First NightWhen Paco dropped me back at the building site, the workmen were packing up and leaving. Concerned something had gone awry, I said my goodbyes and rushed over, approaching one of the stone masons, who explained Helmud had given them the rest of the afternoon off to enjoy the festival in Tuineje. The mason looked at me with interest and wanted to know if I would be going, but I said I preferred settling into my new home. A look of amused incredulity appeared in his face. I ignored it.
As soon as I was alone I changed out of my dress and went and tried out the portaloo, which wasn't as bad an experience as I thought it might have been. I exited the plastic capsule and wandered around the block, soaking in the expanse of view and affirming I belonged there, on the island, in Tisca
