Dried Black Limes (Loomi)
Mike and I are back from the Middle East! We had an amazing time and we want to thank all of you who expressed concern for us. Since my blog is in no way political, I won’t get into the issues that are going on over there right now, but I will say that never at any point did we feel as though we were in harm’s way. While there, we experienced quite a different scenario than the picture that the news painted; all I have to say is that in a world where television ratings are valued higher than truth, be careful what you believe on the news. And get a second (or third) source if you can.
I’m thrilled because I have tons of pictures to share with you: pictures of old places, landmarks, markets, and foods. I’m planning to divide the pictures into different categories and spread out the posts so they’re not overwhelming, and interspersed with the pictures I may add little tidbits of culture or information. Of course, my first batch of pictures is mainly of food…after all, that’s what my blog is all about. ;)
And I just have to say, I MISSED YOU ALL! (And I’m looking forward to catching up on reading your blogs!)
The Souk Al Hamidiyah is a huge bazaar in Damascus, Syria that sells just about anything and everything you could ever want. Inside and outside the Souk… 
A few of the foods being sold inside and outside the Souk…
Apricot Leather (Qamar al Din) is used to make drinks and desserts.
Raw (green) almonds are sold as street fare, typically eaten with a sprinkle of salt. To me, they taste very similar to an unripe nectarine (but in a pleasant way :) ).
Yerba Mate is a hot herbal drink that’s drunk from a small, gourd-shaped cup and sipped through a metal filtered straw. It came from South America and is now very popular in Syria…
A Selection of Yerba Mate Cups and Straws
Bakdash is the ice cream parlor I mentioned in this post. Their Éma’a is incredible…
Rose-Scented Milk Pudding Topped with Almonds and Pistachios (Muhallibieh)
Making Éma’a…This Ice Cream is Very Taffy-Like Because of the Gum Mastic
It Wouldn’t be Éma’a Without the Pistachios
Pretty herbs and spices from other markets…
At first I thought this was pasta, but Mike told me it’s actually potato that you buy to deep fry into chips. I was intrigued, but unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to try it.
I'll be sharing more pictures from our vacation soon!
LeQuan says
Hi Faith!
Glad to hear that you and Mike are home safe and sound, even though you said you never felt you were ever in harm's way. Sorry I'm so late at commenting. I'm trying to catch up on my blog reading from our vacation.
Wow! Look at all those amazing photos you took. I am dying to have that ice cream right now. And those chips looks to tempting. Can you imagine, freshly fried chips? Sorry you didn't get a chance to try them though. Can't wait to see more pics. Glad to have you back!
FOODESSA says
I'm so glad to have backtracked on some of your missed posts...especially this outstanding one with the breathtaking photos. You captured the essence of the people through their amazing myriad of treats and I for one am rinsing my eyes from them.
Faith, I glad you're home safe and that you had a lovely time with Hubby ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Carolyn Jung says
Your photos are glorious. Sure, the food ones have me salivating. But the architectural ones really take my breath away. Beautiful!
5 Star Foodie says
Great to have you back and glad to hear that you had a good trip, can't wait to hear more about your adventures. The pictures of the markets look amazing, thanks so much for sharing!
Patty Price says
Welcome home Faith;-)
Your photos are so much fun to check out, I hope to make this trip someday;-)
Lucy says
Welcome back! Your pictures are amazing - I can imagine spending hours in the souk. I look forward to seeing more about your trip :)
Ameena says
Welcome back Faith! I'm so glad you are home safe and sound...how scary things must have been for you, even if you weren't directly in harm's way.
Lovely photos. I am looking forward to catching up on all of your posts!!
grace says
what lovely colors in these vivid photos! thanks so much for sharing, faith--it might be the closest i ever come to visiting myself!
Julie M. says
Such beautiful pictures Faith! It looks absolutely beautiful over there. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. Welcome back!
tasteofbeirut says
wow! Love the pictures! I love how underneath the label for each herb it says what it is good for; I noticed a bag of sage that said "Lebanese sage". Very cool, I know people in Lebanon who go there all the time and one lady who buys her fabrics there (she is a decorator). Glad you had a great time!
Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says
YAY you are back, and so glad you had a fabulous time. Your pictures are amazing. So you all brought us back a little something right?
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Welcome back, Faith! The photos you've shared here are amazing and I look forward to seeing so much more. It's good to hear that what we see on the news here is not the whole picture and that one should always seek other sources of information - well said.
