15 Things Friends Abroad Say When Returning to Damascus for the Holidays

The holidays mean one thing in Damascus: friends and family living abroad are returning! There are more dinners, visits, nights out, and group meetups. And with everyone back in town, you’ll hear the same questions every year. Here are 15 things your friends abroad will probably say when they come back to Damascus.

Let’s see the most famous ones:

1. “Why Is It So Cold in Damascus?”

It doesn’t matter how cold it is where they live. Damascus is still freezing! Give them a few days and they’ll be wrapped in blankets.

2. “Where Are We Going for New Year’s Eve?”

One of the first questions after they arrive. Restaurant? Party? Night out with friends? They want to know the plan.

3. “What New Restaurants and Cafes Are There?”

They want to know what opened while they were away and where everyone is going now.

4. “Where Can We See the Holiday Lights?”

They want to see the decorations, lights, markets, and all the holiday vibes they missed.

5. “I’m Craving Syrian Food.”

Shawarma, fatteh, grilled meat, manakish… the list goes on. There’s always something they’ve been craving and need to eat before they leave.

6. “We Have to Go to Old Damascus.”

Old Damascus is always on the list. The old streets, cafes, and cozy winter evenings are some of the things they miss most.

7. “Wait… How Much Does That Cost?”

The price comparisons start after the first few bills. Then comes: “Is that expensive for you guys?”

8. “Who’s in Damascus Right Now?”

The holiday season means more people are back, so they need to know who’s in town.

9. “Let’s All Meet Like We Used To.”

Everyone is busy now, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to get the whole group together.

10. “Why Don’t We Go Out on a Weekday?”

They’re on holiday, so every day is a weekend to them. Meanwhile, you have work the next morning.

11. “Should We Go to Bloudan Tomorrow?”

Bloudan, Zabadani, Saidnaya, Maaloula… The holiday is short, but their list of places to visit is not.

12. “I Really Missed These Nights.”

Sometimes they don’t miss a specific place. They miss sitting at someone’s house, drinking tea or mate, and hanging out with old friends.

13. “I Want to Take Some Things Back With Me.”

It starts with sweets and coffee. Then come zaatar, spices, makdous, and everything else they can fit in their suitcase.

14. “I Didn’t Get to See Everyone!”

A few days before they leave, they realize they still haven’t seen half the people they wanted to see. Suddenly, the last few days are full of visits and dinners.

15. “Is My Holiday Already Over?”

No matter how many plans they make, the holiday always feels too short. And just like that, they’re leaving Damascus and already missing it.

What’s the one thing your friends abroad always say when they come back to Damascus?

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