Waking up in a fairytale: first morning in Cappadocia

The alarm wasn't necessary this morning. I woke naturally at 6:15 to the soft glow of dawn filtering through my cave room's small window. Yes, a cave room. I'm staying in a traditional cave hotel in Göreme, and the experience is nothing short of magical.

I arrived late yesterday afternoon after a long bus journey from Pamukkale. The transfer was smooth enough, though the seats were predictably cramped for someone my height. I barely had time to check in and wander around the town center before darkness fell. But even that brief glimpse was enough to know I'd made the right decision to come here.

This morning, I stepped onto my small private terrace at precisely 6:30, coffee in hand, to watch the hot air balloons rise over the landscape. The sight literally stopped me mid-sip. Dozens of colorful balloons floating silently above the otherworldly rock formations, their burners occasionally illuminating them against the pale morning sky. It was like watching a painting come to life.

I had considered booking a balloon ride for this morning but decided to wait and observe first. Now I'm absolutely certain I'll be on one tomorrow. I've already made a reservation with a company recommended by my hotel owner—supposedly they have the most experienced pilots and smaller baskets with fewer people.

After watching the balloons for nearly an hour, I ventured out for a proper breakfast at a café that opened at 8:00. I arrived at 7:50 and waited outside, watching the town slowly come to life. The morning is quite cold—just around freezing according to my weather app—but the crisp air feels refreshing after the warmth of my cave room.

Breakfast was a traditional Turkish spread: fresh bread, olives, cucumber, tomato, cheese, and eggs with spicy sausage. The tea came in a delicate tulip-shaped glass, and I savored every sip while planning my day.

It's remarkable how the weather shapes the experience here. The mostly cloudy sky and cold temperature create an almost mystical atmosphere among the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. Looking at the forecast, it seems snow flurries might arrive this afternoon. Part of me hopes they do—I can only imagine how beautiful this landscape would look dusted with white.

I'm now back at my hotel, organizing my day. The Göreme Open Air Museum is first on my list—it's just a 20-minute walk from town. After that, I'm considering exploring one of the valleys on foot, though I might save the longer hikes for tomorrow when the weather is supposed to improve slightly.

Sitting here in this room carved from volcanic tuff, I'm struck by how different this feels from anywhere else I've stayed in my 186 days of travel. The walls curve organically, the ceiling arches above me, and despite being essentially inside a rock, it feels surprisingly cozy rather than claustrophobic.

There's something about Cappadocia that already feels significant. Perhaps it's the landscape that seems to exist somewhere between reality and imagination. Or maybe it's simply that I've reached another milestone in my journey—314 days remaining now, the countdown continuing.

Time to head out to the Open Air Museum. The clouds are thickening, and if snow is indeed coming, I want to make the most of the morning hours. More later.

!Morning balloons over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys The surreal sight of hot air balloons drifting over Cappadocia's unique landscape at dawn