OK, first off - Yemen: visit.
Before I left, a friend told me that Yemen was one of two places in the whole world he wouldn't visit: for safety reasons. Well, having walked Sana'a multiple times and various times of day, and having spent two full days touring the countryside outside it's walls... I must say, I feel safer here than in many parts of Los Angeles, and certainly safer than many other cities int he world.
I'm not even kidding. I've been more concerned about my surroundings walking home from Kelly's house at 10:30 pm than I am in the Old City here in Sana'a at any hour. Perhaps the same can't be said for downtown Pittsford, but still - it puts things in perspective.
Oh sure, there are a few men with automatic rifles wandering the streets and the occasional bombing, but really - what are the odds? Now, I'll admit, when people ask me where I'm from - I say "California." Yes, they're all smart enough to know that's in the United States... but as yet, not one person I've met actually has any problems with the United States. They all seem to like it. A few have expressed excitement over our new president elect, but otherwise - even politically speaking - Yemen is safe and worth putting on your "to do before I die" list (if you like world travel, new foods, and adventure).
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3 comments:
Thank goodness it doesn't take long to walk home from my place to yours. Try that walk around midnight...just stay away from that "Purdue corridor." :)
Hmm...I'm thinking I might be that person being suspicious about Yemen and Pakistan. I would still not want to go there. Kidnapping capital of the middle-east. I am hapy to hear that it a wonderful, cool place to visit. Good for you!
Come back in one piece and without denguefever this time!
Thomas
Oh...I recommend the Katmandu Guest House in the heart of Thamel...you can get room #205 for an extra $10 - check it out I think you'd like it?
http://ktmgh.com/kgh/default.php
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