Balloons, valleys and colorful goodbyes
Göreme
Some mornings look unreal, like you’re still dreaming. Friday in Göreme was one of them. Breakfast with a view of snowy rock formations felt almost too perfect. We drove through a landscape of valleys toward Ihlara Valley, where we walked among colorful nature, green waterfalls, ancient rock-carved homes, and flowing mountain streams. We hired a guide who showed us everything in detail, enriching the walk with family stories and fascinating regional facts.
Later came Turkish food and honestly I’m starting to feel tired of it. It’s repetitive, heavy, and very meat-focused. This is the moment when I deeply miss the quality and diversity of polish ingredients.
Next stop: Derinkuyu Underground City. This time, only my parents and Michał went inside. On the way back, we admired Pigeon Valley.
The evening ended in the cozy Discount Coffee and Dessert café. My mum and I also joined a perfume-making workshop, uch a fun and creative way to spend time together. My perfume turned out sweet with a coffee note, while hers was floral. A beautiful, usable memory from Cappadocia.
Göreme
Waking up to hot air balloons floating above your head is something you never get used to, no matter how many photos you’ve seen before.
The sky slowly filled with color as the morning sun rose, fire heating the balloons while we ate breakfast. The main plan of the day was trekking through Rose Valley and we didn’t hesitate for a second. The trail led through multicolored rock formations, valleys, streams, and open landscapes. Along the way, we met wild cats and horses. Some challenging sections added a bit of spice and adventure. I would love to repeat this hike in spring or summer, when everything is blooming.
In the evening, we checked into Emit Cave Hotel and booked a balloon flight for the next morning. Dinner at Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant Cappadocia was delicious, though very expensive. Butter chicken was outstanding. We ended the day watching the sunset from our terrace, sipping our beloved salep.
Göreme and Eskişehir
At six we were ready for the balloon flight. A small bus took us to the launch site. Tea in hand, we watched the sunrise and the crew preparing the balloons, surrounded by Red Valley. Everything looked perfect. And then, cancellation! For the second time, my balloon flight didn’t happen. I was truly sad. Maybe it’s a sign that I have to come back and try once more. Third time’s the charm, right?
Before leaving Göreme, we explored Love Valley and took a gentle morning walk. We also visited Lake Nar, a volcanic winter lake surrounded by snowy hills.
Our final stop before Istanbul was Eskişehir, a lively student city full of color and energy. The next morning welcomed us with sunshine and clear skies. After breakfast, we explored the city, starting with great coffee at Sukha Coffee. We wandered along porsuk river, through bazaars and sleepy streets, eventually reaching Odunpazarı, a colorful, artistic district that completely won me over.
Before heading to Istanbul, we stopped at Vera Glutensiz Kafe & Market, a dream place for anyone avoiding gluten. Gluten-free manti, lahmacun, tiramisu, and apple pie were absolutely incredible.
Late in the evening, after long traffic jams, we arrived in Istanbul. A night walk around Taksim, falafel in hand, city lights all around, the perfect ending to another beautiful chapter of our Turkish journey.
