoa, whoa, it’s ok, you can touch here.”  He grabs her wrist and peels her arms away from him, setting her on her feet. 

Aya, who has been utterly ignored in this interaction, scoffs and tries not to roll her eyes as the girl nearly cries about how he saved her life. 

“No, no it was nothing, you would've been fine, it was nice to meet you,” he dismisses her, with a nod of his head and turns back to Aya. The girl grabs her raft and starts back to her friends. Half way there she is saying loudly, “Did you see that, holy fuck I could totally feel it, it was so big.  Oh my god!” As though Austin and Aya can’t hear. 

“You wanna go?” Aya asks, seeing Austin’s cheeks turn red. 

Austin takes a big breath and nods, “Yeah, I’m sorry, we’d better. That was….” he shakes his head in disbelief.

They make their way back to the beach. Austin’s mouth is a grim line as he watches the shoreline for cameras and protectively holds Aya’s hand. He is mentally kicking himself that he let his guard down. He’d gotten so comfortable, so focused on Aya, that he had forgotten himself, quite literally. How could he be so stupid.

He stomps up to their pile of things, pulling a towel out quickly. He tosses it around her shoulders before yanking one around himself. He knows that if he’s outed here, it’ll be a matter of minutes before lenses will be focused on them. “Whoa there sailor,” says Aya holding up a hand, “we aren’t in any hurry.”  She lets the unneeded towel fall off her shoulders. It was like his fun self had been doused with cold water.  

“I just want to protect you,” he says, fumbling in his haste to pull her towel back up.

“Austin,” she puts her hand on his cheek, “I’ve made it this far in life, I’m not worried about some teenage shenanigans.” 

“It’s not that,” he looks hard into her eyes, trying to silently make up for his lack.

“What is it then,” her voice is curious. 

“It’s you,” he looks at the blue sky, trying to figure out  what he even means,  “I just…” 

“Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?” Aya’s eyes narrow at him. 

“What!?” his eyes flick back to hers, brows stitched together, “Why would you even think…”. He blows out an exasperated breath. He’s more upset at the idea, than at her for thinking it. “Look, can we just get back to the apartment and talk about it in private,” he snaps. 

“Sure,” she says, her lips pursed. Suddenly, she is very upset.  Maybe it’s his snapping at her after being so sweet to that stupid girl. Or maybe it's just his assuming she needed his protection. Silently and quickly, they gather their things and leave. He tries to take her hand, but she steps out ahead of him, out of reach. Her mind starts hamster-wheeling stupid things, dredging up those old fucking tapes again: she isn’t pretty enough, young enough, thin enough. God dammit, she thought those were dead, buried, burned! She is more mad at herself for those thoughts than anything else. Seeing a crack form in the chained iron box, buried in layers of denial and old scars, locked in the dark cell in the depths of her mental dungeon, her fear tries to wiggle its way to the surface. ‘What else might he dredge from the catacombs?’ it says. She forcibly shoves it away, but not before tears begin to sting her eyes.

Austin swears softly under his breath. He follows her retreating form. He isn’t sure what just happened or why he was snapping at her. This kind of incident, being approached by strangers, was his current life. In truth, it was rarely that bad, but maybe she couldn’t handle his fame? He rejects the thought immediately. Ridiculous, she was far too outgoing and definitely too confident for that.  Was she jealous of that girl, that child?  How could she be? Literally yesterday she had encouraged him, then watched as he fucked someone else. She told him it turned her on.  She had said he wasn’t beholden to her. Shaya had said she was more fragile than she wanted to let on. Maybe he should let that come to the surface before he told her just how much she had affected him, just how much he wanted to be ‘beholden’ to her. 

The walk back was silent, at first her steps were rapid and angry as they walked the trail between the rock cliff and the sea. It wasn’t as if she was trying to get away from him. In reality,  she was actually trying to outpace her own thoughts.  By the time they got to the city park, three blocks from the building, she had slowed down as though she had outwalked her initial reactions. She wipes the tears she hadn’t acknowledged yet with the back of her hand, then holds it out behind her, toward Austin, hoping he’ll take it. 

Her fast pace was surprising to him, but not hard to keep up with. He stayed a pace or two behind her, letting her lead, letting her fume. He wasn’t sure where he was going at any rate. After the first five minutes he decided there had to be more to her reaction than he realized, that he would just wait  and let her lead this. He knew that he was actually mad at himself for putting them in a position like that, for forgetting where they were and what could happen. 

‘It’s not like we were in real danger,’ he  thinks to himself. ‘There was little I could do differently, besides ignore that girl.’ He starts to talk himself off the ledge of his anger.

