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SYRIA ( Damascus, Palmyra, Crusader's Castle & Aleppo)
We have been to Syria on two occassions. On both occassions, we landed in Amman Jordon. On the first trip, we had a month to cover Jordan, Egypt and Syria. We were just passing through the second time, on our way to Eastern Turkey and spend about 4 nights there.
Bustling Modern Damascus / Excellent fruit cocktails
Damascus is a half-day taxi ride away from Amman, and is possibly the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, as long as 5000 BC. The Old City has a very lively bazaar which surrounds the city's Omayyad Mosque. Present day Damascus is mix of a thriving modern city and centuries old buildings. The mosque houses the tomb of John the Baphtist, the dragon slayer. This hero is both a Christian saint and Muslim prophet. Also found here is the Saladdin Mausoleum, the great Muslim conqueror.
Our next stop was the Crac des Chevaliers or Crusader's Castle, which was built by the Christian crusaders, who once ruled a large part of Syria. This huge castle for 4000 pax looks almost exactly as it would have 800 years ago. The inhabitants of the surrounding village are Christians, which is surprising considering Islam is the predominant religion here. The Crac is a short bus ride away from Homs.
Crac des Chevaliers or Crusader's Castle
From the Crac, we headed towards Hama, midway to Aleppo. This is a stopover town and the main attractions are the norias or giant ancient water wheels measuring up to 20m in diameter. These were used to provide water for the town and irrigation.
From Hama, we headed 150km east towards Palmyra (City of Palms), where we spent the night. This town contains the the ruins of a whole Roman city covering several hectares. Streets are lined with Roman columns and you can easily make out the market place, and amphitheatre. Palmyra is untouristic and quiet... a good place to wander about.
Palmyra's Roman theatre / From Aleppo onwards to???
From Palmyra, its off to Aleppo. This town has one of the best souks (ancient market place) in the world, rated by Lonely Planet. It took us easily two full days to cover the labyrinth of cobbled pavements, much of which is covered. Here, you can find almost anything from spices, cloths, meat, goldsmiths, blacksmiths etc. Again the centre of the bazaar is the Grand Mosque. Aleppo is situated near the northern border and enjoys bus connections to may countries in the middle east.
On our way back to Damascus we spend a night on the Mediterranean sea on the Syrian coastal town of Tartus. This Christian town is a local tourist destination with good hotels and restaurants. The weather like all other Mediterannean towns, is nice and warm and seas crystal clear.
In the morning we left for Damascus arriving at noon. Later, we walked about in the lively souk and had several helpings of delicious pistachios custard. The next morning, it was off to Amman Jordan in a taxi, and from there, a flight home.
Aleppo's covered souk / The Citadel
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