Next stop, Cappadocia located southwest of the major city Kayseri. From here one-way transfers costs to Goreme approximately 25 Lira = A$13.50

I’ve booked Turkish Airlines for my passengers on countless occasions. However it’s the first time I’ve flown with them and they live up to their reputation; both in customer service delivery and professionalism.

The most important towns and destinations in Cappadocia are Urgup, Goreme, Ihlara Valley, Selime, Guzelyurt, Uchisar, Avanos and Zelve. Among the underground cities worth seeing are Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Gaziemir and Ozkanak. The best historic mansions and cave houses for tourist stays are in Urgup, Goreme, Guzelyurt and Uchisar.

In Goreme I suggest booking a ‘Cave Hotel’ for the experience. At this time of the year there’s some fantastic deals available.

Arriving late but not too tired for what’s known as a ‘testi kebab’ (or so I’m told). Consisted of beef, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, spices and onions cooked in the earthenware jug and then given a big ‘tap’ to release the most delectable aromas you could wish for.

Wake up to a lot of hissing only to find the sky full of balloons.

Here we are at the Goreme Open Air Museum as part of the Red Tour. I would highly recommend it if you are short on time.

Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme Open Air Museum

At Avanos for a pottery demonstration.

And yes, I am the willing one and feel as though I’ve returned to Kindergarten.

The Zelve Open-Air Museum, which once housed one of the largest communities in the region is an amazing cave town, honeycombed with dwellings, religious and secular chambers. Zelve is situated about 10 km out from Goreme on the Avanos road.

Zelve

Zelve

Zelve

Zelve

Devrent Valley is situated past the Avanos-Urgup road and is one of the most attractive places of Cappadocia where different formations of fairy chimneys can be viewed. The most interesting feature is the rock formation which people consider to be a camel.

Fairy Chimneys – personally I thought they looked very similar to Meekats?

Back in Goreme, enjoying walking around and just relaxing taking some photos.

Now that’s a spit!

No Bull ‘eh? Well the best Barista is mine – lives in Sydney, is Turkish and goes by the name of Tony.

So what do you do when there’s a Train Driver’s strike in Germany after returning to Europe from the World Travel Market in London? Open your laptop and book a flight to Istanbul. I’ve not ever seen Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof so empty. However, I figure that’s one of the best things about a Eurail Pass, you’re not locked into any particular itinerary. I was able to continue and plan my journey – but in reverse to my original intentions.

Off to Istanbul from Frankfurt Flughafen with Onur Air. Not recommended for tall people as there was nowhere to put my legs and those of you who know me I am a tad bit tall. I had to be moved as I was squashed in by a big bloke in front and another behind, thankfully to the exit row whereby you’d normally pay for the privilege. This is a no-frills carrier – pay for meals and drinks.

For Australians heading to Turkey the Visa on Arrival (and not collected on your airline ticket) is a cool 50 Euro and can only be paid in cash as no credit card facilities available for processing. Other currencies accepted – British Pound or US Dollars to the equivalent. Other Nationalities reading this, check with your own country’s entry requirements.

Very happy to be back in Istanbul and visiting the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and more affectionately known as the Blue Mosque as it was a few minutes walk from where I stayed.

Stunning architecture, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade İznik style ceramic tiles, it was built from 1609 to 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The Mosque has one main dome, six minarets and eight secondary domes. The design is the culmination of two centuries of Ottoman mosque development.

Even though you must remove your shoes before entering, there’s still plenty of cleaning to be done. Ladies are required to wear a scarf over their heads and cover shoulders.

Walking around the Sultanahmet neighbourhood.

Sharpening scissors the good old-fashioned way.

Looking towards the Bosphorus Sea.

Heading over the Bosphorus Bridge before a cruise.

Superb fishing I’d imagine.

Heading back after a full day out sightseeing.

And back at my favourite little café across the road from my hotel, all of this for about A$6.00

The heady scents of saffron, cloves, sugar and spice fill the air at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Market, or Misir Carsisi, one of Istanbul’s oldest markets.

No better place than here to buy Turkish Delight.

Finish off the day with my favourite coffee, Turkish of course.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops.

Mmm, don’t mind if I do …

Bling, bling, give me a call …

Look at the amazing choices and this is only one jewellery shop.
Jewellers and gold bracelets along Kalpakcılar Caddesi;
Gold bracelets along Kuyumcular Carsısı;
Furniture along Divrikli Caddesi;
Carpets along Sahaflar Caddesi;
Leather goods along Perdahçılar Caddesi
Leather and casual clothes at the Bit Pazarı;

Shisha pipe to impress your mates at the next home BBQ?

Hard day at the office with all that bargaining.