Tumgik
#theatre. the road to mecca
Text
Tumblr media
New post: "EDDIE REDMAYNE & GAYLE RANKIN BRING AUDIENCES INTO THE KIT KAT CLUB"
FRANK DILELLA | FEBRUARY 6, 2024.
Starting April 1, a hearty “Willkommen” awaits at the enticing and electrifying Kit Kat Club (a.k.a., the August Wilson Theatre) on 52nd Street on Broadway. The London transfer of the 2022 Olivier Award–winning revival of Cabaret is one of the most highly anticipated musicals of the spring season. Tony-winning actor Eddie Redmayne is set to reprise his performance of the Emcee, a role he won an Olivier for when he opened the show in the West End. He’ll be joined by actress Gayle Rankin, who is new to this production of Cabaret, taking on the show’s leading lady, Sally Bowles. Entertainment journalist for Spectrum News NY1 Frank DiLella caught up with both Redmayne and Rankin to talk their love of Cabaret and much more.
Eddie, congratulations on the Broadway transfer of this brilliant revival. How are you feeling knowing you’re once again taking on the Emcee in Cabaret?
EDDIE REDMAYNE: Thanks so much. Honestly, this is one of the pieces that made me fall in love with theater as a kid, so the fact that I got to play this iconic part on stage professionally in London was truly a bucket-list moment fulfilled. But when I was about 9 or 10, I became oddly obsessed with New York. London was home, but I was always looking at photographs of New York, researching the place. When I eventually came to the city and went to Times Square, it was one of those completely overwhelming sensations. I remember my whole body reacting. So the idea that I now get the chance to play this part in this show that I’m so passionate about in the mecca of musical theater — which is Broadway — is beautifully daunting and also 100 percent thrilling!
Gayle, Cabaret seems to be your show. You were part of the 2014 Roundabout revival with Alan Cumming — you played Fraulein Kost.
GAYLE RANKIN: I can’t tell you how moving it is to have worked on Cabaret a decade ago, and after lovingly letting it go, it’s come back to me with the gargantuan gift of Sally. [Laughs.] It is my show! I feel wildly privileged to be able to say that. I know I have to continue to earn that privilege because of what the show is and what it means. But I have never felt more ready to do that now, inside of this amazing production and with this incredible group of artists.
Eddie, when were you first introduced to Cabaret?
ER: I was first introduced to it when I was in school; I was around 15 or 16, and there was a little production being done at my school. And that was the first time I listened to the music. I remember hunting down all the possible CD versions I could find. I remember looking for a production to see, but there were none playing in London, so the very first production I ever saw of Cabaret was, randomly, the Spanish version in Madrid — and it was the Sam Mendes version, but in Spanish! I was 19 and completely blown away. Since then, I saw Emma Stone and Alan Cumming do it brilliantly in New York, and of course Rufus Norris’s version in London. I’m a sort of Cabaret junkie.
How about you, Gayle?
GR: The first time I was introduced to it was when I was in a musical-theater program in Scotland and one of the other young women had been given the song “Maybe This Time,” and I remember being like, “Wow! What a song!” That’s when I was introduced to Cabaret as a property.
Eddie, it’s my understanding that you were instrumental with making this production of Cabaret take shape.
ER: Ha! It’s been a long old road. After I did Cabaret in school in my late teens, there was an amateur production of Cabaret going to the Edinburgh Festival, and I got cast in that, and the venue that we were doing the show in was called The Underbelly. It was dark and damp and people were sitting around tables. I loved every minute, and it affirmed my want to be an actor. The guys who set up that venue became producers professionally and the Underbelly transformed to become a brilliant venue and producing house in the U.K. They approached me about seven years ago and asked if I would ever consider doing Cabaret again. It had always been on my bucket list, and I thought long and hard about it — as I said, it’s dream territory. Then Jessie Buckley leapt into my mind, who is an extraordinary actor and singer, and she and I plotted together. We both approached the brilliant director Rebecca Frecknall, and piece by piece this thing built momentum. But it had been done so beautifully and vividly before, we only wanted to do it if we could find a new way in, something that perhaps hadn’t been explored before.  And with Rebecca, the brilliant Tom Scutt, Julia Cheng, and Jordan Fein — our designer, choreographer, and prologue director — we took on this idea of inviting an audience through the underbelly of the theatre, taking them through this experience so by the time they arrive in the theatre, they’ve truly left all their troubles outside.
Eddie, you’re taking on one of the great roles of the musical theater, the Emcee, and I have to say, having seen you on stage in London, your Emcee is different compared to Joel Grey’s and Alan Cumming’s.
ER: I think one of the reasons he’s such an appealing part is because he’s one of the most enigmatic parts that I’ve ever read, witnessed, or experienced. The Emcee was a part that was created by Joel and Hal Prince [director of the original Cabaret] to join scenes together. He has no literary basis. So in some ways, the part exists in an abstract way. One of the things that I tried to do when I first started was I attempted to rationalize him and create a backstory. But the second you try to pin him down, he falls flat — he’s too quixotic for that. In the end it became trying to find a way into him physically and through instinct alone. It felt like a high-wire act. But a thrilling one.
Gayle, Sally Bowles is one of the great female roles in musical theater. Who is your Sally?
GR: My Sally is close to me. I think she’s only to be known truly by me. Sally can infamously live in a space where she can be pitied to people, and I don’t think that’s the whole story. There’s more to be told about her. And I feel compelled to take that on.
Do you feel that your experience of doing the 2014 Cabaret revival with Alan Cumming, where you played a Kit Kat Club girl and Fraulein Kost, prepped you for Sally?
GR: How could it not? For something to live inside of you both consciously and unconsciously — I hope I’ve evolved as a person and as an artist, and I feel like I’ve never been more ready to take Sally on. And I feel like I’m a big enough girl to admit the 2014 production — I was not in a place or was the right person to play Sally even though I had the time of my life with that show.
Sally gets some amazing musical moments. “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” … Favorite tune in the show?
GR: It’s always been “I Don’t Care Much” [sung by the Emcee]. Sally’s songs are almost too meaningful; I can’t pick one, they’re like children. [Laughs.] But there’s something about “I Don’t Care Much” that’s so essential to the conversation and the story and lives inside of all those characters. This longing for hope during so much horror. That song just moves me.
Gayle, take me to your opening night, when you take your bow as Sally Bowles.
GR: [Laughs.] Frank! What a question. Now I’m crying. My niece will be there, and she’s 12, and I’ll probably be looking at her. I’ll probably be tired. [Laughs.] I think I’m going to be really happy.
This show is quite the experience. Give a little preview of what New York audiences can expect once they enter the Kit Kat Club.
ER: I can’t paint that picture for you just yet because it’s in the process of being built and designed by Tom Scutt. Tom Scutt is one of the most thrilling creative minds I’ve had the privilege to work with. What his plans are for New York are completely captivating. The idea is that you’re brought in as an audience not through the conventional way of the theatre — you’re met by an entire prologue cast of dancers and musicians. You are submerged into the world of Cabaret from the second you pass the threshold. For me, I hope it makes the experience — you will feel like you’re part of an all-consuming event. You will also get to witness Gayle’s Sally — Gayle is a volcano of talent — Bebe Neuwirth’s Fraulein Schneider, Ato Blankson-Wood’s Cliff, Steven Skybell’s Schultz. A staggering ensemble — the list goes on. So many exciting things.
Eddie, you’re following in the footsteps of two celebrated actors who played the role of the Emcee: Joel Grey and Alan Cumming. Any interaction with them?
ER: I haven’t with Alan since I’ve played it. I met Alan in Los Angeles years ago and he’s just an extraordinary talent. Joel, I had never met, but then I got through the first act of Cabaret on opening night in London, and at the interval some flowers arrived and I opened the card and it was from Joel Grey. And in the midst of our opening night show, opening his generous card was one of the great moments.
I was so haunted by this production when I saw it in London. The time feels right to see and experience Cabaret.
ER: There is something so searingly relevant with this piece. And I feel like whenever Cabaret is being done, it’s relevant. But with what’s going on in the world today, I feel like it’s a cautionary tale — it sings loudly and clear and it’s this idea of the fear of the other. The political gain of “othering” people. And that constant repetition of scapegoating and hatred is what we’re seeing in our politics now.
GR: I’m not sure what John Kander and Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff were channeling when they were writing this — they were able to tap into something that’s so cyclical. And as a humanity, I think we all hope that Cabaret becomes not as relevant as it is.
---
14 notes · View notes
swaincarstens25 · 9 days
Text
10 Things If Only I Knew Before Likely To Thailand
Rice is often a staple food for people in Vietnam. When you get on the wharf, your names in order to be registered by the tour guidelines. The meal was delicious, including Bob's appetizer - fried trantulas. Stawamus Chief Provincial Park protects the 700 metre massive granite cliffs near Squamish, positioned on the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. Established in 1997, the park is a mecca for hiking and internationally renowned for rock moving your way up. The hiking trails lead to three peaks with striking views of Howe Sound, surrounding Coastal mountains and area of Squamish. Tin Top Vĩnh Long AZ 24h View More: topvinhlongaz.com - Top Vinh Long AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Vinh Long AZ: Nguyễn Minh Quý - Nguyen Minh Quy On lack of of Victoria Harbour we had the famous skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, almost certainly best scenic spot globe city. Each night all the skyscrapers wake up with an astounding lase and lightweight show. For a exciting and maybe different excursion consider Edmonton. This may be the capital of Alberta it really is located concerning the North Saskatchewan River. Very simple that lucrative no major cities instantly close proximity is attain a great real concern as Edmonton has everything to make available. Annually this city hosts the Edmonton Klondike Days Festival and Jazz city. Events for full family get pleasure from. For those interested in sight seeing don't miss from visiting the largest mall in North America, The Edmonton Mall. There is also the Historic Fort Edmonton Terrain park. If you intend a vacation to Edmonton involving near future they you should plan on attending the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival.
