General – Page 3 – Creative Meanderings

London – Day 1

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Aug 152014

**I am going to try on the weekends to update on my summer travels – until the last chapter is submitted. So, here we go!**

The beginning of my summer holidays started with some drama from work as I had to miss the last two official days due to my second-to-last coaching course and then I flew early to meet my mom in the UK for our mother-daughter trip. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but as fate would have it, the students had to cause some trouble at the last minute…. Anyway, with that, I flew away to leave all thoughts of the desert behind me!

Throughout all of my travels I have always avoided having to go through Heathrow as people have always said it is a terrible airport. Although I couldn’t imagine it was all that bad, this was my first time there; and, well, now I fully understand.

Upon arrival, I was completely amazed at the disorder at the luggage belt. People stood right up along the belt and would not get out of the way when my suitcase came by.

Initial impression was not good...Everybody was hoarding around the baggage belt - couldn't grab my suitcase because nobody would move!!!!

Initial impression was not good...Everybody was hoarding around the baggage belt - couldn't grab my suitcase because nobody would move!!!!22-Jun-2014 16:54, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.042 sec, ISO 320

So, my first impression of Londoners was not great.

Luckily, I was able to find my mom quite easily and we got ourselves on the train and to our hotel without too much trouble. It was not great to lug our suitcases in the Tube, but I suppose it could have been worse and some people did help, which lightened my initial impression of people. 😉

In the evening, upon recommendation from M, we ventured out to the West End for dinner. We found a really nice Naplese restaurant and had a delicious dinner.

First night's dinner in West End - Napolese restaurant = delish!

First night's dinner in West End - Napolese restaurant = delish!22-Jun-2014 21:35, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 40

We explored the area a bit and did a fairly epic walk around for our first afternoon/night. We were off to a good start!!!

First ride on the Tube!

First ride on the Tube!22-Jun-2014 21:04, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 320

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus22-Jun-2014 22:50, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 50

22-Jun-2014 22:53, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 32

22-Jun-2014 22:57, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 32

22-Jun-2014 22:57, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 40

23-Jun-2014 10:04, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 32

Spring Break 2014: Day 12

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Apr 092014

It was back to the real world for the Suzuki household yesterday, so I took the time to actually get some PhD work done. Yep, you heard that right, I worked on my PhD!!! The morning was fairly quiet with that. Then, I headed out to meet J for lunch as our last lunch date for my visit. Of course, before I got on the train I needed to indulge in a little treat….

08-Apr-2014 12:31, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 50

Then, we met near E’s school for an organic lunch, which was really tasty and I got to satisfy my curry craving. I think I’ve eaten nearly everything I possibly could here!

08-Apr-2014 13:23, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 32

08-Apr-2014 13:22, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 40

After that, I headed in to Shinjuku, which was not exactly planned before, but as I was meeting a grad school mate and former colleague in Yoyogi, it seemed worthwhile to make a stop. I had waaaaaay too much fun shopping at BicQlo (Bic Camer and Uni Qlo). I got to see the weirdness of Tokyo (see dog pic) Plus, then I went to Isetan’s B2 Beauty Apothecary for the organic health and body care products – wow!

08-Apr-2014 15:52, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 40

08-Apr-2014 15:56, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 32

So, I came back with quite a bit of loot and all caught up with Ro, which was really nice. Overall, a pretty good day survived in the pits of Tokyo central! 😛

Sadly, just one more day left and then it’s back to the Dhabs….

-T 😀

Spring Break 2014: Days 9 ~ 11 (Okinawa)

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Apr 082014

From Days 9~11 we made a trip to Okinawa. It was mine and J’s second time to visit and E’s first. J found a really nice package that included a car rental, hotel with breakfasts + 1 lunch and a dolphin experience. Although it was still a little chilly for my liking, it was a great time and good to get away from the buzz of Tokyo life for a few days.

05-Apr-2014 06:36, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 64

05-Apr-2014 13:47, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

05-Apr-2014 15:23, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 50

05-Apr-2014 19:32, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 250

06-Apr-2014 13:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

06-Apr-2014 13:33, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 8.4, 18.9mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

06-Apr-2014 14:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

06-Apr-2014 14:19, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400

06-Apr-2014 13:10, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, ISO 40

06-Apr-2014 13:27, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, ISO 40

06-Apr-2014 13:43, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, ISO 40

06-Apr-2014 13:44, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 50

06-Apr-2014 13:50, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

06-Apr-2014 13:50, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 32

Now we are back in the cooler Tokyo temps with just a couple more days left before I have to return to reality. 😀

-T

Spring Break 2014: Day 8

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Apr 072014

It has been a busy few days!

Friday (Day 8) was spent chillaxing at home for a few hours and then heading out for lunch with J.

04-Apr-2014 12:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 40

We walked around in Tokyo (Omotesando) a bit, reminiscing of the old days when we would go out for a massage or drinks. We had a shocking experience at a Japanese souvenir shop, which rendered J miraculously speechless! Finally, we headed to pick up E from school.

