You scream. I scream.

For those worried this post is about other attacks, do not fear. This is about the other end of the terror spectrum. (see below)

How does Aden battle the heat? Ice cream. How can the world battle terror? Ice cream. It is so good! Why would you want anything else in your hands? I can understand being angry if you finish your cone but that is easily solved.

The most popular chain ice cream stores in Aden are Snow Cream (a funny joke for those Arabic speakers out there) and Baskin Robbins. They are everywhere. I think Aden and I will get along well.

1/16

Thank goodness for extra time. US: 1 Algeria: 0

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/sports/soccer/24usgame.html?ref=sports

Landon Timothy Donovan

3 Good Reasons

why the US National Team needs to pull it together and beat Algeria tonight:

1. National Pride - I think we all know the team is better than they've shown. Going down 0-2 to Slovenia? C'mon.
2. We can advance to the knockout round and hopefully earn some respect from countries that look down on American soccer. We turned some heads beating up Spain and going up 2-0 against Brazil in the finals of the Confederations Cup. Not advancing to the second round would make that seem like a fluke.
3. I told the Aden survey team that if Algeria beats the US, I will buy them all dinner. Oh boy.

U-S-A!

Call me chicken but I'm from Turkey

I spent the past two days with the enumeration team working in districts of Aden. They are well trained and work hard. I am very impressed.

My presence in the less developed areas of Aden is a bit of a shock for the people that live there. Not many outsiders, much less foreigners, visit their neighborhoods. Kids will stand outside the enumeration team's bus and stare.

The team has been telling people who ask (almost everyone) that I am from Turkey. People here love Turkey. First, Turkey has great soap operas and television shows. Second, it was a Turkish boat that challenged the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Israeli is now considering easing its blockade due to intense international scrutiny. No one speaks Turkish so I can get away with it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/21/world/middleeast/21mideast.html?scp=2&sq=gaza&st=cse

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/world/middleeast/18mideast.html?scp=4&sq=gaza&st=cse

Back pain, Bananas, and a monkey on a leash

Incident in Aden

I figure you would rather know than not know. I'm fine and taking precautions with where and how I travel.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10356975.stm

Texas Toast

It's hot in Aden. Walking off the plane was like having my entire body wrapped in a warm, damp blanket. Ew. And that was 4:15 AM. However, for arriving at that time you're treated to this:


I am told that Aden, like other coastal cities, has a more relaxed culture and lifestyle. I am looking forward to experiencing it. Tomorrow I will join one of the enumeration teams working around Aden. It will be nice meeting members of the team.

Feeling and not feeling the Reems, Get Riyal, and cuds

On My Way

I am sitting in the Amman airport waiting for my flight to Aden. I am moving to Aden to work for Innovations for Poverty Action (www.poverty-action.org) on an evaluation of a social assistance program called Targeting the Ultra Poor.

I envision this blog being a way for you all to follow along and to hear and see about my life in Yemen.

I hope you enjoy!

Airlines, heart strings, and waiting (in line)