A Gecko for Luck

The large house gecko, called tokek, is regarded as a lucky talisman by the Indonesians. When its 'Toke' resounds in the night, they count how many times it calls, both in town and in the country, and this number determines how lucky the call is. Only an odd number is lucky: seven is already quite good, but nine promises the peak of success and good fortune.

The author has spent 18 years in Indones...