Got to the bus stop at palmyra and were told by a person that the bus station for damascus was 4km out of town and he would give us a ride for 50 syrian pounds. We protested and the price fell to 25. He drove us out to a restuarant and said this was it. I went inside and it didn't feel right so I instructed him to take us to the bus station or return us. He took us to another restuarant which looked like a bus stop. Seemed that there was no bus station and the trick was to catch a bus at this point. Looked at the lonely planet and it seemed to be correct. Paid him off and Vanessa saw him get paid a spotters fee from the ticket vendor. Bought our tickets for 200 syrian pounds each and waited for one hours then caught the bus.
Wasn't so bad being at a place with a toilet as I have picked up yet another third world stomach bug.
Caught the bus. Full of arabs. We sat down the back of the bus. All the seats on the bus seemed to be broken in one way or another from what we could see and Vanessas seat back rolled when we went around a corner. I was unwell and just went to sleep for most of the trip.
Got to Damascus and dropped at the bus station. A helpful person got us onto a mini bus and sent into the centre of Damascus then another helped us to get to the hotel we wanted and then a helpful american backpacker took us to the hotel he was staying as it was better. We got a double room for 1000 syrian pounds per night. A bit expensive but the location is good.
Went for a wander in the old city. Found the souqs. They are BIG and a shoppers dream. Found the lolly section and bought.
Next day. Big day in the old city. Wandered for hours. Walked the straight street then almost got lost in the maze of the old city. Think we got enough of this type of city in Aleppo so weren't really that impressed.
Still carrying the stomach bug so sick and Vanessa still has her cold.
Perhaps will cross into Jordan tomorrow. Beruit is still tempting being 3hrs away....
Bye.
David & Vanessa
