Trifter

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Cappadocia (Kapadokya in Turkish) is a region of exceptional natural wonders, none more so than the giant monuments left by Mother Nature in Love Valley.  Situated in the very heart of modern day Turkey this natural wonder sits on a high plateau over a thousand meters in altitude.  Rainfall is sparse in this area and the place has hot dry summers and bitterly cold snowy winters.   There is little rainfall and so the region is generally arid.  In this environment these huge phallic natural structures seems like some sort of ancient homage to male fertility.  However, they are far from man-made despite the resemblance to manhood.

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The closest human habitation is the small town of Göreme.  Although you might expect hordes of tourists visiting such a place this is not the case.  The Turkish are gregarious but modest people – you do not get group outings to Love Valley to see the ‘willy shaped’ rocks as you might had they occurred in any number of other countries.  As such the town is small and friendly with little commercialisation as such.  What you will find there, however, is a very genuine and relaxed atmosphere and  a warm welcome.  Although it is unlikely that you will get lost it is considered the right thing to hire a local guide when you head out to see the local geological features.

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If you want to see a unique geological site, then this is certainly it – no run of the mill vague shapes here.  These structures mean business.  And they weren’t made by Mother Nature having a funny five minutes – these strange pinnacles are in fact eroded volcanic ash.  You need to be pretty healthy to take all of this is as generally people will go for hikes around the valley rather than driving.  If you are really not inclined to healthy walking then you are able – at some expense – to hire a hot air balloon and see the whole site from the skies.