Trabzon is a colourful place.  A(n) (in)famous port on the black sea with an ancient history as part of the silk road, its streets are a thriving hub of markets, street food, knock-off football shirts and hostels that double as brothels (first hand experience).  You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Mos Eisley.   …

This could potentially be one of the most difficult hitches to date, but buoyed by our recent success in Turkey, we fearlessly marched out a little later than recommended for such time and distance.  Goreme is nearly just one road in and out, so it was a simple task to walk to our first spot.  With …

Look at any travel brochure or website for visiting Turkey and you’re almost guaranteed that they lead with a picture of this place.  The mythical, magical wonderland of Cappadocia.  You’re basically on a Star Wars set.  In fact, George Lucas himself took inspiration from this fairy tale land for scenes in his epic space saga. …

Something to put you off your dinner.  I discovered this little gem while scouring through my new favourite website; Atlas Obscura.  Hidden away in a pottery shop in Avanos, Cappadocia, is The Museum of Hair.  A carpet of female only strands of mane adorn the walls and ceiling of the cavernous ceramic emporium, hanging down like …

Antalya is a dump.  Actually to be honest I’ve got no idea whether it is or not because I’ve not left the crap hotel we’re staying in save to eat and be taught pool by a German master.  However, when cutting through town the first day we arrived I’ve turned to Olivia and said; “we’re …

I’ve picked up a companion!  For the first time since Germany, I will be hitching the next few legs with a partner in crime.  Olivia is a friend I made in Istanbul, and for some reason she wants to accompany me for a while on this crazy adventure.  So for the next few entries, it’s …

Istanbul was taking hold.  For reasons that will be saved for the book I’d been spending too much Lira on a private room, or chain-smoking harsh, Turkish tobacco alone on a roof.  The sun had gone from both my sky and the actual one, so it was high time to pick myself up and push …

If one had but a single glance upon the world, one should gaze on Istanbul. What  could I possibly write about this city that hasn’t already been said?  I’m not even going to try.  A fool’s errand.  At 14 odd million, Istanbul is the 5th largest city in the world, and it’s absolutely incredible.  It …

OK so I’ve cheated a bit. In order to cram in a few more sites (including my beloved communist party headquarters) I’ve taken the bus to Plovdiv, technically breaking the hitch rule of not paying for transport when I travel to a new place. It was only a few miles though I promise. And yet after …