« Azerbaijan ... To Ganja | Main | Disastrous waves ... »
December 25, 2004
After Ganja ... into the works of man
The roads out of Ganja were as good as those when we entered. Here it's the central region of Azerbaijan. Here there are more open fields. Here we discovered a new baijan ...
(Azerbaijan ... 14.12.04 to 7.01.2005)
This is Mohammad from the town of Aran in the Yevlax district. We're standing on his land, a few hectares wide where his handful of cows & 150 sheeps & goats graze freely. While in Summer, the land will be transformed into a field of wheat and together with other fruit trees. He has come far to achieve all these. The unrest between his country and Armenia has driven him out of his homeland, around 100km to the south in the district of Karabakh. He showed us a ook of the torments his countrymen have went through, but fortunately for him & his family, they could still lead a peaceful & comfortable life here.
As dusk fell, the sherpards (Mohammad sons) returned with the cows, sheeps & goats. To our surprise, as they opened the gate to the 'koyun jai' (sheep's house), schools of little ones ran out, crying for their mothers ... actually for their mother's milk. A public mass feeding in seesion :)
The family handle their livestocks from head to toes, be it food, shelter, medical & reproduction. Here they are giving them vitamins ... hmmm ... C or A or E?
The Mohammad workforce altogether, here in their new land, their new home. Keep it up Sir!
This is Qulu, a good friend of another Mohammad (you'll meet in a while). He has taken us for a tour of Agdas city with his family & to their new house. There they made BBQ for us, after already taking a meal in their old flat. Aaaaa .... I can't eat anymore ....
This bazar in the city sells everything, local food, herbs, spices, fruits, meat, vegetables and ... rice! Long time no see these cute little seeds!
This is man is called Tehran (coincidently, the capital of Iran). He owes this provision shop, situated right in the centre of Laki Town in the Agdas district. Gums for you?
These are men in the wood business. Each cart sells for 6000 manat, slightly more than a US dollar (1 : 5000). Doesn't looks very profitable to you? However, it means a lot to them, their wife and their children.
This young man is Elssan. He works in the teahouse, a place where men and only men are allowed. They came for tea, chat, a game of cards and of dices. The pots beside Elssan are used for cooking water. Very efficient and practical in a place like this.
This is the Mohammad of Laki town. When we found his house, he was coming from the teahouse at the opposite side. At once he took us in as guests from a foreign land & not long later, informed us that we'll be attending a wedding! Our 1st Azerbaijan village wedding party! *food-music-dance* Sorry guys, we didn't bring cameras as all things seemed to happen so fast! We have entered the world of 'Mohmad-baijan' For 3 days we stayed with him, little by little listening to the struggles he has overcame to enjoy the life he & his family has at present. With all our hearts, we salute you, Sir!
Mr 'honeyman', Fuad. We spotted him with his wagons of honeybees boxes 10m away from the roadside. Had a cup of tea with him, but received a bite on the leg from his ferocious dog. It didn't like the way SK got too close to the bees while trying to take photos, & broke free from its leash to show us who's boss. Ouch ...
Kurdemir *sigh* ... the city which we didn't find home.We met many foreigners, including a Filipino and Indonesian at their central office. They have been here for a pipeline project, to transport oil through Georgia to Turkey. Sadly, as they were staying within the office compound, they were unable to accomodate us. We had to ride on into the evening sky, until we were called by this man. He owns a roadside restaurant and offered to take us in for the night.
This kindess, regretfully, turned out to bear a hurting outcome. We woke up the next morning to find that our bikes been tempered with. Damages due to improper riding & unvited writings have been found on our panniers. We couldn't point out the culprit but suspect those were the foolish acts of our host's friends (who had stay in other quarters). It was a painful mistake which we only have ourselves to blame. With the lesson in mind, we have to move on ... the road lies ahead.
Posted by a2e at December 25, 2004 04:29 PM
Comments
Hi guys,
Treat those uninvited writings as a form of Graffiti!
They are only trying to beautify your plain looking bikes! As for the damages due to improper riding.... at least you have giving them an opportunity to learn riding!
Brill!!!
Me will be back to S'pore for a month holiday, will be thinking of you guys!
