17 Hidden Things to Do in Cappadocia That Locals Love (2025)

Cappadocia stands out from typical tourist spots. This Turkish region amazes visitors with over 30 underground cities that await exploration. Hot air balloon rides remain popular and can cost up to 250 Euros during peak season, but I’ve found countless hidden treasures beneath the surface.

The famous Göreme Open-Air Museum showcases stunning 10th-century frescoes, yet the region’s charm extends far beyond. Local secrets abound in every corner – from homes carved into fairy chimneys to the distinctive Love Valley and Pigeon Valley. My time here and connections with locals helped me find 17 authentic experiences that you won’t see in standard guidebooks.

Hidden Caravanserai Restaurant

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A visit to a restored caravanserai reveals Cappadocia’s rich trading heritage. These ancient roadside inns, known as “kervansaray” in Turkish, provided shelter to tired travelers along the Silk Road.

Caravanserai History

“Caravanserai” combines two words – “karvan” (caravan) and “saray” (palace). Built at intervals of one day’s camel journey, these structures featured strong protective walls and iron gates. The buildings covered 2,000 square meters and showcased beautiful entrance doors made from light brown, yellow, and pink cut stones.

Restaurant Specialties

The restaurant’s volcanic stone walls house authentic Anatolian cuisine. Notable specialties include:

• Traditional manti (Turkish ravioli)
• Bulgur çorbası (wheat soup)
• Fresh bread baked in tandir ovens

The dining area combines a warm fireplace for cold winter nights and open terraces for summer meals. Local women create fresh bread each day that adds authenticity to every meal.

Restaurant Location

This hidden gem lives in a beautifully restored stone house in Göreme’s historic district. The restaurant’s stunning views of the surrounding landscape make it perfect for both lunch and dinner. Its proximity to Pigeon Valley creates an ideal stop while visiting nearby attractions.

Local’s Cave Home Visit

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A visit to Cappadocia’s cave homes gives you a rare peek into its traditional living spaces. These amazing dwellings carved into soft tufa rock showcase a perfect blend of centuries-old architecture and modern comfort.

Cave Home Experience

The arched structures and carved rooms in these unique homes keep temperatures cool throughout the year. These modern cave dwellings now come with all the comforts you need:

• Air conditioning and central heating
• Private bathrooms with jacuzzi options
• Free Wi-Fi and television
• Fully equipped kitchens

The homes still preserve their historical architectural elements, and some even feature original tribal living spaces.

Cave Home Location

You’ll find most authentic cave homes in Göreme’s oldest district, just a short walk from the city center. The Ürgüp area has several beautifully preserved cave dwellings only 10 minutes away from the historic Nikolos Monastery. Their location makes it easy to visit popular spots like the Goreme Open Air Museum and Balkan Valley.

Cave Home Visit Booking

You need to plan ahead to book a cave home visit. Local families run guided tours that take two to three hours. These properties have multiple stairs, and tours aren’t right for kids under 12. The best way to experience authentic cave homes is to connect with local tour organizers who can set up visits to family-owned cave houses.

Secret Balloon Landing Site

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Love Valley holds one of Cappadocia’s most enchanting secrets – a hidden balloon landing site that gives spectacular views of descending hot air balloons, far from tourist crowds.

Landing Site Location

The landing zone sits in Love Valley, also called Honey Valley, between Göreme and Cavusin. Wind conditions change the site’s location daily. In spite of that, most balloons land in an area that runs parallel to the main road and stretches south toward Uchisar Castle.

Best Viewing Times

Balloon watching is best 30 minutes before sunrise. Balloons lift off from Rose Valley around 6:30 AM and drift with the wind until they touch down in Love Valley. The whole ordeal takes about two hours. Early arrival will give a chance to see both takeoff and landing sequences.

