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coolemmasulivan · 9 months

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With You | 1

Pairing: Rúben Dias x Reader

Summary: You're Bernardo Silva's sister and you and Rúben have a crush on each other. After moving to Manchester, you and him realise that some things in the past were not what it seemed.

Word count: 2099

Author’s note: English isn’t my first language.

You can read part 2 here

And I know you said that we're not talkin' But I miss you, I'm sorry

It was really happening. The excitement was almost too much to bear. You were moving to Manchester after spending your entire life surrounded by your family and friends in Portugal in the same city you grew up in.

When your brother, Bernardo, told you that his friend was starting a business and needed an architect, you immediately agreed without hesitation.

You couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness at the thought of leaving it all behind, but at the same time, the anticipation of starting a new life in a new country was almost too much to contain. You imagined yourself walking the streets of Manchester, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, and meeting new people.

You knew you deserved more. You craved new experiences, challenges, and opportunities that your current situation couldn't provide. The journey ahead would be filled with highs and lows, but you were ready to face them head-on.

"Wait.. you're serious?" You could see his shocked expression over Facetime.

"Yes." You smiled. Even Ines, who was in the background taking something from the fridge, stopped to listen in on your conversation. "Why do you guys look so surprised? You knew I wanted to live abroad."

"You've been saying that since you were little! Do you know how many job offers I have given you? How long have I been trying to convince you to move here?"

You let out a sigh. "I don't remember."

"Me neither! But I know how many you rejected: all of them." He was right. He had tried to help you multiple times, but you never dared to actually do it. To leave your parents and the life you knew behind. "And I mean ALL of them."

"So why did you keep asking?"

"Because I'm your big brother. I want the best for you." He said in frustration and looked down. "And I wouldn't mind having you closer." He mumbled, making you smile.

A week later you were at the airport. You saw Ines coming towards you and her radiant smile lit up her face when she caught sight of you. You hugged and greeted each other and made your way together to Etihad Campus where you were going to surprise your brother.

Bernardo had been excited since the day he hung up the phone. He still couldn't believe you were really moving to Manchester, that he'd see his little sister every day like he used to when he was younger.

"What's going on with you? You're more cheerful than usual." Haaland asked him as he passed him the ball at practice. "Are you having twins or something?"

Bernardo laughed. "No, we're not having twins. It's my sister."

Haaland looked at him in surprise. "She's having twins?"

"NO!" They got back to the end of the line where Stones and Cancelo were waiting. "No one is having twins. She's moving here."

"Y/n's moving here?" Cancelo knew you from a long time ago, just like Rúben and all the other players in Manchester that played in the Portuguese national team. Bernardo looked like a little kid in a toy shop and nodded. "That's incredible! Have you finally convinced her?"

"Yes. I still can't believe it's happening. I thought she was messing with me."

"What does she do? Is she looking for a job, has she been transferred?"

As Bernardo began to elaborate, Stones chose to survey the field in search of Rúben. Did the defender know? No, he looks too calm and relaxed to know that his mate's sister, his crush, is moving to the same city as him. Stones thought to himself as he saw him talking to Jack and the coach.

After the training was over, Stones hurried over to Rúben. He casually put his arm around Rúben's neck, securing his attention.

"Have you heard the news?"

"What news?" Oh, his world was about to tremble!

"Guess what, Bern--"

Suddenly they were interrupted by Bernardo, who approached them with an abrupt slap on Rúben's stomach. Not expecting it, Rúben looked to his left to see Bernardo's excited expression. "She's here. My sister's here." Bernardo quickly ran off, leaving Rúben and Stones behind.

The news hit Rúben like a ton of bricks. Had he heard right? "W-what?" He stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, as he tried to process the information

"She's moving to Manchester, pal!" Stones, noticing his friend's distress, reached out and gently patted Rúben on the back. "She's moving here." Stones left, leaving Rúben behind with his heart pounding with anxiety.

"Merda!" He muttered. (Shit!)

When he got back to the dressing room after a very slow walk, stopping a lot of times, afraid you would appear in front of him, Bernardo was already out of the shower.

Stones cast a glance in his direction and let out a light-hearted chuckle. Jack on the other hand made his appearance known to the rest of the group.

"What's wrong with you? It seems like you saw a ghost. Let's go, mate! Wake up." All eyes were on him as he entered the room. Rúben remained silent and took a seat on his bench. However, Jack's focus shifted to Bernardo, who was already dressed with wet hair and grabbed his bag. Rúben was soon forgotten. "Oh, I want to meet the famous Silva sister."

Bernardo pointed his finger at him. "Don't!"

With a laugh, Jack put his hands up in a defensive gesture. "Mate, I have a girlfriend!"

Bernardo furrowed his eyebrows. "Stay away from my sister, Grealish!"

"Uhhh, Bernardinho! The big brother has claws." Ederson said, making everyone laugh.

"All of you. Stay away from her. I don't care if you're married, dating or single, she's my sister and I don't trust any of you around her."

Rúben screamed in his head. He reached for the water bottle beside him and drank it down in one go. If only your brother knew the thought he has about you... more like memories - he'd kill him.

It all happened in the UEFA Nations League when Portugal won in 2019. Bernardo had introduced the two of you a few years earlier and the sexual tension was always there. That night, the celebration took a different turn for you and Rúben.

Rúben took another sip of his beer. He couldn't remember how many he had drunk, but that was the last thing on his mind. He was more interested in you, who was across the room talking to Patrício and his wife.

He couldn't deny that you were a very - but a very - beautiful woman. With eyes that captivate everyone and a smile to die for. But deep in his head he still heard Bernardo's words from the day he had introduced you.

"Rúben, don't try anything with my sister. She's off limits. I trust you, but please, don't do it."

Coming from a small guy like your brother, it wasn't that scary, at least not for Rúben. However, his expression and the tone in which he spoke stayed with him.

Everyone knew that Rúben couldn't control himself very well when it came to alcohol, and today all he could think about was you and how much he wanted to kiss you and hold you. So without knowing what he was doing, he followed you as you left the room.

Outside he saw you walking towards the car park but soon lost you as you disappeared behind the national team bus.

He ran to catch you but didn't need to because when he got around the bus, he saw you leaning against it waiting for him.

"Are you following me, Dias?" Rúben just shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "So, what are you doing here?" You took a step towards him. "You should be celebrating."

He placed his palm on the bus, propping up his frame. "Yes, I should. I have to go back ins--"

"Unless you want to celebrate with me!" Ruben's face flushed red. He was too cute and shy for a guy who looked like a Greek god.

You had a few beers too, but you still knew what you were doing. Alcohol only helped you achieve what you had wanted for a few years.

"W-what?" You had got closer than you had ever been to each other and that was messing with his concentration.

Despite your brother's warning to steer clear of his friends, you found yourself drawn to Rúben. Even more when you tried to distance yourself. "Don't you want to celebrate with me?" He swallowed the lump in his throat and looked at your lips.

"I-- we shouldn't!" You shouldn't but it was all he wanted. You grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the empty bus.

You pushed him down on the seat at the back of the bus, as you straddle his lap. His hands automatically on your thighs underneath your dress. Eyes full of lust. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. Rúben was quick to kiss you back passionately, his hand gently going up and down your thighs.

"I wanted to do this since the day we met." He muttered when you started kissing his neck. You smiled and bit his ear.

"That makes two of us." You grabbed the hem of his shirt and slowly pulled it off his body and over his head. Your hands tracing his toned abs.

"Are you sure?" Rúben asked as he hooked his fingers on your panties inside your dress. When you said yes, you got up from his lap and he slowly pulled your panties down your legs, stuffing them inside his pocket. He pulled you back in, but to his surprise, you got down on your knees. "Fuck! Your brother's going to kill me."

"What he doesn't know, won't kill him."

After the longest shower he had taken, Rúben got dressed and left the dressing room. As he stepped outside, he was taken aback to see Stones waiting for him, engrossed in his phone and seemingly lost in thought.

"Had a good shower, princess?" He mocked him.

Rúben closed the door behind him and put his bag over his shoulder. "What are you still doing here?"

"Waiting for you! We have dinner with Ederson and Kyle, remember?" Rúben let out a sigh. "Come on! It will distract you from Bernando's sister."

