Yemen is a strangely unique place; there is very little in my experience to compare with it. The streets are lively. People are open and just slightly crazy, and therefore they are a lot of fun to talk to. I am speaking of the men only. The women walk around covered completely from head to toe in black, with slits for their eyes, some with gloves covering their hands as well. No social contact or conversation is possible with them --- even for Western females this is difficult.