Airport screeners on the other side of the X-ray machine are a bit like moms. A small lift of the eyebrows with a lightly cutting remark, a disappointed tone, or a world-weary question all convey just how bad it is that I left that bottle of water in my carry-on.
But apparently I'm not the only prodigal traveler, as photographer Taryn Simon discovered during five days spent shooting at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City last year. Her new exhibit and book, Contraband, documents 1,075 items seized at customs.
The New York Times profiles Simon, who explains how she amassed the bizarre assortment of confiscated goods. Topping the list is a pitcher of salami. It's a plastic pitcher chock full of sections of an entire salami, cut to fit inside. (Possibly the new ad for Hebrew National salami? That's why I always reach for a tall, cool glass...of salami). A close second is likely the bottle of "unknown meat." Blue-gray in color, with plastic wrap on top, this is an item I'm glad did not clear customs.
It's not just foodstuffs but items that are for and made from animals. Pigeons won't be getting their counterfeit medicine, and that water bottle made from cow hoof is prohibited because of mad cow disease. The same law applies to the toothpaste flavor that is not quite setting the U.S. market on fire -- cow-dung toothpaste.
I've definitely accidentally brought fruit home in my backpack after traveling abroad and discovered that keeping brie cheese at room temperature for eight hours is an awful idea. How about you, Fat City readers? What's accidentally been forgotten about in your luggage?
[Image via Flickr: kalleboo]
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