The worst aspect of the rainforest is, without doubt, the insects. Despite smearing toxic ´DEET´ over my body several times a day those pesky mosquitos always find a way of getting to my supple skin.
So imagine my sheer delight when Gigo, a member of staff working at Taricaya Ecological Reserve, told me of a totally effective natural insect repellant. We were checking on our butterfly traps deep in the jungle when he spotted some fruits lying on the ground. I was told that such fruits could only be collected two or three times a year and that, when mixed with alcohol, they produced a smell so strong that not even the most determined mosquito could bear to get within a few yards of you. To demonstrate the effectiveness of said fruit Gigo then proceeded to show me his arms which were, surprisingly, completely free of the marks and blisters that have become a trademark of mine.
I was very excited. Gigo also assured me that the repellant would be effective for a whole week. This meant that not only would I be protected against the critters, but that it would save me a lot of money too (manufactured repellant doesn't come cheap).
That night, along with about fifteen of the other volunteers, we prepared the fruit. We sliced them in half and then mixed the seeds with alcohol to make a paste. Then we all covered ourselves, not wanting to leave any skin exposed. Gigo helpfully rubbed the repellant all over my face.
Of course in hindsight I realise that everything about Gigo´s story sounded too good to be true. A free, natural, 100% effective insect repellant? Of course it wasn´t. A couple of hours later we discovered the real function of the devilish fruit - it is used to make the paint that people in this region of Peru use to colour their houses. And so now, along with practically every other volunteer, my face and arms are completely blue, and will be for the whole next week...