Luv
Fiona
Posted by: Fiona at March 7, 2005 07:45 AM
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« Georgia ... after the pass | Main | After Ganja ... into the works of man »
December 20, 2004
Azerbaijan ... To Ganja
Azerbaijan, the country of Fire. If you recall the well-known Chinese tale, 'Journey to the West', there were mentions of 'Mountain of Five Fingers' and 'Firey Mountain'. These can be found here in Azerbaijan! Long long time ago ... there was an abundance of natural gas and in one particular mountain, fire was ablazed in many places. Today, a few of those flames remains, so it seemed that the Monkey God didn't actually put out all of them with the borrowed 'Banana Leaf Fan'. For us, with the asphalt roads, we need not tackle the mountains, as we make our journey to the East.
(Azerbaijan ... 14.12.04 to 7.01.2005)
As we rode into the custom, the sentence poured to us "you have dollars?" Felt like a sign of beware in this country ... once we got our stamp on the passport, and after an officer proudly wrote "En buyuk Azerbaycan" on my bag, we rode into the afternoon sun. Shortly afterwards, we came to a village call 'Birinci Sixli' (1st light) and decided to spend the night. The Bashirov family giving us a picturesque view of their neighbourhood. This river has flowed from Turkey ... the 2 countries are in fact, Sister Country.
His little boy showing his driving skill. Woah ... his father has left him to drive us back. Luckily it was only a short stretch ... I was holding my breath ...
And the parting shot. Though we haven't picked up enough local tongue to strike much conversation (hey, it's our 1st day in the country!), the family wouldn't let us leave until we have taken lunch.
He is Zejnalov, a soldier, relieved of duty (ORD), now enjoy leading a rural life tending to cows, sheeps, chickens and spending time with his parents and family. His country 'reward' to him, an endless supply of free electricity, gas and water. These come with much importance particularly during the cold winter months, mainly on heating.
Manse, his father and Marus, his mother, in their kitchen where walss are made out from cardboards and canvas sacks. Linked to their sleeping quarters, which are train carriages. We experienced a short blackout, but candles are never too far away. That night, a chicken wasa slaughtered for the guests, us. Yummy :)
Anyone for onions? We knocked on a few doors, but none was interested. After another short ride, we came upon this house filled to every corner of their yards with tonnes of onions. They were busy packing for the bazar, but never too busy to receive us with warm extended arms.
The onion family of Kuschu Kandi, Tovus. The son, Anar (1st left) greeted us with a friendly and welcoming smile, one which we have been longing for this evening. SK wasn't feeling at his best due to stomach upset and was tired and strengthless. As the sun began to sun, he was in need of a rest. Thank you so much!
In the small small village, Konulu Shamkir, this is Mother Rosa, her electric baking oven and a almost ready bread for the table. Wood is not readily available in this country & with the electric being the only fesible energy, this good-for-1-bread oven proved to be the ideal solution. Nonetheless, timing in equally important. Electricity supply comes with a fairly reliable timetable.
They have a queer yet keen interest to send their mother and sisters away. Specially when we told about the many tropical fruits we enjoyed back home. "One box of pineapples for my mother!" Zamedin & his brother held seasonal jobs, making good earnings in the bazars in Moscow, Russia and return home in the winter season to tend their sheeps. This seemed to be a promising opportunity as his sister's husband has gone to Moscow too. Significantly, the clock in their house was tuned an hour before local time.
On the 3rd day, SK was feeling much better. As we were preparing to leave, his father, Medat, helf me by the hand and urged us to stay for 1 more night ... Here, we joked with the family for 3 nights. What a cheerful bunch!
A little out of the city of Ganje, we found a quiet village, Aliu Sagi Kandi. We approached a young man talking to a lady in front of a house with "Salam! We Malaysia...tommorrow Baku (and signal to the east)...this night we your house sleep...OK?" (*in broken local language) "Aha...guest has arrived", he spoke and led us away, 4 streets after, to his house. This is Vagif's family. Our presence also attracted their neighbour, Sajgov Islam, who later gave us his wife's sister address, far away in the country of Uzekistan. What a meeting it'll be then!
