About time

There are two reasons why one should NOT procrastinate when it comes to blogs. One is that so much time has passed that you have to sit and really think about what went on the day you want to write about that happened...sheesh 4 months ago! With a memory like mine it is a very difficult task. Two is that I really wanted to attach photos to this post but unfortunately my poor computer got hit by lightning a couple of weeks ago and I've only just sent it to get fixed which will take another two weeks!! One becomes so lost without technology nowadays and everyone at home is getting edgy without the computer. So I now have to post today's post without pictures. Will put them up when my computer is fully recovered. In the meantime...

...in order to think about what I was going to write I have been reading a few of the old posts to get my mind back into the convoy mode. Really makes me miss everyone and the whole experience but it really saddens me due to the horrific events that are happening in Syria right now. It is so confusing to know what the truth is but I do know that looking at other countries who have other countries getting involved in their business have turned into nothing but destruction and chaos. I just pray for all the Syrians, especially those I met on my trip. The people I met were just amazing and so friendly, especially the couple who joined us and the wife became my flatmate for awhile in Jordan as her husband had to go back for work. I really do hope and pray they are okay.

Actually thinking about it, it is very hard to write this post without pictures. What I will write is that I was very good and woke up at 7am to help rearrange the aid that was delivered that night before and load them into the vans. There was a bit of confusion on what to put were but we sorted it out after a few hours. Quick breakfast, said goodbye to our hosts the Palestinian National Council and off we went to the border between Jordan and Syria. Thinking about our border crossings, this was the smoothest one we went through but I had the most traumatic public toilet experience that you could now take me to any public toilet and I will be able to handle it. It was that bad and I won't describe it here. And dad has been saying for years that the one thing he worries about is how am I going to handle the toilet situation hehe. Well dad, I did it! No need for the portable toilet at the back of the vehicle :p

Just had a thought....my Facebook pictures!!

Assessing how to load the medical aid...great Babaji :)

 Load it up boys!

I love this pic as it looks like Faz is directing Faisal on what to do

Carole assessing how many more boxes can fit inside...what would we do without Carole!

All lined up and waiting to go

Hello Jordan!

Yey for Facebook! Oh yes and I remember, we almost left two guys behind as we left straight on the dot whatever time it was we were supposed to leave and they were not there. Was funny seeing them running towards us. Taught us that if a time is set a time is set, whether you're there or not.

Going into Jordan was so different then all the countries we had passed. For one, all you could see was flat land with hardly anything around. I think at that point I had taken so many scenic pictures that I hardly took any of going into Jordan.

Flat and bare lands of Jordan

Thinking about it, that day was a long day. From getting up very early in the morning to driving through flat and bare land. Then we sat waiting by the side of the road just outside Amman for absolutely ages! When we got to this spot it was very hot and sunny. When we left, it was completely dark. What happened, we were told, is that we were waiting for the Jordanian police escort to escort us to the place we wanted to go. I don't know what took them so long but apparently it was a different area of Jordan hence we had to wait for that area police to arrive. Whatever it was it took ages and we all started to get hungry and edgy. Crisps, melted chocolate and sandwiches started coming out. The highlight was Faz finding a very tiny tortoise shown below. So cute!! Think the guys that were staying at the place we had pulled up too owned it. 

So after waiting a very long time for this police escort we finally made a move into Amman. Whatever way they took us really was going through real back ways of the city and I think I remember passing a KFC 3 times...and think it was the same one hahaha. Anywayz, we finally made it to our destination which was the Syndicate where doctors, lawyers, professors, engineers etc go too. These poor people had been waiting for us all day as they were hosting an event in support for the Palestinian Prisoners and some students were following the hunger strike for support. However because we arrived so late, most people had to leave and would be back the following day to see us. We did sit and talk with the students who were fasting and they had been going everyday since the hunger strikes had started. They told us about the prisoners who were on hunger strikes and all the ridiculous charges they had been sentenced. There is no justice into why they are in prison in the first place.

After a very long day we finally went to our apartments and I was feeling so ill at this point and just passed out. Next day was horrid for me but will explain it another time :)

Time waits for no one

I really am a procrastinator. I can't believe I have been back 3 months now and I still haven't finished writing about the convoy, yet done anything else I had set myself to do either. Time keeps going on and it is up to us whether we keep up with it or stay stuck. It's about time I roll with it.

It kinda makes you sit back and think what have I been doing? I guess trying to find myself is something I have been trying to do. You come back from a huge trip like the convoy and really have to assess questions that linger at the back of your mind, for me probably from the voices of others and this isn't good as it is mostly the negative. Questions such as was it a good idea to go? Did I really achieve anything? Did I even help at all? Was it purely a selfish trip? Did I disappoint everyone? Those that supported me? Why was I so mistaken in my calculations and in huge debt now? Was I really that difficult? I could go on and explain the spiral I have taken myself on.

