Thoughts with Yemen…

I have so many posts swirling in my mind now – mental strength, battling the motivation monster, swimming, Japan, restaurant reviews.  But last night all of them seemed to fade in comparison to what is happening right now in Yemen, and my concern for my colleagues there.

As you may know I work in an industry that sees me travelling around the world – to some places without great reputations (like Nigeria, and Algeria) to gorgeous places (like Tokyo, and Oman, and Beijing).  I have been fortunate to have been able to visit Yemen twice for work.  And with the spread of violence in the country, and its possible descent into civil war, I thought I would share some images and memories with you.

Yemen is a not often talked about country – unless it is about the bad stuff.  Like the qat chewing problems.  Or the violence.  Or that it is a haven for terrorists (think the USS Cole or the fact that Bin Laden lived there and had a wife from there).  But it is painfully beautiful.  And not very well understood.

Yemen has a long and proud history – from the Queen of Sheba (known as Bilkis locally) to spices (the Roman Emperor Augustus tried to take over Yemen for its spices) it has been famed for its beauty and products in the past.  Its land mass is just bigger than that of California, and has a population of around 25 million – 50% of Yemenis are less than 15 years old.  The country’s economy is dominated by the energy industry, making up about 90% of GDP – but oil resources are shrinking, and with instability a lot of the production is being impacted.  With an average annual earning per person of less than $1000, it is one of the poorest countries in the world – and the prospects of civil war will only add to the hardships faced in this beautiful country.

My Yemen Memories, in photos…

Unbelievably rugged yet beautiful terrain

Scenes of Sana’a

Bab Alyemen, images of the old city in Sana’a

Pristine seas and coral beaches

Hard at work

My heart breaks, and I worry about my colleagues…