The planned overly optimistic departure time of 6am soon fell to 9pm and I cycled through the craziness that is Cairo, passed the Pyramids for one last time and headed into the desert. Three weeks in Cairo had been fun, lots of fun, but it was time to be back on the road, and back to the cycling which I seemed to be avoiding. After the difficulties of the Sinai I was finding it very hard to get the inspiration to cycle again. I'd seemed to of fallen into a trap, looking at the cycling as a chore instead of enjoyment. I'd had some pretty negative feelings about continuing when I arrived in Cairo, but some good advice from a friend in Cairo had rekindled a dying fire and I left with a positive mind. The ... read more

I spent a couple of days relaxing and preparing myself mentally for the hilly road to Petra. I left Amman feeling slightly rough after spending the evening with an Aussie girl with a forte for 10% strength beer and Vodka. Figuring an easy day down to the Dead Sea my will power was easily broken with the offer of a drink, although I stayed clear of the 10% stuff and stuck purely to 40% Vodka. I was worried about the Dead Sea. Travelling alone creates strange feelings when it actually comes to being alone. Although my trip is very much a solo affair having someone, sometimes anyone, to share things with is important. I just had the feeling that you shouldn't go to the Dead Sea alone, a bit like going to Alton Towers alone, something ... read more