But then 2 things can happen that make you really shut that voice in your head. One was an email I got from CFTA, the NGO in Gaza that they were able to get the items that we passed on to wonderful Seba in Cairo to pass to them. These included the laptop, books and camera that were donated from MSRI and GBP500 that I had kept aside from the donations I had received since the vehicles is still stuck in Jordan. The money will be used towards children's activities and they had sent some pictures to show the NGO leaders with the items. Looking at them I cried. Something had been achieved. It wasn't exactly everything that I had pictured but when does life ever go according to one's plans? It was something as my friends always tell me. However small, it is something. I have to repeat this to myself every time the horrid voices start. I will admit though that it helped...but I was still struggling. Well still am struggling but I am getting there.

The next thing to happen was I turned 28 3 days ago. My birthday has been an event that has been hard for me to cope with ever since mum passed. The birthdays were always a goal she had achieved. Another year she had lived and she always made it into a big deal and no matter how sick she was or how hard up we were, we just HAD to celebrate. The first year she passed i didn't honour her tradition and memory and instead insisted to my family that I just wanted to get onto a plane and sleep through my birthday. Its been 6 years now since she passed on and I still feel like doing that. Sleeping through it so I don't feel her absence. How are you supposed to celebrate with your mum? But then, Jemma, you're not the only one that does it so just go with it. This is what I told myself when my birthday was coming up this year...and I'm grateful for those who are with me, my family and friends as they so kindly organised a surprise dinner party for me and it was so good though I had to say a very brief speech and not really say what I was really thinking for I would have cried. Well its my party and I could cry if I wanted too but perhaps I didn't want to cry and just remain as happy as one could be when they are fighting sadness. But what was really nice that day was some of the messages from friends even if they were thousands of miles away. They kept saying how I should be proud of what I have achieved. Proud? Me? Really? This was something I was struggling with. One whole year had passed and I felt I was worse then last year. But after that wonderful night had ended and I spent the next day reading touching messages, I had a thought. My gosh it has been one tough year. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm whining away but it has been.

Last year before my 27th birthday I felt like I was starting to sink. Then came the many doctors trying to treat my depression. Then the dramas in my life happened. Then the recovery process of finding people who tried to understand and help and finding the right doctor and therapist for me. Then my determination of going on the convoy and recovering from the drama and after effects of that. Bloody hell what a year. Now you just ask yourself this question...are you glad you went through it? For me, yes. As much as it has been so tough looking back and seeing yourself gradually falling then suddenly rolling to rock bottom and still trying to claw your way up, I'm glad I went through it. I guess people are right. I am strong or at least trying to be. Trying to not give up.

So I am going to end here by saying thank you and you know who your are. Without all of you I couldn't have gotten through what felt like hell or gone and done something that I have been dreaming too since I got into being an activist. Life really does suck....but its less sucky when you're not alone. And I know I'm not alone.

Thank you

My wonderful family...with mum's fav flowers

Fab friends who remind me to celebrate

Pics in Syria

Continuing from my last post, thought it would be nice to add some pictures to it :)

Fellow convoyers donating blood

During the press conference





Moving the aid into the hotel












Just an update. We are safe and sound back in KL. Been a bit hard to adjust if im being honest. its funny how things can change in just 10 weeks. Hopefully ill be able to sleep properly soon!! Till then :)

Syria Leg - day 2

I'm still in London trying to get a flight home but since I'm feeling a lil better I thought it's best I continue my blog :)

So day 2 in Syria. Like insaid earlier we got a wake up call at 6am. This day was when not only was I sick but then started to develop the flu and was a bit bogged up. So went to get changed and all and was told breakfast is upstairs. Was so funny as at 7:15am the receptionist calls and says 'it's 7:15 now what are you doing?" so I reply "we are going for breakfast" and he says "ah ok very good". It was just so funny to me at that time in the morning. So off we went but as we came out the elevator Kevin was there saying we literally have to leave now so just grab whatever and go. It was too early for me to eat anyway so we grabbed some bread and water and off we went to our vans.

I love this time when we are all getting in and rounding ourselves up in sequence waiting for the z1 to go. You get this adrenalin pump like if ayone has seen the movie twister and everyone is getting in their cars and your in a rush to just go. It's something like that. Sorry just missing everyone right now.