Azerbaijan rice pudding, Yayima. It tasted as fantastic as it looked! Wish you were here with us! :)
Vagif's house shared the same front gate with his uncle's family. The 2 families maintained very close link, sharing a baking oven, toilet and 'hamam' (bathing house). This is his aunt, feeding the numerous hindishka (turkey) the reared.
The next day, then family insisted that we cannot leave without a visit to the landmark of Ganje. This is the village school which Vagif studied. We chated with the teachers, principal in their office around a small heating stove. Just enough heat for us all ...
Looks like we weren't the only foreigners to step foot here.
The Great Man, Nizami of Ganje. Our lady tourguide keenly gave a detail account of his deeds, but with our little knowledge of Azeri, we only managed to catch "philosopher...scientist...the religion Islam...5 books.." Do you know him?
This truck provided drinking water to the people. It comes once a week in winter, while twrice during summer. Kemine, Vagif's sister, took 100 litres, but wouldn't let us help her with it. She single handedly rolled the tank back into her house with much ease. My lady friends back home .... can you do it not or?! *raise brow*
Do not be mistaken, this is the spirit of New year. Here pinetrees and 'Shakta Baba (our Santa Claus) are associated with the celebration. There are many setups here in the square and professional photographers are always on standy to take the picture for you with a price.
This is the 5th day and we're finally preparing to bid farewell, after much insistance to convince our warm family to let us part. We have to go for we belong elsewhere, but with a heavy heart we say goodbye. It have been 4 cheerful, & sunny days with our Ganje family.
Posted by a2e at December 20, 2004 06:43 PM
Comments
It's amazing how friendly those people are, inviting strangers into their houses. That is definitely nice to know. At least there is still some pure love in the world.
Take care~ We'll be cheering you on.
Posted by: akari at March 4, 2005 11:03 AM
warmth has once again been bestowed upon u guys and may it continues throughout ur trip! mm, do be more cautious of ur food intake :)
~a2e~ Making A Dream Reality ~a2e~
Posted by: clarriel at March 1, 2005 10:18 PM
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« Georgia...before Rikoti pass | Main | Azerbaijan ... To Ganja »
December 11, 2004
Georgia ... after the pass
Breezing down after the Rikito, a valley town formed a panaromic display with the snow-capped mountains, orangy afternoon sky, alpine forest & a centuries old castle. Even the town's name, Surami, protrays a graceful melody as the Georgian flag dance to its rhythm from the mast at the castle.
(Georgia ... 1.12.04 to 14.12.04)
Along both sides of the road, these traditional ovens lined one after another, baking a sweet bread that can only be found here, the Nazuki.
It wasn't easy to find a family here though. Normally we're told "no extra bed" or "my house already has 8 people". However the locals kept on sourcing for us to ask other houses. Soon a crowd had gathered. A young man walked up to us & signalled to follow him.
Skillfully playing on the accordion is his brother, Vaho.
The young man, Dato, with his mother, Nino, playing an Georgian instrument, the Pandori. We were wholly bewitched ... the music was enchanting while the songs sang by Nino allowed my mind to wander off far away, amid the cloud, upon a mountain top. This is a concert in a simple setting, yet no money can buy. I wish you were there to feel it as well ... :)
We were urged to take a tour of this centuries old castle, only a minute walk from Dato house. Climbing up to the walls, we saw the beauty of Surami once more.
Before we part, Nino though of a close relative who lived near the border with Azerbaijan. Here she is writing a note to her, that we might spend a night before leaving Georgia. Madeloba (Thank you) Nino!
He works for the ice cream factory in summer time. Now he is back to his village, Akhalsheni, to work on his fields. Gia is a merry person with a comical laughter. See! Nice hair cut huh?! Yet he kept telling us he is no professional :P
Gia's mother, Nunu, feeding their turkeys and chickens. Preparing them for Christmas and the new year! *wink*
This shot needs little introduction. Gia & Nunu, you are 'magalria' (wonderful)!
Swatch outlet ... yes, we have reached Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The city & its rural towns strike such a big contrast. Everything can be found here. Electricity in particular, is available round the clock. Nonetheless, these young city people were as helpful & friendly as the rest!
