Turkey

Diving Into Turkey’s Wonders

After many solo escapades I was finally comfortable enough to be excited about my next trip. Would you believe it if I told you that I flew all the way to Turkey just for the Hot Air balloon in Gorem, Cappadocia? Well I did! I flew from JFK to Copenhagen and another flight to Istanbul and for the next 3 days I set out to explore the old city.

From the airport I caught the bus to the old city for 18 Lira. There were many taxi cabs waiting for passengers’ arrival. It was almost midnight, even though the Bunk Hostel as per my map was just 5 minutes walking distance from the bus stop I tried hiring a cab. But, about 3 drivers wanted  between 50 to 60 Lira ($8 to $10 USD) to take me no more than 3 blocks down the street. The 4^th driver was finally honest enough to tell me I didn’t need a taxi and assured me it was safe to walk to my residence.

In the morning, I spent my time nesting, you know like birds do getting acclimated to the new environment, planning itineraries, meeting people, unpacking outfits for the next few days, getting tips and advice on best method of transportation and must see and do around town. Around 1pm I decided to start my quest and 10 minutes or so from the hostel caught the tram at Taksim Square. It was fairly simple to navigate around the city all the sights were at proximity to a tram stop. I decided to start with the farthest point which was Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop to get to the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar is a historical indoor shopping market with a variety of local products and brands. I enjoyed walking through the bazaar reading the stories, the meaning, the history, laws, the practice or the vendors signage attached to the ceiling. Thankfully I took a picture of the gate when I entered the market as it is a maze and was very difficult to find my way back.  The salesmen were very skilled, handsome, well dress men who spoke various languages and knew exactly what to say get people’s attention. I was absolutely in awe. Not sure what I enjoyed most, interacting with them or looking at their goods. Prices at the Grand Bazaar are inflated. For example just about everyone I met wanted to bring home Safron. While a 5g Safron at the market was quoted at 540 Lira, I got it for 160 Lira from a local shop away from the tourist zone. You can find just about everything at the market, so test your bargaining skills. Though I do not advise anyone to do the same but I did enjoy sipping tea while shopping with the locals. I wonder if they drink anything else out there.  Two hours later decided to head out looking for lunch before heading to my hostel for the evening game night followed by….

The following day I decided to leave by 10am right after breakfast and this time I got off the Sultanahmet stop. As soon as I left the tram all the classic Istanbul sites were accessible through the heart of the city that attracts millions every year known as Sultanahmet Square or Hippodrome. The square houses the famous landmark Serpentine column and the Obelisk of Theodosius. It was fairly easy to explore on foot the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Keep in mind Topkaki Palace is closed on Wednesday. Though the lines were long it, admittance were fairly fast until someone speaking an unknown language decided to stop the flow for over 5 minutes because it did not get the correct change. By 4pm I was done visiting and ready for lunch. I hoped on the tram headed towards the hostel for my next destination at Eminonu stop. There on the left was the Pier to cruise the Bosphorus and on the right the Spice Bazaar. For a while I envisioned the smell and the many colors of the market. The shops varied from teas, sweets, textile, spices, coffee, hardware, butcheries, mini supermarkets, bakeries, you name it. It was a lot less touristic than the Grand Bazaar and by far my favorite. Right outside the Bazaar across from the Pier was a strip of restaurants. I was able to rest while savory some delicious meat platter.

Istanbul is breathtaking from the sea. On my last day decided to head back to the Pier. There are many tours available but I opted for the public ferry rides for more flexibility. The Pier offered 3 options if I remember correctly: an all-day ride, a 2 hour tour and the evening ride with dinner and a show. For the Sariyer stop which was about 70 minutes on the ferry, I saw the Old Town, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Fortress of Europe and Fortress of Asia. 90 minutes from the Pier was Anadolu Kavagi stop all the way to the Black Sea. Upon arrival to the Black Sea at the end of the ferry ride, we were given enough time to explore the small village. It was truly a memorable way to visit the European and Asian side of the city. In the evening I flew to Kayseri to continue my journey. The flight was about an hour for under $40 US. Most hotels when staying at Cappadocia 30 to 40 minutes away from the airport offer shuttle transportation. I arrive in the evening a bit exhausted decided to head directly to my cave room. Most of the caves today are hostels, hotels, bed and breakfast, and restaurants for tourists. In the past they were traditional houses, churches, and monasteries, even underground cities going hundreds of feet deep.

 My first day in Gorem started at 9am right after breakfast. I decided to walk outside while waiting for my guide to arrive. To my surprised I was surrounded by balloons that seemed close enough to touch in the midst of mushroom-capped fairy chimneys carved in stone. It was simply unbelievable that a place like this exist and accessible to humans. My guide finally arrived around 11am; I was a bit annoyed about the lateness I was the only one person left at the gate waiting since must tours start at 9am. As soon as we left I got excited all over again it was like riding through the Moon. On the first day I scheduled the Red Tour. We visited Uchisar Panaroma, Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Monks Valley, Devrent Valley and Urgup Fairy Chimneys the most famous tourist attraction in Cappadocia to admire the amazing rock formations made by nature itself. Right before 6pm the shuttle brought me back to the center of the city at Kebapzade for dinner. After dinner I decided to take a mosaic and a ceramic class hosted by some locals referred to by my guide.

The following day it was time for the Green Tour, the guide took me to Goreme Panaroma, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Yaprakhisar, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley and Onyx Demonstration. My guide was on time which left enough time to get a Turkish bath “Haman” at the Traveller’s Cave Pansion followed by a massage. In the evening after the massage joined a group for dinner at The Old Greek House.

Finally the long awaited adventure that brought me all the way to Turkey. Every tour leaves between 4am and no later than 6am. We stopped at the resort for breakfast and rearranging the groups. Within less than an hour I join my assigned shuttle leading to the field where I ride the balloon to my astonishment after we get out the guide ask everyone to head back into the van because the ride is cancelled due to strong wind.

I have never been as disappointed in my life and unfortunately unlike many other riders I could not reschedule for the following day because I had to head to my next destination by morning. So take it from me book your Hot Air Balloon with your hotel or any other agency before you arrive. It is best to attempt at riding on the first sunrise after you land until that additional check mark on your bucket list. Unfortunately I didn’t know it was solely based on the wind or else I would not have wasted so many mornings staring at the wall of the cave waiting for my guide. The Hot Air Balloon tours are usually over by 9am which leaves enough time to book other tours during the day.

After I got dropped off from my failed attempt I didn’t have any more energy left so went back to my cave to catch up on sleep. Now looking back I should have taken the day tour to  Tuz Golu, or Salt Lake, one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets; a frosted lake with white minerals. Most tours combined the trip with stops at Tatlarin Underground City and a 13th-century Silk Road. In the afternoon strolled along the strip admiring the shops, tried ice cream made out of goat milk. By Sun down around 7pm I booked a 4 hour traditional Turkish night show, buffet and unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and raki the Turkish liquor. Throughout the night I was entertained by belly dancers, live musicians and traditional performances.

The experience despite not being able to ride the Hot Air balloon was simply Magical. Isn’t it what it’s all about “A life well lived with secret memories you can cherish always”. Find you train dear readers and ride it to the secret places of the world fearlessly. Until next time!