Understated beauty in Damascus, Syria
Greater diversity in women’s dresscode than Morocco, a longer call-to-prayer sung with more melody and subtlety, display of the Syrian flag with Bashir al-Assad at every house and ubiquitous military presence. The capital Damascus feels authentic, has seen it all – this city is (among) the oldest continuously inhabited in the world – and features a few stunning sights and many friendly people. This is Syria. It’s really nice. And very safe.
The calm, peace and beauty of the Umayyad Mosque. I sat here three afternoons.
Children playing in the Umayyad Mosque.
Students interviewing for an assignment at the Umayyad Mosque.
Views on Damascus from the roof-terrace of my hotel.
Playing backgammon with Patrick among the locals at night. Just brilliant.
Icecream with pistachio topping. Yummy!
Damascene houses.
Damascus sky.
Beauty of Azam Palace. Again: understated, soft-colored Middle-Eastern beauty.
Limestone, sandstone and basalt. Lovely.