Of caves, balloons and fairy chimneys

So here we are in Kapadokya in the middle of Turkey and check out these pictures! We:

had a lovely wander around some faıry chımneys

visited cave churches (dating back to the 2nd Century)

rented a motorbike (sore bot afterwards, yeowch!) and visited an incredible underground city (dating back to a very long time ago indeed - can't recall but I'm sure impressive nonetheless - there are two underground cities in the area which were used primarily as places of hiding and storage of food and valuables) - OUR FAVOURITE DAY!

took a walk through a very pretty valley (after a fabulous time of fellowship with the entrance guard who was determined to share his lunch with us - despite obvious language barrier we thought him wonderfully hospitable and charming)

stayed in a real mccoy cave room

fed a few of the 100 or so stray kitties (which we probably shouldn't have but I couldn't resist)

had a wonderful view every morning of at least a dozen hot air balloons passing by our cave room

enjoyed apple tea and cakes and olives and eggs for breakfast every morning (seems to be the standard hostel breakfast in Turkey)

did not ride a camel

woke VERY early EVERY mornıng to the call to prayer from the nearby mosque

attended the local cooking competition event featuring some fabulous local musicians (and fabulous food I'm sure - although we didn't partake)

An unforgettable few days - amazing place, the likes of which Ian and I have never seen before and are unlikely to see again.