An interesting morning...

It is frustrating when your tour guide makes huge generalizations and the less educated people on your tour -- who have a lot of say in terms of the preservation and conservation of the sites you are visiting -- listen to her. Aside from that, a great start to the day! 

A pile of shit. Literally. 

The villagers in Oguzlu prepare tezek (cow shit patties to burn during winter) around the 10th-century church and stack it against its walls. 

Four serious scholars taking photos of the church next to haystacks.

The church.

A gaggle. 

We came to another village with a 10th century monastery.

It is beautiful and in great shape -- the villagers have been using it as storage space.

But my favorite part was these adorable kids who use the church as their playground.