Civil war
Last trip I bought souvenirs from Yemen (for the first time) fearing that I’d never be back.
Now I fear (perhaps unfounded) that global events and the civil war in Saada may worsen… and the country would not be safe for any foreigner. So I thought I’d go shooting with my camera. Trust you’ll enjoy the photos below, or at least find them interesting.
In the past … some areas are free-to-travel, others require permit, while others require escort (machine gun truck) … and of course some are absolute no-go. Since the bomb attack on the US Embassy we’re finding that places in one category are being elevated to the next level.
The travel situation has been aggravated by unprecedented storms and floods washing away many roads, villages and sights in the desert. The water is making its way to the coast destroying the beach (Bir Ali) that I want to go to as well. As an indicator of the degree of devastation … even Sudan sent aid to Yemen!
But let’s put it into perspective … my ruined travel plans is nothing compared to ruined villages and homeless people.
Safety
I love roaming the old city of Sana’a as it takes me back in time. Travel warnings suggest that Yemen is dangerous. Yes, but probably not in all ways.
Like in Iran, money changers have stacks of USD100 notes behind them. In Iran, they usually have a kiosk which they don’t even bother locking. Here in Yemen, it might just be a stall at a market.
When shopkeepers go for a break or siesta, they don’t even bother closing their shops. They may put a broomstick or a chair across the entrance. At night, it might just be a large piece of cloth over their goods.
There must be a strong element of trust within the community.
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- View of old city including our house from the Saudi-Italian hotel, Burj As-salam.
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- Typical handwash setup at restaurant. I grew up in the era when laundry powder was used for dishes, so having it for hands seems normal.
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- Eating with right hand.
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- Drinks shop.
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- Read the fine print. Have you got the right life partner?
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- Tea is often served in a can with the lid as handle.
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- Baker.
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- Bike in sheep’s clothing. Provides extra comfy seating on fuel tank and tail-rack.
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- Shopping street near Bab Shaub.
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- Workers for daily hire.
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- Toyota Cressida in camouflage.
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- You only see dresses like these on racks. Once on a woman they’re covered by the black baltu or abaya.
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- This trader wanted his photo taken.
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- Sweet and dried fruit shop.
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- Sweet and dried fruit shop.
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- Street food.
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- More shoes than Imelda could wish for.
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- Sweet and dried fruit shop.
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- Material shop.
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- Material shop.
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- Sweet and dried fruit shop.
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- Sweet and dried fruit shop.
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- Our street.
