The protracted crisis in this country that was used to be full of energy and life, has made residents of the capital Damascus trapped in their homes, keeping on their toes while enjoying more intimate and cozy family relations.

The crisis that has entered its second year forced residents in Damascus to glue to their seats flipping between TV channels to keep abreast of news about what is happening in different parts of their country, and to make sure that the violent acts that are happening in a number of areas across the country will not slip over to the capital.

The recent bombings in the capital have kept the Damascenes on their toes. Most of them have now an unshakable premonition that an explosion might happen anywhere in the country and at any moment.

"I feel as if I am in jail," said Mariam Mohammad, a housewife. "I don't now dare to go out of my house after sunset... no place is safe now," she grudged.

"The only positive thing is now that I see my relatives and parents a lot," she said.

Two suicide car bombs struck Saturday near security departments in Damascus, killing at least 29 people and wounding dozens of others in two of the safest neighborhoods in the city.

The blasts ripped away facades of buildings, smashed cars and burned furniture, in addition to spreading anarchy and panic among residents with a message that they are not immune and that violence is at their doors.

The government has implicitly shouldered the Syrian opposition responsibility for the two bloody blasts and vowed that it would not tolerate what it called tampering with the country's security and stability.

Yet, this neither made a difference, nor could it appease the Damascenes' concerns.

"I no longer go to cafes to meet my friends as I used to do," said Hussam Naji, 30, a merchant, adding that he is now staying at home with his wife and two little kids.

Before the crisis, young Syrians used to meet at sidewalk cafes to chat over various topics, sip coffees or cappuccinos and laptops are propped before them. Shoppers also used to swarm the Western-style malls or even take a brisk walk in the ancient Hamidya souk.

Even women and elderly people had preferred to hold their meetings at restaurants or nearby cafes instead of houses.

Now, residents of the capital are spending their nights at homes with relatives and the discussions absolutely focus on the crisis in the country.

"I hope the crisis will soon come to an end as it took a lot of time and nothing looms in the horizon that it will do soon," Naji said.

Special Report: Syrian Situation