Anamur to Mersin

I think I more of those cold-blooded reptile's genes in me than other human-beings. In the chilly mornings it takes me forever to get going.

Certainly it didn't help either that the night before when I had been camping at the beach of Sipahili, my tent had partially broken down in the strong winds with heavy rain: the soft sand of the beach wouldn't hold the tent pegs anymore and I woke up at 3 am because it was raining inside.

Luckily, only one side of the tent had become wet and my down sleeping bag was not affected, otherwise that would've been the end of my night.

When eventually the sky clears up and the rain fades around 9am I start drying my stuff and.. patching flat #24.

By now I have been traveling a whole week without data on my cellphone. A decision partially born out of necessity (foreign phones can only be used with Turkish SIM cards for up to 120 days unless you pay a fee of at least 150TL) and partially out of curiosity What kind of withdrawal symptoms I would experience.

I must say that while it felt quite good being not constantly online, it also was quite a hassle organizing for couchsurfing / warmshowers hosting along the route on short notice. Which is why when reaching Tasucu my first stop was at the local Vodafone to top up my SIM and then use it in my backup phone (which had never been used in Turkey so far).

Since my host could not receive me early on short-notice (I couldn't announce my arrival time, see paragraph above) I check into a local motel. Because I'm tired, and I really wanna completely dry out my shoes, tent and other stuff that has gotten wet.

Another guest, a very chatty guy in his 30s, quickly comes to help with translation and introduces himself as a "nightvision glasses wholeseller" who comes to this very place about once every month. He repeatedly assures me that this motel is very safe and nothing bad ever happens around here (okay thanks, I didn't think so...?) and one hour later he knocks on my door to hand me a 2 pages long, handwritten note with tips for Turkey. I'm speechless!

Too bad I cannot spend more time with the funny guy as I'm already meeting my would-be host, Bayram from Warmshowers, for a beer that night.

The next day.

On the last miles to Mersin I come across a group of some 15 pedalists heading my way. I learn they've been camping in the area for the weekend and are now heading back home to Mersin/Adana. Their luggage is conveniently carried by a pickup truck which is slowly traveling with the group.

I manage to keep up with the for a couple of km when suddenly we come across 2 other cyclists: Patrick and Rane from Germany have been on the road since April last year and are also heading to Georgia.

My right ankle is still not too fit. Couchsurfing to the rescue: My awesome hosts allow me to spend a total of 6 nights in Mersin. We explore the city together, have dinner, meet other CSers.

A big thanks to Hazal and Erkam!