But the farewell was not the most dramatic part of the course for me. That, is dedicated to solo camp, a time for rest and relaxation, swinging gently in my hammock at Solo B to the chorus of monkey chatter. Or, that is what is it meant to be. Instead, the storm the previous night had soaked the available wood, leaving the kiddies unable to cook, and thus starving, since they hadn't eaten since breakfast. Food is very important.
And so, four hours commenced, leaving me with tears welling up in my eyes and unable to breathe, smoke and ash settling against my skin like a warm blanket. The monkeys, cunning and vicious in their attacks, welled up from behind the trees, stealing the unhidden food and mosquito repellent. What? Monkeys can't hate them too?
As it was, 6 o'clock came round, and my other support was nowhere in sight. I stumbled down to OB from camp, feeling rejuvenated after food and a shower, only to notice the thunderstorm shaking the foundations of the building outside. If not for David's awesomeness, I would have never have made it back. As it was, I barely did. In flip flops, I stumbled up that hill, David's cagoule my only protection from the elements (plus trousers and a top of course) and a lantern, the tiniest pin prick in the all encompassing darkness.
If I seem a tad dramatic, it is because I don't think you will understand quite how strange the situation was without. I was searching for half an hour on what is a 3 minute walk, and still, the other support did not show, preferring to stay warm and dry in the Staff Quarters.
Alright, I won't deny. Once I found my hammock, I was amused. But until then? I'd gone from a red-eyed monster with hair askew, to a drowned rat, and neither were fun transformations.
Moving on, Eikken and Agnes have taught me further insults. Yay Malay!
Emily (or Amina or Amelya or Amelia or Amily, they apparently don't like the E)
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