Friends, family, cybersphere, welcome to my Yemen journal. I like keeping these journals. I kept one while traveling through Turkey, Spain, and France two years ago. They’re a great way to keep in touch with those I know and love, a reason to keep me writing, a place to post pictures and other things, and also provide a good resource for those interested in coming to Yemen. I myself found the work-study opportunity I’ll be engaged in for the next year via a blog. I’ll mainly be posting here rather than sending out email updates, so if you’re interested in hearing what I’m up to, come back often.
My last blog was mainly chronological. I posted about what I had done between entries, and offered up some thoughts and reflections on being a foreigner in a foreign place. I like to think that this time around I will relate the same information, but take the liberty to be more experimental, analytical, or whatever strikes my fancy. I’d like to break out of writing only to keep my home updated with what I’m doing, and instead write more for myself.
I’d really appreciate comments and responses. The internet can bridge a thousands mile gap; you can give me a little piece of home as I bring you a little piece of Yemen. I have no idea who will be reading, but keep in mind I’m inviting quite a range of people: family, friends, professors, high school teachers, nine year old cousins, and so forth. They have encouraged me to write and said they want to read about Yemen and my reaction to it. I hope y’all will offer up comments and critiques.
I know many a writer who don’t ever share their work. While I avoid labeling myself “a writer,” I do write, and I would like to improve, so I’m throwing aside my insecurities and going to bare it all here on this site, hoping that your input will help me, and maybe you’ll be mildly entertained along the way. I feel odd already, but I guess here goes nothin’.
Tonight will mark my first week in Yemen. I spent most of it trying to get my head on straight after a tortuous two day flight and severe lack of sleep. I woke up last Monday at noon in Lemont and didn’t go to bed until after four on Thursday morning in Yemen. It took days for me to feel half alive, but finally I’m poised to attack this writing experiment, my job, and most importantly, what some have called the hardest language in the world to learn.
Signing out for now from arguably the longest continuously inhabited city on the planet,
Bradford
Click to see the view from my roof:
