Bedouin (Robb Maciag)

Up until now we have cycled through some sublime landscapes and communities but now we were entering the desolate desert. It is through the isolated landscapes of the mountains and deserts that it is really easy to go into yourself and go into deep thought. Whilst meeting people and experiencing different cultures is greatly enriching, I feel that these times of deep thought are just as powerful and fulfilling as the time spent among people. Maybe its my Quaker upbringing or maybe its being a relative loner, but for some reason I really enjoy being on my own sometimes and letting my mind run riot. It was cycling through the desert to Deir Ezzor that I was able to do this.

After following the advice from a good friend we caught a bus from Damascus to Palmyra. I slept the whole way as usual and awoke in Palmyra in a bit of a daze. This was quickly subsided when we came across the Ancient City of Palmyra. Worried that we would be smashed by a huge entrance fee we would more than a little surprised when we simply rode the bikes straight up to the arches. It was easily one of the highlights of the trip so far. Cycling amongst the pillars of a civilization of many centuries ago and around pieces of carved stone which if in England would be behind one inch of glass was too good to be true.

Palmyra Posing (Robb Maciag)

Once we had exhausted the photo opportunities and our own curiosity and stock up on food and water we ventured out onto the dusty plain. Home to over 1 million Bedouin people living on caravans I felt like a bit of nomadic traveler in constant search for water. I quickly learnt that in the desert your requirements reduce dramatically and the small things count. That one toffee really counts and water is your best friend. You savour all the things you have especially shade from the sun. Having said that it sounds like it was hard, it wasn’t really, it was hot, but the road was good and the people were beautifully fascinating. Reaching Deir Ezzor I was glad to see the Euphrates and the lush, fertile ground that skirts it but excited to know there are still a couple larger deserts still to be conquered.

Desert Camping (Robb Maciag)

Enjoying myself (Robb Maciag)

Heading East

Dusty Rubber

Look at that posture (Robb Maciag)