I wish I had something exciting to write about today… Oh Wait! We’re on the road again! Isn’t that exciting enough? . Having had to cut all the exciting sites we were going to see, yesterday, today and the next 2 days are nothing more than transit days: no interesting sites, no exceptional roads, scenery or countryside planned, and as such the posts will be short.
Today we were able to made steady progress again, riding a further 200 km to Erzincan. The 3 hour journey first passed through what remained of the high green plateau surrounding Erzurum before easing into a small river valley, petering out shortly before Erzincan. The weather was clement, despite a few drops of rain. By the time 1PM rolled around, we were checked into the comfortable Grand Hotel Burucu. There is nothing truly “grand” about it, but private bathroom with western toilet is definitely a couple steps up from yesterday’sshared “turkish” style loo.
Our guidebook blatantly dismisses Erzincan as a place fit only to change busses. Perhaps is it a reflection on the lack of tourist attractions only, for we are finding the little town of 18,000 rather pleasant. Far more at any rate than Erzurum. After lunching on manti (dumplings similar to chinese Jiaozi), a very welcome change from kebab and pide, we discovered, wonder of wonders that there was tv channel showing an episode of PRİSON BREAK in english! We had found our afternoon activity.
All in all a nice but uneventful day. Perhaps the best thing today happened just before heading out from Erzurum. We were packed up, sat astride the bikes ready to go when a guy came by with an entire platter of fresh baklava. Despite our protests, he insisted on stuffing a few down our throats; that our helmets made eating these treats nigh impossible didn’t seem to make much of a difference to him (see photo above)… so we ate! There is really nothing like Turkish hospitality!
hey you two
we will leave beijing on monday and be “on the road” ourselves for the next seven weeks. we will therefore probably not be able to follow your journey on a regular basis anymore. have a safe rest of your trip and a great party in istanbul!
hugs,
saskia & erik
Dear Mark and Clarisse,
Istanbul weather is absolutely lovely and the forecast is sun, sun and more sun. We are waiting to welcome you here in a few days and of course to celebrate.
I am reading the novel “Snow” by Orhan Pamuk, which takes place in Kars. Just anticipating reading it should cool you down.
Please bring us some baklava. See you Saturday, if not before.
Darling we hope your hand does’nt heurt too much. When will you have to change bandage? And if so, where? We are looking forward tremendously to see you in person with an improoving hand! Your road descriptions are fascinating, we enjoy them very much. Sending you our love together with Clarisse Mama Bojo
yummy… and Turkish food!!!! .. Can hardly wait! that you too will be there, it is an added bonus!!!
Just watch the last few “meters” , “az ördög nem alszik!!!” (sounds Turkish) much love , the FORCE is still with you..
The food, the drink, the people. Ride safe and enjoy a great life time experience!!