Cappadocia is such a magical place! It's a must-go for anyone who is planning to visit Turkey!
...and no, we did not go on the hot air balloon flight and yet, we had such a great time in Cappadocia!
We were only in Göreme (Cappadocia), for 3 days 2 nights and it was definitely not enough to explore this historical and romantic landscaped wonderland.

We arrived at the Kayseri Airport just before 12 in the afternoon and we already booked an airport shuttle through our hotel Elysee Cave House, that was supposed to pick us up from the airport and bring us to our hotel. When we arrived, we found that there was no shuttle bus waiting for us to get on. We waited at the airport for 2 and a half agonizing hours until we were told to take the taxi and claim the fare from our hotel, since they were supposed to arrange the transport for us. The staff at the airport were very helpful; they tried calling the hotel several times and told them about our situation and asked them to do something about it as quickly as possible.

Göreme town

When we arrived at our hotel (and done with the drama of why-we-weren't-picked-up issue), checked in and rested for a bit before getting ready to go out to check out Goreme town. Goreme is said to be one of the most characteristic locales in Cappadocia; indeed, its so beautiful, surrounded by amazing geological rock formation landscape, which made it more unique. Home to the famous 'fairy chimneys', the rocks were formed as a result of intense volcanic activities in the past. So everywhere we go around Göreme, we were fed by the sight of these unique natural wonders.











Like any other Turkish towns, there are always those carpet selling shops, which gives a little more local colors and 'Middle Eastern' detail and interest to the town. hehe.


Just look at how rich and vibrant that looks!




Cave hotels

Cappadocia is also famous for their cave houses or cave hotels; where dwellings were built upon caves and restored by local people in the ancient time. If you're in Cappadocia, check-in at a cave hotel to feel what its like to live/sleep in a cave!


Our lodge: Elysee Cave House.




With a decent courtyard garden where you can hang out and drink your tea, especially in summer.


Our room.


Carved stones into shelves.


Stone walls all around.




Neighboring cave hotels.



If you're not convinced that those are cave houses/hotels carved from the rocks, this will blow your mind. Just look at how they are perfectly carved and structured from those rocks. Superbly done.

Fun fact: Many cave hotels will have a rooftop space or an open air terrace for you to view the hundreds of hot air balloon rise early morning - for you people that are too lazy to wake up early and hike up to a natural viewpoint. haha.


Kebabs!

As we may have known, Turkish kebabs are so popular worldwide, but in Cappadocia, its kebab at a different level. We tried the famous pottery kebab or Testi kebab at a family restaurant called Cappadocian Cuisine and loved it! It was so delicious we came back and ordered the same meal again!


The pottery kebab, served with really tasty rice and we ordered their pide too, which was also good.


The kebab cooked and served in this ceramic pot.


Meze; most Turkish meals will come with a starter set that usually comprise of flat bread, soup and some yogurt dip with salad.


My friend and her immense love for kebabs.


Everything we came for - the hot air balloon rise!

We went back to the hotel quite early that evening because we wanted to sleep in early to make sure we wake up to see the hot air balloon flights the next morning. That night, we were told that Turkey was having their daylight saving so we had to make sure we wake up at the right time, otherwise we'll definitely miss the balloons! Thank God, we woke up at the right 4.00am and was able to make our way to Sunset Point; one of the best views to watch the balloons, so we were told.




I'm not sure about it being the best, because we didn't go to any other view points, but the view from  Sunset Point is definitely amazing SubhanAllah! Totally worth checking out!

From our hotel, it only took us around 20 minutes to reach there by walking, so we arrived at the Sunset Point quite early and the balloons were just preparing to launch. But we didn't mind it at all because we get to enjoy some really fantastic views just before dawn.


While some are still dreaming in their cozy warm beds...


Preparation to launch the flights.


In loveeee with the colour scheme in this one! Au naturel. This is as real is it seem, we were lucky we had a beautiful cloudless sky, thus producing stunning shades of dawn.


More balloons are starting to rise now, and it just looks amazing.





Given the view that we had and how up close we were with the hundreds of hot-air balloons, I personally think its OK to not go on the balloon rides, especially if you are travelling on a limited budget. The rides are not cheap y'know (it costs around €100 - €150 price range from what I've looked into - it may cost more or less).












There was also a shop that sells souvenirs up there and I'm guessing if you were to watch sunset on that hill, you'll be able to get a cup of tea/coffee there as well (because there were tables and chairs around the shop). When we were up there that morning, it was still closed.

While we were up there, we didn't miss the opportunity to enjoy more breathtaking Cappadocian landscape view...





When the balloons have started to make their way down for landing, we also made our way back to the hotel for breakfast, and came across more amazing views of Goreme town from a higher position (yeap, its all about the views here in Cappadocia because everywhere you go and see is so picturesque!).



Which requires me to post a picture of us each with the same view. haha





Later that day, we went to the Göreme Open Air Museum and took an ATV ride around the valleys of Cappadocia for sunset. This will be in my Cappadocia post Part 2.