Back to Turkey.

Today we left the island of Lesvos and the comfort of the Olympia Hotel to head back to mainland Turkey.

The first thing we noticed today was that the temperature had dropped down to 15 degrees, and together with the wind blowing over the sea, it felt like 5 degrees.  We all rugged up with our winter cycling gear and rode down to the harbour to catch the 9am ferry to Aylavik, Turkey. 

Getting through customs took about 1 minute and then we headed for the ship to put the bikes onboard and find a seat out of the wind.  It was freezing down on the docks.  The ship left 5 minutes late and was packed with men and women heading to Turkey to take part in a weekend of playing ‘Bridge’.  Now that sounds like a wild weekend. 

Once we arrived at Aylavik we had to wait at the back of the queue to get through customs.  We had to wait in the freezing cold wind for about 1 hour before we could get inside and get some warmth back into our bodies.  Customs was a simple process and within no time we were on the bikes heading out of town towards Burhaniye.

Burhaniye is about 35kms north from the harbour, but it’s on the way to Cannakale a major attraction for us on this tour.  Some people would know it as the launching pad to reach Gallipoli.

Since we had a short ride today, and together with the ocean crossing and the strong headwinds all morning, we were in no rush to reach Burhaniye.  We stopped at a small town for a nice morning tea and biscuits, just to break up the ride, and we had plenty of time to spare.

Like usual, Len directed us straight to the Pension in town, I quickly had a luke warm shower and put all my warm (not clean) gear on. It’s amazing how long you can wear clothes before they need a wash. 

Dinner was had in a little restaurant which was sheltered from the wind, but it was still very cold.  I was glad to get back to the pension and warm up.  We put the wall heaters on and all the blankets we could find, and put the TV on. Going to relax tonight.

Tomorrow we’re heading along the coast, and hopefully the wind will be kinder to us.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Last day in Mytiline.

Another great sleep which would have gone a lot longer if it wasn't for Len calling out at 9am to get us out of bed. Thankfully he called out or we might have slept till midday. Today we were going to visit the Castle of Mytiline.

There will be no history on this castle other than to say it's much bigger and better than the Castle at Molyvos.  Same type of weird dressed men and women running around a long time ago, trying to be kings and Queens.  Do a google to find out more.

 The photo above was taken inside one of the may rooms of the castle. This room was used for the storage of ammunition.

 The photo above is of the Haman that is inside the castle with the town of Mytiline in the distance.

 The photo above is of the cistern that provided the water for the people who lived in the castle. 

 The photo above is taken from the wall of the castle looking down over the Aegean Sea and Mytiline.

The photo above is of the Haman inside the Castle.

After spending about 2 hours at the castle it was time to walk back into town and get something to eat. We're going to have an early dinner tonight, and get a good nights sleep as we have to get up early to catch the ship back to Turkey. We still have about 400kms to ride before we reach Istanbul with a couple of stops at Troy and Gallipoli as well.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Mytiline to Molivos to Mytiline.

When we got up today the weather had turned nasty.  Actually Peter told me there was thunder and lightning during the night, but I was sleeping like a bear and didn't hear a thing. Instead of riding to Plomari we decided to catch the bus to the other side of the island and visit the seaside town of Molivos. In this part of the world, a town can be spelt 3 different ways.

When I looked outside the hotel it was still raining at 9am, and I was hoping by the time we reached the other side of the island the sun would be out. We walked in the rain to the bus station and caught the 11am bus which took about 1 & 1/2 hours.  The bus left right on 11am and made it's way through narrow villages up over the mountain that overlooks Mytiline.  At stages I thought the bus was going to lose it mirrors or smash into vehicles parked on the kerb in these villages.

Many of the villages had very little to other for the tourists.  A majority of the shops and restaurants were closed due to the end of summer and all the tourists have gone back home.

The landscape was very mountainous and I was glad we were on a bus instead of on the bicycles pushing our heavy bikes up these big mountains.  I think I might just be over mountains. We arrived in Molivos at 12.30pm to a village nestled on the side of a mountain on the shore of the Aegean Sea. 

