From the category archives:

Syria

Photo Friday #10: Syria

August 27, 2010 Photo Friday

On one of our day trips from Hama, Syria, we visited the lonely and windswept hilltop ruins of the city of Apamea. Founded in 300BC, the city became part of the Roman Empire around 64BC and played host to distinguished guests like Cleopatra. Today, excavations have revealed the high columns that once lined the Roman [...]

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Middle East Summary

August 15, 2010 Egypt

Days gone: 46* Average cost per day: $56.96 AUD (includes an 8 day tour in Egypt) Most memorable moment: Watching the night sky above Wadi Rum desert where it seemed the world was full of stars, and we saw five of them shooting across the sky. Moment I want to forget: Fronting up at the [...]

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Eating: Middle East

August 10, 2010 Destinations

Not that I’m dwelling on it, but it’s relevant for any post about food or eating: after we got sick in Syria, it lingered. Especially around Alicia, who didn’t take antibiotics. So the Middle East turned out not to be the culinary adventure we were hoping for. While breakfast was included in pretty much all [...]

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Guide to Syria

July 13, 2010 Destinations

Getting There from Turkey Getting Around Sights Eating on a budget in Syria Crossing into Jordan My Average Daily Costs One of the friendliest countries you’ll ever have the pleasure of travelling to, Syria is a breath of fresh air from the hassle and expense of its neighbours, Turkey and Jordan. It was surprisingly easy [...]

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Getting Lost in Damascus

July 11, 2010 Destinations

Leaving Hama, we took a morning bus two and a half hours south through spectacular desert scenery, to the ancient city of Damascus. Continually referred to as the oldest city in the world, Damascus is a fascinating mix of old and new. The population is young, and decidedly modern. Outside the walls of the old [...]

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Daytripping from Hama

July 9, 2010 Destinations

Both Alicia and I were grateful for the change of scenery that the city of Hama provided. Much larger than we had expected, the city is an important agricultural hub for the country (which apparently exports 5 different fruits and vegetables. To where, we’re not sure). It’s famous for its norias, huge wooden water wheels [...]

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Aleppo Affliction

July 7, 2010 Destinations

By our second evening in Aleppo and our second evening in Syria, both Alicia and I were thankful that we had decided, having heard that any sort of budget accommodation can be difficult to find if not booked in advance, to book into a hotel room with air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, a balcony and a [...]

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