day 6: cappadocia - land of fairy chimneys

Cappadocia produces wine, and pigeon droppings are used to fertilise the grape fields. Over the years, this gave rise to the Pigeon Valley. Pigeons are attracted to rest in cool caves, so the local people would enter those caves to collect their droppings as fertilisers.

The natural Uchisar "Castle" with man made windows, was used as a fortress by Christians in the past when they were under persecution. The castle-like structure was created over time from the volcano ashes by rain, wind and other natural elements.

At the Uchisar Castle, I fell in love with a camel which was standing where our bus stopped.We paid 2 Lira to take photos with the camel. I was getting ready for a photo moment when the camel pushed me with his head. I could feel his salivia on my neck, ewww!

We made a quick stop over at Kapton Osman for turkish ice cream. The cafe overlooked the Goreme Valley filled with fairy chimneys, perfect place to enjoy a cup of turkish coffee and ice cream.

Built in the 12th and 13th century, the Goreme open-air museum consists of frescoed rock churches and chapels. In the local language, 'goreme' means to be out of sight. The early Christians were a minority compared to the pegans, they faced heavy persecution and feared for their lives. So they met in these caves, which became their chapels and churches. A few of them - the Snake, Apple, St Barbara and St Basil Chapels - had exquisite wall paintings while the others are more like plain caves.

Our last stop before lunch was the Blue Art Centre, one of the few jewellers authorised to replicate designs from the Ottoman empire. I was invited to model a couple of pieces of jewellery! 

The Avanos Pottery Village was opened by the pottery master nicknamed Turkish Einstein. He did resemble Einstein. He is frequently invited by the government to promote Turkish culture through pottery art. He has been to Singapore seven times, just two years ago, he was invited to be at the Turkish pavilion at NATAS Fair to do live demonstration of pottery making. The master picked me to stand on one of his pots, to demonstrate the strength and durability. For that, I was rewarded with a pottery bowl signed by the Master himself. 

One of the Pottery Master's disciples

The Turkish carpet showroom was also an eye-opener, with carpets made of silk, cotton, and wool, ranging from US$60 to hundreds of thousands. While a simple carpet takes 2 months to weave, there are the 'diamonds' of the carpets which can take up to 18 months! The corporation owned by the government supports many local women in the surrounding villages who uses this skill as a livelihood. Most of us walked away empty handed but become more educated about Turkish carpets. Only one member from the group bought a carpet for US$1000.

After dinner, we went to an ancient cave theatre called the Yasar Baba to watch "Turkish Night". The most interesting two items I enjoyed were the Whirling Dervishes and Turkish Belly Dancing. During the Whirling Dervishes dance, it was meant to be a meditative dance as the dancers were showing their love for their God. So we weren't supposed to take photos, talk or drink during that performance. The belly dancer had a body that moved like a snake, which was fascinating! Drinks, nuts and fruits were complimentary and free-flow, including the Turkish hard liquor which has a higher alcohol content compared to whisky.

• Costs: 2 Lira photo with camel, 3 Lira turkish ice cream
• Highlight: Getting kissed by the camel while stealing a shot
• Lunch: Altinocak - Housed in a natural cave, this restaurant serves the unique pottery kebab. Beef, potatoes, onions, and peppers are thrown into a clay pottery, covered with dough and baked in a  wood oven.
• Hotel: Dinler Nevsehir - The chef makes a really good vegetable-stuffed chicken. And the dining room is decorated with cute cakes, they even have one modelled after the hotel building. Room is pretty much the same. There are more english channels on the tv. 

pottery kebab