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October 13, 2004
Bulgaria ... after Sofia
Renew, refresh and repaired. We are ready to clock the kilometer again. The roads toward the mountain ranges seemed surprisingly peaceful ...
(Bulgaria ... 7.10.04 to 18.10.04)
Out of Sofia, we made headings into the mountain ranges. Here we met Mr Stilian by chance. Initially he has only intended to spend a few hours in this small village where he has a small 'holiday house', then return to his family in Sofia. On meeting us and, he let us stay in his house and spent the night with us :)
Mr Stilian's holiday house, where he can get away from the city, the traffic and his wife ....
The colours of the wind painted in the trees on the mountain walls .... so magnificently!
Mdm Yulianova kept telling us "My house has no electricity", but we didn't understand at first. Well, with the warmth from her stove & by the waving flame from the candle, we related our journey to her, and the dark did not matter.
Jin shifu sharing his cooking tricks with us. He has only came to this mountain resort town recently. As in Lovec, Jin is all the Chinese you'll find here in Karlovo. Like many Chinese who have ventured overseas, he planned to make a big and good earnings to send back to his home soon. Ah ... home is never too far from our hearts :)
His restaurant, Bei Jing, standing near the foot of the mountains. With promising spirits and hardwork, Jin shall see the fruits of his labour!
A friend of Mr Dragomir, we managed to 'hunt down' Mr Dobrev this sunday. He was about to spend the day with his children and wife, but, we have to show up ... sigh ... really weekend spolier huh! Well, at dinner, he brought his children's English teacher to bridge our communications. We cannot be more grateful!!
The next day, the mist sets in, all around. It seemed that we were riding into thick walls of clouds ... :O ... what can be waiting for us??
Practising his belief in his humble home, Kiro hope to share his faith with his neighbours with songs and recitation from the holy book. Everyman to his belief ...
One of the many stores selling homemade products in this open bazar. Different paste (jam) of seasme seeds, baked walnuts and a variety of honey. A hint that our days to come will be sweeter?
Before that, let's dig in to this seasme paste! Yummy ... a close resemblance to the much missed peanut butter. Was told that this paste will gives the man 'great power'!! heehee ...
The real celebrity! Mr Peter Steffensen, a Danish who is making a journey more than 3000km from Copenhegen to Ankara in promotion of Turkey entry into EU. Everyday he will cycle about 200km!! We were lucky to meet him towards the border. Go! Go! Go!
Posted by a2e at October 13, 2004 07:42 PM
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« The Romania on the other side of the Fagaras Mountains ... | Main | Bulgaria ... after Sofia »
October 13, 2004
Bulgaria ... before Sofia
We could have cut across this country and set bearings for Turkey, instead we decided to head to its capital, Sofia, to see what it has in store for us. The initial stretch of the roads is full of ups and downs, and many tunnels to ride through 
... little did we realised, that's more than meet the eyes .... Bulguria proved to be the most challenging so far ...
(Bulgaria ... 7.10.04 to 18.10.04)
Crossing the Duna river once more on an amazing bridge *no photos allowed*
Probably not too many foreigners passing through in their small town, we became a one-time celebrity, signing autographs for these school children! They were really eager to speak with us and practice their newly acquired language, English.
A group photo with our young 'fans' and their lovely English teacher ;)
Mr Chang, the only Chinese in the city Lovec (Lo-vech), also one of the earliest to come to the country. He holds a top-graded chef title and has been serving in majors restaurants in China before venturing to the western shore. Now Chang shifu has set up a family here and is happily living with his Bulgarian wife and their 6-yr old children.
Nearly till 9pm this cold night, after countless of attempts to find a hosting family, we were relieved to heard the question of a young boy "Can I help you" in English. Stanimir soon led us to the town's orphanage where we met the smiles and warming welcome from the children. :)
Making hot fresh bread before sunrise, the bakers invited us into the floury 'oven'. We stood in wonder as they churn out the daily loaves, ready to the nearby villages.
The Bulgarians are caution to let outsiders into their homes, but these bakers were so ready to share that they gave us 3 fresh loaves for our roads ahead!
De Yue Lou, the Song family making a simple living with their new restaurant in the capital city, Sofia. This country probably boast the least no. of Chinese in Europe, however with is low spending power from the locals, their business was quite 'comfortably' managed. Nonetheless, they rendered their helping hands to us no less!
The driving force of Velomania assembly workshop. The real professionals at work! Keep it up guys!!
Mr Dragomir, a master cyclist himself, with his nephew, bidding us good fortunate for our travel in Bulgaria.
Another night in Sofia, making a home on the floor of the Chinese restaurant, New Red Sun.
Zhang and his brother, A-Jian and their ever "no problem" to all our needs. If not for Zhang, our days in Sofia would have been more difficult. 4 young men, with goals to chase and dreams to fulfill :D
Posted by a2e at October 13, 2004 05:08 PM
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« Trans Fagaras | Main | Bulgaria ... before Sofia »
October 13, 2004
The Romania on the other side of the Fagaras Mountains ...
