Today is the moment of truth, the Cappadocia hot air balloon adventure -breathtaking view over the Cappadocia magical landscapes.
The balloon ride must be done at early in the morning and depends on the weather condition. The ride is around one hour. All of us about 35 pax including 2 pilots jumped inside the air balloon basket. There are a few cubicles in the basket that can fit normally 4 pax or 2 pax but I can see that they threw 5 to 3 of us inside a cubicle.
Before start flying, the pilot who has 20 years experience in flying hot air balloon briefed us about the safety and some landing procedures. He informed us that when to land, we need to lower our body facing the opposite direction of the winds.
The balloons gently float between fairy chimneys and soar over magnificent Cappadocia landscapes with the unique rock formation, orchards and vineyards through impressive and beautiful valleys.
We reached maybe at 5000 to 6000 feet over sea level. We saw hundred balloons were floating and the view was so marvelous.
After about 1 hour and half, we were slowly descending. I can see the pilot try to land the balloon on a truck. What!! On a truck- this must be a joke? No, it is true.
After we touched-down safely on the truck, we have a small celebration and we were given a certificate of balloon participation.
The view of amazing Cappadocia landscapes and the balloon flying experience is priceless. Even the cost per pax is USD220 but it worthy.
Luckily our ride was safely landed. Pray to Allah swt that everything goes as plan. The crash of air hot balloon in Egypt that killed 19 tourists is still hovering in my mind.
From Cappadocia to Ankara City is a long journey. It took us 7 hours to reach Ankara. Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. We visited the Ataturk Mausoleum This memorial tomb is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the leader of Turkish War of Independence and the founder and the first president of the Republic of Turkey.
Today tips: (8) when you are using USD or Euro, please check the exchange rate used by the merchants.
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