MADE IT TO EUROPE!

Currently in Istanbul, having crossed the Bosphorous to the European side of the city. Enjoyed a first glass of bubbly in a very long time to celebrate twofold - having made it to Europe and the end of a short but blissful (fake) marriage.

From here will cross into Greece later today and then spend as much as possible of six days relaxing on Greek beaches before we get onto a ferry bound for Italy on the 19th. Then from there France beckons and we're planning to cross the Channel on the 29th August.

We hope you have enjoyed our blog and unless you read otherwise we have made it home safely - or, quite possibly, turned around to do it all again...

Fergus & Anna xxx

Kapadokya, Turkey

Our third and last rock hewn World Heritage Site.

Syria

A short but thoroughly enjoyable stay in this 'Axis of Evil' state. Were only going to stay for a night in Damascus. Then bumped into Karel and Hildy, whom we had first met in Malawi in February. They had come through the same, dry route as us, so we headed to the Christian quarter in the Old Town to find a bar. Looking forward to catching up with you again in Blackheath!

Jordan - a breath of fresh air

Arriving in Paradise, coming from Saudi. No obligatory black bhurkas, ok to wear a bikini on the beach and, most importantly, WINE and BEER to be found (albeit with a little bit of hunting). Dived in Aqaba, visited Petra and floated in the Dead Sea.

Our two days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
With 72 hour visas, it was only ever going to be a short visit. As women aren't allowed to travel in cars (nevermind driving) with men who aren't their husbands, fathers or brothers, we had prepared a very credible marriage certificate in an internet cafe in Nairobi and bought two quid rings in Ethiopia. With Saudi embassy and customs officials fooled, we crossed into Jordan 48 hours later. No photos taken as we did not want any lasting memories of this country - the ninja outfit Anna had to wear was dumped at the border. The only redeeming factor was that it cost USD 5 for a full tank of diesel.

Sudan - our last stop in Africa

Stiff competition, but the Sudanese must be the friendliest people in Africa! Not much to see (other than desert and a few pyramids); the only reason we stayed for a whole week was to sort visas for Saudi Arabia and Jordan. From Suakin - which must be one of the hottest places in Africa! - we took an overnight ferry (the former P&O 'Pride of Hampshire') to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

10 days in Ethiopia

The rock hewn churches of Lalibela (Ethiopia's very own Jerusalem...!) was a highlight. Yes, it is a genuine priest - who thinks tourists are overcharged and therefore insists to pose for photos. And, who would have thought, there are beaches in Ethiopia!