Advertisement
Published: November 27th 2010
Edit Blog Post
Ahhhh…I had a lovely day of serenity. I was with a group of about 12 people from all over. This was one of the 1st days where there was no one my age, yet everyone was very interesting and interested in me and my travels. Our day started with a tour of Hierapolis Ancient City. We saw the Necropolis (cemetery) of Hierapolis which is one of the biggest ancient cemeteries. Then, we walked to the natural warm water terraces which were formed by running warm water that contains calcium. The temperature of the water is about 95 degrees (the main reason people come to Pamukkale). The effect is created when water from the hot springs loses carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, gave the site the name Pamukkale (cotton castle). To say the least, I was impressed. I never saw pictures of the area, just made up images in my head. I am glad I did this as not everyone thought it was as spectacular as I did as professional pictures gave them different visuals in their head… I have been trying
not to have any expectations of places, so I won’t be disappointed. If anything, I look for the surprise factor.
When I met some people in Cappadocia, they said do not swim in the ancient pool of Cleopatra… but to walk down a bunch of pools in the original area to swim. It made sense once I got there as you can pay 25 Lira to swim in this oversized pool where there are lounge chairs – basically it was turned into a comfortable tourist attraction vs. swimming in the actual natural pools…
So I headed straight to the pools. No shoes are allowed. If you have your shoes on you get SCREAMED at by the local authorities. Two ladies joined me as we started our descent down this weird, but lovely natural phenomena. We made it half way down where it wasn’t as crowded when I stripped down to my bathing suit and walking into one of the pools. The water was like a bath! It only comes to about your thigh, but the point is to sit and cover yourself with the grey mud as it is supposed to be lovely for your skin. I literally
pumiced my feet! My tour guide found us (a handsome 25 year old). He said he would be leading the group down here in about 1.5 hours so I should take my time and relax. He ended up sitting with me for about an hour. I learned that he heads to Russia for the winter months (off season) to learn Russian. As many Russians have been coming to the area, they need more Russian speaking tour guides. He also was the 1st shy Turkish man I have met. He seemed very respectful and he wants to teach others about his world as he loves where he comes from. This was quite refreshing as many others don’t care what you take away form your experience and/or just want to flirt. I don’t know when, but the 2 other ladies disappeared. I lied down on a dry rock and smiled as the sun felt so wonderful. Earlier in the day it was about 50 degrees and now probably around 70, but with the surroundings of the warm rocks and water, it felt even hotter.
The tour guide had to go retrieve the rest of the group back at the top. I
started my final descent down as I wanted to take my time. There were many smooth areas and many little stones. To be honest, as beautiful as it was, my poor tootsies started to hurt as my feet aren’t used to walking barefoot. I stopped many times, took pictures and kept thinking how beautiful this all is! I really did enjoy this day and my time at Pamukkale. These were the first rocks in history (that I know of) that have running water on them all the time, yet it isn’t slippery in the slightest. Can someone please explain why to me?
We then had an organized lunch. Three of us then got on a 4pm bus to Selcuk (the 2 ladies from earlier in the day). It took about 4 hours, but it was definitely not a bother, as I still was in heaven over today’s natural wonder.
We arrived at a hotel – one that I could have stayed at for weeks. I am not sure how much emphasis I put on my accommodations – but they have all been crap up until now. No dead bugs, immediate hot water, hell… I can walk around without my shoes on!!! I joined the 2 ladies for dinner. We went to some local joint in town. Boy oh boy the men like to flirt here – super annoying. Turns out the both the ladies are widowers. The two ladies met in Washington D.C.; however since the passing of one of their husbands, one lady moved back to her home – Switzerland. She was one of the loveliest ladies I have ever met. Her demeanor and kindness makes me want to be a nicer person!
A day trip to Ephesus is tomorrow. I am trying not to have any expectations, except everyone tells me how lovely it is!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.134s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 18; qc: 61; dbt: 0.0764s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb