My lovely cousin Nadia


Nadia and Hana posing after some coffee


Shopping in the evenings


Yet another view from the roof, what lovely light!

Highlights from my time in Damascus:

We walked through the winding streets to this large mosque. It's unique to people since the head of John the Baptist is believed to be buried here. The sun was blinding so mostly just children were playing in the courtyard. The adults stuck to the shady edges. Nadia and I entered through a special entrance where we donned what looked like military issued djilabas with hoods (since we were not wearing head coverings). I loved it. I felt less obviously foreign. I'm pictured below in my hood.


Nadia shows Hana and I how to wear a wig! The girls in Syria love them. They're cheap and offer endless temporary hairstyles.


I will never forget the food. This was even considered the "poor man's" lunch with beans and yogurt, but I thought it was just about the best thing I'd ever had. If this was poor man's food, I can't imagine the rich man's delights!

Me in my lovely hood.


A stunning view from Nadia's roof top in the old Christian quarter. The streets filled at night once the cool breezes arrived and people go shopping! Most people go to sleep after midnight to take advantage of the cool night and the people watching :)