Booked! I Am Going To Syria 🇸🇾

Intro

If you have been following this blog for a while (which you probably should have been if you like adventure travel), you know that my greatest passion is not traveling in business or first class, but showing sides of the world which is rarely seen.

Well, a unique opportunity has presented itself, and I will be heading to Damascus this week. Let's get into what the whole concept of the route will look like (I will not be discussing the whys as of now).

The Plan

As of tomorrow, I have decided to book the following schedule:

• Los Angeles-Chicago (CPU cleared into United Domestic First upon booking)

• Reviewing the brand new Polaris Lounge at Chicago (ORD)

• Chicago-Newark (737-900 economy (touch wood it actually flies))

• Newark-Brussels (United Polaris 787-10)

• Brussels-Athens (Aegean A320 Economy)

• Pegasus into Beirut

Thanks to United, I got a free upgrade on a nice redeye!

Following all of that flying, this is where some things tend to get tricky. The plan, as of now, is to drive across the border from Beirut into Damascus and spend some time in Damascus. From what I know, the country at the moment is a cash only place, quite expensive for tourists, and conflict has recently escalated. Apparently, there are no such things as visas anymore when entering the country, and they don't stamp your passport 😟.

Put it this way, this could be one of the last times one has the opportunity to visit for a while.

The Way Back

After some time in Damascus and the surrounding areas, I'll eventually be returning to the USA. I have a couple of different options on the table, which are as follows:

• Option 1

  • British Airways Business Class A320 Beirut-London

  • British Airways First Class 777- 300ER London-Los Angeles

• Option 2

  • Turkish Airlines Business Class A350 Beirut-Istanbul

  • Turkish Airlines economy 737 Istanbul-Geneva

  • United Polaris (IN Space) Geneva-Newark

  • United 737 economy Newark-Houston

  • United 737 economy, Houston-San Diego

For now, I can't quite decide, but I am going to keep my options open here for the time being. Heck, I will be lucky to just make it into Newark for that matter!

How Do I Feel

There are obviously a lot of emotions that come to mind when it comes to visiting the likes of countries that are deemed "unsafe". On the one hand, there is a sense of "what am I doing with my life", and on the other hand, it's "this is something that is needed".

Somalia was one of the most incredible experiences I have had to date.

Throughout my many years in school, I have always had a lot of Syrian friends. People who were refugees up in Vermont, and even a friend at one of my rehabilitation programs. These people were some of the kindest people I have ever met in my life, and I cannot wait to meet more Syrians like them.

Of course, there is risk involved.

Final Thoughts

With practically a week off from university, I have decided (and through other avenues) that I will be embarking on my next mission to Syria. This country has long fascinated me, with the oldest inhabited city to date, and I cannot wait to show you all the on-the-ground situation at the moment.

As I continue on this journey, I will keep writing about the SE Asia series, as well as my initial thoughts on each product through the Syrian series. Take care. Shukran.