Turkey 3 - The Final Blog

Well it's happened - reality has come crashing down. We now have a house and both have jobs. Our bank accounts have gone into shock at the first sight of a credit transaction in over 5 months. So I have decided I can no longer put this of and will wrap up the end of or trip.

Cappadocia - one of the mst beautiful and unique landscapes I have ever seen. We arrived in the afternoon after a series of public buses and dare devil drivers. The first stop was the hot air balloon office to book our balloon flights for the following morning. Then we were off to "pigeon valley" for a short walk down through the valley. The landscape has been formed by several volcanic eruptions which have created layers and layers of different coloured ash - these have then been eroded by wind and rain to form amazing pillars and cliffs. A lot of the freestanding rock has been hollowed out and is now lived in. The whole area is UNESCO listed. It was well worth the death defying bus trips to get there.

Walking through "Pigeon Valley"

Walking through "Pigeon Valley" Cappadocia

The next morning we were up early early early and off for our hot air balloon ride. Despite some wind and rain and a lot of standing around staring at the sky we were off. We all hopped into the basket and up we went. It was such a peaceful experience. We dropped down into valleys and floated over mountains. Despite taking the top off some poor mans apple tree (who came running outside and shook his fist at us) it was a perfect flight.

early start for hot air ballooning

hot air ballooning through "Pigeon Valley"

From the hot air balloon

Cappadocia landscape from the balloon

Town from the hot air balloon

House carved into the rock

After the excitement of the ballooning it was back to the hotel for breakfast and then off for a walk through "the red valley". It was a beautiful walk and we saw several churches that have been carved into the inside of rocks. From the outside they looked tiny but once inside the scale was amazing.

Walking through "Red Valley"

After walking through "Red Valley" we were off to "Love Valley" - called "love valley" due to the errrrrm "suggestive" shape of the pillars throughout the whole area.

"Love Valley"

That night we were off to a local families house for a delicious home cooked meal. So delicious! We basically rolled back to the hotel we were so full.

The next morning was another early start as we headed off to an underground city. I had no idea what to expect and loved it. It basically consisted of a series of tunnels and rooms starting just below the surface and continuing down to around 85m below the surface. They had everything in it from stables to churches - even a room for wine making. We had the entire place to ourselves and it was a great opportunity to hide and jump out and scare each other - not very mature - but a lot of fun!

Underground city stairs - lucky we had a small breakfast

Mr Multicultural

After our underground city experience we were off to a pottery workshop. I got to use a 1000 year old kick pottery wheel to make a bowl. I thought I was probably a natural - but apparently not! It was a lot of fun - despite the fact I got clay all over myself, the wall, and the guy trying to help me! After cleaning up and spending way more than we planned to in the pottery shop we were off to see the carpet making. I was tempted to buy one until I was told it cost over $45,000! Bunnings has pretty nice ones a lot cheaper :P

The next morning we were onto the bus and headed for the capital Ankara. We didn't really have any time to look around as it was dinner and then onto the overnight train headed back to Istanbul. After a few drinks in the cabin Kylie and I headed to the dining car to let the others get some sleep. 6 hours later - after talking to people who couldn't understand us - and who we certainly couldn't understand (apparently friendship is like a pomegranate-who knew?) we headed back to the cabin for a refreshing 2.5 hours sleep.

Sight seeing in Istanbul was great but Kylie and I were both in a fair bit of pain and probably didn't get the most out of the experience. First stop was Topkapi Palace, followed by Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The most beautiful buildings - especially the blue mosque - breath taking!

domed roof of Topkapi Palace

Hagia Sophia - amazing

The blue mosque - beautiful

We had a couple of extra days in Instanbul and loved it. We saw the grand bazaar, the spice bazaar and so many amazing places - not to mention the food! Our last night we went for a delicious sunset dinner in a rooftop restaurant. It was heaven.

One early morning visit to the "Basilica Cistern" and a bit of last minute fridge magnet buying and we were off to the airport and headed for home.

sunset fishing from the bridge

The "Basilica Cistern"

I just want to say thanks to everyone for reading - I hope you've enjoyed it as much as we've enjoyed writing it! So until next trip - Bye for now!