Aleppo Syria (21.10.2007): After staying in fantastic Goereme, Cappadokia, Turkey, and hiking many fantastic valleys, we visited an underground city where up to 5000 people were able to live and hide for half an year. It seems unbelievable how they were able to dig into the stone rooms and tunnels and ventilation down to 8 storeys. Then we cycled through the anatolien highlands, staying one night at a farmes home and being very lucky to experience that hard life.

Across the Taurus mountains it was hard cycling, but very exciting and there were great views. Down at the coast, the so called Turkish Riviera, we met our two daughters, Nicole and Tanja. We spent a great time together, but far too short and it was hard to say good bye.

Cycling along the coast and crossing some mountains again, led us into Syria. Here in Aleppo, the 2nd largest town, we stroll around the buzzing city, visit the citadel and wander around the atmospheric alleways and labyrinthine souque with smelling all the aromas like spices, herbs, coffee, soap. Hearing the sounds of the muezzin calls to prayer, we got used to, but the Arabic pop sounds still strange to our ears. Also most the women wearing the chador seems still unusual.