A few years ago, I traveled the world, including the Middle East for a while. I visited Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and the West Bank. I also visited Syria, and it was the highlight of the 35 countries I've visited so far.
The people were just incredible. I've been told "Welcome to Syria" more times than I can remember. I've been invited to dinners. I've had taxi drivers offer me a free ride twice. I've rarely felt as safe and welcomed as I did in Syria back then. But that wasn't all... The food, too, was downright amazing. And yes... Sorry Lebanese friends, your cuisine is fantastic, but Syrian food was better. Finally, I saw some of the most wondrous sights I've ever laid eyes on. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Old Damascus, the souq in Aleppo, the Krak des Chevaliers... It was mind-blowing.
A huge chunk of all that is gone now. I weep for Syria, and I wonder how the people I've met, who were so kind to me, are faring now.
I dream of peace for Syria, so I can visit them again.
For me, it's a revisit I dream of.
A few years ago, I traveled the world, including the Middle East for a while. I visited Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and the West Bank. I also visited Syria, and it was the highlight of the 35 countries I've visited so far.
The people were just incredible. I've been told "Welcome to Syria" more times than I can remember. I've been invited to dinners. I've had taxi drivers offer me a free ride twice. I've rarely felt as safe and welcomed as I did in Syria back then. But that wasn't all... The food, too, was downright amazing. And yes... Sorry Lebanese friends, your cuisine is fantastic, but Syrian food was better. Finally, I saw some of the most wondrous sights I've ever laid eyes on. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Old Damascus, the souq in Aleppo, the Krak des Chevaliers... It was mind-blowing.
A huge chunk of all that is gone now. I weep for Syria, and I wonder how the people I've met, who were so kind to me, are faring now.
I dream of peace for Syria, so I can visit them again.