I was travelling solo in the Middle East and had just arrived in Syria. With everyone back home worried about such an adventure I was anxious to send off emails reassuring them that I had arrived safely. I wandered through the ancient streets for a length of time looking for an internet café I had been told was nearby. Lost and tired from the heat of the day I approached a young man who worked in the market to ask for directions.

Upon hearing I needed some type of help he immediately closed down his shop to guide me himself. No refusal on my part would be heard and he walked at least a kilometer through the winding streets, leading me to the café.

Before taking his leave he asked who I was emailing. When I explained I needed to let my family know I was okay he looked at me sympathetically saying, “Yes, you miss your family. I bring my family for you”, and with no more than that he was off.

Returning to the café about twenty minutes later with his sister and two children in tow, he insisted I was joining their family for dinner. Again, no refusal would be heard, and I was guided by his sister and two little boys to their home a few kilometers away. Not prepared for the dinner invitation, I arrived empty handed to a smiling family - who welcomed me with open arms, and happy to share the little food they had with me.

Many hours of good food and conversation later I tried to say my good-byes – but it was no use. The mother was insisting I stay overnight. Trying to convey my appreciation but politely decline became an hour long debate. A final agreement was reached - I could sleep in my hotel if I joined them each night for dinner.

At the end of travels in Syria I was saying good-bye not only to a fascinating country, but to a family I could almost call my own. As it turned out, the only danger my family had to worry about was the fact that I might have decided to stay!