The world conspired in the best of ways to bless me with a whole bunch of new games at once and I happened to be able to get in a lot of plays quickly with them.
Always get an idea of who's talking before you take anything away from these reviews/impressions. Maybe we're really different people. I've been in the hobby for 10+ years. I've played a lot of games. I love interactive and mechanically unique games. I worship Reiner Knizia. Some of my favorite games are Tigris and Euphrates, Spirit Island, Race for the Galaxy, Agricola, Battle Line, and Oath. My favorite games of last year were Stationfall, Ra (reprint), and Zoo Vadis.
Okay, let's go!
Cascadito/Cascadero - Is this a Pokemon Red/Blue scenario? No! There's room for both halves of this pair of Knizias in a collection. I think Cascadero is the better game, but Cascadito slides onto our table more easily. I'm a bit of a believer in the Moneyball theory of games (does the game "get on base" (to the table)?) so, that matters!
Cascadero - 4 plays at 2 players - First, the production is perfect. Svelte box that's easy to pack, wooden pieces, great graphic design with built in rules reminders by Ian O'Toole, and a striking cover make this a joy to play. If you enjoy the general waves hands of Irish Gauge, you're going to love how this looks.
Cascadero requires a little patience, but I think I'm starting to see a heart of gold down in there. As a Knizia tile-layer, right away, this game is, unfortunately, going to get compared to some of the greatest games ever made. Games like Through the Desert, Samurai, Babylonia, etc. I say unfortunately, because I don't think you'll love this game on the first play. That's because I think the default/starter side of the board is less interesting. If you're familiar with games, do yourself a favor and flip to the farmer side as soon as possible. Even then, Cascadero is subtle. When played best, it's a quiet maneuvering of cubes up to just the right spots on tracks with pieces on the board in all the right places that build a little lattice of opportunity. Not just one combo ready to score, but a set of circumstances that hedge on an opponent's move. Paths are everywhere, and you're using them in just the right ways to get across a double score gap or to slip into a fold in the track that gives an extra bonus. I feel like the review circuit doesn't usually play games enough times to appreciate this one, and maybe it's subtle to a fault. It isn't great when you hear "it gets good on game 4", but I'm four games in and usually that's the point where I'm bored of most games. With this one I'm excited to play more.
Cascadero is great!
Cascadito - 5 plays at 2 players - Do you like My City? Do you like My City: Roll and Build? I do. I probably wouldn't list them in my favorite games, but they are such great weeknight-with-the-partner games that I appreciate them all the same. Cascadito isn't billed as a campaign game, but rather as four maps. Maybe a 4 game campaign doesn't sound long enough, but I'm busy. 4 games sounds like something I can do. If you've played Cascadero, map 1 is the less interesting version of that game. Stick with it though! Like My City, you get the joy of seeing Knizia riff on an idea. We enjoyed each subsequent map more and more and we could see ourselves replaying #3 and especially #4. In fact, on map 4 we kept looking at each other's sheets during the game - on a roll and write! I like that.
Cascadito is good!
Spectral - 6 plays at 2 players - I'm pretty picky about deduction games, especially as board games. As someone who has put hundreds of hours into Picross and sudoku I need there to be a good reason why I'm using my precious time with my friends on something that is usually so solitary. So far, I've really only liked The Search for Planet X. While it isn't known as a particularly interactive game, my friends and I have played it so competitively that we look for any scrap of information that might give us the edge, and the publishing system cranks up the incentive to take some leaps of faith in a tight race.
When I heard about Spectral I was excited - an interactive, bidding based logic puzzle - cool! Six games later, I haven't really figured out how to interact with my opponent. While The Search for Planet X has clear moments of intention to watch for (publishing papers), it's really hard to tell when your opponent is acting with intention or just exploring in Spectral. You also don't have those little clues like what your opponent is scanning for or researching like in Planet X to build some kind of theory around. The game is a breeze to play, yet barely leaves room to grapple. So maybe the interaction isn't super strong, but how's the logic puzzle?
Boring. Imagine playing sudoku, but the logic restrictions were only for rows and not also columns, or within squares. You can do some deduction with the curse cards, but the treasure cards (12 of the 16) are all essentially equally informative and don't allow for much in the way of chains of deduction. You can do a little bit with probabilities of where treasures are likely to overlap, but it rarely feels worth it to pursue when finding curses provides a much more reliable benefit.
I want to be wrong about this game. Please, someone argue this one with me.
Spectral is okay. If you play it once or twice, I think you'll have a good time, but I don't see it having legs.
Slay the Spire - I've had this game for less than a month and I think I've put in maybe 50 hours at the table with it at this point. I've played with people who have 1000s of hours in Slay the Spire - they have loved it. I've played with people who have never played Slay the Spire - I see them playing Slay the Spire on Steam the next day and asking when they can next come over. People who usually duck out of a game night at 10pm are still at the table at 1am.
I was really worried it would be bad. I wondered, why not just play the digital game? But here I am, holding the box and knowing without a doubt, this object sparks joy. Have you ever experienced a solitary piece of media, obsessed over it, and then gotten a chance to experience it together with other fans? Maybe something like watching Game of Thrones with friends after reading the books. It feels great to share in something you've loved. That's how Slay the Spire has felt. But it's not just that, as evidenced by the friends that have never played the digital game and still loved it. It's just a damn good deck builder, and the whole system of knowing exactly what the enemies are going to do before they do it goes over so well here. It's so apparent that this translation was a labor of love and so much has gone into preserving the spirit of the game. I love it.
Slay the Spire is excellent!
Leviathan Wilds - played the first 3 Leviathans solo and at 2 - I backed this as a Shadow of the Colossus fan, and hoped for the best. I'm honestly blown away by how much this game has exceeded my expectations. First, there's something about this game that feels so complete and efficient. There's no Kickstarter bloat. It's in a very understated, retail sized box. The game just gets so much out of each component. It feels like the people who made it have made a lot of games before (and they have!).
I have trouble finding mid-weight 1-hour co-ops that I like. I love co-ops like The Crew at the short and sweet end and Spirit Island at the epic and heavy end, but the games that hit around the Pandemic range have never appealed to me. There often seems to be too much upkeep and setup, and not enough to keep me interested in sharing a puzzle with other people.
Leviathan Wilds is sooooo easy to set up. Setting up a Leviathan involves opening a spiral bound map book and laying out five cards. Processing the enemy turn involves flipping a card and later doing what it says. I don't play solo games, pretty much ever, but I'm playing this solo because it's so damn easy to run.
The moment to moment gameplay has been a blast. The systems are very open and freeform and the cards are multi-use, so there's often this feeling of scrapping together just the thing you need from odd parts - burning this card, eating this mushroom, falling here, etc. The movement system really leans into the mechanics of Shadow of the Colossus and allows for a creativity and freedom while reinforcing the theme. Every game we've played has been tight and we've failed a few times. I like that. My only complaint was that the enemies will sometimes do "swift" moves that resolve before your turn so you don't have much of a chance to react. I didn't realize until a game or two later that you can still use skills on cards to react instantly which might be an easy rule to miss. I've felt much better about "swift" since learning that. I'll definitely be backing the announced small expansion for the upcoming reprint. What a pleasant surprise.
Leviathan Wilds is excellent!
Harmonies - 6 plays at 2 players - This game has been called a Reef killer, an Azul killer, and a Cascadia killer. I own all those games! So, what's the body count at my table? Well, first off this game is lovely. The art is beautiful, the spatial puzzle is quite satisfying, and the playtime is breezy (especially at 2). It is most comparable to Reef in that you are arranging and stacking pieces in configurations for points, but there's a second layer of tile arrangement, similar to Cascadia's habitats, that's always present, no matter what cards come up. The Azul comparison is probably due to the drafting of tiles from a central market. So, what's the outcome?:

• Reef - Dead. Harmonies gives me a similar spatial puzzle in less time, in a smaller box, with better art, and it feels more thematic (I want to make homes for all my animals!).
• Cascadia - Dead. (although I was tired of it already). I find the game to game strategies in Harmonies to be more diverse and I don't feel like I have an algorithm to follow like in Cascadia (Is there a tile that increases two habitats? Can I fit a fox between my other groups of animals?).
• Azul - Alive. It's a stretch to compare the two games, but the drafting portion is far more interesting in Azul with the combining pools of tiles. Azul sits with Carcassonne in this perfect zone of being a gateway game that starts out gentle and puzzley and more you play it the more cutthroat it becomes. This isn't Harmonies, but...

Harmonies is excellent. I wouldn't be surprised if its the best gateway type game of the year. I do think it could slow down significantly with more players, but I tend to play something more interactive beyond 2.
Dro Polter - Too many plays to count and at all player counts - I think this is Oink's cutest production yet. The chunky wooden ghost, the tiny bells, the little set of treasures you'll hold in your hand. If you like frantic dexterity games, this is great. You can explain the rules in about 2 sentences and it's very non-gamer friendly. The cleverest bit is how you have to hold onto points in the form of tiny bells and if you drop them you lose them. It's an excellent system of handicapping the leader that often turns to laughs. It's mostly a novelty, but if you can introduce it to a few different groups of people, it feels worth it. Great with kids too.
Dro Polter is great!

Is the Story of Adam and Eve literally true, parable, or pure myth?

According to The Book of Akash, the story of Adam and Eve is a Midrash (Jewish story for children meant to teach a moral lesson) based upon Pharaoh Ay (as Adam) and Queen Khiyah (as Eve), who lived in the walled Garden of Meru-Aten and were cast out of Meru-Aten by General Horemheb who wanted to become Pharaoh.The Book of Akash says:*Ay was a reincarnation of the the soul of the first Adam (Adapa of Eridu), who later reincarnated as Enoch, Adamu the second king of Assyria, Melchizedek king of Salem, and then as Ay son of Yuya.
*Ay was the father of Nefertiti who married Amenhotep IV who changed his name to Akhenaten. Nefertiti had six daughters and one son: Tutenkhamun (Tut). Akhenative closed down the temples to Amun, putting the priests out of business, and built the City of Aten (Atentaten), and also a royal residence called the walled Garden of Meru-Aten, in what is now Amarna, Egypt. Meru-Aten had fruit trees of all kinds, and a sacred fig tree dedicated to Hathor goddess of fertility. It also had a petting zoo and evaporation pond.
*After Tut died, Ay was made Pharaoh, at the age of 70, but his wife died years before. Soon after being made Pharaoh Ay's only son, Nakhtmin, died. This left Ay without an heir to the throne.
*Ay knew that if he begot another son, that son had to have the blood of Amenhotep III (father of Akhenaten) in order to have the divine right to the throne. So Ay marries Khiyah (Ankhesenpaaten) who was Queen as wife of her brother King Tut. Khiyah was the daughter of Akhenaten, the son of Amenhotep III. Amenhotep III was married to Ay's sister who was the mother of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). Akhenaten claimed to be Aten in the flesh and Ay was given the title "Father of the God".
*Horemheb, general of the army, desired to be Pharaoh. So he had Akhennaten poisoned, then Nefertiti, then Tut, and tried to marry Khiyah, but she rejected him and she tried to marry a Hittite prince but Horemheb had the HIttite prince assassinated as soon as he reached Canaan (then controlled by Egypt).
*Ay married Khiyah (Ankhesenpaaten later renamed Akhensenpaamun), so that his "claim" to the throne would be strengthened (her paternal grandfather was Amenhotep III and her maternal grandfather was Ay son of Yuya father of Nefertiti. Yes, Ay married his own granddaughter. Why? So that he could beget a son (Nakhtmin was dead) who had royal bloodline back to Amenhotep III, and thus had a "divine right" to the throne of Egypt.
*Akhensenpaaten/Akhensenpaamun (nicknamed "Khiyah") agreed to marry her grandfather because she was "tempted" by the Cobra Crown: symbolic of the Wisdom of the Gods. Only the King and Queen of Egypt wore the Cobra Crown. This is the meaning that Eve was "tempted" by the serpent. It was not real serpent, but a crown. It "tempted" Khiyah like diamond rings "tempt" women.
*Eve being made from the "rib" of Adam is a play on Hebrew words, since "penis" and "rib" is the same word in Hebrew: TSELA. Eve (Khiyah) was made from the TSELA (penis) of Adam (Ay): meaning she was made out of his seed (i.e. daughter or granddaughter).*The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil does not refer to a literal tree, but to "carnal knowledge" (sex) which can be both for good and for evil.
*The Tree of Life is not a literal tree, but a symbol of the placenta. Every placenta has large veins that resemble a "tree" on it. YWHW "took away the tree of life" and prevented Adam and Eve from partaking of it: the meaning is that YWHW prevented them from conceiving a son (because what they were doing was a sin unto death).
*Egyptians in that time ate figs and wore fig leaves when they wanted to conceive a firstborn son. The firstborn son was heir of the family and responsible for taking care of the parents when they became too old to work. The fig tree was sacred to Hathor, goddess of wisdom. The Garden of Meru-Aten had a sacred fig tree. Eating figs and wearing sewn-together fig leaves (sacred to Hathor) was thought necessary to ensure that a couple would conceive a healthy first-born son.*Via his spies at Meru-Aten, General Horemheb discovered that Ay and Khiyah were trying to conceive a son. Horemheb then took his generals and raided Meru-Aten at night. They tied their swords with rags and poured oil on them and let them in order to see (flaming sword). Egyptian generals wore armor of polished brass and thus were called "Shining Ones" (Hebrew: "Cherubim"). Horemheb cast them out of the Garden of Meru-Aten into the desert where they perished. Their servants found them and buried them in sheep skins.*Horemheb becomes Pharaoh, but has no heir (he was gay).
*Ay was the reincarnation of Enoch. Enoch was made the Angel Metatron and adopted by YWHW as a firstborn Son (Third Book of Enoch). As Metatron he was "Mediator" between YWHW and human kind. But with his major sin as Ay, the Soul of Enoch lost his "station" as Metatron. He lost his inheritance. He became the Prodigal Son.
*Ay and Khiyah had to reincarnate, be born of literal virgins (Mary and St. Ann), live sinless lives, celibate lives, and Ay, being Adam/Enoch reincarnated, had to die on a fig tree in order to atone for the "original sin" of the Soul of Adam in the Garden of Meru-Aten in 1320 B.C. in Amarna, Egypt.*Jesus knew who He was. He called himself "the Son of Man" (a term for Enoch). He knew that he would have to die on a fig tree in order to atone for committing the "original sin" with Khiyah in the Garden of Meru-Aten: where Ay and Khiyah ate figs, and wore fig leaves, and tried to beget a son and heir to the throne
.*The punishment of Khiyah (who became Mary) was to lead a celibate life, and to watch her beloved Son be tortured and die on a cross made from a fig tree. This is why Jesus cursed a fig tree on His way to Jerusalem: because it reminded Him of the Original Sin, and that He needed to die on such a tree. He was not looking forward to it, but knew He had to do it in order to regain His lofty station as the Angel Metatron.
*Atonement was made, and the Soul of Adam/Enoch regained the station of Metatron (Mediator) and First-Born. Ay was the Prodigal Son who lost his inheritance, and Jesus was the Prodigal Son who was welcomed back by the Father.*How do I know this? Guessing ? No. I was to the right of Jesus, on another cross, and said to Him : "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and Jesus replied: "Truly I say unto you, today you will be with me in Paradise." My name was Ebion. I was an Essene, and the Romans crucified me for "stealing from Rome" (i.e. not paying taxes and telling other Jews not to pay taxes to Rome either). In the eyes of Rome I was a "thief". But I was a celibate and spiritual man, an Essene. I knew Jesus was the Messiah, and he called me to follow Him, but I refused because I did not want to lose my position as Treasurer of the Essenes in Jerusalem. I knew Who He was, but I could not leave my high station and the admiration of the other Essenes. How do I know this? I was told that by a psychic woman, and also Jesus appeared to me, emerging from a wall in my room, when I was 18. He was porcelain white, and had a crown of thorns. He moaned, and I saw a large drop of white blood running from a large thorn in His temple running down the right side of His head. As God and Jesus are My Two Witnesses: that is what I saw and what I heard.
*Jesus never wrote a book during His life. But He wrote a book through my hand, called The Book of Akash. It contains the truth about God and the Cosmos: the only two things that exist. Answers to all the mysteries of the Cosmos can be found therein.*The following YouTube video explains somewhat about the history of Ay son of Yuya, Khiyah, Tut, and Horemheb (played by a black man in the video). The video suggests that Ay had Tut killed in order to become Pharaoh. Not true at all. Ay loved his grandson Tut. It was Horemheb who poisoned Akhenaten (because he closed down the Amun priesthood and temples), and Nefertiti, and Tut, and Nakhtmin. Horemheb was a very evil man, and did evil, and gained the throne for himself by murder and strategy.
*The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis is a Midrash (Jewish moral parable story for children). It was based upon the real story of Pharaoh Ay and Queen Khiyah. The "details" of the story were hidden in metaphors (talking snake, Eve being made from the "rib" (tsela) of Adam, Cherubim with flaming sword, etc.). The story is not "myth" but based upon real people and real events in ancient Egypt in 1324 to 1320 B.C.
*Jesus has reincarnated five times. I met His fourth reincarnation, who was a miracle worker from Lebanon who was born in Jerusalem in 1909 and died in New York City in 1984. I first saw His face in 1977 when I was 16 years old. He visited me with lightning with no thunder, to my home, in the year 2005. His fifth incarnation is alive on Earth today, incognito. No...not me (God forbid!) but a man who works miracles. Jesus will incarnate for the 7th time in the 24th century (2300s), and, after Armageddon, will establish His Kingdom, called the United Order, a political, judicial, economic, and religious Order, that will last a thousand years.*We all have up to 6,000 lifetimes in order to reach Nirvana, and if we do not reach Nirvana by that time we shall be thrown into the Lake of Fire (when the Giant Red Sun engulfs the Earth) and simply cease to exist.
*Our current life is our Day of Account for our deeds in our last life, and our next life will be our Day of Account for our actions, good and bad, in this life.
*We are all judged by the Universal Law of Karma, and we are all judged according to our works, good and evil, and receive an exactly just recompense for our actions: good and evil. Whatsoever we shall sow, that also shall we reap.
Watch the YouTube video. It is a good introduction to the true historical story of Ay and Khiyah. But, again, please note: Ay did not harm Tut, but loved him. Ay did not marry Khiyah for sex, but to beget a son and heir who had a divine right to the throne of Egypt. It was a sin unto death, and they died. And they came back and atoned. Jesus is the Prodigal Son. Watch the video. It is not long. Please share this post with others. Thank you.
https://youtu.be/J2dEV9MO8_U

Is the Story of Adam and Eve literally true, parable, or pure myth?

According to The Book of Akash, the story of Adam and Eve is a Midrash (Jewish story for children meant to teach a moral lesson) based upon Pharaoh Ay (as Adam) and Queen Khiyah (as Eve), who lived in the walled Garden of Meru-Aten and were cast out of Meru-Aten by General Horemheb who wanted to become Pharaoh.The Book of Akash says:*Ay was a reincarnation of the the soul of the first Adam (Adapa of Eridu), who later reincarnated as Enoch, Adamu the second king of Assyria, Melchizedek king of Salem, and then as Ay son of Yuya.
*Ay was the father of Nefertiti who married Amenhotep IV who changed his name to Akhenaten. Nefertiti had six daughters and one son: Tutenkhamun (Tut). Akhenative closed down the temples to Amun, putting the priests out of business, and built the City of Aten (Atentaten), and also a royal residence called the walled Garden of Meru-Aten, in what is now Amarna, Egypt. Meru-Aten had fruit trees of all kinds, and a sacred fig tree dedicated to Hathor goddess of fertility. It also had a petting zoo and evaporation pond.
*After Tut died, Ay was made Pharaoh, at the age of 70, but his wife died years before. Soon after being made Pharaoh Ay's only son, Nakhtmin, died. This left Ay without an heir to the throne.
*Ay knew that if he begot another son, that son had to have the blood of Amenhotep III (father of Akhenaten) in order to have the divine right to the throne. So Ay marries Khiyah (Ankhesenpaaten) who was Queen as wife of her brother King Tut. Khiyah was the daughter of Akhenaten, the son of Amenhotep III. Amenhotep III was married to Ay's sister who was the mother of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). Akhenaten claimed to be Aten in the flesh and Ay was given the title "Father of the God".
*Horemheb, general of the army, desired to be Pharaoh. So he had Akhennaten poisoned, then Nefertiti, then Tut, and tried to marry Khiyah, but she rejected him and she tried to marry a Hittite prince but Horemheb had the HIttite prince assassinated as soon as he reached Canaan (then controlled by Egypt).
*Ay married Khiyah (Ankhesenpaaten later renamed Akhensenpaamun), so that his "claim" to the throne would be strengthened (her paternal grandfather was Amenhotep III and her maternal grandfather was Ay son of Yuya father of Nefertiti. Yes, Ay married his own granddaughter. Why? So that he could beget a son (Nakhtmin was dead) who had royal bloodline back to Amenhotep III, and thus had a "divine right" to the throne of Egypt.
*Akhensenpaaten/Akhensenpaamun (nicknamed "Khiyah") agreed to marry her grandfather because she was "tempted" by the Cobra Crown: symbolic of the Wisdom of the Gods. Only the King and Queen of Egypt wore the Cobra Crown. This is the meaning that Eve was "tempted" by the serpent. It was not real serpent, but a crown. It "tempted" Khiyah like diamond rings "tempt" women.
*Eve being made from the "rib" of Adam is a play on Hebrew words, since "penis" and "rib" is the same word in Hebrew: TSELA. Eve (Khiyah) was made from the TSELA (penis) of Adam (Ay): meaning she was made out of his seed (i.e. daughter or granddaughter).*The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil does not refer to a literal tree, but to "carnal knowledge" (sex) which can be both for good and for evil.
*The Tree of Life is not a literal tree, but a symbol of the placenta. Every placenta has large veins that resemble a "tree" on it. YWHW "took away the tree of life" and prevented Adam and Eve from partaking of it: the meaning is that YWHW prevented them from conceiving a son (because what they were doing was a sin unto death).
*Egyptians in that time ate figs and wore fig leaves when they wanted to conceive a firstborn son. The firstborn son was heir of the family and responsible for taking care of the parents when they became too old to work. The fig tree was sacred to Hathor, goddess of wisdom. The Garden of Meru-Aten had a sacred fig tree. Eating figs and wearing sewn-together fig leaves (sacred to Hathor) was thought necessary to ensure that a couple would conceive a healthy first-born son.*Via his spies at Meru-Aten, General Horemheb discovered that Ay and Khiyah were trying to conceive a son. Horemheb then took his generals and raided Meru-Aten at night. They tied their swords with rags and poured oil on them and let them in order to see (flaming sword). Egyptian generals wore armor of polished brass and thus were called "Shining Ones" (Hebrew: "Cherubim"). Horemheb cast them out of the Garden of Meru-Aten into the desert where they perished. Their servants found them and buried them in sheep skins.*Horemheb becomes Pharaoh, but has no heir (he was gay).
*Ay was the reincarnation of Enoch. Enoch was made the Angel Metatron and adopted by YWHW as a firstborn Son (Third Book of Enoch). As Metatron he was "Mediator" between YWHW and human kind. But with his major sin as Ay, the Soul of Enoch lost his "station" as Metatron. He lost his inheritance. He became the Prodigal Son.
*Ay and Khiyah had to reincarnate, be born of literal virgins (Mary and St. Ann), live sinless lives, celibate lives, and Ay, being Adam/Enoch reincarnated, had to die on a fig tree in order to atone for the "original sin" of the Soul of Adam in the Garden of Meru-Aten in 1320 B.C. in Amarna, Egypt.*Jesus knew who He was. He called himself "the Son of Man" (a term for Enoch). He knew that he would have to die on a fig tree in order to atone for committing the "original sin" with Khiyah in the Garden of Meru-Aten: where Ay and Khiyah ate figs, and wore fig leaves, and tried to beget a son and heir to the throne
.*The punishment of Khiyah (who became Mary) was to lead a celibate life, and to watch her beloved Son be tortured and die on a cross made from a fig tree. This is why Jesus cursed a fig tree on His way to Jerusalem: because it reminded Him of the Original Sin, and that He needed to die on such a tree. He was not looking forward to it, but knew He had to do it in order to regain His lofty station as the Angel Metatron.
*Atonement was made, and the Soul of Adam/Enoch regained the station of Metatron (Mediator) and First-Born. Ay was the Prodigal Son who lost his inheritance, and Jesus was the Prodigal Son who was welcomed back by the Father.*How do I know this? Guessing ? No. I was to the right of Jesus, on another cross, and said to Him : "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" and Jesus replied: "Truly I say unto you, today you will be with me in Paradise." My name was Ebion. I was an Essene, and the Romans crucified me for "stealing from Rome" (i.e. not paying taxes and telling other Jews not to pay taxes to Rome either). In the eyes of Rome I was a "thief". But I was a celibate and spiritual man, an Essene. I knew Jesus was the Messiah, and he called me to follow Him, but I refused because I did not want to lose my position as Treasurer of the Essenes in Jerusalem. I knew Who He was, but I could not leave my high station and the admiration of the other Essenes. How do I know this? I was told that by a psychic woman, and also Jesus appeared to me, emerging from a wall in my room, when I was 18. He was porcelain white, and had a crown of thorns. He moaned, and I saw a large drop of white blood running from a large thorn in His temple running down the right side of His head. As God and Jesus are My Two Witnesses: that is what I saw and what I heard.
*Jesus never wrote a book during His life. But He wrote a book through my hand, called The Book of Akash. It contains the truth about God and the Cosmos: the only two things that exist. Answers to all the mysteries of the Cosmos can be found therein.*The following YouTube video explains somewhat about the history of Ay son of Yuya, Khiyah, Tut, and Horemheb (played by a black man in the video). The video suggests that Ay had Tut killed in order to become Pharaoh. Not true at all. Ay loved his grandson Tut. It was Horemheb who poisoned Akhenaten (because he closed down the Amun priesthood and temples), and Nefertiti, and Tut, and Nakhtmin. Horemheb was a very evil man, and did evil, and gained the throne for himself by murder and strategy.
*The story of Adam and Eve in Genesis is a Midrash (Jewish moral parable story for children). It was based upon the real story of Pharaoh Ay and Queen Khiyah. The "details" of the story were hidden in metaphors (talking snake, Eve being made from the "rib" (tsela) of Adam, Cherubim with flaming sword, etc.). The story is not "myth" but based upon real people and real events in ancient Egypt in 1324 to 1320 B.C.
*Jesus has reincarnated five times. I met His fourth reincarnation, who was a miracle worker from Lebanon who was born in Jerusalem in 1909 and died in New York City in 1984. I first saw His face in 1977 when I was 16 years old. He visited me with lightning with no thunder, to my home, in the year 2005. His fifth incarnation is alive on Earth today, incognito. No...not me (God forbid!) but a man who works miracles. Jesus will incarnate for the 7th time in the 24th century (2300s), and, after Armageddon, will establish His Kingdom, called the United Order, a political, judicial, economic, and religious Order, that will last a thousand years.*We all have up to 6,000 lifetimes in order to reach Nirvana, and if we do not reach Nirvana by that time we shall be thrown into the Lake of Fire (when the Giant Red Sun engulfs the Earth) and simply cease to exist.
*Our current life is our Day of Account for our deeds in our last life, and our next life will be our Day of Account for our actions, good and bad, in this life.
*We are all judged by the Universal Law of Karma, and we are all judged according to our works, good and evil, and receive an exactly just recompense for our actions: good and evil. Whatsoever we shall sow, that also shall we reap.
Watch the YouTube video. It is a good introduction to the true historical story of Ay and Khiyah. But, again, please note: Ay did not harm Tut, but loved him. Ay did not marry Khiyah for sex, but to beget a son and heir who had a divine right to the throne of Egypt. It was a sin unto death, and they died. And they came back and atoned. Jesus is the Prodigal Son. Watch the video. It is not long. Please share this post with others. Thank you.
https://youtu.be/J2dEV9MO8_U

