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travelindia2233 · 9 months

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Best Places to Visit in July in India

Are you planning a trip to India in July and wondering about the best places to visit? July is a fantastic time to explore the diverse and vibrant country of India. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and pleasant weather in many regions, there are numerous destinations that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, India has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit in July, ensuring you have an incredible journey. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Leh-Ladakh: The Land of High Passes

Manali: A Haven for Adventure Seekers

Coorg: The Scotland of India

Munnar: Paradise for Nature Lovers

Goa: The Party Capital of India

Udaipur: The City of Lakes

Shillong: Scotland of the East

Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills

Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World

Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations

Pachmarhi: A Serene Retreat in Madhya Pradesh

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise

Puri: The Spiritual Beach Destination

Conclusion

FAQs

Introduction

India, with its diverse geography, offers a wide range of destinations that are perfect for a visit in July. From the snow-clad mountains of Ladakh to the serene beaches of Goa, the options are limitless. The monsoon season in July brings lush greenery, cooler temperatures, and a refreshing ambiance to many parts of the country. So, let's explore some of the best places to visit in July in India.

Leh-Ladakh: The Land of High Passes

Heading to Leh-Ladakh in July is like stepping into a surreal paradise. Nestled in the northernmost part of India, this region boasts breathtaking landscapes, high mountain passes, and pristine lakes. You can embark on an adventurous road trip, indulge in thrilling activities like trekking and river rafting, and explore ancient monasteries that offer a glimpse into the region's rich Buddhist culture.

Manali: A Haven for Adventure Seekers

Situated in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a popular hill station known for its enchanting beauty and thrilling adventures. In July, the weather is pleasant, and the lush green valleys make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. You can try your hand at various adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, and hiking. The nearby Rohtang Pass offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and is a must-visit attraction.

Coorg: The Scotland of India

Coorg, located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is often referred to as the "Scotland of India" due to its mist-covered hills, lush coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls. In July, the region experiences a refreshing monsoon, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You can take leisurely walks through the aromatic coffee estates, visit the famous Abbey Falls, and indulge in the local cuisine that offers a unique blend of flavors.

Munnar: Paradise for Nature Lovers

Nestled in the state of Kerala, Munnar is a picturesque hill station renowned for its tea plantations, lush green valleys, and mist-covered mountains. July is an ideal time to visit Munnar as the monsoon showers transform the entire region into a vibrant paradise. You can explore the tea estates, witness the Neelakurinji flowers in bloom (which happens once every 12 years), and visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr.

Goa: The Party Capital of India

Goa needs no introduction when it comes to being a favorite holiday destination. Famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa attracts tourists from around the world. In July, the tourist season is relatively quieter, making it an excellent time to explore the scenic beaches, indulge in water sports, and experience the vibrant local culture. You can also savor the mouthwatering seafood and enjoy a laid-back beach vacation.

Udaipur: The City of Lakes

Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes," is a gem in the state of Rajasthan. Its magnificent palaces, serene lakes, and rich history make it a must-visit destination in July. The monsoon season adds a romantic charm to the city, and you can enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, explore the majestic City Palace, and witness cultural performances at the Bagore Ki Haveli. Don't forget to savor the traditional Rajasthani cuisine while you're there.

Shillong: Scotland of the East

The enchanting hill station of Shillong, located in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, is often referred to as the "Scotland of the East" due to its rolling hills, misty landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. In July, Shillong experiences mild temperatures and lush greenery, making it an ideal escape from the scorching summer heat. You can visit the famous Elephant Falls, explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunjee, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local music scene.

Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is renowned for its tea plantations, panoramic views of the mountains, and the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train." July is a great time to visit Darjeeling as the monsoon showers rejuvenate the tea gardens, offering a picturesque view of rolling green hills. You can take a ride on the Toy Train, visit the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the breathtaking sunrise, and explore the vibrant local markets.

Rishikesh: The Yoga Capital of the World

If you're seeking a spiritual and adventurous experience, Rishikesh is the place to be. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas and on the banks of the holy Ganges River, Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." In July, the weather is pleasant, and you can indulge in yoga and meditation retreats, participate in thrilling water sports like river rafting, and visit ancient temples and ashrams. The evening Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) is a mesmerizing sight not to be missed.

Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hill Stations

Kodaikanal, nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a charming hill station known for its mist-covered valleys, beautiful lakes, and tranquil ambiance. In July, Kodaikanal experiences mild temperatures, making it an ideal retreat from the summer heat. You can take a boat ride on the serene Kodaikanal Lake, explore the lush green forests of the Berijam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Pillar Rocks.

Pachmarhi: A Serene Retreat in Madhya Pradesh

Pachmarhi, located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is a hidden gem and a perfect getaway for nature lovers. It is adorned with cascading waterfalls, ancient caves, and dense forests. In July, Pachmarhi experiences mild temperatures, and the monsoon showers enhance the beauty of this hill station. You can explore the famous Pandav Caves, hike to the picturesque Dhoopgarh viewpoint for a mesmerizing sunset, and visit the tranquil Bee Falls.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise

If you're looking for an exotic tropical escape, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an ideal destination. With their pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, these islands offer a slice of paradise. In July, the islands experience a pleasant climate, and you can indulge in various water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. Don't miss a visit to the famous Radhanagar Beach and the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

Puri: The Spiritual Beach Destination

Puri, located in the eastern state of Odisha, is a captivating combination of spirituality and natural beauty. It is famous for the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. In July, Puri experiences moderate temperatures, and the beach becomes an ideal spot for relaxation and spiritual contemplation. You can witness the grand Rath Yatra festival at the Jagannath Temple, explore the historic Konark Sun Temple, and savor delicious local cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India offers a myriad of incredible destinations to explore in July. From the picturesque valleys of Leh-Ladakh to the serene beaches of Goa, each place has its unique charm and attractions. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or a peaceful retreat, these destinations will leave you mesmerized. Embrace the monsoon showers, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural experiences that await you in these best places to visit in July in India.

FAQs

Q: Is July a good time to visit India?

A: Yes, July is a great time to visit India as many regions experience pleasant weather and lush greenery due to the monsoon season.

Q: Are these destinations safe to visit in July?

A: Yes, these destinations are generally safe to visit. However, it is always advisable to follow travel guidelines, take necessary precautions, and stay updated on weather conditions.

Q: Can I enjoy water activities during July in India?

A: Absolutely! July offers a great opportunity to indulge in water sports and activities in destinations like Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Rishikesh.

Q: Are these places suitable for family vacations?

A: Yes, these places are suitable for family vacations. They offer a range of attractions and activities suitable for travelers of all ages.

Q: Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?

A: It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability and secure the best deals.

#travel #july #india #summer

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poojabhtaxi · 1 year

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Places to Visit Near Mumbai - Bharat Taxi

Places to Visit Near Mumbai

Lonavala

Lonavala is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Mumbai. It is in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats. The best time to go to this small, quiet hill station is during the monsoon season, when everything looks fresh and green. Lonavala is beautiful because of its thick forests, waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. It is a great place for nature lovers and people who want to find peace. The hill station is a great place for people who like history, camping, trekking, and adventure sports.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Mumbai. It is known as the strawberry capital of India. The area is full of lakes, waterfalls, lookout points, and hiking trails, all of which are gifts from nature. A must-see here is the Mapro Garden, a garden park known for its delicious strawberries. Not only that, but Mahabaleshwar also has some famous temples, caves, and amusement parks. This makes it a great place for all kinds of tourists.

Khandala

Khandala is another beautiful hill station that is 5 km away from Lonavala. People from Mumbai and Pune often go there to get away from the chaos of the city and spend time in natural surroundings. Khandala is known for its beautiful valleys, gushing waterfalls, and sparkling lakes that come to life during the monsoon season. The hill station is easy to get to from the cities close by, so rock climbers, hikers, and trekkers go there often.

Alibaug

Alibaug is a peaceful coastal town in the Raigad district. It has some beautiful sandy beaches and villas. It is known for its beaches and is sometimes called the "Mini Goa of Maharashtra." Alibaug is a popular place for nature lovers, people who want to find peace, and photographers because of its clean air, natural beauty, and quiet. There are also a lot of exciting water sports here, such as parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving, and jet skiing, for people who want to try something new. Alibaug also has a number of well-known forts, temples, and museums.

Matheran

Matheran is a great place to go if you've seen all the popular tourist spots in Mumbai and want to spend some time in nature. This cosy hill station in the Western Ghats is only 83 km from Mumbai and is a great place to go for a weekend trip. In addition to beautiful views and peace, Matheran has roads without cars and a clean environment. So, going to the hill station will be like going to a whole different world. Even though the place is nice to visit any time of year, nature lovers should go during the rainy season when everything is green and lush. But people who want to do things outside should stay away from Matheran during the monsoons.

Lavasa

Lavasa is the first planned hill station in India. It has a beautiful mix of natural beauty and man-made buildings. It takes its style from the Italian town of Portofino and is spread out over a land area of 50,000 acres. The hill station has a huge man-made lake with a promenade along the lake where you can shop, eat, go boating, ride bikes, and do other things. Lavasa is a popular place for people from Mumbai to go on vacation. It has a peaceful atmosphere, nice buildings, clean surroundings, and a beautiful view of hills and valleys. If you are a tourist making a list of things to do in Mumbai and nearby places to see, make sure you include Lavasa.

Raigad

The district of Raigad is in the Konkan area of Maharashtra. It is a great place for people who love nature and history. The district is very important in history because it was the first capital of the popular Maratha Kingdom, which was led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The main thing to see here is Raigad Fort, which is one of the strongest forts on the Deccan Plateau. There are also many other forts in the district, which has beautiful landscapes and a lot of natural beauty.

Manori

Manori is a great place to go if you want to get away from the noise and chaos of the city and spend some quiet time by the sea. This charming little village is less than 50 km from Mumbai and is known for the 2 km long Manori Beach. People often call the town "Mini-Goa" because its culture is a lot like that of Goa. Coconut and cashew trees, restaurants, shacks, and churches line the sandy Manori beach, giving it that fun Goan vibe. People who like to party, go on picnics, and are interested in spiritual things also go to the town a lot.

Jawhar

Jawhar is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to visit near Mumbai. It is a small hill station in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The area has a lot of natural beauty, like mighty mountains, thick forests, rushing waterfalls, and beautiful plants. Jawhar is also known for its ancient architectural marvels and strong cultural values. The hill station is home to some stunning manmade wonders that tell a lot about the area's rich history. Shirpamal, a historical site that was once owned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is the most popular thing to do here. Jawhar is also home to the famous Jai Vilas Palace, which was once the home of the Munke tribal kings.

Adlabs Imagicaa

You can't have a list of famous places in Mumbai that doesn't include the popular theme park Adlabs Imagicaa. Adlabs Imagicaa, which is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is a great place to visit for a day trip from Mumbai. The park has three places to have fun: the Theme Park, the Water Park, and the Snow Park. Each of these places has fun things to do for people of all ages. From roller coasters and water slides to a kiddie pool and snow basketball, the theme park has it all. Live shows like magic shows, acrobatics, and hip-hop dancing are put on there. Adlabs Imagicaa has places to stay, eat, and shop, among other things.

Bharat Taxi is one of the leading outstation cab providers in India. Our car rental service may be the best option you can take to make the perfect leisure during your ride. We always give our best outstation cabs on rent to our valuable customers at an affordable price. We completely understand all your concerns and provide you with a great option to select for our best cabs booking in Mumbai. It would be much easier to make the cabs booking at an affordable rate with Bharat Taxi. Outstation cab service is the best option you can get in Mumbai to visit the surrounding places.

Read more- Bharat Taxi

#taxiservice #cabservice #travel #bharattaxi #travelagency #mumbai

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clumsyclifford · 3 years

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bella if i visited you what would we do. like in your wildest dreams what would we do atl concert but also realistically. because i will do it dont play with me

omg well. it would really depend when you visited and for how long but here is a list of things we could do

have matzo ball soup which i would make, because obviously

go to or (more realistically) watch a baseball game on TV

play with and/or walk samson

have a jam sesh on the various instruments around our house

game night, with or without my family (they are lots of fun i promise)

girly sleepover things (face masks, painting nails, dye each others’ hair if we’re feeling really wild, etc)

honestly go to a concert like. if there was one around and we planned it then fuck yeah why not, atl or otherwise, hell yeah

go for a long drive

see a movie or just do a movie night at home

go for a walk just for funsies, my neighborhood is nice

i’m pretty sure we have portal 2, we could play that

late-night kitchen raids and have some tea

something schmancy like we could go to a show at the kennedy center or see something in DC

speaking of which: go into DC, there’s cool stuff there

museums? if you’re into museums?? DC has lots of museums, could go to any of those

go to the mall and go shopping, or window shopping, or thrift shopping, or just kinda meander

starbucks if that’s your vibe

season-dependent we could go ice skating downtown

go to ihop

cook something. or bake something!

DANCE PARTY

go to the library?? browse the shelves??

basically the opportunities are endless. guaranteed good time with bella clumsyclifford

#in my WILDEST dreams????#yeah atl concert and then nats game #and whatever you wanna do because i wouldnt drag you to a baseball game without reciprocating #like obviously thats not everyone's scene #it would just make me happy #writing this list was difficult because i forgot that #once upon a time we used to GO OUT to entertain ourselves #although can you tell i am a homebody lol #if you came Right Now you could help me unpack my college stuff :)#wait wait wait #what if noah kahan concert. what if. IMAGINE #anyway i could probably keep going #you could come to synagogue just kidding thatd be the most boring thing ever for everyone involved akgdjgdgkfdj #BUT if you came for a friday night we coudl do shabbat dinner and those are nice #or if you came on a THURSDAY night you could participate in the thursday night quiz my dad always gives #if you came in the summer we could probably go swimming #or take a road trip there must be a beach or lake or something nearby #i honestly don't know but i'm sure there is one #we could mini road trip out to baltimore it's a little under an hour away #see what's what over there #could go loiter around my high school just for fun #anyway point being please come visit omg omg omg omg omg #adri #cringeycal #anonymous #ask #answered

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kingstylesdaily · 3 years

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Playtime With Harry Styles

via vogue.com

THE MEN’S BATHING POND in London’s Hampstead Heath at daybreak on a gloomy September morning seemed such an unlikely locale for my first meeting with Harry Styles, music’s legendarily charm-heavy style czar, that I wondered perhaps if something had been lost in translation.

But then there is Styles, cheerily gung ho, hidden behind a festive yellow bandana mask and a sweatshirt of his own design, surprisingly printed with three portraits of his intellectual pinup, the author Alain de Botton. “I love his writing,” says Styles. “I just think he’s brilliant. I saw him give a talk about the keys to happiness, and how one of the keys is living among friends, and how real friendship stems from being vulnerable with someone.”

In turn, de Botton’s 2016 novel The Course of Love taught Styles that “when it comes to relationships, you just expect yourself to be good at it…[but] being in a real relationship with someone is a skill,” one that Styles himself has often had to hone in the unforgiving klieg light of public attention, and in the company of such high-profile paramours as Taylor Swift and—well, Styles is too much of a gentleman to name names.

That sweatshirt and the Columbia Records tracksuit bottoms are removed in the quaint wooden open-air changing room, with its Swallows and Amazons vibe. A handful of intrepid fellow patrons in various states of undress are blissfully unaware of the 26-year-old supernova in their midst, although I must admit I’m finding it rather difficult to take my eyes off him, try as I might. Styles has been on a six-day juice cleanse in readiness for Vogue’s photographer Tyler Mitchell. He practices Pilates (“I’ve got very tight hamstrings—trying to get those open”) and meditates twice a day. “It has changed my life,” he avers, “but it’s so subtle. It’s helped me just be more present. I feel like I’m able to enjoy the things that are happening right in front of me, even if it’s food or it’s coffee or it’s being with a friend—or a swim in a really cold pond!” Styles also feels that his meditation practices have helped him through the tumult of 2020: “Meditation just brings a stillness that has been really beneficial, I think, for my mental health.”

Styles has been a pescatarian for three years, inspired by the vegan food that several members of his current band prepared on tour. “My body definitely feels better for it,” he says. His shapely torso is prettily inscribed with the tattoos of a Victorian sailor—a rose, a galleon, a mermaid, an anchor, and a palm tree among them, and, straddling his clavicle, the dates 1967 and 1957 (the respective birth years of his mother and father). Frankly, I rather wish I’d packed a beach muumuu.

We take the piratical gangplank that juts into the water and dive in. Let me tell you, this is not the Aegean. The glacial water is a cloudy phlegm green beneath the surface, and clammy reeds slap one’s ankles. Styles, who admits he will try any fad, has recently had a couple of cryotherapy sessions and is evidently less susceptible to the cold. By the time we have swum a full circuit, however, body temperatures have adjusted, and the ice, you might say, has been broken. Duly invigorated, we are ready to face the day. Styles has thoughtfully brought a canister of coffee and some bottles of water in his backpack, and we sit at either end of a park bench for a socially distanced chat.

