Turkey, Cycling The World 4th-September-2012

Garry McGivern’s cycling around the world, Tuesday, 4th-September-2012, in Istanbul. The day started with a leisurely breakfast. After all, there was no rush. My flight back to Kazakhstan wasn’t until midday.

Domed building
The Hagia Sophia Istanbul

After saying goodbye to the hotel staff, once again! I left for the airport. Check-in was a little less chaotic than when I’d left Atyrau. But then I suppose it’s a somewhat bigger, more international airport in Istanbul. Check-in was relatively smooth apart from one brief moment. The man at the check-in desk looked at my visa and said he’s never seen one like it before and wasn’t sure if it was a genuine visa! Great, my heart sank. Not only were they not going to let me back into the country, but I’d left my bike and all my gear there. And that would be the end of my ride!

There was no need to panic, and I’d gotten a little ahead of myself. After asking a colleague, he said it was fine, and I was allowed through to airport side. Hopefully, this will be my last flight before my flight home in a couple of months.

The flight back to Kazakhstan seemed a lot shorter, and in no time, I was back on the ground in Kazakhstan, hoping they’d let me back into the country. Which they did without any problem, and even better, my bike was still at the hotel. I’ve just got to see if I need another stamp from the police tomorrow, then I can get back on my bike and on my way to China.

Please Donate

Don’t forget the main reason behind my ride. I want to raise as much money for cancer research charities as possible. After my wife, Josie, died of breast cancer in 2007, aged only 42. Even the smallest donation helps. You can donate to Cancer Research UK or the Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation. Click on either one to donate. Every little bit helps to rid the world of this cruel disease.

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