Mohamed

I'm currently visiting in Belgium and not so happy about the weather because it is still winter here. The temperatures are dropping every day. It is so hard for me, because in Syria it is Spring with very nice weather during the day.

I cannot wait to go back and enjoy the sun.

Am very busy having some administration organized and doing some purchases at the same time. The main thing is to see my family and some friends before I go back, because I will most probably not come again before next year.

The reason why I will not come again this year is because Mohamed and me, we are expecting a baby by August. During the hottest period of the year.

I guess I will be very busy after that.

Many ask, who is Mohamed ? How is he like ? And I did intend to publish a photo this time, but I forgot my digital camera back home and did not bring my laptop with me.

He is not a spring chicken. A 54 year old ex teacher who is touring through Syria with travelers from all over the world since many many years. His French is very good and he does love people enjoying their stay in Syria, "his" country. Often invites them to "his" village to have tea, coffee or dinner and see how people live outside of the city.

He will not travel by plane (scared to death to do that) and has only once left his country to go for a few days to Lebanon.

When he is not touring around, he is spending his time working on the land, helping his friends and family. In between, trying to finish the works on the house.

He has got 8 children from a first marriage : 6 sons and 2 daughters, age between 33 and 12. Most of them are married and the number of grandchildren is increasing every year.

The little ones love to be with him, to be hugged and kissed by him and go to the store to buy sweets or chips. Sometimes they come around and wait for hours to see him or return back home disappointed when he is not in.

He's over the moon to become a father again and cannot wait to have the baby in his arms.

Flowers

Well, the garden is coming on nicely. The almond tree is flourishing and some others will be soon, the lizards have surfaced, we’ve got egg laying hens, the wild flowers are coming out and colouring the landscapes… No need for heating anymore.

Just as well, because the diesel (mazout) is scarcely available these days. Probably a temporary shortage after the maximum usage during the long cold winter. There’s always gas and electricity in case of need be. It is much more a nuisance for the tourists coming through the country by car. Until now we have always been able to find the necessary fuel for their vehicle and off they go to Turkey where diesel is more expensive than in Europe.

Linda and Hänsi were back after 3 months camping in Aqaba, Jordan. They stayed 4 nights and brought along other German and Swiss campers. All the campers we had this winter were due to them spreading the word about our place.

Linda bought me a lot of vinegar in a supermarket in Jordan and made me a pair of colourful woollen socks. They had such a great time during the winter and had so many interesting contacts that they would like to repeat the experience in the coming years.

I myself am looking forward to my upcoming trip to Belgium on the 19th. Will be staying 10 days. I hope the weather will be fine during my stay, because I really hate the cold. The work in the garden has progressed so much that I am comfortable about leaving. The seeds will grow into small plants by the time I will come back.

Something I really need to do is unpacking the mosquito net and put it up. They are back, the horrible little things.