
What is it with monkeys and snatching of stuff(s)? Monkeys are off my list of favourite animals. I don't adore these unpredictable creatures. They may appear harmless one moment but can suddenly turn into fearless, fang-baring mammals. My trip to
Nanwan Monkey Island was not without a monkey incident.

Prior to us arriving on the island, my aunt told us a true incident involving one of her friends. That poor lady lost one of her diamond earring to a monkey. Who came right up and pulled it off her ear. That scoundrel then came back and taunted her by flashing that bling bling in its mouth....right in front of her. I presume it would be an utter waste of effort to try and track that monkey for her precious jewellery. None of us wore any flashy jewellery but nevertheless, my aunt took precaution to remove hers. Just in case. You never know.

We watched performances by well-trained monkeys. The rest of the monkey population roamed about pretty much freely. A boy even posed with a monkey sitting on top of his head. Still, others impressed tourists just by walking past or hanging from treetops. There were some which were quite adapt at diving and swimming in the pool.

After we were done touring and while walking towards the cable car station, a sudden loud scream pierced through the air. Followed by loud crying from a little girl. We soon learned that a monkey came up and scampered off with her watch. Just like my aunt's friend. Now, I was a tad scared. I tightened my grip on my camera. After awhile, I decided to pack up since there was nothing else to photograph and besides, it wasn't safe to be having or holding anything remotely interesting to those pesky monkeys.

Images copyright of Mei Teng.