Last 2 Days On The Bikes!

The next ride was a shot one to Safranbolu. This Ottoman township is reputed to be the Turkish Delight capital of the world. We stayed at a quaint hotel after again adding to our excess baggage complications for the trip home. The last day on the bikes was a 425km trip back to Istanbul mostly on motorways. It all finished with a nice ferry ride back to the older part of the city where the adventure began. The bikes were checked back in at the hotel for the next trip post Gallipoli. The next day was a ferry ride and trip to the spices Grand Bazaar followed by the final dinner at the Arcadia Blue hotel with magnificent night views of the mosques.

So to summarise the trip. It was fantastic! Some great roads and some real highlights of Turkey. The people here were by far the highlight. Not a huge amount of English spoken generally, but that was made up for  by the warmth of the welcome from start to end and the genuine interest in us and our adventure. The roads were variable, but there are billions of Lira being poured in by the current President in an attempt to increase his rural vote. Massive projects were featured pretty much wherever we rode. One way or the other, this President will be remembered. The food was different and generally nice. Certainly not as spicy as you may think. The scenery and history were awesome and mind blowing.

Now we have joined our next tour and are in full preparation mode for the Gallipoli ceremony. We are so glad we visited in earlier, quieter times. It just wouldn't have been the same otherwise.

Cheers to all, and thanks for following our blog! Hopefully one more update at Singapore if we get time.

Adrian and Aly

 Following The Coastline To Istanbul

 The Turkish Navy On Exercise

The Final Ferry Trip