Best buy near cincinnati oh

Look, my "straight" best friend and I will be spending a week in Europe this September, just the two of us. A couple of days in Italy. I am respectful towards him and would never overstep boundaries, even though I am genuinely attracted to him. The thing is, while we were planning the trip, he mentioned wanting to go to a nudist beach. He knows I'm gay.
Unfortunately, the nudist beach near where we'll be staying on the first day is abandoned. I know there's a nudist beach near Rome, but maybe he doesn't want to make that much effort to go there. Perhaps something more central in Rome, like a nudist bath or something similar, would be more appropriate.
Apparently, he wants me to explore my sexuality there, as we'll be away from our close-minded hometown. He has made comments about us finding me a boyfriend or something like that. I found that comment very sweet and a great improvement in his attitude since I came out to him last year.
I don't intend to harm our friendship. I understand that he might just be interested in seeing naked women, not necessarily exposing his own dick in public, and thats fine. I would respect him. But if he actually wants to show his dick in public... well, I would like to take the chance to see him naked. Maybe this opportunity will never happen again

A Review of Golf Courses in Austin Texas
As in the title, this is a review of the golf courses in Austin. However it is not about course conditions, difficulty or enjoyability, this is strictly a review on the turtle sightings on each course which is why we all play.
Here are the parameters. 🐢indicates zero turtle sightings and a low potential for turtles. 🐢🐢2 indicates zero or few sightings but a potential for more turtles 🐢🐢🐢indicates some turtle sightings with a potential for more. 🐢🐢🐢🐢 indicates a large quantity of turtle sightings and a potential for variety 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 indicates a large quantity, healthy habitat, and a variety of species.
Lions: 🐢🐢 Sadly, there were no sightings in the peak of Spring to Summer. However, the back nine has 5 holes with water. Sadly, most of which seems quite still.
Roy Kizer & Jimmy Clay: 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 These municipal courses offer the widest variety of wildlife peacre than any of the other courses. Not only will you witness graceful dives of the local sliders and softshells that live here, but also turkeys, deer, ducks, and snakes. The cost per round for both of these adjacent courses are certainly worth a herpetologists playthrough. Although these may not be the best courses for total quantity of turtles, they certainly support the variety to keep a turtle gazers focus off of their tee shots and on the banks of a pond for some sweet sunbathing shell lads/lasses.
Terravista: 🐢🐢🐢 This course unfortunately has the pitfall of a deceitful scorecard. Many of the holes claim to have water but these are not exactly reliable. However, this course has some decent ponds/lakes that sustain a year round population of turtles. Miss the fairway on hole 12 with your diver and your ball will roll gently down the slope towards the pond where many skittish terrapins reside who would enjoy a strawberry or a leaf of cabbage.
Forest Creek: 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 This course is the best turtle friendly course in the area. 6 holes featuring water hazards and all of them were a smattering of sunbathing friends. The species varied across all the usual suspects but the star of the show was the large amount of Texas Spiny Softshell Turtles. There were 2 of those softshells that were the size of a large pizza and this was truly a delightful sighting. If you like to golf, this course is perfect for you to “shank” one near the bank to get a closer look at all these amazing turtle bros and lady bros.
Hancock: 🐢🐢🐢🐢 This historic course is only a 9 hole and it is smack dab in the middle of Austin but this course had it all. 5 holes had water features that has consistent depth and life surrounding it. This course also was home to 3 different species that were visible including a very large Snapping Turtle and a few Texas Spiny Softshell turtles. The only reason this course does not get the fifth turtle is for the sheer quantity since the water available is more limited.
Lago Vista: 🐢 The score card indicates 5 holes with water features but there is only 1 real hole with a water feature. This is a man made pod with a fountain that is small enough for a gimmick but too small to support a turtle population that would make this course worth it. Golf wise, we know this course is lacking by all measures but turtle wise it is just as poor.
Riverside: 🐢 This course has only about 3 real holes with water features on them indicated by the scorecard. Sadly, having played this course before and after rains, these features are mostly dry as a bone or not sustaining enough water to entice the habitation of our shelled friends.
Star Ranch: 🐢🐢🐢 This course has 6 holes that have water feature and there were some decent sightings of turtles. The sightings were extremely limited to Red Eared Sliders and the quantity was lacking on some holes all together. The potential however is high since there are some larger bodies of water that are consistent and support other life. Sadly, the hard shell truth is that this is a very pricy course and the turtles were less populous as they could have been.
Crystal Falls:🐢🐢 This course indicates 13 of 18 holes that have water features. Sadly, this is incredibly misleading. This course is stacked in a fun area of Leander geographically with some fun elevation changes that could allow for some decent lakes, ponds, and running water. Sadly, most of the water indicated on the scorecard are there as a potential for vernal rainfalls and not really an accurate depiction of consistent water. I recently played this course this spring and even after consistent and decent rainfall for the year, the standing water was scarce. Turtles were seen at some of the ponds and lakes but for this course to receive a higher score, the rain fall and standing water would need to be more consistent to support the diverse turtle species and awesome quantity that the hill country can sustain.
Courses that I have not played to review but will be adding as soon as I can play them. Shadow Glenn, Avery Ranch, Falcon Head, Mo Willy.
If you have suggestions for particularly Turtle featuring courses, please comment.

Qobuz sounds the best. On my PC. Even on Android. It is the middle of 2023, and when I want to play music in the background on the XBox series X it ALMOST works, but still stops after ever track. It is not hard (hire me if this seems too wild for you, Qobuz), but if you want more subscribers... If you want more ANYTHING, you don't use MQA, the Xbox can handle it without any intermediary, just build an app. If you don't know how hire me or literally anyone that freelances. Next week you will have an app that literally beats EVERY OTHER SERVICE. I have Deezer because it is the only true Hi-fi and it is a scattered, sad mess of a service, but at least the ONE WITH CD QUALITY. And sadly, that isn't good enough because Qobuz sounds amazing, not just on the PC, but even one song at a time in XBOX Seeies X.
Qobuz, You are compatible, and be the first to offer not just Hi-Fi but actual hi-res without caveats in the fine print. All the others.. high quality but. It even hifi. And I tried running it through ever media server and connection possible and the best I can get is one song and then a nightmare to get to the next.
Qobuz, you might not have the biggest market share, but if you want it not in two years or two months, but two weeks, YOU GOT IT. We want it. Don't even have a meeting and delay, just do it already. It is Qobuz's SHOT, no matter the endgame, if you deliver, your goal will. E delivered.
And the fact that the technology for my phone to the Xbox didn't play one song and then maybe another song if I try hard enough at the exact bit rate means that you are perfectly capable of making an app native to Xbox or even webOS (I specifically want your music by my games but literally anything)….. The tech is real available to do it before someone else does because no one likes Deezer. It doesn't sound as good but it's the only actual CD quality available and anyone who's tried your service knows that yours sounds even better at high res.
And it is infuriating to watch a company that actually has all the goods squander it I mean maybe you want to be sold to someone else I don't know but I'll tell you what, you'll be of more value if you actually do what I'm just suggested by multiple X's.
Alternatively if anyone really figured this out please just tell me so I can pay less when Qobuz is forever reason doesn't do a damn thing.
It is 2023 HELLO, no one wants to buy more equipment that half works, regardless of my specific use case. We.habe all had it because all can be don't for all.of us with software. And you would make a lot more money in subscriptions then exclusive deals with a limited number of manufacturers where you don't even know how many people that use those manufacturers is actually going to use your service.
I digress but please contact me or contact you ever you got it'll take a week and it's not just you it's every service and the fact that I have to use dessert to get literally CD quality while I'm playing a game never mind that when I'm at my computer I want the best quality or I can't control anything with Amazon echo or get it in my car like it's 2023 and if I misspoke and I can do one of the things I just said I shouldn't have to do a ton of Google searches find nothing and then buy a piece of equipment or not but have someone walk me through it...
You sound better than all the others and we're talking about Spotify Amazon whatever So act like it. I won't even go into the other issues that pelpel have experienced forever. We still subscribe because the audio quality is astounding. Make the whole experience match what you offer, and watch Qobuz exlpoiad...in the right way. :)