Photography Tips

Getting that perfect landing shot needs some preparation. Expert photographers suggest:

• Use a shutter speed of 1/400th second or faster to capture sharp images
• Keep the sun behind you to minimize balloon shadows
• Find reflective surfaces like lakes or rivers to add depth to your shots

The site buzzes with festive energy as balloons touch down. Crews serve refreshments to passengers while they pack up equipment. This special spot gives an intimate view of Cappadocia’s signature attraction.

Traditional Felt Making Workshop

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Turkish tradition treasures the ancient art of felt making, a craft that dates back to the fourth century B.C. This fascinating cultural experience in Cappadocia showcases the region’s textile heritage beautifully.

Felt Making Process

The craft starts with summer sheep shearing, where artisans sort wool by color and quality. The wool goes through careful washing and drying. Craftsmen then comb the fibers into flat bundles using two main techniques – ‘wet felting’ and ‘needle felting’. The wet felting process spreads wool tufts on a surface and moistens them with warm water and olive oil soap. The layer then gets wrapped and heated before the final rinse and dry.

Workshop Location

A traditional setting in Sultanahmet hosts the workshop, reflecting the craft’s historical roots. The space has specific areas dedicated to each felt-making stage, from preparing wool to shaping the final product.

Workshop Pricing

A two-hour workshop session has:

• Complete felt-making instruction in English or Turkish
• All required materials and tools
• Personal protective equipment (aprons and gloves)
• Refreshments including Turkish tea and water
• One finished piece of artwork to take home

Each person pays approximately 155 Euros for this experience. Participants create items like hats, bags, shoes, or scarves with expert guidance. This workshop helps preserve a declining tradition and gives visitors a chance to learn from the few remaining felt makers in Turkey’s provinces like Afyon, Sanliurfa, and Konya.

Hidden Valley Horseback Trail

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Cappadocia, the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” welcomes riders to explore its mystical valleys and rugged terrain on horseback. The adventure promises unforgettable experiences through extraordinary landscapes.

Trail Route Details

The riding trail covers 120 kilometers around Cappadocia’s geological wonders. Riders begin their journey at the ranch between Ortahisar and Ürgüp. The path winds through spectacular landscapes with lush canyons, high plateaus, and vineyards. Each day brings new adventures across 35 kilometers as riders travel from the southern peasant regions toward the northern valleys.

Horse Riding Experience

Arab and cross-Arab horses at the stable stand about 1.50 meters tall and excel at navigating winding paths. These horses have proven their worth in national endurance races. Riders spend 5-6 hours in the saddle each day, except Wednesdays when rides last 3.5 hours. The journey features technical canters that can stretch up to 15 minutes.

Trail Booking Information

The weight limit for riders is 85kg – no exceptions. Riders must meet these requirements:

• Know how to mount and dismount without help
• Feel confident leading horses on rough terrain
• Be fit enough for long-distance riding

The ranch provides McClellan light trailing saddles with two saddlebags for picnic supplies and personal items. Riders who find the trails challenging can choose walking or minibus tours at extra cost. Book your adventure at least 24 hours before your planned ride date – spots fill up quickly.

Local Olive Grove Tours

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Turkey’s olive heritage goes back to ancient times. Visitors can experience traditional cultivation methods in Cappadocia’s fertile valleys.

Olive Grove History

Olive cultivation in Turkey started in the 6th century BCE. The oldest mill from this era still exists. Turkey stands fourth globally in olive tree volume and sixth in production area. The region’s olive trees are culturally significant and can live up to 2,000 years.

Tour Experience

Local olive grove tours show you traditional harvesting methods that families have passed down for generations. These tours run from November through January and include:

• Community harvest participation
• Traditional oil pressing demonstrations
• Salamura olive pickling workshops
• Başak tradition observation

You can watch time-honored practices where men climb ladders to shake olives onto nets while women gather them in sacks. The traditional mule-powered stone mills show you how people pressed olives throughout history.

Tour Booking

Tours run mainly in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. You can join the harvest season’s festive atmosphere with traditional plays, dances, and community feasts. The tours include the başak tradition where locals donate treetop olives to community members who need them. Book your tour early since harvest activities depend on weather conditions and local festivals.

