Since childhood, I was fascinated with the blue skies, the birds flying and the kites tangling with each other. I used to think to myself-Well, one day, I want to be in the middle of the clouds, breathing the freshness of pure air.

The moment of magic came alive doing the Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia.

We had booked our flights to Turkey 6 months in advance and this was our 2nd anniversary celebration. I was looking forward to a lot of things in Turkey but Hot Air Balloon ride was a true show stealer of my dreams.

The night finally arrived. The butterflies in my stomach did not let me sleep-Oh, that is a real phenomenon. One reason was the excitement, and the other was anxiety. Our hotel manager told us that rides can get cancelled due weather and practically nothing can be done if it happens as all the rides need Government’s go-ahead. Of the uncountable reasons we blame the government for, this was the most genuine one. But I focused my energies to the other most important G of my life-God!! Just don’t let this ride get cancelled. I was wishing for it like a 5 year old who did not study before the exams.

I looked at the clock. It was almost time. I was dressed in the maximum winter clothing my body would carry. The cab came to pick us up. Though I am not a morning person, that early start still lit up my face. I held his hand as we were driven to the spot where the ride would begin. My fingers were crossed and heart was hopeful.

We reached the place. I could see a million hot air balloons on the ground, ready to be fueled to the top with the so many people who wanted to touch the sky.

And then the three golden words, more powerful than “I Love you” were said. “Ride is on”.

In a few minutes what seemed like dead plastic became these huge gigantic balloons.

We quickly hopped onto our balloon and were accompanied by another couple. The basket looked like the cute little wooden fruit basket of the toy land. The ropes were cast off and the balloon slowly started its ascend.

Now about Cappadocia-It is a city characterized by exceptional natural wonders in particular the fairy chimneys. You can imagine them like eroded rock formations some of which were hollowed to create houses and churches. A lot of the hotels offer an experience where one gets to live inside real cave.

So as we went up higher and higher-The view of these fairy chimneys looked like a land of wonders spread with little castles with shades of white, brown and yellow.

The clouds were a tinge of blue, orange and pink and the other balloons made it look like an ocean of crayons or rather blobs of paint inking the sky.

The 360 degree view of the chimneys, the other hot air balloons, the birds- It was the most colorful, vibrant and picturesque sight ever-No exaggeration!

There was a similar excitement amongst people as we all waived to each other happily. We were no longer tied to the earth and gave such a liberating feeling.

The wind blew sweet in my face. I breathed the fresh air. It rejuvenated every inch of my body.

The time in the sky flew by like a second yet like a lifetime.

We got down. An after-party awaited us. We raised a toast to life-Cheers to a dream that came true!! Cheers to many more yet to come true!!

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Credits:

Blog post written by: Chavi Jain