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reversecreek · 3 years

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snickers feverishly at myself for bringing in a 5th... who do i think i am? unstoppable? invincible? suddenly ripples my titanium plated pecs. maybe so. u can find her pinterest here n her playlist here.

* margaret qualley, cis female + she/her | you know bradley milligan, right? they’re twenty-four, and they’ve lived in irving for, like, all of their life? well, their spotify wrapped says they listened to looking for knives by dyan like, a million times this year, which makes sense ‘cause they’ve got that whole snow angels trampled through by your father’s footprints, casually reading a newspaper that’s catching flame & stubbing a cigarette against the wing mirror of a parked cop car thing going on. i just checked and their birthday is november 11th, so they’re a scorpio, which is unsurprising, all things considered. ( nai, 24, gmt she/her )

HISTORY:

bradley has this memory of meeting her grandmother for the first time n everything in the room was frozen still. even the air. she didn’t feel like she cld move n she got the impression this is how it’d always been in the milligan lineage. the only thing that was allowed to act of it’s own accord was her grandmother’s eyes as she tracked every slightest flinch of muscle. when her father left the room her grandmother reached out and took bradley’s hand n bradley looked at this like it was smthn she’d never seen before until her grandmother leaned close and all she could stare at was a nicotine stain on one of her front teeth. “he’s cold, isn’t he? he’s always been cold. i don’t think he’s mine.” bradley could tell from how tight she held her hand that he was. she could tell by the way she smiled as she said it, too. the way she felt obliged to smile back.

growing up in a huge white house in aquila drive w pruned hedges sounds idyllic n looks it too. swanky cars w tinted windows in the long driveway. always men filing in and out under the cloak of night wearing expensive suits n smiles worthy of a politician’s billboard. bradley’s mum alyssa thought so too n that’s hw she got into this whole mess tbh. tony milligan is very good at advertising. he cld package a jarred human heart as strawberry jam and convince u to spread it on ur toast if he wanted to. he could make u smile politely as u ate ur own.

alyssa ws this very pretty blonde kind of mysterious presence in a room. everyone wanted to kno her story or fk her but noone rly treated her like a person more just like a puzzle to solve. john green syndrome alert..... literally manic pixie dream girled bt on turbo charge. there were vague whispers she’d run away from home when she appeared in town out of nowhere bt nothing concrete. tony decided he wanted to crack the case n once he set his mind to something there was no changing it. they wound up embroiled in a whirlwind romance. head over heels. he came at romance hard and fast as a freight train. alyssa knew he was into shady things but not quite the full extent of it n honestly she didn’t care bc she wanted security n a family to call her own n tony promised that. they were married within a year.

tony came frm money bt he wanted to carve his own path n make his own legacy. destined fr greatness he’d tell her. we’re destined for greatness. it sounds nice doesn’t it! alyssa thought so too.

(drugs mention tw) slowly over the yrs he essentially forged his own crime organisation tht only grew. he opened a strip club down the seedier side of irving called ‘no angels’ n this became the front thru which his gang ran drugs in the back (predominantly coke n they pride themselves fr having a Superior Blend apparently) as well as laundering cash n this also was kind of their home base to hang

(abuse tw) their marriage increasingly lost it’s shine n alyssa came to realise she’d been sold a lie n she didn’t rly know this person or what he was capable of right around the time bradley was born. by then it was kind of like Wow i am rly in this n there is not an exit door huh. i won’t go into details bt things were not good at all. bradley witnessed n experienced a lot of things she shouldn’t have growing up. she didn’t understand why other kids drew home in all these different coloured crayons like they were bright places to be. she didn’t understand why everyone got so excited when the bell rang at the end of the day bc she just felt sick. she rationalised tht this was normal when she was younger bc sometimes kids talked abt the monsters under their beds giving them nightmares n she thought mayb they were talking abt their dads too. as she got older she realised tht actually her world wasn’t the same as anyone else’s n she also realised no-one wld ever be able to tell her why. she started becoming friends with the angry feeling in her chest tht she used to try and swallow around this time. often she’d wander the mall for a while to put off going home. smoke on random park benches. watch trains rattle thru town from the vantage point of a random rooftop.

(abuse, missing person implied, murder implied & grief tw) when bradley was 12 she woke up and all of her mum’s clothes were gone frm their drawers. no shoes anywhere. a framed photo of them at the beach holding bradley as a baby vanished from over the mantelpiece. when bradley asked her dad what was going on, tony essentially said “it was exhausting her. being here. being your mother. she didn’t want to do it any more, so now she’s gone” n then he hugged her. little details leaked into the mix over the yrs. at one point tony dismissed her as having flown overseas to a foreign country to drink in the sun like she’d always wanted even tho alyssa always told bradley she liked the snow best (once she even walked outside as it fell in a thin lace nightgown when tony was out n when bradley said “mom you’re gonna get cold” she only tugged her down and made her do snow angels until her lips looked blue). the most significant memory bradley can never shake from her head is her mother cupping a yellow tulip at the park n saying she hated them. when bradley asked why she only turned and smiled at her as she stroked the hair from her face n then said “because they look so happy”. after bradley’s mum vanished a long flower bed at the bottom of the garden was suddenly overrun with dozens of freshly planted yellow tulips. whenever bradley looked at them out of her window she got this sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach like she was visiting a cemetery. she suspected what had happened to her mum (especially as rumours circulated within tony’s organisation abt alyssa being unfaithful with someone tht used to work fr him) bt she cld never bring herself to truly accept it. thus she ws stuck in this strange purgatory state of not-quite-anger at her mum for “leaving” and not-quite-grief.

bradley rly started to transgress in school after her mum was gone. alyssa was always kind of a character when she’d pick bradley up (wasn’t doing well n acted kind of ‘eccentric’ i suppose u cld say) so tony managed to spin it all as a child acting out in the wake of an unfit mother uprooting n abandoning. bradley became........ interesting. JKHGFSSKJGHFSGHSKFGHFG. she’d snap n resort to violence very easily. very desensitised to it. students were kind of scared of her tbh. as this progressed into proper high school she got in w the more rowdy popular crowd solely bc she was so fking.... wild for lack of a better word. rly would just do anything fr the thrill. had no sense of ‘i shouldn’t do this bc it’s dangerous’. partied harder than anyone. bit back harder than anyone. no filter. hung w a lot of guys honestly bc they had less morals n either found her scariness cool or wanted to fk <3

(hospitalisation, depression & drugs tw) she’s had. a few stints in psychiatric institutions fr various reasons tbh. missed a small chunk of her senior yr fr this but it wasn’t widely known just kind of rumoured. she showcases a lot of similar symptoms to her mum who struggled w severe depression (which was difficult to cope w when ur husband was often pouring ur prescription down the drain fr kicks) n in order to compensate fr the lows she takes a lot of things to kick them into highs. drinks n snorts too much. bradley i love u bt i’m begging u to seek healthier coping mechanisms......

as the yrs went on (especially once alyssa had gone) tony rly started trying to integrate bradley into the business side of things...... she literally. is named bradley bc he was expecting a boy n he was like well let’s still call her bradley. n had in mind she’d still fulfil the role he wanted her to of being his little protege so to speak.... both sexist n ugly all in one fell swoop...... an example of this is he literally. bought her a mint green switchblade for her 14th birthday n named it tinkerbell bc it would “die without attention” aka using it. tht sounds like a healthy gift to give a child tony congratulations sis <3

in an ideal world bradley wld have gone to uni to study psychology bc she jst wants to know how the fk her dad is literally like that bt she probably stuck around n is now managing no angels along with billy n marco (billy’s in her dad’s gang n is, u guessed it, a cunt, n marco is his sort of right hand man so to speak) bc tony’s in the closest neighbouring city overseeing a second ‘no angels’ opening up there to expand into a franchise n widen their income margins. bradley wld also be sort of used as a honey trap type deal once she got older if they needed to lure ppl places n sometimes still is bt it depends. the guys in the club all know not to mess w bradley bc she’s tony’s daughter n literally kind of scary herself sometimes bt there’s also this certain allure tht comes with being the boss’ daughter n it kind of comes across in how they act or talk abt her. yes i will kill them all n no i won’t feel bad abt it <3

think that’s kind of all u need to kno history wise... blinks one eye out of sync w the other..... runs to personality

