#bookstore photo spree

[midnightfantasiez]

Pleasure Me | Lee Sangyeon

SUMMARY: ever since your boyfriend was featured in the latest issue of Men's Health, you have had a serious "problem" that you were sure that nobody was to ever find out about, that is, until you were caught red-handed by your very own boyfriend, Sangyeon.

PAIRING: model bf! Sangyeon x f!reader

GENRE: smut (18+ MDNI!!)

WARNINGS: kissing, making out, masturbation (f!reader), fingering (f!reader receiving), cum tasting (f!reader), oral (f!reader receiving), face riding

WORD COUNT: 1,564

A/N: behold my debut fic on my nsfw blog! 🤓 let's just say i've been super duper horny lately and i may or may not be on a writing spree for sexy sangyeon (pls just accept it lmao) shoutout to my loveliest @juyeonszn for reading it through i love you my bubba 😘❤️

It has been a week since your boyfriend’s nude shots were published in the media and magazines. 

Your boyfriend, Sangyeon, has been working in the model industry for over five years, but only a month ago, he received an offer from one of Korea’s top fitness magazines, Men’s Health, for a photo shoot and an interview. At first, you didn’t think much of it since you’ve always known how passionate Sangyeon has been about his health and working out.

Never in a million years would you have thought that he would have to strip and be featured on the cover of the magazine's fall issue.

Sangyeon knew from the beginning how awkward the entire situation would be, and as your boyfriend, he had to consult you first and foremost to see if both of you were on the same page. As much as it somewhat bugged you at first, you reluctantly told him that it was part of his job and he should treat it as an opportunity instead. 

It took some time to convince your boyfriend since he placed you first in everything that he did, but eventually, he took on the offer and was finally featured in the recent issue. 

Which was when your so-called “problem” began. 

You were too shy to admit nor did you want your boyfriend to ever find out about it. If he did, you would definitely throw yourself off a cliff, saying goodbye to this cruel world you live in. 

You began masturbating every two days, if not almost every night. You would hide in your bedroom, especially when Sangyeon wasn’t  back home from his job, and you would pleasure yourself by touching your body. You would slowly massage your breasts, and the other hand would slide down into your undies to rub your wet core. Sometimes, you would even insert one or two fingers into your entrance, and you’d envision Sangyeon pleasuring you instead. 

You knew this whole thing felt so wrong, yet you could never bring yourself to tell your boyfriend about this “problem”. Hence, you decided to keep this little dirty secret to yourself.

It was a late Friday night. Sangyeon had texted you in the morning that he would be coming home late tonight as he had to meet up with some of the staff for his next photo shoot to discuss plans for the upcoming feature magazine. He texted you his usual “goodnight message”, and you did the same. 

Mentally, you were doing somersaults in your brain because you had been feeling rather horny today, especially when you accidentally came across a rather sexy novel at your favourite bookstore when you had to run some errands for your company this afternoon. It was just like the idiom you learned in middle school, of how curiosity can kill the cat. And that was exactly what happened tonight. 

Once you get home from work in the evening hours, you take a quick shower and have a rather simple dinner that you just easily heat in the microwave before getting yourself all cozy in your bed to read the sexy novella that you have just purchased this afternoon. To set up the mood, you even turned on your fairy lights and lit some aromatic scented candles before lying comfortably to read. 

Just as you expected, the book's contents were rather spicy, and the next thing you knew, you found yourself touching your body again. Slowly, your hands slide back into your underwear, and you rub your dripping wet core. This time, you closed your eyes and tried your best to place yourself into the story's main character, attempting to envision the hot hunky male character fingering you.

But instead, that male lead eventually shifted into the vision of your boyfriend. And you eventually find yourself moaning his name. 

“Oh my god… S-sangyeon… It feels so good…” 

You wanted more, and god you didn’t want him to stop. 

“M-more… more… aaahh—” 

“Baby, what are you doing?” 

That deep voice immediately had you shooting up from your bed, and you immediately turned your head in the direction of the voice. 

Oh, hell no. 

Why is he back? He was not supposed to be home at least till after 12am! 

Not wanting to see or hear more from him, you immediately dived into your bedsheets, muffling a “goodnight, I’m asleep!”, hoping to turn him away. You swear you felt your face burning up so quickly, and your heartbeat was getting way out of control. 

It didn’t take long for him to pull back the bedsheets to reveal him staring at your face. 

“No no, please go away, Sangyeon! I’m about to sleep!” You protested, hoping he would leave you alone and pretend nothing had happened. 

Knowing your boyfriend, though, he is not the type to let things off, especially when it intrigues him. 

“I had no idea you sounded so sexy moaning my name aloud like that.” You already could hear his smirking through his voice, and you slowly opened one of your eyes to look at him. Sure enough, he was turned on and placed his hands on your thighs, gently rubbing them while inching his face closer to you.

“Hey, you know you could’ve just told me you wanted me.” He was now pecking you all over your face. 

“B-but… aren’t you ashamed.. of this habit of mine?” You asked weakly, and honestly, expecting a negative answer from him. 

But he reassures you instead. “Oh baby, if you were not turned on by that cover magazine that I did, then I’m afraid that what I’ve shown isn’t enough to pleasure you.” 

This time, he gently lifts and positions you so that you are seated on the bed, facing the full-length mirror you have in your bedroom. He then slowly climbs into bed and sits behind you, his hands roaming your body. Gently, he leans down to your ears and gives you a whisper. 

“I want you to look at yourself in the mirror. And whatever happens, don’t stop looking.” 

Before you could even ask what was happening, one of his hands immediately travelled down to your underwear and began rubbing your core. Dear God, this time it is happening in real-time, it is your boyfriend’s actual hands that were pleasuring your entrance, one that you have fantasised about for long enough.

“Aww, you’re already so wet for me. Aren’t you a dirty little one?” He teased, before sliding his hands into your underwear to rub while putting some slight pressure on your entrance. Immediately, the moans he had longed to hear filled the entire room, practically music to his ears.

He then used his other free hand to grab hold of your chin to turn your head back towards him as he crashes his lips onto yours, turning the kiss into a rather steamy and messy one. You both would break off in between to grasp for some air, then reconnect your lips again, turning this into a repeated cycle. 

“God—Sangyeon—please—”

“Use your words, baby. Tell me what you exactly want.”

“Your fingers… inside me… now…” 

That was all he needed to hear before pushing two fingers into you, earning a sweet and pleasurable moan from you. He almost immediately picked up his pace, thrusting in and out rather quickly, which made you beg for more. 

