I am sure I quick update is in order!

7200km done to date, meaning that if I was a crow, I'd be home right now; actually I'd be beyond home, somewhere in the Midlands surrounded by turf and wondering where the hell I went wrong. Instead, I am in Istanbul with only around 4000km of Europe standing between me and Dublin's fair city.

The cold weather of Iran was where me and Will took our separate routes home; him on a plane, me on two wheels. It was sad to see him go, I would not have embarked on this trip if it were not for his suggestion, but the adventures have continued unabated.

Thank-you to everyone who has sponsored me thus far, my initial target has been more than blown out of the water. But the journey continues, and the more money that is raised, the more people in developing nations will benefit. So please, if you have some euros, pounds, lira, dinars, shequels, rials or rupees to spare, make a donation and make a difference.

Thank-you

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It all started with a simple question: "Fancy cycling from Bangkok to Dublin?".

No effing way! But situations change, and challenges are there to be met, so here I am joining my friend on the "shortened" leg from Delhi to Dublin (Will's doing the whole thing!!). Gone are the (easy) Himalaya and the paddy fields of Southeast Asia, but ahead are the politically interesting regions of Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, followed by the short swift jaunt across the continent of Europe!

Total distance: 4400miles as the crow flies.

Expected distance: about twice this??

We're looking to raise £2200 (50p for every mile) in aid of  WaterAid (http://www.wateraid.org/uk) who help alleviate poverty by providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation both in India and Pakistan, as well as other developing nations worst affected by climate change.

All contributions are gratefully accepted, however there could be an extra incentive to dig deep. For contributions of £30 or more (€45 back home!) you shall be able to nominate a country along the route from which to receive a hand-written, sweat-covered, personal postcard. Who could ask for more?! We know it's a lot of dosh but it can significantly and directly improve the lives of 2 people living in the developing world (and it's one hell of distance). Addresses can be sent to kieran.craven@gmail.com

Countries include (so far - but will be subject to change due to the actions of certain countries against other countires &/or time constraints and fatigue):

India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France, UK, Ireland.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: WaterAid will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you (apologies to Irish tax payers).

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support. Progress can be followed at:

http://delhi2dublin.blogspot.com

OR

http://willswayback.blogspot.com

Cheers,

Kieran and Will

p.s. We are funding the cost of the expedition ourselves. All donations go in aid of WaterAid. Additionally, should you wish to donate money to another charity instead, then please do so, the important thing is that a valid cause benefits from your donation.