#especially extension english atm

[the-irrelevant-trumpeter]

my special talent is looking at the texts i’m studying in english and going “hmm that’s a little fruity”

#especially extension english atm #last term was frankenstein #and i was immediately like ‘victor and henry are in love’ #this term we’re doing metropolis (the 1927 film) #i’m watching it right this second and all i can think is #‘the way freder hugged josophat is very 👀’ #and next term we’re looking at waiting for godot #aka two men onstage by themselves for quite a lot of time #so that’s bound to be a little bit gay #anyway #also i’m sorry josaphat i spelt your name wrong

[umaraheja]

Embarking on a journey to Kerala promises a tapestry of experiences, from tranquil backwaters to lush hill stations, rich cultural heritage to mouthwatering cuisine. Amidst this vibrant tapestry, discovering the best places to eat in Kerala becomes a delightful adventure in itself. From traditional toddy shops serving fresh seafood to quaint cafes dishing out aromatic spices, the state offers a culinary journey like no other. Moreover, navigating through Kerala's diverse landscapes and cultural nuances requires a few savvy Kerala travel tips to make the most of your visit.

Kerala's culinary scene is a fusion of flavors influenced by its geography, history, and cultural diversity. For those eager to indulge their taste buds, exploring the local eateries is a must. Along the coast, fresh seafood reigns supreme, with bustling fish markets offering a plethora of choices. Whether it's succulent prawns grilled to perfection or spicy fish curry served with fluffy appam, coastal cuisine delights with its bold flavors and freshness. Dive deeper into the culinary culture by visiting toddy shops, where the local fermented beverage is paired with an array of delectable seafood dishes, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

In the hinterlands, Kerala's rich agricultural bounty shines through in its vegetarian fare. Traditional sadhyas, served on banana leaves, showcase a variety of vegetarian delicacies, from creamy avial to tangy olan and crispy banana chips. Additionally, street food enthusiasts can tantalize their taste buds with snacks like kappa (tapioca) and meen (fish) curry or fluffy parottas paired with spicy beef or chicken fry. For those craving international flavors, Kerala's cities boast a thriving cafe culture, with trendy establishments serving everything from artisanal coffee to fusion cuisine inspired by global trends.

As you embark on your Kerala adventure, it's essential to arm yourself with some handy travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Firstly, Kerala experiences a tropical climate, so packing light, breathable clothing and sunscreen is a must, especially if you plan to explore the outdoors extensively. Secondly, while English is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases in Malayalam, the local language, can go a long way in facilitating communication and forging connections with locals. Additionally, it's advisable to carry cash as many smaller establishments may not accept cards, and ATMs may be scarce in remote areas.

Moreover, transportation in Kerala is efficient but can be unpredictable at times, so it's advisable to plan your journeys in advance and factor in some buffer time. Whether traveling by bus, train, or hiring a private vehicle, exploring Kerala's diverse landscapes is an adventure in itself. Finally, embracing the laid-back pace of life in Kerala is essential for truly immersing yourself in its charm. Take the time to savor each moment, whether it's enjoying a leisurely meal by the backwaters or witnessing a spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea.

In conclusion, a visit to Kerala is a sensory feast, where every bite and sight leaves an indelible impression. From savoring the diverse flavors of its cuisine to navigating its scenic landscapes with savvy travel tips, Kerala beckons travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and delight. So pack your bags, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to experience the magic of Kerala firsthand.

[sensilavoyages]

Essential Tips for Travelers Exploring India

If you're planning to journey through the diverse landscape of India, here are some tips to enhance your travel experience:

Visa Essentials: Make sure to secure the appropriate visa for your India visit. Stay updated by checking the official website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Health Precautions: Consult your healthcare professional for recommended vaccinations before embarking on your Indian adventure. Pack a basic medical kit and prioritize hydration, especially in warmer regions.

Currency Exchange Wisdom: Familiarize yourself with the local currency, the Indian Rupee (INR). Opt for authorized outlets, banks, or ATMs for currency exchange. Let your bank know about your travel plans to prevent any problems with your cards.

Cultural Etiquette: Embrace and respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites, and adhere to the practice of removing shoes before entering homes or sacred places.

Smart Transportation Planning: Plan your travel within India efficiently. With an extensive railway network, domestic flights, and well-connected roadways, consider pre-booking transportation, especially during peak travel seasons.

Language Connection: While English is widely spoken in urban areas, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi or the local language of the region can enhance your experience and foster positive interactions.

Safety Priorities: Exercise caution with your belongings, particularly in crowded places. Opt for reliable transportation services and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas after dark. Stay informed about local safety guidelines.

Weather Wisdom: India boasts diverse climates. Check the weather of your specific destinations and pack accordingly. From the desert heat to cooler hill stations, be prepared for varying conditions.

Culinary Exploration: Indulge in the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine but exercise caution with street food. Stick to bottled water and steer clear of raw or undercooked dishes. Choose reputable eateries for a delightful culinary experience.

Planning a trip to India? Explore our website for more information.

#sensila voyages #tourism #tour packages #travel #india #tourism packages #tours #travel tips #tips

[indiadrivertours]

Things to Know Before Going to India

India, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, stands as an alluring travel destination drawing millions of visitors annually. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip, thorough preparation is essential. This guide will walk you through crucial aspects to consider before embarking on your journey to India.

Suggest First Time Trip to India: India Golden Triangle Tours

1. Cultural Sensitivity:

A. Local Customs and Traditions:

India's cultural mosaic is interwoven with myriad customs and traditions. A positive experience hinges on understanding and respecting local practices. Familiarize yourself with common greetings, gestures, and traditional rituals to engage respectfully with the local population.

B. Appropriate Clothing Choices:

Given India's conservative social norms, dressing modestly is advisable, especially in religious or rural areas. Opting for comfortable and culturally appropriate clothing not only shows respect but also enhances your interactions.

C. Etiquette and Manners:

Politeness is highly valued in India. Learning basic etiquette, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home, using your right hand for gestures, and avoiding public displays of affection, can significantly enrich your travel experience.

2. Health Precautions:

A. Necessary Vaccinations:

Consult your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations before traveling to India. Common vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and routine immunizations. Ensure you plan your vaccinations well in advance of your departure date.

B. Common Health Concerns:

India's diverse climate and environment can pose health challenges. Be prepared for common issues like food and waterborne illnesses, respiratory infections, and insect bites. Packing a basic first aid kit and carrying necessary prescription medications is advisable.

C. Food and Water Safety:

Exercise caution when consuming street food and tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water and opt for freshly cooked, hot meals. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, and consider carrying water purification tablets for added safety.

3. Travel Essentials:

A. Packing Tips Specific to India:

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring diverse terrains, and essentials like a power adapter, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. Carry a small backpack for day trips and keep important documents secure.

B. Currency and Money Matters:

Familiarize yourself with the local currency, carry a mix of cash and cards, and inform your bank about your travel dates to prevent card transaction issues. Exercise caution at ATMs and keep emergency cash in a separate, secure location.

C. Communication Tools and Language Basics:

While English is widely spoken in urban areas, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi or the local language can enhance your interactions. Consider installing translation apps for seamless communication and carry a local SIM card for affordable data and calls.

4. Safety and Security:

A. Understanding Local Laws:

Research and understand local laws and regulations to avoid unintentional violations. Respect cultural norms and be mindful of restrictions in religious or sensitive areas. Awareness of your surroundings contributes to a safe and enjoyable trip.

B. Emergency Contact Information:

Save local emergency numbers and contact information for your country's embassy or consulate. Share your itinerary with someone you trust and keep a copy of important documents, including your passport and travel insurance, in a secure location.

C. Safe Travel Practices:

Use reputable transportation services, be cautious with personal belongings in crowded areas, stay in well-reviewed accommodations, and trust your instincts. Seek advice from locals or authorities if unsure about a situation.

5. Transportation Tips:

A. Public Transportation Guide:

Familiarize yourself with India's extensive and cost-effective public transportation system, including trains, buses, and metro services. Book tickets in advance during peak seasons and be prepared for crowds.

Car Hire With Driver In India

B. Hiring Local Transportation Services:

When hiring local transportation, use reputable providers, agree on fares in advance, ensure the vehicle is in good condition, and prioritize safety over cost. Negotiate respectfully and confirm the route with the driver before starting your journey.

C. Navigating Traffic and Roads:

Exercise caution when navigating India's often chaotic traffic, especially in urban areas. Use designated crosswalks when available and be aware of local driving habits if renting a vehicle. Adhering to traffic rules ensures a safe journey.

6. Conclusion:

In summary, a trip to India can be an enriching and rewarding experience with proper preparation and cultural awareness. By understanding local customs, prioritizing health precautions, packing wisely, and embracing safe travel practices, you can navigate this diverse country with confidence. Embrace the beauty of India while respecting its traditions, and your journey is sure to be memorable and fulfilling. Travel responsibly, and make the most of the incredible opportunities that await in this captivating destination. Safe travels!

#golden triangle tours #goldentriangletourpackages #indiatourandtravels #india tour

[flyopedia]

Unique Facts About India You Must Know after Booking Flight Tickets to India from USA

India is undoubtedly one of the world's most diverse nations. Geographically speaking, the huge Himalayas to the north are very different from the deserts to the west and the sunny beaches to the east. The nation has historically experienced several migrations from various parts of the world, resulting in an ethnically varied population. You'll be pleasantly pleased by the country's offerings if you eliminate any preconceived notions you may have about it.

India, a country with a population of over 1.2 billion, offers the unexpected. A big part of the fun of traveling is getting to know the ways of the world. It also helps with comprehending the populace and becoming familiar with the rich cultural diversity of that nation. Book your Flight Tickets to India from USA right away if you're one of those who want to learn more about the fascinating culture of the nation.

