I wanted to take today off because I got bad stomach aches yesterday in the afternoon and stopped then to strenghten my body again. But when I woke up in the morning after a hard night lying on a hill (not flat) I was strong in my legs and decided to risk it. 10km out of Zonguldak I found a fuel station and the guys there let me call the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of IRAN in Istanbul to check for the status of my visa application. I was happy to hear that I could pick it up in Erzurum when I will arrive there. The man on the phone told me to just phone him again when I have arrived in Erzurum – I estimated my arrivel there in 7 days – quite optimistic in my eyes but possible 
 The valley out of Zonguldak was a dream as was the downhill that followed – I interrupted it for a noon brake in an internet cafe where I updated the gear list (check it!).
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The way to Bartin was flat and in the evening I got on the internet again. I uploaded the picture of the gear list and a short video snippet that you can view in a post earlier. I also applied for being a Nomadic Ambassador of the CouchSurfing project (check www.couchsurfing.com) because I am really fascinated by it and I want to bring it to the people.
Now I am staying at a football club’s area where I have been served Turkish tee and had some conversation with a guy who spoke some English. They showed me a place BEHIND the really beautifully equipped club rooms where I can sleep (outside).
 
I didn’t accept that offer because there were now about 30 football players who knew that I am sleeping there and another block of high houses with flats who could easily see me because the place was illuminted – the risk of unwanted visitors at night was too high and therefore I cycled for another 8 kilometers where I found a suitable spot.
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BTW: In a short match with a Turkish football player of my age Alleman won! 
“BTW: In a short match with a Turkish football player of my age Alleman won!”
Aferim Almana!