To Map or to GPS...

Ahh the age olde question, to use a map or to use a GPS unit.
Its common knowledge that world explorers and travelers have been using GPS navigation systems to circle this flat planet for hundreds if not thousands of years....no wait, somethings not right there.

I've always been a map guy myself. Having just purchased my first GPS unit  (which of course only works in North America), I can't speak too much on these units.  I do like it so far - but it leaves something to be desired. It really only takes you on a path from point A to point B. And you just follow along, like a ZOMBIE. Now, when using a map, you can always see what lies just a little bit off the route you are travelling on. Makes for a lot more options, side trips, diversions, and generally more fun!

I think that this can all be settled by taking a glimpse back at classic pop culture moment. I believe it was 2 wise men in an UWS coffee shop discussing their favorite explorers....

"Magellan? You like Magellan?"

"Oh yeah, my favorite explorer. Around the world, come on. Who do you like?"

"I like DeSoto."

"DeSoto? What did he do?"

"Discovered the Mississippi."

"Oh, like they wouldn't have found that anyway."

- George and Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"

So I think I will go with the maps.
Recommended by my buddy Chris @ Jupiters  are the Michelin Maps.
Now I must tell you - I went to Barnes & Noble last night to find said map, and wasn't even sure where to look. Travel section duh. Maps, again duh. But is Turkey in Asia or Europe?
Well in fact it is in both - and in double fact - Barnes & Noble didn't have the map.
The search continues.
In the meantime, I've taken the poor mans route (at the advice of one Jeffrey "Bear" Schmidt) and started piece mealing together some Google Maps for the route I'll be on...(see below photo)