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I caught the red-eye bus to Istanbul and found a roof to sleep on for tonight. Dreadnought and our camping gear accompanied me because i don't trust the mail and because i may yet go for a tour of the Agean coast in a couple of weeks... I checked out Aya Sofia (orthodox cathedral turned mosque) today and it is hands-down the most beautiful building i have ever seen. I took many photos so hopefuly a couple of them will do justice to the place. Apart from that i've been super vigilant to avoid getting ripped off by various people. That's about it for me. I'm in good health and spirits and looking forward to exploring more of the city in the coming weeks. I should have known that i wouldn't last a month in Istanbul! I've been here for a less than a week and although i've seen, eaten, smoked, drunk and heard amazing things, i've gotta hit the road. Having spoken to French and German cycle-tourists, as well as numerous backpackers, i've devised an itinerary which will hopefuly avoid busy roads and will give me all sorts of spectacular views. My plan is to catch a ferry across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and from there bike west towards Gallipoli, then south past Troy and towards Izmir. I'm not sure how far i will get down the Agean coast but there are regular buses back to Istanbul so if things get too spicy i'll head back. Since the end of european tourist season is imminent, the traffic should be much better on this leg of the trip. |