What are Fairy Chimneys? I certainly had no idea when I began my journey to Turkey.
Volcanic eruptions have occurred in the centre of Turkey for millions of years. The lava resulting from the volcanoes formed multiple layers of tufa (a variety of limestone) with the ongoing volcanic action. Over the centuries wind and water erosion have created shapes of limetone, sometimes with caps on top.
There are many places throughout the world that have limestone formations. For example, Yosemite National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Canyon are examples of nature's beautiful creations from tufa.
But no where in the world is there a display like Cappadocia! Because of the wind and water erosion in this particular area, the natural formations looked like a fairyland of buildings! And many of the buildings are actually still being used and have been for generations!
Settlers during the bronze age found the formations could be carved out and used as homes, often consisting of many rooms. Clay plaster was used to finish walls and floors in the houses. Later on as Christians fled persecution in other areas and settled in Cappadocia, some of the structures became large churches.
In the last century whole subterreanean settlements have been discovered in the area, some of which go down at least 7 stories.
UNESCO has added Goreme National Park and the Rock sites of Cappadocia to their World Heritage Sites list and it's obvious why.
In some areas, like the Imagination Valley, the wind and rain have created structures that look like animals and fantasy characters. Remember the cartoon, the Flintstones? I'm sure whoever came up with the series visited Cappadocia!
There is something for everyone. The first night I was here I stayed at the Maraa Cave Hotel, a beautiful hideaway in the historic village of Ortahisar, about 4 km. from Goreme town centre.
It was once a traditional village home but has been turned into a lovely boutique hotel with all the modern conveniences. My night out there was fabulous but I found that the energy field was extremely strong for me and so all my senses were over-stimulated.
For a person who has already experienced the hustle and bustle of Goreme Centro it is a wonderful change! A person can surround themselves with the centuries old troglodyte architecture. The top terrace offers an amazing view of stone cut village houses with the rock citadel of Ortahisar overlooking the village.
The host, Ruth, is an amazing, knowledgeable expat from New Zealand who has been here for many years and is fluent in Turkish.
She also teaches about Turkish carpets and the construction of them and has a beautiful collection for sale in the town of Goreme, Cappadocia.
The breakfast the hotel puts on has every delicious morning taste of Turkey imaginable, from fresh butter and cheeses to olives and figs. I didn't leave hungry!
www.maraacavehotel.com
The next few nights I will actually spend sleeping in a Fairy Chimney! www.cavehotelsaksagan.net
The Saksagan Cave Hotel is right in Goreme Centro, Cappadocia, which will give me the opportunity to explore a little more locally.
Numan, the manager, is fluent in English, which is great considering all the questions I have! He is also a wonderful guide for site-seeing. On our tour yesterday he took us out to Avanos where we had a traditional Turkish meal.
Avanos is famous for their red clay pottery. They also have a good Friday market, which I hope to see while I am here. People are asked not to share the location of the restaurant with the online critiques so the local guides can truly give a Turkish experience without the crowds.
Tomorrow? More adventures in Cappadocia! Check out Newman's website for all the available tours at www.turtletour.com or email him at info@cavehotelsaksagan.netfor more information.
Volcanic eruptions have occurred in the centre of Turkey for millions of years. The lava resulting from the volcanoes formed multiple layers of tufa (a variety of limestone) with the ongoing volcanic action. Over the centuries wind and water erosion have created shapes of limetone, sometimes with caps on top.
There are many places throughout the world that have limestone formations. For example, Yosemite National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Canyon are examples of nature's beautiful creations from tufa.
Settlers during the bronze age found the formations could be carved out and used as homes, often consisting of many rooms. Clay plaster was used to finish walls and floors in the houses. Later on as Christians fled persecution in other areas and settled in Cappadocia, some of the structures became large churches.
In the last century whole subterreanean settlements have been discovered in the area, some of which go down at least 7 stories.
UNESCO has added Goreme National Park and the Rock sites of Cappadocia to their World Heritage Sites list and it's obvious why.
There is something for everyone. The first night I was here I stayed at the Maraa Cave Hotel, a beautiful hideaway in the historic village of Ortahisar, about 4 km. from Goreme town centre.
The host, Ruth, is an amazing, knowledgeable expat from New Zealand who has been here for many years and is fluent in Turkish.
www.maraacavehotel.com
The next few nights I will actually spend sleeping in a Fairy Chimney! www.cavehotelsaksagan.net
Numan, the manager, is fluent in English, which is great considering all the questions I have! He is also a wonderful guide for site-seeing. On our tour yesterday he took us out to Avanos where we had a traditional Turkish meal.
Avanos is famous for their red clay pottery. They also have a good Friday market, which I hope to see while I am here. People are asked not to share the location of the restaurant with the online critiques so the local guides can truly give a Turkish experience without the crowds.
Tomorrow? More adventures in Cappadocia! Check out Newman's website for all the available tours at www.turtletour.com or email him at info@cavehotelsaksagan.netfor more information.
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