Episode 21: Cameroon, home of the AB

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Tae POV

The Guinean Forest in Cameroon is the home of the African Beetle.

Cameroon is considered one of the wettest parts of Africa. Forty percent of the country is rainforest. To protect its wildlife Cameroon has more than 20 protected reserves comprising national parks, zoos, forest reserves and sanctuaries. The rich wildlife consists of 8,260 recorded plant species, 409 species of mammals, 690 species of birds, 250 species of reptiles and 2,933 recorded species of insects and bugs. The African Beetle is one of a very few species that has been traced back to prehistoric times. It is relentless and damn near unstoppable when it comes to survival.

 It is relentless and damn near unstoppable when it comes to survival

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The AB can only be found in this region of Africa. The rainforest is spectacular, and I have never seen anything like it before. Our hotel is 22 miles away on the outer rim of the rainforest. It is quite modern and has the feel of any 5-star hotel, but it is definitely a unique experience. There is wildlife every were. Yesterday, I stood on my balcony with Sehun, and Jackson and a giraffe joined us. Amazing. On day one we met the team of 50 others. I have worked with the director and producer via video chat for months. They respect my opinion and support my creativity. I am very much enjoying the opportunity to work and collaborate with them in person. It's a good team and I am proud and fortunate to be part of it.

I miss Kookie but this experience is different because it all mine. Here I'm not the husband of a superstar or one of the wealthiest men in the world. I get to focus on what I love. Editing and film work. Although we are seriously jetlagged, me, Jackson, and Sehun are alert and working hard. I suspect, they know our time is limited and they don't want to miss a minute of it, just like me.

My calls to Kookie and the babies have been at 10 pm in the evening when it 9:00 am in South Korea

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My calls to Kookie and the babies have been at 10 pm in the evening when it 9:00 am in South Korea. We have talked every day except yesterday because of a severe storm that knocked out the Wi-Fi. I'm exhausted but it is time for my call with my husband and little ones. I set my video up and the reception is good as the phone rings. The screen comes into view and there is my adorable family.

"Hi Baby! Good morning papa's little angels!"

"Papa! Papa! Miss Papa!" Umi shouts and starts to cry as Mini scrunches up his face and joins her. This is how our calls usually go. Kookie does a good job settling everyone down."

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