Panda-to-Istanbul the write up... by Alan D.

Scottish sports cars! Love it. (No offence Alan )

Alan
I'm really enjoying your write-up of the trip. Looking forward to the next installment...
D

part 4 tomorrow which includes the armed bandits....

& this is Edit....

The Serbian Kids from Kirkinda that were such a credit to their country...



Try to spot the two refugees

I did fit in rather well with the Serbian's didnt I, You have to look hard to spot me.!

LOL, you have blended in very well!

Sorry this will be part 5 as part 4 now posted.....

Part 4

We woke to a new day and knew it was going to be tough we had only travelled limited mileage the day before and really had to get the foot down, but the famous Romanian mountain roads were ahead. Famous for being rough and soon we found were not to disappoint. We also had the defeat of Sinaia and Bucharest to contend with niggling on our mind, yep it was 1-1 but we were not giving up & going for the win.

The cars glistened in the sun as we checked out of the hotel, a quick check of oil & water was all that was required before setting off. I have to say that the panda’s were just incredible, so far they asked for nothing other than fuel. Willie to my surprise especially after all the mind games in Ireland and Cumbria was quieter and smoother than ever and was yet again raring to go.

Rob had during the night plotted our next course, I think he personally felt it from the day before and wanted to redeem the situation. The error I want to make clear was not his fault and had we listened to him in the first place would have probably corrected the error allowing us to catch the train. But he is a proud man of which organisation is his forte so determination was at it’s highest and we were all aware what was now required.

We now left Timisoara and headed for the mountain roads of Romania they were nothing less than punishing, Willie with the much harder rear suspension was not soaking up the bumps but crashing through them, every jolt felt through every part of the car, Sylvia with his Omega rear axle found them a much easier chore and the occupants Jim & Gina much more comfortable than me & Rob whose spine was as well as Willie taking a pounding. Mk1 we thought was going to be in a similar situation to Willie with her rear leaf spring but as there is only one I found it later to be soaking up the bumps with ease. So yes the cars suspension was taking a real pounding on these roads but it was only myself & Rob that were taking the pounding inside.

The scenery on this mountain pass was incredible but yet again twisting winding roads & road works were taking a toll on the average speed required to get to where we wanted to be. The state of the roads were also very noteworthy and on many of the tight bends many sections of the road up to half of the road width had just disappeared down the nearest hill as if washed away over time. The Romanian authorities were trying their best to address this issue, which as a result of the many road works were slowing us down yet again.

Normally waiting at road works is a boring affair, however having 3 cars with the PMR’s on the same channel as the road work crews caused a few sensations. Just the one word “hello” had the crews shouting and waving with excitement as we passed and wishing us on our way, or at least that was the impression. I don’t know what the Romanian word for F**k O*f is so couldn’t exactly say but mile after mile they were smiling & waving and shouting so don’t think that was the case.
Even with all of the hilarity, time and distance were grinding on, it was hard work for both the drivers and the cars but we pushed on never the less eventually reaching the town of Craiova. We had to recharge our batteries and get something to eat before again slogging on to the next point on the map. As we drove into Craiova it was yet another very industrial town, and again road works were in full swing, however this was road works Craiova’n style and they didn’t seem to want to upset the locals with silly things like traffic lights or other such nonsense. No what they did was jump onto the highway digging machine and just drove it down the middle of the street letting the other cars using the road fend for themselves. As we passed there was bits of stone and concrete bouncing all over the place and luckily no damage was caused but again it was a sight to brighten the day.

Whilst parking up at the local services with fuel & food it was remarkable to see so many UK & Eire registered cars however they just didn’t seem quite cosher and we wondered how many were still being looked for back home. We also spoke about our next strategy. Bucharest was still so far away and seemed impossible to reach by night so thoughts of heading South East began to form, Sofia in Bulgaria was a long way off almost as far as Bucharest but it would allow some normal roads to be travelled and increase our average speed that was really suffering as a result from the day before. The plans were put to the team and as in all decisions democracy was to reign, and the choice of Sofia was made as our destination for the night. This decision was to take a toll on all of us and was to put on the greatest pressure yet….

