Manakha

Last week our group took a journey into the Yemeni highlands, which are AMAZING. First of all, the mountains are unbelievably steep, so the contrast between mountain and valley is stunning. Secondly, the land is pretty fertile and good for agriculture so virtually every inch of the mountains are terraced and covered with a variety of crops. There are little villages that you KNOW haven’t changed for centuries, all sitting on top of little peaks looking over their terraced crops.
We ran a little late for everything on the first leg of the trip due to a major delay upon trying to leave the city. Apparently, the Yemeni Government wants to make absolutely sure that all foreigners leaving Sana’a are totally safe, so we had to wait for a military escort. A crack squad of savvy individuals who can take down attempted terrorist attacks and let you take pictures holding their guns. Yemeni soldiers have a softer side too though. Just like all other Arab men, sometimes they just want to hold hands.
Our hotel had a night full of music and Yemeni dancing. The best thing about Yemeni dancing is that about 90% of the time it includes at least one weapon. The best dance included two big Yemeni knives and two big British rifles. I had to be a part of it. But what could possibly be better than a knife and a gun? The answer is simple: a knife and TWO guns. I soon had a following. I and two other Americans were soon destroying a perfectly fine Yemeni dance. Pictures and video follow.