Checkpoint adventures

Today, we had to cross 5 military checkpoints on our way. At the first one, they looked serious and checked our passports. At the second one, they just waved and asked us where we were going, at the third, where we were from. And at the forth, they invited us for cold Fanta and buiscuits. They were even happy to take a photo with us (where they put on their mask 😉). At the fifth checkpoint, all of them stopped all other activities and came for a chat. But when they only had Turkish, Russian and Arabic to offer which didn't match with German, English, French nor Spanish, we all laughed and they wished us a good day.
We also left the mountaineous area and came into a rather flat and dry region. It was really hot again. What a difference to those freezing temperatures just a day ago! At one of the gas stations, we were invited to tea and buiscuits again. However, we were happy when we arrived in Diyarbakır where we relax in the shade in a park to wait for Atakan. Atakan is a German teacher at a private school and member of the Diyarbakır bicycle club. Firat, our host from Güzelyani at the coast, had organized this contact. And we experienced Turkish hospitality at it's best: First, he took us to his apartment to have a shower and do laundry. Then we went back to the bicycle club, where we could stay. The manager of the club had already ordered food for delivery for us. Then, one by one, more members of the club joined our round. They knew from their WhatsApp group that we were in town and wanted to get to know us. We had tea and fruits and many nice talks. Some spoke a little bit of English and Atakan was busy translating.Leia mais