Emil’s Chronicle - The journal of Emil A Eklund

As reported elsewhere an explosion shattered the lobby of Marriott in Islamabad last Thursday. Luckily no one was killed or severely wounded but it got me somewhat worried. That’s the hotel I’m supposed to stay at when I leave for Pakistan later this week. Originally I was supposed to go two weeks ago, meaning I would have been there when this blast occurred.

Not sure what’s most scary, the blast itself or the official explanation; “A short circuit in an air condition unit enhanced by an air vacuum in the hotel”. Judging by the pictures, and the interviews of people on site, it’s quite hard to believe that explanation. Especially since there are quite detailed accounts, by hotel staff, of where the alleged explosive was placed; in a flower pot near the entrance just outside the security checkpoint. So at least it didn’t get past security, probably means that the rest of the building is reasonably safe.

Anyway I’m not too frightened, it’s probably not more dangerous than other places I’ve been (South America *cough*). So unless something else happens during the week I’ll go as planed, and I’ll probably stay at the Marriott, if they’re not closed for repairs. Let’s hope the old saying “lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice” is correct.

As a side note I’m somewhat surprised that none of the major Swedish newspapers or networks have reported anything about this. I guess they’re all too preoccupied taking Kerry’s side and reducing Bush to a right wing fundamentalist to focus on the real news.