My name is Madi and I am 9 years old. Our family went on an amazing eastern European holiday in 2007. Here are some of my highlights from Turkey.

Cappadocia, Turkey

14/05/07

We woke up in the train and had breakfast. All we saw from the window   were wheat fields. We then met our bus driver Arsim who gave each of us a little eye for protection from evil as we drove past huge mountains. Finally we got to Cappadocia and saw the amazing fairy chimneys. People have lived in them for centuries and some people still do. I tried to climb inside one but it was very difficult. We went to a great underground city built in 2000 B.C. It was freezing underground. There were 7 levels underground with large stone wheels to block the entrances from enemies. Underground there was also a winery, jail, cattle farm and heaps more.

15/05/07

Today we saw lots more fairy chimneys, some shaped like animals. We saw fabulous churches in caves and grape vines and farms. One farmer had crashed his horse and cart and blocked our walking track. We did some long and steep hikes in Red Valley and Pigeon Valley. Along one hike we had to climb some steep and scary steps in the side of a mountain.

16/05/07

At 4am we got up to go on the most peaceful and amazing hot air balloon ride. We had a very fun take off and landing. Our balloon pilot Lars was amazing as we went up and down valleys and went in between fairy chimneys. We actually touched trees with the balloon basket. It was good to fly over the same valleys we had walked in the day before. After the balloon flight we saw how the local Turkish people made their rugs. We finished with a beautiful walk and dinner in Goreme.

17/05/07

We left Cappadocia in the morning to go to Konya. So far the food was delicious and the people were friendly.

Travelscene Samford would like to thank Madi for this lovely travel article.  Stay tuned for two more on his travels in the upcoming editions.  Don’t forget that only Travelscene American Express lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.