It seems that he has had a productive year. At the onset of lockdown, Styles found himself in his second home, in the canyons of Los Angeles. After a few days on his own, however, he moved in with a pod of three friends (and subsequently with two band members, Mitch Rowland and Sarah Jones). They “would put names in a hat and plan the week out,” Styles explains. “If you were Monday, you would choose the movie, dinner, and the activity for that day. I like to make soups, and there was a big array of movies; we went all over the board,” from Goodfellas to Clueless. The experience, says Styles, “has been a really good lesson in what makes me happy now. It’s such a good example of living in the moment. I honestly just like being around my friends,” he adds. “That’s been my biggest takeaway. Just being on my own the whole time, I would have been miserable.”

Styles is big on friendship groups and considers his former and legendarily hysteria-inducing boy band, One Direction, to have been one of them. “I think the typical thing is to come out of a band like that and almost feel like you have to apologize for being in it,” says Styles. “But I loved my time in it. It was all new to me, and I was trying to learn as much as I could. I wanted to soak it in…. I think that’s probably why I like traveling now—soaking stuff up.” In a post-COVID future, he is contemplating a temporary move to Tokyo, explaining that “there’s a respect and a stillness, a quietness that I really loved every time I’ve been there.”

In 1D, Styles was making music whenever he could. “After a show you’d go in a hotel room and put down some vocals,” he recalls. As a result, his first solo album, 2017’s Harry Styles, “was when I really fell in love with being in the studio,” he says. “I loved it as much as touring.” Today he favors isolating with his core group of collaborators, “our little bubble”—Rowland, Kid Harpoon (né Tom Hull), and Tyler Johnson. “A safe space,” as he describes it.

In the music he has been working on in 2020, Styles wants to capture the experimental spirit that informed his second album, last year’s Fine Line. With his debut album, “I was very much finding out what my sound was as a solo artist,” he says. “I can see all the places where it almost felt like I was bowling with the bumpers up. I think with the second album I let go of the fear of getting it wrong and…it was really joyous and really free. I think with music it’s so important to evolve—and that extends to clothes and videos and all that stuff. That’s why you look back at David Bowie with Ziggy Stardust or the Beatles and their different eras—that fearlessness is super inspiring.”

The seismic changes of 2020—including the Black Lives Matter uprising around racial justice—has also provided Styles with an opportunity for personal growth. “I think it’s a time for opening up and learning and listening,” he says. “I’ve been trying to read and educate myself so that in 20 years I’m still doing the right things and taking the right steps. I believe in karma, and I think it’s just a time right now where we could use a little more kindness and empathy and patience with people, be a little more prepared to listen and grow.”

Meanwhile, Styles’s euphoric single “Watermelon Sugar” became something of an escapist anthem for this dystopian summer of 2020. The video, featuring Styles (dressed in ’70s-flavored Gucci and Bode) cavorting with a pack of beach-babe girls and boys, was shot in January, before lockdown rules came into play. By the time it was ready to be released in May, a poignant epigraph had been added: “This video is dedicated to touching.”

Styles is looking forward to touring again, when “it’s safe for everyone,” because, as he notes, “being up against people is part of the whole thing. You can’t really re-create it in any way.” But it hasn’t always been so. Early in his career, Styles was so stricken with stage fright that he regularly threw up preperformance. “I just always thought I was going to mess up or something,” he remembers. “But I’ve felt really lucky to have a group of incredibly generous fans. They’re generous emotionally—and when they come to the show, they give so much that it creates this atmosphere that I’ve always found so loving and accepting.”

THIS SUMMER, when it was safe enough to travel, Styles returned to his London home, which is where he suggests we head now, setting off in his modish Primrose Yellow ’73 Jaguar that smells of gasoline and leatherette. “Me and my dad have always bonded over cars,” Styles explains. “I never thought I’d be someone who just went out for a leisurely drive, purely for enjoyment.” On sleepless jet-lagged nights he’ll drive through London’s quiet streets, seeing neighborhoods in a new way. “I find it quite relaxing,” he says.

Over the summer Styles took a road trip with his artist friend Tomo Campbell through France and Italy, setting off at four in the morning and spending the night in Geneva, where they jumped in the lake “to wake ourselves up.” (I see a pattern emerging.) At the end of the trip Styles drove home alone, accompanied by an upbeat playlist that included “Aretha Franklin, Parliament, and a lot of Stevie Wonder. It was really fun for me,” he says. “I don’t travel like that a lot. I’m usually in such a rush, but there was a stillness to it. I love the feeling of nobody knowing where I am, that kind of escape...and freedom.”

GROWING UP in a village in the North of England, Styles thought of London as a world apart: “It truly felt like a different country.” At a wide-eyed 16, he came down to the teeming metropolis after his mother entered him on the U.K. talent-search show The X Factor. “I went to the audition to find out if I could sing,” Styles recalls, “or if my mum was just being nice to me.” Styles was eliminated but subsequently brought back with other contestants—Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik—to form a boy band that was named (on Styles’s suggestion) One Direction. The wily X Factor creator and judge, Simon Cowell, soon signed them to his label Syco Records, and the rest is history: 1D’s first four albums, supported by four world tours from 2011 to 2015, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard charts, and the band has sold 70 million records to date. At 18, Styles bought the London house he now calls home. “I was going to do two weeks’ work to it,” he remembers, “but when I came back there was no second floor,” so he moved in with adult friends who lived nearby till the renovation was complete. “Eighteen months,” he deadpans. “I’ve always seen that period as pretty pivotal for me, as there’s that moment at the party where it’s getting late, and half of the people would go upstairs to do drugs, and the other people go home. I was like, ‘I don’t really know this friend’s wife, so I’m not going to get all messy and then go home.’ I had to behave a bit, at a time where everything else about my life felt I didn’t have to behave really. I’ve been lucky to always feel I have this family unit somewhere.”

When Styles’s London renovation was finally done, “I went in for the first time and I cried,” he recalls. “Because I just felt like I had somewhere. L.A. feels like holiday, but this feels like home.”

Behind its pink door, Styles’s house has all the trappings of rock stardom—there’s a man cave filled with guitars, a Sex Pistols Never Mind the Bollocks poster (a moving-in gift from his decorator), a Stevie Nicks album cover. Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” was one of the first songs he knew the words to—“My parents were big fans”—and he and Nicks have formed something of a mutual-admiration society. At the beginning of lockdown, Nicks tweeted to her fans that she was taking inspiration from Fine Line: “Way to go, H,” she wrote. “It is your Rumours.” “She’s always there for you,” said Styles when he inducted Nicks into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. “She knows what you need—advice, a little wisdom, a blouse, a shawl; she’s got you covered.”

Styles makes us some tea in the light-filled kitchen and then wanders into the convivial living room, where he strikes an insouciant pose on the chesterfield sofa, upholstered in a turquoise velvet that perhaps not entirely coincidentally sets off his eyes. Styles admits that his lockdown lewk was “sweatpants, constantly,” and he is relishing the opportunity to dress up again. He doesn’t have to wait long: The following day, under the eaves of a Victorian mansion in Notting Hill, I arrive in the middle of fittings for Vogue’s shoot and discover Styles in his Y-fronts, patiently waiting to try on looks for fashion editor Camilla Nickerson and photographer Tyler Mitchell. Styles’s personal stylist, Harry Lambert, wearing a pearl necklace and his nails colored in various shades of green varnish, à la Sally Bowles, is providing helpful backup (Britain’s Rule of Six hasn’t yet been imposed).

Styles, who has thoughtfully brought me a copy of de Botton’s 2006 book The Architecture of Happiness, is instinctively and almost quaintly polite, in an old-fashioned, holding-open-doors and not-mentioning-lovers-by-name sort of way. He is astounded to discover that the Atlanta-born Mitchell has yet to experience a traditional British Sunday roast dinner. Assuring him that “it’s basically like Thanksgiving every Sunday,” Styles gives Mitchell the details of his favorite London restaurants in which to enjoy one. “It’s a good thing to be nice,” Mitchell tells me after a morning in Styles’s company.

MITCHELL has Lionel Wendt’s languorously homoerotic 1930s portraits of young Sri Lankan men on his mood board. Nickerson is thinking of Irving Penn’s legendary fall 1950 Paris haute couture collections sitting, where he photographed midcentury supermodels, including his wife, Lisa Fonssagrives, in high-style Dior and Balenciaga creations. Styles is up for all of it, and so, it would seem, is the menswear landscape of 2020: Jonathan Anderson has produced a trapeze coat anchored with a chunky gold martingale; John Galliano at Maison Margiela has fashioned a khaki trench with a portrait neckline in layers of colored tulle; and Harris Reed—a Saint Martins fashion student sleuthed by Lambert who ended up making some looks for Styles’s last tour—has spent a week making a broad-shouldered Smoking jacket with high-waisted, wide-leg pants that have become a Styles signature since he posed for Tim Walker for the cover of Fine Line wearing a Gucci pair—a silhouette that was repeated in the tour wardrobe. (“I liked the idea of having that uniform,” says Styles.) Reed’s version is worn with a hoopskirt draped in festoons of hot-pink satin that somehow suggests Deborah Kerr asking Yul Brynner’s King of Siam, “Shall we dance?”

Styles introduces me to the writer and eyewear designer Gemma Styles, “my sister from the same womb,” he says. She is also here for the fitting: The siblings plan to surprise their mother with the double portrait on these pages.

I ask her whether her brother had always been interested in clothes.

“My mum loved to dress us up,” she remembers. “I always hated it, and Harry was always quite into it. She did some really elaborate papier-mâché outfits: She made a giant mug and then painted an atlas on it, and that was Harry being ‘The World Cup.’ Harry also had a little dalmatian-dog outfit,” she adds, “a hand-me-down from our closest family friends. He would just spend an inordinate amount of time wearing that outfit. But then Mum dressed me up as Cruella de Vil. She was always looking for any opportunity!”

“As a kid I definitely liked fancy dress,” Styles says. There were school plays, the first of which cast him as Barney, a church mouse. “I was really young, and I wore tights for that,” he recalls. “I remember it was crazy to me that I was wearing a pair of tights. And that was maybe where it all kicked off!”

Acting has also remained a fundamental form of expression for Styles. His sister recalls that even on the eve of his life-changing X Factor audition, Styles could sing in public only in an assumed voice. “He used to do quite a good sort of Elvis warble,” she remembers. During the rehearsals in the family home, “he would sing in the bathroom because if it was him singing as himself, he just couldn’t have anyone looking at him! I love his voice now,” she adds. “I’m so glad that he makes music that I actually enjoy listening to.”

Styles’s role-playing continued soon after 1D went on permanent hiatus in 2016, and he was cast in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, beating out dozens of professional actors for the role. “The good part was my character was a young soldier who didn’t really know what he was doing,” says Styles modestly. “The scale of the movie was so big that I was a tiny piece of the puzzle. It was definitely humbling. I just loved being outside of my comfort zone.”

His performance caught the eye of Olivia Wilde, who remembers that it “blew me away—the openness and commitment.” In turn, Styles loved Wilde’s directorial debut, Booksmart, and is “very honored” that she cast him in a leading role for her second feature, a thriller titled Don’t Worry Darling, which went into production this fall. Styles will play the husband to Florence Pugh in what Styles describes as “a 1950s utopia in the California desert.”

Wilde’s movie is costumed by Academy Award nominee Arianne Phillips. “She and I did a little victory dance when we heard that we officially had Harry in the film,” notes Wilde, “because we knew that he has a real appreciation for fashion and style. And this movie is incredibly stylistic. It’s very heightened and opulent, and I’m really grateful that he is so enthusiastic about that element of the process—some actors just don’t care.”

“I like playing dress-up in general,” Styles concurs, in a masterpiece of understatement: This is the man, after all, who cohosted the Met’s 2019 “Notes on Camp” gala attired in a nipple-freeing black organza blouse with a lace jabot, and pants so high-waisted that they cupped his pectorals. The ensemble, accessorized with the pearl-drop earring of a dandified Elizabethan courtier, was created for Styles by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, whom he befriended in 2014. Styles, who has subsequently personified the brand as the face of the Gucci fragrance, finds Michele “fearless with his work and his imagination. It’s really inspiring to be around someone who works like that.”

The two first met in London over a cappuccino. “It was just a kind of PR appointment,” says Michele, “but something magical happened, and Harry is now a friend. He has the aura of an English rock-and-roll star—like a young Greek god with the attitude of James Dean and a little bit of Mick Jagger—but no one is sweeter. He is the image of a new era, of the way that a man can look.”

Styles credits his style transformation—from Jack Wills tracksuit-clad boy-band heartthrob to nonpareil fashionisto—to his meeting the droll young stylist Harry Lambert seven years ago. They hit it off at once and have conspired ever since, enjoying a playfully campy rapport and calling each other Sue and Susan as they parse the niceties of the scarlet lace Gucci man-bra that Michele has made for Vogue’s shoot, for instance, or a pair of Bode pants hand-painted with biographical images (Styles sent Emily Adams Bode images of his family, and a photograph he had found of David Hockney and Joni Mitchell. “The idea of those two being friends, to me, was really beautiful,” Styles explains).

“He just has fun with clothing, and that’s kind of where I’ve got it from,” says Styles of Lambert. “He doesn’t take it too seriously, which means I don’t take it too seriously.” The process has been evolutionary. At his first meeting with Lambert, the stylist proposed “a pair of flares, and I was like, ‘Flares? That’s fucking crazy,’ ” Styles remembers. Now he declares that “you can never be overdressed. There’s no such thing. The people that I looked up to in music—Prince and David Bowie and Elvis and Freddie Mercury and Elton John—they’re such showmen. As a kid it was completely mind-blowing. Now I’ll put on something that feels really flamboyant, and I don’t feel crazy wearing it. I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit. Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with. What’s really exciting is that all of these lines are just kind of crumbling away. When you take away ‘There’s clothes for men and there’s clothes for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open up the arena in which you can play. I’ll go in shops sometimes, and I just find myself looking at the women’s clothes thinking they’re amazing. It’s like anything—anytime you’re putting barriers up in your own life, you’re just limiting yourself. There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes. I’ve never really thought too much about what it means—it just becomes this extended part of creating something.”

“He’s up for it,” confirms Lambert, who earlier this year, for instance, found a JW Anderson cardigan with the look of a Rubik’s Cube (“on sale at matches.com!”). Styles wore it, accessorized with his own pearl necklace, for a Today rehearsal in February and it went viral: His fans were soon knitting their own versions and posting the results on TikTok. Jonathan Anderson declared himself “so impressed and incredibly humbled by this trend” that he nimbly made the pattern available (complete with a YouTube tutorial) so that Styles’s fans could copy it for free. Meanwhile, London’s storied Victoria & Albert Museum has requested Styles’s original: an emblematic document of how people got creative during the COVID era. “It’s going to be in their permanent collection,” says Lambert exultantly. “Is that not sick? Is that not the most epic thing?”

“To me, he’s very modern,” says Wilde of Styles, “and I hope that this brand of confidence as a male that Harry has—truly devoid of any traces of toxic masculinity—is indicative of his generation and therefore the future of the world. I think he is in many ways championing that, spearheading that. It’s pretty powerful and kind of extraordinary to see someone in his position redefining what it can mean to be a man with confidence.”

“He’s really in touch with his feminine side because it’s something natural,” notes Michele. “And he’s a big inspiration to a younger generation—about how you can be in a totally free playground when you feel comfortable. I think that he’s a revolutionary.”

STYLES’S confidence is on full display the day after the fitting, which finds us all on the beautiful Sussex dales. Over the summit of the hill, with its trees blown horizontal by the fierce winds, lies the English Channel. Even though it’s a two-hour drive from London, the fresh-faced Styles, who went to bed at 9 p.m., has arrived on set early: He is famously early for everything. The team is installed in a traditional flint-stone barn. The giant doors have been replaced by glass and frame a bucolic view of distant grazing sheep. “Look at that field!” says Styles. “How lucky are we? This is our office! Smell the roses!” Lambert starts to sing “Kumbaya, my Lord.”