So off we went to Damascus. Again I know there are things happening over in Syria but I'm telling you from what I saw. I saw really beautiful landscape, the people going about their own business, waving to us and giving us the thumbs up when we passed by. If i can remember correctly, this was the 1st country where everyone we passed either stood up from where they were standing and running to the road just to wave. It was amazing really. I can understand now why the queen doesn't wave with much effort cause by the time we got to Damascus my arm was aching but I didn't care. When people are happy to see you, pain in nothing.

Damascus looks like a beautiful city, much like the other ones we have passed, bustling with people. I have heard that driving through Syria can be a nightmare but I've been to Lebanon so didn't flinch at all. Just had to really pay attention to the car in front so that we didn't get lost in Damascus. At one point we stopped as a small group from the PNC had set up another welcome committee just coming into Damascus with this sign saying The Right To Return Convoy (pictures will be up soon once I get to a computer) and it was a lovely stopped whereby we all jumped out, took photos, met our good friend Nabil whom I've met in Lebanon before. Just nice after a long journey. We did have a lil escort which was organized for our safety by the Palestinian National Council as well as VPA talking to all sides to ensure our safety. As I've said before I trust the leadership knows what they are doing and I will repeat myself cause I know all the haters out there for our whole 6 weeks trip and it just seems they don't read so I'm just repeating for their benefit because you know sometimes when you get a blog like this I'm sure it must be very hard to scan and read long blogs like mine just so words can be twisted so I'll repeat just for you.

VPA spoke to ALL sides regarding us passing through Syria and ALL sides agreed we will be safe. Let's face it who wants Palestinian activists on a humanitarian mission to be killed. AND one important fact. We were greeted and hosted by the Palestinian National Council (PNC). They were the ones taking care of us. They consist of doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, you name it. Not just Palestinians but also Syrians. Okay? I hope repeating helps but I can imagine someone out there having a hard time reading and just picking a few points to be twisted but oh well.

So after a pretty long journey from Tartus to Damascus (think if we left by 8am, it took us prob 5 hours), we arrived at this beautiful hotel (yes also arranged by the Palestinian National Council) and settled in. Think we were given 30mins to settle in then we all loaded ourselves into the big school bus Richard drives and went to the office of the PNC where the greeting was so wonderful and there were pictures around the meeting room of Jerusalem and Al Aqsa. Just lovely. By this time tho I felt so ill and just tried my best to keep smiling. They did serve wonderful biscuits though. then we went to take group photos in the front of the bus and off back to the hotel where a wonderful lunchnwas waiting for us. Thinking about it makes me full. Just wonderful.

During lunch we were told about the bombing that had happened in Damascus nearby the airport. Just awful. The bomb went off during the hours when children were going to school. White phosphorus was used I will say and who usually uses that in their bombs?? Think! So we had heard that the PNC and the Palestinian Youth were going to donate blood for the victims and a group of us wanted to go too. So after a lil rest after lunch we met up with this wonderful lady who is a human rights lawyer and she took us to a hospital where 5 of my friends went to give blood. I would have joined them but due to me being sick (think it was day 21 by then) I couldn't so I was photographer instead. The queue for people to donate blood was amazing! From all sorts of places these people were from. Besides the Syrians and Palestinains coming to donate blood there were Iraqis that we spoke too and I'm sure other nationalities turned up too. This bomb was devastating but the way people were brought together to help those that had been injured showed the unity. It didn't matter who you were, what race you were, what your political stand was, you saw your fellow countrymen injured and thisnwas their way of supporting them. That was really touching.

After everyone had given their pint of blood (Faz was so pumped up he wanted to give more) we went back to the hotel where we walked around the neighbourhood to see some sights. Must have been around 6pm by this time and it was like a normal city. I resisted going into shops though as I know how cheap Syria can be. So we went to rest before the press conference.

During the press conference, loads of press turned up. Since I wasn't feeling well and prob looked like crap I stayed by the side to take pics of my friends. One cameraman almost had his flash extension fall on the floor but Rahmah and I had such quick and in sync thinking that using both our legs we caught it just in time. But then we had to sit there and not have a right giggle. So funny!

After, we went to the lounge and just chatted and chilled. We then got the hunger pangs so went up for dinner where again, wonderful food. You can't complain really. Then we had a nice night where a group of us chilled outside the hotel foyer with our drinks and shisha and had a fab convo with Kevin about politics. I may have been so ill by this point but you just can't leave conversations like that.

Luckily though we were there because a tipper truck full of aid turned up and we all (well I wasnt allowed to carry anything) put all the aid inside the hotel. Was so funny with the men all acting tough. I really do have great pics. This was donated by the PNC. So with this new aid, some of us were told to wake up by 7am to move the aid around between cars. 7am?? Sheesh. That's when I decided to go to bed, hesitately. Damascus. I've heard such wonderful things about it. Even though I didn't have time to go around it, the areas I did see looked wonderful. Nvm. Next time

The Syria leg - day 1

Again sorry this has taken me so long to update. I'm still unwell but not as bad as before but I know how important it is to keep people up-to-date on what's going on so I know I have a lot to catch up on so trying my best.