PERSONALITY:

a phrase i wld always use to describe bradley in old intros is “like a cup of black coffee with one grain of sugar that u don’t taste until the last sip”. also dark chocolate. lime. liquorice. she’s an acquired taste n i feel like u either love her or u hate her.

cannot express how unpredictably chaotic she is..... frequently throws a drink in a stranger’s face jst to start something bc she’s bored. loves to hurl cheese slices across the room so they slap onto someone’s face out of nowhere. likes smashing things. stubbing cigarettes out on faces in framed family photographs. will literally pick a lock n then smash the window besides it to defeat the whole purpose just bc she found how neat it was boring. does anything fr the adrenaline n thrill. gets into far too many fights n fights dirty. probably been thrown out of every bar in town at least three times. banned from a bunch too.

she’s witty bt she has a dark sense of humour..... can be quite mean.......... loves to roast ppl for no reason........ honestly has some nathan young frm misfits aspects in that sense like jst seems untouchable emotionally n like she doesn’t take anything seriously n is fking outrageous about it.....

has this quality abt her tht kind of scares herself sometimes. it’s like she recognises parts of her dad in her. she’s very perceptive (bc she’s had to be over the yrs trying to read every micro-expression of her dad’s to predict what’s next) n like emotionally intelligent in a way which is ironic bc her own emotions r just an absolute minefield.... bt. she can read people quite well. gets this eerily calm look abt her sometimes n it’s jst like god what’s. she thinking. what’s she’s gna do. i’m shaking. a cool n controlled kind of rage can often be scarier than the explosive type n bradley does that well. grits my teeth n tugs on my collar....

very strong on the surface. hates being vulnerable. has this ingrained idea that crying is childish or rly any kind of emotional display within herself. 50% not taking things seriously 50% angry. tht’s how she comes across....... internally? whole different story. bt ppl don’t see that.

very cavalier abt some things. will flash her tits n not even think abt it. jst very out there...... one of her closest friends is a homeless man named joe who wears neon purple fishnets on his head n loves to spit on ppl from over an underpass. finds eccentric ppl like this funny n surrounds herself w them. loves to be kept on her toes.

LOVES driving stolen cars down the wrong side of the highway. it’s a lot.

fiercely loyal to a fault to a select few bt if u wrong her personally this can switch pretty quick. quite a force to b reckoned w n will hold a grudge. bt like. if ur a Chosen One she’d bury a body for u no questions asked.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

deals to u: bradley isn’t like full time into dealing bt she does do it sometimes.... treats it kind of like a hobby bc the lesser ranked can do tht shit as far as she’s concerned bt.. sometimes also jst gets bored n is like. why not. might be chaotic. mayb they’ll try to rob me <3 we love the thrill <3 or like..... if ur friends w her she’ll deal to u n no she will not do a friends discount <3 or if she does there will definitely be some sort of stipulation attached <3

high skl crew: if ur muse is local n ws an absolutely demonic hell spawn in high skl tht went to 1974547254 parties n was outrageously chaotic n rude then. bradley probably was friends w them <3 her friendships tend to be surface level bt they’d definitely go out a bunch bt whether they actually knew a lot abt her life is debatable bt we could explore options fr this

people who work at no angels: no angels is her dad’s strip club in irving that she kind of helps to run now. it’s kind of a shifty environment. the place where ud have an outrageous bachelor party. u go for the first time w a fake id n u get served bt u also get ur wallet stolen n ur convinced someone spat in ur drink n u also kind of think there might b a hit on u now after u made eye contact too long w a broad shouldered man smoking in a back booth. scary environment. testament to her dad as a person. maybe ur muse is a dancer there or works the bar or security or whatever u name it....

ma’am are u ok?: ur muse found bradley passed out across two bus seats one time in smudged dark eyeliner a silver slip dress n the world’s chunkiest combat boots this town hs ever seen. sometimes she winds up in spots like this when she goes too hard n it’s absolutely dangerous n reckless bt that’s jst bradley <3 mayb they forged an unlikely friendship frm this strange meeting or maybe even? dare i say it? a romance? opposite worlds colliding? good influence? let’s go crazy. release ur inhibitions. feel the rain on ur skin.

hook-ups: bradley’s cavalier abt this stuff..... very unemotional typically..... mayb we cld do an unrequited thing that wld be angsty n fun altho i won’t lie i don’t kno if she’d be the one to catch the feelings.... she rarely sleeps over bt once when she woke up in someone’s bed she hiked over to straddle them carefully as possible so they wldn’t wake up n then pressed her knife to their neck as a fun little surprise where she said boo when they opened their eyes.... she’s a lot clearly.

watermelon slugger, hiiii: bradley has this habit where she gets a bunch of watermelons n then goes to a rooftop n throws them over the edge to watch them explode when they hit the pavement.... maybe ur muse almost got hit by one once n were like WTF???????? another quirky meet cute moment like the bus one <3 can’t stop w them <3 maybe she randomly invited ur muse to do it w her when they were like. a stranger of f the street. she was bored. decided to adopt them as a science experiment. we cn elaborate on this probably....

ouch charlie: similar territory bt she also sometimes shoots pedestrians w a bb gun from rooftops. mayb ur muse wld always get hit by one on a certain route they walked n finally one day they saw her head ducking down behind a ledge n then they see her in the street one day n are like HEY IT’S YOU............. WTF? n bradley’s like ya i’m christ risen again it’s a lot to take in i know...

rly jst anything... mutually destructive friends... exes.... in one rp a character tried to get close to bradley so he cld write an expose all book about her n her family which i found so fking funny so i’ll request that again.... people she’s fought.... ppl whose gf/bf she’s fk’d n it’s caused enemy status.... someone whose place she broke into and shaved their eyebrows off in the night only to draw them on again in crudely thin permanent sharpie lines.... roommates cld be fun n sexy i’d love that actually.... jst anything rly. go wild. kisses everyone tenderly on cheeks.

#irvingintro #abuse tw #missing person tw #implied murder tw #grief tw #hospitalisation tw #depression tw #drugs tw #death tw #i think tht's all of them....... cor blimey......

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irkimatsu · 3 years

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Okay, after way too much delay - it's my Eurovision 2021 Final Ranking! This took me a while for a lot of factors - took extra hours at work to make sure I could get time off this week, some recent family events... and most relevantly, the fact that this year is so damn good that no matter what, I knew someone was going to get ripped off by ending up somewhere in the bottom half. Just know that being toward the bottom of the list doesn't necessarily mean I dislike it, especially this year - it just means I like other things more. This year is going to be an absolute bloodbath. I am both excited and terrified.

Try not to take my ranking too seriously, by the way - I'm an American who unironically listens to stuff like Scooch and Dolly Style. I'm not exactly a seasoned music critic. I just know what sort of music makes the happiness center of my brain light up, what the hell is music theory

Ranking made with the sorter at http://esc.gerbear.com/sorter2021.htm, then slightly adjusted when it put some songs concerningly low on the list. Okay, so I cheated a little

Firstly, in the interest in completion - if Belarus didn't get disqualified, they'd be in the big fat 40 rank, with a big bold "Hate" right above. Fuck that song. I've only listened to it once and am so glad I have no obligation to acknowledge it any further. Those fucking lyrics. Mother of Christ. Fuck you guys.

I also offer my condolences to Armenia for their having to bow out this year. I'm sure whatever you guys sent, it couldn't have possibly been worse than "Chains On You".

Now, for the songs that actually matter:

Indifferent:

39 – Spain - “Voy a quedarme” by Blas Cantó: Welp, already I’m gonna get shot. I can’t remember how this song sounds at all. I know it’s tender and genuine and sweet and everything… I just… kinda don’t care. Nothing to say. I liked his entry last year even more, and even that was pretty damn dull. Just not destined to be a Blas Cantó fan, I guess!

