| From Jordan we crossed into Syria without problem, an easy border hop and journey to Damascus. Syria's international image as hard-line Islamists has prepared us to see stringent religious conservatism. A quick Damascus walk shows us that this city is more liberal than we expected. Jill doesn't need her veil or long sleeves. Most people dress in a Western style. They smile and help foreigners, however, our first cab driver cheated us by giving incorrect change; learn to read Arabic coinage quickly when dealing with cabbies.
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| Damascus's Ummayyad mosque - the holiest mosque outside of Mecca and Medina and also the best preserved jewel of ancient Muslim architecture. |
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| Relaxed atmosphere in the mosque, parents let children run free, people nap and snore loudly inside, and this man enjoys his sandwich after mid-afternoon prayer.
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| The 'Vegas' mosque, Sayyida Ruqqaya Mosque, the garish mirror, gold, and blue tile decoration is done in a Persian style. |
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| Damascus is more liberal than we expected, but they still post no-kissing signs in the bar. |
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