Feels Good to Be Cool

Feels Good to Be Cool is the second episode of Survivor: The Amazon.

Day 3 (Night)
The seven remaining Tambaqui men return to camp, having just voted their first member from the game. Isaiah speaks loudly to his tribe mates, thanking them for siding with him, as well as reinforcing his beliefs that Jody was untrustworthy.

Ceri stands quietly, looking down at the fire as he processes the events of the evening. Several of the tribe members climb into the shelter, wanting to rest after a long evening at tribal council. Kennedy joins Ceri by the fire, wanting to clarify what caused the pair to end up in the minority at the first vote.

Jaburu
The women begin their day working around their camp, having improved their shelter during the earlier hours of the day. Delma, Jayla and Edweena work on collecting firewood for the tribe, whilst Veronica cooks up some manioc flour. Karyn remains in the shelter, still mentally and physically feeling unable to fully immerse herself into the game. Once a large enough pile of wood is collected, Delma begins to question the whereabouts of the other three tribe members.

"jaburu"

- There's a lot of tension in our camp right now. At first it was due to frustrations with Karyn checking out of the game, and a few people thinking she might quit and just head off. But now its more a divide between the younger girls and the ... older ones. Delma, Victoria and Eddie are real workhorses around camp, and that just isn't how Subira, Neasa and Jenn do things. I'm someone who is kind of in the middle... I fit in with the younger girls because we have similar interests. But I'm also a mum, and I had my son quite young... so I know what it's like to be a mother and have to work hard to get things done. In that sense I do have an understanding with the older women. I think if we were to go to tribal council both groups would want to approach me to get my vote. It worries me that there could be a blowout between them at some point, because it's clear to all of us that they don't really like one another.

"jaburu"

- I have somewhat become a nurse to Karyn, which isn't the position I want to be in at all, but I can't risk having her leave the game voluntarily. It would cripple our tribe to lose someone to such circumstances. Based on how things are going there could also be a battle between the mature members of the tribe and those who want to sit around getting attention all day, and if that happens we would need Karyn on our side to vote one of them out.

Over in the shallow waters of Jaburu camp, the three younger women sit and bathe one another, wanting to keep their hygiene and looks in check. The girls joke about wanting to look good for the boys of Tambaqui, feeling it is "strategy" to distract them in challenges.

"jaburu"

- Myself, Neasa and Subira have really bonded good these past few days. I think naturally as the younger girls we just came together and clicked. We know that the older women don't like us, especially Delma and Veronica. I don't know what their problem is but I think they just have a slight attitude problem because we don't want to spend all day working round camp. This game is meant to be fun, and they just suck the fun out of it.

"jaburu"

- The three younger girls definitely have an alliance in this game, and our main targets right now are Delma and Veronica. The two of them have made it their mission to constantly disapprove of the three of us, whether it's because we don't do work, or when we do work we don't do it how they want. It's pathetic. I think sadly a lot of it is down to jealousy because we are three attractive girls, and unfortunately they've passed their prime. It's an all girls tribe, but there's still girl on girl discrimination going on here.

The rain begins to pour down over Jaburu, forcing the three younger women to return to camp, where they find their tribe has already begun eating without them, leaving their three portions of manioc flour in the tribes somewhat rain covered pan. "jaburu"

- We headed back to camp to get our food and sit with the tribe, and immediately we see the five of them sat in the shelter with they food in their hands, and our food just sat in the pan with the rain coming down on it. I was ready at that point to kick the hell off because that weren't cool to me...

"jaburu"

- The rain was coming down hard on our camp, and it really wasn't the time for an argument but both Delma and Subira just went at it. Screaming at one another, and of course others started getting involved and it was one big mess.

"jaburu"

- The three of them were well and truly exposed today, and I think what accumulated was something that had been festering for the past few days. They don't like us, and we don't particularly like them. It's all personal at this point, and I think should we lose there's a good chance Karyn will be made to stick it out because I'd very much like to send Neasa or Subira home.

