Failed Artists

After a relaxing few days spent mosying around the staff mess, yesterday provided an excellent source of amusement. Timetables do not appear to be a set process around here - especially in regard to white foreigners. Despite a previous mention of First Aid training with Karl, Geordam and I headed out to an OB campsite, to help the technical team clear it up in time for the kayaking squad.

By clean up, I mean they did pretty much everything, while I looked official with a clipboard as Matthew and I walked around noting Risks and What To Do. Not exactly the hard going work we expected, but considering the violent storm that emerged around 11, we weren't about to complain. If anyone wants to know a way of making me gigglier than a hyena without resorting to a high intake of sugar, it involves being soaked through while collecting clams on the beach, as a man trapped in the sand teaches you random Malay words.

Eventually, the rain cleared. Blue sky, golden sun, green trees - it was a beautiful day. With jellyfish. Who I sincerely believe have attitude problems, or are just really bad artists, considering the not so stunning pattern currently covering my calf. Fear not - a bit of cream and a shower, plus Adam's constant sexist remarks making me want to hit him, meant I was in a kayak by four. To make the kayaking more interesting, Karl joined us, and thus we went on a 1 and a 1/2 hour journey around the Marina, leading to us interrupting wedding photos, noting the presence of otters, and capsizing in succession, as a gust of wind and waves first tipped me over, with George following shortly after, once my kayak and I had become one again.

Dinner was spent out with David and Karl at a Chinese, which, creating an apparent 'Opium Den' feeling, burn egg boxes to create smoke. It's remarkably effective at stopping the nyamuk. We entered into the shopping mall once more, stocking up in supplies (read: chocolate) before departing home to rest before the early morning trek.

The peak we ventured to is about 331m high, and it took us about 35 minutes to reach it. Word to the wise? Eat food before you trek. As it is, Karl carries Snicker bars because he is a genius (more on that later). Thus, the trek was pretty enjoyable, if hard work. The way down was...well, it cemented my belief that I got lucky with my placement. Karl, Safety Officer Man, and David, Instructor Dude, are both comic book fans. This had been established yesterday at dinner, exciting an intense discussion regarding the Justice League and beyond. But today, as I threw myself down the hill, repressing the urge to roll, I discovered this: The Flash (Wally West), Supernatural, Doctor Who, Glee - Karl is a fan of all. It brought a slight tear to my eye (actually, that was sweat) as I realised that I found a kindred soul.

And now I must venture off to do grown up things, like washing my clothes. Adios!

Emily