Day 56, 29 August 2012, Ballooning over Cappadocia - Wow. Obviously we're both ballooning addicts, but this adventure rates as shared number 1 alongside the Serengeti Experience. For a 5.10 am pick up (quite civilised by ballooning standards) we had the alarm set for 4.45 am. Which turned out to be 5 minutes before allah-o'clock at the mosque next door - so well timed all round. The great team at Butterfly Balloons, one of the oldest and most established of the Cappadocian balloon companies picked us up on time and delivered us (and 100 odd other intrepid adventurers) to the local office for a pre-trip breakfast of local melons, strawberries, bananas and pastries. Very fortunately, as we had only booked the standard flight, there was a cancellation on the deluxe flight and they needed extra ballast. More so I think it was because we were the only people from our lodgings and it wouldn't cause ruffled feelings with any other guests. Whilst we have ballooned before, usually the most balloons in the sky is 4 or 5 at a time. We had thought the ballooning postcards were photoshopped with hundreds up in the air at once - but no - they are real. Between the sunrise, the stunning light and the 100s of other balloons to watch and photograph, seeing the fairy chimneys in the Valley of Love almost (almost!) came in as a second priority. This is one of the best ballooning experiences ever - firstly because it was for an hour and a half. Secondly, as a deluxe ride there were only 9 of us in the basket (some balloons in Cappadocia are like buses with upwards of 30 people craning around each other to see the view). Thirdly, though it was completely unintended, we ended up in a lake. Nope. Not above the lake or next to the lake, we came in over the lake and got a little too close to the water, a little too fast. James and I being fairly quick thinkers climbed to the rim of the basket and ended up with slightly wet feet. The Greeks next to us weren't actually listening when the pilot said pick up your bags and spent the time in the water, actually in the water up to their thighs. We figured we could swim for it if need be - pleasant day, calm water. But it really depended on which way the pilot hopped. Being a good captain of his ship (sorry, balloon), he stayed put and said hold on tight - we're going up fast! So we did and we did. Who knew - I always thought the holes on the side of a balloon basket were for climbing in and out with. Turns out they make cracking drainage holes too! Once back in the air we saw some more beautiful lake views and eventually landed a bit further on in the more traditional spot of a local field. We celebrated our balloon ride and boat cruise with champagne, as you do, right up until the Greeks started complaining about wet legs. Honestly... climb faster next time! Couldn't have had a better or more adrenalin charged experience if we'd tried. Back to town for a belated and extended lie in. Dinner was at a local restaurant - took a punt on a thai green curry - and it was perfect. Can only eat so much turkish food. Off for a tour tomorrow - but tummies are a bit grumbly tonight - fingers crossed it's not too bad a case of kebab-belly.