#and i realized that because were not drawing what WE want to draw because weve been so busy…
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i have NOT drawn enough talk sprite redraws. Heres some warm ups!! RAAHH 🦖
#deltarune#susie deltarune#myself#fictive#fictives#warm up is a strong word blah blah blah i KNOW these are too detailed for them. what i MEAN by this is that theyre colored warm ups that#i ended up finishing over time lol#susart#putting this on my blog because i helped aaaaand i want people to remember that i exist lol#im NGL we also drew this because i dont know if people even remember who we are#im SURE people do but we have only had 2 commissions these past 2 months which is a little odd and off schedule#and i realized that because were not drawing what WE want to draw because weve been so busy…#then of course people might not see me! imnot drawing fanart and personal art lol#thats my little theory#PE has been a freak to me#you have no idea man. guys. ugh#anyway enjoy this lol
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Okay I was planning on staying out of it but this is painful to watch.
To be clear, OP was being very weird and didnt at all need to say that. But it seems like hald the people since then have just been trying to explain what OP mewnt and doing it horribly, because I do in fact get ehat thry were saying.
Theres been a bug movement with online fascists thats like "modern society is too urban (see: diverse). Weve gotten too far from how we traditionally lived, and were so out of touch with nature. Kids spend all their time inside or in the suburbs and never get to see real nature." And its all a recruitment tactic.
The Start of that pipeline is often just "huh modern scoiety is extremely out of touch with nature. Kids grow up without the experiences I had as a kid running around in creeks and stuff. Kids cant recognize plants." And most of that is true and it Is bad, but they then often make a very quick leap to "this is a problem with Society." And from there to fascist talking points.
And like, if you squint, you can very easily draw similarities between the very start of that pipeline and your recent posting.
Again, this is Obviously incredibly stupid and anyone who actually reads anything you post can see that. But like, I can at least see how, if someone is primed to always look only for fascist dog whistles, and one of your recent posts crossed their dash, if theyre not smart, they could arrive at that anxiety.
Everyone since then has just been dumb about it.
...Okay I'm thinking the "cottagecore" discourse has just rotted people's brains out here. I didn't realize it until now but "posting pictures of a basket of freshly picked strawberries is a fascist dogwhistle" really was a Thing on here a while back. Okay. That makes sense now.
I know about the "trad"/fascist-adjacent 'homesteading'/off-the-grid doomsday prepper attitudes. Where I live, being a 'homesteader' often goes along with stockpiling guns.
But these people's attitudes are individualistic, it's all about personally escaping the "Modern" world and living in The Wilderness(tm) somewhere and being "self-sufficient" (lmao). Kind of a manifest-destiny adjacent fantasy (gross)
This is where the "cottagecore" discourse brain worms did immense damage—no one wanted to explain why the individualistic, intrepid settler homesteader fantasy was a problem, so all the well meaning people on the margins of the discourse went "oh, okay, wanting to reconnect with your natural world and consciously participate in your local ecosystems is a fascist/colonialist thing."
I have multiple posts buried deep in my drafts about this somewhere that I was afraid to post, because I was met with the "google is free" stuff when I tried to figure out what was going on, and Google was entirely empty of any material explaining the (alleged?) fascist and colonialist roots of cottagecore.
It makes my brain hurt because yes, actually, I *see* how "homesteading" is sometimes related to white supremacist and colonialist shit, and the fascist and "cottagecore" communities do have an overlap that is not purely coincidental. That's real. It's not made up. But. A lot of people on the internet have learned to recognize fascist "dogwhistles" instead of learning to recognize fascist ideas.
A lot of the work of recognizing fascist-adjacent stuff in the wild does rely on developing a sensitivity to such "red flags." I've talked about things that I consider to be red flags, and I sometimes respond strongly to them. But—it's crucial that you understand that the red flags themselves are not what fascism is. You have to be able to see and recognize the actual harmful components of an ideology instead of deciding that any similarity, no matter how superficial, Is Fascism.
A lot of colonialist and fascist systems of thought have "relationships with nature and growing plants is good" somewhere in there, but the actual poison here comes in a few forms:
unquestioned romanticization of settling/colonizing an Untouched Wilderness
deciding that some kind of stable, inherent 'natural' state of human existence is always good, and 'unnatural' things are bad
modern society is decaying and degenerate, "traditional" values and lifestyles are better (enter romanticizing the past as a paradise of moral and racial purity)
Yes, there were statements in my post that looked superficially similar to some of these. No, those statements were not even remotely close to communicating the same things.
And "dogwhistles" are not about superficial similarity. If you learn about 'homesteading' as a white supremacist fantasy being a thing, and you jump onto a post talking about growing native species like "Oh look I've found a fascist dogwhistle!" You've misunderstood the assignment.
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So for pittedpeaches three stories what would you say is your favorite scene from each of the three stories (and also would you be willing to draw them as a request or com? *Insert the "take my money" meme here*)
(ppssstt honey, if you'd like a comm their not technically 'officially' open but if u want one dm me on my main and we can talk ;) . ofc if its a request just Kofi's fine but yesyes i would be willing to draw a scene from one of those fics)
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
SPOILERS FOR THESE FICS UNDER THE CUT PLEAS EPLEASE LISTN TO ME WHEN I SAY IF YOU LIKE SPICYNOODLES YOU NEED TO READ THESE FICS AND EXPERIENCE THEM WITHOUT PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OHMYGOD
god pittecpeaches has such good fics i cant-AAAA I CANT CHOOSE ONE.
so i just checked thier profile and i havent read a garden across our collarbone yet-
but out of the two i have read (genus daturam and from three thirty to four) i'd say....
Every part of Red Son which MK touched seemed to burn. The conversations they had that evening played over and over in his head. Red Son wished he could have stayed there forever, eating meals, washing dishes, kissing between intimate talks about parents and inside jokes about metal peaches–
Wait a minute.
Wait a fucking minute-
MK had nearly closed the window shut when Red Son ripped it open. “I didn’t know about the peaches.”
MK stumbled back from the window, clearly not expecting Red Son to come back and say that of all things. “Uhh, what-”
THIS WHOLE SCENE HERE ITS BOTH HILAROUS AND SUCH AN AMAZING CLIMAX TO EVERYTHING THATS HAPPENED IN THE FIC LISTEN-LISTEN- NO GET UR ASS OVER HERE UR GNNA LISTEN TO ME AND LISTEN GOOD OKAY OKAY I NEED TO RANT-YOUVE GOT ME RANTING NOW MOTHERFUCKER/POS
theyve been secretly pining over each other for ages and then redson finnaly realises he's in love with mk and he knows mk doesnt know hes redson (WHICH IS HILAROUS OHMYGOD) and and and he LEAVES
FUCKER TRIES TO LEAVE BC "he loves red, not redson" BOOOIIIIIII
B O I
AND HE GOES OVER EVERYTHING THEY DID TOGETHOR AND ITS ALL BUILDING UP THE EMOPTIONS ARE ALREADY HIGHTEEND IN THE CHARACTERS AND READERS BECAUSE ALL THIS LOVEY DOVETY EXITEMNTY WEVE BEEN WAITING FOR IS FINNALLY HAPPENING ONLY FOR RED TO CUT IT OFF AND NOW HE'S GOING THROUGH EVERY THING IN THE DAY EBECAUSE HE WANTS TO TREASURE THE MEMORY EVERYONE CHATRACTERS AN DREADERS ARE FEELING THINGS AND THEN
O
OH
OH SHIT
THE METAL MOTHERFUCKING PEACHES
THE INSIDE JOKE THAT ONLY MK COULD MOTHERFUCKIN KNOW
i am so normal about this fic * froths at the mouth *
“When I asked you to cut the peaches, you made a joke asking whether they were real or metal.” Red Son climbed back into the house. “But I wouldn’t know about that, would I? So why did you make the joke?”
MK’s eyes were wide and for a moment, Red Son saw it–the glimmer of realization. As quickly as it came it left, hidden by MK squeezing his eyes shut and laughing. “OH! Well, a long while back there was this race around the city, and the winner got what I thought were the real Peaches of Immortality but was actually–”
“But you didn’t say you made that mistake.” Red Son jabbed a finger into MK’s chest. “You said we did. The only people in that race were you, the Dragon Horse girl, and the Demon Bull Family. So how did we make that mistake?!”
MK stumbled on the floor, falling flat onto his ass. He stared up at Red Son, chuckling awkwardly. “Uh, well, I just-I guess I just-uhh-I don’t know, I’m tired, and it probably slipped out, there’s nothing to it, you don’t have to worry about it Red S-RED! Red, Red, it’s no big deal–”
MK was panicking, stumbling on his words, unable to look Red Son in the eye. It only confirmed what Red Son had begun to realize.
“You know who I am, don’t you?” He looked down at MK.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WHEN I SAY I FREAKED OUT DURING THIS SCENE I WAS FUCKING SCREAMING
I WAS CHEERING I WAS CRYING ALL THE FUCKING EMOTIONS CRASHING INTO ME AT O N C E
(rereads ur ask....oh you said pick a scene from each of them mkay mkay-
THE HAIR-WASHING SCENE IN GENUS DATURA
First off this is funny af definitly the kinda shit i would write
“Alright. I know you just told me you hate water,” MK turned Red Son, clasping his hands together with a strained smile. “But, I’m going to need you to get into the tub.”
Red Son’s eyes went wider than noodle bowls. He turned his head to look at the tub, now nearly filled with water. MK could see Red Son’s mouth hang ajar as he turned back to face him.
No, not face him. Red Son was looking behind MK, but why would he do that? All that was behind MK was the door-
Red Son scrambled for the exit on all fours.
It took several minutes of shouting and chasing the surprisingly slippery Red Son around the bathroom before MK finally grabbed him. MK latched his arms around Red Son’s waist and pulled him from the ground. Red Son screeched, trying to pry MK’s arms off him. His skin was so hot it hurt to hold him, but at this point MK didn’t care. With a mighty heave, MK tossed Red Son into the bath.
The water splashed out the tub, covering the tiles in a thin sheen. Red Son floundered for a bit, thrashing his arms and legs beneath the water’s surface before emerging with a loud gasp. His ponytail had lost all its gravity-defying heat, now clinging to the back of Red Son’s neck. Red Son shuddered, aggressively trying to wipe the water off his steaming arms.
HE SCRAMBLED ON ALL FOURS LMAO I CANT I COULDNT BREATHE WHEN I FIRST READ IT
The moment MK’s fingers touched his scalp, Red Son flinched. MK moved his hands away, worried that he hurt Red Son, only for him to let out a whine. “Why’d you stop?!”
“Sorry, sorry, I’m not stopping!” MK laughed. “But, really, you gotta let me know if this is too much for you.” He ran his hands through Red Son’s roots. He could see Red Son’s face scrunch up in surprise, but he didn’t seem uncomfortable. In fact, as MK continued to work the shampoo into Red Son’s hair, he seemed to lean into the touch, his breaths becoming slow, heavy, and relaxed.
As MK leaned Red Son’s head back to get a better angle, Red Son stared up at him with sleepy eyes, blinking slowly. There was a small, content smile on his face. MK didn’t think he’d ever seen that expression on Red Son’s face before. Red Son’s smiles usually ranged from a maniacal grin to a hidden curl of his lip, but this felt softer, like Red Son’s inhibitions were being uncoiled with each knot MK untangled from his hair.
It occurred to MK, suddenly, how intimate this moment was. A blush ran up his cheeks at the realization, but Red Son didn't seem to care. He just grinned, dreamily at MK as he washed Red Son's hair.
This…was nice.
It was a bit overwhelming, sure. Red Son couldn’t remember the last time another person’s hands were running through his hair like this. Maybe when he was a toddler? Before he learned to wash himself?
But, it was nice.
MK’s fingers worked themselves into Red Son’s roots. Every now and then, his nails would scratch at his scalp and it’d send a shock down his nervous system. Red Son didn’t mind it though. He leaned into the touch, a lazy smile stretched on his face.
Red Son looked up at MK as he worked. His vision had blurred considerably from the crimson jimsonweed smoke, but he could recognize the Noodle Boy anywhere. He still had that ridiculous hair style, and that traffic-cone colored coat, and a grin that haunted Red Son’s lonely evenings. He was unmistakable.
What was MK doing here? He shouldn’t be here. He was supposed to be kart-racing with Mei right now. If MK was actually here, his parents would probably have found out by now, wouldn’t they? Or at the very least, one of the bull clones would have alerted the other staff. Not to mention, MK was supposed to our kart racing with Mei right now. There was no way he could possible be here.
But Red Son could feel MK’s hands working into his hair, couldn’t he? And MK had carried him up here, had cleaned his face, had thrown him into this atrocious tub full of water. MK was taking care of Red Son. When was the last time someone had taken care of Red Son? Since he was a child? Before he had to learn to care for himself?
It was so nice. Red Son could live in the feeling of MK’s care forever. It was certainly a good distraction from his burning skin, his foggy brain, the doom which whispered to him in stanzas of half-remembered puffy poetry about death from the crimson jimsonweed, about the images which haunted you into Diyu.
MK began to wash the shampoo out of Red Son’s hair, using one hand to pour water out of the basin and the other to block the soap from slipping down into his eyes. It was a small act, but one that showed a careful attention to detail that MK rarely showed to anything at all. It was the sort of sweet gesture that told Red Son he was cared for by MK, that he was loved.
And wasn’t that what had been haunting him for weeks now? Love?
Images that haunt you/Will carry your soul down/And pass you to ten kings
“Oh.” He whispered. “I see.”
MK smiled down at him. “What’s up?”
The candles that hung on the bathroom wall seem to fan MK's face with warmth and light. It almost looked like the light was bursting out from him, like MK's body could only barely contain all the lights in the heavens. But, maybe that was just Red Son's delirious, slowly-dying brain seeing what he always thought of MK.
“I’m hallucinating.” Red Son murmured.
all of this man
all of this
for one, i love intimate moments like this in fics. and the way this author writes this its just OHMYHEART-
and something about hands running through hair man *CLUTCHES HEART*
AND THEN
AND THEN THE
"im hallucinating"
*flatlines*
GOD ITS SO GOOD I LOVE IT SO MUCH
anways yeah ill get to reading the third on soon but these are my fave scenes :DDD
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Tired, a short story (that i write to vent.)
".. Are you okay? " I approach the lone girl curling into a human ball, all by herself.
".. No. " And only a word i got. "Do you want to talk about it? "
Still a ball, but i got a reply, "What more is there to say? You know how i feel. " Touche.
"I know, but talking might process it out, wanna try? " Still a ball, but this time, no reply.
"Alright, since you dont want to talk about it, I will. " .. Damn, not even a glance.
"Were tired. " I try to choose my words carefully
"Youre tired, Im tired. "
"Weve been tired forever.. "
She whispered with her head bowed down, talking but no one but rather stating a fact. Or her feelings,
"I know, but who fault is it really? "
".. "
".. "
"We dont know. " I slump beside her, "But we do know, is that were tired, why? "
"You know why.. "
"Yes but.. What is it? "
She relents "Were tired of feelings. " I add "Not feelings, " I give her a sideway hug "Anxiety, overthinking, the fear of the impending doom that will never come. Its been.. only a few years, we can count with our fingers. But its so exhausting, isnt it? "
"It is.. " Her voice shake
".. Do you want to talk about it now? Or would you like for me to talk our feelings out? " Her figure shake, but she leans against me like a hypothermic patient. But shes only cold with feelings.
"I want to talk about it. "
I nod, but my presence and soothing touch made her know, that im listening.
"Its tiring, all the feelings like I could be God, only to be cast into the dark dephts of my mind. Fucking hell-- Is this what Lucifer feels? " I sigh
"Its tiring, this thoughts. They come and go like harsh waves, not a calm tide. One moment im hit by the feelings of a hero, and then im swept by the feelings of failure. I dont know what to do anymore, nothing makes sense. Nothing feels real. " She sobs finally, her warm tears flowing out.
"I dont even feel real whenever im.. im.. joyous. " A grimace "Its like im looking at someone else view, like im in my body but im not in my body, im like an observer. And that moment? It already feels like a memory, but im in the present, it doesnt make sense! "
Her hands start casting through her hair, a tell tale sign of a destructive behaviour that i quickly prevent by taking her hands in mine, warming it up. Letting her cold feelings melt away into words.
"I only feel real whenever im in my lowest part, when i get my situation. It feels real, because the consequences are there, i feel real, because i can actually feel those emotions having an effect on me. It feels real, and I dont want all my realness-- all i think I am is sadness. I dont want that. "
I curl her hand in mine as she keeps talking.
"I keep saying this, but its tiring, its tiring.. The fact that time is merciless, society is brutal, and the fact that some people just don't get it. They dont get how it feels, and its driving me crazy! Is it me, is it them? I need reassurance that its okay to be like this, that one day, someday-- someone will understand and say 'I get it. ' Hell, they don't even need to understand, maybe just a 'Youre allowed to feel like this.' will help! "
"But no one gives it to you, thats why were in this paper. " I let go of her hand, and start tracing it instead
"Thats why Im here. Thats why youre here, this words are a safe haven now. "
".. "
"I admit, things are still not the brightest right now, but it is getting better. " I trace a heart. "Im.. sad that weve been this tired only by the count of fingers, but it does feel like an eternity doesnt it? Its like theres no end. " I trace my signature drawing of a frog.
"It gets better, it gets worse.. But i get it, only the worse part feels real and stays for a while. The better part? It flees. " I trace a jellyfish.
"Its like.. being underwater huh? You dry off for 5 minutes only to get dunked 15 minutes. "
She looks at my hand that is tracing hers, "Im.. " I was about to say 'Im sorry, but i realized maybe this pity party has gone too long. She-- I needed encouragement, i needed gratitude. I need her, so I can be where I am today.
"Thank you. " I put my hands on top of hers
"Things are not the brightest, but its getting better. Thanks to your hard work, thank you. Thank you for staying for the future, even if the past haunts you like a bitch. Im where I am because of you and I promise, "
I grip her hand. "Ill be here until the next us can finally come between this words and write 'Weve made it.'
