the ants go marching one by one, hurrahhh huraahhhh

I had already finished double checking my freshly cleaned cup, the kettle and my sealed breakfast oatmeal for ants before actually making it. I poured the antless powder into the antless cup, and then added antless water.

As I was staring off into space contemplating the simplicity of my life in Thailand, I was forced to dually scoop three ants out of my breakfast, which two minutes ago had been antless. I put the cup to my lips, still in a sleepy daze and wondered just how many of these little creatures I eat/drink on a daily basis. The thought is one which, a year ago might have discusted me. Now it is part of me. Ants are everywhere, even when they are not there. The good news is, if you spill something sweet on the floor it never gets the chance to harden and get sticky because the ants will swarm and literally lick it clean before it does.

I used to use a pesticide spray on the solid and organized line of ants that runs all the way from the back door through the bathroom up the wall into the kitchen and out the side window on a daily basis. Now I just watch them in amusement, they were there first. Besides they don't do us any harm, and our house MUST provide a wonderful shortcut for them or else why would they be there?

They are actually quite cute. some going in one direction, some going in the other. They go on the left side, just like the traffic here in Thailand. I wonder if the ants at home go on the right side when they pass?

Their teamwork is phenomenal. I saw one dead ant on the wall. It only took about 3 minutes in total for the ants to surround him (only some, while others carried on working) and carry him with them on their way. For a burial? For.. ? What? It's strange.

When they pass each other, they never do so without running into each other, pausing shortly and then going. They are COMMUNICATING?!

ants... are amazing. I love them.