One of the decision that took a very long to take, is whether we should do the hot air balloon or not. No doubt it will be an exciting experience. But at a hefty 150 euro per person price tag (and only for 1 hour), it’s just ridiculously expensive! It’s just so sad to think how many poor people you could fed with that money. After tossing and turning, we decided to pull the trigger anyway. Well you've work hard, so it makes sense to play hard. For your conscious you could do good deed separately. Besides, we might never ever go to Cappadocia again. We got picked up around 5.30 am then the minibus go around to few more hotels before dropping us in their headquarter office (Atmosfer Balloons). We gave them our name and ... read more

We woke up really early to catch our 6.45 am flight to Izmir. No tram yet. There is a cheap shuttle but departs at 3.20 which is too early and we're afraid we can't wake up on time. We decided to take taxi instead (40 lira). Flight with Onur Air was on time and smooth. On the arrival gate, our group tour guide already waiting. Although its a group tour (kudasasitours.com 62 euro per person), apparently that day there's only 3 people (max capacity 6 person) so it feels like a private tour which is about 2x the price. If anyone would like to save money, you can take dolmus (from the highway) or train (up to Selcuk). The drive to Ephesus was a very nice surprise. We had a short stopover by the Aegean Sea ... read more

This morning the drizzles are harder than usual. It’s colder as well. But we braised ourselves for Topkapi Palace as we heard so many nice things about it (20 lira). Once again my tripod is being taken away to the cloak room. I think next backpacking trip, no need to bring tripod.... We enter the courtyard where the building on the right apparently is a giant kitchen with giant chimneys! Inside you can take pictures but not at the Treasury (which basically rooms displaying many valuables) I was amazed by this giant 86 carat teardrop diamond that was found in a dumpster for heaven sake! Some of the collections are impressive but some are rather questionable (from authenticity point of view). For example, how would you know whether that was Moses walking stick? (Seems to small) ... read more

I was woken up by the ray of sunshine as our plane is crossing over Iran. Its 10 hours flight from Singapore to Istanbul. I'm slightly tired yet happy: Our Turkey vacation finally arrived! Arrival was a breeze. Just give your passport, pay the visa fee and the officer just put a sticker to your passport and that it. As we stay more than 3 nights in Hotel Erboy, we were picked up at the airport by private transfer. On the way to Sultanahmet, we were greeted by hints of spring as cherry blossom and tulip decorate sidewalks and parks. After quick refresh, we walked to Aya Sofia. I'm prepared for a long queue as its Saturday, but its only like 7 mins queue (20 lira). The museum was amazing ! Such a grand structure. Here ... read more