. "
#writing#short story#vent#hurt/comfort#self insert#self indulgent#i decided to post this incase someone feels the same way#also im open to critics about my writing#also english is not my first languange#and im a little rusty right now#hope you enjoy#writerscommunity#feelings
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ive spent basically my whole adult life cooking, and as much as there were years where i absolutely hated the industry at the end of the day ive never really held any job OUTSIDE of the industry for more than like a month. so clearly its not like it had no appeal or draw for me. and over time ive come to the realization that its not so much the work itself i hate as much as the alienation & conditions under which my labor takes place that i hate. let me explain.
as a cook, theres a very real material reason you do your work, to feed people. there is a very real *human* connection in that kind of service. outside of work, there is a very *very* real sense of joy i get from seeing friends & family enjoy something i created that gives them the *very nourishment they need to live* and thats rad! BUT under a capitalist organization of the economy that isnt really the reason i work, its just how we accomplish the actual goal of generating profit for the owner. instead of a valuable part of my community im a replaceable cog on a machine that grinds down society's undesirables to extract as much profit as possible from them. not so rad!
its stripped the very real and human reason behind my labor and instead my labor becomes my only commodity i can sell for my survival. and a combination of material factors & the perception in broader society that the work i do is just what drug addicts, high school drop outs, and convicts do because they cant do anything else means that were *barely* paid enough to survive. its an industry where multiple jobs & roommates are fairly common, despite providing a very important service for society.
even in this supposed "worker shortage" where theres more jobs than cooks able to work them weve seen owners BEGRUDGINGLY forfeit us a few more crumbs in the form of higher wages and/or benefits, and you constantly see them bitching and moaning how unfair and hard of a time it is to be a poor small business owner as if were greedy for getting slightly better wages that STILL LEAVE US LIVING CHECK TO CHECK, and "no one wants to work" because they just take for granted the assumption they are ENTITLED to cheap labor. the material reality that at the end of the month rents due & you dont want to be homeless is enough of a threat to keep everyone quiet and to just grit their teeth and keep their job. and that threats clearly overruled the supposed "basic economics of supply and demand" that say our wages should be rise with this low of a supply of workers and this high of a demand for labor. were spread so thin and it can be such a revolving door of new people getting hired and people finally breaking down and quitting that its almost impossible to organize any sort of labor movement. we are systematically being kept as a servant class thats only there to be extracted for whatever value we can produce and thats what i hate . thats capitalism baby.
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Ok but this scenario that where you trained with kite under Ging as well and he falls in love with you, but is too nervous to say anything to you so instead writes you a letter confessing and you only receive it once you find out he dies. I might write for this as well but It's been on my mind all day😩‼‼
IM NOT GOOD WITH ANGST BUT I'LL TRY
cw: angst, death, spoilers for the chimera arc 😰🚶♀️
ALSO IM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG 🥴
You clenched the strap of the leather sachel that lay next to you as you leaned against a tree. The sun was unforgiving and cruel.
Just like the chimera ants.
There was no calm in this moment. Your mind, was racing. You envied gon who was knocked unconcious, he didnt have to think about the what ifs.
The scene of kite, loosing his arm. The anger, that took over you the more you thought about it. That thing. That monster... it had came out of nowhere. And there was nothing any of you could do.
You and kite had been friends for years. You had both trained under ging, and stuck together over since. You were always together. Whenever one was spotted, the other not far behind. And if you were being honest, you enjoyed the partnership. Every moment the two of you had spent together was unpredictable and exciting, until this very moment. A threat neither of you stood a chance compared to. Had most likely taken his life. You couldn't bear it.
You had left because you were told to. Because you had promised each other come a time when you could not save yourself, that it then became a matter of every man for themself.
You looked at the sachel. It was kite's.
It was almost as if something were drawing you to check the contents inside. For some reason, you were compelled to snoop through his things.
You had never, in the entire time you had known him, invaded his privacy nor had you overstepped your boundaries. It wasn't something you were eager to do, but, you just couldn't help yourself.
You glanced over at killua and gon. Gon was still out cold, and killua was resting his eyes in the shade of the tree. You felt comfortable knowing they weren't paying attention.
You took a deep breath, your hand shaking as you open the sachel. It was a mess. Random items, unorganized and left just as he had it the last time he opened it.
As you sifted through the items, something caught your eye. A neatly folded piece of parchment. You pick it up between your index and middle finger, carefully unfolding it.
To your suprise, it was addressed to you.
Greetings, my dearest, __,
Over these many, many, years we've shared a beautiful friendship journey together. From the moment we first met, training under Ging, i knew you were special. We've remained strong together through difficult times and even shared some great laughs. Today, I can't shake my feeling of confidence that our friendship has developed into something much more. I am well aware that it is your company that I seek at all times in my life. I wish to take you on all of my adventures of life, even the ones that are mediocre at best compared to the ones we've shared together throughout these years. I want to create new adventures with you. I'm not hesitant to say it, i am in love with you __.
I'm in awe of the person you are. The vulnerability, and truths youve revealed to me those nights we were alone together. In the moments weve shared under the night sky, staying up and talking. Sharing our hopes and dreams. Yearning for adventure and new expiriences, even talking about sharing them together. I've realized that you're the one I want to love and care about for the rest of my life. I've no doubt that you've picked up on the changes in my mannerisms , so I wanted to tell you what's been on my mind. Whatever your response, I assure you that I will not make anything different or weird between us. I value our friendship over anything, and if you don't desire to move forward, I completely understand. But I ask that you consider these thoughts I've presented to you.
Yours devotedly and lovingly, Kite.
As you were reading this letter, something clicked inside of you. Tears streaming down your face, you stared at the letter in disbelief. You were in love with kite.
"We have to go back-" you blurted out, your emotions taking over you. "We can't leave him there to die!" You stood up, grabbing the sachel, and slinging it over your shoulder
"What the hell did you read!?" Killua called after you. "You heard kite! He said to leave. He made us promise to leave him if he said to!"
"I cant. I can't let him die." You wiped the tears from your face, staining it with the dirt that was on your hands. "Kite is my best friend... you two can stay here, but I'm returning."
Killua watched as you headed back towards the entrance of the NGL. "You idiot!! You're walking into a death trap!" Killua called after you.
His words of warning only acted as encouragement. Reminding you of the danger he was in.
You looked over your shoulder, waving at killua before stepping inside.
#kite#kite hxh#kite hunter x hunter#hunter x hunter#hxh fic#chimera ant arc#chimera ants#kite x reader
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skeleton key slash x reader
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i wanted something cute and fluffy but ive been in a mood lately so here ya go lol, its kinda cute and fluffy but starts a little disconnected and stand-offish
i edited this but if i missed anything sorry lol
Song: ill always be around by waterparks
tag list: @cynic-spirit @satans-arse @slashscowboyboots @smokeandmirrorz
+++++++++
i sat against the wall of the dressing room and swirled the unopened bottle of beer against the tile floor in front of me. it made a mesmerizing sound as the glass scraped against the linoleum. it was the only thing really keeping my attention. it had been a rough couple of days and i wanted nothing more than to feel normal again.
i watched slash slide down the wall out of my peripherals, hearing him sigh as he hit the floor with his full weight. we sat in silence until i broke my trance, opening the bottle finally, i just stared down into it. slash cleared his throat but i didnt look at him.
"You okay?"
He asked, nudging my arm with his elbow. I took a quick swig of my beer, making a sour face at the taste.
"As okay as I usually am."
I sighed out.
"So not very?"
He asked, sending me a look. I looked over at him and shrugged.
"I'm sure things could be better but I'm living life one day at a time."
He shook his head.
"That's no way to live."
i sighed again, taking another drink.
"is it ever?"
he hummed.
"well no, but whats been up lately? you haven't really seemed like yourself."
i took another swig.
"havent i?"
i asked, raising a brow quickly. he frowned at me.
"none of us think so. the rest of the guys have noticed it too. you arent the same as you were a week ago."
i sighed, dropping my head back into the wall and looking to the ceiling.
"im lost."
he looked a little confused.
"youre lost?"
i looked over at him, watching his hair as it fell into his face.
"i dont know, my mood just tanked all of a sudden. i have no drive, i dont want to do anything. the only reason im here is because i have to be."
he tried to examine my face but i was on the whole expressionless.
"you couldve stayed on the bus, not that it wouldve helped, but you couldve."
i let out a short laugh, bringing the beer bottle to my lips.
"i thought getting out wouldve made an impact, ya know, keep myself busy to forget about it."
He nodded.
"it didnt."
I said and he sighed out, pinching the bridge of his nose. i looked back ahead of me, staring at the wall. we sat in silence for a bit until he shot up, drawing my attention and looking at him like he was crazy. he offered his hand to me.
"come on."
he said, more chipper now. i raised a brow.
"what?"
he shook his hand, wanting me to take it.
"come on, get up. we're going on an adventure."
i drew my brows before reluctantly taking his hand, setting my beer on the ground where i was just sat.
"where are we going?"
i asked as he pulled me out of the room and into the hall.
"It a surprise, but you have to come along to find out, thats why its an adventure."
i followed closely behind him, still unsure about the situation he was dragging me into. he walked comfortably down the hallway, looking from room to room as we went. i just watched him, trying to figure out what he was really after as we moved further into the venue. he nodded to the venue workers as we passed them, his grip on my hand getting tighter, making it known to them that we were attached. he relented as he ducked under pipelines and around mic stands. suddenly i was forced into someone.
"hey! watch where youre going!"
i heard as i looked up with wide eyes. in front of me was a large bald man with a stern gaze and i suddenly realized i was no longer tethered to slash. i looked to my suddenly empty hand in panic before looking back up the man.
"whats your deal?"
he asked, harshly. i looked around but the curly mess of hair was nowhere to be found. i breathed deeply.
"do you speak or are you just here to get in the way?"
the man said a bit louder. i jumped.
"no, i, i, uh-"
i stuttered out. he looked like he was waiting for an answer.
"you just gonna stand there looking stupid with your hand in the air or are you gonna move out of my way?"
he grunted out. then my hand got snatched away from me and i looked to slash with relief.
"sorry dude, i guess i lost my girl."
he apologized, pulling me to him. the man watched us as slash led us away from the man.
"keep her on a leash or something! i dont have time for road blocks!"
he called after us. slash waved his hand in the air.
"will do man."
he said before looking at me like 'yeah right' and making me giggle. slash looked around before ducking into an empty room.
"dude i thought id lost you there for a second. i saw one of the crew and went to squeeze your hand and i realized youre hand wasnt in mine anymore."
he let out a nervous laugh.
"it looks like i found you just in time though cause that dude looked like he meant business."
i nodded in agreement.
"yeah that was kinda scary."
we both laughed a little at the situation.
"but i found this place."
he said excitedly. i looked around, it was dimly lit but the furniture looked much better than the dressing rooms we were in. part of me wondered if it had been an office at one point but was now a storage room. i looked up as the light flickered overhead.
"spooky."
i said happily, raising my brows at him.
"well, im glad you like it cause i set this up for us."
i drew my brows as he took my hand again and led me around the bulky couch in the middle of the room. my mouth dropped at the layout of food, wine, and candles on the floor; all of it arranged on top of a black blanket.
"where did you get all of this?"
i asked, a bit shell-shocked. he half smiled at me, rubbing his arm.
"Well, i noticed youve been down for a bit and wanted to do something nice. i also figured we had a decent amount of time before the show starts so i went out and got this stuff earlier with a little help from duff and he helped me set it up. all i had left to get was you."
i could feel tears stinging my eyes. no one had really ever done anything this nice for me before and it made my heart ping. He really new what to do to make me feel better, he always did. i sent him a smile before pulling him in for a hug. he held me tightly to him, burying his face into my neck.
"thank you, slash, it means a lot."
i whispered against him. he pulled away and helped me sit.
"i wasnt sure exactly what you would like but we asked the lady at the shop down the street what she would want and thats just kinda what we got."
he said bashfully. i leaned over and kissed his cheek quickly.
"its great. really. it is."
i reassured as he started pouring two glasses of wine. he cleared his throat as he handed me one of the glasses.
"i, uh, also had a question for you while we're here."
he looked down at the blanket, and i almost thought i saw a small blush on his face but it was hard to tell in the low light.
"ask away."
i said raising the glass to him in cheers and taking a sip. i watched as he swirled the liquid around in his own glass.
"well, i was wondering, if maybe youd want to go on a date with me. like officially."
i smiled widely at him.
"id love that."
he gladly returned the smile.
"great! i mean i know weve kind of gone on a date before but it wasnt legit, and yes i kind of blame axl for ruining that one-"
i laughed a little bit, shaking my head.
"lets call it a trial run."
i said, making him laugh too.
"well then i already feel more comfortable."
he clinked his glass against mine in cheers.
"same here."
i took a sip before setting the glass down and resituating to sit with my legs crossed under me.
"now, lets see what that lady made you buy."
i joked, prompting him to move the little basket he had acquired closer to me.
"dont blame me if its terrible."
he said through a laugh. i sent him a warm smile.
"thanks for this slash, you really know how to make a girl feel better."
he nodded.
"no, i know how to make you feel better, and i wouldnt have it any other way."
it was my turn to blush, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks at his words.
"im glad you have the thing that opens the door to my emotions or else this tour would be much harder."
i noted, taking a small box out of the basket and setting it next to me. he snorted.
"like a skeleton key to your happy place."
he said. i nodded.
"exactly!"
he laughed a little bit before taking another sip of his wine.
"you have no idea how happy that makes me."
he said, leaning back in his spot. i leaned over, close to him.
"the feeling is mutual."
i said lowly, watching his eyes flicker to my lips.
"can i kiss you?"
he whispered out, looking back to my eyes. i nodded. his hand found its way to my face, caressing my cheek gently. like a slow motion film, he moved forward, it felt like every anticipation building inside me before our lips finally met. it was soft and warm and he tasted like the wine. when he pulled away i felt like my home had been ripped from me and i missed it immediately.
"cant wait for that date."
he laughed out and i couldnt help the amused look on my face.
"likewise."
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“Welcome to the bureau. I’m so glad to be working with you!” Peter said, giving you a quick hug.
“I knew you were FBI, I didn’t realize you were here,” you commented.
“We’ve just started working on a new case, so come join us,” Peter said, beckoning you to follow him to one of the meeting rooms where three people were already waiting for Peter.
“Guys, this is our new recruit, my niece, Y/N. Y/N, Jones and Diana,” Peter introduced.
“And what about the handsome one in the back?” you asked, nodding to the remaining person.
“He’s our criminal informant. Ex-con,” Peter explained.
“Neal Caffrey,” he took it upon himself to make the introduction since Peter wasn’t. He walked up to you and offered his hand for a handshake, which you happily took.
“Neal, don’t. I don’t want my family getting caught up in your world,” Peter warned.
“All’s I’m doing is introducing myself. You’re too protective, Peter,” Neal commented.
“He’s the guy you complain to mom about, isn’t he?” you asked your uncle, earning chuckles from Diana and Jones. Who knew the pain in your uncle’s neck was so attractive?
“Unfortunately. Let’s get on task now, shall we?” Peter said, trying to regain control of the situation.
Working on a case was a bit less exciting than you always daydreamed. It was a lot of combing over bank accounts and tracking a person’s mundane movements looking for anything suspicious. It was a few days before you managed to snag a lead: a gala that your suspect was going to attend. There were a few suspicious phone calls and meetings immediately before, that led the group to believe he was going to try to rob the gala.
“We can’t all go in watching everyone like a hawk,” Neal stated. You, Peter, Neal, and Jones were in a van outside the gala to devise a plan. Diana, however, was absent. “It’ll spook him and he won’t try anything.”
“At least one person should be out here keeping an eye out for a getaway or accomplices,” Peter commented. “So one out here, three inside?”
“How about just Y/N and I go in?” Neal suggested.
“No. Absolutely not,” Peter protested before Neal even finished speaking.
“Out of the four of us, Neal and I together would raise the least suspicions,” you pointed out. “We don’t look like cops, just some spoiled rich young couple there for the drinks.”
“Neal just wants the chance to get into your head,” Peter stated.
“I would’ve suggested Diana go with me if she didn’t have family troubles to deal with,” Neal pointed out. “And I can’t go in with Jones because gay couples still tend to draw heads.”
“Uncle Peter, I’m an adult. I can handle the charms of an ex-conman,” you stated.
Peter sighed, still not liking the idea. “Fine. Just remember, I’m listening in on everything,” he warned.
Thankfully, you had brought some nice clothes just in case you had to be inconspicuous at the gala. Once you entered the building, you ducked into the nearest restroom to change, emerging in a form-fitting dress that fell to your shins except for the slit up the side, and a pair of nice flats. The top only showed a small amount of cleavage, nicely formal. And best of all: you could move easily in it, which is why you picked it.
“Shall we?” you asked Neal, tilting your head slightly.
“You look amazing,” Neal commented, seeming stunned. He offered his arm, which you took, letting him lead you into the crowd. Sure enough, nobody seemed to bat an eyelash at the two of you.
“Okay, remember, look for Casey. You’re not here to drink and oogle each other,” Peter’s voice came over the earpieces both you and Neal wore.
“We can still have a little to drink while looking for our guy,” you stated, plucking a martini glass from a tray nearby.
“And Peter thinks I’m the bad influence here,” Neal joked. He almost immediately spotted the subject. “Let’s go,” he whispered, putting an arm around your waist to lead you to him. You pouted and put the drink back down.
“Nobody’s supposed to be back here,” you whispered to Neal as the two of you continued to trail the suspect. “Definitely up to something.”
“Shh,” Neal warned. The guy entered a room off the back hallway, and you lost sight of him. Any closer, and you’d be in trouble of getting caught. However, you didn’t actually have to get closer.
“Shit!” you whispered, pulling Neal by the arm into the closest room, which was an empty office room. You had been pretty sure you hadn’t been seen, until the knob started turning.
You froze. You were in deep trouble, snooping around where you shouldn’t have been in search of a criminal who may be dangerous.
“Trust me,” Neal whispered in your ear, and before you had a chance to react, he pushed you against the desk and pulled you into a deep kiss. You vaguely heard the door open, a sound of disgust, and the door closing, yet Neal continued to kiss you.
“Neal, what are you doing?” Peter’s scolding voice over the com brought the both of you back to Earth.
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I need you to kiss me - Kai (pt. 3)
Supernatural AU! In which you accidentally establish a link between you and Kai, causing him to become dependent on your kisses for survival.
Fluuuuuuuff
Parts:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
During the weekends you only meet up once. Kai usually stops by on Saturday on Sunday, depending on your schedule. It’s a bit of a hassle having to get ready and dressed on days when you really don’t want to go out but have to just to help him out. To make things less burdensome for you Kai offers to meet up at your place.
The arrangement between the two of you work out perfectly. Although the other tenants in your apartment complex have begun to notice the frequent appearance of the handsome young man. It seems as if he never stays more than a few minutes and they speculate about the nature of your relationship.
After three weeks of seeing Kai walking in and out of the building, most often wearing sunglasses, rumor begins to circulate.
He might be gang member!
Drug dealer!
What if he’s extorting the student?
He’s wearing sunglasses to hide his identity!
On one Saturday afternoon as Kai once again steps inside the building he’s approached by the security guard. The guard interrogates him and only becomes more suspicious when Kai refuses to remove his sunglasses. Kai tries to convince the security guard that he isn’t participating in criminal activities and that he actually knows you.
