A visitor’s voice: David Wisner

Born in Salisbury (now Harare), Zimbabwe in 1981, David Wisner obtained his bachelor’s from the Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont with a major in political science and a minor in European history. David’s professional experience includes being a teacher at the American School of Tangier in Tangier, Morocco, an analyst in the Technology Investment Banking Group at UBS in San Francisco, California, and as an intern on Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent presidential campaign. Over the last year, David has been studying Modern Standard Arabic in both Sana’a, Yemen and Damascus. In September 2008, David will begin work at the US State Department as a political officer.

What brought you to Damascus, and how long have you been here?
I came to Damascus to continue my Arabic studies at the Arabic Language Program of the Faculty of Literature at the University of Damascus. I was in Damascus for three months.

What were the impressions you had of Syria before arriving? When and how did you hear about Syria for the first time?
I knew that Syria was an ancient country, full of history and culture and I was eager to come and visit. Fortunately, with my Arabic studies, I had a convenient excuse as I heard from a number of quarters that the University of Damascus had a first rate Modern Standard Arabic program.

How have things changed today after having lived the “Syrian experience?”
I had read about the diversity of the country, of its cultural, religion, geography and people, but it was not until I was on the ground that I was able to more fully grasp the complexities and beauties of Syrian society. Its tolerance, warmth and generosity to foreigners were so wonderful to experience and its breadth of natural and historic wonders were a joy to take in.

What are the most outstanding features, or impressions that you have found during your time in Syria? What are the stories you are going take back home.
I absolutely loved St. Simeon’s monastery north of Aleppo. I had the immense fortune of seeing the location at sunset and was awestruck by the colors, the architecture and the history. I also loved the Saida Zainib mosque outside of Damascus. Its artistry and the intensity of the religious feeling were experiences that have been rarely matched during my travels. No list about Syria can possibly be complete without mentioning Bosra and Palmyra, but one should also add Doura Europos to the list as it sits on the majestic Euphrates and exudes history. Lastly, I will always be touched by the profound sense of generosity that runs through so many Syrians and the vast sense of hospitality that flows throughout Syrian society.
What’s the one word that comes to mind when you think of Damascus?
Splendor.