Secret Rooftop Tea Garden

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A charming rooftop tea garden sits tucked away in Cappadocia’s winding streets, away from the bustling tourist paths.

Tea Garden Atmosphere

The garden creates a peaceful sanctuary with more than 15 varieties of fruit trees. Beautiful colors burst from sage, linden, and honeysuckle plants among aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and mint. The garden stands out with its collection of over 120 Japanese Sakura trees that showcase pink blossoms and a breathtaking wisteria tunnel.

Tea Garden Menu

You’ll find these garden specialties:

• Fresh fruit juices from garden-grown apples, pears, and pomegranates
• Traditional apple tea and Turkish coffee
• Dried fruits and local snacks

Tea Garden Location

This hidden gem sits between Uchisar and Göreme, about one-third through Pigeon Valley. A handwritten sign marks the entrance to this garden where comfortable benches with soft cushions rest under shady trees. Most visitors find this spot during their valley hikes, and it serves as a perfect rest stop. The garden welcomes guests daily with amazing views of the surrounding area, and you might catch sight of hot air balloons floating by.

Hassan, the garden’s owner and a Cappadocia local, has managed to keep this peaceful retreat running for over five years. His warm hospitality combined with reasonable prices – apple tea and snacks cost just 4 lira – makes this spot extra special.

Hidden Archeological Site

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A local farmer found that there was Sobesos while plowing his fields near the village of Sahinefendi. This remarkable Roman archeological site stands alone in central Turkey and gives us fascinating glimpses into ancient life.

Site History

Sobesos is proof of Roman engineering and architectural excellence since modern development hasn’t touched it much. University students work on careful excavations as archeologists keep finding new sections of the site. The site’s well-preserved structures show us daily Roman life, unlike the famous underground cities in the region.

Site Location

You’ll find Sobesos down a quiet dirt track in Sahinefendi village, away from the usual tourist paths. The site stays authentic thanks to its remote location. This makes it quite different from popular spots like Derinkuyu underground city that goes 85 meters below ground.

Visiting Information

The site welcomes visitors year-round and is a chance to experience Cappadocia’s Roman heritage. Here’s what you need to know:

• Entry is free but donations help fund ongoing excavations
• A typical visit takes 15-20 minutes
• Staff are only present during excavation work
• The site has no simple facilities

New discoveries happen all the time as archeological research continues. Each visit might show you something different. This hidden gem lets you experience central Turkey’s Roman past away from tourist crowds.

Local Ceramic Painting Class

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Master potters in Avanos still use techniques that date back 4,500 years to the Hittite Empire. The Cappadocia Pottery Workshop is a chance to learn this ancient craft firsthand.

Ceramic Class Experience

The class starts with expert potters showing traditional techniques that generations have passed down. You’ll learn to shape clay on the wheel under their expert guidance. These methods haven’t changed since the Hittite era, which first made the region famous for its exceptional pottery.

Class Location

You’ll find the workshop at Kybele Boutique Ceramic on Sanayi Street in Avanos. This traditional facility blends modern amenities with authentic charm through its indoor and outdoor spaces. The workshop’s mystical atmosphere takes you back in time as you watch ancient crafting techniques come alive.

Class Pricing

The experience costs 11.19 USD per person and gives you:

• A 90-minute guided session
• Turkish tea or coffee on the house
• Your own handmade mud pot to take home
• Option to fire your creation in a kiln (shipping costs extra)

People of all ages can join this creative activity, which makes it perfect for families. You can cancel up to 24 hours before your scheduled class. Traditional refreshments add to the authentic atmosphere while expert potters help you create your unique pieces.

Secret Sunset Wine Tasting

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Ancient winemaking traditions blend with modern tastes in Cappadocia’s volcanic landscape, hidden within its cave wineries.

Wine Tasting Location

The Red Valley welcomes visitors for sunset wine tastings. A cave winery carved into tuff rock hosts these tastings, and wines age in underground caves instead of traditional cellars. The rocks’ reddish color gave the valley its name, creating a magical setting for wine lovers.

