this christmas did a 180 on me. just when i had resolved to hide away from the holiday in my little studio alone, my crew mates pulled together a big impromptu dinner. it ended up being one of the best christmas nights of my life.
all of us degenerate castaway kids got together and played family in a mansion on the east side. boston john was house-sitting for a fortunate friend, so we had this whole big, opulent house all to ourselves.
when we got there, i took a minute to step back and watch as everyone swarmed around the kitchen, cooking and setting the table. cheery christmas music filled the high ceilings. i thought just 2 months ago, these people were strangers to me... and now, they're my pseudo family. it's incredible how quickly i've bonded with people here, thanks to situations almost completely unique to this island life.
the dinner was more delicious than any that my family ever cooked up. and even more delicious was the atmosphere--there were no awkward exchanges or arguments like the ones so common at family gatherings (mine, at least. tell me i'm not the only one?). it was just good friends celebrating each other's company.
after dinner we sat out on the balcony beneath a sky lit up with bright stars and pillow-top clouds. nicky brought us shots that tasted like chocolate covered pretzels. dave played guitar and we all sang along. all the while, i looked around and couldn't believe my luck. my own imagination couldn't have come up with a more perfect way to spend this caribbean christmas.
