Damascus Travel Forum

Hi all,

Thanks in advance for your help. I am a Brit who will be staying in Damascus (first visit!) between May and the end of August, and despite trawling the web for hours, I can't seem to find the answers to the following questions, so if anyone could help me, I would be very grateful.

1. I've recently quit smoking after many years, and am finding life without cigarettes difficult, to say the least! The NHS won't supply me with enough nicorettes for my entire stay, so I'm wondering if it is possible to buy nicorettes or similar brands from pharmacies in Damascus, or if I would need to go to a doctor to get a prescription, if this is possible? What are the costs?

2. Is it possible to buy the contraceptive pill at one of the pharmacies, or would this require a doctor's prescription? I'm bringing some with me, but am just a bit worried that they might get damaged or something. Would there be any problems at the airport on arrival if customs search my bag and find the pill?

3. I'm female, and would like to go to the gym and use a swimming pool a few times a week in the evenings - are there any in or around the Old City which are specifically for women or have specific hours for women-only gym or pool sessions? Is it possible to pay to use the gyms and/or the swimming pool in one of the hotels, such as the Sheraton? I've contacted a few hotels, but have had no reply to my emails. How much would this cost?
Also, would a sports bikini be ok to wear (not a skimpy string one, it's bikini shorts and a crop-top, but it does show my midriff)?

4. Are there any group evening dance classes available - belly-dancing, salsa, arabic, any kind really! Again, what are the costs and location?

5. I'm on a tight budget as I'm a student, and would like to cook for myself - where are the best (and cheapest!) supermarkets located, and is it possible to buy 'western' foods like breakfast cereal and pasta?

Sorry for so many (boring!) questions, and thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Ellie

You might try emailing one of the guys listed in this article for help re your nicorettes

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2553239

Take a look at this site and try contacting the owner - he's a generous answerer of questions on the Trip Advisor forums on Syria where he goes by the name of syriafullbottle

http://www.damascushostel.com/

Damascus is fabulous - have a great summer!

-Not sure about this but you`ll probably be able to buy it or a similar brand from the pharmacy without a doctors prescription , even if you need to doctors fees are cheap and there are loads of private clinics all over with advertisment boards along the buildings but i doubt you would need to.
-Probably yes you would be able to buy it at the pharmacy, you wont have a problem bringing the pills with you.
-You can use the facilities in a nearby hotel for a fee and there are local/social clubs that have pools and might have women timings too like the officers club (nadi al dubaat in Arabic).Same thing for the Arabic and belly dancing classes..there are a few institutions for Arabic ,Damascus university offers courses too just ask the locals in your neighborhood once settled and see what suits your budget ,syria is not expensive .

-Oh you can wear a bikini no problem on the beach/pool.
-Local co-operative (supermarkets are plenty) and fresh green markets as bakeries and small grocery stores dotted all over , pasta is plenty and cheap as syrians hardly eat it except for macarroni and haloumi cheese .Food and fresh produce ,fruits ,veggies ,milk ,cheese ...etc is lovely and cheap .Not sure about Breakfast cereal as you might find it only in certain supermarkets that import stuff unless there are local brands .......you will find even ready made food/set meals/fast food such as Shawarmas ,pizzas and bakery items croissant ...etc. where the locals eat inexpensive ....

Enjoy your stay .

Hey ,

the Best Place to go for Gym and there is a Swimming Pool called Barada , little expensive , but Very clean ,Nice Staff,
Danceing classes are avaibale at the Russian Center in a street called 29 Ayar Street ,
if you still have Questions not answered let me know please ,

Firas

Hi Ellie, It's so easy, believe me, do not warry coz u can ask someone in the street ( know english = prefer young woman or man ) simple life & simple people. U will enjoy coz now the perfect weather here.
Excuse me this is the first time I,m in this site ( I'm not tourist guide )but know more than. I come across ur messege by chance & like to help u.
Again, for more info, how old r u & what u do in life....may u think this personal question ...no here it is ok coz i can help if i know.
Bye
email me when arrived.

Thanks all for your help - I really appreciate it!

Best wishes,

Ellie

Hi there. I am planning a trip to both Jordan & Syria. Will be visiting with my wife and 2 kids. I dont have the faintest clue about the life n culture out there but giving it a shot myself. Would be there for about 2 weeks. Landing in 1st week of July. Brought up in the UK so i understand your questions. Wish i could answer them. Have a great time. Maybe we could meetup while I am there. Cheers! Sami.

I'm from the States and I've been visiting Syria for years now every summer. I don't know the answer to many of your questions, but all I can say is good luck! Everywhere you go in Syria, you're more than likely to encounter people who are smoking so stay strong and I would recommend stocking up on your Nicorette supplies! For the most part, Syria is enjoyable and cheap, but you have to keep in mind it's nothing like the UK or US. I would definitely advise dressing a bit more conservatively, because the fact that you are a foreigner will gain you attention from guys in itself. I think it'd be okay to wear a bikini as long as you're in a more Americanized/Christian region where there is a pool facility - like Bab Touma or some nice hotels in Damascus. Anyway, I know haven't answered your questions but I hope that helps! Enjoy your trip :).

We have Capoeira & Samba in Damascus!

also girls classes.

check capoeira + syria or damascus, than you will get over your smoking problem:)

Axe