Fly, fly, fly

 The balloon ride was optional.

You have to be on site before the sun rises and you are under the mercies of the weather in situ. If there are strong winds, there will be no show. You also cannot hitch a ride if it rains. Esther said that her friends had to wait for several days before permission was granted.

We were indeed fortunate that we were not denied access to the privilege.

The morning weather was perfect; no rain, no strong winds but a gentle one to push the balloon precisely.

So, with great expectations we rode on a truck to the middle of no where for us to ascend.

The physical landscape in Cappadocia permits this type of fun where you get to see the world 'open-air' style .

The ride though is expensive. We have been told of the figure before the trip and after the million-dollar statement by Sara, we decided to go up.

What was the statement?

"Pa, put it this way. If you are contemplating so hard as to why we should ride on the balloon, consider that it is money not given to us as inheritance." So, that's it.

Well said.

It was US220 per pax.

Hundreds of balloons under different enterprises scour the clear skies and the riders look down to witness tuff features sticking out across the plateau.

The parachute is made of silk and accounts for the cost of the ride.

 Before the ride, we were told of precautionary steps on how to ascend and descend to prevent untoward accidents.

 Only 12 adults were allowed each time in  a basket. 

Up, up and away. Just like Mary Poppins. Yes, in our full 6 decades of age, we still behaved like children going to the zoo for the first time. Who wouldn't?

Never a dull moment. Try counting the balloons; seen and unseen. The landscape below is monotonous with castles popping here and there. Apparently, some churches even once existed in the caves among the tuff.

It was cold; -5C. But we had sufficient layers under us,

The pilot was a fine young man who also worked as a skiing coach. So, his skills are learnt and specialised. He had tricks up his sleeves for each time the parachute went close to a tuff he would put on the titanic song and frightened us with news of a crash. He was fun and we also acted along...

 At certain spots, we also the dotted landscape of houses and observed the world from above.

So, the final gimmick was when we landed successfully. We took the champagne ; congratulated one another and later to be given a certificate each.

The certificates are in the closet now.

The hot air balloon ride.

Cappadocia

Richmond of Pamukkale gave us a good rest.

It gave us a good spread for our meals and we left by 7.45am for the longest haul of the trip - an eleven hour trip to the much coveted city of Cappadocia where fun awaits us.

Both Esther and Sara accompanied by Nur dipped into the hotel thermal pool. 

It is different from our motherland though for both men and women enjoy the facility together.

Now you can feel for us, can't you?

So how did Nur entertain us?

She smartly put on another movie; this time the fall of Constantinople of the Byzantine Empire into the hands of Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire. Later we realised that the war scenes had much connection with the mosques that we were to visit at Istanbul.

Nur related that the Anatolian land became a republic in 1923 when Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk) and his colleagues took control and turn it into modern Turkey. She spoke with love in her eyes and heart for the former leader and praised him for his efforts in his social reforms. I will try to recall further when we visit the museum in Istanbul.

All of us complained very little, After so many days in the coach, we sort of got used to the routine as we ponder over private thoughts, read books and nursed hurt muscles! But actually at the recesses of our mind, we were looking forward to the adventures at Cappadocia.

It was early in the evening when we caught sight of Cappadocia. Nur wasted no time and carted us straight to the hidden caves of the town. Apparently, below humble home and villages, many dug underground to flee from enemies. Both Muslims and Christian were mercilessly persecuted under the Arabs and so homes were built away from the sight of the persecutors. There were about 36 cities with secret tunnels connecting one another.

This a typical village in Cappadocia; remote and peasantry. When they saw us, the villagers hastily put up temporary stalls to sell local products ranging from Turkish dolls to cutlery, pottery and bracelets. There were so many things we could gather but how do you bring them back? The lira is about the same value as the ringgit but still no one will take the ringgit. When at Istanbul, the money exchange  said they need to see the physical ringgit before they allow any exchange. When you mention the Singapore dollar, they nodded instantly. 

Fed up.

Many of the cave habitats have been sealed up.

But Nur still took pains to actually gain entry into a typical Cappadocian cave.

Nur said the stone is a security feature which can be turned away for escape and air.

Esther, so casual in not so many layers when compared to the mama.

 Yes, this is for keeps.

We have been to Cappadocian cave homes and feel for people then. Nur said secret tunnels were constructed to allow occupants to go above for sun light and Vitamin D. The weather is so cool underneath that it provides natural refrigeration for meat, vegetables and water. Horses are tied to the main entrance for use as transport and food. People really did live through challenging times.

Yes. It was cold and the snow is real. Do you see the number of caves? The tuff features are volcanic deposits as the palce is in the volcanic region.

Sometimes when I watch sword fighting dramas, I do come across taverns but of course the Mongolian type which seemed to be places of rest and food. The above is an example of an R & R along the silk route of the past and Cappadocia is aligned along it. Apparently, many of these are dotted along the route and we visited one of it.

This must have been a refurbished version and notice the solid and formidable marble or is it granite slabs? Traders could have converged here and did barter trade exchanging, animal skins, silk, olive, spices and so forth.

 Of course, today they are hangouts for tourists and business. The souvenirs again include pottery, porcelains, silk, nuts and spices.

