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The Snake Charmer

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Glenn Capers

Premium (World), New York City

The Snake Charmer

Here I am in Veranasi, the holy mecca of India and I encounter the Snake Charmer. I'm not asking for a performance but I'm the tourist and that equates to money for him. He has no flute to play like you see on Television , nor is there a Blond near by to faint at the full length of the snake. Wow this isn't the Central Park Zoo in New York City with ranger Rick showing all the boys and girls. I'm quickly becoming disappointed because Hollywood lied to me. Nothing to relate to at all. So the Snake Charmer figures he'll rattle the little drum which causes the snake to get excited and looks for something in a striking position. Right I say to myself. Behind closed door this snake charmer feeds the cobra mice. The drum is the food call. Oh yeah. I'm a smart cookie. No magic just a feeding sound just like animal trainers handle other animals. I walked off and this guy came after me with the snake. He wanted to get paid just because i was in the area. Whet he learned was that the aggressive act wasn't going to work even if he had a snake. Personal Note: Snake charmers are no different than lawyers that try to scare you because that's all they know. Snake people are everywhere. Today I see poison as just another health herb. :) cheers.

Comments 3

s. sabine krause 26/04/2012 16:04
: )))) the second i look at your shot and start reading your text, oriental flute sounds pop up in my ear, too, and my inner movie screen presents me with umpteenth rerun of that tacky old classic "the thief of bagdad" – what a cliché! ; )) terrific shot once again, though, glenn!! i'm fascinated with the "toxic red" of the snake charmer's turban and the venomous glare in his eyes – hard to decide just who's the cobra here… ; ))) greetings, sabine. p.s.: just read up on indian child actor "sabu's" (1924-1963) interesting story. just in case anyone's interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabu_Dastagir
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Ken Piros 26/04/2012 12:23
With that 10mm lens you most likely were within striking distance ! Good description of what transpired with the snake charmer.
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Der Zacki 26/04/2012 5:43
outstanding !
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