Aloha Everyone,
The port area is off limits to pedestrians. We boarded a free shuttle from the ship to just outside of the port gate. A different shuttle bus services were being offered to the town center. The price, 25 euros round trip per person. Buses aren’t permitted to enter the city center. We walked from the bus parking lot to the train station.
Used clean pay toilet at the station for 1 euro per person. We then hired a taxi for 100 euros for one hour.
Ahmad, our taxi driver, told us that he is originally from Syria. He turned out to be an excellent driver. Lack of a mutually common language led to minor misunderstanding and guessing games but otherwise Ahmed gave me chances to take photos inside the walled city.
Light lunch of coffee and croissants before we returned to the bus parking lot. 30 more minutes wait until we boarded our prepaid shuttle. Witnessed couples dispute and displaying frustration. Heat, dust, fatigue and unable to identify the bus you’re supposed to be taking can put people on edges.
At dinner we met Cyndie from New Zealand. She is continuing next two weeks cruises on Regal Princess. Looking forward to getting her input on New Zealand weather in October and ports of calls we will be visiting.
Aloha -- Cathi
