Ballooning over CappadociaA few of us chose to take a morning hot-air balloon ride. This is an option that Rick makes available on his tours. We left VERY early, at 5:00 a.m., to drive over to our balloon and to watch it being filled with air. 
Take off!!
"If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is good!" - Dr. Seuss We were on the ground and then...we were in the air! It happened so quickly I didn't know until I saw our shadow hovering in space. During the flight, while there were occasional bursts of sound from the flame to keep us aloft, what I remember most is the silence as we glided through the air.
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Our guide and pilot, Mustafa
The basket of our balloon carried all eleven of us and it was funny to see how awkwardly some of us got into it - I'm referring to myself, of course. The others did OK.
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Mustafa's little joke - we all think that we're headed for the side of this hill, but we'll pull up 'just in time.' Actually, Mustafa was an excellent pilot. Our balloon floated above Cappadocia's fairytale landscape, one sight more amazing than the next. My recommendation - If you want to take a hot-air balloon ride, this is the place to do it! Some of my favorite photos from the trip are in a slideshow below. |
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Mustafa also 'warned and prepared' us about a rough landing. Another joke! Instead, our landing was like setting down softly on a bed of cotton.
We are the champions!! Here we are celebrating our flight with champagne.
Hiking Among the Fairy Chimneys
These sisters, Wan and Wan Lin, became our good friends. They're adventurous travelers and could boast (they didn't) that this was their 10th Rick Steves' tour! During our trip, I found out that we'd all graduated from the same high school in Salt Lake City (NOT the same year, I was first-considerably). It was one of those small-world stories that can occur and a special treat for me. |
These strange formations are sometimes referred to as 'Fairy Chimneys'
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It was a surreal sight seeing tourists (and a camel!) walking among these tall 'chimneys'.
We had a little time left to visit the local outdoor market. While it was fascinating to amble along and people-watch, I was on a quest. Mert had told us about the Turkish woman's 'standard uniform', baggy pants with elastic waists, and I wanted a pair. I finally found the right place and had a hard time choosing which color to buy. They come in many patterns too.
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We even had a chance to fit in some wine tasting on our way back to the hotel. It was good wine and Fred and I needed to buy several bottles for a second tasting 'to be sure.'
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This a a good time to mention our intrepid bus driver, Rafi. He was the best sport! He'd joined us on our second day and had navigated us safely from place to place ever since. We covered a lot of territory on this trip and he was uncomplaining. Thanks so much, Rafi!!
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Exploring the Underground City This afternoon we visited one of Cappadocia's underground cities. Our local guide was Mustafa (this is a popular name in Turkey). This 'city' had been in existence for several thousand years. Mustafa explained that it had been a hiding place for early Christians. There was plenty of ventilation and I noticed that the air was fresh and cool; there was also fresh water available. Even with all these amenities, I wondered how I would fare living for months underground. It would be a challenge.
Narrow passages like this one connect the many rooms
It's dark, but you can see the floor below. There were at least 3 levels of living space in the city.
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Mert introducing our guide, Mustafa
Plenty of opportunities to shop afterwards. We contributed to this shop's sales for the day.
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Visit to a Pottery Factory
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On our tour, we saw artisans spending much time piecing together small mosaics or painting intricate designs on the pottery before being fired. It takes skill and patience.
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Lucky me! I got to give a demo of how someone without skill turns a pot. Fortunately, I was saved before it turned into a disaster! Oh, and to add to it all, everyone started singing 'Unchained Melody' while I was up to my elbows in mud.
I dedicate this bowl to the local potter who saved me!
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This is how it's really supposed to be done.
We didn't walk away from this place empty handed. These ceramics were irresistible!
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Dinner with a local family It had been a long day and it was nice to find out that we were having an informal dinner in the home of a local family. This family only opens their home 'by appointment', so Rick and his guides must have some influence. We were seated in a cozy dining room and while the parents prepared the meal, their children served. Our meal was totally vegetarian and delicious.
Terry, Melanie, and Larry - pretending to be innocent!
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The family's baby was VERY suspicious of Mert.
Harold and this little girl charmed one another.
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