As a result of the eruptions of three volcanic mountains some 10 million years ago, Cappadocia is home to some of the oddest geological formations to be found anywhere. The mix of lava, mud, and ash produced a substance called tufa, a soft, porous rock easily affected by erosion. After the Ottoman conquest of Turkey, many Christian families lived in caves dug through the tufa for protection against the Ottomans. Today, only about 40 families have license to dwell in these caves. On my tour, we visited one of the families. I also took a balloon ride which was a wonderful way to view the formations.