But still, waking up at 4 AM to bundle up and climb into an old van with a bunch of strangers – sans caffeine! – was not my idea of a good time.
After a 20-minute drive, our driver announced that we had arrived, and everyone was to get out. We stumbled out to darkness, sand and shrubs. The group was muttering in confusion, our breathe steaming in the cold. And then…. we heard it.
We heard a hissing sound, a POOF, and a flame lit up the valley. Huge colorful mounds of fabric dotted the ground all around us. Dozens of deflated hot air balloons were preparing for flight. One by one, the balloons began to take shape and the scenery was lit by the glow from the flames lighting up each balloon.
I will admit that I am not the most graceful person in the world, and it took a little push to get me up and over the edge of the now upright basket. Old joints complained, but I wasn’t the only one who needed help. A few people were physically lifted in and the crew for our balloon were obviously experts at it. I managed to score a spot at the edge, camera in hand, now wide awake with excitement. I was actually in a hot air balloon, in Cappadocia Türkiye – one more thing to scratch off that list. Let me tell you, it was worth that decade long wait.
That morning I experienced one of the most visually beautiful hours of my life as the sun rose over the fairy chimneys that dot this stunning part of Türkiye. We landed to a glass of wine …. that was after I had to be rescued while trying to get out of the basket. I really need to get into yoga ….
There are several companies offering excursions in the town of Goreme, located in the Cappadocia region. Prices for balloon rides can vary, so take the time to walk around and talk to vendors – and check out TripAdvisor’s site.