29/12/2010 Rat Hunt

Last night we set off into the rice fields to hunt the elusive rice field rat. These are relatives (most probably) of the all too well known city rat. However, when these little critters are bbq’d they can be very tasty.

I do think it’s the thrill of the hunt that gets the locals going though. Wearing home made miners lamps and armed with hand made flintlocks they set off on the hunt. Of course an event such as this is not complete without the appropriate amount of libation. I must stress though that my brother in law is very responsible with the firearms and he assures me no one has ever been shot, yet.

My wife’s cousin was suitably attired for the occasion wearing full jungle greens including bandana and brandishing a two foot long machete. He appeared to be expecting Burmese insurgents and was definitely an asset on the trip. Imagine if you will, gutting a seven inch long critter with a two foot long machete whilst balancing on a plank over a creek and you’re half way there.

My duties for the hunt included financing the liquid refreshments and……

I must say though sitting under the stars around a campfire seven and half thousand kilometers from my office, chewing on little rat bones is about as good as it gets.

Now a word of warning from my wife, “don’t get shot, I’ll be very angry.” I promised her that I would not knowingly stand in front of a gun and with that I was allowed to go.

Great night…….

Ps: We got three and I didn’t get shot.

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