It had been a rather rough semester in the phall of '98, and my only thoughts were focused on Phish and the groove that I was going to enter into during that new haven show. The only problem was that my traveling companions were very opposed to the kind of "mind expanding" that I had in store for myself. This was going to be tricky, especially since they were my ride and my shelter while I was in Yale's backyard!

So we get settled at the hotel and I explain my need to hit the lots rather than have a nice dinner with the rest of the group. Our seats were grouped together and i told them i would meet them inside the show.

Once i hit the lot, my mission began.... to find my hits! It didn't take long before a head from long island told me he had some serious gel tabs and that he would only sell me one....cuz they were hella potent shit! I say ok and drop the tab.....its now 6:45, and i figure i'll come on just as i enter the show.

Well, 7:45 comes and goes, and i'm as sober as a judge. Not very thrilled, i decide to meet my friends inside for what was sure to be a great show, regardless of my state of mind. Just as i hit the venue, a beautiful young phan with a killer patchwork dress tells me she has paper, and i jump at the chance.  I buy two.... cuz everyone who is anyone knows the quality of paper vs gel tabs .....drop 'em, and head inside.

It wasn't but 5 minutes later that a wave of chemical bliss crashed inside my brain! Oh shit....this was gonna be tough. Now.... I've tripped with the best of them.....but remember....i have to act sober for the rest of the night.

In order to keep my sanity, i bought a bottle of water and found my friends before those two paper hits took hold of my body....and boy did they ever take a-hold of me!

Needless to say, i don't remember much about the show....other than a killer possum and a rare appearance by THE DUDE OF LIFE! The only thing i do recall was this immense feeling of paranoia i had for most of the night.

So i guess the most important thing you can take from this little fable is.....If you're gonna trip....make sure that your phriends will catch ya if you fall"!

 - David Beniamino