27 June 2009

Getting high

Today was such a high that I have decided not to follow the holiday chronologically. We are in Goreme staying at the Shoe String Cave Hotel - yes we are living as cave dwellers but the highlight was the ballon trip this morning.

Up at 4:30 am and off to the launch. Sue is standing in front of the balloon as it is inflated.

A view of Goreme village just after take off. The place is renowned for cave dwellings, which I will write about later

There were at least twenty balloons in the sky.


I felt cheated when we started dropping into the valley - I wanted to soar with the eagles, but that was soon to change as our pilot Mustafah gave us a closer view of the rock formations.\
Other pilots had the same idea as we entered Love Valley at tree top level. These rock formations are unique in the world.

"Mummy why is it called Love Valley?" I did not hear mummy's reply. I'm still trying to figure it out myself.
A Cappadocian tapestry - from being at tree top level we are soon high up in the sky. Nothing could have prepared us for the experience. It was absolutely amazing floating up there in a big basket out in the open air.
All too soon we are back on terra firma - our pilot very skillfully put the basket onto the back of the trailer saving the guys some heavy work.

It cost an arm and a leg but was really worth every Lira.

12 comments:

TallTchr said...

Good stuff. Love Valley, eh?

poefusion said...

I envy your beautiful ride as I've only been able to afford a tethered ride so many feet up. It costs $200 to ride in a balloon here. Maybe someday. Those rock formations are stunning. I wouldn't have called it Love Valley though. Nature's patchwork quilt at its best in that second from last picture. Lastly, I look forward our Hot Air Balloon Race festival this year. It'll be the third year we've had it. Hope all is well. Have a great day.

myonlyphoto said...

Max-e wow that is one good trip. Beautiful views to see. Excellent, and you right about the cost, it was worth it! Thanks for sharing, and happy travels. Anna :)

Rose said...

Wow, Max-e, I have really enjoyed this visit. I do like all your photographs that go with it, but that third one down is sure special in my opinion.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Wow! Gorgeous, stunning pictures! You both have been an amazing adventure for sure.

Swubird said...

Maxie:

Wow! Super interesting place. Super experience. And super pictures. I felt like I was right there with you.

Happy trails.

Pamela said...

how awesome! What an experience.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Stunning. I got to do a hot air balloon trip near Magaliesberg and it was awesome. Seeing the 20 balloons up must be an experience of note. The scenery also looks like it was breathtaking.

L. Neusiedler said...

how wonderful! I'd really like to do this one day!

Eleanor said...

Amazing balloon ride that! I have visited Istanbul but never further afield or a-heavenwards, should I say! I have learned to close my eyes and spend the rands when overseas on an experience like this of yours. You will never regret it and you may never have the chance again!

Shelley Mc said...

Beautiful Pictures...
Love Valley lol

Eileen Mariane aka Marmsk said...

Oh dear, I think after seeing your photos, I must go to Turkey... They are superb! Eileen