Wine Selection

The region’s volcanic soil and climate give its wines their distinct character. Turkish wine production here accounts for 12% of the country’s total. The wines come from both local and international grape varieties:

• Native varieties: Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Narince, Kalecik Karası, and Emir
• Western varieties: Chardonnay, Malbec, and Tempranillo

Tasting Experience

Wine tasting starts an hour before sunset. Guests can sample 3-4 different Cappadocia wines in the winery’s cave section while enjoying panoramic views. The experience goes beyond standard tastings and includes Turkish side dishes and local cheeses. A bottle of your favorite wine ends the evening as the sunset bathes the valley in warm colors.

Knowledgeable guides help visitors learn about local wine production methods. You can explore the wine-making facilities and buy bottles from the winery shop afterward. The mix of excellent wines and breathtaking sunsets creates a memorable experience for all senses.

Hidden Rock Church Frescoes

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The Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church) stands as one of Cappadocia’s most sacred treasures, housing extraordinary Byzantine frescoes that have survived nearly a millennium.

Fresco History

These masterpieces from the 11th century display New Testament scenes painted on the church’s walls. The frescoes lay hidden beneath layers of pigeon droppings until the 1950s. The paintings emerged as Cappadocia’s finest examples of Byzantine art after 14 years of careful restoration work. The church’s rich pigments stayed preserved thanks to limited light exposure through a small oculus.

Church Location

The Dark Church sits within the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church’s structure features a distinctive dome with one main apse, two small apses, and four columns. The narthex section shows damage that affects the fresco of Christ’s Ascension.

Viewing Tips

The ancient artworks need protection, so photography with flash is not allowed because ultraviolet rays damage the pigments. The best preserved scenes include:

• The Nativity
• Adoration of the Magi
• The Last Supper
• The Crucifixion

Visitors should bring a flashlight to see the church’s darker sections. The entrance costs extra beyond the museum ticket, but the frescoes’ extraordinary preservation makes the visit worth every penny.

Local Basket Weaving Workshop

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Skilled artisans in Cappadocia’s small villages have kept the intricate art of weaving alive through masterpieces that tell stories of ancient traditions. This craft has thrived in the region for more than 8,000 years.

Weaving Techniques

The weaving process starts with traditional kilim rug creation, where artisans blend time-tested methods with contemporary designs. The cooperative’s expert weavers use techniques that have passed through multiple generations. They create traditional kilim rugs with modern elements, which helps this ancient craft evolve while preserving its cultural heritage.

Workshop Location

The workshop grew from a small weaving village in Cappadocia. Ahmet, whose family has deep roots in the craft, started it by hiring his mother and grandmother to dye, spin, and weave the rugs. His family-run cooperative has grown into a hub that preserves and teaches traditional weaving methods.

Workshop Booking

Visitors can learn directly from experienced weavers through hands-on sessions. Each workshop includes:

• Dyeing techniques demonstration
• Spinning wool instruction
• Simple weaving fundamentals
• Pattern creation guidance

The cooperative teaches this artform to new generations and makes it available to visitors who want authentic cultural experiences. Early bookings help ensure one-on-one attention from expert weavers who share their knowledge in both Turkish and English.

Secret Cave Concert Venue

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Music echoes through centuries-old chambers in Cappadocia’s ancient rock formations, where natural cave venues create extraordinary concert spaces.

Venue Acoustics

The Vadi venue in Uçhisar has thousands of caves carved into huge rock formations. These natural cave structures magnify sound with their unique architectural features. The rock walls’ cool, earthy tones create an intimate setting where musical notes strike a chord deeply.

Concert Schedule

Shows start at 20:15 with welcome drinks. The venues host events of all types:

• Turkish music and dance shows
• Whirling Dervish ceremonies
• Cultural performances with dinner

Shows run for three hours, and the main performances kick off at 21:30. The Saruhan Culture and Event Center, a 13th-century caravanserai, hosts magnificent ceremonies.

