Turkey 2012 bike tour - Asia

TURKEY, 'MUSLIM HOSPITALITY'

We knew on the news that Malév, the Hungarian National Airline that we were supposed to fly, had interrupted all operations merely two months before our flight. So, in a twinkling of an eye, apparently without solution, all the arrengements for our near East trip, the hottest geopolitical spot of the planet, were falling apart.

The only thing we could do was trying to recover the expense of plane tickets, which it seemed almost impossible, and look for a new destination. Anyway, we had searched plenty of forums and cycle touring websites and we had discovered Turkey was among the best places for visiting it on a bike for several reasons. However, almost every praise to the Ottoman country was for the warm hospitality of its people.

Besides, It was a good opportunity of wiping out once and for all prejudices against the Muslim culture and the Islamic world, passed on and imposed on by Western society.

During forty-one travelling days we discovered that everything we had listened to and read about Turkish people not only was it true, but it went beyond by far.

In Yenipazar, a couple of young teachers invited us to dinner, and they also offered washing our laundry. Finally, they gave us a set of towels from the famous and prosperous textile industry of Denizli.

In Çal, a little village in Occidental Anatolia, the first person we ask for lodging became the best host you can dream of. He took us in, we were honoured with a  hot water shower and, a delicious dinner and breakfast. Furthermore, he made us a snack of bread, cheese, fruit and sweets for our stage.

There were countless occasions throughout the trip we were stopped along the road for being invited to a cup of tea, for giving us a piece of fruit or, just for having a little chat with us.

Those are a slight demonstration how Turkish people treated us, tearing the idea down that Western regards Muslim countries and their people.

Valid passport for three months since the end of the travel. You can obtain the visa in customs of Istambul´s airport. It is valid for three months (15 Euros).

The greatest danger that implies a bike travel in Turkey is traffic. You have to be very careful in urban areas. Besides, you must extreme precautions in D695 road, between Yalvaç and Şarkikaraağaç.

About vaccination you should visit this website: Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality (Spain).

The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). The best option to exchange money are bureaus de change. The exchange is worse than banks but they do not have commisions.

In the following link: Ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation (Spain), you can find daily updated information about country travel advice.