Hairdresser Malcolm Edwards is setting Styles’s hair in a Victory roll with silver clips, and until it is combed out he resembles Kathryn Grayson with stubble. His fingers are freighted with rings, and “he has a new army of mini purses,” says Lambert, gesturing to an accessory table heaving with examples including a mini sky-blue Gucci Diana bag discreetly monogrammed HS. Michele has also made Styles a dress for the shoot that Tissot might have liked to paint—acres of ice-blue ruffles, black Valenciennes lace, and suivez-moi, jeune homme ribbons. Erelong, Styles is gamely racing up a hill in it, dodging sheep scat, thistles, and shards of chalk, and striking a pose for Mitchell that manages to make ruffles a compelling new masculine proposition, just as Mr. Fish’s frothy white cotton dress—equal parts Romantic poet and Greek presidential guard—did for Mick Jagger when he wore it for The Rolling Stones’ free performance in Hyde Park in 1969, or as the suburban-mom floral housedress did for Kurt Cobain as he defined the iconoclastic grunge aesthetic. Styles is mischievously singing ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” to himself when Mitchell calls him outside to jump up and down on a trampoline in a Comme des Garçons buttoned wool kilt. “How did it look?” asks his sister when he comes in from the cold. “Divine,” says her brother in playful Lambert-speak.

As the wide sky is washed in pink, orange, and gray, like a Turner sunset, and Mitchell calls it a successful day, Styles is playing “Cherry” from Fine Line on his Fender acoustic on the hilltop. “He does his own stunts,” says his sister, laughing. The impromptu set is greeted with applause. “Thank you, Antwerp!” says Styles playfully, bowing to the crowd. “Thank you, fashion!”

378 notes · View notes

transparenttriumphzombie · 3 years

Photo

Harry Styles On Vogue

Source:

https://www.vogue.com/article/harry-styles-cover-december-2020/amp?__twitter_impression=true

From Vogue MAGAZINE

Playtime With Harry Styles

“There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes. I’ve never thought too much about what it means—it just becomes this extended part of creating something”

I ask her whether her brother had always been interested in clothes.

“He’s up for it,” confirms Lambert, who earlier this year, for instance, found a JW Anderson cardigan with the look of a Rubik’s Cube (“on sale at matchesfashion.com!”). Styles wore it, accessorized with his own pearl necklace, for a Today rehearsal in February and it went viral: His fans were soon knitting their own versions and posting the results on TikTok. Jonathan Anderson declared himself “so impressed and incredibly humbled by this trend” that he nimbly made the pattern available (complete with a YouTube tutorial) so that Styles’s fans could copy it for free. Meanwhile, London’s storied Victoria & Albert Museum has requested Styles’s original: an emblematic document of how people got creative during the COVID era. “It’s going to be in their permanent collection,” says Lambert exultantly. “Is that not sick? Is that not the most epic thing?”

“It’s pretty powerful and kind of extraordinary to see someone in his position redefining what it can mean to be a man with confidence,” says Olivia Wilde

Hairdresser Malcolm Edwards is setting Styles’s hair in a Victory roll with silver clips, and until it is combed out he resembles Kathryn Grayson with stubble. His fingers are freighted with rings, and “he has a new army of mini purses,” says Lambert, gesturing to an accessory table heaving with examples including a mini sky-blue Gucci Jackie bag discreetly monogrammed HS. Michele has also made Styles a dress for the shoot that Tissot might have liked to paint—acres of ice-blue ruffles, black Valenciennes lace, and suivez-moi, jeune homme ribbons. Erelong, Styles is gamely racing up a hill in it, dodging sheep scat, thistles, and shards of chalk, and striking a pose for Mitchell that manages to make ruffles a compelling new masculine proposition, just as Mr. Fish’s frothy white cotton dress—equal parts Romantic poet and Greek presidential guard—did for Mick Jagger when he wore it for The Rolling Stones’ free performance in Hyde Park in 1969, or as the suburban-mom floral housedress did for Kurt Cobain as he defined the iconoclastic grunge aesthetic. Styles is mischievously singing ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” to himself when Mitchell calls him outside to jump up and down on a trampoline in a Comme des Garçons buttoned wool kilt. “How did it look?” asks his sister when he comes in from the cold. “Divine,” says her brother in playful Lambert-speak.

#harry styles #non binary #men wearing dress #harry styles in dress #transgender #trans pride #transgender woman #dresses #men in dresses #dress

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necyyy · 4 years

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If tropical islands, mind-blowing landscapes, and unending adventure are in your bucket list for a holiday trip, then you have found a gem of a destination with the Philippines.

It could be that you are searching for destinations in the Philippines in which to travel? You might be looking for day trips close to Manila?

You might be wanting to understand more about the people and the culture? Maybe it’s your first time travelling to the Philippines and you’re looking for some guidance?

You might be an expat living here who wants to break out of the expat bubble and try something different? Whatever your interest in the Philippines is, I’m certain I can help you out and provide the answers for you.

Here's the list of must visit tourist spots in the Philippines:

1. White Beach, Boracay

Long hailed as one of the best beaches in the entire world, Boracay’s claim to fame is its 4-kilometer stretch of pure white, powdery sand called White Beach.

Cliche as it sounds, but White Beach is truly postcard-perfect, with tall coconut trees lined up and crystal-clear calm waters rounding up its unmatched beauty making it a top attraction in Boracay trips.

Its prominence in global publications has drawn in an influx of tourists over the last decades and there is no shortage of hotels, restaurants, and bars in the entire island

2. Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Natural Monuments list, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a geomorphic wonder and truly a sight to behold. It is one of the best places in the Philippines to offer a unique landscape, with its 1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn chocolatey brown during the dry season, hence its name.

The limestone hills vary in size but almost look similar in shape and range from 30 to 120 meters in height. It’s a must-add in any itinerary for Bohol trips.

Make your way to the town of Carmen, where the Chocolate Hills Main Viewpoint can be found. Aside from the Chocolate Hills, there is also a treasure chest of natural wonders and other fun things to do and places to see in Bohol.

3. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan

The gateway to Philippine’s Last Frontier, Palawan, is its capital Puerto Princesa. It is here that you can find the world’s longest navigable underground river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Paddleboats of the Puerto Princesa underground river tour cruise through scenic limestone cliffs as it makes its way through the 1.5-kilometer underground river cave.

The park is also teeming with wildlife like crab-eating monkeys, monitor lizards, and bats. Island hopping escapades in Honda Bay and a visit to the Crocodile Farm are also highly recommended among the many things to do in Puerto Princesa.

4. Cloud 9, Siargao

Siargao’s inclusion to the top tourist spots in the Philippines is nothing short of meteoric. Once a sleepy island in Surigao del Norte, it has become one of the most favorite destinations and playgrounds for travelers, and it is primarily because of one activity: surfing.

It is now known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and some even regard it as the surfing mecca of Asia.

Surfers are drawn to Cloud 9, the most famous wave in the entire country. From November until April, all is well with Cloud 9’s thick tubes, making it a perfect place to get stoked (note: it is recommended for advanced surfers only).

But you do not need to be riding the waves to enjoy this island destination as there are also other fun Siargao activities and beautiful attractions like rock pools, waterfalls, and the nearby Sohoton Lagoon where you can swim with thousands of non-sting jellyfish.

5. Cebu’s Beaches and Diving Spots

Cebu has been recently awarded as part of UNESCO’s Network of Creative Cities but its main treasure lies deep down. The island draws over two million foreign travelers every year, greeted by rich waters teeming with abundant marine life.

Cebu boasts some of the best diving spots in the entire country and even the world, featuring underwater caves, shallow shipwrecks, and marine sanctuaries.

White sand beaches of Cebu await visitors of Mactan, Camotes, and Bantayan Island. Off the northernmost tip of Cebu, tiny Malapascua Island packs a lot of surprises, including diving with thresher sharks. Check out other Cebu tours that you can add to your itinerary.

6. Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

Hand-chiseled some 2000 years ago, the Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue of Ifugao, North Luzon is a remarkable destination and is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

Sit atop a colorful jeepney as it cruises along winding roads in Banaue and views of dramatic mud-walled rice terraces leave you in awe.

The Ifugao people were highly skilled in carving both wood and mountainsides. The Banaue Rice Terraces is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers spectacular views of emerald hues during the rice-growing seasons of April-May and October-November.

Banaue may pack a lot of tourists so you can make your way further to quieter Batad Rice Terraces and take a quick dip at its mighty Tappiya waterfalls. You can also explore nearby Baguio City or pick fresh strawberries in La Trinidad, Benguet.

7. Rizal Park, Manila

Many travelers skip Manila and make their way to the Philippines' other islands but a day or two in the country’s capital to do Manila tours is still highly recommended.

Hustle and bustle aside, Manila features a lot of tourist spots of historical importance. One of which is the Rizal Park, or more commonly known as Luneta.

This 60-hectare urban park is where you will see the Rizal Monument, marking the execution site of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Manila Bay’s breeze keeps the Philippine flag waving from a 46-meter flagpole fronting his monument.

The park also features manicured gardens, ponds, and a wide water fountain that lights up and dances to Filipino tunes by sunset. The park area is also home to a network of National Museums that you can visit.

8. Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan

Undoubtedly one of the most photographed and iconic destinations in the Philippines is the Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan. Its lagoon is a dreamy mix of blues and greens glistening on a bright, sunny day.

Kayangan Lake tours will take you to the jagged limestone cliffs and islets surrounding it add up to a more dramatic view, best seen from a 10-minute climb up a hill.

Funnily, this view is not of the actual Kayangan Lake but the area where the tour boats park but it is still breathtaking nonetheless).

As spectacular as the views from above ground are what is hiding underneath the actual lake’s glass-like waters. Rock formations and schools of fish abound, making the area a favorite snorkeling and free-diving spot for a lot of visitors.

The island destinations is also famous for island-hopping excursions and diving in its numerous shipwreck sites among many other must-try Coron adventures.

9. Kawasan Falls, Cebu

If you like jumping into or swimming in cool cascading waters, Kawasan Falls in Cebu hits the sweet spot. It is a multi-layered waterfalls in the town of Badian and it is best known for its turquoise waters.

The first cascade, with a height of 40 meters, is where most visitors stay, swim, and enjoy a natural water massage on board a bamboo raft. A 10-minute trek takes you up to the quieter second cascade.

Kawasan Falls is also the endpoint of the popular adventure activity, the canyoneering adventure. It starts in Kanlaob River in the town of Alegria and you make your way to Kawasan swimming along streams, rappelling through natural rock walls, and jumping off mini-waterfalls.

Nearby is the town of Moalboal, famous for its sardine run experience, where you swim with millions of sardines just offshore.

10. Taal Volcano and Lake, Tagaytay, and Batangas

Locals and visitors of Manila take a quick escape from the megacity and make their way down south to Tagaytay, a retreat and relaxation town famous for its cool weather and fresh air.

This is also where you can take a full view of the Taal Volcano and Lake located in Batangas, the world’s smallest active volcano. The volcano sits on an island within a lake within an island, and if that is not interesting enough, you can actually visit the actual volcano crater with excursions to Taal Volcano.

An outrigger boat first takes you to a 15-minute ride to Volcano Island and from there, you can do a 35—minute hike or hop on a horse’s back going all the way to the main crater.

While in Tagaytay and Batangas, heat up your trip with a delectable bowl of Bulalo, a clear broth with beef shanks, bone marrow, and corn swimming in all its golden glory.

&&.

It is impossible to visit all these famous tourist spots in the Philippines in one go unless you have all the time in the world. But carefully planning out your Philippines itinerary will surely take you to some of the most unforgettable landscapes and fun-filled adventures you will ever see and experience.

Aside from its spectacular views, the Philippines is also home to one of the most hospitable, warm, and free-spirited people you will ever meet. Read more of our Philippines travel guides to help you plan the ultimate escape.

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chille-tid-universe · 5 years

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Obligatory Beach Episode

The quiet night pulsed with evaporated tension, like blood rushing to the ears after a great exertion. Piles of dead orcs and devils offered an odd juxtaposition to the rejoicing and merriment around the clearing.The handful of villagers who had survived the ordeal seemed simply relieved, though perhaps shock offered a barrier to the gruesome scene around them. In the middle of the ritual site, the charred remains of family members, loved ones, and strangers still smoked.

Removed from the huddling villagers, heroes and adventurers were being introduced. Brienne accepted her heavy plate mail from Robyn and clasped her arm, nodding appreciatively as she slipped her ornate silver diadem over her temples. As the metal band settled onto her head, her eyes closed, and after a deep breath, her lids parted to reveal sharper eyes that peered into the world around her. “It’s good to be back,” the fighter mumbled, smiling at the half-elf. As the two leaders began pointing out their team members, the others mingled.

Nissa was dragging Pock over to Oskar, looking the dwarf up and down before commenting, “That’s a lot of big-folk you got with you. How do you stand them all?” Oskar guffawed good-naturedly and leaned in to confide, “Plenty of mead.” Pock merely nodded sagely, glancing about at the other newcomers. Isolde rode by on Icthuarrux, sniffing and saying something about the end times.

Nula and Uzza were being cornered by Wun Way. The bard had found a scrap of paper from somewhere in the pile of clothes returned to her, and was grilling the half-orc and tiefling for details on all the heroic adventures which had led them to this clearing. Her questions were interspersed with sly smiles at the tiefling cleric.

Idu and Charlot, the youngest of Robyn’s crew, were chatting with Ciri, discussing home, adventure, and basically anything to avoid bringing up the carnage surrounding them. They had each been through much in their journeys, but tonight was more than they could bear to think of, at least for now. Ciri was explaining to Charlot that, no, she didn’t have servants growing up, and, no, that didn’t mean she had been poor. The cleric was trying to wrap his head around this concept as Idu laughed by his side.

Before long, Pel’s curiosity overcame her shock, and she took hesitant steps toward the wonderfully clad individuals who had saved her. Nissa noticed her first, and hurried over to the young girl, taking her hands and gently guiding her away from the battleground. Though Pel was a small child, she was only barely shorter than the gnome. As Pel’s eyes continued to be drawn to the burning ritual circle behind her, Nissa reached into her pockets and pulled out the first thing she found. “Here, kid, would you like a…” She glanced at her palm. “... a gold button?” Pel’s eyes lit up at the sparkling item, how it twinkled in the firelight, and reached for it, mumbling her thanks.

Melpomene sauntered up to Brienne, interrupting Robyn mid-sentence. “So who’s the ranger?” the aasimar asked, head tilting to where Ravain was inspecting the fallen devils.

Brienne followed her gesture. “Who, Ravain? We must have mentioned him before. He helped us out immensely during our time in Orlane. I doubt we’d have been able to-”

Ravain appeared suddenly on the other side of Brienne, interrupting her. “Who is this?” he asked in gravelly tones, his cold eyes drilling into Melpomene’s laughing ones.

Brienne sighed. “This is Melpomene, an aasimar who we’ve been working with since we got to Daggerford.”

“And she can be trusted?” Ravain asked, eyes narrowing, seeming to peer through the beautiful veil around the woman.

Melpomene cut Brienne off. “Sugar, I can be whatever you want me to be.” Shadow solidified behind the aasimar, and faint outlines of skeletal wings flickered against the darkness. The fallen angel’s eyes became pools of dried blood, and her pale complexion darkened to an ashen grey. Ravain’s hand dropped to his pommels.

Brienne stepped between the two, placing a hand on either’s shoulder. “Melpomene, he’s with us. Don’t antagonize him.” She looked over to the scowling ranger. “I can vouch for her. She has risked her life for us several times.” Ravain made a face, but removed his hand from his sword as Melpomene returned to her still-enchanting but less-menacing form.

Robyn coughed, and winced as the ranger and bard shot her intense looks. “It’s been an incorrigible night, and I’m sure we could all use a good meal.” As their expressions softened, Robyn clapped her hands together. “Unfortunately, all you have is me! I do make a mean gestapo, though.”

Melpomene raised an eyebrow at Brienne, who started to ask something before Ravain lightly pressed his hand to her shoulder, barely shaking his head.

Just then, Isolde rode up to the four and asked, “So who owns the talking rock?”

Wun Way’s voice called out from behind, “It’s an egg!”

Ravain suggested the group of adventurers and survivors head back to the now-abandoned orc camp. There, Robyn made generous portions of stew using the more palatable ingredients from the orcish stores. With full bellies, even the shaken villagers began to converse, and before the group collapsed from exhaustion, color had returned to each ashen face.

Ravain returned from his stalking surveillance of the surrounding woods shortly after the survivors had taken to bed, reassuring the assembled adventurers that there were no threats left alive in the area. Brienne insisted that a watch be kept, and Robyn quickly echoed the sentiment. The previously imprisoned members of the group reluctantly admitted that a full rest would be quite beneficial, and several of the newcomers were assigned watches covering the remainder of the night. As the five settled onto beds of blankets (the more acceptable sleeping kits had been allocated for the villagers) Oskar could be heard grumbling about needing to keep watch, after missing the totality of the fighting.

The following morning, Brienne and her group were surprised to learn the orcs had brought them back in the direction of Daggerford; the camp they had awoken in was no more than a half-day’s journey from the city. As they ate a slow breakfast in the late morning, plans were discussed. Melpomene was certain the guard force of Daggerford would be willing to help escort the surviving members of the orcs’ prisoners back to their hamlets and villages. The rest of the group agreed, more for the simplicity of the plan than any other reason. Hell had been quite literally visited upon each person gathered there; some other do-gooders could stand to help see the end of the villagers’ stories.

