Inside could not take pictures of:
hypogeum, which is a construction of an underground burial chamber from the valley of the Tombs at Palmyra; the fresco-covered synaagogue recovered from Dura Duropos;and rock indicating the beginning of an alphabet some 4,000 years ago
5. the Azem Palace, built in 1749 by the governor of Damascus. It is fashioned in the typical Damascene style of striped stonework, which is achieved by alternating layers of black basalt and limestone. The rooms of the palace are decorated with inlaid tile work and painted ceilings.
Inside the palace, we saw utensils used and clothing from Damascus and nearby areas, which differed.
6. Inner courtyard of Umayyad Mosque. It was converted Byzantine cathedral. The mosque was built in AD 705. The outstanding feature of the mosque is its golden mosaics, which adorn several of the facades around the central courtyard.
MaryIris had to go to the 'Special Clothes Room", which women are required to don the grey robes supplied prior to going into the Mosque if it was felt that they were not properly attired, in addition to taking off our shoes.
7. MaryIris in Inner Courtyard of Mosque at the place where you wash yourself to prepare to pray. i.e., making yourself clean to enter to holy place and pray. There is a specific procedure of washing, i.e., face first, then arms, then feet.
8. The Inner Mosque. After walking in the centre for some time, we realized that women are on one side and men on the other side of the Mosque. Inside there was a tomb, where people prayed and put in pictures of loved ones.
9. Picture of a typical breakfast in Syria, except for the eggs that we requested. Breakfast consisted of: a bean/yogurt/tomato mixture, a huge, huge, huge piece of pita-like bread that is place on the table and a bowl of pickles, pickled peppers and some other vegetable that we think was turnip. We had tea, because they did not have coffee. The total cost of the two of us was 1.5 SYP ($3.00). Much more within our budget.
10. Typical street scene in Damascus, i.e., Mosque in background, many, many, many, yellow taxis everywhere. The streets were initially quiet as today is a holiday, i.e., Independence Day for Syria, so many people got a late start.
11. Remains of a Roman Arch at the beginning of the Christian quarter. Historically known as Straight Street (Via Recta). St. Paul Chapel on the street marks the spot where, according to the biblical tale, the disciples lowered St. Paul out of a window in a basket one night so that he could flee the Jews. The old cellar of the Chapel of Ananias (Sharia Hanania is reputed to be the house of Ananias, an early Christian disciple).
We spent yesterday in the souks and on the streets in Damascus drinking 'hospitality' tea and Turkish and Syrian coffee and negotiating prices for things. Damascus is one of the most architecturally significant cities in the Middle East and the souks certainly attest to the grandeur of the past. Yesterday was Easter Sunday for Christians. Consequently, many people were on holidays and the souks were very crowded.
During our day we took 'breaks' to get a cup of tea (everyone drinks tea all the time), or have some humus with meat. Some of the restaurants in the souks are wonderful experiences. They are very old and have very high ceilings, very old lanterns and chandelies and marble floors in various design patterns. The services is always exceptional and the cost minimal (which is an added bonus).
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