Your Favorite Cappadocia from 2012?

Your very interesting and informative website was recommended to me by a friend in Urgup. I have spent a great deal of time in Cappadocia and always yearn to return. Though I believe I have covered nearly every corner of this fabulous place, the truth is, I have so much more to experience. I’ve been returning nearly every year since 2000 and just when I think I am “done”, it is clear that the hold this area has on my heart will win out.
I believe you’ve found your niche by providing very valuable information and insight into this magical part of the world. Just when I think I know it all about Cappadocia, you show me that I certainly have much to learn! Thank you for this.
Love your photos and restaurant recommendations, and gee, (this expression will certainly date me!) I’d never thought about being able to classify the fairy chimneys as you’ve done! I read with interest your list of book recommendations. There are two more I’d like to recommend:
“Tales From the Expat Harem” about Foreign Women in Modern Turkey, edited by Anastasia M. Ashman and Jennifer Eaton Gokmen. Very enjoyable and insightful with stories of the lives of expat women and their experiences with Turkish life and culture. The other book was written by German-born Evelyn Kopp. She runs Asmali Cave House in Uchisar and wrote a terrific book about the village life of Uchisar. I love this book and since I lived awhile in Uchisar, it was extremely helpful to me in understanding my environment and the history of the inhabitants. The book is called “Uchisar Unfolding.” I highly recommend it as Evelyn did impeccable research into village life. If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate all her work on this great resource.
As for experiences I remember with fondness? Walking the many valleys of the area. I never ceased to be in awe of my surroundings. I especially enjoyed walking the Cat Vadisi. Truly amazing. Ihlara Valley I have walked three times and continue to remain in awe of what I see there. Guzelyurt is another favorite destination, and though I have already been there several times, I will certainly go again. As you’ve already alluded to, a balloon flight is a must! The views from above give such a different perspective and are certainly worth the high $ of the flight. Eski Gumus, not far from the city of Nigde is another treasure often overlooked by tourists. Probably this is because of its out-of-the-way location. A beautiful monastery with frescoes are there and so worth the trip. Likewise for Gulsehir where another “church” and frescoes are located. These were so stunning they left me speechless. Truly awesome and inspiring. But, again, out of the way of the usual tourist concentration in Goreme, Urgup, Avanos, Uchisar, etc.
Again, thank you for your informative reports. I wish you all the best in achieving your goals of bringing an appreciation and knowledge of Cappadocia within reach of so many others.
Most Sincerely,
Paula M. Knauer
Seattle, Washington

I enjoyed your reviews of places to hike, especially my favorite valley, Zelve. It was useful to get your opinions on which trails and valleys are accessible by public transportation and/or could be navigated without an organized tour. I also think the restaurant and hotel reviews will be useful when I go back to Cappadocia, hopefully in 2013. Happy new year!