I've been visiting different places here and I just uploaded some photos of Jibla on Picasa (click on link to the right to see them). It's a small town with a lot of history. From 1086-1138, Queen Arwa ruled the Sulayhi state. During her reign she moved the capital there and built a palace with 365 rooms- one for every night! Because of her knowledge, wisdom, support of the arts and also for spending the budget on the good of her people, she is still revered today. Her tomb is still in the Mosque of Queen Arwa today.Jibla is a wonderful town nestled in the mountains near Ibb. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there which included the palace a home and a walk through the market.
It's very nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat for a weekend into the mountains or just to get out of town and see something different. Last weekend, I went to a place further north called Hammam Ali. There are hot spring bath houses there and it felt good to relax there awhile. The mountains are majestic and peaceful. I'll post some pix of that place and other trips soon too...Hudayda, Zabid, Beit al Faqih, Abyan, Zingibar, Ibb, Hammam Damt, Ad-Dala', Dhamar.
