Canadiana

Fact: Most shopkeepers in Yemen have a TV on in the shop all the time, usually playing an obscure Arabic soap opera. That's all the background you need for this one.

We stopped into a shop on our way to school the other morning, so as to purchase a couple Hadrami cakes (local speacialty - flat, very dense, dry as dust and kind of bitter - what can I say, they grew on us). I was paying when we heard a strangely familiar voice say, "You can club baby seals with Honduran immigrants for all I care."

Surprised to hear English, we turned around.

It was Dog River's own Hank Yarbo! CORNER GAS WAS ON THE TELEVISION!!! In our shocked excitement we hollered with glee, to the great bemusement of the shopkeeper. Calming down, we pointed to the screen and said "Canada!"; he gave us an understanding smile, then motioned for us to stay and watch. Alas, we were already running late.

Even so, I'd have to call that one of the highlights of our year.