Our last day in Istanbul was just as we'd planned it, lazy and slow. The weather cooperated with a terrific windstorm that threw branches off the trees before our window. It was cozy and dramatic.
In the afternoon we felt like a movie and so walked to a local cinema in an old multi-story building. But their planning was odd because above our theater was a bowling alley! It sounded like it was thundering throughout our film.
We rounded out our trip to Istanbul with a visit to our local Hamam, which was well over 500 years old. Hamams are like spas with a well defined regimen of steam bath, massage, scrub and cool shower. It was kind of cool, kind of relaxing and a little smelly.
The next day, Thursday we woke up just before 5am to travel to Cappadocia. After a flight and three taxis we finally caught up with our tour group in small town in this beautiful, strange and historic part of Turkey. The landscape reminds us of some kind of blend of Provence, the American desert and the mountains of Morocco. It's a feast for the eyes.
Over the last two days we've been taken from one intriguing spot after the other like underground cities, ancient Roman ruins and Christian chapels carved into rock, covered with frescoes. Thanks to the unique landscape, the rich history and the warm and funky town and hotel where we are staying, we are charmed and content.
Tomorrow we fly to Tel Aviv via Istanbul.
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