Here are some things to be aware of before beginning your adventure, even though this large country in South Asia is full of surprises and some unique traditions that are mentioned below:

There are 22 recognized Languages

It's customary advice when visiting a foreign nation to brush up on a few basic terms and phrases. But what if the nation being visited has 22 official languages in addition to 1,721 additional languages and no national language? It's preferable to stick to English, which is extensively spoken in these regions, as Hindi is not as commonly spoken as it is in the south and the northeastern states, where you won't get by with too many Hindi words.

Every state has a different level of cultural sensitivity.

There are 29 states in India, each with a distinctive history and culture. From one place to another, people will view you extremely differently depending on how you dress and behave. Think about doing some preliminary study on the area you intend to visit or asking locals for recommendations.

Always take off your shoes before entering a religious place.

Always remove your shoes, flip-flops, or sandals before entering a temple, gurudwara, or mosque. Outside of these establishments are shoe booths where you can leave your shoes before entering. Similar to this, it is usually preferred by Indians that you remove your shoes before entering their home. Inside their homes, Indians typically wear flip-flops or slippers, especially when using the restroom. Such shoes are, however, only worn inside the home and never outside. You might also discover that some stores will need you to take off your shoes before entering, particularly any jewelry or clothing stores.

Carry some cash

All of the country's largest cities have plenty of ATMs, but you still need to have cash with you. Small sellers, the majority of services and enterprises in distant locations including rural towns and villages in the Himalayas, auto rickshaws (a prominent form of transportation in India), and auto rickshaws themselves only accept cash. Make sure you have enough money exchanged beforehand as the nation's ATMs have a horrible reputation for being out of operation and even running out of cash.

Purchase a local SIM card with internet access.

The majority of Indian cities, including the capital Delhi, lack adequate planning. Having Google Maps on your phone when traveling is usually beneficial because you can verify that the driver of the taxi or auto rickshaw is taking the proper route and isn't trying to swindle you. The easiest approach to ensure that your phone or tablet always has access to the internet is to purchase a local SIM card with 4G data. Data plans are fairly affordable in India because there is fierce competition among the many service providers.

Learn to Bargain

Although haggling is a normal part of buying in India, if you are from a society where haggling is not the norm, it may feel weird and daunting at first. It's crucial to keep in mind that this is a friendly negotiation rather than a conflict. The price is almost always adjustable, and if you don't barter, you'll wind up overpaying for almost everything you buy.

To Conclude Knowing everything, just bear these things in mind when visiting India. To get the Best Deals to India from USA contact Flyopedia experts since they'll make you feel as though you're visiting a foreign country for the first time and overwhelmed.

#Flight Tickets to India from USA #Best Deals to India from USA #tickets to india from usa #flights to india from usa #tickets to india #flight tickets to india

[ifonlyitweregay]

camp nano day 11 (cool publication news !!)

first of all, i have some cool pub news for some of the pieces i’ve been working on this month! 

the article pitch i sent on day 3 went over well! the outlet responded with a lot of interest, though they noted that their articles typically run about 200 words longer than mine currently does. i’m sending them a longer version by a week from now. 

the migraine poem i’ve been working on extensively throughout the month got accepted for publication!! it’s actually an earlier version, one that i had sent out at the beginning of the year. it will be appearing in the june issue of Vagabond City Lit! this is def a dream pub for me, especially since so many emerging writers my age whom i really admire have appeared in VCL. this does mean the revisions i’ve been working a lot on for the last couple weeks won’t see the light of day for a while, but i’m looking at it this way: if i ever decide to include this piece in a chapbook, i’ll already have made a ton of progress on revising it! and if the staff of VCL liked the original version, it probably didn’t have as many issues with coherence as i thought it did.

finally, for my writing today, i started the copy edits on an essay i have coming out with The Hyacinth Review in mid-May. it’s on time & memory in The Ruin, my favorite of the Old English elegies. the editors will do their own copy edits, but i noticed some citation & formatting corrections that needed to happen before publication, so i got cracking on those--need to finish them tomorrow. then i put about 200 words into my fantasy mystery novella before bed--chapter 3 required a bit too much thinking for me atm, so i just skipped ahead and wrote the opening to chapter 4. 

normally i don’t have this much, like, “professional writer”-type stuff going on in one day--this was definitely an exception! normally i’m just putzing around in my fuzzy socks waiting for form rejections to roll in. but today was really great (plus i’m in the middle of reading a really good book, too, AND i went to my favorite local cafe AND took a nap that felt actually refreshing . . . okay, this is getting long and too earnest for tumblr, i’ll be back tomorrow lmao)

the month’s progress so far.

#writeblr #camp nano #camp nano april 2023 #STILL CANT GET OVER IT ME IN VCL WHAT

[crimsonblackrose]

Technically I’ve written about Nami Island before, but when I did it was the first time I’d gone and I focused on the Children’s library on the island and the fact I’d gone to it on a teacher’s trip my first year. Since then I’ve been to Nami a lot.

Nami Island or Namiseom (남이섬) or Naminara Republic is an island that was created by Minn Byeong Do and it acts as its own mini country. If you love nature I highly suggest a visit.

There’s plenty to do and see no matter the season and Nami island is insanely popular, especially as a day trip. But before I get into what to do there let’s start with how to get there.

First you need to get to Gapyeong. While some websites state that Nami island is part of Chuncheon, going all the way to Chuncheon station will be a waste of your time and energy. You can take a bus to Gapyeong bus terminal or to Gapyeong station.

To get to Gapyeong station you have two options. The ITX or Korail’s Gyongchun (경춘선) line. If you’re trying to save money and have more time on your hand taking the Korail is cheaper. You can catch the train at Sangbong station (and depending on the time Cheonyangi or Kwangwoon University). From Sangbong station it is a 55 minute journey and only about 2,250 won. Please however keep in mind that this train does not come nearly as frequently as other trains in Seoul so be very careful while planning out your trip. The last train back to Seoul leaves around 11:13pm, after which you will be stuck in Gapyeong for the night (unless you can catch an intercity bus from the terminal, but the local buses stop running in Gapyeong after 10pm.) For an extensive guide on how to take the ITX please read my post here.

From the station you have a couple options. You can take a taxi, a tour bus (which is a great option if you’re wanting to go to other tourist spots in the area that day. But if you only want to visit Nami island take a local bus instead.)

Above I’ve included a map of Gapyeong station. At the top in orange are trains coming from Sangbong station in the direction of Chuncheon. Both ITX and Korail come and go from the same platforms so this is where you will get off. There are escalators, stairs and an elevator, so take what you want to get down or up. The green is back towards Seoul aka Sangbon station. This is the same, both ITX and Korail also use these platforms if they come to a different platform it’ll just be the one behind you. Usually it’s platform 3. But if the ITX and Korail are arriving around the same time the Korail will come up behind you. Make sure you get on the correct train you plan to take, either ITX or Korail because they stop at different stations (Korail hits all of them on the way to Sangbong, while ITX is faster and costs a bit more). This platform also have all the options for going up or down.

There are bathrooms in the station just outside of the gates. They have soap and toilet paper and hand dryers though the hand dryers spit out cold weak air. There is also a tiny shop in the station to buy a snack. Sometimes it closes and changes so don’t rely on it for your food.

When leaving the station on your left is an ATM and a Storyway. On the right is a specialty store where you can buy local things (Gapyeong is famous for pine nuts, you’ll also find wine and mulled (vin chaud) mix from the annual Jazz festival here) and a cafe that closes shortly after 8pm.  There is also an information booth if you need directions or want more information. The black star on the map above is where buses drop off people and is usually the end of the line, so if you see a green bus there’s a large chance you can’t get on. But this is also the pick up point for the sightseeing tourist bus, which is usually larger and will have English on the side noting the stops. Keep in mind though that if it’s full you’ll have to wait for the next one and this means waiting quite awhile.  I suggest asking the people at the information both the hours of the bus if they’re open.

The yellow star is the taxi stand. If you’re in a hurry and want to get to Nami island or you have a lot of luggage this might be your best option, depending on season and how busy it is, going to Nami island should be fairly quick and simple.

The pink star is for the regular local buses. This is all of them. The bus that takes me to my town out in the mountains stops here as well as a whole myriad of them. And sometimes the bus just says BUS on the front and not the number. The majority of these will take you into Gapyeong city to the bus station, which is not in the same direction as Nami island at all. You’re going to want one of the following buses: 33-5 or 33-8.

These are the times from late 2018 early 2019, they’re subject to change. You want the grey to get to Nami and the white to get back.

If there’s a lot of people waiting there’s a good chance that the majority of them are heading where you are. But if you want to see how much time you’ve got then take a look at the paper guides taped on the glass of the bus stop. (Like the one in the picture above.) This should tell you the bus times and among them there should be one with a bit of English. You can also just go up to the bus and ask “Nami?” and the driver will either nod or shake their head.

The bus will take you towards Nami pier. You will not be dropped off at the actual pier, this is the same with taxis. You will be dropped off near the parking lot instead. So it might be a bit confusing at first. There are lots of things to do, like have dakgalbi at one of the restaurants. Since Nami island is near-ish Chuncheon the majority of the restaurants in the area before you go through “immigration” are dakgabli, which is a spicy chicken stir fry. It’s really good if you like spicy food, if you don’t pack your lunch or eat something on the island as the area surrounding it does not have a lot of options. There is an information booth though near the pier that can help you out. (There are a couple restaurants that serve food other than dakgalbi, at least one that serves rice bowls, and a burger shop as well as a ton of cafes.)

