fandomhigh | Entries tagged with around the world

Today's class was told to dress warm. Not sweltering; whatever they were wearing on the island would be adequate for the trek. They were also told to wear good hiking boots. Not necessarily because they were going to be doing a lot of hiking, though that was certainly an option, but on this particular excursion, proper footwear was going to be a must.

Hannibal was once more in his (designer) jeans and a button-up shirt, with heavy hiking boots on and a large bag with him. "Welcome," he said to the class. "Today, we are heading to Africa. Earth is, in places, a very active young planet, and we're taking advantage of that."

//While America gets buffeted by one hell of a cold snap, we figured we'd embrace a little bit of heat today,// Jono added. He was wearing his usual leathers, because who the hell wore designer jeans to an active bloody volcano, Hannibal? //Or, ah, a lot of it, as the case might be. We're visiting Mount Nyiragongo today, skipping the hike up in favour of catching a portal to the summit, so that we can spend some time watching the lake.//

It was not a water lake, no. Don't be silly.

"You'll want to be careful," Hannibal told them. "Mount Nyiragongo has the largest lava lake in the world. It should be quite impressive; it will also kill you very quickly if you aren't careful. We won't be that close, but in case you are tempted, I suggest you don't."

He would have Bob bring you back to life long enough to make you fill out your own paperwork; see if he wouldn't.

//Where our portals let us off is about as close to the lava as you'll want to get.// A pause. //As close to the lava as we want you to get.// Jono had met their students. //The lava in that lake is exceptionally fluid. We'll have enough time to portal out in the case of the flow getting a little moody, but if you're too close in, so bloody help me I'll be irritated if I have to fish you out.//

He wouldn't resort to Bob bringing you back, but he would make certain there was something appropriately scathing in your eulogy.

"If we were hiking up, the group would be offering dinner. As we're not with a group, I will be providing a picnic lunch - or dinner, as it's several hours later there than here. Apart from that, we will be simply enjoying the view." And the sound, and the tremors. "It should be quite something."

sharp_man

Hannibal was chipper today. Which meant that Jono could tell he was pleased, and to everybody else he'd just seem content.

"We didn't advise you to dress any particular way this week, because we will be indoors," he said. "Not all of the world's interesting places are particularly beautiful or scientifically or artistically superior. Some are simply amusing. Many, unsurprisingly, revolve around money."

He took out money and split it up, passing it out to the children. "You may of course spend your own money if you like, but we thought we might give you a bit extra." Each of them got fifty dollars.

"Today, we are going to the West Edmonton Mall. The largest shopping area in the Americas - the pair of continents we're nominally a part of. It contains over eight hundred stores, over one hundred places to eat, and the world's largest indoor amusement park."

//Also has an olympic-sized skating rink, a giant bloody wave pool with what at one point was the world's tallest indoor free-fall waterslide, several cinemas, and the occasional petting zoo,// Jono offered. //Plus a lake. With a life-sized re-creation of the Santa Maria. And underground sea life caverns. Some sea lions...//

This mall was a bit extra.

//We'll be spending the entirety of this class here, but an hour isn't long enough to see everything, and so you're welcome to stick around a little longer still. Hannibal and I will be here - I have been talked into shopping hell, this is my life for at least another few hours - and will be meeting people by the koi ponds in Chinatown to send them home via portal on the hour until... I don't know. Seven. Seven seems like a good time before everything starts to shut down.//

"We will also have our phones, should you wish to contact us or have any questions," Hannibal volunteered. "Otherwise, please enjoy a sampling of Earth's commodities and services, and do try not to get yourselves kicked out."

furnaceface

Class today had been advised to dress for warm weather and water, and there was a place to store their winter clothing before they caught their portal. Hannibal was waiting for them wearing a light green and blue plaid linen suit and a wide-brimmed hat.

"Good afternoon. It may be winter here," he said by way of greeting, "but on the world's other hemisphere, it is summer. And there are lovely sights to be seen there. Today we'll be viewing the Great Barrier Reef in the waters of Australia."

//For those not from around here,// that was almost literally everyone in the class, Jono, //th'Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It's large enough to be seen from space, and is the biggest structure on Earth made by living organisms. It's also host to a multitude of different forms of life, which we'll be viewing first-hand during our trip today.//

"We'll be visiting Reefworld, a permanently docked pontoon," Hannibal said. "There will be food there," because of course, "and massages, and seats for those of you who simply wish to enjoy the sun. You can also go into viewing chambers and look out windows at the sea life. Or, you can snorkel or SCUBA dive out onto the reef."

