Vanessa Haywood: I'd eat a rat again

Cape Town - Viewers couldn't believe their eyes when on the first episode of Survivor South Africa: Maldives, contestants devoured a rat.

Survivor contestant Vanessa Haywood admits that although the thought of her rodent meal now seems revolting, she would definitely eat rat again if she were to feel as hungry as she did that day on the island.

"By that time, I had only had a handful of rice in two days, and I could feel my stomach going for my kidneys. And you see, it was desperate times, and I was famished," said the blonde beauty as she thinks back to her time on the island.

"And it really tastes like smoked chicken!" she adds laughing.

Eating grasshoppers and chicken feet

The farm girl grew up eating all sorts of strange things, from grasshoppers to chicken feet, always avoided rats since she knew that they often carry diseases. "When the doctor informed us later that we had taken a chance eating rat meat, I immediately took de-worming medication. Two doses just to be safe."

According to Vanessa there was little food on the island and contestants had to try everything.

"Once we tried to eat a giant clam, but it was terrible. It tastes like watery, slimy sponge and then we found out that it was actually an endangered species. Another time I tried to eat ants, but the taste was very bitter."

Vanessa says her time on the island caused her to reflect on how awful it must be for South Africa's poor who go hungry every day. She has expressed a desire to get involved with a feeding programme to help those in need. 

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