Getting to Istanbul

After checking out of the hotel in Sofia we set off, back on the E80, aiming for Istanbul. However we neglected to book a hostel or camp site due to the fact we were unsure how long the border crossing into Turkey would take. The first challenge of the day was getting out of Sofia. Armed with a map of Europe, a road name, and a compass we were able to escape the city with only a few u turns. Which is surprising because Sofia is a major city with mostly confusing sometimes scary roads, and completely devoid of traffic signs. Once we were east bound and down, loaded up and trucking it went smoothly aside from the odd crater in the road. Around mid day Chris and Jerry were getting all antsy so we elected to make a stop off at a castle within a stones throw of the Greece-Bulgaria border. A few kilometres off of the beaten track we enter into a quaint village, and immediately start taking pictures and pulling u turns to the chagrin of the locals. We found a hill with an assortment of rocks piled on it that we assumed must have been a castle. Chris promptly did what he always does when he happens upon a hill; immediately starts climbing it at a ludicrous pace despite the heat. After nearly passing out from heat exhaustion we make our way back to the car and out on to the open road. The crux of the days driving is the border with Turkey, which is said to be the worlds busiest border crossing. Luckily for us the border traffic was light, with only a few bouts of confusion and the various fees for visas and “Green Cards” AKA insurance. Driving in Turkey was pleasurable after being on what pass for roads in Bulgaria, we cruised along a six lane highway heading to Istanbul. On the outskirts of Istanbul we decide to try to find a camp site for the night, Chris figured he could navigate us to the little tree on the map which we assumed was a place to camp. Once we exited the highway the roads, and driving habits changed considerably. Istanbul is the scariest place we have driven yet. After hundreds of wrong turns, getting lost, and running out of gas we finally found a hotel in Istanbul. I believe it is the worlds first 5 star Holiday Inn. We happened to be there on the night of a posh wedding. Our back packs, smell and general appearance raised a few eyebrows. Jerry got in his GQ outfit and went to crash the wedding whilst Bibby and The Mechanic had a few vodkas and went to bed.