Going through customs in Turkey was a challenge in itself and due to lots of paperwork we ended up having lil picnics outside (or inside for us) in the vans although it was scorching hot. Thank goodness for shade in the building (trying to pinch the wifi) or a lil picnic table under the trees. I honestly can't remember how long we were there for but it was pretty long. It was interesting though to watch normal cars with families going through the border both coming into Turkey and into Syria. Seemed like a normal border crossing to me.

When we finally got given the go ahead to continue our journey we were all ecstatic and going into Syria with Kevin greeting us with some members of the Palestinian National Council was a fab feeling. Because of the delay we had to quickly go to Latakia to meet the crowds waiting for us there but we couldn't stay which was a shame as previous convoyers would have loved to go back to the camp where they stayed at in 2010.

So off we quickly went to Latakia as daylight was slowly fading. By the time we got there though, since we are at the back and had catch up to do, our end of the convoy wasn't there for long which was such a shame as the crowd was huge! Sucks how none of the cams we have are good for night time pictures. We did have a few teenagers come by the van to say hi and welcome and take pictures. Plus we had this lovely chicken shop which I'm so upset I didn't get the name of but they gave us these huge portions of chicken (think it could have been half a chicken) with chips (oh so nice) and bread and yoghurt. One portion could feed both of us! Was funny though as due to time, we were always in our van and I had to literally pass food to Faisal as we hardly had the time to eat so it was eat and drive after waving goodbye to the crowds. Such a shame I couldn't even get out of the van to really talk to them like the group ahead. Nvm.

So off we went trying to drive to Damascus as soon as we could in the dark. By then I really didn't feel well but was trying my best to stay awake. However, due to it being I think almost midnight and being a very long day the decision was made to stay in Tartus for the night. Good decision as we just passed out as soon as we hit the pillow. Plus 6am wake up call yikes! Tartus looked wonderful though! Shops and restaurants were bustling with people even though it was late at night. Reminded me a bit of the south of Lebanon when I went to see my friend. Real seaside place. Shame we were too tired to take a stroll. Never mind

Jem

Syria - the one that caused a big hoohaa

This photo was actually taken at the Turkey-Syria border crossing but it was so nice to see the Palestinian flag with it hence why I've used this pic to talk about our trip through Syria.

Now its been known for many months that in order to get to Gaza, Syria would be one of the countries we'd have to cross through. But of course with everything that's been going on with Syria that you've been reading on the news it seemed risky to be going through there. Well I'm just gonna talk about a few facts.

One is that if you're going on a convoy to Gaza, there's already a huge risk there. In previous convoys they had some police in one country beat people in a confined space and arrested them, Israel was bombing close to where they were staying at, and let's not forget you're driving how many thousands of miles into different countries and I'm telling you now from crazy truckers I've seen, something could even happen on the road in Europe.

Two there were other routes to consider but let's look at these ones. One is going through North Africa meaning you have to go through Libya and really? The organisers were advised to NOT go through there. Another is taking a ferry from Turkey to Egypt but you know the cost of this? Aaahhh more then thousands of dollars, which none of us can pay for.

So VPA have worked really hard over the past few months speaking to ALL parties and the Palestinian National Council to make sure that the convoy had safe passing for the 3 days it was there. It was so nice to meet the Palestinians there and they took such good care of us. Plus it meant that some Syrians could join the convoy as well as getting more medical aid for the convoy. Well wasn't just more, it was an Artic truck carrying 43 tonnes of medical aid. Wow!

I've read all the negative reports from the convoy saying it supports the regime and what not but really, all this does is not only divide the Palestinian activists up but it also makes people forget about Palestine. As an activist on the convoy, I'm on the convoy for Gaza, not supporting any regime or any government. Writing this now, I've heard that in some countries the convoy route has been planned out for, between 9 to 20 people were killed.

The Middle East in general is one very unstable region with many problems ahead even though the Arab Spring happened. But it shouldn't stop Palestinian activists in wanting to carry out a convoy (which by definition is a group of land vehicles travelling together) and I guess the more countries you pass through the more people see the convoy and the more can join. Travelling from the UK all the way to Gaza is one long and can be taxing journey but every person I've met who's still with us just have one focus on their mind, Gaza.

