Introducing San’a
San’a isn’t where it was supposed to be. Shem, the son of Noah and founder of San’a, had originally chosen to site his new city a little further west, but just as he set out his guide ropes and prepared for some major DIY a bird dropped out of the heavens, picked up the guide rope and moved it further east. This, Shem knew, was a sign, and so it was there, where the bird had dropped the guide rope, that San’a was born. Today most visitors to Yemen arrive, like that interfering bird, by air. San’a, the world’s oldest city, will be their first taste of this most mystical of Arabian countries. It’s a good arrival, for this sickly, sweet cake of a city is one of the world’s great urban centres, and its many layers, colours and patterns make it the most romantic, living, breathing Islamic city you could ever hope to find.
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Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: did anyone travel to yemen lately ?
by fluffy_bunny 13 September 2011
Socotra does not have an international airport yet. The only flights go to San'a (via Mukhalla) or Aden. Which means you will have to…
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RE: how safe is aden for foreigners?
by fluffy_bunny 10 September 2011
As you are aware, all tourists are being turned away even with visas. However, you MUST guarantee that there is someone at the airport…
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RE: Best Cities of the Middle East?
by chriskean1 23 August 2011
I haven't yet been to xIsrael or xIran, so I will let others cover those. I'll assume you mean capitals and big cities, and stick to…
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