Central Turkiye

On our way to Cappadocia we stopped at Ephasus, a very large site of ancient ruins and antiquities. We left mid afternoon, found a nearby restaurant a late lunch, and drove to Pamukkale where we stayed for a couple of nights then on to Cappadocia.

At Pamukkale we had hot springs water and a special soaking tub in our rooms. Pamukkale had open markets, restaurants and cafes. A mosque was located nearby and was hosting a pair of storks nesting on its top. We walked to some large antiquities, including an antique swimming pool we were hoping to have a swim in, but it was closed for construction. We went on to explore the white, dry pools along the mountainside where hot water filled the pools, depositing white deposits. The water has been diverted to another location so the pools are now dry.

We picked up some bottled water and a few things at the grocery store, then left in the morning for Cappadocia, our final destination.

We arrived in Cappadocia late in the day and found our lodging, House of Cappadocia, on a narrow, cobblestone street. We entered the doors into a high walled courtyard, shaded with large cloth pieces in places. We sat down and were immediately offered tea, as we began our registration. An older uncle and younger nephew were the inn keepers.

The very old building was attached to a large rock, into which the rooms were carved. The room Doug and Gulbin had was totally carved into the wall. Small and very, very quiet. My room was on the second floor. It was up a very old green open staircase. The treads were about an inch taller than what I’m use to. The room had windows at one end that extended out of the rock, and looked out over the courtyard below. It was cavernous with a high arched ceiling of stones or bricks.

From The House of Cappadocia Inn we explored the town and cluster of towns in the area. We explored the rooms/buildings carved into the rocks–houses, churches, pigeon roosts, and more. We drove to 2 nearby villages where there were underground cities that went down up to 7 levels.

Then an early morning balloon ride over the region. Much to explore here–open markets, cafes and restaurants, and the antiquities. Lots of tour busses and visitors.

Then we left for for home – our 10 hr drive back to Iskele where we recovered for a few days before we headed to Istanbul.