Experiencing the Magic of Cappadocia and Istanbul: A Leather Lover's Adventure

D.e.n.i_C
May 10
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

When I first saw photos of Cappadocia, I knew it had to be added to my bucket list. Once something is on my bucket list, I ensure it happens!

The Allure of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is truly a magical destination. It offers genuine authenticity and a unique atmosphere. The hot air balloons overhead are breathtaking. Where else can you witness 160 balloons soaring over the city?

I knew this trip would be a significant leap outside my comfort zone. The allure of 160 balloons painting the sky in such a unique location was irresistible. I had to try it!

Standing 300 meters above the ground in that basket was undeniably an experience. The balloon fastened to the van offered no feeling of safety; it was quite the contrary. Nevertheless, I adhered to the instructions and stepped into the basket.

The Heart-Pounding Adventure

Once airborne and surrounded by numerous other balloons, a sense of tranquility swiftly enveloped me. I began to fully appreciate the stunning views.

In the chilly 6 AM weather, I was thankful for my full leather outfit. It offered both security and cozy warmth. The thickness of my perfecto leather jacket felt like a safety vest, and the leather sweatpants provided enough comfort for movement. This was essential, especially when getting in and out of the basket after a bumpy landing.

Twice, we nearly collided with a rock while the pilot joked about the Titanic. The joking was oddly the most comforting part. Everything felt fine until it was time to land. The pilot told us to take the landing position and asked if we were prepared. It’s easy to say you're ready when you're unsure what’s coming next.

Then, we hit a rock, causing the basket to tip over horizontally. We slid about 30 meters on the ground before the balloon finally came to a stop. This left all the passengers in an awkward position. Since I had never been on a balloon ride before, I wondered if this was what a landing was supposed to be like.

Exploring Istanbul: An Unexpected Gem

During my return trip, I had the opportunity to spend several days in Istanbul. Although it wasn’t as high on my list as Cappadocia, I still wanted to visit the city.

I came with no particular expectations, except for hoping to find some quality leather shops. Turkey is famously known for its leather goods, especially lamb skin.

As I browsed restaurant menus, it was evident that lamb leather is plentiful in this area.

Since it was my first visit, I decided to take a classic tourist tour of the most renowned attractions. The city has a unique and lively atmosphere. Indeed, I noticed numerous leather shops, but unfortunately, none met my criteria for design and quality.

Therefore, I embarked on a more in-depth search. And those who seek, always find.

Architectural Wonders and Drawbacks

I especially appreciated the architecture and mosques that seemed to be around every corner. I admire the marble, the light, and the sense of cleanliness due to the light-colored stone.

However, like any major city, Istanbul has its drawbacks. I wished I could have used bike sharing to get around instead of relying on taxis. Taxis are not eco-friendly, and many drivers seem to believe that overcharging customers is part of being a good driver. So, be cautious about that. For this reason, I much preferred walking.

For exploring such a hilly city, I chose to wear calf boots for comfort, along with either a leather dress or leather shorts. Strolling through the vibrant, colorful suburbs, I felt both chic and at ease.

This trip signaled the start of summer for me. The sunny and delightful weather encouraged me to fully embrace my summer leather wardrobe.

I genuinely enjoy wearing leather in the summer. It not only provides a stylish appearance, but I also find the lightweight lambskin leather very pleasant to wear.