Sunday 3 February 2008

Destination Report: Yemen


The Bustle of Yemeni Street Life



Yemen is the poorest country of the Arabian Peninsula yet is possesses riches that cannot be found anywhere else. Apart from a unique architecture and an overwhelming cultural wealth, the liveliness of its people turn any visit into a highly intensive experience.

The trading and exchanging of goods lies at the heart of Yemeni daily life. In the old or the new town of the capital Sana'a, the noise of negotiating merchants creates the acoustic background when strolling along the streets. They intermingle with the vivacious colors exposed on the markets and along the souqs. And together, they create the typical atmosphere of Yemen that differentiates it from any other destination.


Bustling Street Life at Bab al-Yemen


Shop after Shop in the Souq


Street Sellers are Present Everywhere


Colours and Styles for All Situations


Negotiations Are Simply Part of Life


Transport Station: Donkeys


A Regular Friday Afternoon Jam



And there really is only one way to experience all this: immerging oneself fully and just stroll with the flow, giving back the everpresent smiles to the Yemenis.


Andreas Hauser