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Saturday, 6 November 2010
Friday, 22 October 2010
Day 32
Wednesday 21st October
Its been a very noisy night and morning. as everyone is very excited about going to the airport in the morning for Egypt, except me, Amer Nazir and Amina Uddin who are not going any further but returning to home tommorrow, most of the muslim brothers have been having very loud praying sessions right outside my cell where i have been sleeping. The stage area is about 10 metres away from the door of my cell whuch i have been sharing with my friends Dr Abdullah and Hugh. its been a regular thing every night at around 4pm when some brothers get together on the stage and switch on the PA system and the microphones and read Salah and do it for at least an hour and half every night. but tonight has been extra volume and with great enthusiasm. we hardly got any sleep.
up at around 9 am for breakfast (which i passed on again) and we all meet on the stage for our morning meeting. as Kevin is on board the ship, Zaher Birawi is holding the meeting and giving out the practicalities for the planes today. he explains that there willtwo flights, one at 3 pm and the second at 7pm. he reads out the names of the two groups so that everyone knows which flight they are on.
after this a surprise. the names of the five British volunteers who have been banned from Egypt are read out and everyone applauds and cheers. we are called onto the stage and one of the elderly Imams congratulates us and expresses his deep sorrow for our continuance on the rest of the journey. we are lined up and one by one we are presented a very nice looking parcel containing the holy Koran on behalf of everyone. This is a very enexpected and touching gesture. we are kissed by dozens of bearded blokes sweating perfusely. but its the done thing and we take it on the cheeks gracefully.
we are asked to say a few words to the whole convoy which is composed of around 400 volunteers from 30 different countries.
in my speech i thank everyone for their love and affection and then explain that it is a bitter sweeet day for me. on the one hand i am extremely dissapointed at not being able to continue with them on the remainder of the journey from Syria to Gaza through Egypt. on the other, i explain my joy for everyone else who many for the first time ever will enter Gaza in the next day or so and be in the holy land. i thank everyone for their company over the last month and express my best wishes for each and every one who has completed this epic journey travelling many thousands of miles overcoming many obstacles whilst never giving up. i tell everyone that even though i will not have the pleasure of having their company any further, my heart, mind and spirit will be with them.
i then ask Hugh to come onto the stage and present my suit of many siganatures and messages to him and ask him to wear it for the remaining journey and to deliver the messages of love, friendship, unity and solidarity to the good people of Gaza. Hugh accepts the suit and there is a massive applause and again many bearded and non bearded men come and embrace me with great big kisses once again. sweets and other confectionary is then given out to everyone to celebrate.
at around noon the first 4 coach loads of people are asked to get onto the coaches which are waiting to take them to Lattakia airport. we the banned also board the coaches to wave off our comrades and also hoping to catch a flight to Damascus from the same airport to make our way home.
at the airport we find that there are two flights leaving Lattakia airport every day for Damascus....except today, wednesday. what a let down. we wait till everyone has boarded the plane and wave them all off. its a very emotional time for everyone. again many kisses and hugs are exchanged.
we return back to our camp in the same coaches as we came in. the coaches will return to camp to pick up the rest of our comrades to bring them over for the second flight which will leave at 7pm.
by the time we get back to camp they are all ready to leave ans once we have all said our goodbyes, we wave them off and again its a very emotional kissing and hugging session. the last month has brought about many wonderful friendships and comradery amongst us all. its very diificult to part company and many tears are shed, including mine.
once everyone has left the camp, its seems like a ghost camp. very quite. what was an extremely lively and noisy home for us all for the last 17 days has all of a sudden become silent. we have to get out too so Amer, amina and i get a taxi to Damascus for the night to catch a flight out of Damascus at 10.30 in the morning back to London.
we arrive in Damascus are around midnight and book into a hotel for the night. its anice hotel with two rooms. one for Amer and myself and one for sister Amina. amina is very tired and goes to bed immediately whilst amer and i go for a meal before we return and do the same. Boy i miss a hot curry or a fish and chips with loads of salt and viniger.
well we shouild be back home with a heavy heart in a day or so. its the end of the road for us but Viva Viva Palestina and long live Palestine.
Wednesday 21st October
Its been a very noisy night and morning. as everyone is very excited about going to the airport in the morning for Egypt, except me, Amer Nazir and Amina Uddin who are not going any further but returning to home tommorrow, most of the muslim brothers have been having very loud praying sessions right outside my cell where i have been sleeping. The stage area is about 10 metres away from the door of my cell whuch i have been sharing with my friends Dr Abdullah and Hugh. its been a regular thing every night at around 4pm when some brothers get together on the stage and switch on the PA system and the microphones and read Salah and do it for at least an hour and half every night. but tonight has been extra volume and with great enthusiasm. we hardly got any sleep.
up at around 9 am for breakfast (which i passed on again) and we all meet on the stage for our morning meeting. as Kevin is on board the ship, Zaher Birawi is holding the meeting and giving out the practicalities for the planes today. he explains that there willtwo flights, one at 3 pm and the second at 7pm. he reads out the names of the two groups so that everyone knows which flight they are on.
after this a surprise. the names of the five British volunteers who have been banned from Egypt are read out and everyone applauds and cheers. we are called onto the stage and one of the elderly Imams congratulates us and expresses his deep sorrow for our continuance on the rest of the journey. we are lined up and one by one we are presented a very nice looking parcel containing the holy Koran on behalf of everyone. This is a very enexpected and touching gesture. we are kissed by dozens of bearded blokes sweating perfusely. but its the done thing and we take it on the cheeks gracefully.
we are asked to say a few words to the whole convoy which is composed of around 400 volunteers from 30 different countries.
in my speech i thank everyone for their love and affection and then explain that it is a bitter sweeet day for me. on the one hand i am extremely dissapointed at not being able to continue with them on the remainder of the journey from Syria to Gaza through Egypt. on the other, i explain my joy for everyone else who many for the first time ever will enter Gaza in the next day or so and be in the holy land. i thank everyone for their company over the last month and express my best wishes for each and every one who has completed this epic journey travelling many thousands of miles overcoming many obstacles whilst never giving up. i tell everyone that even though i will not have the pleasure of having their company any further, my heart, mind and spirit will be with them.
i then ask Hugh to come onto the stage and present my suit of many siganatures and messages to him and ask him to wear it for the remaining journey and to deliver the messages of love, friendship, unity and solidarity to the good people of Gaza. Hugh accepts the suit and there is a massive applause and again many bearded and non bearded men come and embrace me with great big kisses once again. sweets and other confectionary is then given out to everyone to celebrate.
at around noon the first 4 coach loads of people are asked to get onto the coaches which are waiting to take them to Lattakia airport. we the banned also board the coaches to wave off our comrades and also hoping to catch a flight to Damascus from the same airport to make our way home.
at the airport we find that there are two flights leaving Lattakia airport every day for Damascus....except today, wednesday. what a let down. we wait till everyone has boarded the plane and wave them all off. its a very emotional time for everyone. again many kisses and hugs are exchanged.
we return back to our camp in the same coaches as we came in. the coaches will return to camp to pick up the rest of our comrades to bring them over for the second flight which will leave at 7pm.
by the time we get back to camp they are all ready to leave ans once we have all said our goodbyes, we wave them off and again its a very emotional kissing and hugging session. the last month has brought about many wonderful friendships and comradery amongst us all. its very diificult to part company and many tears are shed, including mine.
once everyone has left the camp, its seems like a ghost camp. very quite. what was an extremely lively and noisy home for us all for the last 17 days has all of a sudden become silent. we have to get out too so Amer, amina and i get a taxi to Damascus for the night to catch a flight out of Damascus at 10.30 in the morning back to London.
we arrive in Damascus are around midnight and book into a hotel for the night. its anice hotel with two rooms. one for Amer and myself and one for sister Amina. amina is very tired and goes to bed immediately whilst amer and i go for a meal before we return and do the same. Boy i miss a hot curry or a fish and chips with loads of salt and viniger.
well we shouild be back home with a heavy heart in a day or so. its the end of the road for us but Viva Viva Palestina and long live Palestine.
Day 32
Tuesday 19th October
After another good nights sleep, we get up as usual for breakfast hoping it will not be humous and gerkins, but it is. we really do appreciate the hospitality of the Syrians but i cant take it any more. so i skip breakfast again and have a smoke instead followed by a glass of water.
Usual meeting is called by leaders Kevin Ovenden and George Galloway to give an update.
we are told that all the vehicles will be getting loaded onto the ferry as some terms have been agreed. the deal now is that all vehicles and only 30 passengers will travel by ferrry and the remainder of all the volunteers will be flying from Lattakia air port to Egypt by air. This is just what happened on the last land convoy, convoy 3. there is a cheer and a sense of relief as at last we may actually be moving.
better news still that all vehicles will be getting onto the ferry today at around 6pm tonight. yeeeeha. and the passengers will be flying out tomorrow. yeeeha. nice one.
At 5 we all get in our cars and leave for the port which is only about 10 minutes drive away.It takes several hours before we get all the vehicles loaded onto the ferry and all the press interviews out of the way.Wow we cant believe that at last we have got our vehicles and all our aid on its way to Gaza, or at least on its way to Egypt initially.
At around 10.30 we all take the special coaches back to the camp for the night and look forward to the next day when most of us minus the banned volunteers can board the planes and get to Al Arish Egypt and one more step closer to our goal Gaza.
Personally i feel very emotional and have very mixed feelings. on the one hand i am extremely dissapointed that it is the end of the road for some of us including George and myself as we will not be able join our cleagues on the planes to Al Arish Egypt from wher Gaza is only around 30 miles away. but on the other hand i am overjoyed that our convoy will once again take the much neede medical aid to the beseiged people of Gaza who have been waiting for us for some time now.
Tommorrow we shal wave off our convoy after travelling together for thousands of miles as one and then make our way back home to London. it will be a bitter sweet ending for us. but it was worth it. and if i had known this would be the ending, i would do it all over again. Everytime. These missions are bigger than any one of us and we must not forget that. well looks like George, Amina, and i shall be going home tommorow, but we shall be glued to our screens and rooting for our colleagues and wishing them all the best and a very safe journey to the end.
i shall be handing over my suit containing hundreds of signatures with messages of support, unity and solidarity to my best mate Hugh. mr not just big, but bigger than big, Mr Huge. he has promised to wear my suit for theremainder of the journey and wear it through the Rafah border into Gaza on my behalf and deliver it it the people of Gaza.
Tuesday 19th October
After another good nights sleep, we get up as usual for breakfast hoping it will not be humous and gerkins, but it is. we really do appreciate the hospitality of the Syrians but i cant take it any more. so i skip breakfast again and have a smoke instead followed by a glass of water.
Usual meeting is called by leaders Kevin Ovenden and George Galloway to give an update.
we are told that all the vehicles will be getting loaded onto the ferry as some terms have been agreed. the deal now is that all vehicles and only 30 passengers will travel by ferrry and the remainder of all the volunteers will be flying from Lattakia air port to Egypt by air. This is just what happened on the last land convoy, convoy 3. there is a cheer and a sense of relief as at last we may actually be moving.
better news still that all vehicles will be getting onto the ferry today at around 6pm tonight. yeeeeha. and the passengers will be flying out tomorrow. yeeeha. nice one.
At 5 we all get in our cars and leave for the port which is only about 10 minutes drive away.It takes several hours before we get all the vehicles loaded onto the ferry and all the press interviews out of the way.Wow we cant believe that at last we have got our vehicles and all our aid on its way to Gaza, or at least on its way to Egypt initially.
At around 10.30 we all take the special coaches back to the camp for the night and look forward to the next day when most of us minus the banned volunteers can board the planes and get to Al Arish Egypt and one more step closer to our goal Gaza.
Personally i feel very emotional and have very mixed feelings. on the one hand i am extremely dissapointed that it is the end of the road for some of us including George and myself as we will not be able join our cleagues on the planes to Al Arish Egypt from wher Gaza is only around 30 miles away. but on the other hand i am overjoyed that our convoy will once again take the much neede medical aid to the beseiged people of Gaza who have been waiting for us for some time now.
Tommorrow we shal wave off our convoy after travelling together for thousands of miles as one and then make our way back home to London. it will be a bitter sweet ending for us. but it was worth it. and if i had known this would be the ending, i would do it all over again. Everytime. These missions are bigger than any one of us and we must not forget that. well looks like George, Amina, and i shall be going home tommorow, but we shall be glued to our screens and rooting for our colleagues and wishing them all the best and a very safe journey to the end.
i shall be handing over my suit containing hundreds of signatures with messages of support, unity and solidarity to my best mate Hugh. mr not just big, but bigger than big, Mr Huge. he has promised to wear my suit for theremainder of the journey and wear it through the Rafah border into Gaza on my behalf and deliver it it the people of Gaza.
Day 31
Monday 18th October
Bad news i am afraid.
We all get up early at around 5.30 am hoping that we will be leaving at 7.30 sharp for the ferry port to board our ship, but we are still waiting for instructions from the leaders at 8am when we are told that there will be a delay and that we may be leaving after breakfast at 9am.
breakfast is once again humous and gerkin pickle with a ver large naan bread. i dont wat to see humous and pickeled gerkins again for as long as i live. i would rather eat my own toe. so i skip braekfast and just have some liquid youghurt, or salty lassi as it is known in Pakistan.
