Goreme, Turkey

After a couple of nights and relaxed days in the non touristy Black Sea town of Akcakoca we had a long drive to the tourist haven of Goreme in Cappadocia, central Turkey. The scenery was amazing as we headed inland. Despite my mammoth naps I saw snow capped mountains and huge lakes surrounded by salt flats. Really beautiful.

Despite the drive everyone was glad to be here amongst the rock formations and even more thankful to be travelling with Odyssey as we met the UK to Oz truck which was having more than a few problems on route. Unfortunately Ned (the gnome) suffered a broken leg and neck in 2 separate accidents today. He's undergone some temporary surgery though.

The first of two days in Goreme was spent with an early morning hot air balloon trip. We were in the sky for about an hour and saw the famous rock formations in a completely different perspective and the volcano that created them. It was definitely worth the early start though we couldn't see the sunrise due to cloud.

The whole group then went on a bus tour, stopping at various sights in the area. We wandered around the 'fairy chimneys' which are tuff which has been covered in a lava and then eroded into the crazy chimney shapes. People have then carved houses and churches into them. We also had a tour around an underground city which was really interesting. They were huge and the one we visited could hold 7000 people and had 12 levels. It would definitely be easier to be over a foot shorter if living there though!

We had a buffet lunch with so much Turkish delight and then a trip to a pottery shop and local town. There was some heavy rain in the evening so we ate our tea in an underground cave under the campsite which was pretty cool.

I am still in Goreme today but relaxing this morning and getting some washing done whilst some of the group go quad biking. I decided it would be sensible to give it a miss. would hate to end up in hospital this early into the trip! I'm off to a carpet demonstration this afternoon as apparently the carpets are unique here. Also provides a free lunch! This evening we are going into town for a traditional Turkish meal and a few drinks. It won't be a late on though as we have a 7am leave for two nights bush camp tomorrow.

photos: view from campsite on Black sea coast. Volcano in Cappadocia. Ned has a great time.