Adventures II
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Gwen heads up our trek through a beautiful Cappodocia valley. The views were breathtaking and the hike was invigorating.
We forded a few streams with Gökalp's assistance.
Our group paused for photos and a snack of Turkish delight that Gökalp surprised us with. We're headed to the carved out 'Pigeon Houses' behind us.
What an adventure! I love to climb and was surprised and happy to get some climbing in on this trip.
Also in the Cappodocia region, we saw a carpet-weaving demonstration. The silk threads this woman is weaving are so fine and delicate. Yet she moves so quickly back and forth over the loom. 
Silk is harvested from these cocoons a single strand at a time. Even though it looks like they could easily snap, they are quite strong fibers.
These gentlemen showed us the finish products; kilims and carpets. We were encouraged to walk on these carpets. But they were so beautiful, it was difficult to actually step on them.
Steve and Linda Malone prepare to board the overnight train to Ankara. (Photo courtesy Linda and Steve Malone)
I traveled with the best tour group! Everything we did was an adventure - and fun! (Photo courtesy Linda and Steve Malone)
Yes, riding the overnight train from Istanbul to Ankara was an adventure. The beds were comfy and my travel companions cheerful.
The adventurous Steve and Linda were treated to a taste of kokoreç - sheep intestines - by our guides, Gökalp and Tankut. (Photo courtesy Linda and Steve Malone)
The Göreme Open Air Museum is amazing. Christians of the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries carved out living spaces and churchs from the rock. 
The unique rock hewn architecture and vibrant frescoes within are partly responsible for making this site a member of UNESCO World Heritage List.
Almost two thousand years old and the colors are still so saturated and rich. This painting is on a ceiling in one of the Göreme churches.
Annother ceiling frescoe in Göreme.
Alp leads us into the necropolis (cemetery) at Hierapolis.
Gary Kuhl finds a place in the shade. You know that's a tomb, don't you, Gary?
Sean Roache takes center stage with his followers waving in the background.
After all that trekking through the necropolis, we take a relaxing dip in the warm, restorative waters of Hierapolis. L-R: Barbara, Renee, Meg, Eileen, Robyn, and Alma.