Tumblr media
View More: topvinhlongaz.com - Top Vinh Long AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Vinh Long AZ: Nguyễn Minh Quý - Nguyen Minh Quy Beas Island got being "Best Beach" in 2001, 2002 and 2006. Much slower a beautiful white beach with time two kilometres, which is supplied with modern and comfortable facilities. Across the plank road extending of the island towards pier, sharks and other fishes appear there generally. Beas Island is extremely exciting in terms of muskie. There are a lot of Japanese tourists close to the island who're mainly check out diving here. El Nido consist of 45 islands and islets and the encircling sea present endless adventures for nature lovers. El Nido also include the majestic limestone cliffs that are no Vinh Long in Viet Nam 200 million years unwanted. The said Asian tourist spot has 200 kind of tropical fishes, more than 100 kind of corals, and three varieties of endangered sea turtles. It's forest host more than 100 kind of birds and big of this populations are endemic to Palawan. Rice is really a staple food for people Vietnam. In the province of Hau Guang in the Mekong Delta, farmers become showcasing their rice production process in addition to their products for anyone to as well as enjoy. After all, Vietnam is the second largest rice producer in the globe. When we are covering festivals, one of the most extravagant is considered the three day festival celebrating Hanoi's 1000th year everlasting. A Festival like this is marked through the use of a massive Fireworks festivity. There will also be Art display and Musical Acts. This is just a small glimpse of what's available encounter in Vietnam. Vietnam's top-end hotels sometimes have gained a detrimental rep for overcharging the actual country's recent tourism boom, but the penny has finally dropped and rates are beginning come on paper. Wotif are showing rates of under $100 for of Saigon's 5* hotel. And if luxury is less important, Vietnam has literally 1000's of mid-range hotels and resorts, along with guesthouses and minihotels, where clean and comfortable en-suite rooms can be had at as little as $10 overnight. Or for a adventurous option, book a homestay & stay having a local family, or rent a self-catering house/flat. Visitors to this magnificent city will find a place where they is certain to get accommodation at affordable dollar figures. In addition to seeing good places to stay such as hotels, hostels and palazzos turned into star quality hotels you will discover there are several good places to buy gifts, souvenirs and then again. The flavors of Italian cuisine can be easily savored the particular many restaurants and eateries that you will discover in Lucca. Most popularly known as Helicopter island, Dilumacad island offers an expanded stretch of powdery pristine sand beach. This is the last island your itinerary. Many tourists would spend the whole afternoon at the island just lying around and getting a tan. Palmyra is a rich and elegant city in middle aged. It was located under the trade route and underneath the control of Roman Empire. After those splendid days, the Arabian citizens in Palmyra followed the customs and clothing of Iran in the east and Greek and Rome in the west. Zhangye, an urban area far more developed than Xiahe but falls except the metropolis of Lanzhou, is really a comfortable mix that is rich in natural beauty and the community.
youtube
A country with enchanting natural beauty and tranquil village life, Vietnam is known all over the globe as one belonging to the outstanding travel getaways. Situated in Southeast Asia, this 'S' shaped country remains abuzz with tourists the actual year. More than 3.77 million tourists tour Vietnam every year. With China within the north and Laos and Cambodia inside of the west, Vietnam is often a perfect blend of ancient cultures in modern colours. Vietnam is blessed with enthralling highlands and rainforest regions. Its islands and beaches are the very best in Southeast Asia territory. Vietnam is a booming economy. According into the BBC report of seven April 2011, Vietnam inches to perceived as developed country by 2020. Nanning can also the linking point with the tour route from Guilin to Beihai. Tin Top Vinh Long AZ If an individual more time here, many explore Guilin and Beihai two neighbor cities. Koh Pangan or Pangan Island is away towards north from Koh Samui around 20 kilometers. It will take about 30 mins to arrive there from Koh Samui. Koh Pangan has very beautiful beaches and blue sea surrounded by woods. The capital of Nz is Wellington but biggest and most cosmopolitan city is Auckland. In my estimation the most breathtaking scenery is on the Tutukaka Region. Whangarei is the major city Vinh Long in Viet Nam the subtropical North of New zealand and has got most beautiful beaches, parks and smaller gardens. Top Vĩnh Long AZ 247 It is just 25 km east of here where you'll find the most amazing and Unique Gifts from New Zealand. Diving area - There are lots places for visitors to dive and listen to coral reefs and fish around Koh Samui. To rent a speed boat and diving equipment, please contact the resorts or travel agencies on Koh Samui.
Tumblr media
This is often a port that is most frequently visited by tourists. A number the splendid yachts could be seen here. The port has many pubs, discos and bars for the entrainment for the tourists. Of course, the port has enough places for that tourists to enjoy water sports. The small roads where these pubs are located are luxuriously illuminated it presents a most fascinating view during the night moment. As the city to hold the 5th China-Asean Expo, Nanning has a lot of in order to offer. The famous attractions are Mt. Qingxiu and Mt.Daming, quite Yangmei Ancient Town, fairyland Yiling Yan Rock Cave and also as scattered parks and gardens. Beside these, there also capabilities a lot of delicious local food accessible you, such as the various porridge, rice noodles so well as Suanye (fermented fruits and vegetables). Zhangye, a major city far more developed than Xiahe but falls besides the metropolis of Lanzhou, is a legitimate comfortable mix that is rich in natural beauty and traditions. When drifts into their minds Canada folks cities arrive at mind is Calgary. Home of the famous Calgary Stampede. This city is in the south end of the Province of Alberta. It would not be unreasonable to are thinking about visiting neighboring cities for instance Edmonton or Banff. Aside from the Calgary Stampede this city also host their annual Folk Music Festival, a huge event to Calgarians and visitors alike. Don't miss out on seeing the Canadian Rockies. Calgary is also pleased to boast they have one for this fastest long track speed skating ice rinks across the world. This is really a sight notice. The trip that would captivate the tourists for this beautiful country is a try to Hanoi's old three months. Experience the true history of Vietnam through this historic part on the city. This city houses many beautiful architectural building that captures its French colonial earlier times. View More: topvinhlongaz.com - Top Vinh Long AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Vinh Long AZ: Nguyễn Minh Quý - Nguyen Minh Quy Written By Author in topvinhlongaz.com: Lê Diệu Thi - Le Dieu Thi Written By Author in topvinhlongaz.com.com: Nguyễn Thanh Ngân - Nguyen Thanh Ngan
1 note · View note
tjpda · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
And now it's time for everyone's favorite new segment: COOL STUFF WE FOUND IN THE ARCHIVAL PIECES! This is a new series where we at the archive highlight quirky, interesting items found left inside the texts compiled in the archive. Today we have:
A FOLDOUT PAGE OF ALL THE BOHEMIAN GROVE PLAYS!
These Bohemian Grove plays feature a list in each play of all the prior plays done at the retreat spanning back to the turn of the century. I feel like a better conspiracy theorist than I would be able to find some hidden message in their dramaturgy but it's beyond me. Still interesting to see though!
AN OUT-OF-DATE LIBRARY CARD HOLDER!
In this copy of Charles Ludlam plays, we can see that it was once a book belonging to the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NYPL. Apart from being potential evidence in a library-based crime (calling Phillip Baker Hall), it is of interest because the Mid-Manhattan branch no longer exists! It was renamed the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in 2017 after the titular foundation donated $55 million to the library for renovations.
A TINY CARD HOLDER!!
Inside this copy of Athol Fugard's The Road To Mecca, I found a little identifier sticking out listing the author, name of the play, publisher and copyright date. I figured this was for whoever had archived the play before me but I was more intrigued by the adorable holder/envelope thing that the card was in. It is printed with the (beautiful) logo for GEVA Theatre in Rochester, New York. Aside from being my hometown, this was exciting because GEVA was where I saw many of my first theatrical performances and it holds a very special place in my heart so this was fun to find.
0 notes
nyaco · 1 year
Text
Why You Need To Visit Sofia, Bulgaria
Tumblr media
Sofia might appear to be a drab city from afar However, that doesn't mean it's not worthwhile to visit. In fact, despite its communist-era architecture, Sofia's a bustling metropolis that will charm and surprise even the most disinterested travelers.
A visit to Sofia isn't just about seeing the sights. It's about getting to know its people and understanding Bulgaria's fascinating history. Here are a few of our top reasons why you should add Sofia to your next Eastern Europe travel!
1. It is a walking town
If you're looking for a place in which you can move around without the need to take the metro system, Sofia is where you should be. Although it's not as walkable as other European capitals, it's simple to navigate. You may get more information on trip by visiting Sofia places to visit site.
Although the majority of the attractions of the city are stunning churches however, there are some worthwhile museums worth exploring. The National Palace of Culture is especially worth a visit, since it features quality local work.
Take a hike up Vitosha Mountain for something different. It's one of the most awe-inspiring mountains in Sofia. It offers stunning views of the city, and also get to see some amazing nature.
2. It's a fantastic location to shop
Sofia is a mecca for shopping with high-end chain stores as well as independent boutiques that sell unique Bulgarian brands. Vitosha Boulevard, Ulitsa Graf Ignatiev and Vitosha Boulevard are the city's main pedestrian zones. Boutiques selling unique items can be found in smaller streets such as Shipka, Oborishte and San Stefano.
If you are looking for authentic souvenirs of Bulgaria, there are many markets to choose from in the region. Vasil Levski Square is home to stalls that sell martenitsa, traditional bracelets made from white and red yarn which are worn in spring as a symbol of love, health and prosperity.
You will also find markets at Ploshtad Slovejkov, just outside the National Theatre. This is a good spot to buy books in Bulgarian and English or second-hand novels, and antiques.
3. It's a fantastic spot to eat
With its mix of cosmopolitan influence and international appeal, Sofia offers an abundance of cafes and restaurants. There's plenty to satisfy everyone, whether you want a quick breakfast or a relaxed lunch with Bulgarian food and wine.
Get your day started in the city by enjoying breakfast of mekitsa. It's a classic Bulgarian pastry made with butter, and filled with either meat or other vegetables. This classic breakfast is easy to enjoy at any time of the evening or day. It's beneficial for those who follow a gluten-free diet or who are vegan.
4. It's a fantastic place to celebrate
If you're a party animal or hipster, or DJ, Sofia has plenty of bars and clubs that will keep you dancing all the night. From trendy basement clubs to big DJ sets in abandoned warehouses, there's plenty to please all in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
5L Speakeasy Bar is a fantastic place to begin your night. The bar is full of lot of energy and offers an amazing variety of drinks. The bar's expert bartenders whip up classics and innovative cocktails using top-quality ingredients.
5. It's an amazing location to unwind
There are plenty of places in Sofia to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can bring an afternoon picnic to a park or go hiking to the top of Vitosha Mountain, which is higher than 2000m above sea level.