The Fagaras Mountains basically divides Romania into north-south portions. Stay tuned for more of the other side of Romania!
(Romania ... 26.9.04 to 7.10.04)
A rare treat for us - water melons! While stopping at a house for our lunch break, we were given water melons, courtesy of the romanian family.
Stopping for a chat with a gypsy family on the road. Such horse driven mobile gypsy house can still be commonly seen on romanian roads. The family was cooking mamaliga (corn flour meal) by the roadside when we approached them.
Another view of the house
With Father Martin in "Maica Indurerata" (Crying mother) Catholic church in Bucharest. While approaching the houses on the brink of Bucharest city, we were brought to Father Martin's church instead.
Father Martin's church organises alot of humanitarian assistance and relief to the neighbourhood community esp the poor, the streets children and the old folks, regardless of their religion. Boxes in picture were collected from Holland over a year, comprising of clothings, shoes and toys. Those aid would be distributed to the needy families over the coming weeks, before the winter.
Construction of a new community building besides the church. Father Martin intends to use the building to provide shower facilities to the >5000 street children around the neighbourhood. In addition, it will also house their own foundation (You Are Not Alone), running volunteering works such as providing hot meals daily to the old folks living alone.
Helping Celina, secretary-cook-pianoist in organising the aid materials
With the diplomats in the Malaysia Embassy in Bucharest. With pure coincidence, we were able to meet the Ambassador before he returned to the Msia Embassy in Poland. Thumbs up, "Malaysia Boleh!"
Our last stay in Romania in Uzunu village, with Geta and Ion. We had our dinner in their garden, watching the beautiful sunset over homemade romanian red wine ...
Having our last meal of mamaliga in Geta's house before we leave Romania. Mamaliga (from corn flour)was the commoner's food for centuries before bread was introduced into Romania.
On the Romania-Bulgaria bridge over the Danube river. Farewell to Romania!
Posted by a2e at October 13, 2004 04:26 PM
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« In the land of myths and legends ... Romania | Main | The Romania on the other side of the Fagaras Mountains ... »
October 13, 2004
Trans Fagaras
No more hiking. The previous stay with Dan in Avrig convinced us to totally change our plans. We are still heading into the mountains but instead, we would be cycling over the Fagaras Mountains through the Trans Fagaras tunnel at 2044m! (Picture) Approaching the base of the mountain at 600m after leaving Cartisoara village.
(Romania ... 26.9.04 to 7.10.04)
Arriving at 1234m after a painstaking 3 1/2hrs of cranking the pedals up the mountain. The high mountain pass in the background would be our destination eventually!
Approaching the steepest part of the ascent. From here, it took us nearly 2hrs to to crank up inch by inch the 7km zig-zag asphalt road.
The treacherous twisting roads leading to the Trans Fagaras pass. Looking down on the way up, we could not believe we had pedalled up so far already ...
The snake liked twisting roads ...
Atlas! Finally at the Trans Fagaras tunnel at 2044m! It was a first for both of us to attempt a traverse over a mountain pass at such height on bicycles. *phew* All the sweat and teeth biting effort really paid off when we proudly stood infront of the tunnel.
The way down ... road signs read "Speed limit - 40km/h" !!!
At 1285m, after the speedy descent down the Fagaras Mountains
Posted by a2e at October 13, 2004 03:06 PM
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hey guys! welcome back! Wish u guys a smooth journey for 2005! Your blog fans will have some reading to catch up for today. ;)
Posted by: sunburnt at January 4, 2005 03:39 PM
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« Ready to hit the roads once more! | Main | Trans Fagaras »
October 13, 2004
In the land of myths and legends ... Romania
Sep 26 we rode into Romania after been stalled at the border for 1hr. They have not seen Malaysian passports holders before so alot of running and telephone calls were necessary to ensure we did not need visas to enter Romania. Well, that was the first minor hiccup we had at border crossings but Romanian hospitality and wines soon erased that from our minds ... *grin*
(Romania ... 26.9.04 to 7.10.04)
With our first family in Lipova, Romania. David's house was the first we approached in the little village along the road. Though we did not have any common language, David agreed to let us stay for the night without hesitation. Through David, we were able to pick up our first Romanian words due to his knowledge of the Hungarian language.
In Dorina's kitchen at Orastie, after a 150km ride (our longest in a day, so far). Dorina is a seamstress by profession, making woollen jackets and apparels in the diminishing romanian wool market. The wool industry esp for small business liked Dorina has been heavily contested by the growing cheaper appeal of the cheaper synthetic jackets from China. "Nowadays people do not want to pay more for handmade woollen jackets." commented Dorina. Over at Dorina's place, we were introduced to their traditional sauce - Zacusca and a feast of vegetarian food. Before we left, Dorina even baked a cheese cake for us! *slurps*
Maria sampling a piece of mooncake from us. It was Mid-Autumn Festival on that day when we were in Sibiu.
