Bite Me!

All those at home who worry that my good-natured anti-American-ness has been a bit close to the mark (Mum - that's you! :-) ) should fear not - the title of this post isn't because i've had a big argument with those Americans in my lab - or the locals, or indeed anyone (my halo is well and truly gleaming!). On the contrary, it's back to that previously touched upon subject of wildlife - in this case, the Class Uniramia (aka Insectia). As you can imagine, there are a whole number of bugs here that are more prominent - owing to the more temperate climate. The 'palmetto bugs' (aka cockroaches) are often seen both scuttling and flying about (outside, thankfully) and it's not uncommon for a dragonfly also to go whooshing past when you least expect it (I know they have them in the UK - but i haven't seen them before).

On the flight over, i ended up chatting away to a fellow passenger - a very nice American lady (who had dual citizenship with the UK) - about all sorts of things. She gave me some tips on what to do and what not to do (one bit of advice was to use ceiling fans well over air conditioning as they are cheaper to run). She also warned me about using sun block if i'm going out in the sun for prolonged periods (advice i've heeded) and also about getting plenty of insect repellant. Alas, i've not quite managed to get round to this last point just yet. Suffice to say, the bugs are having a fair old time of things - and evidently like the taste of English flesh (as someone pointed out to me, it's probably the closest they'll get to royalty). Anyway, i made the mistake of sitting down on my wooden porch swing the other day, only for me to receive a few bites in thanks (i didn't realise for a few moments and of course it was a bit late then). Fortunately, they don't last long and have now gone - usually what happens when bitten by the pesky 'no-see-ems' (as gnats are called here). Suffice to say, i was straight to the shop the next day to get a tube of (extra strong) insect repellant - lets see if the little buggers will touch me now!!!