Arriving to Aleppo Land

I have come to Aleppo, Syria, numerous times, yet I have never left a repertoire or a brief description of any of my visits. Even though I’ve been coming here quite often recently and within short intervals, every visit is always unique in its own way and always leaves me with different experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which really makes it a fun and interesting place to be. Also as many know, Syria and Aleppo is where I would like to say “my heart belongs” and what completes my identity, it is a land I love.

Well this time I didn't come for a vacation, but rather to see a dentist and hence did not come with any exquisite plans. In addition, having to pay for many expenses last month, I had to lessen my budget this time, therefore, not having the chance to do very much. I basically came here to just finish what’s needed and see grandma. So there is nothing particularly exciting here, just thought of sharing some of the things little things that happened with me.

Hmm well my flight here was a pleasant one, it was an early morning flight and I did not have much sleep the night before which you can say took care of 2 hours of the flight, leaving an hour and a bit for reading. Ah I guess after experiencing a 13hours flight, 3 hours is more than tolerable.

So the first thing I notice, as many other fellow Syrian friends would is the Aleppine accent :D and that’s when I know I reached. Long time ago, when I was much younger and only occasionally came to Syria, I would feel like I am in a new place/country, now I just feel like I am in my home land and it feels great!

Well ironically however, this time, 3 Emirati men were in flight and as soon as I stood in line at passport control, I could hear them chit chatting behind me. I tell you it felt wrong, for a moment I felt like I was back in U.A.E., what on earth were they doing here, although I knew it was a stupid question to be asking, I know how people from all around and especially the Gulf come to beloved Syria, I just wasn’t used to seeing them around with their costume and accent.

The next thing that happened was that the police men were “requesting” the people to stand in line and wait behind the red line on the floor until the person getting their passport stamped was done. YES I thought, there is hope, I was very proud. AND the police man would “kindly” ask them to stay within the line every time they came out of it. You see some people just need reminding.

So I was standing in line and this lady behind me kept grudging to the lady in front of me about 'why is the police man taking with the person at the cabin, getting their passport checked', and she kept on complaining. I just don’t understand why people are always in a rush, and the point of her rattling. Apparently there was something wrong with the man’s passport. Anyways and you will be happy to know that 2 women took my turn, they actually came from the line next to mine to the cabin I was waiting at. THE NERVE. I was mad and wanted to ask them to go back, but I just brushed it off, thinking they at least stood behind the red line, plus they were old, but I promised myself that the next time it happens I would tell them off.

I got to the cabin and the following routine has to happen; police man shuffles through my passport, asks me a couple of questions, jokes around, and finally lets me go :p I guess I only do need these scenarios to be assured I am in the right place :p

I have to tell you, the most thing I look forward to as soon as I get to Aleppo, is my exit from the airport doors to the bustling road outside. I get that vision or feeling that you see in movies where a big door suddenly opens to a scene of a bustling, busy city at daylight, filled with people and cabbies running about doing their thing. And so I had that moment, I took in a full gasp of Aleppo’s beautiful crispy morning and by the time I took my second step a cabbie man ushered me to a taxi and off to grandma’s I was.

As usual, I was welcomed by a healthy, loving and smiling grandma, telling me that the house got brighter with my arrival :D to which I was flattered! I tell you; even if I am not hungry, deep down I am always looking forward to the food she has prepared for me. What do you know there was Me7shi, nothing I can completely sucker up for than that.

And the following happens, we fill in each other with all that’s recent, basically which is mum and then mum and then mum :p lol and everyone else of course. Well just in case you’re curious, I did have a full fledged Aleppine meal and an extremely delicious one. There was salad, Molekhia, Frikae and Me7shi bel bergole and Laban :) ah yes I know…eat your heart out!! :D