Good morning, universe.

In just four short days I’ll be cramming my cargo into a little rocket and zooming off to Yantaló. The pile of books and supplies at my front door has gone from this:

…to this:

On Monday, I’ll do my best to post photos of the contents. it’s time for some serious suitcase Tetris! And maybe more prickly pear juice.

LA is filled with all manner of cactus and this fruit is fairly easy to find in parks and stores alike. Some troublesome varieties, however, are exceptionally difficult to juice because their delicate pulp is loaded with hard seeds – one literally has to mash the stuff in a net strainer to achieve the above result.

While it was worth it, as soon as A and I drank the delicious results, I embarked on a search for a bottled version – somehow to no avail. If anyone here is in the know, please share.

Amidst the D4RT prep, I’ve been whipping the house into shape. It had fallen into considerable disarray while I was busy and it just so happens that, two days after my return from Peru, my mother-in-law is coming to visit for the first time from the Czech Republic. Besides, I don’t come home to a mess if I can help it.

We’ve rearranged the bedroom as part of this process, and purchased my very first [!] dining table, which isn’t here yet.

There were a few moments to visit with friends, too. One is a skilled mixologist and blew my mind with a masterly array of what I affectionately call “old man drinks”.

It’s science!

We also went to FYF, got long-overdue Thai massages, watched lots of movies in bed and spent time with Micron. I got trip vaccinations which made my arm feel like lead for 24 hours, shot a few SG sets and did some other stuff, some of which was documented in the field.

And last, but certainly not least, I have officially reached hair nirvana, thanks to Vivka’s dyeing skills. She did such an incredible job that the process will receive its own post when I have the time. I leave you with this.

Eeee!