Kool Kids Do Krak

Trip Start Jul 25, 2006

165

Trip End Ongoing

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Flag of Syria Krak de Cheveliers, Syria
Saturday, September 9, 2006

(From Journal) - "I'm currently both proud and disgusted with myself. I'm sitting in a mini-bus in Homs waiting to leave for Krak de Chevaliers, the famous Crusader castle. One taxi tried to take me there and back for 1200 pounds ($24). Another offered for 500 pounds one way ($10), while another 300 pounds ($6). Well, I'm currently sitting in a mini-bus that will take me there for 30 pounds (75 cents). Of course, it won't go anywhere until it's full, which could be a long time. Plus I'm actually paying double (my bag is considered a person). Plus I'm becoming one of those travellers. You know, the type of person who harangues an old woman over 0.02$ when she is selling bananas. Plus there seems to be an old man behind me intent on coughing up foamy chunks of lung, which I'm sure is communicable. Plus I've got a big, hairy, spread out, smelly man next to me again. Good call DJ. Just think, you saved $1.50. Wow, now you're rolling in it. But at least it's authentic. Great, I think I just felt some lung hit my ear from behind.

I'm suddenly terrified the big, hairy smelly man next to me can read English."

Krak de Chevaliers was everything you could ever want a desert castle to be. It is in amazing shape, pearched on top of a hilltop that gives it a commanding view of all the land around it. It was one of many castles built by the Crusaders in their attempt to take back the Holy Land from the Muslims. It was never actually breached or taken by force, but eventually was surrendered by the massive under-numbered Crusader garrison who did not want to face a prolonged seige from the Muslim forces. T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) once wrote " (it is) the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world." When you walk around it and see the incredible engineering, and formidable defences, it is easy to agree.

The night before I went to Krak de Chevaliers, I stayed in Hama. Hama is famous for it's old, and huge waterwheels. Their distinctive sound is not unlike a combination of a giant woodpecker and rubbing two pieces of Styrofoam together.