Part V to follow by tonight...

you said there would be bandits in this one

still a great read

look forward to part V!

Part 5

Dusk started to form as we left Craiova so Willie’s lights were again fixed for the dark roads ahead. The lights were incredible and the dark countryside & images came to life at the flick of a switch. It turned out that Gaz’s two Wipac 4x4 lights were more than enough to turn night into day and the others were never required. We were now in the flat lands of Romania and the roads changed for the better, Potholes, horses & carts, Ox & carts, and pedestrians even in the middle of night and in the middle of nowhere were abundant so care was still needed at all times. As the darkness turned to black it was a very strange scene, the locals mingled from village to village illuminated by Willies lights which set your mind back to films of the walking dead or zombies walking aimlessly to their next victim. There was no pattern to this behaviour and no distinguishable landmarks that they appeared to be heading for. It wasn’t just the occasional person there were hundreds maybe thousands wandering. As well as the now familiar horses & carts people were also occasionally taking their horse or even cow for a walk but the strangest was probably the owner of lawn mower powered cart who was slightly ahead in the technology table in this strange but fascinating part of the country. Mile upon mile had finally led us to the Romanian/Bulgarian Border. This border crossing was separated by a river of which the name escapes, Romania on one side and Bulgaria on the other but the last town we passed was Bechet before ending up with the gaurds & gates that was to become an unpleasant and costly part to the trip.

The first person we came in contact with was the transit official who wanted 5 euros for a piece of official paperwork that had no meaning in the end but they had not yet finished fleecing us yet. The second guard to describe must have been the Romanian cousin of Beuford T Justice, for those of you who can remember the smokie & the bandit films, however this one was not as comical and I wouldn’t have kicked ole Beuford out of bed to get to this one, she was ugly and my description of ugly since has reached new limits.
Remember that I said that we had tried to buy a viganette (Romanian road tax) on entering the Romanian Border and was told to move on….well whether planned or not to fleece us on the exit this was the position we were now in. We were informed that we would have to travel back to Craiova to purchase a viganette or pay a fine of 120 euro per car. Travelling back to Craiova didn’t seem to be an option as the cost alone would have out weighed the fine and even more precious time we just didn’t have spare. Rob being more fluent in bribes left him to do the negotiating. However having realised Rob’s plans I should maybe have not left him to it after all. The last part of the negotiations to my horror involved 100 euros and me taking this bint to the nearest shack and giving her a seeing to. Yes I’m Scottish, which probably means I’m also tight, but giving this one a seeing to was making me nauseous, even the thought was an incredible organic laxative, so I readied the mortgage papers to be signed in her name. Fortunately Rob’s negotiations finally released me from being raped to within an inch of my life and 100 euros was the final price. I hate corruption and it really choked me having to pay money to the fat bitch but there was no choice and we needed to get moving. Next and finally was the ferry price, we had thought wrongly that we paid this to the transit bloke and to had to cough up another 69 euros so felt well and truly butt f**ked by the time we left Romania.

The ferry finally started to board us for the completion of the border crossing and ramps laid to get the Panda’s onto it’s deck, Willie was first and crept up the wide ramps to grip hold of the deck. Sarah Monk was next in the mk1 and not knowing exactly how wide the little car was managed to just and I mean just keep enough tread on the ramps to climb towards the deck. Being waved on and guided by the ferry crew he maybe waved a bit too hard as Sarah took this as a signal to hit the throttle with all of her might. Well this ferry crew member will I think have Sarah’s face printed on his mind for many a year to come, it was a close call and I’m sure many years of frustration and toil as a ferry crew member flashed before his eyes. He certainly wasn’t stupid enough to stand in front when at the other side and gave Sarah plenty of room.

