Overland Journey

I spent the last week getting lost in the sunny streets of Istanbul. Its very easy to do in the skinny twisting streets that make up this place. I have met a lot of people, shared a lot of stories and seen a lot of history. Istanbul is nice but it is definatley more European than it is Asian. It is not as exotic as I thought it would be. (Bangkok is better) Even so I have had a relaxing time waiting for Honza who will meet me here in the morning. I am laughing at him right now becuse I know he has been on that same train since dinner time last night and will be on it still when I wake up at 8:00 tmorrow morning to go meet him at the station.  

I leaft the Czech republic for a few reasons. I was having trouble sorting out my visas, and it was snowing. When I left Canada to come meet up with Honza and travel, snow was not part of the deal. So I left on the train early, by my self in search of a more mediterranean climate. I climbed on board for the 33 hour train ride from Prague to Istanbul through 5 different countries. Eight hours into the ride while leaving Budapest a Hungarian law student I was talking to asked me Why i did not fly? At that point in time with a full day and one full nights train ride ahead of me i wished that i would have. Looking back on it now I was able to see some great country side and I met some cool people that i would not have otherwise. Including a Bulgarian fellow that chated with me off and on for hours all the while not realizing that I do not understand or speak Bulgarian no matter how slow and clear he speaks it.