Enjoying our precious mooncake (courtesy of Mr.Lin from Budapest) in faraway land. After bite, every piece, every crumps ... never have they tasted so delicious!
In the mountainous village of Avrig where we (initially) intended to do some hiking in the Fagaras Mountains. (Picture) Once off the main roads, horse carts are the more common forms of transport.
Instead of the mountain chalet where we already paid for our beds, we landed in Dan & Ioana's summer cottage for the night. A chance meeting in the chalet brought us to 2 new friends and a 100% change to our plans thereafter!
No more hiking. Instead we lazed for another day in the cottage with Dan & Ioana, chatting and drinking romanian wine and picking apples from the garden.
Guess what? Familiar game? It is the romanian version of mahjong!
A short afternoon with Achim and his wife before we left Avrig. Notice the homemade cheese and a bottle on the table? That was Achim's homemade cherry vodka!
With our hosts in Cartisoara. Almost every house we approached in the village wanted a sum of money in return for a night's stay. Lucian approached us and brought us to his small but cosy house. His mum, Elema strongly reassured us that though they were poor, they would not trade hospitality with money unlike the 'bigger and richer' households in the village.
Sharing our last piece of mooncakes with the family. Our chinese mooncakes received alot of thumbs up from them! Bridging relationships through mooncakes! 8-)
The family all dressed up for another cold day in the potato field where they would dig potatoes for sale until the first snowfall. For the remaining 4 months of snow, they would be grounded at home, living on potatoes, some poutry and preserved vegetables.
Posted by a2e at October 13, 2004 02:29 PM
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"In Dorina's kitchen at Orastie."
Thanks for this wonderful virtual ride round Romania.
Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, I'm looking for traditional woollens. Romanian undyed thick wool cardigans, that type of thing. Perhaps it is possible (or not?) to get in touch with Dorina. By sending her a photo of a traditionally knitted Romanian cardigan (I have such a thing) might enable her to make me one, if I provided her with the measurements. An arrangement to pay her half in advance and the rest upon receipt of the item might be a good way to work it.
Perhaps this plan is a bit far fetched and you consider it impossible to carry through. But it would mean some extra income for Dorina and a therapeutic garment for me.
If I had an address or telephone number, I have Romanian speaking friends who could explain what I wanted to her over the telephone.
Thanks in advance for any guidance/advice you are able to offer on this doubtless slightly unusual request.
Thanks for your wonderful photos.
If you are interested visit the link below to see more sensational images of this beautiful, so far, little spoiled country.
http://www.bourlingueurs.com/roumanie/index.htm
The Internet is quite the most sensational medium to allow such amazing cultural exchanges and contacts.
all best wishes.
Aurore
Journalist - Brussels based.
Posted by: Aurore at February 10, 2006 09:35 AM
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« Tech talk - 5000km (sean-STRONGMAN) | Main | In the land of myths and legends ... Romania »
October 12, 2004
Ready to hit the roads once more!
Yo! Zdravay! Got a replacement for the problem hub from the Shimano distributor in Sofia, Bulgaria :) Yeah, very fortunate indeed. In less than 24 hrs, in fact less than 6 hrs, our worries are cleared. Thanx to Velomania!! Bulgadaria! Now, it's stamped DRAG, as good as new! ;) Watch out!
Posted by a2e at October 12, 2004 05:20 PM
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hey yo yo a2e cyclists....
a2e is turning 3 months old soon....in 3 days time.....on 1 nov 2004.....happie 3 months old ya!!!!.....hope everything is well n fine.......n may the journey be as smooth as it gets.......take good care folks.....fight the cold.....is chilly in singapore too......hear from u all soon......
with warmest regards,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at October 29, 2004 02:06 AM
Hey guys,
Good to hear that you guys are doing so well! =) Finally got the t-shirt from Dun Lin, and it looks really good...
Singapore's weather has turned cool and has been raining from time to time... It's gonna be Christmas soon! Hahaha...
Now looking to pursue my own dream... Planning it step by step... Take care... Enjoy yourselves fulfilling your dream! =)
Posted by: Michelle at October 23, 2004 05:18 PM
hi guys!
been a while since we last heard from u..hope everything's been well and update us soon!
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAlItY ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at October 22, 2004 08:58 PM
Yo! Yo! the 2 of you...
How is your trip so far ? must be enjoying right!!!...
Keep going and going.... All the best and stay Healthy and Fitty...........
Posted by: Mister Tan at October 22, 2004 07:01 PM
Yo sean and SK! Hope everything is going well for you guys. Let us know if you need any help. We are happy and wating for you to come back to SPL!