“Faster.. Faster!” 

It took almost less than a minute before you came all over his fingers, and he took them out and placed them into your mouth, wanting you to savour your cum. As your breathing stabilised, he immediately commanded that you turn around and position yourself against the headrest of your bed. You were stunned, to say the least, so he had to physically help you again by placing both your hands on the headrest while he got himself comfortably under you, directly under your clit. 

“Since you wanted me to pleasure you so badly, I’ll be nice and offer you once more.” 

Without another word, his hands resting on both sides of your hips immediately dragged you down, and he began kissing and sucking your core rather hungrily. If you thought your moans were loud and messy enough during the first phase, you were so wrong. This felt so much better, and you wished nothing more but to stay like this for a while. 

Sangyeon took his time exploring every crook and cranny of your core, ensuring he was taking in all of the sweetness while his top priority was to pleasure you well. Oh, you would definitely rate both his glorious hands and tongue a grade A+ for sure. 

Your continuous moans and whimpers turned him on even more, and he began sucking a little harder while picking up his pace again. He knew you were about to reach your high and couldn’t wait for it to come.

“Oh my god, more! Sangyeon! Don’t stop!” 

Eventually, you also find yourself rocking your hips onto his face, both now desperately trying to make your cum come faster as possible. 

“I-I’m cumming!” 

A few seconds later, you released your sweet love juice all over Sangyeon while trying to calm yourself down. It took a while for him to savour all of it before he eventually got himself up and positioned you so that you were now straddling his lap. 

“I guess you are now ready for the next round.” 

A/N: if you thought the self-insertion was strong then yes it is (i practically wrote this for me 🤡)

masterlist

taglist: @deoboyznet @kflixnet (join my perm taglist here!)

#deoboyznet #k-vanity #k-labels #kflixnet #the boyz #tbz #the boyz x reader #the boyz imagines #the boyz scenarios #the boyz fanfic #tbz scenarios #lee sangyeon #lee sangyeon x reader #lee sangyeon x smut #sangyeon smut #the boyz smut #tbz smut #sangyeon imagines #sangyeon scenarios

[megumri]

heartbeat

Pairing: Megumi x Reader (gender neutral)

wc: ~1.2k

genre: straight up fluff & comfort !!

cw: reader referred to as babe/baby, vague references to a villain in movie, please let me know if I missed something

relaxing and watching a movie with megumi after a long day

a/n: here for the sleepy girl (gn) agenda

All characters are +21. Minors don’t interact.

A yawn stretches your mouth. Eyes scrunching, a rush of air fills your chest. A languid hand rises to cover your mouth and stifle the gust you release on your exhale. Megumi's arm pulses around you. 

You both sit on the couch with you curled against the side of his chest, head resting on his shoulder. His legs stretch out in front of you both, propped on a low table. Your hands encase one of his and are tucked under your chin. Blearily you blink at the haphazardly strobing screen.

It was a long day. Breakfast with Gojo—whose quick wit and goading taunts won you over in record time—was a chaotic affair. He zapped the energy from Megumi with boisterous laughter, a parade of childhood photos, and stories that evoked narrowed eyes. All converged to rush against the steady current of Megumi’s careful composure. The constant half glare Megumi aimed at his guardian only melted with your cheerful laughter, and softened with the light squeezes you gave his hand under the table.

If Gojo noticed, he didn’t attempt a comment about it; but, you didn’t miss those electric blue eyes fondly peering over small silver sunglasses at Megumi. Nor did you miss the way they flicked to you in affectionate approval.

After a tactful extraction, you both met up with Itadori and Kugisaki for one of her notorious shopping sprees. It was the first time tagging along for one of her shopping excursions as only recently you met them both. You were impressed with her mental checklist of sales to scout, places to only window-shop, and mapping of the route. Two hours in, and she managed to fit in at least five different shops. At each she pointed out deals and ideal pairings for every item with expertise. You were able to fit in a stop at a bookstore for Megumi’s sake. You watched him peruse the stacks, eyes flitting over their spines to fish out interesting finds. A small reprieve for the bustle of the city and the boisterous antics of his two closest friends.

An image of Itadori piled high with Kugisaki's boxes and bags pops into your brain. How Megumi was able to set the precedent for not holding any of Kugisaki’s purchases was truly a mystery. It was at least… until you caught him catching a package that toppled from the leaning tower. You stared at each other wide–eyed a slow, wide, cheek–aching smile forming on your face. The blatant display of his affection was like the flashing of a lighthouse on a distant rocky shore. A luminous signal for all those willing to look for it. 

He immediately tucked the fallen item into his shadow and tugged you into the closest tea shop. He ordered two of your favorite teas and let you eat the boba in both. An unspoken bribe to keep recent findings to yourself.

The corners of your mouth curve upward at the memory. Your thumb runs along the back of his hand. Always secretly thoughtful. Always full of small acts of kindness. Always so hesitant to let others bear witness. You gently press a kiss to his knuckles. 

"Babe?" Megumi's voice, low and lined with grogginess, pulls you from your memories.

"I thought you were asleep," you breathe. Tilting back your head you meet his lazy blinks with a closed lipped smile.

"For a bit.” He shifts his hips and lightly squeezes his hand in yours. You turn back to the screen, the familiar image of the comedic relief blurs. Kissing your temple he murmurs, "Why don't you take a nap?"

You inhale deeply, careful to keep another yawn from slipping out. Running a hand down the length of his torso, soft cotton smooths under your fingers. His muscles flex. 

"Want to see how it ends," you slur.

He huffs a chuckle, "Haven't you already seen this?"

You lift a shoulder and let it drop.

"Want to see it again." You slip a hand under his shirt and trace the ridges of his warm skin. "Want to know what you think about it," you add.

He presses his lips to your forehead and draws lazy circles against the small of your back. Eyes fluttering, you turn back to the television and catch the blue volume bar growing smaller and smaller. The protagonist's monologue gradually falls into a steady oscillation. He slumps deeper into the couch, lifts his arm, and tucks you against his chest. 

A finger traces the length of your spine. You shiver, tuck your arms into the gap between his back and the couch. Raised skin, scarred from previous fights and encounters skim along the pads of your fingers as you wedge them between his back and the couch. A plush blanket descends over you, forming a warm cavern. His breath slopes over your face in a tickling wind. Megumi's hand lands over the material to slowly swipe up and down the length of your back.

"We can watch it again later," he appeals, "sleep, baby."

