Off to Greece

The border crossing from Georgia back to Turkey was a bit turbulent. After three weeks in Georgia, we had gotten used, as far as possible, to the Georgian driving style and the resulting traffic situations. So we were not surprised that at the border there was only one counter open for four lines of cars. Since it was very hot outside and there was no escape from the sun in the line, everyone was in a hurry to get ahead. One of the cars behind us was in a particularly hurry and seemed to believe that he would get ahead faster if he drove very close to the car in front of him. Lucas pointed out loudly and clearly that he should keep a proper distance. But his impatience was so great that he didn't care much about it. Instead, he pushed another car behind us so much that it unfortunately collided with us. Not much happened, the light of the bicycle carrier was broken. But it was about the principle and we were angry! This was followed by a wild shouting match in three different languages between us, the five occupants of the car responsible for our light, and the impatient driver. When he then made another move with his car to the front in the midst of the heated discussion and almost trapped Lucas between the cars, we had enough and involved the border police. From then on, things went well for us. We were able to note on a cigarette packet the amount of compensation the impatient driver could give us. Half an hour later, we could finally continue.

Back in Turkey, we drove to Ayder, a very touristy place in the Kackar Mountains. From here, we wanted to finish our hike, which we had to abort last time due to heavy snow and bad weather, from this different starting point.

We spent four days in the mountains. This time we were really lucky with the weather. However, there was even more snow than we wanted, so we had to deviate from the hiking trails in some places. So it was four very beautiful but also damn exhausting days. But the feeling of standing at 3500 meters and the clear nights at the mountain lakes were worth every effort!

While we peacefully and exhaustedly slept in our tent at the mountain lake, unfortunately events occurred in Istanbul and Ankara that, as it increasingly turns out, have significant consequences for the people in Turkey. We did not directly notice any of the unrest in Ayder or other places in Turkey where we were. But the awareness of the situation and the unpredictability of it, still led us to drive from Ayder to the Greek border within four days...that was a lot of driving! But we had two very nice overnight stays on the Black Sea coast at Persembe and Sinop. After that, we continued to Lake Iznik (Gölu = Lake) for another overnight stay and then in one last day trip to Greece.

Greece is comparatively expensive and very touristy, which is of course no surprise in July! But the beaches are amazing! After enjoying a fresh octopus and a pleasant evening in Thessaloniki, we set off for one of the Halkidiki peninsulas, which turned out to be quite awesome. Super beaches with turquoise water and wild camping right on the beach - it can't get any better for us! We spent three days there working on our tan and then headed to Meteora. Right now, we are sitting on a small campsite with a view of some spectacular rocks (Lucas describes them as icing on the cake, only in brown). Some of the rocks have monasteries on their summits, which is the really special thing - the icing on the cake, so to speak!

Finally, we would like to give a big shout out to our refrigerator, which manages to keep its contents at a cool 7 degrees despite 55 degrees in the bus (and rising). Respect!

We will continue to Albania tomorrow, we are very excited :)

See you soon, Lucas and Henni