Moving Forward... » Syria

Extensive Roman ruins at Palmyra

Rogier — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:28:24 +0000

This site is vast. It takes at least 20 min walking from one end to the other.

And no, the Romans did not built the radio antenna…

Krak de Chevaliers

Rogier — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:17:17 +0000

The finest Crusader castle in the world, and it’s quite a sight indeed. Evade the groups of tourists passing through, though :S.

The minibus-system: fast, rather cosy and dirt-cheap.

More Krak de Chevalier pictures.

Norias at Hama

Rogier — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:21:13 +0000

Hama is famous for its old wooden watermills, Norias, used to elevate water to a higher level for irrigation and soforth. They’re much larger than I thought and make an eerie cracking sound, like a giant door is opening.

The fierce red sand of the Dead Cities

Rogier — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:20:40 +0000

Back to Syria, Aleppo

Rogier — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:58:58 +0000

After some serious harrasment at the Lebanese-Syrian border, I’m rather happy to arrive after some 12 hours of travel in Aleppo, which battles with Damascus over which is the oldest continuously inhabited city of the world.

Best views in town. You take your chances with such a photograph .

Moon meets Citadel.

Aleppo’s Great Mosque is the younger brother of the Ummayad Mosque in Damascus.

Syrian quality construction welcomes you back.

Enjoy the silence – for now – in the souqs…

Roman remains in Bosra

Rogier — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:58:05 +0000

Oddly enough, people in Bosra are living among the ruins.

This friendly young Syrian was passionate about my livestrong-wristband. He can have it. Notice how his brother is trying to cut his nails with his arms around his neck… I suspect three copies of chromosome-21 per cell.

Maybe not the latest fashion, but the hat makes walking bearable.

Understated beauty in Damascus, Syria

Rogier — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:43:15 +0000

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.