Diary: August 23rd Email

Thought I had better let you all know where I am and what I've
been up to for the past few weeks.
I posted the last Diary update and photos from Cappadocia in
Turkey. I then went on with Mike to Nemrut Dagi (A large mountain with a 50 metre pyramid at the summit. We watched sunset and sunrise form the top, quite wonderful.

I left Mike in Turkey. He was heading onto Iran and I went onto
Syria. I was immediately made to feel very welcome in Syria, and at my first
port of call (Aleppo) was befriended by a really nice man called "Fahed". He
saw me parked up at the side of the road reading my guide book and took me
under his wing. He found me a safe place to park my car in Aleppo centre,
then took me to a nice hotel also right in the middle of town. He bargained
the price down from 700 Syrian pounds to 400 a night, and to top it all he
took me out for a meal with his family that evening. I spent 3 days in
Aleppo, and can honestly say it was one of the friendliest cities I have
ever been to. Everyone says "Welcome in Syria" and they really mean it.

Onto Homs and Crac de chevalier (Large crusader castle) for a
night. It's probably the biggest castle I've ever seen, and in a really
good state of repair.

Next stop Palmyra. A 200 Km drive through the desert to this
ancient roman oasis town. You'll have to wait for the pictures as I haven't
time to explain, but it was awesome to say the least.

230 Kms through the desert again and into Damascus, which is
where I'm sending this from. Also a very friendly place. I immediately made
friends with the local Land Rover dealer, and his friend an airline pilot
who took me out to see the sights of Damascus. Have met first British
overlanders (Ollie and Sarah) who are going to India in a series III.
They're having difficulties securing Visas for Iran at the moment, and are
considering changing routes and heading into Africa. So I may meet them
again later on.

Note for Richard:- "I've had both oil leeks repaired (trans
gearbox and rear Diff.) New shocks on the front, a complete new front prop
shaft (Yokes & UJ's) New rear "A" frame ball joint, New track rod ends and a
12'000 mile service done for less than 200 quid! and yes they're all genuine
parts. It wouldn't have paid for the 5-6 hours labour to remove the transfer
gearbox in the UK."

I'm moving onto Jordan tomorrow, so hopefully I'll mail you all
again from there. Syria's not to easy I don't think there's any internet
outside of Damascus.

Should send Martin a diary update in 1-2 weeks.
Cheers for now

Colin & Maggie