SK walked into the Chinese restaurant & came out with 2 Chinese, "Come, let's go to our apartment". Just like that, no further questioning nor checking of documents. Widely known as Kang Ge, he & his 4 friends are businessmen ready to set up a new market place here in Tbilisi. "Chinese, after all we are Chinese", and for that, we stayed with them for 4 days, tending to our next visa application & general maintainence for our steeds.
As we cycled out of the capital, horrendous wind attacked us. Withstanding the invisible foe, our speed never went above 10km/h. Constantly we have to correct the steering bar in order to move straight. The dreadful ordeal took more than an hour. As we came to a small village, we had to seek shelter in this bakery, a pause for peace & bread.
This is the traditional oven we saw before, only bigger.
Each time, the oven can make 40 breads. The complete process takes roughly 45 mins & each bread is carefully sticked to the wall. Taking the finished bread out involve a little scrapping & with special tools, the baker scoops them one by one. "There, the bottom ones closest to the burning charcoal are ready!" Ah ... the sweet smell of fresh bread ... *slurp*
Remember the contact from Nino of Surami? This is the very note that will help us to find the night's stay. Following 2 locals in their car, & after a couple of rounds and bends in the village, we finally found Mary of Marneuli.
Yes, that horn has been dugged for 'vino' drinking! It can hold about 2 litres and yes again, they would drink it all at once! Before every drink, there'll be a good toast, one to health, next to all the family members, follow by to their country, and then not leaving out the rest of the world. To Georgia, MADELOBA!
Armenuhi, infront of the Armenian School where she has studied and now teaches in. There is a population of armenians living in the village and the armenian children all studied in this school. Interesting is, the Armenian School is also funded and supported by the Georgian government alike Georgian schools. All subjects are taught in the armenian language (also 1 of the 14 original languages in the world) and the students learnt Georgian as a second language. According to Armenuhi, that system may change in the near future as the newly formed government under their new President is implementing new measures and revamping the system. Nobody knows the effect of the new system but Armenuhi strongly believes that at least her children will have better lives in the future.
Mary, Tamazi (her husband) and Niko (their son), took us in for 2 nights with much kachapuri & vino. And every morning by the 1st call of the rooster at about 4am, Tamazi would wake up and come downstair to our room to add some firewood for the stove, keeping us warmth through the freezing early morning.
We are leaving Marneuli ... leaving Georgia ... Nahuamdis our friends!
Posted by a2e at December 11, 2004 09:59 AM
Comments
It's been a long time since I so enjoyed reading posts in the net. Two thumbs up! out little pieces of bread and cups of juice: http://www.circe-gets-laid.com/archives/002587_mating_in_captivity.html , There was once this guy
Posted by: John Jones at October 10, 2005 11:59 AM
Wow ... thanks for the swarm of CNY greetings and birthday wishes! And to the many new faces (we have been scratching our heads as to who you are ...??), thanks for the encouragement!
Drink alot in Malaysia and Singapore now ... noticed it is 34'C on BBC. It's kindda cooler here in Tashkent ... *grin*
Posted by: swee kian at March 7, 2005 08:36 PM
Impressive feat you all are doing~ ^^ The photos are 'malgaria' as well. Thanks for showing us the marvellous sceneries of the world, and sharing with us the fascinating experiences.
Take care and have a good trip~
Posted by: akari at March 1, 2005 10:29 AM
yo ah bee and sk!
a happy happy CNY to u 2 and happy belated bday to sk ;P
i just wanna say that i'm really really proud of u guys and i feel honoured to be a part of this project (even if i'm just there to read the posts u so painstakingly update!) u allow me to discover lands i never even knew existed.
Keep safe and keep in good health, there is still some way home yet but it is getter nearer everyday.
btw, how much does your trip meter read by now?
Posted by: ah ger at February 22, 2005 10:11 PM
Hi qiang,
Happie b’dae! Am sure this yr’s b’dae is definitely a very significant and meaningful one for u…may it be an ever rewarding one for u and enjoy!
stay safe in ur trip! :)
~a2e~ Making a dream reality ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at February 21, 2005 09:41 PM
Bro SK,
Just pop by to wish ya HAPPI BIRTHDAE.Wishing you Joy, wrapped up in Love and filled with Laughter...did u hav a cake??geez..
