I went to the Roads and Traffic Authority Office today, got my ticket, and sat between a bloke wearing a battered hat, and a lady of Islander origin. What a trio that must have looked! Anyway, I turned to the bloke wearing the hat and said, “That is one helluva hat! I’ve never seen anything like it!” He said he’s had it for years, and keeps stitching it and repairing it. “I’ll never part with this hat, mate, it’s been everywhere with me. And you can’t have any of its babies cos they’re all gone.” So I asked him if I could take a pic, and he obliged. I reckon this is my piece de resistance. What a classic! I told him it would be on the internet before the day was out. Then I asked his name. “Ron,” he said, “but everyone calls me China.” So I told him I’d call it China’s Hat.
Fuji A170 compact. NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT! Taree, Oz.
Excellent photo and story. Is he called “China” because of Cockney rhyming slang – China plate = mate?
One of those rare opps when you’re glad to be carrying a camera, William. Dunno about the China thing. I didn’t ask him. But it occurred to me that he might have Chinese ancestry. He was short, wiry and tanned, and had longish hair – a pony tail. He also had a flat nose but I wasn’t sure if it was because of his ethnic origins or walking into lots of fists over the years. Nonetheless, he was quite a character.
Comments
Excellent photo and story. Is he called “China” because of Cockney rhyming slang – China plate = mate?
One of those rare opps when you’re glad to be carrying a camera, William. Dunno about the China thing. I didn’t ask him. But it occurred to me that he might have Chinese ancestry. He was short, wiry and tanned, and had longish hair – a pony tail. He also had a flat nose but I wasn’t sure if it was because of his ethnic origins or walking into lots of fists over the years. Nonetheless, he was quite a character.
– Gary Kelly
Excellent image and story!!!
Thanks, Bruce. Never leave home without your camera!
– Gary Kelly
Top shot Gary and it is a classic.
Thanks, Terry. Yep, not too many characters like ol’ China about these days.
– Gary Kelly
Great shot Gary ! I bet both “China” and his hat could tell a few tales :)
I believe you’re right, Trish, and I suspect that if he told them in a confessional he’d get one helluva penance.
– Gary Kelly
Brilliant!
As the scouts say, Be Prepared! Thanks, Margaret.
– Gary Kelly
(^_^) !