Once Bitten

Not the Sandfly

When you travel there are things that are often omitted. In the case of Machu Picchu, it was the sandfly. The Sandfly, aka, the winged chupacabra, is all over Machu Picchu. 

I don't know what it is about me but my blood attracts hematophagous fauna and it's annoying. If I never hear about me being so sweet, it will be too soon. 

But the sandflies of Peru are vicious little beasts that I have never encountered before. I was a buffet and smorgasbord.

Now, you will probably say that I should have used insect repellant and worn long clothing. I did! While mosquitos and other insects avoid the general area where you apply repellant, these little vampiric spawns of satan find the undefended square millimeters and attack. Also, it's not a stealthy mosquito attack. It's an itchy pain you feel toe, like being poked with a little needle and being stricken with poison ivy at the same time.

Oh and then there is the itching. Not a mild mosquito bite itching either. It's a considering having my skin amputated kind of itch that lasts for weeks. I'm not saying I wanted to die, but I wanted to kill. 

Normally I can find a place for all things in this world, but sandflies have no place in this world and should be taken out. I'd shed no tears for the news of the extinction of sandflies. Not one tear. In fact, the only emotion I would experience would be elation.