Find Phileas

Chapter 15

In search of another original flavour, Phileas dives right in

"Phileas was collected in a seaplane that belonged to a bygone Hollywood era. When they landed next to the jetty, in front of the grand Mexican casa, nestled into a rocky outcrop high above the waters of Acapulco, Phileas’ hosts greeted him warmly. The men reminded him of the cliff divers that had made this corner of Mexico so famous. They had the tanned and toned bodies of old-world movie icons, whilst the women wore the nonchalant glamour of presidents’ wives. Phileas spent the whole afternoon dipping - from pool to plate and back again. Each round of delicious tortillas, dunked in fiery salsa was followed by a cooling plunge in the aqua-marine water. "A tortilla specially made for dipping, that’s what my new range needs," exclaimed Phileas. "Something that’ll help brighten up a summer BBQ, something to share with friends before a meal, something to take your mind off the British summer time"

In search of another original flavour, Phileas dives right in

By mid afternoon the sun had softened and so had Phileas’ senses. The idle hours were punctuated by short naps, each one interrupted by a call from his charming hosts - "Phileas, Phileas, how’s it hanging?" For Phileas, hanging in a hammock between two palms, everything was hanging just fine. Today the whole world seemed a happy place, full of beautiful faces, exotic flavours and carefree laughter. His reply, the gentle raising of his arm, was all he was capable of, yet it said everything.

Then suddenly he was startled by the sight of Carlos in front of his face. He shook Phileas and whispered loudly, "Come on old chap, I’ll show you how it’s done". Within seconds he was being lead by the wrist across the garden, under pine trees and through a gate that opened onto a stony path. "Where are you taking me?" exclaimed the Englishman. Carlos didn’t answer. Within minutes the trees gave way to a rocky outcrop and Phileas could see the full expanse of the Pacific Ocean, a blanket of deep azure stretching to the horizon. Up ahead were a group of men, all toned, tanned and film star smiles. They greeted Phileas with a handshake and slapped Carlos on the back.

Near the edge of the cliff stood a small stone alter with a crucifix. After a few moments chatting, the men stood in a line and walked in a slow procession towards the altar. Phileas edged towards the cliff face where he could get a better view of the spectacle. He could see a crowded viewing platform and what looked like the terrace of a grand hotel about 500 metres down to the left. Each man then knelt at the altar, blessed himself and made his way to the precipice. As the first diver hit the water below, he could hear the distant sound of cheering which was repeated until there were no divers left. But where was Carlos? Suddenly a voice spoke from behind him, "Now Phileas - it’s your turn." "What?" screamed Phileas "are you totally mad?" Clearly Carlos was and with a muscular arm pushed Phileas over the edge.

As his hat was swept from his head Phileas’ life passed before him. He saw a vision of his beloved, recalled his happy childhood in Consett and in a nanosecond, seemed to recall and taste every flavour that had passed his lips. As he hit the water, a tumbling tangle of arms and legs, he heard a deep booming voice. "Phileas, Phileas!! Hey Sleepy...it’s time for dinner!" Phileas came to his senses, leapt from the hammock and flung his arms around Carlos. "I’m alive", he yelled "I’m alive!"

Q: What’s the name of the famous cliff from which Phileas dreamt he was pushed?

Submit your answer here.