This Explore has nothing to do with a hat or cap because Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey. I first heard about this region around 2010 while watching a 60 Minutes segment about Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome – the head of the Orthodox Church throughout the world.
The segment captivated me in multiple ways because I don’t know much about the Orthodox Christianity or Turkey – but the part about Cappadocia and its role in early Christianity mesmerized me – especially the landscape and its history.
Today, hot air balloon rides are popular in this beautiful land of historical intrigue – the land whose rock sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Below the video are links to additional information about Cappadocia, including the 60-Minutes segment. Enjoy the journey and views courtesy of a drone.
More Informational Videos
Rick Steves segment with information and a balloon ride (3 minutes)
A travel promotion video (3 minutes)
60-Minutes segment that sparked my intrigue (14.5 minutes)
A Frank Angle 
I have never been in a balloon, but it is certainly not something I would ever turn down should the opportunity arise. Anywhere would be nice – but the views seen here are rather special!
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Pauline,
Alright …. you have a bit of daredevil in you!
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I haven’t been there yet 🙂 and I am not sure could I fly with the balloon… but the view is amazing, one of my places I want to visit. Thank you dear Frank, Have a nice weekend, Love, nia
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Nia,
I’m sure your country has many beautiful areas to see … so I hope you get to visit Cappadocia … and staying out of the balloon is OK.
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I’m not home, and the video won’t load, so I’ll have to check it out later. The still shot looked beautiful though. 🙂
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Merril,
Oh yes … see this when you return home because the scenery is unique.
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I agree with the others. It’s beautiful but a ride in the air, in a balloon not for me.
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I don’t think I could ever go on a hot air balloon ride, unfortunately. Beautiful as it sounds, looks, feels . . it combines two of my fears- heights and claustrophobia. The latter is way stronger than the former, but combined? Eeeesh!
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Cayman,
Very understandable … thus a reason to embrace videos to enjoy the scenery and perspective.
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Such a smart man.
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Beautiful video! It is heartening to see the good drones can do. It seems to me they are more associated with war, or nuisance.
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Resa,
I’m with your about drones … and when well done, their role in photography can provide an interesting perspective.
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Beautiful landscape. Thank you for the journey, Frank!
Have a lovely weekend, my friend! 🙂
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Marina,
Cappadocia is very close to you … maybe a possible getaway for your future.
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Your video was 4 min. 6 sec. well spent. Turkey hasn’t cracked my Top 25 Bucket List yet, but occasionally makes appearances on my Top 50.
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Tim,
Your Bucket List must be full of pencil marks.
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Frank, there really are some beautiful places around the world, many of which we’ll probably never see. This place is one of them! And the balloons just seemed to make the place magical! Fascinating.
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Tom,
The 60-Minutes episode just blew me away in so many ways … and at the time, I didn’t know anything about the hot-air balloon craze in that area. Glad you enjoyed this … and cheers to the many beautiful places in our world.
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I’ve never hankered after going on a hot air balloon ride, although I’ve been up in a fixed one. The scenery is so lovely though, and I feel much safer watching it pass by on my laptop screen. 🙂
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Sylvia,
… and I also recall you on the hand glider being pulled by a boat.
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Well that was an entirely different adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was also no danger of me becoming engulfed in flames. 🙂
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Understandable.
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Some place else to add to my bucket list. Absolutely stunning.
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Val,
Glad you enjoyed this … the videos I placed below also give additional info … and I still enjoy the 60 Minutes segment that sparked this.
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Beautiful video of the balloon ride Frank – I’ve never done one (probably won’t ever), but always a thrill to see what can be captured from the sky.
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Mary,
I haven’t been on a balloon ride either, and not sure I would … but I love this area of Turkey.
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That video is gorgeous, parts of it, the scenery with the balloons, looks unreal, like some magical scene from a fantasy movie land. I’ve never been drawn to wanting to go in a balloon myself, but my Dad went on a balloon ride a few years ago and said it was wonderful, because it moves at the exact speed that the air is moving, there is a stillness that is quite unique. I think I’ll stick to looking at pretty videos though.
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Vanessa,
Scenes from a fantasy land is a wonderful description for Cappadocia. The 60 Minutes segment was so good in different ways, and the land captured my attention. Cheers to your dad for his ride (which is something I haven’t done or considered). BTW – I suggest watching the two travel videos I linked about this region of the world.
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