Wednesday, 15.05.19, Thessaloniki – Skopje

Day 23 for the records.We had to go back northbound and pass Thessaloniki on the eastern side on the path to Skopje in Northern Macedonia. We had all kinds of road widths and surfaces, from pothole staccatos to top brandnew highways and had views to highways in construction, which were breathtaking because of there sheere size and the long bridges.

Mostly great highways for a reasonable toll

Found parking near the city center and started our excursion on foot. It is a town of monuments as you can see below. There was a strong earthquake in the recent past, so many of the historic buildings were restored or built new. So it was quite a mixed bag of architecture but had its own charme and friendly people all around.

City of Monuments

Later we drove to a camping site on the fringe of Skopje which was attached to a big hotel and was located in a park with all amenities you would expect.

Tuesday, 14.05.19, Thessaloniki

Day 22 for the records. After a very good breakfast we walked to the White Tower where the Hop-on / Hop-off buses would take off. We arrived early, they would only begin in 45 minutes. So we had a coffee nearby. At the payment point we were advised about some “specials”. The second bus would be full with a school class. And every hour the round trip would take longer and longer because of road maintenance in town. We said thank you, but thank you and started the tour on foot.

Soon we reached the Archeological Museum and bought the ticket and had another visit to the past. Next we found Agia Sophia, the first of two orthodox Churches. The second was also nearby. From there up the hill to the castle. Before we reached it, we had another coffee at a terrasse overlooking almost all of Thessaloniki.

Strolling around the city and up the hill to the top.

On the way back we found a great restaurant with healthy salads. Leisurely we reached the hotel, collected our bags and maneuvered the motorhome out of its trap in the parking. As the “manager” of the place, who was clearly a choleric, started to shout at me he got a mouthful from myself and restrained his anger.

We drove southwards to the first finger of Chalkidiki for a camping ground and found a decent one with a spot on the beachfront again. After a stroll at the beach and drinks in a nearby hotel we had dinner at home.

Monday, 13.5.19, Camping Armenistis – Thessaloniki

Day 21 for the records. As my trip around Eastern Europe would last more than a month, Ingrid planned to come to Thessaloniki and accompany me for about a week until Dubrovnik. On that Monday morning the weather was again rather dizzy and humid. I had breakfast at home and left the camping ground at 11:00 a.m. I arrived at Makedonia Airport Thessaloniki at 13:30 about when Ingrid’s flight left in Vienna and had my C+C in a coffee shop on a terrasse.

As next day was Ingrid’s birthday I booked a hotel in town. To find parking was a little effort and a short discussion with the runner of the place. A directed me into his last corner close to the fence. I accepted gladly. Alternatives were scarce. Cost me 15 Euro for 24 h.

The hotel was a good choice. We could walk to the Aristoteles Square and back easily and had quite a good dinner back close to our place.

Sunday, 12.05.19, Kavala – Chalkidiki, Armenistis Camping

Day 20 for the records. Early rise, walk to the little harbour, photo shoot. Change to swimming costume, make a short dive and be very relaxed and happy. Took more photos, found a dead squid on the small shore. Like the crab in Vana Veche it must have seized only a short while ago. It looked like sleeping. I tried to help it back into the water, but in vein. After the morning ritual I went back to the same Cafe for a little breakfast. As they had not croissants I had to settle with ham and cheese toast. I also took the salted chips. Do not know why.

I left with fond memories again and on today’s stretch I had many up and downs. Not emotionally but geographically. I must have conquered about 10 to 15 mountain passes. Ok, not higher than 300m altitude, but it sums up. On top of one of the higher ones ws a parking spot with a view over the Agaian See. Spoke to a pensioner couple from Nurnberg also driving with a motorhome. In total I had seen so few companions.

Beach pantomime in the morning.
**

ooo

Some publishing, a lift for a local woman and a chat with a neighbor.

As my target I had chosen the middle of the 3 peninsulas of Chalkidiki. I thought I can circumvent this semi-Island but underestimated the road profile. In mid afternoon I stopped already on the eastern sid at the Armenistis Camping ground. Hidden away from the road I found my spot directly at the beach front across Athos, the Holy Mountain. The lady at reception was very friendly and helpful. She will travel to Scotland in September, when they close the business for the winter period.

