Q: What do you recommend to get from Syria, what's interesting to shop for? Do you usually have to bargain a lot? Is there Whey Protein and muscle building supplements there? Thanks in advance...
A: While it is possible to buy so-called muscle building suplements in many gyms in Syria (such as Nadi Shabab in Damascus or Lifestyles in Aleppo) it is doubtful that these will actualy do anything for your body other than leave a nasty taste in the back of your mouth for a few days. Most studies have found that synthetic proteins don't build muscle. Syria is known for two items: steel and silk. While silk is now easily available in almost every country, the silk (or indeed, any fabric) you can find in Damascus is of a higher quality (and much lower price) than anything available in the West. Damascus steel has been reknowned since the Middle Ages. There are old reports of Damascus blades being capable of floating on water, and being able to cut through an iron pole. While these are doubtlessly exaggerations, Damascus steel is incrediably strong and flexiable. While the art of forging Damascus steel was lost for several hundred years, it was rediscovered by Russians scientists in the 70s (the trick is the blade is only strong at key points, allowing to remain extremely light and flexible but still strong). In general, tourists will purchase a peice of Damascus silk and a Damascus forged knife (for purely decorational purposes) as mementos of their visit. In addition to these, there are other items that can be purchased only in Syria. Aleppo, for example, is reknowned for manufacturing a unique type of soap made out of high-quality olive oil (which is said to work wonders for the skin). A "brick" of this soap will cost about a dollar at most- a suprisingly good price for soap manufactured only in this region. Damascus is also famous for its "Damascene woodwork", wood with intricate carvings and "mosaiced" surfaces. Again unique to the region, many tourists purchase a small box with Damascene inlay. Nearly everything in Syria is cheaper than it is in the West (though a high-quality Damascus blade can be rather expensive). All of the items mentioned are available in the souks of Damascus and Aleppo. While you don't have to bargain, it is best to do so. A tourist with good bargaining skills can often get an item for half its original price. If the shop owner doesn't want to bargain, chances are someone else will, so always shop around before making a final purchase.