Rio Buho

Somewhere far, far away and deep in the jungle, and a long time ago, was a HUGE city full of people. A wonderful city of mama's and papa's and babies and children and doggies and princesses (obviously one of Maia's contributions!). Quite what happened to that fabulous city is not clear, but the people are no more. Now that city in the jungle is called Rio Buho (Owl River) and it is where owls go to stay. It is always dark there, and wet, though apparently it does not rain. Rio Buho is surrounded by tall, dank, leafy trees and it is the densest jungle you can imagine. Also living there are brown and black bears, but no Grizzlies. There are colebras (big snakes), even matacaballos (boa constrictors, or literally, horse killers!). There are nee-nees too. (No, John is not quite sure what these are either, but they are very tiny and have no legs or mouths or eyes, but can see. They are made from polystyrene!) But more than anything, this is where all the owls go when they are on holiday (or are lost, which is the present situation with Robbie's owl!). You will find silent, white-winged owls, screech owls, brown owls, as well as owls with funny little ears, all living there together. It is possible to reach Rio Buho in a 4-wheel drive car like John's Toyota Landcruiser (when it has not self-destructed, like now!). There are very high mountains, raging rivers and even waterfalls to cross, so it would take a long, long time to get to Rio Buho. The jungle around Rio Buho is so full of zizzies (flies and insects) that there is always plenty of food for the owls, which is why they love going to Rio Buho. One very special resident of Rio Buho is the Woosie Bird. Now, this is the biggest owl of all, who most of the time lives on Ilalo (that is the extinct volcano in front of our house). The Woosie Bird makes no sound except for it woosie-whirring wings, and if you hear it - only in the very middle of the night - you must hide under your bed clothes. If it knows it has been seen, it might sneak into the house and even peck you with its great, curved, fearsome beak. The Woosie Bird is really a friend; it protects us all in the night, by checking out that there are no robbers or bad animals, and that we have not left any doors or windows open. But nevertheless, if it is seen, it becomes very, very angry. Even if the Woosie Bird did not sneak into the house and peck at you in anger, it would disappear off to Rio Buho for a long time, leaving us unprotected at night. That would be very serious!

This is a wonderful piece of the children's imaginary life. Robbie, who has lost his close friend - owl - wakes up these mornings with all this in his head. He then clambers out of bed and sneaks into John's bed, soon to be followed by Maia, and they both construct and build up the story together. This has been going on for a few days now. The teachers at Robbie's and Maia's school, Pachamama, are insistent that television dulls children's imagination. We watch very little television here, despite our multi-channel satellite system, and long may it be that way!