Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

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Day 2 of our tour started with a visit to the underground city of Kaymakli. These were originally two level Hittite cities dating back nearly 4,000 years, used for storage. Were made much deeper (some were 11 levels) in the Christian era and used as a refuge. Quite fascinating with large stones that could be used to block passages if invaders got in. There were air shafts to the surface, stables, kitchen, churches and even wine making areas. Some passages were really low - once agin to make it hard for invaders, but a challenge for us as well.

 

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being nice and fresh today we were ready to tackle the Rose Valley walk that had been planned for the previous day. There are many small grape vines in the valley and of course little hidden monasteries and churches - some rather challenging in terms of steps to climb.

 

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Another church and some freshly squeezed orange juice. Little Cafes are found at various points in the valley - not quite like going bush in Australia!

 

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Having trouble with loading photos - tried shrinking them but don't like the look. Hopefully soon when we return to better internet

 

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We'll just have to be patient

 

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From Rose Valley we went to Mustafapasa. This is an abandoned Greek Village. In 1924 an "exchange" was done with 2 million Greeks leaving Turkey and 800,000 Turks coming back. Our guide felt this was bad on multiple levels It caused a lot of bitterness between Turkey and Greece and he also felt was very bad economically for Turkey. The Greeks who left were productive and contributed greatly - the 800,000 who came back needed a lot of support. Over the last generation the Government has been building conventional houses and moving them out of cave cities, many of which have become unstable.

 

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then our guide suggested skipping "tourist restaurants" and going to one of his favourite local ones (i think he had worked out we were pretty easy going and adventurous). Had a lovely basic meal with very welcoming owners.

 

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After that we went to the Sobesos excavation site with Roman baths and mosaics. Our guide also explained how the Greek words Jesus Christ beginning and end are contained in the cross.

 

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We then did a little walk at Pasabag (Monk's Valley) and its fairy chimneys.

 

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Last stop for the day was Pigeon Valley - our apartment overlooks this valley as well. Pigeons were trained to live in their little houses.

 

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Wow, that would be a fantastic area for a balloon flight

 

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We decided we hadn't done enough walking for the day ) ) , so walked to the top of Uchisar Castle to see the sunset. There were markets happening outside the castle. When walking up I hung onto the rail. A woman and her young son were walking down on my side. I let go the rail and tentatively shuffled to the side. As she got to me she said something and then held out her hand. I took it and shook it (western interpretation here) - she took my hand and placed it back on the rail. This is what I love about travel - reaching across cultures and language barriers - it was so sweet.

 

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Time for dinner - Mouton Rouge a friendly local restaurant with a bit of a French Flavour.

 

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Coming back some night photos.

 

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Breakfast was great - Cappadoce has its own farm and we had wonderful fruit, cheese etc and their own jams - much of it organic. They also had a lady making Gozleme in the restaurant. First photo is one of the delightful staff just outside the breakfast room.

 

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We had enjoyed the underground city at Kaymakli so much our guide suggested another one.

 

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Then it was onto Soganli for a walk along the river complete with farm animals

 

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Of course many churches - some of these with exterior decoration on the dome, which was unusual as mainly they tried to hide monasteries and churches

 

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and more of the churches

 

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Then to the village of Soganli. Mr FM had been telling the guide how I bought so many souvenirs in Zimbabwe and he suggested that it would be nice to buy dolls in Soganli to support the locals who made the dolls. The work is quite beautiful.