One highlight of my birthday this year is the hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia over the spectacular landscape left by volcanic activitiies. I was the only one who admitted a previous experience with hot air balloons in the group of 10 people who rose to the sky together. The whole experience was as breath-taking as my first ride in south-western China's Yangshuo over karst landscape. It only felt more smooth and controlled. A glass of champagne at landing was a special treat, especially for the birthday girl.
More photos from Cappadocia and Turkey can be found in my album Turkey.