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An American Woman's Adventures in the Oldest City on Earth

Jamie Bell

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Published in The Woman Who Fell From The Sky: An American Woman S Adventures In The Oldest City On Earth

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The Woman Who Fell from the Sky: An American Woman's Adventures in the Oldest City on Earth

by Jennifer Steil

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3511 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	354 pages

I've always been fascinated by history and culture, so when I had the opportunity to travel to Damascus, Syria, I jumped at the chance. Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, and I was eager to experience its rich history and culture firsthand.

I arrived in Damascus on a hot summer day. The city was bustling with activity, and the streets were filled with people from all walks of life. I made my way to my hotel, which was located in the heart of the old city. My room was small and simple, but it was clean and comfortable, and it had a beautiful view of the city.

I spent the next few days exploring Damascus. I visited the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important mosques in the world. I walked through the narrow streets of the old city, and I visited the many souqs, or markets, where I bought souvenirs and spices.

I also had the opportunity to meet some of the people of Damascus. I found them to be warm, welcoming, and hospitable. I was invited to several homes for dinner, and I was always treated with kindness and respect.

One of the most memorable experiences I had in Damascus was visiting the Citadel. The Citadel is a large fortress that was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. It has been used as a fortress, a palace, and a prison over the centuries, and it is now a museum. I spent several hours exploring the Citadel, and I was amazed by its size and grandeur.

I also visited the National Museum of Damascus. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from all periods of Syrian history, from the Stone Age to the present day. I was particularly interested in the artifacts from the ancient city of Palmyra, which was destroyed by ISIS in 2015. It was heartbreaking to see the damage that had been done to such a beautiful and historic site.

After a few days in Damascus, I decided to take a day trip to Palmyra. Palmyra is located in the Syrian desert, about 240 kilometers northeast of Damascus. It was once a major trading center and a major stop on the Silk Road. Palmyra was also home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved Roman ruins in the world.

I arrived in Palmyra in the late afternoon. The sun was setting, and the ruins were bathed in a beautiful golden light. I spent the next few hours exploring the ruins. I walked through the ruins of the Temple of Bel, the Temple of Baal, and the Amphitheater. I was amazed by the size and beauty of the ruins, and I could imagine what life must have been like in Palmyra during its heyday.

My trip to Damascus was an unforgettable experience. I was amazed by the city's rich history and culture, and I was impressed by the warmth and hospitality of its people. I highly recommend visiting Damascus to anyone who is interested in history, culture, or travel.

Here are some tips for traveling to Damascus:

Get a visa before you travel. You can apply for a visa at your local Syrian embassy or consulate.
Be respectful of the local culture. Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. This will help you to communicate with the locals.
Be prepared for the heat. Damascus can be very hot in the summer, so be sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
Be aware of your surroundings. Damascus is a safe city, but it's always important to be aware of your surroundings.