Two weeks, 6 stops, 3 countries (1 Republic) and one crew change since I
last wrote two weeks ago...this Eastern Med Rally has kept us movin'!

Some recent highlights from our journey to date:

Alanya, Turkey - In 44 BC, Mark Anthony gave this city to Cleopatra as a
gift. As romantic as this may sound, there was a practical reason for his
choice (aren't men predictable?!). The area around the city was an important
timber producing center and Cleopatra needed to build up her wooden ship
Navy - security important even in their day. Today, Alanya is a popular
Mediterranean resort destination and is considered to be the "Riviera" of
the Turkish coast. We couldn't agree more.

Girne, Turkish Republic of N.Cyprus, Cyprus being the third largest island
in the Med after Sicily and Sardinia. Due to its strategic location, Cyprus
has been occupied by everyone from Phoenicians to Persians, to Knights
Templar, to French and British just to name a few.

In 1975 Cyprus was partitioned into the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus in
the north and the Republic of Cyprus in the south, after the occupation of
the north by the Turks in 1974. The north side contains the Turks and the
south, Greek speaking nationals. A UN peace keeping force overseas the
border between northern and southern Cyprus. Heavy military presence (but,
oddly friendly) was noted around the commercial port where we were berthed.
Most of the remaining rally boats were berthed in the old harbor beneath the
magnificent Girne Crusader castle, where another reception was held in our
honor. The 11th century Salamis ruins were worth the visit. In spite of many
natural catastrophes (mostly earthquakes) there are fine examples of hot
water bathes, an aqueduct, mosaics, latrines, a theater and amphitheater
still standing.

Mersin, Turkey - Crew change - thanks Teri & Scott for all your help - we so
enjoyed your company! My mother, Maralee, my Aunt June and cousin, Lorna -
all seasoned mates aboard the 'Grey Pearl' blew in to join us for the rest
of the rally. Many here are wondering how Braun managed an "all female
crew"...no matter, he knows now...he's totally outnumbered :)

Their timing was good as the evening of their arrival another lovely
cocktail reception and dinner held by the chamber of shipping and attended
by the mayor and the governor. Later that evening we were entertained by
native Turkish dancers followed by a dj that was stuck on 70's American
music (disco)...go figure.

The last several ports have required overnight passages as our groups of
boats (larger boats) are expected for the earliest arrival at the next port
of call. Running at night can be challenging in itself but, imagine cruising
with 75 boats all jockeying for the same rumb line. The radar often looks
like a kid with a bad case of the measles! Bottom line, Braun & I are
enjoying the experience of a lifetime...visiting places we'd have never
otherwise come on our own, enjoying the wealth of antiquities present in
this part of the world that you read (history & Bible) about when you were a
kid and meeting quite a set of international characters to boot!

I must sign off for now...we arrived this morning into Syria. I was thrilled
that  during my watch (3am-6am) I was required to hail the Syrian Navy,
identify ourselves and announce we were about to "enter Syrian territorial
waters"...not so bad...I'm still here to report about it! Anyways, we leave
early tomorrow for a two-day journey to Damascus, Palmyra and Krak Des
Chevaliers Castle...two out of three World Heritage sites.

Tina & Braun

Tina and Braun Jones
Grey Pearl, Nordhavn 62

Tina,  (Grey Pearl)

Thank you for your great informative writings about the Eastern Med Rally.
What a wonderful experience !

John Harris  (World Odd @ Sea)  including all her crew