I should have listened to Reddit. I preordered a Segway Max G2 on Indiegogo, and it hasn't been awesome. There are two major problems.
First, the "launch deal" pricing was flagrantly deceptive. Segway represented that there was a time and quantity limit to the special pricing. That wasn't true: they keep adding units, and they keep extending the duration. The MSRP of $1,299 is also obviously bogus. There's zero chance that the manufacturer (Segway) is suggesting to retailers (Best Buy) that they sell at that price, given that Best Buy has been offering the scooter for $799. What Segway is doing here sure looks like illegal consumer deception.
Second, Segway's story on shipping keeps changing. The scooters were supposed to go out on May 15. Then they were supposed to go out last week. But no update. The comments are getting angrier and angrier. People are assuming that the Indiegogo preorders will arrive at about the same time as retail preorders, at the same price and without buyer protections.
It sure would be nice if influential reviewers, like ESG / Rider Guide etc., dinged Segway for these hostile business practices. They make good scooters—and I'm still very much looking forward to my Max G2—but this really isn't an OK way to treat customers. And at least the pricing part probably isn't legal.
For anyone still considering a Max G2, I strongly encourage you to not make my mistake, listen to Reddit, and just preorder through Best Buy.

Hello everyone,
I’m a 34 year old man who was married to who I thought was the love of my life. I met her when I was only 15 years old and we quickly became best friends and eventually dated in our later teen years then married in our early twenties. I was married to her for 13 years and we have two wonderful children together. I feel like a rug was pulled out from under me. She was a school teacher and I worked in a factory doing quality control, we owned a small business together and even owned two homes at one point in hope to rent it out. Our lives seemed great, it definitely had it’s struggles but we had each other and our children.
My son who is now 12 is a blessing and I couldn’t be more proud of him. He enriched my life in so many ways and only a few years later we were happy to find out that we were having another baby. A girl who we were over the moon about but sadly we lost her. It was a extremely low point in my life and still brings me to tears this day. My wife and my son helped me through it and I did everything to help my wife with our loss. She started to feel extreme depression and refused therapy or any other help.
Things seems to get better when we found out that we were having another baby, it was going to be a girl. It obviously didn’t fix the situation or fully heal our hearts over the loss of our lost daughter but it filled us with joy, joy that was much needed in both our lives. So 9 years ago we were blessed with our beautiful little girl who brings us all so much joy.
My wife seemingly started to feel happy again and life started improving. I had to drop out of school so my wife could keep going and also take care of them kids and I worked full time and a few side jobs. It was a worthy sacrifice at the time. She was working on her degree and eventually got her masters with a 4.0. Once she had secured a good paying job I would be allowed to go back to school myself. Years passed and I was able to buy my local comic book store to keep it from closing and it was a dream of our to own our own business.
We eventually grew the store and moved up in our main jobs, her a high school teacher and me a factory worker who got a inspection job that had better pay and hours. Life was seemingly on the up. We bought our second home in what was considered the nicest/safest neighborhood in our city. I only wanted the best for our kids and hopefully to have more.
I found myself working my 7am to 3pm job then my comic shop in the afternoons, 3:15 to about 6pm. I would arrive home and spend the afternoon with my wife and kids. Life was good but I was working all the time, even the weekends. My dream became a nightmare.
Late 2019 we discovered that we were having a baby, it was a boy. My heart was filled with joy except for my wife. It seemed like the depression was returning and stronger than ever. The news of our son brought her into fits or rage and crying spells, I tried to be supportive and understanding but I was at a loss of how to help. Sadly we lost my son, I found myself devastated and alone. My wife was relieved over the loss and I didn’t know how to handle it. I was alone this time and trying my hardest to be supportive but it was difficult. I needed her but the loss was viewed so differently by her.
Later in March of 2020 my so was diagnosed with type one diabetes, it was a hard pill to swallow. Major life changes for a 10 year old. I was trying to sell my shop to be home and support him. Oddly my wife was against it and insisted on me continuing to run the shop.
I started to notice she would leave the home for a few hours after I arrived. It seemed normal to me. She definitely needed her time to unwind and be alone. I just wanted to support her and let her have her space.
Eventually her trips to get milk would last 4 or more hours and sometimes she would come home empty handed. I was growing concerned. Everything seemed somewhat normal except she refused to take our daughter out on Sunday shopping trips anymore. My daughter was confused why it stopped, they had had “girl dates” all of her life but now without warning it was over.
Fights eventually started and sex almost completely stopped. I signed us up for marriage counseling. She agreed to go but never participated in any of the activities for us to work on at home. She became more and more distant and colder to everyone.
On August 1st 2022 my daughter was diagnosed as well with type one diabetes. I was devastated but had to be strong for her. On the 3rd of August 2022 my wife was caught with one of her students. My world was turned upside down.
It’s been almost a year now, somedays I don’t want to get out of bed, but I keep moving for the children. My soon to be ex wife lives with her parents now, I only see my kids half as much as I did. It’s hard to be alone. The house was so full of sound and kids laughing and now it’s quite most days.
My wife is facing criminal charges and my children’s lives have been ruined by this. I don’t know what to do most days. I don’t know who to talk to. Life is hard, it’s only going to get harder from here.

Hi, a friend and I went on a little taco tour of LA, and I felt like sharing. Enoy!

