As it turns out, we decided NOT to do the silent thing after all. We showed up, signed our names in the very large book, and went out to find something to eat (rice and a very sunbaked over easy egg that I was certain would make me ralph - which I fed to a hungry puppy) and began to be instantly eaten by mosquitoes and ants. We got to talking and decided perhaps now is not the time for silent suffering. Also, we want to go to China and have been told not to come during the country-wide vacation period between May 1st and the 7th and if we did the retreat it would mean that the China thing probably wouldn't work out. So... perhaps one day, but not now is just not the time. Instead we're in Kho Phangan to attend the infamous full moon party tomorrow, staying in our little air-conditioned room, sleeping on a bed (not made of concrete) with our pillows (not made of wood), smashing mosquitoes with the flyer for the retreat where you aren't supposed to kill any living thing.... HA! Oh well. So thats that. We're really sad to be eating real food and talking and laughing, but I'm sure we'll get through it.