It can be summarised into 1 single phrase: "Western Europeans' stereotypes about American Indigenous + Orientalism about Central and North Asians"

1. Martin said it was based on Nomadic people, but I guess he is only good at Western European history researchers(see all the seven kingdoms based on British kingdoms) because the Dothraki are more of simply bandits instead of nomads.
2. +Common European stereotype(actually, it is not even traditional stereotype like the Song of Roland, this is a fairly new thing that came up since Conan the Barbarian) is that nomadic barbarians wear rough leather clothes with dull original leather dark brown colour...+ Well, no, nomads are usually wearing thick fabric robes and pants with bright colours, it is not even a culture thing, any human being will need it for survival, they need the robes because, well, it can be very cold in desert and prairie due to Extreme temperature difference between day and night. Dothraki people will literally freeze to death within half a day if they keep being half naked... This "half naked" stereo type probably comes from American indigenous people who lived in very warm areas.
3. +Their weapons...+ The major weapons of horse riding nomads are :Bow, back up Bow, Lance. Instead of what is called Arakh in the story, which was probably the stereotype of nomadic people's sabre but somehow got depicted as an Egyptian Khopesh in the TV drama... If you have a horse, just use bow and polearm, this is not even something about nomads, it is the same for any horse riding warrior, sabre/sword/katana/whatever single hand blade you have should be a last resort side weapon, but it got overrated just like a knight's single hand sword in many artistic stories.
4. +Charging at an enemy in a chaotic mob.+ No, formation is very important for nomads, horse crashing into each other is just like car crashes, if nomads don't have nicely aligned formations, they will die by crashing and trampling each other before even joining the fight. The enemy don't even have to kill them because they will die in cahorse accidents anyways.
5. +Naked ancient warriors...+ No, just no... Too much Conan the Barbarian... Nomadic people do not wear armour only when they lack armour, if they are rich enough to get the expensive metals required to make armour, they will wear armour. Look, people are not stupid, they will know how to live.
6. +Fighting and killing all day, a wedding without 3 deaths is not successful.+ No, god hell no... This is soooooooo stereotypical, it almost becomes funny. Nomadic barbarians don't kill each other for fun, if they keep doing that, they will be 100% extinct within 2 generations of people.
7. +Does not care about the economy, they don't even trade much.+ No, trading is the most important economic activity done by nomadic people, if it is not the most important when grazing is more important sometimes, then it is still the second important thing they do beside grazing. Nomadic people who don't develop industries to make metal from ore heavily rely on trading with settled people to get iron. If they don't trade, they will still be living in the stone age.
8. +They live by eating horse meat.+ No, they will be out of horses very quickly and die because of starvation, nomads survive by long term economical management of animal by products, usually by drinking milk and eating cheese. Meat is a very rare thing for horse nomads. Horse (and other domestic animals) raising Nomads are shepherds, not hunters. But I guess this horse eating thing also came from the stereotype of American Indigenous people like Comanche or Ute(Utah) nations, they are not really a typical example of horse riding nomads, because they were hunter-gatherers with no horses for most of the times, they never had horse in their ancient traditions, horse went extinct long time ago in North America, they only started to ride horse very quickly when horses was reintroduced to North America by colonists which is a fairly recent early modern thing. In simple words: Those nomads who eat meat do not eat the meat of their own animals, they hunt wild animals because the speed of eating is way faster than the speed of raising more domestic animals by themselves. Those nomads who actually raise horses do not eat them because they are expensive and important tools. You are not going to sell your car just in exchange for 1 week of food right?
9. +Robbing, raiding and looting all the day.+ No, raiding is more of a seasonal thing, it is a "emergency back-up option" for nomads(also Viking activity for Skandenavians), they usually do that when they are having an economic crisis going on in their society, their trading business is not going well or their domestic animals accidentally died, so they need to raid for food and supplies.
10. +Does not care about family, only follow the strongest.+ No, 180 degree reverse level of NO. Importance of family/clan is a very crucial thing within a nomadic lifestyle.

The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever; Amen
Readings:
Psalm 5; 6 Proverbs 4
Gospel: Matthew 11:7–15
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Commentary:
We often find others, and sometimes ourselves, in a moment of religious fervor quoting a single verse or perhaps a passage, as a means of accentuating our editorial point or even justifying that point or opinion. When a verse is used appropriately, in that the contextual meaning of the verse actually is relevant to the theme we are seeking to emphasize, the usage stirs great emotion and sometimes introspection or encouragement. But when a verse is used out of context, the result is an opposite effect, causing confusion when the reader attempts to understand the writers intent or motivation.
Therefore, if we are going to use bible verses effectively, without sowing confusion and misunderstanding, we should attempt to learn all we can about the Bible, especially these individual scenes or vignettes we are presented with in bible studies such as the one today.
Quite frequently, the backgound of the Gospel account and the historical and cultural influences, are interesting, enlightening, and add a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lesson presented in the Gospel.
Regarding the setting or background of the passage we are studying today, we find John the Baptist—who had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas (see Mt. 4:12 and 14:1-12) hearing reports of the works of Christ—even while in prison—leading John to send two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was indeed the Christ, the anointed one promised by the prophets. The one that the people were longing for with great expectations; a Messiah that would lead them out of subjugation by the Romans and restore the kingdom to its former glory as was under the reign of King David. (v. 11:2-3)
Donovan writes of this situation:
“The reason behind John’s question is found in his messianic expectations. He called people to repent (3:2), because “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire” (3:10). He warned that the one who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire” (3:12). John clearly expects a fire-and-brimstone messiah.”
“Jesus has not lived up to that billing. He has pronounced blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers (5:1-11). He has called his disciples to love their enemies (5:42-48). He has warned them not to judge others (7:1-5). These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John’s fire and brimstone preaching.”
“Furthermore, Jesus moved away from Jerusalem, the home of the temple and the center of religious authority, and began his ministry in Galilee (4:12).”
“Then Jesus worked a series of healing ministries in chapters 8-9—what Bruner calls an “ambulance ministry”—of tremendous significance to those who were healed, but not significant to the nation as a whole. It has been centuries since Israel has heard a prophetic voice (other than John’s). People are looking for a voice of authority—for a fire that will purge the dross—for a powerful leader who will restore Israel’s former glory—for a messiah who will restore the people of God. John keeps watching Jesus hoping to see fireworks, but thus far has been disappointed.”
“But we must admire John. He has a problem with Jesus, so he approaches Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allows—no behind-the-back criticism! He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one or shall they look for another? John has doubts, but he seeks to learn what Jesus will say—is open to hearing Jesus say that he is, indeed, the one! ”
In verse 6, Jesus states, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John did not take offense, but only expressed doubt. We can surmise, that John was questioning his own situation just as he was questioning that of Jesus. After all if he (John the Baptist) was truly the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, why is he in prison? Wouldn’t he better serve God by being out preaching the word of God? And if Jesus was the anointed one, why isn’t he calling down lightening strikes on the Romans, putting them on the run out of Judea? John, as great of a prophet as he was, is about to learn a great lesson in messiah-ship.
“Jesus could rebuke John for his doubts, but instead offers him a blessing. Jesus has not lived up to John’s expectations, but John has not allowed that to be a stumbling block (skandelisthe). Soon enough, Jesus will deal with cities that refuse to repent (11:20-24)—hometown people who take offense (13:57)—Pharisees who take offense (12:1-8; 15:12) and conspire to kill Jesus (12:9-14) and charge that Jesus gets his power from Beelzebul (12:24)—and even disciples who desert him when the chips are down (26:31-33). John has done none of those things, but simply asks Jesus to confirm that he is the one for whom everyone has been waiting. Jesus offers the blessing, not just to John, but to all who do not take offense—all who do not stumble—all who are not scandalized. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.” (Donovan)
Perhaps you now understand the importance of reviewing the nuances of the surrounding factors relative to a passage. Hopefully the brief summation provided helps you to understand why Jesus did not rebuke John, but in the verses suggested as today’s study, we find Jesus offering John praise.
“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”(v. 7) John’s disciples had departed, returning to Herod’s prison to report what Jesus had said, and Jesus turns his attention to the followers who had gone out to hear John preach and now were intently listening to and watching Jesus.
Instead of teaching in the formal places of religious instruction, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the outlying synagogues, John had preached in the wilderness, rural areas free of distraction and creature comforts. It required effort upon the part of the people to make the arduous journey out there to hear him, but none the less they did, in great multitudes according to the Gospel writers.
Jesus—in a rhetorical manner—asks them, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” Naturally, no one—much less multitudes of people—would make such a great effort to venture out into the desert to hear someone preach who was unworthy. “ They who are weak as reeds will be shaken as reeds; but John was strong in spirit, Eph. 4:14. When the wind of popular applause on the one hand blew fresh and fair, when the storm of Herod's rage on the other hand grew fierce and blustering, John was still the same, the same in all weathers. The testimony he had borne to Christ was not the testimony of a reed, of a man who was of one mind to-day, and of another to-morrow; it was not a weather-cock testimony; no, his constancy in it is intimated (Jn. 1:20); he confessed and denied not, but confessed, and stood to it afterwards, Jn. 3:28. ” (Henry)
In essence, Jesus is stating “Let me tell you what kind of man John is!”
“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (vs. 8-10)
John was said to wear a rough cloak made from the hair of a camel, with a leather belt to gird it, eating wild honey and grains so as to avoid the comparison of those political and religious leaders who lavished upon themselves great luxury. “A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Is a direct condemnation of the weak and lascivious usurper who had inherited his father’s throne, Herod Antipas, who in an attempt to seduce his own step daughter granted her a wish, which resulted in her mother asking for John’s head on a platter.
“Note, they who have lived a life of mortification, are least likely to be driven off from their religion by persecution. John appeared rough and unpleasant, yet they flocked after him.” (Henry)
“A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” Israel endured four hundred years without a prophet. When John burst onto the scene with his fiery preaching, the authenticity of his ministry generated enormous public appeal. “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “John prepares the way of the one who is to come. People check roads before the king travels them. Servants repair potholes and scouts insure security. Today, executives have assistants who plan their travel, secretaries who make their reservations, chauffeurs who drive their cars, and pilots who fly their planes. Just as the services of those who prepare the way enhance the executive’s ability to accomplish work, so also John smoothed Jesus’ entry into the world by calling people to repentance.”(Donovan)
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” (v. 11a) Jesus declares John to be, not just the greatest prophet, but the greatest figure ever. Given Israel’s pantheon of heroes, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, this is an astonishing statement, indeed. What makes John so special is not his personal characteristics, excellent though those might be, but his privileged place in salvation history. All the other heroes of the faith have done mighty works, but only John has the privilege of introducing the Messiah.
“notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(v. 11b) “ John stands at the pinnacle of the old era, but even the greatest representative of the old era is less than the humblest representative of the new. An appropriate metaphor is the ancient astronomer whose observations were limited by a small, primitive telescope. The most brilliant person, so limited, could never match the work of a more ordinary person with access to today’s space-based telescopes. Like Moses, John marched up to the border of the promise without actually entering it himself. He was Jesus’ forerunner—not his disciple. If the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, consider where that places us. We may be very ordinary Christians, but God considers us to be great.” (Donovan)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 12-15)
Jesus’ reference to violence refers to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald, and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and His kingdom.
The exact sense of this has been greatly debated, and is made more difficult by complicated grammar. Carson probably gives the best sense of both expressions. “The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. This is especially manifest in Jesus’ miracles and ties in with Jesus’ response to the Baptist…The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it.” (Carson)
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ” Jesus saw an era ending with John; all the prophets and the law anticipated John and his ministry as a herald. There is a sense in which John spoke for every prophet who heralded Jesus’ coming. Under the Old Covenant, every other prophet announced, “The Messiah is coming.” John alone had the privilege of saying, “The Messiah is here.”
“The ministry of John was the beginning of the gospel, as it is reckoned, Mk. 1:1; Acts 1:22. This is shown here in two things: [1.] In John the Old Testament dispensation began to die, v. 13. So long that ministration continued in full force and virtue, but then it began to decline. Though the obligation of the law of Moses was not removed till Christ's death, yet the discoveries of the Old Testament began to be superseded by the more clear manifestation of the kingdom of heaven as at hand. [2.] In him the New-Testament day began to dawn; for (v. 14) This is Elias, that was for to come. John was as the loop that coupled the two Testaments; as Noah was Fibula utriusque mundi—the link connecting both worlds, so was he utriusque Testamenti—the link connecting both Testaments. The concluding prophecy of the Old Testament was, Behold, I will send you Elijah, Mal. 4:5, 6. Those words prophesied until John, and then, being turned into a history, they ceased to prophecy. ” (Henry)
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” “A proverbial form of speech often used by Jesus after important utterances, here for the first time in Matthew.” (Bruce) A saying of Jesus that will appear throughout the Gospels which is a veiled warning to all mankind, to listen, to take heed, to understand that the teachings of Christ are indeed the thoughts and commandments of his Father in Heaven, and an implication that to ignore these words will result in less than favorable circumstances.
Benediction
It is not enough to acclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Our mission in life is to make his kingdom a reality among us and to bring it to those around us by our words and deeds. The way to do this is to live as he lived: for others, in love and service. May almighty God bless you for this task: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and to give shape to his kingdom. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day:
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.
Ray Bradbury

The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever; Amen
Readings:
Psalm 5; 6 Proverbs 4
Gospel: Matthew 11:7–15
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Commentary:
We often find others, and sometimes ourselves, in a moment of religious fervor quoting a single verse or perhaps a passage, as a means of accentuating our editorial point or even justifying that point or opinion. When a verse is used appropriately, in that the contextual meaning of the verse actually is relevant to the theme we are seeking to emphasize, the usage stirs great emotion and sometimes introspection or encouragement. But when a verse is used out of context, the result is an opposite effect, causing confusion when the reader attempts to understand the writers intent or motivation.
Therefore, if we are going to use bible verses effectively, without sowing confusion and misunderstanding, we should attempt to learn all we can about the Bible, especially these individual scenes or vignettes we are presented with in bible studies such as the one today.
Quite frequently, the backgound of the Gospel account and the historical and cultural influences, are interesting, enlightening, and add a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lesson presented in the Gospel.
Regarding the setting or background of the passage we are studying today, we find John the Baptist—who had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas (see Mt. 4:12 and 14:1-12) hearing reports of the works of Christ—even while in prison—leading John to send two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was indeed the Christ, the anointed one promised by the prophets. The one that the people were longing for with great expectations; a Messiah that would lead them out of subjugation by the Romans and restore the kingdom to its former glory as was under the reign of King David. (v. 11:2-3)
Donovan writes of this situation:
“The reason behind John’s question is found in his messianic expectations. He called people to repent (3:2), because “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire” (3:10). He warned that the one who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire” (3:12). John clearly expects a fire-and-brimstone messiah.”
“Jesus has not lived up to that billing. He has pronounced blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers (5:1-11). He has called his disciples to love their enemies (5:42-48). He has warned them not to judge others (7:1-5). These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John’s fire and brimstone preaching.”
“Furthermore, Jesus moved away from Jerusalem, the home of the temple and the center of religious authority, and began his ministry in Galilee (4:12).”
“Then Jesus worked a series of healing ministries in chapters 8-9—what Bruner calls an “ambulance ministry”—of tremendous significance to those who were healed, but not significant to the nation as a whole. It has been centuries since Israel has heard a prophetic voice (other than John’s). People are looking for a voice of authority—for a fire that will purge the dross—for a powerful leader who will restore Israel’s former glory—for a messiah who will restore the people of God. John keeps watching Jesus hoping to see fireworks, but thus far has been disappointed.”
“But we must admire John. He has a problem with Jesus, so he approaches Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allows—no behind-the-back criticism! He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one or shall they look for another? John has doubts, but he seeks to learn what Jesus will say—is open to hearing Jesus say that he is, indeed, the one! ”
In verse 6, Jesus states, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John did not take offense, but only expressed doubt. We can surmise, that John was questioning his own situation just as he was questioning that of Jesus. After all if he (John the Baptist) was truly the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, why is he in prison? Wouldn’t he better serve God by being out preaching the word of God? And if Jesus was the anointed one, why isn’t he calling down lightening strikes on the Romans, putting them on the run out of Judea? John, as great of a prophet as he was, is about to learn a great lesson in messiah-ship.
“Jesus could rebuke John for his doubts, but instead offers him a blessing. Jesus has not lived up to John’s expectations, but John has not allowed that to be a stumbling block (skandelisthe). Soon enough, Jesus will deal with cities that refuse to repent (11:20-24)—hometown people who take offense (13:57)—Pharisees who take offense (12:1-8; 15:12) and conspire to kill Jesus (12:9-14) and charge that Jesus gets his power from Beelzebul (12:24)—and even disciples who desert him when the chips are down (26:31-33). John has done none of those things, but simply asks Jesus to confirm that he is the one for whom everyone has been waiting. Jesus offers the blessing, not just to John, but to all who do not take offense—all who do not stumble—all who are not scandalized. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.” (Donovan)
Perhaps you now understand the importance of reviewing the nuances of the surrounding factors relative to a passage. Hopefully the brief summation provided helps you to understand why Jesus did not rebuke John, but in the verses suggested as today’s study, we find Jesus offering John praise.
“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”(v. 7) John’s disciples had departed, returning to Herod’s prison to report what Jesus had said, and Jesus turns his attention to the followers who had gone out to hear John preach and now were intently listening to and watching Jesus.
Instead of teaching in the formal places of religious instruction, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the outlying synagogues, John had preached in the wilderness, rural areas free of distraction and creature comforts. It required effort upon the part of the people to make the arduous journey out there to hear him, but none the less they did, in great multitudes according to the Gospel writers.
Jesus—in a rhetorical manner—asks them, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” Naturally, no one—much less multitudes of people—would make such a great effort to venture out into the desert to hear someone preach who was unworthy. “ They who are weak as reeds will be shaken as reeds; but John was strong in spirit, Eph. 4:14. When the wind of popular applause on the one hand blew fresh and fair, when the storm of Herod's rage on the other hand grew fierce and blustering, John was still the same, the same in all weathers. The testimony he had borne to Christ was not the testimony of a reed, of a man who was of one mind to-day, and of another to-morrow; it was not a weather-cock testimony; no, his constancy in it is intimated (Jn. 1:20); he confessed and denied not, but confessed, and stood to it afterwards, Jn. 3:28. ” (Henry)
In essence, Jesus is stating “Let me tell you what kind of man John is!”
“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (vs. 8-10)
John was said to wear a rough cloak made from the hair of a camel, with a leather belt to gird it, eating wild honey and grains so as to avoid the comparison of those political and religious leaders who lavished upon themselves great luxury. “A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Is a direct condemnation of the weak and lascivious usurper who had inherited his father’s throne, Herod Antipas, who in an attempt to seduce his own step daughter granted her a wish, which resulted in her mother asking for John’s head on a platter.
“Note, they who have lived a life of mortification, are least likely to be driven off from their religion by persecution. John appeared rough and unpleasant, yet they flocked after him.” (Henry)
“A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” Israel endured four hundred years without a prophet. When John burst onto the scene with his fiery preaching, the authenticity of his ministry generated enormous public appeal. “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “John prepares the way of the one who is to come. People check roads before the king travels them. Servants repair potholes and scouts insure security. Today, executives have assistants who plan their travel, secretaries who make their reservations, chauffeurs who drive their cars, and pilots who fly their planes. Just as the services of those who prepare the way enhance the executive’s ability to accomplish work, so also John smoothed Jesus’ entry into the world by calling people to repentance.”(Donovan)
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” (v. 11a) Jesus declares John to be, not just the greatest prophet, but the greatest figure ever. Given Israel’s pantheon of heroes, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, this is an astonishing statement, indeed. What makes John so special is not his personal characteristics, excellent though those might be, but his privileged place in salvation history. All the other heroes of the faith have done mighty works, but only John has the privilege of introducing the Messiah.
“notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(v. 11b) “ John stands at the pinnacle of the old era, but even the greatest representative of the old era is less than the humblest representative of the new. An appropriate metaphor is the ancient astronomer whose observations were limited by a small, primitive telescope. The most brilliant person, so limited, could never match the work of a more ordinary person with access to today’s space-based telescopes. Like Moses, John marched up to the border of the promise without actually entering it himself. He was Jesus’ forerunner—not his disciple. If the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, consider where that places us. We may be very ordinary Christians, but God considers us to be great.” (Donovan)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 12-15)
Jesus’ reference to violence refers to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald, and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and His kingdom.
The exact sense of this has been greatly debated, and is made more difficult by complicated grammar. Carson probably gives the best sense of both expressions. “The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. This is especially manifest in Jesus’ miracles and ties in with Jesus’ response to the Baptist…The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it.” (Carson)
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ” Jesus saw an era ending with John; all the prophets and the law anticipated John and his ministry as a herald. There is a sense in which John spoke for every prophet who heralded Jesus’ coming. Under the Old Covenant, every other prophet announced, “The Messiah is coming.” John alone had the privilege of saying, “The Messiah is here.”
“The ministry of John was the beginning of the gospel, as it is reckoned, Mk. 1:1; Acts 1:22. This is shown here in two things: [1.] In John the Old Testament dispensation began to die, v. 13. So long that ministration continued in full force and virtue, but then it began to decline. Though the obligation of the law of Moses was not removed till Christ's death, yet the discoveries of the Old Testament began to be superseded by the more clear manifestation of the kingdom of heaven as at hand. [2.] In him the New-Testament day began to dawn; for (v. 14) This is Elias, that was for to come. John was as the loop that coupled the two Testaments; as Noah was Fibula utriusque mundi—the link connecting both worlds, so was he utriusque Testamenti—the link connecting both Testaments. The concluding prophecy of the Old Testament was, Behold, I will send you Elijah, Mal. 4:5, 6. Those words prophesied until John, and then, being turned into a history, they ceased to prophecy. ” (Henry)
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” “A proverbial form of speech often used by Jesus after important utterances, here for the first time in Matthew.” (Bruce) A saying of Jesus that will appear throughout the Gospels which is a veiled warning to all mankind, to listen, to take heed, to understand that the teachings of Christ are indeed the thoughts and commandments of his Father in Heaven, and an implication that to ignore these words will result in less than favorable circumstances.
Benediction
It is not enough to acclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Our mission in life is to make his kingdom a reality among us and to bring it to those around us by our words and deeds. The way to do this is to live as he lived: for others, in love and service. May almighty God bless you for this task: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and to give shape to his kingdom. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day:
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.
Ray Bradbury

