[fingpilot]

Another funny watch story. Landed in Saigon early 90's for a night or two. The other pilot was very short, but had a big mustache and big watch (need I say more?)....

We were westerners in a city that didn't have many. The pickpockets were rampant as were the girls on mopeds selling rides.

I had told him when we checked in to the hotel to leave any and all jewelry in the hotel safe, and lets meet in the lobby for dinner in an hour.

In South Vietnam (oops, pardon me, Vietnam), anyone that was a collaborator in the 'great war with the west', was branded and tortured as soon as the people's forces took over after we bailed out of their new democracy (sound familiar...?).... Anyway, anyone with a tatoo on their forearm usually speaks perfect english and is mangled in some way, and end up as street vendors or 'guides' to us westerners. One of these had 'picked' us as we entered the hotel, and was waiting for us there when we came back out for dinner. He assured us he could make arrangements for anything we wanted (dinner or dessert), and he was 'our man'.

He noticed that the other pilot was still wearing his Rolex, and he blanched, and told him fairly forcefully that REALLY needed to take that watch off, and put it in the hotel safe. Ken shrugged, and told him that the watch was a fake, and there was no need to remove it. Ever told a short guy that he needs protection? Yeah, me neither.

The 'guide' says, with a very serious face.... "No, no, you not understand. They take arm, get watch later....."

Ken went to the room and peeled the watch.