We went on holiday! To Syria! Our week started at 6:30 in the morning with the bus ride to Damascus. This involved a great on the road breakfast and a minor adventure at the Lebanese- Syrian Border (little did we know that we would be spending another 2 hours 40 minutes at the border on our return journey). We spent two intense and exhausting days in Damascus and Palmyra, exploring both contemporary and second century culture.
However, the highlight of our trip was by far the six day stay in the amazing monastery of Deir Mar Moussa. Lying between two mountains in the middle of the Syrian Desert, the monastery is one awesome sight.
Following the somewhat exhausting 500 step climb up to the monastery we were rewarded with yet another breathtaking view. As far as the eye can see the harsh, yet elegant, Syrian desert stretches towards the horizon.
We thoroughly enjoyed the unique physical and spiritual opportunities that our desert retreat provided. However, the sparse diet of khibiz (bread), zatar (a mixture of thyme and sesame seeds), and olive oil was not missed once we returned to Beirut.
Another highlight was our return to Maltese roots: the Crac des Chevaliers. However, it was nowhere near as traditional as our Maltese ancestors must have once experienced it! In fact, we found ourselves amidst a chaotic Egyptian film set featuring monkeys, gold thrones, and fabulously costumed actors.
In Damascus
... on the road to Palmyra...
The first view of Deir Mar Moussa
After saying goodbye to our guides ...
... we enjoy the last meters of civilization ...
... before climbing up to our home of the next days
Apparently, the desert is not that deserted - and bedouins turn out to be very hospitable!
The Crac des Chevaliers - in the middle of a bavarian-appearing landscape ...
... and an egyptian interior!
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