Tag / Istanbul

7 years ago i spent some time in Indonesia during a university break. Volcanoes dot the islands landscape and i climbed a few whilst there. Ever since climbing Gunung Merapi i’ve used climbing volcanoes as an analogy linking it  nicely with other activities. To put it simply; climbing the volcano was not much fun, sitting in the freezing cold at the top wasn’t fun and walking back down the slope turned out to not be that much fun either. Basically not a lot of fun – but i loved it.

This feeling doesn’t come around often, they save it for the big occasions. Running a marathon is another prime example (i still need sponsors for my next one….lots of sponsors! please consider clicking here to donate). The marathon requires months of training which i don’t really enjoy, followed by the race which again isn’t much fun – but is great.

This volcano analogy hit me hard yesterday and gave me plenty of thinking time to consider just how little fun i was having whilst trying to assure myself that, once all over, it would have been great. I finally delved into the world of ocean boat racing. Having been more of a tourist on my earlier races, i’d only actually been involved in the sailing on one occasion – basically 7 hours bobbing along with virtually no wind. This left me feeling a little anticipation at the prospect of a full day race where breakfast would turn into lunch which itself would turn into dinner before many dark hours later would turn into breakfast again. It was going to be an attempt for the sea to break me, just to see how much of a roller coaster i could take without being allowed to get off.

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So i’ve just got home and am cursing the speed of my slowly dying computer. The Turkish formula one grand prix started today here in Istanbul and it looks like it will be a great weekend. I could tell you who was quickest in practice today only after looking at the results on the internet as i had no real idea what was going on at the time. I was too busy trying to stop my ear drums from bursting.

Anyway, i’m not too sure if i will make it to qualifying tomorrow as i’ve been invited to join a sailing race instead, something i’ve become quite partial as of late. I’ll be at the race though on Sunday for sure and will keep you updated on how it went.

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The last few days have been a beehive of activity with events looming out at me from every direction. These included the Bosphorus Cup sailing race, which i’ll post up afterwards and the Turkish Junior show jumping championships – horses again!

Yesterday afternoon was the time for Red Bull to bring its carnival to town. Last year in Istanbul they arranged  a flugtag but this year was the turn of the Soapbox Derby; where 60 home-made go karts attempt to make their way down a 550m course with some being successful while lots of others were not so lucky. There are too many photos to put up here so as usual just click on the image below and it will take you through to a gallery.

The events of this week made it an inspiring one if not rather unusual for my life. It started on Sunday where i attended the polling for the Turkish local elections. The amount of flags that were strung up over the city made me expect big things but in reality polling just isn’t that interesting, 1 hour of waiting with nothing to show for it. As far as i’m aware the party which eventually won the election was covered in corruption with all sorts of tricks being pulled so they won.  Democracy in theory for the Turkish people but in reality it wasn’t that simple.

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I’m picking up my computer after a couple of weeks more or less off the radar. I relish any time i can have away from the computer just giving me the opportunity to get out more, see new and interesting things and, in this instance, learn to play and become completely addicted to backgammon.

This last mission has been a cross continental affair. I jump at any chances i get to go snowboarding somewhere new and an invite to Turkey for some springtime powder was too good an opportunity to pass by. With no schedule, no work and no real plan to follow the trip was on. For those who are interested, the resort was called Kartalkaya. Its roughly 300kms from Istanbul with pretty mellow terrain. The resorts are all inclusive with Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, midnight soup and all day long drinks included. Luckily they also have various additions for ways to try and burn all those calories including a kicker with an air bag for you to practice those elusive double corks, or in my case, a simple backflip.

The Spice Bazar, Istanbul

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