For the last 3 nights we have been staying in a bamboo bungalow, a few minutes walk from the beach, in quiet gardens. Each bungalow has a little porch and a hammock. I have to say I never feel very secure when I stay in these bungalows. I think as there is usually gaps between the roof and walls, the odd hole nibbled in the bamboo and gaps between the wooden planks of the floor. So as you can imagine they're not particularly private or sound proofed!
The first night we stayed here I was really quite afraid when I woke during the night. It was because of all the unfamilar noises out 'there' in the night. I'd forgotten how loud a quiet,peaceful place could be! If you're not used to it these noises of nature can feel as loud and intrusive as sleeping alongside a busy motorway.
However in the last few days I have got used to it and have tried to separate and identify the different sounds so I can try and describe them for those who are not familiar.
You are first alerted to the noise by what sounds like the the wheezing in and out noise of a dogs squeezy toy saying 'cukoo,cukoo'. The reply comes as a warbling chuckle and the conversation continues with the tutting and snapping of another creature. There is a whispering undercurrent of gentle maraccas contributed by crickets. Then a sudden crescendo of urgent pulsing rattles accompanied by the tick,tick,tick of a second hand. When all of a sudden, time stops still......
and you wait....
The brief silence is broken by the sound of a wooden spoon tapping on plastic,' tut-tut-tut' partnered with a sound like finger nails urgently scratching an itch. Up starts a high-tempo drum beat which gradually subsides in to a gentle whistle like yachts awnings tinkling in the wind. Finally it is drowned out by the wind through the battered palm leaves and branches scraping and scratching the side of the hut.
Ready to begin over again.
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