It's a walkable city so most of the main attractions are easily accessible on walking. The main pedestrian road is lined with cafes and restaurants so it's perfect for sitting back and people watching.
If you're on a budget it's worth checking out some of the fantastic hostels located in the city. They're typically affordable, have an array of accommodations and are also a great way to connect with fellow travellers from around the globe!
1 note · View note
guginosource · 4 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Carla Gugino as Elsa Barlow in Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca
“ELSA: I think I lost control of myself. I screamed louder and longer than I have ever done in my life. I can’t describe it, Helen. I hated her, I hated the baby, I hated you for dragging me all the way up here... and most of all I hated myself. That baby is mine, Helen. Patience is my sister, you are our mother... and I still feel fucking lonely.”
39 notes · View notes
whatdoesshedotothem · 2 years
Text
Saturday 19 October 1839
7 ½
1
fine but dull morning wrote the whole of the last page till now 9 10/.. at which hour F61 ½° and breakfast and read a little of the guide de Moscou and off to Arkhangelsky  at 10 ¾ - our 4 horses abreast in preparation for the partly bad road and a less good carriage than the one we have in town – pass Petrovskai [Petrovsky] and at 11 25/.. turn left and leave the highroad (to St. Petersburg) – at 11 25/.. bridge over little piece of water and pretty village good church and handsome country house and gardens – high spruce fir and lime hedges – sandy road since leaving the highroad – at 12 another village and good church – the village busy with numberless carts laden with wood (birch and a little oak), charcoal, and hay, all apparently bound for Moscow – large [?] of cattle (much dark coloured among it) pasturing at a distance (left) wide pasture land down to the river, and many horses near right pasturing the green corn which is now everywhere eaten close – at 12 10/.. a little village – at 12 20/.. alighted to walk up the little sandy hill and walked 10 minutes (some distance beyond the top of the little hill) till 12 ½ on alighting pass right the road to Riga – our road today a post road – stations, and post houses to be had I think at the village we came to at 12 (vide line 6 of this page) – village and picturesque good church at 12 40/.. – at 12 55/.. stop a minute or 2 in going uphill to mend one of our traces – very sandy road – village at 12 57/.. I suppose of Arkhangelsky – scattered and picturesque – drove along some line avenues, and arrived at the chateau at 1 10/.. – I was driven into the court – the great doors not now appeared opened often and some trouble to make give way – alighted at 1 ¼ on the steps of the great hall or vestibule – handsome chateau – 2 suits of rooms rez de chaussée the hall or vestibule forming the handsome centre of one suite, and a pillared, circular, lofty, galleried round at the top, handsome saloon forming the centre of the other suite – the upper story nearly every room occupied by bookcases – But our disappointment great to find that all the best pictures and statues were gone to the princes’ new house in the Great Moskoe at St. Petersburg – nothing left behind worth a journey of 17 versts to see – the books all locked up and we saw nothing very particularly tho’ many good works chiefly French – and several valuable botanical English works – A- interested in reading the titles of them .:. in the palace till 2 ½ - then in the grounds – to the theatre large and handsome enough – would be a nice, good one in a town – pit and boxes enough for a numerous audience –à quoi bon here? sauntered about the grounds formed gravel walks and statues in front of the house – and 2 columns – obelisks – commemorating the honour done to prince ........... by Alexander 1 dining with him in August 1816 and by the present emperor and empress and the grand duke Michael and prince Charles of Prussia dining with him in September 1826 – heaps of leaves (birch) swept up – for bedding for the cows – neat church – the temple of Appollo [Apollo] not much – all wants paint and plaster looks neglected tho’ the grounds are nicely kept – at last got to the temple called the Mecca a model of the celebrated mosque at Mecca – of wood unpainted and weathered – there at 3 20/.. a square building 2 stories high – an arcaded verandah [veranda] round the rez de chaussée, and a balcony round the 1er – hipped roof, and a cupola on the top of what would otherwise have been the apex of the roof – the verandah [veranda] = 3 arcades and two halves of an arcade on each side, the helves being at the corners, and
SH:7/ML/E/23/0108
finishing up at each corner to a tall round minaret, about 1/3 higher than the square of the building – something higher I think than the top of the cupola – a little out of repair – but balustrade round twice at about 1/3 and 2/3 of the height so that the mollah might give his call from the higher or the lower – the minaret crowned by an extinguisher (conical cap) – 3 or 4 (3 I think) windows on each side above and below - above and perhaps topped below – on one side (north i.e. up the river) a square tower 2 stories high very near the temple and communicating by a gallery with the balcony round the temple – all this was interesting as being said to be an exact model of the Kaaba [Kaʿba] at Mecca – it stands prettily on the steep sand bank over the river (right bank) – about as good, not better than the cellar where it is smallest between Salterhebble and Elland – see from here the Orangerie just over the winding river between placed than the chateau from which no view of it – another gentlemans’ house comte ------ at a little distance (about a mile?) down the river backed by a patch of dark fir – scattered patches park like and pretty of dark fir, and long circular reach of hill closes in the distance – corn land, and grass and birch-brushwood – scene here not unlike plateau of wold scenery about Langton – narrow strip of sandy strand along each side the river – shallowish – a long line of floating wood in it – a little lower down the stream – A- sketched the temple till now 3 25/.. – the prince has 25000 serfs of whom 4,000 here Sherémétieff [Cheremetieff] has 150,000 serfs – the carriage met us in the village and we were off home again at 3 35/.. – it had already begun to drizzle a little and in about an hour it became damp and thick and disagreeable – alighted for a moment at a thrashing place at the end of the village – the trashed [?] heaped up in little stacks – several odd sort of covered in houses or sheds – Leopold said they were the places where the people dried their corn – before or after thrashing? Inquire into this – at 4 55/.. back at the village we were at at 12 this morning – at 5 10/.. at the highroad again – home at 5 50/.. – dressed – dinner at about 6 ¼ - tea at 8 ½ - before and after read a little of the guide de Moscou and had Grotza and had written so far at 11 35/.. at which hour F63° - tolerably clear from about 11a.m. till after 3p.m. – finish day for the time of year – a little small drizzling rain from about 4p.m. but not much to wet anybody tho’ the people had their umbrellas’ up as we drove into the town this  evening – Glad of our drive today into the country – the river near right 2 or 3 times – the country people look well and contented and the country as if it produced as much as such sandy soil can produce –
6 notes · View notes
Text
Saturday, 19 October 1839
7 1/2
1
Fine but dull morning wrote the whole of the last p.[page] till now 9 10/’’ at which hour Fahrenheit 61 1/2 and breakfast and read a little of the Guide de Moscou and off to Arkhangelsky at 10 3/4 our 4 horses abreast in preparation for the partly bad road and a less good carriage than the one we have in Town – 
Pass Petrovskoi and at 11 25/’’ turn left and leave the high road (to St. Petersburg) – at 11 35/’’ high over little piece of water and pretty village good church and handsome country house and gardens – High spruce fir and lime hedges – sandy road since leaving the high road – At 12 another village and good church – the village busy with numberless carts laden with fine wood (birch and a little oak), charcoal, and hay, all apparently bound for Moscow – Large herd of cattle (much dark coloured among it) pasturing at a distance, left, wide pasture land down to the river, and many horses near right pasturing the green corn which is now everywhere eaten close – 
At 12 10/’’ a little village – At 12 20/’’ alighted to walk up the little sandy hill walked 10 minutes (some distance beyond the top of the little hill, till 12 1/2 on alighting pass right the road to Riga – Our road today a post road – Stations, and post horses to be had I think at the village we came to at 12 (vide line 6 of this p.[page]) – Village and picturesque good church at 12 40/’’ at 12 55/’’ stop a minute or 2 in going up hill to mend one of our traces – Very sandy road – 
Village at 12 57/’’ I suppose of Arkhangelsky – Scattered and picturesque – drove along some line avenues, and arrived at the chateau at 1 10/’’ – I would drive into the court – The great doors not now appeared opened often and some trouble to make give way – Alighted at 1 1/4 on the steps of the great hall or vestibule handsome chateau – 2 suites of rooms rez de chaussée the hall or vestibule forming the handsome centre of one suite, and a pillared, circular, lofty, galleried round at the top, handsome saloon forming the centre of the other suite – 
The upper storey nearly every room occupied by book cases – But our disappointment great to find that all the best pictures and statues were gone to the prince’s new house in the great Morskoe at St. Petersburg – Nothing left behind worth a journey of 17 versts to see – the books all looked up and we saw nothing very particularly tho’ many good works chiefly French – And several valuable botanical English works – A-[Ann] interested in reading the titles of them ∴[therefore] in the palace till 2 1/2 – Then in the grounds – To the Theatre large and handsome enough – Would be a nice, good one in a Town – Pit and boxes enough for a numerous audience – À quoi bon here? 