The Bulgarian border was uneventful and the viganette purchased before leaving, yep we wouldn’t make that mistake again.
We now again fuelled for the next part of the trip and to ensure we could continue to Sofia without stopping, little did we know what was about to occur….

The Panda’s in now much better roads were increasing the average speed and flying towards our next stopping point. One town we had to encounter was Vraca, Robs laptop GPS told us to turn left by passing the town but no as the turning approached there was no turning to take and had to therefore go through the town itself. We missed an exit and had to basically circle the centre of the town twice, finally finding our exit we now headed out and towards Sofia. At this time a Silver 3 series BMW had caught us quickly from way behind and overtook Sylvia splitting the convoy. To keep our little convoy together myself & Sarah slowed to let this BMW pass and get on it’s way but it just stayed put between us, we gave it several chances to pass but it remained and something just didn’t quite feel right. Jim from behind informed us that it contained 4 men. We then saw a lit service station and pulled both cars in letting the BMW continue and when re-joined by Sylvia continued on our way once again as a group. On travelling another km the BMW was parked by the side of the road waiting for us with hazard lights flashing and as soon as we passed moved out and remained behind Sylvia. We knew that this car was going to have a go and was probably after Rob’s laptop but just didn’t know when. I told rob to call the Police as they were most definitely after us and without help pretty much defenceless. Rob being able to speak a bit of Russian of which Bulgarian is a dialect spoke to the police, but to our horror when asked if there was anyone that spoke English put the phone down….F**K what were we going to do now, they were most certainly armed and most definitely after us it was just a matter of when they were going to make their move. My mind was searching for possibilities, probabilities & solutions and no matter what came out nothing was going to stop a bullet. We had travelled a few miles since we picked up the BMW and could see nothing but trouble ahead, however as luck often is, it had just materialised in the form of a police Speed check it was a huge relief. We pulled into the junction whilst the police officers looked in puzzlement with a WTF obvious on their faces.

We tried to explain what had occurred and within a few seconds they replied “Bandits” it seemed the only explanation, to further their understanding of what happened a few diagrams were sketched, the details and description of the car pointing out it’s identifiable featured the police asked as to stay as they sped off looking for the car. A few mins later they returned and escorted us about 10 miles to a 24hr truck stop to collect our thoughts and to settle with a few coffee’s in our system. We stayed for about an hour before continuing again but this time unescorted. The road was very foggy and eerie, we passed many lay-bys full of trucks and prostitutes offering their wares, our speed in the fog may have made them think we were pulling over but we managed to continue without being accosted further.

About 5 miles of very slow driving finally got us through the fog and started to speed up when we again passed the police parked in a service station, they were obviously waiting for us and on waving pulled us over to again continue an escort within only a few miles from Sofia. Their response to these mad Brits was fantastic and without doubt saved us from a very serious fate. They escorted us for about 40-50 miles in total but got us safely to our destination which was most important. As we pulled into Sofia it was about 5am. We were knackered, angry and niggled at each other whilst searching for a Hotel to get some very needed sleep. We ended up getting the services of a taxi driver which caused even more frustration when yet another party tried to fleece us with cash.

This was a night we were now so desperate to get over, we would never forget it but for now we needed sleep. Talk wasn’t advised in the current atmosphere as I think every one was ready to bite, but in the morning and yet with another new day we would then be happy as we were within a days reach of Istanbul. Finally the slow roads were behind and we could now really get a grip of this race. Only a mechanical breakdown would stop us but for now the Panda’s were at the top of their game and looking forward to the day ahead…….

Part VI to follow...

Sorry bandits in part V enjoy

Part 6

Today would hopefully be our last days hard driving before reaching Turkey and Istanbul, we had endured a couple of very hard days but that was now behind us and there was a new day ahead. When we arrived at the Best Western Expo Hotel in Sofia it was late….very late however we had just about enough steam left to notice that next to the Hotel entrance was a Fiat Dealers…was this a sign? We had just about sniffed the clean sheets & pillows when it was time to get up again, this was becoming a habit….nice hotel and by no means cheap and no time to enjoy it.

