Post #33773 by floratina on Sun, May 11, 2003 8:33 PM

This year's Oasis was as good as I hoped it would be - jackassery in full bloom. Last year's drunken singalong was the highlight of the event. We were still getting acquainted at that time in TC's history. It was amazing to be sequestered with many other people who appreciated Polynesian Pop and the facets of the midcentury aesthetic. They knew (sort of) the hapa haole hits and weren't afraid to belt 'em out as they quaffed prodigious quantities of the yield from the mixologist's shaker.

None of that has changed, but since then we have shared a lot of adventures. We returned this weekend ready for another round with our "old" friends and some new ones.
I enjoyed seeing the cars pull into the Caliente one by one on Friday and all you beloved reprobates "load in" for the festivities! We had the place all to ourselves and that is a lot better than when you stay at a big hotel and just happen upon each other in the coffee shop. It was like having our own tiki neighborhood.

Friday night was a big party night, yet Saturday was the main event. Saturday morning, the TCers stirred to life (hung over), visited each other in their rooms and braced for the day ahead. The exotica began to waft from the pool before long and it was time to go shopping.

We wanted tiki and the organizers assembled a collection of the best vendors imaginable to fill the need. Idols, t-shirts, key chains and mugs all called out to us. Munktiki was in the house and they were swamped. The House of Tiki mug made its debut as well as the official Caliente Tropics mug.

Thanks to Otto, Baby Doe, Casey, Charlie, Bax and all those who worked so hard to create this event. And what about those BANDS? It was a great time. We got a room party busted up by the police, saw a beyootiful wedding and gorilla warfare. I will have to get to work on my video captures...