Transition - Desert Outback to Coral Reef

After nearly two weeks of winter weather, we are thrilled with the balmy weather in Cairns. John literally dances down the steps from the plane and across the blacktop of the Cairns airport. The air is warm and humid and promises tropical adventure. It is only a $20 taxi ride from the airport to the Discovery Cairns Hotel and we are deposited at our hotel within minutes. Our reservations are in order and we quickly put our luggage into our room and head into town. We have shed our sweaters and jackets and with a spring in our steps, walk the 15 minutes to the heart of the tourist district. A gigantic fig tree graces the center square, it's roots climbing up and over the walled cement enclosure that presumably confines it. Couples sit upon the wall, enjoying the magic of the evening. It is 8:30 on a Sunday evening, but the shops in this area are still open and we poke into several and purchase an appliqued, cut out, butterfly blouse to take back for Alisha. We choose an outdoor cafe for dinner; invitingly ambient and adjacent to the art museum. We dine on their raised outdoor patio, enjoying excellent food. At 9:00 P.M. the shops start to close and the parade of people diminishes as we finish our late night dinner.