Day 1 - Everyone arrived. Morning seminar with a seasoned worker. Learned about the social, spiritual, and cultural climate here in Y. Also learned about the history of activity and work here in Y. Lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Afternoon scavenger hunt in the Old City. Dinner at N's house with 30 friends from my neighborhood.

Day 2 - Morning Seminar from a local on the country. Listened to a seasoned worker share stories about life, work, and relationships. Extensive Q&A session. Traveled to the coast. Experienced the vast changes in topography that Yemen has to offer. Took tons of pictures along the way.

Day 3 - Went to the Fish Market. Received a tour through the market from a crazy guy who made us laugh by picking up the fish (big and small) and personifying them with various impressions. My favorite continues to be the cigarette in the sharks mouth impression. Traveled to an ancient town that is a UNESCO World Heritage endangered city. Received a tour through the fort, market, old mosque, and other sites. Rested from the intense heat in an upper room (mafraj) that was used in the 1962 film "Lawrence of Arabia". Drove to a place where we took a boat to a desert island. Arrived later than expected. Took the 20 minute boat ride at night in the dark. Arrived at the island and spent the night at a resort. Was expecting to be sleeping in the heat. Was surprised by the fact that we had air conditioning.

Day 4 - Woke up, swam, and snorkeled in the morning. After lunch we took the boat ride back and then drove to a mountaintop village (roughly 7000 foot difference in altitude). Ate a local dinner and enjoyed local dancing and singing.

Day 5 - Spent the morning hiking through the majestic mountains. Visited a muslim mosque on the peak of a high mountain. Trekked through mountain paths from village to village. Made it through with no injuries. After lunch we drove back to the capital. We rewarded ourselves with a trip to the local western coffee shop and Pizza Hut for dinner. Pizza Hut ended up being the only place where some of us developed a small intestinal reaction to the food. ;)

Day 6 - Woke up and went to a morning church service. Two of the trip participants spoke to the community. They did a great job. After church we went to a traditional yemeni house. We had a wonderful dinner with him, and enjoyed great fellowship. Spent the afternoon resting (everyone was exhausted). Bought souvenirs in the market in the evening.

Day 7 - Woke up, had breakfast, drove to airport, and said goodbye.