Fairies Castles & Harems

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Today we began our day in the Cappadocia area which is most unique and sometimes called the land of the fairy chimneys. Ten million years ago volcanoes erupted and covered the plateaus. It left a white soft stone comprised of lava, ash and mud. Cone like stone formations with boulders perched miraculously on top, cover the region. Five of the group got up at 4am to hot balloon it over the area. They all agreed it was a magnificent sight. Brian & I gave it a miss preferring the sleep-in.
As this stone is soft, inhabitants of the area carved out houses, churches and small villages that survive today. We went to a Christian cave village which still has the frescos on the church walls and ceilings dating back to 12th century. There were many tour groups and you have to line up – once inside the group has 3 minutes in these small carved out churches. They are quite amazing. We also went into a house dug in the cliff where a table carved from the stone still stands today. The walking was steep and cobblestoned but so worth it. We all had an ice cream which looks like elastic but tastes delicious. Also the seller had a sense of humour & managed to trick everyone when handing out the cones. We’ve since discovered all the ice cream sellers have the same act.
After that we went to a Pottery business, where they take the clay from the area and produce exquisite works of art. We saw the artist’s hand painting the plates etc. – very fine detailed work. The prices were high but you did get an original. The family has been doing this for 200 years.
Lunch we had by the road and I mean by the road. Two delightful ladies sat in a lean to and made us pancakes of potato, spinach and cheese. The sun came out and it was lovely surveying the scene before us. More carved out dwellings and a chance to stretch the legs.
Everywhere we went was only a short drive away and round every corner there was something to see. The whole area looks like it’s from another world. Fantastic rock formations, huge monoliths and far away in the distance Turkey’s largest mountain covered in pure white snow.
Our final destination for the day was a jewelry shop – and I have to say the boys were all very good about it. Both Chris and I were spoiled – Chris got a variation of the harem ring & Brian bought me a harem bracelet – maybe Nobby & Brian are imagining they have a harem????
Dinner was preceded by us all sharing a lovely bottle of French champagne courtesy of Michelle and Ken. Really it was for the balloonists but they took pity on us and gave us some too!

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Photos

Potter
Original kick wheel - creating an amazing Ottoman wine jug

Lunch by the road
Enjoying fine company while we lunch

Kitchen
Lean-to's set up and used as a kitchen by the local women. Hard work!

Pancakes Turkey style
This woman kept to her task although she knew we were photographing her.

Rock outcrops
Me in front of a church (the church is inside the rock)

Snow Capped Mountain
From a lookout

Comments

[anni]

Get's better by the minute Debxxxxxxxxxxxxxx