Sun 19th Oct
We see no more of the shepherds and leave in the morning. The area we are driving through is very militarised, town after town of police, soldiers, barbed wire and armoured vehicles. Whether it is because these region borders Syria or whether it is, to borrow a phrase from our Pakistani Guide, Karim, because of the "nervousness" between the Turks and the Kurds, we do not know.
Over coffee we both agree that we are not enjoying this area and so decide to forego visiting Abraham's birthplace and some ancient giant stone heads and turn northwards. A more direct route to Cappodocia is favourable, plus it is raining today so a long drive is not a hardship. Once again, memories of Pakistan are stirred as we see low stone houses with turf roofs and mounds of dried cow pats, ready for use as the winter fuel supply. All along the road are so many dead animals. The inevitable dogs who forgot their green cross code but also several sheep, a cow and even a donkey still with his head collar on!
We find a parking place with a good view, up an old disused road and look forward to a quiet night. This was not to be, Fay had unwanted visitors in the night! Beside the old road was a cliff face, there was evidence of some minor rock falls but only small stones and we were parked beyond the point they had reached. We settled down to sleep but could hear small rocks slithering down? I felt a bit concerned but Richard reassured all was well. I lay there, unable to relax. Another sound, this time, rustling and it sounded as if it were inside the van!
This is too much, I wake Richard who half awake, half asleep tells me to put the light on if I'm worried; I do. The bread bag is moving!!! Quick as a flash, Richard is up and out of the van, bread bag complete with gorging mouse are dispensed. This is the end of any thoughts of sleep for either of us. The falling rock sound wasn't, it was scrabbling mice. How many, though? We dress and sat upon the bed for fear of any unwanted guests under being under the bed and pass the hours till daylight playing cards and worrying! How did they get in? How long have they been there?
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