Sunset Lodge: A luxury picnic!
A magnificent view from the BBQ-picnic spot
It’s Sunday, December 11, 2022. We’ve just secured our spot in the semi-finals! France faced its historic rival, the “Perfidious Albion” (England). At the invitation of a colleague, I had the chance to watch the match from an apartment located on the heights of Moresby. The view was breathtaking: the sunrise to the left, the sunset to the right. For now, it’s 5 a.m. and the kick-off has begun. You know the rest…!
But you’re not here for a match commentary, no matter how beautiful it was. The thing is, Marie-Alix and I had decided to return to a place we had discovered during a colleague’s birthday. It was December 10, 2021… yes, exactly one year ago! Why hadn’t we come back sooner? Well, we can’t really explain it… And even less so after this day.
Sunset Lodge is the name of the place that welcomes us today. Located about half an hour from Port Moresby, it's probably the perfect spot for family time in an idyllic, peaceful setting: a large area shaded by coconut trees, basic picnic tables made of cinder blocks, two or three BBQ areas, and a fabulous view of the beach below.
Except for Lavy, the owner of the place, and his relatives, we are the only ones here this morning. A dream! In fact, it’s becoming a habit. How many times can we pass through bustling villages and, upon reaching the beach, find no one in sight!
This time, however, a group of children is having a blast. Jumping from the mangrove trees into the warm water, which I’d say is between 25 and 30 degrees at this spot.
Hearing their shouts and laughter and seeing their infectious joy makes us feel like part of this large family that is welcoming us today. It’s time to open the cooler and the Tupperware. But as we prepare for lunch, a little surprise guest approaches our table shyly. She’s barely 2 or 3 years old, with large brown eyes and messy black hair. She seems hungry. Marie-Alix starts preparing a plate for her, which she accepts timidly. Then, very quickly, her surprised look turns into a beaming smile.
At that moment, laughter rises from the beach. The children, having come out of the water, have gathered around us. I think they might be interested in seeing my "talent" for building castles.
Without a second thought, I grab Etienne by the hand and jump onto the beach below. The group steps aside and watches us, stunned. I grab a bucket and a shovel, and in no time, the walls, towers, drawbridge, moat, and even the dungeon are built. The children approach, and suddenly I find myself giving a medieval history lesson in front of boys who have probably never seen a period film about the Middle Ages, let alone heard tales of chivalry or read swashbuckling novels.
They get closer, piqued by curiosity. That’s when I start miming an enemy attack on the newly built castle. Small pieces of wood suddenly become projectiles; small stones thrown from outside the walls simulate artillery fire. The defenses begin to crack. The walls collapse, and the castle eventually falls. Shouts of pain erupt, and victory cries follow. The young audience can’t believe their eyes. What a show I’m putting on for them!
Finally, feeling a bit ridiculous all of a sudden, I jump up and decide to take a dip.
It’s now time to leave. We say goodbye to our new friends and leave the place, keeping the memory of those youthful laughs and the overflowing energy of those beach children.
Clearly, Sunset Lodge is a unique place to combine swimming in the sea and a traditional barbecue under the coconut trees, all without spending too much time driving from Port Moresby. What more could one ask for!
