Palmyra, Syria

Long before the emergence of a cancer in the near east which continues in its barbarity reaching far into Europe - there was a time when travellers could journey mostly unhindered and without fear through a region proud of heritage and culture.

Who would think today of taking a Blackpool Corporation bus overland through the mosaic of countries and customs stretching from the Bosphorus to the sub continent of India? Number 298 was one of countless foreign buses and coaches which could be seen negotiating the challenging terrain of Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan as part of their venturesome journeys to and from Europe. No more.

The amazing ruins of Palmyra as seen by visitors arriving on Blackpool Corporation bus 298.