I took the photo used above during a month long trip through Hadhramaut last Dec/Jan. I travelled alone w/ a driver/guide. I never felt unsafe while there, despite Israel launching its Gaza offensive midway though the trip (and the fact that I'm a white American - I blend like the ugly duckling). Two things I think worked to my great advantage. First, I was traveling alone. It's much easier to go unnoticed when you're not traveling in a convoy of vehicles packed w/ folks that don't readily fit in their surrounds, or in the above case, stationary for a period of time. Word will spread about such a group, and that can bring unwanted attention. Second, I had a great driver. He was local, and knew where and what would be reasonable for us to venture. I would be introduced to people he knew would be open to meeting w/ a westerner, and my use of my 6th grader-esque Arabic (learned informally) allowed decent conversations over tea. He had been referred to me by a Yemeni friend, and I can't thank either of them enough for their assistance. I would not discourage anyone from going at this time, but would suggest that those interested consider what their profile will be, and how best to manage it. The precautions are no different than anywhere else one may travel. Perhaps start-out w/ a more westernized gulf state first?

Reply