In the course of my trip, I found many things to admire about Syrians. Strong family ties is one of them. The Great Mosque at Damascus is like a family living room. There is respect for the surroundings, for it is an important place of worship, but not awe. Their affection for their children is manifest.
Hospitality is another.
Their speeding through streets jammed with people and vehicles is harrowing, though. In Aleppo one evening, I was admiring the citadel. Nine young children, and the father of one of them, came over to talk. Since I speak no Arabic and they no English, our exchanges were at a very basic level, but there was no mistaking their friendliness. Young Syrians are eager to practice their English.