Day 54 Apopo Hero Rats








 Jenny has a fear of rodents and I’m not awfully keen, so I was surprised when she said she wanted to visit the Apopo Hero Rat Centre. These are no ordinary rats, they are highly trained animals that are able after their training to sniff out tnt a major ingredient in the production of land mines and other explosive devices. The Apopo organisation is a not for profit charity that clears land mines from war torn countries and ensures that productive land can be made safe and put back into food production.

The Tanzanian giant rats are used for this purpose and using Pavlovian techniques are trained to find buried mines using food as a reward. The place was fascinating but we both declined the offer to hold Alvy the Tanzanian rat. The number of deaths and injuries from the remains of these weapons of war is staggering and the number of areas still awaiting to be cleared is alarming, venturing away from paths and roads could be fatal!! These mines are the consequence of the war between Vietnam and Cambodia from 1977-1991

After our visit we went shopping to buy paper and crayons for our host’s children. We gave them their gifts after tea and they spent a great time drawing and colouring- Mr Bun joined in too. The children were really very good and it was lovely to see them engaging with one another and with us. Our last night at this Homestay and it will be sad to say goodbye to the Bunyong home, we will be back on Sunday evening for a meal and to drop off my bike. We’ve been made most welcome here and they really are exceptional people.

Comments

  1. B&MFebruary 29, 2024 at 2:51 PM

    A brilliant journal of your epic journey, very much enjoyed by this reader. I was wondering what fate would befall your trusty steeds good to know one has found a good home with the fantastic Mr Bun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JennyFebruary 29, 2024 at 5:02 PM

      My bike is going back to Banlung, another homestay, for BeeBee a 10 year old boy.

      Delete
    2. JennyFebruary 29, 2024 at 5:03 PM

      My bike is going back via minibus to BeeBee, a 10 year old boy whose homestay we stayed at in Banlung

      Delete
    3. AnonymousFebruary 29, 2024 at 10:36 PM

      Hello Jenny et Pete
      Contente d'avoir de vos (dernières) nouvelles ! Oui, Apopo est une association formidable (mais moi, j'ai pris la petite bête dans mes bras, elle n'arrêtait pas de me lécher !). Sur la côte, entre Kampot et Koh Kong, une autre ambiance, très agréable également !
      Bon retour dans les Cornouailles !
      Bienvenue à Strasbourg si le cœur vous dit !
      Sylvie

      Delete
    4. RangiMarch 1, 2024 at 3:46 AM

      Hi Sylvie, Jenny here. Last couple of days for us now which is sad. Remember you are welcome to Cornwall anytime. Plenty of space. Keep enjoying your travels

      Delete
    5. AnonymousMarch 1, 2024 at 4:49 AM

      Pour garder contact si vous venez en France (beaucoup de belles pistes cyclables en Alsace !) vernisy1@gmail.com

      Delete
  2. B&MFebruary 29, 2024 at 2:53 PM

    Ps looking forward to some excellent run reports next year if your blog is anything to go on Jen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JennyFebruary 29, 2024 at 5:04 PM

    Hmmmm!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 1, 2024 at 1:37 AM

    Staying with a family like that must have been like icing on the cake of your brilliant trip. Great to hear the bikes are going to good homes and will be in use for a long time, a legacy of your tour. Really enjoyed the daily blog. Enjoy your last few days in Cambodia.

    ReplyDelete

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