Venue Location

Concert spaces dot multiple locations, including The Zion that sits in a narrow canyon where tall rock formations create a cave-like atmosphere. The IO valley wraps around ancient caves from the 4th century, while The Yunak Evleri is a chance to enjoy a rooftop venue. The Karakus, a huge ancient cave, has become the go-to spot for after-parties that can hold up to 1,200 people.

Hidden Spice Market

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Away from the tourist crowds, Cappadocia’s local markets reveal the authentic heart of Turkish culinary traditions.

Market Specialties

The markets showcase fresh spices, dried fruits, and traditional delicacies. The region’s status as Turkey’s pumpkin seed capital makes these seeds a standout product. The markets feature local specialties that include:

• Fresh, organic produce
• Traditional spices at quarter of European prices
• Sun-dried apricots and raisins
• Local honey varieties
• Chestnuts and dried fruits

Market Location

Each town in Cappadocia has its own market day:

• Ürgüp: Saturdays
• Nevşehir: Sundays and Mondays
• Göreme: Wednesdays
• Avanos: Fridays

Shopping Tips

Local experts suggest you check spices for freshness and potency. Watch where locals shop – a busy stall often means quality products. Markets take cash only, so keep Turkish Lira handy.

Bargaining is part of the experience and makes shopping fun and budget-friendly. These vibrant bazaars ended up being perfect spots to find souvenirs, from traditional spices to local treats like pestil (fruit leather) and Turkish delight.

Local Farming Experience

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The fairy chimneys and ancient valleys of Cappadocia are home to traditional farms that have preserved their agricultural practices through four centuries of family heritage.

Farm Activities

Kings Valley farm gives you a hands-on experience of traditional Anatolian farming. Visitors can:

• Pick organic fruits and vegetables
• Learn traditional farming methods
• Collect fresh eggs from farm chickens and ducks
• Taste homemade jams and local honey

Farm Location

A unique tractor-wagon ride above Göreme takes you to this peaceful farm nestled in a stone wilderness. Hand-carved steps lead down to the Yavuz family’s organic farm. The spot gives you breathtaking views of magical valleys and fairy chimneys all around.

Experience Booking

The farm welcomes visitors from April through November, with daily tours starting at 8:30 AM. Your day begins with a traditional Anatolian breakfast that has organic produce, fresh eggs, and homemade preserves. This farm-to-table experience lets you dive into local life and taste dishes made with traditional recipes and genuine care. You should book through local hotels or tour operators ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Secret Photography Workshop

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Professional photographers in Cappadocia run intimate workshops to share their expertise. They reveal hidden spots and techniques that capture the region’s mystical landscapes.

Workshop Content

Expert guides lead sessions that focus on landscape and cultural photography. The workshops teach you everything in capturing Cappadocia’s unique geological formations and traditional life. You’ll get complete guidance on camera settings, composition, and lighting techniques for both sunrise and sunset shoots.

Location Scouting

The workshops start with an exploration trip in jeeps or SUVs to find unique locations. The Red Valley gives you spectacular photography opportunities, especially during golden hour. Guides help photographers find the best shooting positions and explain light patterns throughout the day. The workshops have night photography sessions where you learn special techniques to capture star-filled skies.

Workshop Pricing

A standard workshop package has:

• Expert photo guides and transportation
• Image review and post-processing sessions
• Complete set of filters to experiment with
• Water, coffee, and refreshments throughout

Workshop prices start at 250 EUR for individual sessions. Special services like dress rentals (50 EUR) and drone footage (200 EUR) can improve the experience. You ended up having options for classical car arrangements (150 EUR) to create unique shooting opportunities.

Traditional Dance Performance

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Visitors step into a magical world of Turkish culture at this dimly lit cave restaurant that showcases mesmerizing dance performances.

Performance Style

The evening begins with whirling dervishes who perform their spiritual Sufi dance and spin in meditation for up to fifteen minutes. Folk dancers wear traditional costumes to bring wedding ceremonies and regional dances to life. The show reaches its peak when belly dancers display their athletic moves with finger cymbals, known as zils.

