The day was already off to a cracking start when we found out we were getting a 15 minute lie in. Following some much missed pineapple for breakfast and the bus actually arriving on time we were off to visit the the chimp sanctuary, minus Mr Bowen who was tucked back in bed by Ms D. Yet another victim of the heat it seems!
Everything was running too smoothly, so of course we ran out of fuel and half of us ended up walking.
Meanwhile the other bus blared 'bongo cha' smugly and climbed on up the 1km descent to the Tacugama Chimpanzee sanctuary.
The two hour too long hike consisted mainly of looking at termite houses so big it was nicknamed the termite hotel, looking at some pretty big millepede and other weird insect, but mostly being eaten alive by GIANT ants on mount Bennet. However, once we finally reached the summit we took in the views on a lovely 'rustic' bench. However it couldn't bear the weight of the team which resulted in Archie's near branch-through-the-family-jewels situation. His trousers ripped, following in Alix's footsteps- but the family honour is safe and most importantly for Archie, the damage was only material and we could laugh about it!
Then we tucked into an African spread for lunch. Seconds for Mr Coward as per and Hector and Josh provided the entertainment with re-enactments of the titanic, whilst Me Coward was supervising us remotely with his eyes closed. Mr Walton and Ms D however had their eyes wide open. The chimpanzees showed their appreciation for our visit by throwing rocks at us.
Once we made a swift escape from the flying boulders (thrown with the strength of 'five men') some of the musicians were delighted with an impromptu trip to St Edwards School to practice with King Musa's brass band. It ended up. Ding a really busy day, and they only just made it back on time… for the day to end in its usual fashion with another hectic dinner order at our beloved Papaya. Then we were treated to a very small glass of white sparkling wine that Ms D pulled out of an invisible bag ( a donation, it turned out, from the hotel owner who does not drink!).
Elsie and Madison <3
