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Yesterday was one of days that I think I will always look back on with a nostalgia that makes you wish you were still traveling . Years from now some one will ask me about my trip to Syria the 'Axis of evil'. Its ok. They don't know any better. I would tell them when out walking one day exploring the streets of Hama, taking in the sites, the old churches, the old town, the water wheels, pretending that the river wasn't worse than a Torrens algal bloom, that I was invited over by a mother and her two daughters who were having a picnic. One of the more interesting conversation i've had for a while went on for the best part of five hours. Interesting because until then I hadn't had eye contact from a member of the opposite sex in a month let alone been spoken to. Even more interesting is that this conversation lasted so long given that they didn't speak a word of English and I didn't speak a word of Arabic. Dyslexic signing would be the best way to describe it.
They shared their dinner, served me tea, refused money when I offered to pay my share and sent me on my way with a 'Welcome to Syria'. Axis of evil my arse. Shukran didn't come close.

Today I went to Crac des Chevialers, an old crusader castle. I was saving my superlatives for Petra and the pyramids but this deserves a few as well. Will let photos speak for themselve (when posted)

Cheers,
schuey
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