Despite heavy rains, our first day of training seemed to be a success. We are being sponsored the Syrian Organization for the Disabled (AAMAL). It is the main body that brings together government, nonprofits and media to enhance the education, work and image of the disabled. Its building reflects its importance to the country and includes a training center and offices.

Jill is working with mostly school administrators from around the country who are expected to train their teachers in inclusive education. Of course, they have fallen in love with her and she has them doing lots of hands-on activities.

I am working with media people and some PR people from nonprofits. The idea is to find ways of using the media to advance the goals of AAMAL. Good bunch of folks--very open to discussion and change.

This morning was the kick-off, supposedly at 9 am. While we sipped tea and Turkish coffee in the director's office at 9:30 we began to wonder if we were ever going to begin. Jill finally jumped up and shouted "I've got to set up my room!!!" Needless to say, we got under way shortly after. Of course, given our styles, we are already behind schedule...but we'll get everything done. And the fact Syria TV had a film crew in our faces didn't help the timing. We are so shy.

We are staying in the old city, surrounded by centuries-old walls. The place is a labyrinth of narrow streets crowded on both sides with shops--a souvenir shop next to a barber next to a butcher next to an everything shop. We were surprised walking back from dinner tonight by the fact that some shops were selling alcohol. So much for the Middle East image. Also, the streets were jammed with young people. And I swear I was in South Philly with a bunch of Angies and Tonys. Very swarthy guys, so naturally Jill has fallen off the sidewalk several times.

I will probably be visiting media outlets and Damascus University next week while Jill finishes her training. We found out today that next Monday is a national holiday, cutting her training by one day. As our friends here say, Muffi-moosh-gala--no problem. We will have the weekend (Friday and Saturday) to explore beyond the old city, including the hills that rise dramatically to the west of the city.

Arrived in Damascus after 11 hours in the air. Stuck in New York for two hours because of snow, then an hour for de-icing the plane. Yikes. When we arrived, a little man was standing at the gate with Jill's name on a card. He was our driver and walked us through the "diplomatic line."















Anyway, we felt very important. Of course, that feeling faded when we realized one of our bags--the one with all Jill's clothes--was still in New York. But Jill's a trooper (and Damsacus is full of stores). Our hotel is in the 'old city.'















It is a converted house and is lovely. We were going to take a stroll after a wonderful night's sleep and ended up wandering through endless streets of tiny shops for five hours. We also managed to spend all the Syrian money we had in the process.




















Ah well. Trainings start tomorrow and we are both excited.

In Amman

We are sitting in the Amman airport awaiting our flight to Damascus. Flight from New York was delayed two hours because of snow, but when we got on the plane. found out that there were only 50 other passengers. Had whole rows to ourselves, so we were able to get some sleep.

Of course, Friday disappeared in the time shift. We woke up expecting breakfast, but got another dinner.

Our flight leaves at 9:45 pm but is only about an hour. We're beat, but excited.

Well, we fly out today. First to New York (five hour layover--where's the bar?); next to Amman Jordan (11 hours); finally to Damascus. We will arrive there @9:30 pm (3:30 pm here). Embassy is sending a car to pick us up. Wonder if there'll be little flags on it?

Jill was packed three weeks ago; I can't find a suitcase. Since we are taking gifts for our participants, we have a suitcase jammed with pens, notebooks, etc. generously donated by our respective schools. But that means we'll have an empty suitcase coming back. What ever will we fill it with? I'm sure Jill will find something.

We are taking laptop, video camera, still camera, phonograph (just kidding). The hotel (here's link http://www.hananiahotel.com/) is supposed to have WIFI. Wow. So, we hope we will be able to post photos of our adventure while we're there.

Almost Ready To Go

As most of you know, Jill and I have been asked to assist the Syrian Ministry of Education with training teachers and ministry personnel. Jill will work with teachers to prepare them for the inclusion of students with special needs into the regular education classroom. I will work with the ministry to develop a strategy for bringing greater media attention to the disability population.

We are excited about the possibility of working with a group of people so desirous of advancing people with disabilities.