Sauntered about the grounds formal gravel walks and statues in front of the house – And 2 columns – Obelisks – Commemorating the honour done to prince         .           .           .           by Alexander I dining with him in August 1816 and by the present Emperor and Empress and the Grand D.[Duke] Michael and Prince Charles of Prussia dining with him in September 1826 – 
Heaps of leaves (birch) swept up – For bedding for the cows – Neat church – The Temple of Apollo not much – All wants paint and plaster looks neglected tho’ the grounds are nicely kept – 
At last got to the Temple called the Mecca a model of the celebrated Mosque at Mecca – Of wood unpainted and weathered – There at 3 20/’’ a square building 2 stories high – An arcaded verandah round the rez de chaussée, and a balcony round the 1er[premier] – Hipped roof, and a cupola on the top of what would otherwise have been the apex of the roof – The verandah = 3 arcades and two halves of an arcade on each side, the halves being at the corners, and finishing at each corner up to a tall round minaret, about 1/3 higher than the square of the building – Something higher I think than the top of the cupola – A little out of repair – But balustraded round twice at about 1/3 and 2/3 of the height so that the mollah might give his call from the higher or the lower – The minaret crowned by an extinguisher (conical cap) – 3 or 4 (3 I think) windows on each side above and below – Above and perhaps square topped below – On one side (north i.e. up the river) a square tower 2 stories high very near the temple and communicating by a gallery with the balcony round the temple – 
All this was interesting as being said to be an exact model of the Kaaba at Mecca – It stands prettily on the steep sand bank over the river (right bank) about as good, not better than the Calder where it is smallest between Salterhebble and Elland – See from here the Orangerie just over the winding river better placed than the chateau from which no view of it – Another gentleman’s house Comte __________ at a little distance (about a mile?) down the river backed by a patch of dark fir – Scattered patches parklike and pretty of dark fir, and long circular reach of hill closes in the distance – Corn land, and grass, and birch-brushwood – Scene here not unlike Plateau of Wold scenery about Langton – Narrow strip of sandy strand along each side the river – shallowish – A long line of floating wood in it a little lower down the stream – A-[Ann] sketched the temple till now 3 25/’’ – 
The prince has 25000 serfs of whom 4,000 here Sherémétieff has 150,000 serfs – The carriage met us in the village and we were off home again at 3 35/’’ – It had already began to drizzle a little and in about an hour it became damp and thick and disagreeable – 
Alighted for a moment at a thrashing place at the end of the village – The thrashed string heaped up in little stacks – Several odd sort of covered in houses or sheds – Leopold said they were the placed where the people dried their corn – Before or after thrashing? Inquire into this – 
At 4 55/’’ back at the village we were at at 12 this morning – At 5 10/’’ at the high road again home at 5 50/’’ – Dressed – Dinner at about 6 1/4 – Tea at 8 1/2 – Before and after read a little of the Guide de Moscow and had Grotza and had written so far at 11 35/’’ at which hour Fahrenheit 63º - Tolerably clear from about 11 a.m. till after 3 p.m. – Finish day for the time of year – A little small drizzling rain from about 4 p.m. but not much to wet anybody tho’ the people had their umbrella’s up as we drove into the Town this evening – 
Glad of our drive today into the country – The river near right 2 or 3 times – The country people look well and contented and the country as if it produced as much as such sandy soil can produce –
[symbols in the margin of the page:] Ͷ
[in the margin of the page:]   Arkhangelsky
[in the margin of the page:]   Model of the Kaaba at Mecca.
[in the margin of the page:]   Moskwa not better than the Calder
[in the margin of the page:]   Manner of drying corn.
Page References:  SH:7/ML/E/23/0107 and  SH:7/ML/E/23/0108
6 notes · View notes
terribleco · 4 years
Text
Ghost Town
Tumblr media
Coventry has never been a skate mecca, but fun can definitely be had on a skateboard in the city of peace and reconciliation. With that being said, over the last couple of years, some of the great spots I, and many others, grew up skating have been removed by Coventry City Council. With no plans for a new skatepark from the council, it can feel like the skate scene is constantly being slapped in the face with the number of places to skate dwindling. I spoke to some of the Cov locals about some of their favourite long gone spots, in an attempt to understand why our dead spots, no matter how innocuous, are part of skateboarding history. 
Header photo by Ryan Bradley.
I grew up skating in Coventry in the early 2000's. By the time I had started skating, the spots had been skated for decades prior, but still had plenty of life left as the new boom of skaters entered the city. The spots have always had a rough and raw quality to them, but then again that was part of the charm. Banks, ledges, rails, stairs, even the odd street transition - but all of them had a common aesthetic of a city that had been rebuilt and reimagined through a brutalist lense after the second World War. The spots are decent enough to get the attention of Stereo's Carl Shipman, Darkstar's Joe Hinson, and the respective Get Lesta and Baghead crews: so it stands to reason that they are most certainly important in British skateboarding history. 
Andy Clare, one of the OG Cov Street skaters, is the owner and operator of Spray Station - a graffiti shop in Coventry’s Fargo Village. He's a lifelong skateboarder in the city, having seen new spots crop up again and again. He remembers many of the spots from the 90's era, many of which were still present when I started skating, and only recently were demolished:
"Brickies was great, I grew up skating those banks and loved it there despite the terrible floor and smell of piss. The balcony spot (aka Virgin Wall rides) was fun with good flat, grindy ledges and steep banks. The marble bank/wallride behind the west orchards escalators was great, and there used to be some big square wooden benches too."
Tumblr media
P: Gaz Taylor boosts a melon out of Brickies for his “New Blood” article in Sidewalk.
Brickies, aka The Brickworks, was my favourite spot in the world. So much so, I wrote an obituary on this very blog when it got demolished last year. For many of us who grew up in Coventry, Brickies was endless fun: lip tricks, bank tricks, raw, unforgiving ground, and the openness of a skatepark made it the perfect challenge for anyone who enjoyed riding a skateboard. 
Gaz Taylor was part of the same generation of skaters as Andy, and has been skating in Coventry almost as long as I've been alive. Consistently adept at tackling the street spots in the city, he even got snapped doing a melon at Brickies in an issue of Sidewalk. Brickies wasn't his only favourite place to skate though:
"There was a flat bar outside the Belgrade theatre next to the fountain, about knee high.  Perfect for learning rail tricks on. I remember it used to shoot you off the end at speed as it was slightly down hill, that was really fun. Also, the old banks at Cov and Warwickshire Hospital were really good fun, that was a very long time ago though."
Ryan Stanway was one of the first skaters I met down the Memorial Park, before Terribleco was even a thing. Despite meeting at a skatepark, he is largely a street skater, and knows the spots of Coventry better than the back of his hand. He remembers one of the most infamous stair sets in Cov:
"Pigeon Shit has to be up high in the list of spots. It was the first decent sized set of stairs I landed tricks down when I was younger. There always used to be massive session there with 20 plus people all trying stuff." 
Tumblr media
P: Moose throws a Varial Heel down at Pigeon Shit. Photo by Ryan Bradley
Pigeon Shit was a stairset in a "golden triangle" of spots in Coventry: an area surrounding the University where you couldn't walk for more than 10 seconds without encountering more skateable architecture. It was a long 4 set, merging into a 5 set as the landing was on a slight hill, and had a knee high ledge running along the right hand side. The ledge was battered from years of abuse at the hands of trucks and BMX pegs alike, but it didn't stop people like Kris Vile, Josh Walters, Ant Smith and others getting bangers on it. Josh's last trick in my vid "Batface" saw him getting a FS Tailslide Bigspin out on the ledge, and the same video saw Ralph Cooper close out his part with a switch hard flip down the stairs at Pigeon Shit. It was a proving ground for any half decent street skater in Coventry. 
Ryan Bradley, a regular contributor to this blog, lives out in the Warwickshire village of Cubbington, but his real home is at the street spots in the centre of Coventry. A regular of the scene for more than 15 years, Ryan's memory of street spots is pretty similar to my own. He remembers some of the more obscure spots and lesser remembered favourites:
"The pyramid spot at the old precinct entrance, next to New Look was so tight back in the day, and got so rinsed, especially by Tony Lui. The old blue fountain with transition at Belgrade was cool from what I remember, and was pretty fun to skate around in. The double death set, with the double rail that was right next to Brickies was great too. Obviously gotta mention Brickies itself, just because so much shit has gone down there for so long. There was a road gap on the hill in between the Boy's club and Gosford Street at the University library: I remember Duffman trying to conquer that, and I’m pretty sure they filled that in."
Some of the spots Ryan brings up were incredibly gnarly and were rarely skated. The double death rail didn't see many tricks go down on it, but Stan Byrne caveman boardslid it in the 2013 Terribleco video "Concrete Jungle". The road gap at the University library was like something straight out of San Francisco - a hill bomb spot with a gap over cobbles about the width of 1 and a half cars. The only person I know to have cleared it is Tony Lui. Finally, the old precinct pyramid spot was a small, whippy bank spot, which saw plenty of quick footed lip tricks go down from Tony Lui, Harry Myers, Kyle Smith and a wallie over the whole thing by Joxa. 
Tumblr media
P: Tony Lui boosts a FS ollie out of the Pyramid Bank spot. Photo by Ryan Bradley
New spots (at the time) like the Herbert were popping up a lot, replacing old 1960's architecture. It was a reminder that the city had been evolving and changing long before some of us even considered standing on a skateboard, or even before we were born. Gaz Taylor remembers dozens of spots I had never even seen in my time skating:
"Manual pads in Whitefriar's car park were popular in the 90's. Barrack's car park had some rad free standing painted curbs, and some small banks shaped like half of a pyramid that we used to use to get air out of. There was a small rail outside the transport museum with no run up, that was good for cave man slides."
"In the late 80's there was a mini ramp in the woods in Canley next to Tesco, built by Phil Hunt. I remember it had bright orange coping on one side and bright green on the other side. The paint would stay on your trucks for a while after. Safeway's car park on Holyhead Road had some rad slick curbs and some mud gaps. That was one of the main hang out spots for skaters in the early 90's too. Grindable window ledges of the Coventry tax office building were very good fun."
Tumblr media
P: An after dark session at the Virgin Wallrides. Photo by Ryan Bradley
This article was inspired by the demolition of the concrete benches at the Littern Tree spot - named after the pub nearby. Current skaters in the scene mourned the loss of the spot, but speaking to sources who have had an eye on the redevelopment a brand new hub of spots is planned. Old spots are great and we miss them when they're gone, but there's a lot to be said for the excitement of new architecture and the spots that are yet to be. 
Nostalgia and history are powerful things, and they definitely contribute heavily to skateboarding. The cyclical trends, the feeling of skating a park you haven't been to in 10 years, and the stories people tell of what trick was done at which spot. No matter what new spots are planned for Coventry, the old spots like Brickies, Virgin Wallrides, Littern Tree and Pigeon Shit will live on through what we remember about them, and of course the footage we got along the way. 
The Brooklyn Banks, Wallenberg, Hubba Hideout: These are all legendary, long gone spots that skateboarders talk about in hushed tones, but they don't compare to our own personal spots we grow up skating, and miss immensely when they are gone. I would give my left nut for the chance to skate Brickies again, without a shadow of a doubt. For every local spot that gets demolished, it takes fond memories of a whole skate scene with it. Everything is temporary, so skate your spots whilst you got 'em. 
2 notes · View notes
atc74 · 5 years
Text
Huckleberry
Square(s) Filled: Western for @spngenrebingo, Love Confession for BTZ Bingo, Road Trip for @spnfluffbingo2019
Warnings: slight angst, Dean in a Stetson, tears, fluff
Summary: Y/N plans a trip and fakes a case to tell Dean how she really feels but it doesn’t exactly go the way she had planned. 
Pairing: Dean x Reader
Word Count: 2611
Written for: btzbingo, @spngenrebingo, @spnfluffbingo2019
Beta’d by: @alleiradayne, thank you love. 
