Qat chewer - Sana'a Photo

Photographer’s Note

My first upload from Yemen, just came back yesterday. I have traveled with maciekda, we have also met trekers: lucinka and rbcy1974.

Qat is being chewed by 80% of adult males population and 40% of females. Also kids under 12 years old chew qat. They claim it has wonderful effect, trying it myself, I didn't find any particular effect except small stimulation, similar to coffee or tea.
Walking around in Yemen you can see, that almost everyone chews qat.
A bag for one session costs around £2. Chewed every day, it's big expense for every family (17% of family income is spend on qat). Big part of the land that could have been used to grow fruits and vegetables is wasted for qat.
Also almost 15 000 000 working hours are wasted daily on chewing qat...
Thought there is no alcohol at all in Yemen, qat seems to be the only pleasure...

Nevertheless, people in Yemen are probably the nicest that i have ever met. Every visitor is surprised how friendly Yemen is. I can encourage everyone to go there.

holmertz, arturski, ElAprendiz has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ysabaner (1067) 2008-01-11 5:20

Hello,
I watched people masticate grass in TV. Actually very interesting. You captured very nice. Well done.
Yahya

lostinsoft (51) 2008-01-11 7:29

Hello Maciej

Great picture, great commentary!

holmertz (9985) 2008-01-11 12:02

Hello Maciej,
An excellent portrait and so very typical. Good that the man holds some leaves in his hand to show what they look like. I agree totally about the incredible friendliness of Yemeni people. It must be one of the nicest countries in the world, but people who haven't been there find it hard to believe.
Very good and informative note.
Gert

arturski (4444) 2008-04-08 13:09

Czesc Maciej!

Swietna prezentacja , rewelacyjna scenka z zycia codziennego Jemenczykow b. mi sie podoba .
Swietna notka!!!

Pozdrawiam

Artur

ElAprendiz (7370) 2008-04-13 14:39

Hello Maciej:

Thank you for visiting my gallery and allowing me know yours.

You have a wonderful photo gallery, and particularly I have called your attention to the portraits, given that people in many cases are annoying to be taken with the lens.

This image is very particular, the expression on his face, and inflated his cheek, makes highlights a glaring composition, sharpness, framing and definition. Excellent.

John