How to get around Pakistan?
 

Since I don't seem to be able to get a Pakistani visa here in Turkey, how can I get around it? I could go through Iran to the UAE and there are dhows, but do they still sail to Bombay and will they take me and the bike?

Thanks,
Peter,
Stuck in Turkey

hi beddhist,

it is nice to hear from you and nice to know that you are in Turkey. I am also in Turkey came for some job interviews. I am currently in Istanbul now and tomorrow (wednesday) will fly to Samsun to see my formar lecturers to discuss. Anyway. I'll go to Ankara at this weekend then will be in Izmir on the 8th.

I dont know where you are know but if you are close to where I am, we can meet and have a beer/coffee. my mobile number in Turkey is +90 (0) 535 9416711. Call me or text me if you want to.

Good Luck
ozhan u.

Dubai Dhows
 

Peter,
I can't give you anything definite but as, a glimmer of hope, I went past Dubai Creek a couple of weeks ago and there were several cars on the decks of dhows. They aren't going anywhere on the Arabian peninsula; my guess is India and they'd probably take you. After all, they took Michael Palin, didn't they? If I find out anymore I'll post it.
Stephan

Thanks Stefano,

I don't know where MP went, but I do know that people used them to go to Karachi. Now, that wouldn't help me much and Mumbai is twice that far, so I don't know whether they still do that run. Also, I have read that the authorities won't permit passengers on them to go to Iran for safety reasons.

So, thanks for the glimmer. In any case, I'm still hopefull to get a Pak visa somehow. If all else fails I send my passport to Germany.

Dubai Dhows
 

Peter
I spoke to some customs and admin officers down at the creek tonight. They told me the dhows with cars on are heading for Somalia and that one can't pick up a dhow for India. They said larger ships at Port Rashid (where the ferry to Iran also leaves from) or at Jebel Ali might take a bike and passenger to India.
Stephan

And thanks for that one, too. I think I owe you some beers!

I've done the whole trying-to-get-a-dhow-to-take-me-somewhere thing and it doesn't work. The Immigration authorities won't stamp you out of the UAE as they say its unsafe. Also, the dhow captains don't have visas or proper seaman papers, and the authorities won't allow anyone else access to the informal service. Plus most of them are Iranian and no-one trusts the Persian devils!

cheers
Brett

Friends in High Places?
 

So I wonder who had the 'wasta', Michael Palin or the BBC. Perhaps there is a Monty Python fan in the corridors of power. ..
Stephan

The BBC probably bought the thing.

Then again I reckon the "fish dance" on Dubai wharf would've had 'em in the aisles.