I've been looking forward to the Northern faire (Casa de Fruta) since Southern faire ended several months ago. You see, I went to Casa last year, just once, and it was fantastic. In addition, I've been hearing good things all around about this faire, and I knew that many of my friends would be participating or visiting.

I got up early, around 3am, intending to leave well before four. I wanted to get to the faire very early, partially because I didn't want to miss anything, and partically because of the opening show. One of the things that makes this faire so special is it's opening show.

The drive was uneventful and I arrived about an hour early. This was cool, as I got a spot close to the gate without having to shell out ten bucks for preferred parking. The weather was quite gloomy, though, and a bit cold. I didn't mind - I would have been happy even if there had been raining.

The opening show was fantastic, even better than last year. It had the same cast of characters - Sir Francis Drake and all, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

Cassie and Jocelyn looked fantastic in their new dresses. I've always enjoyed watching both Cassie and Jocelyn perform, as they both have an incredible range of expression. Im fact, I was impressed with everyone - I could follow along with the act without sound if I wanted, just by watching the expressions on their faces and the movements of their bodies.

At 10am the gates opened and everyone streamed. I heard a voice from above yelling "Richard", "Richard", and looked up to see Cassie peering down at me with a friendly smile on her face. I waved back and smiled. Now, this is the way to start a great day!

I had lost the feathers in my cap at the airport on the way back from Bristol (for some reason they didn't want to allow them onto the place in carry on) so I needed to get new ones. I started down the street, and Cassie came up next to me and walked me to the shop where they carry them. Again, I was fascinated watching this lady interact with the other people on the street. She's simply awesome.

I only bought one feather, as $22 seemed like a lot to me. I'll get more in the future and fill my hat out.

Now I wandered down the street, and was greeted by many different performers. I've got to admit I am terrible with names. I am always embarrasing myself as I remember the face but not the name, until I've seen the person enough for it to sink in.

I wandered into a Belles of Bedlam show, but only stayed for a few minutes. I arrived in the middle, and wanted to see their show from the beginning. As it turned out, I didn't see them until I left the faire later in the day. Ah well, I still have three days to see their act all the way through.

As I wandered around all day long, one simple fact kept popping into my brain. Literally everyone, from performers to boothies to patrons was smiling. Every single person I saw or ran into this day was happy. Many were laughing and all were having a great time. Even as the day wore on and people were tired, they were still happy. Exhausted, yet happy. I've been to a heck of a lot of faires, and I this simple fact stands out about the first day of this one. It was fun for everyone.

I wandered over to the Rocking Horses with a plan. My friend Cindy, she who performs terrifying stunts on the horses, told me that getting ladies to ride with me is simpe. She's said over and over it's just a matter of asking. At Golden Gate faire I put it to the test once, asked, and got a ride with a lovely lady.

Today I wanted to test this even more. I was determined, and saw two lovely ladies from Southern. These two beautiies were both in the "Man Show", and I've seen them at other faires.

I got my courage up and asked them if they would ride with me. One of them said she would! Yeah!

With my courage mounting, I asked another lady (one of the rocking horse ladies) and later yet another. Cindy is right. All I need to do is ask. A very wise women, Cindy is.

I watched several shows, including, naturally, belly dancers. These dancers were very good and I got lots of great pictures. The dance was interupted by the Danse Macabre, who joined the belly dancers on stage. It was quite interesting watching the two dances mixed together.

Sometime during my travels today, Jocelyn came up beside me and escorted me through the faire. We talked and talked and talked. She's a very intelligent lady, you know. I gained a whole new respect for her and her husband during the hour or so we chatted.

My day was made perfect when I met the queen. She saw me snapping pictures, recognized me, and approached me smiling. She thanked me for all of the pictures that I've taken and we talked for a couple of minutes. I like this queen, I decided. She's got class.

Near the end of the day, Auntie Pita came up beside me, and we walked around chatting and talking. She's a very intelligent lady, and I've come to understand she cares about me a lot and is a special friend.

As the 6pm hour got closer, I didn't want to leave! I wandered all over, snapping pictures of everyone I saw, trying to make the last few minutes stretch out longer. Alas, the day had to come to an end and it was time to leave.