Cappadocia without balloons..

What a hotel!! After arriving super late last night we slogged up to and collapsed in our bed. At first, in our blurry state, we did not appreciate all the steps to our room but this morning we were pleasantly surprised to see why. Our room/hotel is literally carved out of a mountainside. We have a split level room that is entirely carved from limestone.   It stays cool during the blistering sunny days and holds heat at night. And it is eerily quiet at night. Words cannot express how picturesque this hotel is.  We were bursting with excitement to go ballooning in Cappadocia however our dreams were violently dashed as we were informed that it would be too windy to go. It was a hard blow for both of us as this was a highlight we both looked longingly towards.  With a subpar consultation prize of sleeping-in we awoke to a panoramic view and hardy breakfast. Undeterred, we embraced the unexpected and set off to explore the desert landscape that awaited us.

As the sun stretched over the horizon, we found ourselves amid the surreal splendor of Cappadocia’s famed ‘fairy chimneys’. These whimsical rock formations, sculpted by nature’s patient hand, stood as silent sentinels guarding an otherwise barren land.  Venturing deeper, we marveled at the intricate dwellings carved into these ancient stones, once sanctuaries for early Christians seeking refuge from the world above.

Despite the relentless embrace of the sun, we pressed on, drawn deeper into the labyrinth of caves and caverns.   Each turn revealed hidden churches, their walls adorned with faded frescoes, echoing whispers of devotion from a bygone era. We often stood slack-jawed at the detail and architecture of these cave dwellings.  

A reprieve from the heat beckoned us to a pottery factory, where we eagerly immersed ourselves in the artistry of the craft.  I was able to volunteer to try to make a piece. With skilled and slightly mocking hands guiding me, I shaped clay into a “vessel”.  And then for lunch came the pièce de résistance: ‘pottery kabob’.  A culinary delight encased within clay, cooked to perfection and shattered theatrically before our eyes, releasing an aromatic symphony of flavors.

Our appetite for discovery whetted, we ventured to a Turkish carpet factory, where dozens of finely dressed turks climbing over one another in a feeble attempt to sell us expensive Turkish rugs.  We were mesmerized by the intricate patterns and vibrant hues, though this did not out pace our reactions to the prices. 

With the day waning, we surrendered to the indulgence of a spa treatment, allowing the soothing embrace of Turkish bath. As skilled hands worked their magic, tension melted into tranquility, leaving us renewed and rejuvenated.

Though devoid of the anticipated ascent into the heavens, our first day in Cappadocia had been nothing short of intriguing. We opted for a terrace dinner under the stars and in front of our lit up caves and enjoyed another dish of succulent “pottery kabab” which didn’t disappoint. 

With bellies full and minds at ease, we eagerly awaited the dawn of a new day.