J71 – 2/26/2006

It was a long day on a heavily traveled road.  The city of Samsun and it’s suburbs go on for about 30 kilometers.  The farm country of yesterday is far away.  This morning there were some showers and our clean cars are filthy again.  It’s too bad because it was very nice not to get dirty just opening the door.

Serge ran and stayed silent.  His adductor muscles hurt, surely caused by his struggle against a strong wind.

As soon as we stop it’s isn’t unusual for the locals to gather.  They are very proud to pose for photos and Joël even received a loaf of bread because the baker was so happy to have pictures taken of his shop.  Bread is a local specialty and we are beginning to see lots of signs “Ekmek Trabzon” which means bread from trabazon.  There are lots of bakers.  This bread is soft on the inside and a real treat, just as good as one of our French baguettes.  This morning at the fish market, Joël almost came away with a big fish under his arm.  People are so kind to foreigners!
 
It was a day of change for the feeders.  René and Joël started out and then Georges took over for René and finally the last duet was formed by René and Georges.  It was a true feeder’s waltz.

In Terme, the arrival of our caravan created a lot of interest and a crowd gathered.  Everyone asked questions, gave advice, helped us park the vehicles.  Then, just as it formed the crowed vanished into the background.

This evening we found a small restaurant where, in addition to traditional Köfte (meat balls), they made pizzas.  Typically, no alcohol was served so we had no beer to quench our thirst!