It's almost 11am and I'm waiting at the bus station of the Almería for the bus to take me to Sorbas. From there, I will take a taxi to the ecstatic dance retreat venue. I'm tired. Yesterday I arrived at 2am from Madrid in a BlaBlaCar, and then had not so restful sleep in the same room at the hotel where I stayed last time I was here, three weeks ago.
The BlaBlaCar driver was a young man that worked for Phillip-Morris. I told him V. had been looking into applying for a position at the company, but was a bit torn about working for Big Tobacco. The driver was pretty reasonable with his answer: yes, it might not be the most ethical company to work for, but they weren't trying to expand their market but rather capture the market that already exists, and to provide less harmful alternatives to smoking (he said "more healthy" and then corrected himself "less harmful—we're not allowed to say it's more healthy".
The man worked in data engineering and was a really pleasant and cool guy, curious and open minded. Talking about V. and his own recent promotion we came to the conclusion that the position V. was considering was most likely the spot that was left vacant when he was promoted.
On our 6½ hour ride to Almería we spoke at large about our own respective experiences during the blackout. I was reminded how much we experience the world differently. He took 50 euros in cash he always keeps at home and bought provisions and batteries for his radio. Then he literally barricaded himself in his apartment, placing heavy items in front of the door in case of looting.
I just got on the bus and I'm dealing with fragments of myself second guessing this trip. A part of myself wants to roll his eyes so hard I'd look at the inside of my head. The other is trying to reassure everything will be ok, I won't feel awkward. Another part is horny and wants to flirt with all dem hippy girls. The guy who rolls his eyes says dem hippy girls aint no girls but hags. 'I contain multitudes', as Whitman wrote.
Beyond the multitudes someone observes, quietly.