My arrival in Sana'a, Yemen symbolizes a major milestone for me. It was a New Year's resolution and one that I am proud to actually be executing. For years, I dreamt of coming to this untainted land filled with so much history and veiled with mystery. Thus far this experience has been a true test of my ability to adapt. Yemen has been the most challenging of countries I have encountered throughout my travels in the Middle East. Perhaps it's that for the first time, I travel alone without the usual benefits of traveling for a corporation. Perhaps I feel a little vulnerable because it's one of the few places where I do not know anyone. Maybe its because I wear abaya not out of indulgence and pleasure but out of necessity. But probably more than anything else it's because, for once I am unable to communicate freely. I understand now more than ever the power of language. Without it you are handicapped. Without language you are unable to negotiate, express, command ( :)) and most importantly exchange intellect. I am grateful to finally have the opportunity to study Arabic in Sana'a and look forward to bridging the language gap.
NOTE: Arabic Jam Flashcards Coming Soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment