Göreme

While I was here, besides exploring the local area I also went on a hot-air balloon ride. Having to get up at 3.30am in the morning for a 4am pickup, the balloon took off about an hour later - just in time for the sunrise, which was an emotional moment. What surprised me the most was the sheer number of balloons. I only expected a few - but there was at least 100 balloons. An amazing experience.

I also spent another day about 30km to the south visiting Derinkuyu where there is an underground city.  Built around 8 to 7 BC, there are approximately 9km of tunnels over 8 levels. A central shaft with a well at the bottom was used to haul items up or down, but the shaft also acted as a ventilator, drawing fresh air down the shaft. The Phrygians who started the tunneling chose to live here so they could keep cool in summer and warm in winter. It was deepened further during the Roman era as it was easy to protect from marauding Arab raiders, and surprisingly, there were people still living in this underground city until the early 20th century. Amazing.