Great Adventure

Cappadocian Adventures from Earth to Sky

by Alison Weissbrot

Daily balloon ritual in Cappadocia. All photos by Karen Bianchi.

CAPPADOCIA, Turkey – California-based photographer Karen Bianchi wanted an adventure. What was she hoping to find? A new culture, a rich history, and some otherworldly scenery. It's no wonder she was lured to Cappadocia.

A timeworn city in the Anatolian region of Turkey, Cappadocia's rocky landscape (sculpted from thousands of years of wind and rain) has resulted in structures referred to as "fairy chimneys" by the locals. The mystical topography has inspired a sunrise tradition: Each morning, 80 to 100 balloons soar through the sky, putting on a display of airborne beauty.

Karen explored Cappadocia's quaint hotels and restaurants, nestled right into the city's cliffs; she learned the art of Turkish pottery-making from a local guru; and, of course, she sailed away on a magic hot air balloon ride.

Welcome to Cappadocia

Where the hot air balloons put on a show every morning.

Fairy Chimneys

Local legend has it that eroded volcanoes make a perfect hideout for mystical creatures.

Up, Up, and Away

Can we tag along for a ride?

Learning From the Master

Pottery mastery Galip Korukcu is famous in the region for spinning beautiful pieces of ceramic with his feet.

Pretty, Delicate, and Uniquely Original

Galip's finished products. He's known to make over 200 pieces a day.

Pottery Loot

To be hauled off for painting.

Peeking Through

Cliffside crevices make the best viewpoints in Cappadocia.

Yunak Evleri Hotel

Where your room is a restored 5th-century cave.

Enter with Caution

Quaintness overload! Charming details around every corner.

Retreat to the Caves

A cozy stone room at Yunak Evleri.

On the Patio at Muti

A picturesque spot to pair grilled salmon, fresh veggies, and tabouleh salad with crisp Turkish wine.

City of Caves

Cappadocian architecture works with the rocky landscape.

Take Me Away

In a Cappadocian dream.

An Ancient Tradition

And a sight to see.

SEE MORE OF KAREN'S WORK

karenbianchi.blogspot.com

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

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We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.