Update - Hama, Syria

Today is one of our last days in Syria, we’re spending it in Hama. It’s a small town in the north of the county. There’s not much to see in the town, other than the waterwheel behind Roberto, James and Jussi, (l to r). Neverthless, the small towns like Hama are great to just wall around, checkout the markets, shops and restaurants, and observe Syrian life away for the typical tourist traps. In total, I’ve really enjoyed Syria, much to my surprise. It’s a beautiful county, things are cheap, the people are extremely friendly and helpful, and tourism hasn’t corrupted the country yet. You might want to consider it for your next vacation. :)

In a day or two we head back to Turkey. This time we’ll be visiting the eastern portion of the country. It’s supposed to be a lot different from than western Turkey. After eastern Turkey we’ll be visiting Iran from May 13th – 26th, then flying to Mumbai, India on May 27th.

Hama, Syria

Yesterday was day 50 of the trip, I'm tanner and a bit skinnier as you can see when you compare this picture to the one on the right...It's a very scary picture, I'm sure you willl agree....and yes, I still have the orange hat... anyway, having a great time....here are just two random observations of the trip as far:

1) At the beginning of the trip visiting a new place, city, or country, every couple of days to a little getting used too. Every time we arrive in a new place, we need to figure out the basics…how much does a taxi or a can of coke cost? This can get a little tiresome, but luckily the trip is going at a relaxing pace and I’ve learn to just go with the flow. Each day is a new adventure even with respect to the most of the menial tasks.

2) The other aspect that takes a little getting used too is losing personal items. Almost everyday we are staying at a different campsite or hotel and it’s very easy to loose things. At first I would be annoyed at myself for losing things, but then I discovered that the items that I lost would reappear in a day or two. Generally, what I discovered is that I’ve just misplaced them. Or in the rare case, when I left something behind, I’ve discovered that someone else on the truck would find it and return it to the truck. Now when I loose things now, I generally don’t worry, I just wait a couple of days and the items generally reappear.

Theater - Palmyra, Syria

Palmyra is the last of the “spectacular” Rome ruins we’ll be visiting in the Middle East. While the ruin is quite impressive, most of the group is starting to O.D. on the ruins. There is only so much one can absorb from walking through the ruins, they are not labeled. Books are available to purchase that describe the ruins, but they are heavy and bulky. Our locker space in back of the truck is limited. My locker is already filled with the books I brought on the trip.

Citadel - Palmyra, Syria

This is the Citadel that over looks the town in Palmyra.

Umayyad Mosque - Damascus, Syria

Syria is an amazing country. It has much more of an Islamic culture than Turkey did, which in my opinion makes it more interesting. I like the smaller city of Aleppo a little better than Damascus. But Damascus isn't bad either; it's just bigger and a little bit more "modern" relative to Aleppo. Aleppo is just slightly smaller and has a little more character. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus was worth the visit. It was built in 705 C.E. It's supposed to be the 4th most important mosques in the Muslim world (behind the mosques in Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem). The mosque is noted for its age, size and the stunning Byzantine-style golden mosaics that cover the courtyard walls.

Mausoleum of Saladin (Salah ad-Din)– Damascus, Syria

The Mausoleum was originally built in 1193. It’s the finally resting place of Saladin - or to give him his proper Islamic name Salah ad-Din (‘restorer of the faith - was one of the greatest heroes of Arab history. Salah ad-Din defeated the Crusaders during numerous battles during the 11th Century.

Update - Damascus, Syria

We made it to Damascus. We’ll be spending a few days here in Damascus and taking a day trip to Lebanon to see Baalbek. While I’ve been to Lebanon before, I have never been to Baalbek. We didn’t have time to visit Baalbek on my last trip. Quote for the guidebook “Baalbek, the “Sun City” of the ancient world, is the most impressive ancient site in Lebanon and arguably the most impressive Roman Site in the Middle East.” With a set-up like that it was hard to pass-up the day trip. We’ll also be visiting Beirut while in Lebanon. What I remember most for my last trip to Beirut was the amazing falafel shops!

Check out the map for locatation of the cities in Syria.

Krac De Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights) – Exterior

The castle has been described as “the epitome of the dream castle of childhood fantasies”. The first fortress known to have existed on this site was built in 1031 by the Kurds. It was later expanded by the Crusaders Knights around the middle of the 12th century to its current form. Despite repeated attacks and sieges on the castle, the Crusaders held firm. The Crusaders ultimately retreated from the castle in 1271 after a number of their other outpost were lost including the city of Jerusalem.

Krac De Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights) – Interior

Krac De Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights) - Interior

Krac De Chevaliers, Syria

As you can see in the evening meals are prepared. And since there isn't a kitchen available, we have to make do with what's available...and as you can see sometimes the views are amazin. Dawn and Emma are peeling potatoes for dinner.

Krac De Chevaliers, Syria

"Tent Sweet Home". Most of the time when we camp it's at an official camp site, but, there are times when "official" campsites are not available. When such is the case, we "rough" camp. "Rough" camping basically entails driving off the road prior to sunset and setting-up "camp" in some empty field. In the morning we break camp and go on our way. Not a bad way to see the rural countryside. Here Dawn and Hazel setting-up tent outside the Castle of the Knights.

Aleppo, Syria

Aleppo, Syria

Aleppo, Syria

(l to r) Myself, Joanna (a.k.a. Jo), Frank and James (all group members)

Soap Making Factory - Aleppo, Syria

We visited a soap making factory while we took a walking tour of the city, Aleppo in northern Syria. Soap making has a history dating back some 500 years. The soap is made from olive oil. Bars of soap are stacked on the left. On the right the soap is being dried, prior to being cut and stacked.

Cutting the Soap - Aleppo, Syria

Cutting the Soap - Aleppo, Syria