//Yet again, it's a reality that isn't going to look twice at anybody who doesn't fit the standard 'human' mold,// Jono noted, //because like hell I'm wearing more layers than I have to while we're in the middle of a bloody Australian summer.//

He might not die trying, but he'd be bonus miserable. No thank you.

"The local language is the same one you're used to, so there shouldn't be problems there." Unless it was due to the accent. Then you were on your own. "You can stay for the hour and return if you like, but we'll be there for several hours if you'd prefer to stay."

sharp_man

Class this week had been ~~handwavily~~ informed to bring with them clothes suitable for physical activity. When they met at Portalocity, their teachers would be there, Hannibal in a designer leather jacket, tailored jeans, and heavy silk shirt, and Jono... still in his usual leather jacket and jeans, because Jono was nothing if not predictable. At least they matched more this week?

"Welcome again," Hannibal said. "We thought we would start with something both active and interactive, an opportunity to experience nature and," he nodded at Prompto, "food and drink."

//This week, we're doing remote locations and unbeatable views,// Jono said, sounding fairly amused, because of course Hannibal had found a way to work food and drink into this nonsense. Honestly now. //We'll be heading to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where some enterprising individual has set up ziplines.//

But then, of course Jono found a way to work in extreme vertigo, so they were probably even.

Hannibal was possibly smirking, just enough that Jono could tell. "If you're inclined to fly above the mountains on a thin line of wire at high speeds to see them, please feel free. If you would rather spend your time in the tavern, that is also an option." He'd paid the staff well enough for a private party and no checking of IDs.

//I'll be taking the ziplines,// Jono added, helpfully. Because taverns weren't exactly his deal these days. //Hannibal will be Team Tavern. Yes, you absolutely can start on the zipline and then head to the tavern when you're done.//

"Either way, we hope you will enjoy yourselves."

furnaceface

Class had been ~~handwavily~~ sent messages to meet at Portalocity, and Hannibal and Jono greeted them when they showed up.

"Hello." Hannibal, in his bespoke plaid three-piece suit, smiled at the students he knew and nodded to the ones he didn't. "I see we have some new faces. I am Doctor Hannibal Lecter. I am a psychiatrist and former surgeon and I often teach classes involving food here at Fandom."

//And I'm Jonothon Starsmore,// Jono added, clad in a rather more casual outfit involving a pair of blue jeans, a grey scarf, and a black leather jacket over a faded old Pearl Jam t-shirt. Somehow, these two men were married. //Jono or Jon will do. Mr. Starsmore if you absolutely have to lean into formality, I suppose. I am... nothing half as exciting as a psychiatrist or a surgeon,// said the occasional superhero, //but I do run the music shop in town.//

( Field trips! )

[OOC: Open!]

sith_happened

Today, for a complete change, the students found themselves in the Danger Shop. Anakin looked decidedly antsy. "It's the end of the year and nothing has invaded or turned us purple or leeched the color out of anything, so I'm not putting us through a portal and potentially getting cut off from the island," he began. "Deal with it."

"Instead, we have composed something of a final for you," Obi-Wan said. "Now, our class has not been the most intellectual of exercises, but we have seen quite a bit of this planet."

"Quick wits, a good sense of recall and direction, and the ability to eat whatever's placed before you will get you further in life than you might think," Anakin added.

"And today, we'll test what you've learned," Obi-Wan said, smiling behind his beard. "You must point out each location that we've been to on our map. Then, you will proceed to your next challenge."

"Which does not include rock climbing!"

Don't pretend like that's some kind of gift, Anakin.

"Master Skywalker is in a good mood today," Obi-Wan said dryly. "Enjoy it."

saddeserthermit

Today found the class on the banks of a giant sea, wind whipping the cloaks Obi-Wan and Anakin were wearing around their ankles. "Welcome to Baku, Azerbaijan," Anakin said. "A former Soviet state that has now rebounded economically thanks to natural gas and oil, both of which play a historically significant role in the culture here. The Zoroastrian religion--worship of fire--began here, mostly due to the highly flammable nature of natural gas when it just, well, erupts from the ground."

"As far as motivations for worship go, it's not a terrible one," Obi-Wan said, sounding faintly amused. "For those of you who are unaware, the Soviet Union was a sprawling empire, of a sorts. It stretched out over a large part of this continent. Many other nations were formed after it fell, some functioning... better than others."

They would not by taking you to Belarus any time soon, kids.

