Damascus

"...no recorded event has occurred in the world but Damascus was in existance to receive news of it. Go back as far as you will into the vague past, there was always a Damascus...She has looked upon the dry bones of a thousand empires and will see the tombs of a thousand more before she dies."       Mark Twain,  The Innocents Abroad, 1869

Last night we walked into old town to get dinner but by 10 PM were to tired to stay awake. Slept for twelve hours straight then after the hotel breakfast we headed back to old town. Had a photo for an artist that I took on my first trip to Damascus. Wasn't easy finding him in the maze in old town but showed the photo to someone that knew him and he took us to him. He was glad to get the photo. Got to meet several other artists, woodworkers, and knife makers all in the maze off the Street called Straight in the old city. Found a great bakery. The owner didn't understand English but when we asked about the pastries fresh from the oven he broke one in half and gave it to us. Was a great pastry with fruit baked in it. We bought a couple for a snack. Also found a  cafe where you sit in the shade  under a 2000 year old arch and can get cold drinks including orange juice squeezed to order. With all the walking these stops were great.

Statue of Saladin at His Tomb

This statue is in front of the Citadel and the tomb of Saladin is between the Citadel and the Mosque. The Mosque contains the tomb of John the Baptist but not the entire body, as usual parts of the Saints were spread around. In Istanbul there is the hand and part of arm of John the Baptist on display in the Palace.