Posted by: Xiaomei-Kin at February 21, 2005 07:52 PM
hey hey yo a2e....
how's things???......been a while since we last heard from a2e.....wanna wish u all a safe n smooth journey ahead.....may u all be welcomed by wonderful people always.....keep us posted of ya journey.....Jiayou!!!
to sk.....wanna wish you a very very Happie Burfdae!!!!......may all ya wishes come true!!!!.....take good care.....
best best regards,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at February 20, 2005 09:42 PM
yongxuan, ruiqiang...
ni men hao ma?
xin nian yi jin yao guo qu le....did you manage to celebrate new year over there? today's coco's birthday....we just returned from yonghui's home....tmlo's is ruiqiang's birthday....want to wish him "happy birthdae".....n may he blessed with good health too.....
hope both of u stay safe and sound......complete this journey and come back home soon.....
best wishes from yongxuan's mama
Posted by: yongxuan's mama at February 20, 2005 09:35 PM
hey guys received your postcard... very nice... thanks. lishan is drooling at your description of the beautiful bred of horses.
anyway, also want to wish swee kian a very happy birthday. wherever you are, may blessings be plentiful for you; favour and protection follow you every second, every day.
Posted by: yong and lishan at February 20, 2005 06:38 PM
Wow, nice pics & nice blog... you guys must have a fantastic journey, meeting so many nice people... have fun but be safe.
Happy New Year! =)
Posted by: Cuifen at February 19, 2005 11:37 PM
Mr TSK,
21 0f Feb is your Birthday, so I hereby wish you in advance/belated "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Time flies, Cycle by........
Hope that you enjoy your birthday over there whatever place you are in now........
Happy Riding to you and Mr Yau too....
Posted by: Jeff Tan at February 19, 2005 10:31 AM
Yoz Sean and partner,
Seemed like yr journey had made u tough and strong... and open our eyes indirectly to see how wonderful and lovable the pple can be. U will be an inspiration to many ard u.
May the force b with u.
Rgds
Ah Seng
Posted by: CJS at February 15, 2005 06:37 PM
新年快樂!!
Hi hi! Happy New Year! Wishing you Speed, Fun and Laughter in the Year of the Rooster!
Wishing you Luck - in meeting helpful locals when things came to a standstill.
Wishing you Health - to stay fit and strong for the long hours of cycling.
Wishing you Happiness - with all the wonderful friends that you met along the way.
Wishing you Wealth - Knowing and experiencing first hand, the very rich local cultures.
C ya soon! :-)
AND send the answers for the Quiz!!!
Posted by: SQ at February 14, 2005 02:40 PM
"Gong Xi Fa Cai"
"Xin Nien Kuai Le"
Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year, and hope the year of Rooster bring both you lots of luck in your journey.
Posted by: Yuming at February 9, 2005 07:12 PM
Happy Lunar New Year..Believe this yr's is a very special and memorable one for both of ya,hope u had a great time..if u din manage to celebrate,no worries cos all of us will celebrate ur share for ya heh. Stay fit and healthy...counting down and looking forward for reunion!
Posted by: XiaoMei-Kin at February 9, 2005 08:19 AM
BB brother
so long, thank you so much for your postcard received 2 days after my big day.
I know you all are doing well up there, so keep up the spirit. I will take care of everything back home, so not to worry. heheehe
lt is a special moment, as father had just landed 10 minutes ago.
We will have reunion lunch at auntie's place as usual follow by a combine reunion dinner at bao long's place.
Take good care and quote what big brother always said and never tired of saying - may the force be with you.
Giving and sharing is the most wonderful things in life, I am proud to have you as my brother.
Happy Chinese New Year
Stay healthy and safe always
YYY
Posted by: yong yuong at February 7, 2005 11:36 PM
yongxuan, ruiqiang....
ni men hao ma? ni men li de tou fa heng hao kan...
xin nian dao le...zhu ni men....
ping ping an an
sheng ti jian kang
xin nian kuai le
chu chu yao xiao xin
zao dian hui lai
from yongxuan's mama...
