Dengue Fever

Pete started feeling really ill last night. Fever, headache etc. Googling the symptoms it transpired that it could be malaria, Dengue fever and a whole range of obscure jungle related illnesses. After a couple of days he felt better, stopped the malaria tablets as they could have been the cause, as well as having pizza – his body was craving carbs…..or so he says.

We had a relatively quiet day as a result. Part way through the day we decided we would go to the Natur Ecological Park – which was an animal sanctuary as well. As Pete wasn’t great we decided to cross the dark side and ring for a golf cart.

Within seconds we were in the golf cart and heading to the park. We were given an English speaking guide called Juan. He had just completed a degree in ecotourism and was planning to do a master’s in business. He was really lovely and did a variety of funny voices for effect. However, not certain how much he knew about everything. When we asked what things were called, he would look slightly startled and then say he didn’t know the English, quickly say the Spanish and move us along. I think if I could have translated what he said it would have been,” haven’t a bloody clue!”.

We saw alot of Blue Morphos – when they have their wings open they appear blue, when closed they are meant to look like an owls face to fend off predators.

We saw quite a few different types of butterflies but as they were flying mostly it was hard to capture them.

We then went to see the rescued crocodiles, one was called ,Margarita. I learnt two things I didn’t know about before, the females are bigger and they can’t regulate their body temperature so leave their mouths open. The ones they had, had either been rescued as they were hurt or they had been confiscated from people keeping them illegally.

Juan said that these American crocodiles can grow up to 6 metres and weigh 400kg.

We saw snapping turtles, all manner of frogs and snakes too.

We passed yet more leaf cutter ants, Juan wanted to show how strong they are (he didn’t hurt it!). He picked it up and then somehow got it to take hold of the stick ,- this is the ant holding the stick. It is mind boggling how many times it is carrying its body weight.

I thought the glass frog was very cute.

We trekked through the forest and saw lots of plants we have in plant pots in the UK. I told Juan this and he couldn’t believe it, to him I guess they are like our hedgerows etc. His business mind started whirring and he kept shaking his head in disbelief, I could make alot of money couldn’t I? He exclaimed.

After a few hours we returned to the reception. We said we would walk back but just as we were saying it the golf cart spookily turned up to take us back.

We got back to our room and were greeted by a blanket dog and chocolates. God knows how they managed that but it brought a smile on my face.