RAKKASAH EAST 2007 :: tanna

I consider myself to be a "vendor veteran" of Rakkasah East.  While I was not at the very first event I have attended all the subsequent ones.  And attendance does not mean one afternoon of shopping and schmoozing.  Working with photographer Lina Jang, we arrive Friday before the Ukrainian Hall opens, set up, work from opening to closing, try to attend the infamous "after party", get some sleep, and repeat for Saturday and Sunday.    It is exhausting, but it is also a lot of fun, and I would really miss it if I did not go.   

The weather was particularly beautiful this Rakkasah weekend, and both Friday and Saturday were quite busy.  I love getting to catch up with friends and colleagues that I rarely get to see.  Of course, it is difficult to chat against the backdrop of complete sensory overload that IS Rakkasah.   Piles of gleaming, glittering costumes distract the eyes while non-stop music fills the ears.  Many first-timers get completely overwhelmed.  Fortunately there is the interestingly furnished dining area when you can relax and eat a rather diverse assortment of food.  (I HIGHLY recommend the chocolate cake, and I don't even like chocolate cake as a rule.)

On Fridays we typically are more pumped up, plus it is the shortest vending day, so Lina and I had the energy to go to the after party at the hotel for a few hours.  We were well entertained by the Men of Rakkasah (we are eagerly waiting for the swimsuit calendar!), including of course birthday boy Carmine Guida and beat-boxer Pete List. 

Returning to work, I got to pose for a photo with my very respected and beloved master dancer and teacher Phaedra.  My new plan is to get pictures of myself with all my incredible teachers.  I still have a long way to go, but I want these memories captured!   Serpentessa also stopped by, accompanied by her reptilian companion.  Our outfits matched so well we had to take a picture.  While I am not a fan of snakes, I am not afraid of them as long as Serpentessa is around - her knowledge of snakes and their handling is unequalled.

Shopping-wise I was pretty good.  Buying 3 new pairs of fan-veils was a sound business investment.  Nothing excessive at all.  Ditto for the leopard-print wings.  Just because I rarely use the 3 pairs I already own does not mean I won't use these ones.  They can all keep each other company in my closet.

Lots of friends, lots of dancing, lots of noise, and eventual burn-out by Sunday.  It was great to go, and it was even better to come home.  But still,  I'm already looking ahead to Spring Caravan!