Montenegro or bust!!!

Our exploration of Turkey has left Matt and I breathless at moments. The landscape of Turkey is awe inspiring. Matt is writing in more details and we will post in two days.

In about an hour we are boarding our first overnight train to Belgrade with plans to land in Kotor, Montenegro in a day or two. We have been told the trains are slow (hence the time delay for Matt's blog entry) but worth the trip due to the landscape one travels through while riding.

I would like to start including places we recommend and do not recommend on our blog.

Recommend:

In Pamukale: Artemis Yoruk Hotel- Ann and Adam went above and beyond in accommodating our needs and always had smiles on their faces. Thanks to all of the staff there for a wonderful stay! http://www.artemisyorukhotel.com/

In Goreme (Cappadocia): Yellow Roses Panoramic Cave Hotel and Hostel- The host was absolutely over and above helpful in all aspects of travel planning and tour excursions. We felt so taken care of. The view was incredible and we were able to spend the night in a fairey chimney room for a very resonable rate. I did not find a direction website but wanted to include some way of being able to get ahold of the hotel/hostel. http://www.hostels.com/hostels/goreme/yellow-roses---panoramic-cave-hotel/21051

Cafe Safrak- This is a delicious restaurant you will find on your way to the Open Museum. The meatballs were one of our favorite meals while in Turkey...delicious.

Cappadocia Voyager Balloons- http://www.voyagerballoons.com/ There are several balloon companies being this is a huge draw in this area. We thoroughly enjoyed our balloon captain, the champagne toast and certificates of completions post fly. This trip was a splurge and one that we would splurge on over and over again. Definitely worth it...fly!!! :-)

Amazing Hike-walk past the Open Area Museum up the hill and pass Kaya Campground. There is a dirt road on the left. The road splits into three, take the middle lane. You will walk between grape vine fields and come to a wooden sign which is not very readable due to its age. Take a left done the hill and into the valley. You will come upon a dirt road. Go left. A little bit down the road you will see a dirt path. Get off the dirt road and follow this path. You will go through some good sized tunnels and even come upon a tea oasis. Take a break and enjoy some tea.After walking a bit you will see a path on your right. We thought this was Red/Rose Valley. It was not but was wonderful to wander around through. We back tracked and eventually found Red/Rose Valley and ended up with a stellar view from a church on top of the hill. This was about a four hour hike and was awesome taken around sunset. It ended up with us catching a ride with a gipsy who was teaching his daughter how to drive a horse and cart. Awesome. Our host at the Panoramic Hotel/Hostel was the one who directed us to take this tour.

Malayta (Mt Nemrut): The overnight tour which is arranged with Kemal at the tourist information center in the middle of town (near the kiddie park with the rides) is worth it. Spending sunset and sunrise near the top of the mountain and hanging out with the entertaining host of the hotel located there is priceless.

Istanbul: Mehmet at the Lamp Guesthouse became a friend. We enjoyed sitting in the lobby and laughing with him. As an added bonus the views from the top terrace are amazing and two of the rooms have an incredible view of the blue mosque...amazing. http://www.lampguesthouse.com/