Introduction: Sana'a and Lulwa

So today was my first day in Sana'a. I slept most of the day as I arrived quite late last night from Amman.

Arriving in Sana'a was an experience in itself, my bags were the last to come off the plane, and the amount of people who jumped over my things or literally moved me to the side as I waited was entertaining if not that little bit annoying. I had a UN driver waiting for me, and I got to my hotel and checked in.

Today, friend's of my parents picked me up for lunch, and my introduction to Sana'a and Yemeni food began.

One of the bad habits my father gave me is that I am quite a picky eater, and sitting at the 'restaurant' with these great people I realised that this was going to be the first habit I will have to abandon. They eat with their hands-even the salad-and its such a mess. I don't mean to sound like a spoilt child (even thought I think the more you read my blog the more you will come to the conclusion that I am one)...so I folded my shirt and dug in. I had the most amazing meat soup I have ever tasted (I ended up order 3 cups of it) the rice was yummlious the meat to tender. The desert just made it all that much better, with some bananas and honey to dip them in. The tea that came after was just syrup in a cup and I J'adored it :D

I then got introduced to a qat session...I was taught how to pick the right leaves, how to chew it and even better how to drink pepsi without swallowing any of it. I didn't chew for that long, as I didn't want to act out in front of my parents friends (not knowing how the qat will effect me). I was informed that if I was to survive for two years in Yemen I will have to get used to chewing and enjoying chewing.

So for a first day, I would say that I still missed my home, and sitting with a close friend of my mother's made me realise even more how much I really miss her and my dad. I kept looking around to share a joke with this friend or that...but I am sure I will get over that.

As for Sana'a, I haven't fallen in love with it yet, but I haven't walked in the old city yet, and I haven't found my flat yet, and I haven't started work yet, so to monitor & evaluate my first day I would say it was scary but successful.