The extraordinary region of Cappodocia

We travelled with friends to Cappodocia, to experience the strange geological formations that have become dwellings to a variety of peoples.

These sandstone formations are quite extraordinary, as is the general landscape.

Our hotel was carved into the rock.

On the way to the national park, even the modes of local transportation are unusual.

The national park, known as the 'outdoor museum' has many examples of early Christian churches and monastic compounds.

Here's an example of the fresco's still visible on the walls of the church. These date from about the 12th century.

Cappodocia is also the largest centre world-wide for hot air ballooning. Its dry climate, still air conditions and incredible sandstone formations make an ideal site for the sport.

We arose at 4.30 am to prepare for our flight.

There were 80 balloons all launching into the pre-dawn stillness.

Our pilot has such fine control over our halloon, that we could scrape over the ground, pick olives from a tree, and twist and turn down the narrow canyons of the Cappodocian landscape.

Sure put a smile on this dial.

The sky was just filled with balloons, it was just so visually beautiful and ecstatic!

We just couldn't stop grinning.... silly loons.

Then we decided to relive some Easy Rider fantasies. Not content to rent the normal little scooters and step-thru's, we went for some 'big bikes'. East German made MZ's in fact.

They were such beasts to ride. I still have bruises on my left big toe from the shifter, and permanent scars from the kick starter (which loved to bite back).

Megan and I managed to get lost, and ended up riding down an impossibly steep, cobbled goat track in the dark and spitting rain. Fun.... no, but definitely character forming.

Jennifer and Mattius

Another great adventure in the Turkish hinterland.