1. Sanoratown (Pico)
   1. Taco 1: Carne Asada
   2. Taco 2: Cabesa
   3. Review: The flour tortillas were good, and the Cabesa hit the spot. Nothing extraordinary, but gosh they were really solid tacos.
2. Cielito Lindo
   1. Taco 1: Beef Taquito in Famous Sauce
   2. Taco 2: Beef Taquito in Famous Sauce
   3. Review: The supreme taquito spot on Olivera street downtown will make you forget your anywhere near downtown. The taquitos were a perfect blend of a softness to crunch, that only a deep fried tortilla can provide, but the real take away should be that the famous sauce. I was upset I didn't grab a spoon, as the fork took too many scoops to get my fill of the sauce after the taquitos were demolished.
3. Holbox
   1. Taco 1: Smoked Kanpachi Taco
   2. Taco 2: Baja Fish Taco
   3. Taco 3: Taco de Pulpo en su Tinta
   4. Taco 4: Scallop Taco
   5. Review: Holbox is a Michelin recommended in the Mercado La Paloma just south of the 10/110 interchange that should be visited as soon as possible. The Rockfish taco will be remembered as my favorite fish tacos I have ever had the pleasure to eat (so far). The Scallop and the Octopus tacos were so much fun, a perfect blend of exciting proteins, bright flavors and accessibility. Holbox is a star, and I can’t wait to bring my girl here, she will love it.
4. New Age Dispensary
   1. Strain 1: Mac 1
   2. Strain 2: White Quest
   3. Review: This dispensary grows some of the best weed in Los Angeles. A friend recently introduced me to their product, and ever since I have been ringing it's praise to anyone who will listen. Get a Cup of Ganja of whatever strain suits your fancy or the budtender recommends, and soon you’ll be enjoying a clean, clear high fitting for any occasion.
5. Tacos Indiana
   1. Taco 1: Carne Asade
   2. Taco 2: Al Pastor
   3. Review: This spot was visited by Bourdain with his Parts Unknown series, and I am grateful he showed the world this palace. The unbelievably good Al Pastor taco a la plancha that will change your life for the better or worse, it's impossible to say. If pork doesn't tickle your taste buds don’t fret, they have you covered with a carne asada that will exceed any expectations you have. I was trying to explain LA taco culture to my midwest mother, looking back I should have saved my breath and taken her to Tacos Indiana.
6. Tacos La Güera (Soto)
   1. Taco 1: Al Pastor
   2. Taco 2: Carnitas
   3. Review: Tacos La Güera commands your attention when you walk up. From the trumpo topped with a roasting pineapple to the carnitas cooking over the open flame to the splendid spread of salsa, your attention never stood a chance. The Al Pastor has smokiness that reminds you of the first time you had real good BBQ, and the Carnitas could not have been a better contrast with a butter melt in your mouth only a seasoned veteran can master.
7. Unknown (Alverado and 8th, SW corner)
   1. Taco 1: Al Pastor
   2. Taco 2: Al Pastor
   3. Review: On our way back, my co-pilot and I wanted to do an experiment. The experiment was to stop at an unresearched taco vendor, and see if it pays to step off the beaten path. The parameters were 1. On the way to Koreatown 2. Have a trumpo 3. Have at least three patrons eating there. We found our subject across from Langer’s Deli in one of the more intimidating neighborhoods in LA, and my nerves peaked when I saw store bought tortillas. As soon as order was placed, those tortillas were dipped into a bubblin cauldron of carnitas, and slapped on the flat iron and then topped with absolutely lovely seasoned pork. We both concluded that, yes you should go somewhere without a name, in a place where you aren't comfortable and see if they can make your day better with some food that neighbors share on street corners.

Mt Rushmore:
Washington: Holbox’s Baja Fish Taco
Jefferson: Holbox’s Taco de Pulpo en su Tinta
Roosevelt: Tacos Indiana’s Al Pastor
Lincoln: Unknown’s Al Pastor

There's very few times when playing video games where I feel the need to write a post about it but this.. without question... has to be one of the greatest gaming experiences I've ever had.
I recently made a post explaining that I was on the fence about playing this game. Between reading about how good it was and wanting to experience it.. but having so much anxiety surrounding horror games/movies that I nearly decided against it!
What a huge mistake that would have been..
Look...if you are feeling the same as I did please let me explain a little about my experiences I had when playing as I would hate to think you are skipping it due to being afraid
This will be spoiler free.. however I will be mentioning a couple of locations whilst explaining my thoughts and feelings as I got further into it
I started off this experience playing the demo. And truthfully I never made it to the end of it because I was so scared.
I switched it off and said NOPE.. but
Over the next couple of days I couldn't stop thinking about it.. I found myself in a situation where I wanted to experience the beauty of the game.. but without having to worry about anything.
I then noticed that the full game was at a discounted price and I figured.. ill buy it. perhaps one day I will be man enough to play but if I don't.. at least I will have it if friends decide to play
Over the next couple of days I came up with an idea and a challenge to myself.. TO BEAT IT... I wanted to overcome my anxiety and put myself in a situation where although very uncomfortable. The ultimate goal to conquer my fear was enough to get me started.
I will say that I played through this game on the easiest difficulty and I would highly highly recommend anyone who's nervous to do the same.
This game does an amazing job at building you as a player. You feel very helpless and hopeless as things start .. after all.. you are a man in new surroundings. You aren't familiar with weapons and gadgets.. and the fear I had was very different to the way I felt at the end
At the start I played for 20/30 minutes at a time. walking slowly. checking every corner. staring at the scenery!!! As I played more I put in longer sessions
That being said.. The game is beautifully designed. The village itself is sort of like a central hub, with paths leading to different sections of the game. Each path unlocking as you progress!
Each time I visited the village I felt a little more in control as I had been there before.
There's also different styles of horror in this game.... I soon realised which style I hated more when I got to House Benevento .................... I actually stopped playing it for a week because I was too scared to go on..
After that.. this game became an action shooter where I felt very happy to destroy everything that moved lol
Look it's though to write about a game without giving any spoilers but I'll end with this.
If you are want to experience something great. Play it
I am so happy I did
Feel free to message me if you have any questions about this game!

