Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: DRIZZLE (03/05/20)
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TITLE: Memory Lane | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
03/11/20 -
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As we approached town we came to the little open-air coffee shop overlooking the bay. We had often escaped to this quiet venue with an incredible view to unwind and refocus on our day. We each had a cup of flat white coffee, and shared a delicious slice of coconut pie. To this day I keep trying to find a comparable recipe for this delightful treat.
Leaving the coffee shop we made our way further into town. It was then that I noticed a few droplets of rain. My first thought was, “Oh, no. Our nostalgic walk is going to be ruined by a downpour. We will have to walk home sopping wet.” But instead, it became a gentle drizzle.
We decided to continue our walk, staying close to familiar shops and eating areas, so we could dodge for cover if a downpour developed. We passed the playground where families often brought their small children to play, especially Sunday afternoons. A couple of children were swinging on the well-worn swings.
We slowed our pace as we neared Jill’s Cafe. We often came to Jill’s on Saturday mornings, because they advertised ‘western-style breakfast’, and they came pretty close to offering what we missed from home. We peeked in the windows to see if we saw anyone we knew, then with a quick wave to one of the jolly waitresses we continued on our way.
As we cautiously crossed the street, the Village Market loomed ahead. It had been closed for several weeks following a fierce storm that wiped out most of the crops. It was good to see the market thriving again. We saw lush, green Island cabbage, bright yellow squash, fresh yams, and heard the squawking of doomed chickens. Children dodged around the tables while their mothers caught up on the latest gossip. We would miss this market area.
Immediately outside of the market, we stepped into the parking area for Chills—the only restaurant in town that offered air conditioning. It was a commodity appreciated by foreigners, but not so much by the locals. They complained that it was too cool for them. Besides seafood and other delicious entrees, Chills’ menu included about a dozen pizza options. It was here that I had a pizza with ham and pineapple for the first time. I found it to be quite tasty. It was also the place of rich fellowship with new friends and co-workers.
By the time we started our hike back to our apartment, the rain droplets had stopped. The light drizzle that had caused me apprehension at first, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The sprinkling was just enough to refresh us, and proved to make our walk into Port Vila more memorable. Now, five years later, every time I am caught in a drizzle, my mind floods with images of this little country. Thanks, Vanuatu, for the heart-warming memories!
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