Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait

I was simply and merrily swimming in the sea on our trip to Ora Beach, that is, until my mom said, "Ki, there's a snake in the water!"  "AAAAHHHHH!!!!" I shrieked. "I'm getting out of here!" So I climbed on to the boat. So did my mom a few minutes later. Then I asked her to describe the snake. She said that it was blue with black stripes. Wait a minute..... That was the yellow-lipped sea krait, the most poisonous snake in the world!

My (sadly inaccurate) drawing of a yellow lipped sea krait

 The yellow lipped sea krait is the most venomous snake in the world. Not to worry though, they are really shy, just like the bush snake, and only bite when disturbed.

 Yellow lipped sea kraits live in the waters surrounding Indonesia, Philippines, and in the . southern part of Malaysia. They usually hide under corals.

  The average length of a male is 875 mm, while the female is usually 1,420 mm long.

  The yellow-lipped sea krait's normal diet are small fish and eels. They usually hunt alone.

  Note: Pictures are from Wikipedia.

  

Bush snakes!

Hello! Last year, I was asked a question: 'What is your favourite animal?'
I knew that the category must be snakes, but which snake? So I researched about them. Then, on one of my trips, in Ora Beach, I came across the deadliest snake in the world; the yellow-lipped sea krait. So, that was my favourite snake, until I came across a documentary show on snakes. I was quite interested, so I continued watching. Then one day, I found the perfect snake: the bush snake.
Note: Pictures are from Google and Wikipedia.

The spotted bush snake, or philonthamnus semivariegatus is a non venomous snake and lives in South Africa. It grows 60-70 cm long. Its normal diet is small animals such as birds and lizards. It is usually found in trees and bushes, hence the name bush snake. It is small and can squeeze in tight places, and can even squeeze into your car door! Yup, just like a mouse. I would personally rate a bush snakes danger to humans 2 out of 5 stars, because it can still bite you. It is not recommended as pets, for they easily get shy, anxious and nervous. Here is a summary of the facts I have just mentioned:

•  Eats small animals                        
• Comes from South Africa              
• Lives in trees and bushes              
• Non-venomous snake                    
• Can squeeze in very tight places   
• Not good for a pet                          
• Grows 60-70 cm long                     
• Easily gets anxious                         
• Danger to humans: 2 out of 5 stars

Field Trip to Cinangneng, Bogor, Indonesia

 Grade 4 field trip today! I was so excited. We went to Cinangneng, Bogor. We bathed the water buffalo, planted rice, painted hats, learned traditional dances, and learned how to play traditional music! I've planted rice before, but I haven't done the rest. It was great!
  We used a bus to get there. The ride took about 3 hours. Before we did the first activity, they took us on a tour and showed us around the area. After that, the exciting thing happened; planting rice! The mud was surprisingly soft and was quite squishy. To my friends who went with me, I was a daredevil. They were all screaming and shouting at the sight of dragonflies and snails, whilst I was calmly stepping in first. Did they realize there were tons of dragonflies, snails, and spiders at school? Since I was brave enough, everyone gave me their rice. Geez guys, can you at least try planting one?
 

Pre-planted rice field

  Next, we (covered in mud) went to the river to bathe the water buffalo. We also took a tiny bath. The buffalo was actually quite nice and was tied to a rope, so no one was too scared of it. Some people got small scratches from the stones and got splashed in the eye, but it really depends on who you go with (most of the boys were rowdy and were the main cause of injury). After washing the buffalo, we went to wash ourselves. We took turns in using the shower.

The river

Can you see the buffalo?

After showering, we had lunch! It was noodles, rice, chicken, soup, kerupuk (a traditional cracker most of the time made with shrimp paste), and watermelon for dessert. It was really yummy!

After lunch, we went to paint farmer hats. We were allowed to keep it. We left it in the sun to dry.

Then we learned to play traditional music called Gamelan. Gamelan is similar to a xylophone, but it's plates are made of brass, and it is traditionally from Indonesia.

Next, we went to do a traditional dance. It was a dance with a scarf. What they taught us was a simple choreography. It was fun, yet a little bit difficult.

After the dance we went back to the place that we had lunch, and made special pandan cake and ginger candy. It was quite interesting and simple to make.

Then it was time to go home. It was the best field trip I have ever experienced!