Today was dedicated to the Sabre Yemen team and to visiting customers in Sana'a. Amin & Hakim Al Khulaidi, Sabre's General Manager from our local office in Sana'a, picked me from Elizabeth's home and we started the day as everyone should with
a feast of spicy blackened mackerel and freshly baked flat bread. The ambiance wasn't quite as authentic as Hudaydah but we certainly didn't leave hungry. I was starting to learn that in Yemen breakfast is important but the midday meal was a serious affair. After our morning agenda was a wrap, we met back at the office to gather the team for lunch. We converged on a "hole in the wall" restaurant near a large Sana'a 
Qat market. It had a small back room for special guests and that was where we were ushered. As we walked past the kitchen area you couldn't help but notice the cooking surface, it is nicknamed 
"the Volcano". Four or five large gas jets fitted with a cradle for the large stone pots used to cook the meat at extremely high temperatures. It felt like you were standing in a hot air balloon gondola, heat blasting out in every direction. The "free for all" began as soon as the first few dishes were delivered. Don't even bother to take a seat, you must be able to reach across the table quickly. We gorged ourselves until the serving dishes were empty.
Qat market. It had a small back room for special guests and that was where we were ushered. As we walked past the kitchen area you couldn't help but notice the cooking surface, it is nicknamed 
"the Volcano". Four or five large gas jets fitted with a cradle for the large stone pots used to cook the meat at extremely high temperatures. It felt like you were standing in a hot air balloon gondola, heat blasting out in every direction. The "free for all" began as soon as the first few dishes were delivered. Don't even bother to take a seat, you must be able to reach across the table quickly. We gorged ourselves until the serving dishes were empty. In the evening Amin arranged to take Christina and me to Bab Al-Yemen and the old city souk. This is the oldest section of Sana'a and a fascinating place to shop and people watch. Upon entering through the gate (Bab Al-Yemen) you are immediately accosted by several young 
would-be tour guides. It is worth the small tip just to meet these enterprising youth. Not only do they know the location of every shop and item you ask them, they also speak a wide variety of languages. Our guide was well dressed, extremely helpful and quite articulate. Amin was even impressed with his assistance and direction. Christina and I did not walk away from the market empty handed...
would-be tour guides. It is worth the small tip just to meet these enterprising youth. Not only do they know the location of every shop and item you ask them, they also speak a wide variety of languages. Our guide was well dressed, extremely helpful and quite articulate. Amin was even impressed with his assistance and direction. Christina and I did not walk away from the market empty handed...
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