The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever; Amen
Readings:
Psalm 5; 6 Proverbs 4
Gospel: Matthew 11:7–15
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Commentary:
We often find others, and sometimes ourselves, in a moment of religious fervor quoting a single verse or perhaps a passage, as a means of accentuating our editorial point or even justifying that point or opinion. When a verse is used appropriately, in that the contextual meaning of the verse actually is relevant to the theme we are seeking to emphasize, the usage stirs great emotion and sometimes introspection or encouragement. But when a verse is used out of context, the result is an opposite effect, causing confusion when the reader attempts to understand the writers intent or motivation.
Therefore, if we are going to use bible verses effectively, without sowing confusion and misunderstanding, we should attempt to learn all we can about the Bible, especially these individual scenes or vignettes we are presented with in bible studies such as the one today.
Quite frequently, the backgound of the Gospel account and the historical and cultural influences, are interesting, enlightening, and add a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lesson presented in the Gospel.
Regarding the setting or background of the passage we are studying today, we find John the Baptist—who had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas (see Mt. 4:12 and 14:1-12) hearing reports of the works of Christ—even while in prison—leading John to send two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was indeed the Christ, the anointed one promised by the prophets. The one that the people were longing for with great expectations; a Messiah that would lead them out of subjugation by the Romans and restore the kingdom to its former glory as was under the reign of King David. (v. 11:2-3)
Donovan writes of this situation:
“The reason behind John’s question is found in his messianic expectations. He called people to repent (3:2), because “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire” (3:10). He warned that the one who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire” (3:12). John clearly expects a fire-and-brimstone messiah.”
“Jesus has not lived up to that billing. He has pronounced blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers (5:1-11). He has called his disciples to love their enemies (5:42-48). He has warned them not to judge others (7:1-5). These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John’s fire and brimstone preaching.”
“Furthermore, Jesus moved away from Jerusalem, the home of the temple and the center of religious authority, and began his ministry in Galilee (4:12).”
“Then Jesus worked a series of healing ministries in chapters 8-9—what Bruner calls an “ambulance ministry”—of tremendous significance to those who were healed, but not significant to the nation as a whole. It has been centuries since Israel has heard a prophetic voice (other than John’s). People are looking for a voice of authority—for a fire that will purge the dross—for a powerful leader who will restore Israel’s former glory—for a messiah who will restore the people of God. John keeps watching Jesus hoping to see fireworks, but thus far has been disappointed.”
“But we must admire John. He has a problem with Jesus, so he approaches Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allows—no behind-the-back criticism! He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one or shall they look for another? John has doubts, but he seeks to learn what Jesus will say—is open to hearing Jesus say that he is, indeed, the one! ”
In verse 6, Jesus states, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John did not take offense, but only expressed doubt. We can surmise, that John was questioning his own situation just as he was questioning that of Jesus. After all if he (John the Baptist) was truly the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, why is he in prison? Wouldn’t he better serve God by being out preaching the word of God? And if Jesus was the anointed one, why isn’t he calling down lightening strikes on the Romans, putting them on the run out of Judea? John, as great of a prophet as he was, is about to learn a great lesson in messiah-ship.
“Jesus could rebuke John for his doubts, but instead offers him a blessing. Jesus has not lived up to John’s expectations, but John has not allowed that to be a stumbling block (skandelisthe). Soon enough, Jesus will deal with cities that refuse to repent (11:20-24)—hometown people who take offense (13:57)—Pharisees who take offense (12:1-8; 15:12) and conspire to kill Jesus (12:9-14) and charge that Jesus gets his power from Beelzebul (12:24)—and even disciples who desert him when the chips are down (26:31-33). John has done none of those things, but simply asks Jesus to confirm that he is the one for whom everyone has been waiting. Jesus offers the blessing, not just to John, but to all who do not take offense—all who do not stumble—all who are not scandalized. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.” (Donovan)
Perhaps you now understand the importance of reviewing the nuances of the surrounding factors relative to a passage. Hopefully the brief summation provided helps you to understand why Jesus did not rebuke John, but in the verses suggested as today’s study, we find Jesus offering John praise.
“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”(v. 7) John’s disciples had departed, returning to Herod’s prison to report what Jesus had said, and Jesus turns his attention to the followers who had gone out to hear John preach and now were intently listening to and watching Jesus.
Instead of teaching in the formal places of religious instruction, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the outlying synagogues, John had preached in the wilderness, rural areas free of distraction and creature comforts. It required effort upon the part of the people to make the arduous journey out there to hear him, but none the less they did, in great multitudes according to the Gospel writers.
Jesus—in a rhetorical manner—asks them, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” Naturally, no one—much less multitudes of people—would make such a great effort to venture out into the desert to hear someone preach who was unworthy. “ They who are weak as reeds will be shaken as reeds; but John was strong in spirit, Eph. 4:14. When the wind of popular applause on the one hand blew fresh and fair, when the storm of Herod's rage on the other hand grew fierce and blustering, John was still the same, the same in all weathers. The testimony he had borne to Christ was not the testimony of a reed, of a man who was of one mind to-day, and of another to-morrow; it was not a weather-cock testimony; no, his constancy in it is intimated (Jn. 1:20); he confessed and denied not, but confessed, and stood to it afterwards, Jn. 3:28. ” (Henry)
In essence, Jesus is stating “Let me tell you what kind of man John is!”
“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (vs. 8-10)
John was said to wear a rough cloak made from the hair of a camel, with a leather belt to gird it, eating wild honey and grains so as to avoid the comparison of those political and religious leaders who lavished upon themselves great luxury. “A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Is a direct condemnation of the weak and lascivious usurper who had inherited his father’s throne, Herod Antipas, who in an attempt to seduce his own step daughter granted her a wish, which resulted in her mother asking for John’s head on a platter.
“Note, they who have lived a life of mortification, are least likely to be driven off from their religion by persecution. John appeared rough and unpleasant, yet they flocked after him.” (Henry)
“A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” Israel endured four hundred years without a prophet. When John burst onto the scene with his fiery preaching, the authenticity of his ministry generated enormous public appeal. “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “John prepares the way of the one who is to come. People check roads before the king travels them. Servants repair potholes and scouts insure security. Today, executives have assistants who plan their travel, secretaries who make their reservations, chauffeurs who drive their cars, and pilots who fly their planes. Just as the services of those who prepare the way enhance the executive’s ability to accomplish work, so also John smoothed Jesus’ entry into the world by calling people to repentance.”(Donovan)
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” (v. 11a) Jesus declares John to be, not just the greatest prophet, but the greatest figure ever. Given Israel’s pantheon of heroes, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, this is an astonishing statement, indeed. What makes John so special is not his personal characteristics, excellent though those might be, but his privileged place in salvation history. All the other heroes of the faith have done mighty works, but only John has the privilege of introducing the Messiah.
“notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(v. 11b) “ John stands at the pinnacle of the old era, but even the greatest representative of the old era is less than the humblest representative of the new. An appropriate metaphor is the ancient astronomer whose observations were limited by a small, primitive telescope. The most brilliant person, so limited, could never match the work of a more ordinary person with access to today’s space-based telescopes. Like Moses, John marched up to the border of the promise without actually entering it himself. He was Jesus’ forerunner—not his disciple. If the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, consider where that places us. We may be very ordinary Christians, but God considers us to be great.” (Donovan)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 12-15)
Jesus’ reference to violence refers to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald, and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and His kingdom.
The exact sense of this has been greatly debated, and is made more difficult by complicated grammar. Carson probably gives the best sense of both expressions. “The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. This is especially manifest in Jesus’ miracles and ties in with Jesus’ response to the Baptist…The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it.” (Carson)
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ” Jesus saw an era ending with John; all the prophets and the law anticipated John and his ministry as a herald. There is a sense in which John spoke for every prophet who heralded Jesus’ coming. Under the Old Covenant, every other prophet announced, “The Messiah is coming.” John alone had the privilege of saying, “The Messiah is here.”
“The ministry of John was the beginning of the gospel, as it is reckoned, Mk. 1:1; Acts 1:22. This is shown here in two things: [1.] In John the Old Testament dispensation began to die, v. 13. So long that ministration continued in full force and virtue, but then it began to decline. Though the obligation of the law of Moses was not removed till Christ's death, yet the discoveries of the Old Testament began to be superseded by the more clear manifestation of the kingdom of heaven as at hand. [2.] In him the New-Testament day began to dawn; for (v. 14) This is Elias, that was for to come. John was as the loop that coupled the two Testaments; as Noah was Fibula utriusque mundi—the link connecting both worlds, so was he utriusque Testamenti—the link connecting both Testaments. The concluding prophecy of the Old Testament was, Behold, I will send you Elijah, Mal. 4:5, 6. Those words prophesied until John, and then, being turned into a history, they ceased to prophecy. ” (Henry)
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” “A proverbial form of speech often used by Jesus after important utterances, here for the first time in Matthew.” (Bruce) A saying of Jesus that will appear throughout the Gospels which is a veiled warning to all mankind, to listen, to take heed, to understand that the teachings of Christ are indeed the thoughts and commandments of his Father in Heaven, and an implication that to ignore these words will result in less than favorable circumstances.
Benediction
It is not enough to acclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Our mission in life is to make his kingdom a reality among us and to bring it to those around us by our words and deeds. The way to do this is to live as he lived: for others, in love and service. May almighty God bless you for this task: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and to give shape to his kingdom. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day:
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.
Ray Bradbury

The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever; Amen
Readings:
Psalm 5; 6 Proverbs 4
Gospel: Matthew 11:7–15
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Commentary:
We often find others, and sometimes ourselves, in a moment of religious fervor quoting a single verse or perhaps a passage, as a means of accentuating our editorial point or even justifying that point or opinion. When a verse is used appropriately, in that the contextual meaning of the verse actually is relevant to the theme we are seeking to emphasize, the usage stirs great emotion and sometimes introspection or encouragement. But when a verse is used out of context, the result is an opposite effect, causing confusion when the reader attempts to understand the writers intent or motivation.
Therefore, if we are going to use bible verses effectively, without sowing confusion and misunderstanding, we should attempt to learn all we can about the Bible, especially these individual scenes or vignettes we are presented with in bible studies such as the one today.
Quite frequently, the backgound of the Gospel account and the historical and cultural influences, are interesting, enlightening, and add a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lesson presented in the Gospel.
Regarding the setting or background of the passage we are studying today, we find John the Baptist—who had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas (see Mt. 4:12 and 14:1-12) hearing reports of the works of Christ—even while in prison—leading John to send two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was indeed the Christ, the anointed one promised by the prophets. The one that the people were longing for with great expectations; a Messiah that would lead them out of subjugation by the Romans and restore the kingdom to its former glory as was under the reign of King David. (v. 11:2-3)
Donovan writes of this situation:
“The reason behind John’s question is found in his messianic expectations. He called people to repent (3:2), because “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire” (3:10). He warned that the one who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire” (3:12). John clearly expects a fire-and-brimstone messiah.”
“Jesus has not lived up to that billing. He has pronounced blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers (5:1-11). He has called his disciples to love their enemies (5:42-48). He has warned them not to judge others (7:1-5). These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John’s fire and brimstone preaching.”
“Furthermore, Jesus moved away from Jerusalem, the home of the temple and the center of religious authority, and began his ministry in Galilee (4:12).”
“Then Jesus worked a series of healing ministries in chapters 8-9—what Bruner calls an “ambulance ministry”—of tremendous significance to those who were healed, but not significant to the nation as a whole. It has been centuries since Israel has heard a prophetic voice (other than John’s). People are looking for a voice of authority—for a fire that will purge the dross—for a powerful leader who will restore Israel’s former glory—for a messiah who will restore the people of God. John keeps watching Jesus hoping to see fireworks, but thus far has been disappointed.”
“But we must admire John. He has a problem with Jesus, so he approaches Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allows—no behind-the-back criticism! He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one or shall they look for another? John has doubts, but he seeks to learn what Jesus will say—is open to hearing Jesus say that he is, indeed, the one! ”
In verse 6, Jesus states, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John did not take offense, but only expressed doubt. We can surmise, that John was questioning his own situation just as he was questioning that of Jesus. After all if he (John the Baptist) was truly the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, why is he in prison? Wouldn’t he better serve God by being out preaching the word of God? And if Jesus was the anointed one, why isn’t he calling down lightening strikes on the Romans, putting them on the run out of Judea? John, as great of a prophet as he was, is about to learn a great lesson in messiah-ship.
“Jesus could rebuke John for his doubts, but instead offers him a blessing. Jesus has not lived up to John’s expectations, but John has not allowed that to be a stumbling block (skandelisthe). Soon enough, Jesus will deal with cities that refuse to repent (11:20-24)—hometown people who take offense (13:57)—Pharisees who take offense (12:1-8; 15:12) and conspire to kill Jesus (12:9-14) and charge that Jesus gets his power from Beelzebul (12:24)—and even disciples who desert him when the chips are down (26:31-33). John has done none of those things, but simply asks Jesus to confirm that he is the one for whom everyone has been waiting. Jesus offers the blessing, not just to John, but to all who do not take offense—all who do not stumble—all who are not scandalized. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.” (Donovan)
Perhaps you now understand the importance of reviewing the nuances of the surrounding factors relative to a passage. Hopefully the brief summation provided helps you to understand why Jesus did not rebuke John, but in the verses suggested as today’s study, we find Jesus offering John praise.
“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”(v. 7) John’s disciples had departed, returning to Herod’s prison to report what Jesus had said, and Jesus turns his attention to the followers who had gone out to hear John preach and now were intently listening to and watching Jesus.
Instead of teaching in the formal places of religious instruction, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the outlying synagogues, John had preached in the wilderness, rural areas free of distraction and creature comforts. It required effort upon the part of the people to make the arduous journey out there to hear him, but none the less they did, in great multitudes according to the Gospel writers.
Jesus—in a rhetorical manner—asks them, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” Naturally, no one—much less multitudes of people—would make such a great effort to venture out into the desert to hear someone preach who was unworthy. “ They who are weak as reeds will be shaken as reeds; but John was strong in spirit, Eph. 4:14. When the wind of popular applause on the one hand blew fresh and fair, when the storm of Herod's rage on the other hand grew fierce and blustering, John was still the same, the same in all weathers. The testimony he had borne to Christ was not the testimony of a reed, of a man who was of one mind to-day, and of another to-morrow; it was not a weather-cock testimony; no, his constancy in it is intimated (Jn. 1:20); he confessed and denied not, but confessed, and stood to it afterwards, Jn. 3:28. ” (Henry)
In essence, Jesus is stating “Let me tell you what kind of man John is!”
“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (vs. 8-10)
John was said to wear a rough cloak made from the hair of a camel, with a leather belt to gird it, eating wild honey and grains so as to avoid the comparison of those political and religious leaders who lavished upon themselves great luxury. “A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Is a direct condemnation of the weak and lascivious usurper who had inherited his father’s throne, Herod Antipas, who in an attempt to seduce his own step daughter granted her a wish, which resulted in her mother asking for John’s head on a platter.
“Note, they who have lived a life of mortification, are least likely to be driven off from their religion by persecution. John appeared rough and unpleasant, yet they flocked after him.” (Henry)
“A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” Israel endured four hundred years without a prophet. When John burst onto the scene with his fiery preaching, the authenticity of his ministry generated enormous public appeal. “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “John prepares the way of the one who is to come. People check roads before the king travels them. Servants repair potholes and scouts insure security. Today, executives have assistants who plan their travel, secretaries who make their reservations, chauffeurs who drive their cars, and pilots who fly their planes. Just as the services of those who prepare the way enhance the executive’s ability to accomplish work, so also John smoothed Jesus’ entry into the world by calling people to repentance.”(Donovan)
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” (v. 11a) Jesus declares John to be, not just the greatest prophet, but the greatest figure ever. Given Israel’s pantheon of heroes, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, this is an astonishing statement, indeed. What makes John so special is not his personal characteristics, excellent though those might be, but his privileged place in salvation history. All the other heroes of the faith have done mighty works, but only John has the privilege of introducing the Messiah.
“notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(v. 11b) “ John stands at the pinnacle of the old era, but even the greatest representative of the old era is less than the humblest representative of the new. An appropriate metaphor is the ancient astronomer whose observations were limited by a small, primitive telescope. The most brilliant person, so limited, could never match the work of a more ordinary person with access to today’s space-based telescopes. Like Moses, John marched up to the border of the promise without actually entering it himself. He was Jesus’ forerunner—not his disciple. If the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, consider where that places us. We may be very ordinary Christians, but God considers us to be great.” (Donovan)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 12-15)
Jesus’ reference to violence refers to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald, and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and His kingdom.
The exact sense of this has been greatly debated, and is made more difficult by complicated grammar. Carson probably gives the best sense of both expressions. “The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. This is especially manifest in Jesus’ miracles and ties in with Jesus’ response to the Baptist…The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it.” (Carson)
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ” Jesus saw an era ending with John; all the prophets and the law anticipated John and his ministry as a herald. There is a sense in which John spoke for every prophet who heralded Jesus’ coming. Under the Old Covenant, every other prophet announced, “The Messiah is coming.” John alone had the privilege of saying, “The Messiah is here.”
“The ministry of John was the beginning of the gospel, as it is reckoned, Mk. 1:1; Acts 1:22. This is shown here in two things: [1.] In John the Old Testament dispensation began to die, v. 13. So long that ministration continued in full force and virtue, but then it began to decline. Though the obligation of the law of Moses was not removed till Christ's death, yet the discoveries of the Old Testament began to be superseded by the more clear manifestation of the kingdom of heaven as at hand. [2.] In him the New-Testament day began to dawn; for (v. 14) This is Elias, that was for to come. John was as the loop that coupled the two Testaments; as Noah was Fibula utriusque mundi—the link connecting both worlds, so was he utriusque Testamenti—the link connecting both Testaments. The concluding prophecy of the Old Testament was, Behold, I will send you Elijah, Mal. 4:5, 6. Those words prophesied until John, and then, being turned into a history, they ceased to prophecy. ” (Henry)
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” “A proverbial form of speech often used by Jesus after important utterances, here for the first time in Matthew.” (Bruce) A saying of Jesus that will appear throughout the Gospels which is a veiled warning to all mankind, to listen, to take heed, to understand that the teachings of Christ are indeed the thoughts and commandments of his Father in Heaven, and an implication that to ignore these words will result in less than favorable circumstances.
Benediction
It is not enough to acclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Our mission in life is to make his kingdom a reality among us and to bring it to those around us by our words and deeds. The way to do this is to live as he lived: for others, in love and service. May almighty God bless you for this task: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and to give shape to his kingdom. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day:
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.
Ray Bradbury

The Collect
Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever; Amen
Readings:
Psalm 5; 6 Proverbs 4
Gospel: Matthew 11:7–15
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Commentary:
We often find others, and sometimes ourselves, in a moment of religious fervor quoting a single verse or perhaps a passage, as a means of accentuating our editorial point or even justifying that point or opinion. When a verse is used appropriately, in that the contextual meaning of the verse actually is relevant to the theme we are seeking to emphasize, the usage stirs great emotion and sometimes introspection or encouragement. But when a verse is used out of context, the result is an opposite effect, causing confusion when the reader attempts to understand the writers intent or motivation.
Therefore, if we are going to use bible verses effectively, without sowing confusion and misunderstanding, we should attempt to learn all we can about the Bible, especially these individual scenes or vignettes we are presented with in bible studies such as the one today.
Quite frequently, the backgound of the Gospel account and the historical and cultural influences, are interesting, enlightening, and add a deeper understanding and appreciation of the lesson presented in the Gospel.
Regarding the setting or background of the passage we are studying today, we find John the Baptist—who had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod Antipas (see Mt. 4:12 and 14:1-12) hearing reports of the works of Christ—even while in prison—leading John to send two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus if he was indeed the Christ, the anointed one promised by the prophets. The one that the people were longing for with great expectations; a Messiah that would lead them out of subjugation by the Romans and restore the kingdom to its former glory as was under the reign of King David. (v. 11:2-3)
Donovan writes of this situation:
“The reason behind John’s question is found in his messianic expectations. He called people to repent (3:2), because “Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire” (3:10). He warned that the one who was to come would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire” (3:12). John clearly expects a fire-and-brimstone messiah.”
“Jesus has not lived up to that billing. He has pronounced blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and peacemakers (5:1-11). He has called his disciples to love their enemies (5:42-48). He has warned them not to judge others (7:1-5). These teachings seem weak by comparison with the actions anticipated by John’s fire and brimstone preaching.”
“Furthermore, Jesus moved away from Jerusalem, the home of the temple and the center of religious authority, and began his ministry in Galilee (4:12).”
“Then Jesus worked a series of healing ministries in chapters 8-9—what Bruner calls an “ambulance ministry”—of tremendous significance to those who were healed, but not significant to the nation as a whole. It has been centuries since Israel has heard a prophetic voice (other than John’s). People are looking for a voice of authority—for a fire that will purge the dross—for a powerful leader who will restore Israel’s former glory—for a messiah who will restore the people of God. John keeps watching Jesus hoping to see fireworks, but thus far has been disappointed.”
“But we must admire John. He has a problem with Jesus, so he approaches Jesus as directly as his imprisonment allows—no behind-the-back criticism! He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one or shall they look for another? John has doubts, but he seeks to learn what Jesus will say—is open to hearing Jesus say that he is, indeed, the one! ”
In verse 6, Jesus states, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” John did not take offense, but only expressed doubt. We can surmise, that John was questioning his own situation just as he was questioning that of Jesus. After all if he (John the Baptist) was truly the one sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, why is he in prison? Wouldn’t he better serve God by being out preaching the word of God? And if Jesus was the anointed one, why isn’t he calling down lightening strikes on the Romans, putting them on the run out of Judea? John, as great of a prophet as he was, is about to learn a great lesson in messiah-ship.
“Jesus could rebuke John for his doubts, but instead offers him a blessing. Jesus has not lived up to John’s expectations, but John has not allowed that to be a stumbling block (skandelisthe). Soon enough, Jesus will deal with cities that refuse to repent (11:20-24)—hometown people who take offense (13:57)—Pharisees who take offense (12:1-8; 15:12) and conspire to kill Jesus (12:9-14) and charge that Jesus gets his power from Beelzebul (12:24)—and even disciples who desert him when the chips are down (26:31-33). John has done none of those things, but simply asks Jesus to confirm that he is the one for whom everyone has been waiting. Jesus offers the blessing, not just to John, but to all who do not take offense—all who do not stumble—all who are not scandalized. Jesus blesses us when we remain faithful in the face of prayers that seem not to be answered or hopes that go unfulfilled.” (Donovan)
Perhaps you now understand the importance of reviewing the nuances of the surrounding factors relative to a passage. Hopefully the brief summation provided helps you to understand why Jesus did not rebuke John, but in the verses suggested as today’s study, we find Jesus offering John praise.
“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”(v. 7) John’s disciples had departed, returning to Herod’s prison to report what Jesus had said, and Jesus turns his attention to the followers who had gone out to hear John preach and now were intently listening to and watching Jesus.
Instead of teaching in the formal places of religious instruction, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the outlying synagogues, John had preached in the wilderness, rural areas free of distraction and creature comforts. It required effort upon the part of the people to make the arduous journey out there to hear him, but none the less they did, in great multitudes according to the Gospel writers.
Jesus—in a rhetorical manner—asks them, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” Naturally, no one—much less multitudes of people—would make such a great effort to venture out into the desert to hear someone preach who was unworthy. “ They who are weak as reeds will be shaken as reeds; but John was strong in spirit, Eph. 4:14. When the wind of popular applause on the one hand blew fresh and fair, when the storm of Herod's rage on the other hand grew fierce and blustering, John was still the same, the same in all weathers. The testimony he had borne to Christ was not the testimony of a reed, of a man who was of one mind to-day, and of another to-morrow; it was not a weather-cock testimony; no, his constancy in it is intimated (Jn. 1:20); he confessed and denied not, but confessed, and stood to it afterwards, Jn. 3:28. ” (Henry)
In essence, Jesus is stating “Let me tell you what kind of man John is!”
“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” (vs. 8-10)
John was said to wear a rough cloak made from the hair of a camel, with a leather belt to gird it, eating wild honey and grains so as to avoid the comparison of those political and religious leaders who lavished upon themselves great luxury. “A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Is a direct condemnation of the weak and lascivious usurper who had inherited his father’s throne, Herod Antipas, who in an attempt to seduce his own step daughter granted her a wish, which resulted in her mother asking for John’s head on a platter.
“Note, they who have lived a life of mortification, are least likely to be driven off from their religion by persecution. John appeared rough and unpleasant, yet they flocked after him.” (Henry)
“A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” Israel endured four hundred years without a prophet. When John burst onto the scene with his fiery preaching, the authenticity of his ministry generated enormous public appeal. “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” “John prepares the way of the one who is to come. People check roads before the king travels them. Servants repair potholes and scouts insure security. Today, executives have assistants who plan their travel, secretaries who make their reservations, chauffeurs who drive their cars, and pilots who fly their planes. Just as the services of those who prepare the way enhance the executive’s ability to accomplish work, so also John smoothed Jesus’ entry into the world by calling people to repentance.”(Donovan)
“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” (v. 11a) Jesus declares John to be, not just the greatest prophet, but the greatest figure ever. Given Israel’s pantheon of heroes, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, this is an astonishing statement, indeed. What makes John so special is not his personal characteristics, excellent though those might be, but his privileged place in salvation history. All the other heroes of the faith have done mighty works, but only John has the privilege of introducing the Messiah.
“notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”(v. 11b) “ John stands at the pinnacle of the old era, but even the greatest representative of the old era is less than the humblest representative of the new. An appropriate metaphor is the ancient astronomer whose observations were limited by a small, primitive telescope. The most brilliant person, so limited, could never match the work of a more ordinary person with access to today’s space-based telescopes. Like Moses, John marched up to the border of the promise without actually entering it himself. He was Jesus’ forerunner—not his disciple. If the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, consider where that places us. We may be very ordinary Christians, but God considers us to be great.” (Donovan)
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (vs. 12-15)
Jesus’ reference to violence refers to both the intensity of spiritual warfare surrounding the ministry of Jesus and His herald, and also to the intensity required to persevere in following God and His kingdom.
The exact sense of this has been greatly debated, and is made more difficult by complicated grammar. Carson probably gives the best sense of both expressions. “The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. This is especially manifest in Jesus’ miracles and ties in with Jesus’ response to the Baptist…The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it.” (Carson)
“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ” Jesus saw an era ending with John; all the prophets and the law anticipated John and his ministry as a herald. There is a sense in which John spoke for every prophet who heralded Jesus’ coming. Under the Old Covenant, every other prophet announced, “The Messiah is coming.” John alone had the privilege of saying, “The Messiah is here.”
“The ministry of John was the beginning of the gospel, as it is reckoned, Mk. 1:1; Acts 1:22. This is shown here in two things: [1.] In John the Old Testament dispensation began to die, v. 13. So long that ministration continued in full force and virtue, but then it began to decline. Though the obligation of the law of Moses was not removed till Christ's death, yet the discoveries of the Old Testament began to be superseded by the more clear manifestation of the kingdom of heaven as at hand. [2.] In him the New-Testament day began to dawn; for (v. 14) This is Elias, that was for to come. John was as the loop that coupled the two Testaments; as Noah was Fibula utriusque mundi—the link connecting both worlds, so was he utriusque Testamenti—the link connecting both Testaments. The concluding prophecy of the Old Testament was, Behold, I will send you Elijah, Mal. 4:5, 6. Those words prophesied until John, and then, being turned into a history, they ceased to prophecy. ” (Henry)
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” “A proverbial form of speech often used by Jesus after important utterances, here for the first time in Matthew.” (Bruce) A saying of Jesus that will appear throughout the Gospels which is a veiled warning to all mankind, to listen, to take heed, to understand that the teachings of Christ are indeed the thoughts and commandments of his Father in Heaven, and an implication that to ignore these words will result in less than favorable circumstances.
Benediction
It is not enough to acclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and King. Our mission in life is to make his kingdom a reality among us and to bring it to those around us by our words and deeds. The way to do this is to live as he lived: for others, in love and service. May almighty God bless you for this task: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord and to give shape to his kingdom. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day:
Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.
Ray Bradbury

