Bugs and Grubs

Apologies to all domestic etymologists but British insects are dull and unispiring. Oh ok, spiders are pretty cool. And stag beetles. But THAT'S IT. Sorry Dad, the dragonflies are cool too. Oh sod it. Insects in general are fascinating, but here they are outsized, outlandish and everywhere. I am often late to work or dinner because I have been distracted by another crazy beetle built like a bull-dog. One morning I came to the office to find a huge moth trapped in a cobweb. I gently extracted it and took it outside. It covered my whole hand. I promise to upload a photo as soon as my camera starts behaving. Butterflies are ok, pretty and flirtacious, but a moth like this is something quite special. The locust Joe's holding clambered over our hands like a drunken robot, it's mad red eyes rolling.

As well as a newfound admiration, I have also discovered the nutritional value of our crawly companions. It only took two months in Africa but I have finally eaten some grubs. Yesterday as the guys were busting the bee hive in the roof of the dining hall we clamoured for honeycomb. I have had honeycomb at home, rich and sweet, but this nyika honey was raw and spicy, quite heady and overpowering. It was also populated with grubs. I was going to pick them out but White assured me they were edible. Anticipating a humorous 'make the mazungu eat something gross' moment I told him I would if he would. And he did. So I did. And it was quite delicious. Now I can't wait for the white ant season. Apparently you fry them in butter.