{"id":5857,"date":"2026-10-19T10:15:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/?p=5857"},"modified":"2026-10-19T10:16:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T09:16:26","slug":"the-mountain-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/?p=5857","title":{"rendered":"The Mountain Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Papaia, Banani and Ravioli&#8217;s families set off for a day trip to the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor tags along to get some fresh air and inspiration for a few new jokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before leaving, the women pack snacks for the children, along with water and drinks for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once they reach the motorway, they find themselves stuck in a massive traffic jam caused by an accident, so they have to take an earlier exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They pull over to the side of the road, and Papaia checks the GPS for an alternative route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Papaia searches on Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking through the results, Banani spots a hiking trail he&#8217;s been wanting to try for ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hey, Papaia&#8230; why don&#8217;t we try this trail instead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Papaia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which one? The one called \u201cGecko&#8217;s Den\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yeah, yeah, that&#8217;s the one! They say it&#8217;s spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Papaia looks at the photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Papaia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It looks a bit difficult. We&#8217;ve got the kids with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, no. It&#8217;s a family-friendly trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Papaia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you say so, I&#8217;ll trust you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An hour later, they&#8217;re struggling up a ridiculously steep, slippery slope covered in dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banani is scrambling up the hillside with the twins in his arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mums keep calling after the older kids, who are running ahead along a narrow, gravelly path winding up beside a sheer drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor gets thirsty and asks for some water. Someone hands him a lukewarm bottle with biscuit crumbs floating on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Could I have a paper cup?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani&#8217;s Wife<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We left the cups at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wise move&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ravioli walks over, takes the bottle from Igor, drinks straight from it, then hands it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor returns the bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oh, no, thanks&#8230; now that I think about it, I&#8217;m not that thirsty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a long, exhausting hike through all that dust, they finally reach the end of the trail. Igor spots a drinking fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ah, finally. My salvation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But one of the kids runs ahead of him and starts sucking on the tap like it&#8217;s a straw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At that moment, Igor loses all hope, and his thirst comes crashing down on him like an avalanche of dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uncle, the fountain&#8217;s broken. Nothing&#8217;s coming out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have to press the button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor presses the button, and fresh, clean, crystal-clear water pours from the tap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By now, the others have arrived too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They all drink in exactly the same way: with their mouths pressed directly against the tap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor watches, disgusted but tempted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once everyone&#8217;s finished drinking, the group moves on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor hangs back, staring at the fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just then, a man arrives with his dog. The owner presses the button while the big dog drinks, giving the tap a good lick in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First time here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Quite an adventure, isn&#8217;t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yeah, shame about all the dust. You know&#8230; the drought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you come here often?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every day. We live nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The owner pets his dog, who gives the tap one final lick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dog Owner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bobby&#8217;s especially thirsty today because of all the dust. We were here just ten minutes ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ah&#8230; I see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The owner says goodbye to Igor and leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the kids comes running back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani&#8217;s Wife<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nino? Where are you going?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;m still thirsty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like before, the boy presses his mouth against the tap, with Bobby&#8217;s fresh saliva still on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By now, Igor is so numb to the disgust that he presses the button to turn the water on for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani&#8217;s Wife<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wash your hands when you&#8217;re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s right, Nino. Remember: hygiene is everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banani catches up with the group, running and waving his phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Banani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guys, guess what&#8230; I&#8217;ve found our hiking trail for next week!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Hiking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following week, in an insane fit of subconscious masochism, the Papaia group&#8217;s families set off on their next hiking adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor calls it \u201cThe Mosquito Trail\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s a sort of nature trail where the main attraction is getting bitten by different types of mosquitoes. A bit like a safari. For example, there&#8217;s one with venom, and another that bites deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the end of the trail, hikers can appreciate the differences between the various types of bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The large group sets off, completely unaware of what&#8217;s waiting for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the mosquitoes seem to have singled out Ravioli in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He starts swatting at the air to keep them away. Then, with one quick slap, he squashes a tiger mosquito just as it bites him on the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A park ranger immediately rushes over and stops him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excuse me, did you see what you just did?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, I got that mosquito right in the middle of a bite. This park is full of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That mosquito, you say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, why? Is there a problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course there&#8217;s a problem. Did you see the signs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which ones? Those?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, those ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But they say, \u201cDo not disturb protected wildlife.\u201d What&#8217;s that got to do with anything?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Didn&#8217;t you know that mosquitoes are the protected wildlife around here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s right. And the one you just killed was an extremely rare Guatemalan green mosquito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seriously?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, and now I&#8217;m fining you \u00a3100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, wait! The mosquito attacked me first. It was self-defence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;m afraid that won&#8217;t hold up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Haven&#8217;t you figured it out? How do you think we keep all the mosquitoes in this park fed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I don&#8217;t know&#8230; special mosquito food?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ranger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ravioli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What do you mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Igor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are the special mosquito food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ravioli gets his fine and carries on hiking, grumbling and getting bitten, without even daring to scratch himself anymore, in case he accidentally kills another rare mosquito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banani Falls Off a Cliff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At last, the families finally manage to pick the right hiking trail. They reach the high mountains, park their cars and start climbing along a spectacular path that&#8217;s suitable for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banani is absolutely thrilled, but he needs to pee. He&#8217;s been holding it in since they left the motorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As they climb, he starts looking left and right, searching for a discreet little spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He tries to sneak off two or three times, but there are hikers coming down who might see him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, he finds a secluded little spot with a panoramic view of the valley. (It&#8217;s actually a cliff.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banani takes a step towards the bushes and looks around. He&#8217;s well hidden, but the trail is still visible. He takes another step forward. At last, he finds the privacy he&#8217;s been looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nobody can see him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Banani starts doing what he came to do, but a group of hikers stops to chat right in front of the bush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just to be on the safe side, Banani takes another half-step forward&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And falls off the cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Don&#8217;t worry, though. He&#8217;ll survive to star in the next gag.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Papaia, Banani and Ravioli&#8217;s families set off for a day trip to the mountains. Igor tags along to get some fresh air and inspiration for a few new jokes. Before leaving, the women pack snacks for the children, along with water and drinks for everyone. Once they reach the motorway, they find themselves stuck in &#8230; <a title=\"The Mountain Hike\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/?p=5857\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Mountain Hike\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-short-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5857"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5859,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5857\/revisions\/5859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/savedblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}