Tyler
Cassie had taken over the discussion from there on, entering the formal interview stage of the chat with Miu'Kin, as was her right as first wife. She was the arbiter in the end, and she had a veto that Miu'Kin needed to clear before she could get the thumbs up or down from Tyler to formally join the marriage. Cassie didn't give the other woman any slack either, she might not be a warrior, but a mother needed her own kind of spine, and even with Nara on hand, Cassie wanted to make sure the children were safe with Miu'Kin as a guardian too.
"What would you do if there was a threat to the children while the rest of us are away Miu'Kin?" Cassie asks, close to the end of her intended questions.
None of them had expected Miu'Kin's eyes to blaze.
"A threat? To the children! What kind? I might not be a battle princess but by the goddess's shell I won't-" Miu'Kin stops, a small jet of flame coming from her nostrils. "Err.. I uhm. I'm sorry. I get... passionate about protecting those who can't protect themselves. My first year working in a daycare, someone who claimed to be an Orega Girl tried to kidnap one of my charges, a sweet little boy... I uh. Killed her with my bare hands. I don't remember it. I saw red, forced her outside, sealed the nursery and triggered an alarm and then proceeded to beat her into a paste. I don't remember any of it, but I uh... apparently finished her off beating her with her own arm after ripping it off. No one's ever threatened the children of that nursery again and I haven't worked there in over a decade."
Matroika leans in. "...I want to call bullshit so badly, but you're such a sweetheart I actually believe you."
"It was in the news a whole bunch. My name was redacted because of the possible organized crime angle, to try to prevent retaliation, but you should be able to search Heart Shell Nursery kidnapping attempt or something similar and it'll pop up."
"I'm on it girls."
Tyler pulls out his communicator and does a little search, and sure enough, exactly as Miu'Kin had described it. He quickly passes his communicator around, letting the girls all look for themselves.
"Well I'll be damned!" Matroika looks up from Tyler's communicator, clearly reassessing the other woman. "For such a demure gal, seems like you can bring that Apuk fire when it counts. She's got my vote girls. Seems like a perfect fit to me!"
Cassie coughs delicately into her hand. "I didn't realize we were at the voting stage yet, but I suppose we can have the discussion now."
Miu'Kin moves to stand. "Would you like me to wait outside the privacy field?"
Cassie shakes her head and motions her to sit down. "No, unless one of the others would like to you, I don't think that's necessary. Nara?"
Nara makes a show of considering things for a few moments. "I say yes to welcoming Miu'Kin as our new sister."
Cassie looks to Elyria. "What about you Elyria?"
"I say yes! Miu'Kin's a sweetheart and she can protect the children with all that Apuk ferocity where it counts? Sounds perfect for us." Elyria beams over at the other woman.
Cassie nods. "Well I see no reason to dissent from my sisters, I say yes. I think Miu'Kin will be a fine addition to our family. Tyler?"
All eyes now focus on Tyler who strokes his chin for a moment before smiling over at the lovely redhead, putting a shiver down her spine.
"I don't see why not. Miu'Kin, would you do me the honor of marrying me?"
To her credit, Miu'Kin, clearly a bit over stimulated, manages to squeak out a "Yes!" before she passes out, thankfully being caught by Matroika before she can hit the table.
"Heh, guess she got a little overexcited, not that I can blame her, getting to marry our hubby should be exciting!"
Caring Conquests apparently had people pass out frequently enough that a nurse was kept on staff, and Miu'Kin's back on her feet before too long, the shy beauty boldly taking Tyler's hand and nearly passing out again as the Sarkins head down to Caring Conquests' legal office and sit through another intense round of paperwork. True to Bey'Tor's word, the second round of Miu'Kin's fees for the matchmaking service are waived, and in what felt like no time at all, the Sarkins, plus one redhead, are standing on the sidewalk in the warm sunshine of a late morning on Serbow.
Tyler stretches before taking Miu'Kin's hand again. He'd decided that since it was theoretically her wedding day, he'd be giving her some special attention above and beyond what he tried to normally give his wives. They'd do a ceremony with the skipper back on the Tear of course, but for now... he gives Miu'Kin's hand a squeeze, savoring the warmth radiating from her as she looks over at him with a shy smile, clearly doing her best to suppress just how giddy she is about the whole thing.
"So Miu'Kin, since you're local to the capital, care to give us the tour?"
"I... I can do that! Yes! I'd love to! Anywhere in particular that any of you would like to go?"
Tyler pulls his communicator out. "Well we have a list we can go through and you can tell us what you-"
"Hey sir!"
Tyler looks up at a distinctly male voice calling out to him and finds a small group of Marines and sailors, many of them with their spouses, disembarking off an airbus. The man who'd called out to him, one of the senior petty officers from the squadron, races up and visibly resists saluting Tyler since they're out of uniform for once.
"What's up Petty Officer Tywin? Seems like quite a crowd."
Petty Officer First Class Scott Tywin nods. "Some of it's intentional, some of it's happenstance... this ad for this matchmaking service got sent out across the comm net an hour ago and a lot of us had been talking about adding Apuk gals to the family... hard to beat Caring Conquest's reputation from checking their reviews, a discount's just icing on the cake. We're also here to support Mark."
Tywin points to a man that Tyler recognizes as Mark "Tiger" Ayako, a Marine NCO and naval aircrewman.
"Oh? What's going on with Staff Sergeant Ayako?"
Tywin grins just as wide as he can. "Mark fell in love with the Apuk at first sight. Hell, at first description. Then he did some research and that was it. So we're something of a bachelor party and escort to make some Apuk girls extremely happy today. Not sure if they can shake out a battle princess from this joint, but I'm sure Mark would make any Apuk gal they match him with feel like a queen regardless."
"Hah." Tyler can't hold the laugh back. "How many girls is he intending to marry?"
"As many matches as come back good really. Plus one or two. There's a couple gals back on the Tear waiting for the Apuk to soften Mark up a bit before making their move themselves. So what brings you out here si- Oh."
Tywin looks twice at Miu'Kin and realizes it's not Nara or one of the other Sarkin girls.
"I take it you're a happy customer sir?"
"Something like that Tywin. This is Miu'Kin, my new wife."
Tywin nods cordially to Miu'Kin. "Pleasure to meet you ma'am, and congratulations to both of you on your wedding."
Miu'Kin bows her head slightly to Tywin, but keeps her peace, trying to hide a sudden bout of shyness beneath demure good manners, something Tyler suspects is part of her normal coping strategies.
Tywin looks over his shoulder at the group heading towards Caring Conquests, there was a small group of women lagging behind who were clearly Tywin’s own wives.
"Alright, gotta get back to the family! Enjoy the rest of your day boss!"
And in a flash the last of the small mob of Marines and sailors are inside as Tyler grins like a maniac.
"Hell just off that crowd I bet I'm going to get a very happy text from Bey'Tor. Seems like you're not the only happy blushing bride in the Capital city today Miu'Kin... and seems like the Tear is going to be getting a strong Apuk expat population."
Cassie chuckles into her wing. "At the rate things are going, Apuk might even equal or out number the Horchka. An interesting development for sure. Now... where should we be off to? Perhaps we could do a little shopping as well, to help Miu'Kin prepare for her move up to the Tear?"
Miu'Kin nods eagerly. "Oh that would be really lovely of you! I would quite enjoy company as I shop... and I must say I've ah. Never been to space before. Never mind made an extended trip to deep space or anything like that. So any of your experience you'd be willing to share with me, I'd greatly appreciate it."
"Of course, that's what family's for!" Cassie answers for the group, flexing her wings a bit and letting herself stretch, unintentionally emphasizing her gravid stomach... which lets loose a growl worthy of a grizzly bear. A blushing Cassie rests a hand on her stomach. "Oh dear. Seems I'm a bit peckish. Please excuse me."
Tyler shakes his head. "We haven't eaten anything but some snacks since this morning and you're eating for three dear, maybe we should all get some lunch. Miu'Kin? Care to recommend a local place?"
"Of course! One of my favorite places is actually nearby!"
Miu'Kin happily trots along, hand in hand with Tyler, and eventually points out a place nearby.
"Huh!" Tyler peers a bit closer with an axiom boost to his vision. "Well I'll be damned, looks like a tavern straight out of a roleplaying game mixed with a greasy spoon diner from back home. I love the look, the Apuk really nail some aesthetics that really appeal to me. That said... I can't read Cindertongue, Miu'Kin, what's the name of this place?"
"Oh! Sorry! It's 'Flame Charred With Love: Apuk Family Style Dining'!"
That got everyone's attention.
Cassie's wings ruffle just a bit. "Apuk family style cuisine? Ooh! That sounds lovely. As a fellow carnivore I know I enjoy Apuk food."
"Hell I'm down for any kind of home cooking. Nara says she isn't much of a cook but I've devoured every Apuk dish she's made me." Tyler notes, remembering some excellent meals.
"Bit rich for us omnivores sometimes, but I suppose that's what making a salad back in orbit is for." Matroika chuckles.
"Four carnivores in the family does make life hard when you like vegetables as more than a garnish, you're not wrong, darling."
Miu'Kin nods. "Well I'm a pretty good cook! I even know how to cook with vegetables. Just give me your favorite recipes! Between Nara and I we'll keep everyone fed! I think you'll like this place though, it's Apuk home cooking just like Mama..."
Miu'Kin freezes dead in her tracks as she reaches for the door.
"...Oh no."
"What's wrong, honey?"
The term of endearment melts Miu'Kin just a bit as she tries to compose herself.
"I eat here so often that I kinda spaced why I eat here. My uh. My mother owns this place, she's usually on shift. Some of my sisters and other mothers work here too, you could call it a family business. Working at the diner as a waitress was my first job."
Tyler shrugs. "So? This is good, I was hoping to get a chance to meet your mother at least before we left the planet."
"Sure, but I just... it. Okay. If you're sure. It can. Family."
Miu'Kin looks into Tyler's eyes, and finding only reassurance and a smile there, takes a second to steel herself and pushes through the heavy wooden door to the jingle of a bell.
"Come on in folks, we got a table ready just for you!"
An older Apuk woman with silver in her red hair and smile lines carved into her caramel skin calls out from where she's tending a spit in the middle of the mostly open kitchen, a smile on her face big enough that you could probably see it from orbit if she went outside. Then she actually looks to see who had just come through her door.
"Oh! Hey sweetie! Who are your fri-" The woman, Miu'Kin's mother it seemed, eyes actually focus on Tyler properly now, and drop down to where Miu'Kin's still firmly holding Tyler's hand. "-riends?"
Miu'Kin swallows loudly. "Uhm, Mom. This is my new husband, Tyler, and his other wives."
For a second. One brief second. Every noise in the restaurant ceased.
The live fish in the tank, clearly marked as food, stopped moving.
A waitress nearly dropped a plate.
Diners looked up from the booths.
Deeper in the kitchen, a few other older Apuk women, presumably sister wives or sisters of Miu'Kin's mother, all stick their heads out to see what in the shell is happening.
Then all hell breaks loose in the way only a family with up to a hundred odd mothers-in-law can.
First Last