Will blog about the actually journey through Syria in a bit but just my thoughts of everything that has been going on. If you don't want to support us that's fine but don't go attacking these people I have been travelling with for 3 weeks just because of a route. Are you with us and knowing what we are going through? No? Then keep the negativity to yourself and let us just accomplish what we have been doing and campaigning for, for some of us, for months.
Jem

Dramatic weather for dramatic Turkey :)

Just look at this picture!! At one point it reminded me of a hurricane area. Then I said as long as there are no hail stones we will be fine. 20mins later, not really hail stones but big blocks of water def came tumbling down. And we are in Turkey!! The weather has been so strange. Sun stroke in Germany and Hungary then wearing a jumper in Turkey! Just so odd.

So right now we are in Konya in Turkey and making our way down until our next destination. Should be in Turkey for the next few days. Yesterday we stayed in Ankara after being in Istanbul for 4 days at another petrol station like last nights one. Its nice how you don't have to pay for toilet use but there's been no hot water or showers for that matter so been wet wipe showers the past two days :) smell like Jasmine :p

The day we left Istanbul, which was Saturday, was a day of mixed emotions. Due to visa problems for our next country destination, we had to leave behind some of the guys that were with us. This left 4 vans with no drivers. Luckily 3 new guys, including one from South Africa had joined us plus us with no van so we each are now driving one. Just hope everything gets sorted so they can join us at the border. Meanwhile, we are still awaiting news on our vehicle but since we are driving B6 now, it will be hard to spread the drivers out when we get our van. So we shall see how it goes. After so many days of not being on the road, was so nice to be back with the convoy. Although I haven't been very well so just trying to cope with that. Will be alright.

On the 4th was 6 years since my mum had passed. I didn't even realise the date until I was reminded. No wonder I went window shopping that day! Although I did treat myself and got a lovely handbag which was bargained even further once the guy knew we were going to Gaza. His business partner then gave me a free purse :D I don't like to remember the day to be honest because it makes me feel very sad and that's what I don't want to feel right now cause there's just so many things going on that I need to deal with but I did have a lil cry and had to remind myself that she's with me on this journey helping me. Just one day at a time I guess.

Whoops gotta run! We are now off to our next destination.

Jem

Things happen for a reason

I'm really sorry for the lack of updates but it's been such an experience since my last post that I couldn't write about the chapter until it was closed. Okay this chapter of the journey is not really over but it's more clearer. So let's tell this story :)

Since my last post, we were off to go to the border between Hungary and Romania and all was going well down the highway like we normally do and then suddenly a loud metal grinding noise occurred and I asked Faisal 'is that the tyre?' whilst he calmly put the hazard light on, slowed down and pulled over to the hard shoulder. A5 pulled over as well as one of the main convoy leaders in Z2 to check what was going on. They all got out to check the engine while I was told to stay put. It did not look good as the engine mount had bent and so the engine had shifted and was almost touching the ground. Not good. The rest of the convoy stopped at the next stop area while another vehicle came and towed us slowly back to the rest of the convoy and once we were there, nearly everyone came around and started to see if anything could be done. Ropes were being tied up and they were trying to figure out how to tow the vehicle to the next destination. It just seemed like a very hard thing to do plus it would have slowed down the rest of the convoy so luckily I took the advice of the organisers and was able to get European breakdown coverage from the RAC. So the rest of the convoy went on whilst some of the convoy leaders stayed with us. There was some problems occurring but we finally got towed and you wouldn't believe where too. The Peugeot service station was literally situated behind us where we were staying the night before. So we literally went backwards. Oh well, got to see how they tow your car and got to ride in the huge truck (I felt so tall). The RAC sorted out a hotel which was 4mins away. By this time it was really late so the only thing we could do was go to bed, though I'll be honest, I was anxious as hell and was just praying all would be okay.

So the next morning we have breakfast and I get a phone call. Bad news. Hungary was literally shut down because they were having a holiday for the next two days and no one could look at the van until Wednesday (this was Monday). So we told them what was going on and how we were on a deadline as we needed to catch up with the rest of the convoy so the RAC then started trying to sort out hire cars for us but the problem was each country didn't want their car going into another country so they literally had to sort out a hire car in each country all the way to Turkey. So whilst they were sorting it out all of us went into town to try and see if we were lucky enough to find a mechanic who could take a look at our van. Unfortunately Hungary was literally closed. I even saw a McDs closed as well as the tourist centre. Really just dumb luck. So since there was nothing else to do, we finally went to go have lunch, which was in the city centre itself as everything else was closed, and went to this Syrian restaurant. Wonderful food and very fancy toilets.

