through the trees. The air was fresh, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore made Bibi’s heart race with excitement. Today was a special day—Grandma had promised to take Bibi to the mangrove forest to harvest crabs and snails.
“Are you ready, my little adventurer?” Grandma asked with a warm smile.
“Yes, Grandma! I’ve been waiting for this all week!” Bibi exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.
Bibi had always loved the stories Grandma told about her childhood, especially the ones about foraging for food in the wild. But today, she wasn’t just going to hear about it—she was going to experience it for herself.
They packed their woven baskets, a small shovel, and a pair of gloves before heading out. Grandma led the way along a narrow dirt path that wound through tall palm trees and dense foliage. The morning air was filled with the calls of birds and the occasional rustle of a lizard scurrying into the undergrowth.
After a short walk, they arrived at the edge of a muddy riverbank lined with tangled mangrove roots. The smell of salt and earth mixed in the air as tiny crabs skittered across the wet ground. Bibi’s eyes widened in amazement.
“Wow, Grandma! There are so many crabs here!” she gasped.
“Yes, Bibi. This is their home. We must be respectful and only take what we need,” Grandma reminded her.
Grandma showed Bibi how to carefully search for the crabs that hid beneath the roots. She reached into a shallow burrow and, with a swift but gentle motion, pulled out a large, dark-colored crab.
“See this one? It’s just the right size. We don’t take the very small ones so they can grow bigger,” she explained, placing the crab into the basket.
Bibi watched carefully before trying it herself. She knelt down and dug her fingers into the soft mud, feeling around for movement. Suddenly, something pinched her finger! She yelped and pulled her hand back, eyes wide with surprise.
Grandma chuckled. “That’s part of the adventure, my dear. Try again, but be gentler this time.”
Determined, Bibi took a deep breath and reached back into the hole. This time, she slowly wiggled her fingers around the crab’s hard shell and carefully pulled it out. It waved its tiny claws in protest as she held it up triumphantly.
“I got one, Grandma!” she beamed.
“Good job! You’re a natural,” Grandma praised.
As they continued collecting crabs, Bibi asked Grandma questions about the mangroves. She learned that the trees helped protect the land from storms and were home to many animals. The more she listened, the more she realized how important it was to take care of nature.
Once they had gathered enough crabs, Grandma led Bibi to another part of the forest where snails hid beneath the roots and leaves. Unlike the quick-moving crabs, the snails were easier to find. Their smooth, spiral shells glistened under the damp mud.
“Look, Grandma! This one has a beautiful pattern!” Bibi said as she held up a large snail shell.
“Yes, that’s a good one. But always check to see if the snail is inside,” Grandma advised. “We don’t want to take empty shells.”
They continued their search, carefully collecting snails and placing them into the second basket. Bibi enjoyed the peacefulness of the task. She liked how the cool mud squished between her fingers and how each snail had a different shape and size.
After a while, the sun climbed higher in the sky, and the heat made their clothes stick to their skin. Grandma wiped her forehead and smiled at Bibi.
“I think we’ve gathered enough for today. Let’s head back and cook a feast!”
Excited for the next part of the adventure, Bibi helped carry the baskets as they made their way home. When they arrived, Grandma washed the crabs and snails while Bibi gathered fresh herbs from the garden. The smell of lemongrass and garlic filled the air as Grandma prepared the ingredients.
Together, they cooked a delicious meal—steamed crabs with fragrant dipping sauce and snails stir-fried with herbs and coconut milk. When everything was ready, they sat down to eat. Bibi’s face lit up as she took her first bite.
“Mmm! This is the best meal ever, Grandma!” she said happily.
Grandma laughed and patted Bibi’s hand. “That’s because you helped gather it yourself. Food always tastes better when you’ve worked for it.”
As the sun set, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, Bibi leaned against Grandma’s shoulder. Today had been the best adventure she had ever had. She had learned so much—not just about crabs and snails, but about patience, respect for nature, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love.
“Grandma, can we do this again next week?” she asked sleepily.
“Of course, my dear. There are many more adventures waiting for us,” Grandma promised, kissing the top of her head.
And with that, Bibi closed her eyes, already dreaming of their next exciting journey together.
