Hot Air Balloons over Fairy Chimneys, Days 129-131, Kapadokya, Turkey

Sunrise in Kapadokya, Turkey - October 21, 2014 - Day 131

For our last two days here in Cappadocia, Kapadokya (Goreme National Park) near Kayseri, it has been cloudy and rainy, and the balloons have been grounded for four days.  Today, day 131, October 21, the sky and wind conditions were perfect.  The dawn sky was filled with a backlog of waiting tourists and balloons.  What a fabulous experience.  We can check this one of the bucket list, but I think we will have to do this again.  We were talking to a couple who did a balloon safari in Africa and could view the animals from a balloon.  That sounds fun too....sometime in the future.

For now we are staying in a cave.  Yes, it is a cave hotel.

On day 129 we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Open Air Museum to view the churches and convent built in the cliffs and caves. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia.  The ancient volcanic eruption, compressed pumice, limestone layers, upheaval, and erosion creates these pointy little mounds called Fairy Chimneys.

 Christians fleeing from persecution in the 2nd century migrated here and carved out lives for themselves....literally.  There are underground cities and over 2,000 churches in the area carved into the Fairy Chimneys and cliff sides.

Table and benches carved out of stone inside the cave

Cappadocia is unique among places on Earth.  

On day 130 we hiked in valleys, up mountains, and wandered through Red Valley

and Rose Valley.

The geography and topography are beautiful.  In someways, the area reminds us of Dunhuang in China at the Mogao Caves that we visited earlier this summer...http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogao_Caves The frescos here are not as well preserved, but the idea of creating religious chapels and grottos carved out the earth is the same.  It's very interesting.

And of course this morning was outstanding.  I have to say it was much more fun to fly over than to hike over. We were up at 4:30, picked up by 5:30, lift off about 6:30.  It was fun watching the balloons get fired up and lifting out of the darkness like lanterns.

ZERO DARK HUNDRED

Our pilot Durmus was quite skilled as he wove in, out, up, and over at close range through the Fairy Chimneys, spires, and curtains of the valley.

There were times when it looked as if we were going to collide with the cliff, but no, he skillfully avoided even a glancing blow, although we could reach our hands out to pick the leaves off the tops of trees.

And then the sun came up! 

We celebrated our exciting ride, the dawn, and a safe landing with a little bubbly!

By 9:00 we were back at our hotel and exhausted.  Tomorrow or this afternoon, we plan to explore the underground city, the 9th wonder of the ancient world.  Thursday we leave for Athens.  It won't be long now, and we will be coming home.

All is Well With the Worrall Travel R's in Kapadokyia, Turkey from 700 meters UP.