Cappadocia here we come.

May 3

On our way to the region of Cappadocia, we visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk. It is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. It is located in Ankara, Turkiyes capital city, and is a crucial political sight for locals. Today, there are hundreds of school graduates of all ages here celebrating their achievements. Our next stop is to dip our feet into Lake Tuz, the second-largest lake in Turkiye. It Is a shallow salt lake. Over time, tectonic movements caused the rocks in the water to dissolve. Most of the water in the Tuz Lake evaporates in summer, and a giant desert of salt emerges. This salt is collected for food and cosmetics. It has a pretty pink Hugh to it from a form of algae. We eventually arrive in Cappadocia, settle into our rooms and head out for a lovely home-cooked meal with a local family. On our way, we pass through the fantastic landscape this area is known for. It makes us giddy with anticipation of seeing the rest of it. I can't wait. It's like we are on another planet.