I finally managed to leave the comfort and safety of Ayn Moussa. It got so famillar with the place and the people that when I needed a cab to go from the city back to the village I would just wait to see a famillar face (of one of the many drivers I know) and hail them down. I am happy to be in a new country that has its own unique cultures, people, and ally ways waiting to be discovered. I'm staying in the Al-Rabie Hotel which is just outside of the old city of Damascus. It is an old house with fines hanging from the central garden and marbel fountains. I am sleeping on the roof, of course, for $3 a night. I hope there are less mosquitos here than there were in Jordan because I had to sleep with my towel over my face so that it wouldn't get bitten. I have only 8 bites on one hand. I love Syria; from the moment I stepped off of the bus, which took me from Amman to Damascus, I loved Syria. It is so colorful and busy and I don't feel uncomfortable showing my hair. The Syrian dialect sounds quite foreign to me, almost like a different language. I'm sure in a couple of days I wont feel this way anymore. I've been up since 5 and only slept four hours last night. My friend Wallid made a barbeque in little petra for me and another passing tourist in Ayn Moussa. Delicious grilled chicken (without any sandy gritty partsy) salade, yogurt, and bread. Followed by shisha for desert!!! until next time