I’m secretly a bird – I love to fly!
I’ve been lucky to enough to experience big jets, small planes, a helicopter and glider. So when the opportunity to be in a hot air balloon was presented, even though I had to be up at 4am, I was going for it.
In Goreme, one of the favourite ways to see the Cappadocia region of Turkey is via hot air balloon, and although its not cheap, its worth every cent if you can experience this amazing way to explore the landscape like a bird.
I rose from my bed when the skies were dark and the air cool, heading to the touring company’s office to sign my waiver and be taken by van to off to a field outside town.
Watching the balloon spring to life was almost as exciting as climbing into the basket and ascending into the air. It was gentle and steady, and I could hear the roar of fire heat the balloon’s air as the pilot guided the balloon up and down and side to side, so we could see the cream and grey landscape as the sun rose to cloak everything in a warm glow.
It was amazingly quiet, despite the number of people in the balloon and the number of people in other balloons that had ascended in the brief time before sunrise. Even though this wasn’t a solitary activity, it felt like I had entered a world that had been kept secret.
As the sun rays got brighter, the ground below changed colours, making the landscape transform every few minutes. Everyone kept snapping photos, wanting to document each changing second for posterity.
Our balloon soared high giving us a wide view of the unique landscape of Cappadocia – a series of unique formations created by years of Mother Nature’s erosion effects on the volcanic landscape. From the fairy chimneys to the pigeon caves, the distinct rock formations that make up the environment around Goreme seemed liked something that was magically conjured up from a child’s storybook.
The balloon moved effortlessly, not rushed or sudden, thanks to the skill of the pilot. There was no turbulence or distinct change in height that you could feel, other than seeing the ascent or descent. It was unlike an aircraft when sometimes you can feel the movement in the pit of your stomach as the airplane lurches because of the air currents.
This gentle way to greet the morning reaffirmed to me why its a good thing that humans can fly (with fun accessories) and why I wish my secret power would be to enjoy the world from a bird’s eye view.