"Azerbaijan is one of the success stories," Anakin said, nodding. "They've even won Eurovision, whatever that is."

"It's a singing competition," Obi-Wan said immediately.

Then he coughed.

Anakin smirked. "Right. The first one back can ask Master Kenobi why he knew that so quickly."

"Let us not," Obi-Wan said. "Proceed."

sith_happened

"Welcome to Beijing," Anakin said, speaking loudly to be heard over the traffic as the class stood in Tiananmen Square. "This is China, the most populous country on this planet."

"This country has a long and storied history, as one of the great cultural centers of this planet," Obi-Wan continued. "There are relics of this past to be found everywhere - but its future appears equally bright and visible, in its way."

"In its way?" Anakin echoed, tilting his head at Obi-Wan.

"The local manufacturing culture has been rather brutal," Obi-Wan said lightly, "It remains to be seen if the future is as bright for certain classes as it is for the richer locals. Though I suppose that is true everywhere."

"Ahh," Anakin said, expression clearing slightly. "Today we're going to have you running around and learning about the culture of this country," via slightly embarrassing activities, as usual--"and we look forward to seeing you all at the end. Do not get into trouble here. You don't want to experience their criminal justice system. At all."

"But I am sure we can rely on you to be good," Obi-Wan said wryly. "Please. Go on. May the Force be with you."

saddeserthermit

Class would find themselves between large skyscrapers, near a bridge over the river. The skies were clear and the weather was... crisp. Crisp was a good word for it.

"Welcome to Chicago," Obi-Wan said, "One of the larger cities of the United States. It is sometimes called the Windy City, and it sits at the edge of a rather large lake." Beat. "Not that that is particularly relevant to us today."

"We will not make you swim the lake," Anakin agreed in a tone that seemed to imply that the students be grateful for this bit of charity. "Instead we will make sure you get proper exercise at a baseball park."

"When you have completed this task, we will venture from the city into the suburbs," Obi-Wan said, "Where you must seek out your final task together."

"It doesn't involve dancing," Anakin said with a small smile.

So prepare to eat, kids.

"Now please," said Obi-Wan, "We can't miss our ride to Wrigley Field..."

sith_happened

Today Anakin and Obi-Wan were meeting their students on a beautiful Caribbean beach, wind gusting their robes around their ankles.

Anakin, for once (or maybe just not yet) wasn't bitching about the sand. "This is Trinidad and Tobago," he began.

"It is a twin island nation," Obi-Wan said, "Considered to be one of the richest in the region - both in coin and in tradition."

"Your challenges will take you to both islands today. Because we're so close to Easter, you will be participating in some local traditions centered around the holiday," Anakin added.

"For those of you who may not be aware, Easter is a holiday during which adherents of the religion of Christianity celebrate how their prophet once rose from the grave," Obi-Wan said. "It is considered rather important... and associated with eggs, for some reason."

Yeah, he wasn't sure.

"And making American children sit on the laps of giant weasels--" that's not true at all, Anakin, "--which is why we're not there to celebrate it," Anakin added.

"Hopefully, you'll find the local traditions rather more enlightening," Obi-Wan said, with a firm sweep of his arm. "May the Force be with you."

saddeserthermit

It was definitely on the hot and sticky side today as Anakin and Obi-Wan greeted their students on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. "Hello," Anakin said, waving a hand. "At least the weather isn't as weird here as it is back at school?"

"And we are reasonably comfortable," Obi-Wan agreed. "Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A city with many faces, some of which you will experience today."

"And if you've been missing the 'eat something weird' challenges, we've fixed that this week," Anakin added.

"Experience some of Rio's cultural riches," Obi-Wan said, attempting to insert some kind of dignity back into the class. "And open your eyes to the lives of others, as well."

Inserting dignity on a day where the island was trying to rip people's clothing off. Good luck with that, Obi-Wan.

"Don't get arrested," Anakin said. "We'll leave you here."

"We will do no such thing," Obi-Wan said immediately.

sith_happened

Today found the students on an island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, an enormous, flat mountain in the background. "Welcome to Robben Island," Anakin said. "This was an island used for banishment and imprisonment--especially of political prisoners--for hundreds of years of South African history, but is most remembered for being the prison for Nelson Mandela, the man who eventually helped to overthrow decades of apartheid rule in this country."

He glanced to Obi-Wan, hoping he'd done the research on this place, too.

"Mandela went on to become president of this nation," Obi-Wan continued fluidly. "As did Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma, two other famous inmates of this place. Before that time, many other local leaders were held here. And before them, it was used to isolate people suffering from a condition called leprosy from the rest of the country."

