Cardboard cutouts

Leaving Istanbul was just a case of grin and bear it.  The traffic was intense, and busses cut us up right left and centre, but the pain was over in about an hour. Did about an hour of motorway to clear the city before our first coffee stop ....

Moving on, we stopped for a bit a fun with one of the numerous cardboard cutout police cars that litter the roads over here. Neil posed, but we could see he didn't feel comfortable and soon rode on ...

And then the Gods were angry, and started throwing buckets of water over us again.  Dave quickly identified a bus stop in which we could shelter ...

... now we all wondered what that dog was doing in the shelter, and with our helmets still on had no idea. 

He looked friendly, but watched us closely... just about to leave and the reason became evident ...

Ahhhhh,

So on we bashed, in random intervals of sun, light rain, and torrential downpours. If nothing else, we proved the theory that 100% waterproof motorcycle gear is just an urban myth.

Towards the end of the day, we were scheduled to leave Turkey, and enter Bulgaria.  We pushed to the front of the queue, which is sort of acceptable for motorbikes in Europe, from my past experience.  Passport check went without a hitch, but Customs ... 

The three young officers took the V5 (vehicle registrations), started hammering away furiously at their terminal, all peering with anticipation. They finally break into an accomplished smile, lean back in their chairs, and shout "Daveeed Arreees". 

Remember that speeding fine some weeks ago we thought we had got away with ?  Well the power of the modern computer and a bit of sleuth work on the part of customs, had worked out the bikes registration, and a fine was due.

Still, it wasn't a lot of money, £25 ish.

Neil quickly assumed he was guilty too, and fessed up to his crimes, pleading for leniency. I am kicking him in the leg telling him to shut-up, but the Turkish crimebusters had already worked out the registration letter mistake, and got him bang to rights ... £23, I think.

We considered ourselves lucky in that only 2 fines for the amount of speeding we did, was value for money, and crossed no-mans land into Bulgaria.  Bit of a shock being forced to go though a heavy spray of something labelled "disinfectant", and then being charged for the privilege.  In fairness, when they saw the dripping bleach running of our helmets and noses, they waved us through free.

So into Europe, it was just a short hop to the hotel.  Harris went into overdrive, only to go to pass a blue vehicle, that by the time he was level with the door handles, realised it was a police car. Brakes applied, he now realised they were both doing the same speed, with him on the wrong side of the road... an awkward smile, slight wave, and some gentle acceleration, and he went ahead,  They were not bothered in the least so we all followed.  Just wait until I post the video !

Thehotel was a bit of a curious affair, located in what looked like a residential area, but nevertheless basic and clean,. We got to put our bikes in the courtyard for the night. Turned out that just round the corner was some nice eateries, bars, and even a Casino.

Struggling to find a pic for the evening, my Pepper steak will have to do ...

Sofia tomorrow, lets hope the weather holds.