A/N: This may have been a request or a suggestion at one time, or it could have been a conversation between me and @sis-tafics, I don’t really remember. Either way, I like how this turned out and I hope you do too!
Like Dean’s scent? Buy it here from @scentsfromthebunker!
Tumblr media
“Hey Dean, I found us a case,” Y/N looked up as Dean walked into the kitchen, his dead man robe hanging open, revealing his boxers. He shuffled in his old man slippers across the cold concrete floor to the coffee pot.
“Great, I’ll let Sam know. Ready in thirty?” he asked, savoring the first sip of his coffee.
“It’s a milk run, thought maybe you and me could take this one on our own. Give Sam some alone time.” Y/N looked at Dean over the rim of her cup, waiting on his reply.
“Yeah, sounds good, Sweetheart,” he smiled and her heart flipped in her chest, lodging itself in her throat. She’d always been a sucker for his smile, but when they were alone like this and she knew it was just for her was a whole other story.
Thirty minutes later, she meet Dean in the garage as he was checking the weapons. She tossed her overstuffed bag in the back seat and joined him at Baby’s trunk.
“So we have pretty much everything we need for anything, except lamb’s blood. It’s not a djinn, is it?” He looked to her as he lowered the lid on the weapons cache.
“No. No djinn. Please no djinn ever again,” she shook her head clear of the memories of a hunt gone wrong a couple years ago. It was the turning moment in her life and her perspective of the elder Winchester. The djinn-induced dream revealed her deepest desire and while deep down she may have always known she was attracted to Dean, she never thought that a life with him could be possible. She pursed her lips together, blurting out her well practiced dialogue. “Ghost. Should be a simple salt and burn. Two, three days tops.”
They climbed in the car, doors shutting in unison. Dean turned the ignition and Baby rumbled to life, purring like a badass kitten. As he put her into drive, pulling out of the garage, Dean turned to Y/N. “Where to m’lady?”
Y/N was sure she blushed a couple different shades of pink. “You’re gonna love this, Dean... Tombstone, Arizona, good sir.”
“Tombstone? Are you shitting me right now? We have a case in Tombstone?” Dean was so excited, Baby lurched under the pressure of his booted foot when he turned his upper body to face Y/N.
“Easy cowboy!” she laughed. “It’s just a case.”
“It is not just a case. It’s a ghost in Tombstone! Ahhh! Maybe it’s Billy Claiborne! I bet it’s Billy Claiborne,” Dean smirked and turned his attention back to the road, flooring it to get to their destination. It was going to be a long drive.
And it was. With Dean so excited about a potential case in Tombstone, the mecca of all things Wild West, it was a struggle to keep him focused. The sooner they were checked into their room, the sooner her nerves would calm down. Or get worse. It was a crap shoot at this point.
Y/N had never been so nervous in her life. Sure, she hunted the worst of the worst. She’d been shot, stabbed, broken bones and has been stitched up more times than she can count. But telling her best friend she’s in love with him? It was a whole new ballgame.
Dean slowed as they entered the city limits, his eyes wide as he took in the sights of Tombstone, Arizona. After all the miles he had logged, after all the places he had been and things he had seen, it was somewhere Dean had only ever dreamed of visiting. He didn’t even care what the case was, he decided they were staying a few extra days so he could see and experience everything Tombstone had to offer. And with his favorite girl by his side.
“Hey, I called ahead and reserved us a room. I thought it was the least I could do, dragging you all the way here and all,” Y/N mentioned as he stopped at the crosswalk. “It’s just ahead, Wyatt’s Hotel and Coffee House. Two of your favorite things, Winchester. Wyatt Earp and coffee.” She giggled as she watched Dean, a wide smile breaking out across his handsome face.
“Don’t forget you and whiskey,” he winked and Y/N felt herself blush in the darkness of the Impala. “Let’s get checked in and start fresh in the morning, huh?”
After Dean parked, they got out of the car, bags slung over their shoulders and walked into the hotel. Y/N approached the desk, checking them in while Dean stood in the middle of the lobby, his mouth agape, taking in everything. The hotel was directly across the street from the O.K. Corral and there were faded photos all along the walls depicting the rich and outlawed history of the town. Y/N jingled a set of keys at Dean to get his attention and together they climbed the stairs to their room on the second floor of the hotel.
Tumblr media
Dean took the keys from her and stared at the sign on the door announcing they were entering the Wyatt and Josephine Suite. “Seriously?!” His voice was higher than his usual baritone, accentuated by the excitement. “Wyatt and Josephine!” Dean unlocked the door and swung it wide. The room furnished with period pieces, right down to the steel frame bed and lace doilies. He didn’t even say a word about the single king size bed.
Y/N let him inspect every little piece of the room while she went to change in the surprisingly modern bathroom. She had done her research and while the website toted a ‘spacious modern bathroom’, she wasn’t sure what she was expecting. She tried to keep her mind focused on taking off her clothes and putting on her pajamas, which to be honest, was just a pair of loose boy shorts and a old band tee she had stolen from Dean. She could hear the voices in her head telling her she was wrong. She shouldn’t do this. She’d lose her best friend. But for once her heart was louder and stronger than the voices in her head. She smiled to herself and stepped out of the bathroom to find Dean already in bed, reading what appeared to be all of the brochures the hotel had provided.
“Did you know the O.K. Corral is literally across the street? Man we gotta go there! And the Birdcage Theatre. This is awesome!” Dean hadn’t stopped smiling since they left the Bunker. Y/N hoped he doesn’t stop for the entire trip.
“I knew you’d be excited about this!” she told him, climbing into the opposite of the bed. “There is a coffee shop downstairs and a continental breakfast is included. What’d’ya say we get some shut eye, then start our day with coffee and pastries, maybe some bacon?”
“Sounds awesome,” Dean repeated, placing the brochures on the bedside table and flipped off the small lamp.
Y/N woke the next morning to an empty bed and room, Dean having disappeared. Christ, there better not really be a case here! She thought to herself as she attended to her morning business. She stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped tight in a towel to find Dean sitting at the small table. Y/N wasn’t sure who was more surprised. Dean to find her in just a towel, or her seeing Dean in his best western get up, complete with light colored Stetson and boots.
Tumblr media
Y/N took hold of herself mentally shaking the impure thoughts from her head. “Soooo, what’s with the gettup, cowboy? Or should I say Marshall?”
“Well, when in Rome…” Dean gestured to the room with a wink in her direction and she swore her knees were going to buckle if she looked at him one more second, or worse, she was going to rip the towel from her body and throw herself at him like a fool. She quickly grabbed her clothes and returned to the bathroom.
“Fuck!” she mumbled after she managed to close the door. She was going to have to fess up sooner rather than later, because in all her scheming, she forgot to pack her Fed suit. Throwing on a tank and her tightest jeans, she stepped back out in the room to see Dean holding out a hat similar to his own.
“I got you one, too, Sweetheart,” he dropped the hat on her head.
“That’s so sweet, Dean. Thank you,” she whispered, overcome with emotion at the small gesture.
“Of course, Sweetheart. I gotta take care of my best girl,” he smiled and placed a gentle kiss to your temple. “Speaking of which, your suit is hanging in the closet. I’ll go get us a table while you finish getting dressed.”
Y/N watched him swagger, yes swagger, out of the room. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest that she was surprised he didn’t hear it. She took her suit from the hanger, shocked that she forgot it, but Dean remembered. He was always looking out for her, even when neither of them realized it.
She twisted her hair up in a low bun at the nape of her neck and brushed some mascara on her lashes. She never was much for makeup, but figured a light coat couldn’t hurt. She checked herself once more before grabbing her key and making her way downstairs to meet Dean. She dreaded having to tell him the truth, but hoped he wouldn't be mad. So what if there wasn’t a case? They were in Tombstone, Dean’s Disneyland, and she was going to make the most of it for him.
Dean had secured not only a table, but he already had it loaded with hot coffee, just the way she liked it, a pile of bacon, along with a plate of fruit, and a toasted english muffin, complete with peanut butter. He was halfway through a chocolate covered bear claw when she sat down. “You spoil me, you know that right?”
“Someone has to. If it wasn’t for me and Sammy, you’d spend your days hungry and naked,” he chuckled, mumbling something under his breath that sounded a lot like “not that I’d mind” but she brushed it off as a hallucination due to minor starvation.
“You’re right. You cook for me and wash my clothes. I’m a lucky girl. I’d hate to think what I’d be without you,” she nibbled on the english muffin, licking the peanut butter from her thumb.
“You’ll never have to worry about that, Sweetheart,” he vowed, quickly changing the subject. “Now, tell me about this case.” He rubbed his hands together, ready to hear all the gory details.
“Yeah, about that. I hear there have been some sightings at the Birdcage Theatre,” she mumbled.
“Birdcage Theatre it is!” Dean finished his coffee while she ate the last bite. “Come on, you can finish your coffee on the way over. It’s just a couple blocks.”
By the time they reached their destination, she couldn’t keep it from him anymore. “Dean there isn’t a case!”
“What do you mean there isn’t a case?” Dean turned and looked at her, the look on his face a cross between annoyed and offended. “You dragged me all the way here for nothing? I can’t believe you faked a case!” He turned on the heels of his boots and walking away.
Tears streamed down her face. She hadn’t even made half the confessions she had planned and he was already pissed at her. Great. Way to go Y/N, she thought, kicking a stray rock down the street and she walked back to their hotel. Just as she reached the hotel, she spotted Dean leaning against the wooden fence at the O.K. Corral. He looked deep in thought so she let him be and walked up to their room. She shed out of her suit, carefully placing it back on the hanger and in the garment bag. Y/N dropped to the bed and curled up into a ball, letting the tears fall for everything she had just lost.
She groggily blinked her eyes open, the sun shining too brightly through the lace curtains. Dean was sitting in a chair too small for his large frame, his elbows on his knees, head in his hands. She walked over to where he sat, kneeling in front of him.
“Dean I am so sorry. I know I shouldn’t have faked a case, but I just wanted some time with you. I thought this would be the perfect spot to get away. Forget all the shit we’ve been through this year. You’re always taking care of me and I just wanted to do something nice for you for once. I’m sorry,” she sniffed, the tears coming back.
“Sweetheart, why didn’t you just tell me you wanted to get away? If you had led with that, I would’ve said yes in a heartbeat!” Dean looked down at her, crying at his feet. “Why go to all the trouble?”
