Here are some pictures that I took when visiting the Arab Castle in Palmyra. I went to visit the castle with a couple from Iceland. A taxi ride was necessary up to the castle – we split the cost. We arrived at the correct time, because an hour later, a small sandstorm began and the view and sunset was obscured. 
I arrived in ultra conservative Hama on Sunday; it was a happy departure from the town of Palmyra. On Monday, I took a taxi out to Musyaf with three people from Canada, although they go to school in Istanbul. They are on a six week holiday, traveling five countries, which I think they’re nuts. They toured the castle in about twenty minutes. They were going on to Crac. I took a microbus back to Hama – it worked out well, because I like to take my time when touring a castle.
Tuesday I went out to the beehives and the fortress of Wardan – a post will be loaded soon regarding this area. I hooked up with a couple and their baby girl from Spain – we also split the cost.
Before I leave Hama, I will have visited Ampamea and a couple of other places that are north of Hama. Traveling Syria is coming to a conclusion.
I am planning to enter Lebanon on Saturday, however, I have thought of leaving this Friday and stay in Tripoli for a night. Mary, who I am cat-sitting for is leaving on the 23rd, we will be going over all the details the day before. 
The house/cat sitting situation has been provided at the perfect time. I have completed my first seven months of travel – everything has gone very well. Seven is a number of complement – the house-sitting situation will provide a wonderful break. Quality time for reflection, and some good down time – having my own space will be invaluable before traveling Turkey and Israel, which might be up to six months all together.
While I am in Beirut, I will be doing some day trips to the prime sites in Lebanon. The country is small enough to do easy day trips, or an overnight, if it’s OK to leave the cat home alone for one night. 
Very few westerns that I run into live in the moment, they’re always thinking of the future with many worries plied up – creating emotional baggage. All provisions take place in the moment. When I entered Jordan, I had no idea what my route was going to be for the summer. 
Nevertheless, I knew patience was vital. Wait until the moment – demonstrate faith – I couldn’t have asked for any better type of situation. The date I left Egypt was critical to the timetable – who’s timetable, certainly not my own. I was able to travel one solid month in Jordan and Syria, although the amazing reality is that I have to be in Beirut by June 22nd – I left Egypt April 21st. 
A strong inner feeling told me to leave Egypt at that time. Indeed, I had my own plans, wanting to stay until May 1st. Letting go of personal ego-driven interests is a key factor, subjecting oneself in humility can move mountains.