Cappadoccia and the Black Sea

Dates: 23rd July – 24th July

Paying a last goodbye to Istanbul with the visit of the blue mosque, we take the road quite late during the day, this means we spend most of the 8 hours on the road transforming Doris in our own version of a Turkish bath. Humm Steamy…

8 long hours punctuated with a extend planes and a few grand sights such as the salt lake, unfortunately, no time to stop to muck around the salty mud.

Our lonesome drive finally comes to an end. The first sight of the troglodyte habitats shows on the turn of road. Perfect timing for us to arrive with the sun setting over the plateau and the call of the muezzin heard through the canyon.

I jump out of the car, running up the hill to capture the last glimpse of sun set over the canyon. An odd sight, lost in the middle of this semi-arid region, this mineral landscape, almost lunar testifies of a very dynamic human life, adapting and crafting the terrain to their need.

As part of the photo shot, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to pull out my hat and take a couple of pictures of it on top of Doris. Bad, Bad, Bad idea, we end up rushing to another spot, leaving it on the roof of the car. Realising my mistake only in the next morning, we return to the spot where the hat could have been found. Very sad to lose my beautiful Adventourists hat and Michael’s tank glasses at the same time.

After a good night sleep in a cave hotel, we wake up with sight of the canyon next to the hotel swimming pool. A shame we have no time to jump in this cool clear water. A day of exploration and bad road awaits.

Our next stop, the Goreme open air museum opens to a series of admirably crafted churches, chapels and city halls. The cool and dark atmosphere within those ancient places strikes against the harsh sun hitting the plateau.

After walking around those ancient lands, we take the road once more around mid-day. Heading to the coast we plan on taking a break in one of the black sea city of Turkey, mostly to break our route in 2.

The long, bad and windy road through the Tukish mountains reminds me a lot of the alps, deep valley and villages on the side of the mountains. One difference though, minaret are replacing churches. Our arrival in Unye coincides with the beginning of Iftar, feast that break the fast of the Ramadan. A feeling of party can be felt through the air and we enjoy our first true Turkish feast with loads of mezze and local kebap.

Quote of the day

Michael after me leaving, again, another thing on the roof and drive off : “Fred, if you leave one more thing on top of the car I kill you!” (use German accent for extra effect)

What I take away from today

How incredibly resilient humans can be and how well we adapt to any environment.

Tomorrow

We take the road to Batumi, our first country in the Caucasus. I am very much looking forward to experience the famed Georgian food and culture.

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