Cappadocia by land and air

The hotel room inside the rock

An early morning awakening, and we were off to take a balloon ride to view the strange and yet remarkable scenery from above.  It was cold but this was almost forgotten as the landscape became the focus.  At one stage we floated so high into a cloud it was just...white. Our pilot informed us that the legal height they are allowed to fly is 5000 feet and our height now is 6000 feet. As per Turkish culture - flexibility in regard to the law is paramount.

After a perfect landing on to the trailer, on the edge of a cliff, we were back on earth. Deciding to explore the area further, we rented a car so we could travel our own chosen path.  Heading off out of town, we took off on short walks whenever the roadside tempted us. We stopped by a carpet "school" where we were shown how rugs are made. Then were led into their showroom where we found ourselves trapped  in a full blown heavy sales pitch which at one time or another unsuspecting tourists such as ourselves are subjected to. Asked to pick a carpet to be viewed, I pointed to a blue silk carpet which had caught my eye. He said "Oh anyone but that one!" after some whinging he decided to unroll it. It was an amazing piece of work, all I ever dreamt of! "I'll take it! How much?" I asked, then he announced....."$75,000.00" I slowly stepped away from the carpet, turned around and began to run, I found my Mum already outside with the engine running, "Quick! Get in" and we drove as fast as we could...

Disclaimer:  Parts of this story may or may not have been subjected to literary license.

The $75,000 carpet