Unforgettable Turkey Day 5 - after lunch

Day 5 proved to be a long, fulfilling day, many places of interest to visit. I like it this way, we were spending 2 nights in Cappadocia, so there was at least one day of no rush visiting and sight seeing.

Anyway, after lunch, we were taken to visit a pottery family manufacturer which runs back to as far as 200 years ago. The guide who gave us the brief preview of his family business was Saim, and the ?potterer? was his brother Sadi, whilst the painters on duty when we came were Ibrahim and somebody whose name I simply missed. Very interesting insight to their family business, and Saim presented in a very friendly style. According to him, their family policy is ..."You break, you make". Cute...

Family pottery industry - underground factory

Interestingly, the potter factory is situated in a cave and when the clay is shaped, it is first left in the cave for 60 days, in cave temperature (completely missed the temperature). After that time, it is glazed at 200C for 16 hours. From then on, the designs are made, hand printed mind you. The more popular designs are tulips (popular because the flowers appear to be like the spelling of ALLAH in Arabic). The Tree of Life and butterfly designs are also popular.

Saim explaining while Sadi works on

Sadi showing off his expertise

A demonstration by Sadi

Ibrahim painting designs on a clay plate

The artists - unperturbed by our presence

Alas, these beautiful crafts are simply too expensive... ( and appear more so after the crazy gem shopping earlier). I don't think any one of us bought anything here. But the beautiful colourful vases are really a sight to behold.

Ornamental clay design - not just vases and plates ok!

They come in themes too - turquoise blue pottery...beautiful!

Proof that we've been here..okay?

The clay plates with an assortment of beautiful designs to feast the eyes

They come in frames too!

From the pottery house, we proceeded to Pasa Bag (pronounced with a silent/soft G - in Turkish alphabet it has a hyphen on top of the G). This is where you will find the open museum. The view - simply breathtaking. Very quiet little village, the open museum displays natural rock formation as is typical around Cappadocea. Simply unique - one just has to be there to appreciate its beauty. Honestly, I find it very difficult to express its beauty which complements its serene atmosphere. To me, it has a therapeutic feel to it - stilling and easing away all emotional tension and pressures, as you are slowly embraced by the silence and the majestic rocks that surround you. The long empty stretch of road, just makes you feel like talking that long walk at your own pace, leisurely...no hurries, no harrass. Personally, here was where I took time off from all mundane thoughts of the hustle and bustle of life. I think, looking at the photos, you will agree.

Breathtakingly beautiful - I am entranced!

Zelve open air museum in Pasa Bag

Picturesque view of the Open Air Museum grounds

And finally, it was yet another stop to witness the home carpet weaving industry. Unfortunately, I was so engrossed listening to the explanation as to how tedious it is to weave silk carpets, and the length of time plus energy spent on weaving a single carpet, that I totally forgot to jot the details down into my PDA. Anyway, I think the pictures taken will refresh my memories.

A brief introduction on how carpets are dyed for their colourful effects

A few samples of the dyed thread to be woven into carpets

The silk cocoon from which the silk thread are spun for silk carpets - tedious job!

Taking a much needed breather...

Intricately weaving carpet designs just from pictures as guide

A show of appreciation for their expertise and hardwork

Prof being graciously led to the Gallery Showroom

Strikingly beautifully hand woven carpet - let's not mention the price ok!

Exquisite? Well...so is the cost!

Take your pick madam, silk on silk? silk on cotton?

When we eventually returned to the hotel, it was drizzling, I was famished, and all in all, it was a totally unique Turkish sightseeing experience for me on this 5th day of my Unforgettable Turkey expedition.

Uniquely enchanting Cappadocea - forever engraved in my mind!

Tomorrow we head off to Ankara, but not after visiting the historical caravanserai stop; yet another site which just simply took me back in time...All that in my next post, inshaallah.