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Published: October 13th 2011
Beer'll fix it
After the entertainment of a couple of nights ago not much has been happening, really. So little in fact, that sitting about drinking a beer has become an event worth mentioning (yes, that's what I am doing now... again!) It's medicinal, helps me relax and prepare myself for any 'midnight mouse catching' duties that may come my way.
As for us, we are still in Olympos, killing time waiting for my replacement shock to arrive. Hopefully it will do so tomorrow. On the upside, there are worse places in the world to be stuck. Olympos, for those who have not been, is basically a backpacker haunt where you stay in a "tree house" and sit around on pretty Turkish carpets in front of a small coffee table doing not much. Particularly when it pisses with rain for three days!
Although, should you be lured here by that rather enlightening description, it is only fair that I should warn you that what "tree house" actually means is: house on poles with tree close by.
Good news
As there are family and friends reading this (or so we hope) who are obviously concerned for our safety (you
The small snake
No really, there is a snake in there... no really!better be!). I have decided it is time for some positive news. The downside to good news is that it rarely makes for interesting reading, but let's see how we go.
The bikes
I have become rather a fan of my little DR-Z. It has all the power you need for the trip we're doing. The fuel consumption has dropped to an impressive 30km/l (3.3l per 100km, about 80mpg) now that we rarely go above 80km/h (did I say something about interesting reading?) We are also hoping that as they look a bit like a ratty local bike they won't attract so much attention in Iran/Pakistan/India. Some chaps ahead of us on bling-bling new BMWs are thronged every time they stop by crowds of small Iranian children. While that may sound cute, apparently small Iranian children are not familiar with the expression "Look but don't touch" and insist on pressing every button and operating every switch. Something I gather they are starting to find a tad annoying. The 'bling-bling' bikes also attracted a lot of attention at the border, and a significant number of 'extra charges'. Fingers crossed that we will fare better on our tatty DR-Zs.
The
people (the cats, the dogs)
A special mention to our temporary hosts in Kas! We were fortunate enough to enlist the help of an English couple (who have relocated to Turkey) for an address to send the shock to. They were wonderful, cooking us lovely meals and even a full English breakfast; 'tis the solidarity of motorcyclists. Although, they are also very kind to cats and dogs, having seven dogs and quite a few cats; all of them rescued from the street, often in varying states of health. Hmmm... perhaps they just have a soft spot for homeless creatures with problems.
The troublesome lands ahead
We are a bit nervous about Pakistan and Eastern Iran still. However, have discovered that there are about five guys on the same route as us who are about a month ahead (the BMW crew). They are going to send us an update on road conditions, people conditions, pitfalls, potholes, prisons (woops, no not prisons). We have also discovered that there are about five or six more motorcyclists on a similar route and schedule to us, so we are likely to meet up with at least some of them for the more 'adventurous bits' of the trip (i.e. Western Pakistan).
And that's about it, apart from the small snake we saw today!
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David Krenn
non-member comment
Keep the posts coming.
It's really weird, but when I read this I hear it in Brian's voice. Must the expressions you use, the way you speak is translated into the way you write. I'm so jealous. Stay safe.