Goreme, Cappadocia
our stay in a deluxe cave hotel
05.06.2011
Taking a sleeper on the train was an enjoyable way to get to Turkey's capital Ankara. We collected our hire car and Rex drove the few hours to Goreme. The GPS made easy work of the navigating but Rex had to adjust to left-hand driving and traffic mayhem.
Goreme must be one of the most amazing places on earth - geologically and historically. The mystical landscape is a result of volcanic activity millenia ago. The massive cone-shaped boulders have been made into cave living and we are occupying such a building (in a 'fairy chimmney' room). The rock is rose and honey-coloured and the valleys are filled with wildflowers - red poppies, blue cornflowers, irises etc. There are mosques; underground cities; churches carved into the cliffs and frescoes from early times when Christians sought refuge here.
We walked into Rose Valley, or in the near vicinity! We followed an abandoned path which was overgrown and far lengthier than intended.
Oli and I felt quite uneasy but Rex was annoyingly in adventure mode. We eventually reached the plateau for incredible views and made our way towards civilisation once again. We came across families working their land who were clearly amused by us emerging out of the wilderness.
Rex and Oli were up at dawn for a Hot Air Balloon ride and champagne breakfast. The local pilot was hilarious and kept them entertained the whole way. Instead, I opted for a Foot Reflexology session that took me to different heights.
Posted by stephrexoli 09:19
Ah Goreme! We have wonderful memories of the place and in particular a walk through Rose Valley - the landscape and wildflowers are incredible. The dawn ballooning must have been a pretty amazing way to view the region too. I hope Oli enjoyed his champagne breakfast!
05.06.2011 by NigelW