A traveller's reflection: Syria 2011: Damascus

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Thursday 14 April 2011

Syria 2011: Damascus - City of Jasmin...

"Age is no importance unless you are a cheese..."

Wednesday - 13 April 2011
Damascus
Hotel Saifer Al-Saidah Zainab, Damascus

We were quite nervous to cross into the Syrian border as the pro democracy protests were already widespread throughout the major cities, according to the news.

(Painting of Old Damshik)

We arrived at the Syrian border around Maghrib and we had a smooth group border check-in and drove safely into Damascus.

(Typical Syrian meal)

We had a late chicken rice dinner at Carthage Restaurant and later changed bus and headed to Saifer Al-Saidah Zainab Hotel situated in the Damascus Old City.

(The Saifer Al-Saidah Zainab Hotel, Damascus)

Thursday - 14 April 2011
Damascus
Hotel Saifer Al-Saidah Zainab, Damascus

(The great Omayyad Mosque)

(The Saladin Mousoleum)

We had early breakfast but the day tour started a little late as one of our group had to be sent to hospital as he was having breathing difficulties.

(Maqam Saydina Hussein)

(Maqam Nabi Yahya)

For the day tour we visited famous Islamic historical sites including the 8th century Omayyad Mosque, one of the largest and most famous mosques in the world right in the heart of the medieval city of Damascus and situated next to the famous Al-Hamidiah souk.

(Maqam Zainab)

(Maqam Bilal)

Before entering the mosque, there was Saladin's Mausoleum built in 1193, set in a relaxing garden. We later proceeded inside the mosque to visit the Tomb of John the Baptist (Nabi Yahya) and a shrine of Sydina Hussein.

(Eating ice cream at the Al-Hamidiah Bazaar)

(Statue of Salahuddin at the entrace of the Citadel)

Other historical tombs and mausoleums visited were Maqam Zainab Ali, Maqam Bilal, Maqam Um-Salamah and Maqam Um-Habibah.

(Panoramic view of Damascus from Jabbal Qassioun)

(A full moon at Al-Kamal Restaurant)

After a hearty lunch at Old Damascus Restaurant and a round of shopping at Al-Hamadiah Souk, the bus ascended Mount Qassioun (Jebal Kasioun) for a beautiful panoramic view of Damascus while we enjoyed the beautiful scenic sunset.

Dinner was at Al-Kamal Restaurant in Damascus New City.

Friday - 15 April 2011
Syria - Jordan border crossing

(Roman ruins)

(Masjid Omar and graveyards)

We had breakfast and checked-out early. On the way to the Syrian border we stopped at Bosra to visit the ancient Roman amphitheatre and the surrounding historical sites and ruins, including the historical Masjid Omar.