There is a big thunderstorm outside

The sky was totally black when I passed a small town called Osmaeli. Then I spotted a “Otel” sign and decided to stop here. Normally I should have continued till Bilecik, but I already cycled 110 km today, and the road starts climbing now. Bilecik, where I had an appointment, is 40 km away, and that would have been too much for today.

So, here I am in a real cool hotel. There is no key to lock my room, but this doesn’t matter, I am the only guest. Toilet on the floor, but no water to flush. One must use the water from 2 bottles put next to it. Needless to say, that there is not bathroom at all. Price: 7 €

When I left Izmit this morning, I cycled for a while along the Sapanca lake, where I spotted rowers. These were actually the first people I saw practicing some sports in all Turkey! Even in Istanbul, I did not see one single jogger along the Bosporus walkway, as one can see in any other big city.

Then I came to Adapazari, where I changed direction, turning from a west heading to full south. This, I will keep until Antalya.

I have stopped counting the invitations for a cup of tea, basically people invite me everywhere. I accept the most persuasive ones, and always spend a great time talking to, or at least trying to talk to my hosts. Many times, when I leave, they insist to give me some fresh fruit for the road, which I must refuse because it would be just too heavy. So, normally, I take one or two figs, which I eat on the spot. My nutrition while travelling has quite changed as well: Less chocolate, but much more fresh fruit, which I can buy along the road