How a life-changing experience at age 16 led him to a souvenir-buying tradition
I was in Papua New Guinea when I was 16 years old, working with a woman called Dr. Eugenie Clark on an expedition; she was a shark expert. We were on the southeastern part of the country, out on a little dive boat doing research all day, diving in shallow water. It was an amazing experience that really allowed me to connect with my grandfather’s legacy. Then I got into [the capital] Port Moresby, which was an extremely dangerous city where you’re never supposed to leave your hotel unescorted. But I was 16, and what 16-year-old doesn’t make poor decisions? So I go for a walk, and these three guys start chasing me. They were called rascals, and notorious for killing you before mugging you. I honestly saw my life flashing before my eyes. I was like, “I’m gonna die a virgin. That would not be good.” But then I ran into three cops [who saved my life]. After that, I went into the highlands of New Guinea, with some local indigenous tribes, and I saw a mask they’d carved for sale in a little shop. I thought, This is a life-changing experience. I’m going to get this mask as a memento. Most indigenous cultures will have a culture of masks, so ever since then I’ve looked for those when I travel. We have a wall in our apartment with them all hung up. I write on the back of each one what year it was and where it was from.
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