From Mr J. A. Goulding
SIR,-As a further example of how much a part of public life in the Yemen is the chewing of Khat leaves (Catha edulis), the feature I most remember was the rooms set aside for its use in commercial offices.
Know as qat rooms ("qat" seemed to be the usual local spelling), these are where stressed-out executives relax after hours and where valued guests are entertained before getting down to business.
The absence of alcohol (on religious grounds) goes a long way, of course, to explaining the attractions of this national pastime, a pastime that consumes up to a third of family incomes and which is a significant factor in the widespread poverty of the Yemen.
As for the taste: unpleasant. Privet leaves are the nearest to it we have.
John Goulding
Potters Bar, Hertfordshire