My Turkiye Journey: A Dreamlike Weekend in Goreme

I was brimming with awe the moment i laid my eyes on the rock formations, i later learned they were known as fairy chimneys, when the bus weaved its way towards Goreme. As i stepped off the bus, i was quickly captivated by the vibe of this cozy little town, encapsulated in time and beauty. Spellbound i was, to say it simply. Perhaps weather played a role too- although it was overcast during my stay, it was cool and dry enough to explore. Touristy, no doubt, but to me it was a nice kind of touristy, had a crowd but not overcrowded because it was low season.

Surreal landscape.

No wonder this place is featured in numerous travel sites. Cheesy as it sounds, this is not to be missed!

On a carpet ride.

Now, let's rewind a little.

I knew about Cappadocia. I saw promotional ads of the place, boasting postcard perfect hot air balloons hovering over cave-like buildings. I was skeptical- is it truly unfiltered, unedited, and kept my expectation in check. When i googled Cappadocia, it pointed towards Goreme. Go, where?

So a bit on geography. Cappadocia is a region in central Turkiye, south-east of Ankara. It consists of a few places, Goreme being the town where the action is. It was about a three-hour plus ride from Ankara bus terminal, walkable from Movenpick Ankara Hotel. The bus terminal was rather huge and the platforms might appear confusing. It was buzzing on the morning i went, buses going in and out, as i searched for the correct gate and its respective Kamilkoc bus. As i mentioned before, language was a challenge so when i assumed other passengers who were heading in my direction, i gravitated and followed. Funny how the pair who i sought help from, could speak the local language and English, also eventually ended up at the same hotel i booked for the night!

Hanging around at the gate, inhaling fume and smoke.

Seat was comfortable for an intercity transfer.

Changing scenery.

The bus stop in Goreme was equally, conveniently located. Smacked at what i considered the center of the town, i walked to the nearby Adora Cave Suites. One reason i selected this place was because there was an ongoing offer but having said that, i do recommend staying here. I wanted a cave-like experience and despite it being man-made, the architecture and decor respected the theme and i thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Service was friendly and accommodating.

Through a lane and spotted the sign.

I liked what i saw- brown, sandy facade, against trellis and potted plants.

My room with an open window (i closed it later at night).

Open rooftop for view.

Adorned with local art and craft.

After putting my bag down, i walked to the viewpoint (entrance fee required) behind the hotel. Random but i was suddenly approached by a group of people that i tried to ignore. They laughed it off as i made my way up. This was the only unwanted, unexpected encounter i had in this journey.

Disclaimer, the photos here may not do justice when compared to what i felt in reality. Handle with care.

Otherworldly.

Across the horizon of the Rose and Sword Valleys.

Cliffs almost surrounding the town.

The town of Goreme.

And a landmark at the far center.

I kept taking photos and undecided on which to post.

Navigating the streets with souvenir shops, eateries and hotels. I can only imagine during peak season that the streets will be filled with visitors.

I planned for a sunset horse riding tour but it poured. I took shelter at Center Coffee & Baklava on my way back to my hotel, and ordered a plate of kunefe. Part of the cafe and roads were already puddled with water.

Hot and cold.

Rainbow after the rain.

Sunset.

After a quick freshening up, i headed back out for dinner at Beydilli Kebap Barbecue. Located on the upper floor of a stretch of shoplot, i was warmly greeted and brought to a narrow, window-facing table. The sides came quick with a cup of tea to warm the body.

With possibly the most popular dish of the area- testi kebabi, pottery kebab.

POV of the spread. It was delicious and portion was plenty.

A little performance before the reveal.

It was noticeably cold after the rain when i strolled around the town at night.

Even at night, the lights lent a dreamlike atmosphere.

Did some souvenir shopping.

Quite romantic, don't you think?

I set my alarm for the next morning but i was awakened by the whooshing sounds outside my window. Immediately, i dressed and rushed up to the rooftop. Bed-haired, i thought that there won't be many hot air balloons because the weather had been cloudy since i arrived but i was pleasantly surprised. There were already many hot air balloons overhead while some were heating up.

What time did they sleep? What time did they get up?

Up in the air.

Into the clouds.

Why didn't i ride one?

To be honest, i do feel a tinge of regret for not booking a ride. Deep down though, i couldn't do this solo. I tell myself that i will return someday and share that moment with someone else.

After properly waking up, that meant brushing my teeth too, i climbed back to the diner deck.

Fruits aplenty, local breakfast with cheese.

Cats perched over the edge.

I had some time before my bus back to Ankara. I signed up for the horseback riding adventure with my hotel agent. In fact, hotels here do have affiliation with activity providers such as hot air balloons. So, please do your research and find one that suits, prioritizes safety and fits your budget. Picked up from the hotel to a ranch nearby, i was anxious because of my limited experience with a horse- and mind you, this isn't the one where someone walks with the horse with you on. The horse is free to roam, unless properly led by its rider- me!

  

On the Love Valley trail.

Just me and my guide.

A shop caught my attention when i arrived in Goreme, and i passed by it every time when i headed out or returned to my hotel. I googled (learn as you travel, right?) and apparently, Galerie Ikman is famous. My last stop before boarding the bus back to Ankara.

Carpets all over.

Delicate, intricate, beautiful.

It charged a fee for photo-taking here but since i was a customer, the owner generously allowed me to take photos for free. Given the experience, he also knew the right angles to shoot.

There wasn't much else to do in Goreme, frankly, but it was in those quiet moments, of doing nothing but admiring natural beauty, strolling around, soaking in the slow-paced life of its people, that i felt the magic this place possesses. Spend at least a night here- because when i woke up in Ankara, to reality, it was as if i woke up from a dream.