DAY 29: Küçükköy – Dikili (Turkey)

DAY 29, 5:00 AM. I can hear the sound of rain outside my window.

Thankfully, many people follow my journey online every single day.

I’ve been receiving messages of support and comments—something that wouldn’t have been possible back in the analog era of the Showa period.

Today’s route takes me from Küçükköy to Dikili, a distance of about 30 kilometers.

This area is a summer beach resort, but it’s quite quiet during the off-season.

Rain gear is a must again today.

According to my schedule, a month from today I should be finishing my journey in Antalya and heading back to Istanbul by plane.

I’m set to fly back to Osaka on a late-night flight on December 3rd.

Whether I end up laughing or crying, there’s only one month left. I’d be happy if I could keep smiling every single day!

Started at 7:45 AM.

Shortly after, Mustafa—whom I was supposed to meet yesterday—came by my accommodation this morning.

I’m being interviewed for a radio program.

After leaving the D550 highway near Altınova, I’m heading south along what feels like a farm road running parallel to the coast.

The rain has intensified, so I’m taking a break at a bus stop. Still about a dozen kilometers to go until Dikili.

On these farm roads, I run into dogs much more often than cats.

A moment ago, a massive, bear-like dog barked at me—it really gave me a scare!

Generally speaking, as long as you don’t show any hostility, dogs will just bark—they won’t actually attack.

Cats are great; they don’t bark at people.

Even in the towns, there are plenty of places with poor drainage when it rains.

It doesn’t really make a difference whether the road is paved or just dirt.

While some drivers are considerate toward pedestrians, others—those in a rush—certainly aren’t.

Being in a foreign country makes me appreciate the good qualities of Japan all over again. 

At 3:30 PM, after cycling 33.2 kilometers, I checked into a hotel in Dikili.

A friend living in Bergama had gone out of their way to call ahead and confirm that I could stay there for 2,000 liras.

It rained on and off the whole time.

Although the D550 is paved, the heavy traffic brings issues with exhaust fumes and noise.

Quieter roads are often unpaved, but they offer a much more relaxed ride.

Once I entered the province of Izmir, it was a relief to find well-maintained sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

Distance traveled today: 33.2 km

Total distance from Istanbul: 706.9 km

*Click here for photos taken on this day.

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