Cappadocia - Land of the Fairy Chimneys

**Click on the main title to see our album from Cappadocia, Turkey**

Emre was gracious enough to take us to the train station where we boarded a night train departing from Istanbul to Ankara. Staying in a sleeper car during our overnight journey was both fun and we all good a great nights sleep. Although space was tight I am sure Alex enjoyed the movement of the train.

From Ankara we took a 4 hour coach ride to Nevsehir. The first half of our ride was wonderful! We had great service including beverages and snacks and the woman sitting behind us played with Alex over the seat.  He loved it! Then...the bus got hot. Nobody else seemed to notice or care until Alex wouldn't stop crying.  Everyone believed he was cold because we had already removed all of his clothes to cool him down, which finally helped. After a brief stop Alex cooled and calmed down and was back to his fun loving self.

Needless to say we were very excited to see our guide and make it to our cave hotel, Esbelli Evi. Alex was finally able to stretch his legs and we were able to take wonderfully long, hot showers! Our room is beautiful and everyone is helpful and friendly. It has all of the conveniences of a hotel with the feel of a cozy bed and breakfast. I feel like I am living like a sultan here!

We decided to take the advice of our trusty Lonely Planet guide and book travel and tours of Cappadocia through Turista Travel which provided us with a few amazing guides. I definitely would not have had the same experience (or the information) on our own.

Day one in Cappadocia we went to see the fairy chimneys and many churches that were carved out. There were some amazingly preserved frescos. Imagining daily life 4,000 years ago has been a trip. The cave city was used mainly in times of danger however it was cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Having a baby in a cave would have been a feat in itself.

After two amazing days in we are off to Fethiye to meet up with another family we met through CouchSurfing. We will stay a night in Pamukkale and then take a bus to our next destination where we are looking forward to warm days and sunshine!