I awoke around 6:30am in my Equestria dreamscape and found myself lying on my back in bed. Petina, Carousel and I had been given a guest suite in Scratch’s mansion. For the next month or so this would be our new address:
 
1726 Windy Palms Way, Ft. Trotterdale. PZ 63 Equestria
 
I thought of getting out of bed and starting my day but Petina and Carousel were being particularly snuggly this morning and I knew I was not going to escape their embrace anytime soon. After having to sleep in single bunks a lot recently the mares were reasserting our relationship with lots of communal hugging.
 
Realizing I was not going anywhere soon I decided to visual examine our room as best as I could from the confines of our large, wrought-iron four post bed. We’d gone to bed almost immediately after retiring from the festivities that were still going on at 2am so I hadn’t taken a good look at it.
 
Our suite was located on the second floor and was very expansive, and a couple large wall mirrors made the room appear even larger. Overall the decorum had that air of casual elegance, all the while leaving you in no doubt that expense had not been an obstacle when it had come to the furnishings. The walls of our suite were painted in a very pale lime green while the Wainscoting was done in a warm white. Like the hallways of the mansion the floor of our room was done in a golden pecan colored parquet style wood. Tastefully scattered across the floor were rugs of rich, deep blue-green that were trimmed with double-line borders of straw yellow. A large bookcase of cherry wood kept a large sofa and couple divans of deep green silk company. Round out sitting area was curious low table of rattan construction. At night gas lamps built into the walls that had their own self-striking lighters illuminated the room at night.
 
Looking up at the ceiling presented me with geometric panels in ceiling painted in the same pale lime-green. To the left of the bed was a door that led to our own private bathroom. Casting my gaze to the right I could see large double doors with extensive glazing in them, the doors led out to an large patio that had its own small table with umbrella and chairs. The patio would also make an excellent landing and taking off pad. Early morning light poured into room via two large glider windows that were situated to either side of the double doors. Mosquito screens permitted them to be left open so the pleasant breezes off the ocean could enter the room and make the brilliant white curtains slowly flap and move.
 
Having taken visual stock of what would be our home away from home for the next few weeks I started building a mental dossier of our host, Scratch.
 
The white unicorn mare exuded an almost cock-sure confidence about her, and had the presence to command the attention of all in her presence. She also had an aura of sexuality that was only rivaled by Petina, and by the end of the evening I was uncertain which one of them would try to jump the other bones first. I figured it was only a matter when. Not if. In fact both Petina and Scratch could’ve been cut from the same cloth.
 
Also Scratch’s crew were a pretty hedonistic bunch of ponies, griffins and zebras. At same time it was very obvious that when it came time to go to work they were just as passionate about it. They worked hard and partied just hard when they were done.
 
When the dinner gong had been rung we had not gone into the traditional dining room. Instead we were led to a large square room with traditional woven grass mats on the floor and brightly colored cushions to rest on. The cushions were laid out in circular pattern around a large, round, cream linen cloth that was decorated around its edge with colorful geometric patterns.
 
Upon entering the room we were directed to one of several washbasins where one could wash their hoofs with cool water scented with Hibiscus and Honeysuckle. Then one found a cushion to plop down on, it quickly became obvious which ponies, griffins or zebras were in relationships with others in the room. Golden Bill had a wing draped over Scratch and Jona one of the zebra stallions who had pulled our carriage was cozily pressed up to Scratch on the other side.
 
Once everypony had been seated the serving staff began bringing in trays of food carried on these ornate saddles of brown leather. Yoke-like arms extended from sides that permitted them to carry trays of food that was suspended from metal loops. The serving staff was mixture of zebras, earth and unicorn ponies. Along with the saddles all of them wore ornate bridles and brass leg anklets similar to Zecora. In fact Zecora would look quite at home in this setting. The ratio of stallion and mares was about one-to-one amongst the servers.
 
Along with the food large bowls of water were placed in front us along with piles of thick cotton towels. Scratch explained to us that tonight’s meal would be eaten mostly with our hoofs; therefore the water bowls were there to allow us to wash our hoofs as we needed.
 
The foundation of the meal was Poola-pi, soft, puffy, slightly sweet, fried, flat bread that used scoop, dip, or sop up food. These were brought out in small wicker baskets and set intervals around the dining area. One simply grabbed a Poola-pi and then tore it into smaller pieces to dip in the food. We were advised it was considered rude to dip the same piece of Poola-Pi back into the common bowls after one had taken a bite from it. The flat breads were obviously freshly made and many were still warm.
 
Dinner was a simple affair that night. A Hearty stew of potatoes, pumpkin, okra, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and corn were combined with a fascinating mixture of spices and herbs. Plain yogurt was stirred into the stew after it was removed from the heat to give some extra creaminess. One simply tore off pieces of Poola-pi and scooped or sopped up the stew. As side dishes there were bowls of hummus and trays of ripe and green olives.
 
Dessert was fried bananas. Just ripe bananas were peeled and sliced lengthwise then sautéed in butter. After a couple minutes brown sugar was sprinkled on them and allowed to dissolve into a caramel-like sauce. Once the sugar had dissolved dark rum was poured onto the bananas and then flambéed. As a finishing touch fresh lime juice was squeezed onto the fruit before being served to hungry diners.
 
The main beverage was rum punch made with pineapple and lime juice that was spiced with clove, allspice, nutmeg and a healthy amount of white rum. This was served in large goblets and with all the toasts being made it was a good thing I didn’t have to fly that night.
 
The dinner was wrapping up when Scratch levitated up a little triangle bell and tapped it several times with a small striker rod. Conversations came to a halt and all eyes turned to her as she slowly rose to her hoofs. She took a moment and smiled at everyone gathered in the room. Then she spoke.
 
“Alright. I wanna to take this moment to formally welcome three special ponies that have come all the way from Ponyville to assist us with our next tour and to be our special guests for the next few weeks!”
 
Scratch looked at us. “Petina, Carousel, Sky Brush I’ve already said it but thanks for coming down here to act as dance instructors. Tomorrow I’ll show the training stage we’ve constructed and if it meets with your approval hopefully you two mares can get us up to speed with this fascinating technique you’ve developed. Sky Brush I understand you’ve got a way with shaping clouds. I’ve got some ideas for you about how that could be incorporated into our performances. I wanna see if you might have some feedback and inspirations!”
 
Scratch gaze swept across her crew. “These ponies are here on my bit so listen to what they say and do it! If we can learn their techniques I guarantee our next tour will leave Equestria speechless!”
 
Scratch then raised her goblet and downed its contents in one big gulp she then grinned. “Let’s blow Equestria’s mind everypony!”
 
To be continued.