Turkey with All the trimmings...

When the boat arrived in Trabonz Turkey, we were overwhelmed with a sense of relief, no more corrupt police, traffic cops, mosquitoes & grumpy faced people!! Yeay!

We left and headed straight up to Sumela Monestary, which was a short drive away - after the vast expanse of russia any journey will now feel so much shorter - even the slight drizzle couldn't dampen our spirits.
The road up to the sight was particularly steep and as it had a slick of rain on it too the drive up was a slow and careful one. Treacle doing her best as always. When we got up there Adam was alittle dissapointed about the rain but as you can see it made for some amazing pictures. The church was actually carved into the rocks and although the frescoes had ben damaged by shepherds and soldiers alike, it didn't detract from it's overall majesty & appeal. Lovely.

The next afternoon we arrived at Kaya Campsite, where we were greeted by Murat, the owner, who gave us free beer & crisps - happy days! We pitched our tent & indulged ourselves in a long hot hot shower mmm then chilled out with a beer waiting for some food to be delivered up to the campsite :o) After i had drunk about 3 beers Adam announced that we had to be up extremely early the next day - typical! - but he said it was a birthday surprise and that it would be worth it.
So the next morning we were up at 4.30 - the moon & stars were still out and i was a little confused. We got ready which was quite difficult for me as i had no idea what to wear or where we were going. The the mini bus arrived to collect us. After a brief drive we pulled up in what looked like a barren field..... then i noticed some reed baskets & and the giant silks of hot air balloons laid out on the floor.
How Exciting!!
We went for a lovely flight over the Cappadocian Fairy Chimneys as the sun came up - and afterwards had a glass of champagne. What a very special treat, funded in part by the "In Laws" - Thank you!!
When we got back to the campsite Adam cooked us some noodles with seaweed for breakfast - yum- and then we went for a stroll around Goreme open air museeum, to see where people had lived in the rocks. Bizarre. Finally i was taken out for dinner to a traditional Turkish evening, with food, wine, beer & raki, live music and various types of dancing. Good fun :o)

Next on our first leg of the "Crumbly Rocks Tour" we headed to Nemrut Dag, where whe climed up the massive man made hill to find a selection of heads - with their original thrones still behind them. We then walked around to the other side where there were yet more heads slightly less weather beaten, and we sat up there to watch the sun set.

We have had a lovely relaxing time in Turkey thus far and look forward to what Syria & Jordan may bring.... i have a feeling it may involve a lot more Roman Ruins & Crumbly Rocks :o)