Hiya everyone - apologies for the last couple of entries, but the middle east is to say the least slow, unpredictable & damn expensive with the telecommunications - this is the 3rd time i've tried to post this blog entry!!!!

Anyway, the last time i updated we were up in the beautiful Cappadocia region for our final Turkish adventure! We had an awesome day driving round the region..... to the 'rose valley' for the beautiful coloured rock formations - to Zelve for the amazing 'fairy chimneys' or fallic symbols, as they have been called! Also to Uchisar castle for stunning views of the area.... to Cauvisin to view the 'gnome city' on top of the village & finally into one of the underground cities that were built to hide & protect the citizens from invaders!

From here we had a real picturesque drive out of Turkey to the Syrian border..... the border was an interesting experience! We were viewed with caution by the authorities and absolutely charged for everything - it cost us $260 to get into syria! then they gave Karl the run around for a couple of hours .... so you can imagine - he kept his cool tho'.....JUST!!

Our first stop was the bustling, vibrant, absolutely chaotic city of Aleppo! If you could dodge the thousands of yellow taxis that fight for road space, while you try & cross the road, then you're a winner!! However, that aside Aleppo was great - it has an awesome Citadel on top of a huge hill, overlooking the whole city. The maze of alleyways that make up the 'souq's' are amazing & sell evrything from spices to shisha's. We also ventured into the christian quarter, which was quieter but interestingly less welcoming.

From here we went to 'Crac de Chevalier' the crusader castle built in 1099 that despite several attempts, was never conquered or taken over & is amazingly well preserved, considering it's position on top of the hill, where it takes a battering from the weather!

We then made a quick 'pit-stop' in the less hectic town of Hama & had a look at the massive ancient waterwheels that are still in use.

From there we hit the road to Palmyra & the scenery changed drastically to miles of barren desert...... dotted with bedouin camps, the odd oasis & signposts for Iraq & Baghdad!!!! We hit Palmyra at dusk & the 1st sights were pretty impressive, considering this place is stuck in the middle of nowhere! The next day we explored the ruins & tombs, we also took a drive upto the arab castle that overlooks the ruins & town & took a stroll through the town & the marketplace, all good stuff!

Our last stop in Syria was the capital Damascus - mainly to see if we could get into Lebanon for the day, we couldn't & i was absolutely gutted, we did see the signs for Beirut though..... so near, yet so far!! Anyway, Damascus is pretty much like any other major city - hectic! We had a wander round the 'old town'.... more 'souq's, mosques & a citadel!!

We then headed to the border & left Syria behind - they even charged us $25 to leave!! The border crossing into Jordan was painless - couldn't have been quicker or easier & immediately it had a very different feel..... can't really explain it, more relaxed i guess.

Anyway, we drove through the capital Amman & headed to Mount Nebo - where Moses looked across the dead sea to Israel & declared it the Promised land! It is beleived that Moses died here, though his burial chamber is yet to be found, however, Pope John Paul II has authenticated the sight. The views across the dead sea were outstanding.... & this is where we set up camp......imagine, sunset & sunrise across the dead ,catching the twinkling lights from the city of Jericho, watching the flow of the River Jordan upto jesus baptismal sight..... & there we were sitting round the fire sharing a shisha - just like a couple of bedouins!!

The following day we were on the road towards Petra. we stopped to give a policeman a lift & he took us to a spot in the dead sea where i could have a paddle - it was soooo warm & sooooo salty - i turned white!! From here we took the policeman to his home at Kerak - while we were there we gave the castle a view - it was ok, but i think i'm all castled out!! But, i did find out this very useful piece of information......

In 64bc the roman emperor 'POMPEY' conquered Syria!!! - well, at least we managed to conquer something, coz it certainly ain't gonna be the premiership is it now!?!

Anyway, we got to Petra early afternoon & wandered round the town - real pretty & alcohal free, as it is classed as the 'Holy land'! The next morning we set off to the hidden ancient city of Petra...... i really struggle to describe this place..... it's hidden in the most amazing rock formations & gorges,. It is mystical & magical & you really have to experience it.... Look at the foto's or better still watch Indiana Jones & the last crusade as this where it was filmed. We walked miles around the whole place & took a donkey up the 950 steps to the monastery, that is perched on 'top of the world' or at least, that's how it is described & it feels like it to!! Petra is a 'must see' place!!

The next day we took ourselves off to Aqaba to meet up with some friends that happen to be there & chill out with them for a few days...... & that's exactly what we are doin, it just happens to be right on the Red sea, so as i write, i can see Eliat in Israel & also have the 1st sightings of Egypt, we are also only 5km from the Saudi Arabia border!!

It is boiling hot - we are, at last, in shorts & t'shirts..... sipping cold beers..... just the way it should be!!

See ya - love & hugs to you all - we'll have a beer or two for yous! ;-)

Mandy & Karl