We headed to a small cafe for a nice sandwich and worked out what we intended to do in this town.  Len and I went for a walk up to the castle and Peter went down to the harbour to have some seafood for lunch.  The walk up to the castle took us up a winding road to the top of the mountain, which once again gave us spectacular views over the harbour and the town. 

When we started the long walk up to the Castle of Methymna, I knew I would looking at something very special.  The history of the castle goes back further than 1128 when the Byzantine castle was taken by the Venetians, and from 1204 to 1287 it was in the possession of Baldwin II of Flanders.  In the late 13th Century, it passed into the control of the Catalans. In 1373, the Genoan Francesco I Gatteluse, who assumed the rule of the island in 1355 following his marriage to the sister of the Byzantine Emperor John Palaiologos, rebuilt the castle.

The castle's strategic position and the protection it afforded the settlement at Molyvos harbor, from which the olive and olive oil were transported, were the main reasons why the Gattelusi dynasty took care to maintain the castle in good, battle worthy condition.

Molyvos is the 2nd largest castle on Lesvos. 

 The above photo was taken down in the town of Molyvos looking up at the Castle of Methymna.

 The above photo is of the Castle of Methymna.

 The above photo was taken whilst walking the huge walls of the castle looking out over the Aegean Sea.

 Once again another photo looking out into the Sea. The sun was trying so hard to break through the clouds, but not today.

After walking the castle we went back into the village where we located Peter.  We went back to the harbour for a cuppa and to enjoy the scenery. The photo above is down at the harbour with all the little cafes nestled right on the edge of the water.

Time was getting on, so we made our way back to the bus station for the 4.30pm trip back to Mytiline. As we made our way back over the mountains we could see that we were heading back into stormy weather. I'm glad we didn't try and ride our bikes today, as it would have been very dangerous and wet.

We got back to the hotel around 6.30pm (1.30am Aussie time) after a long day out to drop off our gear and go back into town.  Tonight we went to the cinema to watch 'Percy Jackson & the Sea Monsters'.  I love going to the cinemas when I go on holidays, and this wasn't that bad if you're into monsters and weird looking creatures popping out of the ocean.  And YES, the humans survived, and the monsters were all destroyed, or maybe not.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring, but it looks like more bad weather is on it's way.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Mytiline and rain.

Our hotel room is up there with the best accommodation so far on tour.  Maria the lady who owns the hotel is extremely helpful and a bubbly person.  If there's anything we need, she goes out of her way to help us out. If you're ever in this neck of the woods, try out Olympia Boutique Hotel.

Now for today.  Last night I was woken by the thunder and lightning which went on for hours.  By the time I work up around 9am it was still raining.  It was our first rest on the island of Lesvos and I didn't care if it rained all day. After breakfast we sat around in the lounge and did some research on the last part of the tour.

In the afternoon we went for a walk of the old town and down to the waterfront for a nice coffee.

 The photo above was taken during our coffee stop down at the harbour of Mytiline.  The ship in the distance happens to be the one Peter and I caught from Piraeus to Chios last week.

With the skies clearing up we walked the old city which at 3pm was basically deserted.  It seems that this island is similar to Italy, an afternoon siesta is a must. The photo above is one of the back streets we walked through with very little traffic.

We went back to the hotel to work on what we are going to do tomorrow. Maria's husband told us how to catch a boat to Perama but it would all depend on whether the ship's owner is sober or drunk. That's great.  I'm sure it will be a walk in the park and we'll arrive in Plomari which is famous for ouzo with no problems at all.  Not sure on how we'll get back.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Bergama, Turkey to Mytiline Greece. 72kms.

After a nice easy day yesterday and a 10 hour sleep last night it was back to riding and onto Greece.  We left the Efsane Hotel around 9am for the 70km ride to the port city of Ayvalik.  This is where we'll catch the ferry over to the Greek island of Lesvos.  If you had asked me a couple of weeks ago whether we'd end up in Lesvos I'd probably would have asked 'where's Lesvos ?"

As we left the town of Bergama we were glad to have a strong tailwind to push us along.  The road conditions were perfect, silky smooth with a huge shoulder to ride on.

