Visit Sultans' land - Cappadocia, Turkey (Day 5 - Hot Balloon)

3:30am!!  That was when our alarm clock rang.  I just wanted to bury my head under the pillow, that was just way to early.  But NO, I had to get up, the balloon was waiting for me.  We got ready in a record time and by 4am, we were in front of the reception office, waiting for our pick up.  Everything around us was so still and dark.  Everybody else was still sleeping.  I kind of had to remind myself of why we were doing this.  The air was quite cold at the time and we didn't know what to expect once we were on the balloon.  So we had warm cloth on.  It wouldn't be fun to be shivering up there.  The van arrived.  We weren't the first one to be picked up but, we also had to sit through a few more pick up.  I didn't want to fall asleep again because I didn't want to be groggy when we got to the balloon.  And so, I tried my best to stay awake throughout our hotel tour.  After we got everyone, the van started to head toward the mushroom columns.  We noticed that we were close to the taking off area because many vans started to come together and headed along the same small dirt road.  When we first arrived at the spot, there was very little there, a few trucks with balloon in tow, a long table with some pastries as well as hot beverages and a ticket booth.  A bonfire was lit up for warmth and light.  There were several companies that offered balloon ride and each had their own set up area.  Once we had a bit to eat and drink, the staff ask us to go to the booth and pay the fee.  We were pretty much the first group to pay which was good as the queue was getting very long.  The cost for the balloon ride was 150EUR per person.  It was quite a lot but, from my experience, it was totally worth it.

Each of us were given a code to identify which balloon we were taking.  Each balloon can only accommodate 10 people plus a captain.  However, we did see a giant balloon which carried many more people like almost 20 maybe.  As the time passed, more and more trucks with balloons started to arrive.  They were setting up the balloon just about anywhere with flat surface.  Before long, we started to see balloon floating up. 

Then, we started to wonder, which one was us??  Some groups have already been led away.  It turned out that our balloon was almost right in front of us.  It was awesome to watch the balloon being prepared for flight.  They first had to blow cold air inside to inflate the balloon into shape then, they use burner to shot flame in.  It was really intense, the heat and noise.  It was very exciting to see the balloon slowly rising. 

At one point, there were 7 or 8 balloons rising at the same time.  It looked kind of like a giant monster worm, maybe it was just my imagination. 

Each tour company had their own balloon pattern and colors.  I might be bias but, I like our balloon the most.  Ours was very colorful.  It was like a quilt of rainbow colors as opposed to other companies with only two or three colors.

When the balloon completely lift off the ground, it was time for us to get in the basket.  The basket itself was about my chest level (I'm 5 feet 6 inches or 167cm) which was the right height as it was not too low to be scary and not too high to block the view.  To get into the basket, they had put a small ladder for us to climb in.  The basket was sectioned into three compartments.  The middle one for captain and both sides for passenger (5 per side).  Before taking off, the captain gave us a little instruction of what to do when taking off and landing.  I just couldn't wait!!  the first time in my life!!  Then, there we went...We had a lift off!!  It was a very gentle lift off.  The ground was getting farther and farther away.  It wasn't as scary as I thought. 

At first, our balloon wasn't rising as high as others and didn't travel as far.  I had a little thought that there might be something wrong with our balloon.  At one point, when we were circling the same area for sometimes, I got a little frustrated.  Would this be the only thing I see for this ride?  Well, the captain did actually mentioned earlier that he could more or less control the height but, he had very little control of where the balloon was going.  That depended on the wind. 

Eventually, we started to gain height and move to different areas.  We first traveled towards a small town, not sure about the name though.  We circled around a bit and saw, houses, shops, some buildings and some cave hotels.

We also passed a few small mountains with people on top!  Maybe because they didn't get a chance to get on the hot balloon so, they climbed up the mountain to get the view.  Gotto give them for their effort for that though.  I would have the thought over and over and still might not drag myself up there.  Then, we started to drift to the opposite direction and straight toward a huge flat top mountain.  I kind of looked like the table mountain in Australia but in a different color.  That was a moment of awe.  That amazing mountain and the rising sun was more than enough the reason to get up on the balloon.

