First, I’ve got to report on our awesome and exciting balloon ride over the moonscape geological formations that is Cappadocia, Turkey. Our driver picked us up at 4:30 am to get us over to the balloon staging area and the spectacular scene of one hundred hot air balloons being inflated in the predawn darkness illuminated by the propane fired burners. On any given day weather permitting, up to one hundred fifty balloons go up and today the sky was slowly being filled with huge colorful balloons filled with up to twenty five passengers each. After climbing into the basket and receiving our brief safety instructions we were soon aloft and effortlessly drifting above the rock formations and witnessing the most incredible sunrise one could imagine. Of course my camera phone jammed immediately and I had to rely on Sue to record the event while I simply enjoyed the hour and fifteen minutes of pure visual delight.
Back on the ground and after receiving our flight certificates we were whisked back to our cave hotel where we enjoyed a nice breakfast and packed up for our last day of sightseeing in the Cappadocia area of Turkey. Our expert guide did a fantastic job of teaching us the historical significance of the area as well as allowing us to visit the underground city of Kaymakli, small local towns and even a stop to sample some locally produced pekmez, kind of a grape molassis, which I found to be delicious. We finished our tour of Cappadocia at a small remote restaurant where we dined in an orchard on a simple lunch featuring local produce, butter, honey, cheese, chicken and “fresh from the oven” pita bread. This was perhaps the best meal we had on this trip including the fancy stuff on the cruise ship. After lunch we were delivered back to the airport for our return to Istanbul, a three hour nap and the thirty-three hour three leg marathon finally returning us to Las Vegas, Nevada and home sweet home in the USA.
As if the flight was not enough, on our arrival in Las Vegas we picked up our granddaughter Hailey who would be spending the weekend with us while the kids played at the casinos. We kind of slept in shifts so we could keep an eye on our two year old charge and although we were pretty beat up and exhausted we absolutely had a ball with her. The house is now quiet again and our only responsibility rests with the cat who is overjoyed at not being chased and pawed at. Back at work and we’re as busy as ever but already missing the adventures of the road and considering our next destination. Oh wait, that would be next week when we board the Queen Mary II in New York for a transatlantic Jazz cruise to London. So until then, Ciao for now!
General notes on Middle East travel
- Travel for a westerner in the middle east is, to say the least, intense. It is an educational experience more than a vacation. Your senses will be bombarded with sights, sounds and smells to the point of overload. I loved the experience but I always felt I needed to be on guard, especially in light of all the crazy stuff that occurred while we were there. Having the safety of the cruise ship to return to every evening was a lifesaver for us since moving about in this strange land was a little stressful and took a lot of energy. The experience was definitely “once in a lifetime” and I’d highly recommend it however if you are looking for a kick back vacation I’d push for the Med, the South Pacific or the Caribbean.
General notes on Azamara Club Cruises and the Azamara Journey cruise ship
- Azamara Club Cruises is Royal Caribbean’s top of the line luxury style cruising solution. Small ships, unique destinations and impeccable service are simply the norm. Food is gourmet and the ambience is reserved and respectful. You will not be exposed to loud deck parties, constant announcements and reggae music twenty four hours a day. On the other hand, if you are a little more active you might find the small ships a little too quiet especially on longer voyages and find yourself challenged for more activities and venues. If you simply want to relax with a good book and enjoy the ride you will not be disappointed with Azamara.
VIVERE TRAVEL 