"We're not going to have you run through here because that would be tacky and disrespectful," Anakin said, "but we couldn't come to this part of the world and not let you see some of the history--and not all history is pleasant."

"So you may take your time to consider this place, if you wish," Obi-Wan said quietly. "For many of you, this is part of your history, and it is worthy of your time and attention. We will move on from here for your first task. Soon."

sith_happened

Once they had stepped through the portal, the students would find themselves in quite decent climates - still warm, and humid, but not quite 'burning off your skin' hot.

"Welcome to Ghana," Obi-Wan said, his hands folded together in his sleeves. "It is a place with some rather different rules than you may be used to in your United States. Today, you will learn of these rules."

Anakin's attention was temporarily diverted by a group of women carrying enormous piles of bananas and loose peanuts on platters on their heads.

"Yes," he agreed. "This is Accra, the capital and home to a few million people." Traffic zoomed past them paying only nominal attention to rules of the road. Motorbikes, taxis, minivans and large buses seemed to communicate via honking, emphatic hand gestures, and at least three different languages.

"You will navigate through these streets to accomplish your tasks," Obi-Wan said. "When you are done, you will be taken to another part of this country for your final test. It will be a trial of reflexes, skill, and cunning." Beat. "But chiefly reflexes."

Anakin smiled. "At least you don't have to eat anything today?"

That's probably not that reassuring, all things considered, Anakin.

"With that in mind," said Obi-Wan, who totally wasn't smiling behind his beard, really. "Good luck."

saddeserthermit

Today brought the students to Istanbul. Or Constantinople. Not that either teacher could explain that joke. "Welcome to Turkey, which is a country and a bird, but the bird isn't found here, as far as I know." He looked confused about it.

"Presumably, the bird is called something different in this country," Obi-Wan said, a wry smile on his face. "Today, you will encounter some of the nation's most famous attributes: sails, spas, and the local cuisine."

If he was sad it didn't alliterate fully, you could not tell by his expression.

"All by foot," Anakin added because he was mean.

"There will be some walking involved," Obi-Wan allowed. "But that's good for the spirit."

"And the calves," Anakin added, smirking slightly.

Obi-Wan coughed. It was by no means a display of amusement. "I wish you great success," he said, "and may the Force be with you."

sith_happened

It was practically spring-like in Moscow today--hovering a few degrees above freezing!--as the students grouped around Obi-Wan and Anakin in Red Square.

"Welcome to Russia," Anakin said, hood pulled up to protect his ~~hair~~ ears. "This is Moscow, its capital. As is customary by now, you must complete one task with your partner, and then two tasks on your own before finding us again to head back to the relative warmth of Maryland."

Before Obi-Wan could get in a word edgewise, Anakin clapped his hands. "Your first assignment is a team one. See those men?" He pointed to a group of well-dressed Russian men. "They are waiting for you to bring them their brides from their apartments all over Moscow."

He handed each team a poor-drawn map with all of the street names scrawled in Cyrillic. "You must fetch the brides via those sturdy looking cars--" the sarcasm was palpable because the Ladas were anything but sturdy, and the Russian cab drivers loitering next to them looked anything but thrilled to be participating in this madness, "and then bring them back here to their future husbands." He smiled. "And then you'll get your next task."

Oh, you lucky things.

saddeserthermit

After gathering up and stepping through the portal, the class would find itself on a large and exceptionally busy bridge, crowded with people, kiosks, vendors, and painters.

"Welcome," said Obi-Wan, "to Charles Bridge, one of Prague's most famous bridges. Your journey will begin here today."

"We're in the Czech Republic--" stop pronouncing the "z", Anakin, "--in Eastern Europe. This will be our last stop in the European continent this semester."

"Though not our last stop on the Eurasian continent," said Obi-Wan, who thought he was funny, yes. "You will begin today's course by engaging in the local practice of... well, painting people on bridges."

There wasn't a good local word for it that he could pronounce.

Too bad Threepio wasn't around to provide translation! "After that, you will pair up for an easy navigational exercise," Anakin said, "before heading out of the city for your final task."

"But we will let that be a surprise," Obi-Wan finished, smiling. (He should probably not be smiling.)

"You love our surprises," Anakin added, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

sith_happened

Today's class met outside the gates of a castle. The air smelled faintly of livestock. Is everyone worried yet?

"Welcome to Italy," Anakin said with a fiendish grin. "Today will be your first paired challenge. You will participate in the Palio della Tonna."