We then get the phone call from the RAC. Everything was sorted with all the hire cars BUT since Hungary was closed, no one was picking up the phone so there was no hire cars available for us to leave that day (Monday) and we would have to wait the next morning. Meanwhile, the rest of the convoy was getting further away from us and the convoy leaders that stayed with us had to get going otherwise it would be so hard to catch up. So we decided that the two of us would fly to Turkey to meet the others and Z2 would take all the aid that was in our van and go and catch up with the others. What was so great was that RAC would cover the cost of the flights plus continue to put us up in the hotel with 2 rooms. It was the easiest option for everyone. Thing was, it meant the van had to be left and writing this now I'm still gutted. It's like you try to do everything you are supposed to do to make sure the vehicle is fine but sometimes things are just out of your control. I just need to remember that. At least the insurance has been the best thing done and they have been so good to us.

So once that was decided, we all went back to Peugeot to get all the aid and squeeze in into Z2's vehicle, which is smaller then our vehicle. Dumb luck still followed us. First off it took us almost an hour to even try and get into Peugeot even though I had the documemtations as the guy had to call this person and that person and then we had to wait for his colleague to come (remember it is a holiday) and then at first they only allowed one person to go into the area because apparently the lasers (really?) were on and couldn't be turned off because again, it's a holiday, and then when they saw how much stuff it was they allowed 2 of us in. They then told the van to drive behind the vehicle which was separated by a high wired fence and then a big ditch! We then had to transfer 8 boxes plus 4 huge and heavy bags over the fence whilst Z2 leaders were packing as much as they could in their van and it was so packed you could barely see Carole at the back in the passenger seat. I really wish I took a picture of this because it just looked like we were robbing the place. What a sight!

Then we said our goodbyes and that was sad and I will admit it did get to me but work needed to be done so we went online to find the best and cheapest flight to make sure we were in Turkey by Wednesday. So we finally found the cheapest one via Kiev but it would mean we left on Wednesday itself so we had another day in closed Hungary. Stranded in Hungary. So I've learnt that since some things are beyond your control and everything happens for a reason and that you can plan as much as you want, there really isn't anything one could do. So it just made sense to walk around the city more to really see Budapest. Still a lot of places were shut but the city still looked beautiful. We were also able to go back to the same place we went with the others that was owned by the Egyptian and we told him what happened and he gave free tea again :) then it was back to the hotel to try and pack as best as we could with all the stuff we had and some food had to be sacrificed and left :( then bed as we had to be up early to make sure all was done before our cab picked us up at 12:30 (organised by RAC too) and off to the airport. I had a lil cry as we passed the Peugeot service centre and I actually couldn't look because I would have prob burst into tears. It just feels like I've let people down because the van had to be left. Was beginning to feel like a home too and it can really get one to feel lost leaving it. I just hope something can be done with it but I'll get to that bridge later.

So off to Turkey we went via a stop at Kiev. At the airport in Hungary wow security was pretty tight as I had never been that frisked before! Then at Kiev we had our bag checked again (I think the round power extension cord looked dodgy) and there was army everywhere! Waited there for a few hours with a lovely cup of coffee and finally boarded the flight to go to Istanbul. The flight was very nice (Turkish airlines) and got to calm my nerves after the few days we've had by watching FRIENDS and having a good giggle.

Got to Istanbul (yey!) and finally met up with the rest of the convoy! Was so nice to see everyone and be reunited.

So after being stuck in Hungary for an extra 2 days without a van and dealing with that, we will be in Turkey for a few days which will be great for us to get a new vehicle and get that sorted. We have a number of choices so will access the best one because at the end of the day, I made a promise to deliver a van with the aid. We still have the aid and we will get a van, that is for sure. Again, everything happens for a reason right. The big picture is delivering the promise I made to Gaza and to the people who have kindly supported us.

So, wow, long post. So I shall leave this for now and see what happens tomorrow :)

Sometimes it can take just one person to build the momentum

After a slight delay leaving Austria yesterday as sometimes things go missing on the convoy (nothing and no one is perfect hey) we had a passenger in our vehicle who needed a lift to our next destination, Budapest. Her name was Sophie and she was from Germany. I wasn't feeling too well yesterday (if the instructions on a meds box says to have with a meal, follow them) so my stomach was just in agony as think it kicked in my gastric but I tried to be a good host as much as I could and wanted to promote the convoy and tell her more about Gaza etc. Very sweet girl and I'm glad she was asking so many questions as you rarely find the youth interested in this (I would know after facing ignorant ex-classmates just last week) and I'm glad we were able to get her safely to Budapest. Sophie if you are reading this, it was a real pleasure meeting you!!

Like I said in my title, sometimes it can take just one person to start the awareness campaign to take off and more people knowing about the Palestinian cause. You never know :)

We were able to drive through Budapest last night and we all did very well as no one got lost yey!! But wow, the city was breath-taking and I had one hand trying to video tape the drive plus keep an eye on the traffic so we wouldn't get lost. Was so beautiful!

