evielovestotravel: Turkey

Before I let work get the better of me and I forget the beauty of this country. I MUST talk about it and show u some pics.

Turkey is VERY VERY VERY beautiful, not only because of its sights, historical (biblical) monuments and some rather cool shopping but also its hospitality. One of the things anyone would remember about Turkey is the warmth of the people (except for some of the rather annoying stallkeepers at the Grand Bazaar).

Highlights:

1) Goreme, Cappadoccia
This place does not only take your breath but holds it until you practically turn blue with amazement. This little village is full of fairy chimneys (seach google for an explanation). Just check out the pic

We stayed at Kelebek Hotel (50 lira incl bkfast) and had a room inside the cave like chimney itself and it was damn awesome! The most natural hotel I've ever stayed in!

We went hot air ballooning over the valley and caught the sunrise. It was one of the perfect days amidst the misty/cloudy weather that the village was experiencing. It cost like 130 euros but it was worth every penny (euro). We even had champagne and a certificate after.

We went to Urgup (in Cappadoccia) to check out the Turasan Winery. Yes, most people will give me a quizzical look which says "Isnt Turkey an Islamic country?" Go figure.

Then there is the Goreme Open Air Museum. Catholics/Christians/Anyone will be super wowed at this place. Its full of churches build in caves, frescoes, hand painted images of Christ and biblical times. An an awful experience there. A SINGAPORE tour group was there and there was this one family who let her daughter run in and out of the churches her name was A. She was talking rather loudly (mind you this was a HOLY place) and she's like mid teens. So gross. Some boys were also running about the place and a Turkish Guide has to tell him off. Ss and I were so disgusted/appalled. And the parents were no better. there were like 4-5 families there. Some parents were telling their kids not to run around, which is good but the parents were also YELLING.... at this HOLY place. YUCKS! I'm glad ss and I dont look singaporean. Ha ha.

One of the churches in the Goreme Open Air Museum, DARK CHURCH (had to pay extra to go in) had the most reconstructed frescoes. We had to pay extra to go in and it was worth it.

well, will show you more pics about this beautiful country in my next blog.

Grapevine leaves
One of the favourites of Turkey is to eat this leaves stuffed with rice and meat. I personally dont like it at all.

This is a symbol of something, I cant recall.

The Spice Bazaar
Located near the Grand Bazaar and just in front of Yeni Cammi (mosque)is the Spice Bazaar. A whole covered area full of shops selling spices from all over the world such as sun dried tomatoes, safron, etc and herbal teas, nuts, tobacco, dates (yumms!), tea cups, foodstuffs etc etc. really coole. The shopkeepers have pretty creative ways of getting people to view their wares. They sweet talk you, ,the cajole you, they persuade you.... Goodness! Its all very very fun!