Things that go bite in the night and other stories

We have faced a number of challenges, none as much as our new found friend: the mosquito. Chanel has been swapped for DEET, body cream replaced by antihistamine and vitamin supplements replaced by allergy tablets. Picture a pepperoni pizza with extra pepperoni - an exact representation of Jardine's legs. Forget Carlo Eatalotti - bring on Pepperoni Jardioni.

In the lead with over 50 bites - Karen Jardine.
A close second with over 40 bites - Jenefer Maguire.
Some were early starters but fell by the wayside (Sellar) as the competition hotted up (sorry - swollen up!) Forget Merlot - it just proves that the late 70's were a great vintage in the blood stakes.

Last night it got so bad that when we went for some light relief to one of the more upmarket shopping centres the rest of the team stood appalled as Karen rushed out of the pharamacy to apply arnica gel on the many bites, much to the dismay of a local Brazilian lady. Thankfully they were only on her legs.

Lesson 7: Know your audience before performing minor medical procedures in public.

Other members of the team have experienced less exotic ailments. As with most foreign travel there are unavoidable disruptions in the stomach department - running has happened both on and off the pitch.
Avoiding the cold water in the shower (there is no hot tap) caused Laura some pain when she creaked her neck in shock. Jenefer suffered a similar injury getting out of bed (aka the mattress on the floor) - it must be an age thing.

Lesson 8: Refer back to lesson 2

David 'Kaka' Simpson had the opportunity to fulfil the dream of a lifetime today when he dribbled past a Brazilian (on the football pitch). Pitchside commentary suggested he wasn't bad for a 'gringo' of his age from Northern Ireland. However his moment of glory was cut short when a left side hook, sorry boot, caught him just below his left eye and he was almost stretchered off. Thankfully cold ice has reduced it to a black eye and he now looks like he comes from the 'hood'. We're hoping this macho image will scare off any would be attackers.

Lesson 9: Really - we're not Brazil we're Northern Ireland.

PS We realise that we have yet to mention Christine so this is us mentioning her now. She is a pillar of patience, a study in self-control, and a fine example of faithfulness (+ she's our treasurer and holds all the money - so we keep on her good side!)