7.00pm, Friday June 5, at MS's ....my life as a movie

I have just had the most awesome day. I can't believe it was mine. MS and I went to a resort on Coche Island, Coche Paradise. We paid $500 bolivars for all-you-can-eat-and-drink, a room, access to two pools (one looking out over the beach) and the beach chairs belonging to the resort. I have never been to a resort before as it is not really my kind of thing - but it was just the thing! In addition to the pina coladas, a cool room and double bed were most welcome.

MS and I arrived at Paradise in the early evening. We ran pretty immediately to the pool to play in the water and drink cocktails. The resort was fairly empty - off-season and midweek - so it was quiet and we had the pool to ourselves. After romping around the pool for a bit, I wanted to go to the ocean. MS thought the water too cold but for me it was warm and I swam by myself for a bit. The main course for dinner that evening was something nice. I am not sure what it was nor if it was purely vegetarian, but I ate more food than I have eaten in a long time: rice with mushrooms, salad, bread, pasta with chees and vegetables, two glasses of red wine, fruit and a cookie for dessert.

After dinner, more drinks down on the beach. There was no one else on the beach. We watched the light ball of sun disappear into the water and I found myself getting a little attached to MS in a way I didn't want.

So, imagine me in a resort with a curvy pool complete with bubbles and a clear view of the sea; palm-lined walkways, a prehistoric-looking lizard-like animal meandering around or frozen in place near the pool; other lizards scuttling about; a big red parrot with blue and green under-feathers. Imagine a white-sanded beach with shaded sun chairs. Imagine me there, the only woman not in a bikini, with armpit hair.

The next morning I woke up earlier than MS and kept dozing until finally I got up to use the bathroom and take a shower. MS was awake when I emerged from the shower and we barely made it for breakfast: scrambled eggs with tomato, capsicum and onion, hot chocolate, arepas, sliced white cheese and, best of all, fried plantains. A little kitten purred in my lap while I ate. It was heaven.

After breakfast we walked down to the beach and MS found his workmates from the boat that he films tourists on. He organised for us to ride back with them. I had two short 'swims' while MS brought cocktails for the first mate and the photographer. The first mate, buff, dark, tough-looking, tattooed and handsome, sang MS's praises. He told me that MS is always happy.

The ride on the catamaran is one of the most awesomely fun things I have ever experienced. I stood on the prow, held on to the mast, and enjoyed the rough ride when a large wave would come, causing the boat to crash down into the water, soaking me and making my feet leave the platform. I helped by jumping at the appropriate moment and it felt like I was flying. MS had his arms around me most of the time, but for a while I stood there by myself, jumping and laughing with joy. No one else stayed out on the deck for a soaking but nothing would have made me leave. Nothing I can write expresses the sheer fun and joy and awesomeness of flying by catamaran, soaked with the salt of the sea.