Damascus

Where we stayed - Damascus Hostel

The kids with Raymond (the hostel owner)

The first thing we noticed about Damascus was that it was so much cleaner than the rest of the country, I don't know if it is becuase its the capital city or what, but you really do notice the difference. We were lucky enough to stay in the beautiful 'Old City' part of Damascus, where most of the main sights are located. We spent our time wondering around the wonderfully confusing labrinth-like old souqs full of merchants selling their wares and people busily going about their daily business. We also visited the most beautiful mosque in the world - Umayyad Mosque. It is adorned by the most amazing golden mosaics which are 37 metres long.

2 of the 3 little turtles

The highlight of our time in Damascus though were the staff at the Damascus Hostel. They were absolutely lovely, the place is run by a super friendly Middle Eastern man who lived in Perth for 40 years before returning to Syria to open the hostel... Oh, and they had 2 rabbits (Baba Ghanoush and Fattoush) and 3 turtles, much to the kids delight.

*** If your ever in Damascus, you have to go down Bab Touma and find the waffle shop. They do the most amazing chocolate waffles, which they then dunk into the delicious hot chocolate sauce. OMG, they are devine!! ***

Minaret at Umayyad Mosque

Inside Umayyad Mosque

Umayyad Mosque courtyard