Outside the Etihad Campus, it all went down when they heard Bernardo calling their names.

"Rúben! John!"

When both players looked at the source of the voice, Rúben's heart started beating so fast that he could swear it would jump out of his chest. There you were!

"Bloody hell, is that her?" Stones whispered. Rúben was so hypnotized that he didn't even hear his friend's question. "By your puppy eyes, I guess it is."

As he laid eyes on you, he was struck by your breathtaking beauty and the familiar brightness in your eyes. As you smiled, he couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth spread through him, reminding him of all the moments you had shared. Your smile, so infectious and genuine, had always been one of his favourite things about you. It always lit up your face and radiated pure joy, making everything else around you seem to fade away.

You haven't changed a little. You were not very active on social media, and unfortunately for Rúben, you liked to share more of your work than yourself. On the other hand, Rúben liked to show his face, and everything else, but no photo made him justice.

You never talked about that night. You still remembered how soft his lips were and how perfectly they felt against yours. How his warm hands ran through your body and how good he made you feel. For you it was not just sex and you thought he had understood that.

"Y/a, where are you going? Let's go." Bernardo called out when you ran off.

"I have to do something. Just give me a minute." You ran inside.

You knew that Rúben hadn't left. You wanted to tell him that what had happened on the bus was not just a drunken mistake. You wanted him to know that you really cared for him, even if your brother would disapprove.

However, as you found him, your heart sank. Leaning against the wall was Rúben with a blonde woman's tongue down his throat. The noise around you faded into the background as you stood there, alone and heartbroken.

Perhaps your brother was right: footballers were no right piece in your puzzle.

#footballer imagine #footballer imagines #footballer x reader #ruben dias #ruben dias x you #ruben dias x reader #ruben dias fluff #ruben dias fic #rúben dias

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buckets-and-trees · 10 months

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Game: match the character with the trope & give a little explanation why you paired them/how you would go about writing that type of fic 🩷

Bucky Barnes, Steve Rogers, Ransom Drysdale, Ari Levinson & Nick Fowler

Forced proximity, forbidden love, fake dating, hidden identity & arranged marriage

Okay, this was fun, Em! And at least this time I didn't get TOO carried away...

ARI LEVINSON - FORCED PROXIMITY - I don't know... maybe this 2500-imagine-ish pitch that spilled out of my fingers this weekend? Hahaha

BUCKY BARNES - HIDDEN IDENTITY - I think this could happen over many different period of Bucky's life, but I'm especially interested in Bucky on the run after Winter Soldier and before Civil War. I love reading fics that take place during this time, and I've got a fic that I started and need to go back to (and maybe rewrite so I can complete it) that would be him hiding for short periods of time in cabins/rentals/vacation homes as he makes his way out of the DC Metro area those first months after CA:WS and while he's crashed at one particular place, Reader shows up, and they spend a few days or maybe a week together before moving on to the next place (and the next and the next until he eventually ends up in Romania).

RANSOM DRYSDALE - FAKE DATING - When a petition citing some extenuating circumstances/technicalities/the manner in which his confession was coerced/etc, a judge is willing to review it due to Ransom's good behavior (read: MONEY) while he's been serving time, and he gets him out of jail. You are immediately hired to be his Cinderella-image of a girlfriend so he can become the public's wronged and misunderstood Prince Charming because Linda won't have any more bad press - it's affecting all of the family businesses. Why are you willing to take the deal? You came up in an initial pool of suitable eligible females in the local area and it just so happens that one of the editor's at Harlan's publishing house (still overseen by Walt) has been considering one of your novels for publication, and this presents an opportunity for them to sweeten a proposal for this PR relationship by offering you a six-novel publishing deal as long as you maintain the relationship with Ransom for at least 18 months.

NICK FOWLER - FORBIDDEN LOVE - You're a detective working for Interpol. You know the trouble he's caused. Even though he was able to cover up his deeds initially with the CIA, once the Chinese/MSS took him into custody, it all came out. But he's managed to escape. He's managed to find his way to Romania, which is where you just so happen to be stationed now. You worked a case closely with him six years ago in Portugal, and...though you both kept it professional, his charm was undeniable. He had no idea you were in Romania, but he's not mad about that in the slightest now that he's spotted you. He could have some fun with this. Are you ready to play with fire?

STEVE ROGERS - ARRANGED MARRIAGE - In a Steve Stays scenario, if he's going to refuse to be Cap, he's being lobbied to still use his influence and power to help bring some order to this post-Blip society. He went tried to retreat and fade into the background, but things are escalating, and Pepper - who had also tried to stay in the background - is concerned that there are things happening maybe because of their inaction. She's got an idea. She wants to get Steve into political office, and she's going to appeal to his sense of duty (which she can do because it's the guilt she's also feeling). He'll agree because he trusts her judgement. For the best image, he's going to need a wife - this is a harder sell, but - again - he trusts Pepper Potts, he doesn't even need to vet the candidates, because if he's all in on this idea, he'll be all in, and he knows Pepper will pick someone who will fit the bill as his suitable trophy wife. You.

would... well would anyone be interested in any of these if I thought about actually writing them?

#steve rogers imagine #nick fowler imagine #bucky barnes imagine #ransom drysdale imagine #ari levinson imagine #aspen's extended anniversary sleepover #sleepover dare #em/writing for marvel

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melanieph321 · 9 months

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Ruben Dias x Reader Try Me Part 6/6

⚠️ This story will have an epilogue ⚠️

Summary - A six part series where reader is a very passionate football player and Ruben is her new and equally passionate football coach. However, the two of them can't seem to get along.

Enjoy!

The summer went by fast, too fast. Things were good, you were finally at peace. You and Mimi were still staying with Ruben and coach. Coach would keep Mimi busy during day which allowed you to commit to your training like never before.

Ruben and you decided to keep things between you on the down low, however, there would be the occasional slip up, like the plucking of somones fallen eyelash, or Ruben guiding you through a doorway with his hand on your lower back. It was all innocent enough not to raise any concerns amongst the team and your teammates. However, your latest slip up was a bit more difficult to excuse. It happned during the semifinals of the summer cup. The team was down in the first half but came through with the goals in the second. You were so happy to assist the game winner that when the referee blew the final whistle your teammates went to celebrate with each other on the pitch, whilst you ran in the other direction, towards Ruben, ambushing him by jumping into his arms.

The look on his face was priceless.

"There is..." He cleared his throat. ".....somone I'd like you to meet." He set you back down on the ground.

"Sorry."

You tried to collect yourself as Ruben waved for a man in a West Ham cap to come over.

"Y/N. This is Marco Silva, an internatinal football scout. He's been all over England during the summer cup, looking for young talents.

"I can see that." You smiled, eyeing his red and blue cap.

The man laughed and removed it from his head, revealing his full set of hair with a few grey hairstrands. "I just came from their camp. But Ruben here insisted that I come watch this game before I leave."

"Oh really, why?"

"To see you play of course."

"Me?" You looked to Ruben, however, he had a hard time meeting your eye.

"Yes, as a favor to his father, a long time friend of mine. Honestly, I'm glad I did Y/N, because I usually deal with male football players but seeing you play spared no difference."

"Really?"

"Look, my flight leaves for Lisabon tomorrow, but if you're coach allows it." He looked to Ruben and winked. "I'd like to fly you out next week."

"To Lisbon? As in Lisabon, Portugal?"

"Yes." The man nodded, eager to shake your hand as if you had gladly agreed to his offer. "I have some pull at Benfica, their women's team is magnificent. Perhaps I can set you up for a trial with them. And I do know some people in...."

He went on to flex about many possibilities that twelve year old you would've pack your bags for that night. However, twelve old you was a dreamer. 23 year old you wasn't allowed to dream, not anymore.

"Thank you." You said, interrupting the man in the middle of his rant. "But I'm afraid that I have to decline your offer."

"Decline?" The man looked to Ruben who looked to you with concern.

"Y/N, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you."

"Exactly." The man hissed, clearly insulted.

You drew a quick breath, having already made up your mind. "I'm sorry, but my answer is no."

