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Gecko Tales

One aspect of travel in South East Asia that we all quickly learn to adjust to is the way in which the outdoor world somehow always seems to permeate our life indoors.

For me this is one of the aspects of living in Thailand that I wouldn't dream of being without. There are a number of small and lively characters that visit me daily and that I willingly share my home with. My favorite of many is probably the gecko, known locally as the jin jok.

Geckos still amaze me in the way that they seem to effortlessly scurry up the wall, then dance across the ceiling, their small bodies rhythmically undulating as they defy gravity, positioned firmly upside down above my head. And that whole detaching your tail from your body thing is truly a wonder of nature.

Well, Gecko lovers of the world unite as there is a company in Chiang Mai that has dedicated itself to immortalizing these quirky little beings, and in a multitude of styles and forms. Gecko Originality is a popular local manufacturer of gifts and toys, using their products to pay tribute to geckos as well as many other favorites of the Asian animal kingdom.

Gecko Originality products, fashioned out of sand and polyester fiber, or sawdust and paste, make remarkable little animal figures and most acceptable gifts. There are several colors to choose from, and apart from geckos a selection of other animal miniatures as well. You can visit their premises in the Mae Rim valley, or check out their website at www.tradepointthailand.com/gecko.

Gecko Originality also makes products for the export market.

G.M.