Location: Temple of Karnak, Luxor, Egypt
Date: 5 March 2002
Camera: Pentax ZX-50
A favorite ploy of the 'caretakers' within the Great Hypostle Hall was to motion a tourist towards them, point at something interesting, and after the tourist had photographed the object to then demand 'baksheesh' (tips). If no money was offered these guys would generally become very angry and follow their victim around until sufficient funds were provided.
After watching this happen to a few people I decided to turn things around, and when someone motioned to me I motioned them over, pointed at something interesting, and then demanded baksheesh. I used this tactic a few times and discovered that if nothing else it at least got a good laugh, and the word was quickly spread that I was not worth attempting to scam. Skip did me one better, and whenever these guys asked for money for something silly he would flash his driver's license, look imperious, and tell them that he was an archaeologist. Stuff like that made me proud to have him as a father, and gave a good clue as to which parent I inherited my brain damage from.