F**k – I’ve slept in! I Had set my alarm for 5am – but that was only done a few hours earlier. I’m woken up in a hurry – I have a couple of minutes to get onto the minibus, already full with fellow ozbussers.
We arrive in town before heading out to the valley where we’ll take off. It’s early, there’s loads of other people around – although there’s hot tea and cake, I feel like shit. Go to toilet to be sick. At least I’m here, if only in body. Last night was lots of fun, butit ended only a few moments ago.
Words and pictures usually work so well in describing, inspiring or explaining life and our experiences. However, I feel nothing can really do justice to the experience of our sunrise balloon trip – the control of rising and falling, drifting silently along in those few, hazy and hungover hours of that morning.
I am sure this will be a memory I shall cherish right upto my last day alive.
This may be sooner than I think as it really does feel like an exceptionally vindictive swine has defecated in my brain. The dreamlike journey around the valley and those strange towering dwellings end not with a bump, but with a graceful landing right onto the trailer. We clamber out, dazed and enthralled – greeted by champagne and more cake, a group photo and lots of smiles.
Wow!
I go back to bed…
Later. head to the pool for what turns out to be the first of my many poor attempts at sunbathing, which only end in burns, patches and more freckles.
I blow up the globe and relax away listening to my favourite sunburnt soundtrack – The Orb (Remember- Newquay, Philosophy Society Surf Trip). Go into town, have lunch, buy a black collarless shirt and head back to the campsite. Can’t get into WordPress and pretty much give up then to keep blog any further uptodat, check Scotland fixtures and head off to an authentic turkish tourist meal extravaganza.
The entertainment, although cheesey is fab – belly dancers, a band and whirling dervishes. The belly dancer is gorgeous and gets a few of the guys up to dance with her – some are transfixed, for another it’s only part of his birthday present. A cake is produced for Mac, Jeff is back from Ireland after losing the replay, Nat left us in Istanbul so Dave gets cheered up and Simone’s boyfriend and her announce she’s leaving the trip. Whilst it’s a wonderful and romantic gesture, we feel mugged and it’s an emotional farewell.
The group is a little less mature, easy going and good-looking with Simone’s departure. Maz & I raise a glass of whiskey and wish her well. We’ll never hear from her again.
It’s been a full and fun day – one that the ozbus family will never forget – the bonds between us are growing with each spectacular sight, with each personal journey and with every new conversation.
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