A Taste Of Lebanon, Jordan & Syria .. and something that cuts, slices and dices
As promised here is a small taste of the wonder and beauty that is the Middle East. The first three clips reflect something of the uniqueness of each country. The final clip I shot while walking through the old city of Damascus, I discovered this particular character squatting down on one of those forever durable Roman built roads plying his wares. The photography is not good (Colin would tell me to bend my knees), but I was in such a state of shock and amusement that I didn’t focus on the task at hand.
CLIP ONE: Exotic Lebanon
Lebanon is a fusion of Europe and the Middle East (unlike Israel which is fast becoming a McSuburb of the USA). You can do a power walk along the Mediterranean and then ski the snow covered slopes – all before lunch. In the short drive between these two activities the car passes through villages that hug the edge of mountains each with a church worthy enough to be called a Basilica. The trip takes a bit longer these days, owing to the Israeli war, but the bridges are fast being repaired.
There exists a sickness amongst those who live in the north, they are sick and tired of war after war after war. Sadly some fear that another is imminent.
CLIP TWO: Gentle Jordan
Jordan. What a gentle and still country. Amman is crowded and busy but the good subjects of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan seem happy with their King and are a very contented people who live simply. The average Jordanian is poor but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. This is the only Middle Eastern country where the sound of the birds and nature can be heard over the whining of cars, the Islamic call to prayer or even the Church bell.
CLIP THREE: Bosra Syria - History Alive
Syria, once described as the axis of evil, is more notably the cradle of civilisation; the invention of the alfarbet (alphabet), the cradle of monasticism and now the home of 2million Iraqi refugees. This place is a living museum.
CLIP FOUR:
K-tel man, Damascus style.
Enjoy.
CLIP ONE - Exotic Lebanon
CLIP TWO - Gentle Jordan
CLIP THREE - Bosra Syria [History Alive]
CLIP FOUR - The Ubiquitous K-tel Man [Damascus Style]
Ciao bello,
Thank you so very much for sharing some parts of your wonderful journey.
I do hope you are behaving yourself.
Baci
Tomm
PS can u pick me up one of those k-tel vege duvalackies?
Tomm,
Certainly not & Already did.
Lebanon looks so tiny in your video clip.
Marroun, My camera is only small.
Your blog have a good sense of humor,i guess so do you.