38 - North Macedonia – “Here I Stand” by Vasil: I’m with most other rankings I’ve seen; what the hell is this? I at least kinda remember it, which is more than I can say for poor Spain, but oh my god it’s so boring. I really liked “You” last year! What the hell happened, Vasil?

37 – Albania - “Karma” by Anxhela Peristeri: Another “oops” from me, huh. It’s another one I immediately forget about the instant it ends. I at least don’t remember it boring the crap out of me, hence it placing higher than Spain and Macedonia, but I still can’t say anything nice about it – or anything at all, really – so I’ll leave it this low. I acknowledge that I’m in the minority, I won’t protest if it qualifies, but personally, it’s not my pick.

36 – Georgia – “You” by Tornike Kipiani: Give him points for passion, I suppose! At least I’m not laughing at him like I was last year. On the other hand, less ridiculous also means more boring. Points for earnestness, but this is just another song that goes right over my head.

35 – Portugal – “Love Is On My Side” by The Black Mamba: An English song from Portugal? That’s new. Too bad it hasn’t rescued the song from the darkest depths of Boring. I will confess that I spice it up a little by associating it with Homura from Osomatsu-san, thus rescuing it from the deepest pits of my ranking list… but it’s still stuck down here. Portugal and I have never gotten along well Eurovision-wise. I’ve come to accept that.

34 – Slovenia – “Amen” by Ana Soklič: I’m gonna call this a song that I respect more than I like. She’s got a great voice, I can’t deny that… but when I’m ranking this purely based on what I’d go out of my way to listen to, this one falls flat. I warned you at the beginning that I have no taste! I’m not normally into straightforward ballads, the religious connotations are lost on me… this isn’t the song for me.

33 – Austria – “Amen” by Vincent Bueno: Back to back “Amen”s! Tip for getting me to like your Eurovision entry, apparently, is “don’t call your song Amen”. It’s a ballad, earnest and trying but overall not my type of music. I’m running out of ways to say that. Breakup song, a tad bitter, we’ve all heard this sort of song so many times before. It doesn’t stand out, and I think it’d be a waste of a spot in the final.

At least, I thought this was a breakup song when I first wrote this, but apparently it’s about the death of a loved one…? I would say that makes me hate the bitterness, but… given how I’m handling a death in my own family right now… god, I don’t know. I just can’t handle this song, not at any time but especially not now. It doesn’t even provide catharsis like a song later on in the list. It stays this low regardless of its meaning, I just don’t like it, I’m sorry, moving on.

…” 'Cause it all feels like you didn't even try to save us, all this time wasted on a lie”… ugh, my personal problems…

32 – Switzerland – “Tout l'Univers” by Gjon’s Tears: Another one I respect more than I like, and another opinion I’m gonna get my ass beaten for, I’m sure. I respect the artistry, but this is so far removed from anything I’d ever listen to on purpose. It might have landed even lower if I wasn’t afraid of pissing people off. I’ll understand if it wins, but I’ll also be hoping for most anything else.

31 – Russia – “Russian Woman” by Manizha: I don’t get it. Sometimes it’s pleasant enough to listen to, but overall I don’t get it. It’s unique, I’ll give it that! I understand why it won its national final, and why so many people enjoy it! But for me, it doesn’t quite cross that line between “interesting” and “enjoyable”. I'm not Russian - this isn't for me, and it wasn't supposed to be. Though I will confess that there may be some bias at play here. God, I miss Little Big…

Okay:

30 – Estonia – “The Lucky One” by Uku Suviste: The voice is okay, the music is okay, I like how the bitterness is handled here more than in Austria’s… but this is still as high as I can go on this one. It’s serviceable, but this year has so much better to offer.

29 – Sweden – “Voices” by Tusse: Sweden really does like sending the same song over and over again, huh? I don’t hate it, but it does strike me as a lesser “Too Late For Love”, sound wise. Sweden almost never takes risks, and it’s causing me to look over them more and more with every year. I respect it too much to put it in the “Indifferent” category, but given how the rest of my ranking played out, this the best I can do for it. (But again, do not trust the opinions of someone who teethed on cheesy Europop and fondly remembers when Sweden was flooded with the stuff…)

28 – Belgium – “The Wrong Place” by Hooverphonic: Once again, Hooverphonic help Belgium fill the role of Eurovision’s “Most Likely To Appear In A Bond Movie” song. It’s fine. It’s a song! I don’t know what else to say about it! It does its job well enough, it’s just not really a job I care for that much.

27 – Ireland – “Maps” by Lesley Roy: It’s cute enough! A cute little radio tune. It’s no “Story Of My Life”, though. If “22” couldn’t qualify then this probably won’t, either, and I can’t say I’ll miss it all that much. Still pleasant enough when it comes up on the shuffle.

26 – Bulgaria – “Growing Up Is Getting Old” by Victoria: I admit it, this ranks as high as it does because of anime and that’s basically it. If I was still doing plain category sortings this would have landed straight in “Biased”. My favorite anime is about a bunch of 20-somethings learning that growing up sucks and trying as hard as possible to avoid it, and I first heard this song around the same time that I watched that show’s relatively melancholy season finale, so it ended up sticking with me on that note. Don’t have much to say about it musically, just that it makes me picture sextuplets crying and that’s one of my hobbies, so I’ll grant it an “Okay”. (It may also worth noting that if I heard this song before 2019, in the state my life was in before then it would have probably left me too inconsolable to listen to it more than once. Growing up is growing old indeed!

…it’s also worth noting that after I wrote this blurb, a major event happened that really enforced that growing up is getting old, so I listened to this quite a bit for a few days, among some other non-Eurovision songs. I’m probably gonna have an emotional breakdown on Thursday when this one starts. So, um, look out for that, guess. Between this one and Austria’s, I swear to god…)

25 – Italy – “Zitti e buoni” by Måneskin: I’ve been trying to get this one to rank higher, I really have, but its inability to crack the top 20 just says a lot about how damn good this year is. It sounds great, it’s very well done, and I wouldn’t hate to see it win! It’s earned its popularity. Everything holding it back in my own personal ranking is just that, personal – I do lose something when I can’t sing along or understand the lyrics, and there’s another rock song this year that I like way better. Still wishing you guys the best!

24 – Netherlands – “Birth Of A New Age” by Jeangu Macrooy: This song has a great style that I respect a lot. The message, the vibe – even if it’s not a culture I’m a part of, I feel and appreciate the hell out of it, and I really hope it does well. I don’t understand why so many people seem to think it’s not interesting! It may not be the sort of thing I’d go out of my way to listen to, but I’m glad it’s here. Catch me singing out “Yu no man broko mi” on Saturday! It’s been a while since I’ve given a shit about a host country’s entry, so I’m really glad for this one.

23 – Romania - “Amnesia” by Roxen: I’ll admit something else unpopular – I hated “Alcohol You” last year. Didn’t see what the big deal was at all. It sounded okay, I guess, but the lyrics were so pretentious and awful, and I’ve never liked the topic of “I love you even though you have no redeeming qualities whatsoever and you make me feel like shit”. But it seems like in that year, Roxen has discovered that self-love is important, actually, and it’s not worth it spending your time on some shitbag who consistently disappoints you. I appreciate it for that alone. Character growth! Plus, I feel the whole thing of “forgetting how to love yourself because everyone around you sucks”. It’s not the perfect song, not by a long shot, but it has a nice melody, and Roxen has a nice voice. It’s good to hear her using that voice on something I don’t find obnoxious.

