As we drove into Goreme, we stopped at the panoramic view point and I looked down on a view that took my breath away. This region is renowned for its ancient underground cities that have been carved out of the soft volcanic rock. ‘Fairy chimneys’ dot the landscape which the inhabitants of these valleys have used to carve out their homes and places of worship. Beautiful frescoed churches and decorated houses remind us of the ancient history of these parts and entice us to explore further.
I knew I had to discover & experience this magic place in as many ways as possible. I knew it was time for another hot air balloon ride. Fortunately, during this time of year, we don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn - a six o’clock pickup I can handle!
We have dressed warmly, as we were warned the temperature would be –5 degrees! In fact, it is quite pleasant although none of us strip off any layers. 
The sun is just rising as we take off. A number of other balloons are also rising as we lift off and the skyline turns a pinky orange. 
We’ve just struck the jackpot today as we’ve been given an upgrade, a whole 30 minutes of free flying thrown in.
I love the quietness of a balloon takeoff. You hardly know you have lifted off till you look down and realise the ground is now far below you. The pilot has just given us a safety briefing where he instructed very seriously that we must stay in the balloon at all times. No bloody fear!
We fly low, drifting very close to the rocky cliffs before we lift, giving us beautiful photographic opportunities.
This must be one of the world’s best hot air balloon rides!
As we hover over the little villages I notice that every roof top has a little water heater, powered by solar power. It is heartening to see that a community blessed with so much sunshine is harnessing it’s energy. If every household in Goreme can afford to have a solar water heater, I wonder why it is so unaffordable in the relatively more affluent communities of Australia?
We come back down to earth for a glass of champagne and a chat with the pilot. I will always remember this ride as one of the highlights of this journey!
The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart. ~Julien Green
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