A great day in Cappadocia Region

May 4

It will be a great day, but unfortunately, flying in the hot air balloons is not on the agenda as the weather is not cooperating. Maybe tomorrow.
Our first stop is the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List, where we can get up close and inside the magnificent pillars.
The museum has scores of monasteries, each containing impressive rock-cut churches with beautiful frescos (wall paintings). There are some unique examples of rock-hewn architecture here that's hard to wrap your head around.

Following our museum visit, we went to a potter's home. Selim Gurdal is one talented man. He is able to reproduce ancient artifacts and designs. His display of impressive pottery is endless. Walking around his underground maze is like shopping in Ikea where you can twist and turn from section to section and wonder if you'll ever find the exit.

The best part of today was our hike. A combination of the Rose Valley, Red Valley, and Gullu Valley trails. It's at the top of my list for interesting hikes with valleys that are a maze of stunning fairy chimneys. We hiked on volcanic lands, passed tunnels, discovered hidden valleys, caves, and old churches. We even climbed up into a church with remnants of fresco paintings.

For the evening most of the crew went to a Turkish dance show, while Norm and I opted to tour Goreme. We walked around town checking out the cave hotels and homes people still live in. We then went to the top of the hill to look down onto the city at sunset. I can't get over the typography here, and the fact that homes and churches are carved into them.