Jenia Ustinova

  • 28 August 2014 – Ankara, Turkey

    28 August 2014 – Ankara, Turkey

    Arrival in Ankara after (another) torturous bus ride. Turkey is really big! and buses take forever. But then again — they are cheap and convenient.

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  • 27 August 2014 – Ihlara Valley, Turkey

    27 August 2014 – Ihlara Valley, Turkey

    A day hike out to the Ihlara Valley, which is considered to be a remote and unique area of Cappadocia. We didn’t think it was the best attraction – particularly taking into the account the expense and the time it takes to get to the valley, but we still enjoyed it. Take a look at the…

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  • 26 August 2014 – Goreme, Turkey

    26 August 2014 – Goreme, Turkey

    Exploring cave churches in the Zelve Open Air Museum — this one is a bit off the beaten path in Cappadocia, but actually turned out to be a pretty neat and extensive site. Lots of climbing, lots of fascinating dwellings — definitely recommend.

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  • 25 August 2014 – Goreme, Turkey

    25 August 2014 – Goreme, Turkey

    Enjoying our first day in Cappadocia with a 360 panorama of the magical landscape from the Uchisar Castle. Its possible to visit a few of the “rooms” in the castle — which aren’t much more than hollowed out caves. But still – its kind of fascinating ot imagine people carving these, and then living here!

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  • 24 August 2014 – En route to Goreme, Turkey

    24 August 2014 – En route to Goreme, Turkey

    Taking a 10 hour bus, right in the middle of the day from Egirdir to Goreme — on our way to check out the famous Cappadocia region of Turkey.

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  • 23 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    23 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    Just another day, just another Egirdir  hike– absolutely stunning views of the Peninsula. We were staying about midway to the tip. )

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  • 22 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    22 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    Sagalassos was amazing – a remote archeological site not accessed by any convenient forms of public transport (or tour buses!) is stunning. There are hardly any visitors, so we had the ancient “first city of Pisidia” (aka regional Roman capital) almost entirely to ourselves. Along with the restored fountain the massive site contains temples, theater,…

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  • 21 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    21 August 2014 – Egirdir, Turkey

    Hanging out on lake Egirdir — this beach is right outside of Charly’s pension where we stayed. A wonderful retreat it was )

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  • 20 August 2014 – Pamukkale, Turkey

    20 August 2014 – Pamukkale, Turkey

    A sunrise visit to the travertines of Pamukkle, Turkey – totally outside of visiting hours. We couldn’t help ourselves — we wanted to appreciate the magical beauty of this natural wonder without all the people. Pamukkle literary means ‘white castle’ and is a wonderful area to play around in )

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  • 19 August 2014 – Pamukkale, Turkey

    19 August 2014 – Pamukkale, Turkey

    Off to Pamukkale, checking out an RV park, water slides, and tourist trap of restaurants in this tiny village profiting off the travertines.

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  • 18 August 2014 – Istanbul, Turkey

    18 August 2014 – Istanbul, Turkey

    Introducing the most amazing view cafe near Süleymaniye Mosque – it’s called Aga Kapisi, with exact address on nazir izzet efendi sok 11. Spectacular views overlooking the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge from the three terraces, and no other tourists in sight! Interesting drink selection too.

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  • 17 August 2014 – Istanbul, Turkey

    17 August 2014 – Istanbul, Turkey

    Istanbul’s best hidden gem tourist attraction — the Rumeli Fortress. Rumeli features ample opportunities to climb, to stroll in the shade, to picnic, and best of all magnificent views of the Bosphorous — all of this with almost no other tourists. This being the height of tourist season – is nothing short of a miracle. Three…

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