Cappadocia – Balloons!

As already mentioned, balloon flights here are big business and when the weather doesn’t play ball, there can be a couple of days of cancelled flights.

On our third morning, I woke early again – 05.30 – and seeing balloons, I knew I wouldn’t go back to sleep. Chris loves taking photos, but early mornings just aren’t his thing. I’m dressed almost before he’s opened his eyes and I’m not sure he’s up for another early start. The plan is just to look from the courtyard, but the door is still locked, so I left the hotel by the other door and started walking to see if I could get a good view. Before I knew it I was almost in town – should I go back up the hill to the hotel and see if Chris wants to explore or just go on … I followed the balloons, a 20 minute walk at a smart pace, to some open ground on a bit of a hill … and took some snaps!

This area is very popular with Chinese visitors, and not only are there several Chinese restaurants in town …

… but a Chinese company has bought up quite a few of the balloon companies, no doubt to ensure their visitors can more easily ensure a flight, and their advertising is hard to miss.

When I got back, Chris had been out and about too, but stayed closer to the hotel. We both agreed to get the best shots you had to go get them and hopefully we would get another chance.

The wind was too strong for the next two mornings, and Chris was silently worried he’d missed his chance.

Our last morning, and were expecting balloons so set the alarm, just in case. When we looked out of the window we couldn’t see any and all was very quiet. Chris was determined to check so we dressed and walked into town. Still no balloons.

On the other days, balloons had been in the air by now and I thought we were wasting our time, then we saw a balloon truck and hoped we might be in luck after all.

Then we saw one …

… and Chris thinks his first snap, actually taken on his phone might be a winner!

From higher ground we took more and an hour walked the mile back to the hotel for breakfast.

And yes readers, we were both there!