Posted by: Martin Liang at October 19, 2004 10:59 PM
Brother, ALL THE WAY MAN!!!!! & ALL THE BEST!!!
Posted by: yongfeeh at October 19, 2004 07:48 PM
way to go guys!
yeah, are u ahead of
expected schedule?
good luck n take care.
Posted by: atan at October 15, 2004 10:11 PM
Hello guys, you've progressed unbelivably fast...the only explanation is that when we look your route on the map, it's downhill all the way...;-)
In Finland we have for a change a beautiful autumn weather, but quite cold, below zero every night, which is nice. The creeping darkness though makes waking up in the morning every day a little more difficult...it's time to hibernate...
Wish you good luck!
Posted by: Paula & Jukka at October 15, 2004 04:27 PM
Hi bro, keep it up! may luck always stay with you, all the best. BTW, are u revising your ETA Singapore earlier.....
We had just celebrated YF's birthday.
Our 'sponsor' Yong Xing 'Lao pan' had expressed that he is very proud of your cycling adventure after hearing from Mom. He even suggested advising you to detour your route via China as he had travelled more than half of China. Nonetheless, he wishes you all the best.
May the force be with u all. Cheers.
Posted by: skywalker at October 15, 2004 04:34 AM
luckily the bikes got fixed so fast, keep going!
Posted by: nita at October 13, 2004 06:53 PM
that's fast hee..take lots of care~ :)
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAlItY ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at October 12, 2004 10:04 PM
oh yeah......we can release our crossed fingers n toes ya.....onwards to Turkey......would watch out for ya news.....stay safe n be nearer to home.....
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at October 12, 2004 07:34 PM
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« In the land where a head shake means "YES!" and a nod means "NO!" | Main | Ready to hit the roads once more! »
October 11, 2004
Tech talk - 5000km (sean-STRONGMAN)
Hi guys! How u all doing? Kaarlo?? Not heard from u since ... how's the weather there in Finland? Anticipating your 1st snow? haha :)
a2e has reached Sofia, Bulgaria. Into the 5000km mark. Most components and the STRONGMAN are still working fine, taking a load of about ~40kg in the front and ~80kg at the rear (considering my weight, ~68kg and forces acting on it while going rough). At certain uphill, the speed has been only 6km/h, while downhill, achieved a max so far of 62.6km/h! Shocking speed on such a heavy baggage I reckon. What do u think? However, my Dynamo hub, 3D70, has ran it's toll. At about 4800km, I've experienced ticking sound and vibration. It has gotten worse since and now locking nut at the terminal side has given way and my front wheel is wobbling terribly. Not sure what has happened .... QE please help! :) Other than this major situation, the RD is exhibiting its thirstiness with some 'squicking' sound at times. Else it is still shifting perfectly. The FD is performing equally with exact and snappy shifting too! Thanks Peter! The wider link XT down-swing surely is wonderful. HollowTech II crank set is not showing any fatigue at all. With a swipe, it looks brand new! It has also swiped away my initial worry for its toughness :) It's hollow!!
Alright so far from STRONGMAN. Till next 5000km! haha ... and so glad to be so much nearer to home ;)
Posted by a2e at October 11, 2004 04:04 PM
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ok i had absolutely no idea what u were talking about up there. in a gist, vehicle spoilt? i shall ask tarzan to analyze this piece. think it'll sound english to him. :p
Posted by: lishan at October 12, 2004 11:18 PM
hi, i just came back home after childbirth.( we finally met our female baby on Sep. 21! we named her 'Aki', which Chinese character means 'crystal' & Japanese reading means 'autumn' does it sound good?)how far you travelled for these 3 weeks, i was surprised! keep padding, i'm looking forward to your further news!
Posted by: haru at October 12, 2004 03:31 PM
keep paddling guys..will be anticipating for ur return very soon!! :)
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAliTy ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at October 12, 2004 07:46 AM
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« Recap - Hungarian Friendship | Main | Tech talk - 5000km (sean-STRONGMAN) »
October 11, 2004
In the land where a head shake means "YES!" and a nod means "NO!"
Now stuck in Sofija, Bulgaria. It has started raining cats and dogs here. Though we have left Romania some 4 days already, the memories of warm romanian hospitality still linger in our minds.
In Romania, we did something we never tried before, scaling a mountain by bicycles. To cross from the Transyvlnyia to the south of Romania, we had to cycle from 600m to 2144m, over 30km in terms of asphalt covered, all the way up. Definitely the toughest traverse through the mountains we have covered so far. But we believe that was only the introduction to what we may face in Middle Asia in coming months ... haa ... *grin*
Turkey will be our next country but currently it is Sofija that we have to find shelter for the nights. We are stuck at the moment due to a technical problem with the bike.
