When we lived in Butwal, we were surrounded by a kind of forest/jungle which became our playground. I remember countless times when we went off the 'beaten track' to play in the piles of dry leaves, climb trees or rocks, slide down water pipes or build houses in bushes. We would be walking along the path and would suddenly spy a new bush/vine/hole/rock to explore amongst the trees and the result was hours of fun!
It's funny how those opportunities seem to come less and less frequently as an adult. I don't know if its because you're that much taller so you miss the exciting things that are now at knee level, or maybe we're just to busy, or too worried about the consequences - now I know how much snakes like them, I don't think I'd go near a pile of leaves in Butwal! But today I had one of those oppotunities! I was going for a walk near my house up this hill that is quite 'foresty' and as I was walking along I saw through the trees a massive tree on top of a steep bank. It had to be done! The result wasn't exactly HOURS of fun, but it was at least minutes of mild amusement! The child in me was definitely well and truly awake - it was such fun! And I didn't care how muddy I got (until I got home and realised how dirty my shoes were and how clean my newly hoovered carpet was....!)!

Happy New Year!