CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY IN CAPPADOCIA

Fri May 24, 2024

Birthdays have always been a time for me to bring people together and focus on creating joyful experiences for others rather than myself. Since childhood, my mother would host wonderful birthday gatherings at home, inviting all my classmates and ensuring there was plenty of food and drinks for everyone. This tradition stayed with me, and I’ve always loved making my guests feel welcome and happy whenever I host an event.

As I approached my 40th birthday, I wanted to celebrate in a truly special way. I sought a unique destination where neither I nor my friends and family had ever been. Cappadocia had long been on my bucket list, making the planning process incredibly exciting.

Our journey began with a flight from Vienna to Nevsehir, with a short layover in Istanbul. We faced a significant delay in Vienna, which made me anxious about missing our connecting flight. Fortunately, everything worked out, and we arrived as planned. My brother, along with my sister-in-law, my niece and my friend Sonja, had arrived earlier and were waiting for us. We all gathered for a casual dinner at a quaint restaurant near our hotel in Göreme.

The evening was already magical, with the beautiful caves and unique landscapes visible from the hotel terrace. I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. Around 5 AM, I heard people outside and opened the curtains to see the first hot air balloons rising into the sky. It was like a dream come true.

Our first day began with a guided tour that included the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Fairy Chimneys, a lunch break in Uchisar, and Love Valley. This 7-hour trip was an incredible way to discover Cappadocia’s rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

After the tour, I had just 30 minutes to change for a flying dress photoshoot, a gift from my friends Maria and Vanessa. Maria kindly accompanied me to the photo agency, which had around 200 dresses to choose from. The stylist suggested a navy-blue dress, which I happily wore. The shoot went wonderfully, with numerous location changes within an hour and around 400 stunning shots, including some videos. It was an unforgettable experience.

Following the photoshoot, I joined my friends for an early dinner since we needed to wake up early for the sunrise balloon watch. On the third day, I had arranged another guided tour, this time to watch the sunrise balloons with a photographer. We were picked up from our hotel at 4:30 AM and driven to the main field where the balloons began to rise. Watching the balloons ascend was one of the most magical moments of my life, filling me with awe and bringing tears to my eyes. Our guide then took us to a panoramic viewpoint to capture the balloons in the sunrise light, creating beautiful memories together.

Given our early start, I scheduled some free time after breakfast. My friend Sonja had gifted me a Luxury SPA voucher, so I chose to relax at the Hotel Agos’s beautiful SPA in Cappadocia. My sister-in-law joined me for a Cappadocia Purity treatment, a Turkish hammam experience that deeply cleanses, hydrates, and rejuvenates the skin, providing a sense of freshness and relaxation. This pampering session was the perfect way to unwind before my birthday dinner.

Around 7 PM, I went to the restaurant to decorate the table and distribute goodie bags for my guests, filled with amazing products from Eucerin, Louis Widmer, and 477, along with some items I had chosen myself. The dinner was perfect, with delicious food and a stunning view.