Exhausted after a full day in Damascus

I have just climbed into bed after a long wonderful day in Damascus. I just took my first shower tonight as well and oh by was that in order! The water had been ice cold this morning so I put some curls in my hair, washed my face and started the day. But after a day and a half of walking around in a dusty city the shower tonight was needed and felt divine, though only hot for about 5 minutes - it was enough. Anyways, today we had class at the Syrian International Academy with Dr Gopin and several Syrian students and enjoyed a guest speaker sharing about syrian history and the US-Syrian relationship from a local perspective. It was passionate, engaging and very helpful to see the context through his eyes. This afternoon we visited a very famous mosque in the city, donning a hooded grey robe I entered an Islamic place of prayer and worship. The mosque was magnificant, from the walls to the ceiling every inch of the building was ornament and beautiful. I was surprised to see children running and playing in the mosque, I suppose I assumed a more somber and quiet atmosphere but instead I saw it is a community of families enjoying one another in their holy place.

Afterwards we walked through a likewise famous souq (marketplace), known for their silks. We tried the famous syrian ice cream topped with pistachios which tasted as good as it had been described! I must say the Syrians know what they are doing with their desserts, my goodness so delicious! This evening our group went to dinner with the students from the academy and enjoyed a tremendous amount of food - kabobs, humus, lamb and several other delicious items I don't even know the name of! Lastly, I enjoyed a long stroll through the streets of the city with a couple classmmates. It was refreshing to feel the cool night air against my face, hear the sounds of people talking, cars passing by on the narrow streets, and see the shopkeepers sweeping their walks preparing to close up before another day of shoppers. So I lay here now with sore feet, again so thankful to be in this gorgeous city and anticipating the next day.

Maa' salama!