evil eye.

Whoops! I'm getting all mixed up with photos. This is the ubiquitous evil eye - found even in church frescoes from the Byzantine era. Apparently it predates Christianity...

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.