Next to visit was the rock formation known as Uçhisar Castle which I'd taken a photo of on the way out of Ürgüp this morning but will repost here - it's the larger lump on the left.
The "castle" was built by Byzantine settlers in 4th century AD and has approx 270 steps. It is thought around 1,000 people would have lived in the castle which is criss-crossed by numerous underground passageways and rooms, most of which are now blocked or impassable.
Unfortunately the balloon was just a paid for photo opportunity.
Looking at this I suddenly wondered if Antoni Gaudi had ever visited the region and been inspired by the curved lines.
It's the highest point in Cappadocia and offers spectacular views across the valley.
There was very little in the way of Health & Safety and you were free to clamber about as you wished.
On the ground floor was a small art exhibition and I rather liked this snow scene; apparently it's not unusual for a light covering of snow on the ground late November onwards.
More meringue looking rock formations.
I think I'll call this one The Blue Door.
There were very few tourist stalls here and I still haven't bought my balloon. Talking of balloons, one of the best ways to experience the area is by hot air balloon which even Ian was keen on before we left England. We chatted with Göksel about the possibility, but he said being winter it didn't get light until quite late and so there wouldn't be enough time to do a dawn flight and be back at the hotel ready to depart for the next leg.
One of the other ladies and I had been speculating as to what these dried fruits might be and when I went to take a photo, the stallholder kindly told me and offered me a taster - two different types of melon.
But I'm not sure about the green one, another melon or avocado perhaps?
Whilst we were waiting for the others at the bottom I saw this little bird was hopping around in the bushes. We've hardly seen any wildlife so I couldn't resist and the new camera came up trumps - I think it's a House Sparrow f.
After a 3/4 hour lunch break in nearby Göreme Town we headed back to the hotel via Dervent Valley.
These show the effect of erosion on the different types of rock.
This mound was massive, twice the size you can see here and yet I can't find anything about it.
Obviously many dwellings in this area throughout the ages.
The first tower block?
This area is also known as Imagination Valley as supposedly you can spot a dolphin, seals, Napoleon's Hat, kissing birds, Virgin Mary and various reptiles.
The camel was the only one obvious to us.
And maybe at a stretch; a couple of heads.
It was possible to walk amongst some the rock formations but as per usual we were only given a few minutes - not sure why really as the rest of the afternoon was "at leisure".
I think that's more than enough photos for one day.