Have made it from London to the Black Sea by bicycle, it feels like a great achievement - marking the occasion with an official dipping of my big toe - we're at now at Varna (Bulgaria) and relaxing on the beach - Bulgaria has turned out much better than expected - thought it might be a tad backwards, but really its pretty much up to date and modern - a big vote from us to join the EEC - fantastic roads, big big rolling hills with great views. Varna is very touristy, lots of shopping, great food and cheap property - lots of the estate agents here - boo, seriously nice property to be had here, and a rural charm.

Romania - sweeping mountain views and finally into the mountains - met parents at a mountain hunting lodge - provided free, courtesy of dad's good Romanian friends at Brassov university - hills and snowy mountain views - guided tour of Brassov and university campus - again, great hospitality - and a good deal to drink.

Opted for the scenic mountain route to Bucharest - setting off into the hills in heavy rain with the old macho 'we can do it' - wet grim fun, zig zagging up and down the mountain sides, all day - one memorable moment - climbing mountain when Peter came off his bike and slid backwards down into the irrigation ditch - didn't know whether to laugh or cry - I did offer to take a photo, but with the river running down the back of his shirt, he opted for a quick hand out. So, when it rains, DON'T tie black bin liners around your legs - eventually they get into the chain and you'll fall off your bike - lovely sunny ride out of the mountains through dream like villages

A couple of unintentional hotels along the way - all good fun - one with an 18th birthday party - where you feel like your 18 then realise your not. The other was out in the sticks, empty, no chance saloon, zero stars - abandoned 1 room because the light bulbs kept blowing - however, it turned out real cosy - five stars because the owners were so nice.

Off again tomorrow, going down black sea coast, and into turkey sometime next week. should have 1 rest day in Istanbul before flying home - a 4 hour flight, or 8 weeks by bike ;)