Keeping our fingers crossed ... *wink*
Posted by a2e at October 11, 2004 03:35 PM
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hi,
what about Romania? I was anxious to see your oppinion about this land (my mum told me about your visiting Romania) - no matter if it's a bad one. But there was nothing written here. (Does "zacusca" ring a bell to you? ;-) Hope to see some photos from Orastie too. And your oppinion as well.) Did you have a good trip in Romania?
Wishing you all the best,
your friends from Orastie
Posted by: at October 17, 2004 02:38 AM
bb: Boa Long brother has invited us to his wedding on 30 Oct 04. I have just got his invitation card and given him the a2e website.
PaPa will be flying from his sabah nest to attend the wedding too.
It is going to be a big family reunion with all the families and relatives coming together.
Don't worry, I will eat your share on your behalf.......double vegetarian meals!!!
take good care and stay fit and healthy all the while.
Bye Bye
Posted by: YYY at October 16, 2004 04:20 PM
bb: Boa Long brother has invited us to his wedding on 30 Oct 04. I have just got his invitation card and given him the a2e website.
PaPa will be flying from his sabah nest to attend the wedding too.
It is going to be a big family reunion with all the families and relatives coming together.
Don't worry, I will eat your share on your behalf.......double vegetarian meals!!!
take good care and stay fit and healthy all the while.
Bye Bye
Posted by: YYY at October 16, 2004 04:20 PM
hey yo....
oh gosh....technical problem.....we would be keeping our fingers and toes crossed at home too.....do rem to wriggle ya fingers n toes occasionally to increase blood circulation......take care not to let them freeze in the cold when u crossed them ya!!!.....keep warm n dry always......hope the technical problem can be solved fast then u all can keep peddling.......n be closer to home day by day.....
regards
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at October 11, 2004 06:19 PM
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« A town with 2 hosts ... Dudince, our last stop in Slovakia | Main | In the land where a head shake means "YES!" and a nod means "NO!" »
October 02, 2004
Recap - Hungarian Friendship
When we reached this country, we were told the roads going from its capital will be flat and smooth. Instead we found & learnt much more than we expected :)
(Hungary ... 20.9.04 to 26.9.04)
Lunch, just by the romantic river Duna, our 1st contact with this well-known river. Tasting the sweetness of the bread & jam given by the pastor of Dudince, basking in the sun, in peace with heaven & earth.
This man hitch-hiked from home to the highlands of Scotland & back to tell his tales. Botond took us in at his gate with little doubts & is offering us the BEST wine in his country, Toikaji ;)
With his active & agile children by the dining table, Botond served us as many Hungarian food as he can find from his fridge for he knows that one of the most delightful rewards of travelling to a foreign land is to sample its local food ;)
We were told Budapest has the biggest wholesale market and the most number of Mainland Chinese in the eastern portion of Europe. In this small market along Fay Street, about 300m in length, we met Mr Xue whom we chatted for a while. It have never been easy make a living in a foreign country...
Having lunch along a busy street in the city, outside Nyagati railway station (among the major & oldest) with a 24hr Mac behind us. (A friend sat in the fast-food restaurant throughout the night, so it must be 24hrs!)
With the Chain Bridge, Szechenyi lanchid, in the background, this young city boy took an interest in our strange clothings & bulky bicycles. Before long, he offered his house for us to spend the night. Zoli has cycled from the origin of the Duna river to Budapest, a distance of 1500km for 3 wks when he was only 12 yrs old!
Together with his mother, Zsuzsanna, & his sister, Anna, we described our route home ... some 12,000km away ...
The boss Mr Lin & Mrs Lin gave us this box of mooncakes which has flown here from mainland China by plane to this European city like many of his other goods! We were speechless, warmth surge of blood through our body. The festival cake found easily back home has become so precious & meaningful during that moment :)
More than 10 different Chinese newspapers catering to just one community of 30,000 Chinese in Budapest! We learnt that there's also a Chinese school running classes for Hungarians too!
A Chinese "Jia Chang Bian Fan" (common home dishes) which we haven't seen in wks, ah....the taste was 'more than words' :D Mrs Lin encouraged us "Whenever you're in a foreign country, just look for the red lanterns & you'll likely to find a Chinese restaurant & Chinese people will help you guys" ... Fei Chang Xie Xie Ning, Lin Tai Tai (Thank you very much Mrs Lin)!
The weird but extremely sweet fruit that we haven't seen in our life, Fig. Awesome! Sorry guys back home, only can see for you, & no touch ;)
112km out of the Hungarian capital, cycling on pretty much flat roads (Thank goodness!), we met the welcoming arms of 3 elderly folks, Mihaly, his wife Mihalyne (Maria) and Frence (a Hollywood star look-alike!)
Maria, a small grandma with a gigantic loaf of bread. Notice what she has in her hand??!
Mihaly, the grandpa with a comical face, holding his favourite cup, just as cartoonie :)
Which Hollywood star have we bumped into? Yah! Mr 'Clooney' is as eager to learn about us as we about these 3 nice elderly folks. Sadly to us, this old house we've stayed is currently on sale...will we step foot in it again? hmm...
