Week 14 of David Foran and Fintan Gillespie's adventure
Returning on the boat from Egypt to Jordan, we had three days to reach Istanbul to meet some friends. As we had already been though this part of the Middle East, it was more or less non-stop driving with the exception of a quick stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth, at 420m below sea level. The sea is so salty that no fish can exist here - hence the name. So, with a sunset view of the West Bank in the distance, we hopped in for a float.
After two days' solid driving through Syria and an overnight stop in Turkey's capital, Ankara, we reached the incredible city of Istanbul. The only metropolis to straddle two continents, it has always been a vital link between Europe and Asia. Crossing the city's Bosporus Bridge, we saw a
sign saying "Welcome to Europe". We stayed in Sultanahmet, the beautiful cobbled tourist heart of Istanbul, near the Blue Mosque. Istanbul's European ambience became evident as we wandered through the old city, sprawling bazaar and scenic waterfront.
Leaving Istanbul, we had a hassle-free border-crossing as we entered Greece and the EU for the first time. Sitting in one of the packed cafes in Aristotelous Square, in Thessaloníki, was the perfect way to soak up the city's young and vibrant atmosphere. Fintan met his mother, who brought him for lunch at Sotiris Adelakis, one of the best fish restaurants in Greece.
Leaving the Mediterranean, we headed north into Bulgaria and towards its capital, Sofia. The country's Soviet history is apparent in the city's rundown tram networks and in the architecture. The disparity of wealth is obvious, with top-of-the-range sports cars roaring past old Ladas and super-chic nightclubs near dull housing projects.
We're excited and relieved to have made it from Sydney to Europe in one piece. The hardest parts of the drive are behind us. Next we head farther north, to Romania and towards the rest of eastern Europe.
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