Syria

Damascus, Syria

“Hey, man, you want to go on a tour with me at the Omayyad Mosque?” I inquire. “It’s built over the tomb of John the Baptist.” (Wanderer, page 279)

We follow along with our group, listening to the Muslim history of the place, touted by the speaker. Lad and I separate from the tour. We just slink off and start exploring. (Wanderer, Page 280)

We wander off into a fantastic courtyard. On one side of the courtyard is a long wall of glass doors that extend the length of the gigantic mosque. I look out upon high towers covered with intricate colored mosaics. (Wanderer, page 280)

After taking a few tokes of Lad’s smuggled Lebanese hashish in the courtyard, we hear the call to prayer from the Muezzin, blaring out from loudspeakers in the bright tiled towers above. We make our way into the cavernous carpeted mosque prayer hall which surrounds the ornate mausoleum of St. John the Baptist. (Wanderer, page 281)

We sit and watch as the men file into rows on the carpeted ground, filling up the width of the prayer hall, man after man. Soon they are led by the Imam as they swoop and swoon with heads touching the floor. (Wanderer, page 281)

Next stop in the Souk is to purchase a new flute. Both of us get one. Then we walk through the huge market, blowing on our flutes and wearing our keffiyehs as we march along. (Wanderer, page 281)

Palmyra, Syria

We are now at the ancient ruins of this desert oasis city. (Wanderer, 282)

It seems as if we are in the midst of an extensive amphitheater, with what looks to be a stage setting, semi-encircled with staggered bench seating. (Wanderer, page 282)

It’s nearing evening so we find a spot against the wall to block the winds. (Wanderer, page 282)

In the morning we wake up in the ruins outside of the town of Palmyra. We are tripping to the vibe of our out-of-this-world surroundings. We walk and climb the rocks among the temples. (Wanderer, page 282)

I am in awe of this unique place on earth. I meditate atop the mountain hill. Lad joins with me. Omm. Ommm. (Wanderer, page 282)

Aleppo, Syria

I finally arrive in Aleppo on a slow local bus, full of Syrians. There is Lad, already waiting for me at the bus station. “Hey, Woodstock! American buddy―how was your trip?” “Crowded, uncomfortable and long. I’m glad to be off that damn bus.” (Wanderer, page 284)

Lad and I go exploring undercover with keffiyehs over our heads. Good food, astounding market. I barter with a vendor by offering my Kodak Instamatic camera for several Arab head scarves. After much haggling I settle for two new keffiyehs in exchange for my camera. I hadn’t taken a picture since leaving home anyway. (Wanderer, page 284)

The marketplace is wonderful―the fantastic bazaar is the best I’ve seen since Fez, Morocco. (Wanderer, page 284)

Aleppo is a groovy place. An historic citadel fortress overlooks the town. Lad and I then explore the ruins of the Citadel. Afterwards, we decide to not spend another night in town. It’s time to go to Turkey. (Wanderer, page 285)

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Flikr: Damascus - Umayyad Mosque 1 courtyard<
Flikr: Damascus - Umayyad Mosque 2-men praying<
Flikr: Damascus-Umayyad Mosque 3-ornate interior<
Flikr: Damascus-Umayyad Mosque 4-panarama<
Wikimedia: Damascus - Shrine of John the Baptist<
Flikr: Damascus - Souk 1-w shoppers<
Flikr: Damascus - Souk 2<
Flikr: Aleppo - Aerial View Panarama<
Flikr: Aleppo - Citadel<
Flikr: Aleppo-buildings<
Wikipedia: Aleppo-market place<