Today I ate birthday cake – one in the morning, and one in the evening. In between birthday cake eating sessions I cycled across a high snowy plain, and then 1000m downhill into the student town of Karabük. And today wasn’t even my birthday.
Snowy plains
The first birthday cake was for a friend in Taiwan, and I ate some cake to celebrate that in the snow.
Kaiwen’s birthday cake
The second birthday cake was in anticipation of my upcoming birthday tomorrow. This was eaten together with our wonderful warm shower hosts Kaan and his friends in Karabük. They not only welcomed James and me into their home and cooked for us, but insisted on celebrating my last evening on the planet aged 43 with a cake. Great people!
My birthday cake
The cycling today was cold and white. My phone thought it far too cold, and went on strike. I had to keep it snug and warm next to my chest to prevent it rebooting. It wanted to be near the birthday-boy to be.
Snowy freeway
arctic-cycler.com 
so today it was your “non-birthday” – as in Lewis Carroll’s book.
For tomorrow: happy birthday! old man!
Keep up the good work with your pedaling and posting.
Thanks, Alessandro.. Indeed, an old man.. 🙂
I WILL BE GLAD IF YOU VISIT ME. AYDIN/NAZILLI
GOOD LUCK.
BYE
Hi there, and thanks! The posts are delayed, and actually I have left Turkey now. Thanks for your offer though! 🙂
Hello Matthew
Many happy returns on the 22nd anniversary of your 22nd birthday. My wife & I are enjoying your regular updates and hope to cross paths with you when you eventually make it to Sydney. I’m a contemporary of Patsy Gaudry from high school days.
Travel safely & well
Michael McDonald
Sent from my iPhone
Hey. Thanks Michael. Great to hear from you. Hope to see you at the end of my trip in Australia!
Happy Birthday ! I’m glad you’re back!
Hey Ed. Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Matthew,
My birthday book has you down as having a birthday on March. 21. Have I been misinformed all these years or are your posts quite delayed?
Take care on your travels and enjoy every day.
Every good wish for birthdays and other days
Pat Gaudry
Hi Pat. Yes, you’re right. My birthday is March 21, and my posts are delayed. I am building up a 3 month posting delay for various reasons including lack of internet access in the upcoming countries.
Thanks for the best wishes and all the best for you and the whole family!
Hallo Matthew,
Van harte proficiat and have a fine day.
Groet,
John
Dankjewel, John!! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Matthew!
Good luck, Jacqueline
Hey Jacqueline! Leuk om van je te horen. Alles goed aan jou en de Philips team!! 🙂