Saturday, 11.05.19, Istanbul – Kavala, Greece

Day 19 for the records. Early start at 07:15 a.m. with minimum traffic in my area of driving. Reached the same hanging bridge as I came in and felt the departure from Asia to Europe in a special way. Smooth sailing until the first stop at a Cafe attached to a fuel station. A fine gentlemen served me turkish coffee and I bought additional biscuits. As a gift he served me a cup of tea before I left.

I was hoping to have my next stop in the town of Alexandroupolis, but they had a festival using the beach road. Additionally all roads in town were blocked, I could not find alternative parking. Tough luck, I left. Unfortunately I had drastic coffee withdrawal symptoms but I did not stop at any of the fuel stations on the way, because they just did not look good. Saw the sign to a hotel, turned right and was then the only guest in their coffee shop with a charming turkish lady having grown up in Russia as my host.

Carried on then to Kavala, a town I never heard of and was therefore not on my radar. But we adjust to circumstances quickly and I had no regrets. It did not open to me easily. I should have used a detour because of a road maintenance. The detour was very narrow and therefore unacceptable. After turning around and back to where I came from I saw on the right hand side lower down a romantic fishing boat harbor and some restaurants alongside. This was my spot. For the parking I had to turn around once more, but then all was good. Needless to say I found my Cafe with Wifi in walking distance. When I entered 4 young ladies looked at me as if I was George Clooney. At least I had the impression…

Friday, 10.05.19, Istanbul

Day 18 for the records. As it rained a little in the morning I went to nearby Starbucks for C+C and had an interesting chat with the (male) waiter. When the rain subsided I took the bike and cycled to the ferry terminal. Took me about 45 min. I found a hidden spot behind a restaurant to lock it away and went through the same procedure as yesterday with the Istanbul card for the ferry, etc. Because of the uncertain weather I used the tram and went straight for the Archeological Museum and had a great time. And also with the tram to the foot of the hill where Galata Kasei, the dominating tower stands. Found a snack and coffee terrasse before the ascent and upgraded my energy levels.

Some 20 min queuing for the tower, but then the view above Istanbul was magical, of course. Had a coffee also after that visit, went down the hill, walked over the bridge, found the ferry, crossed the Bosporus the 5th time (of in total 6), found the bike and cycled back to the east to my motorhome.

Found the helpful hotel receptionist in her late shift, had a short chat and sat down in their coffee area and worked with their Wifi. Another day with tons of beautiful impressions came to a quiet finish.

Thursday, 09.05.19, Bachkovo to Istanbul

Day 17 for the records. Back a short stretch on the same top highway towards Burgas but turning right soon to southeast towards Turkey. Actually passing a 3 country corner Bulgaria – Greece – Turkey.

Border procedures into Turkey cost me a Visa for 25 Euros which was obtained quickly. The reward was that the Diesel price was 20% less than in Bulgaria. I filled at the border. My original plan was to stop rather far outside Istanbul and travel to the city by train or bus. But I became brave and found a camping site on the eastern side of the Bosporus and drove there on the city highway. Crossing the Bosporus on this impressive hanging bridge was exciting. Not the least because I took pics and videos and was one hand driving…. Ups. The nasty surprise was that the Camping Site Google suggested did not exist. And you guess what followed. Very tricky maneuvers to get out of trouble of VERY busy and VERY narrow roads. Found parking lot nearby for 36 Lira per day = 5 Euro / day. Nearby hotel receptionist gave me all the advice and recommendations I needed to find my way around and changed my Euros to Lira without commission.

Took group taxi to the ferry terminal, asked a lady how the payment for the ferry works. She went to the kiosk with me and ordered an Istanbul card for me. It can be loaded with cash at machines all around the city and is used for public transport. It cost me 17 Lira, about 2,5 Euro and would pay for the ferry there and back and for the tram around the mosques.

I could not believe the recommendations of the receptionist would work out so easily and I would be sight seeing in mid afternoon in the center of Istanbul. On the ferry I took the upper deck and enjoyed crossing the Bosporus again towards Europe and took the shots. I also spoke to young lady who came down from Edirne near Bulgaria, which I passed on the highway. Her English was limited. I also watched a group of what must have been Scandinavians. They were obviously touring Istanbul as well.

