Other tidbits

There's been much controversy this year over the plight of Pakistani pilgrims, and why they were given substandard accomodations during the Hajj despite paying exhorbitant amounts.  On the first day when pilgrims were in Mina, Pakistani pilgrims actually took to the streets to protest when they arrived at their tents and found no plumbing a/c, and substandard sleeping arrangements.  Pakistan's tribune has this great story, tactfully titled Unholy Profit.  The Saudi government has now ordered a probe, saying they offered Pakistani gov't officials better accomodations, but were turned down.

For a three days a year, Mina becomes the world's largest abatoire, with Saudi officials importing - they say - over a million livestock for the sheep sacrifices that take place there.  This year they've announced the meat will be shipped to needy people in 27 different countries.   Haven't been able to find anything indicated how the process is monitored, which is to say, in whose hands does the meat really end up.

Oh, and yes, there were even Tulsans at this year's Hajj.