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It's been a long road since our last update from Hungary as we weaved our way through Europe on the quest for the Silk Road. As we have traveled we have seen our first major changes in the landscape, but not through geographical differences but mainly the route of all evil - money. The contrast driving from Hungary into Romania was huge, the major difference being those living
under the poverty line. Gone were the wide, palatial streets of Budapest and instead we were faced with horse drawn carts and broken down villages.
Our first stop in Romania was at Turda Gorge, a little off the beaten track this beautiful piece of countryside with a magnificent gorge no doubt from the ice age and provided great views all round as we bush camped for a couple of days. From the countryside to the towns, we then made our way to Sighisoara in Transylvania, or best known as the birthplace of Vlad Tepes. Yes Vlad the Impaler.
Or as Bram Stoker called him, Dracula. The quaint medieval town with cobbled streets and creepy houses was definitely a great setting for the creepy character we all know, but don't worry we kept
our scarves on and left the town unscathed.
Bucharest was our final stop in Romania and summed up our general feel of the country. A country with a agricultural background ravaged by a crazy leader but one that is desperate to prove itself against its bigger European brothers. The city is a mixture of European wealth and rural poverty. One half is being rebuilt and the other is falling down. I couldn't say I would visit again in a rush, it is one of those places where you should go if you know someone there who can show you the right places to go. But I must say they do make good beer (Ursus and Ursus Black) and a delicious meat stew (Toukitoura), and that always makes everything a bit better!
Fare welling Romania we painlessly crossed the long, long bridge that separates Romania from its neighbour Bulgaria. Once again the countryside changed, and once again it wasn't the trees, mountains or animals it was the human presence. Moving on from Romania which was having a slight identity crisis to Bulgaria which is lagging behind its bigger brother and is still true to its agricultral roots. Bulgaria's reputation
seems to be growing amongst travellers, it boasts great skiiing and fantastic countryside. We set up camp near the small town of Veliko Tarnovo which is smack bang in the middle. The town itself is described in our fellow travelers Lonely Planets as 'the must see' location thanks to its medieval town and castle. To be honest the surrounding countryside and all the activities on offer made it a great place to be, yes a castle is good fun but Bulgaria's rolling hills and tree lined mountains are what makes it special.
After three days of resting and catching up on washing, a peril of the travelling adventurer, we began the long trek to the Turkish border. We had heard bad things about this border so we were braced for a long day. Travelling in a large truck with complete with tents and 24 people made it a tricky one for the officials and it only took, six, yes six hours to get through. Nevertheless it was worth it as we drove into Istanbul at the end of a 14 hour drive.
Istanbul, Constantinople, however you want to call it, lived up to its reputation as the bustling
gateway between Europe and Asia. With its crazy mazed streets, colourful bazaars and sweet smells from the waterpipes. The city has an intoxicating feel about it. Passing under the huge minarets of the Blue Mosque and Ayia Sophia you can't help but let your imagination run wild and imagine the city which has played such a huge role in history. Take away the hundreds of tourists and its hard to imagine much has changed. Swap the cars for carts and donkeys and it is probably the same mish mash of people as it was in the past.
During our time in Istanbul we also managed to fit in a side trip to Gallipoli. For those of you who are Australian or Kiwi you will understand the significance of this place so we had to take opportunity to see the place where so many ANZAC soldiers lost their lives. Gallipoli is actually a small area on a peninsula and not a town. The closest town is actually 40kms away.
The area is now a national park and is a huge credit to the Turkish and War Memorial Council. There are numerous spots throughout the peninsula which pay respect to
those who died here.
The graves are beautifully maintained and the eerie feeling as you look down on Anzac Cove and North Beach is unmistakable. As the serene and calm Aegean Sea lapped the beach it is hard not to
feel sad.
Our time in Turkey continues as we are now winding our way down past Ankara to Goreme where the mars like terrain of mountain caves and fairy chimneys await us!
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