{"id":9631,"date":"2026-10-06T11:16:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T11:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/?p=9631"},"modified":"2026-10-06T11:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T11:16:16","slug":"15-things-friends-abroad-say-when-returning-to-damascus-for-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/en\/9631\/15-things-friends-abroad-say-when-returning-to-damascus-for-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Things Friends Abroad Say When Returning to Damascus for the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"    <button class=\"sideconvo-button\">         <svg         xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"         width=\"64\"         height=\"64\"         viewBox=\"0 0 64 64\"         fill=\"none\">         <g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_5407_120)\">             <mask                 id=\"mask0_5407_120\"                 style=\"mask-type:luminance\"                 maskUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\"                 x=\"0\"                 y=\"0\"                 width=\"64\"                 height=\"64\">                 <path d=\"M64 0H0V64H64V0Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path>             <\/mask>             <g mask=\"url(#mask0_5407_120)\">                 <path                     d=\"M38.4702 26.64L38.5252 26.775C40.3652 31.435 44.0902 35.165 48.7502 37L48.8852 37.055L48.7502 37.11C44.0902 38.95 40.3602 42.675 38.5252 47.335L38.4702 47.47L38.4152 47.335C36.5752 42.675 32.8502 38.945 28.1902 37.11L28.0552 37.055L28.1902 37C32.8502 35.16 36.5802 31.435 38.4152 26.775L38.4702 26.64ZM38.4702 14.815C38.0702 14.815 37.6702 15.035 37.5002 15.475L33.7702 24.935C32.4352 28.325 29.7502 31.01 26.3602 32.345L16.9002 36.075C16.0202 36.425 16.0202 37.67 16.9002 38.02L26.3602 41.75C29.7502 43.085 32.4352 45.77 33.7702 49.16L37.5002 58.62C37.6752 59.06 38.0752 59.28 38.4702 59.28C38.8652 59.28 39.2702 59.06 39.4402 58.62L43.1702 49.16C44.5052 45.77 47.1902 43.085 50.5802 41.75L60.0402 38.02C60.9202 37.67 60.9202 36.425 60.0402 36.075L50.5802 32.345C47.1902 31.01 44.5052 28.325 43.1702 24.935L39.4402 15.475C39.2652 15.035 38.8652 14.815 38.4702 14.815ZM14.4702 29.125L11.9802 24.57C11.9452 24.505 11.8902 24.45 11.8202 24.41L7.26516 21.92C6.62516 21.57 6.62516 20.655 7.26516 20.305L11.8202 17.815C11.8852 17.78 11.9402 17.725 11.9752 17.66L14.4652 13.105C14.8152 12.465 15.7302 12.465 16.0802 13.105L18.5702 17.66C18.6052 17.725 18.6602 17.78 18.7302 17.82L23.2852 20.31C23.9252 20.66 23.9252 21.575 23.2852 21.925L18.7302 24.415C18.6652 24.45 18.6102 24.505 18.5752 24.57L16.0852 29.125C15.7352 29.765 14.8202 29.765 14.4702 29.125Z\"                     fill=\"#fff\"><\/path>                 <path                     d=\"M38.4702 26.64L38.5252 26.775C40.3652 31.435 44.0902 35.165 48.7502 37L48.8852 37.055L48.7502 37.11C44.0902 38.95 40.3602 42.675 38.5252 47.335L38.4702 47.47L38.4152 47.335C36.5752 42.675 32.8502 38.945 28.1902 37.11L28.0552 37.055L28.1902 37C32.8502 35.16 36.5802 31.435 38.4152 26.775L38.4702 26.64Z\"                     fill=\"#fff\"><\/path>                 <path                     d=\"M32 10.7351C33.6569 10.7351 35 9.39196 35 7.73511C35 6.07825 33.6569 4.73511 32 4.73511C30.3431 4.73511 29 6.07825 29 7.73511C29 9.39196 30.3431 10.7351 32 10.7351Z\"                     fill=\"#fff\"><\/path>             <\/g>         <\/g>         <defs>             <clipPath id=\"clip0_5407_120\">                 <rect width=\"64\" height=\"64\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>             <\/clipPath>         <\/defs>     <\/svg>        <span class=\"sideconvo_button\"  data-sideconvo-message=\"Syrian Proverbs\" data-sideconvo-mode=\"SPEAK\" data-sideconvo-customCTATitle=\"Check out the best Syrian Proverbs here!\" data-sideconvo-customCTAPlacement=\"TITLE_TAG\">             Check out the best Syrian Proverbs here!        <\/span>         <div class=\"hoverEffect\">             <div><\/div>         <\/div>     <\/button>     <style>      <\/style>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The holidays mean one thing in Damascus: friends and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C2MJsuTL7Ij\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">family living abroad <\/a>are returning! There are more dinners, visits, nights out, and group meetups. And with everyone back in town, you\u2019ll hear the same questions every year. Here are 15 things your friends abroad will probably say when they come back to Damascus.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s see the most famous ones:<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-1-why-is-it-so-cold-in-damascus\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. \u201cWhy Is It So Cold in Damascus?\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DTG3JA1imhX\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It doesn\u2019t matter how cold it is where they live. Damascus is still freezing! Give them a few days and they\u2019ll be wrapped in blankets.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-2-where-are-we-going-for-new-year-s-eve\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. \u201cWhere Are We Going for New Year\u2019s Eve?\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C02E8oRLKNz\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the first questions after they arrive. Restaurant? Party? Night out with friends? They want to know the plan.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-3-what-new-restaurants-and-cafes-are-there\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. \u201cWhat New Restaurants and Cafes Are There?\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DdoqBxyoca9\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They want to know what opened while they were away and where everyone is going now.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-4-where-can-we-see-the-holiday-lights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. \u201cWhere Can We See the Holiday Lights?\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CmrShmOIn4e\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They want to see the decorations, lights, markets, and all the holiday vibes they missed.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-5-i-m-craving-syrian-food\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. \u201cI\u2019m Craving Syrian Food.