I embarked on a truly enchanting adventure in Cappadocia, a place known for its magical air balloons. The idea of watching these colorful giants from the ground was both exciting and a little different from the usual balloon rides. So, we booked a unique trip called the 'Jeep Safari' with a local agency, Wings of Cappadocia, known for their friendly service and deep knowledge of the area.
Our adventure began in the early hours of the morning, long before the sun peeked over the horizon. The jeep, our trusty steed for the day, picked us up from our hotel. There was a buzz of excitement among us, mixed with the sleepy silence of the early hour. The drive was exhilarating, bouncing over the rugged terrain of Cappadocia, with the anticipation of what was to come.
Our first stop was a secluded spot, perfect for watching the balloons. It was a surreal scene - dozens of air balloons lay scattered on the ground, like giant colorful beasts sleeping. Slowly, as the pilots began to fill them with hot air, they came to life, growing and rising majestically.
It was like watching a fantasy novel come to life, with these magical objects levitating off the ground, defying gravity. I found myself marveling at the power of hot air, wondering about the brilliant minds who first discovered its ability to lift 20-30 people high into the sky.
Our driver, who was also an excellent guide, then took us to four different locations. Each spot offered a new perspective of the balloons and the stunning landscape of Cappadocia. The changing scenery was a photographer's dream, especially as the sun began to rise. The golden hour bathed everything in a warm, soft light - a magical moment that photographers often chase.
To give you a glimpse behind the scenes, I've included some photos showing how those Instagram-perfect shots are captured. There's more to those stunning balloon pictures than meets the eye!
We also had our fun with the jeep, taking photos in and on it.
And yes, I couldn't resist snapping a few selfies - when in Cappadocia, right?
I'm closing this blog post with a photo of me and my wife @lexiart, watching the balloons as they danced across the early morning sky. It was a moment of pure joy and wonder, one that I'll cherish forever.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through words and pictures. Stay tuned for more adventures!