Following our brief stay in the cool heights of Kuranda, we decided a trip into Cairns was in order. While the rainforest offered respite from the Queensland heat, Cairns promised something different – the allure of the night markets and, more importantly, the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. For Lisa, this involved a fresh coconut.
Now, we've certainly seen our share of coconuts throughout our travels. They hang precariously from palm trees, litter beaches, and feature prominently in various curries and desserts. But Lisa harboured a desire to sample the raw, unadulterated essence of the fruit, directly from its source, so to speak.
The Cairns Night Markets proved to be a vibrant sensory overload. Amidst the bustling crowds and the tantalising aromas of street food, we located a stall selling freshly prepared coconuts. The vendor expertly wielded his machete, creating an opening for Lisa to enjoy her prize. We must admit, watching him work was almost as enjoyable as consuming the contents. Almost.
The moment of truth arrived. Lisa tentatively took a sip, her expression a mixture of anticipation and slight apprehension. It was clear the experience was living up to the hype.
She later told us that the cool, slightly sweet liquid was incredibly refreshing, especially after our time in the humid rainforest. The taste? Well, we suppose it's difficult to describe. It certainly tasted like coconut. Perhaps a touch more subtle and refreshing than the processed versions we were used to. It was one tick off the bucket list! A day of Cairns delights delivered.
