Things to do in Southern Yemen
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National Museum
Not really a museum at all, but more the petrified palace of Imam Ahmed, the NationalMuseum preserves the life and times of its previous and slightly peculiar owner. Among the exhibits – which are intriguing, bizarre and comical in equal measure – are a large collection of gifts and purchases from Europe, including an Etch-a-Sketch, hundreds of bottles of eau de cologne (in which the imam apparently bathed), a personal cinema (despite TV and films being banned under Imamic law) and an electronic rocking bed that must be the envy of Hugh Hefner. Among his many quirks, the imam claimed not just to have magical powers that protected him from all evils, but also to be bu…
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Gold Mohur Club
If you're desperate for a dip – or a drink – the Gold Mohur Club, part of the Sheraton Gold Mohur Hotel, provides refreshment in both ways on a private but muddy beach. Admission buys you free use of the shower and changing facilities, as well as access to the hotel's restaurants. You can also put your sea legs on and head out in a boat (per boat half-hour/hour YR6000/8000) to view Aden the way it should be seen.
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Al-Rayan
Ta'izz has many excellent juice bars. Normally decorated with curtains of fresh mangos and oranges, these respites from the heat and chaos outside provide delicious, healthy drinks. A couple of good ones are the Al-Rayan and the busy, unnamed one next to the Tadhamon International Bank on Gamal Abdul Nasser St.
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Aden Minaret
Among the town's mosques that are worth a peek are the Al-Aidrus Mosque , built in the mid-19th century on top of 600-year-old ruins, and the strange little Aden Minaret, which is all that remains of a mosque built in the 8th century. Non-Muslims won't be allowed inside either.
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Sailor's Club
When in a seedy port, do as is done in seedy ports and come to a smoky, seedy nightclub. This one is full of Somali prostitutes and hard-drinking locals and is hardly representative of Yemen. But for some travellers, a highlight of Aden is the chance to sip a much-missed beer. Spirits cost YR700; beer YR1000.
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Tourist Harbour
The Tourist Harbourand its pier is a colourful place for a stroll, especially early or late in the day when boats, which range from traditional sambuqs (local boats) to giant supertankers, are coming and going in greater numbers.
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Hot Hut
You'll probably be craving something a little different by the time you get to Ta'izz, in which case this new and clean restaurant with burgers that aren't a bad imitation of those back home should pass the test. Super sweet ice creams are another favourite.
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National Museum for Antiquities
Not exactly overwhelming is the recently renovated National Museum for Antiquities, which has exhibits dating from prehistoric times to the early Islamic period. The highlights are the wonderful range of Sabaean relics.
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Al-Ryan Tourism Restaurant
It doesn't have the Reem's hordes of fans but those in the know keep coming back for the Middle Eastern staples and clean kitchens. Try the excellent arayesi, which is more dessert than drink! It's opposite the bus station.
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Reem Tourist Restaurant
Step into the noisy belly of this local institution and you're in for a treat. Good atmosphere, smartly turned-out waiters and heavenly banana juices (YR150) are just some of the highlights. The kebabs (YR200) are also worth a pop.
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Golden Falcon Proast & Restaurant
There are two very good reasons to eat here. Number one is the superb fried fish and number two the chance to escape chaotic Crater and relax in the altogether more genteel surroundings of At-Tawahi.
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Al-Shibani Restaurant
The fast-talking owner (who speaks brilliant English) will have you ordering everything on the menu in no time at all. Don't let this worry you – it's all top nosh, but the fish is best.
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Ethnographical Museum
Upstairs on the 1st floor is the Ethnographical Museum, which has a musty and poorly displayed collection of traditional dress from across the country.
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Military Museum
The Military Museum was closed at the time of research and seemed unlikely to ever open again, but it's worth cruising past and checking just in case.
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Al-Aidrus Mosque
Among the town's mosques that are worth a peek are the Al-Aidrus Mosque , built in the mid-19th century on top of 600-year-old ruins.
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Abu Khalid Cafeteria
Clean, peaceful and with pleasant window seats, this is a good place for fruit juice and cakes and lingering conversations. Popular with students.
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Tahawi Art Gallery
Opposite the tourist harbour is the Tahawi Art Gallery, which exhibits the work of local artists.
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Best Ice Cream
The dozen or so cool, fruity flavours of ice cream on sale here are perfect on a hot day.
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