I have an iPhone 6s on the Verizon Straight Talk service. I’m going to buy an unlocked iPhone SE2020. Can I just move the SIM, or is there a procedure that must be done with StraightTalk?
I’ve seen conflicting information. Most of the time swapping a SIM will automatically register the new IMEI in a carrier’s database, if required. Is that not the same with Straight Talk? What’s the best way to do this?

hey, so im a uni student who's deep in to my overdraft as is, I lost my phone this morning, immediately retraced my steps and asked the police but it's gone. there's only one road I could've dropped it down and its not there. im going to see if its been handed in again but if not I need to buy a new phone asap as my mums suspicious of why my location is off. it needs to be the same model, she already brought me a new phone after the old one was stolen so I cant tell her.
where can I get a iPhone 12 for cheapest? obviously no where will be cheap but I was wondering if anywhere is slightly less pricey than apple. preferably in person shop near central Cardiff. thanks

Personally? I say the game is doing fine. I'm still able to find matches outside of peak hours. I've never had issues with Desync or ping spikes for whatever reason. Possibly because I'm on gigabit fiber with an Ethernet connection.
Customization is excellent and varied in my humble opinion and I've only bought maybe 3 or 4 things from the shop since launch (Excluding battle passes)
I've always thought of Infinite's sandbox and gameplay as the best since Reach.
Playlists, maps, and game modes are all good to me (Especially with Infection and PvE on the near horizon)
If the game had launched in the state it's currently in, I think it'd have been a hit.

A few years ago, I joined an LGBTQ+ group where you can meet other lgbt people and go to special events like the Greek festival for example. Well anyway one of the event planners took a liking to me but the thing was I didn’t like him in that way, in fact I thought he was creepy and I was right he was.
Behind my back he would threaten any other guy that took an interest in me by threatening to kick them out of the group. At the time I didn’t know about this and I wasn’t turning up for many events anyway because I was busy with university and three months later I was going to the doctors to get my wrist checked because I got a ganglion cyst in my wrist due to a nasty fall I had in capoeira. It turns out the entitled event planner is a doctor, and he was the doctor I was seeing. He told me he got kicked out of the group for causing trouble but the wrose part was he tried to invite me over to his place one day. I know for a fact, Doctors can’t flirt with their patient and that is actually illegal. He even asked me if I had an std check up lately and I thought ‘oh my god, I was only here to get the ganglion cyst looked at’. and I left after that appointment and I changed doctors. Plus it got to the point he tried to social media stalk me. So I had to block him.
It was only till recently I found out what this guy did when he was part of the group by a friend I had made in the group about him threatening people and calling dibs on me. I was disgusted and officially creeped out, may consider issuing a restraining order against this creepy guy.
It has been a year since then, he has left me alone. But if he comes near me again I will go to the police.

