aud’acious

Well, I wasn’t exactly expecting Damascus to win in the poll but, to date it’s the city that people have voted they would want to know more about.  May I, therefore, present to you Damascus through my interactions with three people.

My grandma, John Wreford, and a CASA student.

Grandma: My first interactions growing up in relation to Damascus was through the beautiful copper and emroidered linens of my grandparents’ home which I lived in for many years.  Of course, no mention about copper is complete without a lively story of how my grandma got those things in and out of Syria.  Syria holds this semi-mysterious quality because the country is forbidden to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport.  And of course, my grandparents lived in Israel.  She doesn’t let that get in the way of her chances of hitting the markets in Damascus.  My grandparents go to see where Paul went and Arabraham grew up and the ancient kingdoms that left their mark–Persia, Rome, Greece, and the Arabs.  So, Damascus holds a Biblical/ancient quality for me.

John Wreford: He is an amazing photographer living in Damascus capturing the Middle East for high end journals and such.  If you haven’t seen much of the Middle East or enjoy stunning images, check out his website.  http://www.johnwreford.com

CASA student: My Arabic students and I got to know a former BYU student who is now studying in Damascus in the CASA program.  From him I’ve learned a little about a different side of Damascus–the more day to day living.  One of the points that particularly stands out to me is that he plays off and on with a soccer team there.  For people outside the United States soccer represents the core of masculinity–the way we see football or basketball.  It’s interesting to hear bits and pieces from him about playing soccer late into the night and struggles for recognition becauase he is an American.  He talks about working with Iraqi refugees, hanging out with friends on the weekends, etc.  In other words–people live there.  With all the layers of history and it’s central place in Syrian politics, it’s a place where people continue their stories.

Finally, there were anti-American protests not too long ago after the US crossed into Syrian territory uninvited.  Traditionally Syria is a place that resists the incursion of the West.  And that is my 2 cents about Damascus.