One week of downtime before I start the crossing of North America
Taksim Square and the new Mosque
Friday 25th June [Day 447] –
Following yesterday’s vibrant finish in Istanbul, I am glad to have six days ahead of me to go around the city and see as much as I can of Istanbul. The current regulations to enter the US from Istanbul stipulates that one must have spent a minimum 14 full days in Turkey before boarding a flight. I will therefore take off on 1st July to the US, then get ready (and vaccinated) on the 2nd and hit the road from Seattle on Saturday 3rd July.
Testing my camping gear within the safety of the Palace grounds!
I count these days as “journey days – transit” (unlike the forced lockdown days, 120 across the spring and winter 2020 lockdowns). I am glad to have this downtime to really take it all in, I don’t mind the extra rest!
I am being very graciously hosted by the Consulate on the ground of the Palais de France in Istanbul. This is an outstanding privilege and I feel very much looked after! Today I was able to get help from the maintenance team to fix my stroller which needed a few rivets replaced. I also used the vast corridors of the apartments to set up my tent and verify that my equipment is ready for camping – as there will be some in the US.
Saturday 26th June [Day 448] –
Istanbul from Sepetciler Pavilion
In Istanbul, cats rule 🙂
Getting myself organised today. A short run in the morning, an interview with a journalist from a progressist online Turkish paper and shopping. Walking the streets of Istanbul is interesting. For many reasons!
Today let’s focus on cats. There seems to be an agreement upon the fact that there are 125,000 cats roaming the streets of the city!
They are found everywhere, are well looked after, do not cause mayhem and are respected like nowhere else. I often see them taking a nap in front of shops or on cafe’s chairs. People respect them and sit somewhere else, go around them so as not to disturb the revered creatures. I find it quite charming!
Sunday 27th June [Day 449] –
The Bosphorus bridge, connecting Europe and Asia
Today was a strange day. Sunday is a lockdown day in Turkey. Only tourists are allowed to wander around outdoors. Not exactly the right circumstances to blend in!
I went around by the Golden Horn and hopped on a bus that took me all around town and more interestingly, across the Bosphorus bridge, onto the Asian side of Istanbul. The bridge is officially named “15th July Martyrs bridge” in memory of those killed during the 2016 coup.
I am being impatient already and I long to start running across the US. Though Istanbul is truly a magnificent city and there is loads to do, I would much rather be on my way, running… just a few more days of waiting.
A local celebrity in Beyoglu..!
Monday 28th June [Day 450] –
It’s most definitely becoming difficult to wait for this transit to the US. I went out for a run this morning, but even for this, my motivation is low. I enjoy running when it’s taking me places, much less when it just amounts to an exercise. Anyhow. I really am trying to be patient 🙂
I filled the day with petty tasks. Fixed a tooth, cut my hair, print new business cards, arrange for some schools conferences. One thing though has been bothering me for the past few days. My mum sent me a package from France containing precious camping gear. And though she filled in all the forms as should be and paid a hefty fee… the parcel is stuck in customs for the past 14 days. There is a high likelihood I won’t receive it prior to my flying out to the US. In which case I will have to buy everything again in Seattle. What a waste of money and time… but it is what it is…
Tuesday 29th June [Day 451] –
Lycee Francais d’Istanbul (Pierre Loti)
The day started early with a Zoom call to the French School of Singapore. The children there have followed my progress since the journey started. They were very enthusiastic with my arrival in Istanbul and starting a new continent crossing. This call truly boosted my energy for the day ahead. I then went to meet students and teachers at the French School of Istanbul. They grilled me with questions and gifted me a souvenir box of the Lycee. One more item to add to my “treasure box”! It was my first meeting there but it is quite incredible to see the response and enthusiasm the journey generates. I was again very energised walking out of the school.
Treated to fine cuisine at the Palais de France
Then off I went to the best part of the day, as I was invited for lunch by the Consul and his wife, along with a few members of their staff. The food was exquisite, not the kind I am accustomed to on the roads of the world run, the Italian chef aced the menu. For the third time in the day, I was questioned about the journey from very enthusiastic and curious listeners. What a treat! This journey seems to resonate with all kind of audiences, across all age-ranges, all nationalities, functions… Going on a journey around the world truly has universal appeal.
Wednesday 30th June [Day 452] –
Morning run in good company
At 6:20 this morning I met with 4 staff of the Consulate for a morning run by the Bosphorus. I needed the company, it’s hard to find the motivation to go for “maintenance runs” when I am idle on the journey. So today was perfect and we enjoyed a very nice 15km under bright blue skies before it got too hot and busy in the city.
I worked on my US crossing plan much of the day and made sure I had all my equipment in order, packed and ready for tomorrow’s flight.
Meeting the strong women of Ka-der.org.tr
I then went to meet the women of the Kader organisation in Istanbul. The organisation was founded in 1996 and advocates for equal representation of women and men in all fields. A tricky topic in Turkey as the country recently withdrew from the Istanbul Convention on Women’s rights. Assisted by Gabriel who translated for me, I was able to share my journey with them and explain my involvement with the NGO “Women for Women International”. We had a nice discussion and I sure hope to stay in touch with these strong women who have quite a battle to fight.
With Sayeh (right) and her mother at the Palais de France
I was then received warmly by Sayeh at the Palais de France for tea. Sayeh is from Iran, she is an architect and an artist. She works on incredible pieces of laser & hand cut paper that are very intricate and beautiful. Her work has been exposed in a few exhibitions already, I was very privileged to get to see the behind the scenes process and story. Her parents joined us for tea and Sayeh’s mother gifted me three beautiful pairs of handmade earrings. Some more items to add to my incredible Treasures Box from around the world! It was lovely company for my last evening in Istanbul. I have been spoiled!
Thursday 1st July [Day 453] –
Bye bye Turkey, bye bye Europe, it has been a splendid journey so far!
Today is the day I’m flying out of Europe towards the next chapter of this incredible adventure, the North American crossing. I’m writing these lines from the airport just before boarding. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get to start running across the next continent. So many things await me I’m sure! More later when I land tomorrow. I am very grateful for the incredible support I have received in Europe and particularly in Istanbul, where I had so many interactions and received so much generosity left and right. May I get as blown over by the next continent!