After receiving the call from the reception you come down to the security guard’s office. Inwardly you’re panicking but outwardly you’re wearing a cross expression.
Kai doesn’t really understand why.
---
“Miss, the reason I called you down here is that there have been rumors about the relationship between the two of you. Normally it’s none of our business but there are rumors going around of criminal activities and I called you to hear if you could explain this.”
“I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience we’ve caused. First of all, he’s my boyfriend.”
It’s a good thing Kai’s wearing sunglasses, because it masks his surprised expression.
“We had a big fight a few weeks ago and ever since he’s been coming over here to apologize.”
Oh, so that’s why she was looking so mad.
“There’s really nothing shady going on, I’ve just not been very keen on speaking to him.”
---
Once back at your apartment the two of you let out a sigh of relief.
“I guess, you better stay here for a while so they don’t get suspicious.”
And so, that is how Kai begins to spend more time at your place.
---
One weekend in early December you go out of town and decide to meet up with Kai on Sunday afternoon. Usually when you meet up on Sundays, it’s normally before noon as Kai begins to feel a slight soreness and ache in his body if he goes longer without contact with you. It’s bearable, but rather inconvenient.
By Sunday afternoon he steps into the building with his sunglasses on. His eyes now occupied by a blackness that covers half his eye. Outside there’s heavy snowfall and Kai leaves a trail of melted snow behind him as he walks up to your apartment.
There’s no answer when he rings the door bell. He presses the bell two more times before finally calling your cell.
“--ah, I’m outside your place, could you open?”
“Kai? You didn’t receive my text message?”
“What message?” He hears your curse on the other side of the phone.
“I don’t know what the weather’s like back home but the snow’s falling like crazy. We had to stop because I couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of me. We’ll be back on the road as soon as the snowfall clears up a bit. Will you be fine?”
Kai nervously rubs his neck. Should he tell you about the other side effects of going no contact with you for too long? For fear of putting additional stress on you, on top of having to drive in such a conditions, Kai stays quiet.
“I know it’s inconvenient to have your eyes become black but please hold out for a while, okay?”
“When do you think you’ll be home?”
“We’re still a 2-hour drive away, I’ll text you once we’re back on the road.”
---
“Kai!” You exclaim as you come out the elevator and spot him. Even from a distance it’s apparent he’s feeling unwell. He’s standing slightly hunched and when you come close you notice the perspiration. “Are you okay?” you ask, with worry in your voice “Did you come here despite feeling ill? You could’ve told me to come by your place instead!”
You unlock the door with lightening speed and usher him down onto the cushioned stool in your hallway.
Without another word exchanged you grab his face and firmly plant your lips onto his. Kai’s hands find their way onto you, one tangled in your hair and the other gently placed against your cheek.
For a long time you remain in that position, with your lips locked and the front door wide open for the world to see. You stay like that until Kai finally lets go of you. And it’s not because he’s feeling better but because he realizes he’s not.
You remove his sunglasses and only now see that his eyes look even worse than the first time you saw them like this. “Kai, your eyes, they’re not changing back.” It’s beginning to dawn on you that maybe there’s a connection between Kai’s physical state and his eyes.
“I figured.” His reply comes out as a weak whisper. Although he’s not perspiring as much it’s obvious Kai’s is still in pain. He leans back against the wall with his eyes closed. “Please call Sehun and tell him to come here immediately.”
“W-what, why?”
Calmly and quietly he says, “I’m not getting better and I need his help.” He doesn’t have the energy to elaborate any further and you don’t pester him either.
----
Sehun’s quick to respond and while you wait for his arrival Kai only seems to get progressively worse. He lies on your bed, hair damp with sweat. You don’t know what to do other than put your lips to his because it seems to ease his pain at least.
The doorbell finally rings and Sehun comes barging in, throwing his shoes in the air as he does.
He points at you and tells you to listen and do as he says as quickly as possible. “You need to digest half of this.” He holds up a bouquet of green herbs. “We need to cut it up and mix it with water. Follow me.”
He enters the kitchen with you in tow. “Cut this up and mix it with water, we’re going to make it into a paste.”
You do as you’re told but Sehun doesn’t even bother grabbing a knife or a pair of scissors, he just starts tearing the herb with his bare hands. The two of you are back by Kai’s side in no time and you throw half the paste down and swallow it with one gulp before you’re even able to register the bitter taste.
“Where’s his mark?” Sehun asks.
“Mark? What mark?”
“Kai, where’s the mark?” Sehun shakes his friend’s shoulders but doesn’t get anything other than unintelligible mumbling.
“There should be a physical mark on his body somewhere. We need to know exactly where the mark is in order to direct the energy.” He begins rolling up Kai’s sleeves and you do the same.
“What does the mark look like?”
“It’s just a circle. You’ll know it when you see it.”
The two of you scan Kai’s arms, his feet, neck and all the other easily accessible places. You’re only halfway through when you realize Sehun has been continuously asking you to check his side as well for the mark.
“Sehun, you can’t see the mark?”
“No. The mark is sacred. It’s not something an outsider is able to see.”
Kai suddenly speaks up, startling the two of you. He places his hand on his left chest. “It’s here.”
Both you and Sehun immediately hover over him. “On your chest?” Sehun spares no time in waiting for Kai’s confirmation and cuts open his sweater in an instant.
And there on Kai’s left chest you see it. Two circles, one contained within the other. “Is it supposed to look like scar tissue?” you ask. When Sehun had said “mark” you had imagined it to be more like a tattoo.
Sehun gives you an affirmative answer and is quick to use what’s left of the paste to draw lines and shapes onto Kai’s upper body.
“I’m done. Now, --ah, kiss the mark.”
Parts:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
#kai#kai scenarios#kai fanfic#jongin scenarios#jongin fanfic#exo scenarios#exo fanfic#multi#fluff#exo#au:fantasy
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Have some Boy-squad-telling-Martino-he’s-crazy randomness:
It’s Tuesday and Martino absolutely can’t miss any more exams if he wants to pass this year, so he drags himself to school. He’s relieved when Gio is not on the same bus and sits at the window seat, looking out at the city passing by. And feels a pang in his chest, because it reminds him too much..
He passes through this day as if through a fog, as if he can’t really see anything or anyone clearly, as if he’s just going through the motions, sitting in class, spacing out during the literature exam, handing in an almost empty sheet. But he can’t find a single part of himself who cares about any of it.
When he finally meets the boys during lunch he’s somewhat prepared to be reminded of Bracciano, of the way his chest had hurt then in a very different way, at seeing Nico and Gio laugh together, at Luca constantly attacking Nico with hugs and smiles and Elia and Nico’s voices inside the car, singing along to a song only the two of them knew. He’s not sure he can endure being around them, but he joins them at the table anyway.
“Marti, there you are! We’ve missed you yesterday, have you–” and Gio stops there, having seen Marti’s expression and understanding, in the matter of half a second, that nothing is okay at all. Marti knew that he wouldn’t be able to fool his best friend.
“What’s wrong?” Gio asks, urgency in his tone, and both Elia and Luca look at Martino, concern and confusion blatantly obvious in their eyes. Martino sits down at the table, looks at his friends and eventually just shrugs his shoulders.
“I don’t wanna talk about it, really guys. Can you just let it slide?”
“Absolutely not.” Gio supplies, and Marti sighs. Of course not.
“Did something happen with Nico?” Luca asks.
“You could say that, yeah.” He breathes, once, twice.. “We’re done–” he sees Elia’s head draw back in confusion next to him. “–it’s over. Because, turns out, It wasn’t real, none of it.” It was too good to be true, anyway.
“What do you mean it’s over? And what wasn’t real?” Gio asks.
Martino looks at him, bites his lips because he can’t, he can’t cry right now, and takes a deep breath. “He’s just had some kind of manic episode, he’s got this thing called Borderline Personality Disorder, I don’t know, but apparently sometimes it makes you do crazy shit and it makes you feel things–” he can’t look at Gio in that instant and drops his eyes down to his own hands instead, fidgeting on the table, “–things you don’t really feel.”
“What?!” Luca says and Martino looks at his three friends, whom he loves to bits, whom he’s so grateful for, but whose shocked, taken aback expressions now just seem painful and make him smile bitterly. Yeah, that’s exactly it.
“It was just..” Martino is looking for the right words, but the only ones he can find are the ones that were put in his head by Maddalena. The words that have been playing over and over in his head, the words that have made him almost completely sleepless for days now. “…a crazy idea he had just then.”
His friends are silent for a long moment, until Gio asks: “Why would you say that?”
“Because Maddalena said–”
“Who’s Maddalena?”
“–she, she’s his ex-girlfriend.” Probably girlfriend, again, now.
“Oh, wow. Martino, my guy, that is some of the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard you say. You’re gonna believe the ex girlfriend over Nico himself?”
Luca nods eagerly, determination in his eyes. “We saw the way he looked at you on Sunday, Marti.. And hey, my mom has manic phases sometimes, it’s not exactly the same but, I mean.. it doesn’t mean that everything she says or feels isn’t true because of that. It’s just that she gets lost in her head sometimes, but then she comes back again.”
“What, why did you never tell us about that Lu?” Gio asks.
“Well, you never asked.” Luca says, taking a sip of the coffee he’s been holding this whole time. “Yes, my mom is bipolar. And she’s awesome.” He smiles confidently. “Anyway, Marti, listen. We’ve all been around Nico and you, I mean we’ve spent the whole freaking day together..”
Elia and Gio nod in eager support. “When my mom has an episode, I can’t really talk to her, you know, it’s like she doesn’t really understand what I’m saying, she’s just in her own thoughts. But it passes. And you have to understand that in those moments, you can’t really connect with them. But from what I can tell, I mean.. you’ve been connecting massively.“
"Damn Lu, when did you become so wise?” Elia snickers. Luca shoves him a little. “Shut up.” Martino can’t move, can’t find a single thought that would make sense to him right now. What? Just.. what?
(Luca wants to add that Marti and Nico seemed like magnets or something, always in each other’s space, always gravitating toward each other, that he’s not sure he’s ever been around such an obvious, intense attraction, he wants to tell Martino about all the times he caught Nico looking at him with brilliant eyes and something like pride, but he decides that he’s going to keep these sappy thoughts to himself.)
Gio puts a hand on Martino’s shoulder, waits until Marti looks him in the eyes and says: “You guys are crazy about each other. And you are crazy if you don’t see that. It just comes down to one question, really: Does him not being well change anything, about how you feel I mean?”
Gio’s hand on his shoulder feels heavier than it should, feels like it’s pressing down with the weight of what Luca just said, what Gio just asked, what Martino said in the bathroom then, everything Nico said in Bracciano. When Gio removes his hand, the weight lifts, and Martino finally sees things clearly for the first time. And he feels how the heaviest weight of them all – do you think he’s in love with you? Know that he’s not – falls away from him, too.
“Marti?” Gio shakes him a little and Marti realizes he has spaced out.
“No, no of course not..” he says firmly, and feels a restlessness, an impatience boil up inside of him. He has to make this right again. He has to ease the guilt of almost having given up on Nico, has to heal the damage that has been done to both of them. Martino feels like that resigned part of him needs to apologize to another, now completely awake and angry, insistent bigger part of him, who can’t believe Marti would just accept Maddalena’s words without question, who feels betrayed and wants nothing more but to go home, to find his other half in Niccolò and never leave his side again.
“I fucked up. I fucked up, didn’t I?!”
Luca shrugs, Elia gives him a silent “duh, yeah” and Gio smiles a little and just says, matter-of-factly, “but you will fix it again.”
#i can't stop ok#sue me#skam italia#ficlet#martino x niccolò#niccolò fares#boy squad support 4ever#martino rametta#nicotino#skamit#i love giovanno so much#and luca is going to blow my mind if they stick with his mom's storyline#sometimes i write things
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Drabble time: ♡ - … My muse’s younger self
Drabble Prompts
♡ - … My muse’s younger self
I don’t really know what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was younger-- younger than I am now, mind you-- the only thing I really wanted was to be left alone. All the people in my life were suffocating to be around. Always happy, always expecting me to play nice, always handing out hugs and kisses and giving me looks when I didn’t reciprocate. It wasn’t my fault I didn’t care about them. Maybe they just cared too much. But, no, I was always the odd kid out for wanting people to respect my personal space.
As I got older and I realized how easily people caved to whatever I wanted when I finally learned to play along, I would have been just fine spending the rest of my life with the people around me living for the privilege of waiting on me hand and foot. So, in other words, I wanted to be rich but otherwise didn’t care about the means of getting there. After all, doesn’t every kid dream of growing up to be rich and powerful in some way? The problem was, that answer never seemed to satisfy people and they started staring at me again. Clearly I needed a more direct answer.
I remember the first time we dissected a frog in biology. It was dead, of course, and reeked of formaldehyde, but it was the first time I got to cut into something without my mother immediately trying to send me off to an institution. Now mind you, this wasn’t the first time I’d thought about pursuing a career in something science-related. I knew there were plenty of fields where I could practice my... ah, talents, without drawing unwanted attention. But this was the first time I’d ever really felt like I knew what I wanted.
Over the past few years, I’ve been putting everything I have into studying the life sciences. Biology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, the list goes on. I’m top of my class because of how hard I work and how much effort I put in. I’m giving up all my free time, focusing only on getting to the top so I can have a chance at doing what I want. There’s so much else I could be doing right now, things that I actually enjoy-- few and far between as they may be.
So to look at this man, this me I’ve grown up to be... I have to wonder if it was all worth it. He’s sharp, I won’t deny that. He’s smart, too. I’m a little jealous of the freedoms he has, especially in a position like his. But I see him, when he’s not enjoying himself-- which is a rare occurrence anyway-- he’s working. He’s busy with things that are so far beneath us, it might as well be six feet under with all the other unworthy things we’ve disposed of. I wonder, at the end of the day, did we really just end up back where we started?
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The Future of This Blog
I've been rping on tumblr since around 2012, diving into the indie world in 2014 with my beth blog. It was a fun hobby for a long time, but by 2015 it had become more like a chore. Soon enough I made new blogs, moved every month or two and hoped like hell itd have that spark back. There were moments, people, that made my time here truly amazing. I'll talk about them later. For now, I have to look to myself and to the future.
Which brings me here. While I love my muses and I genuinely adore writing them, something on this blog isnt right. Not just this blog, but all of them. I'm burnt out on this site, its multiple issues not helping, and my constant need for external validation is only making this worse. You've all noticed it, begging for poll responses, asking if a character should be added and making the choice based only in how many votes each option gets. Everything on this site is governed by notes, by reactions, by the thought that what I post here is important or interesting to people. That's not why I was here, it's not why I wanted to write, and as long as it's there i dont know that i can continue to be here.
As 2019 draws near I have to make choices to better my life. In 2019 I'm giving up work to study and follow my dream, I'm giving up my home that I've lived in for my whole life to have a shot in a completely different city, a completely different world. And with that, I'm giving up this.
Writing is so important to me, I've grown as a person so much from doing this, I've made friends who mean the world to me, but this has also been so toxic. My deep and constant fear of duplicates - and yes that includes the ones I follow. My desire to be the best version of my muse, preferably the only version of my muse. I crave attention, crave the glory that I've somehow managed to believe comes from the number of people who follow me. It's stupid. Its toxic. It's made me act like a person I dont want to be.
I dont know when I'll come back. Ideally, I want to be more emotionally and mentally sound before coming here. I want to be less busy. I want to be able to have fun rather than cry because I cant decide what to do with a fucking tumblr blog.
I want to mention some people, talk about what they mean to me and how theyve shaped my experience. That's below the cut. But first: means of contact. I dont want to lose friends, but I cant promise tumblr will be a place I go ever again. For now I'll be on my personal @distortedrebel and probably on @greene-rph but come 2019 theres a chance I wont even be on those blogs. So, heres where to find me:
Facebook, snapchat, etc. are available if you message me, I'd message my personal or one of those accounts though because I wont be logged on to here.
@selfsaving - izzy, you alone have given me so much muse and such a strong feeling of being somewhere I belong. You've been amazing to me, from liking starter calls and interacting with a muse no one interacted with to inviting me to discord servers and being excited to write with me. I genuinely can't describe how great you've been to me.
@mrbisected - kate you've been amazing. You've followed me through so many blogs, even when I never knew who Kenny was. Honestly, I kind of dreaded watching Texas chainsaw at first. I really thought I'd hate it, especially for the first half hour or so. After watching I didnt care that much for Kenny, but the way you cared for him and the way you crafted him into a real person really inspired me and made me fall in love. I fell for nikki because she was hot, but with your help she became someone real and I never imagined giving up on her because of how it had felt having a muse I cared about so much.
@withumans - kacie idk if ur on this blog or using this alias but hey, you're amazing. I know we haven't necessarily been the closest, but you've been a really good friend. You've been through a lot and I know you relate to the need for validation here. You're still young, you're going to grow and change over the next few years more than you could ever believe. I love you, I believe in you, I know you'll get through this. I'm sorry I wasnt super invested in some of your muses, you very clearly love rain more than anything and I really struggled to interact with her, not because of who she is but because of how emily kinney was her fc originally. I know its dumb and petty and I hate that it continued into when shed stopped being the main fc. Rain is a brilliant oc, I genuinely love her and her story. Shes developed, she clearly means the world to you. Tumblr, and quite frankly everywhere else, doesnt care about ocs. They dont care about multis. That puts the two of us in a tricky position. Dont give up on rain, dont give up on ocs. Dont give up on things you're passionate about. You have it in you to do incredible things.
@valorfated - ellie weve talked less lately and I want to apologize for that. Weve had issues in the past, the most obvious being the way I acted with the rph in 2017(?). Theres an age gap between us and clearly a maturity gap there too. Looking back on the way I acted and responded and avoided responsibility is clear. I am sorry for that, I know you were going through rough times and it was rude of me to try to make things go my way simply because you werent there to stop me. Its something I've been working on and I'd like to think I've grown as a person since then. I do want to tell you that you're an amazing writer, and I really hope things are going better for you. Writing beth and Maggie was a really great experience, I loved the dynamic because I've never had much of a bond with my own sister. You helped me realize how sisterly bonds should be and because of that I've started to work towards mending my relationship with my sister and its changing my life. Thank you, good luck with everything..
@gavinsaleks - I saved you for last because this might get long. I'm gonna avoid the literal thousand word letter I usually give you on your birthdays because wow I write a lot, but you already know by now that you've changed my life. The ocs we made meant the world to me and really taught me about relationships and perspectives and what's right and wrong in relationships. You, though, you taught me more. You gave me the courage to come out, you gave me the strength to stay alive in times where I felt like that was impossible, you gave me happiness that i never thought possible. I watched you grow up and you watched me mature and everything changed after meeting you. I never wouldve lasted on this site without you, or in real life really. You're an incredible girl and I really hope that I gave you the same happiness you gave me because you deserve it all and so much more.
