Gün 12

It wasn't that easy, but it wasn't hard either, and we're here at the shore of the Marmara Sea, with tired legs bathed in salty water, dirty bikes, dirty clothes, but we're happy, satisfied, calm and above all, healthy.

But until we got here, we had to cycle one last day. At 9 AM we packed up on Turkish cheeses, tomatoes and all sorts of goodies, and packed up during a refreshing summer shower, made our plans for the day and got on our bikes. The local mayor, who meanwhile visited us in the morning and the previously mentioned head school mistress both waved us goodbye when we left off. And of course we had the police accompanying us when we left the wonderful Pehlivanköy.

We climbed a few hills, and stopped in the first village. As soon as we stopped people started gathering around us, and of course we were instantly invited for tea. Menawhile the mayor of the hamlet teamed up with us, we found out that the Hayrabolu and Tekirdag mayors are his friends, so he decided to accompany us for a while.

He accompanied us to the first city, where, at our great surprise, took Zsolt in his car and went with him to buy 40 köftes. While we were waiting for them at a gas station, a kind veterinary pulled up next to us and began inquiring who we were and what were doing. We told them a little bit, when all of the sudden he went away, and then came back with five large bags of local specialties, the best kind, for us. That's one thing that rarely happens at home.

And then Zsolt and the mayor got back with the köftes and a police car. While eating it turns out that the car was sent by the Tekirdag mayor to accompany us. Which they did, in the own special way. But we before tell more about that, we have to tell about the rain that was pouring, not affecting our morale though, for we could almost feel the sea gently waving ahead of us.

Taking short breaks we arrived to Tekirdag, where, no kidding, we arrived as perhaps the quests of a president would, in the sunshine. With police cars in front and behind us, and policeman at every roundabout directing the traffic just for us. They took us all the way to the city center, where the mayor invited us for dinner in probably one the city's best köfte restaurants.

After the köfte and the rice pudding, with police accompaniment, naturally, marched into our hotel, right by the sea. Our rooms have a view of the sea, so it will be great to wake up. The sea is unfortunately a bit messy because of the rain. Everyone is grooming themselves and getting clean now, enjoying the the comforts of the bed, so we won't be sending messages today either. Tomorrow is the time for taking a walk in Tekirdag, and hopefully after some bathing we'll get out messaging abilities back. Until then, enjoy today's pictures.