Cappadocia

The Diary of Sonsy Lass
Alex & June Laidlaw
Wed 23 May 2012 15:45
35:31.40N 31:57.00E Saturday May 19th. After leaving amnother social evening on Friday which had a very late finish, we were on the bus next morning at 4am. We set out in our culture mode, ready to soak up the religious and archaeological history. The ultimate destination was Cappadocia, some 380 miles inland and this trip was something else, going through the spectacular landscape of the Taurus Mountains. Unfortunately, the majority of our fellow companions were recovering from the night before and missed most it. Cappadocia, almost 2000 metres high and is an unbelievable place. It has a landscape resembling a lunar surface and is unlike anything else in the world. It was formed some 600 million years ago by massive volcanic eruptions. The surrounding mountains are 4500 metres with snow covered peaks. Lower down, there is a unique landscape which has been formed by innumerable earthquakes and the ravages of erosion. This has sculptured the rock formations into, what is called here, ‘Fairy Chimneys’. Film sets, such as ‘Indiana Jones’ have made use of these unique surroundings. Some 3000 years ago man started to impact on the area by carving into the rock formations and creating a labyrinth of dwelling caves. After Christ, numerous churches were carved out. The frescos, detailing the beginning of Christianity were mind blowing, given that they were nearly 2000 years old. Finally we arrived at the hotel, exhausted physically and mentally, whereby another social event was organised. This was the Deverish religious group, which included men dancing in long white skirts. Interesting! Next day, again we were up at 4am, to go on a hot air balloon ride. This was so we could witness the sunrise over this amazing landscape. And boy was it worth it. Awesome, hardly covers it, as to witness the sun filling in the shadows in these natural creations, was breathtaking. Over 60 balloons took off just before dawn rising to a height of 600 metres above ground, which was already 2000 metres above sea level. The total experience lasted over an hour, dropping right down in and out of the rugged terrain and over the ‘Fairy Chimneys’. Back for breakfast then off again for more caves, churches and landscapes. Having had two exhausting days, we reneged on another cultural evening to have a relative early night. The route back to the marina included a stop at an underground city, some three thousand years old. Incredibly, this city was laid out in eight floors which went down 450 metres, until it hit the vital spring waters. It was complete with grain and wine stores, animal stalls and living accommodation, all carved out of the rocks. The last visit before starting the long journey home was to one of the original rest stations of the famed camel silk and spice train from the East. This extended from China to Europe and was the same route used by Marco Polo. The building has been extensively renovated but there was ample evidence or the original structure showing magnificent arches and columns. A most impressive ancient ‘pit stop’!

Blog Entries

2016
Nov 2016
2015
May 2015 Feb 2015
2014
Dec 2014 May 2014 Apr 2014 Mar 2014 Feb 2014 Jan 2014
2013
Dec 2013 Nov 2013 Oct 2013 Sep 2013 Aug 2013 Jul 2013 Jun 2013 May 2013
2012
Jul 2012 Jun 2012 May 2012
2011 2010