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June 14th, 2018 CTP Archive
The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on June 14th, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Obelisk by Ashley McCammon.
Featured Comment:
Chat:
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
COMIC TEA PARTY START!
Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning~! Today we are discussing Obelisk by Ashley McCammon~! (http://www.obeliskcomic.com/) For those new or in need of a reminder, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer, and you can pay them no mind if you wish. If you miss out on any though, they’ll be pinned for the duration of the chat once they’re posted~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! As a bonus, each chat a top comment will be picked and featured in the archives and on an ad for CTP! All that being said, let’s get started and have a great discussion!
QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?
🌟Draco Plato🌟
The story has flowed so smoothly so far that it'd be hard for me to pick a certain scene as a favorite. I've really enjoyed the fluidity of the art, with it's beautiful backgrounds and very human seeming characters. Evie has been quite interesting to get to know so far and I'm looking forward to learning more about her as the story goes on.
Her hair has been particularly fascinating to me, I adore how it's drawn.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i appreciate how shes been drawn with a variety of hair styles and clothing. its one of those unnecessary details that can add a lot of life and make everything feel less like a video game.
but man the backgrounds. those are some heavily detailed backgrounds with a lot of love and care put into them and they really express the world so well
if i had to pick a favorite scene id pick when we meet margot. i really like the slight additions of red because something about the wispy way its drawn expressives a hint of...something sinister
🌟Draco Plato🌟
I really enjoyed that too, it also I think was the point where the real feel of the story came into play
and I think we really got a much better grasp on evie(edited)
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yes though for eve's character i enjoyed the current page aftermath a bit more. if only cause i like that she kind of had a really human reaction to being told to butt out of things that weren't her business XD
🌟Draco Plato🌟
oh yeah, for sure!
I'm really looking forward to seeing where the current story arc is heading(edited)
zestwitch
I love the whole comic so far but I gotta say the way the party scene was drawn is so memorable for me, the panel variation is so creatively done and makes each page feel so energetic
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I liked the scene where Eve was partly hung over and came into the kitchen and her brother regaled her with all the info off a casual remark. I think part of what made that stick too was realizing in the post-script how it was based on REAL history.
🌟Draco Plato🌟
the party scene was especially well done I thought too! Really captured the feeling of what being there would be like
zestwitch
The comic also has so many small details in the sidelines that make the world feel incredibly well rounded and rich like I can tell a ton of research was put into this and that makes me so much more excited about where it's going
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Speaking of how things are drawn, fascinating plan to really only have red be the outsider colour. Definitely makes certain things pop.
Yeah, I have no idea how much research was put into fashions and trends of the time period, but I have to imagine a ton.
🌟Draco Plato🌟
yeah i've researched that time quite a bit and you can really tell that the creator put a lot of work into accuracy
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Speaking as someone who has almost zero knowledge of the time period, I find I can still appreciate it.
In modern day, they'd be all over that concussion issue from falling off a stool.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i liked eve being hung over too just because how it was draw i think had subtle details other comics dont really capture when its depicted. like just the way her face is like "what is life i hate this damn sun why am i awake."
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Interesting how it led into the flashback memories too.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Oh hey there
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
hey super~!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Glad to be here!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah i thought it was interesting how the flashback memories were juxtaposed with that scene.
and how it transitioned to it
i also enjoy the hangover scene just cause i can relate to eve being partly aware of a thing but having no interest while the other person just rambles on passionately
and youre just like yeah okay
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
That may also be part of why I liked it. ^.-
I wonder if we'll meet this Alice.
🌟Draco Plato🌟
I really liked her hair and nightgown in the hang over scene
saetje
I agree the story flows so well it’s hard to pick a favorite scene- it’s also so early! But, if I’m honest? Margot’s introduction b/c dayyuuum
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
She did have a commanding presence.
saetje
my gay heart can’t handle her
I so appreciate all the research into costume and setting design as well! I simply adore period pieces so I appreciate the effort on that front
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Daww~
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
QUESTION 2. Throughout the comic we meet an interesting cast of side characters, from Eve’s friends to the seemingly criminal Peter Murphy to Agostino. Was there any side character that caught your eye, and if so why? When it comes to Peter and Agostino, do you think we will be seeing more of them? If so, in what way? Will Agostino’s interaction with Margot affect him in some dire way? What do you think will happen if Eve meets Peter? Why do you think Eve isn’t fond of her brother’s new fiancée? Are there any other character details you think the comic might explore?
saetje
I really liked Agostino’s reaction to Margot, it’s so foreboding. I most definitely feel we’ll be seeing all the characters that have introduced so far, again. I must say the story so far has so seamlessly and entertainingly set up many relationships, varied characters, and intrigue to delve into that it’s exciting waiting for what comes next!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I admit, I'm curious about seeing Eve and Alice... wondering what it is she's not fond of, whether it's something about personality or just the way she dresses and talks to her brother...
saetje
I just feel like they’ve set up a lot of questions we want answered all wrapped up in a varied and entertaining cast
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Agostino may be all hypnotized now.
saetje
yeah it’s possible- going a sort of Renfield on us?
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
yeah i do think weve got an interesting plate of characters going on here who are gonna have some future interesting and interactions with eve thatll take the story to unexpected places.
i really loved the way whatever happened to agostino was depicted
i can see why he freaked
though im really curious why only he was effected
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I do want to add in this story looks like it could be fun as a live action flick, seems like it could work
especially for it's early 1900's setting
saetje
I could see it adapted fairly well!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I'm pretty sure he was affected because it was his blood left behind when he moved the crate into the place initially. They've already got a sample of him.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Glad you agree, Saetje.
saetje
But the comic as the media for the story itself here is still done really well. I like how the author plays with visual narrative and panel flow
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea, it's done extremely well
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Interesting that the owners (possible vampires?) are into antiques. I'd figure it'd be something that they could collect more blood samples from.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
especially all the markerwork
saetje
Oh yeah. That was my take too, they already have some blood from him. But time will tell
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Though I guess if you've got all those children's toys left over from 300 years ago... ^.^
...Then again, they came overseas with only the one box. So idk.
Do you think all the sites being investigated are owned by the same group?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
lol
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
To tie it back in, maybe that Peter guy is their broker.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
http://www.obeliskcomic.com/comic/chapter-1/p43/ OMG CUTE KID
Some quality family time. I hope everyone celebrating has a lovely holiday, and if not, I hope you have a lovely day anyway. I’ll see you all next week!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
maybe it wasnt so much that it was a blood connection thing but in that the blood told margot hed been to the shop before and therefore wanted him to gtfo. since he helped with delivery.
on a different note i do want to say im in math's corner and super want to know why eve doesnt care for alice O_O
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I'm pretty sure she was gtfo-ing him, but I still feel like it was through the blood somehow.
Related to what SJ posted, maybe it's because Eve helped to raise her brother, and doesn't like that the status quo is being messed with? Though Alice could also be real shallow, who knows.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Perhaps
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Maybe Alice is also a vampire!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
that could be. and again could just be personality. maybe alice just tried to get eve to do lots of thing eve wasnt comfortable with in an attempt to bond. or maybe alice aggressively tries to set eve up with ppl
the mystery increases!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
The town is going to be completely taken over by vampires. Eve will be the only real woman left.
It's like that old tv show about the pod people.
draculing
(I will confirm or deny nothing but I love seeing everyone's thoughts and theories so far )
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Hey there!
Pleased to see ya!
saetje
Welcome! Thanks for the lovely comic
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
And thank you as well~
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Hihi draculing! I like tossing out crazy theories, don't worry about me.
draculing
Hi~ I'm in and out a bit but it's good to be here
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
also omg Marghot looks so handsome~
draculing
The comic is still so early on its cool to see that people are already guessing at stuff
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
thanks for being here draculing~!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Eve will win Margot's heart by teaching her to ride a bicycle.
draculing
And yes Margot is the Most handsome
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
She is and I love her (edited)
Everything about her looks and personality(edited)
she's so(edited)
dandy
draculing
She's a lady ;D
saetje
Yeah Margot is actually I was under the impression Margot is female? Or they-them?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Well that's not the first time I'vewgotten my genders confused
draculing
Margot is a butch woman, dw i definitely get that a lot
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
lmao
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Heh. Probably the pants, I don't think ladies wore them much, but I know little to nothing of the time period.
saetje
Ok well I love Margot as I’ve said throughout this chat UM I can’t wait for vampire intrigue romance adventures
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
heehee~
And I made it to the end of the story so far
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I get the vibe that Eve is into the ladies. The way she blushes sometimes, and is upset about not being married herself yet.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
It sure has come a long way since it first started~
saetje
I... completely read Eve as queer? She also hangs out with a cast of LGBT folks yes?
draculing
They wore pants (or bloomers like eve's bike pants) if they were doing sports or being tomboyish but it was still pretty rare and not looked on fondly
Actual men's clothing was not a thing for women yet except for in theater/music halls
saetje
Er- that being what her friend circle is/the party scene as about
draculing
Or yknow... gay circles
Yeah pretty much!
saetje
I appreciate all the research you’ve done into period clothing and setting!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Oh really?
saetje
I really love horror/romance time periods and I love seeing all the different props and outfits
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Cool about the info. I'd ship Eve and Alice, just to be contrary, except we know they don't get along. Unless... that's just what they want others to think. (edited)
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I was actually about to ask how much you researched 1900's/1910's society and such
draculing
I wanted to establish that Eve has a social circle of other queer people and they aren't miserable or self hating
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
ooohhhh
saetje
I really appreciated the party scene tbh
draculing
Cuz thats all we ever get from historical settings usually
With lgbt characters
saetje
Yes!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
LGBT characters are always welcome
saetje
As a queer person it meant a lot to me
draculing
Yeah its really personal to me and I'm glad it resonates!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I'm pro-LGBT to the end.
saetje
Because I love time period pieces but so many gay romances or lgbt characters are so depressing in that setting. I enjoyed that Eve has a friend group that celebrated themselves and seemed happy
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
^
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
QUESTION 3. As Eve hunts down a lost property, she runs into the mysterious shop owner Margot who somehow bought one of her father’s properties. Who exactly is Margot do you think? Why do you think Margot has moved into the property now of all times, and why do you think Margot chose to run an antiques store? Why do you think Margot was so defensive about Eve’s questions (despite there being simpler, more polite answers as Eve points out)? Do you think Eve will continue to interrogate Margot for information, and do you think she will succeed? Do you think it’s even safe for Eve to interact with Margot given what happened to Agostino? Do you have any other theories about Margot?
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Margot is secretly a werewolf.
saetje
And I think it (the party scene) was a nice way to set up Eve as queer, it was, to me, obvious her preferences after the party scene without being voyeuristic or over the top of that makes sense? Just enough.
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Seriously though, she must be part of some syndicate or something. To get that shop set up in so little time.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I have a feeling it may have something to do with that ring.
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Or the djinn/genie inside it.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
If it's not her well-sculpted legs
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Or those of the djinn/genie.
So, actually, it's probably a bloodstone or something. I wonder if Eve will research.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Maybe.
I never thought "bloodstone"
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Actually.... is it possible that Margot or her syndicate killed Eve's father in the first place?
saetje
I get the feeling there’s going to be some romantic Margot/Eve back and forth and I look forward to that, but I think ultimately Margot will be dangerous- or at least as it’s set up now, every storytelling sign points foreboding when it comes to Margot(edited)
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
"Sign over this property. Good, excellent. Oh no, you fell down a flight of stairs."
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i feel like if they were responsible theyd know he was dead and not have the reaction that was had over it.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea
Thankfully he lived
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Well, we only know Margot's reaction.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i definitely forsee eve pestering margot more. cause im willing to bet shes either 1) going to run into a dead end making margot her only option for answers or 2) shes gonna find peter and peter is going to make her super duper suspicious by saying things like "you dont want to know nun ya business."
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
"I'm not a nun!"
Eve strikes me as the type who might lurk outside the place to see if other leads show up. That could make Margot decide to just tell her stuff to get rid of her, since "just go away" failed.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
oh i hope eve comes back and is like "im here to buy something you cant kick me out."
but yeah. margot is....isnt doing a good job of making her go away. there were so many better answers then the shifty eye nun ya business XD
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
That would be a clever way of doing things too. "The customer is always right." To be fair, Margot was pretty nice up front too, remarking on how she should have heard someone come in... it's only the details of how they got the place that seems to have vexed her.
saetje
Maybe she WANTS Eve to come back I feel like Margot knows how to throw a line and reel em in with intrigue and mystery
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Also, did Margot arrive in the box? Or was she simply hired to deal with some other dude who now lives upstairs who is a vampire? Maybe SHE'S under control, thanks to the ring. And Eve frees her from the evil spell.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Maybe
The personality seems to hit at it
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
"Only a kiss can save me from this vampire ring."
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i assume margot was in the box. i think margot is too commanding of a presence to be someone elses mindslave.
and thats true
it could be margot wants eve to come back
alternatively maybe margot hires peter and peter tells eve its in her best interest to stay away or something might happen to her brothers fiancee O_O
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
There is that, or at least not be taken in quite as quickly as seems to have been the case.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
and eve will be like "great good thing i dont like alice"
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
"You don't want to kiss me? Oh, I guess I'll simply have to get Alice to do it..." "You wouldn't dare."
Eve's brother walks in and is all, uhhhhhh....
saetje
I get the feeling it’s going to be Hattie/Eve
I felt like that was hinted at too in the party scene?
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
That's possible. I admit I'm bad for the names, as usual.
Also, I like going for the improbable ships.
saetje
Hattie is the blond friend who took her to the party and there was a panel where it was like their hands almost touched/had been holding and left etc. just feels like it’s possible we might have a romance starting with Eve and Hattie with Margot in there messing it up. But again- so early rn hard to make predictions!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea.
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Makes sense... was she the one who opened the old wine?
saetje
Yes I think so!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
'kk.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
i would like to see more of hattie before i put my eggs in that basket. i feel of all the friends she was the one i feel most distant from sadly :"D even though i thought her design was snazzy
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Yeah, it could be a one way relationship there.
Maybe that's why Eve hasn't been hanging with them as much...? I think that was implied.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
maybe although i assumed its cause shes still not quite over her father's death
grief does take time
QUESTION 4. As we learn from Eve, some documents on her father’s properties seem to be missing. Further, he seemed to know possible criminal Peter Murphy and mysterious Margot. Why and how do you think Eve’s father got involved with such people? Was it blackmail, some sort of under the table charity, or something else? Do you think his co-worker Alex knew about the dealings, or was it something private to Eve’s father? If it’s the latter, why do you believe he’d keep it a secret? Do you think Margot’s shop is the only missing property, or do you suspect Eve might find even more? Even if Eve finds the answers to all these questions, do you think she can or would do anything about the situation? Lastly, do these missing properties have anything to do with her father being dead?
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Right, that's a good point too. Though you'd think that you'd want others to help console you.
Her father was apparently really good with records and bookkeeping. Maybe he was doing some work on the side that turned out to be shadier than he thought... the flashback seemed to imply that they might have had money troubles. What with Dad not being able to pay the nanny enough wages to keep her on.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
could be. it was implied in that scene that he was also a single father too at that point right?
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
It was, yes. Maybe the mother died in childbirth?
So Dad took on shady business deals to help make ends meet. Probably why he sold off properties and kept it all locked in that box.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
that seems very plausible for how he got involved. albeit alternatively, maybe thats why they have money troubles
is that he was secret selling properties for a low cost and had to cover it up so it wouldnt be discovered
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
True, hard to say which came first. Oh, that's a good theory.
Maybe Peter knows him... just went into business for himself after the death...
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Maybe so.
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
peter and the dad were clearly best friends from primary O_O
im curious about his death cause i feel like it must have been unexpected? cause he certainly didnt clean up his affairs. in the sense that ya know he never said "eve by the way i sold some properties to vampires. surprise."
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Yeah, that's a good point. Things were left in something of a disarray at the business too.
Interesting how his daughter has been able to take over.
"She has a ... STAKE, in the business."
draculing
(Re: research question way earlier, I have a lot of 1900s fashion catalogue reprints and PDFs of 1890s-1900s sears catalogues!! I love.. clothing as personality.. so details are important to me)
Lmao niceee
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Oh wow, nifty. Is that part of why it's been set in the States, like that's where the catalogues are from?
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Oh nice!
That sounds like a good way to get research, all those old catalogues~
Make sure you keep em safe! I bet they'd be considered collectables in this day and age.
draculing
Nah I'm just from New Jersey ;; i grew up going into NYC and went to school there so I have a big attachment to the history and feel of it
Aw i dont have anything original sadly, it would be real cool if i did
saetje
I own a few Edwardian sears catalogues too and it’s such a treasure trove tbh. As I’ve said, I appreciate all the detail you’ve put into your costume and setting design. Every character’s clothing choices really does say something strong about them
draculing
Its also a good setting for like.. the immigration/othering themes often attached to vampire stories
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Aah
and yea that's understandable
saetje
Ohh that’s a cool take
draculing
It's not at the forefront of the narrative but each character's sort of.. class and life situation is involved in their design and that plays into it
Hopefully I'm not derailing the convo too much by jumping back to that!
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
That makes sense. Nope, just thinking theories over here.
Alice is secretly behind everything.
saetje
yeah we’re mostly just speculating based off what we have so far, it’s nice to get insight into the creation a bit!
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
nah your fine.
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Seconding saetje
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I was also trying to think about when the New York World's Fair was, but it was like, 1939, so never mind. I don't know historical details.
draculing
I've had a lot of stuff where I've realized "wait this hasn't happened yet how weird"
Like... the titanic sinking
If my comic hits 1910 will it address that? We just don't know
*1912
saetje
is there anything like prop wise you’ve wanted to put in and then had to go “oh wait. Not invented yet”
draculing
Ohhh yeah for sure
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
XD
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Sliced bread?
saetje
Because I imagine there’s so many little things we take for granted now that they didn’t have back then
draculing
Or like.. finding references for very specific things??
saetje
Haha the bread point was too powerful
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Napples likes the historical bread.
draculing
Like "what does a cereal box in 1908 look like"
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
I'm curious now too lol
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
Gotta watch out for cereal killers.
draculing
Its little stuff that gets you
A lot of finding the closest approximation and then winging it like "hopefully some big history expert won't swoop in and yell at me"
The historical fiction police
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Heehee
Gotta keep all your facts 100% authentic
(and accurate)
draculing
It's a worry even though probably no one minds at all
saetje
Because vampires sure are real ha but I get it! You really want that authentic feel
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Yea All that matters is your readers have a good time and enjoy the story(edited)
saetje
But yeah unless someone is just being pedantic I don’t think you’re going to get mobbed for a small historical mistake
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Anyways seems like we're heading into the final minute of the CTP
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
tbf tho does happen. historical fiction police do tear things apart but theyre in the minority. i think you do a really great job and pay more attention to detail than a lot of other historical fiction ive seen.
MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑
I don't notice such things at least. I enjoyed it.
Including the hairstyle, just to circle us all the way back. Nice crazy hair.
draculing
it's very cool and encouraging to see all your ideas about what's going on
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Anyways, thanks for the comic, Drac~! It was a fun read and I hope it grows nice and strong.
saetje
Fair fair. I just think people who call out details like that on indie creators are lame
draculing
Thank you for reading it!
saetje
And yeah! It’s a gorgeous comic!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
^
saetje
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨
Me neither~(edited)
draculing
Can't believe we already spoiled that Margot is definitely a werewolf, the whole time
✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨
COMIC TEA PARTY END!
Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party time is now up~! Thank you everyone so much for reading and joining this week’s chat~! We want to give a special thank you to Ashley McCammon, as well, for making Obelisk and volunteering it for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Ashley McCammon’s efforts however you’re able to. All that being said, if you would like to continue discussing this week’s comic, we highly encourage you to do so~!
For next week, Comic Tea Party will focus on Fate by Anthea West. As always, please use the next several days to read as much of the comic as you would like. We hope to see you next Thursday on June 21st from 5PM to 7PM PDT for the chat~! Until then, happy reading~! Comic: http://www.fatecomic.com/
#ctparchive#comics#webcomics#indie comics#start faire#startfaire#comic tea party#ctp#comic chat#comic discussion#comic bookclub#webcomic bookclub#bookclub#ashley mccammon#obelisk
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Arplis - News: 38 Fun Things to Do in Tucson, Arizona
With incredible outdoor adventures, some of the best Mexican food in the U.S. (yes, seriously!), and a vibrant nightlife, Tucson may just be the perfect weekend getaway. Oh, and did we mention Tucson has wonderfully warm temperatures in the wintertime?! (Fellow Midwesterners, take note!)
The population of Tucson is just over half a million people, making it feel like a relatively small city. But dont be fooled there are an incredible amount of things to do in Tucson!
While there are many things to do in the city itself, the real draw of Tucson is what lies beyond. The Sonoran Desert which surrounds Tucson, is one of the only places in the world to see the iconic saguaro cactus, after all.
Were walking you through the very best things to do in Tucson, Arizona from epic outdoor adventures to foodie experiences to nightlife for all ages.
Our Experience in Tucson
Im going to be honest: Until recently, Tucson wasnt on my radar at all. Instead, I pictured the Grand Canyon and cities like Phoenix, Sedona and Scottsdale when I thought of Arizona.
So when my parents booked a 2-week Airbnb rental in Tucson to escape Minnesotas frigid winter clutches, I asked them, What is there to do in Tucson?
The timing was uncanny, because a week after my parents booked their trip, we were contacted by Visit Tucson (the tourism board) to work on a campaign with them. And all of a sudden, a city I hadnt ever thought much about took center stage in my mind.
When we started planning our trip to Tucson, I truly started to realize why my parents had booked 2 weeks there. As it turns out, theres a lot to do in this southwestern city!
This info-packed guide is full of top tips, where to stay, what foods to try , and everything else you need to know about planning an incredible trip to Tucson.
Contents:
Things to do in Tucson:
Outdoor Activities in Tucson
Food & Nightlife in Tucson
Art, Culture & History in Tucson
Planning your trip to Tucson:
Best Tucson Weekend Itinerary
Best time to visit Tucson
Where to stay in Tucson
How to Get Around Tucson
What to pack for Tucson
Tucson Map
Disclosure: This trip and article was sponsored by Visit Tucson. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and completely our own. Additionally, this article contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.
Outdoor Adventures in Tucson
If you like getting outside, youll find your bliss in Tucson because there are so many outdoor adventures to be had in the area surrounding this city.
1. Go horseback riding in the desert
I am going to embarrass Ben for a minute while I tell you something about him few people know: Hes afraid of horses.
Hes looking over my shoulder as I type this and saying, Im not afraid, I just think theyre smart and strong, and we should respect them.
Yeah, okay whatever, Ben.
But to his credit, he agreed to go horseback riding on our trip to Tucson. (Ive been asking him for the last couple of years, and he finally gave in.)
And you know what? When I asked Ben what his highlight was from our trip to Tucson, the first thing out of his mouth was, horseback riding!. So even if youre not an experienced rider, Bens reaction should give you some encouragement.
It was hands down one of my favorite experiences in Tucson too! We were able to see places we never would have without being saddled up on John Wayne and Mac (names of our horses).
Bobbi, the owner of Houstons Horseback Riding, led our group along the trail. We crossed rivers, ducked beneath low-hanging trees, and trotted past giant saguaro cacti with mountains looming in the distance. The landscape changed throughout the 2-hour journey, and the pace was slow and steady (great for those of us who arent experienced riders).
The views we got right up next to the saguaros on top of the horses was completely different than the perspective wed get walking on the trail with our own two feet. It was surreal.
And after chatting with Bobbi, its clear how much passion she has for this work. She has been working with horses for nearly her entire life and has passed on her admiration for these beautiful creatures to her children who help run the show as well. I mean, with about 30 horses to care for, the more hands the better.
So not only will you have an amazing experience with the horses, but youre supporting a family run business. Win-win!
Hours: Trail rides start at 9 a.m and 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $85 for a 2 hour walking ride
Book Your Horseback Ride Here!
Are you an experienced rider? If youre no stranger to horseback riding, you can book a private ride where your guide will adjust the speed to suit your experience level.
2. Visit Saguaro National Park
Saguaro are the huge cacti that adorn the Arizona license plate and serve as an icon of Southwest USA. And there is a National Park just 30 minutes from downtown Tucson that is dedicated to their existence.
Before we delve into the best things to do in Saguaro National Park, lets start with the basics pronunciation.
Say it with me: suh-waa-row
Now you wont embarrass yourselves like we did. (Youre welcome!)
And because I am fascinated by these cacti, Im gonna entertain you with some fun facts about the saguaro:
They can live to be 150 years old (some even are said to be 200 years old!).
They can grow up to 40-60 feet tall (12-18 meters).
They dont start growing arms until theyre around 70 years old.
They only grow in parts of the Sonoran Desert (a small area in Mexico, southern Arizona, and occasionally southeastern California.
They are expensive! Thats right, some people like to incorporate them into their landscaping, and the large ones can cost upwards of $10,000. The more arms it has, the more money it costs.
One foot of a saguaro weighs around 100 pounds!
We have a love affair with National Parks. Anyone else?! So it should come as no surprise that the first thing we plotted on our Tucson itinerary was a visit to Saguaro National Park.
And guess what?! It was our 20th US National Park! *cue champagne toast*
Saguaro is divided into two sections: one to the east and one to the west. In the middle lies the city of Tucson. Each side is a bit different. The west side of the park is more densely covered with saguaro, while the east side has more hiking trails and is more mountainous.
Try to see both sides if possible, but if youre short on time, visiting the west side of the park will be the best way to maximize your visit.
Best things to do in Saguaro National Park (with limited time):
West Side Saguaro National Park:
Drive around the 6-mile scenic Bajada Loop, and stop along the way at the spots listed below (plus any others that pique your interest):
Hugh Norris Trailhead: Hike up the trail for about 5-7 minutes and look west. Youll see tons of saguaro cacti and this spot would be wonderful for sunset.
Valley View Overlook Trail: 0.8-mile one-way (out and back) easy trail that is relatively flat. There are signs along the way pointing out the different types of plants and the final destination is a viewpoint over the vast valley below that is full of cacti.
Signal Hill Picnic Area: This short 0.3-mile hike up signal hill leads you to dozens of 800-year old petroglyphs that were created by the ancient Hohokam people.
East Side Saguaro National Park:
Drive along the Cactus Forest Drive Loop. It is an 8-mile self-drive loop that takes you to some of the major attractions in the east side of Saguaro National Park:
Mica View Trail: This relatively flat 2-mile return hike starts at a nice picnic area, goes through the cactus forest to East Broadway Blvd and back. You can also start the hike from E Broadway Blvd too.
Desert Ecology Trail: Paved 0.3-mile loop with signs to tell you more about desert plants. Great walk for kids.
Cactus Forest Trail: Splits the East Saguaro National Park from North to South. 5-mile return, mostly flat, but youll be surrounded with saguaro cacti the entire time.
Freeman Homestead Trail: Short 1-mile loop trail easy to do with kids. Youll walk by some of the biggest and oldest saguaros in the park.
Have more time in Saguaro National Park?
Douglas Spring Trailhead (East Side): This is a 16-mile out and back trail that is pretty flat for the first half and then switchbacks up the mountain until the top. About a quarter of the way on the trail, head to the left for 0.4 miles to see the Bridal Wreath Falls (dont expect a massive falls, but refreshing to see in the desert).
King Canyon Trail (West Side): The trailhead starts opposite of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, this 7.1-mile moderate trail winds its way up to Wasson Peak. Many reports say its tough on the way up and you should start early, but youll be rewarded with an amazing view of the saguaro cacti filled desert.
Hours: Visitor Centers are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but the park is open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset.
Cost: weekly pass to Saguaro National Park is $25 per vehicle.
Insider tip: If you dont already have an America the Beautiful Pass, you might want to consider getting one before your trip to Tucson. It will not only cover your entrance to the National Park, but also to Sabino Canyon. Weve put together a guide thatll help you decide if the US National Park Pass is worth it for you.
3. Mountain Biking around Tucson
There are few things better than being outside, getting your heart pumping, and trying something totally new. And thats exactly what we did on our last morning in Tucson. We woke up before the sun, grabbed a breakfast burrito for fuel, and headed to a trailhead.
Tucson has some of the best places in Arizona if not the best for mountain biking. And whether youre a newbie to the sport (like us!) or a seasoned mountain biker, there are trails suited to all levels.
Important info about biking in Tucson:Here's the thing we wish we would have known before going mountain biking in Tucson... Some of the trails around the city are unsanctioned, meaningyou cannot legally ride on them without getting a permit. And the even sketchier thing is some mountain bike rental companies encourage riders to use these trails without first obtaining anArizonaState Trust Landpermit.
Even after quite a bit of sleuthing, we still can't figure out how a visitor to Tucson could actually purchase one of these permits (as the site to purchase them is broken). Moral of the story: When picking the trails you'll ride, be extra careful to choose only those that are sanctioned. Otherwise, you can be fined (and you're breaking the law).
Luckily, there are some reputable biking companies that follow the rules and encourage safe riding on trails that are open for the public to enjoy.
Our recommendation:Home Grown Mountain Bikingis a trusted company that offers rentals, shuttle services, and guided rides so you have an expert with you on the trails.Cost: Mountain bike rentals start at $120 per day. You'll find other package options as well as multi-day discounts.
Some popular mountain bike trails in Tucson (that don't require a permit):
Mount Lemmon:Lots of rugged terrain and temperatures that are significantly cooler than you'll find closer to the city, which makes for comfortable biking even in hotter months.
Catalina State Park, Oro Valley:Lots of beautiful trails, like the intermediate track "50 Year". Note: to enter Catalina State Park, you will need to pay $7 per vehicle.
Tucson Mountain Park:Here you'll find 50 miles of trails that are primarily beginner and intermediate levels.
Insider Tip:Download theTrailForks app to get a detailed look at the trail you plan to ride.
4. Explore Colossal Cave
Stalactites, stalagmites, and bat poo, oh my!
Ive had a fascination with caves since I was a child, so weve visited all different types of caves on our travels around the world. When we heard there was a cave in Tucson, we didnt need much convincing to squeeze a visit into our itinerary.
Located a short 15-minute drive southeast of Tucson, the Colossal Cave has a pretty interesting history. It was once used as a temporary shelter for the Hohokam people (the regions first inhabitants) as early as 900 AD. And later, this cave served as a hiding place for 19th-century outlaws who didnt want to be found.
To enter the Colossal Cave, you must book a guided tour. There are a handful of options to choose from:
Classic Cave Tour: Good introduction to the cave and suitable for all ages.
Length: 50-minute tour
Cost: Adults: $18, Children (5-12 yrs): $9, 4 and under: free
When: 8 tours a day, depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tip: Reservations are encouraged
Ladder Tour: Navigate narrow passageways, climb ladders, and cross rickety bridges in seldom-seen parts of the cave system.
Length: 1.5-hour tour
Cost: $35 per person
When: 2 tours a day 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tip: Reservations required
Wild Cave Tour: The most adventurous of tours offered, guides will take you to the most remote parts of the cave system. Participants must be fit and ready for a rugged good time! Described as absolutely down-and-dirty caving!
Length: 3.5-hour tour
Cost: $85 (reservations required)
Restrictions: 16 years old and older
When: 1 tour a day at 1 p.m.
Tip: There is an Intermediate option as well as Advanced ($125).
Our Opinion: Due to our limited time, the Classic Cave Tour was the one that best fit into our schedule. While it was a good introduction, it wasnt anything too different from what weve seen in other cave systems. We wished we had booked the Ladder or Wild Tour, as it would have been a bit more up our alley in terms of adventure!
Learn more about each tour and make your bookings here.
5. Sunset in the desert
Look up to the skies at dusk and youre in for an incredible show put on by Mother Nature. Seriously though, Tucson is known for having some epic sunsets, so plan to be somewhere special for at least one of the evenings during your trip.
Theres nothing like seeing the cacti start to glow as the sky takes on a pinkish hue.
Some top spots around Tucson for sunset:
Gates Pass
Saguaro National Park
A Mountain
JW Marriot
Tucson Mountain Park
Mount Lemmon scenic drive
6. Get a view over Tucson from A Hill (aka Sentinel Peak Park)
Look to the horizon and you shouldnt have a problem spotting A Hill, which, as the name implies, is adorned with a giant letter A made of rocks. This tribute to the University of Arizona is not only a town icon, but it marks one of the best spots to get a view over the city.
As long as the sky is clear, any time of day will grant you a sweeping view. Get an early morning start here and view the city beneath blue skies.
Or come for that golden hour glow and stay after the sun goes down to see the city lights begin to sparkle. Just know that after the sun sets, this is clearly a makeout spot, which is slightly awkward...
Alternative: Are you looking to get a workout in instead of taking the easy way and driving to the top? Pat yourself on the back, and then head to Tumamoc Hill. The trailhead is just a few minutes drive past the starting point of Sentinel Peak. This short but steep climb is a 3-mile round trip with a 700-foot elevation gain.
7. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
I hate to admit it, but unless it is truly something special like the Met in NYC or the Uffizi in Florence I dont always prioritize fitting museums into our travel plans. Honestly, Id rather be outside or eating which I suppose could be my life motto.
However, once we saw reviews for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, we decided to squeeze it into our itinerary. I mean, its the top-rated Tucson attraction on TripAdvisor (earning 5 stars with more than 8,000 reviews!), so surely it has to be worthwhile, right?
Honestly, after checking it out, I would say it depends. I know thats annoying to hear when trying to plan your itinerary, but keep reading to see if it is an experience thatll float your boat.
First things first, dont think of this as a typical museum... It's more of a zoo blended with a botanical garden and a dash of museum thrown in there for fun.
Youll find a huge variety of exhibits and lots of information around the park. To really explore everything thoroughly, youll need at least 2 hours.
Here are some of the main exhibits:
Aquarium
Raptor Flights
Hummingbird Aviary
Cave & Earth Sciences Center (the cave is artificial but pretty convincing)
Botanical Garden
Indoor Play Area for kids
One major perk to visiting the museum is your entrance fee will help contribute to their ongoing conservation and research efforts. One of their primary missions is to understand, connect people to and protect the natural systems of the Sonoran Desert Region.
Considering that the Sonoran Desert region is home to one of the greatest varieties of plants and animals out of any desert in the world, you can see it is pretty important work.
Interested in hearing more? Check out their website to see their current conservation and research projects.
Our thoughts on the Desert Museum:
Our favorite parts were the cave and gemstone exhibits. We are big rock nerds, so this part was especially cool. Theres even a little piece of rock from the moon on display which Ben geeked out about!
We think this would be a fun activity with kids (though we arent experts on the whole subject of children just yet!).
Honestly, zoos usually arent our thing (but thats a topic for another time). So we werent all that fond of the animal exhibits at this museum.
There is a small pool with stingrays where people can pay a small fee to touch them. We personally try to avoid any animal attraction that encourages touching.
Summary: Overall, this attraction is very well put together with accessible paths, frequent water fountains and toilets, lots of informational signs, and activities for children. You can learn a lot here and spend quite a bit of time exploring it all. However, if youre short on time, going into Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon are going to be even more worth your while.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults - $21.95, Seniors (65+) - $19.95, Children (3-12) - $9.95, Children (under 3) - Free
8. Go hiking in Sabino Canyon
Sitting in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon Recreation Center draws more than a million visitors annually. And for good reason: This place is absolutely stunning and packed with adventures for all types of travelers.
Encompassing two gorges: Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon, you can choose to hike along paved or gravel paths, or you can save your legs some work and hop on a shuttle (for a fee).
Bear Canyon Shuttle: $6 adults, $4 ages 3-12; leaves every 30 minutes
Sabino Canyon Shuttle: $10 adults, $5 ages 3-12; leaves every 30 minutes
Seven Falls Hike
5 miles round trip
917 feet in elevation gain
If youre up for a challenging hike (thats well worth the effort), look no further than the Seven Falls Trail. You can hop on the Bear Canyon shuttle and get off at the last stop, which is at the trailhead. (Alternatively, you can skip the shuttle and hike the 2 miles to get to the trailhead.)
From here, its a 2.5-mile hike to the waterfalls that cascade over granite rocks to form pools that are perfect for taking a refreshing dip!
Important note: This trail requires some creek crossings, so be sure to check the conditions at the visitors center before attempting the hike. And be sure to carry plenty of water, as youll be hiking in some exposed areas and it can get very hot.
Cost: $8 per vehicle to enter Sabino Canyon
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Good to know: If you have a National Park Pass, youll get into Sabino Canyon for free!
Planning your itinerary: Wed recommend combining a visit to Sabino Canyon and a drive up to Mount Lemmon (described below) on the same day since they are in the same relative area. If you plan to visit the DeGrazia Gallery as well (#19), you can tack it on the same day since its not far from Sabino Canyon.
9. Scenic drive to Mount Lemmon
When we started planning our trip to Tucson, at least three different people told us, You absolutely have to make the drive up to Mount Lemmon.
And were so happy we listened because it was one of the highlights of our trip. We only wish we had allotted more time to it.
