Stephen’s journey continues as he leaves the coastal city of Izmir behind, heading toward one of Turkey’s most famous provinces, Cappadocia. Known for its surreal landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, Cappadocia is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. Its unique rock formations, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides make it one of the most sought-after places in the world.
On the way to Cappadocia, Stephen reflects on whether he should try the iconic hot air balloon experience. Recalling his previous aerial adventures in South Africa—flying in a helicopter and skydiving—Stephen admits both experiences, though thrilling, left him feeling uneasy.
After several hours of driving, Stephen arrives at his campsite in Cappadocia. He sets up his tent and spends the rest of the day exploring the region’s breathtaking landscapes before having dinner and calling it a night. Rising early the next morning, Stephen watches the hot air balloons ascend into the sky, a spectacle that leaves him mesmerized. Enjoying the scene from the ground feels like the perfect middle ground for him.
From Cappadocia, Stephen heads toward Sivas. While driving along rural roads, he is pulled over for speeding and issued a fine. The officers, also motorbike enthusiasts, wish him well on his journey, and Stephen moves on, with spirits still high. His route takes him through stunning Turkish scenery before he reaches the Ishak Pasha Palace, a historic site nestled in the mountains.
That night, Stephen stays in Kars, a small city on Turkey’s eastern edge. Here, he takes time to plan for the next leg of his journey. Tomorrow, he will cross into Georgia, where he eagerly looks forward to reuniting with his wife after three months on the road.
Join Stephen’s journey again next week to see what experiences lay ahead in this epic journey! New episodes of Dinja Mutur will be airing on ONE every Thursday at 10:00pm, and if you missed an episode, you can watch the episode on demand on one.com.mt, or on repeat:
– Saturday at 11:40am
– Sunday at 11:00pm
– Tuesday at 11:00am