He really tried to not let his fame stop him from doing things, albeit with differing levels of success. But he had been dealing with this in some capacity all his life, she had not. He could’ve at least warned her or explained instead of being tight and upset.  Instead he was pretending that he was just a normal nobody the whole time he was with her. It was all he wanted when he was with her, to just be a guy.   Maybe, he thought as they walked in silence, just maybe that girls’ interruption was a sign that he should slow down. Fuck, what he had nearly confessed to Aya in that moment! Her pace slowed so gradually that he didn't notice it until her hand reached for him.  He closes the gap instantly, threading his fingers gently with hers, grateful for the peace offering. His fingers touch the wetness on the back of her hand. He is jolted with the realization that she had been crying.

When his hand laces into hers, a breath she didn't know she was holding escapes her lungs and her shoulders release. She keeps walking, leading him in through the palm trees, rubber plants and weeping figs to a spot she knows. She slows to a stop in the shade of a tall nettle tree, surrounded by hedges. 

“I’m sorry Austin,” she says, to his surprise. “I know you are not embarrassed to be seen with me.” 

“Oh my god no,” his hand nearly leaps to caress her cheek, “whatever would I have to be embarrassed about, Aya? You are so beautiful, smart, adventurous, confident and totally amazing.” 

“Yeah well, clearly not all the time,” she leans into his hand, “I just let some old bullshit get the better of me, that’s all. Can you forgive me?” He tilts her face up and she finally looks at him, her eyes slightly red with tears. 

“There is nothing to forgive, Aya,  we all have old bullshit that gets the better of us sometimes.” His plush lips press softly and briefly onto hers. “And I’m sorry too.” 

Her eyebrows crease in a frown. “For what?” He can’t possibly mean for those girls, he didn’t make them do that?

“For snapping at you, for letting my guard down,” he answers looking up, “for not paying attention to what was going on around us.” 

“Thank you for the apology Austin” she says simply. 

 “I should’ve… I don’t know…” He looks back down to her, “been better prepared or something. They aren’t usually that…invasive.” He shakes his head, still beating himself up.  “And there will be photos, Aya.” 

“What on earth could you have done, you can’t control other people,” she says matter of factly. “Fuck the photos. I’ve had photos taken of me before.  What are we going to do, hide forever? Never go out for dinner or get groceries or go to the movies or enjoy an outing? Live like hermits?”

Groceries, dinner, movies, we, forever:  these words stick sharp in his mind. These words are couple words, partner words. His heart leaps as his mind begins flashing spontaneous scenes involving those words, a potential future that sparks so much joy in him. He gives his head a little shake to bring him back to the here and now.  

“You are right, I know better, they can’t dictate our lives,” he sighs, 'hopefully our life, someday’ he thinks.

She hears the slight longing in the word ‘our’. Shit, what did she start? But she suppresses on. 

“I am well aware of your status and that people will recognize you. I’m sure there are measures to be taken. Let me add to your list of my supposed qualities: I’m also stubborn. I refuse to let other people’s behavior dictate to me where I go and what I do. How do you think I got where I am?” 

“Yes, of course. It's just, we were having such a good track record and I got lulled into a false sense of security. I’m so sorry,  I just feel I should have-” she touches his lips with her finger. 

“Should’ve, would’ve could’ve,” she says softly, ignoring the pet name, “it’s done now and there is nothing to be sorry about.”

“Well I was snappy at you,” he says against her finger, pleading into her eyes.

“And I forgive you.” her hand slides to his jaw, “So stop beating yourself up over nothing. Okay?”

“Okay,” his eyes soften into hers. In the space of one breath, he sees that the very thing that might have driven a wedge between them, instead has him falling deeper. 

The look in his eyes says it all. She knows exactly what is happening and try as she might, she feels it too. She should run, says her protective half, run to her penthouse and lock it behind her. Hide, run, evade, anything to stop this descent.  But she is rooted to the spot like the trusty trees around her, so she falls, kicking, clawing but oh so quietly. 

The walk back was meandering, quiet and hand in hand.  They made a stop at a restaurant on the way, getting take-out as neither of them felt like cooking and both were famished. 

They ate an early dinner on the terrace, after taking separate but quick showers. Neither of them said much more other than to comment on the food or the view. 

Austin stood and picked up the plates. He was standing at the sink when Aya came in a few minutes later, wondering where he had gone. He had a sink full of bubbles and was washing dishes by hand despite the fact that the dishwasher was standing at the ready. She didn’t question it, only hoped that this dish-washer might also be ready and willing. 

She comes up behind him, wrapping her arms around him and lays her cheek on his back.  

“Are you tired?” she asks. It’s early evening but jet lag and the events of the day might dictate an early night.  

“Not really,” he says softly, rinsing a dish in the hot stream of water.

“Me neither,” she just wants to feel close to him after their pseudo argument. Though to be honest, just touching him makes her flame.