22 – Norway – “Fallen Angel” by TIX: Okay, I’ll admit it, this is one where I watched the live video the first time I heard the song, and I was too busy laughing at his outfit to take the song seriously. Jesus Christ, dude, what the hell. Well, that’s Eurovision for you, and the more I listened to it, the more I admitted to myself that I’m a sucker for “I love you but letting you go for your own good, not sure what I ever offered you in the first place” type songs. Knowing the song is inspired by his own disability and self-loathing really twists that knife, to the point where I feel bad that I almost threw this at an anime character. I know I’m usually cold on songs that try to evoke emotions about the singer’s personal problems – Germany 2018, and this year’s Austrian entry – but this one really works for me. Only reason it’s in “Okay” tier is because of its competition – it’d rank way higher in a weaker year.

21 – France – “Voila” by Barbara Pravi: I like a good waltz, I guess! It’s a unique number, and the French language sounds nice, especially with the music. It’s yet another example of how this year is filled with so many interesting entries that I appreciate the hell out of. God bless this diverse year! (Or maybe everything just sounds so good to me because last year’s cancellation left me in withdrawal.) I expect a really nice performance for this one – this song isn’t one you can perform while just standing there, especially not during that speedup toward the end.

20 – Australia – “Technicolour” by Montaigne: That song that sounds like it’s about stripping if you don’t know that she’s saying cloaks. (Guilty as charged.) It’s catchy and fun, and I really love it when it first starts… but unfortunately, it does wear out its welcome toward the end of things. It’s a good party song, just a little repetitive. I still like it just fine, and wouldn’t mind seeing her in the final this year! Hope the performance is colorful and sparkly, it’d suit the song well

Like:

19 – Germany – “I Don’t Feel Hate” by Jendrik: I know stereotyping is bad but I was not remotely surprised to find out that Jendrik is gay. This song is pure gay sass, and god, I love every minute of it. I fully expect it to fall on its ass – this wouldn’t make it to the final if it wasn’t an automatic qualifier – but I’ll have a grand old time watching it! The sarcastic lyrics, the cheerful little ukulele, the middle finger costume… this song is a delight. Only thing that I think really brings it down is that weird spoken bit that interrupts the song. That’s so annoying, brings me right out of it. And I did purposely rank it below songs that aren’t complete shitposts. But thank you for your existence, Jendrik, your contribution to Eurovision is much appreciated.

18 – Israel – “Set Me Free” by Eden Alene: I said it this year and I’ll say it again this year, Eden Alene is a goddess of a woman. Absolutely gorgeous. Appreciation for pretty women aside, it’s a fun party song in a sea of fun party songs! I really do like it, I like her voice, but there’s so much else this year that drowns it out – not much stands out here compared to later entries on the list. Still a good song, though.

…and I do not expect for an instant that this is going to make it to the final. …my personal ranking is based on how the song sounds, okay? Just the song. Just the song. Nothing else. Just the song. Anyway…

17 – United Kingdom – “Embers” by James Newman: What’s this? A UK entry I don’t find bland as off-white paint? That doesn’t happen often! I didn’t like his entry last year, romantic ballad bla bla bla whee, but I’m always down for a good party song. It’s a little generic and radio friendly, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun as hell to sing along with!

16 – Greece – “Last Dance” by Stefania: I really liked last year’s “Supergirl”, but figured it didn’t have too much of a chance because it struck me as being a little too teen poppy to be taken entirely seriously. It seems like Greece thought so, too, because they’ve ramped it up with this year’s entry. They’re not playing around anymore, sending a grand, powerful song that, like “Embers”, is fun as hell to belt. This is another one I’m really looking forward to the live performance for – the music video is gorgeous, and I hope they capture that same majesty on stage!

15 – Moldova – “Sugar” by Natalia Gordienko: Oh, Moldova, I’m so glad you guys decided to be completely batshit again this year. I’ve missed your nonsense so much. Dancing ice cream cones. Cake men. This video is glorious. And the song goes well with the insanity! A catchy dance tune that can only be improved with downright insane staging. Please let the dancing ice cream cones be on stage, I’m begging you

14 – Latvia – “The Moon Is Rising” by Samanta Tina: A unique electronica number backed with a powerful as hell voice. I can see where all the wubbing would get on people’s nerves, but personally, I love it! I love the voice, I love the attitude, Samanta just oozes confidence, and if she doesn’t make it to the final it’s not gonna be because she didn’t give it her goddamn all.

13 – Poland – “The Ride” by RAFAL: Why is this one so unpopular? You people don’t know how to have fun. Yeah, yeah, last year’s “Empires” was a powerful song… but I like my club nonsense much more, so I’m favoring this one. Yet another song that gets me pumped – this whole Contest is gonna leave me with a smile on my face, there’s so much good party music

12 – Azerbaijan – “Mata Hari” by Efendi: Yeah, they’re basically just sending “Cleopatra” again, but “Cleopatra” was so goddamn good that I can’t even blame them for it. This song needed a chance to compete, and I’m glad it’s getting it again this year. I like it so much that I can even forgive the line about being a “godless”. Oh, Europop, don’t you ever change.

11 – Cyprus – “El Diablo” by Elena Tsagrinou: Huh, I didn’t know Cyprus had perfected their Lady Gaga cloning technology. Neat. More seriously, the early 2010’s club vibe of this song is exactly my jam, enough that I can forgive the “I’m in love with a horrible person” theme. (I think I forgive that theme a lot more from catchy party songs than heartfelt ballads I’m actually supposed to feel for.) Hell, I even like the creepy chanting! Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but cheese is always a good ingredient when used in moderation.

(How many songs are we going to get this year, not just in Eurovision, about wanting to fuck devils? I mean, not that I don’t get it… mmm, Akuma Ichimatsu… um. Anyway.)

10 – Czech Republic – “Omaga” by Benny Cristo: And here we enter the top ten of a strong year, where I’d love to see any of them win! Benny, what is with that title. Why. Ah well, like I said earlier, I do like moderate amounts of cheese, and this song is more than fun enough to have earned itself a ridiculous lyric or two. It’s unique, I’ll give it that! The song is just so bouncy and fun that I manage to ignore how pushy the singer is. Another one I expect big things from the staging for.

9 – Lithuania – “Discoteque” by The Roop: Ignoring the current events that surely inspired the song, I do love the more generic “party song for introverts” read on it – if only you knew how many one-person dance parties I’d had in my own house. This song speaks to me deeply. I can’t even begin to call it a joke song; I think it’s doing exactly what it set out to do, and it’s doing it oh so well. God, those synths. Totally okay with dancing alone!

8 – Iceland – “10 Years” by Daði og Gagnamagnið: I want Daði Freyr to adopt me. I don’t even care that he’s younger than me. He’s just such an earnest, fun guy, and I love his 8-bit aesthetic! And come on, he submitted a song about how much he loves his wife! If I ever stop loving this song it’s because my heart shriveled and died. Love isn’t dead, it’s just in chiptune now. I will throw things if this doesn’t make it into the final, do you all have no souls, this is too damn cute

7 – Serbia – “Loco Loco” by Hurricane: Another group I am so excited to see return, because I adored “Hasta La Vista”. I don’t know if I like this one quite as much, but it’s still catchy as hell! I love trying to sing along with it despite not knowing a word of Serbian.

6 – Croatia – “Tick-Tock” by Albina: Another catchy-ass club song! What more can I say? I love how much of this stuff we got this year. I will absolutely be screaming “Don’t go, don’t go, don’t go!” Oh god that was cheesy… I’ve been working on this ranking for too long. Don’t know what else to say about this one, just that I adore it. Just barely missed the top 5.

Love:

5 – Malta – “Je Me Casse” by Destiny: This girl’s got pipes– not surprised to hear she won the Junior contest before! I get major “Toy” vibes from this song, and you all know just how much I adored that one. Aaa, those horns! Expecting big things from you, Destiny! We may have our winner!

4 – San Marino – “Adrenalina” by Senhit – As much of a soft spot I had for last year’s “Freaky”, I don’t think it was gonna make it into the final, unless Senhit had the blessing of the same angels who were looking out for Serhat in 2019. This one, though? San Marino tasted the final two years ago and they are never giving it up again! This song goes hard! Love the song, love the video’s aesthetic, I even kinda like Flo Rida’s rap, even though I’m still baffled by the idea that I have been regularly listening to a song featuring Flo Rida on purpose. I don’t know what he’s doing here but I’m glad he is. Please, please make it to the final, San Marino! You clearly want the hell out of it this year! Favorite club song in a year of amazing club songs.

3 – Finland – “Dark Side” by Blind Channel: After spending about five seconds disappointed that Finland wouldn’t be sending Pandora this year, I gave this song a shot, and was not expecting what it gave me. I feel like an angsty middle schooler again, and it is bliss. This is everything Hatari wanted to be, but unlike Hatari who just confused me, I absolutely love the hell out of this song. …some of those lyrics, though. “27 Club, headshot, we don’t wanna grow up”? Yikes. But as dark and questionable as it might be, I can’t help but get pumped when I hear it. Definitely my favorite rock song of the year – sorry, Italy!

2 – Denmark – “Øve os på hinanden” by Fyr & Flamme: I love you, 1983. I don’t care how dated it is when my entire soul consists of a disco ball. The song’s so damn cute! This is the one member of my top 5 that I’m most terrified of losing – I know it’s not popular, with everyone calling it dated, but my top 5 always has that dated song that I love the hell out of becauseit sounds so classic. The translated lyrics are adorable, too. Even if you guys flame out in the semi, you’ll live on in the disco in my heart.

Favorite:

1 – Ukraine – “Shum” by Go_A: Holy fucking shit. There’s something about the blending of traditional and electronic that gets me hyped – see KEiiNO – and this one does not disappoint. The last minute of this is the best minute of Eurovision this year, and god, the buildup! I don’t even know Ukrainian but I am trying my damnedest to get the lyrics down, phonetically, at least. You know that “dancing goths” meme video? That’s me whenever this song comes on, especially during that speed up. Love the hell out of it. Could Ukraine be on its way to another victory already? I sure hope so, because this song fucking rules. Definitely checking out the rest of the discography someday, if all of their songs are in this folktronica style then they’ve gotta be a treat to listen to. Go Ukraine!

Ideal Qualifiers (favorite of each semi in bold):

Semi 1

Australia

Azerbaijan

Croatia

Cyprus

Israel

Lithuania

Malta

Norway

Romania

Ukraine Semi 2:

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

Greece

Iceland

Latvia

Moldova

Poland

San Marino

Serbia

This is definitely not what's going to happen - there is no universe where Switzerland and Sweden don't make it - but it'll be interesting to compare the reality to my hopes.

Let's go, Eurovision 2021

#irk blubbers about nothing #irk talks eurovision 2021

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jypark-gae · 7 years

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It’s Difficult (WTLYBF) (Ending) - 7 [Tae]

You were so confused that it angered you. Why was it so hard to decide? Who did you really like back? Why did they both have to like you? You began questioning what was so great about you. All your life you were never faced with these kinds of problems. Problems that required you to choose someone over another. If you chose Taehyung, it’d hurt Jungkook. If you chose Jungkook, it’d hurt Taehyung. You weren’t used to this kind of affection. You weren’t used to two guys liking you at once. That’s something your other prettier friends had to deal with. You’d always feel bad for them, thanking whoever it was that managed the world for not torturing you like that. You let out a groan for the 100th time that day. You wanted to answer as soon as possible. You knew you wouldn’t want to wait long for your crush to tell you how they felt. Grabbing at your locks, you pace around your flat. Think, think, think. Who do you like better? You shook your head at yourself. You liked them both equally, them being close to you in their own ways. Finally you sat down and began to pick out individual things the other did for you. You smiled through it, your heart fluttering at the sweet things that went unnoticed by you. Your mind went back to the times you and Taehyung would have sleepovers. It would end up with you two cuddling. You remember how flustered you would get at how close your bodies were. You missed having Tae’s arm around you, the way he’d so carelessly hug you from behind. And when girls at school would pick on you, Taehyung would be your Prince Charming and quickly defend you. It made you wonder how you ended up friends with such a pretty boy like him. The thought that he actually recognized you and enjoyed your company, it made you warm inside.

The thought of loosing Tae hurt you. Whenever he’d get a girlfriend, which surprisingly wasn’t often, you’d feel left out and hurt. Even if he was in a relationship, he made efforts to hang out with you as well. Tae never treated you differently, he was wise enough to not let his girlfriends take control over him. You felt guilty. His girlfriends must’ve not felt special. You were someone else in his life. One insult towards you and Tae was done with them. You mattered that much to him. You were like a puppy, a puppy he loved and protected. He also thought you were cute like one. He’d constantly tell you that you were cute and you’d dismiss it as a friendly compliment, not wanting to overreact or jump to conclusions. Thinking back to times Taehyung made you feel loved, you remembered when you first realized you liked him. It was a while ago, and it was a normal day but something made you feel flustered around him. It was as if Cupid shot an arrow at you both and you ended up thinking of him as more than a friend. Flatting out your skirt, you take a look in the mirror and nod at yourself. You felt cute. You bid your parents goodbye, exiting out the door. Taehyung sat on your porch steps, humming to himself. “What you jamming to?” You ask as you sit beside him. He looks up at you with his honey brown eyes and smiles. “Oh, nothing. You ready?” You nod and the both of you stand up. The fair you both attended every year wasn’t far from here so you walked there. “You look cute, like always.” You blush slightly, thanking him. “You look cute yourself, Taehyung.” He laughs and loops his arm in yours. “Why, thank you.” You quickly got there and paid for your entrance, entering and seeing all the things to do there. There was basically everything there. A place to dance, games, rides, sports, karaoke, and of course- food stands. “What first?” he asks. “Rides!” You grab his hand and run towards a roller coaster. It wasn’t huge, but it looked to have decent twists and turns. The line wasn’t very long so you decided to wait. It only took a couple minutes until you two were allowed to ride. Once you sit down and buckle up, Taehyung takes your hand. “Don’t be scared, Y/N, I’m here.” You laugh and slap his shoulder softly. “I’m not scared! You’re the one who grabbed my hand.” He laughs along with you, showing off his cute boxy smile. “Whatever helps you feel better, Y/N.” You just laugh a little more, letting it out. The ride starts and you two get hyped. “I can’t wait for the drop!” you scream, jumping in your seat. It was still going straight forward so nothing had really happened. “Me too-” Tae was interrupted by the sudden turn, making him scream. You laugh and scream at the same time, tingles in your stomach. Once the ride got to the drop, you yelled loudly in excitement. Tae screamed beside you, his eyes showing fright. You laugh at him, squeezing his hand to make him feel better. Once the ride was done, he looked traumatized.