After walking through the parking lot, or along side it you will find “Immigration”, don’t worry you don’t need your passport or any sort of form of ID, this is just where you’ll buy your tickets before boarding the ferry, (You will need to show your ticket to some “guards” before heading to the ferry and they will ask you where you’re from but it’s more of a friendly thing) Tickets are 13,000 won, but may be on discount depending on season and your age. This is also where you can get a map of the island, there’s many different languages available so look around for yours. You could also take the zipwire (zip line) to Nami island if you want, it’s 44,000 won.

There are bathrooms, information and lockers near immigration.

It’s a short ferry ride to Nami Island. From Gapyeong Warf the ferry comes within 30 minute intervals starting at 7:30am until 9:00 am. From 9am until 6pm it comes every 10 or 20 minutes. From 6pm until 9:40 pm the ferry comes every thirty minutes again. (The last departure is at 9:40pm.)

Right off the boat tends to get somewhat crowded, with people taking pictures at the entrance and nearby fountain. (No matter the season.) If you want a photo here I suggest waiting for the crowds to disperse or to do it when you’re planning to leave.

You have a couple routes you can take and it all depends on what you want to do and see. Do you want to see things from Winter Sonata? Do you have kids with you who want to play? Do you want to grab a bite to eat? Want to ride a bike around? Take some pictures? Do some bird watching? Ride on the train?

There’s plenty to do, all sorts of animals you can find while you’re out and about, some easy to find and others a delightful surprise. There are several ostriches that can easily be found close to the entrance. A variety of birds also visit and call the island home, so if you love to bird watch I’m sure you’ll have fun seeing what you find. I stumbled upon a peacock just wandering about once. The island also has squirrels which tend to draw a crowd and it is pet friendly and you may see several visitors with their dogs.

There’s also plenty of places to grab a snack like this pine nut gelato that I got at the cafe next to the Children’s Library. (If you have kids make sure to pop in, they often have fun little crafts you can do and there is a place to play, as well as children books from all over the world.)

I usually bring my own food or eat before going to the island, but that’s because I live nearby so it seems silly to go to Nami island for lunch when I can go to Pizza School in town or pack my own lunch. If you’re going for a day trip then it’s up to you, it’s a good area to try traditional Korean foods. There are currently 6 restaurants on the island that don’t just serve traditional Korean street food like tteokbokki or stews but also pizza and there’s even a Halal friendly restaurant. Your food adventure is up to you, most restaurants have menus outside or you can check out their menus online here. Or you can picnic, pack yourself a lunch or buy some kimbap, wine and cheese, and a blanket or mat from Daiso and enjoy the beautiful nature around you. There are also 6 cafes you can go to for your coffee fix.

Nami island is also a place that’s beautiful to visit no matter the season. It’s a winter wonderland filled with flowering trees in the spring and beautiful yellow ginko’s in the fall.  Every season is gorgeous just prepare yourself ahead of time for the weather. Many of the paths are just dirt so if it rained recently, or is raining/snowing the ground can turn into mud. If it’s dry out they send cars around to pour water on the paths so the dust doesn’t get too kicked up. I suggest bringing an umbrella just in case and wearing comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. If you love trees expect to find: metasequoias (There’s a lane of these that are hugely popular and many people stop for photos here, see the cover image), ginkos (sometimes smelly but turn bright yellow in fall), cherry trees (beautiful in spring), Korean pines (lovely all year long), white birch and tulip trees. There’s beautiful paths between these trees that are just lovely and magical to walk through.  There are also nice paths along the water to visit.

If you want to stay longer in Gapyeong there are a ton of pensions in the area. Gapyeong has more pensions then any other part of the country which makes summer a bit insanely crowded, however pensions are not easy to book if you don’t understand or speak Korean so ask for help booking these. You can stay on Nami island as well. There is a boutique hotel called Jeonggwanru on the island. You can stay in the hotel or in the bungalows near the edge of the island that look out onto the water or in one of the cottages (2 of the cottages are pet friendly). You can book up to three months in advance on their website here. Prices range from 119,000 won (~106)- 380,000won (~$339)

Why stay at the hotel? Each of the rooms are done by a different artist/theme. And if you want a traditional style visit (i.e. sleeping on the floor) or you actually want to sleep on a bed you have the option. There’s also spaces for large groups of up to 14 people to stay.

Other fun things to do on the island include going for a bike ride. There’s a couple different options. You can rent a bike on your own, ride a bike for two or rent a family bike. (4,000won, 8,000 won, 15,000won /30mins) Or you can ride the sky bike. (3,000won) which will give you a unique view of the island.  (Note the seats can feel a bit slippery so be very cautious with your items, near the bike rental area there are lockers you can rent.)

I really just love walking around Nami island, getting away from the crowds near the entrance and enjoying the peace and nature. There’s so much to do and see that it makes a wonderful day trip (which is why I’m not surprised that when anyone visits Nami island is where we end up.)

Summer is probably the busiest time of year to visit, and if you really want to go during summer go for it, but do keep in mind it’s lovely all year long and that there’s all sorts of events happening, from musical performances, to arts and crafts you can participate in to the occasional book event. Living nearby I think has made me take this beautiful art loving and cultural island for granted, but it’s absolutely worth the visit and the amount of visitors it gets no matter the season or weather proves how magical it is with people from all over the world and all age ranges.

Nami Island Technically I've written about Nami Island before, but when I did it was the first time I'd gone and I focused on the…

#culture #how to get to nami island #nami island #nature #south korea #things to do in Gapyeong #travel #traveling with kids #what to do at nami island

[lycheegum]

RULES: ANSWER 21 QUESTIONS THEN TAG 21 PEOPLE U WANT TO GET TO KNOW BETTER

TAGGED BY: @barbersurgeonvampire (by extension!) NICKNAME: Mae (but tbh I’m sorta considering other more fitting names as well) ZODIAC: Aries HEIGHT: 5′2″ LAST MOVIE I SAW: Aquaman LAST THING I GOOGLED: “ffxiv blue mage skills” FAVORITE MUSICIAN: Can’t choose SONG STUCK IN MY HEAD: None atm OTHER BLOGS: @phantasystar2 DO I GET ASKS: Yea when I do FOLLOWING: 1226 FOLLOWERS: 1330 AMOUNT OF SLEEP: 5-8 hours LUCKY NUMBER: My favorite number’s 3 WHAT I’M WEARING: T shirt with sheep slippers that Casper got me, and some sweatpants. Comfey. DREAM JOB: Anthropology Professor DREAM TRIP: Fuckin’ everywhere, literally, that’s my career dream, but especially all sorts of places across North Africa and Arabia and West Asia FAVORITE FOOD: Can’t pick but my fave overall cuisine is Persian food PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS?: Nah LANGUAGES: English, basic spanish and bits of japanese (I didn’t have to change this answer, it’s the same as Phoenix!) SONGS: Can’t pick RANDOM FACT: I moved to Alaska recently, I wonder what the future holds for me here DESCRIBE URSELF AS AESTHETIC THINGS: Blue/Violet/Purple colors, stars, Sega Saturn/Dreamcast renderings, dark clothes, sheep and deer

TAG 21 PPL: Whoever wants to!

#maeow

[taohua-shuohua]

July 3rd, 2018

Puxi, Shanghai--the commercial and cultural epicenter of the city, and the location I and 25 other NSLI-Y students would be residing in until we boarded the train on the 5th of July to the city of Xiamen, where the brunt of our stay would commence. The specific neighborhood our hotel was in was referred to as the Former French Concession, the first adjective being favored by locals as a testimony to China’s resilience in the face of foreign semi-colonial control; the district now belongs totally to the Chinese government, and has the bright red flags to prove it.

My roommate and I rose at 7:30, enough time to ready ourselves before heading down to the hotel’s buffet-style breakfast establishment. The food offered was a blend of Chinese and Western; I bounced from bacon to a steamed pork bun to a cup of fruit and a slice of pound cake, and washed it all down with a glass of orange juice. From there, we boarded the bus and embarked on a journey towards the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (东方明珠广播电视塔, dōngfāngmíngzhū guǎngbò diànshì tǎ), this time in Pudong--the eastern bank of the river that divided the city. The tower’s design is based on a poem by Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi that describes the sound of a Chinese instrument: big and small pearls falling on a jade plate. At the foot of the tower, program coordinators and chaperones rounded us up to take a group photo and, interestingly and amusingly enough, other people in the vicinity also took out their phones and began taking photos of our group. Being obviously American in China is like being a celebrity, without any talent required--so, maybe closer to being a Kardashian.

We first went to the top floor of the OPT, where I purchased a fan in anticipation of the humid outside weather awaiting me. The real highlight of the trip, as our tour guide had promised, was the transparent floor on a different level of the tower. You could see straight down to the base of the tower, and watch other visitors make their ways into the building lobby beneath you. If one could make peace with the overwhelming sense of vertigo, it was an incredible experience. Our last stop was the bottom floor, where we went through a museum on the history of the city, the story told mainly through various wax figures depicting aspects of daily life in historical Shanghai. A recurring theme was Shanghai’s international influence and integration of Western culture--from a wax rendition of British and Chinese Mixed Court judge and jury to the very name of the neighborhood we were staying in, Shanghai exuded a blending of cultures while still retaining its Chinese identity, something that I found especially neat as a person of both Anglo and Asian ancestry.

