Cappadocia Day 3-My 30th Birthday!

On our third day in Cappadocia we was up bright and early at 4.50am, but all for a good reason. We’d booked a hot air balloon ride for my 30th birthday and we was both super excited.

A mini bus collected us from our hotel and dropped us off to the companies offices. Us and all of the other people waiting to go on balloon rides were offered hot drinks and snacks, then we was split into small groups and drove out of town to where the balloons were being ignited.

A few years ago we nearly did a hot air balloon ride for my birthday in Slovenia. At the time my fear of heights kept me from doing it, but I was glad we waited as Cappadocia is one of the most famous places in the world for balloon rides.

Take off!

Surprisingly the balloon moved so smoothly off the ground that I didn’t even realise we was floating into the air.

I always worried a hot air balloon would feel unsteady, wobbly or anything like how it really was! It was so peaceful and calm floating through the sky, watching the sun rise in the distance.

We’d booked a two hour ride and it went incredibly fast.

As our two hours drew to a close, it was time to land and celebrate.

Wine all ’round!

It was the absolute best and happiest way to start my 30th birthday.

Once we’d been dropped back to our hotel, we had a little nap.

Then it was breakfast time.

Followed by presents.

And then my partner took me to Heybe Hotel, which has a wonderful spa.

He booked a package for me, so I used the sauna and steam room before my treatments. I had my first hammam experience, which was amazing but I wasn’t expecting to wear so little!

Followed by a massage and facial.

Glowing afterwards.

Heybe has one of the best spas I’ve ever used. The facilities and treatments are great and it’s a quiet spa where you can fully relax.

After my pampering session, me and my partner used the pool (he paid extra to use that and the sauna).

Feeling amazingly relaxed, we headed back to our hotel room to get ready.

I walked into our room and it was full of beautiful balloons and decorations.

There was a birthday cake and wine.

My partner had arranged all of this to be set up whilst we was out and it looked incredible.

We drank wine, ate cake and got dressed up for my birthday meal out.

We ate at a local restaurant called Turkish Ravioli and the food and service was great.

We had the pottery kebab (like a vegetable stew) with rice and bread.

Then they bought out a dessert and the staff and everyone in the restaurant started singing ‘happy birthday’ and clapping, which I was not expecting. It was another lovely surprise that my partner had arranged for me.

After the most perfect of days and my best birthday to date, we went back to our cave suite, tired but happy.