By Emmali Cabral, of the University of Vermont
Hello World!
Life in the bush of Botswana is quite interesting to say the least. While we are able to go out and see amazing things and animals in the field that also means we have some restrictions on what we can do while we are at base camp. First rule of the bush; don’t run, something will chase you. While this line was very funny previously, being out here we get the full reality of that. Exercise has been an interesting adjustment, stretching circles have become a frequent activity as well as push-up contests! Sergei has been sure to show all the ladies what the “proper push-up form” is, but fell into third place behind second-place Cosmos (one of our guides) and first-place Jake; Sam gets the award for most improved push-up so far!
While lots of exercise in the African heat can seem thrilling to some, others choose to spend their time doing other activities.
Jake’s bracelet craft.
Whittling wood has become a favorite pastime of Jake and I. Jake has mastered the art of doing small pieces for bracelets. Putting love, sweat, and tears into each one that he does. He uses different types of trees like Mopane, Camel Thorn Acacia, as well as Large Fever Berry! He hopes to expand the array as we move around more in the future. I took a different route carving things and messages into the bark of trees that had come off. For Valentine’s day, everyone received their own little bark with a heart carved into it, and I’ve carved a few words into other pieces as well.
Drawing has also been a nice past time. We had a painting session with everyone using some paints found from previous semesters! Everyone was huddled together on the floor trying to paint birds or creatures they have seen so far – it was a great time. What our art lacked in skill, was made up in enthusiasm and heart put into each piece!
A drawing made by me.
This particular drawing above was inspired by Toothpick! Toothpick is the nickname we gave a bull elephant who came and visited the river near our camp in NG18. He got his name for the unique tusk which distinguished him from the other resident elephants. We got to watch him and his buddy play and bathe themselves in the water and watch them for over an hour as they ate grasses and relaxed until they faded away into the Botswanan bush once more.
An elephant named Toothpick.
A growing fashion trend in our group is the friendship bracelets I have been making for everyone! They pick the colors and I will make them! I’ve had requests for anklets as well and one of our guides, Sixteen, also has one! Soon they will be spread all over the Okavango Delta!
Friendship bracelets.
We are still learning different ways to combat our campsite fever! And having fun along the way. See you in a while, crocodile!
