Istanbul

I took the shortcut and got the plane to Turkey. My fırst impressions of Istanbul are that its a very friendly place and everywhere and everyone i have come into contact with have been very helpful indeed. I still have a certain amount of suspicion whenever people offer me drinks, advice, cigarettes, a drag on a water pipe etc. but i have no need to worry, its all for free.

The best thıng i like about Istanbul is the fact that i can quite easily blend into the background as i believe i look like a Turk. I have a little bit of stubble, a bit of hair and i just look like a Turk. People even talk to me in Turkish, however, when i say 'Hey up', it tends to give the game away instantly.

I went to the world famous 'Grand Bazaar' and the 'Blue Mosque' before headıng to a cafe where i sat with the locals smoking a water pipe, great stuff and a great experience.

I go to the airport tomorrow in order to start the fun and games to get my bike. As soon as i get it i wıll be able to continue the journey around Turkey for a bit. The temperature has dropped significantly so i wıll have to make sure i wrap up well, c'est la vie mes amis.