This 40-mile drive snakes back and forth as it winds up through the mountains. There are viewpoints, pullouts, trailheads and campgrounds very frequently along the drive, so there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and scope out the views.
Youll notice a drastic drop in temperature as you make your way up the mountain, and depending on the time of year, you may even start to see snow (a crazy sight when youre coming from the desert!).
At the very top of Mount Lemmon, sits the tiny town of Summerhaven, which is basically a handful of vacation homes and a few small stores. Satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling fudge at the General Store and ordering a cookie at the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin, and continue to drive to the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area where you can enjoy your sweet treats with some real food you packed!
Insider Tip: One of our friends messaged us and told us to go to the Cookie Cabin, for huge and delicious cookies. Sadly, we got the text too late. So if you have the chance, go to this mountaintop log cabin and order a giant cookie for us, please!
Another fun thing to see is the (tiny) Mount Lemmon Ski Valley before you begin your drive down the mountain.
How long does it take? The drive is roughly 42 miles from downtown Tucson and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes from bottom to top without stopping. Wed allot at least 3.5 - 4 hours for the drive up and down the mountain with a few stops along the way.
10. Explore Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)
Sitting at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this state park is a haven for desert wildlife and is home to more than 5,000 saguaros.
Come to Catalina State Park put a few more miles on your hiking boots or to have a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature.
Hikes in Catalina State Park:
Romero Ruins Interpretive Trail: This short and easy loop is 0.6 miles and has just 68 feet in elevation gain, making it a good hike for most people. The trail brings you past some historic dwellings and archaeological sites that are marked with signs.
Romero Pools: This 4.9-mile out and back trail is rated as intermediate, and has a 1,047-foot elevation gain. Your efforts will be rewarded as the trail culminates at some beautiful pools.
Cost: $7 per vehicle
11. Drive through Tucson Mountain Park
Another park in Tucson? Yep, thats right!
You will pass through the Tucson Mountain Park on your drive to the west portion of Saguaro National Park. And actually the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are both located within the parks boundaries.
There are no entry fees, and unless youre looking at your map, you might not even realize youre inside the park at all.
Insider Tip: Be sure to stop at the Gates Pass viewpoint for an epic look over the valley. It is especially beautiful during golden hour. There are a few nearby trailheads too, so youll have the chance to stretch your legs if needed.
12. Visit Kitts Observatory
Kitt's Observatory | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)
Are you as big of a space geek as Ben?! If so, a trip to Kitts Observatory might be right up your alley. You can visit during the day to learn about telescopes and all the work that goes on behind the scenes, or you can take a night time tour and see the stars. But be sure to check the weather before you book.
Also, if the weather is cold, be prepared with warmer clothes because it can get even colder up on the mountain. Bring a good pair of shoes too because there is quite a bit of walking in the tour.
13. Tour Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)
Could you live in a bubble for 2 years?! Thats what 8 scientists did back in 1991 when the Biosphere 2 was first introduced to the world. Their goal was to study how a mini-biosphere would work with as few outside variables as possible.
Today, you can visit Biosphere 2 and tour the different ecosystems which range from rainforest to the ocean to a model city. The guided tours take you through various stations and highlight the ongoing experiments happening in the Biosphere.
Inside Biosphere 2 | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)
Some tours are included with the General Admission fee, while other tours have an additional cost. Tours can take around 2 to 3 hours. Plus, getting to Biosphere 2 from the center of Tucson is roughly a 50-minute drive, so youll need to dedicate a good portion of a day to this excursion if you add it to your itinerary.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Cost: Adults: $21, Kids $14
Check the Biosphere 2 website for more details on times and prices.
Fun Fact: If this is Biosphere 2, where is Biosphere 1? Well, youre living on it right now (aka Earth!). Mind blown!
Food & Nightlife in Tucson
Foodies are in for a treat because Tucson is packed with incredible dining options, especially when it comes to Mexican cuisine. And night owls will have a long list of things to do at night, from sampling the best local craft beer to enjoying live music on the town.
14. Eat ALL the Mexican Food
One of the things we were most excited for on this trip was the food. Mexican food, to be precise. #allthetacos
Being that this city is just over 60 miles from the border of Mexico, it should come as no surprise that Tucson is known for having a killer Mexican food scene. In fact, Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States!
Psst! If youre a foodie, youll love this intro to the Tucson culinary scene!
The worst part of the food in Tucson was that we couldnt eat it all. Well, that and the fact that our weekend in Tucson obliterated our meager attempt at doing the Whole30 in January. I mean, Im not going to go to a Mexican food Mecca and not eat as many tacos, tamales and guacamole as possible. Its against the laws of nature.
If youre still reading my food-crazed ramblings, youre probably wondering where you can find the best Mexican food in Tucson, and youre about to be rewarded, friend.
While you dont have to look far to find good Mexican food in Tucson, were sharing some top recommendations, from super authentic hole-in-the-wall spots to refined Mexican restaurants with an exceptional dining experience:
Los Tacos Apson: Tiny, unassuming shop with authentic fare and a generous salsa/topping bar. We ordered a handful of items but our favorites were the taco al pastor and taco hass (carne asada, queso, chili verde); and as we were leaving, a local recommended we try the taco rasuada (grilled ribs) next time! This is also a great spot to try a caramelo, Tucsons take on a quesadilla (cheese and lots of meat grilled between tortillas).
Bocas y Tequila: Popular spot, especially with the university crowd, it seems. The tacos were super tasty (albeit not very hot, but we were there at a super busy hour!). The elote (Mexican street corn) was also very good.
Cafe Poca Cosa: An upscale Mexican restaurant with a menu that changes daily.
Taco Fish: Come here for fresh ceviche and tacos de pescado (fish) or camarones (shrimp).
Penca: Contemporary Mexican fusion with a chic atmosphere.
Mi Nidito: Serving Tucson since 1952, this place is a local legend known for large portions, delicious food, and as a place Bill Clinton once ate.
Taqueria Pico De Gallo: Best known for its award-winning fish tacos, this is another local favorite for authentic (and cheap!) tacos.
Taqueria Porfis: While the menu is small, thats okay because what they do, they do well. And the item theyre most famous for is their potato taco, which is stuffed with carne seca, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, and you guessed it potatoes!
Rollies Mexican Patio: Known for their rolled tacos, this cute and colorful cafe makes a great lunch stop.
El Charro Cafe: Set inside a century-old home, this restaurant serves up large home-cooked meals in a charming, yet casual atmosphere.
Fun Fact: This is the nations oldest Mexican restaurant run continuously by the same family.
Street Taco and Beer Co.: Good for late night bites, street tacos, and tequila cocktails.
Insider Tip: We read that if you want to find really authentic, no-frills Mexican food, head to the neighborhoods south of 22nd Street. And 12th Ave, which runs north to south, has a dense concentration of amazing Mexican restaurants.
These streets are part of whats known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food (aka a 23-square-mile area in the city thats known as the best Mexican food north of the border).
15. Try a Sonoran Dog
Im not usually one to order hot dogs, but when we learned that Sonoran Dogs are a must try specialty from this region, we had to give it a go. For research purposes.
And lets just say Im pretty happy I made the sacrifice in the name of work. And while Sonoran Dogs arent something I would eat on a regular basis, they are pretty damn good.
So what exactly is a Sonoran Dog, you ask? This tasty blend of American and Mexican cuisine is comprised of bacon-wrapped hot dog, topped with pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and jalapeo salsa, all stuffed into a soft, sweet Mexican bun called a bolillo.
Rumor has it that there are two rival Sonora dog establishments in Tucson that both claim to serve the best:
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs: Winner of a Sonoran Dog locally-judged blind taste test against El Guero Canelo, it is definitely worth a try. They also have a large menu of fantastic Mexican fare, some may say the best in Tucson.
El Gero Canelo: With 3 locations in Tucson, this is a Tucson must! We sampled the one on Oracle road, and it did not disappoint. The combo of sweet, spicy and savory is an explosion in your mouth. Youre gonna want more than one.
After a little research, we chose to try our first Sonoran Dog at El Gero Canelo. While we dont have anything to compare it to, it was pretty darn tasty! If you have the time (and room in your tummy!), try them both on your trip to Tucson to determine the winner!
16. Sample Vegan Mexican Fare
Most restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives are laden with grease, layers of cheese, deep-fried everything, and meat. Lots of meat.
But an exception to this is Tucsons beloved Tumerico, which was featured on this hit series in 2018. This local favorite serves up scratch-made Mexican dishes with a menu that changes daily.
While clearly very popular, the service was fast, the prices reasonable, and the food delicious.
Our recommendations: The menu is constantly changing so we cant give specific recommendations, but if there is a taco made with jackfruit, TRY IT. You will thank us! Also, the turmeric lemonade was seriously yummy.
Moral of the story: Even if you do eat meat, Tumerico is well worth a visit.
Good to know: Tumerico is closed on Mondays.
More vegetarian options in Tucson
While these are not Mexican restaurants, here are a few other good options for vegetarians/vegans visiting Tucson.
Charro Vida: While not fully veggie, this Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant (located close to Tohono Chul #35) donates proceeds to local school gardens throughout the region in partnership with the University of Arizona. Just looking at their menu makes my mouth water...
The Tasteful Kitchen: A somewhat upscale restaurant that specializes in vegan, gluten-free and raw cuisine. And while youre there, be sure to check out the mural depicting Mother Earth on the side of their building.
Urban Fresh: Casual cafe with plant-based wraps, salads and soups.
Zinmans Food Shop: carry-out spot with a patio, serving an eclectic assortment of dishes with influences from around the world.
17. Grab a cup of Tucsons best coffee
My name is Katie, and Im a coffee addict. If you are too, youll definitely want to start your day at Exo. Praised as the best coffee in Tucson, Exo does it all, and they do it well.
If you want to switch up your order and get something a little more unique than your everyday latte, order a chiltepin cold brew, which is made with spicy peppers!
And if your tummys a grumblin pick up one of their super tasty breakfast sandwiches, breakky bowls, or to keep the Mexican food theme going, try their breakfast tacos!
18. Visit a Farmers Market
When you combine locally grown produce, artisans selling their creations, and food vendors all in one place, youve got yourself some farmers market bliss.
With a handful of farmers markets around the Tucson area, youll likely be able to squeeze one during your trip.
Here are 3 farmers markets that are closest to town, and are easy to work into your sightseeing schedule:
Rillito Park: Makes a good stop if youre headed up to Catalina State Park, Tohono Chul, or over to Sabino Canyon.
Oro Valley: Stop here on your way to Catalina State Park.
Rincon Valley: Make a stop here on your drive down to Colossal Cave.
We visited the market in Rincon Valley on our way to the Colossal Cave, and while not huge, it was a nice stop to browse some local artists work and nibble on kettle corn!
Hours: All the markets listed above have the same hours.
Winter Hours (Oct. - Mar.): Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Summer Hours (Apr. - Sept.): Saturdays, 8 a.m -12 p.m.
These farmers markets are all put together by an organization called Heirloom Farmers Markets, and you can find more info here.
19. Go on a Food Tour
Im someone who gets serious FOMO when it comes to food.
When visiting a city thats known for its food scene, I feel like I should try everything, which is not exactly an ideal habit for my waistline or my wallet.
If you can relate (yay, Im not alone!), youll want to keep reading because I recently found the cure: Food Tours!
Food tours are a way for you to try a little of each (my favorite!). Plus, your guide usually brings you to local spots you wouldn't find on your own, and gives you insight to the citys history, culture and culinary scene.
So if youre interested in food especially Mexican food (Tucsons pride and joy!), you might want to consider adding a food tour into your itinerary.
There are two companies that run highly-rated food tours in Tucson:
Tucson Food Tours
Taste of Tucson
Weve taken food tours all around the world, and wish we had time to take one on our trip to Tucson. Guess weve gotta save something for our next trip, right?!
20. Hang out in Mercado San Agustin
This square just west of downtown has a collection of high-end boutiques, produce vendors, artisans and eateries surrounding a pretty courtyard. We were there on a rainy day (a rare occurrence in Tucson!), but with nice weather, this would be a prime spot to wander and grab a bite.
Insider Tip: We were told that Seis Kitchen is amazing, and La Estrella Bakery also looks really good. Try them out and let us know what you think!
21. Eat a flight of Ice Cream
Can I confess something? I have an ice cream problem.
Someone once told me, No matter how full you are, theres always room for ice cream because it can fit in all the cracks! And I think Ive taken those words a little too seriously over the years.
This is coming from someone who almost missed the last train of the day in a tiny Italian village because I *needed* to get gelato. And someone who has (successfully) completed more than one ice cream eating challenge.
So lets just say you should consider me something of an expert on the topic of ice cream.
When I heard about the ice cream flights (yes flights!) at The Screamery, I told Ben we had to make it part of our itinerary.
And when I found out it was right across the street from our hotel as well as another highly rated ice cream shop (Hub), I told him we better go to both. Ya know, in order to research as many flavors as possible.
The Screamery: Tons of unique flavors to choose from, reasonable prices, and the option to have a flight!
Flavors we loved: Sweet Cream Honeycomb and Rough at Sea
Hub: A little more expensive, less choices, and no ice cream flight option (dang it!). But still seriously good ice cream.
Flavors we loved: Queen Bee and Mexican Hot Chocolate
Overall, theyre both really good choices. I think the ice cream was pretty similar in quality, so choose the one that has flavors youre more excited about.
22. Sample the best Craft Beer in Tucson
While not exactly the level of craft beer scene youll find in Portland, Tucson has a decent amount of breweries in town.
If youre a purveyor of craft brews (were right there with ya!), here are a few breweries youll want to check out:
Dragoon Brewing Company: Open warehouse-style brewery with a great selection of all kinds of brews. We sampled a flight here, and it was our favorite beer of the breweries we visited in Tucson, but a bit outside the center of town.
Barrio Brewing Co.: Rustic-chic brewery close to downtown with happy hour specials.
Public Brewhouse: Tucked in a dark alleyway, they brew a mean Belgian Dubbel. Worth a stop if youre exploring 4th Ave. Seems to be a pretty new spot, and popular with locals.
Pueblo Vida: Small, hip spot downtown with lots of unique fruit-forward IPAs and complex malty dark pours.
Gentle Bens Brewing: We wanted to visit this brewery just because of the name! Well, that, and it looks like they have some good brews!
Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.: Highly rated brews with a typical brick wall interior. Flights come on a skateboard!
Borderlands Brewing Company: German Chocolate Cake Porter, need I say more Okay I will: female head brewmaster, daily food trucks, & massive murals on the wall.
Iron Johns Brewing Company: Fantastic micro-brewery with crazy concoctions in the heart of downtown.
23. Soak up some speakeasy vibes
Weve been on a speakeasy kick lately. And Ive gotta say, Tucson has a few great options if youre looking for handcrafted cocktails, and a mysterious, 1920s-esque atmosphere.
The Independent Distillery: Pre-prohibition style bar serving their own spirits and enticing cocktails.
Surly Wench Pub: Good for a couple of drinks in what they call an industrial goth bar. The vibe we got was new-age biker bar but apparently the burgers are good.
Club Congress: Throw on your shiniest flapper dress and striped suit and step back in time to this historic bar. Not only do they host the best 1920s themed parties, they have a jammed-pack event calendar including rock bands, cabarets, free yoga and stand-up comics.
Tough Luck Club: In the basement of Reilly Craft Pizza (an old funeral home!), youll find this cozy cocktail bar. Oh, and outside is a beer garden if you prefer a more casual vibe.
24. Tequila toast at JW Marriott
When in the Arizona desert it only seems right to have some tequila! And do you know what the best kind of tequila is?
FREE tequila!
Now that Ive got your attention, lets talk about how to get that free tequila, shall we?
The JW Marriott is in a stunning location that gives new meaning to the term desert oasis. But even if you dont have the budget to splurge on a $250-per-night room, you can enjoy unrivaled views and a free tequila toast at sundown.
Simply show up to Salud, the Marriotts on-site bar and restaurant, to take part in their nightly tradition of raising a (complementary) shot of tequila and share the legend behind the classic Mexican cheers, arriba, abajo, al central, en dentro.
And of course as soon as the story is over, everyone gathered there is invited to raise their glasses and make a toast as the sun sets. Tequila is passed around at 5:30 p.m., so be sure to arrive a bit earlier to get a seat by a firepit and enjoy the view.
And if you feel so inclined, try one of their specialty handcrafted cocktails or order your liquor straight up from their selection of more than 150 tequilas. Who knew there were so many tequilas?!
25. Mezcal Tasting
Tequila gets a lot of hype in the US; but in Mexico, people are all about the mezcal!
We learned a lot about mezcal during our travels in Oaxaca, and have been really interested in tequilas smokier cousin ever since.
Whether youre a mezcal connoisseur or youve never heard of the stuff until now, doing a mezcal tasting is a great way to learn more about Mexicos favorite spirit.
While theyre best known for coffee, each Thursday starting at 7 p.m., Exo Coffee hosts an hour-long mezcal tasting at their onsite bar.
While sipping on samples of several high quality mezcal (they have a collection of more than 150 mezcals!), proprietor Doug Smith walks guests through everything youve ever wanted to know about this liquor. This informational tasting costs $20 and reservations are not necessary.
And if Thursday doesnt work for you, tastings are also offered Wednesdays and Sundays between 6 - 9 p.m. for $25. For these tastings, you must make a reservation in advance.
If youre not interested in a full tasting, you can always come during their bar hours to enjoy beer, wine, or mezcal cocktails. They have a great happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m., where cocktails are just $5, and beer and wine are $1 off.
26. Get your giggle on at a comedy show
Weve realized that comedy clubs almost always guarantee a night of fun! Plus, its a great way to spend an evening in a new city, and most big(ish) towns around the world have at least one comedy club.
Tucson is no exception. There are a handful of comedy clubs, but it seems that Laffs gets the biggest national names in stand-up, so we decided it would be a good way to spend our Friday night.
We gave the address of Laffs to our Uber drive and had no idea what to expect, but when we pulled up to a strip mall on the outskirts of suburbia, we were a little surprised.
And when we walked inside, we soon realized this no-frills club was not going to win us over on atmosphere. So we crossed our fingers that at least the show would be good
Lets just say that we were clutching our stomachs from laughing so hard for the next 90 minutes!
Weve been to enough comedy shows to know its not as much about the atmosphere as it is about the people on stage. The comics themselves are what are going to make the experience belly-hurts-from-laughing-so-hard good or just alright.
Theres always the off-chance that youll hate the comedians style of humor (which has happened to us in a comedy club with a top-notch atmosphere!).
We were at Laffs on a night with great talent, and hopefully youll catch a great line-up as well! Our advice is to read up on the comedian who is performing to see if youll like their style, or just show up with an open mind and ready for a laugh!
