Just thought you would like to know I finally crossed the bridge and I FINISHED MY WALK!!
It has taken a long wait (but I've been pretty busy*) since I first arrived in Istanbul until I could post this - but yesterday I walked across the Bogazici bridge in Istanbul which spans the Bosphorus between the European and Asian continental plate…
"I'm walking to Istanbul" I say.
"Ok . . . . Why?" is the usual response.
The idea was sparked a few years ago and consolidated by a book and some very itchy feet. The original conversation was in a pub (of course) and somehow resulted in me stating that I'd like to walk to Africa. The quick route (France, Spain + boat) didn't seem like enough of a trip and the long route was riddled with wars, problems for solo female travellers and financially too big a mountain. So I plumped for …
The idea was sparked a few years ago and consolidated by a book and some very itchy feet. The original conversation was in a pub (of course) and somehow resulted in me stating that I'd like to walk to Africa. The quick route (France, Spain + boat) didn't seem like enough of a trip and the long route was riddled with wars, problems for solo female travellers and financially too big a mountain. So I plumped for another continent that begins with A - hence Istanbul where Europe meets Asia.
I guess I've been planning it for about 3 years in terms of turning my finances around and saving up. But the start date was eventually decided by a desire to be on my way by my 30th birthday and to reach the Alps for spring. I have no idea how far my money will get me but if needs be I'll try and pick up work where I can.
I leave Falmouth with my friend Dave and we walk the coast path to Plymouth, take the ferry to Roscoff and then head to the western tip Pointe du Raz. From there we are heading East on foot, via Paris where I drop Dave off, then I head on to the Alps and northern Italy. The route is completely flexible and so far planned along the grand randonee routes that already exist.
So best foot forward (that's my left foot, the right is nothing but trouble!)
Just thought you would like to know I finally crossed the bridge and I FINISHED MY WALK!!
It has taken a long wait (but I've been pretty busy*) since I first arrived in Istanbul until I could…
As promised I've upgraded from 2 legs to wheels and the blog is going the same way. So please head here http://razistan.wordpress.com/ to follow the next journey. See you there or somewhere P…
So İt's been a long time since I wrote anything here. The argument in my head was that this a had been a story about walking and travelling and that in reaching Istanbul I was no longer doin…
Ank and Niek Brederode, Bretagne
Hi Raz, thank you for your postcard in perfect Français. I never thought you would arrive in Istanbul, proficiat. Your way back is also bywalking? Or are you already back in England?
Séverine Colin
Bravo Raz!!!!
On est très touchés par ta carte et surtout très fiers de toi.C'est incroyable ce que tu as fait!Tiens-nous au courant de tes futurs projets et n'hésite pas à passer, il y aura toujours une Guiness qui t'attendra dans le frigo!Contents d'avoir été sur ta route...Max,sacha, denis, séverine
Barbara Sorgato
Hi Nic,
thank you for your nice postcard. I told to my kids: this is Nic, the girl I hosted this summer, when you were in Germany. She is the one walking from UK to Istanbul!
They said: "cool" and hang it at the entrance of our flat.
Ciao from bergamo (Italy)
Rob Lewis
Nice to meet you today! I feel a mixture of envy and admiration for your great exploit. Enjoying reading the blog now. If you decide to stay here, I will try and help you find work. Rob (the teacher on the ferry).
Nikolas I miss you NicRaz
re: Beating-up my host Nikolaos over Serres!Alex Haha funny :) You've invented new kind of entertainment.
re: you pressed the wrong button!Jaruwan I miss you Nicola... How are you doing now?
re: Retro bike choicevalentina :))))! Valentina
re: Picollo Samuelo saying goodbye to me - loudly!Niaina Congrats my dear. Big hug from Bosnia and Herzegovina
re: Merhaba İstanbulBenjamin Lind i actually slept in this building, when a friend and i walked to istanbul last fall ;) (from zürich), best
re: photo from 21 September 2012marta +!
re: photo from 09 January 2013marta +!
re: The road is long . . . .Rob Lewis Nice to meet you today! I feel a mixture of envy and admiration for your great exploit. Enjoying reading the blog now. If you decide to stay here, I will try and help you find work. Rob (the teacher on the ferry).
re: All white in İstanbul!Emma Cullen Epic journey. Now you should get some wheels and ride to the other big A. I need a new camp chef, the current one is rubbish.
re: All white in İstanbul!sevilay sezer Hey congrats sweatheart you overcame this challenge with great success :) Welcome to our marvelous city :) i-s-t-a-n-b-u-l ....
re: All white in İstanbul!