Off the Beaten Track
Mar 8th, 2010 by Abdul Ghani
Rashimi pulls over at the side of the road. He reaches for a rag on the dashboard and wipes the sweat from his face. ‘Time for rest,’ he says as he clambers out of the truck. From the back of his truck he produces a straw mat. He spreads it out on the dusty floor before returning to the truck for some food. He insists that I sit and eat. I oblige willingly and thank him. I am grateful for the invitation. I just want to reach the distillery before it gets too late.
‘Early to the tamu,’ says Rashimi with a cheeky grin as he delves inside the large bag. ‘That’s good,’ I reply. ‘The early bird catches the worm.’ Rashimi looks puzzled. Perhaps the expression is unfamiliar to him. The humidity is stifling. I take the bottle of water from my rucksack, wash my face and take a drink. I offer Rashimi the bottle but he is busy preparing our food. ‘Drink later,’ he says. ‘Early worm.’ And laughs…
Rashimi presents me with a squirm of plump, creamy-coloured, worms. He is watching my face with childlike enthusiasm. I do not want to burst his bubble. I smile, nodding and raising my eyebrows. He is still grinning from cheek to cheek. He lifts a worm, rips off the head, throws it aside and pops the juicy delicacy into his mouth. It is now or never. And so here is my cue to join in.
The stifling humidity prompts an afternoon siesta. I climb back into the truck leaving Rashimi fast asleep under the shade of a nearby tree. Trees are a blessing in disguise. I contemplate all that they provide for birds, animals and human beings. I clutch my rucksack and think of the aloes wood. I pray we will reach the distillery soon.