18& older please

Mardi Gras may be approaching, but we’re still re-living our Mexican Mardi Gras from October.

The next best thing after actually experiencing Mardi Gras, is Hidden Beach’s rendition of the raucous jubilee that captures NOLA’s spirit and brings it beachside to the Caribbean. Clothes were off as per usual but beads, masks, and body paint dressed guests for the occasion, which included three days of New Orleans inspired happenings.

Souls came out to play and vibe after dark and under the new moon Thursday evening for the VooDoo cocktail dance soiree that kicked off the weekend long festivities. True to New Orleans form, Friday was spent day drinking (at the pool swim up bar of course) without any time off between sunset and a bourbon (in honor of Bourbon Street) mixology class led by a great bartender whose name I can’t for the life of me remember. Though recipe details are somewhat hazy, the fruits of everyone’s labor stirred up a memorable time.

Shenanigans continued Saturday with full body painting for breakfast (in addition to the gourmet inclusive spread) by our talented artist (again, can’t remember his name). From Avatars to poison ivy to butterflies, guests literally embodied their aliases (some even all the way through to the Mardi Gras masquerade pop party that evening). The rest bared all, danced the night away, and went home with some well earned beads as a souvenir. Those who wanted to keep the party going put Hidden Beach’s 24-hour champagne room service and our in-room Jacuzzis to good use.

You know you’ve done Mardi Gras right when you wake up Sunday with a slight hangover, and our takeover proved no different. Luckily, Hidden Beach’s festive weekend was capped off by the number one hangover cure: brunch. But not just any brunch – a beachside brunch bacchanal with some good old hair of the dog (bloody Mary’s, anyone?) and a side of jazz. That and some much needed relaxation in the form of a spa day. That’s right, every Sunday funday at 5 p.m, Naay spa closes exclusively for guests of Hidden Beach, transforming into a nude spa complete with a water journey experience that includes a mud bath, ice chamber, cold plunge pool, massage streams, and more sensually stimulating therapies to send your body into oblivion. 

At full occupancy, our 80 something guests were sad to say their goodbyes, but they did so knowing they formed new found friendships, got to experience a nudist and tropical Mardi Gras (which if we can say so beats the French Quarter), and that they’d be back before being able to say boo.

In court that day, the judge asked the boy, “Are you afraid?” No, the boy said.

Pipes says the judge seemed surprised, and asked, “Why not?”

Chief’s thesis was that a child who has been abused by an adult can benefit psychologically from the presence of even more intimidating adults that they know are on their side. “When we tell a child they don’t have to be afraid, they believe us,” Arizona biker Pipes told azcentral.com. “When we tell them we will be there for them, they believe us.” ( Article)

They go on runs to protect the child if they feel even the slightest threatened no matter where. If the child needs them to go on vacation with them, they do. Bikers come from across the nation to watch over and take shifts for these kids. And the best part is once you’re adopted into this family as a BACA kid, you’re always one. Even when you’re 40 and the perp gets released from jail, they’ll come meet with you and find your best options for avoiding the person and maintaining the life you’ve built for yourself. Once a BACA child, always a BACA child. In Florida, there’s 100% rate for identifying the perp based on the child’s testimony. Why? Because BACA stands with the child and supports the child so they feel comfortable enough to point out their attacker.

They’re in Canada as well and probably other countries. I met and talked with a native guy who runs the place near me. His name is Shaman. I got in, and I’m considered a BACA child now. Despite being 17, turning 18 when I talked to them. They spent time with me when my abuser was over, they gave me therapy resources. They give you something called a ‘level 1′ where they go to your house with as many bikers as they can, i shit you not a solid 20-40 bikers came from even out of province, and met me. I got to choose my biker name and I got a vest with patches on it and my name on it. They all hugged a Teddybear before giving it to me, and told me if I ever felt the BACA bear was running out of love, to give them a call and they’d refill it for me, and then I got a ride on one of their bikes. Just a day or so ago I went to an annual party with them and they we ate food one of them cooked and had a lot of laughs. 

I’ve never felt as loved as I did being a part of the BACA family. They also gave me dog tags with the names, and phone numbers of my 2 workers.  So I can call them whenever I feel scared. 

BACA is an absolutely wonderful group that will do everything in it’s power to help any child whos been abused. 

And it doesn’t end when you’re 18 either. As long as you get in contact/get your level 1 before you’re 18? you’re ALWAYS a BACA kid. I’m 18 now and they still invite me to parties, ask me if I’m okay, and are there for me. They’re still trying to find me resources for therapy. 

BACA has changed my fucking life. 

Oh hell… whatever comes out of my mouth next won’t make a lick of sense…

She did say it could get messy…

“Scared cat gets saved by two French guys”