Venue Information

Stadium-style seating gives every guest a perfect view as tables rise higher toward the back of the venue. These authentic cave restaurants create an intimate setting for the performances. A live band dressed in traditional costumes fills the space with music throughout each show.

Booking Details

The shows start at 20:00 in winter and 20:30 in summer and run for about three hours. Your experience has:

• Traditional wedding meal of lamb with rice
• Unlimited soft and alcoholic beverages
• Hotel pickup and drop-off services
• Live music throughout the evening

Each guest pays 40 Euros for this detailed entertainment package. The show welcomes mostly tourists and gives them a great introduction to Turkish dance traditions. You should book through local hotels or tour operators to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Comparison Table

Activity	Location	Price	Duration	Key Features	Booking Requirements
Hidden Caravanserai Restaurant	Historic district of Göreme	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	– Traditional manti & bulgur çorbasın- Fresh bread from tandir ovensn- Fireplace during winter	Not mentioned
Local’s Cave Home Visit	Göreme’s oldest district	Not mentioned	2-3 hours	– Modern amenities in historic settingsn- Original tribal living spacesn- Air conditioning & heating	– Advance booking requiredn- Children under 12 not permitted
Secret Balloon Landing Site	Love Valley (between Göreme and Cavusin)	Not mentioned	~2 hours	– Best views 30 mins before sunrisen- Takeoff around 6:30 AMn- Festive landing atmosphere	Not mentioned
Traditional Felt Making Workshop	Sultanahmet	155 EUR/person	2 hours	– Complete felt-making guidancen- Materials & tools providedn- Take-home artwork	Not mentioned
Hidden Valley Horseback Trail	Between Ortahisar and Ürgüp	Not mentioned	5-6 hours daily	– 120km trail routen- Arab & cross-Arab horsesn- Technical canters	– Weight limit: 85kgn- Book 24 hours ahead
Local Olive Grove Tours	Aegean & Mediterranean regions	Not mentioned	Seasonal (Nov-Jan)	– Traditional harvest demonstrationsn- Oil pressing exhibitsn- Community harvest experience	Book in advance
Secret Rooftop Tea Garden	Between Uchisar and Göreme	4 lira (tea & snacks)	Daily	– 15+ fruit tree typesn- Garden-fresh juicesn- Panoramic views	Not mentioned
Secret Sunset Wine Tasting	Red Valley	Not mentioned	~2-3 hours	– Cave winery ambiancen- 3-4 wine selectionsn- Turkish side dishes served	Not mentioned
Local Ceramic Painting Class	Avanos (Kybele Boutique Ceramic)	11.19 USD/person	90 minutes	– Traditional pottery methodsn- Take-home mud potn- Refreshments included	Cancel 24 hours before
Traditional Dance Performance	Cave restaurant venue	40 EUR/person	3 hours	– Whirling dervishesn- Folk dancesn- Live musicn- Dinner served	Book in advance

Conclusion

Cappadocia has so much more to offer than its famous hot air balloon rides and open-air museums. I found seventeen authentic experiences that show off the region’s rich cultural heritage – from ancient cave homes to secret rooftop gardens.

The region’s soul lives in its local artisans, farmers, and families who keep age-old traditions alive. You can join hands-on workshops and intimate gatherings to learn traditional felt making, ceramic painting, and basket weaving. The region also hides special places like a secret balloon landing site and underground archeological wonders where you can experience Cappadocia’s magic away from the crowds.

These hidden experiences might need extra effort to find, but they create lasting memories through real connections with local culture. The region’s true spirit lives in these quiet corners where ancient traditions combine smoothly with daily life.

My trip through Cappadocia showed me that authentic experiences are often right in front of us. Secret tea gardens, underground wine tastings, and intimate cave concerts wait for travelers ready to step away from guidebooks and welcome this remarkable region’s unexpected magic.