The Splendid Turkey - Capadoccia

18th March 2014

As early as 4.30 in the morning, we left the hotel to catch the morning Turkish Airlines flight to Kayseri. It was not something pleasant to do but thinking that we would have so much to do in Cappadocia, things would be much improved later.

The flight time was around 1 hour 15 minutes and it was a smooth one. We reached Kayseri Airport, a small airport but the moment we exited the arrival hall, we were impressed with the stunning snow-capped mountain in front of us. I've seen Mt. Fuji and this view is something extra. Didn't expect to see this at this point in time because, in my head, I was imagining rocks and stones everywhere.

Kayseri Airport

Kayseri Airport, one of the gateways to Cappadocia

The amazing snow-capped mountain.

We boarded the shuttle to Goreme and it took around 1 hour plus to reach Goreme. The view along the highway was pretty dull, though I was hoping to see something beautiful along the way. But waking up early in the morning did make me feel a little sleepy and I took a nap for a while, 10 to 15 minutes maybe.

The only picture I have along the way from Kayseri to Cappadocia

When the non-English speaking driver made a loud phone call, I woke up and saw the landscape had changed. We have already entered Cappadocia. Mind that Cappadocia is not a city, but rather a huge region, covering Goreme, Kaymakli, Urgup, Nevsehir, and several others.

We were brought further to a place where the rocky structures in conical shape were visible. Several tourist buses and shuttles were parked on the roadside and we got down here. We were waiting for our tour guide to arrive and while waiting, we enjoyed the view right in front of us. In our group, there was a Japanese solo lady traveler and several other guys from India

Goreme

Let the pictures do the talking.

Weathering caused this formation and it took hundred or thousands of years 

"They are just rocks". Most people say that but if you appreciate the power of nature, you won't be saying that.

Erosion of the yellow sandstone

Another view from inside the shuttle

Cave houses were abundant here but they were vacated now.

Fairy Chimneys

This is another point of attraction visited in Capadoccia. Seriously, I love this place. Looks like mushrooms and of course, the famous cute bluish cartoon character appeared in my mind, The Smurfs, and they live in mushrooms. These structures served not only as shelters but also as a religious place where one of these mushrooms was actually a chapel.

Once again, visitors can observe the power of nature that has created these wonderful structures. Besides the amazing structure, these Fairy Chimneys are also able to keep the residents comfortable, be it winter or summer. Since we were unable to access this chimney, we were not so convinced on the fact that this structure could actually do so. But the visit to the Underground City of Kaymakli has actually supported the fact of these special cave-houses.

The only thing that intrigues me until today is the access to the chimneys. As you can see below, there are no stairs or any structures in which one can gain entrance. Unless the stairs have been eroded due to weathering, then things are much more logical.

The day was really sunny with cloudless blue sky and I love it a lot. I took the chance to inhale fresh air, though occasionally fumes from the tourist buses did choke me a bit, occasionally

There are several small shops selling typical Turkish souvenirs but they are lot more expensive compared to the shop at the first stop at Goreme. So word of advice, don't spend here but spend at Goreme.

I thought it was about time to have Turkish ice cream so I bought one. And guess what, it costed me 7.50 Lira!! I was about to throw the ice-cream to the ice-cream vendor. No wonder he didn't answer when I ask for the price, instead mumbling in his Turkish language with friendly gesture. There were two vendors and I bought it from the 'noisiest' vendor. I was told that the other vendor sells it for 4 Lira only. If anyone happens to visit this place, by all means, avoid buying ice-cream from the 'loud' vendor, or if you insist, ask for he price first and if he doesn't want to tell, then ignore it. Sadly, the ice-cream bought was not so Turkish at all.

The next attraction is Goreme Open Air Museum.

Goreme Open Air Museum

This is another amazing place that is worth visiting to grasp the idea of how Christianity was practiced previously. This museum consists of convents and shrines, several chapels, and churches. The chapels and churches have paintings that have stories to tell though some paintings were vandalized and faded due to weathering.

This museum sits on Goreme National Park and it is gazetted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is good that it is declared as a heritage site so that no one could vandalize this wonderful place and the future generation will be able to see this unique place.

The entrance fee is 15 Lira but I didn't have to pay as it was already included in the package.

This is where the priests stayed

Goreme Open Air Museum is part of Goreme National Park 

To experience Capadoccia better, a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights are recommended. For me, this short visit is always a reason to come back and enjoy this paradise on earth.