Day 23, Yemen, San`a
Allegedly the oldest city in the world, capital of the fascinating Yemen, here I am in San`a, the fastest growing city of the world! Last March a revolution was ongoing in the capital of Yemen. Several people died and were injured. The traces of the war are visible especially in the conflict zones. Destroyed buildings, bullet holes everywhere. Especially since then several tourists have been kidnapped by tribes. Just two weeks ago two foreign people have been kidnapped here, and now it`s me to be in the middle of this hot and chaotic city. Two friends I met in Socotra invited me two visit them and to be their guest. They took the day off to show me the city. They paid everything for me and even paid a local guide in the old town and bought some gifts for me. I have never seen such a hospitality. It was something extraordinary for me. After a delicious lunch I waited for a short time on the street. While I was waiting there, alone, a motorbike passed me. The driver was a boy, maybe 13 or 14 years old. The boy behind him had the same age. Both saw me and said a friendly Salam to me. While I was replying to their "Hello" I remarked that the second boy had a Kalashnikov in his hand. Where am I? In a capital of a country, where children are able to walk around with guns? During my city trip with my friends I saw a lot of tribes wearing guns and just walking around. Their cars have even no control numbers on their vehicles. The army has a lot of military in the town and you have to pass several checkpoints to visit the various parts of the town. Very rich and potent Sheikhs have private armies and live without real rules. Maybe now you will ask yourself where is the romance part of this city. Well, San`a has an old city that is difficult to describe. It is magical, beautiful and very romantic. Buildings are very old and special in San`a. I hope that the situation in Yemen will improve and that the country will be able to increase its tourism. San`a is one of the most beautiful cities I have never seen.
Allegedly the oldest city in the world, capital of the fascinating Yemen, here I am in San`a, the fastest growing city of the world! Last March a revolution was ongoing in the capital of Yemen. Several people died and were injured. The traces of the war are visible especially in the conflict zones. Destroyed buildings, bullet holes everywhere. Especially since then several tourists have been kidnapped by tribes. Just two weeks ago two foreign people have been kidnapped here, and now it`s me to be in the middle of this hot and chaotic city. Two friends I met in Socotra invited me two visit them and to be their guest. They took the day off to show me the city. They paid everything for me and even paid a local guide in the old town and bought some gifts for me. I have never seen such a hospitality. It was something extraordinary for me. After a delicious lunch I waited for a short time on the street. While I was waiting there, alone, a motorbike passed me. The driver was a boy, maybe 13 or 14 years old. The boy behind him had the same age. Both saw me and said a friendly Salam to me. While I was replying to their "Hello" I remarked that the second boy had a Kalashnikov in his hand. Where am I? In a capital of a country, where children are able to walk around with guns? During my city trip with my friends I saw a lot of tribes wearing guns and just walking around. Their cars have even no control numbers on their vehicles. The army has a lot of military in the town and you have to pass several checkpoints to visit the various parts of the town. Very rich and potent Sheikhs have private armies and live without real rules. Maybe now you will ask yourself where is the romance part of this city. Well, San`a has an old city that is difficult to describe. It is magical, beautiful and very romantic. Buildings are very old and special in San`a. I hope that the situation in Yemen will improve and that the country will be able to increase its tourism. San`a is one of the most beautiful cities I have never seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment