AN EMAIL FROM FLORIDA FRANK
The road across the Syrian Desert from Palmyra to Damascus is an endless
ribbon of asphalt. There are scattered Bedouin settlements along the road
and not much more. At a crossroad a sign reads Baghdad to the left and
Damascus to the right. Iraq is not on my travel pans right now and I turn
right.
The day is cloudy and cool. Light drizzle has followed me from the desert
and now entering Damascus it has turned into driving rain. Picking out the
signs that read "Center" through a fogged face shield among the Arabic
lettering takes some concentration. My Garmin works wonders and soon I find
the alley leading to the Al'Majed hotel tucked away in the middle of the
city.
Damascus in so longer a myth. From the splendors of the city's Souq', the
magnificence of its houses of worship and its unique culinary traditions.
Frank
AND ANOTHER EMAIL:
The weather in April in Greece is unpredictable. Generaly we have a mild weather, but sudden changes should be expected. Last year we had snowfall at the beggining of April, and nearly summer weather at the end. Therefore there is nothing to say but to be prepared. On the other hand, if you go southern towards Cyprus, you will be more close to the beggining of Summer and the higher temperatures. Rainfall at this area is quite rare.
Regarding suggestions for places to visit, I would suggest not to spend much time in Cyprus or in South Turkey. Cyprus is a quite dry island without much of nature or tradition, but with lot of money. Only in the distant villages you can find traces of tradition. Regarding South Turkey, I have not been at this part of the counrty, but from my research I thing there are no many places to see.
Since you will be at this area, my suggestion is to visit Syria! I have not been at this country, but I have heard many-many nice words from many people that they have visited this country. Although it is in the arabic area, this country is actually a mutli-national and multi-cultural conglomarate. There is an important christian minority in the country, and there is a lot of ancient Greek and orthodox christian tradition and remains. I have heard also a lot regarding the nature, the impressive antiquities, the friendliness and hospitality of the people and the beautiful cities.
Regarding danger for foreigners and Americans, I thing it is quite reduced in comparison to other arabian countries, but check it with the Syrian embassy (I wouldnÕt trust information from American embassy for this case).
Syria is quite close in Cyprus. It takes few hours with the ferry. You can go there also by road from South Turkey. Thing about it.
Giorgos
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