Arrived at our usual base point, a petrol station but this one has free wifi AND you don't have to pay to go to the toilet wahey!! One setback is there are no showers but oh well, jasmine scented wet wipes it is.

Since it was still early, some of us popped out to the city again just so we could take nicer pics. Beautiful really. Then found a nice place to have dinner which is run by a guy from Egypt so I told him bout the convoy and he clapped his hands saying good and we got free tea :D food was fab too! I realised I hadn't had rice for ages. Aahh good ol rice.

So after a very nice night, went back to base to have a good rest although last night was the 1st night I didn't sleep too well and woke up so hot and claustrophobic so tried to open the door and leave it open so I wudnt wake Faisal then tried to sleep with my legs out of the van sitting up. Didn't really work.

Finally gave up and by that time Faisal was awake so just did the usual morning ritual, freshen up, breakfast and been trying to take it easy today as the road ahead is gonna get tough. We did try to fix the aircon but couldn't get it to work so we will try get it fixed in Turkey.

Its been getting rather hot and even tho I live in KL, I feel like I'm getting heat stroke. Such a weakling :p

Btw Tina if you're reading this, we made use of your cooker twice today :D thanks again!!

Wokays gotta go as we will be off to our next destination soon so will try rest before we head off.

7 countries in 7 days. Can you imagine.
Jem

The Sound of Music stuck in my head :)

We arrived in Austria yesterday and it was the longest drive we've had thus far with a few ppl getting lost (not us) at the very end but all was good and we found everyone. The view was just amazing and I've being singing "the hills are alive" in my head since I saw the snow covered mountains. Love that movie!

We did a couple of stops along the way. At one stop one of the guys wanted to wash his feet in the sink in order to do his prayers and they told him off. Was not good.

Had a couple of crazy truckers on the road too yesterday. At one point when it was dark we had to go to the left lane last min so I stuck my head out to make sure it was safe but 5 trucks passed by and were going so fast then I stuck my hand out to try and get the last truck to slow down but nope he didn't so we lost sight of the convoy ppl ahead but Faisal was excellent in catching up and finding the rest of the convoy...in the dark wohoo. Crazy truckers.

Our final destination for the day was another petrol station but there was a hotel there but we decided to stick with the van due to the stuff inside plus its gotten comfortable in the van and less hassle bringing our stuff back and forth. Working system from turning the van into a comfy vehicle to be driving in with all the snacks and drinks nearby then at night re-arranging it into 2 "beds". The van is starting to feel a lil like home now actually.

Since we got to the pit stop quite late, we cooked noodles and soup using the gas cooker lent by Tina (thanks Tina!) Which worked beautifully and then slept like a log again. Was a hot morning actually.

Another early morning. Think I was awake by 6. Finally got up around 8 cause decided to wash all the pots etc plus some socks of mine and have a wonderful shower. We then hopped into Fra's van with Waheed and the 4 of us took a drive into Wein itself to see the sights. Even though I've been here before I went to an area I hadn't seen so it was gorgeous.

So we have come back to base and now waiting for our flag off to our next destination :D wow day 7 already and been in 6 countries :D

Ooo and the Bradford team finally caught up with us yey!! So that's an extra 4 vehicles driving with us. Sweet.

Oo quick meeting.
Ttyl!
Jem

Short stop

We were lucky enough to stop and take pictures of the breath-taking view!

Jem

Snow on the mountain tops...

...Yet my geography has failed me and I don't know what mountains they are. If anyone can tell me please do :) we have now left Munchen as they say and driving through Germany still.

Its been lovely so far. Like last night we went into Munich itself with Fra and just walked around the town. We found this old gothic looking building. Beautiful! It was nice to actually really see a city we had stopped nearby instead off just driving through. So we walked until we found a nice cafe and had a huge slice of pizza that was enough for the 2 people for only €3 and chilled hearing about Fra's amazing journey in Egypt. Just the experiences one can go through is just amazing.

Then we had to rush back to the van as the parking was gonna finish. Can you believe they charge you parking all the way to 11pm! The gov in KL would make so much $ if that was done in KL. Street parking I'm talking about!

We then strolled down the street to find a cafe with internet. Was so nice as the street was filled with performers outside the closed shops. There was even professional orchestra performers playing traditional classic music and a couple dancing together too the music. It felt like such a romantic city actually. Very friendly ppl too with me popping in and out of shops asking if they have wifi then they would tell me where to go. The only placed opened with wifi ended up to be Burger King, which was fine as I got my pictures uploaded onto FB and we all did our bits and bobs. Was all good. So after having accomplished everything we set out to do, we headed back to camp using wonderful GPS technology but the battery was down to 10% but we made it yey!!