"hello, new visitor, if you're seeing this you're in the land of the vanished, if you're here it means that no one has thought about you for several months, fear not I wrote a book about my journey, in hopes that it'll help newcomers like you".
It was a tuesday, 6am, my brother Joe, jumped on a plane to Canada.
He was successful, or so I thought.
At the time I expected him to return home in 2-3 months, however this wasn't the case, after 4 months I finally called the cops to report a missing person.
Eventually five months passed and I decided to go searching for him.
After another month I got on a plane to Canada.
"What if he was kidnapped and then brutally mutilated," I thought as my heart raced.
Joe gave me the hotel he was at before he left, this gave me a few clues but it wasn't much, when I arrived I asked the manager if he saw Joe leave the hotel or if he knew about Joe's whereabouts.
"I never saw Joe leave, his room is still empty so you can check it out," the manager said. "What room" I responded. "Room 303, I'll escort you there" the manager said.
The bright lights reflected the hall floors. "Why would this man be following me into Joe's room, what if he killed Joe, what if I'm next" I thought as I began imagining my corpse in a dumpster next to a Denny's somewhere.
After a few minutes of going upstairs I remembered my 15th birthday, that day I learned that all my friends were fake, not a single one came to my birthday, neither did my parents, In fact they didn't even set up the party, Joe set up the entire party, helped me set up invitations for my friends, and was the only person who even bothered to be there.
"Can't believe I forgot about Joe for those five months," I thought as we finally arrived at room 303.
"Ladies first," the manager said.
I became paranoid as I entered the room with the manager behind me.
*Slam.
The door was slammed closed as I investigated the room, not thinking much about it I continued investigating, first I checked the bedroom, I found Joe's phone randomly on the floor.
Then I heard the sound of someone locking. The manager lunged at me with a knife. Adrenaline rushed through my blood stream as I dodged the knife, dashed into the kitchen, and grabbed a knife. The manager suddenly became scared, or at least he looked scared since I also had a knife.
I was able to unlock the door while simultaneously watching him for any sudden movements, my back leaned on the door as I unlocked the door without looking, I'm very lucky the lock didn't require a key from the inside.
I swiftly opened the door and ran downstairs, the manager followed, my legs began shaking uncontrollably. The adrenaline had officially ran out, the manager continued the chase.
"There's cameras up here!!," this one sentence alone made the manager stop what he was doing, go on the floor and start crying knowing he would be exposed for his attempt at killing.
I became very confused, "why was he crying" I wondered. I then realized this was my chance to escape, I escaped that horrid hotel.
"Turn on you stupid thing!!" I yelled at the phone as it refused to turn on due to its lack of battery. I decided to find a hotel where I could charge my phone and rest for a bit.
I couldn't go to this one since the manager almost killed me, luckily for me a hotel wasn't too far away from the other one, a common trend done by many hotel companies.
I rented a room for $70 a day, I had $100 left.
"Did the manager kill Joe, he might've been trying to kill me in order to ensure no one finds his remains," this thought alone had me up the entire night.
I continued my investigation believing there's still a chance that he's alive, I checked Joe's phone in hopes of finding his whereabouts.
I found a few messages on his phone, except a cut off message on bumble. He was messaging a woman named Katelyn. "Maybe he was living with that woman's home" I thought.
After reading enough of the messages I was able to find the woman's address.
On my way there I felt a bit light headed, I clasped onto the ground, all thoughts vanished as I began to fade away.
I woke up with my shirt soaked in water, same with my pants. My feet felt the wet carpet touch my feet as the coldness sunk in.
My nose burned as the smell of several moldy walls intoxicated my lungs.
I was surrounded by darkness, I ventured this darkness in fear, what if I wasn't alone, what if I just feared the dark. The sound of flies every once and awhile echoed in my ear.
I would soon realize that both of these were true.
My eyes saw a light illuminating in the distance, I dashed towards the light, feeling warmth for the first time being in this place, it felt amazing until I encountered another human being.
"Judging from your number, you must be a newcomer," the man said.
"Follow me" the man added. He refused to elaborate further, I didn't know anything about this place so I reluctantly followed him.
The man gave off a very creepy vibe, he wore a black coat with a yellow stripe on his left sleeve, his sleeve had a hole revealing his or a number, 64 was his number.
"What's your name," I said attempting to strike some conversation, instead of keeping the strange atmosphere. He continued walking without a sound to be heard from him.
A flashback struck me reminding me of the very possible chance that this nameless man could try and kill me.
"It's not like you have a choice" my brain told me as I continued to follow him.
A sudden bright light from the sky hit me. I noticed a village in the direction we were headed.
A man in a fox mask approached us, his mask was gray and black both having different sides of the mask, the man held a baseball bat with barbwire wrapped around the wood, the wood was a grayish color.
"Mike, who have you brought to our village," the man said. "A newcomer" Mike responded.
"I assumed the person who brought me here was Mike, the other guy's name has yet to be revealed," I thought.
"My name is Michael, what is your name, newcomer," Michael said. "My name is Jamey," I responded. "Follow me, Jamey," Michael said. Michael took me to the village, where I was given three job choices.
"Alright before we set you up with a house, you'll need a job, your current number gives you three job choices," Michael said.
"Michael, what's the firing squad," I said.
"The firing squad moves through several other rooms exterminating monsters and other hostile creatures" Michael responded.
"Training is optional since we don't expect most to come out alive regardless" Michael added.
"Although firing squads dangerous I don't wanna live here forever, in fact I still need to find Joe," I thought.
"You may be reluctant to join the firing squad, however joining the firing squad is one of the best ways to explore the land of the forgotten, thus increasing your number," Michael said.
"What is the number?" I asked Michael
"The number is your lifespan, the amount of rooms you explore the bigger your lifespan becomes, your current number says you have 11 years, this is one greater than the number every newcomer gets" Micheal said.
"The number is typically used to determine what jobs you can get as well," Micheal added.
Michael escorted me to the barracks where I'd be assigned my first mission.
I refused to do any training, mainly because I wanted to begin searching for Joe as quickly as possible, he may have gotten stuck here, although the possibility was slim it was still a possibility.
Although I refused training Micheal gave me a guide that contained 10 pages, the pages look old, it's cover was incredibly dusty, despite all that its leather still felt smooth.
As I approached the barracks my feet were no longer greeted with gravel but mud, my feet sunk into the mud, the process of pulling my feet out the mud for every step became tiresome. I was sent to collect rice at room 23.
An 8'9 man approached me, "name's sergeant Sergio, I'm your commander from now on!!!!" Sergeant Sergio yelled as spit was launched onto my face. His foot shaked the floors, you could hear his footsteps from a mile away.
Sergio escorted me to the firing squad. On my way there I heard the sweet crunch sound my feet made when it collided with the gravel. Sergio's veins seemed to always be popping out, his muscles always tense, he seemed to always be excited or angry.
Sergio violently munched on so candy bar, it's wrapper was red and white, spelling out Snickers.
Sergeant Sergio and I met my comrades, Joseph Johnson, Kevin Kent, Niko Nagi, and Kenny Sparks.
"Everyone listen one, your mission is to acquire at least 10 pounds of rice preferably from room 23, if you are unsuccessful, you are not to return without a casket, do you understand!!" Said Sergeant Sergio.
"Yes sir" we all replied in unity. Looking at my comrades I attempted to predict which roles each would follow.
Joseph, he wore a black hoodie, long sleeves concealing his number, and sweat pants, he stood tall with a very confident impression, he'll lead us through many struggles and keep us in one piece.
Kevin, he strafed back and forth nervously, his face seemed a little pale, easy to intimidate however this does mean he probably won't do anything stupid, he's the weakest link.
Niko, with his cold expression he would deal with the most extreme situations, his impression marked him as a savage who showed no mercy, his only goal being survival, he'll keep us alive but we may lose our sanity in the process.
Kenny, her inability to stop eyeballing Sergio's candy bar gives the impression of one who seeks food, this may affect us in the long run if we make it that far, her craving for food may look small but may result in someone who reacts based on impulse and impulse alone.
We began are journey as we left the warmth of the village we ventured to the next room. My feet were no longer greeted with gravel, mud, or anything of the sweet outdoors but the cold wet carpet once more, this time no lights were in sight. I fearfully walked through the darkness, I could still see a few of my comrades except Kevin, he ran off into the darkness, his screams echoing through the soulless tunnels.
*Crunch. The sound of a half full bottle of water made as it collided with my feet. Niko pulled out a lantern bringing me joy once more, no longer would we be in complete darkness. Until it shut off, fear struck me once again. A heard a very loud roar followed by the loud footsteps of a spider, I then noticed Kenny eating a potato, Kenny also had a ton of water bottles.
Niko threw a torch revealing a terrifying spider, the spider was enormous, it's size equivalent to a truck. Kevin's corpse was now in sight as it hang there waiting to eaten by the spider.
I was suddenly frozen, my body stood still not responding to a single command I gave it. *Bang, the sound of a gun, followed by the flash from its muzzle, Niko welded a desert eagle, A few moments later another bang, and another until only the sound of desperate clicks could be heard, we all dashed through the room without thought of where we were or where we were headed.
The spider roared one last time before collapsing onto the ground. We approached the next room, freeing us from the darkness and freeing are nose from the terrible mold smell that was burning our noses. Kenny, noticing a bag of potatoes dashed without hesitation sealing her fate, what appeared to be a humanoid like figure completely composed of black mold snatched her up refusing to let go as she turned to dust. She was nothing but dirt in only ten seconds.

period: april 28th to May 14th 2024.
Nights spent in: Tokyo - Sendai - Fukushima - Koriyama - Nagoya - Hakata ( Fukuoka ).
If it's really off the beaten path or not you'll decide, some destinations visited are really particular, other are way more popular even if usually not what you'll visit in your first trip to Japan. let's say i've been to japan last summer and did all the usual things one do the first time he's there, probably even something more: Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Nara - Nikko, Fukuoka, Matsumoto, Himeji, Miyajima. pretty much what almost anyone does for their first time if they have the opportunity.
Given the weak Yen and having still some time ( and money ) i could spend i decided to come back less than a year later, this time at the end of April up until half may in order to explore less popular destinations. I'll avoid to provide the usual tips anyone provide, like how to move from narita, how to get a Suica or how to book a train seat, how to operate a toilet and such things.
SOME TIPS
Concerning Suica: contrary to what most people suggest, i didn't buy one neither last summer or this time and frankly i've never missed not having it. I use my mastercard credit card, most places in japan accept it with zero problems and for the rest you can get Yen at any ATM machine that you can find in any combini with it and pay cash wich japanese still very much use
Concerning the period of the year: last year i went in August. I can confirm that moving around in April/May is so incredibly much better. The heat in august is some day even unbearable. This time the weather was mostly fine, got only one day of rain even if the temperatures were still a bit on the cold side overall. Unfortunately this year Sakura came early and I missed it by a week or two. But still apart from the cherry trees all the plants were blossoming and it was so nice to see flowers everywhere compared to the pain of the humidity and the torment of cicadas you have during summer.
Concerning golden week: one of the two weeks i was there was the golden week. I didn't book anything in advance but, maybe because of the fact i was moving off the beaten path, i almost never had problems booking trains or hotels during golden week ( i said almost, more details later ). Cant tell what's the effect when trying to book hotels in places like Kyoto.
concerning planning: my usual planning method goes the following: i book the plane, obviously. I buy JRP ( yes i still bought it even after the price increase ) and i book two days of hotels. The rest of my trip i have an idea of what i want to do and where i want to go but i book hotels and such, while going along. This gives me the flexibility to change my itinerary or react to bad weather ( last summer i run away from a typhoon with this trick ) or unexpected problems ( last summer i got food poisoning and i had to delay my program booking an hotel for three more days than expected: had i booked all nights in advance it would have been a huge problem ). I only book hotels using the booking website app and i can only say good things about it. I travel alone, maybe for couples or families this isn't as easy as it was for me.
Warning: I like to walk and I walk a lot. So if you need tips to move around, I’m not probably the right person because what you might want to do using a bus or a taxi I would probably do by walking. I’ve walked on average of 20 km a day and probably more and if a place is like 3-4 km from where I am I walk there without even looking if there’s a better option with a bus or something else.
I will give a vote to the places I’ve visited according to two parameters:
How off the beaten path it really is, judging by how many foreign tourists I met there. And an overall vote telling how worthy I feel the place is to visit. To make it short I will call them “OTBP VOTE and OVERALL VOTE”

SO LET'S START WITH THE ACTUAL TRIP REPORT:
Day 1: landing in Tokyo at midday in Narita. After finishing all the immigration process i moved to my hotel. This time i decided to book it for two nights in Omiya/Saitama. The place is less than half an hour from Tokyo Station and was the opportunity to see something different. I haven't seen much of the place but the area around the station was very lively, lots of restaurant and lots of people moving around. It was full of decoration with squirrells and a football team, i guess they were either promoting it or they won something cause decorations were everywhere, honestly didn't ask about. Well apart from checking in, recovering from the flight, looking for something to eat and checking a bit the areai didn't do much.
day 2: in the morning i took the train to Ashikaga Flower Park. I've seen picture of it online and according to the informations i gathered i might have been late for the sakura but the Wisteria were in full bloom and they had a lot of them in this park.
So i took the train, it was around an hour ride and Omiya was strategically on the way. I realized my trip plan was proably a good one when, once reached the Ashikaga flower park station ( there's a train station dedicated to this park ) all the people on the train got off. A little walk, ticket and i was in. The place, given the right time of the year, was AMAZING, UNBELIEVABLE. I can't begin to tell you how cool and how huge the wisteria plants were. they were in full bloom, and was something out of this world, it looked like something you see in the movie avatar. Like three or four wisterias as big as a basketball field if not even more, of different colours and kinds, plus a lot more of regular sized wisterias and a lot more flower plants of all kinds. Had to say, for some reason with all the flowers the air wasn’t at all full of their scent. I even got a wisteria flavoured ice cream, wich was probably a wisteria coloured ice cream cause it didn’t have any real particular taste. The place was packed with Japanese people and foreigners like me you could count them on the fingers of one hand. I arrived there early, so by early afternoon I was satisfied with my visit and moved away. A quick check on my train app and google maps and realized I could reach Kawagoe from there fairly easily.
ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 10
When I was on the train it stopped at the Tochigi station, it looked nice from the train so I decided to jump off and check the area a bit, because sometime I do that kind of things, and the idea wasn’t bad at all: the town itself doesn’t look anything special but there’s a canal wich was very picturesque, plus it was fully decorated with paper carps because of the time of the year and Japanese people were doing boat rides on the river on traditional little boats while singing songs. I won't say to go there specifically to see the place, but if you're on that train route or still around it, it might be worth a stop. So, once I finished checking the area I jump back on the train and finally reached Kawagoe.
TOCHIGI: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 6 ½
Kawagoe is a small place north of Tokyo, not very far, wich is know for a small neighbourhood with old Edo houses. That neighbourhood is more far from the station that I expected, but still nice and worth a check. There’s a very cool bell tower there and one of the coolest Starbucks I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t spend a whole day in Kawagoe if you ask me but If you’re in Tokyo and have an half day available that you don't know how to spend I’d say it’s totally worth a train ride. Had my dinner there and then moved back to Omiya where I would spend my last night.
KAWAGOE: OTBP: 7 OVERALL: 7
Day 3: woke up early, jumped on the train and moved to Sendai where I had planned to stay the next three nights. Once again Omiya was a good choice cause I could take the shinkansen right from there without having to move back to Tokyo.
Arrived in Sendai, left my luggage in the hotel where I couldn’t check in cause it was still to early and hopped on a local train in direction of Matsushima. By midday I was already in Matsushima. This is another very famous destination for Japanese people, one of the most known panoramas in japan. Have to say, the town is a typical sea town, definitely welcoming. I had one of the best Sushi I ever had in japan in a local restaurant ( check matsushima sushi kou if interested ). Visited Zuiganji temple and then walked a bit on the coast, crossed the Fukuurabashi bridge, the long red bridge that you probably have seen in some picture, and walked around Fukuurajima. Here you can have a walk around the island it’s not small but is small enough that you can walk it all fairly quickly and it has some nice spots to discover. You have to pay a small fee to cross the bridge. Then went back, checked the Godaido of Zuiganji and it’s worth mentioning that when walking along the coast I’ve stumbled across a couple of signs giving instructions on what to do in case of a tsunami and what happened back in 2011, wich I didn’t even think about up until that moment and suddenly the memories went back to what happened there more than 10 years ago. Last thing, my advice is to walk down to Oshima island. This little island is less crowded, you can reach it crossing a little red bridge and honestly to me it’s the best spot to admire Matsushima. I didn’t went for the ferry ride across the bay cause the weather wasn’t very good and I was starting to be a little short on time, so I moved back to Sendai.
MATSUSHIMA: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 8 ½
Once back in Sendai, I went to see the sunset from the panoramic floor of the AER building near the station, wich is totally free even if finding the right elevator that takes you up might be a bit tricky, but the view is totally worth it, you can even see in the distance the big white shape of the dai-kannon and from the other side of the floor you can easily see the sea.
Talking about Sendai, I didn’t dedicate to the city the time that should have been necessary because I was always on day trips and I spend there mostly the late evenings, but my impression is that Sendai is a very nice city that should appear more often in peoples itineraries. The city is particularly vibrant and alive, lot of young people, lot of things to see and do, a covered shopping street that is almost endless full of restaurants and shops, way more green than many other Japanese cities. I’d recommend anyone who had the time and the opportunity to spend a little time here. Also it has a very distinctive identity and everything proudly revolves around the image of its founder Date Masamune who is everywhere in senday, even the penguin of the local DonQuishotte mall was dressed up as Date Masamune.
So after the panorama, I went in the hotel, finally checked in and then moved back to look for food. Walked down what I think is called ichibancho street, wich as I said before is an endless downtown road full of shops and restaurant and stopped to have a try at the most famous local dish, Gyutan, wich is grilled cow tongue. Never had tongue in my life and have to admit it, it’s not bad at all, I quite enjoyed it. Had a little more walk around then called it a day.
SENDAI: OTBP: 7 ½ OVERALL: 9
Day 4: today trip is to Hiraizumi, a UNESCO world heritage site, where you can admire some historically significant buddhist sites. You had to catch a coincidence in Ichinoseki but the whole ride is pretty straight forward and doesn’t really take much time. At 9 am I was already ready to explore. As I sad I’m a walker, so I walked the walk from the station to the Chuson Ji temple wich is around 2 km and I totally recommend it cause the town is quite nice to walk through, very small village, very cozy and intimate. Chuson Ji it’s a very beautiful complex to explore, it’s inside a forest, kinda reminds a bit of Nikko atmosphere if you’ve been there even if the buildings aren’t as spectacular. The whole wood was full of blossoming plants and here and there I was able to spot some late cherry tree still full of flowers, giving me an hint to what sakura must really be.
You stumble in the temple buildings one after another while you go deep into the wood. I reach the main building and there’s a ceremony in progress. I discovered later that the next day was planned the Fujiwara festival where all people dress up like in Edo period and do a parade in the city. The day I was there instead the children parade was planned, so it was full of kids dressed up and judging by how proud and elegant their parents were I tend to think it was a pretty big thing for them. I enjoy the situation for a while, then went back to exploring, till I reached the main attraction of the temple wich is the Konjikido, a golden pavilion that dates back to the XII century wich is amazing to see in person.
Once I finished exploring the whole Chuson Ji complex I went looking for a restaurant and had a nice ramen set, because the visit took the whole morning, then moved to the second stop wich was Motsuji Temple: as much as Chuson Ji impressed me, Motsu-ji disappointed me. The thing is, you pay to enter and in the end what you see is a place mostly empty, where the only building there are reconstructions and most places are just a bunch of rocks with signs saying “here once was this building” “here once was that building” and the main thing you’ll see there is a pond whose importance is that it dates back to the time when Japanese gardens were kinda dull compared to what they’ll become centuries later. So it’s kinda a pond that you would completely ignore in a different context. I mean, I totally get the historical importance of this place, but, honestly from the ignorant eyes of a tourist it’s really nothing you would invest your time visiting, according to my opinion.
Another place that would have been worth visiting was Takkoku-no Iwaya Bishamondo, but isn’t really that easy to reach, it’s a bit far to walk to and I was once again out of time, therefore I decided to skip it and went back to the station and to sendai where I again went to look for something to eat and had a little night stroll, nothing worth mentioning.
HIRAIZUMI: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 8
Day 5: today I decided to go to Kakunodate. The town is a easily reachable by train from sendai but a bit far compared to the day before. Went off the station and once again started walking. The place is known mainly for its many samurai houses, all indications point to them so it’s not possible to miss them. The town itself for the little I’ve seen doesn’t really seem to offer much apart from that but the samurai distict it’s nice. Many of the houses have been converted into small museums, that you can visit paying a small fee. I entered one of them, there was a little tour showing the history of the city and the history of the family of samurai living there. Among the things you could do you had the chance even to hold a real katana ( it felt quite a clumsy and top heavy sword compared to what I had imagined ). In fairness, to my taste, there isn’t much to do apart from visiting the samurai district, yes you can visit the local museum, do some craft shopping ( I bought a very nice box made of cherry bark there wich is a typical local craft ) therefore after a late lunch I was back to Sendai. In my opinion if you want to see a Samurai district you can also go to Kanazawa and there’s much more to see there overall compared to Kakunodate, but if you like the atmosphere of a smaller village instead of a big city and you like something more “off the beaten path” then I’d say go to kakunodate.
KAKUNODATE: OTBP: 8 ½ OVERALL: 6 ½
Given i was back to sendai relatively early, that gave me the opportunity to walk ( yes I walked even there ) to see the dai-kannon. The walk was nice, it took me through some very quiet neighbourhood that you wouldn’t normally visit. When I reached the statue It was too late to go inside it but I still had a good view of it. That is a quite impressive sight, you almost have difficulty to grasp the actual size of it. The area around the statue has really nothing to offer, therefore my honest suggestion is take a ride with the sightseeing bus and use that to reach it and once you’re finished with the statue move to a more interesting spot.
And this was my last day in Sendai. My plan at this point was to book two nights at Koriyama but probably because of the golden week I wasn’t able to find a hotel to my liking there therefore I decided to book one night in Fukushima and the next night in Koriyama. These were the two more expensive nights of all my trip and still ended up spending only around 70 € a night.
Day 6: plan for the day: leave the luggage in the hotel, visit Yamadera, go back to sendai, pick up the luggage and move to fukushima to spend the night. Yamadera is truly easy to reach from Sendai and a very recommended destination if you happen to be in Sendai. The place is mostly known for a temple that is reachable walking an abundant number of steps up a hillside. You reach the town, wich Is a very little and cozy village in the mountains west from Sendai and the temple is very close to the station so it’s not possible to miss it. You can tell the whole village revolves around the temple but it still maintain an authentic spirit. Lots of restaurants and little shops to visit on the road that brings to the temple. The temple itself is very “vertical” : sets of stone stairs will lead you up the side of the hills, till you reach the main building and a couple of satellite building where you’ll be rewarded by an amazing view on the village below. If you don’t mind stairs you’ll be rewarded with a very relaxing atmosphere. Here too given the latitude and the altitude I’ve been able to enjoy a couple of late blossoming cherry trees. The weather was amazing that day and all the gardens where full of flowers, this made the whole trip particularly enjoyable. Luckly I’m an early bird because later in the day the place was really packed with visitors. Once I was finished I had a nice set of Yamagata Dashi Soba in a typical restaurant with Tatamis low tables and a beautiful view on the river that cuts in half the village.
YAMADERA: OTBP: 10 OVERALL 9
After a late lunch I jumped back to the train, went back to sendai to pickup the luggage and moved to the next stop, Fukushima. Here I had the first disappointment of my trip. As my usual I booked a hotel that was close to the main train station, wich is usally the place where you want to be. I had a walk around there and the impression I got from Fukushima was that the place was miserable, a place that has really nothing much to offer to a tourist and not even to a citizen because compared to all the other places I’ve been in japan the impression was that even the locals weren’t as lively and enjoying life that much. I hope I’m not offending anyone and for sure I can’t give a proper review of the place after just an evening spent there, but the impression I got was of one of those town, that you can find in every country you'll visit, where young people can’t wait to get old enough to run away from.
FUKUSHIMA: OTBP: 9 ½ OVERALL: 4
DAY 7: wake up in fukushima, move to Koriyama, leave the luggage at the hotel, and then visit Ouchi-Juku and Aizu Wakamatsu. If you’re wondering, the thing is doable but you need to move early. Once you reach Koriyama you take the local train for Aizu Wakamatsu. There you jump on another local train, wich isn’t entirely operated by JR so you’ll have to pay a ticket, to Yunokami Onsen station where you end up in one of the coolest train stations in japan because it’s built in the style of a traditional house with wooden interiors and a straw roof, and it has a feet onsen right outside where you can wait the train while bathing your feet in thermal water, how cool is that?
From here you take a bus and reach Ouchi Juku. On paper it sounds harder than it actually is but you have to plan your trip properly. Ouchi Juku is a post town all made of traditional houses that reminds you a bit of Shirakawa Go, I frankly don’t know how it isn’t more popular among foreigners cause it’s truly a one of a kind place. Most probably is because it’s so off the beaten path and hard to reach. Still it’s extremely popular among Japanese people because the place was crowded and, when I left, the car traffic was stuck by how many people where trying to reach the place by car. I have to tell you in all honestly the place is probably a bit too touristy because there’s not a single house that isn’t turned into a gift shop or a restaurant. But still the place is so charming and picturesque that is totally worth a visit, plus the surrounding woods, mountains and rice field really act like a frame around the most beautiful picture. So I spend the morning here and around 2 pm I move back to Aizu, because there are really not many bus runs in the evening taking you back to Yunokami Onsen and you better reach the place early.
OUCHI JUKU: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 9
That gives me the opportunity to visit Aizu Wakamatsu. Ive heard about the city for its castle and for the legend of the Byakko Tai. I get off to Aizu Wakamatsu main station and walk across town till I reach the castle. Keep in mind it’s Saturday and along the whole walk I might have crossed three people. The city was deserted and one thing I’ve learned is, if people on a Saturday evening flee a city like that, then there isn’t much to do or see there, and that’s the impression I got, kinda like Fukushima, probably even worse. Still, I reached the castle: the park is very nice, the castle is a beautiful Japanese castle but, to my understanding it’s a modern reconstruction cause the original castle was lost during the Meiji restoration as Aizu was one of the spots that rised against the emperor. At least around the castle there were now many people. From the castle, wich I didn’t visit inside, I went back to the train station, this time I reached Nanukamachi station and I have to admit it the area there seemed more alive and interesting to stroll around than the area around main Aizu station, therefore maybe I just walked across the wrong part of the town, I honestly can’t tell.
AIZU: OTBP: 9 OVERALL: 6
From Aizu I finally moved by train to Koriyama. I really didn’t spend enough time there to have a proper opinion but the impression I got was of a laid back place, more relaxing than sendai and definitely more alive than fukushima. If I had more time I’d probably give it a shot for a day visit, it might be a surprise.

