THE DONKEY-MILK PUZZLE (April 4, 2008)

I dreamt that I was visiting some place where there were many donkeys. It was a joy to see so many of them everywhere one went. I remember being told by someone that donkeys liked it very much when a bit of their milk was spilled over their backs. Puzzled, I was eager to find out more. At some point during my visit I saw two men talking in a narrow street. One of them had a donkey with him. It was peacefully waiting for the men to stop talking. I introduced myself and told the owner of the animal what I had heard. “It’s true,” he nodded. “But I assume you only sprinkle a bit over the back,” I said. “No, no,” the man grinned, “the more milk you pour over their backs, the more they like it!” I just shook my head in disbelief. I was a bit disappointed when I woke up, for the donkey-milk puzzle refused to go away.