\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DN7o_V2iWEe\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shawarma, fatteh, grilled meat, manakish\u2026 the list goes on. There\u2019s always something they\u2019ve been craving and need to eat before they leave.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-6-we-have-to-go-to-old-damascus\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. \u201cWe Have to Go to Old Damascus.\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DRg3onzCJKf\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old Damascus is always on the list. The old streets, cafes, and cozy winter evenings are some of the things they miss most. <\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-7-wait-how-much-does-that-cost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. \u201cWait\u2026 How Much Does That Cost?\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DdWDhC1MVEX\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The price comparisons start after the first few bills. Then comes: \u201cIs that expensive for you guys?\u201d<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-8-who-s-in-damascus-right-now\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. \u201cWho\u2019s in Damascus Right Now?\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DcSnlOWjNLS\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The holiday season means more people are back, so they need to know who\u2019s in town.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-9-let-s-all-meet-like-we-used-to\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. \u201cLet\u2019s All Meet Like We Used To.\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DPe4dyNDDRb\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone is busy now, but that doesn\u2019t stop them from trying to get the whole group together.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-10-why-don-t-we-go-out-on-a-weekday\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. \u201cWhy Don\u2019t We Go Out on a Weekday?\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re on holiday, so every day is a weekend to them. Meanwhile, you have work the next morning.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-11-should-we-go-to-bloudan-tomorrow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. \u201cShould We Go to Bloudan Tomorrow?\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DaYSdQ4IevF\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bloudan, Zabadani, Saidnaya, Maaloula\u2026 The holiday is short, but their list of places to visit is not.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-12-i-really-missed-these-nights\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. \u201cI Really Missed These Nights.\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DQMwQD4DjeH\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes they don\u2019t miss a specific place. They miss sitting at someone\u2019s house, drinking tea or mate, and hanging out with old friends.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-13-i-want-to-take-some-things-back-with-me\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. \u201cI Want to Take Some Things Back With Me.\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7ey9_Es4of\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It starts with sweets and coffee. Then come zaatar, spices, makdous, and everything else they can fit in their suitcase.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h2 id=\"h-14-i-didn-t-get-to-see-everyone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. \u201cI Didn\u2019t Get to See Everyone!\u201d<\/h2>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DcOV4Euo1eL\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few days before they leave, they realize they still haven\u2019t seen half the people they wanted to see. Suddenly, the last few days are full of visits and dinners.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 id=\"h-15-is-my-holiday-already-over\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. \u201cIs My Holiday Already Over?\u201d<\/h3>    <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>   <iframe title=\"Embedded Instagram Post\" allowtransparency=\"true\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"532\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DUqOZOtjK6y\/embed\/\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 12px 0px 12px !important; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;\"><\/iframe>   <div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter how many plans they make, the holiday always feels too short. And just like that, they\u2019re leaving Damascus and already missing it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What\u2019s the one thing your friends abroad always say when they come back to Damascus?<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"has-pale-ocean-gradient-background has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you enjoyed this article, make sure to visit the #<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/en\/category\/bil-shami\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bil Shami <\/a>section on our website to see more!<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019ll hear the same questions every year. Here are 15 things your friends abroad will probably say when they come back to Damascus. Let&#8217;s see [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9628,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpai_generated_summary":"","_preview_accessed":0,"_lftp_listicle_injection":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[247],"media-embed-type":[],"class_list":["post-9631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bil-shami","tag-7aki_shami"],"authorship":[7],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>15 Things Friends Abroad Say When Returning to Damascus for the Holidays &#187; This is Dimashq<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The holidays mean one thing in Damascus: friends and family living abroad are returning! There are more dinners, nights out, and meetups\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisdimashq.com\/en\/9631\/15-things-friends-abroad-say-when-returning-to-damascus-for-the-holidays\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"15 Things Friends Abroad Say When Returning to Damascus for the Holidays\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The holidays mean one thing in Damascus: friends and family living abroad are returning! 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