Ash here. Still well behind. Despite relaxing in Datca, a fantastic and relaxing harbour village on the cusp of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, I still am finding it difficult to find time to write blogs. Here, the only excuse, is too much relaxation, I really feel as if I am on holiday here. Am in an amazing hotel (Villa Tokur), a family run affair with a wonderful pool, etc. Am having a wonderful time and am winding down. The drive in along the Datca peninsula was spectacular - the Aegean on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Numerous coves with little villages spread around them, white houses glittering in the sunlight and the sea so clear you could see as far as you wished into it.
Meanwhile Aleppo pics from Syria (must be at least 10 days ago now, hard to remember when).
Aleppo is second largest city in Syria but we stayed right in the heart of the old city, indeed in the heart of the local souq (marketplace). It was architecturally diverse and boasted a very large covered souq and a fantasic Citadel (fortress). Unlike the Krak De Chevaliers the citadel had a city within and, although much had been destroyed by earthquake, this was fascinating to see. The covered souq went for what seemed like miles, a tangle of streets with all sorts of produce within. We wandered for hours, me aimlessly - Janet, usually with intent.
I spent my time chatting with the locals, a very friendly people. The locals call their city "Halab" - meaning "milk" - originating from the ancient story that Abraham gave out milk to travellers as they passed through the area. Enjoy the pics, many of them are of the locals, a very friendly people (as we found Syrians to be). Ash
