From Beirut to Damascus: Finally Visiting the Syria I Love!

December 8, 2024, marks a historic day—not just for Syrians, but for all oppressed people striving for freedom. It stands as a symbol of hope after decades of oppression and corruption.

With a heart full of tears, happiness, and excitement, I traveled to Syria with my family as part of a tour group from northern Lebanon. The group was made up of families—grandparents, parents, and kids—everyone eager to share in the joy of the Syrian people and celebrate with them.

The journey to the Lebanese-Syrian border in the Bekaa Valley took us about two hours. As we drove, the landscape slowly changed, and the anticipation in the air grew. Little Lana, just 3 years old, couldn’t stop singing “Jannah, Jannah, Teslam Ya Watanna.” Her voice, pure and innocent, echoed through the bus, filling the space with so much joy.

When we reached the border, we stopped at Shamsin Bakery, and I highly recommend it! The croissants there are a must-try—super delicious and affordable. Their ice cream is also amazing, making it the perfect stop if you’re ever in the area.

On the Lebanese side of the border, we waited about an hour to get our passports stamped, but we didn’t get stamped on the Syrian side.

From the border, the drive to Damascus took about an hour. For those wondering about safety—it’s safe now. This road, which was once a symbol of fear for travelers between Lebanon and Syria, is now open and secure, reflecting the country’s newfound peace after December 8.

On that road, we saw people stopping their cars along the way to sell gas tanks and diesel. Fuel is either unavailable or rare in Syria, so this has become a common sight.

The scars of war are visible everywhere—crumbling walls, damaged buildings, and abandoned cars. But now, it’s time to shift our focus to the brighter side. We’ve shed enough tears; it’s time to rebuild, to revive, and to embrace hope once again.

Entering the Umayyad Mosque, my heart raced as I felt the weight of history and the power of faith all around me. The stunning arches and intricate designs made the mosque come alive, breathing with centuries of devotion. Surrounded by people from all walks of life, I felt a deep connection to something far greater than myself.

We saw the grave of Prophet Yahya in the mosque, a truly reverent moment, and saw an ancient rock basin used for Wuduu. Sadly, I lost their pictures.

The Syrians here—waw, it would take me thousands of years to explain their simplicity. You’d never expect that in such a great city, the capital of everything, the people could be so humble and down-to-earth.

And not to forget to mention about the yellow taxis on the streets really gave Damascus its unique vibe. They’re like a signature of the city, adding to its charm and character.

Also, I was deeply moved by the walls of Damascus and the way the people express their love for their city—it’s so so so so touching and full of emotion!

Well, it’s night now, and time to head back to Lebanon, leaving a piece of my heart in Damascus. On our way back, the people in my group stopped at a delicious restaurant to pick up some Arabic sweets like Barazek and Halawet el-Jeben for their families.

Honestly, if you haven’t been to Syria yet, this is your sign to visit.

And with that, our trip came to an end with love. >>>