Turkey - Cappadocia and Istanbul

JG: Very uncomfortable overnight bus from Pamukkale to Göreme (in Cappadocia region), where we stayed in a 'cave hotel' and rented a scooter to tour the area. (The term 'cave hotel' will make more sense in the photos.) The Cappadocia area has a history dating back a few thousand years, and the cave dwellings, underground cities and fairy chimneys, as they call them...well, you'll have to see the pictures to really understand. This will go down as one of the places that leaves a lasting impression in its sheer uniqueness. I can't imagine another place on the planet like it. 

Though we've shied away from larger cities, Istanbul's religious culture and architecture are impressive. The mosques and palaces- Aya Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque  - are second to none, and strolling the city center and even the Grand Bazaar (a hustler's paradise) is an experience. We stayed in Old Instanbul, which I'd recommend to get a better feel for the sites and the people. We wish we had more time than just a few days, as we were unable to make it to the Asian side of the city or explore the Bosphorus Strait, but this a city we may very well have to revisit. 

SS: If Willy Wonka had a rock factory - Cappadocia would be it, although nothing can stop you from calling each other Fred and Wilma.  It has to be one of the strangest landscapes I have ever seen. Located in central Turkey - the overnight bus ride was a disaster but well worth the treck. An entire city(s)/region tunnelled into the perplexing natural landscape. Being good tourist, we indulged in the top, and wildly expensive, attraction of a sunrise hot air ballon ride over the region - stunning. Johnny's Turkey 'Hog' took us down to the impressive and elaborate underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu that once we're used to hide the Christians. Derinkuyu is 8 storeys, 60 meters deep and room for 20,000 people including horse stables, livestock pens, food stores and wineries, it is attached to smaller yet still equipped Kaymaki city by an 8 kilometre underground tunnel. 

Istanbul is a city well worth visiting. It is funny to think that only a small portion of this city is considered Europe and the rest of the city and country is considered to be part of Asia. The Aya Sofia might be the most beautiful building I have seen, succeeding by elegance, symmetry, detail and ambiance.  The Grand Bazaar is massive, hosting over 2000, it becomes a tug-a-war of haggling. Thank god I'm not a shopper. ;) Overall, Turkey was a very pleasant experience - travel was very easy and comfortable, really impressive sights but I think it was the people that we enjoyed the most. 

Dig the sweet Sergeant Schultz helmet...