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Yemen

Yemen

There's sun, sea and sand aplenty, but the pina coladas might be hard to come by in The Republic of Yemen. Sitting on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, framed by the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, Saudi Arabia and Oman, this Islamic country is land of spectacular mountains, expansive sand dunes and ancient mosques. It's home to one of the world's oldest civilizations and also, one of its youngest democracies. Yemen's support of President Bush and his anti-terrorism agenda has given way to a homegrown militant insurgency, who frequently express their disapproval with that friendship. In June 2007, a suicide bombing in the city of Ma'rib killed several people, including seven tourists. On his trip through Yemen, Dr. Danger visits capital city Sana'a and immerses himself in the food, culture and beauty of San'a's Old City. Fully outfitted in traditional Yemeni garb, the doctor sets off for a hike up one of the country's highest peaks, and experiences his share of thrills, chills, and spills along the way.

Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER), US $1 equals 198.150 YER

Location: San'a

  • Capital city of Yemen, dating back to the 6th Century BC.
  • The Old City of San'a has been continually inhabited for more than 2500 years.
  • Declared a World Heritage City by the United Nations in 1984.
  • Surrounded by (20-30ft) high clay walls and has over 100 mosques, 12 hammams (baths) and 6500 houses.

Location: Aden

  • The Okavango River flows in the Kalahari Desert to form a delta that is a wildlife habitat in Africa.
  • Located on the Yemeni Coastal Plains at the southern edge of the Red Sea.
  • Marco Polo visited the city when it was an important hub of commerce, connecting the East with Africa.
  • Was the capitol of the country of South Yemen, before the unification of the North and South in 1990.
  • Renowned for its majestic sunsets and phenomenal bird watching.

Location: Haraz Mountains

  • Home to some of the best khat and coffee in Yemen, especially at Beni Ismail, a spectacular area that cultivates coffee using special techniques.
  • People living in the region maintain traditional village life and adhere to ancient customs.
  • Local music and dance is celebrated and performed throughout the region.
  • Affords breathtaking views of mountain ranges.