DAY 8: by this day I ended up with a terrible sore throath that I had to endure almost till my last day in japan. I never had a fever but there was definitely something going around, I kept hearing many Japanese people coughing on trains all around japan so there was definitely something going around, maybe it’s just the season changing, it happens during this season all the times to have some cold or cough. Anyway, the day I had to wake up early and move from Koriyama to Nagoya by Shinkansen, wich was a considerably long trip but at least it gave me the opportunity to take probably the best picture I’ve ever take of mount fuji, from the train. Once in Nagoya I left the luggage in the hotel ( wich, thanks probably to the fact that the golden week just ended, I happened to book for 4 nights for a whopping 25€ a night wich was a total steal even for current Japanese standard prices ). There I immediately jumped on another train and went to visit Inuyama.
The area around Nagoya is a bit tricky cause it’s full of railroads operated by a company that is not JR wich are not covered by the JR Pass but there’s a JR station a bit to the north of Inuyama that will do the job. The place is totally recommended for three reason: it’s overall nice, with the Kiso river cutting it, the castle is one of the few original ones and even if small is considered a national treasure and the whole area around the castle is very nice and worthy to spend some time on. So I visited the castle, the view from the top floor is awesome and in a clear day you can easily spot the skyline of Nagoya. Outside the castle there’s an edo style street full of shops, restaurants and street food that is nice to explore, totally recommended a walk there.
INUYAMA: OTBP: 8 ½ OVERALL: 10
Coming back to Nagoya I just had energy to look for food then I went back to my hotel for a good night of sleep.
DAY 9: a day trip from Nagoya to Ise. The trip isn’t that easy, you got to take a couple of trains if you move only by JR ( and a couple of stops of one of them aren’t even JR operated wich is a little confusing honestly ) and you end up in Iseshi station. From there I moved to Ise Jingu Geku, wich is the outer sanctuary and from there you can take a bus ( guess what, I walked instead ) to the main Ise sanctuary. If you don’t know Ise Jingu is the most sacred place in the Shinto religion and is regularly visited even by the emperor given his role in the Shinto religion. Inside the main temple one of the most sacred relics of Shinto religion is preserved.
Well, being totally honest here’s my impressions of Ise: it’s not simple to reach. The city itself, for what I’ve seen, looks like it has seen better days, meaning it looks like it’s falling apart. And the temples, there’s really not that much to see: they are in a forest, and the temples are not that spectacular, plus the most interesting parts are forbidden to visit. You can go to Atsuta Jingu without moving out from Nagoya and have a fairly realistic impression of what you would see in Ise without all the issues. I know people will attack me for what I’m saying, but that is what I’ve got from it. The most fun part was the edo style neighborhood that you can find right before entering the main Isu complex, wich looks almost like a theme park. I don’t say don’t go there, I say if you are, as you are probably, on borrowed time, with lots of places you want to visit and too few days to see them all, if Ise is in your list you might want to use the day to see something else.
ISE: OTBP: 6 ½ OVERALL: 6 ½
DAY 10: I decided to spend the day in Nagoya and take a look of the city, thanks also to the weather that was a bit rainy and really not inviting for another day trip. What I’ve seen in a day is the samurai exposition in Marunouchi. It’s free and it’s totally worth it, lots of beautiful samurai armours and swords. There’s another exposition that opened not many years ago that you can go nto too far but I didn’t visit so I can’t tell about that. From here I went to Nagoya castle. You pay to enter the complex but currently the Castle is under restoration and you can see it from outside ( it’s very impressive, Nagoya and Osaka castles are massive ) but not visit from inside. But the Honmaru Palace right beside it is open and totally worth a visit. From here took the subway ( yeah today I didn’t walk much so I got a subway day pass ) to the Osu Shotengai Shopping District, wich is the usual kind of covered shopping streets nest you can find in all the Japanese cities, and then moved again to Atsuta Jingu Shrine that, as I said, to me is a completely valid alternative to visiting Ise. The day went by without even noticing and I couldn’t see all the other places I had picked, like the Toyota museum, the tokugawa museum or the science museum, but that’s what you get when you only have one day dedicated to visit a city as big as Nagoya. Still I had time to get an impression of the city and I honestly don’t get the bad reputation it has among foreigners, the city looked to me quite interesting, nice, full of things to see and the people felt particularly laid back compared to cities like Tokyo or Osaka, it’s probably the place where I’ve seen the biggest number of tanned Japanese in all the country. To me Nagoya is totally worth at least two or three days dedicated only to visiting the city.
NAGOYA: OTBP: 5 OVERALL: 9
DAY 11: my original plan was to walk the Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago. But the weather that day was kinda shit, I wasn’t feeling particularly In the mood of a walk because of my throath and I was starting to feel a bit tired, so I improvised and went for a day in Takayama and Gero Onsen. Takayama is pretty famous. I went there around 20 years ago and I remembered it as a very nice place. Getting back now, with all the Japanese places I’ve seen so far, I would say this: the train trip to Takayama is Spectacular, is a truly feast for the eyes. The town itself, it left me a little disappointed. The Edo style streets that its famous for, I’ve seen so many of them at that point around japan that it didn’t really leave a significant impression on me. And it was honestly smaller than I remembered it. Plus the weather, as I said, didn’t help. So overall the reality didn’t stand up to my memories and my expectations. Plus most of the houses there have now been turned in cheap souvenir shops with nothing giving you an authentic feeling. Don’t know, probably I wasn’t really in the mood that day.
TAKAYAMA: OTBP: 2 OVERALL: 6 ½
I took the opportunity on the way back to stop at Gero Onsen. Unfortunately I didn’t have the time to actually stop for an onsen cause overall the whole day wasn’t planned and I mainly improvised. Still the town is very nice and probably, having no expectations or no knowledge of it, even more worth visiting than Takayama. Had a nice walk around the town, and at least had the opportunity to “feel” the thermal water cause there’s plenty of fountains with hot spring water where you can rest your feet or your hands. It was enough to make me aware that a proper onsen there must be a very enjoyable experience.
GERO ONSENS: OTBP: 8 OVERALL: 8
And after this I went to Nagoya where I spent my last night in the city.

DAY 12: moving to Fukuoka ( Hakata ). I booked a hotel near Hakata station so I jumped on the shinkansen and moved there. The ride was as confortable as any shinkansen ride can be and I reached the place sooner than I imagined. First thing was a good look of the city from the panoramic floor in the station. Then had a walk to the Canal City mall wich is a very weirdly and interesting designed mall that is a very popular location in town. Had a walk from there to Nakasu island where I got a quick dinner considering it was already time, and had another walk around the area wich unfortunately will turn out to be my only experience of Fukuoka. I’ll spend here three nights but the following days will be so full that won’t give me any chance to visit the town more, so in the end I don’t really have an opinion on Fukuoka if not that I should probably have spent more time there, but unfortunately the days you have are numbered and there’s so much to see that you have to give up something here and there, so i won't even give a vote to the city.
DAY 13: Destination is Kagoshima that it’s easily reachable by train. I went there with no real expectation and I was totally blown away. Something clicked and I instantly liked the town, I must say that probably the fact that one of the most beautiful girls I’ve seen in japan out of the blue started a conversation with me on the train probably helped a lot in putting me in a good mood.
From the station I walked downtown till the coast. On the way I stopped shopping a bit, found a local market where local artisans that day were exposing their crafts wich I liked a lot and went to the top floor of the Centerrace Mall to get a panoramic view of the city with an amazing view on Sakurajima volcano. If you don’t know it’s the symbol of the city and it’s said to be almost always active, the whole day I’ve been there he kept puffing little clouds of smoke from time to time, it was very cool. So, once reached the cost I walked ( you should know it by now ) till I reached Sengan-En wich is the garden and the palace of a local lord and it’s very beautiful, totally worth a visit, also compared to many other places in japan, this is more modern and therefore more unique both in the architecture of the palace and the style of the garden. I’d say if you are in Kagoshima you won’t regret visiting it ( maybe don’t do like me and take a bus cause it’s more than 6 km from the station ). After visiting Sengan En I went back to the ferries and took a ferry to Sakurajima. The ferry is very cheap, 200 yen, and quick to reach it’s destination, but on Sakurajima there’s really not much to do if you don’t plan to use a bus or some other kind of transportation. Since it was already evening, I had nothing planned and I had to go back to Hakata, I just took the time to have a walk on the Lava Trail wich is a walk in a natural park that has grown over an old lava flow, wich is a quite unique thing that I enjoyed more than I expected. Then I went back to Kagoshima, had dinner and moved back to Hakata. I have to say I really enjoyed Kagoshima, the city has a unique vibe, very laid back, the people seemed to be relaxed and happy and were much more open toward foreigners than anywhere I’ve experienced. If I’ll ever be back in japan I’ll surely manage to spend some more time in Kagoshima. I took the train and I was back in hakata at around midnight so I went straight to bed in hotel
KAGOSHIMA: OTBP: 10 OVERALL: 10
Day 14: Nagasaki. Another fairly easy destination to reach from Fukuoka. The city itself is very narrow and develops around its river. As a tourist I was immediately attracted to its atomic bomb museum, wich is north from the station. I went there, you don’t say, by foot.
And later, once I’ve done with the atomic bomb part, the Nagasaki near the sea.
And here starts the tale of the two Nagasaki, because it feels like two different places in one. The north part, wich I didn’t enjoy much, felt a bit neglected and it’s mostly houses where people live. And it’s the part where you’ll see more tourists because as I said all the atomic spots are there.
On the other hand the south part near the city was to me much more alive and full of life, I’m no expert but that’s probably where the locals like to spend their free time and on the other hand you’ll see way less tourists here.
Back to the morning, I did what most tourists do, and visited the atomic bomb museum, the peace park, the ipocenter, and went also to see the half standing torii that is one of the few authentic places left as testament of the bombing, around the city. Talking about the museum, I’ve been to both thins and Hiroshima and, even if Hiroshima is bigger and with much more to see, I would suggest if one has the opportunity to visit also the Nagasaki one, it absolutely has its own legs to stand on. On a side note, out of 10 visitors, 9 were foreigners, I guess Japanese already know their history and don’t feel the need to visit such a place on a nice Sunday morning.
The peace park it’s a park, there you can see the famous statue wich is one of the main symbols of Nagasaki and that, if you ask me, is one of the ugliest statues you can find in the world, but still if you’re in Nagasaki you probably don’t want to miss it.
After lunch I moved to the sea side, here I’ve seen DeiJima wich is the former artificial island where the Portuguese were segregated centuries ago, very interesting place, kinda like a mix of an open air museum and a theme park, felt a little bit plastic but still worth some of your time.
Then had a walk to the near seaside park wich is a very nice and relaxing place where flocks of eagles fly so low over your head that if you rise your hand you can almost touch them, and pretty much ended the day there before having to go back to Fukuoka.
NAGASAKI: OTBP: 5 OVERALL: 7 ½

Day 15 – 16 - 17: my last full days in japan. I was in need of some rest at this point and I needed to move closer to Narita where I had booked my flight for day 18, so i spent more than half of day 15 to transfer from Hakata to Tokyo. I booked my last hotel for three nights near Otsuka station, wich if you ask me is a nice spot to stay in Tokyo. When I arrived in the evening there was a rose festival and all around the station there were roses bushes in flower and there were people singing and the whole station looked alive but also quiet, if you like a place to stay In Tokyo that it’s not chaotic like Shinjuku or Shibuya I’d recommend Otsuka.
The last days aren’t really worth mentioning, I’ve spent most of the time shopping for souvenirs, and recovering for all the travel i did the two weeks before. I explored a couple of places worth mentioning that not everyone ever goes to in Tokyo, like Nakano Broadway ( a weird shopping district that feels like a little Akiabara ), Nippori where there’s a little known street nice for shopping, or Chiba where there’s one of the biggest mall in japan but apart from that nothing much that you can read in the report of anyone who have been to Tokyo.
And with this, I think I can conclude my report. If you want me to upload some picture and you have a site to suggest me where it’s easy to upload and you don’t have to make an account let me know and if there’s enough interest I will oblige as soon as I’ve finished downloading all the pictures from my phone.

Lost, going through heartache, loneliness, fear, abandonment. Not looking for sympathy. Looking for advice. Many times throughout my life I have felt these emotions from parents, family members, friends, lovers. I was exceptionally mentally and verbally bullied and abused from my dad. Mom neglected. Now 43. The past 3 years, I have become very spiritual and started learning about the universe, energy, thought pattern waves, sound therapy, optimistic outlook, knowing that we are all on the right path. Stood my ground from all the narcissistic people surrounding me and ended up loosing 100% of my family and friends. I have people that I could call, but I do not want to bombard anyone as we all have issues we're dealing with. Couple days ago I ended a 3 year relationship of a person who called herself my twin as she also had a horrible past. Sounds like trauma bond relationship to me, however, we had many life sycranicities of possibly meeting and to many coincidences which left me unsure if she was a twin. I ended it because she was exhibiting many narcissistic traits. Of course she does have a loving side to her as to why I was with her. She did help me a ton more then anybody ever has. So what was I supposed to do? Allow the narcissistic traits from her and be not seen, heard or listened too and stay with her? I had a rough 3 years as we broke up many times. This time, i do not want to go back because i am at my lowest ibhave ever felt or been. Completely alone from everyone. Overtime, I felt depleted, not my own self, depressed, needing her love instead from within myself. I kept going back to her as I had no-one else. I feel bad leaving her because she does not deserve that either because she really did help me in other ways big time. What am I supposed to do? I get blamed for everything and she plays victim everytime. I finally left her a couple days ago and now I am left with my two cats. Home, car and fear of being alone. Doing my best to survive and stay in the present moment right now. To find myself. I am not happy. I'm very hurt and feel deserted by everyone. I think to myself, am I on the right path?? Show me some kind of miracle as I have yet to experience one. I am 43 years old now and look like I'm 30 which doesn't help for any respect from others my age. Of course English and Grammer is my worst subject as I am writing this the best I can. 😆 I focused more on the truth of why we are all here and where do we really go and why, why, why. So now, my train of thought to bring the vibrational friends, lover, family I desperately so desire is yet to come. Right??? We are to clear the space to allow for something new to come and the universe provides. We'll, the problem I have with that is I have been clearing everything out of my life for 3 years now and I am literally at rock bottom now and alone. Can I ask, why I deserved such a horrible life to this outcome when all I want to do is help people and grow spiritually? Yes I am not perfect and have harmed and hurt people throughout my life due to what was taught to me growing up. I always had this love within my heart to help, and want to do better, but then I get triggered and lash out to the world in anger. I am learning to transmute the anger to mother earth instead. Chakras balancing, clearing my Karmatic debt, soul piece retrieval that were stolen from me by my parent's. You all probably think I sound crazy, however this is what I have been learning. Is it true? I don't honestly know because I stated above, "yet to see if miracles exist or see..." it is like I am blinded by it. I don't hear intuition, it's just my thoughts. I don't see things out of the ordinary. I have asked the universe many times for help, support from my guides, etc... nothing but pain is what I recieve it seems. What keeps me going is I am to cowardly to give up and feel I have much work to be done in this life. Doing my best to focus on the present moment, set goals, eat, gym, financially stable, being alive. How is this any fun if I cannot connect with anyone with the same desires and not be used as an emotional punching bag? Sorry for the rant, I don't expect anything from anyone. Just lost, hurt, suffering and looking for a way out of this mess or anything I am missing. Please help if you can. I send love and compassion too all and I am glad for those that made a success with people, family and life many adventures. I desire to join those kind of people.

Tunnel rat - In the name of science! magic! And CHEESE!
Meet Milo, A an escaped child-sized E-slave/lab experiment living in a hole inside your neighbourhood arcology. He is the sole reason the Arcology sewer system is not flooding your apartment with liquid shit, and the reason the edible foodcubes are still being shipped to you, and the reason you have water to drink, and why the lights are still on, and he is the reason those assholes from the arcology next door didn't set up an illegal slave driving cryptomine in your basement. You will not thank Milo, because you do not believe the story of the magical sewer gremlin is real, that is hearsay AND THAT IS VIDEO OF A RAT SWIMMING IN SHIT CARL! IT. IS. NOT. PROOF... Ahem. As I was saying, Milo might be in a teensy-tiny need of a day off, so what would be a better way to relax than that sweet-swanky-spankin' brand new revolutionary VRMMO made by the god-complex quantum super computer. The game supposedly even has a race that comes with a tail, like Milo!
Super minion - Sapient Bioweapon that can shapeshift into anything it eats that is trying to find it's place in society, Really fun superhero story with an interesting power system. It is tense, it is fun and it is dead. Author suddenly stopped posting and year or so back and nobody knows why. The author is not dead and might pick it up again at somepoint but what is there already is 100% worth your time especially if you're interested in biological manipulation powers.
Displaced - Metal-manipulating robotics genius (and others) meet super-hero medievil society. Dictatorships, warcrimes, general chaos and an un-called for industrial revolution(on steroids) ensues.
Have you ever read the wandering inn? It's a great story, practically a contemporary Lord Of The Rings story so good it is. It is 9.3 million words. It's worth it, but boy, is it long. Chewing through that took me months of non-stop reading(I don't have a job atm) and will probably take you longer, no offense. This story is that but shorter. So merely a few thousand pages nutty-putty mayhem, political backstabbing and Demi-god punchouts.
Word of advice; before you start this story, the first lead character the story introduces(the genius) is the least likeable(at the start) and just when you get invested in what he's doing the story shifts perspectives to one of the other lead characters. This will be annoying but stick with it. It's worth it, trust me.
Vigor Mortis - A terrifying child sized soul-eating monstrocity builds a wholesome family in a idyllic-dreamlike-magical hell-world.
Arguably the most disturbing story of the bunch this story does not flinch in the face eating/mutilating/tormenting your immortal soul. It is a story about bad people doing bad things in the name of having a safe place for their blasphemous family to live in peace and solitude. This story fucks around A WHOLE LOT with the idea of mucking around with peoples cognition/sense of self/identity to the point that readers were so disturbed with a few particular chapters they asked to have content warnings ahead of each chapter (for good reason.) Do not read if you're unsure of your gender (or do, but keep in mind I'm not joking)
Reincarnated into a Time-Loop Dungeon as a LVL100 Catgirl Chef! - Cute Catgirls.
Deceptively good, despite what the title made you think. To be more specific it's a story written like you're reading out of the MCs diary. It's simple but it gets really creative at times and when it isn't being creative its wholesome, wholesome on the level of a Ravensdagger story. I liked it, it's short and sweet.
Kitty cat kill sat - (Note; this story is stubbed on RR, but still worth reading) - A depressed self-aware cat keeping the apocalypses at bay, one day at a time whilst looking for that holiest of grails: Something that does not taste like rationbars.
A funny story about a depressed, lonely & overworked cat living in the single greatest techno-(magi?)-logical marvel humanity ever made without being able to use any of it because it was made for people with opposable thumbs. It's a laugh, competently written and you'll probably suck it right up the moment you click ¨read story¨. First few chapters lack dialogue (Dialogue: Noun; Two or more people communicating. This is a hint)
Prophecy approved companion - (Note; this story is stubbed on RR, but still worth reading) - Have you ever seen a speedrunner break a game before? If you haven't, look up ¨Doom (2016) any% speedrun¨ on youtube, you're in for a treat. Don't worry I'll wait here.
...You done? Did you notice how that speedrunner UTTERLY FUCKING BROKE THE GAME in his quest to ¨go fast¨. This story is that, from an NPCs perspective.
Needless to say; It is glorious.
A journey of Black & Red & The Calamitous Bob - Aggressively polite Vampires or a Dragonet-mommy princess-witch following the advice of an imperialistic (I.E. Supremely sociopathic) golem made from zombie-bones through a desert. One story is having a good time and the other is just hungry. Both are made by the same author so chances are if you like one you'll like the other. The have the same energy, except one is alive-ish and the other is made of death. I love both. You will as well.
Or else.
Vainquer the dragon - (Note; this story is stubbed on RR, but still worth reading) - Ya did it. Ya done goofed. Screwed the pooch. Plonked pear-shaped. Treaded the snek. YOU FUCKED UP. You tried to steal from a DRAGONS HOARD Dipshit! Nobhead! Imbecile! Fool! Idiot. One does not try, DO! Especially when fucking DRAGONS are involved! NOW YOU'RE GONNA BE DRAGON-FOOD!
Or are you?
This is one of the best Game-LitRPG on all of Royalroad. It's hilarious, its funny, its got jokes it's got so much I read it twice. Read it.
12 miles below - You know Horizon zero dawn? Did you ever wish it had knights in super-armor and actual honest-to-the-golden-god magic? What if we made everything SUPER COLD as well? And give the dinosaurs guns just for that cherry on top?
That's 12 miles below baby.
Mark of the fool - (Note; this story is stubbed on RR, but still worth reading ,But you probably already knew that.) - ¨Congratulations Whiz-kid! You have been chosen by divine mandate to be an idiot. NOW GO KILL SATAN.¨
In Mark of the fool Alex is chosen (marked) to be one of the four+1 divine heroes of Thameland! Heroes chosen by God himself to slay the Ravener(satan). The Fool!'s special power is that he can learn things, anything, ridiculously quickly. Except swordfighting. And spellcasting. And praying(why god). The Fool can't fight to save his own life, literally. It makes him puke. So, with these facts in mind, how in the Raveners clapping asscheeks did you clear a dungeon all by yourself Alex Roth!? aka THE FOOL OF THAMELAND!?!?
Alex roth, supreme-chad: ¨Alchemy, bitches!¨
Super secret novel link, Totally not a ^^^^self-promo

