With a rich oral tradition, in Damascus there was always the storyteller (Hakawati), who narrate the stories and legends of the ancestors. Today there is only one, Abu Shady, exhibiting his art some evenings in the crowded coffee An-Nanfura (behind the Great Mosque). Although not understand Arabic, and let go by the lead performances, shouting and beating with a stick of this kind sir, that will transport you to scenes of The Thousand and One Nights, while drinking tea and smoking a hookah.
Travel tips
Not only to regain strength after a long day in the souks and alleys of Old Damascus, but also to blend in with the locals in their day to day, nothing better than going to a hammam or Turkish bath. We recommend Nuredín hamman, the largest and oldest in the city, which takes its name from the uncle of Saladin. A complete sauna, and massage costs about five dollars, including towel, soap and tea. Leave as new, and perhaps with new friends or to any guest house for dinner.
If you've already walked the city and its souks, rent a taxi, but the fixed price for the trip and get in a late afternoon Jebbel (Mount) Qassioun, which overlooks the city. The sunset here is spectacular, with the last sunset light merging with the green fluorescence of the mosques and the call to prayer from muecines. A spectacle. At the lookout there are some terraces where you take a tea or smoking a hookah.
As not only in Damascus but also in Aleppo and other cities of Syria will visit mosques, a good tip is to bring a pair of socks in his pocket. In this way, off to the obligation to enter the interior of these temples sacred to Muslims, avoid cold or heat tiles of the courtyard and possible fungal skin.