Hey guys. I got hurt and was disabled ending my 20+ year career. Back in the late 90’s early 00’s I ran through Louisiana on 10 twice a week. There was a truck stop I used to stop at and eat because it was so damn good. I think the name was Tiger Tec and it was near Slidell maybe? They had a tiger in a cage out there. Little place, looks crappy but man oh man I loved their food. Anyone know the place and if it’s still operating? Thanx

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex) Marcus is content to stay inside you after you both orgasm, but when he finally slips out of you, he grabs a warm washcloth to sweetly clean you up so you don’t have to do the awkward walk to the bathroom. When you do get up to pee, he’ll find your panties for you in the sheets at the bottom of the bed, just in case you want to wear them while you sleep. If he’s planning a special evening, he’ll fill up the bath with steaming hot water in advance, and lead you to the tub afterwards for soothing warmth and soft kisses and caresses. He knows he’s big, so he’s always concerned about whether you’re in discomfort after sex, and he’ll offer extra cuddles and soft strokes over your entrance if you’re feeling sore. If you’re at his house, he keeps an extra blanket in his bedroom to throw over you before you fall asleep, because he sleeps warm but knows you get chilly. And of course, he sleep-cuddles with you all night long, making you feel safe and secure.
B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s) First, your hands. He loves holding your hand, playing with it, feeling that connection with you. He is fascinated with how tiny your hands are compared to his, and you love how he holds your hand during mundane everyday moments, like walking to dinner, riding the metro, or simply sitting together on the couch while you read or watch TV. He loves your skin in general, how soft you are, how good you smell. He softly rubs his fingers over you when you cuddle together on his couch, like you are his source of comfort. But he is also a boob man, and nothing gets him going like seeing a glimpse of your cleavage or a taut nipple through thin fabric. The first time he took your bra off, he couldn’t stop holding you in his big hands, thumbing your nipples, suckling your soft skin. If you are going on a special date, you’ll purposefully wear a shirt or dress that shows off your chest, then tease him when he flushes stealing glances at you.
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically) Marcus is all about intimacy, so he loves finishing inside you. At first you used condoms, but after getting tested, you both agreed to go without, and the first time he was able to cum in you without any barrier, he was so turned on by the feeling of filling you with his cum, he got hard again before even pulling out. You love giving him an intimate lingam massage, and at the last moment, when you see him start to pulse, take him into your mouth and swallow as he cums down your throat. He almost passed out the first time he experienced this with you, and now it’s your favorite way to make him feel special. But, for everyday intimacy, he still loves finishing in you and staying inside to savor your tight warmth, gently stroking and kissing all the soft parts of you he can reach.
D = Drunk (what they’re like when they’ve been drinking) Believe it or not, Marcus gets even MORE affectionate when he’s been drinking. If you’re home, he’s pulling you onto his lap and whispering sweet adorations in your ear while his hands stroke your arms and legs and ass. If you’re in public, his hand is running up your leg under the table, and in the backseat of the taxi, he’s slowly making his way up your thigh and teasing you over your panties until you are holding back whimpers, gripping his wrists and closing your eyes in pleasure. He never gets so sloppy drunk he needs help, but he’ll have a few extra drinks if he knows he gets to take you home and make sweet, tipsy love to you for the rest of the night.
E = Emergency Situations (what they’re like in an emergency) I mean, he’s an FBI agent. You’ve never felt safer than when you’re sleeping in his arms. He hates having to bring his gun on dates, but you assure him you understand, and you secretly feel a little better knowing he’s prepared if anything goes south. And he looks hot wearing it. The first time he came to your apartment, he checked your locks and alarms (with your permission) to make sure you were safe. He has some quirks, like never sitting with his back to a doorway, or silently checking out every person who walks in the room, but you understand it’s a part of his training. You feel safe walking with him through the streets of D.C. at night, and you often suggest walking back to either your or his apartment instead of taking the metro or a taxi. You both love these moments together walking hand in hand through the city, sometimes in silence, just enjoying each others’ presence.
F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) This man loves missionary because it allows him to be close to your sweet face, but there is nothing boring about it. He thinks like both an artist and a cop, so he's going to pay close attention to your moans of pleasure and how your body responds to his touches. He'll take his time stroking and building your desire with his hands and mouth, and then when you are absolutely aching for him, he’ll cage you in his strong biceps and slowly, sweetly, inch by inch, fill you completely, your hands gripping his muscular arms and back as he stretches you. And when he finally starts moving, his big hands stroking your hair and face, he’ll use his tongue to do to your mouth what his cock is doing to you elsewhere, until you lose yourself in pleasure in his arms.
G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.) Marcus is definitely more sweet than goofy, but he does like tickling you out of nowhere on the couch or in bed in the mornings, because he knows it leads to more touching and soft kisses and sex. During sex, he is usually too worried about making sure you feel good and safe to joke around too much, but he can laugh when things go wrong, like accidentally leaning on your hair or an awkward position change. Or that time you got a little excited and spilled the red wine sitting on the side table all over the bed. (Oops!)
H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.) Judging by his well-groomed head and facial hair, you guessed he would also be well-groomed below, and you were right. Not bare, but closely trimmed. It made his dick look even bigger. As if he needed it.
I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect) Marcus believes intimacy starts long before sex. He’ll cook for you, give you massages, and tell you all the things he loves about your body as he notices them. At first, it’s a little hard for you to accept, because you’re not used to hearing what someone loves about you, but you soon realize he wears his heart on his sleeve, and you learn to appreciate how openly he adores you. You give him compliments, soft touches, head scritches, and splurge on his favorite bakery treats as a way to make him feel loved, too. And by the time you are in bed, the world-shattering orgasms you share are the natural progression of your intimacy.
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon) Marcus would prefer to cum in you, not kleenex, so he doesn’t jack-off very often any more. If its been a while since he’s been able to see you, he’ll gladly engage in mutual Facetime sex with you. It’s especially hot if you’re both in hotel rooms. Oh, and that one time you texted him that picture, and he had to shut his office door and quickly stroke himself to completion so he didn’t walk into his next meeting with an erection.
K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) You suggested once that Marcus stay in his suit, complete with badge and gun, and slowly undress you, until you were fully nude. You sat on his lap, and being able to hold you naked against him while he remained fully clothed uncovered a slight domination kink he never knew he had. It was still important to him he didn’t hurt you, but you encouraged him to touch and explore you, and by the time he finally took out his cock, you were both on the verge of cumming as soon as he slid into you. He also loves cockwarming, because it satisfies his need for intimacy and closeness. He’ll cuddle in behind you in bed and slide himself inside you, and you love feeling full and warm and safe. Or, sometimes he’ll stay on his back while you sleep on his body, chest to chest, and he’ll put his arms around you while you sleep with his cock buried deep inside you. You especially love when you wake up in the middle of the night to his sleepy moans and the feel of him growing hard inside you.
L = Location (favorite places to do the do) Definitely his bedroom. He takes pride in having created a bed worth fucking in: high thread count sheets, down pillows, soft, gray-toned bedding, flattering lighting, candles, and a very sturdy headboard. He loves seducing you on the sofa or in the kitchen, then leading you by the hand to his bedroom, and falling into the luxurious bed with you. His side table always has lube, and other sweet, sensual enhancements. And of course, his master bathroom is elegant and warm, with a tray for washcloths next to the sink, and thick, fluffy towels outside the bathtub and glass shower. It’s his favorite place to spend hours and hours with you, and some Sundays, he only gets up to answer the food delivery driver at the front door, or to grab more wine.