Subira walks over and picks up her now drenched manioc pancake, tossing it over into Delma's lap, telling her to eat it instead and that she is "over the meal". Delma becomes infuriated that Subira would throw the food at her, causing the two to continue arguing whilst the others watch on. Eventually the pair stop arguing, sitting at opposite sides of the shelter and the girls try and stay out of the rain. The tribe remain in the shelter until the rain passes, leaving them in a very silent and awkward state.

Tambaqui
The men decide to work around camp, particularly in looking for food, having become tired of manioc flour based meals. Fredrick, Mayson and Sheamus go to the shallow water and attempt to use small insects as bait for the fish, although with little success.

Sheamus eventually manages to catch a small fish, although it comes loose as he attempts to pull it from the water, much to his frustration.

Back at camp, the other four men sit around tending the fire and boiling a pot of water. Ceri and Hall make an effort to continue sheltering the fire, worried that it may soon rain due to the condition of the clouds.

A downpour suddenly occurs over the camp, forcing the entire tribe to rush back to the shelter in order to try and remain dry. Ceri ensures that the fire remains well sheltered, not wanting to lose the groups main source of survival. All seven of the men huddle together under the shelter, waiting several hours for the rain to let up.

Day 5
Challenge: Flip Out Each tribe must designate a caller. The rest of the tribe members are blindfolded, and the caller must guide their tribemates so they can retrieve 30 designated giant puzzle pieces surrounded by obstacles. Once all 30 pieces are collected, the tribe members must remove their blindfolds and work together to solve the puzzle. First tribe to solve the puzzle wins reward. Reward: Jar of fish bait Winner: Tambaqui

Jaburu
The women return to camp after their first loss, all feeling disappointed in the result. Edweena apologises to the group, feeling somewhat responsible due to being the tribes caller. Delma assures Edweena that the loss wasn't her fault, instead blaming the groups inability to follow orders. "jaburu"

- After the challenge Edweena apologised to us all for not being as useful as she should've been, and we were all ready to accept her apology. But instead, Delma had to pipe up and rub some salt in the wound, saying it was our fault for not following her instructions. I know the comment was directed towards us younger girls, but I'm not going to rise to it. I'll let Delma burn bridges herself without adding any fuel.

Delma suggests to the tribe that they get to work around camp, not wanting to let the loss effect their tribe morale. Delma decides to invite both Veronica and Subira to come fishing with her, telling Subira it will give them an opportunity to sort out any ill feelings between them. Subira hesitantly accepts, joining the pair as they head off on the tribes boat. "jaburu"

- I wanted to sort out the problems between myself and Subira simply because Jayla and Veronica had both suggested that I do so. We've felt that the problems between us may negatively impact our challenge performances, and that's the last thing I want.

The duo talk out their issues whilst fishing, trying to understand both their sides and how they can move forward. Subira apologises for throwing the manioc pancake, whilst Delma apologises for leaving their food in the rain. Both women hug and make up, but Subira is seen rolling her eyes as she does so. "jaburu"

- I may have said sorry to Delma, and she may have said it to me, but as far as I'm aware we are both still at war. I can say I forgive without it being true, because I'll still write her name down to send home the first opportunity I get.

Subira leans over the boat to check on her line, giving Veronica and Delma a quick moment to look at one another. Veronica shakes her head, trying to let Delma know that she feels Subira is being disingenuous. "jaburu"

- Working in a school for most of my life you often have to mediate students who dislike one another, and have them make apologies after incidents. All that time gives you quite a good read on what is and what isn't real, and I completely saw through Subira's apology today. I think she's trying to make peace for the good of her game, and I think she'll be a much more skilled liar than I initially believed. She's a dangerous person to have in your group, and I think the sooner we send her home the better.

Back at camp, Edweena, Jayla and Karyn sit by the fire, talking about the loss and what they feel the fish bait could have done for their survival. Jayla mentions her concerns that if the tribe loses again that the boys will have gained momentum. Karyn tells them not to worry, as she knows if the group lose that she will be voted out, giving the others a "free pass". "jaburu"

- Even though I have started to feel somewhat better these past few days, I still know that my heart isn't completely in this game. I miss my daughter immensely, and I know that my time would mean more to me if I were to spend it at home with her. I think the girls understand, and if we are to lose tomorrow they'll grant me my wish.

