Hot Air Ballooning

One of the musts when in Göreme is to go Hot Air Ballooning. An industry begun here about 15 years ago, it had really taken off in the past ten years. Now 25 companies and 200 balloons you can begin to imagine what an impact to the local economy this is.
There are two flights a day, very early morning with take off just as sun is rising and next about 45min latter. We were on the second flight, wake up call 5.30, pick up from hotel 6.10 ,at balloon airport by 6.45 ready to go
view from hotel of first take off

Getting ready

On board

Goodbye

and our magic trip begins
















All too soon our tour ends Our intrepid captain Fahti, with amazing skill he bought the balloon right back down onto the trailer

Lyn and myself with Fahti

Time for the traditional champagne, a tradition we were happy to continue.

Time to pack up

Carpet Shopping in Turkey

What trip to Turkey would be complete without a visit to a carpet shop .
We were very fortunate to go to a very fine establishment that acted as a training centre for weavers, produced carpets in their workshop and of course had a retail outlet.
We were given a very interesting and detailed tour starting with the yarn dying process, spinning of silk, weaving of carpets.
Vats for dying

Of course I was attracted to all the yummy colours

A weaver producing a stunning carpet

Of course not possible to escape the sales pitch and obligatory apple tea. I was particularly attracted to the more modern designs, the colours gorgeous. Was very tempted but ...........

Goreme and surrounds Tuesday 15th

A full day tour of Göreme and surrounds saw us beginning with a 4 km hike through Rose Valley



Pigeon houses carved in the rocks

David & Knud

Caves

a few more caves

around the corner, more caves

The first of many reviving Turkish coffees

Lyn , blending in with the locals, or hiding from the sun?

The mushroom rocks, Monk Valley

The magic of Monk Valley



Latter, very hungry , it was lunch time, beautiful spread of locally produced food. This oasis well hidden from the main tourist route well worth the hike in.

The gorgeous cooks

Lyn really getting into the swing of local dressing

The underground city in Kaymakli , we walked, then crawled deep underground.

Turkey, Göreme

OMG!
This place is amazing!!
Arrived last night, in the dark so not really prepared for the sight this morning. woke to the sound of whooshing hot air, staggered out to terrace to be greeted by this sight


We had a good trip from Hamburg to Istanbul, a wee panic as we suddenly realised we had lost an hour, got through customs feeling very relaxed when we saw the time 17.00 , looked at our next boarding pass, also 17.00,, shit! Ran & ran out of international airport, long run to domestic airport, through security more running, thank God for moving walkways, arrived to gate 405 in a lather of sweat only to wait for over an hour for the late plane. Note to self. Get fit.
Arrived to Nevsehir, transfer to hotel.Before we bad even arrived at Sultan Caves Knuds backpack had been mistakenly been handed out to another passenger, fortunately mistake found out and rectified before Knud had to do a drag act.
Lyn and David already arrived at hotel only wish the same could be said for their bags. Wonderful catch up, dinner outside, beautiful. Do love Turkish food.

morning scene

Internet a bit iffy so will try this blog with only a couple of pictures

Denmark and Hamburg

A wonderful week catching up with family and friends, forgot the phone, now my camera, a few times so missed getting photos of everyone.
For some bizarre reason the format has suddenly totally changed for doing the blog so goodness knows what if anything will see.
Knud , Rita and Ib

Knud, Dorthe and Søren

Freya loves to cook

Fæter og Cuisine fest. Knuds cousins on his father's side get together every two years. This years fest held at Olaf and Karen's place, what a great day

Jane and Ove

Hamburg, arrived here Sunday afternoon. Went for an extensive walk. Hamburg suffered massive damage during WW2. Fortunately some older buildings survived.

Rathus, Town Hall.

Rather attractive man hole cover

Wonderful time in Denmark

We hit the ground running in Denmark, wonderful to catch up with family and friends. Blessed with the most beautiful weather.
Jytte and I visit the newly refurbished Clay Museum in Middlefart

Fell in love with this teapot

Anders, Mette and Sophie

A gorgeous day out walking in the heather. Knud and Anette

Heather, little past its peak but nevertheless gorgeous

Knud and Anette



picnic lunch then a little fruit gathering. Must have been the site of a old farm house because s number of domestic fruit trees. Mirabelle and apples ready but pears not ripe yet.



Anne and Freya, our great nieces.

Helga and her older sister Elin. We had a wonderful day driving out to the west coast, not as difficult as one would think as Jylland is really not that wide.

Looking over to Romø

Knud with his mother and aunt at Højer

Møgeltønder, picture perfect village





Højer