Palmyra

Arriving in Palmyra, the city of very old (some 40, 50 years) Mercedes, Volvos, in addition to many motorcycles. They do not wear helmuts here. We spent some time walking up and down the streets trying to find a hotel. There are not many 'good' hotels here and the 'good' ones were filled. However, we eventually found a suitable place to stay for very reasonable.




Palmyra is a city that was built in the center of Syrian desert to accommodate a necessary stop place for caravans taking the shortest route from the Arab Gulf to the Mediterranean because it was a large Oasis. It was also on route for those travelling the silk route from the east.







Palmyra (originally called Tadmor) was mentioned on 'tablets' dating back to the 19th century B.C. For four hundred years, the city enjoyed uninterrupted propersity as a center of trade and a crossroad between the east and the west. This prosperity lasted until the 4th century A.D. when politics (wars, fighting) caused its decline. It never recovered its grandeur and prosperity.

After settling into our hotel, we visited the Valley of the Tombs of three brothers.



Then we visited the garden of a local resident located in the Oasis. We enjoyed some tea in the setting of date palms, olive trees and a small pool area. We discussed gardening and politics for a couple of hours.




Then we went onto to visit the Citadel/Castle to view the sunset.



At the beginning of the 17th century, the Emir Fakhr Ad-Din used Palmyra as a place to train his police and built a castle on the hillside overlooking the city. The castle was spectacular. However, there was a sandstorm which hindered the view somewhat. Although, it was amazing to view from this viewpoint.




This morning, we set out late, as we had been up fairly late last night enjoying the town's atmosphere. We proceeded to the ruins in the desert, on the edge of town.



When walking in the desert it is easy to see how people fall in love with it.