“Because of you, Dean. You do everything for me. You’re always looking out for me whether you realize it or not. You feed and clothe me. You and Sam took me in without question and gave me a home and a family,” she cried.
“Because that is what you do for someone you love, Y/N.”
“I’m so sor - wait. What did you say?” she blinked rapidly, thinking that it would somehow improve her hearing. She thought she heard Dean say he loved her.
“I have been such a chicken shit! Ever since that damn djinn hunt, I’ve been lying to myself, to you. I shoulda said something, but I was afraid I was going to lose you,” Dean confessed, sliding from the chair and dropping to his knees in front of her. “I love you. I think I have since you burst into our lives. I can’t imagine mine without you.”
Y/N couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It seemed so surreal, she laughed. She laughed until there were tears in her eyes for good reasons. “Oh my God, Dean. I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you. Those are the sweetest words you could ever say to me.”
“Care to enlighten me, Sweetheart?” Dean didn’t look amused.
“Yeah, yeah. I, um, I planned this trip a couple months ago. I brought you here on the false pretense of a case because I felt I needed an excuse and I couldn’t wait any longer to tell you how I really felt. I love you, Dean. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me in my stupid life and just needed you to know,” she smiled up at him.
“I’m so glad you planned this. I love you, Y/N,” Dean whispered, leaning in. He pressed his lips to hers softly, testing the waters. Y/N reached up, grabbing the back of his neck and pulled him closer. She returned his kiss with vigor, pulling back from him only to catch her breath.
Dean leaned his forehead on hers. “For smart people, we’re pretty stupid. I coulda been kissing, and doing other things to you, this whole time.”
“No time like the present,” she grinned, kissing his lips once more.
“Can we still go to all the places and see all the things? There isn’t anyone I would rather experience Tombstone with than you,” Dean professed.
“I’m your Huckleberry,” she whispered. The trip may not have started the way she planned, but it certainly was turning out better than she could have dreamed of.
Did you like it? The nicest thing you can do for a writer is reblog their work and tell them, and others, how much you like it!
The Whole Enchilada: @iwantthedean @dolphincliffs @mrswhozeewhatsis @meganwinchester1999 @cherrycokegirls1 @closetspngirl  @roxyspearing @flamencodiva @blacktithe7 @sis-tafics @just-another-busyfangirl @evansrogerskitten @amanda-teaches @wotinspntarnation @winchesterprincessbride @winecatsandpizza @kickingitwithkirk  @wi-deangirl77 @hobby27 @mogaruke @gh0stgurl @paintrider13-blog @hunterscabin @alleiradayne @idreamofplaid
The Dean’s List: @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @dean-winchesters-bacon @maddiepants @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @supernatural-jackles @docharleythegeekqueen @adoptdontshoppets @mtngirlforever
BTZ Crew: @katymacsupernatural @pinknerdpanda @hannahindie @chelsea072498
173 notes · View notes
cliffgrove · 4 years
Photo
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Hello All! A pretentious tradition - huzzah! - my annual "Best Of" lists!!! Hopefully, you will use these lists as a way to discover new artists or authors - that's the main point. I rank because it's interesting to try and think through why I like certain songs, albums, books and shows more than others; not because I'm claiming that these are the BEST OF THE YEAR! and there is no argument about it. (I'm well aware that it's nearly impossible to accurately rank artists when they are all so different for so many reasons.) The photos above are my favorites that I've posted throughout the year; they are favorites for wildly different, personal reasons so I thought I'd compile them together to form an accurate version of my artistic endeavors. Also, it was a particularly insane year of books for me; the top 10 could easily up for my favorite of the year and the top 5 are some of the best books that I’ve ever read. As always, thank you for reading, and thank you for taking the time.
BEST OF 2019
Best Songs of the Year (Spotify Playlist Link Here)
50. Shana Cleveland - Face of the Sun
49. Bill Callahan - Angela
48. Majjin Boo - Mom's Marines
47. Great Grandpa - Mono no Aware
46. Tim Heidecker - Illegal
45. Sampa The Great - Final Form
44. Bad Books - I Love You, I'm Sorry, Please Help Me, Thank You 
43. Mannequin Pussy - F.U.C.A.W.
42. Boy Scouts - Get Well Soon
41. Fontaines D.C. - Hurricane Laughter
40. Deerhunter - What Happens To People?
39. Oso Oso .- Priority Change
38. Helado Negro - Fantasma Vaga
37. Sampa The Great - OMG
36. (Sandy) Alex G - Southern Sky
35. Carly Rae Jepsen - Too Much
34. Bill Callahan - Writing
33. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Bright Horses
32. Fontaines D.C. - Sha Sha Sha
31. Better Oblivion Community Center - Service Road
30. Vampire Weekend - Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
29. Big Thief - Forgotten Eyes
28. The Tallest Man on Earth - I'm A Stranger Now
27. DIIV - Skin Game
26. PUP - See You At Your Funeral
25. Pile - On A Bigger Screen
24. Charly Bliss - Chatroom
23. Bad Books - I Wrote It Down For You
22. Bon Iver - Naeem
21. Burna Boy - Anybody
20. Great Grandpa - Digger
19. Charly Bliss - Capacity
18. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Waiting For You
17. Vampire Weekend - This Life
16. Purple Mountains - Snow If Falling In Manhattan
15. Pile - Firewood
14. DIIV - Blankenship
13. Purple Mountains - Margaritas at the Mall
12. Jenny Lewis - Red Bull and Hennessy 
11. PUP - Scorpion Hill
10. Big Thief - Not
9. Vampire Weekend - Sunflower
8. Mannequin Pussy - Drunk II
7. Better Oblivion Community Center - Chesapeake
6. Sharon Van Etten - Comeback Kid
5. Bon Iver - Hey, Ma
4. Carly Rae Jepsen - Happy Not Knowing
3. Corridor - Domino
2. PUP - Bloody Mary, Kate and Ashley
1. Sharon Van Etten - Seventeen
Albums of the Year
Honorable Mentions: Charly Bliss - Young Enough; Bill Callahan - Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest; Sampa the Great - The Return
20. Helado Negro - This is How You Smile
19. Burna Boy - African Giant
18. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Ghosteen
17. Deerhunter - Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?
16. Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel
15. (Sandy) Alex G - House of Sugar
14. Great Grandpa - Four of Arrows
13. Tim Heidecker - What The Brokenhearted Do
12. Pile - Green and Gray
11. Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center
10. Corridor - Junior
9. DIIV - Deceiver
8. Mannequin Pussy - Patience
7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
6. Bon Iver - i,i
5. Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains
4. Big Thief - Two Hands
3. Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
2. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
1. PUP - Morbid Stuff
Best Shows of the Year
15. Kurt Vile - The Fillmore
14. Chvrches - Greek Theatre
13. Hop Along - The Independent
12. Real Estate - The Chapel
11. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Great American Music Hall
10. (Sandy) Alex G at Great American Music Hall
9. Pile - The New Parish
8. Adrienne Lenker and Luke Temple - Swedish American Music Hall
7. 1975 - Bill Graham Civic Center
6. Explosions in the Sky - The Fox Theatre
5. Sharon Van Etten - The Fillmore
4. Carly Rae Jepsen - Bill Graham Civic Center
3. Sleater-Kinney - The Fox Theatre
2. Corridor - Milk Bar
1. PUP - The Fillmore
Best Books of the Year
15. Upheaval by Jared Diamond
14. Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales
13. A Song For The River by Phillip Connors
12. One More Thing by B.J. Novak
11. Young Men and Fire by Norman MacLean
10. The Siege of Mecca by Yarolsav Trofimov
9. The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson
8. Down From The Mountain by Bryce Andrews
7. The Library Book by Susan Orlean
6. Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison
5. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
4. The Only Plane In The Sky by Garrett M. Graff
3. Into The Raging Sea by Rachel Spade
2. The Dreamt Land by Mark Arax
1. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
2 notes · View notes
Text
Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and Australia's third biggest city. It's rightly famous for its incredible climate that's near perfect all year round, and its proximity to many of the major tourist destinations of Queensland has helped make it into a Mecca for visitors to Australia. 
Evolution of Brisbane 
Through the years Brisbane has evolved from its modest beginnings as a penal colony to the rejects of British culture into a really active and lively cosmopolitan city of 1.5 million. There is no denying that the Brisbane of today is a gorgeous city, modern, bright and open under a painter skies.
The town has a fantastic deal to provide the visitor that is an amateur, riverside playground areas, with a fantastic road café scene, a calendar which has included an excellent nightlife and sporting events. The combo of'sunshine and entertaining' is always the appeal of the city but it is also the arts capital of Queensland, with dozens of galleries, museums, theatres, cinemas as well as concert halls.
Beyond Brisbane
Queensland is perhaps one of the most wonderful holiday destinations in the world. The state has a lush environment and array of resorts, from the subtropical south to the perennially warm tropical northwest.
A short drive south of Brisbane would be the famous beaches of the Gold Coast and the exciting city of Surfer's Paradise. Widely regarded as one of Australia's entertainment capitals, Surfer's Paradise has a massive assortment of attractions and global entertainment and is among the most well-known places for Australians themselves to vacation. Click here to learn more about places to visit on the Gold Coast.
Weather Conditions in Brisbane
Brisbane in southern Queensland enjoys slightly drier summers in comparison to the tropical north. Even in winter the surf and beaches remain popular with temperatures in Brisbane averaging around 20°C
Best Time To Visit Brisbane
Winters are the special and best time to visit Brisbane as the temperature is low and there is no rainfall.
Team Merch
Team Merch is located in North Lakes, Queensland Australia,
Contact: 1300 157 857
https://www.teammerch.com.au/
How to reach Brisbane from Team Merch.
Here are the driving directions to reach Brisbane from Team Merch.
