Syrian sojourn

In Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Also, the oldest city in the world to keep getting invaded continuously,- which is also a reflection of mankind's general tendency for conflict out of habit.

On the bright side, every woman in the street has to be Aishwarya Rai, and every man, Matt Damon. These people are incredibly beautiful, and incredibly modern, considering that it is a Muslim state. Throughout the last three days, I have seen just one fully-veiled woman. Figured out later that she was a delegate from Saudi (where else) who had come for Dhanya's medical conference. Speaking of which, this is a pretty high-profile conference. Dhanya was a speaker, and the second speaker after her was the Minister of Health from Sudan. Wonder when I will get into such a un-humbling situation.

Back to Syria, did you know that this town with the most narrow roads in the world for the oldest city in the world is also one of the most expensive cities to live in? Not that the amenities are much to talk about. But then, that is Syria. Everything is fine except that it is within shouting distance of Israel and Palestine (with their natural propensity of violence as exercise), and so a bit of Israelistine attitude is in them.

But that apart, beautiful place, beautiful people, bad roads.

N.B.: Pictured inside Obayyad Mosque, probably the only place in Syria where the women have to be seen with a gown and head covered, more because they are in a mosque, rather than in Syria.