And dont worry, you wont go hungry or thirsty. There is a long list of cocktails with quirky names, a small selection of beer, and a menu of pub food and snacks.
Laffs has a handful of shows each week:
Thursdays: 8 p.m. Open Mic, free show!
Friday: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
Saturday: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Cost:
General Seating: $12.50
Preferred Seating: $17.50
You can pay in advance, or you can make a reservation but pay at the door.
Check out their schedule to see upcoming shows.
Psst! If youre into improv or are looking for a family-friendly comedy show, Unscrewed Theater might be more your scene.
27. Spend the evening at a Film Bar
Check Casa Film Bar's Facebook Page for New Showings
Looking for something fun and lowkey to do at night in Tucson? Oh, we have got just the idea for you!
Combine craft beer, food trucks and movies (three of our favorite things!), and youre in for a great time. Youll find this magical combo at Casa Film Bar, which is something of a local secret.
Essentially a bar inside a video rental store, come on a weekend night and youll be able to enjoy a movie showing with a craft brew (or wine or coffee).
They play films ranging from 90s classics, like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to little-known indie films, to brand new Oscar nominees (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was playing while we were there, just 6 months after being released in theaters).
Casa Film Bar Schedule:
Films & rotating food trucks: Thursday, Fridays & Saturdays (check their Facebook page for showtimes and to see which food truck will be there).
Smartphone Trivia: Tuesdays from 7 - 9 p.m. (free to play & winners get prizes)
Food Truck only: Sundays 6 - 8 p.m., Pop's Hot Chicken is the Sunday evening staple
Not only will you be supporting one of the few standing video rental stores left, but youll be able to check out a local hot spot and have an all around good evening!
28. Live Music in Tucson
While Tucson certainly wont make the cut for top live music cities in the US, that doesnt mean you should give up hope on catching a performance. In fact, as we wandered around downtown and along 4th Ave, we heard more bands performing than we could count!
From hipster bars to honky tonks, and century-old theaters to swanky resort patios, youll have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a spot to catch some tunes.
Here are some of the venues in Tucson that regularly host live music:
Thunder Canyon Brewery: Large brewery downtown that hosts live music.
La Cocina: This restaurant has a large menu and an even bigger patio, complete with cafe lights and live music on the weekends.
Club Congress: Its hard to beat the atmosphere youll find in Club Congress, though most acts that come through here require you buy a ticket in advance.
Ches Lounge: Yummy cocktails and beer with an outdoor patio and stage for music.
Exo Coffee: Not just a coffee shop, Exo also has a mezcal bar and hosts live music most weekend nights!
Hacienda Del Sols Terraza: If you prefer your live music with a side of class and a bottle of fine wine, the patio at Hacienda del Sol is a good place to catch some jazz or classical tunes as the sun sets.
29. Nightlife on 4th Ave
Being that this street sits directly between the university campus and downtown, it draws a young student crowd as well as a mix of young professionals and tourists. And lemme tell ya: It comes alive at night!
You can find all sorts of quirky bars, restaurants of all kinds, cafes with poetry readings, and shops selling everything from cowboy boots to hippy garb.
Walk down 4th Ave and pop into any establishment that strikes your fancy.
30. Brunch in Tucson
Need a pick-me-up after a big night out on 4th Ave? Lucky for you, Tucson has some amazing brunch options thatll get you feeling like yourself in no time!
Insider Tip: If youre looking for a kickass Bloody Mary to start your day, Elliotts on Congress is where youll want to go. Their infused vodkas make a great base for the drink, and if you like spicy, order the Habanero Bloody for a real wake up call!
And even if youre not hungover, who doesnt love a good brunch?
Seasonal fruit, eggs, flaky pastries fresh outta the oven, housemade jam youre speaking my language! Oh, and we cant forget about the mimosas and bloody Marys.
Tucson has a healthy variety of brunch spots that are sure to strike your fancy:
Prep and Pastry
Cup Cafe
Baja Cafe
Five Points Market
Cafe a La CArt
Art, Culture & History in Tucson
For lovers of all things art, history and culture, theres no shortage of ways to fill up your time in Tucson. Were sharing some of the top things to do if you want to delve into this citys history and art scene.
31. Hunt for Street Art!
Tucsons street art scene is off the hook!
Ermmm do people even say off the hook anymore? Im going to assume no, but still, you know what I mean.
Youll notice colorful murals covering the sides of buildings all over town. Depictions range from desert scenes, to whales and fish, to cultural references, to random but pretty paintings of birds
You really wont have to make much of an effort to spot murals around town, but if you want some direction, here are some of our personal favorite murals in Tucson (and their location pins):
Whale mural by Joe Pagac
Goddess of Agave
Greetings from Tucson Postcard
Girl in Barrio Viejo (Across the street from El Tiradito)
Girl by Charro del Rey
32. Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac
One of Tucsons most iconic buildings, the Mission San Xavier del Bac is a not only a historic landmark, but it also still operates as a church to this day. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you might just see a church service taking place.
This building is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, and has been nicknamed the White Dove of the Desert. As you wander around the mission and church property, youll notice influences of Renaissance, Byzantine and Mexican architecture styles.
If youre interested in hearing about the churchs history, consider taking a guided tour. They are free to join and dont require making a reservation. Simply show up at the museum entrance to join in this 45-minute tour. Tours run quite frequently, but timing depends on the season. Check here for tour hours.
Feeling hungry? If you happen to be visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac on a weekend, keep your eyes peeled for food vendors from the Tohono Oodham Nation who often sell frybread tacos in the open-air market space just across from the mission.
Frybread is pretty much just what it sounds like, a dough (sort of similar in appearance to naan) that has been deep fried to golden deliciousness. This traditional Native American staple is then topped with different ingredients, either sweet or savory.
Weve tried frybread tacos once before, and theyre really tasty. Theyre not all that easy to find in most places, so do yourself a favor and try one while youre at the mission!
Mission San Xavier del Bac Hours:
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations welcome
Insider Tip: If you arrive in Tucson at a reasonable hour and arent too tired, wed recommend heading straight to Mission San Xavier from the airport, as its quite close (and a bit out of the way to come from downtown Tucson). Alternatively, you could stop for a quick visit before heading to the airport on your way out of Tucson.
33. Visit the historic Hotel Congress
It might seem strange that we have a hotel on our list of things to do, but hear us out...
Nestled right in the center of downtown, Hotel Congress is the stuff of local legends. Built just after the turn of the 20th century, it was here that John Dillinger, an infamous American gangster during the Great Depression era, was arrested and brought to jail.
Although he later escaped, Tucsonians take great pride in the fact that Dillinger, a prolific bank robber, was caught in their city. They are so proud, in fact, that there is an annual celebration and recreation of these events which takes place each year in mid-January (we were actually there for it!).
Hotel Congress still retains its quirky, colorful, historic charm. And walking into the lobby feels as if youve stepped back in time. Grab a drink at one of the many onsite bars, or catch a concert at Club Congress. And if you want to spend the night, the historic rooms are cozy, however, there is a caveat...
Our honest opinion: We stayed at Hotel Congress during our trip to Tucson, and while we would definitely recommend stopping in for a drink and checking it out, we would not advise staying here unless youre in Tucson to party.
They dont try to hide the fact that this hotel gets loud like really loud at night. There are even ear plugs in each room. Lets just say we did not sleep very well during our entire 3 nights in Tucson.
Interesting Fact: It is said that Hotel Congress is haunted! While were not ones to really believe these things, we did have a very weird experience where our closet door swung open suddenly. And at night, the 2nd floor where we were staying smelled like smoke from a fire. Spooky...
34.DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
If youre an art buff, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun makes an interesting stop. This is a gallery dedicated to the works of one man: Ettore Ted DeGrazia.
Dont worry, I hadnt heard of him either; but DeGrazia is pretty well-known in Arizona.
So who is Ettore DeGrazia? Well, heres the short version:
DeGrazia was born into a family of Italian immigrants who lived in a mining camp in rural Arizona. Ettore later enrolled at the University of Arizona, and created a life around his passion: art.
In adulthood, he married (twice) and bought a 10-acre plot of land in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains which would become both his home and gallery.
His works were underappreciated for many years until his oil painting Los Nios was selected by UNICEF to be printed on a 1960 holiday card, which sold millions worldwide. DeGrazias fame spread during the next decade, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to his gallery each year.
Visiting the Gallery in the Sun
A visit to the Gallery in the Sun will leave you in awe at the sheer amount of artwork DeGrazia created in his lifetime. The museum has a rotating collection of more than 15,000 DeGrazia originals! Anyone else wondering how he had enough hours in the day to make all of this?!
DeGrazia liked using all different mediums. Youll see oils, watercolors, sketches and even pottery on display. And another impressive fact is that the gallery was designed by DeGrazia himself.
When you visit the Gallery in the Sun, not only will you see DeGrazias artwork, but youll also be able to walk through his home and his private chapel, both of which are on the property.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily
Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for ages 12-18, children under 12 are free
35. Wander the gardens at Tohono Chul
Hailed as one of the countrys best botanical gardens by Travel + Leisure, Tohono Chul is popular with locals and visitors alike. Covering nearly 50 acres, this is said to be a place where nature, art, and culture connect.
But were not gonna gloss over the fact that when we visited in mid-January, there wasnt all that much to see due to the transition of seasons.
Wed imagine during other times of the year, there are more things to see. Weve heard March is particularly beautiful with the desert flowers starting to bloom. They also host occasional live music and other events throughout the year.
Our Opinion: Before planning your visit, wed do some research to see if it will be worthwhile during the season in which youre visiting. Perhaps between the months of March and May there would be more to see, as the desert flowers are in bloom during this time.
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 .p.m.
Cost: Adults - $15, Children (5-12) - $6, Children under 5 - Free, Seniors (62+) - $13
36. Explore Barrio Viejo
Translating to old neighborhood, Barrio Viejo is just that: a section of Tucson that still has old charm. Sometimes called the real "soul" of Tucson, you can drive around and see colorful Spanish Colonial architecture and find authentic Mexican restaurants.
While some parts of the neighborhood are lively, there are other sections that have a run-down feeling.
We drove around Barrio Viejo for a while trying to find some of the beautiful, colorful adobe houses we had seen pictures of.
So to point you in the right direction (and minimize your time spent driving around in circles like we did!), here are some points of interest in Barrio Viejo (Note: please be respectful in this neighborhood because people do live here):
Colorful houses on S Meyer Ave and W Kennedy St (and further south on Meyer Ave until 22nd St)
El Tiradito Shrine (described below)
El Minuto Cafe: Mexican restaurant next to El Tiradito
The Coronet: brunch and late night food
Five Points Market & Restaurant: cute and lively brunch spot
Cafe Desta: popular Ethiopian restaurant
37. Visit El Tiradito Shrine
If youre exploring the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, make a quick visit to the El Tiradito Shrine. Stopping here only requires a few minutes and to the naked eye its nothing too special.
It is scattered with candles, flowers, and images of saints. But this is no ordinary shrine, folks. And once you know the legend behind this shrine, its kind of an interesting place to see.
Nicknamed the wishing shrine, El Tiradito is the USs only Catholic shrine dedicated to a.... wait for it SINNER! Scandalous, I know. But thats not even the crazy part.
Heres the short version of the legend of Juan Oliveras, the man who is buried beneath El Tiradito Shrine: Juan, a young ranch-hand, is married to his bosss daughter, but soon becomes infatuated with his mother-in-law (yep, you read that right), and makes a move. The two carry on an affair, which is eventually busted by the husband/father-in-law/boss. Ouch!
He gets so angry that he kills Juan right there before escaping to Mexico, where he is later murdered. The wife allegedly kills herself, and after all this horrifying drama and death, the daughter (who, by the way, we should mention is pregnant with Juans child) hangs herself as well.
It is said that Juan is buried beneath El Tiradito, a shrine that people visit for all different reasons. Some come out of sheer curiosity about the legend and others see it on a things to do in Tucson list, like this one!
But there is another group of people who come to this spot: Those who empathize with Juan and have similar love triangles in their own lives. It is said that if you write your wish on a piece of paper and have good intentions, it will come true.
Just behind the shrine is a crumbling brick wall, and if you look closely, youll see scraps of paper stuffed in the holes between bricks, many of which are wishes from past visitors.
This shrine was almost demolished when the city was building a new highway, but people in the community fought to preserve it. Perhaps they want to protect history, or maybe some people are protecting their wishes!
38. Step back in time at Old Tucson
Old Tucson | Photo Credit: My Mom ;)
Walk through what looks like a scene straight out of a John Wayne film, and watch as actors from the Wild West perform demonstrations and stunts.
Old Tucson is an amusement park of sorts, complete with a town hall, a saloon and a haunted mine, like all good Western desert towns have.
We didnt have enough time to visit Old Tucson during our weekend trip, and to be honest, it didnt really seem like our type of place. However, if youre looking for things to do in Tucson with kids, this could be a fun activity for a family.
Be sure to look up the schedule of events to time your visit right.
Cost: Adults: $21.95, Children (4-11): $10.95, Children under 4: Free
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (times may change seasonally)
Best Tucson Weekend Itinerary
Are you overwhelmed with the massive list we just gave you?
Dont worry, were going to help you pare it down a bit. Below, weve listed some highlights you can choose from based on your travel style:
If you love the outdoors:
Visit Saguaro National Park
Hike to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon
Drive up to Mount Lemmon and stop on the way for hikes and lookout points
Explore Romero Ruins in Catalina
If youre traveling with kids in Tucson:
Do the Classic Tour at Colossal Cave
Sonoran Desert Museum
Go horseback riding
Order an ice cream flight at The Screamery
Visit Old Tucson
If youre into food:
Eat a Sonoran Dog
Check out our list of top Mexican food and try as many as you can!
Have a leisurely brunch
Order an ice cream flight at The Screamery
Go on a Tucson food tour
Try a vegan Mexican meal at Tumerico
If youre an art & culture lover:
Check out the Degrazia Gallery in the Sun
Explore Barrio Viejo and visit El Tiradito Shrine
Visit Tohono Chul botanical gardens (if the time of year is right)
Spend an evening at Casa Film Bar
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art
If youre into nightlife:
Tequila toast at the JW Marriot at sunset
Go brewery hopping
Scope out some live music
Grab a drink at Hotel Congress
Head to 4th Ave after dark for a night on the town
Do a mezcal tasting
If youre on a budget:
Do the scenic drive to Mount Lemmon
Go on a scavenger hunt to find as much street art as you can!
Watch sunset at A Hill with a view over Tucson
Have a picnic lunch
If youre craving adventure:
Go mountain biking
Go horseback riding
Book the Ladder or Wild Cave Tour at Colossal Cave
Hike to Seven Falls in the Sabino Canyon
Best time to visit Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a great destination year round, however it can get quite hot in the summertime (albeit a dry heat). June is the hottest month in Tucson, with average highs soaring to 103F (40C). Yikes!
For the most comfortable temperatures, plan your trip to Tucson between mid-September and mid-May.
Even during December (Tucsons coldest month), the average temperature hovers just above 50F (10C) and it rarely dips below freezing. This weather will feel downright balmy to anyone from the Midwest (peace out Polar Vortex!).
Being that Tucson is smack dab in the middle of the desert, there is little chance that rain will ruin your vacation (unless youre traveling during the monsoon season of July and August). We arrived in Tucson on a rare rainy day, but by the next morning, most of the puddles had evaporated and there wasnt a cloud to be seen!
Another thing to keep in mind about this desert city is that temperatures can drop drastically from midday to evening. Be sure to pack layers to keep warm during the nights.
When Do the Desert Flowers Bloom?
It depends on the plant, but the flowering season is from mid-February to mid-June, with the biggest blooms peaking from mid-March to late April. Each year is different depending on rainfall, freezing temperatures during the winter, and springtime weather during the growing season.
Where to Stay in Tucson
Most of the time when were visiting a city, we like staying downtown so we can walk places and be near all the major sights. But depending on your interests, Tucson is a place where wed actually say you dont need to stay in the city center. As you can see from reading our massive list of things to do, many of Tucson's major attractions are on the outskirts of the city.
Weve rounded up some recommended Tucson hotels and Airbnbs below, with a mix of locations in the city as well as some that are a literal desert oasis.
Hotels in Tucson, Arizona
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
In the foothills of Tucsons Mountain Park, sits the massive JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort. With easy access to Gates Pass and the Western Side of Saguaro National Park, this resort has a great location. It also has 3 golf courses, 4 restaurants (with a daily tequila toast!), and 3 outdoor pools, you can really enjoy your stay in Tucson.
Azure Gate B&B
Located in NE Tucson, this charming B&B is a quick drive to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area or the East Side of Saguaro National Park. Included in each stay is daily ( breakfast, an onsite pool, and free parking.
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
This modern hotel is perfect for a couple or a family who wants to stay a little bit outside of downtown. There are murals everywhere (check out the pictures!), an excellent staff, and a daily continental breakfast.
Hotel Congress
If youre looking to stay downtown, Hotel Congress has an unrivaled location. Add to that its historic charm, and you might be ready to book. However, we would be remiss if we didnt mention that this hotel is directly above a club, and it can get incredibly loud on weekend nights.
So loud, in fact, that the hotel provides guests with ear plugs. If that doesnt scare you away, then you might love staying at this historic property.
Airbnbs in Tucson
There are tons of amazing Airbnb options in Tucson. Overall, they are very reasonably priced, and some even have pools. Just take a look at some of the Airbnbs we hand-selected for you!
Insider Tip: Find out how we set our Airbnb filters to find the best properties anywhere in the world!
'Case Study' Guest House: Charming guest house and hosts. Youll have the entire place yourself with a full kitchen and a rain shower in the bathroom. Southeast of Downtown. Check Availability here.
Historic 4th Ave Herbie House: Beautiful studio apartment in the 4th Avenue Neighborhood. Close to bars, restaurants and the metro stops. Check Availability here.
Sonoran Desert Retreat: This inexpensive but lovely place is located in the Catalina Foothills close to shops and restaurants. This would be perfect for a couple looking to get away from the busyness of town. Check Availability here.
Self Check in Airbnb - Near I-10: This cheap Airbnb is located in the northern suburbs of Tucson and is great for a solo travel or a couple wanting to mountain bike the local tracks. Its a small, clean studio, but it has everything you need for a basic stay. Check Availability here.
Tucson Poet's Studio: This Santa Fe Style studio comes with a beehive corner fireplace and a small lounging outdoor pool. Its pretty close to central Tucson just a few blocks east of the university, so its a great location for exploring. Check Availability here.
Psst! Is it your first time using Airbnb? Follow this link and well give you $55 off Airbnb!
Getting Around Tucson
While Tucson itself is a relatively small city, youve probably noticed that most of the major attractions are outside the center. In order to be able to see the best things to do in Tucson, you really do need a car to get around.
