Today is a ‘no news’ day for the Animalcouriers trip that’s passing through Turkey on the way to Greece, and hoping to reach Bodrum tonight.
In our case, no news is good news! Having a calm day or two gives us a chance to reflect on recent happenings and remember the people who’ve been kind, helpful and thoughtful during challenging times!
For starters, the owners of the dogs — the intrepid band who accompanied us to Mersin got safely back to Famagusta. From the moment we met them at the KAR office as we limped back from our first abortive attempt to enter Turkey, until they left us at Mersin port, entrusting their precious pets to us, we never heard a single grumble or groan! Everyone pulled together for the crossing from Famagusta, organising visits to the notary, new car paperwork, car insurance, permission to take their cars to Turkey — all at lightning speed. Not forgetting Bob and Lynn, who quickly reorganised for their dogs to fly instead, as they couldn’t come to Mersin with us.
During the crossing from Famagusta, there was plenty of good humour and laughter. A quick rethink when we had to leave Janet’s car behind. Willingness to take the dogs onto the ferry’s open deck in the middle of the night on a pitch-black sea. Coping with the long wait at Mersin, when all everyone wanted was a shower and a cold drink. Then the near panic when we thought they might all miss the boat back to Famagusta. Then when it looked like only Diana might have to stay behind, everyone else wanted to support her by staying behind too!
And although some of the bureaucracy came close to making us despair, the willingness of certain individuals to go the extra mile for us kept us going. Eren and his dad from Petical Vets, who put so much effort into the paperwork. The kind port police who watched over the van for us. The lovely member of the ferry crew who gave us a key to the vehicle deck so that we could check on the dogs whenever we wanted. Then at the port the next morning he found courier J, gave her a hug and handed her a bunch of grapes from the mess supplies!
And of course, the exceptionally efficient senior port officer Aynur, who kickstarted all the officials into action. We told Aynur: “We can’t thank you enough. We hope one day someone shows you the kindness you’ve shown us.” “Someone already has,” she replied, “So I know just how you feel.”
Safe travels……. Fingers crossed everything stays calm and you get into Greece without too much fuss!
We are drinking in the real Turkey. Here’s hoping!
Safe journey and Turkey has never looked so lovely
We know why you fell in love with it.
So far so good……everyone has really pitched in and made sure that this journey is as comfortable as possible for the pets – in spite of all the hurdles, and thanks to some efficient assistance by some officials, you’re getting closer to the goal! YAY!
Pam and Sam
The help we’ve had from expected and unexpected sources made a bad situation much easier to cope with and prevented it getting any more ridiculous 😉
Fantastic that smooth is the new path 🙂 great pics 🙂
Oh yes, things are looking up!
Hope you had your fingers crossed when you said that! 😉
At this rate we’ll get arthritis from all the finger crossing 😀
Dang heheehee 🙂
Good news at last! So pleased to hear that everything is now going smoothly and everyone enjoying the gorgeous scenery on your route through Turkey.
Karen W
Isn’t it good – such a relief!
Oddly enough, the Red Man’s neighbors who live across the street from Casa de Canterbury are traveling in Turkey and Greece for several weeks and have been sending really wonderful pictures of the region there. I’m quite sure they haven’t had nearly the problems with security as Animal Couriers have. Hopefully, all will be smooth sailing again! Take care of the babies…:)
Well, your neighbours are surely having the most wonderful time – we adore Turkey (not the ports, obviously ;-)) and Greece and would recommend them to anyone.
Ohhh enjoy! That dry ground and the colorful plants just make me want to put flip flops on and go there. I used to love the way my feet felt afer a walk there, all dry from the sand flip flopping up to my toooes.
One day the summer may come and you can get your toes back in those flip flops 😉
I am an awe of the work you do. Great shots. Turkey really needs animal help. Glad you have helpers along the way. Smooth sailing.
Glad you enjoyed the shots – we most certainly enjoyed the view. Having helpers takes the worst out of any situation. Thanks.
That’s a funny kind of a sidecar – but I’m not sure if I would like such a ride :o) I hope Reo will not hope in vain :o) Have a great Fathers Sunday
Turn down a ride dear Easy from anyone bearing such paniers 😀 Reo most certainly didn’t hope in vain.
Donkey leading the Camel? Also like the ear up, ear down. –Curt
Yes – it’s just a shame that courier J couldn’t catch the shot sooner. You don’t get much time for those shots out of the window.
It looks like the street job wanted to join you.
No doubt he’d travel wherever the food was 😉
(my typing skills appear to be deteriorating) 🙁
You’ve a way to go before you reach my skill level 😀
Beautiful photos! Love the camel and brandy looks soo cute! =^.^=
If only we’d caught the picture of the camel a moment before when you could see the donkey leading it!
A great post: Wonderful, wonderful photographs. Big smiles here.
There are big smiles here too 😀
Another side of Greece.Smashing!!We love the bike gear.He looks really safe.
Good luck to everyone & pets.This one has been toughWell done.
Helen John & Kessra.
Thanks – such a relief to have reached Greece. How is dear Kessra doing?
At least you aren’t wrangling camelz…that might be next, lol…Turkey is a gorgeous country…I feel like I am getting a history/geograhy lesson & I am loving it!!!!
Reo cracks me hp; that dog is special…that SPARK about him!!!
Bet the local dogs appreciate treats too! 😉
Sherri-Ellen xo
Ha ha – camels – they’d show us up as novices! It is an incredible area we’re travelling through. Seeped in history and quite beautiful.