Last Friday, we left our ‘hometown’ Sana’a for a trip into the mountains 90 km west, which rise unto about 2200 meters above sea level. The terrasses and the little villages clued on the tips of the mountains are simply breathtaking. And not only the sight was breathtaking, but so was also the ride on crazily crocked streets.

But at first, we had to wait for about 45 minutes at one of the few military checkpoints on our road. I guess there have been some communication problems and our passage had not been announced in advance. But in the end, we were allowed to pass, hélas! And a day full of events was allowed to unfold. We hiked up a little hill to taste berries (I suspect them to be murrberries… the taste was similar to ‘Stachelbeeren,’ very yummy I think, especially after an exhausting hike in the midday sun.) Then we visited a village that is known for the coexistence of Jews and Muslims… in former times, of course. And there I fell into the ultimate tourist trap. What can I do…it was bound to happen anyway. The village’s kids walked me through the village, holding my hands, and of course guiding me to the shops of their parents. Eventually, a woman sprang out of her shop in order to wrap my headscarf ‘properly’ around my head… village style, of course. The result can be seen on the last picture. She of course sold me the golden thing… I don’t know yet how to recycle it, but I’ll find a way to use it in Europe.

Later, we had a fabulous lunch at the local hotel, which included traditional music and dance. Oh yes, I am a tourist! The men danced and wagging their Jambias (knifes)… and we danced, too! After this, we went to our last village of the day, to Hoteib, a pilgrimage site for Ismailis. We climbed up the hill that holds a white mosque and enjoyed the stunning view. This was the best I have seen so far. A classmate told me afterwards, that he would like to get married there. My comment: oh well, I think it is a ‘bring your own priest,’ then… oh my God, I am so unromantic these times!

Anya with two Yemeni girls

Sheperds in Manakha

Katie and I in Hoteib