We're going back! Entries can be found on this website

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush (news - web sites) plans on Tuesday to impose economic sanctions on Syria for allegedly supporting terrorism and failing to stop guerrillas from entering Iraq (news - web sites), people involved in the deliberations said.

Wednesday, 10 September 2003, Aleppo, Syria
80 degrees, sunny

Up early - 8:30 AM. After a great nights sleep in our blissful hotel, it's time to visit the famous Aleppo Souk. First, Naeif and I slap on our dishdashis, and roll out to the courtyard for breakfast. It's typical Syrian fare of hardboiled eggs, olives, tomatoes . . . you get the idea. We are sitting near a group of guys at breakfast, and we later find out they're Dutch - and all excited about shopping in the souk for goodies.

http://www.cunemagazines.com/syria

Well, it's April of 2004 now, and my husband Naeif is getting ready to return to Syria for a few weeks. His father is very sick, so he'll be making a return trip soon.

http://www.cafe-syria.com/

Quite comprehensive site about Syria. Lots of information about the country - economic, tourism, and a somewhat accurate information about Syrian government.

Statements like "In February 1999 was reelected for his 5th Presidential term with 99.98%." in an article on Hafiz al Assad make you go "hmmmm . . . ", but there is a lot of interesting information here. It's run by a Syrian expatriate in the US, and labels itself an "NGO".

http://www.syriadaily.com/

Articles on Syria and other Arab countries.

http://www.syriaonline.com/

http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

Site for travel warnings, and country information, for all counties.

Tuesday, 9 September 2003, Palmyra, Syria
100 degrees, sunny

Up early - 8 AM. Quick breakfast, showers, then off to the bus terminal for the ride to Palmyra. We arrive in Palmyra after an uneventful bus ride, and are dropped at a little tea shop in the middle of nowhere. We retreat to the shade under the palm frond outdoor area for lunch, it's already quite hot outside. We get some chicken shwarma, salad and tea to fortify us for exploring.

It's quite hot out, and we're starting to get cranky and snap at each other. I opt to retreat, not explore the ruins, and take refuge in the shade. Writing this entry from Palmyra, in the shade amidst the ruins.