Hamster Hopper chapter 6

 

Welcome to Chapter 6 of the ‘Hamster Hopper’ podcast!

Good morning, sunshine! It’s me, Frida. I just had to share the sheer beauty of the flowers here in Chiang Mai. The gardens are a riot of color, with vibrant marigolds, delicate orchids, and bold bougainvilleas creating a mesmerizing tapestry that seems almost surreal. The air is perfumed with their sweet scents, mingling with the crisp mountain breeze. Each bloom feels like a burst of joy, painting the landscape in hues that are as diverse and enchanting as the people who tend to them. It’s a floral paradise that makes every moment here feel like a dream.

 

In the winter in Chiang Mai, Fey’s garden transforms into a magical haven where countless butterflies and bees dance among the blossoms. The crisp, cool air brings a clarity to the scene, making the vivid colors of the flowers even more striking. The butterflies flutter gracefully from bloom to bloom, their delicate wings shimmering in the gentle sunlight, while the bees buzz energetically, their industrious hum harmonizing with the serene ambiance. It’s a symphony of nature’s elegance, where every flutter and buzz feels like a celebration of the season's serene beauty.

 

Frida's longing for Fey’s exquisite French breakfast is palpable, but to her dismay, Fey gently declines her request. Despite Frida’s enthusiastic admiration for the buttery croissants, the silky poached egg, and the rich cappuccino, Fey maintains a polite but firm stance, explaining that this special breakfast is a cherished personal ritual meant for her alone. Frida, though disappointed, understands the sentiment, and she watches wistfully as Fey savors each bite, imagining the delicious flavors and textures she’ll have to experience another time.

 

Frida, the plump and spirited fat-tailed hamster, energetically shakes her cage with an enthusiastic wiggle. Her tiny paws grip the bars as she rattles them, her whiskers twitching in determination. The clinking sound echoes through the room, a testament to her uncontainable curiosity and playful nature. Despite her round belly, which adds a touch of adorable clumsiness to her antics, Frida’s determination is evident as she tries to get attention or maybe just to have a bit of fun. Her vibrant energy and charming persistence make her a delightful little troublemaker.

 

Fey bursts into laughter as she indulges in the delectable French breakfast, clearly savoring every bite with sheer delight. Her joyful laughter fills the room, a testament to how irresistibly delicious the meal is. Frida, perched in her cage, watches intently with wide, envious eyes, her whiskers twitching as she takes in the scene. The sight of Fey’s unabashed enjoyment makes Frida’s own longing even more palpable, turning her curiosity into a mixture of wistful admiration and playful frustration.

 

Frida, the plump fat-tailed hamster, dramatically collapses in her cage, rolling onto her side with an exaggerated sigh of despair. She feigns a tragic, over-the-top scene of being "starved" for the delicious French breakfast that Fey is savoring. Her tiny paws clutch at her chest as if overcome by the pangs of hunger, her eyes peeking out with a comical, pleading look. Despite her playful antics, it’s clear she’s simply putting on a show, hoping to elicit some sympathy or perhaps a small morsel from the indulgent feast.

 

Fey’s laughter rings out as she watches Frida’s comical performance. The little fat-tailed hamster lies dramatically still in her cage, her tiny paws splayed out and her whiskers twitching in a mock display of having "passed away" from hunger. Frida’s exaggerated pose and wide, innocent eyes only add to the hilarity of the scene, making Fey’s laughter even more heartfelt. The playful act is a testament to their lighthearted bond, with Frida’s antics bringing a smile to Fey’s face as she continues to enjoy her French breakfast.

 

With a mischievous grin, Fey tosses a cheese worm into Frida’s cage, and the little fat-tailed hamster’s eyes widen with excitement. Frida has never encountered such a curious treat before, and her whiskers twitch with eager anticipation as she sniffs at the unfamiliar, cheesy morsel. The novelty of the cheese worm, with its enticing aroma and intriguing appearance, captivates her completely. As she gingerly takes a bite, her delight is palpable, and she quickly becomes engrossed in the new and delightful experience, savoring every unique flavor with enthusiastic enthusiasm.