Though breakfast ended before noon, the sun had reached its zenith before the group headed into the Misty Forest. After a night of rest and a morning of rediscovering their wounds, several of the survivors required assistance in the trek to civilization; splints and crutches were fashioned from fences and tents, and the worst off of the survivors needed a sled constructed, which Icthuarrux graciously pulled. Finally, as the sun began its descent, the group set their feet on the path to Daggerford.

The remainder of the day passed slowly. For Robyn’s crew, the march seemed slow; injured survivors of a massacre the previous night do not move briskly as bruises and fractures make themselves known. For those who had been taken by the orcs, however, the sights of the sunlit forest and the open plains beyond were wonderful. After weeks or months of confinement, the simple pleasure of birdsong and a gentle breeze lifted many heavy hearts.

Along the road, discussions arose, experiences shared, and the band walked into the open gates of Daggerford closer for the journey. After a quick trip to the constable of the city, the survivors were entrusted into the care of the city guards, and at long last, Brienne, Pock, Nissa, Wun Way, and Melpomene returned to the castle of Daggerford. After a brief delay, the castle guards brought the large party to the wizard of Daggerford.

Ondabarl was pleasantly surprised to see the return of the band of adventurers, and spent only a moment’s glance on the extra members with whom they had returned. Brienne reached into the bag of holding and, with no little flourish, produced the spellbook of Haesten and the famed Yellowknife. As she handed the items over to the wizard, Nissa spoke up. “You wouldn’t believe what we’ve been through to bring you these.”

Ondabarl stopped, his hand stretched out over the dagger and book. “Well, that’s what you do, isn’t it? I send out group after group of adventurers until one of you finally completes the job.” Wun Way shot a look at Nissa to silence her response. “Now that I take a closer look, though,” the wizard said, stroking his beard, “you do look a little worse for wear. Tell you what, there’s something that is sure to help revitalize your weary companions. In two days’ time, a wondrous event shall happen on the nearby shore.” He paused for a moment, grinning at the party. “The annual dance of the aquatic flumphs!”

Isolde clapped her hands together. “Beach episode!”

In the end, Pel refused to separate from the strange gnome who had befriended her. Unwilling to leave the last person she knew, Loran had no choice but to follow along with her rescuers on their well-earned vacation. As the group left Daggerford, Nissa walked beside the child. “Have you ever been to the beach, Pel?” she asked.

“What’s a beach?” the girl responded, tilting her head.

The gnome paused a moment before responding, “It’s like a big lake, I think.”

Pel’s eyes lit up. “Gran taught me how to swim!”

Two days later, the gang arrived at the beach of the aquatic flumphs. They had made good time, however, and reached the shore just after noon. With not much to do before the flumphs appeared, the group decided to prepare for the night. After minimal arguing, they separated into three teams: Oskar, Nissa, Pel, Brienne, and Robyn would work together to prepare a fire; they would need to set up camp for after the dance of the flumphs, which Pock, Charlot, Idu, Melpomene, and Loran would take care of; and, of course, they would need dinner, which Uzza, Wun Way, Nula, and Isolde offered to fetch. As Nissa and Pel walked down the beach to gather stones to line a fire pit, Nissa said, “Alright, Pel, we want some rocks about that size,” pointing to the coatl egg in Wun Way’s sling. The half-elf bard clutched the sling tighter and glared at the gnome.

As the groups headed off, Ravain and Ciri were left standing on the beach. The young girl knelt down and began scooping handfuls of sand. “I think Pel would like a sand castle to return to, Ravain.”

The grizzled monster hunter stared at his ward with dead eyes.

Ciri returned the look.

“Alright, alright,” Ravain sighed as he sat on the sand.

Down the shore, Oskar was huddled over a clump of beach grasses, pulling up fistfuls of stalks and grunting in approval at how brittle and dry it was - perfect for kindling. An illuminated arrow whizzed by the dwarf’s head, drawing a long string of curses from him. He glanced back and saw Robyn smiling and pointing beyond him - a dozen paces away, the arrow had imbedded itself near a larger bed of grasses.

Oskar shook his head and turned to Pel to ask her for help pulling the grasses, but she was down by the water chasing a crab. Nissa glanced toward the young child from the small pile of rocks she had gathered and ran after her, calling, “Pel, wait up! Be careful near the waves!”

Further down, Brienne walked along the lapping waves. Growing up on the shores of Tarth, she had enjoyed combing the wave-abandoned detritus from the sea for slabs of driftwood with which to play at swords and shields. Now, she put her childhood searching skills to work in the pursuit of firewood.

Having collected an armful of grasses, Oskar returned to the area of the beach where Ciri and Ravain were building a tall sandcastle. He raised an eyebrow at the stoic ranger, who distinctly avoided his gaze as he began chiseling faux-brickwork into the towers with a twig. The dwarf muttered something about surface dwellers and building abilities before he began shoveling a shallow pit in the dry sand.

As Oskar began digging with his bare hands, Robyn walked up behind him. ��That’s not how you acquire fire. Have you ever seen me dig for my cooking?”

Without looking back, Oskar replied, “Have you ever built a fire in the sand?”

“Point taken,” Robyn said, squatting down to help.

Down by the water, a brief shriek pierced the air. Pel was clutching her finger, where a tiny crab hung by its pincer. As Nissa ran up to the girl, she stiffened her pouty lower lip and hastily threw her hand behind her back. Unsure of how to address the injured child, Nissa put on a smile. “Good job, Pel, you really almost caught that crab!”

The girl frowned and mumbled, “It got me instead.”

Glancing around at the beach around them, Nissa asked, “Wanna find some more rocks? Sometimes, there are sparkly bits inside.” At this, Pel’s tear streaked cheeks lit up, and she crouched over the lapping waves, fumbling through the sliding sand.

A second later, Nissa held up a spiral-etched stone triumphantly - oddly, it was slightly squishy on the underside. Immediately, a seagull swooped down with a ferocious screech, right at her upraised hand. In her surprise, Nissa popped the odd stone into her mouth, immediately regretting her decision as it began squelching along her tongue. Barely suppressing her urge to retch, Nissa spat the snail back onto her hand and, shuddering, threw it at the seagull. “Ugh… Pel, don’t put these rocks into your mouth.”

Brienne walked back with a bundle of driftwood strapped across her back just as Nissa and Pel were placing the last of their stones around the firepit. Nissa was trying to crack open a clam, for some reason, as Robyn doused the kindling generously from her flask. Brienne raised an eyebrow as Robyn downed the remaining contents, and Oskar muttered a phrase, sending a lick of flame from his outstretched finger to the prepared bonfire.

Back at the campsite, Charlot gathered the other four around him as he unraveled his lavish tent. “Alright, listen up, all. My tent is the most complicated to set up, and there are a few steps that need to be followed…” Over the next five minutes, he laid out how each part of the fabric and wooden poles needed to be arranged.

At first, Melpomene and Loran snickered behind their hands, but Idu rolled his eyes and began setting up another tent. After the first minute, however, Melpomene whispered to Loran, “Wait, is he serious?” When Charlot took a breath, Melpomene stepped forward to cut him off. Loran had already retreated to help Idu with another tent.

“Quite a laundry list of steps you got there, kid,” Melpomene said.

“I’ve found that others follow my instructions best when they know exactly what is required of them,” Charlot responded, brow furrowing as he noticed that Idu and Loran had stepped away to work on other tents. Pock was poking at the Charlot’s laid out construction with interest.

Melpomene wrapped an arm across the boy’s shoulder, pulling him closer. “I’ll bet I can get your friend over there to take care of this tent for you,” she said, nodding in Idu’s direction. “Watch and learn.”

The aasimar sauntered over to the youth, drawing her enchanting magic from the core of her being into her vocal chords. Idu looked up from the partially-constructed tent as she stepped closer. “Greetings, Idu,” she said in Celestial. She had heard the boy talking to his pet snake in Celestial along the journey to the beach. “I saw you working over here and thought I’d check in on you. Wouldn’t want to exclude anyone.” Melpomene gave Idu a knowing wink.

“So you struck up a conversation in a language that only two people speak?” Idu asked, raising an eyebrow.

Melpomene smiled and continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “How’s your snake, Idu?”

“Around my arm,” Idu replied with a deadpan expression - as deadpan as was possible while speaking Celestial, at least. Melpomene’s smile faltered a fraction.

“Why do you both sound like you have windchimes in your mouths?” asked Loran, who had been listening with interest to the strange dialect.

Without missing a beat, Melpomene cried, “Because we do!” and turned around, executing some skillful illusion magic to conjure a windchime dangling from her open mouth. As she waggled her tongue, dainty chimes filled the air. Loran snorted as she held back a laugh, and turned to the next unfinished tent.

Melpomene turned back to Idu. “Where did you learn Celestial?” Each word was layered with complimenting chiming sounds, as she had left the illusory windchime in her mouth.

Idu absently reached for the snake around his upper arm and stroked its head. “You pick up a lot of things on the street.”

Melpomene threw a hand over her mouth in horror. “The street is no place for a young man.”

Idu shrugged. “Didn’t have much of a choice.”

The aasimar placed a hand on his shoulder and fixed him with a patronizing half-smile. “We always have a choice.”

Idu stared up into her luminescent eyes. “I didn’t really have one when my parents died.”

The luminescent eyes grew wider, and the windchime fell out of Melpomene’s open mouth. “Ah. I, uh, one second.” She turned her head away and opened her mouth, creating discordant windchime sounds.

Charlot, who had been trying to follow the foreign conversation through body language alone and wasn’t certain whether Melpomene was propositioning the boy or trying to convince him to get a windchime piercing on his tongue, looked around to find that Pock had been silently constructing the large tent while he had been distracted. It looked better than it ever had when Charlot built it himself. “Tent’s done,” Pock said simply, snapping the last piece into place.

Across the circle of tents, Loran noticed the gnome’s handiwork and called out, “Hey, Pock, if you’re done over there, do you want to come help me with these?”

Isolde had discovered a small delta where seaweed and kelp washed up, and was humming to herself as she gathered bundles into her arms. She gave a gasp as she lifted a strand of seaweed to reveal a green tuberous object in the shallow waters. “A sea cucumber!” she cried triumphantly in her singsong voice.

Nula looked up from the makeshift fishing rod she had been carving. “You really don’t want to eat that,” she warned, knowing she would not be heeded. As the paladin tucked the sea cucumber into her satchel and carried on along her hunt for vegan alternatives, Nula sighed and affixed one of the ubiquitous snails to the end of her line. A few minutes later, Nula was walking back to camp with a pair of large fish hanging from a line.

Uzza and Wun Way walked along the shore together, keeping an eye out for anything edible. “It would be nice to catch some small game,” Uzza remarked, peering into the grasses by the sand.

“You think so?” Wun Way asked, peering up into the sky just in time to see a seagull get hit by a flying snail. A split second later, her hand crossbow was out, and Wun Way’s bolt found its mark. As the seagull fell, Uzza and Wun Way heard a scream from Pel.

Isolde walked by with a pile of kelp and seaweed in her arms and complained, “The bird was only minding its business.”

Back at camp, an elaborate sand castle had been built, which Pel loved. The adventurers milled about and talked, and easy laughter filled the air. For some reason, there were two Idu’s walking around, and whenever one of them opened its mouth, chiming sounds filled the air.

As everyone relaxed, Nissa huddled near where the bags had been deposited. Checking one last time that Brienne was engrossed in one of Robyn’s stories, the gnome reached for a bag and gently opened it. Within, countless plants and plant-parts were stored, from leaves and flowers to roots and stalks, some dried, some still wet, all odorous. Beneath a pile of vines, Nissa finally found a small purse with a handful of coins. After helping herself to a majority of those coins, she gingerly replaced the purse and closed the bag.

The various discussions were interrupted by a call from down the beach. As everyone turned to look, Nula ran up over a dune, carrying an inflated pig’s bladder. The half-orc waved over the rest of the party, and they found an area of relatively flat beach with a rectangle marked in the sand, separated by a net of kelp held up by two long pieces of driftwood.

“I’ve got a pirate game we can play,” she announced proudly. “Volleybladder!”

Most of the group agreed enthusiastically - Ravain sat out the game, looking sullen in the hot sun, while Loran helped Pel build her own sand castle down by the water. Ciri joined Robyn’s crew on one side of the net, while the heroes of Orlane gathered on the other side with the chime-sounding Idu.

Thus began the game. Nissa made an early point, jumping higher than Robyn’s crew would have thought possible to spike the ball down past Robyn. Wun Way followed up with a gentle bump over the net, causing the ball to fall just in front of Robyn’s outstretched arms. Brienne then served into the corner of the court, but it was returned by a quick dive from Isolde. As the ball flew through the air, Nissa jumped as if to spike again, angling her body instead for a longer strike. Idu (on Robyn’s side) noticed the change, however, and was perfectly positioned to return the hit when it came.

As the ball fell to the sand Wun Way sang out a little ditty about large hands and ungainly feet, causing several of her opponents to become disheartened. While they glanced uneasily at their limbs, the offending bard easily slammed the ball into the sand on the other side. In the next play, Nissa fell awkwardly on her ankle, twisting it. The others called to Ravain to relieve her, but the ranger simply shook his head. Instead, Pock knelt beside his fellow gnome and laid his hand on her leg, pressing healing magic into the limb. A moment later, Nissa was hopping up and returning a quick serve.

After a scuffle for the ball as it bounced off the top of the kelp net, both of the Idu’s ended up on Robyn’s side of the court. They locked eyes, and one of them pointed and accused, “Melpomene, get back on your side of the court!”

The other Idu looked bewildered and shook his head. “But I’m Idu! You’re Melpomene!” A short yelling match later, one of the Idu’s stormed back to Brienne’s side, still fuming that he was the real Idu. Teams reformed, the ball was served again.

As the ball fell to Wun Way, she grinned at Nissa and called for her to set up a bump. Charlot, however, noticed the half-elf’s stance and prepared to answer the duplicitous spike. Sure enough, the bard jumped at the last second and hammered the ball down to the beach. Charlot shouted triumphantly as he tensed to dive, when a sickening dread filled his body.

In the middle of the court, Idu was changing. He grew taller, taller even than Brienne, and his scruffy hair flowed out to whip about in the non-existent wind. His skin lightened, then turned a horrible ashen color, and his clothing faded into star-dotted robes. Skeletal wings brightened in a darkening aura around the revealed aasimar, and every one of Robyn’s team dove away from her. With Charlot cowering by the driftwood post, the ball smacked into the sand.

The silence that followed was broken by Nissa shouting, “We won!” as the Idu next to her grumbled, “Told you I was the real Idu.”

As Melpomene ducked under the kelp netting to rejoin her team, she winked at Idu. “I learned some things on the streets, too.”

After the game, the group enjoyed a hearty meal of fish and fowl (Isolde quietly ate her salad of boiled kelp and even ate the sea cucumber as the rest of the group looked on in horror) and then prepared to relax and observe the fabled dance of the aquatic flumphs. In the distance, all along the shore, they saw other groups arriving to the shore and setting up portable seats.

Finally, the indicated hour came, but nothing happened.

“They should be coming out of the sea, right?” Pock asked, glancing behind to the distant trees but still not finding any flumphs.

“I’m gonna kill that Ondabarl!” Nissa erupted, gripping a piece of driftwood. “Making us trek out here for nothing!”

“Let’s go check with the locals,” Brienne offered, nodding to the nearest collection of observers, “see if this is unusual.”

They spoke with a handful of groups, from gatherings of a dozen people to small families of three or four. Everyone they talked to gave the same answer: The flumphs always rose on the last full moon in the season, and they had never known them to be this late. A self-proclaimed flumph expert bent their ears for an extra ten minutes, pontificating on the common theories on why the flumphs rose, to where they drifted off, and for what purpose. When they finally broke free from his lecture, they walked closer to the water, hoping perhaps that they might stumble upon the flumphs waiting somewhere in the waves.

The moon was high and full, and shone brilliantly upon the beach, draping everything in an azure veil. As they searched, they saw a handful of children around Pel’s age shrieking and splashing in the water, the disappointment of the missing flumphs forgotten in the opportunity for late-night fun. Pel began tugging on Loran’s hand and dragging her to the playing children. “I suppose we’ll cover more ground in two groups,” Brienne conceded, and the group split; Robyn’s crew, along with Pel, Loran, Ciri, and Ravain heading further down the beach to the playing children, while Brienne and her team headed back to where rocky outcroppings broke the skyline.

An hour of investigation later, as the damp rocks grew larger, the group heard a child’s cry. Down by the water, a small girl was sobbing, calling for help, crying that her sisters were trapped in the sea caves where they had been playing. There was no time to go back for the others. Brienne asked the little girl to show where this cave was, even as Nissa tried to caution her, and minutes later they arrived to a shallow sea cave, a wide mouthlike opening in the craggy face of an ocean cliff. Within, as their vision adjusted, they could make out a pile of kelp by the entrance and several large rocks strewn throughout the cave.

