This morning we had an early knock on the door. Due to the snow and sleet, we went to bed early, but at 6:10, there was an incredible sunrise! We quickly dressed and headed down to try to catch a bit of this lucky surprise.
We then returned back to our room and got ready for breakfast. We were invited to the house that the couple turned into a bread and breakfast and had a lovely breakfast sitting on the floor, traditional style.
One note as to why the former girl's school is now a hotel: secular schools are outlawed in Turkey - the US should be so enlightened! In Turkey they believe young children should not be forced into religion, but should decide when they enter high shool what religion to follow - if any at all.
After breakfast, we visited one of the oldest Christian Churches. It was used around 300 AD and is carved into the solid rock. A good deal of it is still intact, although the Church took a bit of climbing on my part to reach. I should mention that Guzelyurt is around 7000 - 8000 feet in elevation.
Before we left, Meli took us to a neighboring village which is one of the poorest in Anatolya. She had helped some families there and when her friend saw her, she insisted we come in for tea and lunch - what a wonderful treat! The woman had returned to school and had taught herself to read. The people here are truely amazing and have to be the warmest, friendliest people we have ever met. We have met so many people here as strangers and departed as warm friends.
Meli also explained the women's head scarves to us. They aren't worn for religious reasons, but rather are part of the traditional dress. The scarves are actually worn differently in different parts of the country and are dependent upon the traditional backgrounds of the women.
Meli had one more surprise in store for us - she took us near another small village and behind an old caravan stop, there was a huge sink hole filled wih water and two sheep herders on the opposite side. Well, the herders brought the sheep over to us and had to come up and shake our hand and say hello! As I mentioned before, the people here are incredibly friendly!
Tomorrow is another long driving day! We are currently in Konya!