From there, we broke for lunch at a Hong Kong-style restaurant, and then made our way to the City God Temple of Shanghai (上海城隍庙, shànghǎi chénghuángmiào), and a surrounding shopping district. After heeding warnings to wear our bags in front and not follow strangers into alleyways, we split into smaller groups and explored. It was a pleasure to use my Chinese so extensively--“怎么买?” (How much does this cost?), “太贵了！便宜一点儿吗?” (That’s way too expensive, can you go cheaper?), and “谢谢，再见!” (Thank you, goodbye!) aplenty. I spent almost all the yuan I had in my wallet, and made a mental note to withdraw more from the ATM that night. Immediately after, we went to another shopping district, this time one of the busiest shopping streets in the world--Nanjing Road (南京路, nánjīng lù), though this time I did significantly less purchasing, aside from a tube of lipstick and a hat that read “Communism is Coming”, and significantly more posing for selfies with strangers. Probably the highlight of the trip was a conversation with a Chinese girl in 5th grade, who noticed we--a group of four or five--were American and asked if she could practice her English. After some small talk about sports and whether she preferred dogs or cats, she asked if we liked our president. There was the awkward “politics just got brought up” laugh, and another student who was there said no, because he wasn’t very nice. We said goodbye, told the girl her English was excellent, and hurried off to dinner.

The final outing was to the Bund (外滩, wàitān), a waterfront district that was lit up in the nighttime and provided a beautiful view of the city skyline, notably the OPT we had visited that morning. Once we walked to our reserved NSLI-Y University of Delaware photo location and took a few group photos (with the phenomenon of strangers joining in repeating itself), there was about 15 minutes of unstructured time for taking personal photos, self-reflection, and fanning the heat away.

[metal-lungies]

My Trip to Montreal

Montreal is a diverse North American city with European charm. It’s located about an hour north of the Canadian border, about 350 miles (560 km) north of New York City. It’s roughly the same size in population as Philadelphia or Houston.

    What Language do people speak in Montreal?

About seventy percent of Montreal’s inhabitants speak French at home. Thirteen percent speak English as a first language. Although many people speak French, the city has the largest bilingual population in the world. You won’t have a problem if you speak only English. Italian, Arabic, and Spanish are the next most popular languages spoken in the homes of Montrealers, each making up about three percent of the population.

What is the weather like in Montreal?

Montreal has a similar climate to New York City. It has four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid. Officially the average Summer high is about 79 degrees, but I’ve been there a few times when the temperature was above 90. Winter is very cold, windy, and snowy. Spring and Fall are the most pleasant.

What currency does Canada use? How do I get the most for my money?

Canada uses the Canadian dollar. At the time of publishing, the Canadian dollar is worth about 20% less than the US dollar. Currency converters are easy to find online. One can be found at the Bank of Canada website.

You’ll get the most for your money if you use a debit card or credit card for purchases. Use an ATM in Canada if you need cash. Avoid exchanging money at the border or your hometown bank. The exchange rate will be worse, there may be fees, and your money won’t go as far. There’s sometimes a one percent foreign conversion charge for ATM withdrawals or credit card purchases, but it’s still better than other options. Check with your bank or credit company before traveling so there’s no surprises.

Is it easy to get around Montreal?

You won’t need a car in the city. It has good public transportation with an extensive Metro (subway) system, buses, and taxis. Of course walking is always a great way to explore too. If you don’t even want to drive into the city, you can stay across the river in Longueuil and take the metro into Montreal. There are several reasonably priced hotels there with a metro station right in the middle of them.

    What kind of lodging is available in Montreal?

Montreal has hundreds of hotels, motels, hostels, and B&B’s. You’ll be able to find something to suit you no matter what you’re looking for. If you’re visiting during the Summer, especially July when there are lots of events going on, make your lodging reservations well in advance.

What is there to do in Montreal?

Eat – The city is becoming known as a great gastronomic destination. The cultural diversity and history of Montreal is represented by its food. You can find just about any kind of food for any budget. Montreal is full of restaurants, bistros, cafes, boulangeries, creperies, and delis. If you want fast food, that’s well represented also. Don’t forget to try poutine, a local favorite dish that combines french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Drink – Montreal is sometimes referred to as the “New Orleans of the North” for its vibrant nightlife and joie de vivre attitude. Upscale restaurants, dive bars, outdoor terraces, and just about anything you’re looking for can be found in Montréal. You can find a place to imbibe just about anywhere in the city, but much of the nightlife is centered around Rue (street) Crescent and Rue Saint Laurent. Rue Saint Catherine is also a lively spot, but some of the establishments here are a bit more seedy.

    Shop – There are lots of shopping options for anyone’s style. Traditional shopping can be found on Rue Sherbrook at the base of Plateau Montreal. Latest fashions and trendy styles can be found on Saint Catherine. If you’re looking for souvenirs, the area around Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal) is your best bet.

Visit Old Town – Vieux Montreal is the historic district of the city. Its cobblestone streets are lined with shops, outdoor cafes, and restaurants in converted 17th century buildings. Artists and street performers are always present there. Old Town is a can’t miss site if you visit Montréal.

    Take a walk in Mount Royal Park – climb the stairs from Rue Peel, take a paved bike path, or walk one of the trails to the park. When you arrive you can relax in the chalet by the lake, have a snack, and then check out the great views from the observation point.

A few more things to see in Montreal

– Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica

– Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

– Casino de Montréal

– Montreal Botanical Gardens

– La Ronde Amusement Park

What events are held in Montreal?

– Montreal Jazz Festival – The biggest jazz festival in the world. For more than a week in July, a few blocks of the city are closed down to make room for stages and entertainers from around the world. Tickets are needed for some shows, but hundreds are free. If you visit for Jazzfest, make reservations in advance.

Holiday Homes For Rent | Holiday Homes https://farawayvr.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/my-trip-to-montreal/

[juniper-pompadour]

10 facts about me

I got tagged to share 10 facts about me and dude, idk who this person called me is so don’t count on me on these ok also I’m dog-tired so just remember that when you read these ok

- I usually have about 30 tabs open on my phone

- I'm a Slytherin, Capricorn sun and Taurus moon, INFP-T and 4w5 if you're interested in that sort of things

- My favorite Disney movies (atm) are Brother Bear, Moana, Lilo&Stitch

- Ever since I was a little kid, I've been interested in storytelling and in the notebook, that the nursery school teachers filled out for each kid, it says that I apparently memorized stories and made my own spins on them and shared them with other kids and I think that's pretty dope

- There are some words that sound/taste really nice to me, I don't know if this has something to do with me being a synesthete or me just really liking words and syllables and pronunciation but yeah, some of my favorite words are enamel, caricature, venal and apoplectic (the first two are my favorites especially in Finnish but they're nice in English too)

- Now that I don't have school anymore, I've got a super long list of books to read so I've started The Book Thief and it's such an enjoyable read (btw if anyone has any book recs, I'd be more than happy to hear them)

- Once I thought I had bought a rainbow colored mug but it turned out to be a flower pot and I still have no idea what to put in it or what use do I have for it?

-  I suck at needlework or any handicraft thing that's related to yarn, needles and such, I just..my fingers are so inept it takes me well over 10 minutes to find the right stitch in crochet (I'm not even sure if I'm using the right terms, arts and crafts vocab isn't really a part of my repertoire) but I look up to the people who are really skilled and I just wish that someday I'd be at least half decent at it

- I'm a mythology nerd and recently I've been doing extensive research on Finnish and Sami mythologies for the book idea that I'm working on and I'm super stoked about that

- One of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me was that I was on the train and the conductor was checking the tickets and the papers that qualify for getting student discount so I was sitting there with my headphones in, already holding up my ticket and papers and the conductor was like 'all seems to be in order' and passed my row and I already had started dreamily staring out of the window when the conductor came back, sat next to me and stared at my picture on my student discount papers and just went 'I don't think you're that person', and I was so taken aback that I was speechless, I still don't know what I was supposed to say to that because how freaking suspicious it would have been if I'd have tried extra hard to convince him but ok mr conductor o k

but yeah, thanks for tagging me @logan-logic :)

[mistslash25-blog]

How to teach giving and asking for directions

Although technology is making giving and asking for directions much less common in everyday life, it is still often covered in many textbooks and syllabuses, practises all the places vocabulary and other useful language listed below, and ties in well with other topics such as showing guests to rooms and giving tours. It is also particularly useful for particularly situations such as IELTS preparation and training security guards and hotel staff.

What students need to know to give and ask for directions

In order to take part in conversations including directions, students will need to know about:

Starting conversations (getting people’s attention, offering help, etc)

Requests (“Can you tell me the way to…?” etc)

Offers (“Shall I show you on the map?”, etc)

Imperatives (“Take the second turning on the left”, “Don’t cross the road”, etc)

Directions (“right”, “left”, “northwest”, etc)

Prepositions of position and movement (“next to”, “over”, “along”, etc)

Lengths of time, distances and means of transport (“It takes five minutes by train”, etc)

There is/ There are (“Is there a post office near here?”, “There is a convenience store on the corner”, etc)

Future tenses (“If you get to the river, you’ve gone too far”, “You will see a big Chinese restaurant in front of you”, etc)

Names of things that they are looking for and will see along the way (“bureau de change”, etc, including many compound nouns)

Other words to describe things that they are looking for and will see along the way (“ruined”, “brand new”, “tall”, “narrow”, etc)

Different ways of saying the same thing (including British and American differences like “petrol station”/ “gas station”)

Checking/ Clarifying (“Can I check that back?”, etc)

Phrases to use when giving directions doesn’t work or isn’t possible (“I’ll take you there”, “Do you want me to show you on your phone?”, “It’s best just to get a taxi”, etc)

Ending conversations (thanking, acknowledging thanks, good wishes for the future, etc)

Especially now that Google maps and Siri most often give directions in the street, students are perhaps just as likely to need to ask for and give directions to the photocopier, toilet, etc inside offices and other buildings. This topic therefore also ties in well with vocabulary for describing inside places such as “escalator” and “basement”. They may all need to be able to give directions in an email or over the phone, meaning you can link this topic to those two vital business skills.  

