Uchisar, Goreme & Pigeon Poop

Uchisar Castle and Wine Tasting

06/08/2025

Most of the villages seem to have an old part which is cave. They sort of tumble down the hills.

We walked into Uchisar and up its rock castle, inside initially, then around the outside. Apparently too much rockfall to complete the whole ascent inside. A mere 275 steps. The castle is 1350 above sea level. Scarfell is 978 and Ben Nevis 5m lower.

We pottered and dozed the afternoon away. At 5 pm we tripped over to the wine tasting. Very excited to learn something of Turkish viniculture. But the chap was either tired or uninterested. Couldn’t get him to expand on what I’d read. When I jokingly suggested that Turkey is the 6th largest wine producer, but 38th exporter, and suggested that there must be a number of Turks who like their wine, he was very quick to explain that Turkey is a free country. Oh dear!Tasting was 2 red, 1 white and 1 rosé. Of course, we liked the more expensive at nearly £20 a bottle. So not much purchased. But at least the tasting was free, if miniscule portions … not really a 2nd sip even! So we were back a Jez much earlier than expected. And still thirsty 😆, so our own Greek box wine came out.

A few Turks came to picnic at our viewpoint and there was a little road noise during the night. Fabulous and unexpected to see the valley below light up. Special.

Pigeon Poop

07/08

We watched the balloon ascent first thing, but facing into the sun, so not brilliant pix. Had not anticipated so many balloons.

*Having done a balloon ride before and looking at the cost, we will admire from afar. J wouldn’t go up anyway*

We were up and at ‘em to walk before it got too hot. In the event, if did get too hot. We had decided to walk further on to Goreme village for coffee and cake. This slowed us up so a very slow sweaty walk back up! J has been quite poorly since … both ends. Think the heat and effort has done for him. Or God forbid the cake!

The walk itself was lovely. So many interesting (and some phallic) shapes. We both resorted to our bottoms to get down one part and were delighted to see dusty bums on all the fitties that overtook us.

*The caps are made from much harder volcanic rock*

We could just make out some of the pigeon caves. Many had large doors and then pigeon sized holes. Pigeons were kept for their eggs and mostly for the manure they make.