"Time to Get Syria-ous"

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Syria was a bonus add-on to our trip to the Middle East. We were unable to get visas before we left home, so we took our chances that we would be allowed in at the border with Jordan. Thanks to a friendly chap in an olive uniform, we were welcomed into the country. In a short week, we saw magnificient mosques, remarkable Roman ruins, crusader castles and a mountainous monastery. In between were old cities with their timeless markets, and numerous encounters with friendly folks. Syria was a detour worth taking.

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Photos

Damascus Story Teller
A dying art in Syria. We couldn't understand the Arabic, but it seemed to be a good tale given the relaxed mood of the patrons with their sheeshas.

Good Shepherd and His Flock
Among the ruins of the Dead Cities in central Syria.

You Try Wearing This!
The madame's required dress-up to get into the mosques.

Crusader Picnic
Enjoying some castle time with Holger and Ayla.

Hama Waterwheels
There are 17 of these wooden waterwheels from the 4th century that still function.

Where did that Sound come from?
The waterwheels moan and groan all the time, creating an eerie scene at night.

Crazy for Nuts...
We loved the Syrian nuts, especially the lime and salt seasoned pistachios.

...and of course, Sweets!
Phyllo, honey and nut heaven!

Aleppo's West Ed
The 13th century souq is one of the world's largest covered markets.

Aleppo Soap Factory
These boys are stacking 25,000 bars of hand-made 100% pure olive oil soap. Yikes!

Mountain Hang-out
This 6th monastery was restored by an Italian priest and now welcomes guests in exchange for helping with some of the chores.