10.30 and we are gathered again on the stage area which we use for meetings every day only to be told that there could be a long delay due to some unexpected problems with the ferry company. we are told that further negotiations are taking place. and further updates will given as soon as possible.
time drags on and on and we soon feel rather dissapointed that we all had very little sleep and got up early only to be kept waiting and waiting. so some of us go back to our cells and get an hour or two lie down as it is very hot and humid.
around 7pm and we are still none the wiser. a meeting is called by Kevin Ovenden. We are told that there has been some developments. but not good ones. in fact rather bad ones. we are told that the ship owners are now asking for twice the amount of money agreed initially and are playing games with our convoy. it is suspected that some pressure has been applied by either the Egyptians or the Israelis to create further difficulties for us.
There is a sense of dissapointment around the camp and even some anger. but we stay united on our reslove to find a solution and apply whatever pressure we can to persuade the shipping company to come to some aggreement.
Further more we are told that the 17 names ( 10 Jordanian, 2 turkish and 5 British) given to us who are denied entry into Egypt cannot board the ship at any cost.
Some of the Jordanians ans turkish volunteers who are on that list decide to leave the convoy and head back to their countries.
Of the 5 British people ( George Galloway, Ron, Amer, Amina and Myself) we decide that it would not be right to push our luck with the Egyptians or the Ferry company as it could create problems for the rest of the convoy. so we decide to bow out and accept our fate even though we dont agree with it or the reasons given for refusal which are laughable.
We are told by everyone that it is a badge of honour to be on such a short list headed by the great man George Galloway himself. The Egyptians and the Israelis must consider us quite some individuals if they are afraid of us turning up in their country.
We are told that we would not be leaving today and that further negotiations will be taking place overnight to find some solution to the terms of the contract.
We may have to send out vehicles by ferryas we did on the last convoy, and find alternative transport for the passengers. possibly by another ferry or even by air, again as we did on the last convoy.
well there is nothing we can do tonight so we take our sleeping bags etc out of our vehicles and settle down for another night at the camp feeling rather dissapointed.
Monday 18th October
Bad news i am afraid.
We all get up early at around 5.30 am hoping that we will be leaving at 7.30 sharp for the ferry port to board our ship, but we are still waiting for instructions from the leaders at 8am when we are told that there will be a delay and that we may be leaving after breakfast at 9am.
breakfast is once again humous and gerkin pickle with a ver large naan bread. i dont wat to see humous and pickeled gerkins again for as long as i live. i would rather eat my own toe. so i skip braekfast and just have some liquid youghurt, or salty lassi as it is known in Pakistan.
10.30 and we are gathered again on the stage area which we use for meetings every day only to be told that there could be a long delay due to some unexpected problems with the ferry company. we are told that further negotiations are taking place. and further updates will given as soon as possible.
time drags on and on and we soon feel rather dissapointed that we all had very little sleep and got up early only to be kept waiting and waiting. so some of us go back to our cells and get an hour or two lie down as it is very hot and humid.
around 7pm and we are still none the wiser. a meeting is called by Kevin Ovenden. We are told that there has been some developments. but not good ones. in fact rather bad ones. we are told that the ship owners are now asking for twice the amount of money agreed initially and are playing games with our convoy. it is suspected that some pressure has been applied by either the Egyptians or the Israelis to create further difficulties for us.
There is a sense of dissapointment around the camp and even some anger. but we stay united on our reslove to find a solution and apply whatever pressure we can to persuade the shipping company to come to some aggreement.
Further more we are told that the 17 names ( 10 Jordanian, 2 turkish and 5 British) given to us who are denied entry into Egypt cannot board the ship at any cost.
Some of the Jordanians ans turkish volunteers who are on that list decide to leave the convoy and head back to their countries.
Of the 5 British people ( George Galloway, Ron, Amer, Amina and Myself) we decide that it would not be right to push our luck with the Egyptians or the Ferry company as it could create problems for the rest of the convoy. so we decide to bow out and accept our fate even though we dont agree with it or the reasons given for refusal which are laughable.
We are told by everyone that it is a badge of honour to be on such a short list headed by the great man George Galloway himself. The Egyptians and the Israelis must consider us quite some individuals if they are afraid of us turning up in their country.
We are told that we would not be leaving today and that further negotiations will be taking place overnight to find some solution to the terms of the contract.
We may have to send out vehicles by ferryas we did on the last convoy, and find alternative transport for the passengers. possibly by another ferry or even by air, again as we did on the last convoy.
well there is nothing we can do tonight so we take our sleeping bags etc out of our vehicles and settle down for another night at the camp feeling rather dissapointed.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Day 30
Sunday 17th October
Well do you want the good news, the bad news, or very bad news?
The good news is that we have eventually got a definate go ahead to move from Lattakia. I know i have been saying that for over a week now, but the Egyptians keep throwing obstacles at us. We have jumped through many hoops and loops.
So in the morning we will be boarding the ship, well most of us.
The bad news is that we have eventually been told that there are 5 British people and some Jordanians who have been refused entry. Our leaders have tried their best to reason with the Egyptians, but how do you reason with someone who has no reason.
We are told that everyone else will be allowed to board the ship and land into Egypt after a grueling 18 hour journey, possibly more. George is at the camp since last night and has given us the full update. He gave a stirring speech as usual about the humanitarian efforts of all the volunteers who have battled every obstacle thrown at us and got this far, only to be told at the last hurdle that at least for some the game is over.
Now for the very bad news, of the volunteers refused entry into Egypt one of them Amina, the representative of the Palestine solidarity campaign has been accused of being married to one of the leaders of the convoy. Amina has never been married, especially to George who did once have a wife called Amina, but not this Amina.
One 73 year old Jordanian man is being refused entry because they think he is Turkish! Since when has it been a crime to be Turkish?
One person refused entry has never been on a convoy and has no interest to be on one and is not even here with us? Figure that one out. The Egyptian security forces and their intelligence is a joke. So lets all have a laugh at their incompetence. HA HA HA HA. Even Mr Bean could have been more effective.
And finally, my name is also on the list of those refused entry into Egypt. No reason has been given. But i am sure if they had it would have been something like they don't like my charm.
The other leaders of VP will be allowed to enter but only the five named on the UK list are denied entry after over a month of hard graft on the road. It is rather heartbreaking and in truth my heart bleeds tears of blood as hundreds of people from all the countries we have passed through, have signed my beige coloured suit with messages of hope, unity and solidarity for our charity and for the people of Gaza who are suffering every day. I was hoping to personally deliver this to Gaza with the aid that i have been carrying.
Now for the twist, i for one intend to board the ship in the morning and attempt to get to Al Arish Egypt come hell or high water, i will now give up so easily. They will have to arrest me, drown me in the Meditranean sea, or deport me back to my beloved UK. I did not carry the hopes and prayers of my community in Bradford to give up so easily.
If i am not allowed to board the ship by the captain of the ship then i am in deep creek without a paddle, but i shall cross that bridge when i come to it, if there is a bridge, which i hope there is., cos i cant swim.
If i am not allowed to board then i may have to part company with all my colleagues and maybe cry a few quiet tears. But the important work that we are doing must carry on. 1.5 million palestinians are depending on us.
After all our British Prime Minister David Cameron has described Gaz as a prison camp. What does someone in prison look forward to most? Its an occasional visitor. 1.5 million palestinians in an open air prison and the world stays quiet and says nothing.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to say and do nothing. We will not be quiet. We will do in our power to raise the awareness about the plight of the 1.5 million people imprisoned in their own land.
It may be some time before i can do any further reports if i am arrested, but i cannot with all my conscience not fight back against this decision. I must make my last stand. I just must.
Sunday 17th October
Well do you want the good news, the bad news, or very bad news?
The good news is that we have eventually got a definate go ahead to move from Lattakia. I know i have been saying that for over a week now, but the Egyptians keep throwing obstacles at us. We have jumped through many hoops and loops.
So in the morning we will be boarding the ship, well most of us.
The bad news is that we have eventually been told that there are 5 British people and some Jordanians who have been refused entry. Our leaders have tried their best to reason with the Egyptians, but how do you reason with someone who has no reason.
We are told that everyone else will be allowed to board the ship and land into Egypt after a grueling 18 hour journey, possibly more. George is at the camp since last night and has given us the full update. He gave a stirring speech as usual about the humanitarian efforts of all the volunteers who have battled every obstacle thrown at us and got this far, only to be told at the last hurdle that at least for some the game is over.
Now for the very bad news, of the volunteers refused entry into Egypt one of them Amina, the representative of the Palestine solidarity campaign has been accused of being married to one of the leaders of the convoy. Amina has never been married, especially to George who did once have a wife called Amina, but not this Amina.
One 73 year old Jordanian man is being refused entry because they think he is Turkish! Since when has it been a crime to be Turkish?
One person refused entry has never been on a convoy and has no interest to be on one and is not even here with us? Figure that one out. The Egyptian security forces and their intelligence is a joke. So lets all have a laugh at their incompetence. HA HA HA HA. Even Mr Bean could have been more effective.
And finally, my name is also on the list of those refused entry into Egypt. No reason has been given. But i am sure if they had it would have been something like they don't like my charm.
The other leaders of VP will be allowed to enter but only the five named on the UK list are denied entry after over a month of hard graft on the road. It is rather heartbreaking and in truth my heart bleeds tears of blood as hundreds of people from all the countries we have passed through, have signed my beige coloured suit with messages of hope, unity and solidarity for our charity and for the people of Gaza who are suffering every day. I was hoping to personally deliver this to Gaza with the aid that i have been carrying.
Now for the twist, i for one intend to board the ship in the morning and attempt to get to Al Arish Egypt come hell or high water, i will now give up so easily. They will have to arrest me, drown me in the Meditranean sea, or deport me back to my beloved UK. I did not carry the hopes and prayers of my community in Bradford to give up so easily.
If i am not allowed to board the ship by the captain of the ship then i am in deep creek without a paddle, but i shall cross that bridge when i come to it, if there is a bridge, which i hope there is., cos i cant swim.
If i am not allowed to board then i may have to part company with all my colleagues and maybe cry a few quiet tears. But the important work that we are doing must carry on. 1.5 million palestinians are depending on us.
After all our British Prime Minister David Cameron has described Gaz as a prison camp. What does someone in prison look forward to most? Its an occasional visitor. 1.5 million palestinians in an open air prison and the world stays quiet and says nothing.
All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to say and do nothing. We will not be quiet. We will do in our power to raise the awareness about the plight of the 1.5 million people imprisoned in their own land.
It may be some time before i can do any further reports if i am arrested, but i cannot with all my conscience not fight back against this decision. I must make my last stand. I just must.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Day 29
Saturday 16th October
I slept in this morning as I like to do so as often as I can if I can get away with it. Up at 10am missed breakfast as I often do too. Well there is little else to do. But we are all excited as we now have confirmation that we will be leaving from Lattakia on Sunday morning. A briefing is given to everyone as to what to expect and any questions are answered as best as they could be.
Hugh, who we now call Mr Big , or Clint Eastwood, and I put stickers and banners on around 25 of the ambulances in the hot sweltering heat and it takes us most of the day. The vehicles are now looking wicked as can be. We are proud of our handiwork and stand back and admire while we compliment each other. After that we take a well deserved rest for an hour or so and have some cold drinks.
We hand in all our passports to the admin team so that all arrangements for boarding the ship in the morning can be taken care of. Amar is kind enough to go and get us some falafals, which are essentially donnor kebabs which went down just nice.
In the evening at around 8pm there is a press conference and a big public rally to give us a bib send off. Syria has been absolutely marvelous to us and we will never forget the hospitality they have given us not just on this convoy but the last convoy too.
Late this evening the big man George Galloway himself will come to join us from Lebanon.he will wave us all off as he will not be allowed to enter Egypt unfortunately. In our opinion this is a mistake for the Egyptians to decapitate the convoy in such manner but as GG said, it’s a small price to pay if all the other members and all our aid gets into Gaza.
There is still some question whether some of us who were on previous convoys will be allowed to enter Egypt, we may get deported from Al Arish and not allowed any further. But we shall see. We hope that this will not be the case.
In the morning we expect to board the ship in the afternoon and it will be a very long journey, rather uncomfortable as it is a cargo ferry and we will be sleeping on the deck, hope I don’t slide off as I cant swim. But I do have an inflatable plastic pillow which I will not let out of my sight. If that fails, I will stay close to someone who is fatter than me as I am told that fat people float. Mmm.
We hope that it will be a safe journey but we will be passing the exact co ordinates in international waters in which the Mavi Marmara was attacked by Israel. We hope this will not happen, but there is a small chance that the Israelis might board our ship. Is that happens I will once again find a fat person to hide behind. Or play dead hoping they might not notice me.
I may not be able to update this journal any further for some time if there is no internet access in the seas, or in Egyptian prisons. But I will try my best to do so when I can.
On a serious note I hope all goes well as we really don’t want any trouble this time around. For everyones sake. Enough blood has been lost on the Mavi Marmara an in previous convoys.
I wonder if we ask nicely, the Egyptians might take us for a tour of the Pyramids. I always wanted to go and see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. But I would much rather be home with my friends and family. See you soon everyone.
Saturday 16th October
I slept in this morning as I like to do so as often as I can if I can get away with it. Up at 10am missed breakfast as I often do too. Well there is little else to do. But we are all excited as we now have confirmation that we will be leaving from Lattakia on Sunday morning. A briefing is given to everyone as to what to expect and any questions are answered as best as they could be.
Hugh, who we now call Mr Big , or Clint Eastwood, and I put stickers and banners on around 25 of the ambulances in the hot sweltering heat and it takes us most of the day. The vehicles are now looking wicked as can be. We are proud of our handiwork and stand back and admire while we compliment each other. After that we take a well deserved rest for an hour or so and have some cold drinks.
