This week’s Travelsonabike2 bicycle touring on this day post comes from Turkey on the 26th-July-2012, and I’m on my World tour. I’d been home in the UK for a few weeks after being knocked off my bike in America. But I’m now on my way back to Turkey.
Thursday, 26th July 2012. Bognor Regis, England, to Istanbul, Turkey by air.
After two weeks at home, it’s time to get back on the road. It’s been a lovely couple of weeks, catching up with family and friends. Julie and I spent a few days in the West country while my bike was being serviced at SJS Cycles in Bridgewater. The rest of my time has been spent mainly down the pub, purely for medical reasons, of course. I’m still pretty sore from my accident and get confused at times (nothing new there!) But generally, I’m feeling okay. Getting back on the bike might help me overcome my aches and pains.
The flight over from Gatwick was smooth with no problems. I was sitting next to a Chinese girl who was getting a connecting flight to China. And a Pakistani girl who was also getting a connecting flight. She was flying on to Afghanistan to see her husband. He had been deported from England. Both were good company and made for a quick flight.
Back To Turkey
I was met at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul by a taxi from the hotel, making things a lot easier for me. Arriving at the hotel felt like a second homecoming, as it’s the same hotel I’d stayed in twice last year. All the staff remembered me, which I’m not sure is good or bad. Ahmet, the barman, remembered me. He called me the gin and tonic man!
I plan to stay in Istanbul for two nights before moving on and heading for Georgia. One fly in the ointment, though. It’s Ramadan, which could mean getting food and drink during the day could be a problem. And it’s only six days in, with twenty-four more to go.
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