Got ready for another night in the van and slept like a log. I knew it was gonna end up being a cold night even though it was a very hot day but some, including my bright co-driver woke up shivering due to not preparing themselves for a cold dip in temperature.

So woke up at 7am (yes my timing has changed to sleeping b4 1am and waking up at 7am), couldn't shower as there was only cold water (no thank you) and the kind lady behind the coffee counter allowed me to charge our handphones behind the counter. So I sat at the end on a bar stool and just waited till all was charged with my cappuccino (I had to get something cause she was so sweet) but then her boss came in and had a lil fit and told us we cannot do this. Nevermind, was 70% charged. Mean man.

After a quick meeting with everyone we have set off again. The weather is piping hot but the scenery is beautiful.

oh dear traffic jam.

Ttyl!

Jem

PS. I forgot the most important info!! As the convoy was going through one of the towns, no one got lost wohoo!!! :D

Pictures on Facebook

Hey all,

I am so sorry to be such a bore but im quite limited on the wifi so if you can, to see much more pics please go to my facebook page and you can find them there :)

gotta get ready to get some shut eye then its off again to a new country. so its 5 countries in 4 days. well Germany is big so no wonder we are here for 2 days.

TTYL!

Some of the convoy vehicles

Jem

The bigger vehicles with the convoy

Jem

German country side

Jem

And we're off on the road again....with clear sunny skies!! I'm actually hot!

Jem

In and out of Luxembourg...with a lil hiccup

Today was a long yet interesting day. I don't think I've spent a short amount of time in one country before, and it would have been shorter if it wasn't for a lil hiccup that happened.

Keeping to the tradition of the convoy, the van from Malaysia lost sight of the truck in front and got lost in the middle of Luxembourg. And it turns out we are now the only van without a CB radio. Luckily the van behind us followed us and led us to a petrol station where the others could find it. Bad thing tho is cause we got lost, the rest of the team behind got lost. In the end all went well as we all got to fill up our vehicles with the cheapest fuel price thus far plus a clean bathroom break and set off again and before we knew it we were out of Luxembourg and in Germany. What I did see of Luxembourg tho was beautiful. Must come back one day.

We then travelled through Germany. What a landscape it was. I felt like I was in Lord of the Rings (yes James I know). Long drive tho. To entertain ourselves (well mostly my co-driver) I was trying to pronounce the street names as we passed by. Man am I bad at languages. Gave up when the names were just too long. We have also agreed to try listen to local radio. So we'd have either French or German speaking radio presenters then English songs hehe. One or two locals here and there but entertaining. Its so sad tho cause I really can't understand French at all. Such a pity! But I must say the truckers here are crazy at driving! Zooming in and out in between the convoy members at such speed. Crazy!

So after a semi-long drive with me serving coffee, lemonade, naan and jaffa cakes, we are now safe at a service station somewhere in Germany. Had a bite to eat and more bonding going on with lots of laughing (my cheeks started to hurt at one point) and now We've made a nice lil sleeping area in the vehicle so all is well. It actually feels a lil warmer here then it did in France.

So off to bed. Nightz all! :)
Jem

Goodbye Belgium!

We booked ourselves into the F1 hotel (as you can see below). Came to roughly €15 which is not bad but boy was it comfy. The room really is like a box for 3 people but it did the trick.

So after having a wonderful shower (aahh warm water) that literally fired out water (guess the F1 concept) and only allowed you like 5 seconds of water each time before u had to press the button again. Such a funny shower but loved it! Then finally changed out of the same clothes I had been wearing since Sunday (yesterday was Tuesday. Good thing it actually is cold cause then you don't have to worry about sweat) we went to the nearest town to have a look for le supermarche and le cafe. My great co-driver with his nippy phone found a Carrefour then nearby we found a place called The Tuna Shack. Yes I went to Belgium and ate at the Tuna Shack but there wasn't any other place open. But anyway this place was fab! A whole meal for €4-€5 euros and it was 2 much that I couldn't even finish my huge plate of chips. And as an added bonus for the Muslim ppl on the convoy, it was a Halal restaurant. Ahhh just thinking about that chicken wrap.

So after we went back to the F1 & sat in this tiny cafeteria area that seemed to be the only wifi-spot in the whole place and did out bits and bobs. I was gonna head off to bed early but then the Chelsea vs Barcelona game came on so I had to watch it and yey!! Well done Chelsea!!! (Didi will be so happy). So finally off to bed and went out like a light!

Had a normal morning start, lil brief meeting and now we are on the road again with microwaved naan and coffee at our side.

Stay tuned! :)

Jem

PS. The sun just came out :D

Driving through Belgium