Well after three tries I really didn't the visas would come thru, but here they are.... so off we go, and with only the smallish and thin Lonely Planet. Suggestions?

Just to update, lonely planet was ok, but people with the old thick outdated Rough Guides (there were 2 previous editions one of which sells for 40 USD now-more than new) on Syria did better.

Turkey, esp Istanbul after Cairo (previous trip) and Lebanon, and Syria was just a let down. Its really just E Europe with Mosques. Not really that exciting all fixed up in center-more so than Italy. Comforts of home drop off in Turkey outside of main cites quite fast, and people less likey to speak english well than in country side of Lebanon or Syria.

Lebanon is two nations, Beriut and outside of Beriut. Beruit is TLV, outside is more like Syria. Beiruit was just like TLV, just bigger, newer and still some war torn buildings with lots and lots of bullet holes. People however partz harder than TLV...

The most surprising thing about the trip was the number of tourists in Damascus. It was flooded, not just europeans and brits, but tons of americans learning and studying arabic, seniors, young people... amazing. Everybody had the lonely planet and wanted the Rough Guide. Outside of Damascus is still somewhat undiscovered but Damascus is now a tourist trap,.... Some german companies are fixing it up and doing a good job on the straight street-main drag. The syrians are friendly but not as outgoing (or as agressive touts) as in other arabs countries, nothing like the annoying aggressive and funny touts of egypt. Syrians shopkeepers are helpful, answer ure questions but then back off if u seem to loose interest. People often seem to speak more english in Damascus than they do in midsized French and Italian cities. In Damascus stayed in Jewish quarter, still some jews, now more christians moved in but small temple services on sabath open to visitors if u wish.

Turkey is packed with history and seems to have got tourism down pat so there are good, cheap tours to all the best sites. Turkey can get rather hot in summer so air-conditioning is worth paying extra for.

In Lebanon, don't miss Byblos. It's been continually inhabited for 7,000 years and you can walk around old ruins, near the sea. The ruins and hill fort at Palmyra are good.