In the first hour of riding we covered 26kms which is pretty good for an old man on a heavy bike.  Len was setting a good pace and Peter and I just followed up the rear.  We stopped for a cup of tea at a little cafe to burn some time.  The ship didn't leave until 6pm and we didn't want to arrive at 12noon and have to sit around and be bored waiting. I'm not a person who likes to sit around and do nothing.

Instead of heading straight to Ayvalik, Len took us on another road that took us up this mountain for a spectacular view over the Mediterranean and the town of Ayvalik in the distance.  We had our lunch up the mountain whilst enjoying some incredible views.  Since the summer season is now well and truly over, the amount of tourists in this region has noticeably decreased.  As we rode along the shore we could see camping grounds and aqua parks closed.  The cold weather is on the way and the tourists have gone back home.

 The photo above was taken whilst having our lunch on top of the mountain.

 The photo above was taken whilst having lunch on top of the mountain.

The photo above was taken whilst on the ship heading to Lesvos, Greece.

The photo above was taken whilst waiting for the ship.  This man wanted to try on my glasses and see how the mirror works. He was very impressed.

Once we dropped down from the mountain we followed the coastal route into Ayvalik.  Peter found the booking office and picked up our tickets.  We went and found a coffee shop and chilled for the rest of the day.  It was a long wait for the ship, but considering we had already ridden 72kms, climbed a big mountain, had lunch with some of the best views in the world, I don't think waiting for a ship to take us to a Greek Island is anything to complain about.

The ship sailed at 6pm for the 90 minutes trip across the Mediterranean. We reached Mytilini in darkness and then had to navigate our way to the Olympias Boutique Hotel.  We all had our lights on and had no trouble at all. The hotel is very nice and I'm sure we'll enjoy our 3 days of relaxing before returning back to Turkey for the run into Istanbul.

I have no idea what we're doing tomorrow, other than sleeping in.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Sightseeing in Bergama.

Today was a rest day and I always like them because I get a chance to sleep in.  We had our breakfast at 8.30am and were reading to start our sightseeing an hour later. You can't rush things on a rest day.

We caught a taxi to visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius which is about 3 kilometres south of the Acropolis down in the valley. Asclepius was known as the god of healing. The Ascelpium was approached along a 820 meter colonnaded sacred way. In this place people with health problems could bathe in the water of the sacred spring, and in the patients' dreams Asclepius would appear in a vision to tell them how to cure their illness.

Archeology has found lots of gifts and dedications that people would make afterwards, such as small terracotta body parts, no doubt representing what had been healed. Galen, the most famous doctor in the ancient Roman Empire and personal physician of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, worked in the Ascelpium for many years.  We spent over an hour looking around the site, and although more restoration works need to be completed, the history never ceases to amaze me around this part of the country.

 The photo above is the major walkway once inside the grounds of Ascelpium. 

The photo above is of the amphitheatre and other ruins on the site.  

The 2nd site for the day was the Acropolis on the rock overlooking the city of Bergama. 

Now this is nothing compared to the Parthenon in Athens, but it still worth the visit. One of the major attractions on the mountain was the Great Altar of Pergamon which unfortunately is now in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin. The base of this altar remains on the upper part of the Acropolis. It was perhaps this altar, believed to be dedicated to Zeus, that John of Patmos referred to as  "Satan's Throne" in his Book of Revelation. A smaller frieze on a wall inside the Altar of Pergamon depicted the life of Telphus, son of Heracles and legendary founder of Pergamon.



Other notable structures still in existence on the upper part of the Acropolis include the Hellenistic Theater with a seating capacity of 10,000. This had the steepest seating of any known theater in the ancient world and may others that I won't bore you with at this time.

 The photo above is part of a reconstruction of the altar. 

 The photo above shows the town of Bergama (known as Pergamon) in the distance.

The photo above is part of the Acropolis site.

After visiting the site we caught the cable car back down the mountain.  Because we got a taxi to the top, we didn't have a ticket to catch the cable car down the mountain.  Since no one was on duty checking tickets, we just walked on and took a seat in the car and went down the mountain.  Saved me 5 Aussie dollars that trip.

