WHEN ROSALYN LEE, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN BY HER MONIKER ROZZ, DISCOVERED THAT SYRIA WAS OPEN FOR TOURISM POST-PANDEMIC, THE INTREPID TRAVELLER IMMEDIATELY MADE PLANS TO VISIT THE COUNTRY.
“I’ve always been very interested in visiting the Middle East,” the 44-year-old says of her decision. “It’s sad that they always get so much bad press for being unsafe. These countries have such rich histories, stunning landscapes, and the most hospitable people.”
However, after a trip to Iran in 2018, she realised that some countries in the Middle East are not accessible for a solo female traveller. When her friend Shane Horan, who runs travel company Rocky Road Travel, announced that he was organising a tour in Syria, she promptly reached out to him. He specialises in arranging tours to some of the least visited and misunderstood countries around the world, and he had previously organised her trip to North Korea in 2019.
Rozz, who also enjoys exploring destinations that are “not quite on the beaten path”, had no qualms booking the trip.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Syria because it’s the birthplace of so many things,” she says. Syria is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
“Syria’s history is storied and colourful,” she enthuses. “It’s a rich country in terms of natural resources, and was thriving at one point in time.”
She spent 10 days in September 2022 travelling through the country, entering by car through the Jordan-Syria land border (flights to Syria are not recommended, as the airport often halts active operations due to air missile strikes) and leaving through the Lebanon-Syria land border.
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin April 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.