Posted by: yongxuan's mama at February 7, 2005 11:05 PM
Happy 6 months anniversary!!
& Happy Chinese New year!!!
Take care and keep on going!!!
Posted by: yongfeeh at February 2, 2005 01:57 PM
a2e....
6 months old oredi...GO Go Go!!!! all the way!!!keep going....
warmest regards,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at February 1, 2005 11:20 PM
the people there are so warm and friendly...!!
Posted by: menglang at January 31, 2005 11:59 AM
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« Hols Gediniz ... Gule Gule | Main | Georgia ... after the pass »
December 10, 2004
Georgia...before Rikoti pass
Georgia, a new beginning with a young president. We entered this country with a careful heart as so many words of caution have been told to us, "cycle fast across", "hitch a ride with the trucks and depart sooner". What has the past of Georgia been that it continued to haunt its present, .... and its future?
(Georgia ... 1.12.04 to 14.12.04)
Oranges? Yes ... & no. These are not the ordinary citrus fruits you'll find in market in Ang Mo Kio. These are a special breed of Georgian oranges, "Vashidton".
It wasn't till night fall when we rode out from the border post. If I was to revisit the place in the day, I wouldn't have recognized it. There wasn't much light anywhere to really see our way about. All I knew was cold and darkness, as the waves kept crashing onto the rocky beach. Upon the 1st lit house in the village of Sarpi, we stopped. The Koridze family is the minority Turks of Georgia. Hence our 'bir az' turkish managed to strike some conversations, specially with the parents and grandparents.
A stretch of the main road leading away from Kobuleti town centre was under construction. Barely flat or level, we have to carefully thread through with walking pace. The next village was nowhere near, but we spotted a cattle station.
There wasn't rooms nor beds for guests, but the old men took us in & serve us food anyway. Meals are never complete without homemade wine! Cheers! Our 1st Georgian wine ... good for the cold nights :) Cheers to Pichiho, Actus & Gigela!
Camera rolling ... actions! Bachuk shot part-time at functions. Generally there isn't any jobs about. After the Soviets dissolved, factories cease operation & electricity comes at certain times. Fortunately, this town has gas supply & wood for burning is available. This house uses gas lamp when the electric retires.
Ah ... looks familiar? Yes! Georgian food gets a little more spicy, much to our delight. Hot stuffs!
All in smiles, the Tevzadze family, together with their neighbours. The girl with glasses & cap wants to be an English teacher in future. From her, we picked up a few Georgian words! Keep it up!
It has rained earlier as the roads were wet & cold, and it looked to rain again. Yet, the spirit of this house never seem to be dampen by it. Everyone is hot-tempered and enjoy thrashing the other, but they're really a loving family I assure you. The boy in the middle, Lasha, is more fluent in English & he become our translator.
The rain prevailed & the family asked us to stay on. 3 days in all, we had fun, we had joy, & we had seasons in the rain! Here they're making Georgian pastry for us ;P
'Perashki', fried pan cake stuffed with rice & 'Kachapuri', the well-known cheese filled bread. Hungry already?!
And ... the time to part ... it was slightly cloudy, but not rainy. In good blessing, one last pose with our Georgian dancers .... next stop, the mountian pass ...
It has been uphill climbing. Snow ... yes! Snow has been cleared to the roadsides, at least 10cm thick! The boss of a eatery called us for tea. We gladly accepted :) Inside, all the men crowd around the miserable stove.
Another restaurant at the mouth of the tunnel of Rikoti mountain. Exceptionally amazed & eager to hear about our journey, they urged us into their restaurant and at once served us soup, sausages, vegatables & bread. We have to quickly decline the 'vino' offer :D
The tunnel through the mountain pass. Thank you for being there, else we'll have to climb further & fight the freezing snow.
*ps. A sign just before the tunnel reads:
Free - mountain road
Toll Charges - tunnel
Posted by a2e at December 10, 2004 08:48 AM
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« Last days in Turkey ... | Main | Georgia...before Rikoti pass »
December 09, 2004
Hols Gediniz ... Gule Gule
8 days ago, we closed another chapter in our journey home. For 6 weeks, over 20 villages, towns, cities & remote locations, we were doused with hospitality difficult to express in words.
