Metéora

We had a speaker at school today who encouraged us to look for those things in the world that inspire us. Those pieces of art, and music and performances that move us to do better and to see the world differently. Those creations that make us "stand in awe at the achievements of mankind through the inspiration of God" (to quote the speaker). When he said this, I immediately thought of The Metéora, a group of six Eastern Orthodox Monasteries built on top of sandstone pillars in central Greece. If anything makes you stop and stare in amazement, it's these monasteries.
They were built to be inaccessible due to intense religious persecution, so much so, that new monks had to be pulled up in a net and using a pulley system! Now, the monasteries are accessible by road, and it's just a short hike up the paths carved into the sandstone.
These monasteries are still in use today and the monks are very conservative, so women are asked to wear long skirts (wrap-around, long skirts are provided to cover short skirts or pants) and have their shoulders covered, and shorts are not permitted.

Patmos

Sorry it's been so long. Finishing up college has been hectic and busy, and the breaks have been filled with naps and movies and staying in lazy clothes all day.
During our Mediterranean trip, we took a boat from Kusadasi to the island of Patmos and spent the day wandering the Monastery of St. John.
The Monastery of St. John is built around the cave where it is traditionally believed John the Beloved spent his time in exile. It is also the cave where John received his revelation now recorded in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. The cave itself was quite small and has been converted into a beautiful little chapel. Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to take photos inside the cave itself, so the only photos I have are of the entrance to the cave, and other parts of the monastery.
Patmos is absolutely gorgeous, with less people then most of the other Greek islands, but with the same clear, blue water, and beautiful architecture. The town offered a few cafés and restaurants, as well as some small shops. Many people on the island spoke English, but it wasn't too hard to communicate with hand signals either.
After wandering around for most of the day, we stopped to eat at Pantelis and got some gelato from a little cafe down the road. When we were done, it was back on the boat for the four hour trip back to Turkey. We saw a beautiful sunset and spotted some dolphins following us back.

Cappadocia, Pasabag Valley, and Zelve

Definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip. Cappadocia, Pasabag Valley, and Zelve are ancient cities built into rock formations in the center of Turkey. I loved exploring the network of tunnels and houses and churches and climbing all over the place.

The day we visited Cappadocia was the coldest day of the whole trip. Quite chilly.

There were a few churches that were absolutely amazing. My favorite was the Apple Church. We weren't allowed to take pictures, so I found this one online instead:

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk

After Cappadocia we went to one of the Underground Cities. This one went underground 16 stories! Only the first 8 were open though, probably a good thing since it was very easy to get lost. 

We also visited the shop of Chez Galip, a famous potter who looks exactly like Einstein. His craft was passed down through the generations and he is the first in his family to take on female apprentices. He also creates and sells glow-in-the-dark ceramics!

The next day we went to Pasabag Valley and Zelve. The difference between these two and Cappadocia is the "fairy chimney" rock formations. Pasabag Valley was very relaxed in letting us climb everything, the security at Zelve wasn't as lenient, but we had some good adventures anyway.

Pasabag Valley

Zelve:

Natural formation of a "mini-Zelve"

A few of the adventurous ones in the top left cave

We finished the day with some good food and looking out over Pigeon Valley.