Typical student problems with giving and asking for directions

As my students often tell me, many people have problems giving and understanding directions even in their own language. Tasks will therefore need to be sufficiently easy for students to be able to concentrate on the language (rather than trying to actually improve their navigation skills, something that not all books achieve). Problems specific to giving directions in English include:

Confusing similar forms like “Turn right and right again”/ “Take the second turning on the right” and “Go through the park”/ “Go past the park”

Problems with imperatives and requests (“Please turn right at the traffic lights” X, “Please repeat that” X, etc)

False friends in the names of places

How to present giving and asking for directions

As in many textbooks, I tend to take a Test Teach Test approach to teaching directions. First of all, ask students to do a task with the language that is possible even if they don’t know much of the language such as a map with one description and two possible locations on it, with one location clearly not the right place. The same thing works with labelling arrows with phrases like “go straight on”, with two possible arrows for each phrase, one of which is clearly not right. After answering any questions about the phrases and the wrong options, ask students to do a more challenging task to test how much they understood and can recall that language such as drawing the lines and/ or locations on a map, this time with no help. Perhaps after something like The Same or Different below to check their comprehension more thoroughly, they can then do more communicative tasks such as Map of Here.

Another possible approach is to give students a list of language to use in a task such as Directions Designing Places below and then test them on their memory of that language with gapfill tasks, brainstorming language, etc.

How to practise giving and asking for directions

Giving directions controlled practice

Directions miming and drawing

Getting students doing actions for “turn left” and “crossroads” is a great way of teaching the language in a way that really sticks. It is also useful practice of the kinds of gestures that they can use and might see during such exchanges. Drawing is also both a useful memory aid and a useful skill. Many phrases and words can be used in worksheets of both kinds (“go upstairs”, “cross the street”, “traffic lights”, etc). However, others are more suitable just for gesturing (e.g. “far from”) or more suitable just for drawing (e.g. “in the North”). In both cases, one student can draw or mime for others to guess. Alternatively, students can compete to be first to produce the right mime or drawing, and/ or they can compete to produce the best mime or drawing.

Directions tennis

Students listen to a word or phrase related to directions and shout back either a synonym or opposite as soon as they can. This can be played with a real beachball or with just the turns going back and forth without anything physical. You can use the scoring of tennis, beachball etc, or just get students to take turns testing each other.

Directions British, American or not?

Make a list of vocabulary and phrases with two or more entries on each line. Some lines should have British and then American English (“underground station/ subway station”, etc), while others should have British and/ or American English and a common student mistake (“amusement arcade/ game centre”, etc). Ask students to cross off any which are neither British English nor American English. After checking their answers, they can then try to remember correct synonyms, etc.

Directions the same or different

Students listen to two or more words or phrases and raise cards saying “The same” or “Different” that they have been given depending on what they think about the meaning, e.g. “The same” for “Go down the street/ Go along the street” and “Different” for “Mansion/ Apartment building”.

Directions dominoes

Dominoes can be made with each side being half of a phrase (whole sentence, compound noun, etc), having matching synonyms (“amusement arcade” on the right of one card matching “video arcade” on the left of another card, etc), or having matching antonyms (“cross the road” + “stay on the same side of the road”, etc). It is possible to make ones with several correct matches for each domino half, but it’s easier to make a pack where each one only has one correct match. Students can then work together to put all the cards together in the right way and/ or play an actual game of dominoes.

Freer directions practice

Map of here directions practice

Particularly if the teacher or a student doesn’t know the local area very well and others have more knowledge, perhaps the nicest truly communicative activity is to work together to draw a map of the area near where you are teaching. This can be drawn on the board or on (very) large pieces of paper such as the back of a poster. Tell students that each explanation needs to reference somewhere on the map or give directions from the classroom that you are in, so that someone who doesn’t know where that place is can draw it on the right place on the map. To make sure that there is lots of language, make sure that students don’t use gestures, point, etc. If you want to describe the contents of the building that you are in, it’s best to give one piece of A4 paper to represent each floor. Especially if all the students’ knowledge is so-so and so you might have to change the map a lot as you draw it, you can also do the same with the names of the places written on scraps of paper and put on the right places on the floor or table.

Directions designing places

This is like a fantasy version of the activity above. Students ask where places like “the swimming pool” and “the chillout area” are (depending on if you want to design an office, building or town). They listen to their partner’s description and draw or put the card of that thing in the place that they are told. I prefer the cards version, as this means that students can fold the piece of paper and put the other card inside it to show “in/ inside” (e.g. a folded “bank” piece of paper and putting an “ATM” piece of paper inside it). Giving distances and times can be very useful for this activity, so you need to decide if you will give students some kind of scale or if you want them to just say “Go straight on for five seconds/ two centimetres” to match this real communicative situation. Students generally start off deciding to put things in sensible places like “The swimming pool is behind the hotel” and then get sillier and sillier (“The post office is in the gym”, etc), something that I encourage. If you want an extension, you can ask students to describe where the places are as you take them off one by one, or you can turn over all the cards and see if students can remember where they are.

Directions treasure hunt activities

Students follow instructions to find letters (a, b, c, etc) around the classroom, around the school or outside the school. They then see what word, phrase or sentence those letters make (in the order that they were found). The letters can be hidden around those places, but I prefer to use letters of words that are already there such as “The third letter of the name of the shop on the ground floor”. The same thing can also work with a picture on a worksheet, using the letters in words on the street signs, billboards, etc in the drawing.

Students can then make up similar tasks to test each other.

Directions flashcards memory games

Flashcards are put on the table or around the room, and then maybe turned around to make for more challenge. The teacher or a student names one of the cards and the other students try to give directions to the right one. With flashcards spread on the table, this can be done with simple instructions like “Go straight ahead three cards. Turn left. Go straight ahead one card. It’s on your right”. This can be made more concrete and fun by giving students a model person or car to move as they follow the instructions that their partner gives them, or something similar can be done with their index and middle fingers making the legs of someone walking there.

The game can also be played the other way around, with the teacher or a student giving directions and the people listening trying to follow those instructions and say which card they end up with.

The Designing Places game above also has a memory game extension.

Directions guess the place

Perhaps after doing Map of Here above and hiding the map, students describe the locations of real places and see if their partners can guess where they are talking about. If they can’t guess from directions hints such as relations to other places and how long it takes to get there, the person speaking can give other hints like how often they go there, when they go there, what they do there, first letter and number of letters. The last two can also be combined to make Directions Hangman, with students guessing one letter of the name of the place for each hint that they hear.

The same games can also work for places in the classroom, with students listening to instructions and guessing that they should end up at the door, etc. One of the Flashcard Memory Games is also a version of this.

Directions roleplays

Roleplays to practise giving directions can either be simple things like “Ask where the nearest toilet is” or more difficult things like “You have got completely lost on your way to your partner’s office and have no idea where you presently are. Phone your partner to get instructions”. You could also include some emailing directions situations (with students just saying what they would write). Easy and more difficult roleplays can be combined by putting them in order of difficulty and getting students to work their way up the list from the easiest, skipping steps if they feel confident about trying a more challenging one next time. Alternatively, you can rank the roleplays from five points for incredibly difficult to one point for very easy and ask students to choose how many points they want to go for each time. Their partner then awards a percentage of those points depending on how the roleplay conversation or email exchange went.

Instead of choosing roleplays by level of difficulty, students can choose random numbers from a worksheet, roll a dice, or flip a coin. A dice can decide from six:

starting places

ending places

ways of travelling

problems to deal with

ways of communicating (phone, text, email, face to face, etc)

A coin can choose between two options for such things, or can be used during the roleplay to see if each thing said will get a positive reaction (= heads) or a negative reaction (= tails, for not understanding, not knowing the answer).

Making directions clearer

This is possibly the least fun and most useful of all the activities here, particularly with higher level students and/ or for giving directions in emails. Give students ambiguous instructions like “It’s at the end of the street” and ask them to add and change language to make it more precise, making better sentences like “Go all the way down this street to the very end. You should see it right in front of you”. It’s best if these directions are about real places or places on a map, but it also works with students just using their imaginations to guess what the person giving directions probably meant.

Directions pairwork information gap

This by far the most common communicative activity in textbooks and supplementary materials. Pairs of students are given Student A and Student B worksheets with the same map but with the names written in different places, e.g. the post office labelled on the Student A sheet but not the Student B one, which has the public toilets labelled instead. There is nothing wrong with this activity, as long as:

It’s clear to each student which information their partner doesn’t have on their worksheet (so that they don’t say “Go past the supermarket” when their partner doesn’t know which square the supermarket is in)

The map and the gaps on it have been carefully designed to elicit the language of the presentation stage (e.g. making sure that there is a bridge and it needs to be crossed if you presented “over”)

The instructions make sure that there is enough use of the language (e.g. banning miming, asking students to always start from the same place, asking them to both give directions and use locations of other things nearby such as “Go to the end of the street. It’s opposite the bank”, and asking the person listening to always check with “Can I check that back?”)

The places on the maps reflect where students are likely to really ask for directions to and/ or give directions to outside the classroom (e.g. that you have “temple” in it if there is a local one that visitors often get lost trying to find, or that you use London places if you have a particularly Anglophile class)

Directions blindfold games

You have to be very careful nowadays that no one hurts themselves by bumping into things in the classroom or each other, but it can be fun to have one person in a blindfold following instructions and seeing if they end up in the right place. Note that they will need extra instructions that aren’t so useful in real life like “Take one step back”.

Directions chain stories

As the name suggests, this activity is a version of the game Consequences. Students write a stage of some directions, turn over the piece of paper, and pass it to the next person to continue (without being able to see what was written before). After six to ten such stages, the last person opens the finished description and sees if it makes sense, and if so where the description might be talking about. To avoid waiting around and provide more practice, this works best with one piece of paper for each student, with different students starting and ending up with different instructions.

You can also play an oral version of this game in which students take turns adding a line to some directions and see if they agree at the end which place (that they know or on a map) they have been describing together.

