whirling dervishes followed by a drink @ the baron: "aleppo" Top 5 Page for this destination Syria Nightlife Tip by call_me_rhia

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WHIRLING DERVISHES
There are still a handful of whirling dervishes in Syria, not many.. so it's down to a bit of luck to have the opportunity to see them dancing. At least 2 of these groups are based in the Aleppo area, and one of them occasionally performs in the olf hospital/asylum Bimaristan Arghan. The best way to find out about dances is to drop by the hospital during the day and inquire there.They charged 500 Syrian pounds for the performance.
DRINKS AT THE BARON HOTEL
The Baron hotel is a real institution... gothic, mysterious, spooky, and maybe slightly melanchonic-looking... but it's a great wonderful place to go fro a few drinks in the evening. The bar is really tiny and cosy - and it's very easy to meet other travellers. If this is not enough for you, then think about the fact that the likes of Lawrence of Arabia, Agatha Christie, Roosevelt and Yuri Garaging have all stayed and drank there. Not enough? Well, then think of former royalties: King Gustav & Queen Louise of Sweden; King Faysal I of Iraq; Queen Ingrid of Denmark, and so on and so forth. And go there!

Dress Code: both places are very informal. As the Bimaristan's "stage" is an open air stage, you may want to bring something warm in case it gets cold

Directions: Bimaristan: Old town, near Kinsreeen Gate
Baron: New town, Sharia al-Baron
Phone: 221 08 80 (baron)
Theme: Other