Jungletwins

There have been rumors of pineapple theft circling the neighborhood. That’s what passes for crime/news around here. Our next door neighbors have been hit on multiple occasions.  I’m outraged on their behalf because pineapples are really difficult to grow (I’ve heard). They don’t grow on trees you know! Ha, bet you didn’t know that. I was positive they grew on trees before I moved here, but no- they grow on the ground in large plants that look a lot like giant aloes to me, minus the prickles. My neighbor has a whole field of them. Er…………….had. Naw, just kidding- still has. Given the size and shape of pineapples, its pretty hard to make off with too many on foot. Not that I’d know. Not cool to take even one though, because planting them is quite a process. My neighbor told me all about it, and I wish I had paid closer attention so I could explain it to you. Just believe me when I tell you its complicated.

Another cool thing I’ve learned about tropical produce: coconut milk is not white! No sir! I buy fresh coconut at the farmer’s market, and a nice young man splits one open for me with a machete and sticks a straw in it so I can drink the delicious milk, which is not white, but crystal clear. If its white, its either really old coconut, or stuffs been added.

If you’re going to the farmer’s market in town, its always a good idea to bring babies, because people will give you free or extra food. “For baby!” Of course, there is a price to pay. They get to comment on the babies, and some of the comments are pretty weird. People here don’t really know what to make of twins, there just aren’t many twins on the island. Or indeed any! Well….there probably are other twins on the island, but I’ve never seen any. Not that I get out much. Or steal any pineapples when I do get out. Who said that? Ha ha, just kidding. Anyway, the most common reaction I get is: “One is dark and one is light! Why is this?” I’m always tempted to say, “They have different fathers! 5 papayas please.” Is that even medically possible? I don’t know, but I bet I could get people to believe me. Hey, if it works for cats!

Aside from both having blue eyes, the twinnies look nothing alike. Mumu looks like several of my family members- very light strawberry blond hair, very fair skin. Lulu has dark hair and skin that looks like most caucasian skin, maybe a touch olivey, but not really- its pretty much just because Mumu’s skin is translucent that hers looks darker. She looks like her Daddy. Hmmmm, what other differences? Let me think. Mumu has developed a wonderfully goofy laugh, and a fun squeal, and she burps like a frat boy. Barfs like one too! Her toothless smile is huge, it takes up her whole face and its impossible not to laugh when you see it, even if you’ve only had 2 hours of sleep.

Lulu has quite a distinct (and I would say heart-wrenching) cry that everyone else seems to find adorable (from afar). She kicks her legs frantically when she gets excited, loves to be tossed in the air, and looks very intently at people, so much so that my mother accuses her of “looking into peoples souls.”

They are the best pair ever, even better than fresh pineapple and coconut.

Read Full Post »