Last month D and I had the unbelievable opportunity to fulfill one of our travel destination dreams! On 24 June we traveled via Bali and Bangkok to Turkey!
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| Standing on top of the Galata Tower looking down on the Galata Bridge in Istanbul |
Our Turkish travels began in Cappadocia, a historical land of natural wonders located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey.
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| The city of Goreme, where we stayed in Cappadocia, is characterized by its fairy chimney structures standing tall throughout the landscape. |
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| Dondurma, the ice cream man with a memorable act to perform is a necessary stop & experience while visiting any town in Turkey. |
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| A local woman in Goreme that roped me in one evening for apple tea and her handmade jewelry. |
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| A most delicious dining experience-like most- in a unique cave restaurant in Goreme. |
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| Meet one of Turkey's best and few climbers, Recep! Sharing the Valley of the Stakes in his backyard in the Aladaglar Mountains. Recep and his wife run and operate Aladaglar Camping - great place to base camp for backcountry climbing, trekking & skiing! |
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| Phenomenal conglomerate walls in the Valley of the Stakes! |
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| D & I with the Valley of the Stakes right behind us and the Aladaglar Mnts. in the distance. |
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| Recep and D walking back to the vehicle. |
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I think this is where the Cappadocia wizards live.
From Cappadocia we traveled to the west coast of Turkey to Selcuk and Ephesus. |
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A defaced fresco of Jesus from the early church between 3-11 century AD. Last standing column of the temple of Artemis with storks nesting on top.
Dave contemplating great things standing in the ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus, built in 117 AD!
The Great Theater in Ephesus where Paul preached against the pagans.
Turkish coffee!
After a quick visit to Ephesus and Selcuk, we headed north for our last stop in Istanbul. 5 incredible nights in this historical city were some of our best spent!
D and I with Tolga - an old WEMT friend and a great tour guide!
Backgammon and tea, a Turkish man's favorite pass time.
D standing in front of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Whirling Dervishes, an ancient sect of Islam!
Protests in Taksim square
Beautiful early church frescos found in buildings used by Christians and Muslims.
Fresh fish sandwiches right off the boat!
Taking the Bosporus to the Black Sea!
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