Cappadocia

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This has been a day to explore more of the Cappadocia region before a second night at our present hotel, so no need to pack up the bags this morning – quite a treat.
We moved around several different sites, all with the distinctive ‘fairy chimney’ houses. At one spot we climbed a stair/ladder to the Moulin Rouge Cafe inside the rock formations. Turkish carpets and kilims covered the floor, walls, and low seating. Friendly young Turks wanted us in their photos and we all tried to communicate with the little language we had in common. Back outside, a suave and welcoming man was waiting to show us through his tiny neighbouring jewellery shop! Time to go back to the bus, we decided. At each stopping place many stalls, often selling the same ranges of colourful goods, are staffed by excellent salespersons all assuring us of bargains and trying to interest us in bangles, baubles and bags, to name a few. They have had some success from time to time!
What must it be like to live in this fantastical landscape and see the buses of tourists pouring through, even this early in the season? We were struck by how any small patches of soil among the rocks are cultivated and producing – apricot trees almost seem to grow wild and are all in blossom right now. It’s like travelling in a storybook landscape.
A highlight of today has been a visit to a pottery to watch an expert demonstration of working with the local clay, then we were shown through all the processes of firing and decoration of the pottery until we emerged into a dazzling display of wonderful intricately patterned products. The usual attentive salesmen hovered and rewarded any show of interest with undivided attention.
Back to the hotel mid afternoon for a chance to relax and rest leg muscles that have worked hard climbing up and down into rock houses over the last two days. Tomorrow we squeeze everything back into the bags and head for Ankara.

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Comments

[Catherine]

Happy Birthday
Happy birthday Dad. I hope you have a great day. It sounds like you're having an amazing time. Can't wait to see you in a few days Love Cath