I have forged many friendships since my arrival in camp however none have
been more intimate than with Africa’s smallest creatures. Although I do have a can of “Doom” (insecticide) at my disposal and within easy reach, I can honestly say I have yet to use it, though the urge to do so has not always
escaped me. With fierce determination, I have driven several creatures out
of my tent only to find that others have taken up residence. It all comes
down to mutual respect.

Case in point…a long legged spider has taken up residence between my sink and the soap dish. It will occasionally wander onto my bar of soap and as long as I do not require the use of the soap, I am more than happy to let the spider live… Anyway, it keeps the real nasties away!

A terrifying beast by night???

Then of course there is the large bow wheevil (I think) that strategically positions itself in the middle of the bathroom floor between the entrance and the flush…naturally, I tiptoe around it, sometimes its best just to walk away! No need to look under the bed as that is where you will find the crickets chirping you to sleep. 

There are however the inevitable EEEEEKKKK moments. This evening, while I lay awake in bed, a moth fell on my face. No need to panic as after all, it was only a harmless winged creature but in the dark, EVERYTHING is amplified. It felt and sounded so much bigger in the pitch blackness. I swatted at the air
until I was sure that not even a spec of dust could find its way onto my pillow
which is also why I am now journaling with the light on at an unreasonable
hour.

As I stated earlier, sometimes it is better to just walk away. Yesterday
afternoon, I returned to the office to find Douglas surrounded by 15 dying
bees. Interestingly enough, Douglas is one of few people in camp who refuse
to use the insecticide yet the familiar smell of Doom was most present. He sheepishly admitted to succumbing to the use of the insecticide after all, the bees were trying to make his office their new hive.

Angelles policy of "mutual respect" has kept the bees at bay!

Several minutes later, one could distinctively hear the sound of swarm off bees fast approaching. As I looked up into the sky, they were headed our way. In my mind, it was a retaliation against Douglas for the “murder” of their extended family. Benjamin (our office manager) and I headed for cover while Douglas hurriedly zipped the tent fly shut.

Hundreds of bees surrounded the office tent and all any of us on the outside could do was laugh at Douglas’ predicament. “If the bees are still there by dinner, can I have your dessert?” was all I could manage to say between chuckles. However, the bees did finally settle down on a branch next to the office tent. As of this morning, they are still waiting…presumably for another chance infiltrate our office or ambush Douglas.

With all the good, the bad and the ugly, I have discovered that the creatures here are as fascinating as they look and sound.

Bit more interesting than blackbirds and rabbits then Angelle… To all those interested in solo leaping during a sabatical or career break then check out the rest of Angelles blogs, a particularly poetic reflection on what it is to be a Solo Leaper!