Goreme, Cappadocia rain! Cool!
This trip gets better and better. We are in an unbelievable hotel in an unbelievable fairyland. The hotel has many levels with terraces
each with a phenomenal view of “fairy castles,” which are volcanic tufa. I’m sitting on a raised pillow area, drinking Turkish tea looking out on the lighted tufa.
Our room is quite large with a separate sitting area and a small balcony—again with a view. It entitles us access to a Turkish bath (hamman) and spa. I was even able to talk Dan into trying it. We wrapped ourselves in Turkish towels (it’s coed), went in the sauna and then sat on marble with a large basin with hot and cold running water between us. We had silver colored bowel that we used to dip the water and pour over us—it was amazingly refreshing. A couple we’ve met were on a very large, heated marble stand getting Turkish massages. I may have to indulge before I leave.
We went on a remarkable tour today in a van with 13 other people: 3 from Australia, 4 from Spain, 4 from London, 4 from US. This area is known for multi-level underground dwellings; we visited a small one probably started by the Phillistines. The early Christians, who were persecuted, hid in them for months. To get to one part, we had to go down a hole backwards. Tomorrow we’re going to see a larger one.
It had been raining, but the weather cleared, and we went on the best hike ever. It was over 4 miles along a rushing river in a canyon. We had to scramble over rocks, hike up a few steep hills, and walk where there was no trail. The wildflowers—white, yellow, and blue daisies, red poppies, white and lavender unknowns—were in bloom everywhere. High up in the canyons were monasteries carved into stone. Dan and I were the oldest people by far—our guide was 24—most of the other couples were in their 30’s and 40’s, and there was a 12 year old girl. I have to brag that we kept up with everyone. I did get help from an adorable young man from Barcelona. I was able to practice my Spanish with him while we walked. At the end of the hike, we had lunch in an outdoor restaurant: lentil soup, salad, and a choice of entrees. Dan and I had small pieces of chicken cooked with peppers, onions, and tomatoes served with rice. Delicious.
We drove a short distance to a huge caravan stop along the Silk Road. again built in the rock. We walked up a steep, rock-filled trail (I thought we were done with hiking!)through narrow passage ways. At one point there was space only to put one foot in front of the other. The people of the caravans could stay for free for 3 nights. Somehow they even housed their camels and donkeys.
Tomorrow, we’re going on another guided tour. If it’s anything like today, it will be wonderful. The day after we’re going up in a hot air balloon.
When we disembarked the ship in Istanbul, I thought perhaps we had made a mistake adding on 8 days in Turkey. No way!!! This has been a fantastic experience!
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