Advertisement
Published: July 28th 2014
ISTANBUL SUNDAY/MONDAY 27/28 July, '14
Today is my last day on the Silk Road and my last blog, until next time. Recipients who want relief from torture, can let me know and I will remove you from the email list, no issue!
It is with mixed emotion that I write this. I am sad to be ending a journey I had contemplated for a lengthy period. Whilst I didn't complete it on the bike, I know it wasn't riding the bike that defeated me, rather the gastro issues became an important concern, something that I had given scant regard to before starting the trip. Whilst it was always a possibility, I don't generally experience those issues. It was the side effects, experienced in short dose, that concerned me more, and it was those I rationalised would potentially cause me longer term negative affect. I am sad to miss seeing the two places I most wanted to see, Uzbekistan and Iran. Visa requirements were unable to be overcome on short notice, so it seems that visits will become part of any future journey to Europe.
On the other hand it is a plus to be with family earlier and
have some time back on the Gold Coast, still one of the best places I have seen and experienced. I am also satisfied with my cycling effort, an average day of 130 Kms, up and down hills, country roads with hopeless traffic, superhighways, straight and uninspiring, littered with tyre debris and daily flat tyres. At least I now gave considerable experience in changing tyres on a bike with disc brakes and complicated gearing.
Yesterday I took the ferry to Asian Istanbul, the other side of the Bosphorus. An enjoyable ferry ride of 20 minutes for $2-. I really like this city, a great blend of modern and ancient, hills and water, amazing bazaars, great bread, exotic Ottoman food, and cold Efes beer. At Askudar, in the water side restaurant, many patrons were playing Backgammon. Another exotic experience. I wonder why at the GC, we don't make the most of our foreshore, both ocean and still water. Perhaps it's that there is not enough people, and we don't encourage pursuits such as chess, backgammon and cards at school. It must be an Asian, European thing, as I was surprised and a little disappointed that no one on the ride played
cards or other similar pursuit. We did play vocal trivial pursuit, surprised again by the lack of general knowledge that was on display.
Yesterday was the last day of Ramadan. I was surprised that last night was not as boisterous as I expected. However this morning the call to prayer started at 4.45 am, and now two and half hours later, the various Imams are still lecturing. Today is a public holiday, a day for giving small gifts and shadow puppet shows. I will wander the massive gardens in front of the Blue Mosque later to take in the atmosphere.
I have enjoyed writing this blog, despite initial reservations. I hope I haven't bored you, if you continued to persevere, and that I haven't sounded to pompous.
I bid you adieu.
........
Advertisement
Tot: 0.47s; Tpl: 0.018s; cc: 7; qc: 52; dbt: 0.1318s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Georgie
non-member comment
Cannot believe it is the final blog post (for now!!) I have definitely enjoyed your blogging - has meant I have been able to keep up to date with everything happening! Have a safe trip back tonight - looking forward to see you soon!! xxx Ps - great photos once again!!