Rajeev's World: Panoramas Of Cappadocia... Part I

Spending a night in the cave was like bliss. We slept like babies to wake up really fresh.

We had to head out for a hot air balloon ride really early this morning and view the sights of Cappadocia from up above, and more importantly view the sun rise from the air!

Arriving at the starting point at 5AM, it was fascinating to see the hot air balloons being inflated for flight...

There were quite a few tourists here - Taiwanese, Chinese, Pakistanis and locals...

The science of balloon flight is simple - the temperature differential between inside of the balloon and the outside is regulated to provide the necessary lift...

Wind pattern should be conducive for a smooth flight - the wind should not be too strong, which is typically why the activity is carried out in the morning, at dawn, when the air is still...

In the basket and ready to lift off...

The balloon being readied for flight...

And there it goes...

The skies are crowded over here...

And finally we ascend...

A few balloons "play" hide and seek...

Everyone's waiting for the sun to rise...

Colourful skies...

An amazing sight...

The landscape looks particularly spectacular from up here...

That's a pretty crowded basket...

The operations of balloons are strictly regulated by Turkey's aviation authorities. 220 balloons are licensed of which only 100 can fly at a given time...