You turn your head up, and watch as blue, green, and white flicker over his face. He continues to watch, seemingly absorbed. You watch as they illuminate and shadow the angle of his jaw; long lashes that hood his eyes; the cut of his cheekbone. His eyes flick down to yours, catching your careful examination. 

His hand shifts to the nape of your neck. Holding your gaze, he kneads it with gentle pinches and firm rubbing strokes. Your eyelids droop. The corner of his mouth quirks. A finger traces the curve of your cheek.

"I'll be here when you wake up."

You snuggle closer and lay an ear flat against his chest. His hand slips under the blanket and hooks under your knee. He guides it up to rest your thigh over his. 

Maybe it would be best for you to rest for a bit. Even though it's late, and you could talk him into going to bed early with you, it's easy to let him help you relax. Easy to let him soothe you with small touches and gentle warmth. And you have already seen this movie. Maybe a nap would be best.

Faint, villainous laughter slots itself into the honeycomb of your mind. It oozes out, sticky and syrupy to lure in the pollen of blossoming dreams. As you let your mind bloom, a quiet pulse throbbing under your ear lobbies for your attention. It calls out to you; a lifeline among the scrambling dreamscapes that threaten to submerge you in their vivid delights.

You focus on it and let it serve as a metronome to slow your breathing. It lulls you with its unhurried pulse and guides your descent into the subconscious with ease. Sinking down, down, down, you let him saturate your senses, and succumb to a peaceful sleep.

Thanks for reading, reblogs & comments appreciated :)

also this is a part of an ongoing series, click here to check out the other pieces !

disclaimer: I don’t own any of the characters or people mentioned in this piece & all characters are +21 plus regardless of published canon

please do not copy, translate, nor repost this work nor other work belonging to @megumri​

masterlist  ⎸  wanna get tagged?  ⎸  series masterlist 

#jjk x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk fluff #jjk drabble #fushiguro megumi x reader #megumi fushiguro x reader #fushiguro megumi x you #megumi fushiguro x you #megumi x reader #fushiguro megumi fluff #megumi fluff #jjk megumi #now why do i have to post everything twice for it to show up !!! #tamblr i need answers! !!

[flavor-aid-sekt]

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore Paris

17.11.2023

First, something about the history of the place - Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookstore right on the banks of the Seine, across from Notre Dame. It opened in 1951 and became a meeting place for writers and readers. I've read that it was once even visited by such celebrities as James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth, Owner George Whitman renamed it to its current name, which he described as "a novel in three words." You can read more about the history of the owners in numerous publications, which I must get to at some point. It's a very magical place and despite the crowds, I felt at home there. Inside, the premises look wonderful - on the second floor, thousands of books lie on old bookcases for purchase. They are sorted and just begging to be reached out for them. It's not quite possible to take photos there, but I managed to take a couple as souvenirs. On the upper floor, there are books to borrow. You can sit there on the numerous couches and take any reading you want and read in silence. The walls are full of paintings, quotes, and photographs of famous writers. On one is a giant mirror, on which you could stick a small greeting card. People from the remotest corners of the world flock here. There was also room for a piano and a typewriter. If I could, I would come here every day. On the premises you can also buy various accessories and souvenirs, I bought myself a tote bag with a red drawing and signature. There is also a cafe open next door, but I didn't stop there because it was full of people. It just so happened that it was raining and tourists hid there for coffee. If I visit Paris again someday, and I will do so for sure, I must prepare my pocketbook for a large shopping spree at this bookstore. Seriously, I went there on my birthday and it were the best birthday gift ever.

[americanforecast]

Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: Family Lunch, Shopping, and Christmas Tree Lighting

Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: Family Lunch, Shopping, and Christmas Tree LightingThen, the president’s shopping outing began. Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: FAQ'sWas this President Biden’s first visit to Nantucket? How did the local community respond to the President's presence? Are there any surprises during the shopping spree? What role does the Christmas tree lighting play in the day's events? How does President Biden view the significance of family traditions? Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: Family Lunch, Shopping, and Christmas Tree Lighting Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: NANTUCKET, Mass. — It wasn’t all work and no play for President Joe Biden on Friday on this picturesque Massachusetts island. He spent much of the day in multiple briefings with national security aides, who were updating him as the first phase of hostages were released in Gaza earlier Friday. Biden then delivered brief remarks on the hostage deal, saying it is “only a start, but so far, it’s gone well.” But then the president joined in the traditional Biden day-after-Thanksgiving festivities – lunch with his family, perusing local shops and mingling with the Nantucket crowd as the town Christmas tree is lit. Read More: Federal Jury Rules U.S. Egg Producers Conspired to Fix Prices from 2004 to 2008 Because of the remarks on hostages, the traditional family lunch happened later than usual. But like always, it was at Brotherhood of Thieves, a cozy bar and grill that advertises itself as an “1840s whaling bar.” Then, the president’s shopping outing began. His first stop was just a couple doors down from the restaurant at Nantucket Books, where first lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley were already browsing. “Can’t come without going to the bookstore,” the president said as he ducked inside. “We’ve got a tradition.” He left about 20 minutes later, carrying a copy of “Democracy Awakening” by the historian Heather Cox Richardson, who interviewed Biden at the White House last year. Biden then stopped at Craftmasters of Nantucket, followed by a quick stop into the Jeweler’s Gallery. He was greeted throughout his walk by cheering crowds, shouts of “happy birthday” (the president celebrated his 81st birthday on Monday) and people waving and taking photos of the first family. Finally, the Bidens ended up at Nantucket’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, clapping as the town crier led the countdown and the tree was illuminated with colored lights. Biden’s outing was interrupted twice by pro-Palestine protesters, once earlier Friday as he walked to lunch and then again by a handful of demonstrators at the tree ceremony who had wiggled their way to the front of the crowd. Leaning against metal barricades and waving banners that said “Free Palestine,” the protesters chanted: “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide!” It was unclear whether the president – who was greeting members of the children’s choir — heard them. A local official urged the protesters to stop, noting that the community event was not a political one. Visiting Nantucket for Thanksgiving is a decades-long tradition for the Biden family. Joe and Jill first came here for the holiday with young sons, Beau and Hunter, in the mid-1970s. As they’ve done in past years, the Bidens are staying at an expansive compound owned by billionaire businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein, according to the White House. Biden's Day Out in Nantucket: FAQ's Was this President Biden’s first visit to Nantucket?While this particular visit is highlighted, President Biden has visited Nantucket on previous occasions.How did the local community respond to the President's presence?The community welcomed the Bidens with open arms, embracing the festive spirit shared by everyone.Are there any surprises during the shopping spree?The article uncovers delightful surprises and unique moments that unfolded during the shopping extravaganza.What role does the Christmas tree lighting play in the day's events?The lighting ceremony was a symbolic culmination of a day filled with happiness and unity.How does President Biden view the significance of family traditions?President Biden shares his perspective on the importance of family traditions in fostering unity and connection. Read the full article

[deadpoetsmusings]

Forever lurking in the classics section of the bookshop.

