We had Russia, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan visas to get before we could leave.  We needed  Kaz. first, so went and collected that... easy, only took  5 days!  Rushed around to Turkmen only to be told that they don't open Mondays, come back tomorrow.  jumped on the bikes and headed into Istanbul to the Russian embassy.  We're getting the hang of Turkish motorcycling.  Many a emergency only lane, many a footpath, pass on left or right, not to mention Ben and I using the exit ramp on the freeway to get to the correct offshoot. Been clipped by a few cars, taxis and busses, but we've clipped a few of them as well.  Pete used to hate riding in Melbourne or Sydney.  He'll never be nervous again.
Mehmet at the bikers club helped us with all sorts of issues.   Helped Ben chase down parts from his lavish office.

Tailan (Taylan?) , in the camo, ran the workshop with Apo and helped us out of all sorts of jams, including riding across to the other side of Istanbul to help Ben who had a flat.  Peter went on the back of Apo's bike and came back hours later, looking years older.

Russian embassy was closed! Come back tomorrow.  Went to Turkmen, had to write a reason for the visit. The guy (Mr Bean lookalike) gave us the words.   We handed them in.  He corrected our spelling and told us to do it again.   Once we passed that test, he gave us the application form.  It was in Turkmen. so we tried our hardest.  He corrected our spelling with a red pen and failed us again.  This is going on while the small office is full of shouting people from small villages all over central Asia.  Finally passed. I think I got a C+. 
Next day, back to Russia with all our forms.  A great big bear of a Russian took us under his ample wing and got us our visas.  took 4 hour. We collected them and headed for the ferry terminal.  We decided to take the ferry to save hours of peak hour madness to get out of town.  The trip was to Yalova. A 2 hour slow ferry.    Below is our last view of Sultanahmet and the mosques.

We rolled off the ferry and headed to Iznik, recommended by Mehmet.   A bit of freeway, and then a hour or so of wonderful winding roads.   Iznik is a holiday destination for Turks, and like most places we've seen, we're about a month early and they're pretty dead... but nice.  Found a hotel opposite the lake and dragged our heavy gear 2 floors up. Our gear is heavy. 
Next morning, loaded up and headed for Goreme in Cappadocia.

One of the prettiest towns and areas in Turkey, or beyond.  3 of us, not Ben who obviously is younger with quicker reflexes were radared and pulled over a km or so down the road.   We were made to stand around for a while, while they checked who was on each bike and who was who.    About 140lire fines for the 3 of us.  We must go to any bank, tax office or post office to pay our fines. If we pay before 15 days, we get a discount.   We figure a 100% discount is looking more probable.    I did take pics, but seem to have misplaced my little camera.   

Peter, Dave and Ben headed off for a day tour of sites around the area.  Underground cities, cathedrals, old villages etc.  I stayed and did about a 6km walk through the valley, unguided.   I wasn't lost, but for a while I didn't know exactly where I was.  One rock looks very much like another and there were no reference points.

It took me 3 hours to get to this spot to take this pic.   From here back to the hotel took 14 minutes, including having a fresh orange drink.   Found a nice little BMW to restore.   Couldn't find the owner, so I'll have to let it go.

Off now to do a bit of washing, check to oil and chain on the bike and maybe a haircut and neck massage at the barbers. 
We head off east tomorrow morning with probably 2 or 3 nights left in Turkey before Iran.   We've met a few other riders heading east by different routes, but will probably meet up at some stage.