As the kids charge me, I clutch them to me one by one, and we sink to the ground in a heap. Convinced that they have just vanquished Karate Man, the children break into a cheer. I stand them up, dust them off, then make them march me back the way they came. Thinking this is part of the game, the kids take the task very seriously. We walk in single file, the kids doing their best to mimic my sober demeanor.
Nobody blows up.
By the time the buildings of the village are in view, I begin to relax again. Once I arrive back at Boon's house, one of the kids is immediately dispatched for a sarong. This, I have learned, is the signal that it's time for me to take a bath. I've already bathed once today, but my hosts seem to think it's time for me to bathe again. This could have something to do with the fact that I'm sweaty and dusty from the hike, but I suspect that my hosts just want an excuse to watch me take my clothes off.