Some more ruins... Palmyra.

Trip Start Aug 11, 2009

143

Trip End Sep 30, 2010

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new tourist hostel

Flag of Syria Palmyra, Syria
Friday, February 19, 2010

Well, not just any old ruins at least, Palmyra is the biggest tourist attraction in Syria. An oasis in the desert (actual desert and actual palm trees, but sadly, no dessert shops), Palmyra's wealth was due to its position on the trade route between China and Europe. Money in Palmyra today is very clearly tourist funded, and we were soon sick of having to bargain down ridiculous prices for everything.
Wandering the reconstructed colonnaded streets at sunset was a pretty amazing experience, with the golden light on the stone, Syrians picnicking and camels galloping past, their riders yelling offers of camel rides.

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