Hi All.
Arrived at Palmyra after about 150km bus trip in the evening. New we were in the middle east as almost everyone had either a red and white headscarf or a head cover.
Palmyra was an oasis town which was on the silk road and latter on the pilgrims road to mecca.
To quote the map:
"it rises abruptly from the desert as a dream like oasis - a jumble of magnificent ruins whispering of the grandeur of this metropolis which, in the 3rd century AD. , was ruled by the extraordinary queen Zenobia."
Could just see a fortress on the hill as we came into town but nothing else. Got dropped off at the side of the road and were met by a hotel owner - we hadn't arranged it. Figured we didn't know where we were going so accepted his offer. Got a nice room overlooking the ruins with tv and 800 channels of pay tv. Probably 797 of islam prayers or arabic but we had a couple of english channels and Vanessa got to watch some reruns of ER from 10 years ago when George Cloony was still involved.
Price was good at 600 syrian pounds.
Islam fortress was illumiated at night. Quite a sight.
Went for a walk around town to try and find some food. Found a biscuit shop and a fruit market and that was our dinner. We also had some big pita bread and honey with us. We have found that it is extremely safe to walk around at any time in Syria.
Woke up next day and looked out the window to see some extensive 3rd century AD ruins. What a view! Went looking for breakfast and found a hole in the wall of one building which turned out to be a fresh pita bread baker so bought a pack of 9 giant ones for 25 syrian pounds. Also bought some processed cheese and some water for lunch then found some mini pizza breads for breakfast. Breakfast of champions.
Headed out to ruins. Where to start? so many. Went to a giant temple of bel then followed the column lined road and various buildings out to the valley of the dead and burial towers. Walked up the hill behind for a great view then walked up to the fortress on the hill for even better views and a battle.
A friendly battle with some postcard selling young boys who invited us to thier homes. We didn't buy or go or give them our sunglasses or shoes or padlocks or watch. All of which they asked from us. They were fun and told us of the good times when the italians were around and they could sell their postcards for 3 times the normal price.
Staying another night then onto the bus to Damscus.
Bye.
David & Vanessa
