Last night we set out on an adventure with a few other students from SIAL. As Yemen was celebrating Independence Day, we decided to celebrate as well. And so with Taiz, Bill, and Fernanda, Nate and I hopped into a cab and requested the driver drop us as "Tourist City." Tourist City isn't as much a City as it is a small area of Sana'a, perched on top of a hill, completely surrounded by a massive wall and armed soldiers. The "City" boasts a Sheraton, an apartment complex that is rumored to house exiled Iraqi generals, and the infamous Russian Club. The name, "The Russian Club" is also a bit misleading---it's not so much a Club as it is a small, dark hut that serves alcohol to westerners (and exiled Iraqi generals?). The driver dropped us at the entrance to Tourist City and we meandered our way through the apartment buildings to an overgrown lot housing a small, dark, and very closed Russian Club. Two men walked up to us (Jordanian plane engineers), and after telling us that the Club is closed during the month of Ramadan, invited us into their apartment to share one non-alcoholic beer. Being on a mission for some nightlife, however, we declined their invitation, but did exchange numbers so that we can visit them in Jordan later this year. Feeling confident the Sheraton would at least have a small offering of wine or beer, we trekked to the top of Tourist City into a very empty Sheraton. Although their bar was also closed (damn this month of Ramadan), they did have a tent set up outside showcasing a singing duet. Rules for entering the tent were, however, too strict we decided: an entrance fee of $5, enforced dress code, no cameras, and (our favorite rule) "No Dancing!" Not giving up, we left tourist city and took a 4 minute cab ride even further up the hill to the Movenpick, Yemen's nicest hotel. Security at the hotel is strict, and our cab's undercarriage was swept with a mirrored wand for bombs prior to entering, much to the delight of Nate and our driver who, to the defense of the security guards, looked much the part of an angry Yemeni terrorist: approximately 80 years old and 95 lbs, cheek stuffed with massive ball of qat. The Movenpick has a gorgeous infinity pool and is perched at one of the highest points in Sana'a, offering an incredible view of the city. Although their bar was also closed for the month, we were able to purchase a feast of ice cream, fries, and fancy sandwiches (pictured). We decided that, should possible plans to travel over Christmas fall through, we will all get rooms at this fancy hotel and treat ourselves to a night of luxury: swimming, bloody marys, and ice cream sundaes.
in front of the Sheraton
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