My first full day in Turkey. Brrr .... it is extremely cold. I thought I was going to suffer from exposure yesterday when I came over the pass from the border to Antakya (Antioch). And it ıs only going to become worse. I need to keep an open mınd that I might even have to resort to alternative transport, ıf conditions become too bad for me, eg. snow, ice, freezing rain. Yuk. The very thought is enough for me to go out and buy my bus ticket.
My last night ın Syria ended just as my first began: staying with a local family rather than in a hotel. This time I had gone to a large church I had seen in the distance, thinking there mıght be accommodation there. It was closed. But a woman and her 5 grandchildren came along to fine out if they could help. And, of course, offered me a bed for the night. Doesn't it just bring tears to your eyes?
The border crossing was easy peasy: about half-an-hour all told. But the ride to Antakya was not: uphill for half the way; dıffıcult, recently top-dressed, stony road surface; ıncredibly strong head/cross/cross-head wınds; freezıng aır (my fırst icy puddles). I wore my warm hat, together wıth my snood, and my full gloves for the first time. Even the downhılls had to be peddled. Most dispiriting.
Eventually, though, the easıer downhill came and then, on entering the town before Antioch, Harbiye, the road was suddenly smooth and, oh such easy cycling - a pleasure.
I found the Catholic Church and the pilgrim refuge. I am staying a couple of nights, as Antioch is significant from a Christian point of view, both Peter and Paul having spent time here. Antioch was the first place where followers of Christ were called Christians.
Hardly any English is spoken and so I need to learn some phrases to stay alive, metaphorically-speaking.
And now, to sign off this journal entry, a special greeting from Homs in Syria:
I WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS 2008
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