As we packed the cars for the days travel I asked the dealer if he minded that we take some pics in front of his window with the cars “no problem the salesman replied” in fact once he realised what was going on he was more than happy to snap away for us. Breakfast missed again we were off. The only ones who seemed to ever get any breakfast was Jim & Gina?

To get to Istanbul we had to basically drive almost the full width of Bulgaria then across the Border that is renown for taking ages to cross and finally across the top part of Turkey into Istanbul, it was a long way away and it was getting hot but everyone was up for the task and just desperate to get there. Another day like the previous two would have been just too much to take. We set off for the Bulgarian version of a Motorway and headed East. Our speed was set at a cracking rate and if we kept this up Istanbul would be in our sites for late evening. But just as the cars were taking this road in their stride we were back onto single lanes again WTF happened to the Motorway in the map? Well it seems that the printers were a bit too eager and printed next years edition. We were still managing a good average speed but any heavy traffic and we would be doomed for failure.

It was now getting to midday and very warm, we were running out of our supplies of water & red bull. The fridge was set up in Sylvia to cool what we had left, to save time stopping, car to car transfers of water or any other fluid were passed on the move with great skill and precision with wing mirrors not far from touching. A technique used on many occasion previously to swap a run down radio for a newly charged one.

We were lucky the traffic stayed relatively light and made great haste for the Turkish border. Lack of food & fuel however made it now time to stop for a bit of sustenance before once again pushing on. I have no idea who chose the location but it was one to remember. The waitresses were gorgeous, all very slim, long legs, very short skirts and lovely attributes. The food was excellent it was also the first time we had all sat together for a decent meal since the middle of France, we were all relaxed (the first time in ages) and the company terrific. The bill for all 6 well fed travellers 19 euros.

We set off again and the Border got closer & closer, the panda’s were eating up the miles and were still without complaint. I need to stop saying it as it’s maybe very obvious but we couldn’t be any more proud of these cars 2500 miles had passed in so few days and they just did not complain. It also became obvious that Willie revelled in the warmer weather as he became even quieter & smoother.

Just as the Border appeared over the horizon I decided on a can of red bull to keep the concentration levels at their best. The fluid hit my stomach like a bomb when mixed with the previous meal, we had been so unused to eating. Thankfully services at the border were upon us, some tanks were desperate to empty as the panda’s tanks were desperate to fill. The last thing you need in your life is to go through a Turkish Border checkpoint smelling like you’ve had an accident. It’s a guaranteed way to ensure a full car & body search. Anyway we were finally at the Turkish border and although the traffic volume was low the traffic flow through the border was equally low. Sylvia & the Mk1 started to heat up whilst Willie kept his composure. Sylvia was also suffering from not starting well from hot so in the line of traffic waiting to cross was pushed forth to the amusement of the guards. Although it didn’t make them rush any quicker to stamp the passport and issue the visa’s. It was a long slow process and even though as said it was only light traffic it still took an hour or so to get through. The return crossing was to be much much longer.

Finally we were in Turkey and Istanbul was about 4 hrs away. The Turkish roads were excellent and progress also excellent. With the exception of a contraflow that felt like the A13 in rush hour we were to continue finally as scheduled it was going well, maybe too well but we weren’t complaining. As we approached the city lights of Istanbul Rob made a few calls to ensure we were staying in luxury tonight we certainly deserved it. Traversing the City with a couple of wrong turns aside led us under the canopy and neon lights of the Holiday Inn, where we parked absolutely elated. It was an incredible feeling we were in Istanbul and the Orient-express still 16 hours away. A quick look in the luxury suite was enough to see that we had certainly arrived before heading to the bar and telling story’s of our encounters.

This was a marvellous achievement and we would celebrate into the night, however the achievement would not be complete till tomorrow when we met the Orient-Express. We would then know what celebration Istanbul & Orient-Express style was like….

Part VII to follow…

You really deserve medals for that day alone.... and just think, we in the UK now offer these bandits and corrupt guards the chance to come here to fleece us!!!

A new day dawned yet again and we were in the middle of Istanbul struggling to get up from the luxury bedding only a short drive away from Sirkeci Station where we were to meet the Orient-Express for the final time. Only the worst kind of screw up would prevent us from getting to the station before the train. The Panda’s looked well travelled and decided that they needed a clean & brush up before meeting the train. The holiday inn advised us of a car wash nearby so Mk1 and Willie were off for a bath. The wash area was attached to a large city car park and after a bit of haggling in a mix of English/Turkish & body language from Gina a price was fixed to have the cars cleaned. We were served Turkish tea as the lads got on with scrubbing away. We were then met by the owners son who spoke English and asked what were we up to. They had done a marvellous job and both panda’s were shining like new. Jim had decided to wash Sylvia himself at the local petrol station. But all of the panda’s were now ready to meet the train face to face. We were joined by Alan, Jim’s partner who was to share in our final route to the station. He flew in an hour or so previously and was a welcome guest.

Having a local map we made our way down what could only be described as a three lane central boulevard, we were to follow this to the end and then turn off, however when we got to the end there was no turn off? And the boulevard just u turned from the direction we had travelled. We had an idea of where the station was located in reference to our current position so took a few devious routes aiming for Sirkeci.

Sarah Nicol had mentioned earlier how nice it would be to visit the huge bazaar in Istanbul but would probably not have the time, little did she know that not only were we going to visit the bazaar but drive straight through the heart of it. The roads became smaller and tighter and all of a sudden we were driving through the huge market that was Istanbul’s bazaar. Market traders, customers and all types of pedestrians were looking on with amazement as the three stickered and signed panda’s made their way through. There was no animosity from anyone and just took us to be an unusual part to their day. Occasionally there was shouts of “Italiano” to which I shouted “Scotland” this was met by a thumbs up and a smile lasting till the next shout. It was without doubt one of the most remarkable memories so far. The small narrow roads continued and continued and that screw up that we were so worried about seemed that it may be a reality. We then shouted Sirkeci Station as we passed the locals who eagerly pointed the way. All of a sudden we were now out of the bazaar and very close to the Station. A police unit at the edge of the bazaar also looked on and smiled as we went passed. The streets then opened out and a marvellous site of the Station was upon us, at the end of the street was also a spectacular view of the clear blue water of the Bosphorus and cruise ships bringing others to this incredible city.

We had reached the station and thankfully in plenty of time. I made my way into the station to meet Mr Riad Char our Orient-Express contact who had made arrangements to get the cars onto the platform, whilst Rob outside was having problems with a continually more irate parking attendant. I was then met by Jean Pierre the Orient express engineer who was to show us where to park for the arrival of the train. Rob was now shouting “Alan get out here now” the attendant obviously confused with all that was going on and not capable of understanding decided on his only course of action to shout & holler at the top of his voice. Before violence broke out Jean Pierre at the wave of a hand dissipated the confusion and led us to the side of the station. We were informed that we would not be allowed on the platform till the passengers had disembarked and the luggage had been collected and moved from the platform. But we were more than welcome to come and go as we pleased.

Having parked we made our way onto the Royal platform that they were making ready for the Train’s arrival. The red carpet was out which at the end was a myriad of colours and sounds in the form of a musical welcome party. It was a fantastic sight and you could feel the atmosphere as they practised on their instruments for the passengers arrival. Jean Pierre and Miguel de Laserda the Orient-Express train manager and other Orient-Express staff greeted us with welcome arms. It added a great deal to our achievements being acknowledged by such distinct members of the Orient-Express crew. They then had to leave us as they had to get ready by changing into sultan’s outfits for the festivities to come.

We found on our arrival that Ivor’s crew were in a nearby café awaiting the train which was now due any minute, as they had the ITN camera we thought it best that they came into the station to record the arrival but later found that they had missed it. Luckily Rob was as usual on the ball. The train began to sound it’s horn from about half a mile out, all of a sudden there was a huge scurrying of Tv camera’s, reporters and photographers. Next with it’s horn sounding continually, the train was visible and slowly crept into the station. The musical festivities began and the huge drums banging penetrated the sole. It had never been so important to have our camera’s fixed at an object which would be our record of proof that we had finally beaten the train. Everyone was yet again elated not only had we achieved our goal but because we were also treated as important guests to share and enjoy the activities that were now in full swing.

Later when things had calmed and the passengers had moved on, we were directed to bring in the Panda’s to share the celebrations with us. The last cars to share the platform in this way was the latest version of the Rolls Royce phantom on it’s inaugural publicity trip. The Panda’s unlike the Phantom found it an easy task to negotiate the tight turn leading to the royal platform. Willie was the first to enter and it felt very special as the rubber first contacted the marble floor. Sylvia was next followed by the Mk1. It was so surreal to have been allowed to do this, it was as if the Fiat Panda had been given the key to the city. They were travelling on the platform of the most famous station in Turkey next to the most famous train in the world and it was still open for business WOW!

With no one standing in our way we positioned the cars for the best photo opportunities, we were given complete and open access to do as we pleased obviously within reason. Bearing in mind that each section of Orient-Express carriage was valued at £2 million the panda’s were moved slowly and carefully into position. For the first time since Paris we again saw Ivor who was finally able to join his brothers and Sisters in this moment of glory. It was nice to see him having made the trip.

One of the Orient-Express staff, the passenger representative offered to take some video footage with all of the cars and entrants lined together. Jim Martin & Jon Ker had obviously told her that they had taken the correct route and we cheated by taking another so when pointing the camera at Ivor’s crew stated these are the hero’s who won & took the correct route. It was a devastating statement that kicked our struggle and personal efforts straight in the teeth, our previous annoyance escalated to contempt, not for the staff as they were without doubt to add to the highlight of our trip.

Some more pictures were taken before leaving for the hotel and our last glimpse of Istanbul central. Ivor followed and all four were in convoy for the first time ever. It was nice to see but niggles in the mind were hard to accept.

Later at the hotel we were to view the video diary compiled by Ivor’s crew, some parts were interesting and some well put together, but the comments made re our mistaken route described were even harder to accept than the one at the station. They described there efforts and how smug they were feeling that they had not made any similar mistakes. This from the outset was designed to be a team effort 4 cars going for the same goal together but watching made the event appear as a them & us, not only were we racing the train but also this crew. As said many times we had put ourselves to a position of extreme fatigue and personal hardship as well as spending a considerable amount of personal finance to complete this trip for charity, the charity that was paying Ivor’s crew’s wages and Yes even reaching our financial target this was going to only be a small amount in the scheme of things but it was a difficult pill to swallow. We decided it best to keep our heads held high and concentrate on what we as a team had achieved. There were 6 in our team and 3 cars in our fleet all had performed magnificently. I was so very proud of everyone, we had endured together completing an event that some only dream about. The panda’s were incredible and had put in so much effort with so little complaint, they were to me the hero’s of the trip.

Only one thought now remained and that was in the morning it was to start again. We had to get home. The Panda’s were once again ready, this time it was going to be point & click. We were to push the panda’s to their limit and near maximum speed through the next 10 countries. A flight home seemed inviting, but as we have the bring it back alive policy we were again to endure and again suffer a new medical complaint we found known as Panda arse.

Tomorrow was only a few hours away so it was time to get some sleep ready for the day ahead.

To follow part VIII the final chapter….