Unwrapping Dennis Rodman’s bizarre gift bag for North Korean officials

DUBAI: Flamboyant US basketball star Dennis Rodman says his mission to Pyongyang is an attempt to “open doors” with the isolated country but will his eccentric collection of gifts do the trick?
The heavily-pierced Rodman, who wears green nail varnish and is covered in tattoos, flew to Pyongyang this week due to his unique friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
The power forward said he was trying to accomplish something that “we both need,” prompting repeated denials from US officials that he was on an authorized mission.
Rodman did not land empty-handed and, as any good house guest would, brought along a goodie bag for North Korea’s political elite.
However, the contents of that goodie bag are questionable to say the least.
Rodman met with North Korean athletes as well as the North’s sports minister, to whom he handed over a copy of the US President Donald Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal.”
His bizarre gift bag also included a copy of “Where’s Waldo? The Totally Essential Travel Collection,” along with some soap, and two autographed jerseys.
In a truly strange twist, the basketball star also gifted one official a mermaid puzzle set.
Make of that what you will.
— With AFP