4,346 km in 20 days: The Orient greets us in Istanbul. We love to stroll through the alleys and bazaars. Unfortunately, Karin falls violently on the street and injures both hands, but nothing that would not heal. For the next few days, however, she needs active support, even when showering. The ancient sites of Pergamon and Ephesus are very impressive. Likewise the famous limestone terraces in Pamukkale. We continue to the beautiful Salda Golü, an almost unnaturally emerald colored and lonely lake. However, the popular peninsula with an alleged dream bay in Oludeniz is disappointing for us. Even in the off-season it is extremely touristy and there is not much left of its former beauty. The pretty picture book towns of Kas and Simena by the sea compensate us for this. The city Konya, where the famous philosopher and poet Rumi is buried and who is known for the dancing dervishes, inspires us immediately and lets us feel an overwhelming mysticism. It is in this area that the old caravanserais, which can be found along the entire Silk Road, slowly begin. The highlight for us, however, is Cappadocia with its gorges, valleys, fairy chimneys and tufa formations. It’s just overwhelming. In the morning at sunrise we are sure to marvel at 100 hot air balloons flying above Shujaa at our overnight place. The pretty town of Mardin, on the Syrian border, really feels like the true Middle East. The idyllic Van Lake, just before the Iranian border, rounds off our trip in this diverse country.
