The nature of his death was particularly unnerving. Several years ago Garry and I joined a stingray feeding excursion in Tahiti. The rays literally swarmed over us as they attempted to grab the food from our hand. I can only assume that the species we handled wasn't the same at that which killed Steve. I certainly hope so.
We never had any sense at the time that these seemingly friendly animals were dangerous. I'm suddenly reminded of the German tourist who's Tour Guide told him a crocodile-infested pond was safe for swimming - he was later eaten alive in the Northern Territory. Perhaps we've been placing too much faith in our tour guides? I later saw an article indicating that up to half a dozen different stingray species would have been in the area at the time of Steve's death.
Equally unnerving today was news of a fanatic Muslim gunman in Amman who opened fire on a group of tourists at the city's Roman Ampitheatre. One tourist died from his wounds. Garry and I visited this site while in Jordan last year. It's a open venue with absolutely no place to shelter. It's hard to fathom that we could have been at risk here as well. I'm starting to think that our globe-trotting adventures are just a little more risky than they first appear.
As an aside, the cover I've reproduced here comes from one of four free daily newspapers published in London. We have a morning paper called Metro that I pick up at the tube station (plus another called City AM), and two competing afternoon papers - both launched this month. You have to wonder if the London market is large enough for so many free newspapers. TIME magazine certainly does. I'll be a very happy man when I can get my weekend paper for free as well.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment