Explore Syria with a Local”

25/11/2025

25/11/2025

✨ A Damascus Moment to Remember ✨

One afternoon in Damascus, my nieces and I decided to treat ourselves to coffee at a cozy café. My brother kindly ordered us a ride using Yalla Go — our local version of Uber.
The only detail he shared was: “It’s a gray car.”
No plate number. No driver name. No photo. Just… gray.

I went downstairs to wait. A gray car soon pulled up right in front of me — perfect timing, perfect color. Confidently, I walked over and tried to open the door. It was locked.

So, I bent slightly, peeked through the window, and asked politely:
“Yalla Go?”

The driver blinked, looked at me with a mix of surprise and confusion, and replied:
“No… Yalla to my house.”

In that instant, I realized I had practically tried to break into a stranger’s private car — in broad daylight — and with full confidence!

I stepped back, embarrassed but laughing inside at how convincing my own confidence had been. A few minutes later, my actual Yalla Go arrived — and this time, I asked before reaching for the door handle.

🚖✨
Moral of the story: In Damascus, even booking a ride can turn into a comedy scene.
But despite the mix-ups, Yalla Go remains a safe, affordable, and surprisingly entertaining way to get around the city.

24/11/2025

This is another video where we pay the bill using a counting method that takes time.

24/11/2025

One of the funniest challenges I faced during my trip to Damascus was dealing with the mountains of paper money I had to carry around thanks to the heavily devalued Syrian pound. Every time I wanted to buy something, I had to call my niece over like my own personal accountant to help me count the endless stack of bills.
There’s still no card payment—it’s a full-on cash-only adventure. We once went to a supermarket to buy something simple: coffee, popcorn, and a few noodle cups… and the total was 88,000 Syrian pounds. I felt like I was paying for groceries with Monopoly money!
It definitely added a humorous twist to the trip—because nothing says “vacation memories” like needing a calculator just to buy snacks.

24/11/2025

Al-Qaymariya neighborhood at night

24/11/2025

One of the most memorable moments of my visit to Damascus was meeting the talented Tamari maker, an artisan who continues to preserve this traditional Damascene craft. Watching him work felt like witnessing a piece of history—his hands moved with skill, precision, and a passion passed down through generations.
Tamari is a thin, pancake-like batter that is filled with date molasses, sesame, bananas, and nuts, creating a combination of flavors that is truly incredible. Its taste is more than wonderful, especially when it’s finished with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Standing beside him and learning about this beautiful craft made me appreciate the deep cultural heritage of the city even more. It was an experience full of warmth, authenticity, and the timeless spirit of Damascus.

24/11/2025

One of the most beautiful moments of my trip to Damascus was gathering with my brother’s lovely daughters and celebrating the birthday of one of them. The city’s warm atmosphere made the day even more special.
Surrounded by laughter, love, and the charm of Damascus, we shared sweets, stories, and unforgettable memories. Watching their smiles light up the room reminded me how precious family moments truly are.
It was a celebration filled with joy, warmth, and the kind of happiness that stays in your heart long after the candles are blown out. 🎉✨

24/11/2025

My trip to Damascus felt like stepping into a living museum. Walking through its ancient markets, I wandered between narrow stone alleys filled with the scents of spices, jasmine, and freshly baked bread. Every corner had a story to tell, every shopkeeper greeted me with a smile, and every flavor invited me to taste more.
I enjoyed some of the most delicious traditional foods—rich, aromatic, and filled with the warmth of Syrian hospitality. From street snacks to classic dishes, each bite carried the true essence of this timeless city.
Seeing Damascus’ deep history, its old architecture, its vibrant souks, and its unique blend of cultures made the journey truly unforgettable. It’s a place where the past and present meet beautifully, creating an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
I truly invite everyone to visit Damascus and discover its magic for themselves—it’s a city that captures the heart from the very first step. ✨

24/11/2025

A traditional Damascene sweets shop that has been around for 88 years. The moment I walked in, it felt like traveling back in time—surrounded by the aroma of pistachios, rosewater, and freshly baked dough.
Inside, I found an incredible variety of authentic Arabic desserts: delicate baklava layers dripping with syrup, rich ma’amoul stuffed with dates and nuts, golden knafeh with its perfect crunch, and trays of halawet el-jibn, barazek, and ghraybeh.
Every bite carried a story, every flavor echoed tradition, and the atmosphere was filled with the warmth of old Damascus. It was more than just a visit—it was a sweet journey through history. 🍬✨

20/11/2025

Some photos of my trip to Damascus 19,11,2025

22/07/2025

Special spices