You giggle and fix his hair, flattening it out like how it usually was. “That was intense for a cheap fair ride.” he murmurs. You nod, letting out a chuckle. “It’s the most popular one. I’d say we should go again but the line is longer and you probably don’t want to.” He doesn’t say anything so you just drag him to a food stand. You get a funnel cake, planning to share it with Tae. “And you said I was scared of the ride.” you joke once you two sit down. “I bet you were.” You roll your eyes playfully. “You’re one to talk.” He laughs and rips out a piece of the funnel cake, popping it in his mouth. “Let’s dance.” You furrow your brows. “Why now?” Tae shrugs his shoulders. “Let’s finish this funnel cake first, though.” So once you two were done with the treat, you walk to the little dance area and join the groups of people. It was an upbeat song but it soon ended and changed to a slower more romantic song. You shrug and let Taehyung hold you close. Your arms hang on his shoulders, his hands on your waist. The two of you swayed around, just looking at each other. The light of the stand reflected on Taehyung’s skin, making it glow even more. Wow, he looks beautiful. His eyes had a look in them, not as soft as usual. It made you blush. Your foreheads pressed together, lips centimeters apart. You didn’t know why but you had this sudden urge to kiss him. And so being dumb, you did so. Your lips kissed his for a few seconds before you pulled away, realizing what you’d done. His eyes were wide, the grip on your waist tight. “I’m..I’m sorry it just-” You shook your head, giving up on explaining. For some reason, you felt hurt that he didn’t reciprocate your actions. You kind of missed the feelings of his lips on yours, even if he didn’t kiss back. “It’s fine.” Tae awkwardly answers. The song ends and the two of you walk away. “Let’s enjoy the rest of the night, yeah? Like as if that never happened.” You nod, feeling an aching in your chest. When he took your hand you blushed and your heart beat picked up. You ignored it and took his words into thought. That never happened. You could get over Taehyung as much as you wanted, but you’d never stop loving him. Your feelings will always be there. You will always have a mini heart attack whenever he starts any kind of skinship. You never really stopped feeling affection towards him. He liked you back, why were you hesitating? Now was your chance. You could get the happy ending you always wanted. And with the guy you always wanted. You took no time to think and ran out of your door, heading towards where Taehyung resided. It tired you but you didn’t feel any of it. You were determined to get to his house and tell him you feel the same way. That your feelings are mutual. As you ran by people, some looked and some just ignored it, thinking of you as some crazy jogger. When you finally reached your destination you knocked on his door loudly. You paced around, despite being tired, and waited. When the door finally opened you pounced in. “Oh god are you okay? You’re panting so loudly.” You nod your head. “I’m fine! I’m great! I’m awesome, you’re awesome! Gosh, Taehyung I love you!” He froze but you pulled him into a hug. And just like in the past, you press your lips onto his. The fact that you ran all the way to him made it feel romantic. Though, unlike the past, he didn’t stand still. He kissed back, hands pulling you closer. It made you smile. Pulling away, you were even more breathless. Your crush from years ago finally felt the same way about you. You wanted to squeal and jump around. But you kept your chill. “You know, the fact that you ran all that distance for me makes me flattered.” You laugh. “I’m glad.” Tae smiles at you and grabs your face, pulling you in for another kiss.

»i hope this satisfies the tae stans;; anyways, this series is officially done. wow. requests are open loves 💕now im gonna watch marvel movies while cuddled in my blanket bc im free haha. thx for reading!«

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lucalicatteart · 7 years

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Some random info about blood in Nanyevimi..

Particularly on the topic of the collecting and selling of it in the realm, attempts to regulate the industry, implications of it, reasons against the practice, etc. (info under read more, even though this is an extremely short post compared to others it’s still in that weird in between length where it’d be just slightly too long if posted fully I guess lol)

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The concept of blood in the supernatural realm has always been complicated. Many scholars and cultures theorize that it itself, has supernatural properties and something to do with the nature of magic, while others (which is a more common view) claim that though some blood can indeed have magical properties, that is more reliant on the already existing magical aspects instilled in the person themselves by their soul/magic/etc (as there’s still debate as to where precisely magic comes from and what indicators are present on a physical or tangible level). Some people believe all bloods to have differing special properties depending on the species, and some say they’re all virtually the same with little difference, especially when you look at them under scientific examination. But despite the various beliefs and cultural systems in Nanyevimi all having their own unique relationships with and conceptualization of the idea of blood, and how it should (or shouldn’t) be used, there has always been a (rather small) market for the distribution and collection of it.

There are ethical concerns with the mass collection of blood, as despite there being humane ways to collect it, in an industry as unregulated and largely spread out across the world as it is, it can be hard to ensure that that was the case.

In addition, most species have a huge list of incompatibilities and harmful effects that can occur due to the mixing or accidental consumption of blood. Which is one of the things that has lead some people to believe blood contains magical properties in the first place, as it can have such varied reactions in others. Even if, when examined in a lab two bloods have seemingly no large difference (like obviously blood will vary by species and all blood has normal variations in it, but I mean like.. it's not like you'll compare two of them and one is of such absurdly different composition that you're unsure if it's even blood, etc. Most of them seem fairly in the same range, and there are no currently recognizable properties that correlate with or account for the differences that have been noticed in blood, etc. ), they may still have wildly varying effects in certain applications, hinting at some sort of undetectable inherent properties. Not to mention all the other various health concerns that arise from improper storage and handling, etc.

Due to this, it is illegal in many countries in Nanyevimi to collect blood for non-medical purposes, and especially to buy and sell it (with exceptions for Navyete of course as the population (vampires/avirre'thel) literally needs it to survive, but they have their own extensive laws and hugely strict cultural ceremonies and conditions surrounding it, leading to it being highly regulated there and limited to the native population/species). Though of course people find a way to do it anyway.

Some people collect blood as a form of unofficial research, to use it and examine it, for whatever reason an amateur at home scientist may want to examine blood (like for example, certain small groups of hobbyists who are determined to research and document and test the limits of every known species in the world, but would rather not be subject to the ethics laws of working officially so they just run a lab out of their basement and try to hunt down different people from various species and convince them to come have tests done (or kidnap them, depending on the.. particular attitude of the amateur scientist in question)).

Others collect it more as a sport, given how many different species and subspecies there are in the world, some (this is like a ridiculous rich person thing lol...like, nobody would give a shit to do this if they weren’t some combination of bored, rich, and lacking empathy for the general population that isn’t like them) people seek to collect samples from them all, making rare or endangered species’ blood incredibly valuable (and again like.. not animals.. like.. very conscious living humanoid beings.. hence the claim that they’re detached from the humanity of others. Stalking and hunting down groups of people like animals just so you can get a blood sample is.. Freak Behavior). This is different from the science hobbyists, in that they don’t want to study them and don’t care about discovering rare evolutionary branches or secret capabilities, they legit just see it as a cool game, like collecting all trading cards in a set and then bragging about it to their other bored and rich friends.

The most popular reason to acquire blood however, would be to consume it as a delicacy (these are like a sub-category of the 'bored rich idiots', who happen to be more gullible and are convinced it has magical properties. Like, rich fools who are willing to spend tons of money on blood samples because some other vaguely less foolish rich person manipulated and scammed them by claiming that it would give them good luck or get them high or help make them fertile or something), and probably a majority (about 65%) of the underground blood market is for this purpose. People trying to get their hands on different blood from the most obscure or important species, thinking that consuming it will help them in some way or give them bragging rights or that it will just taste different than the others*, and is similar to trying a new fancy food or sampling different wines at an upscale restaurant (but it's USUALLY still out of them thinking it will do something for them. Even a lot of the people who claim they just like sampling and want to try all different types are always, secretly hoping to themselves that they’re going to unlock secret magic from it or something lol)

*(interestingly though, kind of similar to how some wines in our world have been proven to be this way, most people actually can not distinguish any difference between the different blood of humanoid species. It’s all the placebo effect at best, and pseudoscience peddling blood sellers actually tampering with the blood using magic to give it fake flavors at worst. The only species ever verifiably and reliably proven to be able to detect a distinction between types of blood (in humanoid creatures and animals alike) are the Avirre’thel (which is interesting since perhaps they have a rare ability to actually pickup on some of the aforementioned ‘undetectable magical properties’ or something), but like anyone else who says they can is probably just… a silly rich person tricking themselves into thinking it was wise to spend $20,000 on a rare blood sample from a dingy black market blood shop )

Ironically, the Avirre’thel/vampires, the only species in existence that literally requires consumption of the blood of living beings to survive (so has the best excuse out of everyone to participate in these things), are one of the main combatants of this industry, partially due to the cultural traditions they’ve built up around similar concepts, leading them to see this treatment of blood as highly disrespectful and also grossly irresponsible (especially due to them often having to interact with various human populations be incredibly careful about it, and also being pretty much experts in things like blood sensitivities, what species are compatible/incompatible, basic cross species/cross cultural standards of respect and communication, how to interact safely with those from other areas without starting conflict, etc etc. They have some of the highest standards in the world for all things of that nature (given they have thousands of years of forced experience with it), and they see stuff like this as like absurdly inappropriate and not at all in accordance to how things like this Should be handled). They see it as not only insulting to them (given the significance of blood in their culture), but more importantly, reckless and dangerous to everyone else as well, given how serious of matters are being tampered with and the potential harmful effects that a lack of knowledge and regulation can bring. A deep respect for blood and a cautious reverence for the lives around them is so deeply ingrained in their culture that, despite being probably one of the biggest groups that could stand to gain from an entirely unregulated blood market, they're actually some of the most strongly opposed to it.

