Crossing a street in Damascus or Aleppo can be a harrowing experience as Studebakers, De Sotos with grotesque tail fins, old Buicks smiling their monstrous chrome grin and newer cars all strive to come as close as possible to the pedestrians, push carts and occasional horse-drawn wagons that crowd the streets. Highways are no better. On the narrow mountain roads petroleum tankers try to overtake one another while a car or mini-bus tries to pass both. Another danger for me is gustatory. The food is fantastic and diverse.
Excellent restaurants abound.
Outstanding coffee is everywhere without a single Starbucks in sight. A visitor seldom eats out, however, because of the pervasive hospitality of the Syrians. Fending off meal invitations requires persistent tact. Apricots and other fruits abound in the ancient soq, or market. It is May and cherries are ripe.