Two U.S. Hikers Freed From Iranian Prison

Land inhabited by the Kurds covers portions of four nations.

Freedom

This past week the two male American hikers, who had been detained in Iran for just over two years were freed from their Tehran prison and flown to Oman. Now, several days later, Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer, are back in the US, where they have been united with friends and family, as well as their female companion, Sarah Shourd, who was detained for just over a year in Iran. Not only does the release close an imprisonment case that should never have occurred in the first place, but it also allows Shane and Sharon to fulfill the  wedding vows, which they exchanged in prison. The Iranians claim the trio were spying for the U.S., but the freed hikers have made the claim that they were held against their will because they were American.

How It Happened

The whole episode occurred on a visit the trio was making to the Kurdish region of Iraq, a region that is considered relatively safe for Americans and western visitors. This region has attracted nearly 500,ooo tourists since 1998. Their first stop on the tour was the city of Sulaymaniyah, where they stayed in a tourist hotel. At the hotel, the American travelers inquired about a place to go hiking. They were referred to a popular waterfall called, Ahmed Awa. Here they intermingled with hundreds of local visitors, who were enjoying not only the natural marvel, but the many food and craft vendors that were present at the falls.

The trouble occurred the next day went they small group went hiking in the nearby, local mountains and followed a trail that lead them very close to the Iran border. It is here where they encountered an Iranian guard and were taken prisoner. The story can be viewed on Vimeo on a short film made by Sharon Shourd upon her return to the US after a year of imprisonment.

Implications

The release is good news. The hikers are home, plus a diplomatic channel to Iran has been opened through the nation of Oman. Unfortunately, a wider view of events yields a more disturbing picture. Were the trio lured into Iranian territory by an over-zealous, armed Iranian, border guard? Even if they weren’t, the whole episode signals a warning that even safe areas may yield hidden dangers for Americans and other western travelers.

Update On The Rum Diary

Poster for the Rum Diary

Rum

Rum is nothing more than sugar cane juice that is distilled into an alcohol product. Since the introduction of the sugar cane plant to the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the alcoholic by-product has become a popular item all across the western hemisphere. In fact, the Rum Sling, which consists of rum, sugar, water and lemon juice, dates back to the Colonial era, thus making it the first popular cocktail of the new American republic. Today, the enjoyable liquor comes in different shades (light, gold and dark) and is sometimes mixed with spices during the fermentation process. It is also the title of a new movie starring Johnny Depp.

Movie Data

Though The Rum Diary is the name of a Hunter Thompson novel first published in 1998,the actual story takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1960. The liquor soaked tale features a young Thompson, who travels to the island to work for a newspaper. The movie, which besides Johnny Depp, stars Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi and Anthony Jenkins. The screenplay was penned by Bruce Robinson, who is also the director. Though the release date is not until October 28 (2011), the official trailer is out and can be viewed online. Parts of the movie were filmed in Puerto Rico, as well as Mexico and Hollywood. Though I can’t say I’m very fond of the poster, the trailer looks interesting and I eagerly await this latest release from  Hunter Thompson, who, unfortunately died five years ago in a successful suicide attempt.

Minnesota State Fair

Giant Slide at the Minnesota Fair

First Time Visitor

The Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest in the nation, just ended this week. I had the pleasure of attending the popular event. Unfortunately, it was just for one afternoon and evening, but I enjoyed the whole show very much. Following are a few snapshots I got off from my cell phone camera. Enjoy!

Cotton Candy at the Minnesota State Fair

The Expected

What would a state fair be without cotton candy? This fair from this large mid-western agricultural state had everything you would expect and more. Here, is a cotton candy booth. Other treats included corn on the cob, corn dogs, bratwurst, foot-long hot dogs, homemade root beer and flannel cakes. Sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy the simple things in life.

Booth for Deep Fried Twinkies

The Unexpected

Then there was the oddball assortment of food like the deep-fried Twinkies pictured here. Actually, they weren’t too bad – and next door another vendor sold a dessert that appeared and looked like dirt. In fact, it was called just that, “dirt”. I didn’t try any, but many did and everyone seemed to come away quite pleased. Each dish even came with a few simulated corn-syrup worms.

Cakes for judging at the Minnesota state fair

Contests

What would a state fair be without judged contests. These events were everywhere and included livestock, food items, art work and many other agendas.

Prize winning corn at the Minnesota State Fair

Hope you enjoyed these pictures. So if you are even in the Twin Cities area in late August or early September be sure to check this event out. It is enormous, fun, immense and only cost around $10 to $12. Best way to get there though is by local bus.