Cappadocia, Turkey sans balloon ride

The aliens built the Great Pyramids of Giza and during their off time made nice little landscapes in Cappadocia. We had less than 48-hours to absorb it all. The owner of the cave house we stayed at suggested hiring a driver for a greatest hits tour.  

If you are an early bird with nerve and have an extra 150 euros in your pocket, the best way to see Cappadocia is via a hot air balloon ride. This will be my plan once I win the lottery and get ahold of xanax...

Our first stop was at Göreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage site is loaded with Churches and dwellings carved into the rock formations. 

Inside the churches are frescos.

Sadly, many of the faces are been purposely scratched out. Kids! 

Next on the list was the underground city of Kaymakli. Caution: overpriced guides at the entrance will hound you with the threat of getting lost for hours if you don't use their services. We tested fate; the trick was to follow the blue and red arrows.  

The living room. Where's Fred and Wilma?  

Pigeon valley.

Uçhisar Castle and village

Mi casa es su casa. 

Our driver's parents were from the old part of Cavusin, meaning they lived in the rocks until the late 1960's when chunks started dropping.  

Old Cavusin

Pasabaglari has hoodoos aka fairy chimneys; I'm not making up these words.  

Naturally occurring.

Gotta love geology.

We made one final stop at a hidden valley.

Plenty of trekking to be had around Göreme village. 

Early morning commute.