Friends and family, I have made the conscious decision to cut my time in Yemen a little short. I have in fact arrived back in the UK earlier today. I feel a strong sense of guilt knowing I had the capacity to just jump on a plane and am praying that the dire predictions being predicted do not come into fruition. It was not an easy decision to leave so suddenly as those of you who I have spoken with the over last couple of weeks are probably sick and tired of hearing about. For those of you I was unable to say goodbye before flying home yesterday morning please forgive me. But, do not fear I’ll be back again choosing Yemen as my number 1 holiday destination (visa permitting)!!! For a number of reasons I finally came to the conclusion that the time was right for me to return home. Those of you closest to me know why I called it a day and I feel I have done the right thing leaving with such fond memories, remembering everything that is great about Yemen and the good people currently residing within its borders. I didn’t want to part ways embittered by the current disarray encircling the capital or indeed the troubles that lie elsewhere. I am however filled with immense sadness when I close my eyes and think of how the chronic instability, insecurity and unpredictability damages the lives of decent people facing an uphill struggle just to make ends meet. Yet still, in the face of such struggles I am humbled by the compassion and generosity that was forever extended not only to me, but anyone who may need a helping hand. My time in Yemen makes me think of some of the ills of Western society and the way in which we get caught up in our own lives and forget about others less fortunate than ourselves. With the blinkers on head down on the tube or what have you the idea of stopping to help a stranger in need may be dependent on how much time we have to spare in our busy daily routines; a sad reflection of our self-centred lifestyles. Not a day would pass in Sana’a without a friendly phone call asking how I was, the offer of ‘any service’ and a fair bit of banter. Over the past twelve months in Yemen I have met and hung out with some of the nicest people you could ever meet and a true reflection of everything that is great about this country and the special characteristics that draws in honoured guests such as me. For my expat chums I hope to see you soon in the UK where we can let our hair down and have a bloody good catch up. All the best and thank you for making my time in Yemen so enjoyable, I am truly lucky to have met you guys. Thanks to the wonders of technology the world is a smaller place and we’ll definitely keep in touch. I will return one day. Stay safe, look after the people around you as I am sure they are doing the same for you.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:12:48 +0000
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