An older girl, presumably the young girl’s sister, stood by one of those rocks, and her face lit up as she took note of their arrival. “You brought us help!” she cried, clapping her hands together.

“Delicious help!” the pile of kelp replied. It rose on mottled green legs and straightened its horrifying body. The green hag reached out a kelp-wrapped arm, and tendrils of emerald magic drifted across the five adventurers. Each of them stiffened in fear of her terrifying ugliness, and flashbacks of their imprisonment in that awful ritual circle gripped them.

As their hearts began to hammer, the two girls shed off their mortal forms and revealed themselves to be a sea hag and night hag. The sea hag by the rock cackled and cried out, “Swim, my pretties!” Water rose to fill a foot of the cavern, and a trio of giant octopuses swam out from behind the rocks to accost the frightened adventurers.

Wun Way jabbed at the approaching octopuses and concentrated on sending a shockwave of force right in the middle of the group, but as she spoke the incantation, the night hag in their midst let out a piercing laugh, and the words died on the half-elf’s lips.

“Time for a taste of your own medicine,” Melpomene shouted at the green hag, and began muttering silent whispers, which wound their way into the ear of the kelp-clad witch. The hag looked upon the aasimar as she truly was, and gave an angry growl as she began to back away unwillingly.

In her place, the sea hag and her octopuses ran at the group. As tentacles flailed, the sea hag stared into Brienne’s eyes. The fighter felt a repulsion toward the hideous creature, but other than that, nothing happened, and the hag’s hair began roiling in agitation. Pock ran away from the frightening hag, trying to make a break for the rocks, but tentacles wrapped themselves around his short frame and held him fast.

The sea hag pulled away from the occupied heroes and pointed a finger at Wun Way, chanting a lilting spell. As the last syllable faded, the bard disappeared, and a newt crawled quickly out of the water where she had been standing. As the newt scampered away, the night hag cursed at her sister for “turning the pretty one,” and then lashed out at Melpomene.

With curling tentacles around her, Brienne found no easy way to get at the hags. Instead, she gripped Mjolnir by the base of its handle and spun it once around her head, letting loose at the sea hag. The hammer struck true, and then immediately flew back into Brienne’s waiting hand, where she spun it once more and struck again. Grimacing, the hag continued to keep her eyes on the crawling newt as Nissa’s bolts struck her.

The green hag, from across the room, called out, “Sisters! This will be our greatest feast yet!” There was a pulse in the water, felt against each leg, and then the three hags became invisible. The adventurers continued to scuffle with the many limbs of the octopuses, and all of a sudden Nissa fell to the ground. Brienne called out her name, and the sea hag reappeared near the adventurers, cackling madly. Brienne began to move towards the sea hag when the green witch appeared in the pile of kelp once more and pointed a crooked finger. A bolt of lightning lanced from the finger and struck from Melpomene to Brienne to Pock.

The last hag reappeared by the rocks and opened a palm, sending half a dozen missiles of light arcing through the air towards Brienne. As they shattered against her body, Brienne turned to the nearest octopus and brought her hammer down on its body, sending a violent shiver through its many legs before they settled on the floor of the cave. She then turned to the sea hag and smacked her with a backhand blow, sending her reeling and finally breaking her concentration on the spell. With a popping sound, Wun Way reappeared halfway up the cave wall, and with a swallowed yelp she fell, splashing into the water. She quickly climbed to her feet and dove for Nissa’ body, showering it with healing spells while she whipped out her rapier and skewered one of the octopuses. Melpomene slashed out with her sword and split the final octopus in two.

Pock shrugged off the limp octopus tentacles and darted for the sea hag, bringing his weapon down on the monster. The green hag raised her hand to lay an enchantment on Brienne, but the fighter took the moment of preparation and slammed hard, pulling from the might of the hammer to cast a lightning-wreathed spell around the weapon. As it struck, a loud CLAP reverberated inside the small cave, and shards of rock fell from the ceiling even as the hag fell backwards into the water, dead.

Nissa coughed up seawater as she pulled herself up, but gathered herself quickly and fired off quick shots, one, two, into the torso of the night hag. Pock slammed his weapon into the sea hag’s side as he shouted, “What did you do to the flumphs?!” He did not receive an answer, though, as the witch crumpled under his blow and sank beneath the choppy waters.

The party moved to surround the final hag, but she grinned an awful, pointy smile and lifted a stone in the shape of a heart. As they watched, taken aback, the stone heart appeared to beat once, and then the night hag disappeared.

The cave began to drain, revealing the broken forms of the two hags and three octopuses, and suddenly a popping sound filled the air. Dozens of flumphs materialized, spectral jellyfish-like beings with long eyestalks gently waving above their cores. They floated through the air, crowding around their saviors and passing their eyestalks over them inquisitively. As each second passed, more and more flumphs popped into existence, and soon they were pushed out of the cave and drifted across the lapping waves. As they drifted away, an aura of intense gratitude settled over the party.

Back on the beach, locals and foreigners alike turned awe-filled eyes to the sea, where, inexplicably, the flumphs had returned - later than any year in living memory, but with such an energetic enthusiasm that even the flumph expert was not disappointed. Fathers and mothers brought their children in close, whispering fables and legends of the flumphs or prompting the young ones to wish on the rising flumphs, while others simply sat back, alone or with loved ones, and watched with a viral joy as the undulating flumphs spun and danced around each other, rising ever higher into the moon filled sky. Finally, the highest flumphs reached the apex of their ascent, and in a series of multicolored flashes, they vanished. Over the next half hour, the multitudinous beings continued to rise, bursting out of existence with colorful displays, following each other into whatever realm awaited them, and the night settled into an easy peace.

#dnd stories

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travelingtheusaandeurope · 3 years

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Activities You MUST do in Long Beach California!

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On all sides of Alamitos Bay bordering Naples, various other Lengthy Coast locations provide preferred things to do. Inland, the Marina Pacifica Shopping mall includes thousands of retail shopping chances close to the sea. A whole lot even more acquiring as well as additionally eating can be located in the surrounding neighborhood of Belmont Shore, especially on 2nd Roadway extending from Naples. Memento shops, stylish fashion boutiques, as well as a selection of eating specify this energised location of Belmont Shore. Catalina Island Twenty-two miles off the coast of Southern The gold state, Catalina Island supplies a picture-perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the landmass. A preferred port to embark on a fulfillment cruise to Catalina Island is within the Midtown Waterside area, next to the Fish tank of the Pacific. The Catalina Express shuttle visitors to Catalina Island throughout the day with a common hour-long ride. A famous school outing from Los Angeles, checks out to Catalina Island are specified by upscale resorts, oceanside eating, along with an air of travelling abroad. The Beaches of Long Beach The lengthy stretch of coastline that makes up the city's southerly border is separated in between various marked coast locations. Alamitos Shoreline is the closest to midtown, complied with by Junipero Cherry Coastline, both of which connect calm water, a wealth of sandy room, and features like toilets and also lifeguard towers. Belmont Shore Coast is farther east, with special activities like movies on the shoreline, sandcastle competitors, as well as pet-friendly areas like Rosie's Family pet Coastline. Various other coastlines can be situated inland, particularly along Alamitos Bay as well as the Alamitos Peninsula. El Dorado East Regional Park A substantial all-natural location near to midtown, El Dorado East Regional Park is the largest park in Long Coastline as well as a favored area to flee the city. A four-mile bike and also pedestrian course winds throughout the park place, attaching 2 complete angling lakes and likewise various other park attributes, including playgrounds, outing sanctuaries, in addition to a version airplane flying location. The El Dorado Family pet Park is liked with animal owners, as well as additionally the El Dorado Nature Facility gives educational displays as well as likewise regional artwork on the wall surface surfaces. Bluff Park In In Between Sea Method as well as the Pacific Sea, Bluff Park is just one of one of the most beautiful green rooms in Long Coastline. This 13-acre direct park comprises just hands trees as well as lively green turf, nonetheless no more is required with the ocean panorama provided. Combine the long-distance sight of Junipero Shoreline with the gentle sea breeze that is nearly constantly existing, along with Bluff Park advises unwinding minutes throughout the day. Having a fabled history, Bluff Park was an energised military area in World War II. Expository details stands today where gun batteries were when mounted, and the Lone Seafarer Memorial sculpture celebrates the marine history of the city. On the north end of Bluff Park, the Long Beach Gallery of Art provides community services to couple with the surrounding natural sophistication. Lengthy Shoreline Gallery of Art On the north end of Bluff Park, the Long Beach Gallery of Art is housed within a century-old summer residence neglecting the sea. Consisting of American ornamental art, local modern-day art, in addition to early-20th-century European Art, the gallery is open Tuesday using Sunday, with free of charge admission offered every Friday. The gallery's dining establishment, Claire's at the Gallery, is a popular area to delight in lunch near the sea. One more famous gallery located in the midtown district, the Museum of Latin American Art (molaa) has even more social allure on display screen. In the East Village Arts Location of midtown, molaa is just one of the only galleries in the nation entirely dedicated to modern Latin American art. The museum includes a large series of turning artwork, along with a 15,000-square-foot, outdoors Sculpture Yard Admission to this trademark downtown museum is completely cost-free on Sundays. For regional acquiring, consuming, as well as nighttime amusement, midtown Long Coastline has all of it. Increasing from the attraction-dense Midtown Beach district, Pine Avenue is a historical freeway offering globally tastes at local dining establishments like George's Greek Café in addition to L'Opera Ristorante. Both inland and along the beachfront, the downtown area is extremely walkable as well as developed with bicyclists in mind, including installment of well-marked bike lanes. Major occasions take place in the downtown place throughout the year. The Long Beach Art Stroll always draws out cutting-edge characters, along with night life in midtown takes place each day of the week. Maybe one of the most substantial event to strike midtown Long Beach is the yearly Grand Prix of Long Shoreline, where turbocharged automobiles take over the streets for thrilling race day task. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Lawn. On the institution of The gold state State University Long Coastline, this intricately created park is a hassle-free eco-friendly area used by students and also neighborhood individuals alike. A winding path navigates the 1.3 acres incorporated by the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, attaching attractive park facilities like pagodas, attractive bridges, and likewise a koi fish pond. Admission is cost-free for faculty and also students of the college. A prominent location for special occasions, the Japanese Backyard has the capability to organize as much as 150 people.

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torontotravelblog · 4 years

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30 Cool Things to do in Toronto, Canada

Toronto won my heart by tornado. After spending a week road tripping around Ontario as well as immersing myself in nature and also peace, Toronto was just the appropriate combination of laid-back attitude as well as big city buzz for me. I discovered the city with lots of time at my hand and also gathered a checklist of 30 cool points to do in Toronto that will be available in useful, whether you are trying to find websites to see, activities to do, places to consume or where to remain. This Toronto city overview has it all!

For me the ideal way to check out a brand-new city is to obtain as near neighborhood life as feasible. So when I had the opportunity to travel to Ontario in fall 2016, I knew I really did not simply wish to invest the normal a couple of days in Toronto and also race from sight to sight ...

I wanted to experience what it seemed like to live in Toronto, locate my much-loved cafe to deal with my writing, find neighbourhood dining establishments and shops, stroll the marketplaces and also classic shops, and also simply generally find out what makes the city so fascinating. I wound up investing 10 days below and did every one of those things-- and also even more. Not every one of the things on this listing of things to do in Toronto are sights, some are straight-out random day-to-day points I did while I was making believe to be a regional-- however all are must do's on your schedule!

Sites & Attractions: Points to do in Toronto

1) Ride the elevator approximately the top of CN Tower

CN Tower is a shocking 553.3 metres high and also held the record for the highest free-standing building till 2007. It is the ninth-tallest tower on the planet as well as for CAD$ 38 you can get to the top of it!

The elevator takes you to 2 different sight decks 342 and 346 metres high. On the lower deck you can walk throughout a glass ceiling-- if you risk-- as well as accessibility an outdoor terrace. You can also book added access to the tower's SkyPod (at 447 metres) or an Edge Stroll on top of the major sheathing of the tower at 356 metres.

CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, internet site

Getting there: City line 1 to St Andrew Station, Tram to Union Station

2) Do a complimentary guided scenic tour at the Royal Ontario Gallery

I had actually not planned on going to the Royal Ontario Museum on the same day as the footwear museum, yet they are so close to one another, that it would have been a missed chance. The ROM provides a significant collection of art, world culture as well as natural history-- there is most definitely excessive to see it done in just one see.

After getting my ticket ($ 20) I did not also understand where to begin-- and that is when I discovered the gallery guide awaiting individuals to join her cost-free assisted tour with one of the galleries in the gallery. I was all in. Doing a random assisted trip turned out a fantastic idea-- not just did I get an expert sight on a gallery I might have not otherwise visited; however it also took the choice where to begin with me. Excursions are provided everyday and many of them are free!

After the excursion, I went on to look into the existing temporary exhibit, which was dedicated to the glass musician Chihuly.

Royal Ontario Gallery, 100 Queen's Park, internet site

Arriving: City line 1 to Museum Station

3) Check Out the Bata Shoe Gallery

The Bata Shoe Gallery is an unique as well as unusual museum experience-- never ever had I assumed I would learn more about the evolution of footwear on a vacation to Canada! The museum has several collections checking out the historic advancement of footwear-- did you understand heels were originally just worn by men ?!-- in addition to standard footwear made use of by very first country people worldwide. I especially appreciated the temporary exhibition regarding standard colouring techniques!

Bata Footwear Museum,327 Bloor St W, website

Arriving: City line 1 or 2 to St George Station

4) Marvel at the design

I liked walking different areas of Toronto and also simply marvel at the design. The mix of industrial as well as property buildings was something I had actually never ever seen rather similar to this prior to. I would walk down a roadway of workplace towers made from glass and all of a sudden the following block would boast red-brick buildings loaded with shops, nail hair salons and also restaurants. I would certainly turn one edge and stand in the center of a long domestic road lined with two-story family houses with front porches and also small yards. It's difficult to pinpoint specifically which locations and also roadways where my favourite, so simply discover on your own!

5) Do a sunset cruise on the Tall Ship Kajama

When I checked out Toronto in September 2016, Toronto Island had been flooded and also my opportunities to see the famous horizon of the city from the water were close to absolutely no. Then I found out about the tall ship Kajama and also its sunset cruise ships.

The ship cruises the harbour of Toronto several times a day throughout the summer season (May to 1st October weekend). Cruises take 1.5 hours plus half an hour of boarding time and offer extraordinary views of the skyline, Toronto Island and also Toronto City Airport. I extremely recommend doing this cruise throughout sundown, as the sinking sun dips the city's metallic towers into pink and orange golden tones. it was breathtaking!

I even saw a little plane come down on the central landing strip of the City Airport terminal-- fairly a surreal experience! There is a totally accredited bar aboard the tall ship and food is acted as well, making this the best dinner task!

235 Queens Quay West, sunset cruise sails at 8 pm, site

Getting there: Tram to Queens Quay West at Harbourfront Centre

6) Join a free street art excursion down Graffiti Street

Road art in Toronto is an intriguing topic-- it's prohibited, as well as if your building obtains sprayed and also someone reports it, YOU have to spend for its removal. Therefore, there are a great deal of owners and companies that quit their walls to be splashed on for payments in addition to committed locations where graffitis are collected in one place.

Among those is Graffiti Street as well as I liked discovering it on a free led scenic tour! The trip lasts about 1.5 hrs and also consists of not just the street, but additionally great deals of other vibrant locations, art pieces as well as image options in the area around Queen Road West.

Scenic tour Guys FREE graffiti walking excursion, fulfill outside the Black Bull Tavern at 298 Queen St. W, daily at 3.30 pm (May-Sept) site

7) Look into the festival schedule at the Harbourfront Centre

Festivals are a fantastic means to submerse yourself in the neighborhood culture as well as at the Harbourfront Centre there is a different celebration going on nearly every weekend break during the summertime.

I was fortunate sufficient to encounter a vegan event arranged by the neighborhood Vegetarian Society. I reached taste vegan foods from all over the world, paid attention to inspiring talks about values as well as nutrition and also paid attention to tons of live songs while resting among residents in the grass.

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Celebration Schedule

Getting there: Tram to Queens Quay West at Harbourfront Centre

8) Catch a film at TIFF or at the TIFF Bell Lightbox cinema

The Toronto International Film Event is just one of the most significant target market events worldwide, indicating that unlike Cannes, the general public can participate in thousands of film screenings throughout the city throughout the festival.

I checked out the city in September, providing me the chance to see wonderful celebration movies as well as really feel the celebration buzz around me, however even if you go to outside the event duration, you can capture wonderful international arthouse films at the TIFF Bell Lightbox cinema in main Toronto!

