Kassab

Added Kassab to the itinerary. Small mountain resort in NW Syria. Just meters away from the border with Turkey.

Sleeping and Eating (M's two favorite things)
The very cheap Al-Mouktar hotel included a bathroom off the porch that smelled like chemicals, so we both skipped showers for 2 days. Views from the Hotel Namar resteraunt were really nice, food a little less memorable.

Out and About:
The taxi driver for our trip to beach and later to Lattakia took us at high speeds over hills, around corners and from one lane to another. Terror ride for M and E. Al-Samara (a beach near Kassab where the mountains plunge into the Mediterranean) was amazing, a great spot for picnics that starts filling up with locals between 1-2 pm.

Disappointments:
Sadly, E didn't realize until arrival at Lattakia that the mountain we were staying on, Jebl Acra (sp?), was Mount Sapanu (Biblical Saphon) the mythical home of the Ugaritic weather god Baal.

Population game:
Kassab is supposed to be a much-loved mountain retreat for Syrians. We found a rather deserted town and judging by the number of apt lights on at night, a lot of home owners in Kassab are part-time residents. E compares it to Pentwater, MI: a great place to vacay with some nice scenery but its better when you're staying at gramma's and getting home cooked food.