Yesterday (July 26th) was a travel day. We said goodbye to our friends (they were much more than staff) at Three Brothers and made our way to the airport where we flew to Ankara. Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the most modern city we've been to so far in this country. Had a great meal as every meal to date has been and then hit the sack for an early start on the 27th.
And early it was. Woke up at 4:30, stubbed my toe trying to find the washroom, got cleaned up, dressed and made my way to the bus station for a 5 hour ride to Cappadocia. Although it was a long ride with only one stop, we found it quite comfortable. The seats all have individual TV's with several channels (all in Turkish). I discovered that when you're watching movies with lots of gun play and fighting it really doesn't matter what language they are speaking to still enjoy the movie. Also the bus companies run similar to the airlines in that there were two attendants who offered sweets and tea throughout the ride. Greyhound could learn something here. We also met a lovely lady from Germany who was doing a solo trip to Cappadocia and she joined us for this portion of the trip.
The history of Cappadocia goes back to 600BC. The people who lived here were constantly being invaded and as such moved to the mountains and beneath the cities to hide from the various invaders. I probably took over a hundred photos of this area and still it will be difficult to describe this place, but here it goes.
So this is me standing in from of a village (or maybe a city). Can't really see much in the background.
After an earthquake, part of the mountain falls away revealing the village behind it.
I added this photo to give an idea of the size of the mountain village behind us.
Throughout these mountains there are villages which still haven't been discovered. It wasn't till 1960 when a small earthquake brought this village to light (so to say).
Typical family dwelling. The hole in front of us is for cooking and heat (not sure where the bathroom is)
Some rooms like this are communal spaces. Here up to 50 people can sit and eat. Also looks like a primitive bowling alley but that was invented in a different century.
When the Christians occupied these caves, they added spaces as churches and painted the walls and ceilings accordingly.
With the addition of our new friend Judith (pronounced Udith - the J is silent), I now officially have 111 friend on Facebook. Judith works for the Coca Cola Company in Germany so I no longer drink Pepsi (not that I ever did).
The larger cities were above ground but they built caves below where they could hide for up to 5 weeks when there was a war or invasion. Some of these underground cities would extend five or six stories below ground.
The start of our underground tour.
If there was an invasion, everyone would head below ground and the last few people would roll this stone across the various cave openings so that no one could follow behind.
And then you just keep heading down. Animals (and bathrooms) were on the first level. Grains and vegetables were kept on the second level along with the kitchens and throughout the rest of the levels where various communal rooms and family homes.
Most of the walkways had very low ceilings and you had to crouch to get through (well most of us did anyway).
And be drained into this basin once ready.
We were only allowed down to the third level. Not sure how many feet below ground we are but would guess around 30 feet.
An idea of what it's like moving around down there.
Our first night was also a treat in that we got to sleep in one of the many Cave Hotels in Cappadocia. We were a little worried at first what this experience might be like but were pleasantly surprised when we saw our room
For those of you in construction, here is the before picture. The owner is adding three new suites below ours.
A labour of love chiseling away at this rock.
PS, did I mention the food in Turkey is great!
Tomorrow, back to Ankara.
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