Shibam is an ancient city and probably the most impressive in southern Yemen. It has a skyline of hundreds of white, five- and six-story buildings (most in deplorable shape) and is known as the “Manhattan of the Desert.” The driving approach to Shibam was really some sight…flatness everywhere in the desert and suddenly, there was this collections of high-rises appearing out of nothingness. The tallest house had eight stories and there were over 500 skyscrapers squeezed into a tight space surrounded by city walls.

There are even connecting terraces built on the upper levels of some houses so neighbors can visit. Shibam was the capital of Wadi Hadhramawt by 300 AD and many of these houses date from the 16th century. In the late afternoon, we climbed a hill opposite for a view of the town at sunset.

Shibam, Yemen
There was another woman tending her goats outside Shibam with one of those wonderful hats on…

tending goats outside of Shibam, Yemen
The 4WD’s drove us around Shibam for different viewpoints before entering the city itself. Yemen is another country that avid photographers dream of with unlimited opportunities for unique photographs. I would love to revisit so many different places in the world now that I have a digital camera and could snap away without worrying about running out of film. I, too, could probably get more National Geographic shots…oh well….

different view of Shibam, Yemen 

ancient entrance in Shibam, Yemen 

goat traffic in Shibam, Yemen 

Shibam intricate door with locks, Yemen
And then, the big excitement of the day. ex-Marine discovered shops selling old, inoperable rifles and promptly bought one for a whopping $10…and when Carolyn fell in love with his rifle, the two of them went on a pilgrimage to find her one…big success…and the two of them made an imposing sight…ready for anything…

“Wild Bill – Sonny” and “Annie Get Your Gun – Carolyn” in Yemen 

armed and dangerous in Yemen