The Strangest Photo I Have Ever Taken (so far!)


     After over years it's really hard to remember details. I do remember that it was Hong Kong, back when it was a British Crown Colony. I remember it being a warm, cloudy, and humid that day. I don't recall the exact date, but I think it was January of 1981. The tropical climate of Hong Kong makes for very nice winters! 
     The exact details of that day are a blur of activity. You wake up in the morning, shower, get dressed, leave the ship via water taxi, land at the pier, go ashore, exchange money, and then hit the streets. 
    There is lots to do and see in Hong Kong. Every street was a story waiting to be told. The air was filled with strange languages and strange odors. At markets and street corners, vendors were selling strange foods. At that time, the Navy recruiting commercials proclaimed, "It's not just a job, it's an adventure;." Well, this was the adventure part. 
     Once the water taxi tied up at the pier, we hopped off and broke up into groups. My buddies, Willy, Jose, Bob, and myself headed out to see what we could see. We walked about the busy streets and shopped for what ever caught our eyes. Walking up and down unfamiliar streets was an experience in itself. 

     Every street corner was a new drama waiting to unfold. We were caught up in the excitement of a being in a port city you only saw in the movies. Only thus was no movie, we were living the dream. This was highlighted by the fact that we could read very few signs and understand noone. We eventually ventured into this huge open market. 
     The best way to describe the market is to compare it to the scene in "Empire of the Sun" (Warner Bros., 1987) where the upscale English colonizer family is making its way to a masquerade party. To avoid the crowds, they cut through a crowded open market (that made sense, didn't?). 
     The open market I found myself in was much like that, only very much larger. In fact, every time I see that scene, I remember that day. The entire market was abuzz with activity. People selling everything from household goods, to small luxury items, to ready made meals, and fresh meats and vegetables. To this day I recall walking past one vendor's stall and seeing a pig's snout nailed - to the corner post of his stall. I still don't know what that was supposed to mean. Was it an advertisement for fresh pork? Maybe it was a warning to the boyfriend of the shop owner's daughter? Who knows?
     Further on down, there was a spot that people seemed to be avoiding. Considering that this was Hong Kong, I could actually see over most people's heads. When I got there, there it sat. Staring at me, or perhaps past me, is a large, bloody water buffalo skull. It didn't appear to have any skin on it and was missing its jaws. Oh yes, it still had the eyes in it. Maybe thats why it looked so upset. Could the skull see that it was clearly in a condition that was not conducive to long life?" I remember standing there looking at it. I was more puzzled that sickened. I asked myself, "Why did they leave it here?" Then I decided to take a photo.
     Afterwards, me and my compatriots continued on our trek through the exotic streets of Hong Kong. 
     The next day, we went on tours of all kinds. One tour took us through the fabled Tiger Balm Garden.

     We later enjoyed fantastic food at a huge floating restaurant. 
The exact details of what we saw, what we bought, what we ate, and who we met are long forgotten. The memory of that skull, however, will probably remain with me until my last breath. Funny the things you remember.
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