M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going) Marcus is motivated by love and how much he adores you. He expresses himself through touch and sex, so just spending time with you puts him in the mood. He loves your hair, your eyes, the way you lean into his soft caresses and use his belly or biceps as a warm pillow. When you lovingly scratch his back and stroke his scalp? Forget about it. Instant erection. And whether you are dressed for comfort or for going out, he loves your style and is turned on by the thought of being lucky enough to be with the most beautiful woman in the room. But, don’t even get him started on lingerie. His first erection was seeing a Victoria’s Secret catalog on the kitchen table as a boy, and he’s never gotten over the titillating thrill of lace, satin, and shyly exposed curves. He has a degree in Art History, and definitely has an eye for beauty and sensual experiences. He buys you panties and chemises to keep at his place, and on special occasions, spends all evening fantasizing about what you’re wearing underneath, and just how you’ll disrobe for him later. (You love surprising him with a merry widow, garters, and thigh highs in his favorite color.) In fact, given the chance, he’ll try to convince you to let him undress you before you even have a chance to go out for the night, and just stay in.
N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) Degradation is off the table, as well as anything that hurts you. He’s nervous to leave a mark. And you’ve asked him to explore light choking, but he’s just not there yet.
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) Marcus is a pleaser, and his love language is ‘touch’, so he prefers to give, and his oral game is off the charts. He starts by kissing and caressing your whole body, so you’re completely warmed up and tingling before he even reaches your center. He loves focusing on you and hearing your moans and sighs of pleasure, and the way you say his name over and over, like a prayer, when you’re close to cumming. You’ve felt like you nearly passed out a few times, just from the intensity of the orgasms he gives you. (And as a bonus, it’s a little easier for his large member to slide in afterwards.) As far as receiving, you’ve finally convinced him you also get turned on when he finishes in your mouth, but what he really loves is the attention you pay to his body: the feel of your hands on his thick thighs, kissing your way down his neck and chest and belly trail, using your hands and mouth together to massage and suck his cock and sensitive head. And if he does come in your mouth, he enjoys the intimacy of you swallowing, if you’re up for it. He especially loves when you slide your thumb firmly up his cock after he finishes, emptying the last bits of cum from him, licking the head to get every last drop. And then gently cleaning him with a washcloth in the warm candlelight. He looks at you with such love in his eyes, and reaches for you, pulling you tightly against him.
P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.) In the dictionary next to ‘slow and sensuous’, there is a picture of Marcus. His preference is to spend hours and hours in bed with you, incorporating soft music, candles, wine, oils, and adoration of your body, bringing you to the edge with his tongue and hands, then plunging you over the edge when he thrusts into you. In fact, sometimes you just want it hard and fast, but it’s foreign to him. Why take 20 minutes when you can take 2 hours? You know to keep your Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings open for Marcus and his love of sensuality.
Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) Marcus likes to make a fuss, so quickies go against everything in his heart. He’ll do it to please you, such as if you only have a little while before dinner, or if you are feeling stressed or in pain and need a release. But he doesn’t really initiate them.
R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.) Listen. Marcus is all about risk. It’s why he became an FBI Agent, and why he enjoys the cat-and-mouse game that comes with chasing art thieves. He has never had an idea he didn’t act on, no matter how inappropriate or impetuous. So when it comes to sex, he’s more than willing to introduce some risk, as long as you are not going to be hurt. Sex in the evidence room? Fuck yeah. He’ll teach you about the art while he fingers you next to a priceless statue. Role playing FBI Agent and sexy art thief? Oh yeah, he’s down for that, and knows exactly what to do with you once he catches you. You plan to give him fur-lined handcuffs for his birthday, just so he feels more secure about not hurting you. And you can’t wait.
S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) The great thing about Marcus Pike is he knows sex is more than just penetration. He usually is good for two rounds before he needs time to recover, but that doesn’t mean you are only going to experience a round or two. When it comes to giving you pleasure and making you feel adored, his stamina is endless. He’s always ready to caress and kiss and stroke you, massage you, feed you sensuous bites of the special meal he’s made for you, and stay awake until you are satiated.
T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) His side drawer has a few little goodies you never expected, like nipple tingle cream (he loves applying it!), oils for massaging your back, thighs, and ass when you have stressful days, and a heavy feather pillow to put under your hips, raising you into the perfect position to take him as deeply as possible. You recently stashed a silk scarf in the drawer, and he’s open to you trying it on him, this time. Perfect for heightening the lingam massage experience. He’s not opposed to battery toys, but he’ll wait for you to suggest it, because he’s not sure what you’d like, and he wants you to enjoy it.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) Marcus wears his heart on his sleeve a little too openly to be a tease, but the exception is when he incorporates his love for art into foreplay by painting your semi-nude portrait. You’ll never forget the first time he showed you his home studio; you had no idea he was an artist, but his talent inspired his art history degree and career, and he softly asks you, while stroking your bare arm with the back of his fingers, if you’d be willing to pose for him. You nod in agreement, swallowing nervously. He chooses what you’re (barely) wearing, and keeps you warm with a heater while he sketches and paints. Every now and then, he’ll stop to just admire you, and when you self-consciously ask him, “What??” he smiles and says, “Just making some decisions, sweetheart.” Or, “Just admiring the most beautiful art I’ve ever seen.” But he won’t let you see the painting until he’s finished, and it takes several sessions. No matter what, he won’t budge. You didn’t know he had it in him to say “No” to you! But when he finally unveils your portrait, it was worth the wait.
V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) Marcus isn’t very loud, but what he lacks in volume, he makes up for with expressive words of adoration and sensuality. He’s usually whispering to you, rather than loudly moaning, but you love his voice in your ear, urging you to orgasm with his words, tongue, and cock. And when he stops talking and uses his mouth to kiss and lick your ear? Instant cum button.
W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) Marcus has been married 3 times. No kids, though.
X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) He stays in shape running, and is proud of his muscular legs. As he’s gotten older, he has a soft little tummy you love, and both his belly and his broad shoulders are perfect for your head when you’re cuddling on the couch. As far as his cock, he’s above average in both length and girth, so he takes extra care to make sure you are wet and soft before sliding inside you. In fact, after the first time you had sex with him multiple times in one night, you were bleeding a little bit the next morning, just due to how stretched you were inside by his huge erect cock. He felt terrible, but you assured him it didn’t hurt, due to not having many nerve endings up there. But, he is now mindful to ask if you’re okay before starting another round, and you have to assure him it’s always worth it.
Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) High. Sky high. International Space Station high. He can’t get enough of you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a fancy gown, comfy yoga pants and t-shirt, or sexy lingerie: he wants you.
Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) Marcus never falls asleep first, if he can help it. Sometimes when you’ve given him a lingam massage and warm washcloth cleanup, he struggles, and you are quick to whisper in his ear it’s okay to fall asleep, his arms around you, using your breasts he loves so much as his favorite pillow. But usually he stays awake to make sure you’re not shivering from cold or uncomfortable in any way, and only falls asleep when he hears your breathing soften and slow down, and your body relax into his cuddling embrace. Usually the last thing you remember is his soft kiss against your temple. But first to wake up? Always you. Sometimes you wake him up by stroking his hardening cock, sometimes with gentle kisses on his face, and sometimes with soft fingers stroking the fair away from his peacefully sleeping face. He’ll gladly stay awake after you if it means he gets to wake up to your gentle ministrations.