The industry has especially flourished in (or basically has entirely relocated to, as it’s one of the only places where it’s actually legal) Mippya (another reason the Avirre’thel are often involved, given it’s so close to them and… the.. cursed Fanyin elves on their bullshit again), as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the supernatural realm (and the least regulated which makes it particularly popular for.. certain types of people). Blood selling is one of the most prominent forms of “tiri gyeddania” ( meaning ’hidden tourism’ or ‘unseen tourism’, aka any broadly illegal activities/items/etc. that tourists regularly show up to do/purchase, since Fanyin/Mippya have virtually zero ‘human rights’ or any sort of system that would regulate anything involving other people) that they are known for. Most efforts on an international level to regulate the industry, and warnings from groups like the main council of Navyete and etc., have gone pretty ignored in Fanyin and Mippya, to the delight of weird basement scientists and gullible rich supernatural folk that like to drink overpriced likely fake** blood in underground caves to feel elite and cool about themselves.

(**often it’s just bird blood labeled as elf blood since nobody can tell the difference. While some buyers are adamant about actually having proof or seeing a living source (which is often, worse and more expensive since, generally implies kidnapping and keeping people captive as living proof of where the blood came from), a majority of people still are just like… taking a shady vendor’s word for it lol)

#blood mention #blood tw

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crimsonblackrose · 5 years

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My nearest train station is Gapyeong. Gapyeong is a popular destination throughout the year for various reasons: concerts, pensions, camping, nature, and of course Nami island.

I’ve been to Nami island in almost every season. It’s lovely, a bit crowded, but fun. From Gapyeong station you can take a bus and go to Petite France or even the Garden of the Morning Calm as well as ride around on rail bikes. There’s two courses you can pick from. But one of the things I’ve noticed is not everyone understands the ITX or how to get there.

Korail talk app

There are two ways to Gapyeong station. Regular slow Korail, which is great if you want to read and are up for standing for about an hour and the ITX which is a fast train. If possible I try and take the ITX, I book tickets on the korail talk app which is mostly in Korean. (My coteacher helped me create an account) There is an English version of the app, just make yourself an account and you can collect points. But I only suggest doing this if you take the ITX or KTX often. Otherwise it’s a bit of a waste of time. Since I live off an ITX stop I use it almost every weekend to get to and from Gapyeong. Currently these towns have ITX stops:

Toegyewon

Sareung

Pyeongnae Hopyeong

Masok

Cheongpyeong

Gapyeong

Gangchon

Namchuncheon

Chuncheon

Also a couple in Seoul but it’s really not worth getting if you live in Seoul because there’s so many other ways of getting around and instead of being about 1,000 won it’s about 6,000 won.

Korean version of the home page

Red=standing only unable to book on app. Blue= seating available book on app

Also note that not all of these stops are stopped at often, just sometimes. When Nathalie lived at Pyeongnae Hopyeong we noticed that I had more train times to get home then she did via the ITX, so after awhile she realized that taking an intercity bus actually worked better for her then the ITX.

All the stops with an ITX next to it are possible stops on the ITX, however some are less common

The app also works for booking train tickets from city to city, like if you’re in Busan and want to go to Seoul or to Daegu or somewhere else. But you can also buy these tickets (and ITX tickets at the train stations)

For ITX tickets it’s easiest to book at a machine. Any ITX station will have ITX train ticket machines nearby, however in some cases they only take local Korean cards, and in others cash. Their default is Korean but if you look there will be a button that says English, since it’s touch screen touch that button, sometimes a couple times and then you’ll have options. Currently it’s in the lower left but sometimes they update their kiosks and it changes, when I first got here it was in the upper right.

Lately I’ve had to search for Gapyeong but there is an option to search for where you are going. You can type in the English of the name of where you are going and then purchase your ticket.

In the above picture you can see my train number is 2080 so I have to get on the ITX 2080. My leaving time is 1:31 and arrival time should be 2:28 at Yongsan station. 4호차 is my car number, I’m in car 4 and can either go in door 4-1 or 4-2 to stand. I don’t have an assigned seat. If I did it’d be a number and letter next to the 4, such as 3A, and then I would find within car 4 seat 3A and that would be my seat.

After you’ve got your ticket follow the signs for the ITX. Almost always it will share a platform with Korail, the slow regular train that goes throughout Seoul and the neighboring areas. You want to wait at the platform heading in the correct direction. Usually there are announcements at the station in Engish and Korean as well as TV screens. Check your ticket and there will be a train number, check the train number with the trains that come in, you don’t want to get on the wrong train.

The triangle with 4-4 is for regular korail trains. It means 4th train car and 4th door. For ITX only two out of the four doors open so there’s only 4-1 and 4-2. If you are in a standing seat pick which either one you want in your car number to stand or try to sit in.

You’ll also find on the train your car number. There are three options when buying a ticket. Standing, regular and upstairs. Standing means that you’re going to be either at the front of your car number or the back (your choice) and if there’s a seat open in this space take it other wise you’re standing. If you have a seat then push open on the door and head through to find your nice comfy seat that you paid for. If there’s someone in your seat double check that you’re in the right car and it’s the right seat and then show them your ticket. Sometimes people get their seats mixed up or rather than stand in the space by the doors will just sit in any open seat until someone comes to claim it.

If you’re in a “standing” seat keep your ticket on you. You can’t buy standing tickets on the app so you’ll have a physical ticket. A train staff member will come by and check your ticket and if you don’t have one will they will charge you extra and make you pay then and there. It’s always a bit awkward when this happens so try to buy a ticket in advance.

There are bathrooms as well as a nursing room available on the trains to use and vending machines.

Push this green button to help leave the doors open for 3 minutes. 3분 means 3 minutes

If you’ve got a large group or there’s a long slow line of people boarding the train I highly suggest pushing this green button. It will hold the doors open for 3 minutes. This is useful because the doors do not have sensors and will just close on you and pin you between the doors if you do not quickly push the open button again. It’s not safe so push that green button to make sure you will get through without getting crushed by the door on your way to your seat or off the train. Do not stand in the doorway. It will eventually close on you and even if it stays open for longer than three minutes and seems like it may be broken do not trust it.

Push this open button to have the door open, if it starts to close on you quickly push it again or the green button in the previous picture above the door so you’re not crushed

If you are sitting outside the standing space there’s a good chance no one will ask you to see your ticket, but still have it on you just in case, you may need it if you sat in the wrong seat or someone else thinks your seat is theirs. Just as proof that you’re in the right spot, or in case by chance (very rare) that they ask.

For ITX tickets you do not need to tap in or out at the gates. There is usually an ITX gate that you can go through or show your ticket to the staff to be let through. If you want to transfer though you will need to tap at little kiosks available at the platforms or else you might get stuck. Look for something like the picture above. Usually other people will be doing this as well so just follow them.

How to take the ITX My nearest train station is Gapyeong. Gapyeong is a popular destination throughout the year for various reasons: concerts, pensions, camping, nature, and of course…

#ESL teacher advice #gapyeong #getting around in Korea #ITX #living in korea #teaching english in south korea

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curveballsandfriends-blog · 7 years

Text

Sri Lanka 27th

‘Get out. You need to get out now.’

Rewind.

You know how in American teenage movies the popular girl runs towards the swimming pool, does an Olympic-worthy jump, and looks incredibly cool? Tried that.

Insert close friend getting married in Sri Lanka. Insert delirium of getting to our destination after countless hours of travel. Insert 27th birthday. Insert pride of having a new slimmer body. Insert swimming pool.

“Remove shoes. Run towards your the pool. Do your best dive...

Crack. Blinding pain. I’ve just hit my head...What was that sound? Why is the water so high?

Why won’t the surface come closer to me?

...Get out. You need to get out now.

