First on the agenda, a hike through Rose Valley. Along the hike we saw fascinating rock formations with pigeon houses carved into them. One could tell how many people used to live he by the number of pigeon houses. Pigeons were useful both as carrier pigeons and as poopers.
Along the way we came across some vendors selling local produce. We bought apricot seeds, pumpkin seeds, and Russian olives.
Apricot seeds look like baby almonds. They are crunchier, at least mine were, and had a different yet unique taste. Love 'em, then again, don't I always.
(apricot seeds reaming at time of photo)
Russian olives are not really olives, you peel them, eat the white dried fruit inside and discard the pit. Again, works for me.
(Russian olives and a sample peeled. Very powdery.)
Pumpkin seeds, like pumpkin desserts around here, you know the drill.
We then proceeded for a photo op of pigeon valley before going off to Zelve, an open air museum.
(our hilltop castle hotel can be seen from everywhere - see in back)
After that Tahir took us to a nice place for lunch, as always, the food was amazing. So much of it reminds me of my others cooking, and the dishes, flavours and tastes are the same or very similar.
After lunch we visited a local pottery in Avanos. Pottery is big here because of the Red river where they harvest the clay for the manufacturing of pots. The pots are hand made, high in quality, and oh so colorful. Lisa tried her hands at making a pot on a foot driven contraption. She did great. We then looked at some of their products and fell in love with, and bought, our fancy-ass trip souvenir. It is a wine decanter, plater, and two goblets. The wine decanter is beautiful and practical. We decided to haves one made to our specs so it will be created and shipped arriving in August. Here is a photo of what it will look like for the most part.
(what we bought to be made...)
Next on the list, another open air museum called Goreme with many Christian churches with one I think that was converted into a cave mosque.
Tahir is a great young man and very knowledgeable guide. This was a Christian settlement until 1924 when they did the "mutual exchange" with the Greeks. In 1980 the settlement was deemed too dangerous due to the earthquake. Tahir explained so much of all the frescos and such in the cave and church walls, I he we won't be disappointed that I have and probably will forget "a bit" of it. There was one church called the "dark church", it had only one window. Remember these are in caves. Anyway, it was restore, all the paintings. The whole story of Jesus Christ in pictures on the walls and ceilings. Spectacular.
A long and very packed day, a very good day. Back at the hotel we were moved into the room where Nicholas Cage stayed for two weeks while filming Ghost Rider II. I k ow I said the room we were in last night was one he stayed in as well, but I was wrong. It was too whatever for him due to allergies etc. So they over him onto of the Martha Stewart room. After having seen both, even though the Stewart "pool" room is snootier, we prefer this one up top with a balcony and much more light.
We walked up the street for dinner in a small restaurant. Lamb chops - oh so yummy. You can guess I will will say next... Yup, might be back there tomorrow night for an, encore.
(one of the views from our room)
Time for bed. We need to wake up at 0400 for our ballon ride. Exciting.
(apricot seeds). lol
