Just before I arrive in Göreme, Cappadocia, the landscape changes drastically. Erosion-worn rock formations with the strangest shapes now define the landscape and the closer I get to the village, the clearer it is that something is going on here. Traffic consists largely of luxury taxis, vans and large coaches and the people on the street are at least half Asian. Tourism flourishes here.
In the village it is difficult to find my pre-booked hotel because at least half of the streets are open or have just been due to excavation work. The very steep slopes are often just too much for cars because there is a lot of sand. Everywhere in the narrow streets skidding and reversing cars and vans because they can't get up.
Fortunately, the street where my hotel is located isn't busy, but I'm going to walk the last bit to see if it's all doable with my heavy motorcycle. I succeed and I can park on the only flat piece next to the hotel.
The village is known for the balloon rides over the landscape and the many cave houses, but most hotels have also carved their rooms into the rock. So is my room. Makes it dark, but I don't have to be there much either.
When I've freshened up and carried my stuff inside, I immediately explore the village. Of course everything screams tourism, but it is really unique. I have never seen such a building. Most cave houses have been transformed into a hotel, restaurant, booking office or shop, but there are also really inhabited houses. Or should I say caves? No idea.
The sun sets around 6.30 pm and also to admire that, a place has been created on top of the hill against which the village lies where you can see the entire landscape become dark. Of course for a small fee. I don't really see the sun go down because I'm talking to a Russian who has fled his country because of Putin and that is more exciting than sunset.
The next day, just like every day, dozens of hot-air balloons will float over the landscape at sunrise and I definitely want to see that. I set my alarm clock at 5.15 am because half an hour later the spectacle starts. Getting up is no problem, because by that time half the village is already gone and the taxis wriggle their way through the streets.
And a spectacle it is. The 'sunset' hill is now the 'sunrise' hill and behind it are dozens of balloons on all the flat areas and the air fills with the sound of propellers and the light of the flamethrowers. Beautiful to see.
Long before the sun shows itself, the first balloons take off and as soon as the first rays of the sun illuminate the balloons, the sky is full of balloons with large baskets that can hold 20 to 30 people. A balloon ride costs €250,- and that is really too much for me. Fortunately, it is also beautiful from the ground.
Fortunately I have my own transport and I spend the rest of the day exploring the area. And it is really unique. The rock resembles marl, is quite soft and has been worn into the strangest shapes by erosion. For example, in 'Love Valley' there are pillars that resemble gigantic penises, hence the name…
From Göreme, on a hill in the distance, a pointed high rock with holes can also be seen. No no, not a crazy name: that's 'The Castle'. A high rock that was formerly used as a hiding place when attacking hostile peoples. Now it is a museum and you can look far into the special landscape from above.
Incidentally, the original inhabitants were not long. Indeed, like a donkey, I suffered a head wound 3 times at the entrance to my cave room.