Ruben surley left that game and your conversation with the football scout, a bit disappointed with you. But he wasn't vocal about it until a couple of days later, when the two of you lay in his bed, your legs tangled up in the sheets.

"Is it because of Mimi? You worry about who is going to take care of her, no?"

Your head nodded against his naked torso. "She's all I got and she only has me."

"Yes, but you are not her mother."

Quickly, you raised your head, a girm expression on your face. "You did not just say that."

He raised a brow. "But you're not. Y/N, not to be the one to tell you what to do, but it's not smart of you to throw away your life for your sister. I mean what example would that be setting for her anyway."

"Ruben you're way out of line." You tangled yourself out of the sheets, getting up and out of his bed.

"Y/N. I don't mean to upset you, but you know what I'm telling you is the truth. You are throwing your future and dreams away for your sister. A sacrifice not worth making in my opinion."

"And what do you know?" You jumped into your jeans, desperate to get away, but Rubens words cut like a knife and you refused to stand there and let him speak to you in that way.

His expression mellowed seeing the tears well up in your eyes. "Y/N, I'm sorry If..."

"Don't!"

He paused his motion of getting out bed.

"Just..." You wiped your tears, hating that Ruben had seen you cry twice already. "...you stay, okay. I need to go, so just let me...go."

He nodded, not moving a muscle as he watched you get dressed.

You stormed out of his room, out of coach house. He and Mimi took a day trip to the waterpark and wouldn't be back until later. Til then you would be at the stadium, running laps around the track. The only way to calm you down.

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

Your relationship with Ruben changed after the fight. You didn't break up, which was technically impossible since the two of you weren't together in the first place. However you did stop talking to each other, or more so you, you stopped talking period.

"Y/N, pass me the ball!"

You dribbled past your teammates, who couldn't keep up with your abilities to possess the ball.

"Y/N, seriously, I'm open!" Sarah stood ahead of what would have been an open goal for her.

"Y/N!" Ruben shouted. "Pass her the fucking ball!"

He hadn't shouted at you like that since the beginning of the summer. Nevertheless it was all white noise to you, everything that would stop you from scoring this goal was all white noise to you.

"She shoots. She scores!"

You put the ball past the goalie and into the back of the net. Everyone paused what they were doing to watch your celebration. All magnificent goals deserved to be celbreated, even in practice.

"Y/N, have you lost your fucking mind?"

Your celebration was cut short as Ruben stormed the pitch, heading straight towards you in a mindless rage.

"I told you to pass the fucking ball. Why didn't you?"

You shrugged. "Because I had a better chance of scoring a goal than Sarah did. No offense." You turned to Sarah who threw you a look of despise.

"Y/N." He sighed. "That's not how our team plays the ball."

"No? What if that's the way I want to play the ball?"

Ruben brows furrowed, somthing changing in his eyes, somthing in the way he looked at you. "If that's the way you want to play..." His nodded slowly. "Then I guess you're not playing for my team. You're on the bench next game."

"You can't do that!" You exclaimed. "It's our last game, the summer final at that. The team needs me."

Ruben let out what could only be interpreted as a low chuckle. "I think we'll be better off with a real team player and that's anyone unlike you."

"Ruben?"

He was your ride home, however he refused to listen to your protests. You were still at his heels as the two of you walked through the door, unaware of the sudden changed that awaited.

Your voices grew faint, replaced by a strange but unfamiliar one. Confused, you follow Ruben who had also picked up the sound coming from the living room. A middle-aged woman was sitting on the couch with Coach. They both went silent at the sight of you and Ruben.

"Tio?" Ruben said, addressing his uncle.

Coach stood. "Ruben, Y/N, this is…."

The lady introduced herself as Mrs. Collins, a representative from child protective services. "I've been sent here after the acknowledgement of one Mimi Y/LN. "She said. "That she was taken out of the custody of her home where she lived with her father."

You sprung forward. "Yes, but she lives with me now, I take care of her."

The lady observed you skeptically, clenching her bony thighs as she stood. "Y/N, right? Mimi's sister."

"Yes."

Ruben flinched beside you, perhaps ready to hold you back if you decided to jump this lady.

"I'm old enough to be her guardian." You said.

"Indeed you are." The lady nodded. "It was just what I sat here discussing with the gentlemen who claim to have taken you and Mimi into his home."

You looked to coach, he smiled at you faintly.

"Unfortunately being old enough does not qualify you to be Mimi's guardian, she'll need things such as financial support and…"

"I can give that to her! I'll get a job!"

"Y/N."

You were brought back, Ruben's arm around your wrist.

"You?" You turned to him. "You called her didn't you?

"Y/N, I would neve…."

"You called her didn't you, just so I can fly away and play football in Portugal?"

"Y/N, Please." Coach said, coming to Ruben's defense. Ruben, who looked stunned to reply to your bold accusations.

You shook your head, because it all made sense. "You did this. You both did this. You called her."

You looked past the lady from child protection services, past her and towards the bedroom that you and Mimi shared. The door stood wide open.

"Where is she, where is Mimi?"

"Y/N." Coach approached you, trying to calm you down. "They've already taken her, but you'll be able to…"

"No, no, no!" You pushed past him and into the bedroom. Mimi's things were indeed gone, all of her clothes and all of her toys.

Your knees gave in, your body crumbling to the floor, "This is not happening." You cried, trembling all over.

"Y/N." Ruben entered the room.

Your hands covered your eyes so you could only hear him.

"I swear if there is anything I..."

"Liar!!!" You shot up to your feet, lunging yourself at him. "I told you that I didn't want to go. Is this you, punishing me for not wanting to leave my sister and live a life playing football like you did? Guess what Ruben, everyones dreams aren't crushed by some silly little knee injury. Some of us don't get to dream at all. But for some reason this is so hard for you to wrap around your clueless little head!"

"Y/N." His voice was low, unrecognizable. "Please just…"

"Don't touch me!" You slapped his reaching hand away. "I told you not to try me Ruben, I told you not to try me!"

You ran out of the house, with coach and Ruben shouting for you to return. However you just kept on moving your feet, in whichever way they took you. The only thing that mattered in your life was taken from you, taken from you by someone you thought could matter to you someday.

Stopping at a dead end, you pulled your phone out of your pocket. You already had several missed calls from both coach and Ruben, one incoming call as you scrolled through your apps in search for Tinder. You scanned through your old conversation thread with Ruben. You wiped your tears as they made it hard for you to see. You took screen shot after screenshot, forwarding the images to everyone on your contact list. It was an act of desperation and revenge, however, you told him not to try you. Ever.

Tagslist:

@kathb59

@alexisquinnlee-bc

@husherstan

@rikirikiloml

@cinderellawithashoe

#fanfiction #man city #football imagine #manchester city #ruben dias #ruben dias x reader #ruben dias imagine #footballer x reader #footballer imagine #football angst #football x reader #football

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easternmind · 7 months

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A compendium of references to Portugal in Japanese video games

The beginning of the historical relations between Portugal and Japan dates to the year 1541, when a Portuguese ship washed ashore at Jingujiura. Nearly sixty Japanese words are of Portuguese origin. A variety of Japanese traditions and culinary delights were introduced by Portuguese traders, sailors and missionaries. But in what way has this cultural exchange extended to the more recent phenomenon of Japanese digital games? As a portuguese devotee of Japanese culture, the topic seemed relevant enough to merit some additional exploration.

To my knowledge, the first significant reference to Portugal in Japanese video game is found in Koei's The Age of Discovery from 1990, a game published in the west under the title Uncharted Waters. The main character is a disgraced Portuguese nobleman named Leon Ferrero who resorts to maritime exploration, trade and naval warfare to restore his family's good name and prestige.

Its 1993 sequel, known in the west as New Horizons, diversifies the base game structure of the original by including multiple characters to select from, each with their own story and mission. Among them is the tale of João Franco, the son of the original episode's protagonist Leon, who sets out to discover the mysterious location of the fabled Atlantis, no less.

Another meaningful reference can be found a year later in ArtDink's 1991 strategy game The Atlas, in which the player takes on the role of a 15th century explorer with a five year contract with the King of Portugal to discover and chart lands around the Iberian Peninsula.