And no, he would not be translating what that meant. Neither would Obi-Wan, for that matter.

"After that, you may become acquainted with some of the traditional foods of the region," Obi-Wan said. "You will do this individually, and the final race will be an individual event as well. However, proper teamwork in the Palio della Tonna will be instrumental in giving you a good lead on your competitors, so please, try not to sabotage one another."

"Or hurt the livestock," Anakin added. "Master Unwin might be an excellent partner for this task, given his newly acquired detention expertise."

Did Obi-Wan just very loudly clear his throat? No, obviously not. "Finally, one will find us at the top of the Basilica," he said, "We will provide climbing gear, of course." Because Anakin was still entirely too obsessed with Laura's judgement. Sigh.

saddeserthermit

Anakin and Obi-Wan were in front of Portalocity again this morning. "We're going to stick with Europe today," Anakin told them, "and are going to increase the difficulty level."

Someone had taken Laura's critique of last week's class slightly personally. Sorry, everyone.

Obi-Wan sighed the sigh of someone who had had a full hour's argument over the previous party's ridiculous post-class demands and was mostly just glad Anakin had scrapped the flamethrowers from the equation. "Somewhat," he said, "at a normal and sensible pace."

He cleared his throat. "We are about to welcome you to a local festival called Oktoberfest," he said. "It appears to largely concern beverages we'd rather you not imbibe. Not that any of you would, of course."

The sarcasm was dripping, there.

"Because that would be wrong," Anakin agreed, nodding. "But mostly because none of you want detention for drinking alcohol during class. We're going to a country called Germany, which is...down and to the west of the country we were in last week."

"The festival also revolves around food," Obi-Wan continued, "Which is to say, we hope you have some expertise in the art of baking." He looked vaguely amused underneath all the facial hair. "As well as a healthy appetite."

Anakin smirked. "So get your costumes on--" he pointed to racks of lederhosen and dirndls that were not optional, "--and get ready to race."

"May the Force be with you," Obi-Wan said solemnly, bowed his head, and then turned around and walked into the portal.

sith_happened

Anakin and Obi-Wan had made sure to tell the class to meet them outside the Portalocity office. Anakin, hands stuffed into his robes to protect them from the cold (kriffing cold, ugh), still managed to look a little smug. "Hello and welcome to Around the World in 16 Challenges," he said. "Today we're going to the Netherlands, a small nation on the continent of Europe."

"Since he appears to have skipped right ahead: this is Master Anakin Skywalker. I am Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Welcome." Obi-Wan looked rather more at ease with the cold, though he generally kept his hands tucked in his sleeves regardless. (He also had a far better poker face than Anakin's.) "Your first series of challenges will take place here," he continued, "and you will handle them by yourself. Later challenges may contain a teamwork component; for that, we ask that you find a teammate today with whom you ~~share a RL availability~~ will cooperate for the rest of the semester."

Anakin nodded, smile widening. "The odd one out gets paired with one of us."

Oh, you poor things. "This course will test you both physically and mentally and help you to confront fears about heights, hitting things, and eating things that are still moving." Anakin, that is not helpful.

And as such, Obi-Wan cleared his throat very loudly midway through that statement. "It will hopefully also lead you to appreciate this particular planet and its many cultures," he said, "So please, do try to enjoy yourselves as well."

"Today's challenges will test your attention to detail, your hand-eye coordination, and your ability to navigate yourself to different places," Anakin said, nodding. "We will be waiting for you at the end of the course. May the Force be with you."

And then the bike locks and the dike jumping! Because getting people muddy was hilarious.

... and the canal tour with the light sculptures, because not everything had to be mud, Anakin. Obi-Wan gave the class a formal nod of his head. "Begin."

Current Mood: devious

sith_happened

"Well, this is the seventh week," Anakin said, "which means this is your last trip through a portal for a while."

Some of the students might be a little grateful for that, a thought Ben had also had, judging from the bemused look on his face. "So today we'll go to Europe. Something nice and easy in Finland! You don't even have to eat something weird!"

Wasn't that nice of them, class? So nice!

sith_happened

The two Skywalkers were, as usual, in the Portalocity office waiting for their students to arrive. "Today we go to Bangladesh," Ben said with an easy smile, "which is another country in Asia located," he pointed to it on the map, "here. It's very hot and humid there right now, so be sure to pick up one of the water bottles over there," he pointed to a crate full of them on the floor, "before heading out. We don't want anyone getting sick."

