The Marshrutka Experience Will Stay With Me For Life
The driver’s wearing a leather jacket, thick material. I think, “that’s too hot inside this cramped vehicle, it must be for the …
Discovering Armenia - A Gem in the Caucasus
I arrived in Yerevan last Wednesday. I have been staying with some wonderful new friends who work at the French Embassy. From the first village after …
My First Impressions of the Georgian Language
The women I work with at the Georgian school chirp away in the interesting-sounding language that is Georgian. The unusual bold combinations of sounds …
Why Was Tbilisi Such a Beautiful City in Deep Winter?
When Sylvester, the Polish cyclist we met on Christmas Day in Batumi was explaining that conditions were difficult for local people in Georgia, coping …
Cold Nights and Notes from Sinop
I smell pretty terrible but I’ve got a fishing boat to sleep on tonight and I have just bought a new blanket which I hope will keep me warm. The …
Cycling the Black Sea Coastline of Turkey in the Dark
The other day I was cycling towards Trabzon. We cycled in a number of dark, ominous looking tunnels. I’m cycling along, and then there it is, …
How I Ending Up Staying on the Turkish National Skin-Diving Instructors Fishing Boat
Although people are helpful and friendly, we often get looked at like we have three heads. I find it funny, and it’s completely harmless and …
Looking East and West in Istanbul
I am in Kadikoy on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. We have reached Asia by bike! Today commences our third week in Istanbul. It is a multi-layered and …
Getting Romania in View
We arrived in Romania a couple of days ago. We crossed the border and had a long night after realising we had crossed at the wrong place and had to …
What to do Whilst Waiting for Wheels to Arrive in Istanbul
Staying with a family on the way to Istanbul. We arrived in Istanbul after cycling along a dangerous highway, through 75km of suburban sprawl, which …