But perhaps the 11 hour journey is bet compensated with this picturesque venue for a night's stay. We were ushered into a cave hotel. It was surely an experience of its kind and it reminded us of the islands along the Greek coast. In the night, the lights really added value to the stay.

 You bend slightly to enter the door but when in the room, it was impressive. You are spoilt for the evening and wish it was home. The well-heated room was welcoming and gave us the best comfort.

 The stool for the vanity table is installed with taste.

Dad will surely copy it someday.

Dinner was sumptuous and a delight.

The family was grateful for the meal and thank God for it.

The next day was a casual day at Cappadocia but for those who wished to fly in the sky, we had to take the gamble and wake up at 6am for the dive.

God Bless Us.

Pamukkale

The turks named Pamukkale as Cotton Castles.

Many travelled from far to watch at this UNESCO heritage spot famous for these Hellenistic Spa thermal ponds and healing waters.

Again of Greco-Roman heritage, the ancient ruins are but a reminder of past glories and activities. 

Ruined through the ages, Hierapolis is now but a stamp of its past.

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 We trudged through the stone-laden pathways but it was not too difficult a chore.

The calcite-laden waters create a landscape that is unique and from afar has the 'cotton castle' depiction.

Naturally formed through the calcium deposits throughout centuries, the landscape is panoramic and majestic. The pockets of water are centres of healing for the sick, so we were informed.

You can feel the 'softness' of the deposits; just like cotton.

We witness many seeking to soak their limbs in the warm water and many must have prayed for healing .

 In fact, I personally witnessed an old Malaysian Indian lady aided by her children limped to the thermal pond apparently hoping for healing.

Dad actually said that he felt prickly sensations all over his limbs as he went under the water and wondered why.

Esther had some sensations too.

Sara said there was none.

Me? I did not go in.

That was playing, soaking an healing.

Dad will do all sorts with his girls.

The mother will just watch.

Even friends on the trip whom we met for the first time knew the different roles the parents perform. The father is the entertainer whereas the mother is the disciplinarian. Oh well...someone has to handle the bad role.

So Pamukkale was a thermal centre where the hot springs add unforgettable experience to the tourists like us.

It was nevertheless a landscape of its kind for us.

Later we found out the Richmond hotel we stayed for the night was also giving free thermal bath because of the nearby supply of hot water.

 Hierapolis was truly different,

Ephesus

One of the Seven Churches

The once biblical town with its often mentioned status in the Bible evoked a nostalgic feeling within me. It makes me grateful to a God who has given me an opportunity to visit one of Saint Paul's missionary site.

Nur was very informative about this city and was without prejudice. She often cited that John, the Apostle took care of Jesus' mother till the end of her days near Ephesus.

So, with much excitement and anticipation, we left for the place after breakfast.

Nur related that Mary was believed to have be under the care of John under the instruction of Jesus ans so the locals respected the house of Mary.

It is a typical stone house with simple, practical living quarters but we were not allowed photography inside the building. It was a humble abode with much history and past records.

 Surely it was a chance of a lifetime to be here to see history and to be connected to the relics of churches. We surely thank God for this entitlement. 

Leaving the house of Mary and scouting around the perimeter, we came to the taps of 'holy water'. Like any tourist attraction , a tale was created behind it. If you wash yourself with it and wish for a dream, you may just get it !

Not that I believe in anything of that sort, but Esther was trying it out.

So, she rubbed both her hands under the icy water and must have wished her heart out ! Later, she confessed that the icy water caused her 'frostbites' . Oh it's alright. She is always into ventures that one does not normally attempt. 

Next to it was awall of wishes too. Throw a piece of cloth or was it paper; hang it to the wall and all wishes come true.

The many layers we put on did not keep the cold away.

It was chilly indeed.

Yes, we reached the ruins of Ephesus.

The Greek and Roman architecture was evident and it was a record of which civilization was the reigning one. There was an assortment of pillars and physical structures that was quite confusing but nevertheless majestic.

Squares and quadrangles again depicted the congregational meetings that were once held there. People must have argued about everything...from God to best practices.

 Yes, the girls as well as their parents could not resist being photographed.

These are shots that will be permanently etched in our memories.

 We were informed that these are the ruins of the then library.
The girls and dad made their way into the internal parts while I stayed at a spot waiting for them.

Nur laughingly reiterated that those days were pervasive and adultery was rampant proven by the hidden caverns opposite the library where brothels existed! Hahahaha.

The ruins above are actual sites of homes along the main pathway.

Notice the intricate designs of the tiles . Art was almost at its epitome. Craftsmanship was part of living.

There was Greek mythology evidence and Roman ones too. Tourists of all nationalities came in throngs to examine and witness the past. What do we learn? Do we repeat the same mistakes?

Do you see what I see?

Can you name this Greek Goddess?

Yes, it's Goddess of Nike.

Spoke the Nike trademark. Now you know where Nike originate from.

Dad sighed and said Paul really must have a hard time convincing the locals of the new faith and one can understand why under such mythological bondages, it was almost impossible to spread the gospel and the truth of Jesus.

But who can thwart the plans of God?

The walk around the grounds of Ephesus took a toll on dad's knees. 

The Ephesus walk brought scenes of the Bible to our eyes but the ruins was again a reminder of the past and may we learn from it with a refreshed spirit.

The Cotton Castle was our next stop.