The Vezo soundtrack
Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 11:20AM My reed hut sits 3 meters from the ocean. Our complex (6 huts, a house, a mess hall and a small boat) is a 6 minute walk along the beach from the village of Ifaty. Except for those relatively few occasions when a funeral, marriage, seance or volleyball match send pulsing beats of bass, childish shouts of excitement, or high-pitched whistles and cheers, the village is out of earshot. Walking toward the village, the soft silence of our compound is overtaken by the energy and chaos of Ifaty.
Under the glossy sparkle of starlight the gentle waves flop morosely onto the shore. A light rumbling of voices and portable gas generators drifts in and out of the ear as the ocean`s breath inhales and exhales gently. Distant dogs ring out a low bassline accompaniment to the scattered and hurried beat of multiple speakers playing a multitude of music. The sweet and newbie flurry of children`s singing rises ahead ending in frustration and cheers. A passing man violently interrupts your thoughts with an exasperated `Bonjour Vazaha!` A bleating goat pulls you back into concentration as you pass a crackling fire and snapping sail whipped around by an excited gust. A gush of laughter whooshes around you as children grab at your hand screaming `Soni, Soni, Soni!`
<<Tonga Zaho>> I've arrived. This is Ifaty.
Reader Comments (4)
This sounds like the beginning of a novel! You really must be a writer if you ever decide to work.....lol.
Dad
It doesn't surprise me in the least that the children are so fond of you. They love you almost as much as I do. Keep up the great work and you will certainly leave your mark with the villagers and in the protection of the reef.
Love,
Mom
that entry made me want to pack bags and go see Ifaty right NOW! seriously though -- would it be cool if i went to visit? when would be the best time to travel there? let me know!!!
ceci