Before we set off  I had better bring the laundry in. These little horrors are known for being inquisitive, mischievous and nothing is safe.


Don't forget to click on a picture once to enlarge it!

'Look at me'

'Where did you put the peanuts ?                                                    

Even had a couple of young ones whilst their parents were scrounging around for food trying to pick the nail varnish off my toes whilst sitting out on the veranda  enjoying the calm african evening. You had better not  move too quickly in case you get a nip instead, although they are very gentle while checking out the toes!We have come back from swimming and found the monkeys sorting through the beach bag, pinching your water and anything edible. Have even caught one lounging back on the chair drinking from our juice bottle. Camera's clicking around as people try to catch the monkey's antics .It's not unusual to have one of these little friends check over what's on offer at mealtimes.With a flap of tea towel a waiter chases them off, while you get a scattering of breakfast cereal all around. They nip out quickly and as soon as the waiters back is turned, the little rascals are back!   This is why we come out to these exotic and faraway places. The experience of a lifetime.

'Service is slow today!

       Leaving our beautiful beach and hotel we sail off in an Arab dhow for a day at sea. We are hoping to see dolphins along the way and will visit an island for lunch. This makes a lovely break from bumping around on those nearly non existent roads.

A glorious white beach

          Everyone is busy looking out for anything while we are sailing along, fresh fruit is at hand as is a bar.
Suddenly there is a shout, 'Dolphins' , Klaus was the first to spot them, he now has the T.shirt to prove it! We all move to the side to see these graceful creatures leaping in the water.
We are given the chance to have a swim with them, I accepted straight away hoping they will be friendly! Klaus stayed on board as he is not a good swimmer.
It was a leap into destiny with four youngsters half my age, everyone else preferred to stay on the dhow. Water looked very deep, but I could not miss this experience. We had to jump from the side of the dhow into the deep blue of the ocean.
The dolphins well and truly played with us, and made us swim for the privilege! They went round us,under us, led us further away, then shot back again. I have never swum so much in my life.

The boat to haul us in!

Th white splash is me! Dolphin on the right.

                                                             

When the dolphins were heading away, we were taken a little nearer by a small dinghy. Unable to climb in from the water, I was unceremoniously hauled over the side by the seat of my costume, or a lump of flesh!
The next day I looked like I had been in a fight for Africa with all the grazes and bruises.
It was a wonderful to have been allowed to swim by the dolphins in their ocean. I was honoured to have joined these wild creatures.
We have now arrived at Funzi Island where we are stopping for lunch, looking forward to standing on dry land again, if only for a little while. We had a walk around looking for monitor lizards and other species such as land crabs, but did not see very much. Maybe it was just a bit too hot, I know we all felt that way.

'Funzi Island'

We are made welcome under a large bamboo tent like structure. Soft cushions and chairs are spread around, waiting to make you to sit down and relax. Tables are laden with salads and fruit. The spread that has been laid us makes us realise how hungry sea air makes you. The aroma of barbecue meat wafts across to us .

'What a spread'

After we are so well fed and watered we are taken through the village. The people here are so friendly, and called out greetings to us. They wanted to show us their school, hospital, and then on to the small market place.They are trying to be self sufficient and look after themselves. Visiting tourists help by buying some of the local crafts. The vibrancy of colour here was amazing, dyed materials hanging up, the costumes of the locals, trees and flowers all in blossom, and on top of this the scent of blossoms and spices lingering in the air.
This little girl caught my eye and just had to capture them both, so that I could paint them later. Below is the result.

'Mum & Daughter at  Funzi Island'
                                             

We sail back with the old cotton sails flapping in the breeze. Tired and relaxed from a lovely day.
Tomorrow we are back on the old bone shaking road for another day of looking for animals. Hope you will join me.

                                                   -------------------------------------------

My Little Robin

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

                           'My Little Robin'

In the first stage I have drawn it out on to the paper I use for pastel pencils.
I find them a very good medium to use as you have control over the pencil, especially when blending in the colours.
Fur can be made to look very  realistic.
In the second stage I have started with the base for the background and then started on the robin. The picture gradually gets built up with the blending of several colours for each little area.
The third stage is completing the robin and starting on the foreground  with a base for the snow, and making a start on the leaves etc.
I will finish of the background and the snow with soft pastel chalks.
Hopefully you will see the end result next week