Arms obey. Legs do something.

No answer.

This is bad. This is really bad. You can’t die like this, I mean, surely you can do better than this? If you are going to go so young it’d have to be something big. Really big and dramatic. Fuck the 27 club.

No answer.

Why can’t my arms and legs move, the surface is just there? Help.

No answer.

Don’t do this to your family... Mom won’t survive this, you know she won’t...

Right arm is moving. Harder.

GASP.

Where is everyone gone? They must have served up my birthday cake.

Let’s be sensible about this. I’m five hours away from medical attention in the middle of a third world country... Let’s ignore this happened. Don’t tell anyone. Maybe I just pinched a nerve?

“Tristan will you give me a massage?”

This is better... but not helping. Maybe if I go to my room and stretch out... My luggage is so heavy. Can’t lift it and... what’s that tingle in my left hand?

“Guys can someone please help me get this upstairs? Thank you so so much.”

Stretch. Hurt. Tequila shot. Head spinning.

8 AM: I’m sweating...faint? Vomit? The world is spinning. I can’t hold onto that wall.

Knock knock.

“I think I hurt myself last night. I’m so sorry... but I think I need to get to a doctor.”

On the road we go. The first doctor -an hour out of the resort- takes my blood pressure: “Here’s some sports gel and don't forget to take the paracetamol.”

Surely that can't be it. My airplane neck cushion on the bumpy way back isn’t up to the job. I call my the surgeon brother. No answer.

Brother: “Is it urgent?”

“Yes. I think I broke my neck.”

Brother: “What are your symptoms?”

“You’re not going to tell the parents right? This is covered by doctor patient confidentiality?”

Brother: “Yes. What’s going on?”

“I’m in pain. I can’t feel three fingers in my left hand. I have no strength in my left arm and I’m dizzy.”

Brother: “Can you still walk...(and other questions)...You need a CT scan. Brain and spine. NOW... If you want to keep walking or stay alive you need to get to it and call me after.”

Three clinics later, an unsuccessful call to my insurance (can you give me the name of a hospital? we’ll call you back never) and a three hour cab ride I find the only clinic outside of Colombo that has a CT scan.

The groom is with me. I told him ‘it’s nothing’. He is telling me I will be fine. We are both scared out of our minds...I didn't have to tell him my brother’s diagnosis, a friend of his told him what it could be.

The waiting room is bare. The nurses are dressed like i a fifties movies. I’m in my plastic chair waiting to see a doctor. The walls’ paint is chipping off. A child next to me is bloodied and looking like he is on the verge of collapsing. I pray.

Hospitals are a funny thing. You want everyone to get better, but you don't want to see other people in pain. You want everyone to get out healthy.. and yet you don’t want to wait for medical attention. Strange places... But I’m digressing.

After an argument with the doctor and an offer to be admitted to the clinic I wrangle my way to a CT scan on the spot. The bride is here and strikes my hair. I haven’t cried yet, but this is the moment of truth isn’t it?

The wait is interminable. They moved me to a wheel chair. Hours go by.

We get some initial results “It’s ok -one of her vertebrae isn’t aligned in her spine anymore but it shouldn't require surgery.” I breathe again. Visions of me spending my life in a wheelchair fade away but the doctor still has to see me.

The hospital keeps filling up. In Sri Lanka the doctors work in the public system in the morning and then private in the afternoon. Long gone the empty waiting room. My friend’s step mom is looking after me and having to push the wheelchair through the crowds -bribing the nurses to let me in with the doctors. Thank God she is here... but I still feel very alone and completely out of control. This is my fight and yet I have no strength. Tears start spilling.I want to run. Far and fast away.

Cue in extra X-ray after two other triage consults. Introducing the local rheumatologist: “You spine is broken -your neck is broken. We can't do your surgery here, we don’t have the material. The best we can do is ambulance you to Colombo.”

“Can I fly?”

“You can take one flight. Choose wisely, you need surgery and your fracture is unstable so you won't tolerate too much movement.”

“12 hours ok?”

“One flight.”

Two trips to the overflowing pharmacy (with matching increasingly invasive neck braces) and an illegal cigarette on the parking lot of the clinic we drive back to the resort...two hours of bumpy roads...pain...but wait I’m supposed to co-officiate the wedding in 24 hours...SHIT.

“You can’t sleep in a bed, you have to sleep in a chair... the doctor said... You have to be near the exit of the resort, we can't take the responsibility of having you being in the villa with us.You can't get ready with us tomorrow either and I don’t know who can help you get ready...” opening statement from my soon to be married friend.

“You can get the neckbrace off for an hour to officiate the wedding you’ve come so far...” (mom-in-law)

“How dare you be so selfish” (other bridesmaid)

I need to go home.

My bank account is in overdraft, my credit card is now too... my health insurance is asking me for a medical file which takes a week to get together for a medical evacuation...

I’m scared.

Apparently the longer I stay injured the more likely I am to never walk again...

I called my parents earlier and got their credit cards’ number...they just think I am trying to go shopping. That’s what I said anyways.

My friends type in the information for me on the airline’s website. I’m clutching onto my passport.

My brother calls back.

“Don’t sleep. You might break your neck even with a brace. Stay awake, til you go, have someone look over you.”

I’m terrified. It’s ironic to think I have had self harming thoughts before but now that I find myself in real danger it’s crystal clear I want to stay alive and be healthy just if I have the opportunity to be so.

Can’t sleep. Can’t move. Can't stop thinking. Have to get back to England.

Get inside that car. Drive away. Get to the airport.

The driver is caring and gentle but he can’t help the roads in Sri Lanka...We are in this for five hours.

I can't take it anymore.

“Please take me back to the clinic.”

I’m can’t stop crying, the pain is unbearable. I can feel his heart swelling for me with compassion...He barely speaks English but I tell him I’m broken...as we get to the hospital he talks to them for me.

The ambulance will take an hour minimum. The pain is unbearable. Flight is leaving soon... Back in that wheelchair, back in that clinic.

What do I do? There’s still enough time to catch the flight. I trust his driving and his car better than the ambulance - a vestige from the sixties.

My driver has that little bit more soul. He cares. He tells me he can get me to my flight. We get back on the road. My brother is calling me every hour to check I am still alive -although he tells me it’s just a ‘little check in’. Bump upon bump. Keep pushing through. We are getting closer. Will they let me on the flight?

I have a 7pm off-book appointment at the hospital through the driver's sister in law -for the only MRI in the country- in case I can't make it on the flight. I feel so incredibly grateful for the people around me. I feel a little less alone. Facing death I was surrounded with the ones I love... What got me out of the pool was thinking of my family. What’s keeping me alive now are just those people, and some new people who life was brilliant enough to put on my path.

Airport. I try to keep standing after walking 200 meters.

“May I please have a wheelchair?”

12 hours to go. Til safety... Grind teeth. Look normal, You are so close...you need to get on that flight.

LONDON. Gatwick airport.

No ambulance is coming to take me to the nearest hospital. The NHS paramedic gets me an Addison Lee. He drives like a maniac.

“Sir please can you slow down? I’m injured badly, my neck is broken.”

“I’m an Addison Lee, not an ambulance.”

I get to that hospital at 1 am. They can’t transfer me to a trauma center for hours and certainly not in an ambulance til triage in 4 hours... Time is running out. I get myself on an uber with a kind driver who offers me water and drives as carefully as humanly possible.

As soon as I get to the hospital I know. I know I’m not going to die. A neurosurgeon in my cubicle within minutes.

“Mom, Dad. I’m not in Sri Lanka anymore. I’ve had a little accident. All is fine but I’m back in London in the hospital and they are taking good care of me.”

The screams coming from the beds next to me in the ward, the surgery... it doesn't matter anymore.

My other brother is coming over from Paris this afternoon. My friends are visiting. My reason to fight was next to me. We are going to be ok.

It’s easier to leave people than be left.

But it’s a two way road.

It’s so much easier to love than be loved but somehow it’s their love that keeps me alive and fighting.

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