3.1.17 pm: purple bun
After finishing my supper of a house margarita or 2, blackened Opa fish salad (served with a purple bun, as shown below!), topped off by an intense flour free dark chocolate torte we have a walk around Paia town (7pm) and enjoy the buzz of happy people weaving in and out of the soft coloured glow of shop fronts and restaurants.
Leon drives us back in the dark & we nearly miss the turning to our accommodation, as it is a 270 degrees turn onto a dirt track. The other drivers are so patient and don’t honk their horns, but patiently wait as Leon eases the Jeep round tentatively, as we have slightly over shot the mark. We are so glad to have taken our hosts advice on the 4×4, as this road is a 1 way bumpy mud track, fairly day though. I can see why Marlon Brando bought this place, as it’s completely isolated & even in the dark, is so magical and beautiful. Simply lit solar lights leading us to the round, decked wooden 4 bed property. Vast acres of greenery and lush palm trees rocking in the wind. Our air bnb host, Noel greets us with a torch and a friendly smile. The house is literally jaw dropping. The gentle musk of vanilla candles, and the way the home is lit with eco friendly blue night lights is just divine. All open plan with wooden decor and snuggly fluffy furnishings. Noel fixes us up a home made vanilla vodka and ginger ale and shows us round, upgrading us to the honeymoon suite that apparently overlooks the sea. I am flooded with peace and gratitude, and so much calm. I think this place may be another one of those little slices of heaven, that I shall always hold in my mind to retreat back to. Noel will explain all the best places in the morning over French pressed coffee, but for now, I sit on the sumptuous deep pile white rug and stretch out, pushing my hands in the material, akin to my namesake. I just can’t help myself but to smile and smile some more.
At about 9pm, we hop into a welcoming American king size bed, adorned with a silk flat sheet, and fleece topping. Bliss!!