The return: Turkey

We arrived in Istanbul ready for our return to Europe. It was a welcoming feeling being back after 2 years and many experiences. Istanbul felt calm and homely.

Following the border of Iraq, valleys, rivers, checkpoints we reached Hakkari, the most remote city in Turkey.

Mardin is a mixed city with old and new, Christian, Muslim and other cultures mixed. It has a great bazar, great view and relaxed atmosphere.

In Kale we camped at a hotel before heading into the mountains and into Mesopotamia to reach the cities of Mardin and Diyarbakir.

From Cappadocia we rode smaller roads through the mountains until we reached the main road to Malatya. We had nice encounters with people along the way.

We were woken up by the sounds of hot air Balloons at 5am. A great way to wake up :-)

From Guzelyurt we took nice small roads to Goreme, over gravel roads through tiny villages and past old Greek houses remembering the population exchange of 1924. We ended up wild camping in Goreme in the midst of one of the valleys. Very beautiful.

We spent a day walking up the Ihlara Valley from Selime to Ihlara. It was a nice green and lush valley with many churches in the rocks made by the monks.

We left Ankara going south to Guzelyurt.

We followed the old main road to Ankara passing Nallihan, Beypazari and reaching Ankara.

We followed the old main road to Ankara passing Iznik, Göynük and other small towns on the way.

We stayed with Ali and Family on the Asian side of Istanbul. Ali and Family took great care of us.

Istanbul is making a wonderful impression on us. We were shown around by a former colleague of Martin and loved wondering around in the bazaar area.

Wuhuu, we have reached Turkey! Major experience for us. Also traveling on big roads was an adventure. Adrenaline levels were up!