Tons of people say they hate Americans. But after telling them I AM American, everyone (except one Irishman who later tried picking me up) qualifies it by saying they hate the American government. Interestingly, most non-Westerners eventually go on to contradict themselves by saying their dream is to live in America.

It's a weird love/hate relationship.

Even in business, many companies brand themselves "American" this or that. Except businesses here in Yemen. The one exception, "The American Language Institute" simply goes by its initials.

In fact, Yemen is the first country where I'm a little scared admitting I'm American. My first day I was actually told to say I'm Canadian. (Which I already do when money is involved... too many people think Americans are very rich.)

Going thru the countryside last week had to pass thru security checkpoints every hour. And at each checkpoint, had to hand the guard a pass stating my nationality & tell them where we're headed. (The pass no longer states where the foreigner is going because corrupt police would tip off terrorists!) At about half the checkpoints the guards would look at the paper & say "American, really?" And you could tell they were thinking, "She doesn't seem that bad... but she's American, so really, please just leave my country." In fact, one guard wouldn't let us thru, telling us to go back. He just didn't like me. Funny, we speeded off & prayed they wouldn't follow -- they didn't.

And then there was the bombing of the US Embassy last week. There's fairly good reason to believe that the main purpose was to hurt the Yemeni government with anti-American infliction an added benefit.

But still, Yemen is the first place I've been where the hatred is palpable. And ya' know what... it's a slight refreshing change.