New Friends In Ordu

Stew and I stopped on a cycle path in Ordu and searched Google Maps for a hotel. ⁣
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Özgür cycled past, pulled out google translate and we told him about our trip. He took us for tea in the cutest cafe/bookshop and we met Merve, Ceren and Can. Merve spoke perfect English. She was studying English Literature for her Masters and reading Shakespeare. I was so impressed. ⁣
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How many of us native English speakers struggle with Shakespeare?⁣
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Merve called her friend, Onur and he hosted us for one night, but not before we’d all enjoyed an evening together which included walking through Ordu at night and a drink in a bar.⁣
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The next day we left this wonderful group of 26-31 year olds.⁣
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I left a little uneasy and conflicted with my own privilege and I battled with it uncomfortably on the bike the next day. I still do now.⁣
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You simply don’t appreciate what you’ve got – none of us do. ⁣
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On this trip Stew and I have met many people, young and old who simply can’t do what we can do; not without great challenges, a lot of money and hassle. We are able to roll into 30 countries within 2 years with few problems and as we enter these countries, we will, in part, rely on selflessness and kindness from locals we meet. It warms my heart to know people are out there and willing to help us so easily, but I also feel frustrated. ⁣
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It frustrates me to know that the people who have done everything to make sure that we can have our trip-of-a-lifetime cannot have something like this for themselves. ⁣
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It’s all politics and rules and it annoys me, but I also understand and appreciate the need for it, but that’s another post. ⁣
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Cycling the world hasn’t given me clarity so far, it’s just muddled my thoughts even more. I keep hoping for perspective so I can write an opinion piece, but I simply cannot take a stance on most matters because the world and it’s challenges are not straight forward, actually it’s a deep, wide sea of grey – uncertainties, there is no one-size-fits all.⁣
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I know why I didn’t post this earlier, I feel a little demoralised now. ⁣
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I wish I could write something more conclusive.