The YouTube Teen changed the rules. We are still earning $1,000 a day to stay in the insolvent, decaying galleria mall that has even the gigantic central skylight boarded up so we have no idea what time of day it is—part of the “social experiment,” according to the YouTube Teen.
Micah, who lost tenure track at SUNY Binghampton because of “a dalliance with a matriculated temptress from Hong Kong,” says the YouTube Teen is not using the term “social experiment” correctly.
Still, the YouTube Teen told us he’s going broke due to our astounding okay-ness with surviving on rank fountain water and rock-hard Mrs. Fields’ oatmeal cookies. Since we signed the four total pounds of legal waivers and were sealed inside the Walden Galleria, just two of the original six have dropped out: Lawrence, because he earned enough money to get his lupus properly treated, and Jessica, whose mind broke.
To date, the YouTube Teen told us—giggling, hair freshly permed, eyes substance-glazed, palm trees swaying lazily in the background on the giant monitor set up in the food court just for these check-ins—we have personally cost him $725,000. Which would be “valid as fuck,” except the Views have gone down and the various memory foam mattress and ejaculate-volume-enhancing supplement sponsors are grumbling. Viewers are becoming bored with the highlight reels edited together from the three hundred GoPro cameras bracketed throughout the mall above us inside small plexiglass boxes.
In the end, The YouTube Teen tells us, he is as beholden to the algorithm as we are to him. And so now, the snakes.
Non-venomous, mostly (the copperheads representing the BIG exception), and—the YouTube teen has assured us—all species native to the region. The YouTube Teen is committed to the Environment and will not upset the local ecosystem by losing track of an invasive snake. Should an eastern hognosed or striped racer escape the confines of the mall, it will be happy and healthy and find plenty of its preferred prey in the drainage ditches and fallow farmland surrounding the mall.
Micah has called bullshit on this, too. He is positive he saw a desert king snake, native to the Southwest, casually contorting its body up a slicker-wearing toddler mannequin inside GAPKids.
But the answer is yes: we have been bitten. A lot. Which is the point, I guess. Any rustling through the Mrs. Fields’ wrappers sends us running—usually into another angry snake’s hiding place, which, of course: more bites. Because of the highly-aggressive northern water snake, we don’t go near the fountain anymore except to risk a quick dip with our filthy TGI Friday’s pint glasses for a gagged-down gulp of gray-green water.
On a positive note, the views are up—not to their peak, when Jessica went into the eerily pristine Lids store on the second level and started setting Florida Marlins Official New Era fitted caps on fire before flinging them like frisbees into the Fredericks of Hollywood beneath the mezzanine on the level below, setting ablaze several plus-size Lara May Lace Babydoll Sleep Dresses that put off smoke so black and acrid that air quality and general visibility both went to zero for hours.
Susan, a single mother to two spectrum-diagnosed precious angels, was overtaken by the flames while holding her drinking cup—a giant plastic wine glass from Spenser’s Gifts reading I’M THE FUCKING BIRTHDAY BITCH—and it was melted more or less permanently to her hand. She has chosen to stay, though, despite the pain and embarrassment—“at least it will make sense one day a year!” Susan says, brandishing the blackened novelty cup and mangled, terrifying hand at us.
Jessica had to go, is the upshot. She also had to forfeit her earnings—attempted involuntary manslaughter of the other participants being one of the disqualifying circumstances outlined in the four total pounds of legal waivers. But it was far and away the best week views-wise, and we each got a large bunch of rubber-banded beet greens as a reward which we immediately devoured raw, sitting hunched on the dead escalator, our deepening anemia making us ravenous for the iron.
This is all to say, the snakebite highlight reels have “revitalized the channel” (Re: the YouTube Teen).
We all hate the snakes but Sylvie talks the most about how much she hates the snakes. She calls me “Kyle” but that’s not my name—I don’t tell her because I don’t want to embarrass her and I am in love with her.
Sylvie is not here for the money—Sylvie has a lot of money because she shares frequent online photos of her large and unique ass, which has had several popular songs written about it—but to pay penance and rehabilitate her image after she used some slurs when she assumed she was free to do so.
It’s unfair, Sylvie says. She would not have said those slurs if she knew there were any type of video or sound recording devices around. Plus, South Asian people should be able to take a joke. No sense of humor—that was another thing that was wrong with them.
I don’t tell her my granddad was from Lahore. Me and my sister called him Nana. He called me Chotu and would cut up mango slices for me until my hands were slick with juice.
But he’s dead now and he didn’t speak English (another thing Sylvie hates) and Sylvie is committed to being a Good Person. Also, I think she believes I am South American or Mexican based on her habit of calling me “Papi” when she occasionally forgets my name is Kyle (it’s not). It’s fine, though, because her heart is in the right place and it’s the least I can do to keep her spirits up while she “really does some listening and reflecting.”
One of the things I do with that in mind is assure Sylvie that you can barely see the snakebites on her large ass, which she also fears is getting smaller due to lack of proper nutrition. A little secret is that I would love her if her ass was even just a quarter its current size. And one day I’ll tell her that and she’ll look into my eyes and smile, and then I’ll tell her my name is Kader, not Kyle, and I don’t think she’ll even get that angry, like when I disagreed with her about the Moon Landing (I still basically think it was real).
Before Sylvie, I didn’t have a purpose of any kind. I came to be sealed inside the Walden Galleria in the same way everything happens to me: first something isn’t happening, and then it is, and I can’t really untangle the millions of decisions and non-decisions in my life that led me to any particular time or place. But I usually don’t feel any kind of way about why one thing happens and another doesn’t, unless something hurts me or makes me uncomfortable. Like snake bites, for example, which sometimes make me wish I was back at the apartment with my mom and my sister. Not that we really saw each other or talked much, except when we ran into each other in the kitchen while grabbing toaster strudels or a can of peaches before scurrying back to our separate little blanket nests and preferred online videos.
So when Micah asked me what sort of “outdated social mores” brought me to the mall, I didn’t have a good answer. The only thing I know for sure is that before the mall I wasn’t anybody and you have to have a lot of people know who you are or your life is bad.
This made Micah quiet (rare) and then he asked me what I liked to do in my life before the mall. I told him I liked to watch videos of crayons being made. Over and over again, I would replay the part when the still-warm, rubbery sheets of colored wax are scraped out of their troughs and forced through the metal, crayon-shaped molds. I told Micah I like to watch orange crayons get made best even though green is my favorite color. I don’t know why.
Micah said entropy is the natural state of the universe and the making of crayons flies in the face of entropy by creating order out of chaos, and this makes me briefly forget about my own mortality.
Probably? Micah’s smart so I believe whatever he says. Even when he talks (all the time) about how it should be totally fine for people in positions of authority to have sexual relationships with younger women who take their Intro To Natural Sciences course, even if these women’s command of English is not one-hundred-percent, and how that sort of thing is very normal because women are attracted to power and have been for millennia and it’s these later-in-life sexual conquests that people with minds like Micah’s are owed when everyone finally realizes how great and smart they are, especially after they had dog shit put in their backpacks pretty much every single day in seventh grade.
Micah also says it’s winter now. The owls that made their way into the mall in order to eat snakes have started nesting (having snake blood dripped on you from the track lighting above is pretty common). Nesting is a winter-time occurrence, according to Micah, instinct forcing its way through the temperature-controlled bubble of the mall.
After one of the owls attempts to make a nest inside a large fuse box and is electrocuted, we know it’s winter. The Macy’s end of the mall stinks of burned owl for three days and the heat and electricity are “completely donezo,” according to a text we receive from the YouTube Teen on the Communal Phone. But the YouTube Teen is very excited about the new dynamics below-zero cold will add to the social experiment. He also told us we can breathe a sigh of relief due to the long battery life and night-vision capabilities of the GoPro cameras, assuring us that the Channel will not experience any disruptions despite the pitch dark and intense cold that have settled in.
Also, we will still be delivered a freshly-charged Communal Phone every few days when the YouTube Teen’s Street Team comes to collect and replace the GoPros before delivering the spent ones to the overnight editorial crew. So we will still get our one hour of Internet access per day, per person, ideally to be spent in part or in whole on updating our social media and “driving engagement.”
Sylvie uses her time to share photos of her ass and also to monitor the activity of her competitors in the large-and-unique-ass influencer space. I usually give Sylvie my hour of Internet time so she has extra, even though lately I’d really like to see a crayon video so I can forget about the cold and dark. Instead, I watch Micah snap wooden Banana Republic clothes hangers over his knee in order to burn them in Sur La Table soup pots to stay warm. He struggles with this due to the dozen or so XXL Nike Dri-FIT athletic shirts he’s wearing, layered one on top the next, the combined girth of the jerseys preventing him from being able to touch one baseball-gloved hand to the other and get a good grip on the hangers for snapping.
It’s funny to watch, and I understand why the edits of Micah falling down while attempting simple tasks are gaining in popularity, but I don’t laugh. Micah didn’t laugh when I broke my nose after I tripped over the poncho I made from a Martha Stewart California King Duvet I found in Bed, Bath & Beyond.
The toilets have frozen solid and the Yankee Candle has become the new bathroom, the theory being that the Sweet Vanilla Horchata and Fresh Cut Rose candles, among thousands of others, would cover the smell. Nope. Instead, these aromas have combined with the odor of our waste to create a stench so overpowering and unique that none of us has the words to describe it. Susan came closest when she said it smelled like someone dumped a million of gallons of perfume into a sewage treatment plant
One day during Sylvie’s (my) Internet time, she lets out a howl. When I rush over to see if one of the snakes managed to somehow survive the owls or freezing temperatures and sink their fangs into Sylvie’s ass, she brandishes the Communal Phone at me and scrolls through photo after photo of gigantic-assed women enjoying a special, head-sized fried chicken sandwich.
Sylvie begins to weep with despair. The sandwich—a Limited Edition Drop from Arby’s that comes in a hand-hewn mahogany box emblazoned with the familiar cowboy hat logo—is so desirable that at least twenty people to date have been murdered during disputes in the massive lines snaking for miles outside the restaurants. Obtaining one is currently the greatest indicator of power, with various dictators from around the globe sharing photos of themselves enjoying the coveted sandwich.
Sylvie says she needs one of those sandwiches more than anything she has ever needed, and I tell her right then and there that I’m going to get one for her. She hugs me and kisses me on the cheek, and it is the best thing that has happened to me in my life.
Susan, waiting for her turn on the Communal Phone so she can video chat with her non-verbal precious angels, points her melted Birthday Bitch cup hand at me and reminds me that if I get caught sneaking out and back in, I forfeit my earnings like Jessica did. Attempted manslaughter and cheating are given equal weight in the four total pounds of legal waivers.
The Street Team is coming soon for a camera swap, so the next day I use my Internet time to look up directions to Arby’s—six miles if I cut through frozen fields and drainage culverts.
During the swap, a piece of plywood is usually left unscrewed at the doors near the carousel and the unblinking plastic horses watch me slip out as the Street Team removes the spent GoPros, creating a momentary video blackout.
It’s nighttime and the snow comes down not in gentle feathers but in tiny knives, given a painful velocity by the wind. The snow is in uneven drifts stretching out beyond the short distance I can see. I discard my Martha Stewart duvet-poncho after I trip for about the tenth time while crossing a corn-stubbled field.
After hours of leaning into the wind and snow, my steps slow to a frozen crawl. But finally, between a Valvoline and a Dollar Tree, the familiar glowing red cowboy hat shines through the slanted snowfall.
I fall through the doors and there is no one inside but a single, furious, pockmarked 20-something behind the counter. He glares hate at me and recoils from the smell of my unwashed body as I crawl up to the counter and order the special chicken sandwich.
Smiling for the first time, thin lips pulling up shittily around ratty teeth, he tells me they sold out days ago, and that I smell like shit. Which is true, but rude.
As I uncoil the Forever 21 Active Seamless Flare Leggings from around my face, though, Rat Teeth recognizes me—he is a fan of the YouTube Teen’s channel. He excitedly tells me he stole a sandwich that he has already promised to sell to the current Burmese dictator, but instead he’ll let me have it for free.
I think maybe I cry a little from gratitude as he goes out to his car to retrieve the mahogany box. But as he shakes off the snow back in the restaurant and I take the sandwich from him, Rat Teeth suddenly puts his arm around me and takes a photo of the both of us with his phone.
I ask him what he plans on doing with the photo. He says he will post it on every platform known to man so he can get “two truckloads of pussy” which he says will back up to his house now that he has proof he met me. I beg him not to—I tell him I’ll lose my earnings and be banished from the Walden Galleria and lose Sylvie if he posts the photo.
Rat teeth tells me tough shit, and I lunge for his phone. We struggle until I bash him in the head with the mahogany box and he has a really bad seizure, a halo of blood spreading across the bleach-smelling tile floor.
I grab the bloody sandwich box and run out into a corn field and back toward the mall. But I’m not sure which way it is, and the storm is way worse. I go slower and slower and I finally sit down and can’t go any more.
After a bit, I see Nana. He’s super pissed and he doesn’t say anything for a long time. Then:
“I think you would have benefited from some structure in your life,” Nana finally says without moving his mouth—he somehow puts the hot words right into my brain.
Yeah, probably. But I tell him that’s not really important right now because I’m gonna die.
“Eat the sandwich, Chotu.” Nana urges.
I tell him the sandwich is for Sylvie. When they find me, they will find the sandwich pristine and untouched and perfect. Then Sylvie will know what I did and she will love me. I tell Nana I need her to love me or everything will be pointless and so fucking stupid.
Nana shakes his head and clucks his tongue like he used to when he read his squiggly Urdu newspapers. And then I don’t see him anymore.

Last Updated List: 20/05/2024
 
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.

• To trade you must respond to this thread first, I will not respond or accept anyone outside of this thread, only exception are unless we've traded more than once before.
• Only interested in trading for games on Steam.
• I don't do Humble gifts whether receiving or giving, all my keys are in unrevealed form right after purchase.
• No interest in any keys from an unofficial retailesource (aka grey market), curatoreviewer keys (aka beta/reviewebeta-testing/etc.), abandonware, keys for games that are already free on Steam itself, Steam profile-limited keys, and only slight interest in VR-titles and/or de-listed games (no banned games).
• Anything marked as wishlist/paypal, it's self-explanatory and I won't look through lists.
• All my keys are EU keys, if you are outside of EU, make sure you double check for any region locks for your country. For quite a few which I was aware of I already listed the region lock, however this is not my responsibility as I did specify the key's region.
• When buying, I only accept payments in Euro's. Minimum purchase of €1,00. Fees are on buyer.

If you're either trading or buying please state the game(s) you are interested in and your offer (game(s)/list/price).
 
Info:

• Region (and keys region): Europe
  
• IGS Rep Page
  
• SteamTrades
  
• SteamRep
  

 
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
 
List of games:

• 100% Orange Juice
• 16bit Trader
• 20XX
• 4089: Ghost Within
• 9 Years of Shadows
• 911 Operator
• A Demon's Game - Episode 1
• A Game of Changes
• A Juggler's Tale
• A Normal Lost Phone
• A Plague Tale: Innocence (wishlist or Paypal only)
• A Tale of Paper: Refolded
• ABZU
• Aces and Adventures
• Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion
• Afterimage (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Afterparty
• Airborne Kingdom
• Alien Breed 2: Assault
• Alone in the Dark (2008)
• Amanda the Adventurer
• AMID EVIL
• Amnesia: Rebirth
• An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
• Animal Shelter (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Anomaly II
• Anomaly: Warzone Earth
• Arcade Paradise
• Arcade Spirits
• Archipelago
• Arizona Sunshine: Deluxe Edition
• Arto (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Ary and the Secret of Seasons
• As Far As The Eye
• Ashina: The Red Witch
• Athena Trivia
• Attack of the Earthlings
• Autonauts
• Autonauts vs PirateBots
• Axiom Verge
• Axiom Verge 2 (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Back 4 Blood (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Backstage Pass
• Baobabs Mausoleum Ep. 1 Ovnifagos Don't Eat Flamingos
• Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
• Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
• Batman: Arkham Knight Premium Edition
• Batman: Arkham Origins
• Battlestar Galactica Deadlock Season One
• BattleTrucks
• Beacon Pines
• Beat Or Die The MiniGames
• Beholder
• Ben 10: Power Trip
• Beyond the Long Night
• Big Crown®: Showdown
• Bighead Runner
• Bionic Commando
• Biosys Inc
• bit Dungeon II
• Black Book
• Black Paradox
• Black Skylands
• Blackguards
• Blackguards 2
• Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
• Bleep Bloop
• Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
• BLOCKADE War Stories
• Blood And Zombies
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
• BomberZone
• BPM: BULLETS PER MINUTE
• Brick Breaker
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
• Buggos
• Calico
• Caliper
• Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
• Cardboard Town
• Carton
• Castle Defender
• CastleStorm
• Cat on a Diet
• Caveblazers
• Cavity Busters
• CHESS CROWN
• Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
• Children of Silentown
• Chorus (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Chronicon
• Citizen Sleeper
• City Siege: Faction Island
• Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
• Colortone
• Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
• Company of Heroes 2
• Company of Heroes 2 - Ardennes Assault
• Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West
• Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
• Cook, Serve, Delicious!
• Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
• Cookie Cutter (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Copy Kitty
• Coromon
• Corrupted
• Cosmic Star Heroine
• Crash Drive 2
• Crazy Machines 3
• Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance
• CRYPTARK
• Crystals of Time
• Cthulhu Saves Christmas
• Curse: The Eye of Isis
• Cybercube
• Dad Quest
• Dark Deity
• Daymare: 1998
• Dead Estate
• Deadlink (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
• Death's Gambit: Afterlife
• Deathtrap
• Decarnation (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Decay: The Mare
• Deceive Inc.
• Decks Of Power
• Deep Despair 2
• Deflector
• Deponia
• Desert Parkour
• DESOLATE
• Destroy All Humans!
• Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition
• Dicey Dungeons
• Dinosaur Fossil Hunter
• Disciples II: Rise of the Elves
• Dishonored
• Dogfight 1942
• DOOM II
• Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
• Drawful 2
• Dread Templar
• Dread X Collection
• Dread X Collection 2
• Dread X Collection 3
• Dread X Collection 5
• Dread X Collection: The Hunt
• Dreamscaper
• DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders
• Driftland: The Magic Revival
• Drug Dealer Simulator
• Drunken Robot Pornography
• Dungeons
• Dungeons 2
• Dungeons 3
• DUSK
• Dust Fleet (wishlist or Paypal only)
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair + 18 DLCs (Complete)
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 WINGDIVER THE SHOOTER
• Eldest Souls
• ELEX II (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Eternal Threads
• Everhood
• Evil Genius 2: World Domination
• Evoland Legendary Edition
• Expect The Unexpected
• Extinction: Deluxe Edition
• Factory Town
• Fairy Escape
• Fall of Porcupine (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Fantasy Kingdom Simulator
• FAR: Lone Sails
• Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R
• Feel-A-Maze
• Fight'N Rage
• Figment
• Finding Paradise
• Firelight Fantasy: Resistance
• First Class Trouble
• Fishermurs
• Flashback
• Fly O'Clock
• For The King
• Forgive me Father
• Fred3ric
• Frederic: Evil Strikes Back
• Frederic: Resurrection of Music
• From Space
• Frostpunk
• Frozenheim
• Fury Unleashed
• Garden In!
• Garfield Kart
• Garfield Kart - Furious Racing
• Generation Zero
• Get In The Car, Loser!
• Gloria Victis
• Going Under
• Golden Light
• Golf It!
• Gone: Survival
• Good Night, Knight
• Gotham Knights (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Graveyard Keeper
• Gray Dawn
• GRIP: Combat Racing
• Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
• Guts and Glory
• GYLT (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
• Hamilton's Great Adventure
• Hands of Necromancy
• Hard West
• Heads Will Roll
• Hell Pie
• Hellbound
• HELLCARD
• Hellslave
• Hi-Fi RUSH (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!
• Homestead Arcana
• Home Sweet Home
• Homeworld Remastered Collection
• Honey, I Joined a Cult
• Hue
• Human Fall Flat
• I Am Fish
• Ice Age: Scrat's Nutty Adventure
• ICEY
• Impostor Factory
• Inertial Drift
• Inexistence Rebirth
• Injustice 2 Legendary Edition
• Internet Cafe Simulator 2
• Interstellar Space: Genesis
• Is Simon There?
• ITORAH
• Jagged Alliance: Rage!
• JANITOR BLEEDS
• Jotun: Valhalla Edition
• JUMANJI: The Video Game
• Junkyard Fury 2
• Just Die Already
• Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
• Killing Floor 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
• King Arthur Collection (Sub ID 25825)
• King of Dragon Pass
• King Of The Castle
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance + Band of Bastards DLC (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Kingdom Wars 2: Definitive Edition
• Kingdom Wars 4
• King's Bounty: Armored Princess
• Kitaria Fables
• Kitchen Simulator 2015
• Kraken Academy!!
• Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
• Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
• Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
• Life is Strange: True Colors (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Lila’s Sky Ark
• Little Orpheus
• Loddlenaut
• Loop Hero
• Lord of the Dark Castle
• Lords and Villeins
• Lords of Football
• Lost Castle
• Lost Planet 3 Complete Pack
• Lucius III
• Lumberhill
• LunarLux
• Mad Max
• Mafia III: Definitive Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mago
• Maid of Sker
• Mail Time
• Main Assembly
• Maneater
• MARSUPILAMI - HOOBADVENTURE (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Marvel's Midnight Suns + DLC (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mechs & Mercs: Black Talons
• Medieval Kingdom Wars
• Mega Man Legacy Collection
• MegaRace 1
• MegaRace 2
• MegaRace 3
• Men of War
• Metal: Hellsinger (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Metamorphosis
• Metro Simulator
• Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor GOTY
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition
• Midnight Fight Express
• Minute of Islands
• MirrorMoon EP
• Monaco
• Monster Train
• Moon Hunters
• Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
• Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mortal Kombat XL
• Moto Racer Collection
• Moving Out + Movers in Paradise DLC
• Music Racer
• My Little Universe Soundtrack (DLC)
• My Little Worms
• Mystery of Unicorn Castle: The Beastmaster
• Mythforce (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mythic Ocean
• Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder
• NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER
• Nash Racing: Pursuit
• Nearly Dead
• Necronator: Dead Wrong
• NecroWorm
• Neon Abyss Deluxe Edition
• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
• Nimble Fish
• Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• No Place Like Home
• Nobody Saves the World
• Nomad Survival
• Oaken
• Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
• Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
• OlliOlli World
• Onde
• One Finger Death Punch 2
• One Hand Clapping
• Onee Chanbara Origin (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Operation Tango
• Orange Cast: Sci-Fi Space Action Game
• Orbital Racer
• Orcs Must Die! 3 Complete Bundle
• OTXO
• Out of Space
• Overcooked
• Owlboy (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Paint the Town Red
• Papo & Yo
• Patch Quest
• PAYDAY 2
• PC Building Simulator
• Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID)
• Plunger Simulator
• Police Stories
• POSTAL 2
• Primal Carnage: Extinction
• Prodeus
• Push The Box 3D
• Qbik
• QUAKE II
• qubo
• RAD
• Rad Rodgers Radical Edition
• Radio Commander
• Railway Empire
• Rain World
• Rain World: Downpour (DLC)
• Recipe For Disaster
• Red Faction: Armageddon
• Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
• Red Solstice 2: Survivors
• Redout: Enhanced Edition + 5 DLCs
• Regency Solitaire
• Regions Of Ruin
• Remnant: From the Ashes - Complete Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Remnants of Naezith
• Repetendium
• Resident Evil 0 HD REMASTER
• Resident Evil 4 (2005)
• Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition
• Resident Evil 6
• Resident Evil Revelations
• Resident Evil Revelations 2 Deluxe Edition
• Retrowave
• Reventure
• RHEM I SE: The Mysterious Land
• Rhythm Sprout: Sick Beats & Bad Sweets
• River City Girls
• River City Girls Zero
• River City Ransom: Underground
• Road 96 (Region Lock: Sub ID)
• Röki
• Royal Battleships
• Rustler
• Saints Row (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Salt and Sanctuary
• Sanctum 2
• Sands of Aura
• SATAZIUS
• Satellite Repairman
• Say No! More
• Scarlet Tower
• Scars Above
• Scorn
• School Years
• SEGA Bass Fishing
• Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story
• Severed Steel
• Shadows: Awakening
• She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
• Shift Happens
• Shing!
• Shut Up And Dig
• Sid Meier's Ace Patrol
• Sine Mora EX
• Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
• Silent Service
• Sinking Island
• Sir Whoopass™: Immortal Death
• Skeletal Avenger
• Slaycation Paradise
• Small World + 1 DLC
• Snafu
• Sneak Thief
• Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts
• Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder
• SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION
• Sorry, James
• Soul Grabber
• Soulblight
• Soulstice
• Space Crew: Legendary Edition
• Sparkle 2 Evo
• Sparkle 3 Genesis
• Sparkle ZERO
• Spirit of the Island
• SPOOKWARE
• STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
• STAR WARS Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
• Stacking
• Starblast
• Starpoint Gemini 2 Gold Pack
• Starpoint Gemini Warlords
• Startide
• STASIS
• Stick Fight: The Game
• Steel Rats
• Steelrising (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Strange Brigade
• Streets of Fury EX
• Strider
• Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
• SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
• Sucker for Love: First Date
• Suite 776
• Sunblaze
• Sunlight
• Sunset Overdrive
• Super Catboy
• Super Indie Karts
• Super Magbot
• Super Meat Boy
• Superbugs: Awaken
• Superliminal (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Survive the Nights
• Swag and Sorcery
• Switchball HD
• Sword of the Necromancer
• Syberia
• Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Synergia
• SYNTHETIK: Legion Rising
• System Crash
• S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
• Tacoma
• Tallowmere
• Tenta Shooter
• TERRACOTTA (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Terraformers
• Terror of Hemasaurus
• Tesla Force
• The Amazing American Circus
• The Banner Saga Trilogy Deluxe Pack (Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Bluecoats: North & South
• The Callisto Protocol (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Chronicles of Nyanya
• The Citadel
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Dark Eye: Memoria
• The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
• The Dungeon Beneath
• The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos
• The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
• The Esoterica: Hollow Earth
• The Evil Within 2
• The eXceed Collection: Aural Brutality Edition
• The Executioner
• The Falconeer
• THE GAME OF LIFE
• THE GAME OF LIFE 2 (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Gunk
• The Haunting of Billy Classic
• The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut
• The Initiate
• The Initiate 2: The First Interviews
• The Inner World
• The Knight Witch (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Legend of Tianding
• The Long Reach
• The Moment of Silence
• The Quarry - Deluxe Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Quarry – Horror History Visual Filter Pack (DLC)
• The Red Lantern
• The Sapper
• The Talos Principle
• The Talos Principle: Gold Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Tarnishing of Juxtia
• The Tenants (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Town of Light
• The Undying Plague
• The Witness (wishlist or Paypal only)
• There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition
• This War of Mine
• Those Who Remain
• Through Abandoned: The Refuge
• Ticket to Ride
• Timberman
• Time Lock VR
• Time on Frog Island
• Tiny Tina's Wonderlands: Chaotic Great Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Tinykin (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
• Toki
• Toodee and Topdee
• Totally Reliable Delivery Service
• Tower of Time
• Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
• Train Simulator Classic + 2 DLCs
• Trifox
• Tropico 3 Gold Edition
• Tropico 4 Collector's Bundle
• Troublemaker
• Trover Saves the Universe
• Turbo Overkill (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Turmoil
• Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
• Turok
• Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
• Twin Mirror
• Two Point Campus (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Ultimate Zombie Defense
• Undying (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Unity of Command Trilogy
• Up and Down
• Vampire Survivors
• Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Vanguard Princess
• Verdun
• Violett Remastered
• VirtuaVerse
• Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire
• Wanted: Dead (wishlist or Paypal only)
• War for the Overworld
• Wargroove
• Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon + Soundtrack DLC
• Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon - Da Orks
• Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
• Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach
• Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
• Warhammer: Vermintide 2
• Wayward
• West of Dead
• What the Fog
• Where The Water Tastes Like Wine
• Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?
• Within Skerry
• Within the blade
• Wobbledogs (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Wolfenstein 3D
• Worms Rumble
• WWE 2K23 (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Yoku's Island Express
• Yooka-Laylee
• XEL
• XIII - Classic
• X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
• Yakuza 4 Remastered
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon (wishlist or Paypal only)
• You Deserve
• Zombie Army Trilogy
• Zombie Driver HD
• Zool Redimensioned

Last Updated List: 20/05/2024
 
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.

• To trade you must respond to this thread first, I will not respond or accept anyone outside of this thread, only exception are unless we've traded more than once before.
• Only interested in trading for games on Steam.
• I don't do Humble gifts whether receiving or giving, all my keys are in unrevealed form right after purchase.
• No interest in any keys from an unofficial retailesource (aka grey market), curatoreviewer keys (aka beta/reviewebeta-testing/etc.), abandonware, keys for games that are already free on Steam itself, Steam profile-limited keys, and only slight interest in VR-titles and/or de-listed games (no banned games).
• Anything marked as wishlist/paypal, it's self-explanatory and I won't look through lists.
• All my keys are EU keys, if you are outside of EU, make sure you double check for any region locks for your country. For quite a few which I was aware of I already listed the region lock, however this is not my responsibility as I did specify the key's region.
• When buying, I only accept payments in Euro's. Minimum purchase of €1,00. Fees are on buyer.

If you're either trading or buying please state the game(s) you are interested in and your offer (game(s)/list/price).
 
