Balloons, Konya & more

September 29

An early rise for the balloon ride. Great experience to see the landscape from that perspective, and to see the extent of settlement in the rocks. Larry, who ordinarily does not like heights, enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Larry, intrepid

Dore Stein

Peppers drying

Goreme Valley

vineyards

"Love Valley"

Larry on terra firma

Konya: a visit to the Tomb of Rumi's teacher Shemsi Tabrezi, on Hilary's recommendation. A small modest mosque, with some at prayer, and others viewing the tomb. Outside, a quiet shady park, with people sitting on the grass. Larry, Cecile, and I ate at a local pide restaurant, with lots of "lost in translation", and terrific results. Then on to the Mevlana Museum, site of Rumi's tomb, a place of pilgrimage for thousands. Extremely crowded, and while there were some beautiful things to see, the power of the place is the meaning it has for those who believe.

Shemsi Tabrezi Camii

Outside Shemsi Tabrezi Camii

Mevlana Museum, the fluted turquoise spire

Long ride to Afyon, a modern industrial city, center of legal opium production. Prosperous. Of note is the Seljuk minaret and the stone hamam, and this high school, whose proportions seemed perfect. I was unable to communicate with the man who came to the door, to find out when it was built (further research indicates 19th century). Not much English spoken in Afyon.

Larry and the hamam

Imaret Camii Seljuk minaret in Afyon

Afyon Lisesi

Lisesi entrance