This is the ninth in a 15-part series of pics from Syria.

First — Second — Third — Fourth — Fifth — Sixth — Seventh — Eighth — Ninth — Tenth — Eleventh — Twelfth — Thirteenth — Fourteenth — Fifteenth.

Today, we’re heading to Saladin Castle (read some history here); that’s it up on the hill in the distance.

But, first things first: Another breakfast by the Mediterranean.

Then, on to the castle …

The current entryway, by winding road; in the olden days, an access bridge lay across that center pillar.

While this was only my second visit to a bonafide citadel — or castle — while in Syria, I must tell you (probably due to old movies and fantasy) it seemed a “familiar world”.

The castle sprawls over the mountain top.

My new friend and tour guide, Alfred.

This pic, and the one below … from the dungeon!

Remember that bridge I mentioned? Well, it went here …

As we duel across the bridge with our swords, you — the loser, of course — may wish to peer toward your peril.

Bah! In reality, you really can hurt yourself here; the hyper-security due to the threat of lawsuits that governs attractions in America is absent in Syria.

Nice.

See, there in the distance, me with my arm raised shoulder high as I whistle for my pet Hawk named Ravenwood?

Okay, okay … enough of that.

Time to say farewell to fantasy and head toward monastic reality …

Next up: The women’s Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Podcast – “The Blindside” (in Syria); Article – Antiochian website