tutleymutleytextiles
Connect!
  • HOME
  • Spinning Pet Fur
  • What to do if you would like your pet's fur spun into yarn
  • Art and a cartoon or three
  • Workshops and Courses
  • contact - and testimonials
  • Blog
  • links

17th October Toprakocak – Orhangazi   25.5miles

24/10/2016

1 Comment

 
​I slept very well on the thick red carpet despite my mat slowly deflating – it must have a teensy weensy hole somewhere.  I only had to pump it up once and it lasted.  I got up at 7am as I had visions of a host of men entering for prayers with me still snoozing. 
 
I am sitting on a bench outside the mosque – all packed up – eating cold pizza for breakfast, watching autumn leaves flutter to the ground in this brisk 9˚C air.  (I KNOW it was 9˚C because there’s a sign opposite flashing the time, the date and the temperature).     The birds appear to be making a racket because I can only hear the lower frequencies: I am sure they sound more melodic to normal ears.  
 
A short while later and half a mile down the road, I ride past a tiny owl – within a foot of my front wheel.  This owl was only about 8” tall at the most.  I pull over, across the road, and attempt to get my camera out to record this wonderful phenomenon.  I can’t believe my eyes – and neither will you, because she flew off before I got the chance to take her picture.    A little while later – probably a mile or so, I saw a red squirrel run past – didn’t get a picture of that one either.  
 
I love, love, love cycling today.   The weather is downright British, dressed as it is in grey, with a cool breezy demeanour.  I ride through fertile lands and wooded, steepsided valleys and small villages for most of the day – until I topped the hills and saw water – the huge Lake Izmir. 
 
Riding alongside the lake involved leaning at an acute angle towards the water as there was a gale force whipping up the waves and trying to blow me off Rowenna.  The wind excited a young dog who galloped wildly along the road in playful mode, jumping backwards and forewards – she allowed me to scritch her ears before running and skipping away again.  She had a shiny black coat and bright eyes as well as lots of energy so hopefully had someone caring for her.    
 
I even turned down a lift today (gasp!).  Does this mean I’m a proper cycle tourist now?   It was offered when I’d just about crested the hill and had the downhill to look forward to.  I’m so glad I did – as the downhill was great, the scenery a feast for the eyes and the ride into Orhangazi flattish and interesting.   
 
It wasn’t a huge ride today – and I arrived in town at 2.30pm.  I found a hotel relatively quickly.  It’s getting noticeably more expensive as I get closer to Istanbul  - with only 64miles to go!   
 
I had çig kofte – düruüm – a wrap made with a nutty, tomatoey spicy paste and iceberg lettuce and tomatoes – with pomegranate sauce and Tabasco.  It was once made with raw meat – according to google (and confirmed later by my warm shower hosts in Istanbul).  Accompanied by Ayran yoghurt drink – this is just about my favourite meal in Turkey – street food!  Yum!  - And cheap at about 3.50 – 4 Turkish Lira for the wrap and the drink. 
1 Comment
Mon link
24/10/2016 11:44:07

Another fascinating episode of your journey. It still sounds amazing. You will have to write a kind of recipe book when you get to Australia. I know you're already in Istanbul but this has only just appeared. I have got my visa and tickets etc. See you soon. xx

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Tutleymutley

    A newly retired Terri following her heart into a world of woolly creativity.  Live the dream

    Archives

    August 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Artyfart
    Knitting Workshops
    MM Sydney Memorial Tour
    Pet Fur
    Retreat
    Weaving
    Woolly Festivals

    RSS Feed

Picture
I 




contact Terri on 07595736489   
I spin pet hair including dog hair, cat brushings and angora rabbit

Proudly powered by Weebly