Syria

So I have been in Syria nearly four days. The difference between Syria and Turkey is much more obvious. For a start there are barely any backpackers about. There are a few but it is much quiter than I imagined. I am in a dorm room tonight. But I am the only person in the dorm.

Syrians are indeed very, very friendly. People ask where you are from without looking to sell something. They all love Ireland. I wonder why... I have had my photo taken with many random people. People go out of their way to show ne where to go. Including paying for my taxi! I have also been given free ice cream. And they all say 'Welcome to Syria'. Two people have now told me they are gay and asked if I was. One guy came out to me just after he had shown me into his house. Was a little scary! Quite impressive though for being in a country where you can go to prison for such things...

I spent much of thursday in a Syrian police station trying to get a report of my lost money for insurance. Reporting the loss was no problem. Getting the report required two more visits. I was despretely looking to get out of Aleppo that night. I didnt really like the hostel and had another one booked. I was a bit stressed about getting done with the police in time. Finally got the report i needed at 930 and arrived at my next destination, Hama, at about 12:15.

I did hear what I'm nearly certain were whips in the police station. And cries of pain. It was very loud and none of the other policemen paid any attention. Interesting.

Hama was very nice. I was there on a friday so it was peaceful. Just what i needed after the stress the day before. Met loads of people. Only met one other tourist. A french guy.

I arrived in Homs last night. It was nice enough place. A lot of christians live there. I.e. girls with no head or arm coverings! This morning i went to this castle about 45km out of homs. Its meant to be the best castle in the world. Well its certainly the best I've ever seen! It was huge. Very, very cool. This castle is one of Syrias top attractions. I was there about 3-4 hours and maybe seen 50 tourists. Where is everyone?

I arrived in Palmyra a few hours ago. This is a town in the middle of the dessert. The ruins of the old Palmyra are just out of town. The town is built around an oasis. I've never seen an oasis before. Its very cool. Lots of trees in the middle of desert. Going to expore tomorrow. Should be good. Planning to rise about 7 so i can miss the sun. Will head to Damascus on monday.

I ate dinner tonight in this large outside restaurant. Could probably seat 100 people. There was one other person when I arrive. He soon left. Its very strange. Palmyra is Syria's top attraction. There are tourists about. But very few. I guess 9/11 has not been good for Syria. I'm not lonely like. Its nice to get some peace. Just a little surprised after the hoards of tourists in Turkey.