Cappadocia is a jewel of a place. Because of millions of years of volcanic activity, earthquakes and erosion, the entire area is filled with tall, pointed rock formations (“fairy chimneys”) with a backdrop that constantly reminded me of a miniature Grand Canyon. The natural beauty isn’t anything I haven’t seen in the Western US, but I was mesmerized by the old houses, churches, and three-story monasteries carved directly into the rock. Fifteen hundred-year-old frescoes still retain their colors, the ancient gaze of Jesus, disciples and hell-bound “sinners” still fresh.