RANSVESTIA

I settled in and relaxed completely for an hour or two, then wrote some letters, read, and freshened up, wondering what I should do about dinner. Another problem became more pressing on my con- sciousness, which was, the primary reason for visiting that city. As a result of my laxness combined with some impetuosity, I had "painted myself into a corner," because obviously it was impractical, outside of a pleasant fantasy in Transvestia, to inspect properties, talk business with real estate people, etc., as Christine. The motel unit being face to face with the office, it was neither possible to check out as my brother, nor do so as me, then quickly change and sneak out as a strange male. For the time being however, it was essential that I keep my strength up somehow.

I found an unpretentious place to eat towards the edge of town on the highway. It was nearly empty as, evidently it was close to the usual closing time for this particular establishment, although the evening was still young. I chose a table near the door and far from the business end. A television set was playing at the back, but I ignored it for a while, until half-way through my dinner, while the owner stood near the door locking it after each customer left, I heard from the TV set unmistakable German speech. I turned round to see on the machine an image of Hitler haranguing a huge crowd in Berlin. During the "Sieg Heil's" that followed, I turned away from the set to see the owner half watching me, so I made a derogatory nod of my head to the set, at the same time an ironic smile on my face. The man, a short, tubby Maori, nodded, and grunted something appropriate. "Big trouble-maker," I said, getting on with my meal, and half nodding to the set, again. He agreed, and soon I was launched into my usual spiel. He displayed polite interest, no more, and as far as I could tell, accepted me completely. I paid and left, and drove back to the motel.

I dressed carefully next morn, taking great care with my makeup, and wore the same as before, but left off the mustard coat. The day was bright and sunny, though cool breezes blew from the west. I drove to a prominent landmark and viewpoint. There was only one other car parked there, containing a youth, languidly slouched on the front seat. When I stepped from my car I was shocked by the ferocity of the wind in this exposed spot, and it swirled my pleated skirt up in a most revealing manner, whilst I made apparently frantic at- tempts to hold it down, at the same time holding on to my wig for fear, and in another hand, I had a small scale map of the area. I

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