Computer Says No
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
We all arrived into Bucharest a bit later than expected due to Draculas return to Rasnov castle, so most people had an early night before heading off into town early the next day. The city is filled with large grey buildings and a huge palace, and many of the streets appear to be carbon copies of Paris. The group all headed out for Dinner in Care Du Bere, where we had far too much food and got to watch some local music and dancing as well as drink steins of Beer.
The next day consisted of many sore heads and even Ned was nursing a hangover after taking over a local gig (see Mike’s blog for the video) so most of us just hung around the campsite and played football, Frisbee and read books.
Bulgaria was next on the list as we drove to a wee campsite near Veliko Tarnovo, where an English couple have opened up a great campsite with Wifi and even a full English breakfast. We both had our first hangover of the trip caused by the local firewater Rakiah. The village used to be the Bulgarian capital many moons ago and is great for a wander around before we hit a bushcamp near to the Turkish border, which would become a story in itself.
We all had an early start to reach the Turkish border as this was our first taster of problematic crossings so our fingers were crossed that we could breeze though, which to be honest everybody did, apart from Calypso! A special permit was required due to her not being a truck or a bus, and despite the best efforts of the crew to have the paperwork in place, the computer systems were down and we could not pass go.
So we pitched up at the border for around 6 hours, even managed to sneak in some cups of tea, some lunch and also met a multitude of cars on a rally from Austria to Jordan for charity. They had around £500 to spend on a banger and get to Jordan and the winner of the race, got a camel!
Anyway, we got into Istanbul just in time to grab a kebab and beer before bed, in the basement of a hostel. Glad to say we have no loud snorers in the group, or at least nobody is letting on just yet.
Istanbul is such a contrast to all of Europe, with the Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque right beside the hostel we are able to hear the daily prayer calls. We minced (new word for the group) around the Grand Bazaar and Spice markets and sampled the fish sandwich which was surprisingly tasty, then the adventure began to locate a dentist for Katie. We were sent to a dentist who was insistent on either route canal or removing the tooth! The next attempt was much better but a taxi ride out of town and problem solved. Although the taxi ride on the way back involved an argument with the driver and us jumping out of the taxi and running. Chancer!
The second day in Istanbul we spent the day trying all the different local food.. Pide (Turkish pizza), Turkish delight, Apple tea, fish sandwich and Baklava (possibly a rival to the chocolate ball).
Tonight we saw some whirling dervishes (think Omad Dhajili in a dress spinning around for 30 mins?!), a not so spectacular light show in front of the Blue Mosque and happened upon a local music festival along the water front; Ahirkapi - which celebrates early summer.. all this and we're in bed by 11pm!
Istanbul has been the best city so far, the locals are so friendly and the food is excellent.. would come back in an instant.
P.S. Photos have been updated in the album
P.P.S. Ned has joined the real world after being rescued from Romania, and is looking for friends on facebook, so click the link on the signpost to add him!
The next day consisted of many sore heads and even Ned was nursing a hangover after taking over a local gig (see Mike’s blog for the video) so most of us just hung around the campsite and played football, Frisbee and read books.
So we pitched up at the border for around 6 hours, even managed to sneak in some cups of tea, some lunch and also met a multitude of cars on a rally from Austria to Jordan for charity. They had around £500 to spend on a banger and get to Jordan and the winner of the race, got a camel!
Anyway, we got into Istanbul just in time to grab a kebab and beer before bed, in the basement of a hostel. Glad to say we have no loud snorers in the group, or at least nobody is letting on just yet.
Istanbul is such a contrast to all of Europe, with the Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque right beside the hostel we are able to hear the daily prayer calls. We minced (new word for the group) around the Grand Bazaar and Spice markets and sampled the fish sandwich which was surprisingly tasty, then the adventure began to locate a dentist for Katie. We were sent to a dentist who was insistent on either route canal or removing the tooth! The next attempt was much better but a taxi ride out of town and problem solved. Although the taxi ride on the way back involved an argument with the driver and us jumping out of the taxi and running. Chancer!
The second day in Istanbul we spent the day trying all the different local food.. Pide (Turkish pizza), Turkish delight, Apple tea, fish sandwich and Baklava (possibly a rival to the chocolate ball).
Tonight we saw some whirling dervishes (think Omad Dhajili in a dress spinning around for 30 mins?!), a not so spectacular light show in front of the Blue Mosque and happened upon a local music festival along the water front; Ahirkapi - which celebrates early summer.. all this and we're in bed by 11pm!
Istanbul has been the best city so far, the locals are so friendly and the food is excellent.. would come back in an instant.
P.S. Photos have been updated in the album
P.P.S. Ned has joined the real world after being rescued from Romania, and is looking for friends on facebook, so click the link on the signpost to add him!
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