Cappadocia

Hey all! This is Jen and Christian--JOINT blogging from our beautiful cave hotel in Ayvali near Urgup, Turkey. The past 24 hours have been remarkable. Our 16 hour train trip became 19 hours, which caused a little excitement. Our kind taxi driver helped us get on the last bus to Urgup minutes before departure. Meanwhile, a rainstorm slowed our progress and added to the adventure! Arriving quite late in Urgup, having not eating real food all day, we stopped for dinner at a random cafe (one of many). The owner, Hadir, his father and a friend descended upon us to help us to our destination. While we ate tasty cheeseburgers and frıes they looked up our hotel on the internet and called for the free shuttle bus. Half an hour later we had our own private chauffeur through the stormy night to the Gamirasu Hotel (look it up--it's sweet!) We were so excited to arrive at our cozy room.



Today was spent with 6 others on a private tour. Our guide, Aylin, brought us to see some incrdible sites. The area is full of cave dwellings that have been used as homes, churches, and wineries for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. We also went to a pottery where they let us try throwing a pot. But, the joke was on them! Christian made a lovely bowl. Jen also tried to throw a pot...um...yeah. She needs a few lessons.



Now back in our cozy cave, more rain approaches. We are amazed by the landscape of this place, and continually struck by the kindness of the people we meet in Turkey.



Hope all is well.

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