In 1998, ArtDink recreated the game for contemporary systems and published as Neo Atlas. The protagonist is a Portuguese trading company owner seeking business expansion opportunities in remote territories, as well as discover and chart hitherto unknown parts of the globe. A similar premise is found in a later sequel, Neo Atlas III.

Apart from nautical strategy games, a few other titles exist where mentions to the Portuguese territory, language and culture can be traced.

Atlus' futuristic vision of Earth in Maken X includes a most unexpected tour of Europe, with a mandatory stop in Lisbon. Inexplicably, the developers got its geographic location wrong and moved to all the way to the northern Spanish region of Léon. The level, itself, boasts a reasonably accurate depiction of one of the city's oldest quarters, Alfama, and the architectural styles found therein.

Although I could not discern any actual references in the game itself, the Grandia II soundtrack by the veteran composer Noriyuki Iwadare contains two themes whose lyrics are written in Portuguese: A Deus, a double-entendre that can be translated to both farewell and to God; and Canção do Povo, meaning People's Song. Also, the name of the official soundtrack is named Melodia, which translates to Melody as you'd expect. Both themes were performed by guest singer Kaori Kawasumi, who took on the composer's challenge to sing them despite her not knowing the language.

She was coached and assisted by José Álvarez and Motoi Sato from the Portuguese Arts and Culture Center in Japan, whom she thanks in the acknowledgement section. The Grandia II Special Package edition booklet contains a page with two photos of Portugal, one for the Jéronimos Monastery in Lisbon and the other, seemingly, for the Moorish Castle in the nearby town of Sintra.

The last Pomping World (a.ka. Buster Bros/Pang) that Mitchell Corporation ever produced before shutting down was the 2010 DS European exclusive Magical Michael. It includes two levels set in Portugal, one in Lisbon by the Belém tower, a nautical landmark, and the other in the Sintra National Palace. Their representation is at once pleasingly stylized and true to life.

This final reference is found in Spike Chunsoft's third installment of their successful visual novel series, Nyūdanganronpa V3 Minna No Koroshiai Shin Gakki. Among the dozens of MonoMono machine items that can be acquired, one is a weathercock styled after a traditional Portuguese folktale hero, the Galo de Barcelos, meaning the rooster of Barcelos, a town in Northern Portugal.

As per the description, this animal became famous through an age-old tale involving a man wrongly sentenced to death who seconds before his execution remarked he was as certain to be innocent as it was certain that a nearby rooster would sing. Because the bird did crow, much to everyone's amazement, he was exonerated. Thus, the black rooster became a symbol for truth.

I would like to thank @diogojira and @DanielOlimac for their assistance in making this article possible.

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josefavomjaaga · 4 months

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Brun de Villeret about Marshal Victor

Claude-Victor Perrin aka Marshal Victor is one of the marshals I know the least about. So I was quite happy to find Soult’s aide de camp Brun de Villeret wrote a bit about him in his Cahiers. As this journal was never intended for publication, it’s likely to contain Brun’s honest (if possibly exaggerated) opinion.

Victor was, together with Mortier, one of the marshals who found themselves under the superior command of one marshal Soult during their sojourn in Spain (and didn’t like it one bit). Victor specifically was tasked with the siege of Cadix. When Napoleon sent Masséna into Portugal in the third and last attempt to occupy the country, he demanded Soult come to his support. Soult decided to besiege the fort of Badajoz together with Mortier and for that purpose had to take a larger number of troops from Andalusia into Estremadura, stretching himself dangerously thin. The Spanish troops in Cadix used that opportunity to attack Victor’s siege forces and even had some small successes before being driven back into Cadix. As Brun puts it:

[...] Some of our redoubts had been taken and demolished. The damage was easily repaired, however, and the Duke of Bellune could only congratulate himself on his victory and the way he had conducted his business.

Unfortunately, the gloomy mood which dominated him and still dominates him in all the circumstances of life, led him to believe that the Duke of Dalmatia had wanted to sacrifice him, by weakening the forces he had in Andalusia and taking the Duke of Treviso to Estremadura. He wrote him bitter and reproachful letters. As I was on fairly intimate terms with him, given that my brother was one of his aides-de-camp and had his confidence, the Duke of Dalmatia thought it appropriate to send me to him as a mediator, with the mission of trying to soothe his bad mood.

I see. The Brun brothers. Unofficial psychotherapists of the Armée de Midi.

I found him furious. He had retired to bed and received me while in bed. For two hours, his ravings were so violent that it was impossible for me to reach the end of a sentence. Finally, exhausted from shouting, he allowed me to speak.

Brun: Can I say something now?

Victor [sheepish]: Yes. I am hoarse and my throat hurts.

I managed to make him understand that with his talents, his reputation and three divisions as fine as his own, he should not be surprised that the Duke of Dalmatia had counted on him to defend his lines and cover the south of Andalusia. "You have," I finally said, "responded perfectly to this hope and added a fine jewel to your military crown. For our part, we have obtained great results [...] In short, since success has crowned your defence as well as our undertaking, you would be doing yourself a disservice in the eyes of the Emperor if you were to cast a negative light on what has been achieved." While I was speaking, his face had become serious, and he had resumed that air of benevolence he had always treated me with, when I did not have to address him on his relations with the Duke of Dalmatia. He even showed me the most delicate attentions and sent me away very satisfied with the result of my mission, and bearing answers written in a perfectly moderate style. I knew how to deal with him, and the Duke of Dalmatia knew it too: let him exhaust his ire and his verve. Afterwards, he would listen to reason. Also, during my stay in Spain, I had the opportunity to carry out several missions of the same kind.

One of them apparently included Victor shouting to Brun for another hour about how Soult never sent him enough food and how he was about to starve with his troops, before Brun finally could present him all certificates of receipt for Victor’s corps, proofing that the food Victor claimed was missing had very well arrived, and announce that Soult, nevertheless, had sent off some more boats with food for Victor’s corps. As Brun remarks at this occasion, Victor was "a better warrior than a good administrator".

But my favourite part about the scene Brun describes is that Victor apparently, all the time while he was raging to Brun about Soult’s injustice, was lying in bed. So he was like, yelling at the ceiling, his head in the pillows? Did he also wear a night gown and a sleeping cap?

#napoleon's marshals #claude victor perrin #jean de dieu soult #napoleonic era #peninsular war #siege of cadix

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phanfictioncatalogue · 1 month

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AO3 Fics (11) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine, part ten

a night to remember (ao3) - grievingwarwidow

Summary: roxie, who prefers the label exotic performer over stripper, is a star amongst people who are out when the sun goes down. who better for a close-minded phil who has despised what he labels as lowlifes to suddenly obsess over than Roxie himself?

aka the one where phil gets pathetically hung up on dan, better known as roxie and is desperate to get to know him better.

cat bells (ao3) - N_Chu4Ever

Summary: The catboy photoshoot, except it all goes weirdly wrong because Phil accidentally bought Dan a magic cat costume off the internet. Oops.

Chips (ao3) - philsmeatylegss

Summary: Dan struggling with the concept that all healthy couples should fight.

Charmed (ao3) - hygge

Summary: Dan doesn’t understand Valentine’s Day. That is until he’s given an anonymous card with someone’s phone number in it. It takes months of talking with this anonymous person to learn who they are, and it ends up being the person that Dan least expects.

Come Over (ao3) - Mysticallykai

Summary: Dan and Phil's relationship is beginning to bloom, but Dan is terrified to let Phil into his home so he keeps pushing him away. He however, slowly learns that Phil is someone who will make his house a home.

Based loosely off of "Come Over" By Noah Kahan

dan and philly's wet moments (ao3) - heartsopenminds

Summary: Phil loathes hiring people to come and fix stuff around the house - he never imagined that watching someone power washing a patio could be so much fun though.

Daniel Howell: The Man Behind the Clown Mask (ao3) - danhoweiis

Summary: Rising to fame in the mid-2010’s, YouTube star and self proclaimed professional internet clown, Daniel Howell has had quite the repertoire of careers, from BBC Radio 1 DJ, to author of 3 best selling books. After the success of his last two global tours, Dan is taking to the stage yet again. In an exclusive interview with GQ magazine, I was given the opportunity to follow Dan on the UK leg of his tour and see what it takes to produce a sell out show and maybe find out the key to his success.