It was beautiful.  The mountain was like an art work with layers of colors; white, pink and green.  I just couldn't get enough of this image.  Better yet, we went higher and over this table mountain.  Going over, we got to see lots of strange mountain and rock formation. It just looked like a mountain was being pulled apart.  In some areas , it looked like it has been clawed...depended on imagination.

Whatever it looked like, it was really stunning to see.  I just couldn't stop taking picture of the mountain.  Then, we went over to see its flat top.  It really was flat with just grasses.  It was like someone just cut it top off, almost a clean cut too.

Once we go to another side of the mountain, it was roughly over an hour since we took off and it was time for the captain to look for our landing spot.  However, as the captain had very little control over the direction we were going, it was hard to predict where we would land.  There was no landing strip like the airport.  Our landing plain was basically anywhere with a flat surface.  We saw some balloon landed on a very unlikely place, like on the side of the hill.  I just couldn't imagine how they got out off the basket.  I was hoping for an easier place.  While we were bouncing around, waiting for the balloon to find its place, we got to see more of the rock formation.  There was one small valley nestles against the table top mountain.  We would pass this valley again during the day but, at the time, we were told that there were caves church in there.  It was one of the oldest cave church and one of the most dangerous to go in because there was a risk that the cave might collapse.  I saw a few balloons landed inside that valley and just hoped that they wouldn't cause any damage to the already fragile cave.

We finally moved toward a plain next to the mountain and started to look like we were going to land.  We saw most of the hot balloons landed and were wondering when would be our turn.  Don't get me wrong though, I didn't want to land.  I just wanted to float around like that some more but, we had to get back to our hotel and be ready for our tour.  We didn't even know where we were and how far we have travelled on the balloon.  It could take a long time to get back to the hotel.  So, I had a last look at the view and focus on the landing.

It seemed like the captain was teasing with us by pretending like we were going to land then, took off again and again.  At the same time, balloon crew were following us around and waiting to assist us on landing.  Poor them, they had to stop, prepare for landing then, the captain decided to change the landing place.  After a while, it was really time to land.  We got an instruction from the captain on how we need to prepare ourselves, to bend our knees a little and hold on to the basket, so that we wouldn't bounce off the basket.  We had a soft landing and the crews were there to help us unload ourselves.  It was a tall basket so, for some of us, the guys almost have to carry them out.  

After everyone was out, we ha a little celebration with a glass of champagne.  Then, the captain presented each of us with a certificate.  One thing to beware, before getting on the balloon, they had us to write down our name on a piece of paper so that they would know who was on which balloon.  Also, they would use the name for the certificate.  They would not bother to ask us to confirm the spelling.  So, they would basically copy whatever they could read from that paper.  If the handwriting was bad then, your name could appear differently on the certificate, like my friend's and mine.  We had to ask them to correct it right there.

This could not complete without them selling us some pictures they took earlier today.  It was pretty expensive but, average for this kind of thing.  I didn't like my pictures too much but, it was once in a lifetime thing so, why not.  We each got two pictures of us with the rest of the group and our balloon.  We did the picture thing in the van on the way back to the hotel.  By the time, we got back, it was around 7am.  That gave us plenty of time to have breakfast and get ready for the tour. 

To be continue...

Visit Sultans' Land - Istanbul, Turkey (Day 4)

I woke up with excitement as we would be traveling to another part of Turkey this afternoon.  However, we still have more than a half day to kill.  This morning, we decided to skip the breakfast at hotel.  We wanted something else, other than boiled egg, cheese, cucumber and bread, a hot breakfast would be great.  So, we walked toward the tram line and to where we had our first dinner, opposite from Hagia Sophia.  We found a place that offered different kind of egg dishes.  One thing that stood out was fried egg Turkish style.  Actually, it was a pan fried egg (fried and served in a pan) with some spicy sausages and cafe latte.  It was quite nice, having breakfast next to a small park with a view of Hagia Sophia. 

