People often say that "travel broadens the mind" and I can't agree less with it. When you travel around, you see things, and also learn new things, which broadens your perspective, challenges your assumptions, and makes you a wiser and more knowledgeable person.
My trip took me to Uboma Imo State, to spend the holiday with my elder sister and her family. There I had the privilege of not only seeing harvested honeycombs for the first time but also learning a thing about bees.
The experience was both thrilling and intimidating, especially when I saw the bees buzzing around the combs. That's the second time I'm seeing bees and I must say that those creatures can elicit fear in someone, lol. Who wouldn't be cautious around bees, when they can sting the life out of someone? 😅.
After harvesting the combs, the beekeeper carefully placed them into buckets and covered tightly, ensuring the bees inside wouldn't escape. I was curious about why he didn't remove the bees from the combs, and he explained that the bees might die if they're separated from the comb for too long.
There were bees crawling on the ground, and I wondered if they might be a threat. But he reassured me that they wouldn't cause harm unless provoked or killed. He explained that if threatened, they can regroup and launch a counterattack on their perceived assailant. So he advised against killing them, rather they should be left to crawl away, as they would eventually fly back to their hive.
As I observed the beekeeper, I mustered up the courage to take some pictures, despite my initial fear.
He further said that the combs can actually be eaten just as they were, and offered me a taste of it. I tried t but it was nothing like the honey in its pure, golden form! Please give me the honey and not the comb, hahaha!
I was surprised to learn that the apiary was nearby, in a farmland at the back of my elder sister's home. As curious me, I decided to snoop around to uncover the elusive beehives. But, my curiosity was short-lived. As I wandered along the path, the air grew thick with an ominous buzzing sound. The eerie hum sent shivers down my spine, and courage failed me to take another step forward.
I actually caught a glimpse of some box-like structures from a distance, and my instincts told me that they were indeed the beehives. My suspicion was later confirmed by my sister, who validated my detective work, lol.
Hopefully, I'll find the courage next time, to get closer, so I can capture the hives.
Thank you for reading.
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