A Life Far Removed from Durian Trees

Another thought: Be careful when packing leather jackets - if they get creased, those creases will be hard to get out! (I nearly cried when I unpacked my leather jacket in Angola, even though the packers had put it in a coat box with other coats)

Taking a break from the packing. Thought I'd share some tips on how to prepare and pack for moves to difficult countries, based on my personal experiences of going to Angola and Yemen. Since I don't have children, I couldn't give you good advice on kid-related issues. A few months before the move, try to find out from friends/employees in the destination country: What is and isn't available, and what they recommend bringing. If the plugs/voltages mean that you can't bring your electronics (different voltages) or if you need to buy plug adaptors (just different plugs). If the voltages are different from your base country, I wouldn't advise getting voltage adaptors because apparently these "die" after a period of use and you may still risk damaging your equipment. If there are daily/regular power cuts, in which case it is recommended that you get a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) for your computer equipment and high-end electronics (TV, stereo system, e...

Yes. We are leaving Yemen in November. I think my friends and family are more excited than me. To be honest, I'm dreading the hassle of leaving one country and getting settled into a new place - even if that place is Paris. I don't feel excited yet (although last month I got a wee bit excited after buying a winter hat), but I'm sure when the packers come and go, I'll start to feel like we're on the move again and starting a new adventure. I will miss Sanaa for the following small pleasures: 1. Frizz-free hair always 2. No housework to do 3. Good TV channels (bless you, OSN Network!) 4. Having someone else pick up laundry, run errands 5. Good enough internet that I can listen to Virgin Radio Dubai or RedFM 6. Great weather 7. Being able to eat everywhere This weekend I will go through the house and decide what to chuck out/give away/pack. And clear out (i.e. eating up) the old food in the cupboards.