Danisnotadom (ao3) - Sinninghowlter

Summary: Dan's not a dom. Everyone swears up and down that he is, insists he is domming his boyfriend and is too good to take it in the ass.

Phil's not a sub. Everyone thinks he is, everyone thinks his baby is in charge. What they don't know is his hardcore boyfriend is actually a princess.

domino’s pizza (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: dan can’t stop thinking about calling phil ‘daddy’ again, but his anxiety makes it feel impossible to communicate his desires with phil. but phil always knows when something’s up, and dan can’t bear to keep things from him.

Electronics and the Phil’s that break them (ao3) - Fictropes

Summary: The first time’s an accident, a proper accident— a Phil forgot how to hold his cup and now he’s watching his coffee seep into his keyboard type accident.

Guilty Pleasure (ao3) - ThoughtaThought

Summary: Dan and Phil meet at a BDSM club and decide to play. Dan is a rigger and a masochist. Phil is a sadist and a rope bunny. It’s perfect.

hard launch at last (ao3) - calvinahobbes

Summary: “Maybe the exact right moment won’t ever present itself.” Dan can feel himself hurtling towards some cosmic revelation as they stand here on a sandy beach in Portugal, the ocean bringing out the blue in Phil’s eyes.

hard times, baby (ao3) - queerofcups

Summary: For some people, their jumps came with a task. Figure it out, finish it and your past self would just fade away. That's not Dan. He's not sure why his past self is here. But he's got some theories.

I Don't Love You (ao3) - Raspberrysaxophone

Summary: Dan and Phil work in an office and are (unfortunately) sharing a desk. Phil is often away on business or working from home so they are never there at the same time. They both get frustrated with how the other one organises the shared space and tell each other that through notes

- or -

Dan and Phil hate each other, but soon Dan realises that he is developing a crush on him. What will a New York business trip (where they are sharing a room xxx) do to their relationship?

Knight of Wands (ao3) - dapg_otmebytheballs

Summary: Dan does not believe in fate and destiny and fortune-telling. Dan finds the idea of fortune-telling at the same time exciting and terrifying. He definitely doesn’t believe in it though. But he’s starting to have doubts.

Dan watches Phil do tarot readings and learns something about fate.

knight of wands (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: Some days are just boring.

(And some aren't.)

Neighbourly Nook (ao3) - wednesday_ukiru

Summary: The stranger had a dimple on his cheek that appeared when he laughed.

“I’m Dan,” he said, extending his hand. Phil reached for it with extreme eagerness, their knuckles knocking together in a particularly painful way, and they both winced, but Dan immediately broke into a smile. “I don’t know why I offered you a handshake, I never know how to do them.”

nylon is for delicate work (ao3) - Anonymous

Summary: A forensic linguist meets a lawyer in Rawtenstall.

Sunshine on the street at the parade (ao3) - ForeverJustAnEmoKidAtHeart

Summary: Dan and Phil meet at a Pride Parade.

The Philver Scream (ao3) - UnorthodoxSavvy

Summary: While Dan's career in the FBI is taking off, Phil is left behind to pick up the pieces of his life after his brother's death. However, he finds himself plagued by strange nightmares that he can't explain. Soon, people around him start dying. Can Dan and Phil's partnership survive the mounting body count?

'tis the damn season (ao3) - pasteldanhowells

Summary: Dan is the coffee shop regular at the shop Phil just started working at. Phil quickly learns that Dan is a bit of a Grinch who refuses to try the shops' holiday drinks, or anything new really. Phil's determined to change Dan's mind about the holiday drinks.

to let the light in (ao3) - cityofphanchester

Summary: Searching for a fresh start after a decade of dead ends in London, Dan becomes obsessed with a storytelling show on Rossendale Radio and a voice that hasn't been broadcast in years.

Two Man Team (ao3) - Nefertiti1052 (Succubusphan)

Summary: This is the story of two struggling friends who after many trials and tribulations find their way back to each other and build the life they've always dreamed of.

Or how Phil changed his life by talking to random strangers on the internet.

Wagon Wheel (ao3) - SylvesterLester

Summary: Is there enough room in Wagon Wheel for Phil's saloon and Sheriff Howell's city-slickin' ways?

when it feels like nothing else matter, will you put your arms around me? (ao3) - commonemergency

Summary: “Sorry.” Phil says.

His father wraps his arms around him, and the embrace feels warm. It’s an embrace that he hasn’t felt in a long time. It’s like when he was a kid and something scary happened and his father just held him like nothing could ever hurt him because his father was there protecting him.

“It’s okay.” His father quietly whispers into his hairline. “It’s okay.”

He didn’t know how to tell him all the things that he wanted to say, like: I don’t know how to stop my thoughts from spiralling out of control. What if the medicine makes it worse? What do we do if things don’t get better? How do I live in a world that doesn’t have my dad in it?

“Let’s just enjoy right now.” His father says, and he doesn’t let go of him.

"You look at my face a lot" (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Phil has a pretty new eyebrow slit but Dan decides that he could use a little make-up to highlight it. They end up in bed with Dan hovering close to Phil's face trying to do a good job while he's also trying not to ravish him or get (too) sappy.

your love is my drug (ao3) - antiadvil

Summary: Phil wakes up with a migraine.

#phanfictioncatalogue #phan #phanfic #phanfiction #dan and phil #masterlists #ao3 #ao3 masterlist

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edelstahlviratiberica · 14 days

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Intro: EDELSTAHL VIRAT IBERICA in #portugal An emerging importer Exporter, Supplier & Stockiest of Tool steel, Die & Mold Steels, Recycling products etc.

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👉 Used Tools(Carbide, Threading & HSS Cutting Tool Scrap) 👉Die & Mold Steel Blocks, Holder etc. 👉Steel lots, Cut short length, Prime over run 👉2344 Used Mandrel Bars 👉2344 Used Extrusion Dies 👉Forging Dies 👉Electric Motors 👉Used Machineries etc.

We are also involved in trading of Ferrous, Non Ferrous, Alloy steel scrap etc. The dynamic management has enabled the company to grow organically and sustainably in its search for Moving ahead globally with the exploration of Business Opportunities in several nations, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, and Philippines, etc.

Our business scope in B2B and B2C at many stages (finish products, scrap and recycling products, etc.), set us apart from other companies in this sector.

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New Development in Special Steels, Recycled Products and Machine tools etc.

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#europe #porto #portugal #din2738 #edelstashlviratibrica #viratsteels #b2b #oportunidades #empresas #agricultura #din2714 #din2343 #din2344 #din2379

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pensat-i-fet · 4 months

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Joao felix is so interesting to me and not in a good way. I hate players that are talented but never actual show it on the pitch and at the same think somehow think they’re better than everyone else. I laughed so much when he got sent off on his chelsea debut

It's an example to show kids as in a "what not to do". I feel mostly pity, to be honest. But he's a big boy who can deal with the consequences of his acts. I'm done babying him.

I feel we mostly hear about those who destroy their careers for partying a bit too much and similar. And everyone is like "what a shame". But I don't know, my parents raised me to always work hard so seeing someone waste opportunities because they refuse to work is almost more offensive that the other ones. And no matter how many Portuguese or Benficers (Bernardo included, mind your own business or I'll tell Rúben to slap you harder) say that his mistake was signing for my team, that lie doesn't work anymore. Three different managers at Chelsea sent him to the bench, a fourth didn't even want him, the Portugal manager has benched him too and we know how Xavi never even wanted him. And his first decision now that he's on "I'm dead, might as well do whatever the fuck I want and not what the president says" mode was...benching him!

But it's never his fault. Ok 👍 literally gave up at Atleti because he was jealous about world champion Antoine Griezmann being the manager's favourite. Says it all.

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thommi-tomate · 11 months

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Thomas on Bayern's Frauen-Championship and also on Kahn and Brazzo

The joint crowning conclusion

The crowning finale came on Sunday. We wanted to support our FC Bayern women's team on their way to the championship. So we arranged to meet for a Weißwurst breakfast at Säbener Straße and then moved on to the FC Bayern Campus. The women have won their game sovereign and clear with 11:1 💪.

So everything was set for a joint championship celebration on Marienplatz.

You could feel the spontaneity of the event. Our emotion on the balcony and also that of the fans were more natural and simply fresher. Really nice 🫶

Many thanks, Oli & Brazzo

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Oli and Brazzo for the time we spent together in office!

The highlight was, of course, our Champions League victory in Portugal in 2020. I experienced both of them as board members and players. I also got to know them as people off the pitch. And so I have always had a good relationship with them.

That their release could go like this in the fast-moving football business is completely clear. I'm curious to see what happens next. I'm sure I'll meet them both on the golf course sometime.

Source : Die Müller Mail

#thomas müller #fc bayern münchen #Die Müller Mail

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alexbkrieger13 · 2 years

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🇸🇪 structure to no one's surprise. They've looked up alternatives to Algarve 2023, because they were aware the hosting nation Portugal could become busy with world cup play off qualifiers in the February window https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/sverige/klart-inget-algarve-cup-2023-sverige-letar-andra-alternativ-/

Since 1994, Sweden has played the Algarve Cup annually, but aside in 2021 due to the corona pandemic. And now the Swedish Football Association confirms that the tournament will not take place in 2023.

Sweden is already ready for the World Cup in Australia / New Zealand, but it is not Portugal that has qualified for the intercontinental playoff qualifier for the World Cup 2023. A playoff game that is decided during Fifa's February window.

- We have been prepared for this potential scenario knowing that Portugal could reach that part of the qualifiers. We have continuously worked with parallel opportunities for international matches during the month of February and will now continue with that work to ensure good preparations for the WC during the game dates in February. When international matches are ready to be communicated, we will do so, says the women's national team manager, Marika Domanski Lyfors to the association's website.

Sweden is therefore looking at other options at the same time as the tournament is expected to resume again in 2024.

#im so curious to what gonna happen in febuary

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jessica-writes22 · 2 years

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🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋

💬💬💬💬💬💬

Heyy thanks for the ask!!! Sorry this took so long lol I've been pretty busy with school starting up, and everything but here it is!!

Answering this ask game

For every 💬 I get in my inbox, I’ll post a quote from my own writing that I’m proud of!

I am evil. I am good. But I am broken. Two halves of a whole forever clashing.

"Darkness often impersonates the light, in a hope to not be found," the silver dragon said before flying back to its original place.

"I hurt Kian, my dad is dead, the virtues are gone, I lost control, and now the others are scared of me," I said looking at him with blank eyes, "how do you think i'm doing."

"I can feel it, you know. Everyone's pain." She looked out at the sky. "All of us have been through some sort of trauma, and are trying to heal. Me for example, I was found on my adoptive parents doorstep when I was one. Ten years later my mom died and my dad remarried. His new wife hated me and forced me to become a personal dancer which caused me to develop anorexia, she then trafficked me until I was 17 and my dad found out." She wrapped her arms around her legs as she told her story, "anyways, the point is if you ever need someone to talk to I'm always here."

The crows cried as we travelled through the forest and flew up from the branches. Every once and a while I caught a glimpse of dark shadows wove through the branches of the tall trees.

"Trust me your Majesty, you won't. I never knew your mother but my mother did. She said she was the fiercest, most loyal Queen to rule a kingdom in Avaidia, and I believe that you will live up to her image. I can already tell you have a kind heart, even though it’s damaged. Just believe." Elda smiled back at me reassuringly.

For every 🖊 + Character name I get in my inbox, I'll tell you all about them!

Paul Rich: He grew up in Athens Greece, and loves to teach kids how to skateboard. From the age of 7, he became a sort of prodigy on skateboarding so when he turned 13 he started a skateboarding club for young kids who wanted to learn

Anya Star: She grew up in Kyoto before moving to Toronto when she was 7. When she was 8 she was hit in the face by a rock and her left eye was damaged causing her to lose sight in that eye. Since then she has made it her mission to help other people who are partially blind or fully blind adapt to daily life

Liam O’lass: He grew up in Londonderry in Northern Ireland and when he was 8 his adoptive parents took him to a homeless shelter to help volunteer. SInce then he usually spends his time playing with the local kids at the park, or volunteering at the community center, or homeless center.

Arden Locks: He grew up in Peru as a foster kid and loves to explore. When he was 7 he was adopted, and when he was 10 he learned how to sail. He often helps his adoptive family with their tourist business by taking people on boat rides. In his spare time, he helps the foster center out by playing with the kids, or he goes hunting and fishing and helps his family's restaurant.

Chelsea Tippit: She grew up in Norway and loves to freestyle dance, sew and make jewelry. She was found on the streets by a group of nuns who adopted her. She would often help local stores with deliveries, and volunteer at a dance studio teaching ballet.

Danny Doll: He grew up in Portugal and loves to teach kids to surf. When he was 14 he created a surfing camp for children that he runs every year with his friends. When he turned 16 he started program that incorporated the camp, and other athletic learning opportunities for children.

#oc development #oc ask games #oc questions #writeblr #wip: trials of avaidia #answered #ask answered #ask game

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dwellordream · 2 years

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“...Tensions between landed and commercial wealth had existed in Britain for centuries before Austen’s day, often expressed as a conflict between the Country and the City, with the aristocracy and the upper flights of society generally associated with the country. London’s astonishing growth was often resented even as it acted as a magnet for people – especially young people – of all classes. But while sharp contrasts made for good arguments and animated many plays and novels, the reality was usually more muddled and human.

Throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries younger sons of good families had often sought to make a fortune in trade of one kind or another. It was not uncommon for the younger son of a prosperous country gentleman to be apprenticed to a mercer, a draper or even a cheesemonger, either in a nearby town or in London if the family already had connections there. This gradually became less popular over the course of the eighteenth century as opportunities in the gentlemanly professions became more numerous and better rewarded.

Some forms of trade were considered hardly acceptable for gentlemen: anything requiring manual skill, retail trade and small businesses were death to social pretension. The notion of a publisher, a bookseller or a goldsmith aspiring to be treated as a gentleman was challenging if not ridiculous, and they were probably the most acceptable of such occupations. But bankers and merchants who traded on a large scale, especially overseas, had a much greater social standing, especially if they were rich and had the manners of a gentleman. Lord Chesterfield, of all people, thought ‘Trade’ the equal of the more obvious careers for the son of a gentleman, recommending it for ‘an acute, thinking and laborious [that is, hardworking]’ boy.

One indication of the social standing of merchants, bankers and other prominent businessmen is the significant number who were elected to Parliament in this period: no fewer than 360 out of the 2,143 MPs between 1790 and 1820. Almost half of these were bankers, although many of them had other commercial interests as well. There were 35 MPs engaged in the trade with the West Indies (including, up until 1807, the slave trade); 25 who traded with the East Indies; 10 who traded with the USA and Canada; 10 wine merchants who imported wine mostly from Portugal; and a dozen MPs who were primarily ship owners. Thirteen MPs were or had been directors of the Bank of England, and 32 were or had been directors of the East India Company.

About 50 MPs were engaged in manufacturing or industrial concerns (including Sir Robert Peel, the father of the future Prime Minister); 30 derived a significant part of their income from coal mining; and 25 were brewers or distillers. Rather more than half of all these MPs were based in London, but others came from across the whole country, and they included both Irish and Scottish bankers. Most had made their own fortune, but there was a significant number who were the second, third or even fourth generation in their bank or business. And all these men, simply by being a Member of Parliament, had a strong claim to be regarded as gentlemen, unless they were exceptionally vulgar.

…Bankers and merchants came from a wide variety of backgrounds. The most socially assured usually belonged to the second or third generation: brought up in affluence and given at least part of a gentleman’s education, but also knowing that they were expected to take their place in the firm. Men like Sir Peter Pole, Alexander Baring and Henry Thornton had one foot in the City and the other in Westminster and Mayfair. There were also a surprising number of Englishmen who had gone out to India as young men, made a fortune often while still young, and come home as wealthy nabobs who then invested their money as a partner in a bank.

Given that they were already rich, they were unlikely to have been motivated primarily by financial gain, but by investing in a bank they gained a position in the social and commercial world that, as virtual strangers after years abroad, they might otherwise have struggled to find. It is also possible that they took to banking to keep boredom at bay: years of hard work in India was poor preparation for a life of idleness in England, and they were men who were confident of their ability in dealing with finance and business. No fewer than 13 such nabobs-turned-bankers took a further step and went into Parliament in the 30 years between 1790 and 1820.

