0930hrs: Lisa & I awoke. It was our day off from the kitchen. This new day was clouded with the memories of the night before & one event in particular. Our newly furbished & pristine lounge had been transformed into a giant pillow fight battleground. Cushions & corps’ flew through the air, while some tried to remain relaxed on the couches. Although this became increasingly difficult. …And then there was Kristel hanging from the rafters! From time to time there as a pause, allowing us to regroup & pop back any dislocated limbs. At one point we even ceased fighting amongst ourselves & turned on our neighbors, who had come to see what all the noise was about. This was an event that prevailed in hysterity, while allowing any frustrations & pent up anger from the last 13 days to evaporate into the ether. After settling down & anointing our carpet burn we searched refuge in the comfort of out sleeping bags & dreamed sweetly.

Back to the new day: Hangovers conquered we began both mental & physical preparation for the event of the coming evening. All men were to be transformed into desert queens for the playa ladies night. And what a sight it was! Some raided makeup bags while others stuffed tissues into borrowed bras. The kitchen queens became cosmetic queens & the usual banquet dinner was happily exchanged for a simple meal.

Laura Vanderborght
Lisa Norman