While we were eating, a pair of cats also were having their breakfast in the park.  I saw a restaurant staff put the cat food there.  However, apparently, one of the cat thought that the dry cat food wasn't tasty enough and he wanted something freshly cook.  So, we became his target.  First, we went to sit at my friend's side, hoping for her to share a bit of egg or sausage.  He actually looked like a spy. 

When my friend finished her plate without sharing with him, he somehow looked kind of annoyed.  Once he couldn't get a scrap from my friend, he turned to me.  I was eating a bit slower so, he probably thought that he could get a chance with me.  And so, he came and sat next to me, starring at me and maybe trying to hypnotize me to give him something.  Well, it didn't work.  I might sound cruel but, giving food to animal could create bad habit for begging.  Other people might not like having cats around when having meal or ever.  So, I also finished my breakfast.  The different from what happened to my friend was, this time, he didn't just move away.  Maybe he wanted to make sure that I really didn't leave anything for him, so he just climbed over to my lap!!  Then, he proceeded to inspect my plate...hmmm, a bit of fried egg and sausage would be nice.  Sorry tabby, nothing left.  When he was sure that there was nothing left for him, he just gave up and got comfy on my lap...a bit of cuddling and lounging. 

It was a pleasant surprise, didn't think that he would be this friendly.  He was really cute, soft and heavy, a big healthy cat.  It turned out that he belong to the restaurant.  If I remember correctly, I think his name was something like Thussund.  It seemed like he was having a pleasant time as well.  So, we took time to slowly sipping our coffee...didn't want to disturb his peaceful time until we couldn't wait anymore.  So, we asked the restaurant staff to remove him, he wasn't going to go on his own.  I thought I felt his claws digging in, trying to hang on to me.  My t-shirt was covered with his hair.  I really like him but, trying to brush off his hair wasn't a pleasant thing to do.  Poor Thussund, he ended up going back to his dry cat food when we left.
Since we have all morning and part of afternoon, we decided to head to Eminonu area(the last stop on the T1 tram before crossing to another side).  However, we decided to walk so that we could take a look at the stores on both sides.  Along this street, there were hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops as well as a park.  It was a nice walk, nice weather and not too many people.

At one corner, in front of the park, we found sort of grocery kiosk but, the kiosk was traditionally decorated.  They sell drinks, snacks and candy inside that gorgeous birdcage.

It just tells about the attention they put on a little and simple thing.  The park across the street is called Gulhane Park or the Rose Garden Park.  It's actually back to back with Topkapi Palace.  The last time I came, it was the middle of tulip season and the park was full with full bloom tulip in so many colors.  Too bad, this time, the tulips already started to wither.  After went around the park, we resume our walk toward Eminonu.  We continued to window shop as well as pop in and out of different stores.  We stopped at Sirkeci Teminal.  This terminal has been used since 18 century.  It was pretty in pink, very feminine.

Then, we walked back up and passed the stores on another side of the street.  Since it was still early, we decided to walk further, following the tram line to a stop after Sultanahmet (Cemberlitas).  What was up there?  We saw a cemetery which looked pretty old.  The mausoleum and sarcophagus were made of marble which was carved into different image.  It was beautiful and eerie at the same time.

 There was also a mosque, of course and quite a few nice shops.  We did a bit of gamble when we took some small alleys behind the mosque.  We thought that it would get us to the Grand Bazaar. 

Well, not exactly.  However, we did find a little walking street which lined with galleries, carpet stores and cafes.  It was very peaceful and different from the main street.  We did get lost in that area a bit but, eventually, we found our way to the main street and to the tram line.  Once we got back to Sultanahmet, we decided to have lunch around the area...another cafeteria food would be nice.  So, this time, we chose a very famous cafeteria style place which is also featured in many travel guide, the Pudding Shop.  It's also in wikipedia along with other historical monument of Turkey, how special. 

