More Cappadocia

These are more photos from Cappadocia. The first is a castle with 16 levels. The next two are fresco paintings from the 11th-12th century, inside caves that were used as Churchs. The last two are from an underground city, which the first two levels date back nealy 4000 years from the Hittite period. Slowly, more and more levels were dug over the years until it now has 8 levels which reach up to 80 meters below ground level.

Cappadocia

I visited the area known as Cappadocia in southern central Turkey. It is located between two mountain ranges and three volcanoes, thus is has unique geography. In the first picture there are formations known as "Ferry Chimneys.” The rock is soft enough in the area to carve caves in easily, which people lived in until the middle 20^th century. The last picture is of the Church of St. Simon. I went with 16 other exchange students and we stayed in the city of Goreme. For more information on the area visit: http://www.hitit.co.uk/tosee/cappy/history.html

Basketball Match

This was a European League Basketball game a bunch of exchange students attended. The Turkish team Ulker vs. Madrid. The Turkish team lost 69-71, but it was a great game. The photos are of Luvean (D.C.) and Martinda (Holland) posing for the camera; and the second is of my friends Travis (Virginia) and Rayn (Hawaii). I am sitting between two Turkish students, Burak and Halil, with whom we have been playing futbol.

Beshiktash Futbol

I went to a futbol game with some of my Turkish friends. It is Turkey's professional league, we watched Beshiktash vs. Ankara. It was a good game, but ended in a tie 2-2. Turkey fans are crazy. Not too long ago, there was a suspension, because of fighting and rioting there were no Turkish fans allowed for Turkey's international team for six games. After this game I can see why, they never sit and chant all game. The entire crowd will boo the ref. for several minutes and throw things at the coachs, if needed.

Topkapi Palace

I toured the Palace of the Sulatans. It was built when Sultan Mehmed II conquored Istanbul in 1453. It served as the Sultan's palace until the middle 19th century. It has been a museum since 1923. The Palace sits on the North Eastern corner of the old city and over looks both the Bosphorus straits to the east and the Bay of the Golden Horn to the north.

Beautiful Campus

This is the path I take down to the main campus everyday.

The Superdorm

The front gate had been closed for construction since I arrived. They finally opened it this week. This is the front of my dorm, the futbol pitch and track.