Turkish Tomatoes (another travel story)

Location: Goreme, Cappadocia Region, Turkey

After traveling south for a few weeks along the historical coast of Turkey, enduring the constant chatter of sales pitches and haggling, we ventured inland to the small village of Goreme in the Cappadocia region, known for its simplicity and beautiful landscapes.Thousands of years before, the Ercyies Mountain erupted, covering the whole valley with volcanic ash. Over centuries, wind and water erosion formed tall cones of soft ash called “fairy chimneys”. Later, fleeing Christians settled in this valley and carved out these chimneys to create their homes and temples. This allowed them to hide within the landscape itself, but caused their homes to look like something from the Flintstones. Fuelled by yet another Turkish breakfast – bread, jam and honey, olives, cucumber and sheep cheese – we left the comfort of the hostel rooftop to explore the intriguing view of fairy chimneys before us. The streets of this village provided us with sights of Turks engaging in daily games of backgammon at local cafés, donkeys tied outside buildings awaiting a day’s work, and occasional views of horse drawn carts roving the streets. We wandered through a few back lanes and came across a crop field. A figure appeared at the far end and motioned for us to come closer. We started awkwardly stepping through the field, trying not to leave a souvenir footprint in the various crops blocking our path. As we reached the other side, we were greeted by an elderly woman, dressed in light clothing with a sack of produce sitting by her feet. As we began to thank her for letting us cross the field, she started ranting in Turkish and motioned to something behind us. We turned to find a rusty bucket near our feet, filled with another produce sack. We stared first at the bucket, and then at the woman who was now making lifting motions. After a charade-like game of words, hand motions and looks of confusion, we caught on and together lifted the heavy bucket and followed the woman, who headed for a nearby dirt road. Following a narrow path through the grass, we arrived at the roadside and placed down our load. The old woman started to speak once again, which we assumed was a “thank you”. We said goodbye and turned to continue on our journey. She raised her voice and pointed toward the ground. In our confusion we remained silent and still, while she began to unwrap one of the bags and rummaged through its contents. Rising up, she presented us with three tomatoes each as gratitude for our help. By city standards a few tomatoes seem worthless, but out here things seem to acquire a new value. We exchanged smiles with the woman and accepted our sincere reward, said goodbye, and continued along the road. As a horse and cart approached the crop fields, combined with the alien landscape of fairy chimneys surrounding us, it felt like we were wandering though an unspoiled Turkish past.

Armchair Travel

..as it is called. I’m remembered about some travel stories that I wrote a few years ago while being trapped at work in a boring job. It was a good way to do something productive, and trying to write a story is a good way to remember a trip, conjuring up your own images of a trip within your mind. I’m hoping to write some soonish, just need to get back into the habit, or find another boring job

• Hello, Yes Please? (Turkey)
• Unexpected Encounters (South Africa)
• Bovine Madness (Pamplona, Spain)

Bus Karma

Having to catch the bus everyday, i’ve started believing in what I refer to as ‘Bus Karma’. My theory is that its the result of all the energy put into catching the bus whenever I can, if you really really need a bus, then it usually won’t come. But in those moments when you don’t expect them, taking your time – a bus will emerge as soon as you step outside. Perfect on cold winter days.

La Plagne Photos Up

With any luck, there should be some new pics up on the panel on the right. About time too, no excuses really – just been a bit too relaxed since getting back from the mountain. Good times all around.

Just hanging out in Edinburgh watching the seasons slowly change. Heading to London for easter to catchup with people down there, and take another look around. Will see how the weather holds up for any photos. Have scanned the web and found the date for a fire festival up on Calton hill at the end of April, to welcome in the summer months. Should be an interesting time.

Exhausting days at work currently, with management panic about system performance resulting in me meeting with endless code reviews with Microsoft consultants. A bit terrifying really but also nice to know that everything i’ve done is right so far. Just found a yoga site that needs a web designer. I’m thinking some kind of barter system could be in order there.

More photos soon….

In the moment..

A few shots from playing around on the beginners area at La Plagne. Yes, I did fall over at the end…