Socotra Island
The Most Alien Place on Earth
Socotra, Yemen.
As I boarded my last flight, I saw that Yemen was trending #1 on twitter. I thought, “Oh cool. I’m going to Yemen right now. I wonder why it’s trending?!”
Uhh.. It was trending because a US backed coalition was bombing the shit out the country. Boy was that awkward!
I soon realized that if I didn’t check the news I wouldn’t have the slightest clue a war was taking place there. The people of Socotra were so warm and intelligent, and the island was full of nothing but pleasant surprises.
The most alien place on earth might also be the most peaceful place on Earth.
Socotra is considered the most alien place on Earth because 1/3 of it’s flora and fauna is endemic. Like the majestic Dragon Blood Tree. I spent a week exploring the island with some amazing people, and also many goats. The goats were very cool and I wanted to take about 20 of them home with me.
