Here be Dragons

We'll be up front about this. We are not smart. If you need proof, consider this: Our first destination in Indonesia was a remote jungle island inhabited by gigantic, flesh-eating lizards. We went hiking.



The island, of course, was Komodo, home of the Komodo Dragon. The world's largest lizard, dragons grow to nine feet in length. They feed on deer and water buffalo, running them down and felling them with claws and scalpel-sharp teeth. They ate two villagers last year alone - one for each village on the island. Thanks to bacteria in the dragon's mouth, a single bite almost invariably leads to deadly infection. There are over a thousand dragons on Komodo. We decided it was a perfect place for a stroll.



Lest you worry, gentle reader, we did not go unprepared. Keen to the dangers of the island, we brought along an intrepid local guide to defend us. He, in turn, brought along a stick. Never since leaving the Army had Mike so keenly felt the absence of an assault rifle.



Despite the obvious potential for a bad horror movie, our guide proved to be an expert, and the dragons we came across had apparently recently eaten (other tourists, no doubt). We made it back to our boat with all limbs intact, and spent the remainder of our time in Komodo National Park snorkeling the incredible reefs and enjoying the scenery.



After two days in the park, we returned to the bustling port town of Luban Bajo on the island of Flores. We had survived our foray on Komodo without incident. Yet, despite the tranquil quiet as our boat approached the dock, we couldn't shake the feeling that something had followed us home...