Cappadocia in Central Anatolia

Wireless connections in both hotels in which we've stayed to date have been weak. Skype calls home have been disconnected, although we were able to IM. Importing pictures to this blog takes forever.

The minibus brought us from Ankara to Cappadoccia in the region of Central Anatolia (middle of Turkey) on the 4th of July. We stopped along the way at Tuzgolu, the salt lake where the country's salt making factory is located. Many in our group were wearing shorts and had only to remove their shoes to wade out a few feet into the shallow waters. Expecting to feel refreshed, they stayed momentarily in the blazing sun. Su (water) to drink was what everyone instantly craved.

Tired after traveling for nearly four hours, we thoroughly enjoyed lunch in a restaurant carved into the side of a hill. My grilled trout was good, but the cold rice pudding was especially refreshing.

The Goreme Open-Air Museum was quite fascinating with its unusual fairy chimneys that had been carved out for chapels and worship spaces used by the Early Christians. Although vandalism has occurred over the years--before this area became a World Heritage site--some of the fresco painting was remarkably well preserved.

The next stop was a pottery factory off the beaten path in Avonos where several of us made purchases. I will bring home an Iznik-style one-of-a-kind platter with two red tulips painted on the surface. Tulips, by the way, originated in Turkey--not in Holland. Iznik-style pottery is the oldest and best of Turkey's ceramics, but not as fine as the Meissen of Germany due to the clay,firing, and painting.

Our memorable 4th of July evening was spent watching a local folk dancing production that cost each of us $30 (American) and lasted two hours. Three or four of us didn't dance in the circular dance floor when the audience could come up and join the professionals. We preferred to be spectators. All agreed that the highlight was the belly dancer.

Today, Sunday, July 5, began with hiking in Cappadocia, "land of the beutiful horses," in some areas that were difficult to climb up and down. Julie, in fact, slid down a steep hill behind me, but wasn't injured. She wasn't wearing hiking shoes. Her flats were more like beach shoes. David, whom we'd dubbed "navigator" because of his uncanny sense of direction, climbed down alone and started walking in the wrong direction on the two-lane highway. so much for his navigating skills! Not only is our driver an expert on the road, but also extremely cautious and concerned about our safety. He soon spotted David, and picked him up as we were leaving.

Much more happened today. Since we have a 4:15 wake-up call tomorrow morning, I need to sign off tonight and catch some shut-eye. Tomorrow is the day of the hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia!