Sadly we leave this magical place of Cappadocia with its fairytale landscape. We drive to Derinkuyu Underground City - UNESCO Heritage site since 1985 - is an ancient (7th century BC) multi-level underground city. Extending to a depth of 85m it was large enough to shelter 20,000 people together with livestock and foodstores. It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and is one of several underground complexes found across Cappadocia. It has been opened to visitors since 1969. The city was connected with other underground cities through miles of tunnels.....absolutely amazing.
We then travelled to the Valley of Ihlara and go on a wonderful walk along the Melendiz River - more cave dwellngs - we stop for lunch along the riverbank. We rescued a donkey whose rope was twisted round a log - he was now able to drink at the rivers edge....poor thing.
More lovely scenery on the way to our next stop - Konya - even a couple of rain showers. We are spending tonight in Konya, a very religious town - this the first time we have noticed that Ramadan is taking place. While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking (I beg to differ - everyone smokes here all the time). Food is served before sunrise and after sunset. We headed out to dinner at 7pm and the city was packed with traffic and people. We ate at a large restaurant (inside) as the large outdoor area was filling up with locals. Platters of food were being brought to the tables and the countdown was on. At precisely 8pm (sunset) families dig in for the fast-breaking meal - iftar. We left the restaurant shortly after for our 5 min walk back to the hotel and I kid you not - the streets were deserted - it was literally like a ghost town - no cars, no people, no shops open. Everyone and I mean everyone, was eating.
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| These rooms were carved from soft volcanic rock |
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| So narrow |
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| So low |
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| A hard day at the office! |
Ann
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