Its our last night in Turkey and tomorrow we either enter Iran or Iraq.
Today we stopped for lunch in a fairly large town and lots of kids started milling around our bikes while were trying to order some food. Then some older teens joined them and then some of the kids reported that my tank bag containing my canon camera, zoom lens, good glasses and my leatherman tool had been ripped of the bike. I spent 4 hours at the police station while they questioned 2 of the kids who finally spilt the beans on one of the older guys. They tracked him down and arrested him and located my bag, camera and lens; nothing else. it took hours for the process of filling out forms and charging the crim! Got to know the guys at the station pretty well. Undercover guys, all packing serious side arms. No English at all, but we all had a good time. One guy rang his sister in Sydney so I could have a talk to someone in English. At least I have the camera. The Turkish police did a great job, going to this effort for a camera. There were about 4 or 5 on the case and got the result in a few hours.
Earlier in the day we visited the famous rock carvings up on Nestin Yeri. They date back from the ancient Greeks are at the top of a 2000m mountain. You'll need to Google for more info
On the ferry across a lake heading to the scene of the crime.
There may be a delay before the next blog as we're not sure of the internet freedom in Iraq or Iran.
Paul,
ReplyDeletethere is defenitly something wrong with your photogear.
Good luck in Iran/Irak. I'll be waiting for your stories, hope you find internet, freedom. . . .
How is the clutch doing?
cheers, Huub.
Turkey is a bit different to Melbourne - I haven't been robbed for weeks! Marilyn called me this morning to have a chat about which was safer - Iran or Iraq. The news has been full of Iraqi bombings tonight but we agreed that local knowledge was the best guide and you blokes should be getting plenty of it. It's a bit late now, but she also asked for a character reference for Paul.
ReplyDeleteAll is well here although just that bit quieter without Rob and Andrea in town. We scored some of their last minute junk which included a blender (I've wanted one for years) and a vacuum cleaner for Amanda.
It's getting colder with greatly reduced light in the mornings and evenings. We've had a bit or rain which is good and, Pete, Marilyn told me it was scheduled to rain up your way today as well.
Sandy asks after you at Mihn Mihns. Intimate lunch last week with myself, Kingsbury, Rob and Ian Falloon. Motorcycle Trader's "Three Challenge" has started with three teams (Kingsbury and Rob; Guy and Ian; Chappo and Chris Harris, MT's new assistant editor) each being given $3333 to spend on an all-rounder bike which will be judged by myself and Cam. There will be tears.
No news of Cam. The Northwest 200 was a washout but although he was around eighth fastest in the practice sessions, he didn't appear in the top ten results for the superstock and 600 class races. He may have just decided to be sensible in the wet.
It's a pity about the theft in that I'm sure you all only have good things to say about Turks generally. The Istanbul bikers are a hoot.
I'll be visiting Steve over the weekend so will report on his progress then. Stay out of trouble.