In the hotel I received also a map and I knew where I was, but not the individual buildings. So I followed the Scandinavians and also took the tram. Good choice, they knew their way around better and after 10 minutes we arrived at the Blue Mosque. Here I lost them and followed my guess and the crowds and found Hagia Sophia, the Obelisk, another mosque and finally the closing Grand Bazaar. At Hagia Sophia an beautiful young Russian lady asked me to take a photo of her. I did it with pleasure.
On the way back I was very hungry and stopped at a bar style self service arrangement, because another lady who just left, sad in passing by “it is really good food”. As it also looked good in the display I did it and had great noodles, rice and yogurt salad. And all for 12 Lira, another 2, Euro. Back to the ferry and crossing back in charming twilight. To find the right group taxi took about 10 minutes and another young lady next to me helped me to tell the driver where I wanted to get off. It worked not so well, I was dropped 2 km before my destination. Good digestive walk “home” at 10 p.m. along the shores. No problem whatsoever.

Wednesday, 08.05.19, Sozopol to Plovdiv and to Bachkovo monastery.

Day 16 for the records. Soon after Burgas started a top highway to Plovdiv and I made the usual coffee break at ÖMV again.
To find parking in Plovdiv was very hard work. Negotiating very narrow roads and circling around until suddenly a big lot was there near old town. Also very reasonable prices. Yes, I took the bike and started a pleasant tour around. Some steep stretches with ROUGH cobblestone surface were a little challenging. First I found the remains of a Roman Theatre above town. Stunning.

As I missed the Archeological Museum in Varna I visited the one in Plovdiv. No regrets, wonderful artefacts from centuries B.C. Old Town was not too big, took it easy back to the car and left for Bachkovo. In the next town of Asenovgrad Garmin lost me, sent me into narrow roads and I had to reset it to come on track again.

The last 5 km lead through a narrow and picturesque gorge with wild waters alongside the road. Cobblestone surface the last 500 m through all the stalls with the usual tourist articles. Parking for 24 h cost me 6 Lewa, 3 Euro.

What a jewel of a monastery at the end of the world. Enjoyed every minute walking around and shooting the pics. Spoke to two French ladies from Paris, because the one had crutches and could not put the one foot to the ground.

As mine was the only car on the parking lot, I had a wonderful silent night.

Tuesday, 07.05.16, Nessebar – Ropotamo – Sozopol

Day 15 for the records. Left Nessebar rather early and stopped later at ÖMV fuel station for coffee and croissant. Spoke to young lady who sold tobacco heating systems which take out (thousands of) poisonous ingredients from cigarettes. Makes her boyfriend cough much less. She does not smoke. Cost 90 Lewa = 45 Euro. So cheap for good health…

Selling smiling healthier smoking

Drive towards Sozopol but pass it on the side to the Ropotamo National Park which I found in Marco Polo. It was a bit tricky with Garmin and Google to find the right entrance but once in it was one of the best ideas where to go. Drove on a very small and bumpy road into the forest only to find a closed barrier deep inside. To turn around was a peace of art and I stopped the motorhome just there. Took the mountain bike and started my excursion into the unknown. What an unexpected adventure and surprises all along my way.

Later then to Sozopol. To find parking did not take too long, it was the harbor’s parking ground and was cheap again. Took the bike again and cycled around for about one hour and then first sat in a posh hotel with Wifi, later again in a Greek restaurant with a view to the sea and the other side of town. What a blessing in the sky. After my return to the parking spoke my neighbor motor home user, a young lady from Sofia who visited her father.

Monday, 06.05.19, Vana Veche to Varna to Nessebar.

Day 13 for the records. I had a very early prayer walk along the beach and was blessed with a light show which could have been a present from God. Made me very humble and grateful for my eventful and safe journey so far.
Crossed the border soon and found a man helping newcomers to by the road tax from a machine. Changed Lei to Lewa. Drove to Varna and stopped at the harbour first for coffee and cake. Found a great restaurant with a view.
Drove up to town and found parking near the Archeological Museum which was as small miracle. Only to find the museum as all other public places of interest closed because of another public holiday. A little sad but I decided to make the best of it and still cycle around the city. Was not in vain.

Mystical morning at the beach of the Black Sea:

Next comes Varna.

First stop at Harbor restaurant Nemo, fine dining with a view.

Archaeological Museum and Roman Bath closed. Such a pity..

Moved on to Nessebar which is on a peninsular connected only via a small dam.

Another spot with a view for about 4 Euro per night.
At the harbor
” I am the light, the truth and eternal life”