The hamam

While in Cappadocia, all the grown-ups took advantage of the hamam, or Turkish bath.  This is an ancient sauna meets shower and massage experience, and it is awesome after a day of being dusty and hot.  No wonder the Ottomans perfected the art.

You start in a sauna (as if the desert outside weren't enough) to relax, then move to the hamam.

This beautiful marble room has a large running basin of water and an enormous low marble table, which is gently heated.  This is where you are washed, soaped, exfoliated and massaged.  (There are well-run public baths throughout Turkey, but the hotels tend to offer a more private, attentive experience.)

The hamam remains an active part of life in Turkey and locals often reserve a day in the week to go and enjoy the relaxing and social atmosphere of their neighborhood hamam.  Something to think about when we re-enter our American lifestyles....