…Success enabled bankers and merchants to become gentlemen, and gentlemen could also become bankers and merchants. The most obvious way was for a father to entrust one of his younger sons to his brother, brother-in-law or close friend who was already engaged in banking or trade. Such connections were not uncommon: Mr Bennet had Mr Gardiner, and, as we have seen, Henry Hickey was sent to Dublin to be trained in the business by an old friend of his father. Without such personal connections it was much harder for the father of a young man to find him a place in the commercial world, for there was no recognized career path as in the navy or the Church, but examples do exist, such as the two boys from County Durham whose parents each paid more than £600 to apprentice them to a London banker in 1755 after they had finished their time at Eton.

…Most merchants conducted their business with only a small staff, and banks were not much larger: Glyns, of the larger banks, had only 36 staff in 1815. Several of the insurance companies, the East India Company and above all the Bank of England were the most notable exceptions, with the Bank’s staff tripling over the course of the war to a gargantuan total of some nine hundred clerks in 1813. It was the only bank whose stock could be owned by the public: all the others were private banks, with a maximum of six partners. It was easy to obtain a banking licence (renewable annually for £30 in 1815), which imposed no minimum capital requirement or proof of creditworthiness, but which allowed the holder to issue their own banknotes. (It was up to the public to decide whether or not to accept them, just as it was up to the public to decide whether or not to trust the bank with its deposits.)

Small banks proliferated across the country: by 1800 there were 386 country banks; nine years later the total had reached 800. Evidently the opinion of a character in Austen’s Lady Susan that ‘when a Man has once got his name in a Banking House he rolls in money’ was popular, but even in these relatively prosperous years there were numerous failures as well as successes among the banks. Country banks each had a connection with a bank in London which acted as their agent and would accept their bills, and these ties were sometimes reinforced when the sons of country bankers worked for a time in the London bank, even becoming a junior partner or marrying into the family.

The leading London banks often specialized in one way or another. Coutts was the banker to royalty, high society and many leading politicians; Praed & Co. had strong contacts in the West Country and Cornwall; Child’s had many Indian connections; Drummonds looked after army agents; Wright’s was the banker of choice to the Catholic gentry; Herries assisted young men embarking on their Grand Tour; and Barings was deeply involved in foreign trade with loans to merchants and overseas governments. Across the country many Quakers were involved in banking, including in Lloyd’s in Birmingham, Backhouse in Darlington and the Gurney family in Norwich.

The Gurneys had close connections with the London firm of Overend, Gurney & Co. who were, for more than a generation, the largest bill discounter in the world, a banker’s bank, who preserved many essentially sound businesses during the financial panic of 1825. The standing and creditworthiness of any bank or merchant house were highly dependent on the character and reputation of its principals, and the success of any bank or bill discounter depended on judging when and to whom it was safe to extend credit, and when and to whom such accommodation should be refused.

Each clerk at Glyn, Mills & Co. had to provide a fidelity bond of no less than £1,000 as security in case he should ‘lose, embezzle, purloin, consume, misspend or unlawfully make away with, detain or keep any Money, Bond or Bonds, Bill or Bills, Note or Notes, Paper or Papers, Goods, Chattels, Effects or other Thing or Things whatsoever . . . or make any false or fraudulent Entry or Entries in any Book or Books of Account . . .’. Most of the clerks employed at Glyns between 1810 and 1840 regarded themselves as the sons of ‘gentlemen’, while others cited fathers who were farmers, surgeons, merchants and brokers.

About one third came from London, the rest from all over the country. They were engaged when they were between the ages of 18 and 20, but usually put their names down a couple of years before, for there was a waiting list. Once they were engaged they served on probation for the first three months. Junior clerks lived on the premises, with one partner also always in residence. Most of the rest of the staff lived nearby. The working day began at nine o’clock, with the bank closing its doors at four o’clock, but the need to complete and balance the accounts meant that senior staff often did not get away until almost six o’clock and juniors even later.

Saturday was a normal working day, and the clerks received one month’s paid holiday – every four years. A fully qualified junior clerk received £70 a year until 1815 when it was increased to £75, and this pay was usually increased at a rate of £5 a year until it reached £100 with further increases depending on merit and responsibility. Senior clerks might earn £200 to £250, with heads of department getting £400, and all these figures would be significantly increased by a Christmas bonus paid for by the bank’s customers (including the country banks). However, it was becoming rarer for a clerk, however senior, to leap the chasm and become a junior partner.

There were many worse jobs in early nineteenth-century England than working as a bank clerk, but it was an occupation with few prospects. Life for the partners, at least in good times, was much less exacting. One partner was usually expected to reside at the bank or very close to it at any time, and this duty usually rotated unevenly, with senior partners spending as much time as they wished in the country. (Indeed, some senior partners, such as Sir Peter Pole, never played an active part in the business of the bank, their contribution being limited to their capital and the value of their name.)

The partner in residence might need to take considerable responsibility when sudden demands were made upon the bank, but the most important decisions could usually be referred to one of the senior partners. The outbreak of war in 1793 was followed by a general tightening of credit and the partners at Hoare’s Bank in Fleet Street, along with many others, decided to be cautious in granting new loans and pressing in their requests for the repayment of old ones.

Soon customers such as the Earl of Thanet were receiving polite letters stating that ‘We wish you in every respect to consult your own Convenience as to the time of replacing the Money overdrawn on your Account’, or even – to the agent of Lord Rivers – ‘we are extremely concerned that it will not be in our Power to advance the sum Lord Rivers requires’. This risked alienating old customers, but it also helped the bank’s reputation for caution and stability, and, at least in this case, probably did more good than harm. Nonetheless such decisions could not have been taken lightly, and there were times when being the partner in a bank was the source of considerable anxiety.”

- Rory Muir, “Banking and Commerce.” in Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune: How Younger Sons Made Their Way in Jane Austen's England

#rory muir #history #regency #english #gentlemen of uncertain fortune #georgian

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jullietbrown · 1 day

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Why You Should Consider the Portugal D2 Visa

Portugal's charm is undeniable. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the vineyards of the Douro Valley, the country offers a captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. For those looking to make a more permanent move, the Portugal D2 Visa presents an attractive opportunity. Known as the "immigrant entrepreneur visa," it's designed for individuals looking to start a business or pursue a freelance profession in Portugal. If you're one of the many visa hopefuls or an immigration enthusiast, understanding the upsides of securing the Portugal D2 Visa is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate through the benefits of the D2 Visa, why it's increasingly popular among global immigrants, and how partnering with visa experts can make the process smoother.

Understanding the D2 Visa Portugal

The Portugal D2 Visa is a residency visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to establish a business or invest in Portugal. It's an avenue for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to contribute to the Portuguese economy while enjoying the lifestyle benefits the country offers.

Who is Eligible?

The D2 Visa is available to third-country nationals with entrepreneurial spirit or professional expertise that is of economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural relevance to Portugal. Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan and the potential to create jobs or make a significant investment.

The Upsides of the Portugal D2 Visa

Securing a D2 Visa comes with numerous advantages, making it a sought-after option for many non-EU nationals.

Pathway to European Residency and Citizenship

One of the most appealing aspects of the D2 Visa is that it opens the door to long-term residency in Portugal and, eventually, the option to apply for Portuguese citizenship. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, granting you the right to live, work, and study in any EU country.

Access to Portugal's High Quality of Life

Portugal consistently ranks high for its quality of life. The D2 Visa allows you to enjoy the country's mild climate, rich history, and vibrant culture. You'll also benefit from a high standard of healthcare, education, and safety.

Favorable Tax Regime

Portugal's non-habitual resident (NHR) tax regime offers reduced tax rates and exemptions for the first ten years of residency. This can be particularly advantageous for entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to maximize their earnings and savings.

Business Opportunities in a Growing Economy

Portugal's economy is diverse and increasingly innovation-driven, offering a fertile ground for new businesses. The country is also strategically located for access to European, African, and American markets, making it an ideal base for international business.