04-Apr-2014 14:17, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

04-Apr-2014 15:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200

04-Apr-2014 15:40, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 40

We had a relaxing afternoon with a surprise delivery of a tasty beverage before my former Kanda student came over for dinner. It was so nice to catch up with her and surprise her with the fact that I speak Japanese. 😉

04-Apr-2014 16:38, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 250

04-Apr-2014 16:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 320

04-Apr-2014 16:40, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 320

04-Apr-2014 19:24, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 320

04-Apr-2014 20:09, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.059 sec, ISO 320

-T 😀

Spring Break 2014: Day 7

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Apr 042014

Back in Tokyo and brought rain with me….WHAT?!

So, I had the morning to myself and managed to actually do some work. I know, shocking! 😉 After a couple of hours of that, I went for a visit to the drugstore. Oh my gosh have I missed them?! I can spend so much time there wandering the aisles looking at what is possible. However, I must admit that going all natural and organic sort of takes away some of the joy….

Despite the rain, I did stop to enjoy the cherry blossoms, briefly.

03-Apr-2014 10:23, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

In the afternoon, I meet up with J and we did some shopping after a lovely lunch. We went to pick up E at school and hit the grocery store. I saw these amazingly humongo breads!

03-Apr-2014 16:56, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 50

03-Apr-2014 16:56, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 40

Dinner was oden, which I haven’t had in ages, so it was all delish! Followed up by a gab session over a bottle of wine. Ahhhh, life is goood. 😀

03-Apr-2014 19:34, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.059 sec, ISO 320

03-Apr-2014 19:35, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.059 sec, ISO 320

-T 😀

Spring Break 2014: Days 4 ~ 6

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Apr 032014

As part of my Japan visit, I decided to take the short two-hour flight over to Seoul to see my long-time adoptee friend, K. The last time I met up with her or had been to Korea was just before I moved to Abu Dhabi; thus it had been just over five years.

As always, we picked right up where we left off and reminisced on days of old when we were young campers at Holt Adoption Camp. It is amazing to think that we have been friends for almost thirty years!!!

I also did a bit of shopping and got to eat my favorite snack/treat of Hottok. I remembered eating them the first time I went to Korea in the middle of freezing winter. It was the one thing that gave me great joy at the end of the work day walking back to our hotel in the cold. 😉

01-Apr-2014 11:59, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 32

01-Apr-2014 11:59, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

01-Apr-2014 15:03, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 50

When I first went to Korea in 2002(?), I stayed in the Insadong area, which is where I returned to do some shopping. One of the cool things about Insadong is the Starbucks sign. Back then I was a bit obsessed with Starbucks and loved the fact that this sign was in Korean since there had been some struggle regarding the fact it was in Korean. Apparently, Insadong wanted to preserve it’s traditional feel, but also have the draw of the coffee shop for all the tourists that come through. At the time, (maybe still?) it was the only Starbucks to not have its name in English.

01-Apr-2014 15:10, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

The rest of my trip consisted of a whole lot of eating and drinking!

01-Apr-2014 12:31, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.059 sec, ISO 320

01-Apr-2014 19:31, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 320

02-Apr-2014 12:47, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 80

A big thanks to K and J for their hosting!

01-Apr-2014 19:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 640

-T 😀

Spring Break 2014: Day 3

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Mar 312014

Today was a day of relaxation and eating! 😀

The morning kicked off with some Ethan-time looking at his programs created using Scratch – game software. It looked pretty cool.

30-Mar-2014 08:40, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 125

After relaxing and actually doing some work, we headed out to lunch – ramen!!

30-Mar-2014 12:20, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 64

It was delish!

30-Mar-2014 12:37, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 80

Then, J and I ventured into Tokyo for our massage and relaxation. It was a beautiful place that completely put me out! Afterwards, we did some shopping in the Ginza area and then headed back toward ‘home’ for dinner with the gents. I hit a second favorite of my Japanese food list – tonkatsu & kaki-fry (oyster fry)! YUM!

30-Mar-2014 19:48, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 64

30-Mar-2014 19:49, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.03 sec, ISO 125

30-Mar-2014 20:07, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 80

All in all, it was a wonderful day and even the rainy weather couldn’t spoil my mood. Tomorrow, I’m off to Seoul!

-T 😀

Spring Break 2014: Days 1 & 2

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Mar 302014

Spring break has begun! Without wasting any time, I was on a plane to Japan to catch up with my BFF. 😉

P joined me for the flight over as she is on her own tour of Japan and we had the first night to hang out. J had everything prepared for me to relax and settle in before we whirled out to Roppongi for dinner and some night-time cherry blossom viewing.

Pre departure at AD airport

Pre departure at AD airport27-Mar-2014 20:31, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.4, 2.15mm, 0.042 sec, ISO 400

Arrived!!

Arrived!!

28-Mar-2014 21:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 2500

Yesterday, we had a mini Willamette/TIUA reunion BBQ, which was a lot of fun. We hadn’t seen each other in years!

WUReunion_Springbreak2014

What's wrong with this picture?

What's wrong with this picture?29-Mar-2014 17:39, Apple iPhone 5s, 2.2, 4.12mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 32

Although it’s been a busy two days; it has been like being ‘home’ again. My heart is full!

