So much has happened since the last blog post, I can't describe it all so they'll just have to be memories and stories to tell.
Lebanon, Syria and Jordan have been amazing places to visit. It is sort of summer here (although I don't think they get anything that counts as winter), so there isn't many tourists around and it's been very, well, authentic let's say.
It's been quite warm and we've had without a doubt our hardest cycling yet. We have been drinking about 9 litres a day each, and are constantly thirsty. Had some close calls on the roads where we are in the middle of a desert and there is no way of getting more water.
Out of Beirut there was a short, 30km long, 1500m climb which at 39 centigrade caused some slight perspiration! 2 hrs later we'd nailed it though and got a few good photos of the desert terrain. Other highlights:
1. Bobbing like corks in the Dead Sea, which is wonderful for our health apparently
2. Talking to very rural arabs for directions out of a Palestinian refugee camp
3. Getting a full meal in for two, for 3 quid
4. Having a Syrian Bath in the oldest Hammam in the city/world
5. Getting free tea from some crazy old guy who once taught arabic in Cambridge
6. Listening to banter from people we've hitched lifts off about women drivers
7. Being marched straight to the male dining room in a restaurant and watching the women eat outside!
8. Seeing an American failing to get a Syrian visa, and who tried to rectify the situation after 5hrs waiting by telling them she'd come back and teach them English. We just turned up and got a visa in 10 minutes.
Very eventful few days and well worth the added expense, trouble and considerable calories! Going to Petra tomorrow, then flying to Cairo.
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