Day 3 – Cappadocia 🇹🇷
The one with… sunset quad biking, a missing phone and a whole lot of laughter
Summary
A fast-paced day that started with a mini panic over an earlier flight. Who even does that?
But it quickly turned into one of those magic travel days. Smooth flights, a singing minibus, a missing phone drama with a happy ending, and settling into a stunning cave hotel in Cappadocia.
The group bonded over games, laughter and a lively Turkish evening full of music, food and birthday celebrations.
Not everything went perfectly. Quad biking had its moments. But the joy, connection and laughter made it unforgettable.
The long-winded version
Don’t panic, Mr Mannering
We kicked off with a slightly frantic breakfast, knowing our minibus was due at 8.20am.
Then… eek. An email arrived saying our flight had been moved to an earlier time.
Earlier? Really?
Who moves a flight earlier?
But there was no need to panic. Our Turkish driver clearly had a secret side job as a Formula 1 driver.
We made it. No drama. Well, almost.
Up, up and away
I do love Turkish Airlines.
Leather seats and a hot cheese toastie on a one-hour flight?
Yes please.
The best minibus party you didn’t know you needed
Our Mercedes minibus was next level.
Cream leather seats, spotless, USB sockets and proper luxury vibes.
Then the driver walked through the bus, squirting everyone with hand sanitiser and handing out cartons of water.
Then we were off.
He hit play on the stereo.
Hit the road Jack…
Nine women singing at full volume:
“And don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.”
Then Annette absolutely smashed Jailhouse Rock.
Who knew Annette loved Elvis?
It was one of those “life is good” moments you wish you could bottle.
The great phone drama
Then Trudi’s face dropped.
“My phone’s gone.”
Panic rising.
Bags emptied.
Nothing.
Then it hit her.
“I left it in the airport loo.”
It was Trudi’s birthday and she had been checking birthday messages on her phone in the airport toilet.
That is a very odd sentence to write.
Cue a flurry of phone calls with Sam and a friend of the driver, mostly in broken English. There was also a slightly suspicious request for a password, which was a hard no from the group.
Then came the plot twist.
The person on the other end of the phone turned on FaceTime.
It was the police.
Password given.
Long story short, the phone was found, collected and safely returned later that day.
Crisis averted.
We all aged about five years in ten minutes. Our driver got a big tip.
Cave life and rooftop vibes
We arrived at our cave hotel and… wow.
Everyone loved it. Proper Cappadocia magic.
We regrouped on the rooftop terrace with views across the cave city. It was absolutely stunning.
Then came the games.
- Spoons – chaotic as ever.
- Taco, Goat, Cheese, Pizza – absolute carnage.
If you know, you know.
The narwhal and gorilla noises coming from the group were just bonkers. Annette was crying with laughter, the proper can’t-breathe kind.
Quad biking… um
This part didn’t quite hit the mark this year.
There was less off-roading and more tarmac. The quads were a bit tired, and the volume of quads was next level.
But we still had that golden Cappadocia sunset.
We still took gorgeous photos.
We still shared the moment together.
And sometimes, it is not about the activity being perfect. It is about who you are with.
And that made it special anyway.
Turkish night magic
We were back at the hotel by 7.38pm, which gave us just enough time for a quick turnaround before heading out again for dinner at 8pm.
And wow. What a night.
Traditional food, a live band and our own cosy little room with low tables and comfy seating. It just worked.
Everyone said it was the best meal so far, and the best value too.
The pottery dishes were a proper experience. Four of the group went for it and loved every second.
The restaurant manager fully adopted us, gently taking the mickey out of Carol for nursing her gin and tonic for about two hours.
A birthday to remember
We wrapped up the evening with a full restaurant singalong for Trudi’s birthday, complete with a giant sparkler in a fruit platter.
It was one of those moments where you stand back and think:
This is what it is all about.
Roses and thorns
There were ups and downs today, but sitting together and sharing stories at the end of it all felt special.
This group has bonded in a way that is hard to explain.
Lots of laughter, lots of support and a real sense of togetherness.
Tomorrow…
All eyes on the sky.
Hot air balloons, we’re ready for you.
