[Day 37] Cairnes Day 2: Soaking In The City

That long night of sleep was needed.

Strings of morning light stretch between the opaque blue curtains. Cairnes is softly strumming a paradise-toned song. An invitation is heard. I rise, shower, dress—cut-offs, tank-top, hemp-colored sandals. See Bradon in the computer lounge. He's uploading Halloween pics from Anna's camera. “Meet back here at 230 to book the Cape Tribulation tour. I'm going to The Lagoon!”

Outside is dreamy! Hot and humid, but not that sticky sort of humid, the sort that textures tropical air and permeates in a pleasant way, that omnipresent kind that serves as a constant reminder of where you are, a continuous endearing rub from mother nature. I squint in the bright light; Ray Bans soothe. Look to my right: two uniformed schoolboys, perhaps age 6, are playing violins, the cases to which are opened for tips. Toss in a $2 coin.

Stroll across the boulevard to The Lillipad Cafe. A hippie girl with the most beautiful dreadlocks is behind the counter in an apron. Perfect skin. “Huevos rancheros and an iced coffee.” Grins at the accent. Everyone loves Americans! I find a wooden table adorned with an elegant sunset painting. On the wall are ads—Fire twirling lessons $15; Lazy Latin fitness class Thursdays, 530pm; Foreplay Fridays at Decadence Gentleman's Club. Suck down the last sip of coffee and exit back into the cozy warmness.

Walk down the street and see the most wondrous trees. They appear to not have a single trunk, but rather, be reaching out of the soil with thousands of vined fingers. Most people roam around in bathing suits or beachy attire. All are tanned. Just 4 fluffy clouds float through the sky. Walk for 5 minutes and arrive at The Lagoon.

It's huge! A salt-water infinity pool filled with all generations. 3 steel sculptures of angel fish are in the distance, as well as someone doing a hand-stand. Beyond is the great Pacific. I approach through the combed bordering grass. On the way I pass 2 duos of sun bathing topless girls, mid 20s, 3 blonds and 1 brunette. I reach the ocean and smell the beach air. To the right is a yacht-filled harbor. To the left is an endless boardwalk. I rest on a wooden bench.

6 pelicans bathe and flap. Close my eyes to the sound of water gently waving on the shore. Inhale the warm salt. Focus on just that: the feeling of ocean air entering my nose. The feeling of sun on my shoulders. The feeling of a thick warm breeze. Aah.

Walk back to the hostel and write this. 2pm. We're in paradise!