My trip to Syria, the land of axes of evilest, been fruitful in multiple ways. The Syrian way of life needs little bit getting used to. Throughout my visits to middle east I find Aleppo, the city that I was born in, the most challenging. I find it almost impossible to adapt and adjust to. Not sure what it is exactly, I suppose there are multiple factors. The inequality between men and women, the middle class and the wannabees, the fundamental religious and the politically influenced. There are massive cultural restrictions imposed on various groups. What they should wear, how they need to behave with the opposite sex, the schools they should send their kids to and how much they really “work”. Yet the conversations the locals have took me back to 2003-2004 where majority of the conversations with Sydneyers related to realestate. There is a massive boom in realestate. No one really knows why. Here are some of the speculations: influx of Saudies, the country is more secure now and the Syrians in diasporas are returning back home and investing in the country. There are new banks, ATMs, internet access, security, less corruption and Syria has a stock exchange. But above all more money. Non existed 7 years ago. There were hardly any Hammers there are at least 10 now. Parallel parking and blocking the cars are a common occurrences. There are also a lot more good-looking men in here then there ever has been… Halleluiah … Life is great in Syria for the rich and the few.
Progress, of course has also been on the political ground. There is a flexible political climate. There seems to be the right mix between capitalism and socialism. The government still providing free schooling and healthcare. Cheap public transport. Even diesel is cheap here since majority of the households use diesel heating and the government subsidises for the needy. Great system. But all these is not helping my search… The crimes of the Axes of Evilest… I will not stop… I will keep u posted