We hand in all our passports to the admin team so that all arrangements for boarding the ship in the morning can be taken care of. Amar is kind enough to go and get us some falafals, which are essentially donnor kebabs which went down just nice.
In the evening at around 8pm there is a press conference and a big public rally to give us a bib send off. Syria has been absolutely marvelous to us and we will never forget the hospitality they have given us not just on this convoy but the last convoy too.
Late this evening the big man George Galloway himself will come to join us from Lebanon.he will wave us all off as he will not be allowed to enter Egypt unfortunately. In our opinion this is a mistake for the Egyptians to decapitate the convoy in such manner but as GG said, it’s a small price to pay if all the other members and all our aid gets into Gaza.
There is still some question whether some of us who were on previous convoys will be allowed to enter Egypt, we may get deported from Al Arish and not allowed any further. But we shall see. We hope that this will not be the case.
In the morning we expect to board the ship in the afternoon and it will be a very long journey, rather uncomfortable as it is a cargo ferry and we will be sleeping on the deck, hope I don’t slide off as I cant swim. But I do have an inflatable plastic pillow which I will not let out of my sight. If that fails, I will stay close to someone who is fatter than me as I am told that fat people float. Mmm.
We hope that it will be a safe journey but we will be passing the exact co ordinates in international waters in which the Mavi Marmara was attacked by Israel. We hope this will not happen, but there is a small chance that the Israelis might board our ship. Is that happens I will once again find a fat person to hide behind. Or play dead hoping they might not notice me.
I may not be able to update this journal any further for some time if there is no internet access in the seas, or in Egyptian prisons. But I will try my best to do so when I can.
On a serious note I hope all goes well as we really don’t want any trouble this time around. For everyones sake. Enough blood has been lost on the Mavi Marmara an in previous convoys.
I wonder if we ask nicely, the Egyptians might take us for a tour of the Pyramids. I always wanted to go and see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. But I would much rather be home with my friends and family. See you soon everyone.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Day Twenty Eight
Friday 15th October
This morning we receive word that we have a go ahead from the Egyptian authorities for us to start moving on Sunday morning. That’s excellent news as everyone needed just that boost and hope for further progress. Although there is still a question mark as to whether some of the convoy members from convoy 3 may or may not be allowed into Egypt. Negotiations are still taking place and we are hopeful that we may be able to come to a reasonable solution.
Spirits are high once more and there is a lot of positive feeling around the camp.
Today at 4 we will be planting some olive trees at the Ramel Philastini camp in Lattakia where we have been staying for the last two weeks. We will plant the olive trees in memory of our friends who were brutally killed by the Israelis in international waters only just a few months ago and we will never let their memories be deleted. We will take every opportunity to highlight the sacrifices made by our brothers who paid with their life blood, the tears of their loved ones will never be forgotten and we will carry on our humanitarian work even if it means that we put our own lives on the line.
Since it is Friday all the muslim convoy members go off together at the local mosque for Jumma (Friday prayers). The Imam says some prayers for us and the whole convoy and its safe passage into Gaza.
It is still blistering hot and very humid and the short walk to the mosque takes its toll on some of the older members.
We are told that tomorrow George Galloway will join us at the camp when he returns from Bierut Lebanon where negotiations are continuing. There will be a large public rally and a lot of press will be present.
Friday 15th October
This morning we receive word that we have a go ahead from the Egyptian authorities for us to start moving on Sunday morning. That’s excellent news as everyone needed just that boost and hope for further progress. Although there is still a question mark as to whether some of the convoy members from convoy 3 may or may not be allowed into Egypt. Negotiations are still taking place and we are hopeful that we may be able to come to a reasonable solution.
Spirits are high once more and there is a lot of positive feeling around the camp.
Today at 4 we will be planting some olive trees at the Ramel Philastini camp in Lattakia where we have been staying for the last two weeks. We will plant the olive trees in memory of our friends who were brutally killed by the Israelis in international waters only just a few months ago and we will never let their memories be deleted. We will take every opportunity to highlight the sacrifices made by our brothers who paid with their life blood, the tears of their loved ones will never be forgotten and we will carry on our humanitarian work even if it means that we put our own lives on the line.
Since it is Friday all the muslim convoy members go off together at the local mosque for Jumma (Friday prayers). The Imam says some prayers for us and the whole convoy and its safe passage into Gaza.
It is still blistering hot and very humid and the short walk to the mosque takes its toll on some of the older members.
We are told that tomorrow George Galloway will join us at the camp when he returns from Bierut Lebanon where negotiations are continuing. There will be a large public rally and a lot of press will be present.
Day Twenty Seven
Thursday 14th October
Its a much more cheerful atmosphere as we have some hope that we may be moving on Friday morning for Egypt. We still have no further information whether some of us will be denied access into Egypt and thus Gaza, but negotiations are still going on. We hope for the best but are prepared for the worst. As we always do on these convoys. It has been almost exactly 4 weeks now since we all left our homes and some of us are feeling quote homesick and want to accomplish our mission as best as we can and as quickly as we can. We are all determined that we will stay as long as it takes to break the siege of Gaza once more and let the world know of the criminal treatment of the Palestinians by the Brutal Israelis on a daily basis, where people are dying on a daily basis by the bombs and bullets provided to Israel by the west and slowly killing off a whole group of people because they dared to practice democracy. We have to expose the brutal concentration camp that is Gaza, and the west’s role in keeping it going.
Thursday 14th October
Its a much more cheerful atmosphere as we have some hope that we may be moving on Friday morning for Egypt. We still have no further information whether some of us will be denied access into Egypt and thus Gaza, but negotiations are still going on. We hope for the best but are prepared for the worst. As we always do on these convoys. It has been almost exactly 4 weeks now since we all left our homes and some of us are feeling quote homesick and want to accomplish our mission as best as we can and as quickly as we can. We are all determined that we will stay as long as it takes to break the siege of Gaza once more and let the world know of the criminal treatment of the Palestinians by the Brutal Israelis on a daily basis, where people are dying on a daily basis by the bombs and bullets provided to Israel by the west and slowly killing off a whole group of people because they dared to practice democracy. We have to expose the brutal concentration camp that is Gaza, and the west’s role in keeping it going.
Day Twenty Six
Wednesday 13th October
Early up at around 4am.
Hugh and i decide that we need some time away from the camp in Lattakia as we have been here since last Saturday and its getting to be rather monotonous. We ask the medical team who have been working very hard to look after the health of everyone at the camp if they too would like a day off and take some time to go up to the historical city of Alleppo to the north of Syria. They all jump at the chance. Hugh, Carol and i sort out our now famous green minibus nicknamed the green goblin for the long journey around 4 hours to Alleppo. Alleppo was once the centre of Islamic culture, and its historic Alleppo castle, with its equally historic Mosque an important site that has to be seen.
Everyone jumps at the chance. Around 12 of us get into the green goblin and set off at around 10 am. Its a very long drive but well worth the effort. We arrive in Alleppo at around 2pm and enjoy the sights and sounds of the extensive archeological site.
We find that it is not possible to see the whole site with the 4 hours or so that we have in the city, it would require at least two days. We do a quick tour of the main sites and then visit the historical Markets just outside the site. These markets have been going for around 1000 years and are a delight to see with its trades people working in full view working away at their skills creating crafts and arts.
The news gets out that Viva Palestina convoy members are in the city and we get invited to a very nice restaurant, The Taj Kaalaaha, just opposite the main Castle. We are treated like celebrities and soon the press turn up and take interviews and pictures of us at the restaurant. This is a very welcome rest and dinner as we are all very tired and hungry. The food is absolutely delicious and we are treated with enormous portions in typical Arabic fashion. We that the owners and make our way back to our green goblin for the long journey back to Lattakia,
We are half way to Lattakia when we recieve word from someone that Al Jazeera have reported that the Egyptians have agreed to let the convoy move into Egypt in the next 48 hours. There is a massive cheer in the bus from all of us. This is a very much needed boost to our morale.
We arrive in Lattakia late at around 10pm and find the camp in good spirits as the news has got around that we may be moving in a day or two, but there is also some bad news. We hear that one of the conditions of movement into Egypt may be that all those members of the convoy who broke the siege on convoy 3 including the leaders of the convoy may be denied entry into Egypt. This would mean that around 15 of us who were on that convoy may have to say goodbye to our colleagues so close to Gaza. If so it would be a small price to pay for everyone else, around 400 volunteers and over two hundred vehicles filled with aid getting through into Gaza. If true we would ask all our wellwishers and supporters back home in all 30 countries represented on the convoy to put pressure on their MP’s and embassies, especially the Egyptian embassies to let all of us in as one as we all intend to.
We will not give up easily, and will fight our corner to get into Gaza together, not leaving one single person behind, including George Galloway.
We wait and see what negotiations can be made by the leadership.
Wednesday 13th October
Early up at around 4am.
Hugh and i decide that we need some time away from the camp in Lattakia as we have been here since last Saturday and its getting to be rather monotonous. We ask the medical team who have been working very hard to look after the health of everyone at the camp if they too would like a day off and take some time to go up to the historical city of Alleppo to the north of Syria. They all jump at the chance. Hugh, Carol and i sort out our now famous green minibus nicknamed the green goblin for the long journey around 4 hours to Alleppo. Alleppo was once the centre of Islamic culture, and its historic Alleppo castle, with its equally historic Mosque an important site that has to be seen.
Everyone jumps at the chance. Around 12 of us get into the green goblin and set off at around 10 am. Its a very long drive but well worth the effort. We arrive in Alleppo at around 2pm and enjoy the sights and sounds of the extensive archeological site.
We find that it is not possible to see the whole site with the 4 hours or so that we have in the city, it would require at least two days. We do a quick tour of the main sites and then visit the historical Markets just outside the site. These markets have been going for around 1000 years and are a delight to see with its trades people working in full view working away at their skills creating crafts and arts.
The news gets out that Viva Palestina convoy members are in the city and we get invited to a very nice restaurant, The Taj Kaalaaha, just opposite the main Castle. We are treated like celebrities and soon the press turn up and take interviews and pictures of us at the restaurant. This is a very welcome rest and dinner as we are all very tired and hungry. The food is absolutely delicious and we are treated with enormous portions in typical Arabic fashion. We that the owners and make our way back to our green goblin for the long journey back to Lattakia,
We are half way to Lattakia when we recieve word from someone that Al Jazeera have reported that the Egyptians have agreed to let the convoy move into Egypt in the next 48 hours. There is a massive cheer in the bus from all of us. This is a very much needed boost to our morale.
We arrive in Lattakia late at around 10pm and find the camp in good spirits as the news has got around that we may be moving in a day or two, but there is also some bad news. We hear that one of the conditions of movement into Egypt may be that all those members of the convoy who broke the siege on convoy 3 including the leaders of the convoy may be denied entry into Egypt. This would mean that around 15 of us who were on that convoy may have to say goodbye to our colleagues so close to Gaza. If so it would be a small price to pay for everyone else, around 400 volunteers and over two hundred vehicles filled with aid getting through into Gaza. If true we would ask all our wellwishers and supporters back home in all 30 countries represented on the convoy to put pressure on their MP’s and embassies, especially the Egyptian embassies to let all of us in as one as we all intend to.
We will not give up easily, and will fight our corner to get into Gaza together, not leaving one single person behind, including George Galloway.
We wait and see what negotiations can be made by the leadership.
Day Twenty Five
Tuesday 12th October
We spend the morning sleeping in to recover from the very long and tiring journey to and from Damascus the previous day.
After lunch my roommate Hugh and i put some Viva Palestina stickers on some of the vehicles that need stickering to make them look more presentable.
Still no further news on when we might be moving so we persevere very patiently and hope for the best in the next few days, although patience is starting to run out amongst people as very little information is being given out to volunteers. There is a general feeling that the leadership are a little too authoritarian and maybe a little too dictatorial in their communications with volunteers. At times i would have to agree, as information is kept very close to the very top of leadership ( not including GG ) and not shared with even some of the more experienced and senior members of the convoy. This is beginning to create a lot of suspicion and mistrust. Questions are not fully answered and any answers are kept deliberately short and vague. Many feel that they may not want to be part of any more VP convoys as it is getting almost to the point of disrespectful to volunteers who have invested not just money, time and effort, but blood, sweat and tears for the project. There is a general feeling that the leadership is a very closed shop not penetrable by anyone outside that circle.
Tuesday 12th October
We spend the morning sleeping in to recover from the very long and tiring journey to and from Damascus the previous day.
After lunch my roommate Hugh and i put some Viva Palestina stickers on some of the vehicles that need stickering to make them look more presentable.
Still no further news on when we might be moving so we persevere very patiently and hope for the best in the next few days, although patience is starting to run out amongst people as very little information is being given out to volunteers. There is a general feeling that the leadership are a little too authoritarian and maybe a little too dictatorial in their communications with volunteers. At times i would have to agree, as information is kept very close to the very top of leadership ( not including GG ) and not shared with even some of the more experienced and senior members of the convoy. This is beginning to create a lot of suspicion and mistrust. Questions are not fully answered and any answers are kept deliberately short and vague. Many feel that they may not want to be part of any more VP convoys as it is getting almost to the point of disrespectful to volunteers who have invested not just money, time and effort, but blood, sweat and tears for the project. There is a general feeling that the leadership is a very closed shop not penetrable by anyone outside that circle.
Day Twenty Four
Monday 11th October
Hugh, Amar, Rahmah, Patrick from New Zealand and i get up early at around 4.30 am to make our way down to Damascus for the day. The purpose is twofold. Firstly to try and source large flags for each of the 30 countries represented on the convoy. We aim to have these displayed all around the ship which we hope to board once we are given the go ahead by the Egyptian Pharoahs. Secondly we hope to see the wonderful and historical city and enjoy its sights and sounds. And smells.
