This is a guest post by Sam of Indefinite Adventure
I travelled in Syria just before their civil war began in early 2011, and to this day it was one of my most rewarding and memorable travel experiences.
It was just outside the main souq (covered market) in Aleppo, which was the largest in the Middle East, that I ran across these three boys…or should I say that they ran across me. They dashed over to me, I guess spotting me easily as the only foreigner in the relatively empty square. They were three bundles of energy, full of excitement at finishing school before the weekend. When they saw that I had been taking photos of the nearby castle they insisted that I take their photo.
Despite it barely involving any words, it was one of the human interactions that stands out most vividly in my memory from my time in these boys’ beautiful country. I just hope they are alright.
Sam is a sometimes-EFL teacher, wannabe-minimalist, language geek who is trying to make it as a digital nomad with his partner, Zab. You can follow them on their blog Indefinite Adventure where they chronicle their journey, write about the places they visit, the food they eat (preferably vegetarian, organic and locally produced) and the people they meet. They are also on Facebook, Twitter and Fours
Thanks so much for sharing this, guys! This brings back so many bittersweet memories.
It’s such a beautiful portrait! Let’s hope that those boys are ok now!
Look at these boys! They look to proud and happy to pose for you! Like it a lot!
Thanks Agness! It’s a great photo 🙂
Short and very sweet post! These children are beautiful. I’m often taken aback at how bold they can be and their curiosity always inspires me. Happy travels!
Thanks for commenting! We love the photo as well!
Beautiful picture. Its a real shame what has happened to the country. My ex used to travel to Syria a lot before the Civil war, its no longer the place it once was.
Definitely a sad situation over there. We’ve never been but would love to visit someday in the future when it becomes peaceful again!
Being of pure Syrian origin, I really appreciate the post and the positive highlight. It’s sad that there’s such a negative stigma associated with all of the Middle East, especially Syria. I’m sure one day the country will come out smiling like those precious boys, but that day isn’t today, unfortunately.
Thanks for commenting Rashad. There is definitely negative media surround Syria; we’d love to read more about what I’m sure is a beautiful country. Let us know if you’d ever like to write something about it!
How adorable 🙂 Look at their happy faces! Who would have thought… Just in December I was staying in a hostel which had 3 Syrian refugees. How things change huh…
beautiful! thank you for sharing these smiles!
You’re welcome Sarah 🙂