Copyright © 2018 Alex Case

Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com Ltd

Source: https://www.usingenglish.com/articles/how-to-teach-giving-asking-for-directions.html

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

[prcdigia]

really  LONG  CHARACTER  SURVEY.   RULES.  repost ,   don’t  reblog  !    tag  10  ! good  luck  !   TAGGED.  found it !   TAGGING.  all of ya !

BASICS.

FULL  NAME :   Sherry Birkin. NICKNAME / ALIASES :   Agent Birkin, Supergirl, Cherry, Little Miss, Raccoon Survivor, Test Subject AGE : 26 years [ verse dependent tho ] BIRTHDAY :  March 7th, 1986 ETHNIC  GROUP :   American RACE / NATIONALITY :   Caucasian / American LANGUAGE / S :   English, bits and pieces of russian, chinese and german SEXUAL  ORIENTATION :   Heterosexual ROMANTIC  ORIENTATION :   Heteroromantic RELATIONSHIP  STATUS :   Single / Verse dependent CLASS :   Middle class HOME  TOWN / AREA :   Raccoon City / The outskirts of Arklay CURRENT  HOME :   There’s no such thing she can call a firm home atm but the DSO’s offering different places for her to stay [ motels, cabins etc. ]. She’s usually kept under strict surveillance by the government, however. PROFESSION :   US government agent [ unknown agency, ?-2012 ] ; DSO - 'Division of Security Operations' agent [ 2012-to now ]

PHYSICAL.

HAIR : Flaxen-haired, short with bangs, slightly curvy. A little bit longer than a pixie cut. EYES :   Azure blue and bright, adorned by long, spidery lashes. Usually optimistic or gentle. NOSE :   Small sloped, ordinary, knobbly at the peak FACE :  Delicate, with soft & youthful features; middle-high cheekbones and a gently pointed chin; eyebrows are semi-thin, trimmed in a natural way & expressive LIPS :   Sharp, semi-full lips; upper lip is thinner COMPLEXION :   fair && smooth, almost porcelain-like, giving a false indication toward her age, her skin is thin enough for her veins to show through sometimes BLEMISHES :   Slight freckles scatter across her nasal area && cheek bones, though they’re only to be seen from close-up SCARS :   None. Or at least none of them are visible to the plain eye due to the G-virus' infection meddling with her DNA. TATTOOS :   None so far HEIGHT :   5’4" [ 163 cm ] WEIGHT :   103 lb [ 47 kg ] BUILD :   Fit, Athletic, Tiny / Something between Ecto- & Mesomorph/ Curvy but slender. An all around petite figure, which is quite beneficial for both her speed and agility in order to execute smooth combat moves FEATURES :   Nothing extensively peculiar except for the fact that despite how many scratches and wounds Sherry has sustained over the years, they've all healed well and left no traces for the raw eye to be seen. She's also very pale, not in a sick but distinctive way. ALLERGIES :   A mild form of hay fever USUAL  HAIR  STYLE :   Mostly smoothed with some parts being curvy; a little touseld, but all in all nothing out of the ordinary. She likes to keep her hair style sportive but simple. USUAL  FACE  LOOK :   Focused, determined, optimistic, thoughtful, melancholic, kind, caring, maybe even judgmental sometimes, although she really never does judge a book by its cover. USUAL  CLOTHING :   Formal when on duty, a white shirt with green capris, turtleneck sweaters & leggings, coats, something casual & comfortable, though she doesn’t mind to dress playful or elegant as well. She usually always wears a azul scarf around her neck & brown boots if the occasion allows it

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR / S :  Mild form of Claustrophobia [ The fear of being enclosed in a small space or room and having no escape. ] Mild form of Achluophobia [ The fear of darkness. ] Mild form of Aichmophobia [ The morbid fear of sharp things, such as pencils, knives and especially needles. ] Severe form of Atychiphobia [ The irrational fear of failure or being incapable to help and protect. ] ASPIRATION / S :   To bring peace to the world & restore balance, not wanting to end up like her parents, to fight bioterrorism & live up to her childhood friends & idols Claire & Leon. POSITIVE  TRAITS :  Organized ● Holistic ● Commited ● Idealistic ● Empathetic ● Compassionate ● Firece ● Kind ● Reserved ● Determined ● Optimistic ● Artistic ● Intuitive ● Gentle ● Wise ● Loyal ● Selfless ● Romantic ● Reflective ● Profound  ● Trustworthy NEGATIVE  TRAITS :   Fearful ● Naive ● Overly trusting ● Sad ● Hurt ● Sceptic ● Self-Critical ● Stigmatized ● Mournful ● Gullible ● Anxious ● Self-doubting ● Emotional MBTI :   ESFJ / The Caregiver ZODIAC :   Pisces ♓ TEMPEREMENT :   Phlegmatic ANIMALS :   White Dove VICE  HABIT / S :  Tends to overthink her own actions a lot due to self-critical behavior / Keeps people at arms length sometimes in order to steer clear from the involvement of personal feelings FAITH :   She doesn’t believe in God or the church or any other beliefs but she believes in fate GHOSTS ? :   Well, if there can be such things as  zombies & monsters . . . ? She probably does believe in higher forces the eye cannot perceive AFTERLIFE ? :   Yes REINCARNATION ? :   Yes ALIENS ? :   She finds the thought amusing but . . . no. POLITICAL  ALIGNMENT :   Liberal ECONOMIC  PREFERENCE :   --- SOCIOPOLITICAL  POSITION :   Law Enforcer EDUCATION  LEVEL :   Upper secondary education

FAMILY.

FATHER :   William Birkin [ Scientist, Virologist, Biologist ], deceased MOTHER :   Annette Birkin, [ Scientist, Virologist ], deceased SIBLINGS :   None EXTENDED  FAMILY :   None she knows of NAME  MEANING / S :   Sherry is French for "Cherie"; Darling, Dear One & Birkin is a simple, english surname that is locational from a place called Birkin near Knottingley, in the county of West Yorkshire. HISTORICAL  CONNECTION ? :   None

FAVORITES.

BOOK :   Romance, Thriller, Fantasy, Action, Comedy, Tragedy MOVIE :   Disney Movies, sometimes love stories, sometimes crime or thrillers. That really depends on her mood. Though to be fair, she’s never really had the chance to watch a lot of movies in her life. 5  SONGS :   Supergirl ; Drama for life ; Heal my wounds ; I want love ; Broken DEITY :   Theia [ Titaness of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. ] HOLIDAY :   Easter & Christmas MONTH :  March SEASON :   Spring PLACE :   The beach at dawn or dusk, a lively room with broad, open windows, a balcony with view at the city lights below or the stars above, a market place or wild flower field WEATHER :   She likes all kinds of weather conditions; the rain on her skin, the sun warming her up again, a gentle breeze tousling her hair & the snow giving her a chilly sensation. SOUND :   A gentle breeze brushing the treetops & fields, the rush of ocean waves crushing against the shore, the sound of rain pitter-pattering against sturdy ground or the windows, the howl of a storm or the whistling of a gust, naked feet traipsing along cold linoleum, gentle & melodic hums. SCENT / S :   A flowery soft, feminine essence that lingers and leaves a gentle impression, notes of sandalwood and cashmeran ground. It can be an exquisite blend of mandarine, magnolia and cedarwood for the natural, playful occasion, or a little more complex in theory for the starry, elegant nights with head notes of bergamot and orange, middle notes of rose, gardenia and orchid; and base notes of vanilla and coconut milk. Overall, she usually smells sweet and delightful, like a flower field after the rain, brisk with a hint of untouched innocence. TASTE / S :   Something sweet that lingers but feels natural with a hint of sourness, like peaches or apples, kiwis & grapes. Sweet tea with fruits, green or jasmine tea, buttermilk & Orange juice. Creamy pies, hefty & extremely salty meals - she enjoys all of the sensations. FEEL / S :    Soft linen against skin, mid-warm water in a bathtub or a shower, firm but warm hands around her hips, a breeze tickling her neck, a mild summer night where the sun shines down her back ANIMAL / S :   Dogs, doves, horses, rabbits, storks NUMBER :   3 COLORS :   Light blue, sky blue, cerulean, navy blue, silver, white, grey-blue, beige

#⭐･ﾟ: ι нσℓ∂ му вяєαтн αи∂ ѕтαяє ιитσ тнє αвуѕѕ. ✧ ━ ( HC ) #⭐･ﾟ: α ѕтяσℓℓ тняσυgн тнє ∂αяк ωιтн α ℓα∂єи мιи∂; ρяσ¢яαѕтιиαтιиg. ✧ ━ ( MEME )

[helmes-deep]

Quickie LONG UPDATE!! (on my life lol)

I FINALLY GOT THE RESULTS BACK FROM A $300 teachers’ test and I PASSED WOOOOOOOOOOT HAHAHA I’M SO HAPPY $300 NOT WASTED LOL *CRIES*

Well, at least for my state. Who knows if I’ll ever have to take that horrendous thing again should I ever choose to move to another state or get back into the teaching profession after having left for a bit... Granted, I didn’t get the score I think I was truly capable of (I totally last-minuted this whole thing and stayed up for 72+ hours finishing it lol PLEASE PLEASE DON’T EVER BE LIKE ME AND PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION WHERE YOU HAVE TO STAY AWAKE FOR 3 DAYS STRAIGHT TO FINISH A FINAL THAT IS MY LIFE ADVICE), but I did pass it based on the score required by my state, so I honestly couldn’t be any happier. All that’s standing between me and getting a real job now is waiting for my university to finally award me my degree in a few weeks so that I can apply for a teacher’s certificate and finally get to do what I can’t wait to start doing again – teaching!! 🌠 💖 😄