"jaburu"

- We haven't yet gone to tribal council, but talk of strategy and votes has already started in our camp. The older women are targeting Subira, and the younger girls are probably going after Delma. But this is all being put on hold because there's a concern that Karyn will quit the game if we don't vote her out. Where I stand is still unknown, because it seems both groups would let me ride with them. The older women seem pretty confident that I'm with them right now, and the younger girls haven't made a huge effort to try and talk to me about the vote, so I presume they also think I'm already on board. If Karyn does decide to stay in the game, I think I'll look at which side she falls before I make any decisions about my future in the game.

In the shelter, both Neasa and Jenn sit folding the tribes recently washed clothes. Jenn begins talking about life back home, but is quickly shushed by Neasa, who can overhear the conversation by the fire. Both women stand behind cover listening, with their mouths hanging wide open upon hearing how openly Edweena is discussing the vote.

"jaburu"

- Whilst myself and Jenn were putting away the tribes washing, we overheard our good friend Edweena talking about the plans of a certain group should we lost tomorrow. It seems that they want Subira gone first, and undoubtedly that means Jenn and I will follow. The middle riders right now; Karyn and Jayla... they're becoming invaluable. Their votes will decide who takes the majority, and we need to make sure that when we go to our first tribal council both of them are on board in voting out one of the three oldies. If people want to pull the claws out this early on then I'm all for it, because I'll make sure I come out the victor.

Tambaqui
The men return to camp having just become victorious in the first reward challenge, earning themselves bait to aid with fishing. Sheamus and Fredrick head off to the water to make first use of the bait, with the other five members remaining at camp to work on gathering any dry firewood.

Kennedy and Ceri stand together in the woods talking about their feelings towards the tribe, hoping that in time something will come up to give them both a better shot at staying in the game.

Out in the boat, Fredrick and Sheamus sit together fishing with the newly won tribe bait, hoping that it will enable them to bring back fish for their tribe members. The pair spend over an hour on the boat, giving them an ample opportunity to bond without the interruption of the rest of their tribe.

Fredrick and Sheamus bring the boat back to camp, carrying three decent sized fish with them. The tribe celebrate the catch, glad to see that the bait has come in handy. Hall and Isaiah descale and prepare the fish for the tribe, with each member getting a satisfying portion to enjoy for their evening meal. The group thank Sheamus and Fredrick, who in turn insist that it was down to the bait rather than any "skill" of their own.

Day 6
The tribes head to the next challenge, hoping to avoid tribal council, knowing that keeping numbers in the game will benefit them further on. "jaburu"

- If we win today I'll be pretty amazed, because right now we ain't working together very well. The only upside to losing is I get to take a shot at Delma, but I know that there's a chance it could backfire and one of my three could be going home.

Challenge: Total Recall

Both tribes will be given two minutes to observe a traditional Amazon home. After the two minutes are up, Jeff will ask the tribe a series of questions about the Amazon home.

Winner: Tambaqui

Jaburu
The women of Jaburu return to camp having just lost the second immunity challenge, all heading over to their shelter in order to come to terms with the loss, knowing that for one of them it will be their final few hours in the Amazon. "jaburu"

- Today we did pretty terribly. Only Delma, Edweena and Veronica scored for us, and the guys really just knocked it out the park. But all of that don't matter, and I couldn't care which of us girls scored. But that's mostly because those that did are the women aligned against me (laughs). The best part is that the older girls all think I've forgiven and moved on since my fight with Delma... but I ain't forgiving nothing until she walks on out this game.

"jaburu"

- After Karyn confirmed she was going to leave tonight, I think everyone took a secret sigh of relief. Not that I feel I've done anything to warrant being voted for, but you never know in this game. It was nice to know that our first loss is going to be an easy vote for us all.

The girls all individually hug Karyn, wishing her goodbye before departing for tribal council. With no apparent strategy needed, Delma suggests that the women collect firewood so that there is enough waiting for when they return to camp. Edweena and Veronica accompany Delma, leaving the others standing around the shelter.

Neasa speaks with Subira and Jenn, wanting to try and influence Karyn to stay in the game. The girls discuss that possibility that the move could backfire, but also note that if they are successful they'll be able to take control of their tribe.