Just wanted to jump on and give a rundown of what I did. I had an amazing time and I was really grateful for all the advice and tips I got here. It really helped me settle in and have an amazing time.
I practice a lot of fasting so I didn’t eat as much as many people on here, but for me it was a lot!
Here’s what I did:
Day 1
Arrived to my hotel at Creole Gardens Guesthouse, which is a fabulous gem of a place in the lower garden district.
It was getting late and I was hungry so I followed their recommendation of eating at Superior Seafood and Oyster. I had a crawfish cake type appetiser and a salad. As an Australian, I found both to be really sweet and also really salty at the same time.
I caught the streetcar along St Charles to get there, and it was lovely, but deciding to walk the same route back wasn’t such a great vibe when it got dark. Ubers at dusk!
Day 2
I couldn’t resist my urge to walk, so after researching the neighbourhoods and so on, I walked over to Bearcat in the CBD. This was the first of many times I crossed under the interstate and it was fine. The homeless folks there are just doing their best and I had no trouble.
At bearcat I was intending just to have a coffee, but the vibe was that just sitting to have a drink isn’t really what they want. The latte in a nice pottery mug was really good, but the keto pancakes were a bit meh, and I didn’t finish them.
Then I trekked along Chatres to the Pharmacy museum, which was fantastic; I spent a good while in there.
I decided to check out Verti Marte for lunch, not realising it doesn’t have any seating. Loved the vibe of the proprieter and hoped to get back another day. His mate pointed me up to the french market so after consulting reddit I tried meals from the heart. I ordered a crab cake and after paying the equivalent of $25 Aussie I received one small crab cake on a shred of lettuce. I guess for the money I hoped it would be more substantial. It was real crab and very fresh, but a bit of a bank breaker when I am getting just 61c to the aussie dollar!
After that I wandered on the treme end of bourbon street, went to the Jazz museum and saw the Louis prima exhibit and then did a Passby the touristy end of bourbon. That was already enough for me.
After a freshen up I looked for dinner and tried Corporation Bar and Grill which is meant to have great authentic new orleans specials. It only serves lunch though so as a non drinker I had a club soda and fed the house doggo cheezits. I was getting pretty hungry though and maybe even hangry after the false starts so I ended up at Gus’s World famous fried chicken and had some chicken and fried pickles. It was very good!
Later on I went to the jam at the Royal Frenchman Hotel. Good sounds and I met a guitarist from local band The Swinging Gypsies, who invited me to sit in with his band the next day. Dream come true. I agreed enthusiastically!
Day 3
I needed some slow vibes so I caught the streetcar up St Charles all the way to Upline in Uptown and then wandered along Magazine St checking out all the shops. I started with La Boulangerie and they make a great iced latte there. Very authentic.
I went to every vintage store on the way back towards the quarter and had brunch at Atchafalaya. I had the crab po’boy there and I think that was where I realised that I just don’t love southern food. It was good, crispy fried crab in the bread, but like everywhere else I found it salty and the bread sweet. It was a lovely spot to sit though and others seemed to be diggin’ their meals.
I walked all the way back to my guesthouse along magazine st, and did some great shopping at places along the way.
I met with Kook Teflon, a local medium and ancestral guide and did a great reading a d workshop with her. I highly recommend her to anyone interested in that sort of work. She’s also an amazing performance artist.
I got dolled up for the gig and headed over to Fritzels to see the Swinging Gypsies. They were bloody amazing, and I was invited to sing three songs with them. I felt like all my Christmases had come at once!
After the gig I did another walk down bourbon. Woah! It’s really intense especially if you don’t drink and are in a chill solo vibe! When I got back to the guesthouse my body was screaming for salad, so I ordered a vietnamese vermicelli salad from Ba Chi Canteen. It was huge and could have fed a family!
Day 4
I did High Priest Robi’s Voodou tour and it was an absolute highlight. Robi is an incredible historian and a real Character. He is not for the faint of heart but he is going to give you an incredible insight into real Voudou and the history of Congo square.
After the tour I decided to try a beignet and had some from Lorettas for brunch. I really did enjoy them they were absolutely delish. I got plain ones and listened to a band at the french market.
I then wandered around again and bought some perfume at Hove, which is also an historical experience.
My body was still screaming for fresh food so for dinner I went to Carmo. Oh my lord it is amazing! I had the Burmese fermented tea leaf salad and creole fish ceviche. Their mocktail was amazing and I was so enamoured of the food I ended with this Armenian ‘Banquette bread’ which was like a flat bread pan fried with banana, cinnamon and harvarti. Absolute winner!
Preservation hall after that and Haruka Kikuchi on the trombone with the allstars was a total winner!
Another walk down bourbon on the way home. It was even crazier as the long weekend approached!
Day 5
I wanted to see some nature and get in touch with the land so I signed up for the nola kayak tours morning trip. It was a great experience and we saw a gator, turtles, snakes and the guide gave us some great info about the manchak swamp region.
I’d hoped to go on a cemetery tour with Sally from Red Sash tours, she is the expert and has written books on the topic, but ai had another tour of treme in the evening planned so thought my dance card was full. Well the dude pulled out last minute which sucked, so I missed out on Sally’s tour as well.
I walked along the river and up magazine st to Surreys where my uber driver had recommended I eat. Nice place and I gave southern food one more try with shrimp And grits. I am sure it was a really good shrimp and grits but I realised it’s just not for me. Creamy savoury porridge with prawns. No!
Later I headed to Frenchman st to see some tunes and who did I spy at Bamboulas but the Swinging Gypsies. I went in for a drink and before I knew it I was singing with the band again!
After that I went to the spotted cat and saw the incredible all female jazz band The Shake it up jazz band, with Haruka Kikuchi on bone again. What a vibe that was!
I was pretty tired after the kayak tour where I had a double kayak alone in a strong headwind so i walked back to my guesthouse via carmo again. It was that good!
I walked about 18,000 steps a day, had many a culinary experience and really felt the magic of New Orleans.
I missed out on Toups, Verti Mart, the sculpture garden and city park, the tree of life uptown, bacchanal, oscar rossignoli at snug harbour, palm and pine, igors laundry and so much more! Next time I hope!