"Long Feng", the Dragon & Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, has been very exquisitely decorated with wood cravings and paintings.
The lady boss, Mdm Zhu (treated us lunch served) served a fast-food style lunch package which is attracting a healthy flow of customers! In this small town , with no more than 20 Chinese, she is striking out a new life with her child.
The Mako family: Laszlo, Gyongyi (his wife), & their 2 daugthers Barbara & Gabriella. We stayed with them for 3 days for how can we deny the bait when they tempted us by cooking those fabulous Hungarian dishes & the country No. 1 cake 'Maglya rakas'! More importantly, memorable friendship while the sky above was dull & gloomy.
Readily keen to show us Mako's new water fountain in the city center. Mako is dubbed the Onion City!
The IDEAL Man!
No Drinking
No Smoking
No Gambling
No Sex...
No LIFE!! ... heehee ....
Putting my hand into the making of Maglya rakas! Roughly translated as 'pile pack' or 'pile layer'.
The finished product! Ah ... much satisfied. Ready to tuck into the pile?!
Receiving a haircut from Gyongyi. Looking pro huh??
A 2nd customer ... hmmm ... what do you think? :)
Never easy to part. Especially to such homely companionship ... may our paths cross again ...
Returning to our roads ... farewell Mako, farewell Onion city!
Posted by a2e at October 2, 2004 05:20 AM
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yo a2e....
take good care ya!!!!!.......wanna wish u an early merry christmas.....keep us posted ya!!!.....stay warm n safe ya!!!!!......btw...the real "stalker" is menglang....hahhaaaa.....
warmest wishes from home....
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at December 9, 2004 09:05 AM
hey yo yo a2e cyclists.....
still in turkey???....has the rain turned into snow???.....treading thru snow already???.....
many orcas received ya postcards from ankara....they came jus in time....be4 our big race.....they reallie appreciate ya thotfulness yeah....been an orca high at the singapore river last weekend....however todae is an working sat for me.....looking forward to next weekend.....to penang....hehheee......
take good care ya.....keep warm n dry...stay safe!!!!all the way, a2e!!!
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at November 27, 2004 06:05 PM
Yo Jeff!
Great to hear from you! i have shaved lah ... those photos were ages ago.
Now we are in Turkey, been here for 1mth already. Weather's not getting better with cold rains (3-6'C) and many parts of Turkey are already in SNOW. We shall see how the next few days ...
Try to welcome us in 2006 lah .. *grin*
take care!
Posted by: swee kian at November 25, 2004 07:01 PM
Uncle SK..... and SEAN......
You 2 must really be enjoying...... Keep going...... Uncle SK can you shave before you wanna be in the picture cos... you look older than me and untidy with those hair sticking out .... ha ha ha.....
Hey Sista SEana received your post card thanks this is the 2nd one.... anyway the ORCA legends has ended last Sunday 21.11.04... Kinda sad cos Iwould consider one the pioneer in this team just merely 3 years and it is vanished..... so not too sue will i still be rowing just giving myself so more time to think over...........
OK to the both of you .... Keep going...... let us know of your returning......... will try to Welcome you back home.... Oh O which home ? Sing or Mala????
All the best..........
Posted by: Mr Tan at November 24, 2004 02:40 PM
Yo, Sean!
Phew! Finally the race is over. I can now breathe easy and drop by your web page to say my thanks for the wonderfully Turkish gesture received a fortnight ago. I see that you are enjoying life and have put on a fair bit 'prosperity' siah! Enjoy your trip back!
Salut!
Posted by: Zacchaeus at November 22, 2004 10:13 PM
yo yo!!
wow... u are having hell lots of fun there man!! So envious!! The people there look so friendly - unlike singaporeans ;) ... hmm..
received ur 'weird' postcard! Thanks bro!!
Regatta! - here we come!!Sean, r u ready?!
Posted by: menglang at November 18, 2004 07:40 AM
shu shu
I miss you very much, where are you now?
now is my turn to use your computer to send you some messages after cousin Yin Lin sister.
Do you miss us? please be careful when you are riding your bike, and take good care of yourself and remember to update us about your news.
hope to see you very soon
bye bye
your cute niece COCO YAU XIN YUE
Posted by: 5 years old COCO YAU at November 16, 2004 08:37 PM
yo a2e cyclists......cockroach & smrt....
greetings from a2e volunteers from bukit batok st 33!!!!
todae is the 106th day of ya journey.....11 countries thus far.....pig has been counting......the postcards r getting crumpled....plz send more ya.......hehheheeee........selamat hari raya adilfitri.....left for georgia oredi???.....how's the weather???......n the visas for the upcoming countries......hope the application process is smooth ya.......take good care ya!!!!........stay safe n close.....free internet may be limited after turkey but do update us whenever possible.....we would be staying tuned for a2e news!!!!
warmest wishes......a2e volunteers......
