Hama, Syria

Hama is famous for it's Norias.  Some of the oldest surviving water wheels in the world.  Sadly, due to record low water levels, the wheels sat quiet and still.

Ancient Aramaic city of Palmyra

The View from the Castle

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Into Syria. The road to Damascus

As I posted before, I made it into Syria after a 5 hour wait of anticipation to see if the Syrian Government was going to issue me a visa at the border.  Headed to Damascus and spent a couple of days wandering around the old city.  Damascus is known for it's souqs (markets) and we arrived on Friday where the souq is closed (as is most everything) due to Friday prayers.  It was nice to be able to walk through the old city during this time as we practically had the place to ourselves.  This was not the case on Saturday where everything basically exploded with people and shops.  Quite a contrast.

Friday

Saturday

There are so many little alleys to get lost in.

In the center of the old city is the The Umayyad Mosque

 and is one of the holiest in the Muslim world.  It is also where John the Baptist's head was found buried underneath.

To enter the Mosque you must be dressed modestly or there are special clothes that can be used while there.

Great foods and smells are all over the old city.

but I just couldn't bring myself to try this.

Thanks, but no thanks, I've got my own pair.