Turkey - Cappadocia - Day 3

Last day in Cappadocia.

Went on the Green/ South tour. Started with Goreme Panaroma, basically the scenic view point. Did not spend too much time there.

Then the Derinkuyu underground city, largest of all the underground cities. It had been occupied from 2000BC up to the 1960s when it was evacuated. Capacity of 8 to 10 thousand. The section we visited had seven levels. Now that it is a world heritage site and very touristy there are railings and light bulbs along the way, not sure how they managed before. Had to suppress my claustrophobia and go through the tunnels, for some we were crouching the whole way. The rooms were decent sized, a lot of wine collection areas ( they rarely drank water for the fear of it being poisoned by their enemies ! ). People lived here sometimes 2-3 months at a stretch, there were no toilets in these cities ( clay pots were used and then covered with cheese ). Followed Jeevan ( on one of his adventures) into a grave room, for a moment through that tunnel there is total darkness, scary.

By then the sun was out and lunch in the garden was wonderful.

Next a 3.5 km walk in the Ihlara valley, it was along a river and quite scenic. There were quite a few churches built into the rocks along the way. At one point of time we were quite ahead of the rest and saw a ledge , good photo opportunity . We wanted both of us in the picture so put the camera on a rock with the self timer and Jeevan had to jump of that rock and climb on the next one, all in ten seconds . I had a good time watching him try, he did get there finally.

Along the way to Selime monastery passed quite a few snow topped mountains. The monastery was beautiful but we did not spend too much time admiring it, instead spent our time trying to climb into every nook and corner. Unfortunately the top of the monastery was off bounds as it was not safe.

Uchisar pigeon valley for a few pictures and then an Onyx factory. At the factory we saw a block of onyx being carved and polished into an egg. Jeevan won the egg as he was the only person to remember the meaning of Cappadocia , the land of free horses.

There was still half an hour for our overnight bus when we returned to Goreme. Decided to skip dinner and run up to the sunset point, the only place we still had left to visit in Goreme. Glad we did it. I am sure we will find food along the way, though a lady from our tour offered us her packet of biscuits, we declined it.

Now on the bus , just passed Goreme lit up, I am happy we changed our itinerary and came to Cappodocia.




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