Tuesday 10 March 2009

Dear Diary March 4th

Good flight into Damascus. Quantum of Solace was watched twice, chicken and cheesecake were on the menu and a spot of Vino tinto made the BMI flight a good experience. We were met at the airport by a member of SSCW. He was only expecting two of us, not four, but a hired taxi and a 30km drive brought us into town. En route we were treated to Kenny and Dolly on the car radio and sign posts for Lebanon. That really made it sink in where we are.

Taken to an old Arab house in the Old part of Damascus. A labyrinth of back streets passing markets found the house. I guess you could call it a riyadh (or you would in Morocco). Open court yard, palm tree and clean double rooms. A Laughing Dove siting on a nest in the courtyard proved pour first bird of the trip. Mum soon flew off, to the palm tree, revealing two ugly squabs on a window ledge. Spring clearly comes early in Damascus. Texts home worked, and spirits high. Just about to head off for dinner at a restaurant round the corner.