Final week in Turkey

The week started with fab views on a 10 hour drive from Pamukkale to our 1^st bush camp where 6 locals joined us bringing beer.  We found ourselves just off a main road on a high plateau.  Could see the lights of various towns for miles, but it was freezing.

After the Bush Camp we arrived in the Cappadocia region of weird landscapes due to volcanic activity & erosion.  The locals had made homes in the rocks.  We stayed at a campsite in the town of Goreme.  Best hot showers so far.  It was hot & sunny during the days.  Staying here for 3 days we did walks, organized mini bus tour of the region involving viewpoints, Underground City, Turkish Delight shop & a pottery museum.

On Thur 25^th we were up at 4.45am to join the hundreds of hot air balloons across the town of Goreme.  Good experience.  Lunch was free at a local carpet shop-no one bought any of the silk carpets.  The shop did not realize we were backpacking to Singapore!  Spent the rest of the day sunbathing at the campsite.  In the evening went to a local restaurant & had a Turkish clay pot stew.

After this campsite, it was an 11 hour drive to a bush camp near the town of Giresun on the Black Sea Coast.  Even better views this day through snow-capped mountains.  Lovely & warm.  Like before, every town we drive through, we are the talk of the town we everyone staring at our truck & wanting to take a look when we stop.  It’s like living in a goldfish bowl.  As we drive along the open roads, truck drivers & coach passengers wave at us because we are on their level.

Today was the final full day in Turkey which involved a drive along the Black sea Coast then into the mountains to Sumela Monastery.  Very hot, very high, lovely scenic views.

It’s off to cross the boarder into Georgia tomorrow.