Magic of Spice says
What great photos, these markets alone would be worth the trip...fantastic!
Krista says
Faith! These photos are absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Thanks for sharing and I'm thrilled to here you had a wonderful vacation....but I did miss you!!!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Welcome back Faith! We missed you! :D The pictures are wonderful! I've always wanted to visit the Middle East. Look at those wonderful market photos!
[email protected] says
welcome back Faith! and what an amazing trip you have! it is my dream that I will get there, one day!
Jenny (VintageSugarcube) says
WOW! Just came across your blog and glad I did! Your pics are stunning. Looks like a trip of a lifetime. I love all the food/market shots. :)
Anna Johnston says
I'm so excited your back Faith, I wasn't worried for you (much) I was pretty sure most of what is blasted across the world is yet another media deal, BUT..., its awesome to hear all the same. Now., onto the good stuff. The photos....... OMG!!!! I'm about to dash off to work, but I'm coming back again this afternoon for some serious drooling girl, its like a little window into a world I'll probably never see, but all those spices, all that culture, the architecture. I can't wait for more pics of your holiday. Happy homecoming :)
Diane says
What amazing photos. Glad you had a fantastic holiday. The food looks fabulous. Diane
Swathi says
Faith,
welcome back, looks like you had a wonderful time there. Clicks are awesome.
Mimi says
Fabulous pictures. Glad you had a safe trip.
Mimi
Lazaro says
Faith,
Glad you had a great trip. Photos look amazing. Welcome back.
Fiona says
Hamdillaah Salama !!
Glad you both arrived back safely, I know you wouldn't have missed this trip for the world. Your pictures are lovely, and make me want to visit Syria too. I look forward to sharing some of your family recipes!
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
Welcome back! What a fantastic trip! Gorgeous shots!
Angie's Recipes says
Nice to see you back and with so many great pictures!!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
What beautiful pictures! I love getting to see things like these, I would love to experience them at some point in my life! Glad to hear your trip was so good despite the troubles going on. And can't wait to see more pictures :D
Dana says
I'm so glad you had a great time! Your pictures are so beautiful... I love all of the vibrantly colored different kinds of foods!
Nicole, RD says
Wow! Everything looks fresh and fantastic. I would have a hay day with those spices and dried fruits! I've missed you and & I'm so glad you and Mike are back safe and sound. :)
Biren @ Roti n Rice says
Welcome back! I've missed you. Thanks for sharing your amazing pictures. Bazaars and markets are such interesting places to visit :) Can't wait to see more pictures.
Heavenly Housewife says
WElcome back from your excellent adventure daaaaaaaahling. I love the pictures, especially the market scenes. Everything looks so beautiful. Can't wait to hear more!
*kisses* HH
Chiara says
Welcome back, Faith! Glad to hear that you had a fun and safe vacation. The pictures are stunning... spice markets are such great subjects!
Rosa says
Marvelous! Thanks for sharing.
I'd go crazy if I went there! I'm such a spice addict... ;-P
Cheers,
Rosa
Veronica says
Faith, I almost died without you! OK, obviously that's not true, but I really felt your departure more than I expected. And I'm so glad you're back!!! I actually never even considered you might be in harm's way--what was going on where you were? Were you near Egypt? I'm really geography stupid so I'll blame that for my obliviousness. Well, I'm glad you made it back OK, despite whatever turmoil was happening near you. Welcome home! The pictures are soooo incredible. I love the way they sell things out of rolled-down bags!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Welcome back!!! I miss you :)
Your pictures look great. I'm loving all the stuff you can pick up at the markets. I wish there was something like this where I lived. I would be in heaven!!!
Lentil Breakdown says
What a treat to see your pics! It reminds me of the markets in Turkey. I will live vicariously through you until my next Middle East adventure. Can't wait till your next installment.
BeadedTail says
Welcome back! So glad you had a wonderful time and thanks for sharing your photos! Can't wait to see more!
Megan says
Welcome back! What wonderful picture. It's amazing to see how they shop on the other side of the world. Very fun!! I enjoyed them a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Raina says
Welcome back! Your are so lucky to be able to see such beautiful places. That dried fruit looks gorgeous.
I am amazed that you were able to make all of those posts while you were away; you must be really, really organized. I did not make half as many posts and I was home...lol