A strange kind of day, mostly spent just waiting for my boat to come in. No sign of Godot. And no little fishes in little dishes. I probably spent most of the time sitting in cafes by the harbour. I romanticised about having a small business as a fisherman and poet. I guess both involve … Continue reading Big Trip Day 35 – Waiting in Antalya
Author: Derek Lee
I was born in Croydon, South London and eventually settled in Northamptonshire. After more than 30 years as a clinical psychologist in the NHS, my welcome retirement finds me dabbling in bits and pieces - e.g., writing, running, martial arts and photography.
Big Trip Day 34 – Alanya to Antalya
Today's post will be short and as sweet as lokum. I was on the road for about two and a half hours when I picked up a lift in a truck that took me the 3 hours all the way to Antalya. It was a lovely ride along the coast road... ...blue sea breaking white … Continue reading Big Trip Day 34 – Alanya to Antalya
Big Trip Day 33 – Anamur to Alanya
As I get deeper into my reminiscences about this hitch-hiking trip across Europe (and a bit of Asia), so I find myself becoming more whimsical in my writing. In a sense there are two journeys unfolding here - that of 1973 and the reliving of it in 2025. Fifty-two years separate the two journeys. The … Continue reading Big Trip Day 33 – Anamur to Alanya
Big Trip Day 32 – Anamur
Today is a quiet day, so I thought it would be good to provide a quick summary of the trip so far - what you might call an overland overview. I hit the road at 10.00 hrs this morning, full of enthusiasm. [Well, this last bit is not actually recorded in my travelogue, just a … Continue reading Big Trip Day 32 – Anamur
Big Trip Day 31 – Tasucu to Anamur
Unusually, I did not have any difficulties trying to find my way out of town this morning. I set off at around 09.45 hrs, and after about 20 minutes I found myself drinking tea at a makeshift hut just off the road. There were many times on this trip when I was plied with free … Continue reading Big Trip Day 31 – Tasucu to Anamur
Big Trip Day 30 – Cumra to Tasucu
A good start to the day, hitting the road about 10.00 hrs and picking up a lift in a truck to my requisite junction. There was quite a long walk after that and around midday I sat in the shade with a group of garage workers for about half an hour. I soon found a … Continue reading Big Trip Day 30 – Cumra to Tasucu
Big Trip Day 29 – Konya to Cumra
This morning began with the usual ritual of trying to find my way out of town. I seemed to be surrounded by carts and horses and mopeds with trays and small vehicles like milk floats. I picked up a lift in a truck that to me about 50 km to the junction I needed for … Continue reading Big Trip Day 29 – Konya to Cumra
Big Trip Day 28 – Konya and Sille
Building on the toothing stone I left at the end of my previous post, after checking into the not quite luxurious Otel Yazim, I enjoyed tea and oranges with the hotel manager - shades of Suzanne by Leonard Cohen. I explored the historic town of Konya, which was located on the road from Istanbul to … Continue reading Big Trip Day 28 – Konya and Sille
Big Trip Day 27 – Yalova to Konya
It is good to introduce the map feature again after being away from my laptop for a few days. I would hate to think you were feeling as lost and disoriented as I was at times. And of course, if you purchased the special edition my map of Europe to put on your wall, together … Continue reading Big Trip Day 27 – Yalova to Konya
Big Trip Day 26 – Istanbul to Yalova
Today marks the start of Volume 2 of my travelogue. Well, ok then, I started a new notebook to capture my thoughts on this journey. I hear some of those thoughts have wanted to escape for years, but at least now they are getting a bit of fresh air. It is quite difficult to untangle … Continue reading Big Trip Day 26 – Istanbul to Yalova
Psychologist on the Move 