I try to catch Carrie’s eye, but she seems enthralled by them. Personally I think it’s all a bit much, and the thought of sitting in the lounge with a group of strangers, giving thanks, makes me shudder. I might look like a hippy today but, like I said, it was meant to be beachwear. However, letting my hair go matted just makes it easier to handle, because I don’t have to think about it. I know that one day soon, I’m going to have to let someone cut it all off, but for now, it’s doing the job. Besides, if I dress like this, I blend in. And I’ve found that blending in is the best way to get what you want.

Finally, Geriel shows us to our room – two single beds with yellow crocheted bedspreads, a white painted dresser with another cactus sitting on a wooden coaster, and a small bathroom off to the side. Despite my initial reservations, it’s perfect – and I am delighted to throw my bag on the floor and lie down on a bed that is at least double the width of my body. Don’t get me wrong, I loved sleeping on the train – but this feels like luxury in comparison. There was barely room to swing a cat in the cabin.

‘At last,’ I say, kicking off my boots. ‘I thought she was going to make us join a moon circle before lunch.’ I lift my head to look at Carrie, who is already unpacking, removing neatly rolled clothes from her bag and putting her toiletries on the dresser.

‘She’s all right. You need to play the game, Violet. Soak it all up then discard it. Smile in the right places. It gets you far in this world … especially if you want something.’

I feel myself bristle at her words, at her insinuation that I am not doing things right. I’ve been travelling for long enough to know how it all works. I might not be a people-pleaser like Carrie, with the shiny hair and the fake smile, but I usually get what I want. She’ll realise that soon enough. I say nothing – deciding that letting her believe she is educating me is the way to ingratiate myself further. I want something, all right. And I know I’ll get it.

‘Anyway…’ she carries on, realising that I am not going to contradict her, ‘let’s get freshened up and get out of here – I want to explore. It has to be more than cracked concrete and dull buildings. The guidebook said—’

‘Do you want to have a shower first, or shall I?’ I give her my best smile, and it knocks her off guard.