Hotel Zenobia

Built in 1918 and located in the heart of the city of Tadmur, stand the oldest and newly renovated Hotel Zenobia. My last stay at this hotel was at the age of 10, the year was 1973.

The Hotel has been expanded with Bangalows, and still looks Majectic between the ruins. The Hotel was built by a French Countess of British origins at the time (I will try to dig up her name) that fled to

Morocco later on to be found dead on the sea shore, she was executed by the French as she was an informer or a double agent for the French and the German. One of the notable guests of the hotel was Agatha Christy who stayed at the hotel in 1937, as she was touring of Syria while she was working on her book "Murder on the Orient Express". The Picture of the room is where Agatha stayed and where I stayed together with my parents some 34 years ago for a measly 15 Syrian Liras the current rate is 400$!!! We got the rate of 75$ for the single room and 88$ for the double for the night. It is highly recommended that you stay in this Historical Hotel, as it is an unforgettable experience.

Day 6 - Marmarita - Apamea

Apamea or Apameia (Greek: Απάμεια; Arabic أفاميا or آفاميا, Afamia) – Its site is found about 55 km to the northwest of Hama, Syria, overlooking the Ghab valley. We drove early form the hotel to have some canyon racing, we headed to an area called Wadi Al Oyoun from there to Misyaf and pushed further north to Afamia. The Site was great, the only thing i regret is not purchasing some authentic coins hailing from Roman times for a measly 500 Syrian Pounds.

Day 5 - What a Day!!!

It's one of these days that you feel you can't articulate your emotions, we started off the day by heading north to wards Lathikia, we swerved off to Al Matlaa tower. The view was breath taking we had our morning coffee there and leaped towards Salah El Din Castle, the road was unbelievable. We were presented with the most interesting S-Cuves, Hair Pins, and twisties served over 90km, it was simply amazing. The road took us down to Hama where we had dinner overlooking the the water mills. Overall we covered 420km the only thing I can say is simply what a day.!

View from al Marqab	Salah El Din Castle
Salah El Din Castle	Al Marqab Catle
Hama	Group Photo

Queen Zenobia & the City of Tadmur

Zenobia (around 240-after 274) was a Syrian woman who lived in the third century. She was a Queen of the Palmyrene Empire and the second wife to king Septimius Odaenathus. Upon his death she became the ruler of the empire. In 269, she conquered Egypt expelling the Roman prefect of Egypt, Tenagino Probus, whom she beheaded when he attempted a recapture. She then proclaimed herself Queen of Egypt also. Ruling until 274 when she was defeated and taken as hostage to Rome by Aurelian. Zenobia appeared in golden chains in Aurelian’s military triumph parade in Rome. So impressed by her, Aurelian granted her clemency, and freed Zenobia. Further, he granted her an elegant villa in Tibur (modern Tivoli, Italy). She lived in luxury and she became a prominent philosopher, socialite, and Roman matron—and prominent Romans are counted as her descendants.

Day 4 - Damascus - Palmyra

This is one of the better roads we have driven on in Syria, our destination is Palmyra or Tadmur in Arabic, an oasis situated 250km from Damascus where the Queen Zenobia reigned on of the most prestigious

trading centers on the Silk Road. We left Damascus at 15:30 the road for the first 20 km was torturous, with trucks and buses racing at 150km/h. The road cleared and we were able to cruise along at a pace of 140km/h to our destination, unfortunately we could not enjoy the majestic scenery of the surrounding as dusk settled set in at 17:30. We arrived to Palmyra at 20:00. We headed straight to Hotel Zanobia and we were greeted by the manager. I will have a complete entry on Tadmur in another post.

Day 3 - Breakfast in Damascus

First Morning in Syria, in specific Damascus, our stay in the city will not last more than 24 hours. Traffic is intolerable and the amount of diesel fume you inhale should guarantee you some kind of a decease. We decided to bail out of Damascus as soon as the main sights were covered. The day started off into the mountainous area around Damacus, better known as Jabla Asyoun. We drove up to Bludan at 1300m over sea level to have our first dose of twisties and cold

weather , this was a great morning after 2 days crossing the arid desert of Saudi and eating breakfast in restaurant, I would never thought I would put my foot in while alive.