Ummayad Mosque, Damascus
As you read in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, within just a few days of arriving in Syria, I was pretty smitten with Damascus and then, torn between two…husbands.
I was also torn between staying with there and checking out his slightly conservative brother Aleppo and the rest of the country.
Moving On
I made the tough decision and moved on from the great city—as wonderful as he was—and began my date with Aleppo and all the other great places I could squeeze in.
I was told that he (Aleppo) was “wonderful,” but also “a bit conservative.” I didn’t care. If it didn’t work out, I could just….move on.
As luck with have it, I met a traveler from France who’d already dated Aleppo and knew what he was about.
We became friends on the bus and ended up spending the next two days with her and a Armenian friend of hers.
And Aleppo did not disappoint. In fact, it was quite amazing. But there, too, I felt the urge to stray and so, I moved on again.
Aleppo Citadel
So…what was my 2nd date with the rest of the country like?
As awesome as the 1st date, frankly. And so, I’ve combined them into one experience—one date, so to speak—that you can actually be on, vicariously, through my video slide show (found below).
Meanwhile, here are some adjectives that describe my date with/trip to Syria.
Exciting
It’s not the bad boy reputation, per se, that makes him exciting (although one may feel a slight tingle when crossing the border). It’s more the fact that you’re in…the Middle East. Syria, like his neighbors in the region, has its history, politics and controversies.
And so, actually traveling there (vs merely reading about it), you do initially feel a certain sense of excitement (vs merely reading and wondering about it). You have the chance to see what it is/what it’s about for yourself.
Sweet/Helpful
People in Syria are nice and helpful; on many occasions, I was offered help when I was lost and even accompanied to where i was going. When I met Syrian women on buses, they made sure I got the right taxi. If I asked anyone for directions, they were glad to accommodate.
The boy in this photo took a taxi with me (and went several miles out of his way) to make sure I’d arrived OK at my destination. He also gave me a free Arabic lesson.
Spiritual, etc.
On my date with Syria, I found many way to get in touch with my spiritual side. For those who are religious or simply looking for solitude and reflection, opportunities abound.
An example of a place where you can do all three is Mar Musa Monastery, where you enjoy Arab hospitality in a medieval atmosphere and can do what you’d like in order to find peace. There’s a meditation/service that’s optional and hills nearly where you can hike. Plenty of backpackers go there, as well as Syrians (Christian and Muslim), visit this very welcoming place, which happens to be free (volunteer work is required.)
Generous
The country is so affordable you almost feel like someone else if paying for the date. And as far as those dates go, you can’t beat the dining experience. The food is simply fantastic–whether you’re in hole-in-the-wall spot where the falafel is under $1 or a more upscale spot where you’re getting lamb kebob in cherry sauce (as seen below). It’s all good and you can’t go wrong!
Lamb kebob with cherry sauce, common in Aleppo
Dreamy/Romantic
There’s something romantic about Syria. Whether you’re in a restaurant with a rooftop balcony overlooking gorgeous buildings and mosques or watching the sun set over the horizon, there’s a certain vibe of romance. How about a nice Turkish bath? Sure they’re segregated, but still….they’re quite wonderful
Turkish bath in Damascus
Mysterious
It’s not that he plays hard to get, but rather that there’s so much to him, a lot of it from that past, that you’ll find yourself drawn in by his mysterious side. His history is fascinating (sure, he’s got some baggage, but what country doesn’t?).
Krak des Chevaliers, one of the most important/best preserved crusader castles in the world
Ready to meet Syria?
Come join me, on the Chicky Bus, for a vicarious journey. Fasten your seatbelt because it’s wild ride—and an enjoyable one. Warning, though: the music is so good (bought it in Jordan for $2) that you might start belly dancing and better yet, you could be tempted to buy a ticket to Damascus!
Think you might want to check out alleged ‘bad boy’ Syria?
Then don’t miss the conclusion to this series: SWF in Syria: Tips for a Great Relationship with this Bad Boy. I show you how to make that first trip a great one—and how to deal with some of Syria’s issues (eg, his jealousy of his cousins Lebby and Izzy. )
Do you have any questions about travel to Syria? If you do, feel free to post them in the Comments section. I’ll be sure to answer them in the conclusion.