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
Big Trip Day 25 – Istanbul
I strolled down to the Galata Bridge again this morning. As in many cities, the streets are like a gallery depicting the full spectrum of poverty and wealth, of fortune and misfortune, of happiness and despair. I tried to capture the essence of the city in my notes at the time: …minarets of many mosques, … Continue reading Big Trip Day 25 – Istanbul
Big Trip Day 24 – Istanbul
The first notes for today were recorded in a cafe at the Galata Bridge, where I enjoyed an early afternoon beer. I had spent the morning wandering around the city, soaking up the sights and sounds. It was so noisy and vibrant, the characterful hawkers broadcasting the wonders of their wares, the man playing his … Continue reading Big Trip Day 24 – Istanbul
Big Trip Day 23 – Ipsala to Istanbul
It has always been part of my personal narrative, my autobiographical memory, that I ended up in Istanbul by mistake. My original destination was Athens, but I could not find the right road out of Saloniki. That is how I found myself on the road to Istanbul - by getting lost. We know about the … Continue reading Big Trip Day 23 – Ipsala to Istanbul
Big Trip Day 22 – West of Xanthi to near Ipsala
Well, that was a very cold and uncomfortable night! Up at 05.00 hrs and on the road by 06.30 hrs. First lift was in a jeep, followed by a bone-shaking ride in a truck that took me as far as Xanthi. Never mind the bumpy ride, the scenery was lovely. And, compared to yesterday, the … Continue reading Big Trip Day 22 – West of Xanthi to near Ipsala
Psychologist on the Move 