Lonely Planet just posted a portion of the guidebook I worked on a couple of summers ago: DIY Cairo: streets to stroll.
We were told to add more “DIY” travel–places to wander, rather than specific sites to see. I was really happy with my writing on that book, and this section was one of the pieces I liked best–so it’s nice to see it posted. (Although they cut my advice to accept tea or soda from someone, at some point, in one of your strolls. I stand by it!)
(And that’s one of my own photos from Cairo wandering.)
You should take over the Syria Lonely Planet book. I know you will do Damascus justice instead of the very touristy current book.