Istanbul - Bursa (30km)
Trip Start
May 23, 2009
1
22
Trip End
Ongoing
Bursa, Bursa, Turkey
Saturday, May 23, 2009
So I'm back on the road. Left Istanbul a little late after some last minute fine tuning and ensuring my calories were up to the task ahead by consuming satisfying amounts of the amber nectar (see Efes).
Very difficult to leave a place and especially some people that have become a part of me. You all know who you are and you will never be forgotten. I take a part of you as I leave a part of myself.
I left Istanbul on Saturday afternoon with Ilyas, my kapıcı from Sinan Akgun, waving me off. I couldn't have left if there had been more believe me. Leaving is the hardest thing in the world!
The good thing about cycling is that you have to keep looking forward. I cycled to the bike shop behind Carousel and left them my old SPD pedals and shoes. One of the guys there then led me 10km down the road to the Yenikapı ferry boat. I'd already bought my ticket on Friday from the Taksim Metro station but I had to pay an extra 4TL for the bike. I boarded and sat next to a guy from Greece who was travelling to Bursa with his uncle. Family connections already.
90 minutes later we arrived in Mudanya and immediately after leaving the car park I started my first arduous climb for a long time. It took me about an hour up and 5 minutes to fly down the other side. BURSA!! Rakim 155m :)
Onto Bursa and I met up with some old friends. We went to Arap Shukru on Saturday night where I enjoyed my favourite fish, Çupra, at Deniz Tabağııııı. Thanks for a great night guys.
Yesterday we met up with more friends for afternoon drinks followed by a delicious roast dinner. Thanks alot Ruth and Caroline. That should just set me up nicely :)
"A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it" George Moore (cheers Nilay)
Comments
Hello
Hi Michael,
I'll follow your ride to China from your blog. I think you are in Bolu now. How are the things going? I hope everything will go as planned before by you. To finish this great marathon you have started. The important thing is to start and to persevere! You have got the necessary qualities to cope with the hurdles you'll meet during this great personal challenge! My heart is with you!
Best wishes Michael
ilhan ates
Re: Hello
Hi Ilhan,
Thanks for your kind words. I'm now in Samsun taking another break. Next I'll be cycling along the Black Sea Coast.
All the best
Michael
Hiya!
Hiya bro! Think I might have finally found out how to leave you a message! Anyway, hope you are doing ok, speak soon! Love yaxxx
Exams jams and Students
Hi Michaeal
good to read your travel pod, sounds exhilarating. Well we have almost come the the end of this teaching block phuuuuuuuh, i won't miss these sts. Then its a short wait until our summer holls. Ahamet and i are going to see the japaneese drummers tonight Kodo.
Have fun
Alan