#books #thomas hardy #d.h. lawrence #bookshop #bookstore photo spree #booklr #classics #adult booklr #book photos #book photography #literature #penguin #my posts #bibliophile #read #reading #reader #bookstores #bookshops #shelves #book shelves

[ourneverendingpossibilities]

if i can request anything abt aomine or ryota please!! maybe some angst with a happy ending? or just ur general hcs :)

Thank you for the request! I figured with Valentine’s Day being a holiday, I would write some headcanons for both males!!! Appreciate you taking the time to request! I tried to make these gender neutral since you didn’t specify the gender :D

_____________

Aomine: 

He’s not one for celebrating fluffy, frilly days like Valentine’s Day. Birthdays? Sure. Celebrations? Absolutely! But Valentine’s Day?? He doesn’t really see the need to get excited for it.

It’s not that he hates the day. If it’s a chance to spoil his significant other and show them he loves them, of course he’d take it. But it’s the big deal everyone makes. Especially at school, when there’s always some girl approaching him, giving him some chocolate. 

Having a flock of girls come to him isn’t something he’s accustomed to.. He’s not Kise, who enjoys the attention. He prefers being alone. So he never felt the need to make a big deal about a day of giving chocolate.. 

However, when he realizes his S/O is into the day, he finds his attitude change.. If only a little.

Not because everyone else is excited for it.. But because THEY’RE smiling.. They get a bit more flushed and happy.. On occasion he catches them being nervous to approach him. but he rolls his eyes, grabbing them into a hug and gently teases them until they tell him what’s going through their minds.

He doesn’t mind taking a day off practice or from work. His primary focus is on his S/O. And he won’t be satisfied until they’re a blushing, happy mess for him. Even if he has to be a little extra sappy. 

He’ll let them take photos of them being together, but he doesn’t want them being uploaded to social media.. (he’s fine with the gifts being uploaded.. But he doesn’t want his blushing or goofy smile up for his friends to tease. He has an image to maintain!)

Kise:

THE Complete opposite to Aomine.. He has an alarm set to wake up early to surprise his S/O with a breakfast in bed. (He has it ordered because he doesn’t want to risk burning the food.)

But that’s only the start.

As soon as he wakes them up, he’s there with flowers, a fruit basket with chocolate (he has to balance sweets for his diet), and a giant stuffed teddy bear. (If his S/O doesn’t like it, he takes them out shopping for their favourite stuffed animal.)

He won’t hesitate to go above and beyond to make them feel like the most beautiful person in the world. (Yes, he’s a stunning man. But he wants his S/O to feel the same.. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.)

He takes them on a shopping spree for either new clothes, shoes, jewelry.. Anything that screams “romance”. (No amount is TOO much for THE Kise Ryouta as he’d say.)

He’d go through great lengths to book the BEST table at a restaurant to end the day. (Involving photobooths, ice cream and trips to the bookstore. Anywhere his S/O wants to go..)

When he brings them back home, he wraps them in his arms, whispering “I love you ______-cchi” in their ear, and settles into the couch for a night of movies.

#knb imagines #knb scenarios #aomine daiki #kise ryouta #fluff #Valentine's Day headcanons #Anonymous

[museenkuss]

Ciaoo im going to Berlin and I was wondering if you have any spots you recommend? Literally anything! I've never been before!! Love your blog <3

Hey, Lovely!! That sounds wonderful, I’m really happy for you :’) I’m not from Berlin, so I can unfortunately only give you rather general tips, from one tourist to another. Which is to say — when I go on holidays, I usually visit museums and bookstores. Now —

~🏛~

Museums:

On the Museumsinsel (Isle of Museums) located in the Spree in the centre of Berlin, you can find five different museums in walking distance from each other. As far as I remember there’s a ticket that’ll grant you entry into all museums on the isle for a set amount of time (a day, a weekend, a week etc), which comes in handy (although you’ll definitely need more than one day to see all of them). 


In general, there are a lot of museums in Berlin, but I’ll just mention four that came to my mind immediately:

The Bode Museum is located right by the water. Architecturally speaking a beautiful museum, not too big, with a nice selection of paintings and statues. 13th to 18th century, as far as I know. I remember retables, religious art in general, classicism and renaissance pieces. But most of all I remember buying a little notebook (to take notes on the works of art I liked, which I can only recommend) in the museum’s shop and wandering through quiet halls, intricate marble floors and tall windows, and enjoying a few hours to myself, with myself, for myself.

The Pergamon Museum is probably the most well-known museum on the list. It holds both the Pergamon altar and the Ishtar gate, additional to Middle Eastern and Islamic art. However, parts of the museum are closed due to renovation (and have been when I was there last, and will be till 2023. :( ! ) — still, I definitely recommend checking out which parts are open and what you can see, because both the gate and the altar are an experience.

The Altes Museum is, for one, a very beautiful classicist building. Apart from that, it holds antique works of art, including my beloved Kylix depicting Achilles bandaging Patroclus. I also really enjoyed the Pantheon-style small round hall with the twelve olympians!

The Alte Nationalgalerie was designed to resemble a temple and build at the turn of the century. It holds both paintings and statues. The Sleeping Beauty statue is housed there, as well as The Witch by Carl Cauer, which I like a lot. There’s some Caspar David Friedrich, once again classicism and romanticism, some impressionism. When I was there last, Anselm Feuerbach’s Das Gastmahl nach Platon (The Symposium after Plato) really captured by interest. It’s hung somewhat awkwardly over the stairs near the top floors but I loved the flower-

~📚~

By the Museumsinsel, you can also find the Buchhandlung Walther König, a bookstore that specialises in art books. They have, as far as I recall, a lot of english books, and it’s just a very nice place to wander around in, with floor to ceiling shelves crammed with books. Walther König have a few stores in Germany, but the one I’m thinking of (I looked it up, Burgstraße 27) was surprisingly big. Very nice to get lost in, if you’re interested in art and art books.

