Yemen

Had lots of hits on the ‘Relic/Yemen’ post of yesterday. New follower AKM commented to MB that he is Yemeni but is many years since he has visited his home country. Asked MB if he could post some more pics from Yemen.

Just checked the dates on the photos and discovered it’s five years since MB made 3-day visit to Yemen to look at a project in Red Sea city of Hadaydah. Landed in the capital city Sanaa, and took 3 hour minibus trip over the mountains before getting to the coastal desert plain. Was like 3 hours on the Connor Pass in Kerry back home. Sheer drops & certain death if your car wandered over the edge of the road. Hearts in mouth stuff. One hour drive through the coastal desert later and arrived at the destination.

MB’s Yemen trip happened before he had serious photo bug, so very limited number of pics from which to chose.

Yemen is the poorest country in the region and is to all intents and purpose completely lawless. Low education levels predominate and some 65% of girls get married at age 15 or younger. Has probably more to do with history and culture than religion, although strict interpretation of Islam permits child brides. Poverty and piles of rubbish are evident throughout. Not a place for a family holiday, but the locals, same as in all third world countries, are extremely friendly and generous with what they have.

Yemen is now a dangerous place to visit. To be avoided for the moment in opinion of MB. Has the second highest gun owning population in the world. Just behind USA!