Day 6: Dreams in the Sky and a Heartfelt Farewell

Today was the day I had been waiting for… for a very, very long time.Yes — this was the day of the hot air balloon flight.

In fact, I had already envisioned this moment at the beginning of the year. I was determined to make it happen in 2025. Then, almost like magic, the invitation to this retreat appeared. Of course, I was deeply drawn to the retreat itself — but honestly, the balloon flight was equally part of the allure. So for me, this trip was a complete win from the start.

We left the hotel at 4:00 a.m., walking down the quiet road under the stars, the air still cool and silent — except for the distant sound of the Adhān, the early morning call to prayer echoing from a nearby mosque. It added a sacred, almost cinematic quality to our departure.

When we arrived at the launch site, it was still dark.Hundreds of balloons lay on the ground, glowing faintly from the inside as they were slowly inflated — a field of giants preparing to rise.

We all boarded one large balloon, allowing the whole group to stay together for this special moment. Excitement buzzed through the basket as the burners roared. And then,with a few powerful bursts of flame, we began to ascend.

Waaow… so beautiful.The takeoff was so gentle — almost surreal — and as we rose higher, the mystical landscape of Cappadocia gradually unfolded beneath us. Valleys of rock spires, ancient caves, winding paths, and layered colors of earth bathed in early morning hues.

Soon, conversations began — light, amazed, joyful.

One person started a video call with their family, unable to contain their excitement.Another, who had previously confessed to a fear of heights, was now snapping photos and laughing freely, as if something heavy had lifted.

There was also a lady who received a call from a client and calmly responded,“I’m sorry… this isn’t the best time. I’m in a balloon over Cappadocia.” We all laughed. A completely unforgettable sentence.

And then — the moment we had all been waiting for: the sunrise.

As the first golden rays stretched across the horizon, our pilot gently rotated the balloon so we could experience the full 360° panoramic view of this sacred hour. The landscape glowed; the balloons surrounding us seemed to float through a dream.

It was divine. Many of us felt something shift in our hearts. In that breathtaking stillness, it was as if we saw our own life paths laid out in the distance. A moment of clarity.

We drifted over hills and valleys for about an hour. Toward the end of the flight, we spotted galloping horses. There was even a “flying dress” photo shoot taking place on a cliff, and a wedding ceremony in full swing — all framed by a sky filled with colorful balloons. It was joyful, and almost cinematic — a celebration of life from above.

After landing, we had a small champagne ceremony to mark the experience, and each of us received a flight certificate. A beautiful ritual to close such a magical morning.

We returned to the hotel and and soon, it was time to say goodbye to Cappadocia to head back to Istanbul.

Upon arriving, we shared a final group lunch at the hotel.

Afterwards, we worked for one last session to complete the program and formally close the retreat. There were many emotions, but smiles filled with gratitude on everyone's face.

Most of us had evening or early-morning flights, so we had a few free hours before departure. Some wanted to visit the Grand Bazaar, but eventually we stayed local and share one more dinner together. This time, it wasn’t as “participants” — we came together simply as friends.

A cosy nearby seafood restaurant became the perfect place to laugh, reminisce, and enjoy the last meal of the trip. Everyone was relaxed, happy — hearts full.

Eventually, some people had to leave, while the spirit of the evening was still in full bloom, in order to catch their flights. I also left with them to spend the night at an airport hotel before my early morning flight the next day.

The room was windowless — a strange contrast to the wide-open skies of Cappadocia — but for one night, it was fine. I was alone now for the first time in days…and as I lay down to sleep, I felt both a soft emptiness and a quiet fullness.