Raspberries and man-eaters

The decision to take another day off was not a hard one to make - I was on holiday after all. The birding crew were off looking for the illusive Ibisbill again so once Mark had his morning dose of breakfast brownies, I waved them all goodbye and went back to bed.

I spent a pleasant morning sat on the verandah blog-writing and worrying the hotel staff as usual. Obviously not used to having someone spend the entire day at the hotel rather than being out on safari, trawling for souvenirs or washing elephants, they seemed a little surprised to see me.

Husband returned, Ibisbill-less, with tales of a tiger loose in the park's buffer zone - the area immediately surrounding the park where people are allowed to live and collect firewood. Apparently it had already killed someone so Corbett was living up to it's man-eater heritage.

Lunch included something entitled 'raspberry curry' which, of course, had to be tried, dodgy tummy or not. Reports confirm that raspberries were not harmed in the making of this curry and indeed, were never actually in it's presence at any time. What the small objects actually were however, has yet to be confirmed.

Turns out, I have a sweet tooth (grin), and despite my best efforts, I was forced to give in to pudding temptation. This was mainly to satisfy the maitre d' who has developed a fascination with my eating habits (that's my excuse and it's a very good one thank you very much). If I don't have a whole bowl of dessert, I must at least try a spoonful to show some willing. It would seem he has now roped in the other waiting staff to aid in his venture.

After the requisite after-lunch visit to our room's bathroom facilities, one treated oneself to an afternoon nap. Mark's return (still lacking in Ibisill) heralded an update of the local man-eating tiger. It had now had 2 people but luckily, neither of them were my husband. Following a vicious and blood thirsty attack on my own pale flesh (by the local mosquitos), I decided to opt for my jeans when dressing for dinner that evening. I also took the opportunity to try out the Maharaja kettle and it did indeed make a cup of Tetley fit for a king.

Failed abysmally once more to not over indulge at the evening buffet - the waiters were positively beaming as a result mind you. And they served up my favourite green pudding again so there was no chance of getting away lightly.

We have another early start in the morning - 5am this time for our first Corbett NP safari. Perhaps we'll do the double and get a second tiger?

A relatively short blog for me - am very impressed with self!