Beverlz Journeys

Ancient Region of Anatolia, Cappadocia, in central Turkey: You'll feel like you have landed on another planet. My friend was brave enough to go on a dawn trip in a balloon and took the picture from her balloon. If you get up early enough you can watch the dozens of balloons float across the sunrise. 

 

In the prehistoric periods, when the first human settlements began, people constructed  underground cities in the volcanic rocks called "tufa."  The first Christians that escaped from the persecution of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century B.C. went to the Cappadocia area and settled there. In the underground cities, they couldn't be easily observed, so escaped being found. You can tour some of these fascinating sites.

 

A cave hotel is the only place to be when visiting this fascinating area of Turkey.The hotel is situated at the top of a hill and the views are spectacular. (If you have problems with stairs, then Elkep Evi isn't the place for you.)  The friendly staff prepares simple but delicious meals. On nice days they are served outside. The hotel is on several levels and the rooms are indeed in caves. You will notice that the ceilings rain a bit of dust down every day. They have wireless in their reception area. Each room has a water boiler and nice modern bathrooms. The bed was very comfortable.

 

We went to a Turkish bath in the area. It was very nice and not too crowded. It is co-ed, but they provide wraps. If you don't want to be on the marble slab with everyone else, you can request a 'room' - a stall actually, but at least fairly private. First you go to a sauna, then get scrubbed, then have a great massage with foamy soap, followed by a rinse off (dip in a pool offered), and then lounging with apple tea. A wonderful way to end a day of touring this fabulous countryside.