A man docks his boat along the Mekong River near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. © Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto
Along the Mekong River, near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, I met this man tying his boat to a dock. He was dressed sharply, had a strong posture, and was welcoming. This man interested me.
It amazed me that he was dressed in corduroys in the southern Vietnamese heat and humidity. Not a drop of sweat on this man, yet my shirt and shorts were soaked. His button-down shirt reminded me of those mechanics wear in the States. His hands were rough and showed he had a history of labor.
Sweat stains covered the brim of this man's New York Yankees hat. Wait, did I just say New York Yankees? Take a look for yourself.
Unfortunately, I was not able to communicate with this man about his hat's origin. I can tell he has had the hat for several years based on the looks of it. Maybe he was in the military helping U.S. forces battle the North. His posture tells me I may be correct.
Even though I was not able to get this man's name or discuss his Yankees hat, this portrait will be remembered forever. His eye contact, his pose, and his hat… his hat.
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