Floating over Cappadocia

Alan floating over Cappadocia

In addition to all the hiking, I also took a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.  Alan had taken one with the students on their previous trip to the area so he stayed back with the kids and I went solo. Balloon rides are a very popular tourist activity here as it provides great views of the famous rock formations and (reportedly) exactly 100 ascend over Goreme each morning creating a fantastic site.  My ride was peaceful with only the whoosh of the balloon flame to interrupt my focus on the amazing views of rocks, vineyards and apricot fields below me at dawn.

One of many amazing views from the balloon

Me and the kids taking it all in

Beginning of the ascent as seen from our courtyard

Later view from courtyard

At Mary and Bryan's suggestion, we then woke up at 6:30 the next morning to pull on our jackets over our PJs and trudge out to our hotel courtyard for a ground view of the balloons' ascent.   It was certainly well worth the early wake up.  Countless brightly colored balloons rose up over the ridge RIGHT in front of our hotel.   Their slow, silent float up against the early sun and the fairy chimneys created quite a sight.  We sat there and watched them in the quiet of the morning for a long time.-Kelly

Obligatory Turkish flag balloon photo