Apart from that, there’s Dussmann, a bookstore with a rather large english selection and the usual planners, journals, mugs etc. I had a lot of fun in there, especially because the store only closes at 11pm, which meant that after a day at the museum, I could have dinner and still swing by a bookstore (which is honestly the ideal day for me).

Looking online, I also found Shakespeare&Sons, another english bookstore, but I have to admit that I haven’t been there last time. considering the photos I saw, I really regret that, it looks gorgeous.

~🐻~

As I said, I’m unfortunately not native to Berlin, so I really can just expose my very selective view on cities (where’s the art? where are the books?). I’d really recommend looking up those “explore by foot“ type guides, I’m sure there’s something of the sort for Berlin and in my experience, it’s most fun to just walk around and look at the buildings, parks and sights you come across.

Berlin of course has the Wall, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Bundestag, the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Television Tower, all places that are fun to experience on foot. Apart from that, there are the Hakesche Höfe, a courtyard complex that’s really fun to wander through. I remember most of the stores to be mainly the tourist attraction type, but the location is very nice — art nouveau facades and little spots of greenery.

There’s a lot of Bears to be seen as far as I recall (the coat of arms, plastic bear statue, memorabilia kind). Maybe try some Currywurst, if you eat meat? Every time I go to Berlin, I’m tempted, and I haven’t eaten meat in a good few years. (And if you ever find yourself without something to do, you could always consider taking a day-trip to Potsdam to look at Friedrich the Great’s summer castle Sans Soucis)

(Also, this is just a tiny side note but I never know where to shop for food when I’m travelling and somehow, that’s something most guides don’t think to tell you. So! Penny, Aldi and Lidl are all on the cheap side. Rewe and Tegut are the most common stores apart from that. You can find newspapers and magazines there, too, as well as sandwiches and other prepacked lunches, fresh produce etc. Alnatura is the biggest chain store of organic food, but the other stores usually have their own organic options. They’re market bio :)! In Rewe, Tegut and Alnatura, you should also find aisles for gluten free/lactose free products. Rossmann and dm are drug stores where you can buy band-aids, shampoo, period products, make up, skincare, over the counter pain meds, shaving cream etc etc etc)

~🐻~ Sweetheart, I hope you have a wonderful time in Berlin!!! Hopefully the weather will be nice, and hopefully the people will be even nicer 🥰!!

#This made me very nostalgic #I would love to go to Berlin again soon. And sans soucis. 😌 #I could really use some ‘no sorrows’ Time in a beautiful garden right now. #Anon

[libraryinthecountry]

★ ★ INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY    ★ If you could go on a book shopping spree, what section of the bookstore would you go to first?        Happy Friday, y’all!    I’ve teamed up with some incredible bookstagrammers to bring you a fantastic giveaway!        ★ ★ GIVEAWAY //    - 1 winner to win a $100 gift card to Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, or an Indie bookstore of your choice!         ★ TO ENTER //    - make sure you’re following each host:    ⁑ me (@libraryinthecountry)    ⁑ @lifeinlit     ⁑ @tata.lifepages     ⁑ @literaryxqueen     ⁑ @yelli3_reads     ⁑ @thedarklingone     - like + save this post    - Answer the question of the day + tag a friend (only one comment per participant)    - Share in your stories and tag ME!         ★ FOR EXTRA ENTRY //    - comment on the other hosts’ posts and follow the rules on their photo too!        ★ RULES //    - Giveaway will end March 10th at Midnight EST    - OPEN INTERNATIONALLY    - not affiliated with any bookstore or Instagram    - must be 18 or have parents permission        ★ A NOTE //     We will only contact the winner through one of these profiles. NEVER give your credit card info to anyone!         ★ HASHTAGS //     #bookstagram #bookworm #bookphotography #bibliophile #booklover #bookaddict #instareads #bookblogger #bookobsessed #readersofinstagram #bookish #booksbooksbooks #beautifulbooks #booktag #prettybooks #goodreads #bookdragon #bookstack #bookcart #shelfie #tbrcart #bookcommunity https://www.instagram.com/p/CMC7WxJAOvX/?igshid=10srkqiw8fke9

#bookstagram #bookworm #bookphotography #bibliophile #booklover #bookaddict #instareads #bookblogger #bookobsessed #readersofinstagram #bookish #booksbooksbooks #beautifulbooks #booktag #prettybooks #goodreads #bookdragon #bookstack #bookcart #shelfie #tbrcart #bookcommunity

[ijuanainspire]

Daily Grind

So you wanna be a law student huh? Whether you’re that philanthropic person who wants to give justice to the poor or you’re that straight A- student who wants to prove more or a victim of your parents’ obsession or profession, then WELCOME! Or better yet, GOODBYE. 

Law school means saying good bye to lot of things such as your weekly night out or that Saturday night drinking spree with barkadas. Law school means less (or none at all) chill nights and saying hello to tons (literally) of readings and case digests. 

It is a war. And it is ferocious. It will take your time, your life and will need a lot of dedication. But do not fear because every drop of sweat, blood and tears will be worth it and is worth it once you conquer this profession. 

So how to gear up for this battle? Here are some of the materials I personally use and recommend if you have finally decided to commit yourself to the realms of law school. 

1. Codals

A lot of people have judged me while I’m inside a public utility vehicle while I was reading or carrying with me my codals. They literally look like the Bible and if people around you are unaware of what they are, they will think you’re weird reading a Bible inside a jeepney or LRT. But nevermind them since these babies will save your ass once inside lawschool. These are the codified laws and they come in either the regular size about the size of a regular notebook or the mini versions which I prefer since they are more portable and easy to handle. 

So where to buy them? They are available in your local National Bookstore or you can go to Rex Bookstore as it is the best place to go grab them. But beware, these precious babies are kinda costly but definitely a good investment. A codal can range from Php 600.00 to Php 1,000.00 or even more depends on the subject. Don’t confuse yourself with a codal and a reviewer or annotated book. A codal contains purely the law. A reviewer or annotated book contains explanations from different professors or justices. Sometimes, it depends upon your professor whom he prefers so I advice not to buy annotated books until you meet your profs. < 3

Into online shopping? Rex has a website and they deliver! Check out the link : https://www.rexestore.com/2-law?id_category=2&n=637

2. Pens, Highlighters

Aside from reading a lot, writing is another staple in law school. So invest wisely on a good sign pen. Most law schools adhere to sign pens/fountain pen only policy during their exams meaning you can only use those kind of pens when answering your exams, so better invest in a comfortable and good pen as early as your first day on law school. Good penmanship is a must and sometimes help (some professors will credit for good penmanship). So if you have crappy handwriting, better buy a writing book where you can practice your hand writing. Professors won’t bother reading your answers if you have bad handwriting. 

