I confess. I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to animal knowledge. I'd love to play you in a game of animal trivia. Do you know the largest rodent? The fastest insect? The only animals that will hunt you just for fun? Yep, I do. Chalk it up to lots of "Wild America" viewings with my sister, a dad who loves to be out in nature (and always finds the coolest stuff) and lots of visits to the zoo (in any city we are in!).While here, I have been spotting birds and butterflies just outside my window that I had only seen on TV before. I have been learning the names for the squirrel-chipmunk thing that squeaks, the "Komli-Buchi" fuzzy caterpillar that will leave you itching if you brush up against it and the sneakiness of monkeys.
I have also learned some cultural views of animals. For instance, if you are in traffic and someone does something really stupid, you should yell "OWL!". It's like calling him an idiot. People here think we are being sarcastic by putting owls on our school curriculum.
If a gecko falls on your head (from his perch on the ceiling) it's considered good luck.
When a grasshopper lands on you, it's a sign of wealth.
My friends can't believe all our kid books with pigs in them. They aren't cute farm animals. They are disgusting.
Monkeys are a nuisance, like a pigeon and thief in one. Not fun cute little oddities.
And in my friend's neighborhood, they discovered a cobra family. Rather than killing it, most of the neighbors now (thinking it a good sign from the gods) offer it food and pray it.
So, next time you think you know it all (even about animals), just remember people in another country might not give a hoot.
