First impressions

A few first impressions of Damascus and Syria:

1. People are very helpful. Even if the person you ask can't help you directly, they will find someone who can.
2. Wherever you go in the capital, indoors or out, there are pictures of the President and his father.
3. News is dominated by Iraq and political events in the Middle East, especially those in Lebanon.
4. Almost every building has it's own rusting satellite dish (there's been an explosion of satellite television channels in the last few years).