Thursday, November 28

A few days ago Irma sent me a notice from Banana Leaf about their lunchtime specials. I did not know the restaurant, or where to find it, so I asked around.

I ended up agreeing to have lunch there today with Olya and Phil. I set off and manage to get lost through the simple tactic of taking a wrong turning. I still manage to get there first.

The lunch proves as good as people suggested I would find it, and the place has a very relaxed vibe very different from the beach cafés. We spend ninety minutes or so telling each other stories and gossiping about people I don’t know and probably never will.

I walk back without losing my way or even wondering which path to take. It all comes back to me. I had this trouble two years ago and made a mental note of where to turn off the main path. I have that mental note pinned to my brain again. I will find it without hesitation next time.

As I walk along the path towards The Village I pause to photograph the colours of Mistic India.