Toronto International Movie Festival, annually in September, website

TIFF Bell Lightbox Movie Theater,350 King St W, internet site

Getting there: Metro to St Andrew Station, Cable Car to King St West at John St.

9) Go hiking at Scarborough Bluffs.

Scarborough Bluffs is an area in the east of Toronto's waterfronmt with high cliffs rising up to 90 metres above Lake Ontario. There are several parks on the Bluffs, yet if you head to just one of them, let it be Bluffers Park. This park is the just one with access to the lake and also a beach and naturally beautiful sights of the cliffs and also the water beyond.

Bluffers Park, Scarborough, website,.

Getting there: Tram to Eglinton GO Terminal and after that buses 86 as well as 175.

10) Check Out Toronto Islands by kayak or bike.

As a result of floodings I did not really most likely to Toronto Islands myself, yet I hear it's an amazing location to invest a day out far from the hectic roads of the city. Take the ferry across and afterwards determine whether you wish to walk, bike or kayak around the islands-- I know what I would certainly do!

Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the Boat House, a 10-minute walk from the ferry dock on Centre Island. It's best ahead early to get first choice of readily available boats!

Toronto Islands, site.

Getting there: Tram to Queens Quay Ferryboat Docks Terminal, Ferryboat: Centre Island Ferryboat.

11) Rent a stand-up paddle board at Woodbine Coastline.

Toronto has several beaches, however one of the most effective ones is Woodbine Coastline. A long beachfront with fine sand, lots of trees using color in the stretch of turf right behind it, lots of cafes and also restaurants nearby to leave the groups.

I rented out a stand-up paddle board from WSUP Toronto as well as paddled out onto Lake Ontario to obtain views of the city sky line distant. If you've never ever attempted stand-up paddling before, you can additionally reserve lessons, or sign up with a SUP yoga exercise class!

Woodbine Beach, website.

Getting there: Cable car line 501 to Queen St East at Wineva Ave.

Stand paddling at Woodbine Beach in Toronto.

Regional neighbourhoods in Toronto.

12) Check out the lanes of Kensington Market.

At Kensington Market near Spadina Opportunity, there is a whole lot to do and also see. Trendy coffee shops, bars as well as restaurants line every edge and also lane of the area. Design shops accomplish your wildest inside and stationary dreams. Juice bars are also greener by also marketing plants and also succulents. Numerous bars have cost-free live music and also you'll discover pop-ups in much of the streets or yards off the main roads. I can have surfed the lanes of the market forever!

Kensington Market, Augusta Ave & environments, site.

Arriving: Cable car stations around Spadina Ave, Dundas St W and also College St.

13) Trip a bicycle down Landsdowne Avenue.

I lived near Landsdowne Method in Toronto and liked absolutely nothing more than riding my bike down this street and exploring the neighbourhood. From Corso Italia to West Queen West, Landsdowne connects several of Toronto's coolest areas and also with every huge junction a brand-new experience starts! I found the roadway charming to cycle, due to the fact that website traffic was excusable, and there were lots of various other cyclists on the street.

My AirBnB featured a bike (more below), however there are lots of placs in Toronto wher you can hire bikes. There is likewise a local city bike scheme, called Bike Share Toronto.

14) Explore the Junction area.

The Joint is a neighbourhood in west Toronto near the crossway of Dundas St W as well as Dupont St. The major road of the neighbourhood is Dundas St W and there are several trendy cafe, restaurants as well as takeaways, indoor stores, artist & designer workshops, galleries as well as antique shops-- it's been called among Toronto's coolest areas!

Arriving: City to Dundas West Terminal, bus 40 quits along Dundas St W, internet site.

15) People view on public transport.

You obtained me-- this is not an area-- but the ideal way to uncover new areas and also move around the city like a neighborhood. The City in Toronto is extremely handy as well as links one of the most necessary city centre destinations intriguing for vacationers.

However, I enjoyed to getting on an arbitrary bus or cable car and also riding it together with the citizens. I would certainly people watch inside the carriage and also outside on the streets, left in areas that looked intriguing and uncovered some genuine treasures along the way!

Making use of public transport in Toronto is simple. On buses and trams you call for precise cash money to pay for your ticket and there are ticket makers at metro stations where you can use your card. The easiest choice is to acquire as well as top-up a PRESTO card as well as go cash-free. For transfers make certain to accumulate a transfer ticket from a dispenser near exits of metro stations.

16) Discover the historical Distillery Area.

As soon as the home of Gooderham & Worts Distillery, the Victorian industrial buildings of the Distillery Area are now flaunting a selection of restaurants, bars, art rooms and also style stores. After being stated a heritage website, the buildings were carefully brought back and occupied with cutting-edge innovation and also style. It's a real experience-- historic and futuristic at the same time-- as well as a have to see on your trip to Toronto!

The Distillery Area, internet site.

Getting there: Cable Car 504 to Distillery Loophole.

17) Get your hipster on in West Queen West.

If you are interested in different culture, you can not leave Toronto without spending time in West Queen West. This artistic neighbourhood in west Toronto is residence to vintage shops (more below), dining establishments, ranch shops, stylish bars and store hotels-- you might most likely invest a whole holiday here, just checking out whatever this location needs to provide!

West Queen St W, website.

Getting there: Cable car 301 and 504 quit along West Queen St W.

Restaurants, bars & cafes: Where to eat & drink in Toronto.

18) People watch at I Bargain Coffee.

I Offer Coffee is an unusual little coffee residence with mismatched furnishings in and out. I satisfied an idolizer of mine right here for an interview (not worried in any way) as well as thought it supplied just the ideal type of loosened up, yet productive atmosphere for our conversation.

The cafe sits at the edge of Kensington Market as well as it's a pleasure seeing people stopped by on their method to work or seeking a fast caffeine repair. They roast their own beans, so the coffee right here is very special!

I Bargain Coffee, 84 Nassau Road, Mon-Sat 8 am-- 7 pm, Opens 9 get on Sundays, internet site.

Arriving: Trams 310 or 510 to Spadina Ave at Nassau St South Side.

19) Invest a morning at Dark Horse Coffee Bar.

I invested almost 10 days in Toronto, which indicated I had time to create a little routine for myself as a freelance author as well as tourist. I enjoy mosting likely to coffeehouse in the morning to get some job done and after that discover repairs of the city in the afternoon.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar was a wonderful area to operate in-- and I was absolutely not the only one. There are a couple of little tables and also bar locations by the home windows, but I favored sitting at the large communal table between, surrounded by other freelancers functioning away on their laptop computers.

Top pointer: Make sure your laptop computer is totally billed as there are no sockets on/near the huge table.

Dark Horse Coffee Bar, 215 Spadina Ave, Mon-Fri 7 am to 7 pm, Opens 8 am Saturdays and also Sundays, site.

Getting there: Cable cars 310 or 510 to Spadina Ave at Sullivan St North Side.

20) Have brunch at Hello there Beloved.

Amongst the many restaurants and also coffee bar along Landsdowne Avenue, my 2 favourites were Starving Musician, which serve up cosy morning meal waffles as well as Hello there Beloved which is simply across the street. I had a fab salad bowl there and also appreciated being in the sun by the big home windows.

Hello Beloved, 827 Landsdowne Ave, Mon-Fri 9 am to 3 pm, Opens 10 am on Saturdays and also Sundays, Closed on Tuesdays site.

Starving Musician: the Landsdowne branch really shut, however there are 6 even more Starving Musician coffee shops around the city, web site.

Arriving: City line 2 to Landsdowne Station, Tram 47 to Lansdowne Ave at Wallace Ave.

21) Have lunch at The Excellent Neighour in the Junction.

The major reason that I ventured out into the Junction neighbourhood to begin with, was the reputation of the wonderful coffee bar and restaurants in this area. I was not disappointed and if I had to select my favorite, it would be The Great Neighbor Coffee Bar.

Found in a quiet property side road in the neighbourhood it appears like it's a local favourite amongst artists and families alike. I had a tasty sandwich for lunch as well as appreciated people seeing through the huge windows encountering towards the household streets. An unexpected treasure!

The Great Neighbor, 238 Annette St, Mon-Sun 7 am to 7 pm, internet site.

Arriving: City line 2 to High Park Station.

The Excellent Neighbour at The Joint in Toronto.

22) Preference the vegan pizza at Pizzaiola.

My journey to Toronto came equally as I got on the cusp of veganism-- I was incredibly interested as well as gotten every vegan meal I can get my hands on. My very first vegan pizza was a slice of Vittoria with the most effective tomato sauce ever, baked peppers, tomatoes and marinated zucchini. Pizzas can be bought by the slice as well as there are tons of weighty, vegan and also vegan alternatives offered. There are several Pizzaiola branches throughout Toronto, but I attempted the one in West Queen West.

Pizzaiola, 1172 Queen St W, Opens 11 am to 11 pm, open late Thursdays to Saturdays, website.

Arriving: Trams 301 or 501 to Queen St West at Abell St.

23) Supper at El Catrin.

The historical Distillery District has lots of good options for dinner as well as lunch, but I highly suggest booking a table at El Catrin. This Mexican-inspired dining establishment dishes up great cocktails and all your Mexican favourites-- tasty guacamole, tacos and burritos rupturing with flavour-- what more could you request? There is a warmed patio with lots of outside seats, so you can enjoy your meal as well as the horizon of the Distillery District at the same time.

El Catrin,18 Storage Tank Residence Lane, Open on a daily basis from 11.30 am (11 get on Sundays), web site.

Arriving: Tram 504 to Distillery Loop.

24) Treat yourself to an established menu dinner at Ruby Watchco.

Ruby Watchco is a very unique dining establishment-- primarily due to the fact that you don't get a great deal of options! They serve a seasonal fixed-price set food selection motivated by Canadian food, just collaborating with the freshest active ingredients they can get their hands on.

Vegan choices are available, but you require to call ahead to ensure they have everything they need to whip up a gleaming menu for you!

Ruby Watchco,730 Queen St E, Closed Monday & Sunday site.

Arriving: Various cable cars to Queen St East at Broadview Ave.

25) Consume all the poutine.

You can not leave Toronto without at least trying the Canadian nationwide dish, poutine. Poutine is chips (fries) with sauce and also cheese curds, but vegan choices (with veggie sauce and also tofy curds) is often offered as well! There are tons of legendary areas to choose poutine, but if you just want a quick fix, head to one of the two Poutini's Home of Poutine stores! Vegan poutine readily available.

Poutini's Residence of Poutine, 1112 Queen Street West as well as 617 King Street West, Mon-Fri open from midday, King St W branch closed on Mondays, website.

Getting there: King ST W-- Trams 304 or 504 to King St West at Rose City St; Queen St W-- Trams 301 or 501 to Queen St West at Abell St.

Buying in Toronto.

26) Purchase Asian keepsakes in Chinatown.

Just around the bend of Kensington Market exists Toronto's Chinatown. In the shops lining Spadina Method, I located several of my dearest keepsakes-- wicker indoor pieces, teas and all type of various other bric-a-brac for my level.

Getting there: Various cable car lines to Spadina Ave at Queen St W.

27) Vintage stores in West Queen West.

It doesn't come as a shock that the trendy area of West Queen West has a few of the best vintage stores in Toronto. My favorite stores were in between Dufferin St as well as Sorauren Avenue:.

Public Butter Vintage, 1290 Queen St W, web site.

Residence of Vintage, 1239 Queen St W, site.

In Classic We Depend On, 1580 Queen St W, site.

The Salvation Army, 1447 Queen St W, site.

Getting there: Cable car 301 and also 504 quit along West Queen St W.

28) Window-shop at Hit Salvage.

As mentioned over, the Joint neighbourhood is a heaven for all points interior decoration and also vintages. Wreck Salvage combines the two and supplies a diverse mix of classic interior pieces, upcycled furniture as well as antique gems for your residence.

I restricted myself to window shopping, however also that felt a lot more like walking through a gallery than via a store!

Wreck Salvage, 2880 Dundas St W, website.

Getting there: Metro to Dundas West Station, bus 40 stops along Dundas St W,.

Where to Stay in Toronto.

29) Stick with residents with AirBnB.

I invested most of my time in Toronto sticking with citizens using AirBnB. I had reserved a personal area near Corso Italia as well as shared a home with a French-Canadian/ Brazilian pair and their German shepherd pet-- what a worldwide mix! I enjoyed remaining in your area to discover life in Toronto and read about my hosts' preferred treasures in the area.

My area came with the choice to use one of the bikes my hosts provided, which was very useful for exploring the nearby trendy neighbourhoods of West Queen West and The Joint! There was a bus station close by which took me to Landsdowne metro station within a few mins-- excellent to get to the city centre and back!

30) Spend a night at Thompson Toronto.

There are some wonderful resorts in midtown Toronto, and if you just have a few days to see the main sites and also get a feel for the city, a resort could be a far better alternative than an AirBnB.

I can only advise Thompson Toronto, a fashionable store resort near the Bathhurst St as well as King St W joint. I had a lovely space from where I could see the CN Tower via the trees as well as went for morning meal at the American-style restaurant within the hotel. The main reason that I assume you must treat on your own to at the very least one evening at Thompson Toronto though is its rooftop.

You could not get a much better view than viewing the sun rise over the city's horizon from the infinity swimming pool at the hotel's rooftop balcony!

The post “30 Cool Things to do in Toronto, Canada” was first appeared on Watch me see

The IV Lounge - IV Therapy Toronto Drip Clinic

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discovericelandtours · 4 years

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Top 10 Iceland Private & Custom Tours in 2020

Iceland is one of the most exotic places to visit. A point that you must keep in mind is while planning your itinerary, it is crucial to consult a reputed touring operator and customize the tour strategies. Different private tours of Iceland render distinctly unique services to global travelers, with attractive attributes.

Custom Tours by DISCOVER

The Custom tours in Iceland administered by top-class service provider DISCOVER are highly recommended if you genuinely want to explore the sublime beauty of the country. You can discuss the itinerary with the tour provider and prioritize the places you wish to visit, preferably renting a car or a super jeep.

1. Golden Circle Tour

Golden Circle is arguable the most popular tourist-interest place in Iceland. It is almost mandatory to include the region of Golden Circle in Iceland Private Tours. From enthralling waterfalls to mesmerizing nature reserves, you will get ample scope to enjoy various natural wonders in the tour plan.

2. South Coast Tour from Reykjavik

You can simply hire a car from the Icelandic Capital Reykjavik and drive through the Ring Road to reach South Coast for enjoying the fascinating terrains of the place. The scenic views of the ocean will create permanent impression on your soul.

3. Quad Bike tour from Reykjavik

If you are an enthusiast of quad bikes, then Reykjavik offers you wonderful opportunities, especially during the winter months, to ride on Quad Bikes and explore the snowy terrains in nearby hills and outskirts.

4. Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour

For getting a glimpse of every kind of Icelandic natural marvel, you need to pay an extensive visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula in one of your Iceland private tours. The peninsula has everything from black beaches to imposing fjords to hot springs and lush green fields with swaying wild flowers.

5. Private Tours for Northern Lights

Witnessing the exhilarating Northern Lights is the principal signature of visiting Iceland. The tours let you get captivated by the sheer beauty of Northern Lights.

6. Blue Lagoon Tour

Don’t miss visiting and exploring Blue Lagoon when you tour Iceland. The Lagoon has a charm of its own with calm, azure waters and renders you breathtaking views throughout the year.

7. Grand Lake at Myvatn

The unlimited magnificence of the Grand Lake at Myvatn makes it a must-visit place. You must carry a high-definition camera along with you to capture the heavenly marvel from close quarters.

8. Trip to North Iceland

If you are not quite fond of the touristy crowd, then you must take a trip to the comparatively less-visited and sparsely populated North Iceland to discover sublime natural beauty.

9. Tour of Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón

For experiencing something genuinely unique in your Icelandic itinerary, you need to include visiting the famous glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón.

10. Diamond Beach Tour

Giving Diamond Beach a top priority in your tour plan is an intelligent thing to do as it offers a wide range of scintillating natural wonders.

Choose a suitable tour

Simply compare the details of itineraries in various tours and select the one that perfectly suits your requirements.

To get the latest updates visit our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Blog source: https://www.discover.is/top-10-iceland-private-custom-tours-in-2020/

#Private Tours Iceland #Golden Circle Tours Iceland

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tamboradventure · 4 years

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13 Cool Things to Do in South Africa

Posted: 03/2/20 | March 2nd, 2020

South Africa is famous for its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, award-winning wineries, beautiful beaches, and its lively and cosmopolitan cities. I’ve been to the country twice and always leave wanting more. There’s something deeply special about this place.

Stretching over 2,800 kilometers (1,700 miles) and home to over 56 million people, you could easily spend months here and still not see everything. Heck, just driving from one end of the country to the other would take several days.

