MADAGASCAR
This is a child/family friendly cache.
A long time ago a London resident visited the Africa country of Madagascar. It was there that he experienced the beauty and wonders of the African wildlife.
While visiting a small village, the Londoner met Ahabo Gerbango, an elderly ‘African magician’, which wowed the crowds by performing acts of levitation, illusion, and even disappearance. He especially loved to make boys and girls smile and laugh.
At first the Londoner scoffed, and in an attempt to prove that he was a hoax, rudely shouted at Ahabo from the crowd to perform a trick that would make him and everyone else a ‘true believer’. Ahabo glanced back- quietly – closed his eyes- and nodded.
As the crowd waited in anticipation, Ahabo stared deeply into the eyes of the North American. He raised his finger- and slowly pointed to the wildlife filled grassland in the horizon. At least a dozen species were witnessed to be in the direct view for the audience. Then something happened. First, a slow rumble was heard in the distance. This was then followed by a loud thunder and finally a wondrous explosion that shook the ground and made the area opaque with smoke around the Londoner and the rest of the villagers. When the smoke subsided all of the villagers were quiet- including the Londoner who had thought the event was enough to make him believe in magic after all. What was most interesting was now there were not ANY animals in the horizon- all of them had disappeared. Even when scanning the entire area there was no wildlife to be seen. Thinking this was the trick, the Londoner congratulated Ahabo in front of the villagers, and apologized for not believing in his magic. Ahabo said nothing- only offering him a quiet nod as the Londoner left the village to continue his travels through the African heartland.
Just as the Londoner was about to leave the village, he felt someone pull on his pant leg. Standing in front of him was a little boy carrying what seemed to be a small leopard skin covered canister. “Mr. Gerbango want me to give to you. He say not open until home. He say he bring back for all to enjoy Africa and our nature and see why it beautiful and why it need to be saved. But he say not open until home and share with all to help save magic around us.”
In disbelief, the Londoner thanked the boy, and promised to share whatever was in the unique container with everyone as soon as he returned home.
Upon his return, the Londoner opened the canister and he could not believe what he found inside. He realized the disappearing animals were only half of the trick performed by Ahabo!
Remembering his promise to Ahabo, and as a tribute to the wondrous Madagascar wildlife- the Londoner has now decided to share this surprise with all.
Prior to coming- please bring a small animal toy in case there is something you would like to trade for or perhaps just leave for another girl or boy visiting this cache.