Categories: holidays, sightseeing, interesting-sites
Date: 26 June 2008 06:22:56
In the midst of a horridly [emphasis[*] on horrid] busy week at work, it was nice while taking a short break to be transported to the Middle East by John as he begins a travelogue on his journey through Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine -- and, he writes, "inadvertently, Israel": looking forward to that one!
I do hope to get to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria one day: these places hold some fascination for me. And, like John, William Dalrymple's From the Holy Mountain no doubt added to this fascination. That may be one aspect of what drew me into his travelogue, but I'd also add his wise thoughts on travel were enjoyable reading, as well as cause for consideration.
I too am a "solitary traveller". I do prefer my own company, and where this is not possible small groups rather than masses of people. I did hope to get to Georgia on a monastery tour [which starts today in fact!: safe, and enjoyable, travels to all lucky enough to go!] this year -- so many places, so little time!: unfortunately work intervened. Perhaps next year, God willing. And, I too love going to places simply because "I've never been there", as the older man in the seat behind John on the plane commented to his neighbour -- although I do, as I am sure we all, have places we love to return to [Germany and Austria being long-range desinations of mine; the Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands closer to home]. I do so love to explore this world, and while most of my travels have been confined thus far to safe "Western" destinations, the allure of the different, the allure of the unknown and unsampled, calls to me.
Looking forward to the rest of the travelogue.
Two more thing to brighten one's day: peregrine falcon chicks from Philippa; and Sarah's Pentecost in Australia.
[*] writing that word reminded me of something my (Lebanese) Arabic teacher said about Egyptians and Arabic; "They put the em-FA-sis on the wrong si-LA-bul." :)