Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon
The best way to see this desert region of Turkey is in a hot air balloon. You’ve seen pictures of these before. Every list of must-see destinations or bucket list items includes a picture of Cappadocia hot air balloon rides.
We woke up before dawn, and it was frigid outside. A van picked us up and took us to Urgup Balloons where we were sorted into groups. We then boarded other vans and drove to the fields where they were setting up the balloons. Our group trudged through the snow and watched, excited but shivering, as they filled the balloon up. The fire shot into its mouth, and the balloon slowly grew and stood up.
Our group loaded the balloon by climbing into the basket. Twenty people including the pilot, slowly lifted into the air with the roar of fire above our heads. It was still dim out, but all across the valley violent bursts of orange-hued colors could be seen like a storm of fireflies. We glided higher and higher just as light slowly crept into the sky.
Our pilot took us near fairy chimneys with their pigeon holes, doors, and windows chiseled out of the rock. Then as the sun was about to show itself, we climbed higher and higher until the light poured over the horizon and spread across the snow-covered countryside. It lit the hoodoo rock formations and cast long shadows in vineyards.
Balloons danced all over the valley going up and down. The light flooded Goreme, struck Uchisar Castle, and filtered through the open-air museum. We could see for miles on this crisp, clear morning as we descended lightly into a plateau vineyard.
I’ve now been in hot air balloons twice, and I think they are fantastic! This adventure really lives up to the hype.
