iPod Fans

Not quite sure what it says about me but here is a brief list of items I was surprised to find Syria with, and without:

Surprisingly common in Syria:

* The internet (although WiFi, not so much). There are lots of internet cafes. I later learned Syria's President, Bashar al-Asad, is/was also President of the Syrian Computer Society.
* Mobile phone signal (ha ha ha).
* Cash machines (although they don't always like international cards).
* Modern, air conditioned coaches running regularly between major cities. Easily the best way to move around Syria, the buses are clean, well organised (once you get used to the bus stations) as you get numbered, reserved seats, and also carry protection against the evil eye.
* English menus.

Notable absentees:

* Headphones. Nobody, it seems, even in Damascus, walks round plugged into their iPod.
* Apple products (other large brands such as Sony, Acer etc are all present and correct.)
* Chain restaurants/eateries/coffeehauses, especially Western ones. I saw no Starbucks (1 x Costa though)