Welcome to the A-Z Guidebook Link Up. If you would like to join, read the A-Z Guidebook tab at the top of the blog and write a travel post relating to the letter of the month.
*Happy New Year Guidebookers. I hope you have enjoyed your holiday break or, if you are really lucky, are still enjoying it. This edition of A-Z marks our 20th letter of the alphabet. I’d like to thank all of you have come along for the journey to date. This month:
T or Train
There are lots of photos and memories that I could share with you from our time in Turkey. Colourful mosaics, busy street scenes, interesting natural features and delicious food. As I looked through my photos, one jumped out as it reminded me of a sight that we still talk about.
As part of a visit to Cappadocia, we had the opportunity to take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the famous fairy chimneys. Ever since we jagged an upgrade to a helicopter on Fox Glacier in NZ, we have known that the best way to see large scale natural wonders is from the air. It was very early when we arrived at the balloon site and I was not surprised to see several other balloons in the same paddock, getting ready to take groups of tourists into the air. What I didn’t expect to see as we started to climb above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, were dozens if not hundreds of balloons also taking to the skies. This photo shows 22 of the Cappadocia balloons but doesn’t do justice to the many, many others above and behind us. It was like a scene from a 1970’s prog rock band album cover. There were balloons everywhere. Dotted about like jellyfish bobbing and waving with the currents, the Cappadocia balloons had a life of their own. It was a WOW! moment.
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I am not so sure I would go in a hot air balloon! But I am sure that the view must have been amazing 🙂
It’s very peaceful except for the sound of balloons across the valley receiving bursts of hot air. Having said that, perhaps the safety standards may not have been as rigorous as in our own countries.
oh my! that looks exquisite. friends have visited and shown us photos but i didn’t realise so many balloons went up at once. What an extraordinary sight!
There were dozens and dozens Sherry – a real eye opener. I suspect the Health & Safety standards may not have been quite up to code…
A great picture. You’ve really captured the morning light and the stunning landscape.
Thanks Stuart – it was very still and very peaceful. It’s amazing what you can do with a 12 year old Kodak digital!
I’ve only ever been up once in a hot air balloon and it was a tethered one. It was a grand experience nonetheless, but nothing like your photo – how magnificent it must have been to see so many in the air at the one time!!
It was breathtaking. I’ve been in a balloon twice (this being the second). I enjoy it but I always think the flights are too long. Still, it’s a memorable moment.