Info:

• Region (and keys region): Europe
  
• IGS Rep Page
  
• SteamTrades
  
• SteamRep
  

 
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
 
List of games:

• 100% Orange Juice
• 16bit Trader
• 20XX
• 4089: Ghost Within
• 9 Years of Shadows
• 911 Operator
• A Demon's Game - Episode 1
• A Game of Changes
• A Juggler's Tale
• A Normal Lost Phone
• A Plague Tale: Innocence (wishlist or Paypal only)
• A Tale of Paper: Refolded
• ABZU
• Aces and Adventures
• Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion
• Afterimage (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Afterparty
• Airborne Kingdom
• Alien Breed 2: Assault
• Alone in the Dark (2008)
• Amanda the Adventurer
• AMID EVIL
• Amnesia: Rebirth
• An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
• Animal Shelter (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Anomaly II
• Anomaly: Warzone Earth
• Arcade Paradise
• Arcade Spirits
• Archipelago
• Arizona Sunshine: Deluxe Edition
• Arto (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Ary and the Secret of Seasons
• As Far As The Eye
• Ashina: The Red Witch
• Athena Trivia
• Attack of the Earthlings
• Autonauts
• Autonauts vs PirateBots
• Axiom Verge
• Axiom Verge 2 (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Back 4 Blood (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Backstage Pass
• Baobabs Mausoleum Ep. 1 Ovnifagos Don't Eat Flamingos
• Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
• Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
• Batman: Arkham Knight Premium Edition
• Batman: Arkham Origins
• Battlestar Galactica Deadlock Season One
• BattleTrucks
• Beacon Pines
• Beat Or Die The MiniGames
• Beholder
• Ben 10: Power Trip
• Beyond the Long Night
• Big Crown®: Showdown
• Bighead Runner
• Bionic Commando
• Biosys Inc
• bit Dungeon II
• Black Book
• Black Paradox
• Black Skylands
• Blackguards
• Blackguards 2
• Blasphemous (Region Lock: EU/US only)
• Bleep Bloop
• Blind Fate: Edo no Yami
• BLOCKADE War Stories
• Blood And Zombies
• Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (wishlist or Paypal only)
• BomberZone
• BPM: BULLETS PER MINUTE
• Brick Breaker
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons
• Buggos
• Calico
• Caliper
• Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
• Cardboard Town
• Carton
• Castle Defender
• CastleStorm
• Cat on a Diet
• Caveblazers
• Cavity Busters
• CHESS CROWN
• Chicago 1930 : The Prohibition
• Children of Silentown
• Chorus (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Chronicon
• Citizen Sleeper
• City Siege: Faction Island
• Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
• Colortone
• Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
• Company of Heroes 2
• Company of Heroes 2 - Ardennes Assault
• Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West
• Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
• Cook, Serve, Delicious!
• Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
• Cookie Cutter (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Copy Kitty
• Coromon
• Corrupted
• Cosmic Star Heroine
• Crash Drive 2
• Crazy Machines 3
• Creepy Tale 3: Ingrid Penance
• CRYPTARK
• Crystals of Time
• Cthulhu Saves Christmas
• Curse: The Eye of Isis
• Cybercube
• Dad Quest
• Dark Deity
• Daymare: 1998
• Dead Estate
• Deadlink (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
• Death's Gambit: Afterlife
• Deathtrap
• Decarnation (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Decay: The Mare
• Deceive Inc.
• Decks Of Power
• Deep Despair 2
• Deflector
• Deponia
• Desert Parkour
• DESOLATE
• Destroy All Humans!
• Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition
• Dicey Dungeons
• Dinosaur Fossil Hunter
• Disciples II: Rise of the Elves
• Dishonored
• Dogfight 1942
• DOOM II
• Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
• Drawful 2
• Dread Templar
• Dread X Collection
• Dread X Collection 2
• Dread X Collection 3
• Dread X Collection 5
• Dread X Collection: The Hunt
• Dreamscaper
• DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders
• Driftland: The Magic Revival
• Drug Dealer Simulator
• Drunken Robot Pornography
• Dungeons
• Dungeons 2
• Dungeons 3
• DUSK
• Dust Fleet (wishlist or Paypal only)
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair + 18 DLCs (Complete)
• EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 WINGDIVER THE SHOOTER
• Eldest Souls
• ELEX II (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Eternal Threads
• Everhood
• Evil Genius 2: World Domination
• Evoland Legendary Edition
• Expect The Unexpected
• Extinction: Deluxe Edition
• Factory Town
• Fairy Escape
• Fall of Porcupine (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Fantasy Kingdom Simulator
• FAR: Lone Sails
• Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R
• Feel-A-Maze
• Fight'N Rage
• Figment
• Finding Paradise
• Firelight Fantasy: Resistance
• First Class Trouble
• Fishermurs
• Flashback
• Fly O'Clock
• For The King
• Forgive me Father
• Fred3ric
• Frederic: Evil Strikes Back
• Frederic: Resurrection of Music
• From Space
• Frostpunk
• Frozenheim
• Fury Unleashed
• Garden In!
• Garfield Kart
• Garfield Kart - Furious Racing
• Generation Zero
• Get In The Car, Loser!
• Gloria Victis
• Going Under
• Golden Light
• Golf It!
• Gone: Survival
• Good Night, Knight
• Gotham Knights (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Graveyard Keeper
• Gray Dawn
• GRIP: Combat Racing
• Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
• Guts and Glory
• GYLT (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Haegemonia: Legions of Iron
• Hamilton's Great Adventure
• Hands of Necromancy
• Hard West
• Heads Will Roll
• Hell Pie
• Hellbound
• HELLCARD
• Hellslave
• Hi-Fi RUSH (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Hollow Knight (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?!
• Homestead Arcana
• Home Sweet Home
• Homeworld Remastered Collection
• Honey, I Joined a Cult
• Hue
• Human Fall Flat
• I Am Fish
• Ice Age: Scrat's Nutty Adventure
• ICEY
• Impostor Factory
• Inertial Drift
• Inexistence Rebirth
• Injustice 2 Legendary Edition
• Internet Cafe Simulator 2
• Interstellar Space: Genesis
• Is Simon There?
• ITORAH
• Jagged Alliance: Rage!
• JANITOR BLEEDS
• Jotun: Valhalla Edition
• JUMANJI: The Video Game
• Junkyard Fury 2
• Just Die Already
• Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
• Killing Floor 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
• King Arthur Collection (Sub ID 25825)
• King of Dragon Pass
• King Of The Castle
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance + Band of Bastards DLC (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Kingdom Wars 2: Definitive Edition
• Kingdom Wars 4
• King's Bounty: Armored Princess
• Kitaria Fables
• Kitchen Simulator 2015
• Kraken Academy!!
• Kyle is Famous: Complete Edition
• Legend of Keepers: Career of a Dungeon Manager
• Leisure Suit Larry 7 - Love for Sail
• Life is Strange: True Colors (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Lila’s Sky Ark
• Little Orpheus
• Loddlenaut
• Loop Hero
• Lord of the Dark Castle
• Lords and Villeins
• Lords of Football
• Lost Castle
• Lost Planet 3 Complete Pack
• Lucius III
• Lumberhill
• LunarLux
• Mad Max
• Mafia III: Definitive Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mago
• Maid of Sker
• Mail Time
• Main Assembly
• Maneater
• MARSUPILAMI - HOOBADVENTURE (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Marvel's Midnight Suns + DLC (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mechs & Mercs: Black Talons
• Medieval Kingdom Wars
• Mega Man Legacy Collection
• MegaRace 1
• MegaRace 2
• MegaRace 3
• Men of War
• Metal: Hellsinger (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Metamorphosis
• Metro Simulator
• Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor GOTY
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition
• Midnight Fight Express
• Minute of Islands
• MirrorMoon EP
• Monaco
• Monster Train
• Moon Hunters
• Morbid: The Seven Acolytes
• Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mortal Kombat XL
• Moto Racer Collection
• Moving Out + Movers in Paradise DLC
• Music Racer
• My Little Universe Soundtrack (DLC)
• My Little Worms
• Mystery of Unicorn Castle: The Beastmaster
• Mythforce (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Mythic Ocean
• Nadir: A Grimdark Deckbuilder
• NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER
• Nash Racing: Pursuit
• Nearly Dead
• Necronator: Dead Wrong
• NecroWorm
• Neon Abyss Deluxe Edition
• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
• Nimble Fish
• Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• No Place Like Home
• Nobody Saves the World
• Nomad Survival
• Oaken
• Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
• Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
• OlliOlli World
• Onde
• One Finger Death Punch 2
• One Hand Clapping
• Onee Chanbara Origin (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Operation Tango
• Orange Cast: Sci-Fi Space Action Game
• Orbital Racer
• Orcs Must Die! 3 Complete Bundle
• OTXO
• Out of Space
• Overcooked
• Owlboy (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Paint the Town Red
• Papo & Yo
• Patch Quest
• PAYDAY 2
• PC Building Simulator
• Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition (Region Lock: Sub ID)
• Plunger Simulator
• Police Stories
• POSTAL 2
• Primal Carnage: Extinction
• Prodeus
• Push The Box 3D
• Qbik
• QUAKE II
• qubo
• RAD
• Rad Rodgers Radical Edition
• Radio Commander
• Railway Empire
• Rain World
• Rain World: Downpour (DLC)
• Recipe For Disaster
• Red Faction: Armageddon
• Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
• Red Solstice 2: Survivors
• Redout: Enhanced Edition + 5 DLCs
• Regency Solitaire
• Regions Of Ruin
• Remnant: From the Ashes - Complete Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Remnants of Naezith
• Repetendium
• Resident Evil 0 HD REMASTER
• Resident Evil 4 (2005)
• Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition
• Resident Evil 6
• Resident Evil Revelations
• Resident Evil Revelations 2 Deluxe Edition
• Retrowave
• Reventure
• RHEM I SE: The Mysterious Land
• Rhythm Sprout: Sick Beats & Bad Sweets
• River City Girls
• River City Girls Zero
• River City Ransom: Underground
• Road 96 (Region Lock: Sub ID)
• Röki
• Royal Battleships
• Rustler
• Saints Row (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Salt and Sanctuary
• Sanctum 2
• Sands of Aura
• SATAZIUS
• Satellite Repairman
• Say No! More
• Scarlet Tower
• Scars Above
• Scorn
• School Years
• SEGA Bass Fishing
• Sense - 不祥的预感: A Cyberpunk Ghost Story
• Severed Steel
• Shadows: Awakening
• She Sees Red - Interactive Movie
• Shift Happens
• Shing!
• Shut Up And Dig
• Sid Meier's Ace Patrol
• Sine Mora EX
• Sigma Theory: Global Cold War
• Silent Service
• Sinking Island
• Sir Whoopass™: Immortal Death
• Skeletal Avenger
• Slaycation Paradise
• Small World + 1 DLC
• Snafu
• Sneak Thief
• Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts
• Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder
• SONG OF HORROR COMPLETE EDITION
• Sorry, James
• Soul Grabber
• Soulblight
• Soulstice
• Space Crew: Legendary Edition
• Sparkle 2 Evo
• Sparkle 3 Genesis
• Sparkle ZERO
• Spirit of the Island
• SPOOKWARE
• STAR WARS Jedi Knight - Jedi Academy
• STAR WARS Jedi Knight II - Jedi Outcast
• Stacking
• Starblast
• Starpoint Gemini 2 Gold Pack
• Starpoint Gemini Warlords
• Startide
• STASIS
• Stick Fight: The Game
• Steel Rats
• Steelrising (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Strange Brigade
• Streets of Fury EX
• Strider
• Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
• SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
• Sucker for Love: First Date
• Suite 776
• Sunblaze
• Sunlight
• Sunset Overdrive
• Super Catboy
• Super Indie Karts
• Super Magbot
• Super Meat Boy
• Superbugs: Awaken
• Superliminal (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Survive the Nights
• Swag and Sorcery
• Switchball HD
• Sword of the Necromancer
• Syberia
• Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Synergia
• SYNTHETIK: Legion Rising
• System Crash
• S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
• Tacoma
• Tallowmere
• Tenta Shooter
• TERRACOTTA (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Terraformers
• Terror of Hemasaurus
• Tesla Force
• The Amazing American Circus
• The Banner Saga Trilogy Deluxe Pack (Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Bluecoats: North & South
• The Callisto Protocol (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Chronicles of Nyanya
• The Citadel
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Dark Eye: Memoria
• The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
• The Dungeon Beneath
• The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos
• The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
• The Esoterica: Hollow Earth
• The Evil Within 2
• The eXceed Collection: Aural Brutality Edition
• The Executioner
• The Falconeer
• THE GAME OF LIFE
• THE GAME OF LIFE 2 (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Gunk
• The Haunting of Billy Classic
• The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut
• The Initiate
• The Initiate 2: The First Interviews
• The Inner World
• The Knight Witch (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Legend of Tianding
• The Long Reach
• The Moment of Silence
• The Quarry - Deluxe Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Quarry – Horror History Visual Filter Pack (DLC)
• The Red Lantern
• The Sapper
• The Talos Principle
• The Talos Principle: Gold Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Tarnishing of Juxtia
• The Tenants (wishlist or Paypal only)
• The Town of Light
• The Undying Plague
• The Witness (wishlist or Paypal only)
• There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition
• This War of Mine
• Those Who Remain
• Through Abandoned: The Refuge
• Ticket to Ride
• Timberman
• Time Lock VR
• Time on Frog Island
• Tiny Tina's Wonderlands: Chaotic Great Edition (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Tinykin (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Titan Quest Anniversary Edition
• Toki
• Toodee and Topdee
• Totally Reliable Delivery Service
• Tower of Time
• Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
• Train Simulator Classic + 2 DLCs
• Trifox
• Tropico 3 Gold Edition
• Tropico 4 Collector's Bundle
• Troublemaker
• Trover Saves the Universe
• Turbo Overkill (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Turmoil
• Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
• Turok
• Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
• Twin Mirror
• Two Point Campus (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Ultimate Zombie Defense
• Undying (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Unity of Command Trilogy
• Up and Down
• Vampire Survivors
• Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Vanguard Princess
• Verdun
• Violett Remastered
• VirtuaVerse
• Voltaire: The Vegan Vampire
• Wanted: Dead (wishlist or Paypal only)
• War for the Overworld
• Wargroove
• Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon + Soundtrack DLC
• Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon - Da Orks
• Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
• Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach
• Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
• Warhammer: Vermintide 2
• Wayward
• West of Dead
• What the Fog
• Where The Water Tastes Like Wine
• Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?
• Within Skerry
• Within the blade
• Wobbledogs (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Wolfenstein 3D
• Worms Rumble
• WWE 2K23 (Region Lock: Sub ID) (wishlist or Paypal only)
• Yoku's Island Express
• Yooka-Laylee
• XEL
• XIII - Classic
• X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
• Yakuza 4 Remastered
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon (wishlist or Paypal only)
• You Deserve
• Zombie Army Trilogy
• Zombie Driver HD
• Zool Redimensioned

Welcome to another report of my one year stay in Japan from mid 2022 to mid 2023! If everything goes according to plan, I'll post the final part on May 27, which would be exactly one year after I returned from Japan! With that being said, after spending a month with a couple of friends in February 2023, enjoying the snow in Hokkaido and early sakura around the Izu peninsula, it was time to face one of the busiest seasons in Japan - proper sakura season in March/April. My mother would join me in late March on her first trip to Japan ever and she was hellbent on seeing some sakura and me being the tour guide. This came with the benefit of her paying for all expenses during our travels, which was very nice of her!
You can find the other reports down below.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11
Tokyo
Picking up where I left off in the previous report, I decided to show everyone what a "typical" Airbnb I'd stay in during my time in Japan looked like. When my friends left, I booked a very cheap Airbnb in Kunitachi, which is in west Tokyo, about 40 minutes away from Shinjuku on the Chuo line. As I mentioned in some of my earlier reports, I quite enjoyed staying out of central Tokyo and exploring areas that I'd otherwise never go to on a normal vacation. This place had a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Looks pretty barebones but it was more than enough to satisfy my needs and the internet in Airbnbs was usually very good.
Since it was the beginning of March, I decided to go back to Yushima Tenjin to check the status of the plum blossoms there and they were beautiful at the time. One train stop away from Kunitachi is Kokubunji, which I went to because I saw a couple interesting spots on Google maps to check out. One of which was the small Tonogayato Garden, which was alright for a short visit. More interestingly, there's a small path called Otaka no michi, which looks very cute and goes along a few shrines and another small garden along the way.
Having seen Kawazu sakura a two weeks prior, I checked where I could find early blooming sakura in Tokyo and was happy to find that near my next Airbnb's location (Ojima in the east of Tokyo), a park close to Arakawa river had a few trees so of course I made my way there and it was the perfect time to see them too. One of the many reasons why I enjoy staying in eastern Tokyo is that the further I went out, the more relaxed I felt. It's so far removed from the central and west, where you have tens of thousands of people converging in several spots while here, there is just a wide open park, families and friends just hanging out in what felt like a more accurate represenation of what the average Tokyoite did in their daily lives. I think I went here a few times every evening because it put me at ease and I miss spending time there. And as always, plenty of small mom and pop shops serving all kinds of food, like this wonton soup with a side of fried rice.
Another garden I visited was Kiyosumi! It's in Koto, so again a bit out of the way but definitely worth a visit if you somehow find yourself in the area or just want to see something new if it's your Xth visit to Japan. Bonus pic from when I walked back "home"; sunsets in Tokyo in those side streets with rivers running through the city are particularly great.
The week leading up to my mom's arrival was spent with me visiting a bunch of parks in Tokyo to see how the sakura were going considering my mother wanted to see them. This was a tad stressful because it was supposed to rain for a few days before my mother arrived and in 2023, sakura season started super early so I was scared the rain and wind might kill em off before she even got there. That being said, Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi park, the Kanda river, Chidorigafuchi and Ueno park were going strong! I switched Airbnbs one more time before my mom arrived, staying in Asaka - in Saitama. I had a couple more sakura trees right next door, which was great.
And then, the day had come! My mom arrived at around 7pm, I picked her up from Narita airport and let me tell you, it was an incredibly weird feeling riding back into that airport. Around 10 months earlier, I flew in and it was practically deserted due to the pandemic but now it was back to somewhat normal and I was hit with a weird sort of nostalgia! My mom was surprisingly fit and didn't seem jetlagged at all, demanding me to show her around Ueno park at like 10pm still. We got her her own Suica, her first konbini visit and then just went to the hotel and slept.
My mother had a couple of things she absolutely wanted to see and aside that, I was basically a tour guide who just showed her around spots I decided on on the day. The first thing my mom wanted to see was TeamLabs. Not something I personally had much interest in and the experience was pretty meh overall to be honest but she enjoyed it. Following that we headed to Tokyo station and went to Sushiro because my mom wanted to try Sushi and was keen on trying the "conveyor belt" one she saw on social media. Since it was nearby, we then walked to Chidorigafuchi and the Imperial Palace Gardens, giving my mom her first proper sakura experience. We spent quite a while walking around and it soon got dark so we took a train towards Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower looks great at night, especially with some sakura in front of it. We finished the day with a CoCo ichi meal before walking around the pond near Ueno park.
The following day, my mother wanted to check out Akiba to my surprise. She's not into anime or video games at all but she thoroughly enjoyed seeing just how many figures and plushies of everything exists. A visit to nearby Kanda shrine was of course obligatory. Gotta love the ema people put up there due to its close proximity to Akiba. Before going to Sky Tree in the evening, we went to Hamarikyu Gardens, which are way nicer looking in sakura season than in February, when I went there with my friend. Now, Sky Tree was an experience. Having been there just a few weeks earlier with my friends and there being no lines whatsoever, this time around, things were different. We had to wait for around an hour to get tickets and the observation decks were packed. If it was that bad in 2023, I can't imagine how it is now.
On the third day, the jetlag or just general fatigue hit my mother and she slept past noon so we had a more relaxed day without as much walking as the two before. Took a train to Kichijoji in hopes to show my mom Inokashira park with its famous sakura around the pond and we were not disappointed! My mom wanted to shop and since I am the least knowledgeable person when it comes to this, I simply took her to Ikebukuro's Sunshine City and hoped she'd find stuff there and she actually did buy a bunch of "fluffy" dresses!
The final day in Tokyo was a bit more packed again in terms of things to do. First on the agenda was a visit at Cafe Reissue, which my mom of course saw on Instagram. Since you can't reserve, they take your name and give you a time to come back at, which meant we had about an hour and a half to do something else. This was when we headed to Shibuya Sky. I had never been there because I didn't really want to spend 2000 yen on another observation deck but this one is actually good. In my opinion, if you could only pick ONE observation deck in Tokyo, this should be it. Nice, open views in a far better location than Sky Tree for example. Afterwads we headed back to the cafe and got our latte/hot chocolate art. I'm a bit of a hot chocolate snob so I'd say the drink itself was alright, the art is pretty nice and the sandwich was better than I expected. Definitely worth checking out if you can get a spot here.
Shinjuku Gyoen at this point had a fair amount of sakura trees already losing their petals, making for pretty walkways. In general, and this isn't some hidden gem, Shinjuku Gyoen is definitely worth going for sakura because of how many varieties can be found in it. Just make sure to get there early...
And with that, the first portion in Tokyo was done and the next day saw us take the Shinkansen to Kyoto!
Kyoto
I dreaded this visit to Kyoto because during my time in Japan, Kyoto has been relatively empty and enjoyable, contrary to how it was pre-pandemic. And the difference was definitely noticeable just a few weeks after having been there with my friends. Still not as bad as it probably is now, but noticeable. We wanted to go to Kiyomizudera in the evening for that picture, so we spent the time before that just strolling around the east side of Kyoto, but not before getting some lunch at a nearby restaurant. This is where I first realised my mother had no taste, as she didn't like gyudon whatsoever. Meanwhile, I thought this was one of my favourite gyudon I ever had.
We headed over to Maruyama park afterwards, with sakura all around and plenty of food stalls for your typical Japanese festival snack cravings. From there, we walked over to Heian Jingu, passing by Chionin Samnon. I've not been to the garden that is next to Heian Jingu, so we went in there. It's not the biggest place but it's very quaint and beautiful, especially the pond area. The sun was beginning to set and the walk back to Kiyomizudera would have been a bit too much for my mom that day, so we took a bus... and I've vowed to never do that again. It's crazy how packed buses in Kyoto got once regular tourism picked back up. Sannenzaka was also back to what I was used to pre-pandemic. On one hand, this must be great for local business. On the other hand, I can't imagine living anywhere near here...
Kiyomizudera was packed to the brim and my mom really wanted to take a picture from the famous angle, so we stood there for what felt like half an hour with little to no progress before she conceded, but we got nice pictures just off the platform. She enjoyed walking around Kyoto more than actually checking out the sights sometimes, which was great because Kyoto is a beautiful city. Kiyamachi is fantastic at night!
I had to face the PTSD of the prior month's Nara visit because of course, my mother wanted to see there deer there. But we got there early enough, with plenty of time to check out Todaiji, where my mother bought a goshuincho, and Kasuga Taisha. On our way back from Nara, we got out at Fushimi Inari and made our way up for the sunset. No torii pictures here because I've taken so many at that point, that I simply didn't this time.
We were looking for something to eat and up until that day, I had never experienced being denied entry into a restaurant before. Throughout 3 separate Japan vacations and this whole year I spent there, everywhere welcomed me, even out in the sticks. But that day, it happened twice. The first place I kind of give a pass because apparently they had some "bar event" going on so no food was being served that day (Google maps reviews were raving about the food there). But the second place, an okonomiyaki restaurant, does not get that pass. I slid open the door, saw 2 empty tables and the counter having a bunch of space. The owner's wife saw us coming in, I asked whether two people are fine - in Japanese, mind you - she had a very brief chat with her husband and then told us they're full. Obviously I accepted that and we went back out. I was pretty angry outside, though. There was no way they had no space in that restaurant and I am convinced they used that reasoning because they didn't want to serve foreigners. We just went to a nearby Chinese restaurant in the end, my mom not minding the "fuss" much but this was the first time I got denied from multiple places, so I was still somewhat mad lol.
The next day, we headed over to Nanzenji. Since we got off at Keage station, we walked our way up and had a quick look around Nanzenin before getting to Nanzenji. Also worth visiting is Eikando a bit further up the road. I can't remember if pictures inside the facility are just not allowed or if I forgot taking that many but the area is quite large and you can walk inside the temple. We then went to Ginkakuji, which I didn't take pictures of at all since I've been there before in October (so if you want to see pictures of that, check that post out). Unlike in October, this time there was a line to get tickets - which I didn't expect because it used to not be as popular as Kinkakuji.
Final day in Kyoto proper was spent in and around Arashiyama before my mother had her booked Maiko photoshoot. This took about 2 hours, she got the makeup done, was dressed up and had a bunch of pictures taken. She loved it. The place she did it at was called "Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata). Afterwards, she bought some souvenirs in random stores in the city. She also wanted to check out some other "famous" maccha place called "Maccha House". I'm actually not that big of a fan of maccha and this place really just seemed like a tourist trap. My mother enjoyed it though and as long as she had a good time, I didn't mind going to these places. Looking back at this Kyoto leg of our trip, I realise we didn't really have any "traditional" Japanese food experiences (as in kaiseki or the like). Not sure why that was. That was our last full day in Kyoto since the next one would be a day trip from there to Himeji, before we headed down to Hiroshima.
Himeji
I've been to Himeji before in like 2019 but back then, the castle was covered up for some renovations but this time, it was all there in its glory. And man, Himeji in Spring is absolutely beautiful. The park before it is full of sakura, I'll let the pictures do the talking and say that visiting Himeji is always a must but especially when you are in Japan in Spring. One of my favourite sakura spots for sure. The only negative thing I could report about it is that going inside the castle may not be worth it for you. There's a whole lot of stairs to take, which usually is no big deal for me but at some points, everyone had to wait for like 10 minutes before being able to go up to the highest point because there were so many people inside. I can't imagine this being much better a year later.
Hiroshima
Took the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima at around 11, making us arrive at around 1:30pm. Dropped our luggage off at Koko Hotel Hiroshima and then went for lunch at Yotchan, an okonomiyaki restaurant I went to a few months prior. I was a bit scared my mom wouldn't be a fan of okonomiyaki, given she didn't enjoy tonkatsu or gyudon but this turned out to be her favourite meal of the whole trip, which made me very happy. Hiroshima style okonomiyaki are in my opinion far superior to their Osaka counterpart, the noodles at the bottom really elevate the dish. The weather during our time here was pretty bad with mostly rain, but it certainly added something to the mood around the peace park and museum, which we visited of course. Sakura in Hiroshima weren't really existent at this point anymore, understandably so since the season starts a bit earlier here than up in Tokyo. The good thing about Hiroshima is that there's a bit of an underground mall with lots of shops and places to grab some snacks, so we were able to avoid much of the rain. Nevertheless, we ended the day a bit early at around 7pm (even though my addiction kicked in and I went for CoCo ichi at like 10pm lol).
And then we were off to Miyajima on the next day. It was my first time going there since my planned trip in November was foiled due to stomach issues. The weather was still rather bad but just like the day before, I think it actually added to the atmosphere on the island. Obligatory torii picture here. The shrine itself isn't that impressive - maybe this was due to the weather, though. But it wasn't raining super heavily, so we decided to take a walk to Daisho-in, which was maybe 10-15 minutes away on foot from Itsukushima shrine itself. Very much worth a visit, they occasionally let steam (?) out into the yard here, which is pretty cool in these weather conditions. Of course, I was put on goshuin duty ever since my mom had gotten her book in Nara so I had to collect stamps at every shrine we got to. If you go here and it is raining, be a bit careful about the stairs - they can be very slippery and my mother was incredibly lucky to not tumble down all the way down at one point.
After exploring just a little bit of the forest/mountainside, we decided to head back to the shrine and to our surprise, it was completely free of water now! Got lucky there and able to get up close to it! And that was it for Miyajima, we took the boat back to Hiroshima, got another round of okonomiyaki in before returning to Tokyo on the next day.
Tokyo
Since it was my mother's last full day in Japan, we went on a bit of a goshuin hunt around several shrines and temples, both small and large, in Ueno, Uguisudani, Akihabara and Asakusa. We simply walked from on to another, can't really list them all but Ono Tersuaki and Akiba shrine (this was kinda hidden!) were some of the smaller ones. There was a little festival around Sensoji going and we got a few snacks there. After one last walk along the Sumida river, it was time to go shopping. Only this time, it was me doing the buying... Got myself a PS5 that my mother took back home in her suitcase for me, the weak yen was just too good back then already and made me save like 100€ on that thing! We had dinner at my favourite little Chinese place near our hotel and then, my mom's time in Japan was pretty much over as we went back, packed up her stuff and got ready for the next day's trip to Narita, which I will cover in the next (and possibly final) report!
I love showing people around Japan, especially when it's their first time. I was a bit afraid my mother would miss out on the sakura and the mood would be bad but fortunately it all went well and mostly as planned. She absolutely loved it and would love to visit again. For me personally, as you can read about in this thread I made a year ago, I was super glad to have been "living" in Japan during sakura season because I think planning a normal 2 week vacation around sakura would be very stressful. Especially with tourists hitting record numbers currently, I feel like travelling during sakura season would be too much of a hassle for me personally - but to each their own!
To be honest, I had a tough time writing this report due to some depressing stuff going on in real life right now so I am not really that happy with how it turned out. Nevertheless, I am planning to release the final report on the 27th as planned. It's been almost a year since I returned home and I wish I had written these reports while in Japan instead of this late but too late to stop now, I suppose. If there's enough interest, I could write a "Best of..." report as an extra, talking about my favourite restaurants, foods, places to visit, activities and also my least favourite things during my time in Japan. But I'll see how the next report goes. Speaking of which - that one will include my final solo sakura adventure around the north of Japan in cities like Kakunodate, Morioka, Kitakami, Hakodate and, of course, Sapporo.
Thanks for reading and if you have questions, feel free to drop them!

