The Turkish side of the border cost us a mere 5 dollars in baksheesh but the Syrian side was another story. Road tax, diesel tax, insurance robbed us of 140 dollars with a 20 dollar 'tip' involuntarily thrown in. Starting landy after leaving immigration there was a huge thud from the engine which we both feared was something serious. However, it wasn't a mechanical problem but it transpired to be Landy's first victim of the expedition- a cat that was fast asleep on the engine. Luckily Landy was fine but we are not too sure about the cat.
Once through the border formalities we headed for Allepo and on route managed to fill the tank for only a fiver- at last some savings made.
We spent the afternoon wandering round the old town declining to buy the various carpets and other garments that we neither need nor care for. The night life consisted of night markets or being massaged by a huge hairy bloke with a moustache. Guess which one we chose! The 'hamman' (turkish bath type of affair with sauna and massage) was an experience and we expect to have the bruises for some time.
We have decided to keep up all attempts to save money by continuing to sleep in the landy. Tonight we are camped out, to be more precise- under, Allepo's chamber of commerce in a disused garage. Let's hope they won't bomb tonight.
After waking in our luxury underground car park we spent the best part of the morning attempting to navigate our way out of Aleppo. This was not only due to our poor Arabic ability but the limited English signs appeared to point in opposing directions (possibly an attempt at humour by the tourist board).
Upon arrival at our destination ('The most beautiful castle in the world') we were slightly disappointed to find, yet again, somewhat of an exaggeration by a certain guide book. However, the view was fairly impressive with plains stretching out towards Lebanon.
It has become painfully obvious that we are spending too much time together as we are both attempting to have conversations with Landy on a regular basis and he has now developed a personality of his own. Infact, Landy is now taking a leading role in the decision making process and even managed to drive himself for approximately 6 metres whilst passenger and driver switched seats by jumping out of the car whilst in motion.
A night was spent in the desert (with a fabulous sun rise and a somehow acquired guard dog?!?) whilst on route to yet more famous "untouched" ruins. This time in Palmyra, an oasis town which is literally in the middle of nowhere but has regular signposts for Baghdad. We spent the night in a hotel were Dan had his first experience of a real bed for at least two months, and Gav contemplated yet another night without a Carling.