Anakin nodded. "As usual, you'll have two tasks to complete before finding us. Bangladesh is not a very wealthy country, so please don't stare openly at the trash or the polluted water or other symbols of their poverty."

sith_happened

"Today we are going to Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia," Ben said, pointing it out on the map. "It's near Vietnam and is known for its insane dictatorship, so please, please don't get too lost."

"As always, you will have two tasks to complete before finding us," Anakin said. "Travel safely."

sith_happened

Anakin and Ben were in Portalocity waiting for the class with enough iced capps for everyone to enjoy while listening to the briefing. Ben was working his way through a box of Timbits, but those were just for him. Sorry.

"Today we're heading to Calgary, Alberta, Canada," Anakin said, pointing out the location on the map. "In the summer: I know this might be a concern to those of you who think Canada is constantly covered in snow."

Like Ben had been until they'd started doing research. Cough. "Calgary hosted the winter Olympics several decades ago," he said, "which is this totally astral sporting event that comes around every four years. Calgary's also home to several First Nations tribes in the area, including the Siksika, Stoney and Tsuu T'ina." Ben kind of destroyed the pronunciation of that last tribe.

"Explore Calgary, have fun with the activities and we'll meet you at the check-in point," Anakin concluded.

sith_happened

The Skywalkers were in their usual place in front of the map at Portalocity, both drinking from coffees they wouldn't be sharing with you.

"Hope you didn't put too much effort into your appearance today," Ben said with a tiny, wicked smile. "Today you're going to get a little messy."

"We're going to New Zealand," Anakin added, pointing it out on the map, "clear on the other side of the world from where we are, though the locals all speak English. As usual, you will have two tasks to complete before you find Ben and me."

There were chicken eggs involved again. Sorry, repeat takers of the class....

sith_happened

The Skywalkers were looking more grave than usual as they stood in the Portalocity office, and Ben's eyes kept sliding to the spot where Anakin had stood during last session's briefings, but they weren't going to share the cause of their grief unless pressed on it.

"Today we're going to the Asian country of Azerbaijan," Anakin began, pointing to it on the map. "It's a former Soviet nation that speaks a combination of Russian, Farsi and Turkish and is rich in natural gas. You will be performing your tasks in the capital city of Baku."

Ben nodded. "Hopefully you didn't wear anything you love too much."

That wasn't helpful, Ben.

"We'll see you at the end of the course. Don't get hurt."

sith_happened

Two men--one tall and blond dressed in Jedi robes (if you recognized that sort of thing) and one younger, shorter, stockier and redheaded, wearing jeans, though with the same bright blue eyes as the older man--waited for the class in front of the Portalocity office in town.

"Ho, everyone," the redhead began. "I'm Ben Skywalker. This is my grandfather Anakin--I know, he doesn't look it, long story, not really important--and this class is Around the World in Seven Weeks, where we send you through a portal to a new country every week, give you activities to complete and then expect you to return to us in one piece."

"Without having ticked off the people who live there," Anakin added a little vehemently. "Today," he said, striding over to the map of the world Portalocity had up on the wall ("We'll take you there! Or close enough!") and pointing to a country in South America, "we are going to Paraguay, a nation known for--"

"--not being Uruguay?" Ben suggested with a grin.

Anakin frowned at him. "Anyway, you are heading to the capital city of Asunción, where you will be given two tasks to complete, as well as finding us again in our end location. Be safe, don't get lost, and we'll see you at the end."

doubleohblonde

Today the Danger Shop opened up onto a wide stretch of beach, clear blue-green water lapping lazily at the white sand as the sun shone warmly down on them.

"I had planned some fiendishly difficult final, one that would tax your every skill at blending in with a culture not your own," Bond said by way of greeting. "But after the past week, I believe that something more laid back is in order. Welcome to Andros Island, part of the Bahamas. I'm sure you can figure out something to do."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: calm

doubleohblonde

The Danger Shop opened up onto a white landscape, broken only by a furry shape in the far distance.
Oh, and the snowmobiles.

"Good morning," Bond said. "Svalbard has much to recommend it. Research stations, numerous world heritage sites, the Global Seed Vault, but chief among them is the Polar Bear watching. So hop on a snowmobile and see if you can get a little closer to our friend in the distance, but not so close it decides to see if you're food."

Okay, so he just wanted a class where they could use snowmobiles, he was the teacher, he could do that.

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: cold

doubleohblonde

Bond was looking somewhat worse for wear this class.