Cleaning up was one of those things that sometimes he just found himself doing. Especially when he felt emotional or his brain felt disorderly. It was at least something he could control. He is deep in his own zen and bubbles, when he feels her hands skim his waist. It’s the first touch she’s extended, other than hand holding, since their fight. If they could call it a fight, it was more one on one combat between themselves and their own demons that happened to catch the other in the crossfire. 

The feel of her hands ignites him.  Normally, he doesn’t like how manipulative ‘make up’ sex feels. He’s had girlfriends that used it against him. But this didn’t feel like that, they had actually talked and each had taken responsibility. 

“Mmm, why do you have something in mind?” he says, scrubbing the last dish and leaning slightly into her. He just wants the perceived distance between them to be nil again.

“Maybe after you are done here, if you are willing…” she lets the sentence hang in the air, her fingertips lightly dancing on his hips bones. 

“Willing to….” he knows, but he wants to hear her say it. 

"I’d like to be with you, feel your skin next to mine,”  she doesn’t want to push and won’t if he isn’t up for it yet. She realizes with a sense of shock that she would be down for just cuddling. She feels depleted from the events of the day and just wants to get her brain back to a sense of normalcy, something simple and familiar. 

He had the feeling, she was placing the offer down in front of him gingerly. She wasn’t trying to seduce him into it, rather she was simply stating that she was willing if he was. It's hot, hotter than if she was trying to smooth things over with sex or goad him into intimacy. 

“You would, huh?” his voice slips deep as he rinses the final dish and sets it in the rack to dry. “I’d like that, maybe out there,” he nods to the terrace.  He turns in her arms after drying his hands and pulls her in close. He tilts her chin up with a gentle forefinger, smelling like bubbles, “I want your skin on mine too,” he says. 

Then his mouth is on hers, gently pressing a long, soft kiss. It melts her, nearly buckling her knees. She had tried, really tried, not to care if he said no.  This was her usual M.O.  after all.  But when his hands are bunching up the hem of her dress and peeling it off her, she realizes just how worried she was that he may not want her after their conflict.

“I know how much you like being naked outside.” His smile wipes away any doubt. 

The sun was just starting to go down. Every inch of Aya’s skin was bathed in golden light. The sideways slant of the sun casting shadows into the valleys of Austin’s muscular and very naked torso. His shirt was left canoodling with her dress inside.  The warm evening breeze pulled her hair away from her face as she let him lead her out to the terrace. He stops, turns and pulls her in for a deeper kiss.  His fingers tangle in her hair as his tongue petitions for entrance, which Aya gladly gives, sinking herself into his strong arms. They kiss for a long time, slowly getting bolder with one another until the puffing breath from their nostrils eddy against one another’s cheeks. Little moans pass between their vibrating chests. 

“You know what I would like, if you are ok with it?” he asks after finally pulling away from her, voice a little tentative and his teeth playing with his bottom lip, “I want your mouth on me, please.“ He glances at the tent of his cock in his comfy linen drawstring pants. He had foregone underwear after his shower.  “And uh… I don’t need to be all aggressive this time, I just want you to do what you do.” He still has a hint of guilt, feeling like he got out of control that first time. 

“Austin, look at you asking for a blowjob.” she smiles, teasing only a little. “Yes, oh yes please.  And for the record, again, I like it when you take control.” She locks onto his eyes as she lowers herself down to sit on the big round outdoor couch, “I want you to enjoy it knowing that I like it too. Honest, it’s hotter for me when I know I’m driving you a little crazy.” 

“Really?,” his voice is husky. The sight of her in front of him is reminiscent of a devotee. It is more arousing than he wants it to be. “You like it that much? You don’t mind me…” he put his hands on either side of her head. 

“Really,” she says matter of factly, placing her palm on his hand  and nuzzling in reassurance, “I love the feel of my mouth being full. And of this pretty cock gliding over my tongue.” Her hand grazes his cloth-covered tip, “ I like it when you cum all over me too. “

“You don’t feel like I’m using you?” he asks, still cautious.

“No, not at all. Austin, it actually turns me on.  Besides I don’t think you’d ever make me feel used. Not even when your eyes go nearly black and I can tell all you want is to drive into me over and over, because all I want is to let you. But if you aren’t going to take control, at least tell me if it feels good, that you are liking what I’m doing. Just to pet my ego a little.” 

Her cheeky smirk as her fingers catch the drawstring at his hips sends electricity down his spine. She pulls the waist around his now hard cock,  letting the fabric fall around his feet. 

“Yes Ma’am.” he replies, gently running his fingers over her flowing blonde hair. He can’t help but marvel at her beauty. Not Hollywood perfection fake beauty, but real lived-in gorgeousness that has seen things, done things and wants more of both. The way her bountiful tits glow in the last light of day and the shadows accentuate the dip of her waist. The faint stretch marks on her hips and breasts look like tiger stripes and make her all the more sexy for her unabashed acceptance of them. 

