for Elize

 

It was just what I was after. Somewhere to feel like a local but eat like I'm on a holiday. A twitter plea for Byron Bay secrets had more than a couple of people recommend The Top Shop and it didn't disappoint. You're served as though you've been there a thousand times before (which, when you haven't, perhaps comes across a little too on the hip IDGAF side of things - but I'm cool with that) and food comes at a pace that makes you know it's going to be ok to linger, order a second serving of (WORLDS BEST) onion rings, stare out the open window and really let it sink in that you're comfortably sitting without a jumper and no bone chilled muscle tension for first time in a few months after a pretty chilly Sydney winter. 

A blissful further 24 hours included panoramic views from our bed looking out over Clarkes beach and far far beyond, a wind swept lighthouse walk at sunset to the most Eastern point in Australia, a mountain goat on said walk, a workout on the way back up, dinner on the balcony, early night, early morning beach walk, coffee at Bayleaf, the anticipation of a vaguely mapped out antiques trail home - with a very handsome man who not only patiently lets me enjoy all of the above, but truly laps it up just as much as me. EEEEEE. I'm a lucky gal.

Byron, we'll be back.

Photos: Rachel Kara