In other news, I actually survived! and completed!! my student teaching; it all actually officially ended in the middle of last month. After my student teaching ended, I focused on finishing up final tests/projects (including that $300 test) before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Education from my uni about 2 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve been applying for jobs and hoping for an offer soon, hopefully at a high school!! Thinking back over my college experience, I wouldn’t say it’s been a really “crazy” four years (except for this year LOL. Man, these past two semesters were WILD and took SO MUCH out of me. I still get super-exhausted thinking about how I got through my student teaching N E V E R  A G A I N HAHA :V). I’ve never been the group’s social butterfly, even though I highly crave social interaction and approval/feedback (not in a desperate sense, but I know I’m the type of person that needs social interaction in order to thrive, even if I might not be the one to initiate it). I have, however, learned a little about a lot of things, especially during this past year and semester LOL AGAIN: N E V E R  A G A I N HAHA :VVV and especially, I think, in regard to myself. As a teacher, I’ve learned that I suck at classroom management. I’m just way too laissez faire, which comes off as “too nice” and therefore just allows any group of your regular hormonal and rebellious-leaning teenagers to go bonkers and take over my class lawl. Hopefully that changes *very* soon once I get my own classroom (and I’m working on it!!), but looking back, I suppose I could have been a bit more firm about keeping my presence (it also doesn’t help that I’m like 5′3″ lol!!). As a general person, I have also learned that I SUCK at making and keeping social discourse lol. Like, not just suck at it, but suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk haha. First, not having a phone really makes it hard to make or keep in touch with any friends that a person intends to make. With a lack of a personal device or one of your basic social media accounts, I realized how hard it was to maintain a social network within a very digitally-connected world. Second, I realized that I’m probably a lot more cautious, super-conscious, introverted, and a bit inexperienced than I perhaps originally thought I was. Like, if I was in high school, I recognized that I would probably have been the super-quiet kid who would have had a lot of trouble making friends in class. I then realized that a lot of these previously mentioned personality quirks were probably a part of what was keeping me from fostering more intimate relationships or developing a more leader-driven personality, which sometimes heavily affected my classroom management. I’m not saying I necessarily need to change as a person, but I do believe I need to find ways in which I can become more involved and confident. Ironically, I thought it was interesting to note that a lot of my personality was – though not intentionally – perhaps keeping me from finding that deeper social interaction that I previously mentioned craving.

All that being said, I am fairly proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve accomplished this year as a student teacher, especially considering this was my first time taking over a class (3, actually!!) after having never really been inside a high school since I was homeschooled from 7th to 12th grade. I am, however, really proud of how I tried as much as I could to put the students with whom I was working with first, including incorporating their interests and academic needs/desires. I know my experience as a student teacher was not perfect, but I am very glad I got to work through all the challenges that came with and almost die doing it. I’ve also definitely found a bit of who I want to be as a future teacher. I know I want to be someone who is able to successfully make the classroom a place where my students can experience relevant life issues through writing or reading, and if nothing else, that had made this entire experience totally worth it.

... Which brings me to the future of this blog haha. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be as active on Tumblr as I was before :c For one thing, I realized over the course of this year that Tumblr was definitely taking up way too much of my life lol (literally took me hours to get through 24+ hours’ worth of posts, and I was only following like 300 blogs). Being a bit OCD, I don’t like breaking my Tumblr cycle and only shuffling through a random number posts, despite the fact that I can’t be up 24/7 lol; I just don’t like not getting the full picture on everything and acting on/reblogging things without all of the complete info. As a result, I would rather not break my 24/7+ Tumblr cycle than to start it again at all :c Secondly, I’m kind of sad to say that, as of recently, I haven’t been keeping up with K-pop as much as I used to. It’s not that I’ve necessarily lost interest in it (K-pop is still like 85% of what I listen to lol), but I certainly haven’t been keeping up with it as closely as I used to. For instance, I have no idea what’s going on with B1A4 right now, haven’t watched BTS’s new self-made MV for “Spine Breaker,” and haven’t gotten around to watching the last teaser for SEVENTEEN’s upcoming ALONE?? comeback (featuring our wonderful leader S.Coups :p). It’s not that I’ve completely dropped everything K-pop or have become totally disinterested; I still very much keep up with the latest comebacks and listen to whatever piques my interest. It’s just that I don’t know if I want to get so re-invested with all of the details surrounding K-pop again (tbh Tumblr gave me so much info on my favorite K-pop groups; I seriously regret missing all of the amazing shots of my biases’ beautiful faces that I’ve probably missed leol), or maybe I just need a good break from it all before starting again. Most likely, I’d say my small distance from my favorite pastime has mostly happened because I now have more things to do or think about atm haha, and just don’t really have any time right now to enjoy all of the K-dynamics that are happening behind the music. I don’t think I’ll ever give up listening to K-pop anytime soon though; like I’ve said before, I’m still very much keeping up with and enjoying whatever’s coming out right now.

Sooooo at this point, I’m not sure if I want to say I’m on a complete permanent indefinite hiatus yet. I still check Tumblr and my blog everyday – every now and then my dash – so it’s not like I feel like I’ve completely left Tumblr and the K-pop community on here as a whole... just yet :3 I have, however, thought about starting a side-blog that focuses solely on teaching, including my student teaching experience. I’ve also thought about writing some K-pop articles for this blog again... (I still really want to write that “Best K-pop Songs of 2016,” a review of B1A4′s third full LP, and/or similar pieces). Whether either of those musings will come into fruition over this passing summer, I don’t know yet, but I’ll keep you updated on either if I ever do, especially my educationally-focused blog. Aside from those thoughts, I’ve been planning on doing some extensive reading over the summer – with a goal to read a book a week! If any of you are interested and would like to check out what I’m currently reading and/or think about it, you can take a look at my Goodreads account here. Other than that, I’ve just been up to the usual: still practicing driving (hopefully I’ll get my license this summer!!), looking for a job, and chilling by watching some TV/movies :p (literally, when you become a teacher, EVERYTHING YOU WATCH BECOMES A POSSIBLE TEACHING TOOL WHERE YOU WONDER IF/HOW YOU COULD USE IT IN A CLASS HAHA. I’VE BEEN SPENDING MY BREAK WATCHING THE HARRY POTTER MOVIES AND I NOW PAY MORE ATTENTION TO HOW THE TEACHERS REACT TO ALL OF THE KIDS’ SHENANIGANS VS. HOW I WOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE MAIN CHARACTERS AS A KID LOL. I’d really love to be a Professor McGonagall or Snape someday :p). So as far as the current activity of this blog goes, I think I’m going to keep it at “temporary-hiatus-because-I’m-currently-in-a-heavy-transition-period-and-still-am-very-unsure-of-how-this-will-all-pan-out??” That sounds like it’ll do for now. I definitely don’t think I want to distance myself from Tumblr just yet, but at the same time, I don’t believe I’ll be able to be as involved with everything on it as I once was :ccc

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone who’s stayed with me and this blog so far. With this current announcement, feel free to unfollow this blog if it is no longer what you require in your daily re-bloggin’ life; I completely understand and only wish you the very best~ 🌸 :3 I don’t have a lot of followers as a whole, but I do have a handful of very lovely and precious people that I’ve met on this site; you know who you are~  💖🌠🦄✨👌 Sorry for not keeping in more constant touch; I hope all of you and your beyond-wonderful blogs are doing well~ 💎🌟😊 For those of you who have just joined my blog – WELCOME, and I hope you enjoy your stay~  ❤️ On another note, I should probably get to all those things I was tagged in... if it’s not too late haha. I love y’all and hope nothing but the BEST awaits your future!!~

Snap that was really A LOT more than just a “quickie” update haha. I know that I probably should have updated on everything that’s been happening in my life much sooner, but honestly, I didn’t feel like anything merited me getting too excited about getting through this school year unless I had 100% confirmation that I had passed the $300 test lol (it’s called the edTPA btw, for anyone who might be curious :p). Without passing that test, I probably would have had to spend at least another $100 to re-take some parts of the test, which would have delayed my being able to apply for an eligible teacher’s certificate in my state, which would have dangerously hindered me from being able to teach at all. So thanks for your patience – both for reading this post and sticking around this blog long enough to see me write it :p Hopefully I’ll get a teaching position and figure this all out soon; until then, I’ll definitely keep y’all posted~!! ✨

#wow I said more than just a little... haha #if you've made it this far #you're the best 💗 :33 #thanks for everything #also as a sidenote: #NONE OF YOUR TEACHERS HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THEY'RE DOING LOLOL #WE'RE ALL JUST BLUFFING IT HAHA #AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I DID ALL YEAR LOL RIP TT>TT TT>TT TT>TT #PRAY I GET IT SOMEDAY XD #personal

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Latest story from https://movietvtechgeeks.com/cobol-still-demand/

