We were worn out from our travels and spent a bit of time resting in bed in Taizz.  We wandered around the market for the rest of time.  Most noticeably were the fluoro-pink drinks that were being sold.  I think they are strawberry shakes made from strawberries grown in Chernobyl!  

In the 14th Century, Taizz was described by the famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta as the largest and most beautiful city.  Today, it is the third largest in Yemen.  We came over from Zabid in the afternoon for a 2 night stay.

Having had such a great day yesterday on the bikes, we wanted more. We had heard that it was market day at the next town and that would make a nice little outing.  But while waiting to go I wandered around Zabid a little first. Text continues after this gallery.     Once at the […]

After several false starts, Marie and I finally left Sana’a today bound for Zabid via Hudayda in a pigou (Peugeot) shared taxi. Zabid is reputedly the hottest place on earth.  I have awful memories of my last visit in mid-summer … it was so hot and the power was off … no air-con then.  And […]

Even though this is my fourth (arguably fifth) stay in Yemen, daily activities still put a smile on my face.  Like buying bread or sipping of cuppa tea.  Its just seems better in Yemen. Or sometimes just different: People here seem cooperative rather than competitive … eg. restaurants will sometimes get you something from next […]

Above:  Big lunch at Adnan’s. Adnan, my former teacher and Marie’s teacher, invited us for lunch with his family today. It was a lovely meal. Marie is helping fund the education of the oldest boy who now goes to a private school instead of a government school. We got our travel permit yesterday for our […]

Just before bed time we heard a chorus of cars tooting their horns … they came closer and closer and then we saw a convoy coming up our street.  Some cars were decorated.  Aaahh … a wedding we thought.  Perhaps in the rural areas, there would be firing of the AK47s but firearms are not […]