Taken at Hong Kong International Airport
Yesterday was Bruce Lee's birthday, and he would have been 76 years old. Like many others, I was a huge fan growing up. My dad had all of his movies on VHS tape, and it was the one form of entertainment that I could 100% rely on when I was bored or wanted to work on my punches and kicks. As a kid, I memorized all of his lines and even his "war cries" (or "monkey calls" as I called them) in their exact pitch and tone --chronologically-- just as they were delivered throughout his films. I saw those yells just as unique and important as actual dialogue. Then when I found out that I was also born in "The Year of the Dragon," (as Bruce was), that gave me enough of a "connection" to Bruce that solidified me as a lifelong fan. Bruce Lee inspired me to take martial arts with my cousin Nam, although I quit and he kept going with it to be a successful teacher to this day.
I also think this post is fitting as I prepare for another trip to Vietnam next week. I have never shared these upcoming photos, but during my last trip to Vietnam in early 2015 we had a layover at the Hong Kong International airport. A large beautiful airport it is indeed, but what made it extra cool to me was their little shrine to Bruce Lee himself. The exhibit itself wasn't very big, but I spent a good hour looking at and reading all the little bits about his life. I was a kid again. What a cool way for a proud city's airport to honor their "son." Here are the photos, enjoy (all taken with iPhone 6 Plus):
