Treat Yourself, Thursday, Period 2

[deathsmajesty]

Class had been notified to meet at Portalocity today, and that is where Liliana, dressed in normal, if low-cut, Earth clothing met them.

"Self-indulgence is about giving yourself permission to enjoy things, especially things that you normally would consider out of reach, costing too much in time or energy or money to usually enjoy. Not all of these are relaxing; in fact, some can be quite active or intense. It is not everyone's cup of tea to enjoy a languorous massage--" some people were just weirdos "--and might prefer something more lively and exciting instead. Still others might not find creature comforts particularly indulgent, but may be transported by the opportunity to experience aspects of the cultural scene they normally would not be able to. And so, today we're going to indulge ourselves experiencing some cultural activities at their finest, perhaps even a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We're off to Paris; though you each have your choice of locations."

Behind Liliana three different portals opened up. "To the left, we have a portal that will take you to one of today's Olympics showings, the--" She had to check the tickets. "--Women's Artistic Individual All-Around, which is a gymnastics competition. Through the middle portal, we have the show En Amour at the Philharmonie de Paris, labeled an 'an immersive, interactive experience at the intersection of live performance and visual art installation.' And then through the right portal is a trip to the Louvre, to see some of the most well-known artistic works on the plane. Now, because we are splitting up, it's on you to make sure you return to your portal on time, otherwise you'll be making your own way home."

But they were all adults and if they couldn't figure out how to summon a portal on their phones, that was a them problem. And who was she to deny them if they decided they wanted to indulge in a little more time in Paris, hmm?

"Each portal will drop you off in a secluded location in or near your chosen activity and will open there at the end of class. This way, there's no worry about having to navigate your way through a foreign city. Any questions? If not, take one of the three tickets and enjoy your trip!"

Wine & Dine: Pairing Fine Food with Fine Wine in Fine Countries; Thursday, 4th Period [08/01].

[chef_chocobro]

"As we continue to branch out beyond the rich heritage of the Mederranean wine countries that come to mind first and foremost when one thinks on the topic," Ignis said, once everyone was gathered at the portalocity office for their next class, "we're heading south of that region, and into Africa. Due to its climate, wines beyond the northern parts of this continent are rare, but there are a few regions that are cultivating their vineyards and starting come up into the market. One such country is Tanzania, currently the second-leading country in sub-Saharan Africa for wine proudction, with only South America ahead of it.

"The hot days and cool nights result in grapes with a high sugar content," Ignis continued to explain, "giving way to rich, vibrant wines; the sandy soil works well for varieties such as Cinsaut, Aglianico, Syrah, and Chenin Blanc."

There was a faint smile, the sort that could only accompany a moment of cherishing discussing a topic that one greatly enjoyed speaking on.

"Today, then," he concluded, "we will be visiting the vineyards of the Domiya Estate, who have put particular care in pairing their exclusive wines with both Italian and African food for their visitors and guests. Of course, as we've already discussed some Italian cuisine, we'll be focusing on the pairings more local to the area. So, without further ado, let's be on our way and see what the Dodoma region has to offer."

Build-A-Crumbler Workshop; Thursday, Fifth Period [08/01].

[special_rabbit]

"So today," Amaya said, with a firm nod to everyone as they came in and got ready for another day of slowly building a Crumbler of their very own particular flavor or variety, "is going to be a bit of a catch-all and look-ahead sort of day. I want to give you all some more time to work on your Crumblers-thus-far, with the base, and then I want to get ideas on what we should cover in the next classes to really get your Crumblers to where you want them to be: what features you'd like to add, if you'd like me to make suggestions based on my own features, etc, etc, etc, yadda yadda yadda.

"I know I've got plans if you don't have any particular direction you want to take it," she added, "but if there's a feature you're curious about how to implement, let me know and I'll work it into the next lesson plan. Or maybe you don't really know and want to brainstorm a little, too! That's definitely an option! Either way, we'll finish up our basics and start planning for the bells and whistles...maybe that's what we can focus on, too! Bells and whistles and maybe horns! This is the part where the simple concept starts veering into creative applications, so it's all about what you want to do and where you want to take it."

The Olympics... Kinda - Thursday, 3rd Period

[needsacatchphrase]

Certain equipment set up in the Danger Shop would've looked oddly familiar to the class. Almost suspiciously so, you might say. If you'd been near the park yesterday.

"Today you'll be doing a super ultra modern triathlon."

What an amazing coincidence. You could tell it was a coincidence because they were doing three events, not five. Because no one had time for that much ocd.

"That won't involve being made to swim in a dirty river," Jane added. "That was just... too much."

"In fact, you won't be swimming at all." The river had made that much of an impression on them.

"But there will be an artistic gymnastics routine on the floor," Jane said. Which was just what everyone wanted to do, right? On the fly. In public. Really show how much you learned from watching people compete all week.

"We're sure you'll be fine." Or amusing. One of the two.

Plants: Thursday first period

[mylandmyrules]

Once again Nell had messaged her class to meet her at Portalocity. "Today, in honor of the Olympics - and because it's a beautiful place I've always wanted to visit - we're going to Paris to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg or more simply, the Luxembourg Gardens.

"They have amazing English and French gardens as well as an orchard with a variety of old and nearly forgotten varieties of apples, an apiary where you can learn about beekeeping, a greenhouse with some breathtaking orchids, a rose garden, beautiful fountains, and over 100 statues scattered across their grounds."

She smiled at them. "You'll have plenty of time to explore on your own once we get there and if you want to stay longer, Portalocity has agreed to bring you home whenever you choose."

Library, Thursday 8/1

[noonedecidesmyfate]

Unlike last week, Belle was in the library this Thursday.

She'd rather not discuss what had gone wrong last week, thanks, but she was here now.

Here and eyeing the book display on Olympic sports warily. You would eye them warily too if the books were practicing high jumps over the shelves.

"If you break your spines I can't help you," Belle told them.

Besides, she preferred the paperbacks that were racing on a small track they'd put together.