In 2009 I travelled to Aleppo by train, bus & taxi from Istanbul. An epic journey to what became my favourite city that sadly has suffered so much in the intervening years.

Whilst there we took a train to Latakia on the Mediterranean coast. A strategic port, it became a base for the Russian navy during the horrible conflict.

I only have very happy memories, tinged with sadness.

The above photo was of a cheeky looking girl who travelled with her grandmother. She did her homework and lunched on a small cucumber. I often think about what fate she might have had.