Adiyaman & Nemrut, Turkey

We stayed a the university hotel in Adiyaman where students who major in Tourism get practice.

A typical Turkish breakfast. We've been eating cucumbers, tomatoes, and cheese every day.

I haven't been doing Boot Camp lately, but I have been doing my squats.

Our crew, plus Rafet the driver, taking a pit stop.

The view from above on the way to Nemrut.

Two ancient Roman columns

I climbed the hilltop and got a bigger view of the columns below.

The Roman Bridge

I had my money belt on, otherwise I would have jumped in. Instead, I just waded across.

The Turks came here to wash their cars and have picnics.

Here I am on the Roman bridge

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Ancient writing, possibly Greek

Hercules (naked guy) and the king

This poor guy had engine trouble in the middle of nowhere. We would have helped him out, but he said he was waiting for a mechanic. Good luck.

A cow herder sharing the road.

My newest Facebook friends who I met on the way up to Nemrot.

Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times to be at Nemrut. Guess which time we chose?

This head broke off of a bigger statue long ago.

More heads

And still more heads at Nemrut

Sun begins to set. Beautiful light for photographs.

Human and animal heads

Love the glowing light.

Taking a group shot with our new Turkish friends

Last moments of daylight before hiking back down the 6500 mountain top

Hiking in Red and Rose Valleys

The Open Air Museum outside Goreme, Turkey

This was a weekday in the heat of summer, but there were plenty of tourists.

The Christians used these caves as churches and a monastery.

A happy Michelle enjoying the museum.

View from the outdoor museum back towards Goreme.

There was a nice church up some stairs.

May have been a kitchen and dining area.

Small entries to protect again intruders and bad weather.

Notice the caves in the background.

After we left the Open Air Museum I climbed to the top of a peak. Yes, it is hot and that is sweat.

Michelle chose to wait down below for me. A French guy took my picture.

Midnight at the oasis. Well, it wasn't exactly midnight, but this fresh squeezed juice and comfy, shady seating felt like an oasis while hiking in the Red Valley.

Michelle enjoys a break while the orange juice is being prepared.

Many tunnels along the way.

Everywhere you look are gorgeous views.

Here's one of the four churches that we found in Rose and Red Valleys.

Actually, we didn't go up this entrance, but found a side entrance.

We hiked for about 7 hours total, but it was pretty green and had some shade along the way.

This church looked more like a traditional church than some of them.

Hacli Church

The chapel altar

View from the church

Church ceiling

A German guy who we hiked with for a little while.

Interesting rock formations caused by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago.

More interesting rock formations

We got lucky. We only ran into a few scooters and ATVs, and not until we left the valley. Another family who hiked in Rose Valley complained that there were many ATVs.

Back in Goreme, we passed a cemetery near our Kismet Cave House.

Our hotel, Kismet Cave House in Goreme. Happy to be back after 7 hours of hiking in the sun.