Independent travel is pure fun in Syria. The friendliness of the people means you're never really alone. Together with Jordan, this must be about the safest country in the world to be in. You don't have to believe me, but it's really true. Never, ever, do you feel threatened or subject to theft or whatever.
All emotions expressed by the people are sincere, and they're only positive.
This is obviously a police state, but I was never hassled by anyone. On the contrary, everybody went out of their ways to assist me when necessary. It's unfortunate that this great country is still largely isolated from the outside world, although things are changing. Republic under military regime. Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel.