Text and photo: Helena Bergström
Here's a short update from us. For those of you who follow and check in now and then, we thought we'd give you a little sign of life. But it won't be long, because we're very tired after a long day (and never-ending hassle)... Plus, the internet connection is currently weak.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
No stopping the chaos
We recently told you that this year we think that it is difficult to plan, partly because of the world situation, but also because this year so far has not played our tune … at all! And the fact is that the misery and chaos refuse to let up.
In the days before we were to leave on this trip, we were working hard on an important project, and the day before we were to leave, a long series of challenges arose.
At the same time, we were supposed to go on an errand with the bikes – to help a person nearby. It all ended with us having to puncture one of the electric bikes, while the battery on the other gave up…
It took several hours to drag the bikes home (heavy with no air in one of the tires) and when we got home late at night I couldn't sleep. Then up early the next morning to go to the airport...
Long day by flight from Stockholm to eastern Turkey
It was then a long day of flying, Stockholm – Istanbul and Istanbul – Mardin. We flew with Turkish Airlines, which we like, and the flights were excellent. But it is still tiring to fly …
Greetings from Eastern Turkey
Now we are at the Mardin in eastern Turkey. This historic city is located almost two hours east of Istanbul by plane, on the border with Syria, and it feels a little exotic to be here.
At the same time – love at first sight! Winding alleys with uneven stone steps, illuminated restaurants and a nice atmosphere. Cozy!
This week: Grateful for ...
When we went through security at Arlanda, Peter dropped his reading glasses on the floor. None of us noticed, but a fellow passenger noticed us. So grateful! Without reading glasses, Peter can't work. It would have been an extra hassle that we are happy to avoid!
Your turn ... What are you grateful for this week?
The week ahead
We will spend the next few days in Mardin in eastern Turkey. Feel free to follow the trip on Instagram, at @freedomtravel.se, where we tell you a little more in real time. Later reports will also be here!
Did you miss the last Friday Blog? Read it Summer days and our first speech in the Swedish Parliament
You might also like:
Lovely days in Cyprus - enjoying the mild climate
Turkish and Egyptian inspo - and winter in the marina
End of the long journey: Cape Town and Victoria Falls
North through Italy - several nights of free camping
Friday blog: Three continents in one week - trying to catch up
Friday Blog: Skåne, Halland, Småland … and repeat
English (UK) 
Svenska
Jossu says:
It's lucky that there are attentive fellow passengers. It's so easy to lose or forget something at security when stuff is being taken in and out of bags and pockets.
This week I'm grateful to have another Nepal trip booked. As a band-aid for the one I had to cancel in April.
15 May 2026 - 6:59
Eval8 says:
What luck with the glasses. He should have packed extra passports.
I am most grateful that the sun has come out after a few very wet days.
15 May 2026 - 9:48
bmlarsreseblogg says:
Of course, you have to be grateful for helpful fellow humans! This week we are grateful that we have been able to go to a campervan meet and that the weather looks to stabilize next week. Now we have frozen enough. Have a great time in Turkey!
15 May 2026 - 12:35
Hanneles boktips says:
Never been there, but daughter was there and liked the Turkish bath.
15 May 2026 - 13:14
BP says:
No, 2026 doesn't look like your year... But thank goodness Peter's reading glasses worked out. I know exactly what it feels like to sit in front of the computer without glasses... you can't see anything.
Hopefully the press trip to Mardin goes smoothly without any mishaps...
15 May 2026 - 19:51
Lena - gott för själen says:
But gosh, you're in so much trouble! It's like it's time for you to be tested. Hope it goes away and that most things go smoothly going forward.
Hug Lena
29 May 2026 - 13:03