syria/jordan

Aleppo: This was my Introduction to the Middle East, a dusty old city which i happened to really like. i wasn't sure what to expect but what i found was some very interesting bazaars the "Souq" was a maze of paths which twist and turn and can leave you wandering for days, the streets are filled with the perfume of local made soap, barrels of dry spice, freshly roasted coffee beans with toasted cardamom, and of course Shawarma (kebabs) being roasted. I stayed only 2 days here and wish i had spent more time, it was an interesting city which turned out to be my favorite in syria.

Hama: A mid way stop for the Dead Cities, castles, and Alpamea, i spent two days here and begun the middle eastern trend of sleeping on a roof top. I found it to be extremely cheap, not always the most comfortable, but the best way to meet some real interesting travelers. Aussie Steve whom i met up with later in my trip was amongst the first roof top dwellers i met.

Hamma was nothing spectacular but visiting a Crusader Castle of Saladin, seeing the broken ruins of the dead city and the rows and rows of roman columns out in the desert was a good day.

Palmyra: a ancient oasis town which holds the remains of a beautiful old roman city was a bit out of the way, located in middle of nowhere it was a major point of interest between the Romans and Prussians thousands of years ago. the City fell to the Romans hence the familiar architecture.

Damascus: on of the oldest cities in the world, i expected a bit more. the Souq (market) was located in the old city and it was an impressive maze of stalls and shops but did not hold up to my expectations. Many disagree with me, and love it, but personally i found it to be nothing more than a semi modern city that has been rebuild a few times over.

Jordan: This Country was a bit of a blur and i definitely did not make it to all the spots i would have liked. Missing Bethany where Jesus was believed to be baptized on the river Jordan and not having the money to get into Wadi Rum, the great Red Desert, i took a much quicker approach to the country.

Eating in Amman was cheap and delicious but the city it's self had little to offer besides some good Arabic food which i could have stayed and eaten for a few days, but chose to push on. Driving to Mt. Nebo where Moses died and a church was erected in his name, floating on the dead sea which is truly the most indescribable feeling on earth, driving through the rural and rugged Jordanian country side and stopping in Petra was all a part of one long day.

Petra was a sight to be seen, a city literally carved into the mountain side, the elaborate design and the color of the sand stone was something i wont forget. i spent two days here wandering around the sight, hiding as the park closed and slowly making my way out in the cover of night to squeeze just a little bit more out of the experience. getting there at 7am was fantastic, mid day was filled with day trip tourists, my wander out of the ancient city at 8pm was quiet and peaceful, a great way to end the day.

Overall i can't say that i didn't like Syria and Jordan but i am the type of person who loves his out doors, i love my natural beauty and these ancient countries are filled with tons of ruins and more history than you can imagine. I can't say i didn't enjoy it, it was just not as exciting as other places i have been. I would love to go back and do Wati Rum, I wouldn't mind spending a few more days in Aleppo, but if i return to the Middle East, Lebanon and Israel will probably occupy more of my time than the crumbling castles and ruins of Syria and Jordan.