Supportive Entrepreneurial Environment

The Portuguese government is supportive of entrepreneurship, offering various incentives and programs to help start-ups and small businesses thrive. This includes competitive grants, incubators, and a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs.

Navigating the Application Process

While the upsides of the D2 Visa are clear, navigating the application process can be complex. It involves preparing a robust business plan, gathering the necessary documentation, and meeting the legal requirements for starting a business in Portugal.

The Role of Visa Experts

Partnering with experienced visa experts like Immigrans Global can provide you with the guidance needed to streamline your application. Visa professionals can help you:

Understand the intricate details of the D2 Visa application process

Prepare a comprehensive business plan that meets the approval criteria

Navigate the legal procedures for business registration in Portugal

Assist with the collection and submission of required documents

Provide support throughout the application process, including communications with Portuguese authorities

Conclusion

The Portugal D2 Visa represents an exciting opportunity for non-EU nationals to embark on their entrepreneurial journey while enjoying the lifestyle perks of living in Portugal. With its pathway to residency and citizenship, supportive business environment, and tax benefits, the D2 Visa is an attractive option for those looking to invest in their future and experience the European dream.

Remember, while the process may seem daunting, the upsides are considerable, and with the right preparation and expert guidance, your Portuguese venture could be just an application away.

#immigransGlobal #portugald2visa #visaexperts

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europeas20 · 3 days

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Discover Costa de Prata: Your Ultimate Guide to the Silver Coast Experience

Holidaying in Costa de Prata, or the Silver Coast, is a captivating experience that blends Portugal's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, this picturesque region boasts golden beaches, charming towns, and a treasure trove of cultural attractions. Whether you seek relaxation by the sea or adventure inland, Costa de Prata offers something for every traveler. One of the main draws of Costa de Prata is its pristine beaches. Stretching for miles along the coast, these sandy shores provide the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. From bustling resort towns like Nazaré to secluded coves hidden among rugged cliffs, there's a beach to suit every preference. Surfers flock to renowned spots like Peniche and Baleal, where consistent waves offer thrills for all skill levels. #CostaDePrata #HolidayEscape #BeachGetaway #ExplorePortugal #CoastalRetreat #SunAndSand #TravelGoals #OceanAdventure #VacationVibes #SilverCoastExperience

Beyond its beaches, Costa de Prata is dotted with charming villages and historic towns waiting to be explored. Óbidos, with its medieval walls and cobblestone streets, exudes old-world charm and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Alcobaça enchants visitors with its majestic monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 12th century. In Batalha, the awe-inspiring Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória stands as a testament to Portugal's rich architectural heritage.

For nature lovers, the Silver Coast offers abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures. The rugged cliffs of Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point, provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. In the Serra de Montejunto, hikers can traverse scenic trails that wind through lush forests and verdant valleys, while birdwatchers can spot rare species in the region's diverse ecosystems.

Foodies will delight in Costa de Prata's culinary offerings, which showcase the freshest seafood and traditional Portuguese flavors. Sample grilled sardines at a seaside tavern or indulge in a hearty seafood stew paired with local wine. In the town of Caldas da Rainha, don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous pastries known as trouxas da Malveira, a sweet treat made with puff pastry and egg custard.

For those seeking cultural immersion, Costa de Prata hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. From colorful carnival celebrations to traditional folk music performances, there's always something happening in this vibrant region. Art aficionados will appreciate the contemporary galleries and artisan workshops scattered throughout the coast, where local talent is proudly showcased.

When it comes to accommodation, Costa de Prata offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. Choose from luxury beachfront resorts, charming guesthouses, or family-friendly campgrounds nestled amidst nature. Wherever you stay, you'll be greeted with warm Portuguese hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Costa de Prata feel like a home away from home. In conclusion, a holiday in Costa de Prata promises unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking sun, sea, and culture.

Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, lounging on golden beaches, or indulging in delicious cuisine, this enchanting region captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

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rajukumar8926 · 3 days

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Comprehensive Guide to the Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal isn't just about wine and music; it offers one of the best EU Golden Visa programs. Portugal attracts many with a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and more. Their Golden Visa program grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest in the country. This Visa can lead to citizenship later. Remember, this isn't legal advice; use it to see if Portugal's program suits your needs.

History of Portugal's Golden Visa

Portugal faced economic challenges in the early 2000s. To recover, they launched the Golden Visa program on October 8, 2012, attracting foreign investors to boost their economy. Over 12,000 investors joined, investing over seven billion dollars. Most got their Portugal residence permit by buying real estate, which is the program's top choice.

Recent Changes in the Visa

In October 2023, new rules stopped the path to Portuguese citizenship through property investment. However, the Golden Visa program itself is still open. The government said the time it takes to apply (6–18 months) now counts towards the five years needed for citizenship. Real estate investment is no longer an option, leaving some investors unsure. However, good choices exist, like starting a company, donating to research, or investing in funds.

Golden Entrepreneur Visa

Entrepreneurs have an often-overlooked option with the Portugal Golden Investment Visa. To qualify, you need to start a company and create at least ten jobs in Portugal (or eight in less populated areas). Each employee must be registered with the Portuguese Social Security system. You have the opportunity to inject €500,000 into an established business in Portugal, generating and sustaining five new full-time positions for three years. Corporate tax is 21%, and personal income tax ranges from 14.5% to 48%.

Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal's Tier A passport is among the best, granting visa-free access to 191 countries in 2024, making it the third most powerful passport as mentioned by the Nomad Passport Index. While investing in a residency permit won't automatically make you a citizen, it's a step towards it. The naturalization process in Portugal is relatively quick, just five years. You can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and many other countries during this time. You also gain the right to work and live in Portugal and other EU/EEA nations. Portugal's investment visa is considered stable, and Portugal offers tax benefits for crypto investors.

Capital Contributions with Portugal's Golden Visa

For those not taking the entrepreneur route, simpler options like capital contributions are available. Due to recent changes, this route has become more appealing but is pricier.

Investment options for Portugal's Golden Visa include:

€500,000 in Venture Capital/Private Equity Fund

€500,000 as a Donation to Research Activities

€250,000 for Donations to Arts These investments must be maintained for five years of residence.

Specific funds are set up for Portugal visa Golden investors, offering shorter terms and lower risks. However, due to FATCA regulations, not all funds are available to US applicants. All applicants must provide proof of investment to the government, so keep a detailed paper trail.

Golden Visa: Requirements, Documents and Fees

1. Fulfill the minimum residence requirement

To maintain your residency in Portugal, you must spend at least fourteen days there during your first two years. Then, when you renew your permit for the next three years, you'll need to pay a total of 21 days in Portugal. After that, you only need to spend a minimum of seven days per year in the country to keep your residency.

2. Provide proper documentation

Applying for the Portugal Golden Investment Visa is more straightforward than applying for other citizenship programs. You can apply online through their Immigration and Borders Services portal or have a legal representative do it. However, it's essential to understand the process to avoid mistakes. You must submit personal documents, proof of investment, and other paperwork like a background check, health insurance, and evidence of tax compliance. All documents must be recent.

3. Be a third-country national

This requirement means you can't already be a citizen of Portugal or any EU or EEA country. While over half of the applicants are from China, others from countries like Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, and more are also applying.

4. Maintain a qualified investment for five years

As the principal applicant, you must keep the investment if you and your family have a Portugal visa and Golden residency status. Once you attain permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, you are no longer required to maintain the investment.

5. Pay all related fees

The Portuguese government offers a Tier A passport for wealthy investors seeking EU access. Alongside your investment, applicants pay a €5,000 ($5,364) fee, which is reduced by half upon renewal. A processing fee of €533 (US$571) for the principal applicant and €83 (US$89) for each family member, payable with the initial application and renewals. Spouses, children under 18, unmarried children over 18 in school, and retirement-aged parents are eligible.

Portugal's Golden Investment Visa presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking residency and potential citizenship in Europe. With various investment options, streamlined application processes, and the allure of visa-free travel, it remains an attractive pathway for individuals and families looking to establish roots in Portugal and the broader European Union. For more, visit Acquest Advisors' official page today.

#portugal golden visa #portugal golden visa program #portugal investment visa #portugal visa golden

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