Cappadocia

M

After 300km of a perilous mountain drive in a storm then hours thru a godforsaken flat dustbowl countryside, we arrived on dusk to the most amazing site - pinch yourself type scenery. Mind you the roads were fine despite the fact it was pouring and very steep and windy - it was just theTurkish drivers who insist on using the wrong lane. So many times I felt like it was a game of chicken with a car coming head on in my lane despite big arrows on the road indicating direction of traffic. I think Helen shut her eyes and I held on tight!

Gypsy camps are dotted along the road.

For anyone interested in a Turkish road trip with a difference, I thoroughly recommend Cappadocia despite the perils of driving there and that it is in the middle of absolutely no where that you would want to visit. There are numerous bus options but I like being able to be spontaneous so prefer to drive. It is very difficult to really ascertain quality of accomodation over the internet but there is heaps and we just rocked up. I had done my homework and knew to be in Goreme and it certainly was the best option by far. We stopped to take photos on the way in and Helen nabbed a cafe owner who had a brother with a cave house and a cousin who ran a balloon ride so within minutes we parted with cash and had all sorted - brillian bit of work on her behalf. It is only a small town and think everyone is related here! The surrounding area appears heavily muslim with most women covered however the towns of Cappadocia  National park cater to tourists so westernised.

Photos dont do justice to the incredible views and weird cave structures, many of which are homes.

Obviously balloons are dependent on wind direction so on our morning we did not go over any towns but next morning we awoke to hear the gas jet noise , opened the window and there were balloons flying low over Goreme - simply magic.