We find a small flag retailer in the heart of the city and do a good deal to get the best price. The shpo keeper is very supportive of our convoy and we spend some time speaking with locals who are very interested in our mission. It seems that our reputation precedes us and many people are very aware of our convoy. We leave the shopkeeper to get together and package all the available flags. We manage to source over 150 flags in total. We will collect from him in the evening once we have seen the city.
Around mid day we go and visit the main mosque which was originally a Roman temple, but later conquered by muslims and built as a mosque.
We visit the shrines of Imams Hassan and Hussain who were beheaded.
We also visit the shrines of other members of their family who were brutally killed at around the same time.
Later we visit the tomb of the great muslim warrior Salahadin Al Ayubi who fought off King Richard 1st
( Richard the Lion heart) during the first crusades.
We visit the graves of Imam Bilal the first Imam of Islam.
And many others.
After a very good day we get back to the Flag retailer and pick up all the flags and we all go for a meal on top of the mountain known as Jabiley Kaisoon. It is a wonderful sight from the top we can see the whole city in all its glory.
At around 11 pm we get on the road back to Lattakia arriving back very late at around 4 am in the morning.
Monday 11th October
Hugh, Amar, Rahmah, Patrick from New Zealand and i get up early at around 4.30 am to make our way down to Damascus for the day. The purpose is twofold. Firstly to try and source large flags for each of the 30 countries represented on the convoy. We aim to have these displayed all around the ship which we hope to board once we are given the go ahead by the Egyptian Pharoahs. Secondly we hope to see the wonderful and historical city and enjoy its sights and sounds. And smells.
We find a small flag retailer in the heart of the city and do a good deal to get the best price. The shpo keeper is very supportive of our convoy and we spend some time speaking with locals who are very interested in our mission. It seems that our reputation precedes us and many people are very aware of our convoy. We leave the shopkeeper to get together and package all the available flags. We manage to source over 150 flags in total. We will collect from him in the evening once we have seen the city.
Around mid day we go and visit the main mosque which was originally a Roman temple, but later conquered by muslims and built as a mosque.
We visit the shrines of Imams Hassan and Hussain who were beheaded.
We also visit the shrines of other members of their family who were brutally killed at around the same time.
Later we visit the tomb of the great muslim warrior Salahadin Al Ayubi who fought off King Richard 1st
( Richard the Lion heart) during the first crusades.
We visit the graves of Imam Bilal the first Imam of Islam.
And many others.
After a very good day we get back to the Flag retailer and pick up all the flags and we all go for a meal on top of the mountain known as Jabiley Kaisoon. It is a wonderful sight from the top we can see the whole city in all its glory.
At around 11 pm we get on the road back to Lattakia arriving back very late at around 4 am in the morning.
Day Twenty Three
Sunday 10th October
Another day drags along with no further news. We have been at the camp in Lattakia for a week now.
The highlight of the day is a multicultural musical program that we put together. A lot of singing in various languages by volunteers from most countries taking part.
Nothing much to report as nothing much has happened.
We find ourselves in limbo land. Not knowing if we will ever be allowed to even enter Egypt. Most peoples time off from work is coming to an end and are contemplating calling it a day. Other commitments too are now forcing volunteers to think about returning back to their respective countries. Maybe this is what the Egyptians were hoping for. It has been a very brave effort by all the volunteers from all the countries to get this far and to prove a point that we will do everything that we can possibly do to help support the people of Gaza. All that is in our power we can do, that which is not in our power, we hope for the best and strive to put pressure on those who hold the ultimate power in Egypt.
Sunday 10th October
Another day drags along with no further news. We have been at the camp in Lattakia for a week now.
The highlight of the day is a multicultural musical program that we put together. A lot of singing in various languages by volunteers from most countries taking part.
Nothing much to report as nothing much has happened.
We find ourselves in limbo land. Not knowing if we will ever be allowed to even enter Egypt. Most peoples time off from work is coming to an end and are contemplating calling it a day. Other commitments too are now forcing volunteers to think about returning back to their respective countries. Maybe this is what the Egyptians were hoping for. It has been a very brave effort by all the volunteers from all the countries to get this far and to prove a point that we will do everything that we can possibly do to help support the people of Gaza. All that is in our power we can do, that which is not in our power, we hope for the best and strive to put pressure on those who hold the ultimate power in Egypt.
Day Twenty Three
Sunday 10th October
Another day drags along with no further news. We have been at the camp in Lattakia for a week now.
The highlight of the day is a multicultural musical program that we put together. A lot of singing in various languages by volunteers from most countries taking part.
Nothing much to report as nothing much has happened.
We find ourselves in limbo land. Not knowing if we will ever be allowed to even enter Egypt. Most peoples time off from work is coming to an end and are contemplating calling it a day. Other commitments too are now forcing volunteers to think about returning back to their respective countries. Maybe this is what the Egyptians were hoping for. It has been a very brave effort by all the volunteers from all the countries to get this far and to prove a point that we will do everything that we can possibly do to help support the people of Gaza. All that is in our power we can do, that which is not in our power, we hope for the best and strive to put pressure on those who hold the ultimate power in Egypt.
Sunday 10th October
Another day drags along with no further news. We have been at the camp in Lattakia for a week now.
The highlight of the day is a multicultural musical program that we put together. A lot of singing in various languages by volunteers from most countries taking part.
Nothing much to report as nothing much has happened.
We find ourselves in limbo land. Not knowing if we will ever be allowed to even enter Egypt. Most peoples time off from work is coming to an end and are contemplating calling it a day. Other commitments too are now forcing volunteers to think about returning back to their respective countries. Maybe this is what the Egyptians were hoping for. It has been a very brave effort by all the volunteers from all the countries to get this far and to prove a point that we will do everything that we can possibly do to help support the people of Gaza. All that is in our power we can do, that which is not in our power, we hope for the best and strive to put pressure on those who hold the ultimate power in Egypt.
Day Twenty Two
Saturday 9th October
No news still on any further progress. The convoy is are starting to feel rather demoralised.
We may be becoming a bit of a burden on the local community who have been feeding and watering us for the last week or so.
There seems to be delay after delay, the convoy leaders are trying their best to give hope but most people are beginning to see through the positive spin and feel that they are not being given the whole true picture.
Saturday 9th October
No news still on any further progress. The convoy is are starting to feel rather demoralised.
We may be becoming a bit of a burden on the local community who have been feeding and watering us for the last week or so.
There seems to be delay after delay, the convoy leaders are trying their best to give hope but most people are beginning to see through the positive spin and feel that they are not being given the whole true picture.
Day Twenty One
Friday 8th October
We are woken up at around 3am by thunder and lightning which was a bit of a surprise as the weather has been very hot and humid since we have been here.
At around 4am, it gets very loud. The noise is deafening and the sound of the lightning travels through the camp with an echo that was extremely unnerving. Soon the heavens open up and it rains down with winds like i have never experienced before back home in the UK. Within just a few minutes the camp site becomes almost flooded with rainwater and we are all awake. We all rally around to see if any of our aid which is mostly under shelter may have been soaked. Thankfully most of it is covered but some small quantities of boxes are soaked which we soon take to a more dry place to protect from further damage. Phew, just in time or it could have been a disaster. Great teamwork has paid off.
The storm continues all night . Those who were sleeping outside the billets and in tents have had a good soaking and find space in already overcrowded rooms.
We wake up in the morning for breakfast to find that the water is up to our ankles in some places. I have never known so much rain and thunder with lightning in such a small time period.
We have a team meeting to organise for the day ahead, most of the day will be spent on clearing the camp area of as much water as we possibly can, everyone joins in. Special instructions are given to all volunteers as to how everyone can help cut down on effects of water bourn deceases. Everyone is given anti bacterial hand washes. Every bodies clothes are completely soaked and feeling very cold for the first time since we left home some weeks ago. Let’s hope it brightens up a little later.
The rain and thunder carries on relentlessly for most of the day, but we all carry on working to organise all our aid according to the terms stipulated by the Egyptians who want us to jump through many hoops.
In the evening at around 8pm, a group of about 40 new Algerian vehicles carrying aid arrives at the camp. We all give them a very warm welcome and they are just as pleased to see us.
After the evening meal we all get some rest, ready for what tomorrow will bring.
Friday 8th October
We are woken up at around 3am by thunder and lightning which was a bit of a surprise as the weather has been very hot and humid since we have been here.
At around 4am, it gets very loud. The noise is deafening and the sound of the lightning travels through the camp with an echo that was extremely unnerving. Soon the heavens open up and it rains down with winds like i have never experienced before back home in the UK. Within just a few minutes the camp site becomes almost flooded with rainwater and we are all awake. We all rally around to see if any of our aid which is mostly under shelter may have been soaked. Thankfully most of it is covered but some small quantities of boxes are soaked which we soon take to a more dry place to protect from further damage. Phew, just in time or it could have been a disaster. Great teamwork has paid off.
The storm continues all night . Those who were sleeping outside the billets and in tents have had a good soaking and find space in already overcrowded rooms.
We wake up in the morning for breakfast to find that the water is up to our ankles in some places. I have never known so much rain and thunder with lightning in such a small time period.
We have a team meeting to organise for the day ahead, most of the day will be spent on clearing the camp area of as much water as we possibly can, everyone joins in. Special instructions are given to all volunteers as to how everyone can help cut down on effects of water bourn deceases. Everyone is given anti bacterial hand washes. Every bodies clothes are completely soaked and feeling very cold for the first time since we left home some weeks ago. Let’s hope it brightens up a little later.
The rain and thunder carries on relentlessly for most of the day, but we all carry on working to organise all our aid according to the terms stipulated by the Egyptians who want us to jump through many hoops.
In the evening at around 8pm, a group of about 40 new Algerian vehicles carrying aid arrives at the camp. We all give them a very warm welcome and they are just as pleased to see us.
After the evening meal we all get some rest, ready for what tomorrow will bring.
Day Twenty
Thursday 7th October
After breakfast we get news that it may be possible for us to move out of the camp in Lattakia on Friday, but it is not certain. We are reminded that if the Egyptians play hard and dirty, we could be held up at the Rafah border for many days, we must be mentally and physically be prepared for this. if we are given a difficult ride we could be at the border for up to another month, if they give us an easier ride we could be in by this weekend. We shall see.
A group of us are asked by locals to come to their homes nearby. We go and visit several families and are heartbroken by some of the stories we hear and the hardship they have suffered over many generations and continuing to suffer on a daily basis.
There have been many families coming into the camp to visit us since we have been here. Many of the volunteers have been offered marriage proposals for their daughters. There are tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in Lattakia and in Syria in general and all want a better life for their children. Some have been here for more than three generations.
We receive untold numbers of requests for us to take them with us to their home land in Palestine. We wish we could take every last one to their beloved homeland, but alas it is not possible for us to take even a single person as we would all be stopped for people smuggling and this would stop our project dead in its steps. We explain our situation ant promise them that we will keep on working to help free their country from the Israeli tyranny as bes t as we can. We promise them that we would never give up on their dreams and aspirations for a free Palestine and that we are all committed to it for life. Some become very tearful and our hearts bleeds tears of blood for them as we can understand what they must be feeling not being allowed to enter their own homes and country.
Thursday 7th October
After breakfast we get news that it may be possible for us to move out of the camp in Lattakia on Friday, but it is not certain. We are reminded that if the Egyptians play hard and dirty, we could be held up at the Rafah border for many days, we must be mentally and physically be prepared for this. if we are given a difficult ride we could be at the border for up to another month, if they give us an easier ride we could be in by this weekend. We shall see.
A group of us are asked by locals to come to their homes nearby. We go and visit several families and are heartbroken by some of the stories we hear and the hardship they have suffered over many generations and continuing to suffer on a daily basis.
There have been many families coming into the camp to visit us since we have been here. Many of the volunteers have been offered marriage proposals for their daughters. There are tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in Lattakia and in Syria in general and all want a better life for their children. Some have been here for more than three generations.
We receive untold numbers of requests for us to take them with us to their home land in Palestine. We wish we could take every last one to their beloved homeland, but alas it is not possible for us to take even a single person as we would all be stopped for people smuggling and this would stop our project dead in its steps. We explain our situation ant promise them that we will keep on working to help free their country from the Israeli tyranny as bes t as we can. We promise them that we would never give up on their dreams and aspirations for a free Palestine and that we are all committed to it for life. Some become very tearful and our hearts bleeds tears of blood for them as we can understand what they must be feeling not being allowed to enter their own homes and country.
Day Nineteen
Wednesday 6th October
Early this morning we receive a very large truck load of aid donated by Syria. We get teams to off load this and then to organise all our existing aid into a more classified order. We label each box as we classify each type of aid. This will make our life much easier as the Egyptians will try every trick in the book to delay us by asking for every kind of lists and paperwork to be perfectly done. Every dot and every comma will be used against us if it not perfectly done. This takes most of the day, plus we need to classify and label all the new aid donated by Syria. We will be kept very busy.
Around noon our delegates arrive back in camp from Damascus with George Galloway, he is greeted as usual like a rock star and more, Hugh and i are put in place for personal security for George Galloway as it would be very difficult for him to move about for all the fans and supporters and well wishers who want to shake his hand and want to have their picture taken with him.
After a little rest we have a large public meeting where hundreds of local residents and dignitaries join us to support our convoy to Gaza.
