Cappadocia
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
It wasn't difficult to identify Cappadocia when we were driving, the sudden change of scenery from flat deserty roads to rock valleys was a good indication. We arrived in a campsite just outside Goreme just in time to show off our truck and set up skills to another overlanding group: UK to OZ (there's is definitely a bus!). With 41 people on board, there truck lacks certain luxuries as the library, tables and a fridge. Most seem to be enjoying themselves but a few asked if we had any spare seats, I'm sure we'll see them again some way along the road, all the best to them!
Many of the group got up early and went hot air ballooning which everyone enjoyed. When the group got back we were all picked up for a day of sightseeing in Cappadocia. After going to the panoramic view point we headed to a small village to see some of the caves used and houses then we went off to explore an underground city. There were many tunnels and different rooms and our guide took us to all the important parts including the wine cellar (unfortunately no wine). Next we headed for a buffet lunch and filled up on Turkish Delights. We then went for a pottery demonstration, Darrell got involved and had a good attempt at making a... bowl? The group were all feeling the strain from the early start so we drove past our last destination - Imagination Valley to see if we could spot some animals in the rock faces and had a quick look around mushroom Valley (to spot "mushroom" shaped rocks).
A curry dinner was prepared by Pete and the Crew using some spices from Istanbul and we all ate in a cave within the campsite. The night continued with games of Odyssey's adaptation of Jenga and a few drinks.
Our second day in Cappadocia is a free day, some have gone off on quad bikes and others are going to a carpet shop to get a demonstration on carpets and most importantly a free lunch.. can anyone guess which one we picked!?
Mike, Darrell and the crew bought carpets while the rest of us watched them bargain with the prices and ate lunch. We then headed off to Goreme, a small town in the middle of Cappadocia for a wander around. Nothing much to see so we had a few games of pool and some apple tea. Met the group for dinner in a local restaurant where we had to smash a pot to get our food. We all ended up in the Flinstones bar for some cheesy music after dinner and were amazed at Darrells dancing skills!
.JPG)
.JPG)
Some bad news on Ned, he forgot to put his seatbelt and broke his leg, and while exploring the local cave he tripped and had some slight decapitation issues....he is now awaiting surgery and we are hoping for a full recovery.
Post a Comment