As Syria approaches a surreal presidential election in the midst of civil war, the capital has avoided the worst of the conflict but reminders are increasingly coming out the water taps and appearing on the dinner table, to the dismay of Damascenes.
Before the war, the government of President Bashar Assad maintained tight control on food prices and quality. Distracted by war, its grip has slackened. Shady business practices have flourished, to the detriment of water and food supplies.
Rushing to the kitchen sink one day to fill up a container with water, Mayada, a Damascene, wanted to store as much water as possible. "I must hurry because sometimes the water cuts off in an hour," she said.