Diesel

I’ve been welcoming back many campers coming by for a second time on their way home.

They tell me the garden has changed a lot over the last weeks. The campers like the camping facilities to be in the midst of our garden. It offers them a calm and beautiful environment where they can relax after a long day of driving or a tiring day in the city of Aleppo. Many ask for a tour of the garden, so they learn to know the different kinds of trees and vegetables which tress and vegetables grow in this area. Some are keen gardeners and give me practical tips in return.

Last September, German campers brought back seeds from flowers in a Palmyran garden. They are very beautiful, strong plants with bicoloured flowers in bright pink and yellow.

The tomatoes are hanging numerously waiting to become red, the garlic is almost dry and the birds are busy feeding their small ones.

About a month ago, the diesel price went up by 350% in one go. It is still very cheap compared to Turkey and Europe, but a financial disaster for many families because clothing, food and everything else will become more expensive, as the cost of transport has increased a lot. Another consequence is that there are fewer minibuses than before. Before there was one coming by every minute on the main road to Aleppo. Now, to have quickly a seat available you better avoid peak times in the morning and the evening. The advantage is that there is less noise from old motorbikes and cars in the street and the stationary running of motors is becoming less of a habit.

Each family received a booklet with vouchers which we all assume are vouchers for diesel at a lower price, diesel needed for heating the house in wintertime.

Another advantage is that diesel is again readily available at tank stations and waiting lines are inexistent.

And I heard the new cars are becoming less expensive.

I guess there is a plan somewhere to get air pollution down.