I personally use a Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V5 or V7 in Black, Red and Blue. I use Black solely for exam purposes while the Red pen is dedicated to my notes and reminders. Using a bright color helps me to retain things in my mind better. I use the Blue pen to write either the date or topic in my papers or reviewers, it keeps me organize and helps me to recall. A pen costs about Php 45.00 to Php 50.00 depends on the store selling them. Some of my classmates use G-tech but I tend to misplace a lot of those pricey things. 

My favorite highlighter is the Stabilo Pastel Yellow or the Sharpie also in Yellow. They cost about Php 35.00 to Php 45.00 each. I have them in different shades: A Neon Pink for titles of cases, the Yellow for important facts or doctrines, a Neon Yellow for super important lines in cases, a Pastel Pink for the names and details of the persons in the case and a lot more colors coz why not right? :D

Recently, Stabilo released new highlighters which come in slimmer versions also in pastel shades. Although, I still prefer using the traditional ones. Invest wisely on your pens and coloring materials as they will help you adjust into comfort once classes start. 

3. Pen capsule/ Pencil case

When you have become a highlighter and pen hoarder, you will definitely need a container for them. In law school, most students prefer using Pen Capsules. They are that cylindrical looking pencil case which can stand on its own, which allows you to just pick your pen upright and voila! Although it is not a requirement in law school, it is a preferred must have. 

I bought my pen capsule in SM Department store, in their Stationery section. It was really cheap, only Php 99.00 and comes in two colors, Pink and Gray. However, when I tried to buy again, they sold out and eversince, they haven’t restocked (that was way in 2016 and still checking out until 2019). FILED is another shop which sells pen capsules. I’m not sure if they are the pioneer in selling but if they are, credits to them. However FILED pen capsules are kinda costly if you ask me. A regular one costs around Php 300.00 or more. I once gifted a FILED pen cap to a friend and it cost nearly Php 500.00 but it was really pretty! It was in pink and had embroidery. The quality is mighty fine, worth the price. Although if compared side by side with the one I bought in SM, the FILED pen cap appears to be slimmer and limited in space. But it is definitely a pretty pencil case. 

Check out the FILED website, they do delivery! https://filed.com.ph/collections/pens-pen-cases

(Disclaimer: I do not own this photo. Grabbed from the page of FILED. So this is the Pen Capsule I gifted for my friend, the Pink one. Pretty aye?) 

4. Bag 

When you are carrying a lot of stuff (codals, pencaps, reviewers etc.), you will definitely need a good bag! Whether it is a back pack or typical go to bag, it doesn’t matter if its a Gucci or Nike, if everything fits, and it’s sturdy, go for it. 

It was a struggle for me to find a good bag, especially my laptop is kinda bulky. But lo and behold online shopping, I finally found the back pack for me.

So I found my back pack in Lazada, it costs only Php 599.00 during the time I purchased it. I was obsessed with it, the size and appearance is just on pointe. Check out the link to see the specifications and other details: https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/pr-miole-v3-classic-leather-backpack-i277598963-s414923985.html?fbclid=IwAR3IluPEaHtDaxRmJQ3rjaFJJkEAodfwHGscbxZGaxQm5_V64gtbvJUPBLQ

6. Laptop 

You will definitely need this. So as early as now invest in a sturdy one! One that has tons of memory because you will use it all! And if possible, buy a laptop that is lightweight. It is an agony to carry around your books and materials and on top of that, a laptop that weighs around 2kg or more. If you have the cash to splurge on a quality and lightweight laptop, just do it. I tell you, it is worth it. 

But of course this is just a personal suggestions and not a law school requirement. If you can’t afford to buy a lightweight laptop, better learn how to manage your stuff in your bag so you won’t burden yourself with all the weight of carrying a heavy bag. 

What laptop to choose? I prefer the iCore series or just ask your local tech guy what laptop can withstand tons of office work and browsing at the same time. That will do the trick. If you want to run DOTA in your laptop, better buy one in the iCore series with a videocard in it. Thank me later! 

So there you goooo.... you may notice, I didn’t put any notebooks or papers. The reason is, we are all different when it comes to studying. I don’t usually use notebooks since all my notes are written in my cases. Yellow papers are a must though, but just pack some for yourself or you’ll end up supplying the whole class. Trust me on this. 

Law school is hard, worth it, crazy and really hard so you’ll really have to love it and learn how to balance your life around it. But that will be for another blog so stay tuned!! I hope this helps!! <3

xxx D.

#law #lawschool #lawstudent #lawschoolstartepack #FILED #bag #highlighter #codals #lawschoolblog

[mingyus-noona]

Hold Me Tight, chapter 1 (Jin)

Title: Hold Me Tight Member/Pairing: Jin x Reader Fanfiction type: Story, multi-chapter Genre: Angst, Drama, Romance Chapter: 1 Word count: 1,240

So I’m sticking with my posting spree, yay! It helps that I have had some stories either fully or partially written out or at least planned out for a while. This story is over a year old, for instance. This posting spree is helping get some of the stories I wanted to post out there, which is good because I was lazy and forgot to do it haha.

I originally made this like a year after debut, but changed it to a few years, but it’s non-specific as to the year as of now. Also, couldn’t think of what I wanted to name this, so I named it after a BTS song, but I think it fits. Enjoy! ============================================================

You’d made a lot of tough decisions since you started dating Jin. Dating him was not one of them, of course. You would have had to have been an idiot to say no when he asked you to have coffee, dinner, to be his girlfriend. Not because he was famous―you hadn’t even known about BTS and they’d only debuted a few weeks before (you’d learned about them later)―but because he was so nice, caring, open. And he had the most adorable and goofy smile you’d seen in a long time.

He happened upon you at a bookstore. You were in the back, browsing the few shelves that made up the foreign collection, when he popped up out of nowhere, a pair of sunglasses on his face and a ridiculous-looking hat covering his hair. Suddenly, you wished you had a hat. It was early July, hot, stuffy. And even though you were inside, your skin was a touch sticky with sweat. The shop was old and didn’t have air conditioning, so you wondered how he could stand there in pants.

You both continued to browse for some time, then you ended up at the same shelf and he asked if he could get by. You stepped aside, then asked after a few seconds, “What kind of book are you looking for?”