Get on M1 from Discovery Dr and Anzac Ave/State Route 71, 5 min (2.4 km)
Take Gympie Arterial Rd/M3 to Gympie Rd/A3 in Carseldine, 8 min (11.0 km)
Get on Airport Link/AirportlinkM7,13 min (9.3 km)
Continue on Airport Link/AirportlinkM7. Take M3 to Elizabeth St in Brisbane City. Take the Elizabeth St exit from M3, 9 min (8.0 km)
Continue on Elizabeth St. Drive to Albert St, 2 min (400 m)
And here it is, "Brisbane"
https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1eRYr0TRALLisxgBTidPMSryIhp76IE6r
1 note · View note
aka217 · 5 years
Text
Ok so 2018
2017 was pretty awesome, and 2018 had a tough act to follow. But honestly it was a great year as I was able to knock out some bucket list items. Let’s break it down and recap:
Portland: AJ’s birthday had the schmooters take Portland. Pretty cool to hit some vineyards with Ashley's fam, and then explore Portland a bit with the crew. But really as always its the hanging out that highlights the time (and bangers go whole song)
Milwaukee (2x): completing out my hydraulic training were two early trips to Milwaukee. I had the pleasure of seeing my first snowfall which was cool. Also had a grand time continuing to explore the area and fall more in love with the place. Unfortunately getting food poisoning the second time, I couldn’t take full advantage of the second trip, but nonetheless I got my certification and grew fond of a new city.
Bok tower: For my birthday we went to Bok Tower gardens, a small gem in between Tampa and Orlando. Serene place and something a little different than the usual fare or Orlando or Tampa
Tail of the dragon: this was a special trip, as this is sort of a US mecca for driving enthusiast. I went on the road trip with a few friends in a few cars, and i was glad i was able to bring the Miata. While the tail of the dragon is fun, long, and concentrated, really that whole area had many great roads, and to me a lot of better (albeit short) stretches. Definitely a cross off on the bucket list.
Vegas: Vegas is as wild as they say it is. I spent this trip with the wife, revolving around the Life is Beautiful festival, with NERD and Florence + the Machine as the main draws. I’ve always wanted to see NERD live, and my wife made it happen. Other star parts of the festival was Sabrina Claudio, which i did not know of until i looked up who else  was on the schedule. I’m glad i stumbled into her. And the rest of Vegas was wonderful, and had way too much fun. That’s all i can really say.
New York: it’s been a long time coming, for a place i think of sometimes as a second home of sorts. Thanks to Jenny for hosting us, we were able to sneak in a visit before the end of the year. With a mix of seeing old favorites and some new (including a brief taste of Queens living), it is wonderful as always. Went to the Historic Museum to catch the Harry Potter History exhibit, showcasing notes and sketches from JK Rowling. Right after the exhibit, on a whim Hasan Minhaj tweeted a last minute link to a Q&A session he was doing THAT NIGHT in NY. I was originally bummed we would miss the live taping of his Patriot Act show, but this was one of those few moments where great things just fall into your lap, and so we got the chance that evening to see him in person. We also saw Karen, an old friend we always try to find a way to catch up whenever we are in New York. Although brief, New York will always have our hearts, and we feel welcome there each time.
Local highlights:
Megacon/Holiday Matsuri: My first anime expo in a long time (actually my second only i think) , and first time at MegaCon I had a wonderful experience with an old hobby of mine. The main takeaway was meeting Alyson Tabbitha, who i follow on IG because of her unbelievable transformation as Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. She’s really kind. Which inspired me to try to Cosplay, which I managed (the week of) to build up a costume for Holiday Matsuri. I made a quick costume of Joker’s school uniform from Persona 5. Bought the pants, but modified a turtle neck sweater and blazer. Chose a more subtle route so that it can be worn on other occasions and not instantly be looked at as a character. Alyson was there as well, and unfortunately i did not have the patience or time to wait in her very long line. But that’s ok because it led to a very nice conversation with someone in the bus. I may not be a devout fan of the genre but I’m glad i went out of my way to enjoy one of my life long hobbies out in public.
Baby goats: this year we did Baby goat yoga! I can tolerate yoga enough to partake in this class, and it is well worth it. Feeding baby goats and having them stand on you while you downward dog is too fun. This, along with the dolphin experience below, are fulfilling tastes of wanting to be a zoologist.
Pride yoga: this was a pretty cool opportunity as we got to get onto the Orlando City stadium pitch to do yoga. A very unique experience and being able to see what it’s like to be on the pitch looking up into the stands is really fun.
Falcon heavy rocket launch: Ashley gives us a great opportunity to see rocket launches on center, and this one was one of the coolest. The largest rocket Space X launches, this was a pretty big spectacle. The neat part was the re entry landing, watching two small rockets come barreling down to earth, only to elegantly land side by side. Sci-Fi for real.
KSC tour: More perks, we did a KSC tour of the grounds. Being a Hydraulic/Mechanical engineer, I can really appreciate some of the ground support equipment and facilities on site, as I find it pretty bonkers to think the kind of engineering that goes on to create such unique and just straight up big machines.
Beyonce/Jay-Z: bucket list for Ashley was to see Beyonce, and to team up with Jay-Z was an added bonus. OTR II was a pretty good album too, so we splurged on the tickets and got some pretty decent seats to the stadium. We had a fun night listening to some great music. And it was clear that night Beyonce is queen.
In the Heights: I’ve been thinking I don’t have theatre in my life as much as I’d like to, and the chance came up to see a well known play be shown at the local Orlando Shakes theater. A great play by Lin Manuel-Miranda, and in an intimate venue as Orlando Shakes it was top notch time. 
USA Womens soccer: Watched the US Womens National Team play in Orlando for the She Believes Cup. I’ve been following the team for a few years now, and thankful to be able to support near by. They deserve a lot more respect by being a dominant representation of the US. 2019 brings the Women’s world cup, and look forward to continuing to cheer them on.
Discovery Cove: Another bucket list item, to be a Dolphin Trainer. This was my first answer to the “what do you want to be when you grow up” question as a kid, and up to this year I never even touched a dolphin. Well my (amazing) wife granted my life long wish and we went to Discovery Cove where I had the ability to live out my dream and not only pet the dolphin, but tell her tricks and take a ride/swim in the cove. This place was actually pretty fun, as they have many other attractions (swimming with fish and manta rays was really fun) and unlimited food and snacks.
Lantern Festival: Initially thinking it was hokey (especially after the amount i paid to do it) it was well worth doing. I knew Ashley has wanted to light a lantern, so the event came up a ways out from Orlando. Although the event could have had a little better coordination as it wasn’t as nice as their PR video, it was still a spectacle to see the hundreds of lanterns continuously lift into the air. As this event neared the end of 2018, we reflected where we were and where we planned to be. 
Heat games: Dwayne Wade’s “Last Dance” we got to see him twice in a week: in Orlando and in Miami. I’m really loving these Vice jerseys, and it’s nice to pay respect to the man who has been integral to our city.
Christmas/New Years fam: Writing this post late (post-2018) I can also add in the crazy last weeks I’ve had, as it was pretty much non-stop from Christmas weekend through New Years weekend. My family, Ashley’s family. Ashley’s Family friends, my family’s friends, our college friends, Ashley’s aunts and uncles. Every night was another party. Every day was a lunch to catch up. Truly blessed to have so much family and friends to be in close proximity, honestly it was a very concentrated dose of the people that you grew up with that really make the holidays so memorable.
That’s pretty much it. I was looking at the previous year, and I don’t think I mentioned that the Disney B250 was completed, a very special project and milestone that really my entire engineering career has led to this pinnacle. well in 2018 production has been completed. It isn’t perfect, and if I did it again I have a lot more knowledge under my belt to tackle it better, but nonetheless I will always be grateful and appreciative of the project, and may never get over how cool it is to see it running in Disney. I can only hope it lasts just as long as the previous set of Tram pullers.
Random honorable mentions:
Discovery of Brambleberry Ice Cream. Initially in Atlanta during the Tail of the Dragon road trip. But then the wife finding it at the local grocery, blessing. Summer as an ice cream flavor
Pan roast at oyster bar: a gem of a meal for 2018, found in Las Vegas. debatable as the best thing i’ve eaten in 2018. 
Marie patties: This was a small mom and pop Jamaican patty bakery near my house that we would always go to growing up while my mom shopped at the oriental store, or after we would get haircuts. The best tasting patties I’ve had, and certainly unique to any others. As time goes on, the mom and pop get old and therefore retired the place. With a stroke of luck we stopped by during one of our trips to Miami as we usually miss the opportunity to, and they were only a couple weeks from closing up. Sad to see such a staple end, and a small reminder nothing lasts forever, and some things don’t last a lifetime.
Hmm...I also beat Persona 5. I don’t think the group can match the hijinks of Persona 4, but otherwise a great game, and one I cosplayed. Plus Joker for Smash, cmonnnn.
I think I’ll end it here. Although not as crazy as last year as far as trips (although we still took a good amount this year) I have to say I crossed a lot off my bucket list this year. And of course I have to thank my wife for all of it pretty much, as she looks out for me way more that I realize. I hope in 2019 I can return the favor and realize some of her goals too. This year I will be turning 30, and ending my Twenties. A remarkable decade of my life, and to think back on that will have to be saved for another time. 
Thank you 2018, you’ve been kind.
1 note · View note
lsundarinfo · 2 years
Text
THE BEST ROAD TRIPS IN CANADA
Tumblr media
At 9.8 million square kilometres, Canada is the world’s second largest country. Which means the best way to see it is to hop in a car and drive . . . and drive. Along the way you’ll gape at glacier-carved peaks, bird-filled marshlands, and everything in between. There’ll be plenty of stops to take in the views, sample local hot spots, and rest your road-trip weary head too.
But knowing where to go in such a vast and diverse land might seem daunting. No worries — we’ve made it easy with this list of best road trips in Canada’s 10 provinces and two of its three territories. (To date, there are no roads into Nunavut or between its communities). Take your pick, start your engine — the open road awaits!
Sea to Sky Highway, B.C.
Buckle up for this curvy 162-kilometre jaunt past ocean, forest, mountains, and farmland. Starting in the casually hip coastal city of Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) heads north through adventure meccas Squamish and Whistler before winding down in bountiful Pemberton. Stop to stretch the legs at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, refuel at Backcountry Brewing and tuck into Sweetwater Lane Farm B&B for the night. Take your time over a few days, and go mid-week to avoid busy times.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Thinking about the Canadian Rockies for your Canada road trip? Then the 235-kilometre Icefields Parkway is your front-row seat to some of the range’s most fetching glaciers and turquoise lakes. Leaving the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, head north along Highway 93 to savor such sights as mirror-like Herbert Lake, the sweeping Athabasca Glacier, and double-barreled Sunwapta Falls. Hang your toque at the newly renovated Glacier View Lodge on the way up or at Jasper’s cozy Chateau Jasper in Jasper National Park at route’s end. Count on a full day but take a few to explore the icefields and both parks during less-busy spring and colourful fall.
Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Exploring Saskatchewan’s eclectic roadside attractions just got better. Thanks to the 2019 opening of the Badlands Parkway, you can now see Grasslands National Park on not one but two revealing Canada road trips. From the village of Wood Mountain, drive south to the paved, seven-mile parkway in the park’s East Block to glimpse a wild but fragile prairie landscape. Then make tracks to the West Block just south of Val Marie to spot plains bison, black-footed ferrets, and settler homesteads on the 80-kilometre-loop Ecotour Scenic Drive. Take one to a few days; 286 kilometres total.
Interlake Region, Manitoba
Immerse yourself in history and nature on this 186-mile, one-to-three-day journey through Manitoba’s Interlake region, straddled by the province’s two inland seas of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. From the bustling capital of Winnipeg, make tracks north to Lower Fort Garry Historic Site, Oak Hammock Marsh, Lake Winnipeg’s iconic wooden piers, and swim-friendly Winnipeg Beach. Detour west for the Narcisse Snake Dens — visit in spring or fall for best viewing — before returning to the lakeshore for Viking-rich Gimli and Hecla Village. End with a round of golf and overnight at the Lakeview Hecla Resort.
Toronto to Stratford, Ontario
Take in big-city sights and theater-town delights on this two-day sojourn in southeastern Ontario. Spend a day strolling Toronto’s museums and galleries, and a night at the artsy Gladstone Hotel or chic Kimpton Saint George. Then motor west 150 kilometres for a dose of Victorian architecture and live theatre in Stratford, home to the province’s annual Stratford Festival. Along the way, take a peek at Baden’s ornate Castle Kilbride Museum.
Montreal to Gaspésie, Quebec
Take a week or more to hit several Quebec sweet spots on this charming 975-kilometre drive, which should be on everyone’s best road trips in Canada bucket list. Visit Montreal and Quebec City — voted third and first top Canadian cities, respectively, in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2019 — before heading northeast along the St. Lawrence River to the Gaspé Peninsula and its striking Percé Rock. Watch for whales, caribou, and northern gannets — you can’t miss their distinctive black-tipped wings. Alternatively, skip the cities for the full-on Gaspésie Tour or check out these other scenic drives.
Irish Loop, Newfoundland and Labrador
Start with a stroll past colourful row houses in Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital of St. John’s, also North America’s most easterly and oldest city. Then head south on a 309-kilometre coastal loop packed with outdoor adventure and natural wonders. Spot whales and seabirds on a Witless Bay boat tour or hike by sea stacks and cliffs on the East Coast Trail. Pick up fresh sandwiches and lemonade in Lighthouse Picnics’ historic 1870 lighthouse, then enjoy them outside while watching icebergs float by.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Explore the wild ways of water on New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy — a hot spot on a top Canada road trip. Here, some 150 billion tons of water flow in and out every six hours, making for the world’s highest tides at up to 50 feet. Ease into this four-day 225-kilometre trip by taking tea at Moncton’s quaint 1883 Thomas Williams House, then pad about the ocean floor during low tide at the Hopewell Rocks — eroded tree-topped sandstone formations a.k.a. Flowerpot Rocks. Catch August’s Rising Tide Festival in Fundy National Park, and be sure to kayak St. Martins’ red-rock sea caves on the route’s last leg. See more on these road trips.
North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island
It might be Canada’s smallest province, but Prince Edward Island boasts its fair share of road trips too. Foodies in particular will want to wind their way around the western peninsula, sampling the island’s fresh bounty on a four-day 350-kilometre drive. Find out why Prince Edward Island’s potatoes are so famous at the Canadian Potato Museum, then fill up on a fully loaded baked spud — choose from lobster, pulled pork and more — at the onsite PEI Potato Country Kitchen. Slurp back world-renowned Malpeque oysters at the rustic Malpeque Oyster Barn, and savor mussels and lobster rolls at the Catch Kitchen + Bar. Rinse it all down with a Drag’n Anchor blonde ale at Moth Lane Brewing.
Halifax to the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Get your urban fix in the lively capital of Halifax before striking out for rural Cape Breton Island and the world-famous Cabot Trail — considered to be not only one of the best road trips in Canada but in the world. Named after Italian explorer John Cabot, who landed on these shores in 1497, the 300-kilometre coastal loop climbs from sea-swept beaches and sleepy fishing villages to forested slopes and cliff-tops. Plan for a full four days to take in Baddeck on the shore of Bras d’Or Lake; Cape Breton Highlands National Park and its 26 hiking trails; and the traditional Acadian town of Chéticamp.
Dempster Highway, Yukon
Tucked into the northwest corner of Canada, the Yukon is home to few people (population 38,500), many mountains and 4,989 kilometres of maintained roads. Of the territory’s go-to road trips, the 737-kilometre, five-to-seven-day Dempster Highway delivers the most off-the-beaten-track experience. Load up on supplies and gold-rush history in Dawson City (think historic walking tours, can-can girls and the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail). Then drive north through wildlife-rich tundra, crossing the Arctic Circle and hopping two ferries on the way to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Catch early fall’s red, yellow and orange tundra, winter’s ice roads, spring’s foraging wildlife and summer’s midnight sun.
Inuvik-Aklavik Ice Road, Northwest Territories
Come winter, some 2,000 kilometres of ice roads are plowed across Canada’s vast Northwest Territories. Impassable the rest of the year, these frozen waterways connect 12 towns and their residents to the outside world. If you’re up for a more off-beat Canada road trip, make like a local and give ice-road travel a go on the 117-kilometre stretch — called “pretty and pretty legendary” by the NWT tourism authority — between Inuvik and the hamlet of Aklavik. Revel in Richardson Mountain views as you cross the Mackenzie Delta. Winter travel in Canada can be unpredictable: drive with caution and be prepared.
Trans-Canada Highway
Got the grit for a grand-slam road trip through Canada? Travel the country from coast to coast on the 7,820-kilometre Trans-Canada Hwy. Opened in 1962, the route passes through all 10 provinces and most major cities. Start your journey in the west in Victoria, British Columbia, or the east in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Either way, take your time (at least two weeks) on the world’s longest national road — it’s sure to be a trip of a lifetime.
Canada Road Trip Tips
No matter where you road trip through Canada, keep these points in mind for ease of travel and a trip to remember:
Dont forgot to carry you car documents and if you are foreign traveler dont forgot to carry your native driving license and international driving license Canada / international driving permit Canada
Distance is measured in kilometers, not miles. All road signs are in kilometers (km for short), with one kilometer equaling 0.62 miles.
Talking on a hand-held device while driving is against the law and subject to distracted driving legislation.
When passing emergency vehicles at work, Slow Down, Move Over laws apply.
If you plan to stop or stay in a national park, you need to purchase a park pass.
Drive with extra caution in busy summer traffic, construction zones, wildlife corridors and winter conditions.
Some establishments and attractions, especially in rural areas, are only open in summer. Best to call ahead in the off-season.
A self-guided driving trip is one of the best ways to see the sprawling country that is Canada.
0 notes
guginosource · 5 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Carla Gugino at The Road to Mecca opening night after party on January 18, 2012
64 notes · View notes
mstimberlina · 2 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Observations from The World’s No. One Environmentally-Friendly Drag Lady: BINGO’S BACK It’s been a while friends, but let’s get down to it. People are going out and the (BIG) BiNGO SHOW IS back last Thursday of the month at the Chelsea Theatre. Come bask in the ridiculous and confounding absurdities of the everyday by playing Bingo, with added louche cocktail hospitality, a sprinkle of spontaneous dance routines, cabaret banter and terrible sing-a-longs. If there’s one thing Lockdown taught me, is that when people aren’t racing everywhere it’s quiet and you can get things done- the garden was never tidier, the house cleaner, the food more locally sourced, the bread made every other day. Walks to the lake with Mr Timberlina and a flask of heady ready made home foraged cocktails. It was heaven.
Now- things are open again, we’re moving about and even I am accepting that this prologued fleeting misanthropic paradise has drawn to a close. I am so grateful for how fortunate I was during lockdown, that I pre-empted the whole affair by manifesting the perfect country idyl because I knew something was going to happen. Coincidence? Who can say, but I resolve to give myself some credit. And now I must advance to what looks to me like a new phase of even more incredulously absurd, rampantly self-obsession, of neo-liberal consumer capitalism, coupled with unadulterated, unnecessary consumption and of course, unadulterated FUN. To manage my ridiculous state of constant eco-anxiety and the state we are in, I have adopted Permaculture as a guide for life. With Permaculture we spend a lot of time observing our surroundings in order to inform us how best to proceed. And so, fo the first time since lockdown Permaculture hinted that I go to my local independent Pound Shop and buy a bunch of prizes for my bingo nights which are sporadically happening again. What Permaculture taught me is that they’re not just prizes, they are plastic Jesus crosses that GLOW in the dark and therefore, like Jesus, shall remain eternal and light up darkness because- that’s right, these crucifixes ACTUALLY GLOW IN THE DARK! Every week, for the best part of over a decade I’ve taken the ritual stroll my the local £1 Mecca to drown my sorrows and reconcile the puchase of these divine, SENSATIONAL, cheap plastic prizes. It always concerned me. But now, due to my observing the world, Permaculture has shown me just how f***ed we absolutely are and one of the best ways to escape how bad it is playing BINGO. I love the the paradox of being the world’s number one environmentally friendly drag lady who endures the hypocrisy of purchasing these bloody plastic things that people love. Because LOVE is the important thing. And since the local knitting group can’t work hard enough I am forced to rely on cheap plastic imports, objects that in the scheme of things are minuscule, but bring so much joy to people’s hearts, yet will unavoidably play a tiny part in the wilful destruction of mama-nature’s delicate ecosystem. As individuals we live in a perpetually perplexing system we did not create. We are therefore not responsible for it. But we are responsible for our actions and behaviour. We can change the system if we want to. Let’s change the world, let’s invite empathy, let’s celebrate our flaws, sing along in drunk abandon, be kind to each other. LET’S PLAY BINGO! Peace Out Ms T PS. It’s time to plant daffodil and tulip bulbs- no less than 15cm deep in soil or compost. I like to plant then in unexpected places, like other people’s gardens without telling them. Also, concreting over the surface of your bulbs is a sure fire way of preventing those pesky squirrels from digging them up.
0 notes