After hundreds of kilometers through Romania, Bulgaria and the European part of Turkey, after more than one week off my bike, here in Istanbul or in Capadoccia, there are so many things to tell !
Let´s keep this Newsletter a short and easy-to-read postcard full of sun instead of a thick and boring novel !
First of all, one of my repeating surprise is how time has changed...One day replaces the other very quickly. Yesterday seems to be so long ago! And I have no idea of tomorrow, it can be anything.
A minute when ascending a bad slope is a century. Alternatively, this month shrinks to an instant when looking at the waters of the Bosphorus.
Noon is when shadows are short. Lunch is when my legs need nutriments. Sleep is when I cannot go any further. Which day are we today ?
Then, there is distance… The first 50 kilometers of the day are almost always longer than the next 50 ones. Sometimes, a meter - just one more meter - is just impossible. Notwithstanding a whole continent is behind me.
Some hundred meters up are worth hundred kilometers on the flat. Disappointingly enough, the same meters downwards are sometimes just the same as the upward ones. On the contrary, tail winds can reduce a long haul to a mere promenade.
The distance to the teeths of an agressive dog is obviously always to close.
And always so unique, so precious... this guy who opens his arms and his heart to me without question, despite the appearances and the different worlds we each one of us belongs to…
Istanbul means that the European stage has now been completed. I used to think this would be a simple transfer to the next one, Asia. Actually, it has been a real experience. Among many other things, I have learnt how to travel with a bike, alone, in many many different conditions. I feel that I can now safely move to my next journey… And that´s an extremely good news, because I bloody want to cross the Bosphorus and see the Caucasus from closer !
My friend Mathieu flew home yesterday after we spent one week in Turkey together.
I am now getting prepared to move Eastwards again : After one week of rest and abundant (excessive?) food, my body has recovered from the previous efforts and requests the end of the break.
I have spent one hour on my bike this morning at the hotel. I was glad I did not discover a single loose bolt or broken part !
As I am planning to ride along the Black Sea coast line, which is a rather touristic area, I am rather hopeful I´ll be able to post news on this blog on a more regular basis than in Central Europe.
In any case, … Pas de nouvelles veut dire tres bonnes nouvelles ! I think of you all.
Alaha Ismaladek !
B
Blog´s update :
GPS Log updated with Istanbul and Capadoccia.
My route should be updated soon under Google Earth.
Some pictures of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have been posted for you... I hope you´ll like them !
Photos Turquie
Carnets de voyage Turquie
Vidéos Turquie
Carte Turquie
Guide de voyage Turquie
Santé Turquie
Billets d'avion Turquie
