Aboard a hot air balloon

Although it was always on my bucket list, it's an expensive sport and not very widely available commercially around the world. So when I reached the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey, I knew I should not miss this opportunity.

I arranged my ride with Istanbul Balloons, one of the many companies providing rides in Cappadocia. They sent a pick-up shuttle to pick me up at 4.30am and after a light breakfast, we started riding towards the gondolas. We were then split up as the gondolas could take only twelve adults per basket and soon the adventure-mongers were excitedly awaiting their pilot(s).

After some basic instructions, the balloon took off. Aside from the sound of the burner, there was nothing shocking about lifting off the ground on a balloon. Unlike other flight vehicles we might be used to -- such as helicopters and airplanes -- the transition from ground level to 20,000 feet in the air felt as smooth as a bird's flight. This was one of the most enjoyable parts of the adventure.

Once in the air, the balloon became very quiet as gazes turned outward. Cappadocian scenery is unmatchable -- the rocky, cascading honeycombed hills with rock-cut architecture truly felt like something out of a fantasy. As the balloon hovered up and down through the landscape, its occupants erupted in cheer. The pilot coyly brushed the gondola against an apple tree. Surely one passenger was able to sneak a fruit off during the few seconds.

The balloon landed after an hour and we disembarked in a haze of exhilaration and wonderment. We received our certificates and altogether posed proudly as the strangers who conquered Cappadocian skies together.

By Dibarah Mahboob
Photo courtesy: Dibarah Mahboob

Did you know?
The first air balloon ride was taken by a roost, a duck and a sheep in 1783 in France
The first human air balloon passengers were condemned criminals.