-T 😀

The Big Buddha

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Aug 212013

Aside from going out to see the famous islands around Phuket, there is not a lot to see on the island itself. However, there are a number of main sights and we finally saw the last ‘big’ one the other day.

Up on the mountain overlooking the cities of Phuket is a big white Buddha. At night it is lit up and during the sunny days it shines atop the mountain. It’s kind of cool to look up at when admiring the green mountains and blue skies.

So, we decided to try to head up the mountain to see it on our little scooter. It took about a half hour and the ride was not too bad as we got to see some lovely scenery, views and cute elephants. 😉

18-Aug-2013 15:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:15, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.9, 7.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:19, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:30, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 8.4, 18.9mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

18-Aug-2013 15:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

It was a good short trip on the scooter and nice to complete our Phuket island sights. Of course, we have not actually gone out to see the famous islands and probably won’t on this trip, but we can now say that we’ve seen Phuket in its entirety. 😉

In the scooter parking lot, there was this:

18-Aug-2013 15:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 100

Most scooters can hold an entire family and there are baby seats or sometimes used for the family dog…. 😀

-T

Turkey Day 10 – Istanbul

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Apr 102013

Today was the last of our tour-type activities.

We had the same start as yesterday including the bus ride over the sea and back again to first visit the Spice Bazaar, which was quite interesting and colorful to see. There wasn’t just spices there,but souvenir items, scarves, jewelry, etc.

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar08-Apr-2013 11:08, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 160

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar08-Apr-2013 11:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 125

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar

Istanbul - Spice Bazaar08-Apr-2013 11:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 160

After that, we got on a boat for our half-day Bosphorus cruise, which means about 1.5 hours on the boat. Sadly, the weather was not great – in fact, the worst we have had since we arrived that we had to be out in. So, although the cruise could have been quite beautiful, it was just okay.

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise08-Apr-2013 12:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (Bosphorus Bridge)

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (Bosphorus Bridge)08-Apr-2013 12:48, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (forts on both sides of the sea)

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (forts on both sides of the sea)08-Apr-2013 13:07, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 100

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (most expensive house in the world...)

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (most expensive house in the world...)08-Apr-2013 13:10, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 15.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 125

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (2nd bridge)

Istanbul - Bosophorus Cruise (2nd bridge)08-Apr-2013 13:09, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 100

Our tour ended with a drop off near the Grand Bazaar since it was closed yesterday.So, after a quick warm-up coffee at Starbucks, we explored the bazaar. For some reason,I expected it to be very chaotic and with stalls everywhere, but in fact, there are lots of small shops and it was fairly organized. People weren’t even that aggressive to try to sell us things, so that was a surprise.

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar08-Apr-2013 14:48, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar08-Apr-2013 14:55, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar08-Apr-2013 14:56, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 160

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar08-Apr-2013 15:12, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 200

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar (snack time)

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar (snack time)08-Apr-2013 16:01, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 125

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar (happy with our snacks)

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar (happy with our snacks)08-Apr-2013 16:04, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 200

After a few quick purchases, we had lunch at one of the shops and then meandered our way back to the hotel.

I had a Turkish hammam treatment and massage, which I had been dying to have since we got here. It was rather expensive for what it was, but it was still relaxing and a nice change. I need to have another one when I get back….

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (massage area)

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (massage area)08-Apr-2013 17:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (cooling off area after sauna)

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (cooling off area after sauna)08-Apr-2013 17:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.625 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel08-Apr-2013 17:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 1 sec, ISO 800

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (bath area)

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (bath area)08-Apr-2013 17:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 1 sec, ISO 800

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (bath area with nice warm stone marble)

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (bath area with nice warm stone marble)08-Apr-2013 17:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 1 sec, ISO 640

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (resting area)

Istanbul - Turkish Hammam in the Prince Hotel (resting area)08-Apr-2013 17:45, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 1 sec, ISO 500

We went back to Istiklal Street for dinner at The House Cafe. We road the tram again and then got on the second oldest and shortest ‘subway’ ever.It was quite fun for an experience. 😀

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"08-Apr-2013 20:25, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"08-Apr-2013 20:24, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"

Istanbul - Second oldest subway and the shortest "Tunel"08-Apr-2013 20:24, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - The House Cafe

Istanbul - The House Cafe08-Apr-2013 18:54, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1000

Istanbul - Lovely dinner at the House Cafe started with a tradtional soup (yogurt, mint and cumin)

Istanbul - Lovely dinner at the House Cafe started with a tradtional soup (yogurt, mint and cumin)08-Apr-2013 21:04, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Istanbul - Lovely dinner at the House Cafe followed by a delicious salad with quinoa, walnuts and more! YUM!

Istanbul - Lovely dinner at the House Cafe followed by a delicious salad with quinoa, walnuts and more! YUM!08-Apr-2013 21:18, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 400

Now, we are back for an early night in to relax. Tomorrow is a free day, so we will relax and return to explore Istiklal street more in the daytime. 😉

I am actually looking forward to going home in a day as the weather is starting to get to me and I need to just relax in my own space….

– T 😀

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