That was a strange name for a restaurant but, it wasn't the real name.  The original name was Lale restaurant.  It's said that this was the meeting and hanging out place for hippies who were on the way to Asia, like India or Nepal.  It was hard for them to remember the name of the restaurant so, they gave it a nickname, Pudding Shop and the restaurant adopted it.  The restaurant is richly decorated with ... stuff, so many signs and pictures.  It just shows how long this place has been opened.  It was nearly full when we walked in, lots of westerners, no doubt following the guidebook.  We ordered only a few dishes, rice wrapped in vine leaves for appetizer.  Well, the staff just brought everything all in one time so, I might not be able to call it appetizer.  Then, we had some kind of lamb stew and doner kebab with sauce.  It was actually similar to the kebab with yogurt that we had at Hamdi.

I just love the sauce.  It would be difficult to decide which cafeteria, Can restaurant vs. Pudding Shop, is better.  They both looked good and both tasted good.  I think you just have to have both. 
After lunch, we took taxi to airport to travel to different area of Turkey.  The problem was, we didn't know that there were more than one airport in Istanbul.  The taxi had to stop and make a call to check which airport we were supposed to go to.  We were starting to think that how lucky that we got such a nice cab driver.  Well, we weren't totally right.  Along the way to the airport, he stopped the car and ask me to close his trunk tightly.  He claimed that it wasn't closed properly and that he could feel it bouncing.  Well, we didn't suspect anything and I did as he asked (since he was nice to us).  However, once we were at the airport and paying his taxi fee, he tried to pull off the magician trick on us again!!  Well, this time we were ready and watching the bill.  So, when he said that I gave him 5TL, we immediately pointed out the it was impossible.  When it was apparent that we couldn't be fool, he just simply said that it was his mistake.  So, we didn't loose another 50TL.  Nonetheless, we did feel that his fee was kind of expensive.  We remembered that when we took taxi from airport to hotel on the first day, we only paid around 30 something TL.  However, this cab charged us over 50TL but, we couldn't argue since it was on the meter.  We did suspect though that when he asked me to close the trunk, he might tamper with the meter.  I was out off the car and my friend was watching me from the inside, he could have done anything.  Well, but that was just our suspicious, we couldn't prove it.  The only thing that we could do was to be more vigilant next time.
Our trip to other part of Turkey was organized by a local agency which I found on the internet.  They are called Insight Travel (http://www.tour-turkey.com/).  For anyone who would like to travel to different part of Turkey but not sure about how to go about, this agency could help you.  I was really impressed with their pro-activeness, responsiveness and information they gave me.  They pretty much arranged everything that I wanted, air tickets (local), transportation from airport to hotel and day trip.  Usually my friend and I like to travel on our own but, we were not sure how difficult it would be to travel in those areas so, better to arranged ahead of time.  Moreover, we only had day trip which mean we didn't have to stick to the group all day all night.  We would still have our freedom at the end of the day.
For the domestic flight to Asian part, we had to board the plane at Sabiha Goksen Airport.  The airport itself wasn't big but, clean a least.  In the middle of the airport, surrounding by gates, was a cafe and fast food restaurant.  It looked quite nice actually so, we went there to wait for our flight and had some tea.  Warning, the tea was about 30% more expensive than outside.