We walked from the cable car station back into town for a final walk around before returning to the Efsane Hotel.  It was time to do some work on the bikes.  My work involved cleaning the chain and putting some oil on it.  I didn't worry about washing it down as I still have 2 weeks left before we arrive in Istanbul, and I'm on holidays and don't need to rush.

On the way back to the hotel I noticed many people carrying a small packet of donuts.  Since I've been doing a little bit of exercise lately I though I should have a splurge and spoil myself. When we got to pay they wouldn't take any money.  It was suppose to be related to 'Allah' and that today people give food on this special occasion.  I felt bad taking the food as I'm a catholic, but the ladies insisted.

 The photo above are the ladies making the donuts in a street side stall.

After devouring our free donuts we walked about 50 metres and this elderly man stopped Peter and gave him a loaf of bread.  Again he wouldn't take any money.  He then asked us if we wanted a cup a tea and that's what we were tying to find.  We went into the all male tea house and took a seat whilst waiting for our tea.  The tea arrived, I asked how much? and this man indicated that the bill had already been paid.  Now that's hospitality for you.

The photo above was taken at the all male tea house in Bergama.

This 5 minute walk back to the hotel was now taking over an hour. As we got closer to the hotel Peter noticed a lady begging so he gave her the loaf of bread.  It mightn't be much, but at least it's something.

Finally we got back to the hotel, went for swim, cleaned the bike chain, and now going to relax and do nothing for the rest of the day.

Tomorrow we start the ride to Ayvalik where we will catch the ferry to Lesvos, Greece. 

Until tomorrow, safe riding.

Aliaga to Bergama. A windy 40kms.

Today was always going to be a nice ride to lead us into our rest day at Bergama some 40kms away. 

As soon as we left Aliaga we had a great road and a nice tailwind.  The wind was changing all day hitting us from the side and eventually a strong headwind for the final 10kms into Bergama. Nice roads, gentle hills and a sunny sky overhead, made it another great day on the bike.

As I've mentioned so many times, we must have our morning tea break everyday, and today was no exception.  Len found a good stop at the service station.  The shop was closed but there was a urn on a table outside with hot water and hot tea.  I poured myself a cup and waited for the attendant to come over.  He was just like the man yesterday, wouldn't take a cent for the tea and all he wanted was for us to love his country and be safe.

Back on the bike for the final 25kms to our final destination.  Now the wind was hitting us from the east and this meant it would be a strong headwind as we got off the main highway and headed to Bergama.  I didn't care as I see any hard work good work, but that only applies to cycling of course.

We rode into town around 11.30am and Len directed us straight to the Efsane Hotel which is very nice.  Peter and I have a nice room with all the mod cons, and there's a swimming pool on the top floor.  After changing into my costumes I went upstairs and dived in.  Oh my God, talk about taking your breath away.  It was so cold I lasted for about 2 minutes and I had to get out.  At least I can say I went for a swim in Turkey.

We all went for a walk up town and Peter went to a Haman for a massage.  I opted out and went with Len for a walk.  I took my famous knife with us, the one that was responsible for causing the ship to be delayed out of Italy a couple of weeks ago.  I went into a butcher's shop and got the guy to sharpen the knife.  A great job and that should cut the tomatoes up nicely now. 

Tomorrow we have a rest day and will do some sightseeing.

 The photo above is the elderly butcher's father sharpening my knife.

 The photo above is the route we have covered thus far.  Pretty impressive.

The photo above is of a dual electric scooter.  I know someone who would love one of these.

 The photo above is of the butcher with my knife.  The blade is still inside the knife.

The photo above is of the service station attendant at morning tea time.  We are amazed at how beautiful the Turkish people are to us.  Even after dinner tonight we were walking next door to our hotel and as we said hello to the group of women they offered us a sweet called 'Turkish delight'.

Well, we had another fantastic day and met more beautiful people. To say I've been enriched on this journey is an understatement.  I learnt a lot from the people I've met, and the people I've travelled with.

Until tomorrow, safe riding.