The Labors of Bucephalus

No Love Lost in Damascus

SYRIA | Thursday, 14 February 2008 | Views [355] | Comments [1]

The tunnel-like streets of Damascus' Old City

I honestly can not say enough good things about Damascus.  From the very beginning, to the very end, people were helpful, outgoing, and friendly.  Spending the majority of our time in the Old City, we were inevitably lost for what seemed hours in its incredibly labyrinthine and almost cavernous streets.  Very often did we rely on the good graces of the people of Damascus to help us find our way. One group of teenagers we asked for directions from seemed practically enthused by the notion, and quickly uttered every English phrase they knew, "Good Morning!" (it was night) and "Welcome to Syria!"(which we heard a lot).  Even Andrew's attempt at baksheesh(tipping) was refused, as the boy promptly put the money back in my hand.  As helpful as the people were, their instructions inevitably led to the same pattern-take a left, then a right, then a left.  Besides being lost 75% of the time, there was not one negative experience in Damscus.  We saw the splendor of the Umayyad Mosque, smoked a nargileh at An-Nafura cafe, and gazed upon beautiful antiques at Georges Dabdub.  Damascus will be missed.

Tags: Lost!

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