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My family and I lived in Yemen for 2 yrs. My husband and I both taught in an international school there. It was the top school for the country, the presidents children, grandchildren, diplomats, etc. attended it. So, we taught in English of course. We lived in the city, not in a compound. The people are lovely, the food is fantastic, and the old city (Bab el Yemen) in amazing. I'm not going to say that it was an easy place to live, especially as a Western woman (or any woman for that matter). I covered my hair and wore long sleeves and long pants out of respect, but no an abya. I don't agree with the all-black look.

We tried to learn as much arabic as possible, but with full time jobs and 2 kids, it was very difficult. Most people spend 2 whole yrs. in language school there before they begin working. It's a tough language.

Things got pretty rough the second year, and we really didn't feel safe. There were attacks focused on Americans directly. The embassy pulled most of their staff out and it just was difficult. This was 2008 when we left. I'm not sure how things really are now with the President Ali Abdul Saleh gone.

We saw a lot of the country and really enjoyed it. My kids studied arabic half day. And we made wonderful friends.

There is so much to say, this is just a brief summary. It's hard to describe it in a short email. If you want to know more, just ask.

Jeran