We had entered Turkey warm and sunny. Although it was pouring liked nobody's business when we left Turkey, the warmth of the turkish hospitality and newfound friends (& families) continued to glow in our hearts.
To sum our experiences in this enchanting country:
"Stop to pee, you get tea;
Stop for break, you get bread;
Each and every mile, you will be greeted with lots of smile ..."
Now we are in Georgia, flipping another new chapter in our journey.
As of now, we can only say ... "Georgia's vino, MAGARIA!!" 8-)
Posted by a2e at December 9, 2004 01:14 AM
Comments
Gamardjobat!Hows the both of ya doing..no news for quite some time..hope evrythings fine yea.Ur greatest asset is not physical ability but mental ability.Ride on & can't wait to see ya guys back.Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Kin (Xiao Mei) at January 3, 2005 06:56 AM
Hi SK and Sean,
Wish you both a Happy New Year!
Hope to see you in 2006. Stay
Safe and Ride Hard. :-)
Posted by: atan at January 1, 2005 01:11 PM
Hi guys,
Wonder where will both of you be to celebrate the new year. But, I'm sure you will find the warmest place to mark the end of the year. Good luck and best wishes for the coming year! ... and do share a prayer for the tsunami disaster victims.
Happy New Year 2005!
Yuming.
Posted by: Yuming at December 31, 2004 09:37 AM
Hi,
This is truly amazing project that both of u are in! Diana mentioned to me about this and here i am... brings back nice memories when i was in Europe meeting the locals!!!
Keep the blogs coming in... and i have to say both of you are just so brave!
*applaud*
Miuzmiuz
Posted by: miuzmiuz at December 29, 2004 02:48 PM
hey yo yo a2e...
how haf u guys been???...it's getting cold here in singapore....it must be colder over at ya side too....rem to wear layers n layers of clothing to keep warm....do stop for hot tea whenever possible....n dun forget to wriggle fingers n toes....take care not to let them freeze on the handle bars or pedals.....stay warm....stay safe n sound too....keep in close touch with home.....3 more daes to 2005....
with WARMest wishes,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at December 29, 2004 08:26 AM
yo yo yo....a2e....
merry x'mas ya!!!.....white christmas over there???.....spent christmas w dolphins this morning....went whale n dolphin watching but only saw dolphins....hundreds of them....went sight seeing in bohol....river cruise....tarsier....chocolate hills....oso went to the oldest church in bohol....jus back to alona beach resort.....not much crowd over here.....quite a quiet christmas......no countdown last nite.....jus some fireworks by the beach.....u all take good care ya!!!......m going back tmlo nite.....stay warm......be merry.....
best regards
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at December 25, 2004 08:23 PM
hello friends,
I hope everything is fine.Do you remember me?Anyway you will remember me when you reach middle asia.Tajikistan forever
Posted by: bakhrom at December 25, 2004 02:37 PM
Merry X'mas & Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: Jenny at December 24, 2004 03:59 PM
yo yo yo, so long no updates. Hope you both are doing fine. Here's wishing you guys a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Godspeed your journey back! :p
Posted by: Jack Lee at December 24, 2004 11:47 AM
we wish u a merry x'mas..(2x)
we wish u a merry x'mas.......(high pitch)
& a happy new yr!!! bravo...
*clap hands hysterically* :p
hehhe..merry merry x'mas from home..any luck to see gerogian version of santa claus? stay warm and safe!
~a2e~ Making A Dream Reality ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at December 24, 2004 11:06 AM
Ho.. Ho... Ho....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Posted by: Mr Tan at December 24, 2004 08:01 AM
Uncle Sean, I luv you. We all miss you very much. g"bvgtnbbbbbhy7u654321234567890-=cdfryty6.azswq235476980-hfyddddddddrz....typed by YL herself. .......mmmmmmkkkkkkppppppllll0000yyyyyyyyyyhhhhhjjjjjjjjkkkkkkkkkkkkko. Haven't heard from you since 9 Dec. How are you? Merry Christmas & Happy New Year......ll[[[[[[[lllkkjjuu77yyttrfffddeee333wwssss. My granddad is visiting us in Singapore on New Year eve..... He is getting his passport soon.
