WOODEN MOSQUE IN BEYSEHIR

This morning we visited a rare wooden mosque dating back to the 13th century. The local Imam performed a call to prayer for us, and being the only ones in the mosque, it was quite a treat.
Outside the mosque were Turkish women trying to sell us scarves in case we didn't have one to cover our heads. They were so cute, and if we had our own, they insisted on tying it for us in the traditional way. I have also posted a few pictures of the locals sitting on the street, or in front of the mosque selling their wares.

EFLATUNPINAR HITIT MONUMENT

Our last stop before our hotel took us off the main highway, onto a dirt road, and through a gorgeous little village. After about 20km, in the middle of nowhere, is this gorgeous monument, erected 3,000 years ago....can't even comprehend that. Because of its remote location, it does not have a lot of visitors, but our guide suggested it and it was amazing. Tom just loved it.
We also experienced some of the local ladies selling their wares along the side of the road. I am just falling in love with the people of Turkey......stay tuned

UP, UP AND AWAY

We were up at 4am this morning for our much anticipated balloon ride at dawn. There were 100 balloons that all launched within 1/2 hour of each other, and the sight of them in the sky together was amazing. Feeling so blessed and grateful to be able to experience this, it left us flying high all day.

DINNER WITH A LOCAL FAMILY

We were given an incredible treat when we were invited to have dinner with a local family. We met Momma and Dad, and their third child, a daughter who is studying law enforcement at the local university.
It was a great evening, and a great meal, with Bulgur soup, salad, stuffed eggplant and my new favorite dessert, Baklava.

CARPET DIEM

There are many amazing carpets for sale here in Turkey, some made here and lots made in China. The trick is to find the authentic Turkish ones. We went to a carpet factory which is supported by the Turkish government, and teaches Turkish women the art of carpet weaving. Once they are trained, the women are set up at home with a loom and supplies.....Working from home Turkish style. The pictures show how silk is harvested....the silkworm cocoon is boiled, then they use a tool like a slotted spoon to scoop out the cocoons from the water, and pull the strings of silk.....the dead worm is inside the cocoon.
The last 2 pictures are of a street merchant......no, we didn't buy a carpet, although we saw a few we loved.

KAYMAKLI UNDERGROUND CITY

Another amazing sight, if you read the sign in the first picture, it explains why these underground cities were built. The one we went into was 8 stories underground, and we had to crouch down and almost crawl through the narrow, low passageways......only hit my head twice. The 2nd picture shows the round door that was rolled in front of the entrance to block access when under attack. They even had a winery!

GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Tuesday found us at the Goreme Open Air Museum. This amazing area contains 11 churches carved and built right into the rocks, and the frescoes, although showing their age, have retained some amazingly brilliant colors. The blues are incredible. Unfortunately, no cameras allowed in most of them, but take my word for it, they were amazing. Most of the churches here are from the 10th, 11th and 12th century.