He was surprised you’d spoken to him―and you realized later it was because he’d ventured outside undercover in case he was noticed, but also to see if anyone would recognize him, but he definitely didn’t expect them to. But he scratched his head and admitted sheepishly that he was looking for a book in English.

You mumbled some phrase from an English class you’d had, but you hardly remembered what it meant, so you spoke without confidence. He seemed to understand part of it. You chuckled. “Are you studying English?”

He rubbed the back of his head again. “Something like that. I studied a bit of it, and Japanese too. My friend has really good English skills, so I wanted to improve mine.” You later learned he was talking about Namjoon, and he had been so adamant in case―he hoped―BTS made it in America. They hadn’t been expecting success of that sort so early on in their careers, but it didn’t hurt to be ambitious.

You quickly scanned the shelves and picked a random title, a novel, and handed it to him. Then you looked for language-study books, adding, after a quick scan of the shelves, a Korean-English dictionary and an English textbook to the small pile you were making in his arms. “That textbook looks kind of old, but it should work.” You smiled.

He smiled back but didn’t asked for your number or anything. It took him a little longer to muster up the courage, but luckily he’d done it quickly enough. You were still at the bookstore when he returned nearly half an hour later. You were still at the same section of the store, and afterward he would always tease you about being picky and taking too long when looking for books. Your defense was that you’d gone to look elsewhere and then just so happened to return to the foreign section. And it was true, but you admit you do take too long when selecting books. You loved reading and were a bit picky.

He hadn’t asked you out on a date, only to get some coffee, but you didn’t mind. The dates would come soon enough. Besides, you’d only just met him.

Your first meeting comes back to you now, when he’s face-to-face with you, standing on your doorstep, the same mix of expressions on his face. Happiness: then, because someone was being so nice to him; now, because he’s found you. Fear, worry: then, because he thought he’d been caught; now, because he’d been worried, because he was afraid he wouldn’t find you, afraid of you being anywhere but by his side.

Especially now that you’d gotten pregnant and your relationship had been revealed to the public.

The first thing he does is glance down at your stomach. “It’s so small,” he says sadly. He steps inside without asking you, but it’s not forceful. His hand lightly encircles your wrist, by which he gently leads you into the kitchen. “Are you not eating enough? Jagi,” he sighs, looking deeply into your eyes, more intensely than he ever had. “I’m making you something to eat.”

It’s not until he’s prepared everything and is waiting for it to cook that he mentions you leaving. “How could you do that? How could you do that to me? To us? To the baby?”

He looks so upset, pained, and you feel guilty. You’d left without even saying goodbye, a spur of the moment decision. “I was scared,” you say. “The public knew about us for, like, a minute and already sasaengs tried to ruin us.”

Jin wanted to take you on a public date, after several years of being frustrated that he had to hide your relationship. So you two went to a cafe, with him in a disguise. But partially through your date, he’d posted online about wanting to be honest, wanting to share his relationship with the world because it made him so happy. You had just found out you were pregnant too, nearly three months along. You had to reveal the relationship soon or else it’d cause an even bigger scandal if your pregnancy was revealed first. It was bad timing since he was about to go on a short tour, but he wanted to do it while you two could see each other in person. He wanted to be there with you in case you got any hate.

He made his post, then took off his hat carefully, slowly. You’d been in the back of the shop, so no one there noticed until a group of high school-aged girls walked in and let out a scream at the sight of Jin.

One of the girls in the group shot you the worst look you’d ever seen in your life and she stepped toward you, raising her hand. She hit you, not very hard, but still. Jin became defensive immediately, not laying a hand on her, but you could tell he would have if it had been necessary. The girl’s friends looked at her like she was crazy, but they still kept snapping away with their phones.

You thought they were on your side, simply accessories to their friend’s moment of craziness. But they’d posted the photos they took online and even corroborated the girl’s story that Jin had hit her. There was no evidence of that, but there was a photo in which Jin looked viscous. Of course. Someone had just physically tried to hurt his girlfriend, his pregnant girlfriend, so you understand why he would look angry. He hadn’t channeled that anger into physical violence, but he certainly let the girl have it and started yelling at her as quietly as he could. By then, it was too late, as people has begun staring and the staff had asked you all to leave and not fight inside.

You just had to leave. You were going to ruin his career. The number of articles posted about the incident grew, and it seemed you couldn’t search Jin’s name without the photo showing up. He really did look scary. But he was just so mad. He wasn’t going to hurt anyone. You wished someone would see that he wasn’t like that.

#mine #bts #jin #seokjin #kim seokjin #worldwide cutie guy #worldwide hansdome #bangtan #bangtan boys #bangtansonyeondan #bangtan sonyeondan #bts blog #kpop #bts fic #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #jin blog #bts post #jin post #jin fic #jin fanfic #jin fanfiction #kpop post #kpop blog #kpop fic #kpop fanfic #kpop fanfiction #notes #tumblr #post

[asterinjapan]

Quiet day

Good evening!

Today’s entry (about today and not Disney, haha) is a bit short, because I don’t feel so well. I’d planned to go to Shibuya tonight for some winter illuminations, but I don’t think that’s gonna work out… Anyway, I kind of fear I caught a bug or already had one coming up before going to Japan. Whichever the case, my stomach has been bothering me all day, so that’s not very fun.

I took it easy and was only just in time for breakfast (last orders at 9:30), then went back for my room for a bit until finally heading out into Ikebukuro. I first went to the bookstore inside the Seibu building here at the station to fetch some study books, by which time it already was midday, so I went out of the station area into the Sunshine area, getting some sandwiches and matcha latte at a café overlooking the shopping street.

I took my time there, trying to relax a bit before going on a small shopping spree. Well, spree – I didn’t actually buy all that much, but I definitely had fun window shopping, so there’s something too! There’s something kind of soothing in just browsing endless lines of buttons and what not.

Anyway, I went back to my hotel to type up my report about yesterday, and well – I do feel a bit under the weather. I think I’ll pick up something for dinner at the convenience store and call it a night.

Fingers crossed I’ll feel better tomorrow! I still owe you Disney photos, I might get those up later tonight. See you tomorrow again otherwise!

#tokyo 2018 #report #report: tokyo 2018

[davidpwilson2564]

Bloglet

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Gwill and Margaret leave quite early.  A bit later in the day I learn that they are safely in Toronto.  It was a great visit. And now I’m feeling a letdown. 