"jaburu"

- Myself, Neasa and Subira know that on our tribe we're in a difficult position. There's an age divide going on right now, and both Karyn and Jayla are in the middle. If we sit back and vote Karyn out tonight then all the power is left in Jayla's hands next time we lose, and that worries us. So I'm going to try to convince Karyn to stay, and hope that we can add her to our small group.

Jenn takes Karyn off away from the shelter under the guise of a "private goodbye", leaving Jayla with Subira and Neasa back at camp. Subira continuously speaks about her dislike of Delma, trying to hint that the tribe would be better off without her. Jayla however remains distant, not wanting to engage in such a conversation unnecessarily due to the supposed departure of Karyn. "jaburu"

- Sometimes Subira needs to just stop talking. I feel she goes on and on about Delma, and it just feels pointless considering tonight it'll be a clear vote for Karyn going home. I think she's almost trying to manipulate the situation to a different result, and it really makes me question whether Subira is playing too hard for her own game right now instead of what will benefit our tribe.

Karyn begins listening to Jenn's pitch, which entails her staying in the game and voting out Delma at tribal council, stating that it will benefit the tribes harmony and allow them to be more successful. Karyn claims that she feels ready to leave, and doesn't see what she will bring to the tribe. "jaburu"

- I pretty much said my goodbyes to the group, and was mentally ready to go home, when Jenn suddenly decides to pitch to me a plan to get rid of Delma tonight. I found the whole thing a little disrespectful, and it made me pretty mad. It's one of those things that shouldn't be happening, and I feel like Delma should maybe be made aware of this...

Eventually, all the women reassemble around the shelter, grabbing their things before heading off to tribal council. "jaburu"

- Tonight it seems pretty safe to say that Karyn is going home... but, there's always a but... anything could happen at tribal council, and if somehow I feel that Karyn leaving isn't the most beneficial move for my game, I'll do whatever I can to change things up. Tribal is a live event, and there's no certainty until all the votes are secured into the urn.

The eight women light their torches before taking their seats at tribal council, smiling over at Jeff as he begins to ask what has gone wrong for them the past three days. Veronica blames the losses on the lack of unity at camp, openly discussing the problems between Subira and Delma, as well as some of the friction between the younger and older women. Jenn interjects, claiming that the friction is down to attitude differences, feeling that the older women haven't been "inclusive", which is quickly laughed down by Veronica. Subira mentions her frustrations at the issues, but claims that she and Delma have since made amends. Jayla is asked about being in the middle of the two groups, and whether she feels a harmonious camp is possible. Jayla explains her doubts at harmony, claiming that if it weren't for Karyn asking to be voted out that there would be more efforts made by both sides to gain her vote.

Jayla's comments gather a big reaction from the older women, speculating that Jayla is hinting towards an effort made by the younger women to switch up the vote. Before anyone can question each other, Jeff begins to probe Karyn about her position in the game, asking if she is "quitting". Karyn states that in a sense she is throwing in the towel, but still wishes to leave via a vote, not wanting to willingly lay down her torch after fighting hard to get a place on the season.

Jenn begins to blush as she is questioned by Jeff on what conversations went down between herself and Karyn. Although both Jenn and Karyn refuse to name who the attempted target was, the older women begin to look at one another, concerned that they may need to make a strike against the younger women rather than to stick with the original plan. Jeff commends the openness of discussion of a tribal council that initially seemed "set in stone". He asks the women if anyone has any further points to add, but everyone assures him that they are ready to vote. Once the urn is collected, Karyn picks up her bag, not wanting to waste any time before heading out of the game.

Karyn smiles and hugs several tribe members goodbye, leaving the tribal council area quickly after her torch is snuffed. Despite the simplicity and unity of the vote, the women return to camp with uneasy emotions, knowing that the battles between the younger and older women has simply been postponed rather than prevented.

Final Words
"jaburu"

- My advice to anyone thinking about playing this game is don't rush straight into it. Take time to evaluate why you want to play, and if it'll really work out. For me it was a mistake, and although I appreciate the opportunity I feel I may have cheated someone else out of a spot. From now on, any free moment I have will be spent at home with my daughter, around the people that matter.