As we moved deeper into the settlement, various structures began to appear along the road. One dwelling caught our eye. A brightly painted wall, spray cans—it all drew us in, and we couldn't just walk past.
Engrossed in looking, we didn't notice a woman approaching us. It was the owner of the shack. After asking where we were from, she offered to let us leave a message on the wall as a keepsake. We gladly agreed and decided to find out what it's like to live in Slab City. The resident told us she is happy with the lifestyle she chose, and the only thing she worries about is not always having enough money for cat food for the cat she rescued.
Most of the town's residents live on unemployment benefits. Those who aren't as lucky create things with their own hands and sell them to visiting tourists or residents of the nearest town, Niland, located 8-10 km from Slab City. Besides the critically high summer temperatures, another problem for residents is the river flooding, which often inundates those living near it. But those who have lived in Slab City for many years try to build their homes in the valley, far from the river.
As for our new acquaintance, she spends her days walking through the desert in search of beautiful glass, shells, bones, or stones to create incredibly beautiful jewelry. Having grown fond of the owner, we couldn't refuse to buy something as a souvenir.
Life in the town is not as boring as it might seem at first glance.
Slab City has a church, a library, and even a skate park. And every week, music concerts are held here, where everything is equipped to the highest standard—a stage, a bar, VIP rows with soft sofas, and lighting.
Spend a week here, and you might not want to leave this town.
While we were looking around, an elderly man who was driving stakes into the ground on his plot called us over. He offered to show us his dwelling.
Without saying much, the man turned out to be a genius. He isn't bothered by the fact that there is no electricity in the desert. In his "house," a refrigerator, a washing machine, and even a stove work, and vegetables grow on the infertile land.
He lives in Slab City with his daughters. When we asked if he communicates with his neighbors, he said that there are motion sensors and cameras all over the plot, and just in case, for special hospitality, he keeps a shotgun.
Perhaps life in the town isn't a resort, but in the middle of our friend's dwelling, there is a pool, and he doesn't worry at all about the lack of clean water, as he created a three-level water filtration system. In short, you can't forbid living beautifully...
However, when the conversation turned to enlightenment, it was time for us to leave immediately.
Throughout our walk, all the residents kept saying in one voice that we absolutely had to visit their outdoor museum, located in the heart of the city, so that's where we headed.
