Geckos

 Some of you may have noticed Gavin’s resemblance to a gecko.  If you haven’t, think about his long torso with short appendages and his long fingers with round pads at the tips.  He is basically a large, lanky critter.  It’s funny because they are one of his favorite animals as well.  In Vietnam they are considered to be extremely lucky, especially if you find one in your home.  They are everywhere here, on the sides of buildings, clinging to warm signs, and marching through the streets with colorful banners.  On our first night in our new apartment, Gavin found one in our spare room.  He came running out to the living room with his hands cupped around the creature telling me to look between his fingers.  “Look inside, look inside,” he implored.  I did, and sure enough there was a little gecko sitting there, terrified.  After admiring him, Gavin decided to put him out on the balcony so he could get out of the house and find some food.  Unfortunately, once Gavin opened his hands the gecko sprang forward out of extreme fright or frustration with life.  He propelled himself forward at such an amazing speed, that he flew over the balconies’ edge and into the air.  We don’t think our friend survived the 4 storey fall, but we remain optimistic as he may have been heading to college next fall.