So, the votes are in, and have been counted and verified. In the final analysis, you, the readers, voted 65: 35 (%) in favour of cancelling my trip to Syria. So, I’m now in the process of cancelling my flight (it’s not like I had anything else booked). I’ll leave the medieval streets of Damascus, the imposing crusader castles and the historic sites of Aleppo ’til another time. Many thanks to all who participated in the poll and to all those who’ve contacted me separately with their advice. I think my mum will be happy with the consensus decision!! Am now thinking of going to Spain instead …