Pre-Visit Update

Istanbul   The excellent back up from the Maltese Consulate in Istanbul (Mr Simon Pullicino and his assistant Ayla) have already been a great help with permits, accommodation and possible police escort of the cyclists to cross the Bosphorus Bridge. The accommodation was about to be wrapped up with hours, until it was known that the person offering and arranging the accommodation at the Istanbul Municipal resigned! This is a temporary set back until his replacement settles in and gives Lifecycle the appropriate information for securing accommodation for the 42 strong Lifecycle Team. Border Crossing There is strict border control between Turkish and Syrian Borders but visas were passed for the pre visit team within a couple of hours. Hussein the driver then taxied the three to the Sheraton in Allepo.   Seems they were the first Maltese people to ever cross the border!  Soner being Turkish got his Visa in Istanbul and was ready with it at the border after making the proper research regarding proceedures. According to sources at the border, group visas are actually going to be easier than individual visa applications which is good news for the Lifecycle team. This includes the clearing and passing of the team’s back up truck which will have to go through the border as well.   Other back up vehicles will be left at Border and new ones are to be booked at the Syrian side of the border   Syrian Contact   Welcomed warmly by Mr Hamid ALJABRI at the Sheraton Hotel Hamid kindly drove the boys to the pre-arranged accommodation offered free of charge by Father Antoine Jarjour at the Maristes Friars Monastery in Allepo and which is exactly what the Lifecycle team would call perfect. Comforts unknown to the team such as separate men and women s Sleeping halls (basically a sleeping bag on the ground the lifecycle style), separate shower facilities and a full kitchen for the kitchen staff. Apart from this there is a lovely terrace for Al fresco sleeping for the men and easy access for the truck to back up nicely into the Monastary‘ s courtyard. Hamid will show them the Homs accommodation at the Jesuit residence there also offered free (donations welcome), where apparently charitable funds are raised by volunteer workers making handicrafts and wine (including a whole winery !). Please note that the consumption of alchohol is strictly forbidden to any member of the lifecycle team (compliments of Mr Alan Curry !)    On to the last leg of the silk road to Damascus on Saturday / Sunday….and the end of a very successful pre-visit. Thanks to all involved as each one has had a positive part in this.   Ingrid Scerri