East of Suez Traders, Ltd. Presents "Global Voices"
- Lifestyles
- Travel & Leisure
- Travel Destinations
Author: Linda Johnson
Released 5 November 2005
Yemen
Beginning September 11, 2005, East of Suez Traders, Ltd., hosted a week long series of expositions called Global Voices featuring some of Sante Fe's multi-talented, multi-national residents.
The exposition kicked off with a discussion run by Darleen Wilkerson, who spent five years as a teacher and artist in Yemen. She recalled her experience in these words,
“In 1981 when I saw the newspaper advertisement for teachers in Yemen, I knew that it was meant for me. As a working artist, teacher, and traveler my background was perfect for this new adventure. After some months, the position was mine and I was immersed in this strange and magical land. As a teacher at the prestigious Mohammed Ali Othman School in Taiz, I occupied a special position in the fabric of life in Yemen. Unlike most tourists, as a five year resident I experienced all aspects of real life -- family gatherings, many weddings, and festivals which provided realistic insights into this fascinating country mostly untouched by western influences -- a most realistic example of the Middle East. During these years a very special project was my documentation of traditional arts, crafts, and costumes of Yemen.”
As an artist, Darleen was captivated by the colors and energy of Yemen. Her series of abstract portraits of Yemeni women, featuring costumes and traditional embroideries, were on display. Also accompanying the discussion was a slide show covering the stark beauty of the land, vast diversity of topography, architecture, regional dress and styles, and ethnicity in the former kingdom of the Queen of Sheba.
For more information about East of Suez Traders, Ltd. exposition, Global Voices, visit their website's Travel Articles at http://eastofsueztraders.com/education.htm.