It's been on my big bucket list for ages so very excited to have been able to do this. Especially as we later found out that no balloons had gone up on the previous 7 days, so we were very lucky. Although not my first balloon ride (that was in Cairns many years ago), the ride over Cappadocia is one that I'm sure is on many peoples lists.
After getting up at 5am for our 6.25am pick up, we headed out to one of the various sites that the balloons leave from. It was around -1 (feels like -4) degrees, so chilly, but we were well rugged up. Lots of excitement in the air as the balloons were filled and we climbed into our basket and prepared for take off. Safety instructions covered - In the event of an emergency and for landing, squat and hang on, we slowly rose above the magical landscape.
It was only as we were up that we looked around and saw more than 100 balloons all around us. Truly an amazing sight and we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. Floating over the rock formations and caves, we watched as the sun rose over the horizon and we welcomed a new day. Any cold we felt was swiftly replaced with the warm glow of the moment. That and the hot air from the gas.
After an hour or so, it was time to gently float back down and prepare for landing. Getting lifted out of the basket by a young strong Turk and passed into the arms of another was an added bonus!
Time for the obligatory popping of the champagne. I didn't know that this is a long held tradition that dates back to the 1780’s when hot air balloons first took flight. Hot air balloons were unpopular with farmers who were not fond of balloons landing in their fields and disturbing their crops, so champagne was given as a peace offering. So the tradition continues today with balloonists’ around the world offering champagne to passengers and reciting the Balloonist’s Prayer:
“The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with his warm hands. You have flown so well and so high, that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back again into the loving arms of mother earth.”
I must mention that the "champagne" on this occasion was bright pink non alcoholic sparkling something or other, but it's the thought that counts. Certificate in hand, it was a big tick off the list.
Add comment
Comments