Tres Hats and My Photographic Eye

Off topic, I shaved my beard off today. So back to smooth face, but still buzzed on top. Deal with it mom. =)

I must have awesome hat style sense, because on three different vacations in 3 different countries seemingly normal locals have asked for my hat. To buy, barter or beg.

In Malaysia I traded a security guard at the MotoGP race a Fox Racing hat for his race security hat. Which I don't think I have anymore, to my chagrin.

In Chile I gave away a black fleece Neff hat with ears like a bear. One of the guides I went trekking and rock climbing with really wanted it and always commented on how awesome he thought it was. I actually gave him the hat and some other REI gear I had as well. He needed it.

I also seem to have this idea, possibly from literature about nomadic tribes that if someone compliments you on a possession you should give it to them. Like giving shelter to someone in a storm no matter what. That kind of thing.

So in Mexico last week when the guy who was leading a snorkel tour I was one offered to buy my Vans hat I told him I'd think about it. He brought it up a few more times. Finally I decided to give it to him as a tip.

Are Vans, Fox and Neff missing something in their market analysis? Are the tariffs for importing basically what you'd find at Tillys soo great to these countries they can't make a profit?

Either way, 3 trips, 3 countries, 3 years and 3 hats gone.

Finally, I went on a motorcycle ride today for 3 hours to do some thinking. Along the way I saw three things that would of made great pictures if I'd had all my photo stuff with me. A cell phone was not going to cut it!
-A guy on a Del Mar bluff in full oil painting equipment, isolated against the sky painting the cliffs and oceans.
-Old farm equipment rusting in a field. Black and white, uh hello!
-Through the up arrow in a sign on the walkway over the Coaster tracks in Solana beach I saw a hot airballon. The two superimposed within each other.

Anyone can learn how to work a camera. Not anyone can have the eye to "see" what makes a good picture. I have that eye and hope to develop it!