SYRIA

15th of April 2015

SYRIA

We have arrived in Syria, a land in the Middle East, Azia.

Despite they told us not to visit Syria because of all the fights and the war, we decided to go there just for one day. Because of all our preparation for our road trip, we couldn’t leave visiting Syria in our planning.

Syria has 3 international airports. One of them is situated in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Damascus is also one of the best known cities Syria has. And there is a lot of things tourists would want to see.

The country is based on an independent republic. Syrians also attach a lot importance to their believes. Most of the Syrians are Islamite but a few of the others are Christians and Kurds. And that is why there are a lot of fights and discussions with war as result.

Freedom of speech, religion and personal freedom are guaranteed by the constitution, but it’s different in practice and reality. Nevertheless, the law has introduced a new clause with the rule that the president needs to be a Muslim.    

Most of the celebrations in Syria are Islamite. The most important festivity is Ramadan. This one is situated in the period of full moon, but it varies during the time of the year. Through this month everyone fasts between sunrise and sunset. So, If you want to visit the country during this period, you have to be aware of the attitude of most of the people because of their appetite.

Syria is depending on the oil industry  and agriculture. De most important export products are crude oil, refined products, clothing, fruit and cereals. De biggest import of raw products are essential for the industry, cars and (agriculture)machines.

So, enough information about Syria. Time to tell you what we have seen and what we think about this country.

As told before, we have arrived at the airport in Damascus. Because of everyone telling us not to visit Syria, we decided not to stay here longer than just one day. So because of that, we are leaving our stuff at the airport in a safe environment so we don’t have to take care of it all day while visiting the capital.

Because of Damascus is probably the oldest inhabitant capital in the world, there are a few old sights to visit.

First of all we have visited the Big Mosque of Damascus, also known as the Omajjadenmoskee. This is the most important mosque of de Syrian capital, Damascus. It’s important because of the architecture and the religion meaning it has.  

It’s amazing how we saw everything that has been ruined because of the war and then arrive here at the mosque, which is so beautiful and admirable to see. 

It was not allowed to go in there with camera. We also had to put on a black blanket, so only our face was visible. For me personally, it didn’t felt nice. It was like we had to hide who we are. There also was a lot of security on the outside as well as on the inside.

After we had visited the mosque we all decided to go find something to eat. For us, all of the restaurants and tea-rooms looked like they needed a transformation. It was so old and their was a weird smell too. But still, we decided to try the Syrian food.

Most food was based on potatoes, onion, vegetables and meat (cow or sheep). It didn't taste bad, some things were spicy and others weren't at all. But I do prefere other food. 

It was already 4 p.m. when we left the restaurant. There was one particular thing we really had to see before we left Syria: Mount Qasioun. When you stand on the mountain, you can look all over the city of Damascus. It's highest point is 3,776 ft. The mountain has been heavily entrenched with Syrian government forces since the start of the Syrian Civil War.

The view was amazing but yet also heartbreaking. On one side you could see a beautiful city with a lot of buildings agriculture but on the other side we saw a whole village that is ruined by the war. People walking all over their own houses and children  playing all by themselves.

It was hard to see because here in Belgium we don't really know what war means and what the consequences are for the city and buildings. It was heartbreaking but yet fantastic to see.

After that we got into a bus that brought us back to the airport of Damascus so we could leave for Turkey in the night.

So, up to Turkey!

Talk to you later & see you all soon.

XOXO Lien

Sources

http://www.theguardian.com/world/syria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria