On the third day of my trip to Cappadocia, I woke up early to catch the sunrise from a hot air balloon. It was an incredible experience to see the unique rock formations and valleys of Cappadocia from above. After the balloon ride, I headed back to my hotel for breakfast and checked out.
Next, I visited the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a complex of rock-carved churches and monasteries that date back to the 10th century. The frescoes inside the churches were breathtaking, and I was impressed by the intricate details and vibrant colors.
After spending a couple of hours exploring the Goreme Open-Air Museum, I drove to the nearby town of Avanos, which is famous for its pottery-making traditions. I visited a local pottery workshop and learned about the techniques and history of the craft. I even had the opportunity to try making my own pottery, which was a fun and unique experience.
For lunch, I stopped at a local restaurant in Avanos and tried some traditional Turkish dishes. The food was delicious and flavorful, and I enjoyed learning about the regional cuisine.
In the afternoon, I visited the Kaymakli Underground City, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an ancient underground city that was carved out of soft volcanic rock and used as a shelter by early Christians to protect themselves from invaders. It was fascinating to explore the narrow tunnels, chambers, and ventilation shafts of the underground city.
In the evening, I drove back to my hotel in Goreme and had dinner at a local restaurant. I reflected on my trip to Cappadocia and felt grateful for the opportunity to explore such a unique and beautiful region.
