Bopping

3.30 alarm for a scheduled 4.15 departure. Amazingly a full breakfast available being patrolled by the large Jorg (German Swedish chef).

Jorg somehow seems to join almost every excursion, be immaculately turned out and still feed 230 people 3 times per day with a variety of menus. Apparently container load of food appears from Hamburg. But how do they offer fresh lettuce after a month at sea?

Some discontent amongst the troops as long delays meant our cars didn't arrive to collect us until after 5. But once arrived we could understand. Previous group (3.45departure) had some issues with the road. Cars not 4x4 yet road/track muddy, stony, rutted and steep. Some cars having to have 3-4 goes at on short hill, and 2 cars suffering flat tyres/ breakdown.

Eventually arrived at walk start in jungle. 35 minutes walk uphill to ingenious small natural amphitheatre overlooking BOP display arena. Early group in possession of all best seats.

Wilson BOP arrived shortly afterwards, displayed and disappeared. Early group left us to head back down and we took over the best seats, just in time for a fine display from a male and juvenile male.

Walk back down enlivened by huge millipede. Excellent snacks, fried cassava and plantain with chilli sauce. I declined the raw chillies option.

Discussion with taxi driver, turned out Rahman (?) was air traffic controller at local airport ( 2 flights per week) so spoke good English.

Rahman is keen Chelsea fan. "Lampard, John Terry, Drogba..". He enters lottery every year and first prize is trip to see Chelsea.Read more