i can’t escape the cobras

so, on the rez, i was surrounded by the “insane cobra nation” and the “west side cobras.”  these were two of the main gangs in my area.  you would drive down graffiti land from my house and see their “tags” everywhere.  my neighbors, my students, so many kids were “cobras.”  i guess it is one of the reasons why i had so many people amazed that i was so “brave” to live where i did.

but, here, i am also surrounded by cobras, apparently, the real ones.  these 3 king cobras were killed in the bush near the village where i spend time.  some young guys were out “hunting” and came across them.  can you imagine?!?    i’ve been asked why it’s such a big deal since i was so near rattlesnakes on the rez.  i’ve actually been about a foot away from stepping on rattlers twice.  well, i don’t know…it’s africa – they are king cobras.  you will die very quickly if they bite you. 

plus, i am a little freaked because there was actually a snake in my bathtub a few months ago.  it was some little things, but very dangerous from what i hear. how it got in eludes me.  i did kill it.  (those trekking poles came in handy again).  now, i hold my breath every time i go pee in the night for fear one will jump up and bite my butt.

Flickr Tags: cobras,gangs,uganda