The Ultimate Throwback: School Trip Memories from Syria!

Do you remember School trips in Syria back in the day? They weren’t just a day out—they were little adventures packed with learning, fun, and exploration. Schools gave students the chance to discover our country’s landmarks and beautiful spots, from factories and historical sites to gardens and museums. Every trip felt like a mini celebration.

How It Starts

The announcement “Trip on Thursday!” would send the whole class into a frenzy of excitement. At home, moms would pack backpacks like their kids were leaving for a week: sandwiches, fruits, and delicious snacks, ready for just one day.

Early in the morning, the bus would park outside the school, and the students would gather around, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Once the bus started moving, it was a full-on party:
The darbuka drums played from the back, everyone singing in unison:

“Ya chauffeur dos dos… Allah yeba’tlak arous
Shaqra w beida min Tartous… ma bta’kol ella makdous”

Applause filled the bus, the principal shouted, “Sit down, kids!”—but no one heard anything over the laughter and songs. Teachers tried to calm us down, but eventually, they gave up. On the road, we felt like a little Ibn Battuta, discovering somewhere new. And when we arrived, the teachers stayed close, making sure no one got lost.

Elementary School Vs Middle School

In elementary school, the itinerary was simple and magical: visiting biscuit factories, pencil factories, or even soap workshops. We enjoyed watching warm biscuits come out of the oven or seeing pencils made step by step. Other favorite spots included Al-Talaa’ Park, the zoo, Al-Ghouta, the National Museum, and a full day at the amusement park.

As we got older in middle and high school, trips went further: Al-Hosn Castle, Tartous, Baqin, Zabadani, Sweida, Barada spring… and that’s when the real adventures, and the sweetest memories, began.

It didn’t matter where the destination was. The smell of freshly baked biscuits, the greenery of Al-Ghouta, or the laughter at the amusement park were enough. The fun came from simple games: ball games, tug-of-war, rackets, exploring, and the never-ending beat of the darbuka.

No trip was complete without a camera. Group photos with classmates, and the ultimate shot with the principal or favorite teacher, those pictures felt like a lifetime achievement. Back home, you’d show your family and go to bed feeling like a hero.

How It Ends

On the ride back, everyone was exhausted from laughing and running around, but the songs kept going: “Tika tika tika… shu hal-rehla al-antika… badna rehla tania ‘ala hesab al-mudeera”

Today, whenever we open an old photo from a school trip, everything comes back: the bus, the dabkeh, the songs, the bags, and the laughter…

Check out the nostalgia section on our website for more!