I fill the void by reading a book (!).  Lately, inexplicably, my concentration much improved.  

Odd dream in which I am part of an pickup orchestra that is going to Ukraine to give benefit concerts.  

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Rain.

The Sunday N Y Times on Kindle.  I don’t dare get the real thing for fear I’d find things I want to save.  Terrible habit. Being on Kindle, article without photos, of course, of former N Y bookstores.  I remember so many of them mentioned in the article.  The one in Times Square...when I found myself browsing next to Woody Allen.  Seeing Mr. Rogers at the Coliseum Bookstore (now a department store).  Those great used bookstores on South Fourth Ave. Great article.  

Evening. Grammy Awards ceremony, in Las Vegas.  I know so few of the performers that it doesn’t hold my interest.  A fashion show with music.  

Monday, April 4, 2022

Very slow to get started and then I get an email that brightens my morning.  A gig!  A little gig, to be sure, but a chance to see “the guys.”  More about this anon.  

Note: The Russians in Ukraine go on a killing spree.  Streets littered with the dead. Many shot execution style...as if for target practice.    I have to turn off the news.  

  to be continued

[asamustardseed]

Main Street Arts

God’s grace has been ABUNDANTLY exposed throughout this pandemic and in various ways. For some of us, it’s as simple as time spent with a family member who has been laid off. For others, more outdoor walks when travel isn’t exactly an option. For how very wrong the turn into electronics can go, I myself have been exposed to the beautiful side of options like zoom. One of those options has been provided (and greatly appreciated by me!) by Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs, NY, about 45 minutes north east of my town. 

Not only is this an amazing and every changing gallery that you absolutely MUST see but the youth programming provided for our kids during this pandemic is unmatched. Brad and Pam have given those who can’t be in studio a chance to experience the gallery and learn art technique virtually but in a very virtual reality way as Brad often handholds his phone during our zoom meetings to take Addison and Gavin “through” the exhibits as if they were there. They make their way through the paintings and Brad “takes” them upstairs so it’s as if we are right there with the class. 

Fortunately, we have been able to schedule visits to the gallery to see the work live and in living color, texture, and vibrancy. The kids are currently in their second session but I have some photos here of their first session which included both working with air drying clay as well as multimedia artwork using markers, colored pencils and pastels. At a reasonable cost, you can purchase a generous art kit when you register which can be used for any and all of the sessions. If you do end up taking their sessions virtually, your kids can look forward to seeing unique exhibits and interacting with Pam, Brad and the in house students while learning new ways of creating!

An amazing bonus to visiting this gallery is enjoying this gorgeous town. I feel like I’m stepping back in time whenever we are there. I highly recommend planning a visit to the exhibits followed by a meal across the street at Warfield’s Restaurant and Bakery (I’ve had amazing dishes and desserts here - HIGHLY RECOMMEND)! There is a lovely bookstore down the street called Sulfur Books that I absolutely loved and went on a surprise shopping spree recently. On our way over we passed an old timey barbershop, a pizza joint which I can only imagine from the line has the best local NY style slices, a comic store, hardware store and so on. We were there on a Saturday evening so most of these places were closing up but I can see enjoying a wonderful afternoon in Clifton Springs gushing over the architecture, the shops and the whole eclectic scene in this storybook town. When in a pandemic, seek out places like this! 

#tools for tots #main street arts #sulfurbooks #warfields restaurant and bakery simple thoughts #art #art gallery #exhibits #simple thoughts

[deadpoetsmusings]

Found this photo in my drafts. Taken earlier in the year when I was at a bookshop. Has anyone here read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#oliver sacks #the man who mistook his wife for a hat #books #my posts #read #reading #booklr #book #reader #book photos #book photography #non-fiction #psychology #to read #adult booklr #bibliophile #literature #picador #bookstore photo spree

[maggiesofar]

Shanghai | The First Month

Our first month in Shanghai is in the books! We are settled in our new apartment, our belongings have arrived via air shipment, and life is clipping along. In the midst of adjusting to our surroundings, learning the area, and general work/family life, we are shamelessly shoveling as much Chinese food into our mouths as possible.

Last night after Mika went to sleep, Keith and I took a little break to just cuddle on the sofa and reminisce over all the places life has taken us so far. It’s wonderful to be able to catch our breath and savor these sweet moments in our new home. And, boy, what adventures the two of us have had together!

This month we’ve been fortunate with a number of good quality air days, so we’ve braced ourselves against the heat and spent a fair bit of time wandering outside, swatting mosquitos and taking in the scenery. Considering the number of swollen, itchy red bumps I have trailing down both my legs and arms, I’d say the swatting has been sub-par, but the scenery has been excellent. 

When Keith is home on the weekends, we’ve taken the afternoons to explore some of the bigger, famous areas that are just a few metro stops from our apartment — Xujiahui, Xintiandi, and South Shaanxi Road. 

Last weekend, we browsed the Foreign Language Bookstore in People’s Square. While Keith and I were elated over the availability of so many English books, Mika had an utter meltdown over being in her stroller that cut our shopping spree short. The rest of the afternoon was spent passing her back and forth in tired arms, pushing an empty stroller along crowded, bumpy sidewalks, and taking a much-needed mid-afternoon meal break at a restaurant in Raffles City mall (the Chinese name of the restaurant roughly translates to “Yao Yao Loves Fish” — delicious, spicy and pretty!)

On weekdays, Mika and I like to walk around our immediate neighborhood in the Former French Concession. She and I have indulged in some excellent pastries, stopped for tea at a coffee shop on Wulumuqi Road where Mika (I’m sure) made quick friends with all of the other patrons by babbling loudly non-stop, and found the famed Avocado Lady — a tiny, crowded storefront well-known to local expats selling a hodgepodge of imported items. 

In the middle of the month, Keith went on a business trip to the Chinese city of Xiamen, and then last week another trip to Yinchuan (which is the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northern China, in case your Far East geography is a bit rusty). Mika and I took it easy while he was gone, lounging around the apartment while Mika practiced standing and I practiced not being a nervous wreck every time she stumbles.

So that’s a wrap on our first month! It’s funny how quickly we can adapt to a new setting...especially with a baby. It feels like we’re “home” as long as she’s around doing her baby things and having her baby needs taken care of. While I still miss Tokyo, especially when I look back at our photos, I find myself far less homesick than I thought I would be after just a month. 

Of course, this may just be the “honeymoon” period before the shock of adjustment and change sets in. I’ll keep you posted!

#shanghai #expat #life