Cappadocian Balloon Ride
Wendy and I are in the Cappadocian region of central Turkey. The landscape here is quite amazing: it's filled with fairy chimneys, lava flows, caves, and ancient underground cities.
To better explore it, we took a hot air balloon ride this morning. (This was our second balloon trip: the first was 20 years ago in the Masai Mara in Kenya).
We lifted off right after sunrise. Here, a sister balloon rises with us. If you've ever flown in a balloon, then you know just how quiet and peaceful it is.
Thirty other balloons flew with us this morning -- and they each caught a different set of wind currents.
Flying past ancient caves.
Going over a village. An early rising farmer waves to us.
Flying over some gorgeous land features.
Looking down on pinnacles and chimneys.
Wendy and I are back on the ground after our hour-long flight. It was a great way to start the day, and a wonderful way to explore Cappadocia.
Pretty amazing, Roger -- I've heard it's a beautiful area -- Is it at all politically "tense" being an American in an area so close to Iraq, Syria, and Georgia? Or do you just say you're Canadian?
:-)
Posted by: Brett Slater | 17 September 2008 at 03:53 AM
Brtt: Yes, it is a beautiful area. FYI: Turkey and the US are allies (both members of NATO). Syria is maybe 500 miles away. Not tense at all. I always travel as a fun-loving American, because that's what I am. The Turks are quite friendly!
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 17 September 2008 at 05:49 AM
Hi Roger,
it's a great pleasure for me to hear that you visited my country.. If i knew that you were coming, i would have tried to host you as far as i could..Anyways, if you're still in Cappadocia take my little humble advice and taste some Turasan wine in Urgup..
Best regards,
Evren Ustundag
Posted by: Evren Ustundag | 18 September 2008 at 02:58 AM
Evren: Thanks for the kind offer. Turkey is a beautiful country indeed.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 18 September 2008 at 08:08 PM
Roger, you and Wendy have had a very awesome experience. These photos are breathtaking. I'm glad I stopped by to see what you are up to.
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | 23 September 2008 at 07:10 PM
Online Book cappadocia hot air balloon flights
http://www.balloontourscappadocia.com
Posted by: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tours&flights Turkey | 01 October 2008 at 04:59 PM
wonderful place.Beautiful shots.You had a wonderful experience with you.Thanks for sharing.Look forward to reading more on you blog.
Posted by: hot air balloon rides | 21 November 2008 at 10:53 PM