Abu Dhabi, UAE, Thursday 5th June 2008

Okay, a quick update and then some photos. We're in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, staying with some lovely friends of Simon's, Matt and Trace. We've been here a week and, to be honest, have done fairly little. It's been a welcome change of pace and, although we've missed out on Pakistan as a result, I'm really glad to have been able to see the UAE having heard so much about it.

While here Simon's applied for his India visa which we will be picking up today and booking flights for Delhi for (hopefully) tomorrow. The idea is to get to India ahead of the truck so that we've got time to go to an ashram for lots of yoga and a bit of meditation before meeting up with the truck on the 16th June in Delhi. Then the truck will be going on to Nepal and either China (still TBC) or back into Pakistan (for reasons I haven't yet worked out) to somehow (probably flying) down to Thailand and then to Laos, Cambodia Vietnam and so on. Simon however will be staying in Delhi, leaving on the 30th June for Adelaide. At the moment it looks like we'll be saying our goodbyes on the 16th but of course, as this is exploratory, things are always subject to change until the last minute as we are learning first hand.

I've added a couple of links to other people's (namely Simons and Vince & Jan's) blogs on the right for your browsing pleasure.

So withhout further ado, here is the latest picture update from the last few days in Turkey to the fabulous pool party on arrival in Abu Dhabi. Eat yer heart out!

Turkish night

Our first day in Iran. Hmmm. Attractive.

Collecting wood along the way in Iran

Half day hike up to Babek Fort (15thMay)

Setting the self-timer and quickly jumping across the river in 10 seconds flat for a 'together' pic!

On the bus in Iran. We had to wear our head-scarves at all times (even for loo visits in the middle of the night - even in bush camps!)

And the yoga must go on.Bush camp near the Caspian sea.

Masuleh, 17th/18th May. Very pretty place...

...with yummy hot cinammon rolls!

Wandering around Masuleh.









Lost of smelly cheese in Masuleh. Naturally we preferred the cinammon goodies!

And the Hookah.

Esfehan, Iran and one of the many picturesque bridges.

Yoga on the bridge.













Not ANOTHER mosque *sigh*

Imam Square, Esfehan.









Imam square by day. Lovely tea shop with great cakes.

The flying carpet shop, Imam square, Esfehan, Iran.









Simon being interviewed by Iranian television on tourist views of Iran.

Persepolis ruins near Shiraz, 24th May.




Sad to leave Iran but relieved to be out of all that garb! Pool party on an island, Abu Dhabi, Friday 29th May.