Cem Hotel Samsun

... rooms as they were ın the old ottoman´s times. Just beautiful and very special

On the way to Amasya, we have been loosing our way sometimes completely. Its a big country and all people are very helpful, even ıf they cannot read a map.

... attention. Small villages are often seen, but not really beautiful. Sometimes you see fishermen catching fish other industry has not been seen and the coast line is not invıting for a beach weekend.

We have been arrivıng at the surprise of the day at a small countryside hotel, that is run byy a Turkish / Japanese couple. It loverlooks the bay of Sinop and is absolutely cozy and nice. We just enjoyed the shower, or bath in a bubbling tub and then a nice dinner.

There were a few noises through the night but nothing prepared me for the bird attack.  In the early hours of the morning a crow started up it's cawing racket and something struck the tent where my head was.  The crow went on cawing and I went back to sleep.  Luckily I've been using the outer sheet since it rained so there was no contact with my head but when I checked the sheet the next day ...

... meat).

My legs were tiring but I did a bit more climbing before a 20km downhill into Samsun.

I found a room in a good family run hotel and this will be my third night. I've had a good look around Samsun, where Ataturk started his Independence War in 1919 and even went for a swim in the Black Sea today. Back on the bike tomorrow heading for Rize which I should reach by June 15th.

... a mig fer i a mig caure, que donen la idea d un present ben tenue. Hi ha molts homes espatllats i cada cop es mes rar tenir totes les dents. Per sobre els espigons de rocs negres, creixen ben altes les males herbes, entre els llambordins de morter gris, en un passeig de fanals escarransits, sense inagurar, on amb prou feines queden bombetes. Arribant a Trabzon surt una ullada de sol per posar un toc de poesia.

... Samsun to remark on.

At Patnos, the morning following the last post, the weather looked dodgy/ I didn't want to go on to Malazgirt and try continuing on. On the other hand, I didn't want to be so close and not visit that historic place. So I decided to make a side trip of it, return to Patnos, then continue on.

The Turkish Travel Pixies were early at work. When I arrived at the dolmus stand at the edge of town there was a dolmus with a Malazgirt sign in the ...

... the successful outcome of which led to the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic. I figured all the accommodations in Samsun would be filled. So my plan was to sleep over in Amasya, then take the bus early in the morning to Samsun.

So, all I did in Amasya this time was to climb back up to the Kale (castle ruins, high over the town), spend time up there looking around until just enough light remained to find my way back ...

... explain the exhibits and practice her english, but i still got the gist of what was going on. I dont think itd have been too bad living in 1896 Ottaman lifestyle - they had bathrooms, beds, ********, heating, sofas - all v comfy looking in fact. Not bad, not bad at all. Plus the Ordu one had a v nice back garden with get this - a barbie - Ottaman style of course - there too. I wonder whats the turkish phrase for "Throw some shrimps on the barbie Brucie" Could it be ...

... by manequins in a sort of typical everyday pose. Interesting. Then some lentil soup for lunch before heading back to TZ - as u may recall my plans to reach Rize first then go to TZ were thwarted by one of those nefarious mud tracks. Damn those mud tracks. So now that Im in Giresu Ive offically left Far Eastern Anatolia. Despite its ****** roads and sometimes bitter weather - Ill miss it. Some random images to ponder - loads of shoeshine chaps in ...

... the water was remarkably warm. There was volleyball net so a competitive game of beach volleyball started. (By competitive I meant no rally longer than two hits and lots of clangers). It was good fun and the driver and the steward also joined in. By the time we got to our hotel, ten minutes from Samsun, it was late and as both the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide said Samsun was ***** we stayed at the hotel. Tea Count 2. Kebab Count 1.5. Bread Count (enough to feed a small nation)