The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (known in Arabic as Al-Quds), one of Islam's most holy of sites, sits metres away from the most holy of Jewish sites, the Western or 'Wailing' wall. Walking between the two is to cross between two cultures so similar yet so at odds with each other.

Orthodox Jews, Nigerian and Peruvian pilgrims, Arab traders, Israeli soldiers in their teens; all I found in the hectic alleyways of the old city. If you want to see contrast at its most intense, come to Jerusalem.

It's not odd to find old Chevrolets and other classic American cars on the streets of Syria. A lack of spare parts does not deter the industrious Syrians from keeping these ancient vehicles running.

 

On the streets of Damascus, Syria's capital, a horse waits while its master makes deliveries to a shop.

 

The stunning first glimpse of the Treasury at Petra in southern Jordan. My second day at Petra was spent sitting out a thunder storm in my cosy hotel; the risk of floods is very real after any rain in the desert.