Istanbul to Cappadocia
Even though we explored the way to the bus stop it was still a bit of a haul with the luggage. The hill up to Taksim Square seemed to have gotten a lot steeper going up it for the first time!!! We got to the bus with a few minutes to spare and then got to see parts of the city we hadn’t seen. We crossed over the Bosporus Bridge which we had been under the day before on the ferry.
As it was a Sunday the reported 90 minute trip was only 45 minutes. Which was good, the line for check-in took over 45 minutes. For some reason we were unable to checkin online. Pegasys Air only allows one item on board so everyone had to check luggage. There was still time after getting checked in and through security a second time to get breakfast. I like the breakfast plate with meats cheeses and this time a fried egg. Thom likes the Emenem – a mix of scrambled eggs, saluted peppers in a slightly spicy tomato sauce.
The flight was quick and as we landed we saw a very large mountain covered with snow. There were some snow covered mountains but this one was much, much higher. I hope to get a photo when we fly out on Thursday. We were too busy getting oriented in the car and finding our way. I learned only after arriving at our hotel that garmin doesn’t work here. Very thankful for the rented hotspot and google maps.
We’re at the Sultan Cave Suites http://www.sultancavesuites.com/ and it’s on a hill overlooking the village of Goreme, with spectacular views out into the valley. We walked into town and hit the 3 major streets in about an hour. It’s 90% restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators for ballooning, 4-wheeling, hiking, etc. I’m glad it’s the slow season!!!
After checking reviews and learning the restaurant at our hotel was extremely well rated, we decided to “eat in”. It was a fabulous dinner! The hummus was perfect and much like mine but with more cumin here. Thom had spinach stuffed checken breast and I had slow cooked lamb shanks. Both were seasoned with terrific flavors!!! http://www.setenrestaurant.com/
We have 3 days here before we leave Thursday morning. Ballooning is very big here!!! 100+ a day fly up above the strange landscape. Our host Hassam said Cappadocia and Albuquerque, NM vie for being the ballooning capital of the world. Here it’s year round with a great display each day!!! Not sure if Albuquerque has the same volume of traffic.
Tomorrow is likely to be a walk to the Open Air Museum. Either it or the entire area of Goreme is a World Heritage Site. One day we’ll drive out into the area and go to one of the underground cities. Some were able to house 20,000 people for several months, with livestock and all provisions!! We may do some hiking in the nearby valleys and perhaps, still contemplating, taking a balloon ride one morning. We shall see!!!