Posted by: Ying Lin at December 23, 2004 08:18 PM
hey yo yo a2e...
todae is christmas' eve eve...my team has left for singapore last night.....hope u all r not feeling too cold out there....u all take good care ya!!!......stay warm....haf a merry merry x'mas....ho ho ho....
regards
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at December 23, 2004 08:02 AM
hi sk-san,
good morning.
are you hanging there?
i just got this url.
pls take care and keep safe, both of you ;)
have a good day !!
greetings,
jun
Posted by: jun at December 22, 2004 09:12 AM
hey yo yo a2e!!!
greetings from cebu!!!.....todae is the 8th day of my stay in cebu...lotsa hole digging.....cement mixing.....sand n gravel n bricks moving.....jus now went to visit the urban slums of cebu.......getting used to the life here....now at this super big shopping mall called SM in cebu.....my team love SM....glad u all r well n fine in turkey.....i m oso well n fine over here......christmas is much celebrated over here...cos cebu is a catholic country......lotsa firecrackers.....next week would haf more.....one xiang tian lei cos 20 pesos onli.....the kids here are palying like nobody's biz.....would be spending my x'mas in bohol.......u guys would haf a white x'mas yeah......cebu is quite hot......wanna wish u all a merry merry x'mas!!!.......take good care while on the road!!!!!......stay safe.....n sound.....keep warm too!!!! ho...ho...ho....
clarrie....merry x'mas to u too....u take care too ya!!!!
til equator n beyond,
dunlin : Þ
Posted by: dunlin : Þ at December 16, 2004 05:58 PM
It must be tough for you guys out there!
Yes....we want pictures!
Countdown to X'mas....
Greeting from shipping!
Posted by: Karen at December 16, 2004 10:16 AM
10 days to Christmas! Where will you guys be on Christmas Day? I just returned from Msia and was pleasantly reminded that people can be nice and warm! :-) Such a huge difference across such a tiny little strait of Johor. Good luck for the rest of the journey.
Posted by: Lai Yee at December 15, 2004 06:40 PM
it's really glad to hear that u guys are doing so well thus far...way to go guys...and stay safe! :)
~a2e~ MaKiNg A dReAm ReAlItY ~a2e~
Posted by: clarrie at December 9, 2004 07:22 PM
Hey,
you guys sponsored or something? and btw, how do you ask to stay over with the families? knock knock?
Pictures! Pictures!
Posted by: Keat at December 9, 2004 10:44 AM
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« Don't cry for me .... Vakfikebir | Main | Hols Gediniz ... Gule Gule »
December 01, 2004
Last days in Turkey ...
The last few days of our ride along the Black Sea Coast. The 8 days in Vakfikebir had somehow changed our physique (*grin*) but it was definitely nice to hit the roads again, especially with the sun bright and shining!
(Turkey ... 18.10.04 to 1.12.04)
With the all males family in Trabzon, playing the turkish mahjong, OKAY. I lost this game due to this picture ... *grin*
Smoking the liquid form of cigarette - Nargile, once very popular in turkish tea houses.
Midnight supper at Ahmet's house in Cayeli. Our host in Cayeli was actually Ahmet's buddy but Ahmet ended up hosting us in his apartment after we declined the offer for a hotel stay.
With Mehmet and Ahmet in the bank where they work. We got to know Mehmet (our supposed-to-be host in Cayeli) through the contact given by our previous host in Trabzon.
Cheers from the black sea coast! (Notice the snow clad mountains in the background?)
Hopa Police Station. With Mr. Salih Sarmusak, the Police Chief of Hopa and an English teacher. Remember our incident in Murdurnu? We had finally delivered the hand written message from Mr.Zekeriye (the Murdurnu Police Chief) to his best friend, Mr.Sarmusak, after 5 weeks and 1500km later. Seeing the surprise and joy on his face esp when he spoke to Mr.Zekeriye over the phone really warmed our hearts. What a sense of achievement!
Our good weather days finally run out as we reached Hopa, merely 18km from the border with Georgia ... it seemed we were bound to leave Turkey in wet condition.
Posted by a2e at December 1, 2004 07:22 AM