I Paid the money to Osama for his ride to Malula and Sadnaya, thanked him and walked into the National Muesum. The building was quite impressive with a park outside where various figurines are placed. The park also had provision for benches for people to sit and relax. It all looked like a big picnic spot but was not adequately maintained. I was disappointed to know that no one is alloweed into it after 3 pm as it closes by 4 PM. I took a stroll in the park and was clicking some photographs. I was approached by a chinese guy for clicking his snap. I obliged and clicked a photograph for him. we exchanged some courteous greetings to each other and he told me that he is working in Huawei and is placed in cairo. He came to attend a meeting and was taking his time off the weekend to visit some places in Damascus. He was lucky to arrive early and finished visiting the mueseum. We decided to hang along as we both were alone.
My chinese friend has done his research well and fished out a couple of papers explaining about the important places to be seen in Damascus. He intended to find out a place called silver street but no one seemed to have a clue about the place. I have then suggested him that we shall walk to Hamadiya soq and the Omayyad Mosque as they are very near by. I just asked a couple of people just to make sure about our way and walked to hamadiya Soq. I have been to this place before but walked along with my new friend into the market. we were exchaning our middle east experiences to each other. We walked till the fag end of the street looking curiously at the small shops selling everything from spices, perfumes, clothes, jewellery etc. in the Hamadiya soq. This is a traditional market place with streets covered with semi circular roof probably to protect the shoppers from wind, rain and heat which is so abundant here. The walk led us to the Omayyad Mosque.
We just followed all people and a stood outside the mosque. We took our shoes out and carried them along with us and walked inside the mosque. Though it is a religious place there were no restrictions and encourged by some local guys who were taking photographs we took our cameras and took some photographs of the interiors. We saw a small covered structured and saw people praying there. Looking at it we thought it is supposed to be a tomb. Later on we sent in a quite place looking and enjoying the place. I adjusted my camera into auto mode and took a snap of us both.
While we were on our way out my friend got a call from his colleaque. he explained that he has to rush back to the botel for some urgent meeting. We parted ourways and I decided to go to Azem place which was next destination in my friends list. I went there and was sad to know that it also closes by 4 pm. I dont know why I was so unlucky that day. I was just standing there and a couple of people tried to enter the place and were denied access. The watchman and that guy exchanged some words in arabic. I thought it would not be possible for me to go inside. I asked the watchman permission to take a photograph of the enterance. He readily agreed. When I finished taking the photograph he asked me where I am from. When I said India he welcomed me.Taking advantage of his changed nature I asked the watchman to let me in. To my surprise he allowed me inside. He came along with me and explained a few things. The palce looked old and shattered much like the phalaknuma palace of Hyderabad. However the inside was impressive with big mirrors fitted in frames and furniture. I took some photographs and went back.I handed the watchman a 50 SP note as "bakshees". This is some sort of tip to him.
I walked back and was trying to find out directions for my way I stopped an elderly gentlemen and asked him about the way. He asked me where you are from and actually walked along with me for a couple of minutes. once he reached a junction. He asked me to go straight for the main road. He advised me if you are interested in looking for some christian place then you should go to Bab Sharki. I followed the elderman advise and walked a little. I visited a couple of church buildings there. I was invited by a person into a building where some young kids were practising playing drums and trumphet.
Tired and satisfied with my adventours for the day I hailed a cab and headed to my apartment in ' DUMMAR'.
No comments:
Post a Comment