also i forgot! hi to uncle and julie! thanks for the messages! i'm off now to find a hammam (turkish steam bath) had one in damascus after a big day sightseeing - what a way to relax, hot steam, scrub, massage! all for 2 pounds! what a deal! finished with chai and shisha pipe!!!mmmmmm highly recommended! p.s. matt, i have lost weight on new syrian diet, i will look like a matchstick next to you!

hello again and thanks for all the great messages! very nice of you!!! i've spent another day in damascus and yesterday arrived in palmyra. to reach palmyra is a 3 hour drive across bleak and barren dessert. i spotted the occassional bedouin tent and the old man with his goats eating what ? i have no idea! luckily our luxury coach was airconditioned (luxury coach ride cost 1:10 pounds)!!! and just as we reached the 3 hour mark the oasis of damascus comes into v...