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I have a touch of the flu," he rasped by way of greeting. "So if you'd just settle in and watch today's movie, hopefully you'll get an idea of what can happen when a story from one culture is adapted through the lens of another."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up!]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: sick

doubleohblonde

The Danger Shop opened onto a busy street, the sun shining warmly down onto the class.

"Welcome to Antananarivo," Bond began. "Capital of Madagascar." Which was quite high on the list of places someone wasn't allowed back to any time soon after that little embassy incident.

He was about to launch into a far too detailed discussion on the history of Malagasy culture...when someone sneezed.

"SHUT! DOWN! EVERYTHING!"

Within moments the streets were deserted, windows and doors closed tightly.

Bond blinked, caught off guard for once. "That doesn't usually happen."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: confused

doubleohblonde

Today, the class found themselves on large concrete platform over the sea.

"Welcome to the Principality of Sealand," Bond began. "Originally a sea fort six miles off the coast of Suffolk, it is now what's known as a micronation, a territory has which as made a claim of succession but is not recognised as an independent nation state."

Bond continued on for a while explaining the 'long' history of Sealand, as well as that of micronations in general. "Now for the rest of the class, you have the choice of either exploring Sealand for fully, or watching a documentary on the short-lived invasion of Molossia, another micronation."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: chipper

doubleohblonde

Like last week, Bond was wearing a fur coat when the class arrived at the Danger Shop, unlike last week he was wearing other clothing under it.

"Good morning, class," he said, before gesturing to a large collection of parkas, hats, scarves, gloves and other thermal wear. "Before we begin, I would advise all of you to dress extremely warmly."

When the students had dressed, Bond pressed a control and not only did an ice covered path leading to a city appear around them, but the temperature dropped severely. "Welcome to Yakutsk, capital of the Sakha Republic, and the coldest city on Earth. During the summer, it can be reached by ferry across the Lena river, and during the winter by driving over the frozen river." If anyone cared to take a closer look at the path, they would have seen that the path wasn't so much covered in ice. Bond really gave his class the best life experiences, didn't he?

Leading his class over the river, Bond continued to give a brief history of the city, which was far more expansive than could be found on the average wikipedia page. Eventually, he led them to a small bar on the outskirts of the city, where, while it was warmer then outside, was still cool enough that the class would probably want to keep their outer layers on. "We'll be spending the rest of the class absorbing the atmosphere," he explained. "Sampling some local cuisine, trying the kumis."

Bond was not going to explain what kumis was.

[ooc: wait for ocd]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: cold

weetinyreese.livejournal.com

Mr. Bond was nowhere to be seen this week. There was, however, a husky dog sitting next to where Kyle was standing. "Hey," Kyle greeted the class. "I'm pretty sure this is Mr. Bond, so he can't teach class today." When the dog wouldn't leave him alone and seemed a little too bright for a normal pup, he'd gone through a list of people he knew, asking if the dog was that person. Hey, whatever worked.

"I don't know much about anywhere, but I've accidentally been to a city in Canada called Vancouver, so we're going to go there today. I could only find a program for a part of the city called Stanley Park but there are walking tracks through the forest, an aquarium, some totem poles and some farm animals. There's a walking track all around the island that I'm going to check out or there's a tram that runs up and down this road here. I'll turn the program off at the end of the class, so go as far as you want."

[Class Roster | Class Rules]

doubleohblonde

Today, the Danger Shop opened onto a landscape littered with ruins as far as the eye could see.

"The history of Egypt stretches back milliena," Bond began. "Currently we're standing in the ruins of Memphis, the capital of Ancient Egypt for somewhat under three thousand years, when the Romans moved the capital to Alexandria. It retained much of its prominence for several more centuries, gradually declining until finally it began to be used as a quarry for new settlements in the seventh century."

He paused for a moment to let just how old the city they weren't technically standing in was sink in, before launching into a more detailed explanation of the history of the city and how changes in ancient Egyptian culture affected it and eventually lead to its abandonment.

"Nowadays the ruins are a world heritage site and open air museum, which I invite you to spend the rest of the class exploring."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

doubleohblonde

Bond did not look particularly bothered by the fact that he was still looking decidedly female this morning, but this might have been because he still cut quite the dashing figure in his suit.

Of course, given that the class appeared to be taking place during a considerably large street festival, he did look slightly out of place.

"The Brazilian Carnival originally arose in the seventeenth century from the Roman Catholic tradition of pre-Lenten celebrations," he began once the class had finished arriving. "While the most well known Carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro, the holiday is celebrated throughout the country with variations from state to state." Bond continued for a while, talking about both the history and various aspects of the festival.