Posted by: a2e volunteers at November 14, 2004 10:53 PM
Shu Shu, how are you? I am now using your computer to send you this message.
I Love You, Ah ma, gu gu, go go and myself.
Shu Shu, please take good care and come home safely.
see you.....bye bye
Wish you a Happy Deepavali and Hari Raya Pusa
your cute niece
Yin Ling
Posted by: 3 years old Yin Ling at November 11, 2004 08:23 PM
Hy im kristjan from estonia...i think you still remember the Estonian weding party!! I`m the guy who taked your home-site adress.I can`t belive tahat you are still alive guy´s ok ok im just joking.So as i can read you are doing fine and thats cool.I cant explain it in words how glad i am that you are still riding and riding...I hope taht you will make it to the end!!!!
Best wishes : Kristjan Tiik
Posted by: Kristjan at November 11, 2004 04:49 AM
Hiya both of you!!!
So great so see you guys having so much fun along the way!!! Really proud of both of you... you have gone a long way!!! TAS will be waiting for your arrival!!! ALL THE WAY man!!! Take care and HAPPY DEEPAVALI yah! :p
Posted by: = Jean = 24th council = at November 10, 2004 09:48 AM
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« Flashbacks from Slovakia | Main | Recap - Hungarian Friendship »
October 01, 2004
A town with 2 hosts ... Dudince, our last stop in Slovakia
(Slovak Republic ... 13.9.04 to 20.9.04)
Joining Pastor Radim Cingel at their Youth Group meeting in the evening. It was through Pastor Martis' (Batizovce) contact that led us to Pastor Cingel in Dudince, our last stop in Slovakia.
Attending Sunday service at the Dudince Evangelicky Church. During the morning service, we were even asked to give a 5mins speech about our cycling trip home.
"In Vino Veritas", loosely translated from latin meant "Truth after wine!"
Coincidentally, we had chanced upon a vineyard while walking in the hills of Dudince. Next moment, we were invited to a few rounds of homemade red wine! In the wine cellar with the owner (picture).
Don't the grapes look JUICY and TEMPTING??? Ans: YES! *grin*
Our 'guide', Roderik cutting grapes for us. Annually, they can produce 2000L of wine from that vineyard but none are sold. Instead they are given to friends and families or used in barter trade. The wine making know how was passed down from Roderik's grandparents.
Wine tasting (again) in the wine cellar. Roderik's parents also make a kind of wine very similar in taste to the fame Tokaji wine.
Lending a helping hand to Roderik's mum in cleaning the h e a v y wine barrel
Tasting the mineral water that makes Dudince famous for their thermal spa therapy. The locals called the water 'egg water' because of the bad egg smell and taste.
Bidding farewell to Pastor Radim Cingel and his family
Farewell to our 2nd host in Dudince, Roderik outside the hotel where he is working
Posted by a2e at October 1, 2004 07:13 PM
Comments
grapes? so big? how cum its black in color?
Posted by: menglang at November 18, 2004 07:41 AM
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« Flashbacks from Czech Republic | Main | A town with 2 hosts ... Dudince, our last stop in Slovakia »
October 01, 2004
Flashbacks from Slovakia
(Slovak Republic ... 13.9.04 to 20.9.04)
Nastrave! Drinking on our 1st night in Slovakia. We were treated to a few rounds of Slovakia beer and "Borovicka" 38% alcohol! What a start in Slovakia!
Our 1st view of the High Tatra Mountains as we left Part.Lupca village. We have planned some hiking days in the Tatra mountains. The sight of the mountains so near really lifted our spirits!
Surprise coincidence? Remember "Weronika Bakery" in Lomza, Poland? There was a bakery of the same name in Slovakia - Veronika Bakery!!
In Pastor Jan Martis house, speaking with Lubica on our route in Slovakia. We were fortunate to locate them in Batizovce village as we did not even have their names and address initially. It was through our Polish friends (from Ustron) that we came to know of the Anglican church in Batizovce.
Start of our trekking in the High Tatras Mountains. The High Tatras would be our 1st trekking opportunity in this journey.
Hiking trails in the High Tatras. Let's go! 8-) *blink blink*
Hiking towards the Mala Studena Dolina (Small Cold valley)
At Terycho Chata, 2015m after the hike through the Mala Studena Dolina in drizzling rain. We would be spending our 1st night in this more than 100 years old mountain hut.
With our 2 new Polish friends, Anna and Marek in Terycho Chata. They were waiting for the sky to clear in order to trek back to Poland where they will return to Warsaw. And back to their routine working life in the city ... *grin* As per ordinary city folks, such relaxing times off the work are precious and hard earned! Upon hearing our journey, our friends even joked about abandoning the work immediately, picked up a bag and go tramping in South America for a year! ... *wink*
Our comfy dormitory beds in Terycho Chata
Leaving Terycho Chata. Weather outlook seemed promising enough for us to undertake the various mountain passes that day. It was 5'C that morning.
