I have a theory. And it's that Hala's not in Mecca anymore. I'm probably wrong, but it's what I'm telling myself to not worry about someone I've never met (and probably never will).
Given how much promotion was done to publicize the Hajj coverage, I really expected more. At least more live updates. Her coverage a few years ago was much better. This time, I can't help the feeling of... I don't know. Like it's an extended Inside the Middle East report stretched out throughout the week.
But I have enjoyed seeing Hala throughout the week. The first report was... I don't want to say 'fun', but I will. It was fun. Then it became less about the Hajj experience and more about its implications, and now the pilgrims have made it about the pilgrimage again. Go pilgrims!
To answer Hala's thought:
I wonder as I look down on the crowds how ambulances would respond to emergencies during Hajj.Well, not well enough, but what can you expect in a sea of pilgrims.
But, really: to be among thousands of people -- millions, even -- and walk? That takes a lot of religious fervor and faith, and you've got to give it to them for doing it.
Too bad the last part, the stoning of the devil, has not failed to produce stampedes and such tragedy.
Just to illustrate the number of people, and that Hala's not kidding with the "sea of pilgrims" description: (yes, all that white are people)
still photo borrowed from Starman."On the way out of the tent city of Arafat, we face crowd chaos of epic proportions."
- Hala (in the CNN diary)
italics are mine, but Hala: such a flair for the dramatic, you.
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