One of my best days in Yemen so far came on February 21st, the day of the much anticipated election for the Yemen presidency. My fellow basement dweller Carolyn and I were assigned as monitors to the area south of Sana'a called Sanhan. Sanhan, for those of you who's knowledge of Yemen's politics and geography are even poorer than my own, is where Ali Abdullah Saleh is from. The area is a collection of small towns outside but not far from the southern neighborhoods of Sanaa. As you can see, lots of people (regardless of age or legality) were excited about voting. It's rare you see such excitement over a one person ballot.
A few irregularities aside, the elections went fairly well in our area. It was also a great chance to see some of Yemen's ruggedly impressive scenery and wonderfully friendly people. And we had a gun truck hanging out with us the whole time. So it was a pretty accurate Yemeni experience.
Some more photos (and there are even more to come)
This is spectacular, Chris - I was definitely wondering where you were on the 21st. Your photos are so great. Post more!
ReplyDeleteGetting friendly with the man standing on the right end of the gun - smart move. I adore the dignified senior gentleman turning in his ballot. I hope my eyes do not deceive and he is in fact wearing a velvet coat.
ReplyDeleteChris....put on a flack jacket and get out there and take more pictures. These are awesome
ReplyDeleteby the way...Thinairman is Stanton
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