Scaling the vertical wall towards our 1st saddle crossing
On our 1st saddle at over 2300m. It was a very misty from the time we left Terycho Chata.
Hiking in the High Tatras. In better weather conditions, the view of the surrounding peaks would definitely be breathtaking!
On the trail towards Slizky Dom. Can you spot Sean in the picture?
Sean on the plateau, with the Slizky Dom in the background
Pastor Jan Martis and his wife, Lubica. They had let us put up at their guest house and store our bicycles and belongings during our hiking days in the Tatra mountains.
With the Pastor's family. The Evangliecky church is in the background.
Last look of the High Tatras Mountains as we left Bativozce village
Riding into the Low Tatra Mountains
12% up, 5km long, our biggest hurdle over the Low Tatra Mountains
Looking down the road we had riden up. At that moment, we really felt an accomplishment riding up and over that Low Tatra road!
It was 2km, 12% steep downhill. After crossing that hurdle, it was a smooth ride along route 66.
With Janka and her companion in Zamostie village. If not for the kind hearted Janka, we might still be seeking shelter and shivering in the cold night for hours. It was around 11'C that evening in the mountain village.
Janka preparing the Slovakian traditional dish, Haluska for our breakfast
Outside Janka's house with her grandchildren
Posted by a2e at October 1, 2004 06:12 PM
Comments
so happy to 'hear' from you guys again. glad you've been meeting with kind hospitality everywhere.
wish we were there...
stay safe!
Posted by: tj at November 6, 2004 11:10 PM
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« Well and alive in Ankara :) | Main | Flashbacks from Slovakia »
October 01, 2004
Flashbacks from Czech Republic
(Czech Republic ... 8.9.04 to 12.9.04)
Welcome party in Ostrava with ex-colleagues ... CHINESE food!!
We spent a cosy evening around the campfire in Scott garden
Leaving our bikes in Karvina, we spent a short weekend rest and relax in Prague
Are you sure this way is suitable? commented Mr.Chan in their Prague apartment. Mr.Chan and his family have been our host in Prague for the short r and r.
Martina, Scott's wife baked prune and butter cakes specially for us, just before we set off!
Bidding farewell to Scott - friend, colleague and our host in Karvina!
With Murakami in Karvina. His farewell and encouragement words for us ... "Ganbatte!!"
With the Sztula family,our host for the last night in Czech Rep. Roman had invited us to their place when we met them in ARCTIC CIRCLE, Finland nearly 2 months ago! Roman, his wife, son and a 2yrs old baby had cycled to Nordkapp and down Finland in 5 weeks! A family of cycle touring enthusiasts who have toured around the Central Europe extensively for the past years.
Posted by a2e at October 1, 2004 05:45 PM
Comments
kinda have the sense of being back home? :)
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAlItY ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at November 7, 2004 12:04 PM
kinda have the sense of being back home? :)
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAlItY ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at November 7, 2004 12:04 PM
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« Astonishing Hungary !! | Main | Flashbacks from Czech Republic »
October 01, 2004
Well and alive in Ankara :)
Hey ppl! "Merhaba!" (Turkish Hello!)
How u doing in ... everywhere?! It's been a good 13 days in Turkey (no bomb scare for us) , the most liberal Islamic country we've come to know :) We'll probably be here (capital city, Ankara) for another 7-10 days, attending to the visa issues for the countries after Turkey. And after that, another 7-10 days again to eventually get to the border of Turkey & Georgia. So far so good! ... in fact I would say much more than so good, but I'll be doing injustice to the people we've met and their generousity and hospitality if I were to further elaborate without pictures... :P, so please wait a while longer when we get more chance and time for the uploading hor?! heehee .... Nonetheless, Turkey has so so much to offer! Hence, start making plans to visit this place b4 the prices of things grows even higher!! ;)
Posted by a2e at October 1, 2004 04:47 AM
Comments
hi!
I'm really pround of you that you manage get so far. I hope that you have great time! warm greetings from Poland. My best wishes to you. Bye
Posted by: lucja at November 5, 2004 07:00 PM
sean sean!!!
miss u man...
wanted to leave some words .. but then once i saw dunlin's name.. goodness..
she's such a stalker!!
Posted by: menglang!! at November 5, 2004 05:05 PM
yo yo yo.....a2e.....cyclists....
a2e is 3 months and 1 day old todae!!!....wow....more good things coming along the way ya!!!!.....thanks thanks for the updates from turkey.....would definitely wait patiently for the fotos.......any sneak previews???....hhehheeee......stay safe too....
warmest regards,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at November 2, 2004 12:48 PM
Nice to hear from you again! Do take care.
Posted by: Jenny at November 2, 2004 07:27 AM