We took a flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir (can't even pronounce the name) which is in the Central Anatolian region.  However, this wasn't the city that we would stay.  We arrived there around 5:45pm.  The airport was really small, only a few gates and only one or two baggage belts.  It was good that we already had our transportation arranged as the airport is in the middle of nowhere.  Once we were outside the airport, an elderly driver was waiting for us.  We later knew that his name was Hassan and he had become our Uncle Hassan for the period that we were in the area.  Though, he could not speak English much, we pretty much understood each other.  He was the driver who took us around everyday and we kind of felt that he was watching over us.  Honestly, we felt reassure and safe to see him around.  The ride from the airport in Nevsehir to our hotel which was in the town of Urgup, Cappadocia, took around an hour.  The landscape was totally strange to us.  At first, it was very dry, almost desert like with very few houses.  Once we were getting closer, it was more mountainous and the strange shape rocks started to appear.  That actually what we came here for, the mushroom looking rocks. 
This area, Cappadocia, is famous for cave hotel.  In the past, Christians escaped Roman to this area and were able to thrive by living in caves and underground cities.  Later on, the government of Turkey banned the use of cave for residency for the safty reason.  However, they allowed hotel developers to buy these caves and turn them into hotels.  Our hotel is called Elkep Evi Cave hotel.  It was recommended by our travel agent.  We were so excited because this was totally new experience for us.  It was getting dark already when we arrived.  Uncle Hassan dropped us off in front of the reception office as well as informed us that he would be picking us up tomorrow for tour at around 9am.  There were two people waiting to greet and check us in.  Before coming, we have informed our travel agent that we would like to go on hot balloon ride and they already arranged it for us.  So, we asked the reception about that and he told us a shocking news.  The hot balloon ride was already arranged for us tomorrow morning and....the pick up time was 4am!!!!  OMG, that was like no sleep at all!!!  We wanted to scream when we heard that.  I mean, I knew that we had to get up early for it but, didn't think that it would be 4am.  For people who love to sleep like us, getting up at 4am was unthinkable.  But, since we were already there, to back off from once in a lifetime experience wasn't a choice.  So, 4am it was!!
Then, we asked the reception about where to eat, it was around 7pm already.  We needed to have dinner and got to bed early.  They told us that the hotel has a restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner.  However, the hotel fee didn't include dinner.  The dinner was a fixed set menu and needed to be pre-ordered.  Since it was getting late, we were a little tired and needed to rest, we decided to take the dinner at hotel.  The dinner was reserved for us at around 7:30pm, given us a bit of time to freshen up and of course, WOW our room.  Our room was a short walk away from the reception area but, it was an up-hill walk.  One of the reception offered to carry our luggages for us.  We really felt bad for him as our luggages were very heavy.  By the time we reached the room, he was breathing heavily.  Our room located in a little compound which had about 5-6 rooms.  Ours was on the ground floor and yes, it was a cave. 

The room was very simple decorated given the cave a center stage.  It was a square hole in a mountain with some pretty carving.  The room was incredibly cool.  It felt strange but, pleasant.  I love my cave.  The only downside of living in the carve was that we needed to be very careful when walking close to the wall as it could leave a mark on our cloth or skin.  From our compound to the left was the hotel restaurant.  From the picture in their website, I thought that we would be eating outdoor.  However, it turned out that that was warmer month and we were not there yet.  The indoor restaurant was also a cave, a bigger one.  I quite like the decoration.  The cave is very light shade of creamish brown and color of table cloth and pillows were in similar light color.  It looked really simple, like people life around here.  When we went there, a waiter already was waiting for us.  There were quite a few table there but, only two tables were set.  That was basically the number of people who were having dinner at hotel.  Just about the only thing that they did wrong was to play Elvis songs....WHY!!!  It would be much better if they played local/ traditional music.  Well, maybe the waiter liked it.

Our menu today, as I remembered, was soup, an appetizer, salad and main course of local trout.  It was a nice change from heavy meaty meal we had in Istanbul.  The soup was a very light brothy lentil soup.  Looked simple enough but, it was pretty tasty.  It served with salad (maybe that was their way, soup & salad at the same time) of lettuce, tomato and cucumber, very basic.  The vegetable was seasoned only with vinegar and oil.  For a meat lover like me, it was a little too much.

Then, the waiter brought our appetizer which became one of my favorite food there, cheese pastry.  It was like a cheese spring roll and it was so good.  The shell was crispy and the cheese was warm and creamy.  Now, I could eat salad.

Our main course, as mentioned, was grilled whole trout.  They said it came from the local area (didn't know that Turkey has trout).  It was very simple, served with lemon and some green which was very bitter.  The trout was very fresh as it didn't have to travel far. 

After dinner, we did explore the place a bit and took some pictures.  It was very peaceful, no barely any sound from cars and not many movement around.  It was pitch black beyond the area of hotels.  

We could have walked around some more but, we thought of tomorrow 4am appointment and decided to retired early otherwise, we might fall asleep and fall off the balloon tomorrow.

To be continue...