COBOL Still in Demand

There’s this pervading legend in the tech industry especially among many coders that the ancient programming language COBOL is still in use in many banking and financial institutions. Well, that is very much correct. Believe it or not, COBOL coders are still very much in demand and coders of retirement age still can’t retire as they seek their replacements. COBOL is a programming language which is still in use since 1959 when programming was still done using punched cards. You’ll see a glimpse of this by watching the remarkable film Hidden Figures though the language discussed there was FORTRAN. COBOL, for those not in the know, stands for Common Business Oriented Language. It’s commonly used in financial and administrative systems, and yours truly had the honor of studying during my college years. Even though it uses English-like commands, it’s not the easiest of programming languages, especially with early compilers. It’s now 2017, and the coding landscape is dominated by mostly web-based languages such as PHP, Java, and Python along with mobile-oriented languages such as Objective-C and Swift but COBOL is still around and involved in about 95 percent of ATM transactions and 80 percent of in-person transactions in the US. Trillions of dollars flow daily through COBOL systems in private and even government systems. The massive Y2K bug everyone was in a panic to squash a couple of years before the millennium involved older systems including those programmed using COBOL, either to switch to new systems or just fix the coding bugs so that computers can differentiate whether the date ‘01/01/01’ means January 1, 1901 or January 1, 2001. But COBOL systems back then used to cost more than an arm and a leg which is why many institutions still keep their investments instead of migrating to new systems. The adage ‘they don’t make them like they used to’ probably still applies to these systems as they still run efficiently fast. And because of that, the other adage still applies, “if it ain’t broke…” Besides, not only are their infrastructures built around their COBOL systems, there’s a lot riding on the success or failure of migrating to a new one. The problem now is that there aren’t a lot of coders around who know COBOL. Schools have long abandoned teaching the language in favor of object-oriented or web-based languages such as VB.Net, C++ and Java. COBOL has already been modernized and is already object-oriented but is taught in few schools. Many companies who still use COBOL are scrambling for new coders in order to change the old guard and maintain their systems. Besides, the old guard now cost a pretty penny when it comes to maintenance. They’re paid up to 100$ per hour. Companies can save a lot if they can shave that by half for young newcomers. As someone who experienced coding in COBOL, it’s very far from exciting unlike more structured languages like Pascal or C or database languages like Clipper or FoxPro. Though the enthusiasm for those languages may have been the same back then for COBOL and Fortran. Many coders would rather learn Swift or Objective-C and make a quick buck from the Apple Store or Google Play. It’s also easier building full web-based database systems using LAMP. Assuming COBOL, despite having object-oriented extensions, is the same old boring language and has the same boring aesthetics it had back then, coders will stay away unless there’s a lot in it for them. So unless companies find a way to migrate to other systems or provide attractive compensation, job security or even tenure, they’ll have to rely on old timers like 75-year-old Bill Hinshaw, founder of COBOL Cowboys. It’s amusing to think that teaching COBOL to the new generation would be like Merlin teaching magic to a young King Arthur. Experts say that COBOL still has 20 years going for it and the people who know it aren’t getting any younger and are inviting kids on their lawn. Coders, consider learning it a challenge. You’ll get the hang of it, earn a small fortune and even get tenure which is something difficult to get these days.

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Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Visit Georgia

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Georgia has recently gained popularity as a tourist destination. This country on the brink of Europe and Asia attracts visitors due to its imposing mountain peaks, ancient monasteries, and a fantastic wine culture. Before you pack your bags and head off on your trip, you can prepare for your journey by reading our list of things to know when visiting Georgia.

The layout of Georgia

Georgia is a mountainous country that borders the Black Sea in the west, Turkey in the southwest, Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the southeast, and Russia in the north.

The land area of Georgia is 69,700 square kilometres, which is comparable to the Republic of Ireland and Sri Lanka. The Greater Caucasus mountain range covers most of the northern parts of Georgia, while steppes, Lower Caucasus mountains and forests are omnipresent in the central and southern regions.

Transportation in Georgia

Most travellers arrive in Georgia by plane to either Tbilisi – the capital – as well as via Kutaisi. From many western European cities, budget airlines operate direct flights to the airport of Kutaisi. Tbilisi is an important hub for flights from eastern Europe and the Middle East.

It’s quite straightforward to travel in Georgia itself. Tbilisi has an extensive bus and metro system that enables you to get around the city relatively easy. The train is a popular form of transportation on the route Tbilisi – Gori – Kutaisi – Batumi, but for other long-distance journeys it’s more convenient to ride a marshrutka. These minibuses are basically shared taxis, and they operate in every corner of the country. Especially in Tbilisi which has large marshrutka stations, and from there, you can head off to popular destinations such as Kakheti, Kazbegi, and Svaneti.

Allow some time for relatively short journeys; roads are steep and winding, while massive trucks crossing the mountain passes to Russia cause more delay.

Language

The first language of Georgians is Georgian, while the second language is Russian. Very few elderly people speak English, but this language is favoured more by the youth nowadays. In the tourist sector, on tours and in hotels, the Georgians will talk to you in English. In rural areas, some basic Russian might come in helpful when you’re interacting with the locals. It’s also worth noting that Georgian is quite challenging to learn and has its own script.

Weather and seasons

The climate of Georgia is characterised by long and hot summers and quite cold winters that usually come with snowfall. During the peak of summer (July and August) temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees, and even until late October, the daily average is above 20 degrees. Spring (March to May) allows you to enjoy nature popping up with colours. However, if you’re interested in trekking in the alpine areas, keep in mind that the trails might still be covered in snow. The west, bordering the Black Sea, receives the most rainfall, which is equally spread over the seasons.

Highlights in Georgia

The incredible nature and landscapes are what draws most visitors to the country; including mountains, forests, and vast plains which all add to the magic of Georgia. An exciting introduction to the vast landscapes is Kazbegi, a region that’s located 3 hours north of Tbilisi. Amazing hikes here include those in the Juta Valley and around Mount Kazbek. If you can’t get enough of the mountains then head to the Svaneti and Tusheti regions. Here you can explore a boundless world of hiking and winter sports such as skiing.

Georgia has a wine tradition that started millennia ago, and the place-to-be for a taste of this grape drink is Kakheti. Telavi is an excellent town to dig into Georgia’s wine culture because you’ll find plenty of wineries without making an effort.

Even though the nature is superb, Tbilisi can’t be overlooked either. The capital has fantastic architecture, countless local restaurants, a fun theme park, and thermal baths to unwind in.

Safety

Apart from petty crimes that occur in nearly every country, Georgia is a very safe travel destination. Common sense and an open eye will almost guarantee your safety and the safety of your belongings. Such as stowing away your luggage during long train journeys, and keeping your valuables close to the body. Crime rates in Georgia are meagre, and keeping your possessions safe is usually not much more than just a precaution.

Most threats are found on the roads; Georgian taxi and marshrutka drivers aren’t the most lawful automobilists, and the steep courses crossing the mountains are quite tricky to navigate through. If you want to be sure to get a safe taxi journey, use an application like Yandex (in Tbilisi city) or arrange a driver via your hotel. Alternatively, book yourself a day tour through a trusted provider such as GetYourGuide.

Read more on safety on the UK Gov travel advice website.

Currency

In Georgia, you pay with the Georgian lari (GEL). One GEL at time of writing is worth 0,26 GBP, 0,31 euro, and 0,35 USD. Other foreign currencies aren’t accepted as a payment method, and can only be traded for GEL at currency exchanges. Georgia is mostly a cash-based country, but upscale restaurants, hostels and hotels do accept credit cards. In major cities and even smaller towns, you’ll find an abundance of ATMs that take nearly any card.

Visa; how long can you stay?

Citizens of no less than 90 countries can stay in Georgia for up to one year, without obtaining a visa. This includes passport holders from the EU, USA and UK. EU citizens don’t even need a passport but can enter Georgia by showing their identity card. Read more and see if you need a visa for Georgia.

Useful apps

The following phone applications can contribute to a smoother travel experience in Georgia.

Yandex For fair taxi fares in Tbilisi, download the Yandex app. It works the same as Uber, and it saves you from the hassle of negotiating about prices.

Maps.me Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail or exploring a city, it’s useful to have an offline navigation app. You can download highly detailed maps for free, and that way get around with ease.

Guide U This app offers a complete guide to Georgia; it provides the user with information about sights, the best places to taste the Georgian cuisine, and it even has free audio guides to the most popular attractions.

Prices in Georgia: how much do things cost?

The cost of living and travelling in Georgia is very low, and your travel budget will go a long way. Below are prices you may find (at time of writing: Jan 2020).

Even staying in Tbilisi is incredibly affordable; you can rent a comfortable apartment for 25 GEL per night, or crash a hostel bed for less than 6 GEL. A large beer in the supermarket goes for 3 GEL, and you’ll get a bottle of water for less than 1 GEL. Experiencing the famous Georgian wine doesn’t come with a significant price tag either; a glass in a restaurant sets you back around 5 GEL, while you can get a good quality wine in the supermarket for 6 GEL per bottle.

A decent khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) costs 2 GEL in a street stall, while you can munch on khinkali (Georgian dumplings) for less than 1 GEL a piece. In most restaurants, it’s almost impossible to spend more than 30 GEL per person on a Georgian feast.

Transportation is unbelievably cheap in Georgia; you can ride any bus or metro in Tbilisi for 50 tetri (0,50 GEL), regardless of the distance you cover. In Kutaisi, bus rides are even cheaper at 0,30 GEL. A 10-minute taxi ride is not more than 4 GEL if you use the taxi application Yandex. You’ll pay 10 GEL for a marshrutka ride from Tbilisi to Kazbegi (3 hours), and 30 GEL to Mestia in the Svaneti region (9 hours). The tariff for the 5,5-hour train ride from Tbilisi to Kutaisi is not more than 9 GEL.

Doing activities and visiting sights is – not surprisingly – very reasonably priced. Most of the natural spectacles and all the trails are accessible at no costs. Wine tastings in Kakheti generally start at 15 GEL, while you pay 7 GEL to enter the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe. A ticket for the cable car ride to Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi costs only 1 GEL and exploring the enchanting Prometheus Cave near Kutaisi sets you back 20 GEL.

Summary

Georgia is a beautiful country, full of ancient traditions, stunning mountain scenery, and captivating activities. The convenience of quickly travelling around this relatively small country and the extraordinarily low costs of living, make Georgia a joy to visit. This country gives you by far the best value for money in all of Europe. Read 10 Best Places to Visit in Georgia for ideas on where to go.

Huub Lakerveld

Writer and Traveller

Huub travels around the world as a digital nomad since early 2018, while working as a travel writer. His passion for travel is driven by connecting with locals and searching for different landscapes. Always joined by his favourite travel companions: a camera and notebook. [Read full bio]

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