Read Chapter 7: “Canoeing”
The huts were made from bamboo and they were built in trees. In order to get into the hut one had to climb on a ladder that went up the tree. Because it was very hot, the children decided to go for a swim. Dad joined them while Mom was sitting on a mat by the water. They played volleyball, dived and swam underwater. The Lesters were having a great time!
In this lagoon there was no electricity, so the camp staff prepared the torch-lights and the petrol lamps.
“Dad, can we make a bonfire?” asked Brandon.
“Sure we can. For that you have to gather dry wood. But you’d better hurry up because soon it will be dark,” said Dad.
Alice and Brandon started looking for things to make a bonfire. Alice gathered dry leaves in a bucket, while Brandon picked up fallen branches.
The guide was nearby, resting on a chair. “Don’t get too far from the camp!” he said. “There are many animals out there in the jungle,” the guide shouted after them smiling.
The children gathered enough leaves and wood to make a big bonfire. They arranged the woods in a conic shape.
“Let’s start the fire!” said Brandon anxiously.
“Not now. First we must have dinner. So, both of you go and wash your hands,” said Mom, pointing at her son and daughter.
The other tourists joined the Lesters at the dinner table. The camp staff layed the table and served the food. On the big wooden table there were two petrol lamps that provide the necessary light. After dinner Dad helped the children light the bonfire and then invited everybody to sit around the fire. This was a good chance for them to find out about each other. They had a lot of fun together. They told jokes, played games and sang songs.
Around 9 p.m. the children started yawning. They were very tired after a day full of adventures.
“I guess it’s time for you to go to bed,” said Mom looking at her two children.
“Tomorrow we’ll get up at seven o’clock, so you’d better rest tonight,” said the guide.
So, the children took a shower and then went back into their tree hut. The interior of the hut was very simple. There were only two mattresses on the bamboo floor and a low table. Brandon put the petrol lamp on the table. Alice arranged the mosquito net over the mattresses. They went to bed. Soon after, Mom and Dad came to turn off the petrol lamp.
“Good night,” they said to the children.
“Good night,” replied Brandon and Alice.
“Sleep tight and don’t let the bugs bite!” said Mom, jokingly.
Illustration by Eric Barrientos
