I’m not the superstitious kind, but I do love a wish tree every now and then. When walking around at the archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe (close to Şanlıurfa in Turkey) I found one and did what anyone in need of a portion of good luck would do: get a piece of fabric, tie it somewhere on the tree and make a wish. My driver took this nice photo for me. My wishes are quite predictable. The other time I made a wish at a wish tree in Tbilisi, Georgia, it actually came true for both me and my friend.Continue reading
Hitchhiking from Lake Van to Batman, Turkey
When hitchhiking out of Van, I had to thumb my way around Lake Van (Van Gölu). I’m on my way to Batman. Why? I don’t know, it sounds like a funny place. I don’t want to study ever again, but Batman University does pique my curiosity. Hitchhiking around such a huge body of water is also a good time. It’s incredibly beautiful here, though it’s cold. I’m very happy with my spanking new leggings from Iran. They’re really thick and have an inner layer that’s made of fleece. Fashionable and warm! While waiting for a ride nearby the ferry toContinue reading
Iran to Turkey by Hitchhiking: A World Apart
Though I’ve already been back in Turkey for two days, I’m still getting used to things once again. Just across the border from Iran to Turkey in Van, the mosques look different and the mountain peaks are snowier! The crossing from Persian to Ottoman architecture is actually much starker than expected. Especially considering there’s Ottoman architecture in tons of places outside of Turkey. Pictured is the Sobacı Hamit Yörük Mosque in Van. I arrived in Van at night, so all I could see were the elaborate neon lights upon entering the city. Seeing Van in daylight is a much better experience,Continue reading
The Van Cat Sanctuary (Van, Turkey)
When my hosts in Van told me that there’s a Van cat sanctuary, I knew I had to visit. The Van Cat is a special type of cat that hails from this area around Lake Van in Turkey. They have a white coat and often have one blue eye and one green one. This place is like a sanctuary for these cats, which are quite rare in the world and need extra protection. As I understood it, they’re here for protection and local heritage, not breeding. Back on the Isle of Man, I visited the Manx Society for the PreventionContinue reading
100% Islamic Beer
When drinking #dutch beer in #Iran that is a solid 0.0% alcohol. (at Jangal Sisangan)
Directions to Mecca
Every mosaferkhaneh (cheap sketchy hotel) in Iran gave you directions to #Mecca. (at Iran Urmiye)
Iranian Textbook
English study book for #Farsi speakers in #Zanjan #Iran.
Modest Swimming in the Caspian Sea
#CaspianSea! #Mazandaran
A Desperate Bus Ride
So this asshole took a bus a couple of days ago to get from #Tehran to #Kashan. First time I took a long distance bus since #Mexico City. I feel bad about it because I should. #hitchhiking #not #lame #staytrue (at مسجد جمكران)