Hi, I am 43m, 6'5 250lbs. I would like to lose 20-25lbs but have no idea how to start. I am extremely picky eating, have celiac disease, so this makes it difficult. I don't like many fruits or vegetables due to texture issues and salad makes me heave. I typically eat meat, potatoes, noodles, corn, green beans, cauliflower and broccoli. I do not consume alcohol at all.
Typical day consists of about 10k steps.
Typical meals:
Breakfast at 8am : either a yogurt with a Bobo snack or 2 eggs over easy with 2 pieces of bacon.
Around 12-1p- I will typically have a fun size candy bar.
5-6pm dinner: typically some sort of meat, with potatoes and maybe small serving of veggies.
7-8pm some sort of desert like ice cream or a gluten free cookie.
Beverages: I am really bad here. I may drink two bottles of water max a day. I am never thirsty. Before bed, I might have a small glass of apple juice.
Other than the above, I really do not eat out much due to celiac disease and not having gluten. I may have tacos from a Mexican restaurant, noodles & company or a burger without a bun in lieu of the dinner.
What do you recommend to lose weight? My stress levels are high due to having 80 people who report to me. I get 5-6 hours of sleep due to being unable to fall sleep. Typically after work, I am drained and tired. I want to be honest that I have always hated the gym and I know I won't go. I have an e bike I enjoy riding, we have a row machine at home, a treadmill, and I go to car shows 1-2x a week where I walk 5-6k steps while I'm there. I am being brutally honest here as having suggestions I know I won't do, really won't help as I won't keep it up long term.

I keep trying to close out the scene, but little things add up, and soon enough become a full chapter. Still trying to wind things down so I can put NYC on the backburner in favor of NYoC for a little bit. This isn't the arc finale, this is just a nice vignette.
One of the two tequila brands mentioned in this is made up. Can you guess which?
[First] - [Prev]
----------------------
Memory Transcription Subject: Chiri, Gojid Refugee
Date [standardized human time]: November 1, 2136
“I should probably go let Toki out,” said David, gesturing upwards. “Did you wanna come with, or would you rather wait here?”
I shook my head. I’d resigned myself to sleeping on the top floor as David’s guest, but I wouldn’t be caught dead taking that staircase more than once per day. “Let me catch my breath. I wanna play around with my new holopad anyway.”
“Fair. Be right back,” said David, as he trotted off towards the stairs.
The little device was a bit awkward in my paws, but it would do what it needed to do. Well, mostly. I turned it on, awkwardly trying to avoid scratching the screen with my claws. Humans didn’t really have claws, so their touchscreens revolved around mashing their squishy paw pad analogues into things.
You know, it’s kind of funny that you’d probably have a better time with an Arxur-built model, the odd voice pointed out.
I sighed. Don’t remind me.
“Greetings!” the holopad said in a cheerful female human voice.
“Eat my ass,” I said cheerfully back to the device.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I quite understood that,” said the voice. “Would you like me to switch languages to Gojidi Union Standard?”
“Yes.”
The voice abruptly sounded more metallic, but it no longer required translation. “The applicable fontpack for that language is not yet available. May I recommend enabling text-to-speech and defaulting to voice commands?”
“Sounds good,” I told the device. A thought occurred. “Wait, you can make recommendations?” This thing wasn’t sapient, right?
“Yes, I’m happy to make recommendations,” the holopad said. “It’s near dinnertime. Would you like to hear about restaurants in your area?”
My eyes narrowed. “Sure. What’s the best vegan restaurant within ten miles that is currently open for business?”
There was a long pause as it, I presumed, took extra time to filter through which restaurants nearby weren’t permanently closed on account of antimatter bombardment. “There is a vegan food truck eight miles northeast of here that is well-regarded. Would you like a menu, or directions?”
Competition for my new home? “No, that won’t be necessary. Just send an airstrike at their current location, please.”
“I’m sorry, that is not within my capabilities,” it chirped. “May I help you with something else?”
My eyes drifted around the empty room. There were tables everywhere in a varying mix of worn wood and futuristic composites, paired erratically with old vintage lounge chairs and avant-garde ergonomics. It was aesthetic chaos. The accommodations sprawled across the ground floor, with an upper mezzanine full of more seating besides. This place would be exciting when it reopened. I looked at the bar full of bottles whose labels I couldn’t yet read, and wondered if I had what it took to be a skilled bartender like David thought.
I examined what Charmaine had left behind on the table. The bottle of brown liquor with a side of lime wedges. “Hey, can you identify objects visually?” I asked the holopad.
“Of course. Point me at the desired object, and I’ll do my best.” I indulged her--the voice was female, and so was the device now in my mind--and pointed the camera lens towards the bottle. “This is a Tequila Añejo. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the fermented sap of a desert succulent plant, and the term Añejo implies that it has been barrel-aged at length to enhance its flavor. This particular bottle is from a popular brand called Don Julio.”
I opened the bottle and sniffed at it. It had a sharp, peppery scent, some woodsy notes from the barrel, and a peculiar funk that I’d never encountered before. I wasn’t familiar enough with tequila yet to know if that was unique to the brand, or just the baseline flavor. I’d mostly been trying David’s fruity and grain-heavy spirits, and this certainly smelled distinctly different.
“Is this a good Tequila?” I asked.
“It is a popular brand of Tequila,” the holopad repeated.
“Right, but is it good?” I asked insistently.
The holopad went silent for a moment. “A meta-analysis of popular reviewers provides the following consensus: it is an excellent quality Tequila, but it may be overpriced. Don Julio is a large, old, and prestigious distiller, and, after numerous mergers and acquisitions by its parent companies, they’ve leveraged their branding and pedigree to become a household name. Some smaller independent distillers are known to offer a product of comparable quality for a much lower price.”
Most of that tracked with what I knew about my family’s beverage business. There were perks to being an interplanetary cider heiress, even with the abrupt loss of the “something to inherit” part. Still, if this bottle was expensive, I wasn’t mucking about with it without asking. I picked the bottle back up, and put it back in the open spot on the shelf behind the bar. I nodded, satisfied, at the colorful display of glass and liquids. “Say, if I wanted to make a good tequila-based cocktail, where should I start?”
“The most iconic tequila-based cocktail is called a margarita. It has many variants, but the classic version is made from tequila, lime juice, and a sweet orange liqueur.”
I nodded. Made sense. A lot of Terran cocktails seemed to start with citrus fruits for their pleasant aroma, and to mix sour and sweet flavors. “What’s a good aged tequila to use in a cocktail without getting too expensive?” I held the holopad up towards the bar. “Please select the best choice from visual.”
The device considered the request, then highlighted a simple-looking bottle with a picture of a horned Venlil on it. “Cabra Furiosa,” it said. “There is some online debate over whether or not the company should rebrand. There is concern that the logo looks too much like a Venlil.”
I stared at the label in confusion. I mean, sure, the horns were wrong, and the eyes were weird, but come on, Venlil were one of the closest species to the Cradle. I’d recognize that wooly snout anywhere. “But that is a Venlil. Isn’t it?”
“That is a goat.”
I sighed. Another Terran wildlife lookalike. An enterprising human could probably hunt his way through the entire Federation without leaving home. Maybe that’s why they were so chill with us? Nothing they hadn’t already eaten before?
I picked the bottle up and set it aside. “Alright, point out the orange liqueurs that are good choices for a margarita?”
Four bottles were highlighted in succession, indicating an order. “Cointreau, a type of liqueur known as a triple sec, is the traditional option. Gran Marnier, which is a triple sec blended with brandy for subtlety and depth, is a popular alternative. If those are unavailable, any more generic varieties of triple sec should work. Lastly, Blue Curaçao would be an unconventional but technically valid choice.”
I stared at the bright blue liquid. “Why would Blue Curaçao be unconventional?”
“The flavor profile is somewhat divergent from the other liqueurs previously mentioned,” the holopad said, “but mostly because it would turn the drink blue.”
Alright. Little bit obvious, but fair. It wasn’t even a fun blue color like a berry, or a dangerous shade of blue like blood. Well, my blood.
In any event, I had some background at this point in brandy, so I pulled down the Gran Marnier, set it next to the tequila, grabbed a handful of lime wedges, and asked the holopad to walk me through how to make a margarita. I fiddled with the proportions for a while--and even added a teensy touch of some other “cocktail seasonings” like bitters and syrups--until I liked the scent and taste of it, before I shook it with ice. I heard a dog barking happily, and the sound of small paws scrabbling along the floor, before I spotted David, who arrived just as I was pouring.
David smiled. It was a spooky expression, flashing his teeth at me, but it was growing on me. “Oh, hey, whatcha making?”
I slid one of the two glasses towards him. “Margaritas.”
David’s eyes went wide, briefly, and flicked towards the table in a panic, then back to the bar’s shelves behind me. “With the…?! Oh! Okay.” The look of relief on his face when he realized I’d picked a cheaper bottle was palpable. “Cabra Furiosa. Great choice, actually.” He nodded towards the glass. “May I?”
“I can’t slide it towards you any harder without it falling off the bar,” I pointed out.
David snorted. He picked it up, sniffed at it, and took a sip. He blinked. “Yeah, shit, that’s actually really good. Do you have any idea how many bartenders manage to fuck up the sugar to acidity ratio? Because it’s most of them. This is a boozy limeade with depth. Well done!”
I blushed a little at the praise, but I was still incredulous that I was somehow intrinsically talented at a skill that I hadn’t even known existed at this time yesterday. “Really? How… how do they fuck this up? It’s mostly three ingredients!”
“I mean…” David began. “Our planned lunch service notwithstanding, we do haute cuisine at the Cropsey Carnival. We try to elevate flavors, dishes, and cocktails. But fucking up the ratios aside, if I’m being aggressively honest? Most bartenders fuck up a margarita by only using two ingredients: tequila and sour mix. And a ‘good’ margarita is when the bartender slips you extra tequila.” He shook his head. “Quantity is not quality.”
I nodded and took a sip of the other glass, the one I’d poured out for myself. He wasn’t wrong. It was difficult and pretentious for an artist to objectively declare their own work as “good”, but subjectively? I truly enjoyed what I had made. It made me happy, and it made me even happier to see that someone else had enjoyed it as well.
As for the drink itself, it blended into a more beautiful harmony than I ever could have dreamed of before I’d come to Earth. All these good but rough components rounding each other out. The twin scents of the fragrant oils from the lime and orange rinds, the zesty sour notes of fresh lime juice, the rich depth and sweetness of the orange liqueur, and through it all, the aged tequila sat, unphased, a deep and primal drumbeat that would keep playing for its own sake, no matter who showed up to jam with it.
“Let’s leave them for a bit, though,” said David. “We’ve got some groceries to unload, and I don’t know about you, but I hate exercising while drunk.”
“Fair,” I said. As we walked outside together, one of the deeper thoughts I’d been mulling over bubbled up. If the Arxur were singular monsters, and the Humans were this… intricate and advanced civilization of social monsters, well, the latter didn’t exactly sound unappealing to me at this point. I wanted to know more about how David had fought the former Peacekeeper with words alone. “Hey,” I said, as we approached the boat, “can you break down your debate with Charmaine a bit for me? I want to understand human dominance rituals a bit more.”
David choked on his own spit. “Whoa. Hang on. Don’t use the word ‘debate’ for that. That was an argument, and even calling it that is being charitable. I’d be fully thrown out of my high school Debate Club for half of the bullshit I said just then.” He shook his head. “Calling that conversation ‘a debate’ is like comparing an Olympic fencing match to a back alley knife fight.”
We were hitting a concentration of topics where my Federation-built translator chip was just saying “Oh absolutely fuck no,” and bailing out on me.
“David,” I said slowly, “I’m really gonna need you to break this down for me, because none of those events you’re using as similes have an uncensored translation in my language. Please tell me more about this Terran tradition of a Back Alley Knife Fight.”
David blanched, and did not immediately respond.

I am volunteering for a blueberry farm in hokkaido in japan and would like to help the owner of this farm attract tourist customers to buy his products and services. I suggested social media to him and told him id be willing to help him set things up but im unsure of how i could approach making a social media page that will bring people to his farm in hokkaido, any ideas or advice on what to post or what to do to bring it tourists to his farm would be appreciated, thank you.
Details:
He runs a cafe The products: Blueberrys, blueberry jam, blueberry soda, coffee, deserts
He also runs a barbecue service where he provides a barbecue with different kinds of meats and vegetables to the customers that they will eat at the farm. (This is a service that requires online reservation)
They also have ducks and chickens at the farm, they are pets.

Soulmage

I was lucky enough to be able to feel myself dying. Cancer’s touch had been lighter on me than Sansen, and if I hadn’t known exactly where to look, I likely would’ve missed some of the subtler symptoms. But a soulmage’s memory was not that of a regular human’s: if I trawled through the arid deserts of my soul for long enough, I could retrieve and relive weeks of my slow decline all at once.
The eight memories I held suspended in my soulspace formed a clear trend. Despite how normal it felt nowadays to sleep sixteen hours a day and eat nothing more than a few bites, when I could flick back through days of my life like they were attractions at a street carnival, the pattern became clear.
I would be dead within the month if this kept up.
It was impeccably clear to me how I felt about that: I had not fought my way through a state-sponsored abuser, a blizzard-torn war, and my own arrogance and fear just to collapse from my wounds at the end of the race. The endless, determined, glittering sands of my soul were testament to that. But as much as I wanted to trust the only person in Knwharfhelm who practiced the kind of medicine I’d need to save my life, Zhytln was still a mind-manipulator with incomprehensible goals that I trusted no further than I could throw her. Which wasn’t very far, considering that she somehow effortlessly negated any attempts to fling magic her way.
So I dug deeper. Much as I detested Zhytln, I had studied her strange magics and—with Meloai’s help—developed them into something safe and ethical for my own use. I would never invade the mind of another, but working magic on my own mind was something I could do. I held a memory of Cienne, shimmering in the endless sands, and brought it to life. The living memory burned, bits of its essence rotating out of existence in angles my mind couldn’t track, as I transmitted my command into its very being: search my memories for anything I can recall about cures for cancer.
The memory of Cienne nodded and raced across the deserts of my soul, occasionally flickering and warping as it angled itself through the infinite dimensions of soulspace. Memories were four-dimensional, and I could only perceive three; with the help of another two living memories I summoned, I could grab different perspectives of my soul, hunting down memories faster than I could on my own.
Only marginally faster, unfortunately; when I tried to maintain a fourth living memory, the other three promptly destabilized, giving me a splitting headache. But inevitably, I caught the shape of a winding thread of memory, snaking throughout the planes of my soul, and hauled it to the surface. Where had I remembered glimpsing a cure for cancer? I touched the memory—
snow that swallowed footsteps and screams from your dorm room alike, hearth dragons gamboling beneath an ice-blue moon—
Home. The last remaining lead was home.
I had grown up in the Silent Peaks; despite or perhaps because of their remote, resource-barren location, they managed to be one of the most magically adept nations in the world. And they’d been the ones to discover or invent the strange light magic that sickened all whose gaze it fell upon—they wouldn’t make a weapon that devastating without understanding how to slow its effects in their own. If anyone else knew how to heal me of the sickness in my bones, it would be the arrogant, sadistic witches who’d brewed it to life in the first place.
My eyes snapped open, the living memories dismissed, and I got to my feet unsteadily. Feathers drifted in my soul, jets of wind helping prop me up.
If I wanted answers on how to live, I’d have to beat them out of the manipulative hellhole I’d fled from so many months ago.
I clenched my fists, and lines of frost danced around the room in tune with my mood.
Finally, a problem a riftmaw could solve.
The Whispered Secret held memories in every cup and nail and floorboard. Salt-crusted breakups, glittering like stars; thick, layered funerals that let out puffs of dust when touch; lurking, eight-eyed rivalries that skittered in the dark—if a human soul could host it, the Whispered Secret had it.
I walked in with a bottled soul shard that resembled nothing at all in this shop of souls and secrets, and the bartender fell silent as I slid it across the counter.
The bottle’s soul held something that had been oil, once, although it had long since congealed, strange algal blooms that needed no water to live infesting the eldritch emotion. Zhytln picked it up, turned the label, and stilled.
“Dorcelessness,” Zhytln read out, expression flat. I saw the gears in her head turning as she processed the information. “Where did you find this?”
“The shattered soul of a juvenile monster,” I said.
Zhytln set the bottle down. “Cienne never mentioned you had samples of the Silent Peaks’ creations,” she said.
“He doesn’t know.”
“Why tell me?”
“I’m leaving, soon, to the place where this came from.” I tapped the bottle. “You’re a scientific type. Analytical. Vivisectionist. And I don’t want that anywhere near Cienne or me. But if I can aim you in the direction of a bigger monster, I will.”
Zhytln tilted her head, and I got the feeling someone else would have asked the harder questions. Why I hadn’t told Cienne I’d snatched a piece of Iola’s soul when Cienne had killed him. Why I’d waited until now to tell Cienne I was going back to the place that horror had been birthed. Why I’d come to Zhytln first, instead of someone I cared about and trusted.
The answers were all the same: because Zhytln would never think to ask, and Cienne would never think of anything else.
Zhytln pocketed the bottle warily. “I meant what I said, when we first met. I seek no conflict, with your party or anyone else’s. I will not step into this war of yours.”
The corners of my lips twitched. “No. But it’ll step into your business, eventually. When that day comes, they’ll find someone armed and ready with knowledge of how to fight them.”
“I will keep that in mind,” Zhytln said. “Now, if there’s anything else I can do for you…?”
I pushed the stool back from the bar, about to shake my head, then paused. Chuckled, dark and bitter. “Actually, there is.”
Zhytln raised an eyebrow, and I slapped two coins down on the counter. “Give me a drink, bartender. I have a feeling I’ll need it.”
Soulmage
I was lucky enough to be able to feel myself dying. Cancer’s touch had been lighter on me than Sansen, and if I hadn’t known exactly where to look, I likely would’ve missed some of the subtler symptoms. But a soulmage’s memory was not that of a regular human’s: if I trawled through the arid deserts of my soul for long enough, I could retrieve and relive weeks of my slow decline all at once.
The eight memories I held suspended in my soulspace formed a clear trend. Despite how normal it felt nowadays to sleep sixteen hours a day and eat nothing more than a few bites, when I could flick back through days of my life like they were attractions at a street carnival, the pattern became clear.
I would be dead within the month if this kept up.
It was impeccably clear to me how I felt about that: I had not fought my way through a state-sponsored abuser, a blizzard-torn war, and my own arrogance and fear just to collapse from my wounds at the end of the race. The endless, determined, glittering sands of my soul were testament to that. But as much as I wanted to trust the only person in Knwharfhelm who practiced the kind of medicine I’d need to save my life, Zhytln was still a mind-manipulator with incomprehensible goals that I trusted no further than I could throw her. Which wasn’t very far, considering that she somehow effortlessly negated any attempts to fling magic her way.
So I dug deeper. Much as I detested Zhytln, I had studied her strange magics and—with Meloai’s help—developed them into something safe and ethical for my own use. I would never invade the mind of another, but working magic on my own mind was something I could do. I held a memory of Cienne, shimmering in the endless sands, and brought it to life. The living memory burned, bits of its essence rotating out of existence in angles my mind couldn’t track, as I transmitted my command into its very being: search my memories for anything I can recall about cures for cancer.
The memory of Cienne nodded and raced across the deserts of my soul, occasionally flickering and warping as it angled itself through the infinite dimensions of soulspace. Memories were four-dimensional, and I could only perceive three; with the help of another two living memories I summoned, I could grab different perspectives of my soul, hunting down memories faster than I could on my own.
Only marginally faster, unfortunately; when I tried to maintain a fourth living memory, the other three promptly destabilized, giving me a splitting headache. But inevitably, I caught the shape of a winding thread of memory, snaking throughout the planes of my soul, and hauled it to the surface. Where had I remembered glimpsing a cure for cancer? I touched the memory—
snow that swallowed footsteps and screams from your dorm room alike, hearth dragons gamboling beneath an ice-blue moon—
Home. The last remaining lead was home.
I had grown up in the Silent Peaks; despite or perhaps because of their remote, resource-barren location, they managed to be one of the most magically adept nations in the world. And they’d been the ones to discover or invent the strange light magic that sickened all whose gaze it fell upon—they wouldn’t make a weapon that devastating without understanding how to slow its effects in their own. If anyone else knew how to heal me of the sickness in my bones, it would be the arrogant, sadistic witches who’d brewed it to life in the first place.
My eyes snapped open, the living memories dismissed, and I got to my feet unsteadily. Feathers drifted in my soul, jets of wind helping prop me up.
If I wanted answers on how to live, I’d have to beat them out of the manipulative hellhole I’d fled from so many months ago.
I clenched my fists, and lines of frost danced around the room in tune with my mood.
Finally, a problem a riftmaw could solve.
The Whispered Secret held memories in every cup and nail and floorboard. Salt-crusted breakups, glittering like stars; thick, layered funerals that let out puffs of dust when touch; lurking, eight-eyed rivalries that skittered in the dark—if a human soul could host it, the Whispered Secret had it.
I walked in with a bottled soul shard that resembled nothing at all in this shop of souls and secrets, and the bartender fell silent as I slid it across the counter.
The bottle’s soul held something that had been oil, once, although it had long since congealed, strange algal blooms that needed no water to live infesting the eldritch emotion. Zhytln picked it up, turned the label, and stilled.
“Dorcelessness,” Zhytln read out, expression flat. I saw the gears in her head turning as she processed the information. “Where did you find this?”
“The shattered soul of a juvenile monster,” I said.
Zhytln set the bottle down. “Cienne never mentioned you had samples of the Silent Peaks’ creations,” she said.
“He doesn’t know.”
“Why tell me?”
“I’m leaving, soon, to the place where this came from.” I tapped the bottle. “You’re a scientific type. Analytical. Vivisectionist. And I don’t want that anywhere near Cienne or me. But if I can aim you in the direction of a bigger monster, I will.”
Zhytln tilted her head, and I got the feeling someone else would have asked the harder questions. Why I hadn’t told Cienne I’d snatched a piece of Iola’s soul when Cienne had killed him. Why I’d waited until now to tell Cienne I was going back to the place that horror had been birthed. Why I’d come to Zhytln first, instead of someone I cared about and trusted.
The answers were all the same: because Zhytln would never think to ask, and Cienne would never think of anything else.
Zhytln pocketed the bottle warily. “I meant what I said, when we first met. I seek no conflict, with your party or anyone else’s. I will not step into this war of yours.”
The corners of my lips twitched. “No. But it’ll step into your business, eventually. When that day comes, they’ll find someone armed and ready with knowledge of how to fight them.”
“I will keep that in mind,” Zhytln said. “Now, if there’s anything else I can do for you…?”
I pushed the stool back from the bar, about to shake my head, then paused. Chuckled, dark and bitter. “Actually, there is.”
Zhytln raised an eyebrow, and I slapped two coins down on the counter. “Give me a drink, bartender. I have a feeling I’ll need it.”
A.N.
Thanks to u/snakingfire for the original prompt! Soulmage is a web serial inspired by prompts; you can check out the rest of the story at bubblewriters.