One of the World's Oldest Cities, Formerly a Popular Tourist Destination, Now with Few Tourists After the War
Throughout the years, Damascus of Syria has been renowned for its geographical advantages, abundant historical sites, and was dubbed 'the paradise on earth' and the oldest city. In 1979, the entire ancient city was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, becoming a popular tourist destination. However, the seven-year Syrian war has transformed this 'paradise' into a harrowing scene.
Let's take a bazaar and old city day trip with Xiao Ma.
Xiao Ma originally planned to stay in Damascus for only 2 days, but then? On the third day, he encountered a group of very young children by the roadside. Perhaps they hadn't seen foreigners, especially East Asian faces.
So they were very enthusiastic and friendly, and after a simple exchange, they handed him a bag of freshly baked peanuts. Initially, his heart was a little apprehensive, after all, in a foreign land with no familiarity, but thinking about having a companion beside him, he was moved by their enthusiasm.
While eating the peanuts, the children kept recommending places to visit and delicious food. For Xiao Ma, who was looking for niche travel, he decided to stay in the city for another day.
The children recommended their signature fava beans, which locals almost eat every day. Fava beans can be cooked or used to make soup, and are very diverse. The price is very cheap, just 500 Syrian pounds for a bowl of cooked fava beans, which is equivalent to 5 yuan in China. As for the taste, it's okay the first time, but the flavor is quite salty.
They also recommended a very distinctive type of candy, which cost 5500 Syrian pounds, equivalent to about 50 yuan in China. It has the characteristic of the Middle East, very sweet, which most tourists can't accept. However, the candy is very distinctive, with various nuts added to the surface, making it particularly fragrant.
They also told him that Damascus roses and rose essential oil are world-renowned and of excellent quality. Many shop owners can formulate them according to international brands like Chanel and Dior, and they are also cheaper. After trying it, the smell is not as pungent as he imagined. So he spent 440 yuan in China, buying 10 bottles of perfume as souvenirs is also a good choice.
Seeing a dessert shop on the side, he ate a bowl of sour yogurt, which is similar to China's bubble tea, but made with yogurt, with a wonderful taste! 5 yuan in China for a big bowl, much cheaper than in China.
After wandering around, he felt a little hungry and saw a roadside corn vendor. He wanted to know what the difference is between the corn here and in China. He spent 5 yuan to buy a corn on the cob, which is almost the same as in China, and the price is also about the same.
This is Xiao Ma's day of shopping in Damascus, Syria. Actually, if Syria hadn't experienced the devastation of war, it would have been a good tourist destination, because there used to be many historical sites and the food was more diverse than other Middle Eastern countries.
However, after the war, it became particularly bleak and insecure, and tourists didn't dare to go. But the locals are still very enthusiastic and will touch your heart. So, what's your impression of Syria? Feel free to leave a comment to share.