"You can spend the rest of the class exploring the street festival, or watching the parades, but do try to keep out of trouble."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: relaxed

doubleohblonde

Upon entering the Danger-Shop, the class found themselves standing outside a pair of turf covered houses by the sea.

"Welcome to Iceland," Bond said. "Which unlike the name suggests is actually quite pleasant, if cool, most of the year."

"Now, given that I expect many of you had something of a stressful weekend, we're going to spend the class settled back and listening to an Icelandic Saga."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: cold

doubleohblonde

"I'm afraid we're still in Italy this week," Bond said as his students entered the Danger Shop, gesturing to city filled with canals lying below them. "Though to be fair, Venice did only become part of Italy proper within the last two centuries, spending the majority of the previous millennium as an independent nation state."

"But for once we're not here to talk history, as currently Venice is in the middle of the fifty-fourth International Festival of Contemporary Music, and a number of skilled artists in town for the Biennale, any one of which you may choose to spend the class listening to."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: melancholy

doubleohblonde

When Bond's class arrived at the Danger Shop today, they were greeted with a stunning evening view.

"Like London, Florence was originally founded as a Roman settlement," Bond began, once he felt they'd had enough time to take in the view. "By Julius Caesar himself to be exact. In the two thousand years since, it has come to be regarded as one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe, if not the world. Often referred to as the cradle of the Renaissance, its impact on art, science, religion, politics, even the Italian language itself can be felt to this day. Dante, da Vinci, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, the de Medicis, all of them at one point called Florence home."
He continued in this vein for quite some time as he led the class into the city, making sure to point out any particular places of interest.

Eventually, he led them a quiet square to a where a vast array of food was laid out on tables. "In addition to providing a feast for the senses and the soul," Bond said, gesturing to the tables. "I've found that Florentines are also quite adapt at providing them for the body." Well, he thought it was clever wordplay, at least.

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: hungry

doubleohblonde

Bond had, through a quite unlikely and complex set of random circumstances, managed to delete today's simulation five minutes before the start of class. Luckily, he did have some skill at improvising.

"Good morning class," he began. "You can gain a great deal of insight into other cultures, and your own, by examining various instances of art and popular culture they produce. These provide a window into how members of a culture view themselves, and what values they claim to hold dear. This is especially true of the ones that become popular or are considered cultural touchstones. Which is why we're going to watching an award winning Australian film, while you watch I want you to consider what values it suggests that the Australian people hold dear."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: embarrassed

doubleohblonde

Today, when Bond's students entered the Danger Shop, they'd find themselves emerging into a bustling metropolis.

"London," Bond began, once the class had finished arriving. "Apart from getting razed to the ground very early in its history, has stood for around two thousand years." He then went on to give a potted history of the area, touching on the more interesting parts.

"Currently, we're standing in the middle of the area actually called the City of London, but unless you have an overwhelming interest in finance, there are a great many more interesting areas for you to explore during the class. All of which are worth visiting, and thanks to the magic of the Danger Shop, you'll actually be able to get to them instead of being stuck in traffic for the hour."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: calm

doubleohblonde

Bond's class had received notice to meet in the Danger Shop, which was currently set up as a classroom with a large map of the world dominating one wall. Once the class had finished arriving, Bond began to speak. "Good morning, class, and welcome to Around the World in Fifteen Weeks. For those of you who are new or who haven't taken one of my classes before, I'm Professor Bond." He nodded in Kyle's direction ~~if he was there~~. "Mr Reese is my TA, and more than capable of handling any problems you don't feel comfortable approaching me with."

"Now to talk briefly about the class, as the name suggests, each week we'll be using Danger Shop simulations to look at various cultures, touching on both their pasts and their presents."

He paused briefly. "One thing I would like you to keep in mind, even though classes will be held here, is that when people from two or more cultures interact, misunderstandings and incidents can happen regardless of how hard either side tries to avoid it. These incidents can also very quickly spiral out of control." Especially when your reasons for being in a country involved intelligence work. "And, to pick a random example, very few cultures take kindly to a foreign national blowing up one of their embassies, even if they didn't actually intend to when they entered it." Not that he'd know anything about that.

"But more on that next week, as this week we'll be focusing on introductions." Bond pointed to a random student. "Name, class, where you're from, and one place on Earth you would like to visit before you die."

[ooc: ~~wait for~~ ocd up!]

[Class Roster|Class Rules]

Current Mood: working

Fandom High RPG

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