flower.

The landscape is pretty phenomenal in Cappadocia, whether in regards to the geology or the archeology of the area. However, taking really great and original photos of the landscape, without feeling like you're replicating Ansel Adams, is rather difficult. So I pointed my camera to the ground... and here's what I saw.

monastery.

Selime Monastery.

This photo doesn't quite give the context, so I'll describe. After scrambling (vertically) up rocks about 4 or 5 stories, you finally reach this, confirming that I'm out of shape. But soooo worth it. For those archi-nerds out there, the carved dwellings and chapels definitely exemplify the benefits of thermal mass - which I dig of course (I didn't get the nickname "poché queen" for nothing...). And for those who aren't, think cool place when unbearably hot.

hot air balloons.

So my big splurge in Cappadocia was to ride a hot air balloon. Super cool. Not super cool - throwing up off the side of it. Yes, I'm afraid I got something, drank the water, whatever - nevertheless it wasn't good and naturally it happened in that one hour window of time while I was up in the air. Yes, I am that girl to whom those things happen.

remnants of my sick - since you wanted proof.

Anywho. Regardless, it was a *beautiful* experience, even if days later people could identify me thanks to said events.

view of Rose Valley and the many other balloons.

cappadocia.

Cappadocia - the land of fairy chimneys and magical cave dwellings.

not iran.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with a Turkisth friend and her family. Via Özge's translations, we discussed many things, including that devilish thing called politics. Since 1923, Turkey has been a fervently secular country (with some occasional political upheavals), yet lately there is a very apparent rise of nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism. Like the US, a few years ago, the Turkish flag would be difficult to find flying outside of government buildings and the like. Now is a different story and secularists are afraid of becoming like Iran... Turkey has a very interesting history, including modern times - worth reading up and seeing the parallels (and differences) with other countries, including our own.

ramazan.

In addition to the morning call of prayer, I have been awoken by drum beats to remind fasting Muslims to eat before sunrise. Sultanahmet, the oldest part of Istanbul, not only has become host to thousands of tourists, but local Muslims as well. At night, it's a bit like a festival, and during the day, I don't have to deal with crowds (or smoke) during lunch... although I do feel guilty downing some water on the street...

turkey.

I guess I should've posted this first - I've made it to Turkey. Thanks to spotty wireless internet, my posts will be slightly postponed, but I'll try my damnedest to stay on top of it. More soon...

merith's vermeer.

Topkapi Palace

This picture reminds me of a Vermeer painting. Minus people and vertical precision.

bored in the frankfurt airport.

view of Cannon Beach

I suppose there are worse things to be... Got the last Oregon photos uploaded and even took some time to play in photoshop.*

*note: all photos in picasa are undoctored. That's right, raw. rawr.

haystack rock.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

The night photography begins...

ocean.

"There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, with music in its roar."
- Lord Byron