Tuesday 14 October

Glad we are not going straight to Tehran as there is a large group of not particularly pleasant people doing just that i.e. they made far too much noise in the Mo-Camp kitchen last night. Up early and into Ankara by 9.00. 

Went to BP regional office and was given guide to show up round the various embassies. The Syrian Embassy granted our visa but took till 1.30 so we could not get any others. These will be got in Damascus or Amman. Went round the markets in Ankara (both old and new) whilst waiting for 1.30.

We arrived back the embassy early but they kept us waiting (it was 15 mins before anyone appeared). About 2.00 we were driving down south along a very good road (average sped 60 mph) through Akaray to Goreme. Very large Arab influence here with tents and small mud villages. Bit lake appeared near Akaray (Yuz Bälu) strange because of small hills seeming to hang suspended as water and sky were same colour. Near to Nersehir old walled towns began to appear (some with people, some without).

Some of the children were in a very friendly fashion, and some with distinct vulgar wares. One little child – very round with what seemed to be five chins, gave us a most _______ ware yet which sent us into fits of laughter. This Mo Camp is very strange. I imagine the manager is away because the staff seem to be on the phone all the time and are selling all goods without invoices or sight of the till! As we are the only people here it’s rather strange. We are sleeping in the “little hospital” tonight instead of putting the tent up.