Bab al-Yemen

We spent our last evening in Sana'a in the market. It was amazing. Bab al-Yemen, or old Yemen, is really just the same as it was about 1000 years ago.

It is a traditional souk, or market, and as there are very little tourists the items sold are really the things used by Yemenis. Like lentils.

And dates.

When we were walking through the market we actually saw the President of Yemen! He was accompanied by about 20 SUVs and a lot of military guards. It was exciting, but we didn't want to take a picture as, unless you ask, photographing people is rude in Islamic countries. And we didn't think we would be able to ask / get close enough to the President to ask!

I also got to see "jambia" or the traditional Yemeni daggers that all men carry, once they become men at the age of 14.

It was a great day to see a lot of Yemen! I think the country is beautiful and the people were all very friendly!