Looking back... Day 3, 4, 5 from Manoj's journal

Day 3 started off a little later at the Meridien Hotel, Lattakia with a short drive through the beautifully green Kassab area of Syria. Then across the border, past Antakya, Adana, Tarsus and Ankara. We ran out of fuel & daylight & slept in the car. Minus 4 deg C with snow outside. 1100 km covered, highest point 1600m.

Ancient site of Ugarit, just north of Lattakia.

More of the site at Ugarit, where the oldest cunieform writing has been found.

Syrian / Turkish border.


The most delicious cake in the world - packed by Samantha. It lasted 3 days because Pete kept it hidden from Manoj. (Editor's note: thanks to Jack for sharing it at the Apache office and Susan for sharing the recipe!)



A lake in Kassab, Syria.

The night spent in the Landy. Someone was snoring.

Days 4 & 5: Pete & Manoj got to Istanbul a just few mintues before Brendan, completing 4000 km by road. After a few beers, and then some more beers we tried to find the Greek Orthodox shed next to the Aya Sofia to light candles for Jim, Marina & world peace. We did not find it, but got a good discount on some postcards - sorry Jim they'll have to do. Good luck Brendan & Pete for the rest of the trip!

Crossing the Bospherous from Asia to Europe. Pete was filming whilst driving. "Take it easy, Pete."

The hotel Acropol, where we stayed. 5 minutes walk from Aya Sofia & the Blue Mosque not to mention countless bars & eateries.

Brendan hits the sack early. He woke up in the bathroom as someone was snoring.

Pete & Manoj outside the Blue Mosque.

The Turks are huge fans of Giri - his name was everywhere. (Editor's note: Manoj's son's name is Giri.)

Entrance to Aya Sofia.

Aya Sofia - still can't find those candles. Maybe it has something to do with the place becoming a mosque a few centuries ago.

Bus tour of Istanbul - all 3 of us were frozen to the core.

Fishermen across the bride over the Golden Horn.

Crustaceans!

One of the old wooden houses of Istanbul.

Fish restaurant below the bridge where the guys were fishing. Welcome! Welcome! (Editor's note: Pick the newbie...)

Pete contemplating the miles ahead.

2.25pm

The boys are cruising through Turkey - Adana, Capadocia, Ankara, Istanbul over two days.

Brendan flies out tomorrow morning to meet them in Istanbul. All packed and ready to roll.

They made it to Turkey!

At 1.31pm today, the team got themselves to Turkey.

9am

Pete writes "Just having what could loosely be described as swine slop complete with swine bits as breakfast at our minus 5 star hotel. We do have a Med view however and there is a reef break. Shower pressure was good."

6am

Pete writes "In Latakia on the Med (Syria close to border with Turkey)."

Manoj says "Price of fuel is increasing as we travel towards Europe - should have bought a tanker trailer of diesel in Saudi!"