George explains the results of the meetings in Damascus and tells everyone that one of the conditions put upon the convoy is that George Galloway himself may not be allowed to enter Egypt or Gaza through the Rafah border. This he says is a small price to pay for us to take all the convoy in. There is some fear that the Egyptians may try and divide and slice up the convoy into smaller groups, but we will deal with that as we come to it.
In the evening we put on a multi cultural musical event. As we are representing 27 countries on this convoy, we think its a great idea to hear each others music and celebrate our unity and solidarity.
Its been a great day albeit another very hot and humid one, but we must struggle on in the face of all that is thrown at us. We have the experience and will power to do so.
Wednesday 6th October
Early this morning we receive a very large truck load of aid donated by Syria. We get teams to off load this and then to organise all our existing aid into a more classified order. We label each box as we classify each type of aid. This will make our life much easier as the Egyptians will try every trick in the book to delay us by asking for every kind of lists and paperwork to be perfectly done. Every dot and every comma will be used against us if it not perfectly done. This takes most of the day, plus we need to classify and label all the new aid donated by Syria. We will be kept very busy.
Around noon our delegates arrive back in camp from Damascus with George Galloway, he is greeted as usual like a rock star and more, Hugh and i are put in place for personal security for George Galloway as it would be very difficult for him to move about for all the fans and supporters and well wishers who want to shake his hand and want to have their picture taken with him.
After a little rest we have a large public meeting where hundreds of local residents and dignitaries join us to support our convoy to Gaza.
George explains the results of the meetings in Damascus and tells everyone that one of the conditions put upon the convoy is that George Galloway himself may not be allowed to enter Egypt or Gaza through the Rafah border. This he says is a small price to pay for us to take all the convoy in. There is some fear that the Egyptians may try and divide and slice up the convoy into smaller groups, but we will deal with that as we come to it.
In the evening we put on a multi cultural musical event. As we are representing 27 countries on this convoy, we think its a great idea to hear each others music and celebrate our unity and solidarity.
Its been a great day albeit another very hot and humid one, but we must struggle on in the face of all that is thrown at us. We have the experience and will power to do so.
Day Eighteen
Tuesday 5th October
While we are waiting for the negotiations in Damascus which could take a day or two, we decide to use our time at the camp in Lattakia more wisely. The leadership decides to form several groups from amongst us and delegate duties to each group to take care of many different issues that need to be dealt with.
Each team will take responsibility for an area delegated to them eg
Security of our camp
Security of all vehicles and aid. Which total to over more than 20 million dollars worth.
Cleaning around the camp especially toilet and shower areas to cut down any potential illnesses.
Media teams who will deal with the press
Medical teams who will take care of any issues relating to the well being of all volunteers. I am appointed as the person responsible for psychological well being together with doctor Abdullah from France who is a medical doctor. We share the same room and hold consultations every day.
Late in the evening a large group if volunteers from Jordan and Algeria arrive. Around 150 in total with more than 50 vehicles packed with aid. They are welcomed to the camp to join us.
Tuesday 5th October
While we are waiting for the negotiations in Damascus which could take a day or two, we decide to use our time at the camp in Lattakia more wisely. The leadership decides to form several groups from amongst us and delegate duties to each group to take care of many different issues that need to be dealt with.
Each team will take responsibility for an area delegated to them eg
Security of our camp
Security of all vehicles and aid. Which total to over more than 20 million dollars worth.
Cleaning around the camp especially toilet and shower areas to cut down any potential illnesses.
Media teams who will deal with the press
Medical teams who will take care of any issues relating to the well being of all volunteers. I am appointed as the person responsible for psychological well being together with doctor Abdullah from France who is a medical doctor. We share the same room and hold consultations every day.
Late in the evening a large group if volunteers from Jordan and Algeria arrive. Around 150 in total with more than 50 vehicles packed with aid. They are welcomed to the camp to join us.
Day Seventeen
Monday 4th October
It seems we will be stuck here in Lattakia Syria for the next few days at least until Friday.
The locals have been visiting us every day and giving us a lot of support and wishing us well.
We are being fed and watered very generously three times a day with very large portions, seldom can we finish what is served to us. It is very heartwarming.
Nothing much to do now but wait for negotiations at the highest level taking place before we can plan any further.
A delegation is put together which will go to Damascus later tonight to negotiate and have high level talks to try and smooth the way forward. George Galloway will be present at those negotiations including other high level officials from many other countries.
Monday 4th October
It seems we will be stuck here in Lattakia Syria for the next few days at least until Friday.
The locals have been visiting us every day and giving us a lot of support and wishing us well.
We are being fed and watered very generously three times a day with very large portions, seldom can we finish what is served to us. It is very heartwarming.
Nothing much to do now but wait for negotiations at the highest level taking place before we can plan any further.
A delegation is put together which will go to Damascus later tonight to negotiate and have high level talks to try and smooth the way forward. George Galloway will be present at those negotiations including other high level officials from many other countries.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Day 21 Friday 8th October
We are woken up at around 3am by thunder and lightning which was a bit of a surprise as the weather has been very hot and humid since we have been here.
At around 4am, it gets very loud. The noise is deafening and the sound of the lightning travels through the camp with an echo that was extremely unnerving. Soon the heavens open up and it rains down with winds like i have never experienced before back home in the UK. Within just a few minutes the camp site becomes almost flooded with rainwater and we are all awake. We all rally around to see if any of our aid which is mostly under shelter may have been soaked. Thankfully most of it is covered but some small quantities of boxes are soaked which we soon take to a more dry place to protect from further damage. Phew, just in time or it could have been a disaster. Great teamwork has paid off.
The storm continues all night . Those who were sleeping outside the billets and in tents have had a good soaking and find space in already overcrowded rooms.
We wake up in the morning for breakfast to find that the water is up to our ankles in some places. I have never known so much rain and thunder with lightning in such a small time period.
We have a team meeting to organise for the day ahead, most of the day will be spent on clearing the camp area of as much water as we possibly can, everyone joins in. Special instructions are given to all volunteers as to how everyone can help cut down on effects of water bourn deceases. Everyone is given anti bacterial hand washes. Every bodies clothes are completely soaked and feeling very cold for the first time since we left home some weeks ago. Let’s hope it brightens up a little later.
The rain and thunder carries on relentlessly for most of the day, but we all carry on working to organise all our aid according to the terms stipulated by the Egyptians who want us to jump through many hoops.
In the evening at around 8pm, a group of about 40 new Algerian vehicles carrying aid arrives at the camp. We all give them a very warm welcome and they are just as pleased to see us.
After the evening meal we all get some rest, ready for what tomorrow will bring.
We are woken up at around 3am by thunder and lightning which was a bit of a surprise as the weather has been very hot and humid since we have been here.
At around 4am, it gets very loud. The noise is deafening and the sound of the lightning travels through the camp with an echo that was extremely unnerving. Soon the heavens open up and it rains down with winds like i have never experienced before back home in the UK. Within just a few minutes the camp site becomes almost flooded with rainwater and we are all awake. We all rally around to see if any of our aid which is mostly under shelter may have been soaked. Thankfully most of it is covered but some small quantities of boxes are soaked which we soon take to a more dry place to protect from further damage. Phew, just in time or it could have been a disaster. Great teamwork has paid off.
The storm continues all night . Those who were sleeping outside the billets and in tents have had a good soaking and find space in already overcrowded rooms.
We wake up in the morning for breakfast to find that the water is up to our ankles in some places. I have never known so much rain and thunder with lightning in such a small time period.
We have a team meeting to organise for the day ahead, most of the day will be spent on clearing the camp area of as much water as we possibly can, everyone joins in. Special instructions are given to all volunteers as to how everyone can help cut down on effects of water bourn deceases. Everyone is given anti bacterial hand washes. Every bodies clothes are completely soaked and feeling very cold for the first time since we left home some weeks ago. Let’s hope it brightens up a little later.
The rain and thunder carries on relentlessly for most of the day, but we all carry on working to organise all our aid according to the terms stipulated by the Egyptians who want us to jump through many hoops.
In the evening at around 8pm, a group of about 40 new Algerian vehicles carrying aid arrives at the camp. We all give them a very warm welcome and they are just as pleased to see us.
After the evening meal we all get some rest, ready for what tomorrow will bring.
Day 20 Thursday 7th October
After breakfast we get news that it may be possible for us to move out of the camp in Lattakia on Friday, but it is not certain. We are reminded that if the Egyptians play hard and dirty, we could be held up at the Rafah border for many days, we must be mentally and physically be prepared for this. if we are given adifficult ride we could be at the border for upto another month, if they give us an easier ride we could be in by this weekend. We shall see.
A group of us are asked by locals to come to their homes nearby. We go and visit several families and are heartbroken by some of the stories we hear and the hardship they have suffered over many generations and continuing to suffer on a daily basis.
There have been many families coming into the camp to visit us since we have been here. Many of the volunteers have been offered marriage proposals for their daughters. There are tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in Lattakia and in Syria in general and all want a better life for their children. Some have been here for more than three generations.
We receive untold numbers of requests for us to take them with us to their home land in Palestine. We wish we could take every last one to their beloved homeland, but alas it is not possible for us to take even a single person as we would all be stopped for people smuggling and this would stop our project dead in its steps. We explain our situation ant promise them that we will keep on working to help free their country from the Israeli tyranny as bes t as we can. We promise them that we would never give up on their dreams and aspirations for a free Palestine and that we are all committed to it for life. Some become very tearful and our hearts bleeds tears of blood for them as we can understand what they must be feeling not being allowed to enter their own homes and country.
After breakfast we get news that it may be possible for us to move out of the camp in Lattakia on Friday, but it is not certain. We are reminded that if the Egyptians play hard and dirty, we could be held up at the Rafah border for many days, we must be mentally and physically be prepared for this. if we are given adifficult ride we could be at the border for upto another month, if they give us an easier ride we could be in by this weekend. We shall see.
A group of us are asked by locals to come to their homes nearby. We go and visit several families and are heartbroken by some of the stories we hear and the hardship they have suffered over many generations and continuing to suffer on a daily basis.
There have been many families coming into the camp to visit us since we have been here. Many of the volunteers have been offered marriage proposals for their daughters. There are tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in Lattakia and in Syria in general and all want a better life for their children. Some have been here for more than three generations.
We receive untold numbers of requests for us to take them with us to their home land in Palestine. We wish we could take every last one to their beloved homeland, but alas it is not possible for us to take even a single person as we would all be stopped for people smuggling and this would stop our project dead in its steps. We explain our situation ant promise them that we will keep on working to help free their country from the Israeli tyranny as bes t as we can. We promise them that we would never give up on their dreams and aspirations for a free Palestine and that we are all committed to it for life. Some become very tearful and our hearts bleeds tears of blood for them as we can understand what they must be feeling not being allowed to enter their own homes and country.
Day 19 Wednesday 6th October
Early this morning we receive a very large truck load of aid donated by Syria. We get teams to off load this and then to organise all our existing aid into a more classified order. We label each box as we classify each type of aid. This will make our life much easier as the Egyptians will try every trick in the book to delay us by asking for every kind of lists and paperwork to be perfectly done. Every dot and every comma will be used against us if it not perfectly done. This takes most of the day, plus we need to classify and label all the new aid donated by Syria. We will be kept very busy.
Around noon our delegates arrive back in camp from Damascus with George Galloway, he is greeted as usual like a rock star and more, Hugh and i are put in place for personal security for George Galloway as it would be very difficult for him to move about for all the fans and supporters and well wishers who want to shake his hand and want to have their picture taken with him.
After a little rest we have a large public meeting where hundreds of local residents and dignitaries join us to support our convoy to Gaza.
George explains the results of the meetings in Damascus and tells everyone that one of the conditions put upon the convoy is that george himself may not be allowed to enter Egypt or Gaza through the Rafah border. This he says is a small price to pay for us to take all the convoy in. There is some fear that the Egyptians may try and divide and slice up the convoy into smaller groups, but we will deal with that as we come to it.
In the evening we put on a multi cultural musical event. As we are representing 27 countries on this convoy, we think its a great idea to hear each others music and celebrate our unity and solidarity.
Its been a great day albeit another very hot and humid one, but we must struggle on in the face of all that is thrown at us. We have the experience and will power to do so.
Early this morning we receive a very large truck load of aid donated by Syria. We get teams to off load this and then to organise all our existing aid into a more classified order. We label each box as we classify each type of aid. This will make our life much easier as the Egyptians will try every trick in the book to delay us by asking for every kind of lists and paperwork to be perfectly done. Every dot and every comma will be used against us if it not perfectly done. This takes most of the day, plus we need to classify and label all the new aid donated by Syria. We will be kept very busy.
Around noon our delegates arrive back in camp from Damascus with George Galloway, he is greeted as usual like a rock star and more, Hugh and i are put in place for personal security for George Galloway as it would be very difficult for him to move about for all the fans and supporters and well wishers who want to shake his hand and want to have their picture taken with him.
After a little rest we have a large public meeting where hundreds of local residents and dignitaries join us to support our convoy to Gaza.
George explains the results of the meetings in Damascus and tells everyone that one of the conditions put upon the convoy is that george himself may not be allowed to enter Egypt or Gaza through the Rafah border. This he says is a small price to pay for us to take all the convoy in. There is some fear that the Egyptians may try and divide and slice up the convoy into smaller groups, but we will deal with that as we come to it.
In the evening we put on a multi cultural musical event. As we are representing 27 countries on this convoy, we think its a great idea to hear each others music and celebrate our unity and solidarity.
Its been a great day albeit another very hot and humid one, but we must struggle on in the face of all that is thrown at us. We have the experience and will power to do so.
Day 18 Tuesday 5th October
While we are waiting for the negotiations in Damascus which could take a day or two, we decide to use our time at the camp in Lattakia more wisely. The leadership decides to form several groups from amongst us and delegate duties to each group to take care of many different issues that need to be dealt with.
Each team will take responsibility for an area delegated to them eg
Security of our camp
Security of all vehicles and aid. Which total to over more than 20 million dollars worth.
Cleaning around the camp especially toilet and shower areas to cut down any potential illnesses.
Media teams who will deal with the press
Medical teams who will take care of any issues relating to the well being of all volunteers. I am appointed as the person responsible for psychological well being together with doctor Abdullah from France who is a medical doctor. We share the same room and hold consultations every day.
Late in the evening a large group if volunteers from Jordan and Algeria arrive. Around 150 in total with more than 50 vehicles packed with aid. They are welcomed to the camp to join us.
While we are waiting for the negotiations in Damascus which could take a day or two, we decide to use our time at the camp in Lattakia more wisely. The leadership decides to form several groups from amongst us and delegate duties to each group to take care of many different issues that need to be dealt with.
Each team will take responsibility for an area delegated to them eg
Security of our camp
Security of all vehicles and aid. Which total to over more than 20 million dollars worth.
Cleaning around the camp especially toilet and shower areas to cut down any potential illnesses.
Media teams who will deal with the press
Medical teams who will take care of any issues relating to the well being of all volunteers. I am appointed as the person responsible for psychological well being together with doctor Abdullah from France who is a medical doctor. We share the same room and hold consultations every day.
Late in the evening a large group if volunteers from Jordan and Algeria arrive. Around 150 in total with more than 50 vehicles packed with aid. They are welcomed to the camp to join us.
Day 17 Monday 4th October
It seems we will be stuck here in Lattakia Syria for the next few days at least until Friday.
The locals have been visiting us every day and giving us a lot of support and wishing us well.
We are being fed and watered very generously three times a day with very large portions, seldom can we finish what is served to us. It is very heartwarming.
Nothing much to do now but wait for negotiations at the highest level taking place before we can plan any further.
A delegation is put together which will go to Damascus later tonight to negotiate and have high level talks to try and smooth the way forward. George Galloway will be present at those negotiations including other high level officials from many other countries.
It seems we will be stuck here in Lattakia Syria for the next few days at least until Friday.
The locals have been visiting us every day and giving us a lot of support and wishing us well.
We are being fed and watered very generously three times a day with very large portions, seldom can we finish what is served to us. It is very heartwarming.
Nothing much to do now but wait for negotiations at the highest level taking place before we can plan any further.
A delegation is put together which will go to Damascus later tonight to negotiate and have high level talks to try and smooth the way forward. George Galloway will be present at those negotiations including other high level officials from many other countries.
Day 16 Sunday 3rd October
A great nights sleep at last. Its been a horrible 4 days and today we have not much to do so we can recharge ourselves. Like some of my colleagues i too am starting to feel quite sick and have lost some weight. Maybe thats a good thing i could do with shedding a few pounds. A sore throat with a banging headache. Dr Abdullah tells me to lie in for the day and take some pills and some liquids as i may be suffering from dehydration. In the afternoon i feel somewhat better. Dozens of new people come and join us from various different countries including Tunisia and Algeria. More will join us in the next couple of days. The convoy is getting bigger by the day with more vehicles and volunteers joining daily as we go on.
A great nights sleep at last. Its been a horrible 4 days and today we have not much to do so we can recharge ourselves. Like some of my colleagues i too am starting to feel quite sick and have lost some weight. Maybe thats a good thing i could do with shedding a few pounds. A sore throat with a banging headache. Dr Abdullah tells me to lie in for the day and take some pills and some liquids as i may be suffering from dehydration. In the afternoon i feel somewhat better. Dozens of new people come and join us from various different countries including Tunisia and Algeria. More will join us in the next couple of days. The convoy is getting bigger by the day with more vehicles and volunteers joining daily as we go on.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Day Twelve Wednesday 29 September
6 am two of the team leaders Russ and John take 12 of the vehicles to a garage about an hour away for various repairs, while 2 vehicles with minor faults stay behind at the sports comlex in Beycoz near Istanbul for local repairs. The rest of the vehicles leave Beycoz for our next desination, Ankara about 7 hours drive away. Amar and I stay with the 2 vehicles at the sports complex in our lead vehicle for a local mechanic to come and replace the ignition barrel on one vehicle that has lost the keys, the other vehicle needs brake pads replacing.
The mechanics arrive with a tow truck that is too small and has to go back to bring another larger carrier. We spend the whole day and work is very slow and extremely frustrating. On top of all this we are surrounded by around a dozen uniformed armed police officers and another half a dozen plain clothed officers who are constantly pressurising us to leave. We tell them that we cannot leave until out vehicles are repaired. Tempers are high and the language barrier does not help.
Eventually at around 6 pm the two vehicles we are supervising are finished being repaired and the police are anxious to get us out of town and leave for Ankara. We are told that we must leave immediatly. Angry words are exchanged and we decide to leave the sports compound. We are escorted out of town onto the motorway and asked to drive on. We refuse. We will not leave untill all our vehicles are reunited. More angry exchanges occur. We are told that we must drive on towards Ankara without the other 12 vehicles. This is not acceptable to us as we want to wait for our comrades. We recieve word that the rest of the convoy that left for Ankara have reached their destination.
It is now around 8pm and we recieve a call from John that they will be joining us in about an hour and half. The police are still with us on the motorway and want us to move. We ask if they can escort us to a service area where we could wait more safely, and are told that that would not be possible as it is out of their jurisdiction. They want us to take the road to Ankara and keep moving. Again we refuse and sit in in our vehicles until the rest arrive.
Nearly 90 minutes later the rest arrive. Everyone has had a very tiring and frustrating day but we are all overjoyed to see each other. Once agin we are all together with all the cars now repaired. We inform the police that now that we are all together, we will drive off to Ankara. The police leave us and we drive on as a convoy.
We drive for about an hour or so and some of the drivers say that they are too tired to do the long 6 hour drive tonight so we decide to pull into a service area and set up camp and try and get some rest.
It is now around 11.30pm and everyone is pretty much knackered and very soon we are all asleep on the ground in our tents and sleeping bags.
At around 2.30 am there is a thunderstorm and the heavens open up and it starts to rain very heavily. Some of us get very wet inspite of us being in our tents. What a downer but we must rest a little in the rain. We all get very wet and cold.
6 am two of the team leaders Russ and John take 12 of the vehicles to a garage about an hour away for various repairs, while 2 vehicles with minor faults stay behind at the sports comlex in Beycoz near Istanbul for local repairs. The rest of the vehicles leave Beycoz for our next desination, Ankara about 7 hours drive away. Amar and I stay with the 2 vehicles at the sports complex in our lead vehicle for a local mechanic to come and replace the ignition barrel on one vehicle that has lost the keys, the other vehicle needs brake pads replacing.
The mechanics arrive with a tow truck that is too small and has to go back to bring another larger carrier. We spend the whole day and work is very slow and extremely frustrating. On top of all this we are surrounded by around a dozen uniformed armed police officers and another half a dozen plain clothed officers who are constantly pressurising us to leave. We tell them that we cannot leave until out vehicles are repaired. Tempers are high and the language barrier does not help.
Eventually at around 6 pm the two vehicles we are supervising are finished being repaired and the police are anxious to get us out of town and leave for Ankara. We are told that we must leave immediatly. Angry words are exchanged and we decide to leave the sports compound. We are escorted out of town onto the motorway and asked to drive on. We refuse. We will not leave untill all our vehicles are reunited. More angry exchanges occur. We are told that we must drive on towards Ankara without the other 12 vehicles. This is not acceptable to us as we want to wait for our comrades. We recieve word that the rest of the convoy that left for Ankara have reached their destination.
It is now around 8pm and we recieve a call from John that they will be joining us in about an hour and half. The police are still with us on the motorway and want us to move. We ask if they can escort us to a service area where we could wait more safely, and are told that that would not be possible as it is out of their jurisdiction. They want us to take the road to Ankara and keep moving. Again we refuse and sit in in our vehicles until the rest arrive.
Nearly 90 minutes later the rest arrive. Everyone has had a very tiring and frustrating day but we are all overjoyed to see each other. Once agin we are all together with all the cars now repaired. We inform the police that now that we are all together, we will drive off to Ankara. The police leave us and we drive on as a convoy.
We drive for about an hour or so and some of the drivers say that they are too tired to do the long 6 hour drive tonight so we decide to pull into a service area and set up camp and try and get some rest.
It is now around 11.30pm and everyone is pretty much knackered and very soon we are all asleep on the ground in our tents and sleeping bags.
At around 2.30 am there is a thunderstorm and the heavens open up and it starts to rain very heavily. Some of us get very wet inspite of us being in our tents. What a downer but we must rest a little in the rain. We all get very wet and cold.
Day Fifteen Saturday 2nd October
In the morning we are served breakfast. The genorousity of people is overwhelming.
We are escorted to a cemetry where some of those killed on board the Mavi Marmara are buried to pay our respects. Its very emotional as i knew some of them very well from the previous land convoy. We meet their families including children. We say prayers and renew our resolve to carry on out humanitarian work and not to give up. Soil from their graves is given to usin some bags to take to Gaza and to be scattered around the holy land.
Soon we are all on the road again to make our way towards the Syrian border. Would you believe it is another massive drive. Possibly the longest of the trip so far and everyone is aware and does not look forward to it. Five hours drive to the border has taken its toll already in the heat, but we have several hours of being processed at the Syrian border which always takes a very long time. On the Syrian side of the border we are met by the biggest crowd of wellwishers and dignitories yet, litterally hundreds and hundreds of people young and old, men, women and children. I have never been kissed so many times in my life as i am on this day alone.(nice) food and drinks are served to us with massive pertions of cake whaich none of us can possibly finish. Speeches are made from the representavives of the Syrian president to welcome us. Again we are treated like rock stars. All the first timers on the convoy get very emotional and many tears are shed.
Once through the border area and with the reception over, we make our way to our next destination which is Lattakia in Syria ,to an ex Palestinan refugee camp where we have stayed for several nights on convoy no 3. It is at least another 8 or 9 hours drive. It is getting dark and again most drivers are very exhausted and just want to get their in one peice. From the border we are given a police escort once again. An hour or so before reaching Lattakia, we are stopped on the motorway for a press conference and a welcome by the local Palestinian community. It is 2am now are we are bleary eyed, but we must oblige as they have been waiting for several hours for us.
Soon we arrive at the refugee camp wher we have stayed previously and are welcomed by the red crecsent who have made arrangements for food and small billets. We settle into the billets 4 to a room. Some good memories are coming back relating to some of my collegues from the last convoy when we stayed here. I visit the same billet as i stayed in last time and see my name scribbled on the wall when tariq and i shared the same room. Next to our room was my good friends steve, Heather, Mick and Nick who cooked a curry which we had all enjoyed very much. Miss you all so much guys. Wish you were here. Its much warmer than it was kast time, but its still quite a dump, but we appreciate it.
I share room no 3 with my mate Hugh, a Syrian doctor Abdullah and Mr Flagman, a Turkish IHH man who has been with us on all our convoys including the Mavi Marmara. His real name is Rajab. He is called Mr Flagman because he is never seen without a flag in his hand unless he is in bed, even then the flags are by his bed.
In the morning we are served breakfast. The genorousity of people is overwhelming.
We are escorted to a cemetry where some of those killed on board the Mavi Marmara are buried to pay our respects. Its very emotional as i knew some of them very well from the previous land convoy. We meet their families including children. We say prayers and renew our resolve to carry on out humanitarian work and not to give up. Soil from their graves is given to usin some bags to take to Gaza and to be scattered around the holy land.
Soon we are all on the road again to make our way towards the Syrian border. Would you believe it is another massive drive. Possibly the longest of the trip so far and everyone is aware and does not look forward to it. Five hours drive to the border has taken its toll already in the heat, but we have several hours of being processed at the Syrian border which always takes a very long time. On the Syrian side of the border we are met by the biggest crowd of wellwishers and dignitories yet, litterally hundreds and hundreds of people young and old, men, women and children. I have never been kissed so many times in my life as i am on this day alone.(nice) food and drinks are served to us with massive pertions of cake whaich none of us can possibly finish. Speeches are made from the representavives of the Syrian president to welcome us. Again we are treated like rock stars. All the first timers on the convoy get very emotional and many tears are shed.
Once through the border area and with the reception over, we make our way to our next destination which is Lattakia in Syria ,to an ex Palestinan refugee camp where we have stayed for several nights on convoy no 3. It is at least another 8 or 9 hours drive. It is getting dark and again most drivers are very exhausted and just want to get their in one peice. From the border we are given a police escort once again. An hour or so before reaching Lattakia, we are stopped on the motorway for a press conference and a welcome by the local Palestinian community. It is 2am now are we are bleary eyed, but we must oblige as they have been waiting for several hours for us.
Soon we arrive at the refugee camp wher we have stayed previously and are welcomed by the red crecsent who have made arrangements for food and small billets. We settle into the billets 4 to a room. Some good memories are coming back relating to some of my collegues from the last convoy when we stayed here. I visit the same billet as i stayed in last time and see my name scribbled on the wall when tariq and i shared the same room. Next to our room was my good friends steve, Heather, Mick and Nick who cooked a curry which we had all enjoyed very much. Miss you all so much guys. Wish you were here. Its much warmer than it was kast time, but its still quite a dump, but we appreciate it.
