Urban exploration: Aleppo

Ever since my internal med rounds were shifted to the middle of nowhere ,or as my brother calls it, ma7al ma fi6es ilja7sh, I’ve been trying to make the most of it. From crazy ass highway biking plans “I don’t know how to bike” to walk/jogg-ing all the 7 km back home, there’s always been an adventure.

I was fortunate enough that I get out at noon, when the warmer-than-usual winter sun will make my walks all the more exciting, and glean to my eyes places to explore. Every day I tried a new route, discovering abandoned and working factories, streets where cotton strands fly around, dusty neighborhoods with kids running everywhere. It’s amazing to feel like a tourist in your own city, to get to see a place many call home, to know that Aleppo means different things to different people.

Under the pretense of finding a route safe for biking, I found myself trying a longer crazier road today. That’s when I saw this, and the idea bulb in my brain flickered.

Immediately I went down, and begun exploring the way, seeing how far I can go. Turns out it was pretty far.

What I found is a rural haven in the midst of Aleppo’s highways, a lost piece of ground where crops are planted and goats and cows are herded, in a background of deteriorating towers and car junkyards.

As you might have figured out, I did find the perfect biking route I was searching for. Fortunately, it turned out to also be the perfect place for jogging and long walks, and a starting point for many of my following explorations. Hell I bet I can even race a car down that cement road grease style

Well we do have the cars in Aleppo... all I need is some mousse and a chick with neon trousers

Every city is beautiful, and has the potential to surprise you much more than you realize. We’re blessed to be living in an age with so much information at our fingertips, and we are masters at utilizing it. Check your city on google maps, and go somewhere you know nothing about. Wander around aimlessly, familiarize yourself with everything around you. Some days will be duds, but if you live in a city as magnificent as Aleppo, you’ll find your special spot sooner than you think, and you’ll fall in love with it.

Oh and I geo-tagged these pics for the curious Aleppine. Don’t forget to get your camera and share.

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Tags: special places, Urban exploration

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