We knew before we left for Huahine that French Polynesia was in the throes of a chikungunya outbreak (a mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Africa in 1952 and more recently, has arrived in the Caribbean and even a few parts of the Southern USA). We both were chastened and I did all sorts of research about how to prevent it, concluding that if we use plenty of repellent, burn mosquito coils, and follow other mosquito dodging procedures such as an exterior fan, we should be okay.  Many of our friends and their families have had chikungunya but not all.  I first decided I would not even mention this in the Beach Bum blog but then of course, my mama, Janet knows all about it and just says, “don’t worry,” so I decided to broach the subject.

Yesterday I was beginning to think that all my Inky Binky films would have to be shot from inside of the house. (I do not still hold this opinion). At the same time, Marilyn was thinking about textures and looking for some models and happened to examine an interesting image that is the basis for the film, Becoming the Mosquito.

She also did a good amount of the shooting and spurred me on as I edited it this morning.  The soundtrack is beholden in part to Amélie-les-crayons’ wonderful tune, “Marchons” that I borrowed for this Inky Binky film.

Fortunately, we have not seen much of this little monster who comes out in the daytime and seems put off by the ocean-front environs that we inhabit.