Dispatch 43
Rose Cottage, Idaho
May 27, 2019
Greetings Fellow Adventurers!
From a scientific perspective, I have had a very interesting month. As some of you are aware, I am well known for my technological interests and abilities. As proof of my ongoing interest in all things that employ moving electrons, I have not once, but twice, almost electrocuted myself. Of course, that is all in the past but a chap does not easily forget waking up on the floor, hair still smoking and fingers tingling. Twice.
No, my new tech interest is more biological in nature. I decided to have my DNA sequenced in order to discover more about my ancestors and what they may have been up to. Given all the embarrassing mishaps I have suffered in my life I have often suspected I am paying for the sins of my fathers and I want to get to the bottom it.
I sent off my cheek swab (DNA sample) to the company 23 And Me, an outfit that promised to break down my global ancestry by percentages and allows me, so the ad stated, “to connect with my DNA relatives.” Just my cup of tea, no chance of electrical burns!
Three weeks later I received the analysis in the mail and I was instantly impressed. What detail, what insights! I am about 60% Germanic and 15% English. No surprises there, but the kicker was a full 25% of my DNA originated near South Africa, specifically in Madagascar! How interesting!
It turns out that I very closely related to a cultural group called the Lemurs, a geographic tribe I have never heard of. You can imagine my delight! Apparently, this group is very social like me, not very tall, like me, and highly intelligent. Well, two out of three is pretty good. In terms of the culinary arts, something close to my heart, they specialize in preparing fruits and vegetables that grow on the island.
Currently, I am attempting to contact any of the Lemur family and establish some pen pals. I think it would be wonderful to know more about this major branch of my family tree and perhaps one day visit Madagascar and meet my distant cousins. I cannot even imagine how I, a simple Idahoan, could have the luck to be related to such an exotic culture. I wonder what that their art, music, rituals, and religions are like? I have promised myself to one day find out!
Well, besides dealing with all the rain the only adventures I have had lately have been intellectual in nature. If I have to stay in the house so much it is good to have an inquisitive mind and a strong brain to exercise.
I hope you are all well and enjoying a spring with a bit less moisture than we have had. It is very green here but reminds me of the climate in Seattle. I wonder if it is raining in Madagascar?
Over and out for now.
”-Old Trout, from On the Stream
