Some believe that Cappadocia has a documented existence as early ing. If you want a little less Zen and a little more zesty, go see a tradi-
as the 6th century B.C., and it’s easy to feel that antiquity while you’re tional Turkish belly dancing show while you’re in town. The dancers
there. When you step out of your car in this town, you will feel electri- will show you how it’s done, and later they’ll then expect you to join in.
fi ed and maybe a bit terrifi ed, or awestruck, but maybe a little confused. You link pinkies and circle around and back in time to the music.
Cappadocia looks like a desert out of another world – the landscape For shopping in Turkey, there’s nothing more thrilling than buying
seems barren, and is known best for its hills and tall rock steeples that a Turkish rug in Cappadocia. It’s a memorable and exciting experience,
jut against the blue sky. Go to Cappadocia to appreciate the perplexity and the rug you end up with afterward isn’t so bad either. If buying a
that is nature, but make sure you do it in style. Many of the hotels in Turkish rug is something you think you might like to do in Turkey, you
this area are built right into the cliffs that characterize this area. The should do it in Cappadocia. At the rug workshop, potential purchasers
lobbies and guest suites of these stately establishments are literally part start in a gorgeous, marble-fl oored studio where the rugs are woven by
of the rock, so you’ll never know that as you unwind with a traditional hand. The best grades of Turkish rug fabrics are those with the high-
Turkish massage those pretty divots dug into the walls above you were est knots per inch, and silk is straight where you should be headed.
actually once used to house pigeons. Like in much of Turkey, here in Expect at one point to fi nd yourself in a room with enormous barrels of
Cappadocia, tradition meets contemporary. The best cave spa in Cap- silkworms, so that the rug manufacturers can prove how perfect their
padocia is the Leea Spa at the Cappadocia Cave Resort and SPA, built on-site-created fabrics are. After the silkworms make you feel mildly
into the traditional Uchisar dwellings. Pick up massages, facials, and disenchanted with the rug-making process – or utterly enchanted, de-
all things soothing. The suites at the Cave Resort are also superb, and pending on how you feel about little white silk-making creatures – your
their views give travelers a pristine visual of the countryside. This area guide will lead you to a third room where apple tea and lunch is served,
is all about landscape, so the best hotels are those that are part of the so buyers can think clearly as they make their decisions. Once the meal
scenery and let you experience the surroundings in every aspect of your is fi nished, it’s investment time. Spring for something beautiful so you
stay. The Museum Hotel also in Uchisar has suites to die for and a staff can commemorate Turkey. Expect deep hand-dyed indigo and vibrant
that will quickly get to know your name and how you take your coffee. crimson colors, accented with rosy yellows and burnt oranges. The rugs
Hotel Owner Omer and Client Relation Manager Gipsy cater to guest’s are exquisite, and buying one in Cappadocia is an opportunity not to
every need, and make sure that high expectations are always met at their be missed. The manufacturers will ship your gorgeous new fl oor piece
property. The Lil’a Restaurant at the Museum Hotel is also perfect if you home, and you can head back to one of Cappadocia’s fi ner restaurants
want to try Cappadocian cuisine but with a high-living twist. Their chef for a glass of chardonnay overlooking the cave dwellings without ever
also offers cooking classes to the hotel guests. lifting a fi nger.
While you’re in Cappadocia, there are a few things you absolutely From the other-world at Cappadocia to the international scene at Is-
must do. Hot air balloon rides are relatively pricey for what you’ll get tanbul, you’ll long to return to Turkey from the moment you leave. A spirit
but worthwhile for the splendid views. Most hotels in Cappadocia will of mystery runs strong here. If you’re feeling bold, have someone read
help arrange one. Cappadocia also offers whirling dervish shows so you your fortune from the grounds left in your cup once you fi nish some tradi-
can step back into time and experience Islamic mysticism. Held in old tional Turkish coffee, so you can glean what the future holds. Turkey is a
caravanserais – the Turkish word for inns where travelers would rest place that has a history of luxury and a future perfectly poised to cater to
during long journeys – the dervish shows have a deep and beautiful adventure-seekers and posh travelers alike. As someone who is both, we
mystery to them. The caravanserai’s feel like being inside an enormous hope your mahogany grains after the coffee is gone will speak to a future
stone castle, and the spirit of the whole evening is enjoyable and relax- of more richness than ever before, thanks to a quick trip to Turkey. „
100 Thousand Club 107
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