Everyone's reactions to my forthcoming trip to Syria was something along the lines of "BE CAREFUL!" or "Uh, WHY???" And to be honest, i wasn't really sure what I was expecting, except to see my sister who had been studying there on a National Security Fellowship for the US Government.

When I arrived, I was completely amazed. This was one of the very few places I had visited that had hardly been touched by globalization. There weren't any signs in English, no one spoke English, internet and banking had only been introduced a year ago. Before you call me an ignorant and/or arrogant American, I wasn't upset about the lack of English I was just surprised, almost pleasantly, in fact.

The greatest thing about Syria is that it had completely preserved its culture in the face of the rapidly shrinking world. Historic buildings were still lived in and used. Old marketplaces remained just that--even though literally centuries had passed. People enjoyed life, meals were long, leisurely and almost sensuous experiences. A typical dinner was served in an enclosed, plant-draped courtyard listening to live traditional musicians, smoking the nargile (tabacco water pipe) between bountiful courses of vegetables, meats and bread.

The day was not stressful, people were not overly concerned about time or completing tasks hurriedly, they were simply taking in all life had to offer--which didn't seem like much in terms of Western material standards.

Syria was more than a calm and beautiful place it was a lesson in appreciation for life and whatever large or small it has to offer!