As the glory of him is revealed in the last golden rays of the day, she can’t help but think just how Adonis-like he looks. Blood rushes, tingling, to her core.  God, maybe it’s the light or the angle, but either way she marvels at just how pretty his cock really is up close. He was long, maybe one and a half of her hands palm to fingertips; fingertips that don’t quite reach all the way around to her thumb when she encircles him. The prominent ridge up the underside is crisscrossed with little blue veins in his light skin, drawing her eye up to his perfectly proportioned head. His head that leans slightly to the right, blushed a rose colored pink and was adorned with a glittering clear jewel that welled at his tiny hole.   It was as if it was sculpted by Michelangelo, if he had been born now and unashamed of his love for cock. 

“God, you turn me on so much,” he pets her head, “I don’t think I can see straight.” 

“Well for this, seeing isn’t integral,” she counters before pushing her wetted lips over his cock. Her mouth is soft at first,  the tip of her tongue licking lazy circles around his tip, spreading his pre-cum in her mouth.  She inhales through her nose, his velvety tip is like heaven on her tongue.  She nestles his head onto the roof of her mouth. The corona of him hooked gently against the back of her teeth as the middle of her tongue caresses his underside. 

“Oh I disagree,” his voice husky with desire, “watching you is fundamental to the entire pro- ah-ah-cess.” His word breaks into pieces as the vacuum of her mouth slowly increases as does the depth of his cock down her tongue. 

Eyes closed, she slowly glides her mouth and hand up and down him, twisting slightly at the end. Her tongue flicks  double time, working his length. After a few minutes that are peppered with his ‘Oh Yes’s and ‘just like that’s,  she pulls off him with a gentle pop. Her eyes flutter open to find his own staring down at her, brows furrowed slightly and his nostrils flaring in want, in need. They both breathe in shakily. Her eyes narrow and her lip curls. The air between them pressurized with sensuality. 

“Fuck, Aya,” his legs shake slightly, “how do you do that?”

“Do what, Austin,” she places a gentle kiss on his tip while lazily running her fist up and down his cock.

“Make me want you so damn much with just a look?” His fingers thread through her hair, trying not to grasp hard and just plunge into her. 

She chuckles in her chest and figuring the question was rhetorical, goes back to the delicious work of sucking his cock. 

He stops her  before he cums, pulling out of her mouth. In one seamless motion, he lays her back on the round couch and hovers over her.  Just before she tries to open her legs to him, he places his knees on either side of her thighs, trapping them together. Leaning forward on one hand, he uses the other to guide his tip up and down her labia, nestling himself between her bare, wet lips. Pushing, nudging, his way into her. Once he seats his head into her entrance, he leans on both arms. He pushes slowly, eyes rolling back in his head and groaning. 

She’s actually never been fucked like his before, closed missionary, with her legs together. The extra friction on her labia is good. She runs trembling fingers along his collarbone and down his sternum as he begins to move slowly in and out of her. His pecs flex as he leans on one arm to trail lines of desire over her breasts. She inhales as his fingers skim her nipples. She gazes up at his orange backlit form, it flits through her mind that he is the most beautiful when he is about to take her with fierce passion. 

Austin’s knees slide back a couple inches and he leans forward on his arms, his head and upper torso anchor as his ass and abs contract and release in concert to thrust his now glistening shaft in and out of her. Her curves under him are quickly becoming his favorite sight.  Little moans escape her lips as he lowers to his elbows and presses his forehead to hers. He struggles not to declare his love, not to chant ‘I love you, I love you, I love you” out loud, over and over. He keeps his eyes shut tight. He knows if he opens them, he’ll say it and he can sense that she is not ready to hear it. 

There is just enough friction, enough stimulation to her clit to drive the rack and pinion of her orgasm tighter and tighter.   

“Keep going,’ she whispers, her breath hot on his face and her pussy thrumming with his cock. 

“Uh huh” is all he can grunt back. Her fingers ride the grooves of his ribs as he thrusts and thrusts and thrusts. Nearly losing it into her, barely able to hold back. 

Her abs contract and her legs push against  the weight of his body, fingers dig into his ribs.

“Oh my god, Austin!” she freezes for a moment. The gears wind into that last tooth then release in an audible inhaled gasp just before her spine arches up and the wordless scream he has come to know so well escapes her. 

Once he knows she is cumming, he lets go his hold, fucking into her with everything he has. He rides out her orgasm while simultaneously triggering his own, spilling into her with a gutural rumble that vibrates his chest.  

‘This woman is a fucking dream,’ he thinks as she quivers under him.