As a third culture kid, growing up in Oman as an Indian, I always lived between cultures, never entirely from one place, yet somehow connected to many. This experience made me curious about countries that people often spoke of with caution or avoided altogether. One of the earliest stories that left a mark on me came from my cousin, a journalist who travelled to Syria long before the war. She spoke of Palmyra with reverence, as if it had left an imprint on her.
That story stayed with me for years—until one day, I found myself making plans to visit Syria. It wasn’t impulsive. I spent months researching, speaking to others who had been there, and mapping every step carefully. Every decision—how to enter, who to travel with, where to stay—was carefully considered. These trips aren't spontaneous getaways. These were journeys that required intention, care, and deep respect for the place and its people.