People still look at me as if I have two heads when they hear we’ve visited Syria. I’d go back in a flash and revisit Damascus, Palmyra, Bosra and Hama, would kill to spend time on an Archaeological dig anywhere in Syria and jump at a chance to re-do the entire Adventure Center “Crusader Castles & Desert Cities” without eliminating anything or thinking twice about it.

What a shame more Americans aren’t visiting this destination. If you don’t want to take my word for it, read an article in Conde Nast’s Traveler, May, 2008 issue. This article talked about the several countries in the Middle East and voiced my exact sentiments that the “rewards outweigh the risks.” ex-Marine and I initially felt more comfortable visiting with a group but a group doesn’t necessarily insure safety. The Syrian people are warm and welcoming, Damascus is perhaps the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and the ancient city of Palmyra is fabulous.

Other places in Syria that this Adventure Center tour visited:

- The coast of Tartus, Latakia and Ugarit. Ugarit in brief had terra cotta tablets inscribed in the Ugarit alphabet of 30 cuneiform letters (the world’s first alphabet.

- The ruins of Rasafa called the most beautiful ruined town in the Syrian desert. Thick walls, the Baptistery, basilicas, enormous water cistern and an Umayaad Palace provided a fascinating sight. Too bad I don’t know which of my many photos are of Rasafa. They began blurring together after a while and that’s one of the reasons I’d like to revisit.

- Visas are required for all visitors to Syria. Visit the Ministry of Syria site for detailed visa and tourist information. One thing hasn’t changed over the years. It is still not possible to enter Syria via Israel or with an Israeli stamp in your passport UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Visit the Jordan Embassy site for U.S. and West European visa information but Jordan issues visas for a fee at most international ports of entry upon arrival;

- Bring Dollars. There are a few ATM’s to exchange money but cash is the way to go;

- No major problems with food or water as long as you use common sense. Always drink bottled water, don’t eat raw foods, “cook, peel or forget it…yadda…yadda”; and

- Exercise caution.

Unlike 1996, you have more choices in tour operators who are now running tours into Syria. Think about Syria…and then think some more and visit if the political climate allows.