Though there are hundreds of things to see and do in South Africa, here’s a list of what I think are the must-see and must-do activities while you’re here:

1. Go on a safari

Most people come to South Africa to go on a safari — and for good reason. It’s home to some of the best game drives in the world and you’ll want to spend at least a couple of nights in one of the hundreds of national parks. There’s truly nothing like it.

The most well-known safari destination is Kruger National Park, which has incredible diversity and tons of amazing wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo).

I went to Kruger a few years back, and it was everything I’d expected and more. Although you can drive yourself around the park, I actually recommend using a guide because they’ll be much better at spotting animals and will also give you heaps info about them, their habitat, and the park itself. Since this is one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences it’s worth spending the money to get a knowledgeable guide.

While Kruger is the most famous safari destination, there are dozens of other options across South Africa. Here are a few I recommend:

Hluhluwe and iMfolozi National Park – Located in the east of the country and is known for its rhino populations.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – On the border with Botswana in the north, it’s known for its black-maned lions.

Addo Elephant National Park – Near Port Elizabeth on the south coast, this is a great choice for self-drive safaris.

Pilanesburg National Park & Game Reserve – Home to the Big 5 and is doable in a day trip from Johannesburg if you’re short on time.

Safaris are so common in South Africa that pretty much every price point and budget is covered. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly campsites to upscale guesthouses and resorts.

2. Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is the most popular destination in South Africa — and for good reason. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city with lively bars, delicious food, great weather, lots of nature and hiking nearby. In addition to the city’s amazing beaches, the waterfront is bursting with things to do as well.

There’s a lot to do in the city so check out this entire post I wrote on what to do while you are there!

3. Go Surfing

Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean coasts of South Africa offer world-class surfing. Jeffrey’s Bay on the south coast near Port Elizabeth is the most famous surfing destination in South Africa and offers big waves and multiple breaks.

There are also a number of good surfing locations near Cape Town, including Dungeons in Hout Bay and a number of others further south on the Western Cape, such as Long Beach.

If you’re a beginner, Durban is a great option for surfing lessons because of the reliable waves and warm water of the Indian Ocean. Expect to pay around 500 ZAR per person for a 2-3 hour lesson.

4. Learn About Apartheid

You can’t visit South Africa without learning about the horror of apartheid (a system of institutionalized racial segregation), which cast its shadow over the country from the 1940s all the way into the 1990s. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg does an excellent job of highlighting apartheid’s history and legacy.

While in Johannesburg, be visit the Constitutional Court. It stands on the site of a former political prison and you can tour some of the prison ruins and learn more about the many political prisoners who were unjustly detained here.

Also, be sure to visit the District Six Museum in Cape Town. It’s a memorial to the people who lived in the area in the 1970s who were forced to relocate so that white citizens could move in. It’s both sobering and illuminating.

7. Visit Robben Island

When it comes to learning about apartheid, you’ll want to also plan a trip to Robben Island. Located just four miles off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island was a maximum-security prison until 1996. During the apartheid era, many political prisoners were sent to Robben Island. This includes Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years behind bars on Robben Island. The prison is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in the country.

Conditions at the prison were incredibly harsh, with many prisoners forced into hard labor in the limestone quarry. They were also made to sleep on the stone floors of their cells without a bed as well.

Today, former prisoners are tour guides and they shed light on what life was like here during apartheid. You’ll be able to see Mandela’s cell and take a bus ride around the island to see the prisoner’s graveyard as well as the quarry where Mandela and other prisoners were forced to work.

Ferries operate 3 times a day, starting at 9am (a 4th ferry operates during the summer season). Admission is 320 ZAR for adults and 200 ZAR for anyone under 18, which includes the ferry ride. Expect to spend at least four hours here (including the tour and getting to/from the island).

5. Hike the Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg region near the east coast is home to the highest mountain range in the country, with rugged, green peaks, sandstone cliffs, and deep valleys. There are lots of trails, ranging from casual walks to strenuous climbs and plenty of options for both day hikes and multi-day hikes. Some of the popular routes include the following:

Rainbow Gorge: Easy and beautiful two-hour trail in the Cathedral Peak area.

Ploughman’s Kop: A half-day trail with a steep climb, but beautiful rock pools along the way so you can cool off with a dip.

Chain Ladders Hike: A challenging one-day hike, including ladders attached to the rock face.

Cathedral Peak: Best climbed with a guide, this hike can be split across two days with a night spent camping in a cave to break up the hikes.

Giant’s Cup Trail: Typically done a five-day hike, but not overly strenuous.

6. See African Penguins

Part of the Table Mountain National Park and a short drive from Cape Town, the Boulders Penguin Colony is home to several thousand African penguins. (Fun fact: they’re also known as jackass penguins, because the noises they make sound like a donkey braying.)

Unfortunately, they’re an endangered species as a result of human impacts like pollution, oil spills, and habitat destruction. For that reason, you aren’t allowed to walk on the beach where the penguins breed but you can watch them from the nearby viewing platforms. There is also a raised boardwalk that starts at the Boulders Visitor Centre which will let you get up close to the penguins. Just keep in mind that they are wild animals and the beach is their home, not yours. Be sure to keep your distance and don’t try to feed them or pet them. As cute as they are, they’re still wild animals.

8. Take a Road Trip

South Africa is an awesome road trip destination. The most famous route is the Garden Route, which takes you along coastal cliffs and through forests and mountain ranges. Stretching along the south-central coast from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east, the Garden Route is only around 200km (125 miles) long but is full of beaches, lakes, and lagoons.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge in Africa, and go bungee jumping there. Expect to pay around 1,400 ZAR ($95 USD) per person.

The beautiful beaches of Plettenberg Bay on the Indian Ocean are also a worthwhile Garden Route stop.

There are other popular road-trip routes in South Africa, such as the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, which winds around the Blyde River Canyon, or the Wild Coast route for exploring dramatic coastal landscapes. You can also pick a road-trip route that takes in several national parks, as there are quite a few scattered around the country where you can self-drive through the park to see the wildlife.

9. Go Wine Tasting

South Africa’s climate is perfect for grape growing and the country produces award-winning white, red, and sparkling wines. The wine industry here dates back to the seventeenth century and there are hundreds of wineries to be found (and sampled of course).

In the Cape Winelands region not far from Cape Town, Stellenbosch has over 150 wineries in a very small area while a bit further away, Franschhoek not only has over 50 vineyards but also some of South Africa’s best restaurants. You can do a wine tour that will take you to several different or you can stay in one for a night or two (many have guest accommodations).

If you don’t have a vehicle and want to take a tour, expect to pay at around 1,000 ZAR per person for a half-day tour of the region and its wineries. Many hostels run their own tours to the region or have partnerships with local tour guides who can take you as well. Be sure to shop around for the best deal!

10. Explore the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

A frequent stop on the way to or from Kruger, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. It’s particularly lush and green compared to the Grand Canyon and also has extremely deep, sheer cliffs. There are numerous natural rock formations and other natural features in this UNESCO-listed reserve, including Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. You can also find ancient rock art in the Echo Caves.

There are several hiking trails as well as abseiling, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.

11. Go Whale Watching

South Africa is generally considered to be one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re visiting between June and November you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting Southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas.

The town of Hermanus, located 120km southeast of Cape Town, is the base for many of the best whale-watching companies in the country. Some reputable companies to check out are:

Southern Right Charters

Hermanus Whale Cruises

Xplora Tours

Expect to pay around 950 ZAR for a two-hour tour. Drinks and snacks are usually included and discounts are often available for students, seniors, and children. be sure to book in advance as tours sell out fast since there is a limited window.

13. Go Scuba Diving

If you love to dive (or want to learn), head to Cape Town. The diving here is world-class thanks to the mixing of warm and cold ocean currents. Here you’ll find rocky shores, lots of reefs, and kelp forests. There are also lots of wrecks on both sides of the peninsula too.

Expect to pay around 1,450 ZAR for a one-tank dive (including equipment rental) and 6,600 ZAR for your PADI certification if you’re a new diver.

For more wrecks, head to Port Elizabeth (which is on the coast halfway between Cape Town and Durban). There are several interesting wrecks to explore here, including the Haerlem (a scuttled navy frigate) and the Doddington (which wrecked in the 18th century). It’s also a great area for diving with sharks.

For something more unique, visit Port St. Johns to witness the sardine migration. It occurs every June with four miles of water thick with sardines! You can book multi-day diving tours to see the sardines, with most lasting 5-6 days cand costing 30,000 ZAR per person.

Sodwana Bay (on the border with Mozambique) is another top location to see healthy coral reefs as well as lots of fish and marine life.

***

With its perfect weather, incredible wildlife, award-winning wine, and culinary delights, South Africa is an underrated destination that deserves your attention. It’s a country I never get tired of visiting and is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to. You just can’t help but fall in love with it — no matter your interests.

Book Your Trip to South Africa: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting South Africa? Check out my in-depth destination guide to South Africa with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post 13 Cool Things to Do in South Africa appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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mom-maeum-seoul · 6 years

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Hanoi and Halong Bay

Vietnam was a really cool country. I spent two weeks there (and Ville 1 month!) and especially loved Hanoi.

Hanoi feels kind of magical - a perfect fusion of old and new, buzzing with traffic that is the embodiment of organised chaos. There’s a permanent mist hanging in the air (which may just be pollution - a little less magical haha!) that creates a surreal and ethereal feel to the city, particularly at night as it’s illuminated by the thousands of fairy lights strung up around the city. Nature also invades every corner, refusing to be beaten back by the concrete, with trees bursting through the pavement and walls, their leaves hanging low.

There are often wide pavements, but they are filled with scooters and people cooking and eating at small tables, so most of the time you have no choice but to walk in the road. Crossing the road is a daunting prospect when you first arrive - no one stops for anything, so there’s no other option but to simply walk into the traffic. The first few times it’s terrifying and like nothing you’d have experienced in the West, but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly easy and the scooters casually drive around you as you cross. You can always spot the tourists who’ve just arrived as they linger at the roadside waiting for a gap that never comes. You’ll see many strange sights in the traffic in Vietnam - some people will simply drive their scooters the wrong way down the side of the road. Others have their dogs on leads as they weave through traffic. In Ho Chi Minh City, rather than wait in traffic jams, scooters mount the pavements and drive around them.

Hanoi made a wonderful first impression on me. Everything is crowded and chaotic but there was a vibrant atmosphere in the streets that Friday night (and seemingly most evenings!). Hundreds of people walked the streets and sat eating outside amongst the drooping leaves and dots of light. Tiny, curious dogs ran wild and I was back amongst crowds of European tourists for the first time since Bali.

We had soup and spring rolls for dinner, accompanied by 50c beers. The whole meal must have been about €2-3, which was a welcome change from Japan, Hong Kong and Korea! I’d also been staying in dorm rooms for the past couple of weeks, so was extremely happy to be in a fancy(ish) hotel for about $12 each per night (see video below)! We then went for a few drinks and saw some lives bands in the street and a few half-hearted Halloween parties.

youtube

On Saturday, we went to see one of the lakes (West Lake - not the nicest as it’s very dirty and smells pretty bad) and then onto another couchsurfing meet-up in the evening. It wasn’t the most engaging one as there was a really random mix of people there but we ended up staying out late dancing anyway and getting locked out of the hotel. Luckily, there’s always a member of staff sleeping in the lobby so we got in - but we had a moment of panic when we saw the padlock on the door!

West Lake

One of West Lake’s pagodas

Couchsurfing meet-up in Hanoi’s old town

On Sunday, we did almost nothing and ordered room service, which was the first peaceful rest day either of us had had for ages after two weeks in dorm rooms!

That evening, we went to see one of the other lakes (Hoàn Kiếm Lake), which was much nicer! There was a festival atmosphere along its banks as the roads had been closed off - Ville thought this might be something they did every Sunday but we don’t know for sure. I’m not sure what the lake is like during the day but it certainly didn’t smell as bad as the other one and at night the lights of the buildings surrounding the lake create beautiful reflections on the surface. Around the edges we witnessed all sorts of activities going on - a band playing with a lead violinist instead of a singer, caricature and calligraphy artists, life-size cartoons roaming around (people in suits), giant jenga, dance shows put on by kids and silk dragon displays. There was also a nearby night market worth browsing if you’re looking for a bargain.

On Monday, we went on a free tour with a local student through http://hanoifreelocaltours.com, a really good initiative that pairs up students who want to meet people from around the world and work on their English skills with tourists looking for a local perspective. We went to see the Temple of Literature and La Maison Centrale prison - a relic of the French colonial days where the French kept, tortured and executed communist rebels. It was quite a harrowing experience (although not compared to what we were to see at S21 in Phnom Penh) but interesting to get an insight into Vietnam’s past. Our tour guide explained that Vietnam had had to fight for its freedom and independence for a very long time.

A recreation of prisoner conditions

The guillotine

On Tuesday, we spent most of the day travelling down to Halong Bay, where we stayed overnight before our tour the next day. There was nothing of note in the town really - just masses and masses of construction going on. It’s quite incredible to see the rapid development going on in Vietnam with your own eyes when you visit!

The Halong Bay tour was unfortunately an absolute shambles! We were picked up as agreed at 11am, but then proceeded to drive around in circles for the next hour picking other people up in a seemingly completely random order. I am not exaggerating when I say we must have driven past our pick-up point about 4 or 5 times before finally embarking on the 15-minute drive to the harbour. It wasn’t until 3 hours after pick-up that our boat actually left as we kept getting moved around and told to wait at various spots in the harbour. We’d been promised an “English-speaking guide” but what we actually got was a rude salesman who spent the day trying to sell everyone extras. All the staff on the boat were really rude actually and kept inventing new and contradictory rules about where we were and weren’t allowed to sit - although, surprisingly, the food provided was actually really good! Half the people on the boat had paid to go kayaking, so the rest of us just had to sit and wait on the boat for an hour while that took place, which we obviously hadn’t been informed of in advance. We probably only had about 1-2 hours on the water in total. The bay was beautiful though and we saw a cool cave, so I’m glad we went - it just could have been a more pleasant experience in general.

One lesson we learnt in Vietnam is that you should avoid booking things through the hotels without checking the reviews yourself online first, and as soon as someone tells you “don’t worry”, it’s time to start worrying! The trip back to Hanoi was also a farce. They clearly didn’t know who was supposed to be going or not and the bus was extremely crowded. We left late and made a few unnecessary stops as well, meaning that some people missed their onward travel. The “tour guide” was obviously extremely rude about it, taking no responsibility whatsoever or even apologising. Really despised that guy…!

Thursday was our last day in Hanoi before moving on for what we thought would be some “beach time” at Nha Trang (hahaha - little did we know that a typhoon was approaching). We went to see Ho Chi Mihn’s mausoleum, which is very impressive, and the war museum (Vietnam Military History Museum), which was pretty shambolic as well. The information is chaotic, the English translations are poor, and nothing seems to be in the correct order. I left none the wiser about why the Vietnam war had actually happened, or even what had really happened... I’d definitely advise people to give this one a miss and go to the one in Ho Chi Minh City instead if possible, as it’s much more coherent.

Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum on the right

One final point about my first impressions of Vietnam is that it was intriguing to visit my first communist country! The hammer and sickle are omnipresent around Hanoi, although Vietnam clearly has capitalist elements as well.

Hammer and sickle on a government building (right in the centre of the photo) - I got in trouble with a soldier for taking this picture!

Statue of Lenin

That evening, we flew to Nha Trang and towards the storm...

-Maddy

#Hanoi #Vietnam #Halong Bay #West Lake Hanoi #Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum #Hanoi Free Local Tours #Hoàn Kiếm Lake #Hoan Kiem Lake #Vietnam Military History Museum

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vvvolvs-blog · 4 years

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RV rental New Zealand Campervan Rental

It is located at the southern end of Pegasus Bay in the middle of the east coast on the South Island between Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. The city stretches east to the Pacific Ocean and the estuaries of the Avon and the Heathcote River, to the south and southeast to the volcanic foothills of the Port Hills and to the north to the Waimakariri River. Founded in 1985, Apollo, with its 23 offices in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, has grown to become the largest privately owned rental company in the world. The striking hippie campers with the yellow stripes and the notes can be seen more often on the streets of New Zealand and Australia. Customers are price-conscious travelers who still do not want to do without a certain convenience. The company was founded by Apollo, one of the largest privately owned landlords in the southern hemisphere. We have had very good experiences with this in the USA. The city of Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand is a great starting point for a motorhome holiday. Maui has been a long-term provider of spacious vehicles with that certain something comfort for two to six people. You can also rely on Maui for personal service. What has to be on my packing list and where can I apply for my visa ?. Here you will find the answers to your questions. There is simply nothing better than a 6 bed motorhome if you want to explore New Zealand with the whole family. The motorhome is not only easy to drive, with the surprisingly diverse interior you can also feel at home in this vehicle. But even then, depending on the season, the additional cost quickly pays off again. Very cheap prices very often have a catch, which can be found in the terms and conditions and the earnings model of the provider. You can catch most customers with the cheapest prices, and you can get something out of the terms and conditions. If nothing happens, the customer has rented a cheap campervan.

