Rainbow beach

Girls at Rainbow Beach

All the girls gathered for a group shot at Rainbow Beach.  Obviously Jacque took the photo after they released him from the coconut tree.  Though he still had a few patches of duct tape, how could he not forgive his captors.

Check in at the City of Ladies

At long last I spotted the “City of Ladies” .  How long I’d been walking I can not tell you but it seems as though it was ment to be that way.  Somewhere along the road I began to collect the things that I thought were important for this trip.  I sat at the top of the hill with my cart which I had traded for some of the things collected along the way; some journals which I never got around to write in, a set of colored pens because I already had two other sets,  a crystal clock because time has become less important and five robes that were hand embroidered with silk and rayon cords embellished with semi precious stones made of beautiful fabrics.  These were added to my offering for the cart because I finally realized that the joy was in making these garments not lugging them around. 

After rearranging my little cart I headed for the City.  Down the hill and accross the meadow I pushed.  Finally arriving at the entrance where I was met by a woman who directed me to the check in stall.  After being warmly greeted by the lady manning the booth she pointed to a place where I could leave my cart, gave me a claim check and said “After your stay in the city you can come back to claim your belongins or donate them to the offering for the Saturday night bon fire”.  I must have looked startled for she went on and said “you might be surprised at what people find they no longer need after staying here a while here”. I thanked her and turned around.  Now where should I go? It was still morning but I was tired from the long trip and pushing my little cart.  Feeling rather relieved not to have to drag it around through this magical place.  Magical? I knew in my bones there was magic to be had. 

A tall beautifully dressed woman walked up to me and said “Maven Maker?, we have been waiting for you, come with me to meet your guide.”  I guess  I don’t have to decide what to do next the next has already be decided for me.  The tall woman, whose name was Minerva, took me to a small outdoor cafe where we sat.  Immediately a hand came around placing a goblet down filled with the most delicious orange, pineapple, mango concoction I had ever tasted.  It was cold, tart and sweet.  Then a woman came up to the table carrying three small plates of food.  She sat down and Minerva introduced her as Pleasant.  I came to find out that Pleasant was to be my guide.  She would help me find my way around the City.  As we sat and talked liked we had all been friends forever I realized that this was to be a life changing event.  I had not been this comfortable with anyone for a long time.  I felt safe to expose the most intimate parts of me to these ladies.  Was it just these women or was it the city?  I don’t know, however, I want to find out. 

Pleasant says she has a surprise for me but it will have to wait until tomorrow. First I need to get a good nights rest so she takes me to The Ladies Chalet where a room has been reserved.  I’m shown to my room a large room with ochre walls, carpets on the floor, a dressing table with a mirror on it.  The Bed is set in a alcove with curtains that are being rustled by the breeze that is coming in through the  open french doors that lead to a balcony.  There steps lead down to a garden with a fountain.  I am suddenly exhausted.  Taking a cool shower using the scented soap, wrap myself in a towel and then find a caftan has been hung on the door.  After slipping into it I lie down on the bed and immediately fall asleep, wondering what will I find here in the glorious city.