Rental Car
If youre flying into Tucson, you can pick up your rental car at the airport. We usually reserve cars through RentalCars.com because we have used them before and they have the best deals for rental cars. When searching I found deals around $36 per day for a standard sedan, which is all you would need in Tucson.
However, this time, we tried reserving our rental car through our American Express Platinum card and we found the same cars for about $23 per day! This saved us about $40 over the 3 days we were visiting Tucson. Head to this article if you want to learn more about the travel credit cards we use to get free or discounted travel.
When driving in Tucson: Be aware that some areas have speed traps enforced by cameras, so keep an eye on your odometer.
Uber or Lyft
If you plan to have a few beverages out on the town, dont risk driving. Instead, order an Uber to get you where you need to go. Downtown Tucson is not that big so rides are pretty cheap.
Metro
In Tucson there is a Light Rail metro line called the SunLink that connects University of Arizona to the 4th Ave District to Downtown (Centro) and finally to the Mercado District including Mercado San Agustin.
For a single one-way fare it costs $1.75, but you can purchase a 1-Day SunGO ticket for $4.50 which is good for 24 hours.
What to pack for a trip to Tucson
Camelback (if you think youll be hiking a lot)
Daypack for hikes
Chacos or other hiking shoes that wont get too hot
Closed toe shoes (for horseback riding or mountain biking)
Layers (it gets cold at night and hot during the day)
Swim suit (if your hotel has a pool)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Reusables: Weve been kind of living in a bubble in Oregon where plastic bags are banned and many establishments encourage you to bring your own reusables, or provide a somewhat eco-friendly option (like wooden utensils and paper straws).
While many Tucson restaurants and accommodations, like Charro Vida, Boca Tacos y Tequila and Hotel Congress, offer eco-friendly options, there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to reducing unnecessary waste (just like many other cities around the U.S.).
We had our reusables packed (as we always do!) which helped a bit, but it was still a challenge.
Responsible Travel Tip: Pack your reusables (listed below), and eat inside restaurants as much as possible to avoid waste like styrofoam and plastic utensils.
Its difficult to avoid it altogether, but wed recommend bringing the following to help you reduce the waste you create:
Coffee tumbler
Utensil set (great for picnics!)
Reusable straws
Reusable bag (one that stuffs up like this is great!)
Water bottle
For more tips on how to reduce your waste while traveling, check out our article on 18 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Use Everyday.
You May Also Like
31 Best USA Road Trips
7 Best Desert Hikes in California Most Don't Know About
Las Vegas on a Budget: 17 Cheap Things to Do
Plan a Trip to Zion National Park
Going to Tucson soon? Share this Article on Pinterest!
We want to hear from you!
Are you planning a trip to Tucson? What things are on the top of your list? Do you have any additional questions for us? Write to us in the comments below and well do our best to get back to you!
Arplis - News
source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/38-fun-things-to-do-in-tucson-arizona
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How we used geographic arbitrage to pursue our dreams (and enrich our lives)
Howdy. My name is Michael Robinson. While J.D. is visiting Europe with his cousins, I volunteered to share how my wife and I have leveraged the power of geographic arbitrage to pursue our dreams and to build our wealth.
Geographic arbitrage means taking advantage of the differences in prices between various locations. You earn money in a stronger economy (San Francisco, maybe, or the U.S. in general) and spend it in a weaker economy (South Dakota or Ecuador, for instance).
Geographic arbitrage is a powerful tactic worth considering if you want to increase your saving rate so that you can better pursue your financial goals. Several times over the course of our lives together so far, my wife and I have managed to unwittingly stumble upon the benefits of geographic arbitrage.
If you've ever chosen your vacation destination based on how strong the country's currency is opting to visit England when the pound was weak, maybe then you've practiced geographic arbitrage.
Today, I'm going to share three examples of how the concept has impacted our lives and helped us to achieve financial independence at 33. I hope these examples will spark some ideas for how you might be able to leverage geographic arbitrage along your financial journey as well.
About Us
I met my wife Ellen in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 2004. We were both studying Spanish at the same language school.
I was there to earn the last few credits I needed to complete a minor in Spanish. Ellen hoped the months of Spanish immersion would help her land a job as a bilingual elementary teacher in the Pacific Northwest.
Despite Ellens intention to avoid befriending any native English-speaking gringos like me, we hit it off right away and quickly became close friends.
As our months together in Mexico wound down, Ellens efforts paid off and she was hired by a bilingual elementary school in Shelton, Washington. I graduated and was offered a position as an international sales manager.
Ellen and I started a long-distance relationship that summer and I moved out to Washington to join her as soon as I could.
Losing One Income Without Noticing It
Our first experience with geographic arbitrage was unintentional. We didn't even realize what we were doing at the time.
After Ellens first two years as a bilingual teacher, she asked her principal for a one-year leave of absence so she could return to Mexico and further improve her Spanish proficiency. Her principal agreed and we packed up and headed to Guadalajara for the 2007-2008 school year.
Although we lost Ellens annual $30,000 salary, we didnt feel it much because our cost of living was considerably lower during that year in Mexico.
Our apartments in Washington had each cost us $800-$900 per month. In Mexico, we were able to find a suitable apartment to share for around $400 per month. Groceries and other goods and services were all also considerably cheaper.
Geographic arbitrage allowed us to maintain our standard of living in Mexico despite the loss of one income.
Taking Advantage of Taxes
During all of our highest-earning years, Ellen and I happened to live in Nevada, Washington, and Texas all locations without state income tax.
While avoiding state income tax is obviously appealing, these states make up for that lost revenue by increasing taxes in other areas.
Nevada: There is no personal or corporate income tax because the state collects billions of dollars each year in the form of gambling taxes and fees. While we lived there, I gambled with exactly $0 of my money, avoiding this tax altogether.Washington: Here we had one of the highest sales tax rates in the country (8.88%) and high gas prices on account of higher gasoline taxes. While we lived there, we didnt consume a lot compared to most households, which lowered our sales tax burden. I also worked from a home office and Ellen taught at a nearby school so we didnt really use inordinate amounts of gasoline either.Texas: Here we also had a high sales tax rate (8.25%) and lived in the state with the fourth-highest property tax rate in the country incredibly, we owed over 2% of our homes value every year in property taxes! In Texas, we maintained our relatively frugal lifestyle, again reducing our exposure to the higher sales tax burden. And although we were pre-approved for an inexplicably high $750,000 mortgage in 2007 (on our two five-figure incomes no less!), we chose to instead take on a $100,000 mortgage and buy a starter home less than a mile from the office where we knew Id be working.
We moved to Colorado in 2016, the same year we both stopped working full-time. This is the first state weve lived in together where weve been charged state income tax (a middling 4.63%, the 23rd-lowest in the country). But we have low property taxes and the lowest state sales tax in the country (out of states collecting sales tax).
Although we're now paying state income tax in Colorado, our earned income as early retirees is predictably the lowest its been in our fourteen-year relationship.
And although weve bought a home that cost us almost three times as much as what we paid for our Texas home, were actually paying less each year in property taxes.
Bonus fact for money nerds!
For anyone curious, heres the complete list of states with no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Note, however, that while New Hampshire currently charges no state income tax on earned income, it does tax investment income.
Also, Tennessee currently charges no state income tax on earned income, but does tax some dividends and interest income. However, Tennessee has announced plans to phase out state income taxes altogether by 2022.
Making Money with Airbnb
Our most recent experience with geographic arbitrage was more deliberate.
When we learned that 31 October 2016 was going to be my last day of full-time work, it didnt take us long to devise a plan to return to Latin America, this time with our two young children.
In our research, we quickly discovered The Earth Awaits, a useful tool for comparing the crime statistics, pollution levels, and cost of living of various cities around the world. (Get Rich Slowly reviewed The Earth Awaits last year.)
At the time, Cuenca, Ecuador was the only Latin American city in their database that had earned the designations low crime and low pollution.
Since we were traveling there with a nine-month-old and a two-year-old, those seemed like great characteristics to us! We did some additional research on similar tools and local expat forums, and only became more and more interested in visiting the city.
Heres a short promo video showcasing Cuenca and the surrounding Andean mountain region.
[embedded content]
Shortly after we decided to spend our first winter in Cuenca, I had another ambitious idea.
I felt it would be wasteful for our house to sit empty for three months while we were traveling, so I proposed to Ellen that we experiment with hosting our home on Airbnb while we were away.
She was resistant at first, and rightly so. It was going to take a lot of work to get our home ready and sort out who would manage everything while we were away, among other things.
But she came around to the idea and we gave it a go. We've discussed our Airbnb hosting experience in more detail in the following articles at our website, and we've done a fair amount of Airbnb hosting since.
We were very impressed with the success of our Airbnb experiment. Our homes first ever booking was $1,890 for 8 nights!
While we choose not to publish our net worth and our monthly expenses in dollars for personal reasons, Ive prepared the following chart to illustrate the impact Airbnb had on our financial picture while we were traveling.
Let's look at these numbers:
Expenses: Our standard monthly expenses are represented on the chart as 100%. Weve been tracking our expenses in Mint since 2008 and Personal Capital since 2013. Before that, I tracked another decade of our expenses in desktop budgeting software. So we feel pretty confident in our understanding and control of our monthly expenses.Traveling Expenses: This shows approximately how much our monthly expenses dropped during our 6 months (two winters) in Cuenca.Potential Portfolio Income: This shows our safe monthly spending level should we live solely off of our investment portfolio per the 4% rule.Uncommon Dream Income: Although neither of us work full-time, I enjoy doing a day or two each week of consulting and we earn a small amount of income from our blog.Rental Income: This represents the monthly income weve been able to earn through Airbnb while were traveling.
In case you missed it, let me draw your attention to an important point: Our monthly expenses while we were living in Cuenca were actually lower than our monthly Airbnb income.
So, if we hadnt spent over a decade accumulating a portfolio of assets that could cover our living expenses, and if we werent continuing to earn any income, our Airbnb rental income alone still could have covered our cost of living abroad!
This actually exceeded my own expectations for our Airbnb experiment.
I also need to point out that we prioritized paying off our first home during the 2008-2009 recession. And we havent carried a mortgage since. The potential is certainly magnified by the absence of a mortgage.
But even homeowners with a mortgage or renters may very well be able to cover their housing related bills this way, freeing them up to more affordably slow travel.
If you're interested in becoming an Airbnb host, you can sign up with this link.
Closing Thoughts
When I ask people what they would do if money weren't a factor, traveling abroad often makes the list. While travel is a common desire, everyones specific motivations vary.
Some dream of learning another language while others are drawn to an areas unique geographical features. Still others seek to experience life in a radically different culture.
For most of us though, money is a factor. But thats no reason to give up on the dream of traveling abroad. Living costs around the world vary tremendously and many great destinations are quite affordable.
Weve met a number of people living abroad who fund their overseas lifestyles in creative ways. Some live on personal savings while others rely on income from rental properties back home. Some work remotely while others find local work. A few of our expat friends have even started companies abroad.
If travel is a priority for you, don't let your current financial situation act as a barrier. Get creative. Use tools like The Earth Awaits to discover affordable places to live. Leverage the power of geographic arbitrage to pursue your dreams!
Author: Michael Robinson
Michael and his wife Ellen achieved financial independence at 33 and retired early at 36. Now they're raising two kids in Colorado (and abroad) while writing about money, life, and their familys adventures at Uncommon Dream.
https://www.getrichslowly.org/geographic-arbitrage/
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ACT OMEGA PART 17
THE 04/02/17 UPDATE
Welcome to the... sixth update today? I hope this isn’t getting excessive. It probably is. OH WELL, i dont care. lets just hurry this up and GET ON WITH THIS SINGLE PAGE.
80%, huurrry up. I just realized, these updates are a LONG while apart, so this download probably is meant to represent how LONG they’d have to wait. There’s a flash for the 100th page, so im gonna assume thats what was eating up their time.
PLugging something in. Also, I just wanna mention how perfect Rose’s sassy pose is. John’s explaining more shit with Karkat, and DAD’s watching over appropriately.
Oh. Kanaya looks upset about something (could it be how rose was totally checkin jade out). Dirk looks confused, or just kinda like everybody’s missing something he thinks is obvious. Jade seems content. Jake is looking kinda insecure. Terezi still seems bothered by Vriska’s absense. Roxy and Calliope are smiling next to Dave’s neutral self. and OH. Looks like Hal plugged in the audio, because now we get to see a pesterlog!
or... bunnylog
JOHN: are we all good?
JOHN: is that everything?
DIRK: I really fucking hope so.
JADE: yes, john
JADE: thats everything
GOOD NOW GO GO GO!!!
JOHN: so i can finally, FINALLY open the stupid door?
ROSE: Yes, again, John. The stupid door is yours for the opening.
JOHN: anyone have any issues with the plan?
TEREZI: W3 JUST T4LK3D 4BOUT 1T PR3TTY 3XT3NS1V3LY
TEREZI: 1F SO TH3N
TEREZI: TOUGH SH1T, 1 S4Y
JOHN: so we're even good on all the weird ectobiology stuff??
KANAYA: I Reserve The Right To Alter My Stance On That At Any Time
KANAYA: Though Not Necessarily Right Now
Hmm.. did Kanaya not want to use ectobiology for baby stuff? Or maybe she finds the mixing genes thing to be odd. Maybe she wanted to make baby’s the old fashioned way with rose ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
lenny looks weird on tumblr.
KARKAT: EXCUSE ME, *I* RESERVE THAT SAME RIGHT.
KARKAT: BECAUSE APPARENTLY I’VE BEEN IMPLICATED IN THAT MESS SOMEHOW?
KANAYA: Yes Precisely
JOHN: that’s fine, i guess?
JOHN: we have everything we need for that no matter what you decide, anyway.
JOHN: earth is all de-flooded for sure, right jade?
JADE: yeah! like i said before, i can even see my island back above sea level!
JADE: or, rather, jakes island
JAKE: Youre welcome to share it with me.
JAKE: If you want.
JAKE: Though i presume its somewhat different from the version you grew up on...
JADE: aw! thanks, jake
JADE: well see
JADE: i definitely want to at least see the changes up close!
That could be awkward though! Jake doesn’t seem to be a people person, annnd... Well, Jade only just met him. Would it really be that great to live with somebody you’ve only just met? even if he is your grandpa. I just realized, the person Jake got along with the best was Tavros. And in another universe... Tavros fucking murdered Jake. Irony.
DAVE: i cant believe that reverse noahs ark scheme worked
DAVE: well actually i can
DAVE: this game would be in need of some serious balancing if it wasnt permissible by virtue of kicking so much ass
DAVE: i mean think about it
DAVE: were like
DAVE: actually gods
DAVE: and we just congregated on this circular platform and discussed how wed shape an entire civilization
DAVE: except instead of taking six days we all had a quick thirty minute powwow and decided yeah this is probably good enough lets skip to the sabbath already
DAVE: so maybe more like zeus and his pantheon on mt olympus or whatever
Dave dont get a god complex. thats all i have to say.
ROXY: lol
ROXY: weve still got a long way to go before were all like
ROXY: greco-roman levels of omnipodouche
ROXY: though i bet that jade n i could def construct a marble palace 4 u john
ROXY: on top of some ridiculously tall mountain
ROXY: from which u can rule the skies and shoot lightning bolts from ur fingertips at pesky disobedient ectobabies
Yes, Jade and her need to build it together (I need some version of Jade Lalonde to come true dammit im sorry.)
JOHN: that sounds cool and all, but...
JOHN: even if i could smite people, i don’t think i would!
JOHN: i’d rather just get inside people’s heads and talk shit.
JOHN: mwahahaha.
Ok yep youre adorable John, but now IM REALIZING YOU STILL HAVENT GONE THROUGH THE DOOR HURRY U P.
JADE: how diabolical!
JADE: no palace for you, then
JOHN: damn.
JOHN: how about a dungeon?
JADE: maaaaaybe :P
CALLIOPE: oh! i think i know what stories yoU’re referring to!
CALLIOPE: it does seem apropos, doesn’t it.
CALLIOPE: does this mean that i have a place among the rest of yoU at the oUtset of this odyssey?
ROXY: ofc it does!
ROXY: ur like
ROXY: an integral part!
JANE: You know what? Callie, do you still have the book we were writing in earlier?
CALLIOPE: Um. i think so.
JANE: I think it would be perfect if you were our official scribe!
JANE: You could keep record of everything so these important moments are preserved for future generations.
CALLIOPE: !!! :U
CALLIOPE: i woUld love that!
ROSE: I did something somewhat similar over the course of the last three years.
ROSE: It’s fairly therapeutic.
CALLIOPE: oh?
CALLIOPE: i might be a bit more aware of what yoU’re referring to than yoU know. ~_u
CALLIOPE: therapUtic is right.
ROSE: ...
ROSE: If I’m understanding you correctly.
ROSE: You and I are going to need to chat.
ROSE: Specifically about private things that are best left out of the clutches of the impressionable coming ages.
ROSE: Or, better yet, forgotten altogether.
KANAYA: (I Disagree)
ROSE: (Kanaya!)
KANAYA: (Heh)
UGhh, you guys need to stop being cUTE AND OPEN THE DOOR.
IM sorry, how can I not get anxious when theres a fucking flash coming up, and everybody’s acting all happy.. .
CALLIOPE: of coUrse!
CALLIOPE: thoUgh... no promises!
CALLIOPE: i can hardly wait to get started on all this!
DIRK: Yeah. I for one, would love to see myself in a history book.
DIRK: Nothing better to stroke your own ego.
DIRK: But in order for any of that to happen.
DIRK: We should probably, you know.
DIRK: Get on with it.
Thank you Dirk, listen to him he knows what’s up. This game is nothing but disaster after disaster, but most disasters come when everybodys being STUPID. so use your brains and open the door before somehow you all die due to a session in your new universe having such a powerful prototype ring that their queen and/or jack manages to get to your session and fuck you all up.
JOHN: oh.
JOHN: yeah, you’re right.
JOHN: damn it, we got side tracked again!
TEREZI: W3LL 1F YOU DONT W4NT 1T TO H4PP3N 4G41N
TEREZI: M4YB3 YOU SHOULD JUST OP3N TH3 STUP1D DOOR 4LR34DY!
KARKAT: AND DO IT QUICKLY. NO DRAWING IT OUT!
JOHN: okay, i’m opening it!
JOHN: the moment we’ve all been waiting for--
KARKAT: WHAT DID I *JUST* SAY?
JOHN: hehe! sorry, couldn’t resist.
JOHN: for real this time.
JOHN: here goes!
Here, FUCKIN GOES!
ughh theyre all gonna die... I guess we’ll see on the next update, so STAY TUNED FOLKS
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