Such extras will cost an extra charge, but also have the potential to save you some money save on your travels.

Have you ever wanted to go on a vacation where you can just travel at your own pace without worrying about a hotel or motel, constantly looking for supermarkets or getting into a small rental car squeeze?

Or should I buy a camper for my trip through New Zealand?

Smaller ones are clear .-effective

The Blenheim wine region and the beautiful wilderness of the Abel Tasman National Park are nearby. Here a camper makes it easy to explore the area on your own and stop at one of the many campsites. Enjoy taking the road from the marble mountain, Takaka Hills, which winds along the valley to reach the beautiful and quiet Golden Bay, or travel inland around the Nelson Lakes District and its National Park to explore. Auckland is located on a isthmus, near the upper edge of the North Island and is the largest city in the country. Due to its multicultural population, its growing art scene and the growing culinary offer, the endlessly long beach landscapes and the wealth of history, it is an exciting and fascinating place to start the holiday with the motorhome.

Top locations in New Zealand

No problem! We drove all over the country for you and recorded all the highlights. The 2-bed motorhome based on the Volkswagen Crafter is equipped with all the comfort you need for a vacation in New Zealand. Extra long, enough space for 2 people and equipped with shower, toilet and gas heating. A look at Trademe makes you flinch at newer and therefore more reliable motorhomes. When you take over, you conclude a rental agreement with the landlord. We recommend that you plan campervan hire NZ two hours for instruction and transfer. At the end of your trip through New Zealand, hand over your motorhome fully fueled and swept clean. The waste water tank must be emptied. The real New Zealand is even more impressive! Especially in the campervan. Because on a camper trip through New Zealand you explore the country on your own and experience the many natural spectacles up close. Wendekreise is a family business and has specialized in the rental of motorhomes, campervans and cars since 1991. We pride ourselves on our personal service.

#RV rental christchurch nz

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superiorityhq-blog · 4 years

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motorhome rental New Zealand

Spark stations. Telephone booths equipped with WLAN antennas. Two devices (only one of which must have the SIM card) can consume 1 GB of data here every day. That's really something, right?

How much does a flight ticket to Australia cost?

New Zealand official languages

Along the west coast it goes over the 900 m high Arthur's Pass with viaducts, bridges and falling waterfalls. In Christchurch you can end your road trip in the numerous bars. There are, for example, the Stirling Falls with a drop of about 151 m and the Bowen Falls with a drop of about 162 m. If you are then ready for longer distances, you can, for example, drive to Akaroa, about 80 km away. There are around 30 dolphins with whom you can swim in the nature reserve. Nearby you will also find a penguin colony in Flea Bay, with a little luck you may discover some. Animal lovers will not miss out in Christchurch either. This time I chose turning circles, the Koru 2 Berth S / T, because I wanted to have a toilet on board with its own space. 1) Have you ever heard of the "Cheapa Campa" brand or have you had any experience with it? There are very cheap prices compared to other providers. a) On the Internet you can find a lot more negative than positive reviews, because people are more likely to hit the keys when they are angry.

Christchurch is the main port of call to pick up a motorhome for an adventure on the South Island. It is close to many highlights and has the largest airport on the island with regular flights from Auckland and international flights from Australia. The city has been devastated by earthquakes in recent years, but is recovering very well and is facing destruction with creativity and joie de vivre. Auckland is located on a isthmus, near the upper edge of the North Island and is the largest city in the country. Due to its multicultural population, its growing art scene and the growing culinary offer, the endlessly long beach landscapes and the wealth of history, it is an exciting and fascinating place to start the holiday with the motorhome.

My personal new zealand motorhome tip

Animal lovers will not miss out in Christchurch.

In our New Zealand camper highlight tour you will find out why you should venture adventurously over a suspension bridge, watch a geyser from a helicopter and not collect jade stones.

If you see a double yellow line, You must not overtake.

Then your camper journey takes you through New Zealand to Nelson Lakes National Park.

If you have further questions, would like to contact you . Ideal starting point for your tour with the camper or

What is the currency in New Zealand?

All in all, the New Zealand costs for my husband Florian and me totaled around 3,000 euros. That makes about € 1,500 per person over four weeks, which roughly corresponds to a daily budget of € 50 per nose. These are also the travel expenses that we both calculated at the start of our trip.

⇒ First there is the basic information about our New Zealand holiday

Then a visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology is just the thing for you. A stroll in the botanical garden or in Cornwall Park is also more comfortable. Cornwall Park is also perfect for running or cycling. Motorhome rental in Auckland If you want to travel in New Zealand by motorhome, you shouldn't take a long distance on the day of arrival. Did you know that New Zealand was recently added to the Club of Geological Continents? Admittedly, most of the youngest continent on our planet is under water, but what "Zealandia" has to offer on land alone is overwhelming. After a successful examination, it takes up to five days, then you will receive the certificate in the mail. It is valid for four years, then a new examination is due. Time zone There are three time zones in New Zealand. The North and South Island are in one zone. The Chatham Island is the second time zone and there it is about 45 minutes later than on the main islands. Tokelau is located in the South Pacific, belongs to New Zealand and is the third time zone.

The country is home to lots of farmland and forests, but being very small, you're never too far from an inhabited area that has facilities and supply centers for visitors. The small towns enchant you with their charm, the cities are more cosmopolitan than ever and what lies between them will take your breath away. In New Zealand there are no multi-lane highways that lead past the cities and the countryside. For this reason, you can marvel at all of this directly from the window of your motorhome while driving. The right camper for you In New Zealand, the roads are very narrow even in curves and overall rather narrow.

#cheap motorhome rental New Zealand

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travelwitholiviajayden-blog · 5 years

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Best things to do in Chiang Mai

Thailand is a nation that remains to attraction people back time and time again. From the world-class beaches in the South to the mountain forests in the North, Thailand really does have something for everyone.

And there is countless things in Chiang Mai! The city is Thailand’s rose of the north and is a huge draw for travelers,Packed with delicious food, hundreds of temples and buzzing with Thai culture, Chiang Mai is a city where it is impossible to be bored.

Here, I will discuss some best activities which you can do in Chiang Mai

1. RIDE THE MAE HONG SON LOOP

“The best way to explore the exotic Northern Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province is by taking a road trip and complete the whole Mae Hong Son Loop”

The Mae Hong Son Loop has the perfect situation for an classic motorbike venture as you will be driving through the

National parks

Rolling farmlands

Dense jungles

Ethnic villages

Mist-shrouded mountains

Lakes, rivers, caves, thunderous waterfalls.

Ancient temples.

Lush rice fields.

Beyond-stunning countryside sceneries.

As you ride along this route you will be completely awestruck with the panoramic views that seem to go on and on.

2. DISCOVER THE BUDDHIST TEMPLES

Chiang Mai is not exactly short of a temple or two. There are over 300 ‘Wats’ dispersed all over the city and nearby landscape. Most temples in Chiang Mai are of the ‘Lanna’ style, seeing between the 13th and 18th centuries and categorized by curved wooden roofs pointing up at the top. There are a few obvious choices that you can’t ignore while temple hunting in Chiang Mai; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most famous, balanced high up in the mountain that manages the city. Wat Chedi Luang is another must-see, and much more easily accessible, located inside the Old City walls.

3. Wash an Elephant at The Elephant Nature Park

Visiting The Elephant Nature Park was such a best part for me while in Chiang Mai!

In elephant Nature Park you can bathe your elephant YES! Each group has their own elephant to bathe. Our tour guide handed us each an empty bucket, we got in the water up to our knees, and repeatedly filled and splashed the elephants. It was so fun and even left me a little emotional as we got out of the water; such a surreal experience.

4. Cliff Skipping at Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

Even if the eyesight of this picture makes your stomach crawl into your throat, Chiang Mai’s “Grand Canyon” is still worth a visit. This “canyon” is an old game that now attracts mostly foreigners trying to get “off the beaten path”. While it is no secret anymore, it still has a feeling of being comparatively mysterious to many travelers passing through.

Just a 40-minute drive from town, a trip here will allow you to escape the city and soak up some rays while watching a handful of daredevils make this 50-foot jump. If you are a confident cliff jumper, we would suggest making the leap! We did, and had a blast.

Start with some of the smaller jumps and work your way up. If you are anxious though, just observe others. It isn’t occasional for people to get hurt here, so listen to your own body.

5. Devour The local Food

Thai food is some of the tastiest in the world. Sometimes it seems that there is a never finish menu of sweetness when discovering the cooking side of Thailand. From street food and the night bazaars to the cafeterias and beach bars, Thai food will never disappoint.

Make sure to try dishes such as the Coconut Curry and Pad Krapow. Also do not overlook to grab some Mango Sticky Rice to keep up your energy as you are discovering the city. Another great thing about the food in Chiang Mai is just how cheap it all is. If you grasp a meal from one of the many street vendors, you will pay only a couple of dollars.

So above i discussed, best things to do in Chiang Mai so what are you waiting for? Go pack your bag and get yourself ready for have a wonderful experience!

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shannrussell-blog1 · 5 years

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Going camping at Christmas time is an Aussie tradition. ‘What you doin’ over Christmas?’ you’ll be asked. ‘Heading up the river/down the beach’ will be a common response. In fact, Christmas camping is about as Australian as the flies that will be there to greet you when you arrive at the campsite. True patriots, them flies.

But, due to its popularity, Christmas camping can be challenging. Chances are you won’t have that idyllic bush campsite next to the Howqua River to yourself. Everybody is on annual leave, the kids are off school – heading bush at Christmas time isn’t just your bright idea!

That’s why we thought we’d share 10 tips to make camping over Christmas more of a breeze.

1. Be prepared by doing your research

Leaving things to the last minute is never a good idea. Picture this: you’re about to head off for a week on the Gloucester River. You have yet to even unlock the shed door and start packing the car. Chances of forgetting something are pretty high if you’re this unprepared.

If you plan to head off over Christmas, make sure you start planning a few weeks in advance. The first thing you should do is prepare a gear list. This could be as basic as a handwritten checklist or Snowys own gear checklist.

Or if you’re a geek like me, a comprehensive spreadsheet with weights, prices, the packing order, and all the bells and whistles (you should see the extent some ultralight hikers go to.)

Check gear off as you go, that way you won’t forget anything!

Over the proceeding days start bringing stuff out of the shed to check that it is in good repair and put it aside, ready for the car. This will give you plenty of time to repair (and clean) anything that is broken and buy replacements. This is also a great time to update your camping tool and repair kit as well.

Be sure to write a shopping list for anything you may need to buy. If you’re going to shop online, make sure you leave plenty of time for the purchases to arrive. Over Christmas, Australia Post and couriers are run off their feet so get your purchases in early.

Wikicamps provides the most up to date info on campsites around Australia. Image: WikiCamps Australia

Make the most of apps

During your research, download the WikiCamps app and check the campsites you’re interested in visiting. There’s also a whole host of other handy outdoor apps that are helpful for this time of the year which you can check out here.

WikiCamps is crowdsourced (campers just like you list their favourite sites) and allows users to leave comments and photos of their experience. The comment section is a handy way of gauging how busy a campsite might be at a particular time of year, and any other useful tidbits that might help fellow campers, e.g. pub happy hour is at 4 pm!

Also, be sure to research fuel prices. Petrol and diesel can be really expensive the further you travel outside of the city. There are many sites and apps out now that display fuel prices in a particular area – have a look at FuelMap and MotorMouth as examples.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Be prepared. You’ll be less stressed. Oh, and don’t forget the toilet paper!

2. Book in advance!

So it’s Easter and you’ve just had a fantastic couple of days at your favourite caravan park on the Murray River. ‘We have to come back at Christmas!’ you announce on the journey home. Do it, but book now! If a campsite requires you to book, book as far in advance as possible.

3. Arrive early

I headed down to the Coorong for Christmas last year. We arrived on Christmas day. There was hardly a soul to be seen. We got in ahead of the crowds. Two days later, as we braved the road back to Adelaide, there was a convoy of 4X4s and camper trailers heading in the opposite direction.

Had we stayed another night, our peaceful waterside camp would have been transformed drastically. Get in early to bag the best spot!

Getting in early means plenty of peace and quiet. Image: Matt Pfeil

4. Head a little further afield

The easier a camp is to access, the more people it will attract. Consider going a bit further afield this Christmas to avoid the crowds. It may just afford you the peace and quiet that we tend to like when we go camping. Having a 4WD and a sense of adventure comes in handy, as you can access places off the beaten track.

Just a note, if your intention is the fire up the trail bike or jet ski, be mindful that others that have gone to the effort to camp out in the sticks might have done so to avoid that sort of noise. Make friends, and enjoy the serenity together.

5. Shop in town

Do your shopping before you leave the big smoke. Not only are the prices cheaper, but you’ll also be able to buy a lot of things that you might not be able to get in rural or remote areas.

Like with Tip 1, preparation is key. Write a list. Come up with a menu (read more about menu planning here). Work out what you can take from home, what you need to buy, what can go in a storage box or on ice, and what needs to go in your car fridge/freezer.

That said, support the local economy by picking up the essentials in the local town. And don’t forget to visit the local bakery. Country bakeries are always the best!

Planning your menu beforehand will make mealtimes so much easier. Image: Coleman Australia

6. Make friends

Camping over Christmas usually means sharing a camping spot with lots of other people. Don’t let this be negative, see it as an opportunity to meet new friends. After all, you all have a common interest – you like camping! Shouldn’t be too hard to strike up a conversation.

7. Get wet

Holidaying near the water is such an Aussie thing to do over summer. It’s likely to be hot if you’re out over Christmas, so add some water to the experience.

Australia is a big place with heaps of great camping spots close to beautiful beaches, rivers, streams, and lakes. There’s nothing quite like making a morning cuppa while staring out over a beautiful stretch of water, then ten minutes later take a dip. What a start to the day!

Camping near the water also allows you to take some water toys with you. Snorkels, body boards, surfboards, jet skis, boats, fishing rods. Your togs. Yep, you can see why Aussies like camping near the water over summer.

Look for a campsite with water nearby, Christmas has the perfect weather for a swim! Image: Alite

8. Buy gifts that can be enjoyed on the trip

As the kids get older they’re probably less interested in heading bush with their crusty old folks (if not, you have top kids!), only to be away from the new PS4 they got for Christmas, or not have any mobile reception for their new iGadget. Consider gifting them something that they can use while camping. It might be a snorkel or a small kayak or a camera or colouring in books or the must-read fantasy novel.

Buy them something that will keep them entertained while you’re laying back with a cold one. The best camping trips are the ones where everyone is happy and gets something out of it.

You can still have a delicious Christmassy meal, even when you’re out bush. Image: Oztent

9. Get merry

If you’re camping on Christmas day, it doesn’t mean you have to pass up the Christmas meal. There are some amazing recipes floating around the place for Christmassy things like Jack Daniel’s honey glazed ham, and stove top roast chicken that can be cooked in your camp oven (check fire bans in your area – there is a way to use your camp ovens in summer though) or camp stove.

Nothing says Merry Aussie Christmas more than fresh seafood. So if you’re camping near the ocean or river, and have some luck with the rod and line, you could have the beginnings of the most Aussie of Christmases yet!

10. Be prepared for hot weather

Summer in Australia gets hot. Who would have thought? So it’s important to be prepared for a scorcher. There are stacks of things you can do to maximise your comfort if you’re faced with blistering temperatures (we’ve got some more tips for keeping cool here):

Position your camp in a shady spot and set up a sunshade

Remove your tent fly to encourage airflow (and place a shade over the top of it if necessary)

Bring a lightweight 12V fan or

Staying focused on the roads is essential especially around the holidays. Image: Cybertext Consulting

Bonus tip – stay safe

Finally, being safe when out bush is vital to an enjoyable trip. Camping during summer can be risky, what with snakes and bush fires out to get you. Keep tabs on the weather and conditions. If a bushfire approaches your campsite, follow the instructions as set out by the local fire board. Make sure you have a reliable means of communication as well for emergencies.

Getting to and from your campsite requires you to exercise caution and good judgement too. You may be a top driver but not all other road users are. And a distraction in the car can have shocking consequences.

You’ve probably watched the news over Christmas and Easter and seen all the reports about the road toll. Don’t push yourself, don’t drink and drive, drive to the conditions, and take regular rest breaks.

Most importantly, if you’re going camping over Christmas have a great time, bond with the family, and relax. That’s what it’s all about, right?

Where are you heading this Christmas? Let us know in the comments!

The post Top 10 Tips for Camping this Christmas appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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