 

Frida adores the cheese worm, her tiny paws eagerly reaching for more as she savors the unique, savory treat. Her eyes sparkle with genuine delight, each bite reaffirming her newfound love for this peculiar delicacy. But her affection doesn’t stop there—Frida’s heart is also full of warmth and gratitude for Fey. The kindness and playful gestures from her human companion only deepen Frida’s fondness, making her cherish both the delightful cheese worm and the wonderful bond she shares with Fey.

 

As they journey together, Fey takes a moment to enlighten Frida about the cheese worm’s true identity. With a gentle smile, she explains that the intriguing treat is actually the larval stage of the Attacus atlas butterfly, one of the largest and most magnificent butterflies in the world. Frida listens intently, her whiskers twitching with fascination as Fey describes the butterfly’s impressive wingspan and striking patterns. The revelation adds a new layer of wonder to Frida’s enjoyment of the cheese worm, turning a simple snack into a fascinating lesson about the natural world and its extraordinary creatures.

 

Today is Bird National Day, a celebration that fills the air with cheerful excitement and vibrant festivities. Fey, however, has her own responsibilities to attend to and heads to the flower shop for her day’s work. Surrounded by a riot of blooming colors and fragrant blossoms, she tends to the arrangements and customers with a smile, her thoughts occasionally drifting to the avian celebrations outside. While she can't join in the festivities, Fey finds joy in the beauty of her surroundings and the satisfaction of her work, making the day special in its own way.

 

Frida, feeling a twinge of mischief and perhaps a bit of fear, eyes the birds with a newfound curiosity. The little fat-tailed hamster, caught in a playful twist of imagination, contemplates the idea of eating a bird, driven by a whimsical notion that the birds might be eyeing her as a potential snack. Her tiny paws twitch with excitement and a hint of apprehension as she watches them from her cage, fantasizing about the role reversal in this amusing scenario. Despite the playful thoughts, Frida’s real focus remains on the safe and cozy confines of her cage, where she happily enjoys her cheese worm and daydreams of grand adventures.

 

Frida, nestled comfortably in her cage, reflects on how fortunate she feels. She considers herself a lucky hamster, enjoying a daily feast of delicious treats that Fey thoughtfully provides. Each day brings a new delight, from cheese worms to other scrumptious morsels, making her feel pampered and cherished. Meanwhile, she observes the birds outside, tirelessly fluttering and pecking for their meals, and feels a sense of contentment and gratitude. The contrast between her easy, indulgent life and the birds’ constant search for food only deepens her appreciation for Fey’s care and the cozy, secure world she inhabits.

 

After her satisfying meal, Frida snuggles into the soft bedding of her cage, her tiny belly content and full. She curls up into a cozy ball, her whiskers twitching in relaxation as she settles into a peaceful slumber. The gentle rise and fall of her breathing soon match the tranquil rhythm of her dreams, where she imagines endless adventures and delightful treats. As the room quiets down, Frida drifts off, enveloped in warmth and comfort, fully embraced by the serenity of her restful nap.

 

As night falls, Fey quietly approaches Frida’s cage, softly cleaning and tidying the bedding with gentle hands. The rustling sounds and the soft glow of the lamp stir Frida from her cozy slumber. Sleepy but curious, Frida blinks awake and stretches her tiny limbs, her whiskers twitching as she takes in the familiar sight of Fey’s caring presence. Watching with half-closed eyes, Frida feels a warm sense of security, knowing that even in the quiet of the night, Fey’s thoughtful care ensures that her home remains a clean and comfortable haven.

 

As Frida’s eyes adjust to the dim light, she notices a cockroach scuttling across her cage. Instinctively, her little paws move with surprising speed, and she skillfully catches the insect with a quick, precise pounce. Frida’s curiosity and natural predatory instincts take over as she examines her catch. With a satisfied twitch of her whiskers, she begins to nibble on the cockroach, savoring the unexpected snack with a mix of delight and practicality. This small, adventurous moment adds a touch of excitement to her night, showcasing her resourcefulness and adaptability.

 

When Fey discovers Frida munching on the cockroach, her expression shifts to one of concern and frustration. She’s taken aback by Frida’s choice of snack, worried about the hygiene and safety of such a treat. Frida, sensing Fey's anger but not fully understanding the reason behind it, looks up with confused, innocent eyes. The little hamster’s whiskers twitch in bewilderment as she continues nibbling, oblivious to why her beloved caretaker is upset. To Frida, it’s just a natural part of her diet, but she can’t grasp the underlying reasons for Fey’s disapproval.