I share room no 3 with my mate Hugh, a Syrian doctor Abdullah and Mr Flagman, a Turkish IHH man who has been with us on all our convoys including the Mavi Marmara. His real name is Rajab. He is called Mr Flagman because he is never seen without a flag in his hand unless he is in bed, even then the flags are by his bed.
Day Fourteen Friday 1st October
8 am, after a nights rest tempers are now calm and everybody rested. We decide to make our way for another very long drive to Adaana where the rest of the convoy is now heading. It seems that we have been playing catch up for two days now, and not quite doing so. But we must keep moving otherwise we will not be able to catch up at all. The convoy members ahead cannot wait for us as they are tied to a timetable for official receptions and press conferences to raise the awareness. Also local dignitories are waiting to meet them who cannot be kept waiting.
Adaana is again a very long way away around 7 hours drive. No one is looking forward to another marathon but we must struggle on. We have had very little food for the last two days and tiredness is now setting in very firmly. Morale amongst some of the new convoyers is getting very low. It seems there is no end to the endless driving, but it is our job to support them as best as we can.
I move into one of the busses nicknamed the green goblin because its green. It is driven by a good frind of mine called Hughe form London a graphic designer. He is the man who designs all the VP t shirts. Hugh has driven the green goblin all the way from London and needs some company. It will be a pleasure to be with him, we get on really well together.
After a long and gruelling day of yet another marathon , we arrive in Adaana where we are given a fantastic reception at the end of the motorway. Hundreds and hundreds of people give us a much needed boost. Food and flowers are given to us and we are treated like celebs. Its very heartwarming and makes all our efforts worthwhile. 30 minutes later we are joined by the rest of the convoy. It seems that we have eventually been re united as a whole complete convoy again. Hugs and kisses are exchanged we are all very much releived to be together again.
From here we are all escorted by the local ploice who take us to a yet another sports complex, and yet another massive reception with at least 400 people who have come out to recieve us. More food and flowers await us. There is a press conference and speeches are made. We are met by some of the survivors of the flotilla taatcks on board the Mavi Marmara. Widows of some of those killed welcome us and tell us how much it meant to them that we are not giving up on the bigger cause to play our part in helpng to free Palestine. We promise that we would not give up and that the deaths of their dear ones will not go in vain. We owe it to our comrades who gave their life blood for the cause.
Its very very hot again and we crash out on the floor of the sports centre.
8 am, after a nights rest tempers are now calm and everybody rested. We decide to make our way for another very long drive to Adaana where the rest of the convoy is now heading. It seems that we have been playing catch up for two days now, and not quite doing so. But we must keep moving otherwise we will not be able to catch up at all. The convoy members ahead cannot wait for us as they are tied to a timetable for official receptions and press conferences to raise the awareness. Also local dignitories are waiting to meet them who cannot be kept waiting.
Adaana is again a very long way away around 7 hours drive. No one is looking forward to another marathon but we must struggle on. We have had very little food for the last two days and tiredness is now setting in very firmly. Morale amongst some of the new convoyers is getting very low. It seems there is no end to the endless driving, but it is our job to support them as best as we can.
I move into one of the busses nicknamed the green goblin because its green. It is driven by a good frind of mine called Hughe form London a graphic designer. He is the man who designs all the VP t shirts. Hugh has driven the green goblin all the way from London and needs some company. It will be a pleasure to be with him, we get on really well together.
After a long and gruelling day of yet another marathon , we arrive in Adaana where we are given a fantastic reception at the end of the motorway. Hundreds and hundreds of people give us a much needed boost. Food and flowers are given to us and we are treated like celebs. Its very heartwarming and makes all our efforts worthwhile. 30 minutes later we are joined by the rest of the convoy. It seems that we have eventually been re united as a whole complete convoy again. Hugs and kisses are exchanged we are all very much releived to be together again.
From here we are all escorted by the local ploice who take us to a yet another sports complex, and yet another massive reception with at least 400 people who have come out to recieve us. More food and flowers await us. There is a press conference and speeches are made. We are met by some of the survivors of the flotilla taatcks on board the Mavi Marmara. Widows of some of those killed welcome us and tell us how much it meant to them that we are not giving up on the bigger cause to play our part in helpng to free Palestine. We promise that we would not give up and that the deaths of their dear ones will not go in vain. We owe it to our comrades who gave their life blood for the cause.
Its very very hot again and we crash out on the floor of the sports centre.
Day Thirteen Thursday 30 September
We are up at around 6am and without much a do, we get in our vehicles and drive off for a long drive to Ankara. We all feel rather refreshed as we have had a good rest even though it was a rather wet one in the middle of a field.
2pm our 15 vehicles arrive in Ankara but the rest of the convoy is now on the road to our next destination another 6 hours drive away. Looks like we have a lot of catching up to do. We are a full day behing everyone else. We rest a couple of hours and we shall try our best to catch up. Some drivers are feeling a little sick with upset stomachs and general tiredness, but spirits are high. We will not be beaten by the circumstances we find ourselves in. We will try and make further progress and try our best to catch up with out comrades at our next destination.
We are all lined up and ready to leave Ankara at 7pm. We learn that the rest of the convoy ahead of us are heading forward to Keysari, which is around 6 to 7 hours away. After driving for about 4 hours a lot of the drivers feel extremely tired and feel that they cannot go on. Some are still suffering upset stomachs and feel rather sick. I take over the wheel from one very upset driver and give him some time to rest. Those who are on their first convoy are now feeling the pain and wonder if they can go all the way. Soon another driver almost falls asleep at the whell and i take over his vehicle and give him a rest. Everyone is pretty much shattered. Last couple of days have been very hectic with driving extremely long distances and long long hours, something that most drivers are not used to back home.
We are an hour or so away from Keysari, an area where we could get some hotel rooms for a proper rest we all come to a halt. Many drivers cannot keep their eyes open. This is now getting to a point that it could cause a dangerous accident. It is not safe to carry on. Some of the Italians get very agitated and almost come to a fist fight with one of the team leaders, i intervene just in time by getting in between them and physically seperating them. I calm everyone down and suggest that we all rest for some time at the next convenient parking place around 1km ahead. Its not perfect, as it is only a small grassy area with some woods behind them. After about 10 minutes we all feel that we can safely drive for 1 km ahead and park up. We set up our tents and crash out. Its a very noisy night as trucsk and cars ar passing by very near to us only a few metres away.
We are up at around 6am and without much a do, we get in our vehicles and drive off for a long drive to Ankara. We all feel rather refreshed as we have had a good rest even though it was a rather wet one in the middle of a field.
2pm our 15 vehicles arrive in Ankara but the rest of the convoy is now on the road to our next destination another 6 hours drive away. Looks like we have a lot of catching up to do. We are a full day behing everyone else. We rest a couple of hours and we shall try our best to catch up. Some drivers are feeling a little sick with upset stomachs and general tiredness, but spirits are high. We will not be beaten by the circumstances we find ourselves in. We will try and make further progress and try our best to catch up with out comrades at our next destination.
We are all lined up and ready to leave Ankara at 7pm. We learn that the rest of the convoy ahead of us are heading forward to Keysari, which is around 6 to 7 hours away. After driving for about 4 hours a lot of the drivers feel extremely tired and feel that they cannot go on. Some are still suffering upset stomachs and feel rather sick. I take over the wheel from one very upset driver and give him some time to rest. Those who are on their first convoy are now feeling the pain and wonder if they can go all the way. Soon another driver almost falls asleep at the whell and i take over his vehicle and give him a rest. Everyone is pretty much shattered. Last couple of days have been very hectic with driving extremely long distances and long long hours, something that most drivers are not used to back home.
We are an hour or so away from Keysari, an area where we could get some hotel rooms for a proper rest we all come to a halt. Many drivers cannot keep their eyes open. This is now getting to a point that it could cause a dangerous accident. It is not safe to carry on. Some of the Italians get very agitated and almost come to a fist fight with one of the team leaders, i intervene just in time by getting in between them and physically seperating them. I calm everyone down and suggest that we all rest for some time at the next convenient parking place around 1km ahead. Its not perfect, as it is only a small grassy area with some woods behind them. After about 10 minutes we all feel that we can safely drive for 1 km ahead and park up. We set up our tents and crash out. Its a very noisy night as trucsk and cars ar passing by very near to us only a few metres away.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Day One - Saturday 18, September
We set off from bradford at around 3:00 PM after Jummah. Arrive in Luton at 6:00 PM. All vehicles have been bought by VP and stored at a warehouse. Some familiar faces, and some new ones. All vehicles are allocated to registered volunteers. We spend the night in Luton. Up early at 5:00 AM to set off for London embankment for a vehicle parade and press conference with George Galloway, the founder and leader of the VP convoy. A great turn out and great fun. At around 9:30 AM we drive off to a service station just a few miles from Forkstone where we'll be bording the shuttle to Calais. It was a long wait at the port before boarding the shuttle. Eventually we board the shuttle, and about 40 minutes later we arrive in Calais. From Calais it's a long drive to Paris, but before going to Paris we stop over at Bagnolet, where we are fed and watered at a sports hall, which is made available for us to sleep in. It was a strange sight seeing over a hundred people laying on the floor in sleeping bags, but we are all relieved that our first night will not be spent in the middle of some field, as it was last time.
Day Two - Sunday 19, September
A great night, we all rested well and are up very early again for a convoy parade in the center of Paris. Beeping our horns and making alot of noise that couldn't be ignored. A great reception from the people. We attract alot of attention and alot of support. Everywhere we see people give us the "V" sign, or did it mean something else? We distribute card and literature in French to spread the awareness about the dire and desperate situation in Gaza. We return to Bagnolet at around lunch time for a meal and reception by the Lord Mayor's Office. The Deputy Lord Mayor congratulates the convoy and supports it's purpose. As it is the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatilla masacre, the Deputy Lord Mayor reports on his attendence to commemorate the massacre in Lebanon. He congratulates Viva Palestina, and it's leaders and volunteers, and stresses the need for such activities to help raise the awareness. We are then free to go into Paris and spend some free time sightseeing. We return in the evening to find a mountain of clothes, etc. donated by local supporters. Unfortunately we cannot possibly take all of it as we have very little spare capacity, but we thank them for their support.
One vehicle breaks down with a faulty fuel pump. Local mechanics arrive but are told that because most of Paris is closed on Sunday there will be a delay in repair, if a repair is possible. More food and drink is served: a variety of foods to suit everyone, including rice, vegetables, fruit, seafood, cheese, etc. fruit juices, tea, coffee, water, and then another rally at the sport center which includes a question and answer session with George Galloway and some of the other experienced volunteers from previous convoys. We speak about the conception of Viva Palestina maybe two years ago, we also speak about the recent attacks on the Freedom Flotilla, and we speak of possible ideas about how we can help Gaza and Palesine in general. The local anti-war movement are very supportive and pledge their support in all of our work.
It's been a long day, and around 10:00 PM we have settled down again at the sport center hall before we get up early again on Monday morning for a very long drive to our next destination in France, Lyon, about six hours away. Everyone is in high spirits and bonding well, especially as some potential troublesome volunteers are absent this time from the convoy, as was the case previously.
On a personal note, I have to admit that I have once again brought a packet of 10 cigs, something I haven't done since the last convoy in December 2009, when I gave up smoking. But I will strive not to buy anymore.
Day Three- Monday 20, September
Three hours sleep last night. Woken up by Kevin at 5:30 AM. "Sorry to wake you up," he says, "but a full group meeting will be held in five minutes." Still dark. After the group meeting we guide all of the vehicles out of the compound car park, one-by-one in sequence. Once everyone is away in their teams Amer and I stay behind and arrange the local garage to pick up the broken down vehicle C6, which had been driven by two girls, Rahmah and Shameem. The relay truck arrives around 1:00 PM, and surprise, surprise, the French guy spoke no English. And worse, we speak no French. So the international language of hand gestures and random noises was deployed. Rahmah, one of the drivers of the broken-down vehicle, tries to speak Spanish to him. He doesn't understand a word, but we all have a good laugh. Rahmah is a very nice, pleasant American girl from Washington, D.C., half German, half Iranian. She's travelling with her co-driver Shameem, who is an Indian Muslim living in London, and seems equally pleasant and intelligent. They are now without a vehicle. We unload their vehicle, and load it onto our convoy control vehicle. Actually, we made the girls unload and load the vehicles, mulitiple times, to train them. After about three hours, we managed to get relayed to a Ford dealership, costing us over 150 pounds for a 10 mile trip. We keep the girls onto our convoy control vehicle, and make our way to our next destination, Lyon, in the south of France, a journey of around six to seven hours drive. As we set off we receive word that the rest of the convoy has reached Lyon. Our own vehicle develops an exhaust problem, but we keep traveling ahead and hope for the best, as all the garages are closed, which is a very long and hot journey. We reach Lyon at around 3:00 AM. All the rest of the convoy is parked up at a hotel. We are told there are no more rooms left for us. Some sleep in their cars. The manager of the place gets very concerned that there is no more space to sleep us at the hotel. The girls, Rahmah and Shameem, are put in a room which has only one lady in it, to make three per room. Hassan, the Press TV reporter, has a room to himself. Amer and I join Hassan in his room. Because he is new on the convoy, we make him sleep on the floor while we take the beds, as we are part of the convoy leadership team and can use our authority on those who do not know any better. We shall continue this practice until he wises up. We will keep pushing this policy until such time that he makes us sleep on the floor. Two hours into our sleep, Hassan the Press TV reporter, heads up to go to the toilet and bangs his leg on something with an all mighty crash, scaring the living daylights out of us, but it's time to get up anyways.
