Lattakia could not be more different from Aleppo. Maybe it's because I'm starting to relax into travelling in Syria, but Lattakia has a real Mediterranean feel to it. It is more relaxed and liberal with a great vibe and a developing cafe culture. It's also agreat place to do some people watching while nursing a Turkish coffee at one of the tables of the many coffee shops that line the streets.
Arriving in Lattakia just on sunset, I felt like a walk after the train ride and decided to navigate my own way to Hotel Lattakia. My map reading skills desserted me, but again the friendly and hospitable Syrians came to the rescue. With a pack on my back and a slightly befuddled look on my face, they were genuinely eager to help and point me in the right direction. About 20 minutes and three such displays of kindness later, I walked in the door of the hotel. The first word I heard from one of the guys sitting in the foyer was 'gidday' and I knew that I would be staying here! It is a friendly but basic place (which has forced me to get used to the Arab style squatter toilets) in a great location; and for about $10 a night you'll hear no complaints from me. I went for a wander that night and for a late dinner I found a cafe that served me a hamburger and chips (albeit with a distinctly Syrian flavour to it). of the travellers I have met in Syria so far, the kiwis semm to be punching above their weight. It's great to see, and I must admit, it's nice to hear a familiar accent.
This morning I wandered the streets and markets, interspersed with regular breaks for my fill of Turkish coffee and people watching, and eventually found myself at the Microbus station. Again, I decided against it and found a friendly taxi driver to take to Qala'at Saladin. A misunderstanding brought on my profound lack of Arabic and his less-than-perfect English, resulted in the price of the journey being raised enroute by a third party on a mobile phone, but I was happy and in reality it's only a few bucks.
While considering Qala'at Saladin, TE Lawrence was moved to write "It was I think the most sensational thing in castle building I have seen." After climbing to the top of the towers and wandering the paths, all the time soaking in the views; I could not possibly agree more. The reason for this is its location atop a heavily wooded ridge with precipitous sides dropping away to surrounding
ravines. It was also an amazing experience to travel the roads leading to the castle! I may be in a better place to make my judgement on Qala'at Saladin in a couple of days once I have feasted my eyes on the more celebrated Crac des Chavaliers.
Tomorrow I will head toward Hama and use that as a base to explore Crac, Apamea and a few other sights in the area. Syria is amazing. I'm loving it, although it is a very different experience being back to travelling by myself again. I will try and upload some photos of Syria soon.
Arriving in Lattakia just on sunset, I felt like a walk after the train ride and decided to navigate my own way to Hotel Lattakia. My map reading skills desserted me, but again the friendly and hospitable Syrians came to the rescue. With a pack on my back and a slightly befuddled look on my face, they were genuinely eager to help and point me in the right direction. About 20 minutes and three such displays of kindness later, I walked in the door of the hotel. The first word I heard from one of the guys sitting in the foyer was 'gidday' and I knew that I would be staying here! It is a friendly but basic place (which has forced me to get used to the Arab style squatter toilets) in a great location; and for about $10 a night you'll hear no complaints from me. I went for a wander that night and for a late dinner I found a cafe that served me a hamburger and chips (albeit with a distinctly Syrian flavour to it). of the travellers I have met in Syria so far, the kiwis semm to be punching above their weight. It's great to see, and I must admit, it's nice to hear a familiar accent.
This morning I wandered the streets and markets, interspersed with regular breaks for my fill of Turkish coffee and people watching, and eventually found myself at the Microbus station. Again, I decided against it and found a friendly taxi driver to take to Qala'at Saladin. A misunderstanding brought on my profound lack of Arabic and his less-than-perfect English, resulted in the price of the journey being raised enroute by a third party on a mobile phone, but I was happy and in reality it's only a few bucks.
While considering Qala'at Saladin, TE Lawrence was moved to write "It was I think the most sensational thing in castle building I have seen." After climbing to the top of the towers and wandering the paths, all the time soaking in the views; I could not possibly agree more. The reason for this is its location atop a heavily wooded ridge with precipitous sides dropping away to surrounding
ravines. It was also an amazing experience to travel the roads leading to the castle! I may be in a better place to make my judgement on Qala'at Saladin in a couple of days once I have feasted my eyes on the more celebrated Crac des Chavaliers.Tomorrow I will head toward Hama and use that as a base to explore Crac, Apamea and a few other sights in the area. Syria is amazing. I'm loving it, although it is a very different experience being back to travelling by myself again. I will try and upload some photos of Syria soon.
2 comments:
Hi Pete,
I have a message from Monique in Traralgon who was having trouble posting a comment.
She says" great to see you enjoying yourself so much.Have you had any roasts with rosemary and garlic? You should find a place that does!!!! Once home, we will do a roast lamb with beer ( if Paully lets me use the beer ) and garlic. If you want rosemary, you will need to bring it!!!!"
She says you will know what that means! I am just the messenger.
Hope I got it right Monique!
i'm loving your posts, Pete - keep it up!
sitting in chilly Ballarat, living vicariously through your travels,
Al.
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