Four Continents 2012

Cappadocia: 26-27 August

		For some reason, we had thought that much of inland Turkey was a desert. Flying from Istanbul to Nevsehir, we saw that in fact it is cultivated land. *
		Our guide, Neily, who met us at the airport and showed us the sights for the next two days. *
		The scenery is truly amazing but, as we were whisked around to a number of viewpoints, we admit that we do not remember all of the names of the places we visited. †
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		This is in the Göreme Open Air Museum, which was a monastic area with churches that still have the remains of wall paintings. †
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		We had lunch in Avenos, in a shaded area overlooking the river. *
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		Our cave hotel was located on the outskirts of the village of Ürgüp, where the scenery was less unusual but still interesting. *
		After breakfast, off again to see more of the scenery. †
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		We visited one of the underground towns built in the area: a complete small town going down three or four levels. Nick and Neily navigate through a narrow passage. *
		The Valley of the Pigeons. Pigeons were kept for their guano, which was used as fertiliser. *
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		A tree festooned with eye symbols, to keep away evil spirits. *
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		Love Valley, named for the rather phallic nature of the rocks. *
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		We visited the restored Saruhan caravanserai, which was a fortified place where travellers and traders could rest overnight. *
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		As we left early in the morning for Kayseri airport, the sky was full of hot air balloons. *
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Then off for the flight to Izmir, and then a car transfer to Selçuk