Yemen leisure
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 Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:46 am Post subject: YEMEN LEISURE : Activities For Expats |
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YEMEN LEISURE : Activities For Expats
Language institutes:
Learning Arabic definitely has a lot of advantages. In many areas in Yemen you will not come across any English speakers so it is wise to learn the basics in order to get around and be able to explain what you want or need or to just exchange some greetings with the Yemenis. Besides that it enlarges your scope to get information on the county and its inhabitants. The Yemenis are usually happy if you can manage in some Arabic. Following a good course of Arabic will also get you in touch with other people.
Two language institutes are most used by foreigners: The British Yemeni Arabic Institute: (tel:417527, email: allardyce@y.net.ye. They are located on what is now Iran Street, but what used to be 24th street. Anyway it is the first big crossing on your left on Hadda Road after the Medina. They are close to the Koreana restaurant, follow the signs from there. They offer a good variety of courses for anyone.
Another good option in the old city is the Sana’a Institute for Arabic Language on the Al-Sailah street in the old city (tel:284330/284331, email: sial@y.net.ye). They seem to offer good language courses but they also attract the wrong kind of Americans with fundamental Islamic interests like the one caught in Afghanistan.
Birding/environmental organisations:
In Yemen there is the Yemen Ornithological Society who often go out on birdwatching expeditions (once a fortnight). In addition they have regular meetings on which invited experts lecture about specifics of Yemen Fauna. Contact David Stanton (tel:207059) or use the email address: davidstanton@qsi.org
Hash:
Once a week, every Monday, a group of expats and Yemenis go on a walk/run somewhere around Sana’a. This is a relaxing way of meeting other people. As everywhere in the world the hash has only volunteers. The big difference with most other countries is the absence of alcohol, since public consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Yemen. To get your name on the mailing list, so you know where to go, contact Randell Cameron on 275977. By email he can be reached under consultant@y.net.ye.
International Women’s Association:
The association is open to all expat women. They will meet every second Wednesday morning of the month in the Taj Sheba hotel. Usually a guest will talk on a subject of interest and announcements will be made. No need to become a member, you pay 500 YR every time you come for the meeting and leave your email address for further invitations. Every year they will organise a charity lunch and a charity bazaar and sometimes some other activities. If you are trying to settle in and you want to meet some other women the IWA offers the best opportunity.
Book-clubs:
A few book clubs are available in Sana’a The members will make up a list of books to read and to discuss. As people are invited to join with specific clubs, it is best to let others know that you are looking for a book club to join.
Source by: Rosan Aalbers |
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