Day Four - Tuesday, 21, September
7:00 AM, up for a quick breakfast, well, when I say breakfast I mean a coffee with a slice of bread with jam. A quick group meeting with Kevin and off we go. Another of our VP team Bravo members breaks down with a dodgy clutch. We arrange support for them before we leave them at the service station. We get the two girls, Shameem and Rahmah, to unload our overloaded convoy vehicle, and get them to load it onto another vehicle, but we have still nowhere to put the girls, so for the time being their going to travel with us. Ten minutes onto the motorway and our exhaust falls off. We do a quick roadside repair and carry on. At 2:00 PM we arrive at the Alpine tunnel and the police are laughing at our car, wich it's exhaust tied up with a rope, one end tied up onto the roof rack. They have a good luck under our vehcle, and they walk away laughing. So we're glad we're leaving France and entering Italy. We enter Italy, and from Torino we are escourted in several small groups by the police, who clear the roads for us so that we can make progress. We stop for a few hours for a city reception in the historical city square for food and a few speaches. We are whole-heartedly welcomed by the local people. The streets are lined with people waving and shouting "Viva Palestina" and making "V" signs. We leave Turin at around 7:00 PM for Milan, which is around two hours away. Again we get a police escourt, and we thank them.
We are driving to Milano and look forward to seeing the historical city, and hope to spend a couple of days speaking with the locals and raising awareness. Almost 3/4 of the way to Milano, one of the Malaysian drivers falls asleep at the wheel and nearly gets crushed by an oncoming HGV. I decide to take over the vehicle and give the driver some rest. His co-driver, who is also almost asleep, wakes-up and gives me a lecture on philosophy, geography, history, and a little religion thrown in. I just ignore him, as I don't speak any Malaysian. I tell him to go to sleep and chill. We reach Milano late in the evening. Some of our vehicles, around ten of them, have taken the wrong turn and are lost. Amer has gone to find them and get them back to the campsite where we will be staying for the night. I park the Malaysian's vehicle at the campsite, and get to the main road to usher in any lost vehicles. I'm there for over an hour. A car approaches me with two men who think I am standing outside on the curb under the lamp post for some other reason. They ask me if I would like to go home with them if they gave me 50 Euros. I run fast and don't look back. I don't know what kind of a guy they think I am. But I'm not that kind of a guy. Who do they think I am? Just because I'm pretty and have a good body. And even if I was, which I am not, 50 Euros is too cheap.
One and a half hours later, Amer arrives with the last vehicles, and we all camp out at the camp site, which has good wash and toilet facilities. We have small tents which we lay out on the tarmac and get a good nights sleep.
Day Five - Wednesday, 22, September
Up at 8:00 AM as we are not traveling today. Instead we will spend the whole day in Milano to have several press conferences in the city, near a historic castle and cathedral. It is covered by the local press and television. The rest of the day we spend with some of our fellow volunteers in Milan sightseeing. It's a very hot and humid day, and we very much enjoy the whole day and then catch up on some rest. We take the metro back to the campsite, the Taxi driver speaks to me and asks if he can have my Viva Palestina cap. I give him my cap. He tells me he will be proud to wear it as he drives his taxi in Milan, but we still do not get a discount from him. Later that evening, we decide it would be better if most of the volunteers make their way towards nearer to Ancona from where we will be boarding the ferry to Iguminitsa, Greece. The trip will take around six to seven hours. Some of us stay a second night at the campsite to take care of some of the broken down vehicles. In the late evening one of the volunteers reports that an Israeli flag is present at the campsite, on which are written the words "I love Israel." A few volunteers decide that we should leave the campsite immediately in protest, as there could be trouble brewing. We all have a group meeting, and a few of the volunteers plant doubt and suspicion. As most of the volunteers are first timers, and fall for this rubbish, fear spreads until Carol and I decide to investigate. We find no evidence of the said offensive flag. even if it had been seen earlier, it is no longer visibly present. Carol and I report this to Kevin and we have another meeting with all the volunteers. Kevin decides that we should stay at the campsite and make a stand, even if it had been true, and not run like cowards as one or two of the volunteers had suggested. We again set up tents and rest a few hours before getting up at 5:00 AM and leave for Ancona.
Day Six - Thursday 23, September
We board the ferry from Ancona for Igumenitsa, Greece. Spend a few hours for press etc. We board the ferry at 4:00 PM for an 18 hours crossing and have a great nights rest at last. There's four to a cabin. We get great rates thanks for darling Caroline Conway's hard work and deal making skills with the ferry company. Last time we did this ferry we got skanked. We got charged what my mate Tariq Mahmood from Bradford on the last convoy called extortionate prices. Even Steve Stroud swore when he heard the prices. So a big up to darling Caroline. Thanks Luv, and respect. Amer and I slept in the same cabin together with Ron and Hugh. Ron scared the living daylights out of us while walking about stark naked. We close our eyes and went back to sleep after seeing him and didn't have any nightmares.
Day Seven -Friday 24, September
Early morning around 8:00 AM the ferry docks at Igumenitsa, Greece. We get all the teams to get organized and set up some convoy rules for driving and behavior. Two hours later we drive off up the steep and very beautiful Greek roads. Last time we were here, we had to deal with snow and had many practicle obstacles to get over. This time it was much smoother and safer driving for everyone. We are given a police escourt and are taken for a press conference and food reception at a near-by service station. Unfortunately once again, just like the last time, they have prepared ham and cheese sandwiches. We thank them for their troubles and explain that we cannot eat them for cultural and religious reasons. They appologize, but we can understand them not understanding the cultural needs. In face, last time, one of our volunteers ate one because he was hungry and couldn't wait to ask. After the reception we set off for Thessaloniki where we spent the night at the sport center. Tent out on the grass. The weather is very hot and humid, and many of the volunteers are suffering dehydration.
Day Eight - Saturday, 25, September
We're up at around 8:00 AM for a press conference. At around 9:30 we are joined by the Lord Mayor and his Deputy, who show their support. I ask them to sign my suit and send a message of peace for the people of Gaza. They do so. Soon everyone cues up to sign my jacket. After the press meeing we set off as a convoy to the center of Thessaloniki, by the sea front and near the white tower of peace where Alexander the Great landed. We get a great reception by the locals. Again we speak to the press, who want to speak to us. And we have a good day. In the evening we drive back to Salonika where we had camped outside the sports hall.
I too seem to have suffered the effects of dehydration. I have a throbbing headachea and feel very sick. I take some paracetanol and have a lie down in my tent and don’t wake up until the next morning
Day Nine – Sunday, 26, September
Everyone is up at 8:00 AM. We clean the area in which we were camping. I feel a bit better today, but others are feeling a bit groggy with similiar symptoms. We set off on the road for our next destination for the night, which is Alexandropolis near the Turkish border, only around 20 miles away. On the motorway we notice a car accident involving three cars. One of the cars has a woman and two kids who are badly shaken. Amer and I wave our convoy to keep going ahead while we offer help and comfort. None of the passengers seem to be hurt, but seem badly shaken. We offer some drinks, sweets and crisps for the children, and when help and recovery trucks arrive, we leave them in more capable hands. We continue and catch up with the convoy. It’s once again very hot and humid and we feel rather drained. But we must make progress.
We reach Alexandropolis at around evening time, and once again set up our tents. As it’s Sunday the shops seem closed, so we decide to do some washing up. I have several items of clothing that need to be washed, also there’s hot water in the wash areas. I take the oppertunity to get a very nice hot shower as most of us feel very sweaty and sticky caused by the very hot weather. We hang the washed clothing on top of our vehicleto dry hoping that they will be dry by the morning.
Some of the Italians suggest that we ought to go for an inpromptu march in the city centre. About a hundred of us pick up our flags and banners etc and go march by the sea front area making quite a commotion. The local people are very supportive. We go into a lovely little side street, with small shops and cafes, and almost occupy the street. But only to get some food and drinks and sit and enjoy the atmosphere.We meet the locals and spread the awareness about Viva Palestina. Later we all walk back to the campsite and John Hurson makes some grilled pasta. Some of us share, and it’s lovely. Having eaten and with a full stomach, we sit around the camp fire and sing songs, tell jokes, and generally enjoy eachother’s company. Followed by a romantic, barefoot walk on the beach before going to sleep in our tents. I decide to sleep in the car as there are dogs and cats running about, as I don’t like animals of any type.
Day Ten – Monday 27, September
We’re ready for our early morning convoy leader’s meeting with Nicci, as Kevin is away, to discuss the day ahead and to plan our travels etc. for that day, as we will be crossing into Turkey later. We decide that we should have a full convoy meeting with everyone to inform them about what they can expect on the day. We are only about 20 km away from the Turkish border. Nicci, Ron, Richard, from the Unite the Union, and I decide to go on ahead to the border crossing, to get all the paper work sorted for all the volunteers, and also to learn about the proceedural stuff that all individual volunteers will need to go through before being allowed to cross the border over from Greece to Turkey.
We prepare the paperwork for everyone, which includes vehicle registration forms, customs manifests for all aid in the vehicles, and check if visas are required. And some citizens of some countries will not need a visa. Nicci and I relay all the information to Amer, who is still behind us, waiting for our communication before coming to the border with all the convoy, to prevent a blockage of the border with all of our vehicles. A couple of hours later, the complete convoy arrives at the border. Ron and I line up all the vehicles on one side and go through everyone’s paperwork. Within another two hours we leave Greece, and enter the no-man’s land between the two borders. We see ahead of us the Turkish flag in all its beauty flying proundly. We enter the Turkish border and are immediately overwhelmed, once again, as we were on the last convoy by the incredible reception and warm welcome. Hundreds of Turkish people are waiting with flags, placards, and banners, shouting Viva Palestina. Music is playing loudly and we are greeted like celebrities. Men, women, and children want to touch us and blow kisses. Fruit, flowers, and drinks are given to us by the local people at the border. The press are all waiting and interview many of us. This carries on for a couple of hours, and about 40 Turkish vehicles join our convoy and will travel with us to Gaza by road. We see many familiar Turkish faces, recognizable from the last convoy. What a happy reunion! It’s a very long drive ahead of us to Istanbul, which is our next destination, which is about five to six hours away. Around two hours into the journey, John and I who are travelling together to keep control of the convoy behind notice some of our volunteers on the other side of the convoy with a car turned upsidedown and badly damaged. We fear the worst, thinking it could be one of ours. We pull up on the hard shoulder as all traffic ahead is blocked with total chaos. On close inspection we realize the vehicle is not one of ours, but a vehicle belonging to a Turkish family. There are four occupants, a man, woman, and two young children. It doesn’t seem like anyone is badly injured, but you wouldn’t think anyone had survived, looking at the wreck. John, Russ, and Amer, some of the leaders of the convoy, help to get the convoy moving, and ask our volunteers, who have parked their vehicles in the middle of the motorway lane, to return to their vehicles and get going, as there is build up of traffic behind us, and also it is very bad practice and exteremely dangerous to everyone. We get all of our volunteers on our side of the motorway and into their vehicles to drive off. They will be dealt with later for causing more confusion than already existed, and creating an even greater danger as any ambulances cannot get through to help the injured. We clear the road and get all of our lot moving. And hour later we notice around 400 to 500 people at one of the motorway junctions. It’s a reception party for us. We are asked to park all of our vehicles on one side of the road. We walk about 200 meters onto the beach front, where we have speeches and are given a very warm welcome once again. Doner kebabs and drinks are served to us and we mingle for an hour or so. From here we are given an escourt into Istanbul. We arrive at a restaurant where more food is served to us at a beautiful location overlooking the bospherous. It’s a view to die for. George Galloway speaks and thanks everyone. The leader of the IHH is also present, and we offer our condolences to him and Turkey for the sacrifice of nine good Turkish brothers who lost their lives on the Mavi Marmara, when Israel brutally attacked and killed in cold blood nine Turkish volunteers in international waters. After the meal we are escourted to a near-by sport s center in Beykoz where we use the main hall to sleep on the floor. It’s been a very long and tiring day, and the rest will be very welcomed.
Day Eleven – Tuesday 28, September
A good nights rest and breakfast is served by the local municipality at a near by restaurant in Beykoz, again overlooking the bospherous. And again, the view is magical and breathtaking in daylight. 10:30 we leave for central Istanbul for a press conference where George Galloway speaks about the convoy and its aims. Once this is over we all go to the burial ground and pay our respects to those who died on the Mavi Marmara. It’s every emotional to see the graves of those with whom we had previously travelled, who are now six feet undergroud. I’m asked to speak at the gravesites together with some of my collegues. It’s a very emotion and tearful event. The families of some of the deceased are present. We then split up into several groups and go around Istanbul in a vehicle parade, to make some noise. We get fantastic support and a wonderful response from everyone. The local press and TV have been covering our convoy, and it seems that the whole of Istanbul is cheering us. It’s heartwarming and incredibly exciting to see such support. We return in the evening at around 9:00 PM and are taking to another very posh restaurant, overlooking the bospherous waterfront, more speeches and more great food are served. We thank everyone and make our way towards Beykoz sports hall for a second night. It’s been a very long, hot, and tiresome day, but the company in our vehicle was fantastic. Laughing and enjoying the atmosphere, but tireness has caught up with us and we are ready for sleep. As some of our vehicles are broken down, we have arranged local mechanics to come over in the morning and make all possible repairs. Those vehicles that have no faults will be driven out of Istanbul in the morning and onwards to Ancara, the capital city of Turkey, for another official reception.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
George Galloway Launches Bradford To Gaza
George Galloway and Kevin Ovenden launched the next Viva Palestina aid convoy to Gaza in Bradford on 26th June 2010 at the Pakistan Community Centre.
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