A day of ruins today. Nice to have a full day off the driving. Incidentally, access is denied to any web site with the word ‘blog’ in it. Means I can’t post any happenings. Then I thought of sending attachments with my posts and images to someone and getting them to put it on for me. Adam was the chosen one and I hope this arrangement keeps the blog up to date as I have no way of checking myself. Perhaps Jordan will be different.
Palmyra is over 200kms from any water course but the spring flowing from the base of nearby hills has created an oasis that has sustained the city for centuries. It has been an important staging point in most of the routes across the Cham Desert and the remaining Greek and Roman ruins have made it the most important tourist destination in Syria. Many of the columns in the main thoroughfare are standing while the main temple, that of Bel, still retains the aura of its heyday. Most of the city has no entrance fee. To be able wander at ones own pace is just so relaxing. The buildings are constructed in a beautiful yellowy stone that blends so well with the surrounding desert.
We are camped in the grounds of this upmarket hotel surrounded by the ancient city. AU$12 a night with hot showers thrown in. A Syrian beer and G&T in the garden tonight will go down well as the sun sets behind the columns.
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