 

Seeing Frida’s unusual snack choice and concerned for her well-being, Fey decides to take immediate action. She calls Manow, the friendly tuk-tuk driver, asking him to come over and help with a special task. Manow arrives promptly, and Fey gently places Frida in a secure travel carrier, explaining the situation as she prepares to take her to the vet. With Manow’s cheerful assistance, they set off on the short journey, Frida nestled safely in her carrier, her curious eyes peeking out as she embarks on this unexpected adventure.

 

Manow carefully transports Frida to the pet hospital, navigating the crisp winter air of Chiang Mai. The scenic drive reveals a picturesque landscape dotted with frost-kissed trees and misty mountains in the distance, creating a serene backdrop. As they arrive at the pet hospital, the warmth of the building contrasts with the cool, refreshing winter breeze outside. Frida, snug in her carrier, peeks out at the beautiful, tranquil winter scenery, feeling a mix of curiosity and calm as she prepares for her check-up amidst the charming, wintry landscape of Chiang Mai.

 

Upon arriving at the pet hospital, Manow meets the vet and explains the situation with a concerned yet matter-of-fact tone. He recounts how Frida had managed to catch and eat a cockroach, highlighting Fey's worry about the potential impact on her health. The vet listens attentively, nodding as Manow describes the events. With a reassuring smile, the vet takes Frida’s carrier, ready to conduct a thorough examination to ensure that the little hamster is in good health. Meanwhile, Manow waits patiently, hoping for a positive outcome and a clean bill of health for Frida.

 

As the vet carefully opens Frida’s carrier, the little hamster peers out with wide, anxious eyes. The unfamiliar setting and the presence of the large, looming figure of the vet make her feel uneasy. Frida’s whiskers twitch nervously and she shifts slightly, her tiny body tensing as she gazes up at the vet, who seems both kind and intimidating in her apprehensive state. The bright lights and unfamiliar smells add to her apprehension, making her feel small and vulnerable as she awaits the examination.

 

The vet gently reaches into Frida’s carrier, carefully coaxing the nervous hamster into a comfortable position. With practiced ease, the vet begins to clean Frida’s mouth, using soft tools and gentle motions to ensure that the procedure is as stress-free as possible. Frida, though still a bit anxious, remains relatively still as the vet meticulously examines and cleans her tiny mouth, removing any traces of the cockroach and checking for any signs of discomfort or potential issues. The vet’s calm demeanor and soothing voice help reassure Frida, gradually easing her fear as the examination progresses.

 

As the vet continues to examine and clean Frida, Manow, still visibly concerned, steps forward to ask about her safety. With a respectful tone, he inquires about any potential health risks associated with Frida’s unusual snack and whether there are any specific steps that need to be taken to ensure her well-being. The vet, maintaining a reassuring demeanor, explains that while eating a cockroach is not ideal, it’s unlikely to cause serious harm if Frida is otherwise healthy. They discuss monitoring her for any signs of distress or illness, and the vet provides guidance on maintaining Frida’s overall health and hygiene. Manow listens attentively, grateful for the vet’s expert advice and reassured about Frida’s safety.

 

As the vet finishes up, Frida, still feeling apprehensive, tucks her tiny paws close to her body and tries to make herself as small as possible. Her fearful posture catches Manow's eye, and he can’t help but chuckle softly at the sight of the little hamster’s wide, worried eyes and nervous stance. The gentle laughter helps lighten the mood, though Frida remains a bit on edge. Manow’s good-natured humor, combined with the vet’s reassuring words, gradually helps Frida relax, making the experience a bit less daunting for her as she adjusts to the unfamiliar surroundings.

 

After the vet's examination and reassurances, Manow carefully places Frida back into her carrier, ensuring she is comfortable and secure. With a final check to make sure everything is in order, he heads back to Fey’s home. The drive is gentle and smooth, the winter scenery of Chiang Mai providing a calming backdrop. When they arrive, Manow hands the carrier to Fey with a warm smile, conveying that Frida is in good health. Fey, relieved and grateful, takes Frida in her arms, softly cooing and reassuring her as they head inside, ready to settle back into the familiar comfort of home.