'Snowy Hills' in the Middle East?...surely not!
Trip Start
Sep 07, 2010
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55
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Trip End
Mar 13, 2011
Where I stayed
Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
Friday, November 5, 2010
Pamukalle famous for terraces are made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs and for hanging limestone combs. We walked up through town and up over the first set of travertines. We had to take our shoes off to protect the deposits but luckily the thermal water was warm in many places – apparently 36 degrees at the source.
We found a great look out spot to take some pictures, although they only fill up pools with water at certain times of the year (for professional photos and postcards only mostly). Too much water means moss and dirt builds up on the white cliffs, so they only release water down certain tracks. Some of the pools looked a little hand made though, so I'm sure there’s some construction going to maintain and form the landscape. We played with the tripod to get us both in some of the pics, and also managed a group shot with some of the other truck group members.
At the top of the hill there are the ruins of the ancient town of Hierapolis. We walked through them, up to the top of the theatre and through the ancient pool. Although a café now and a swimming spot, it is the source of the thermal spring and has roman columns submersed in the clear blue water.
As the truck was due to leave for Selcuk (town near Ephesus) at 12 noon, we had to make our way down in time to get some lunch. We stopped at a local "restaurant" for chicken kebabs which we are all a little concerned about the quality of the chicken. We had a great view up the cliffs though, and only had to fend off some cats whilst enjoying the lunch and some apple tea.
The rest of the day was spent driving to Selcuk, however Lee-Sia did assist the cook group with cooking rice and stir fired chow mien vegetables – comments were particularly positive and she did extremely well. We are camping near the hotel swimming pool (orders were to simply put tents up anywhere) but no mosquitoes here so its looking good.
After quite a few games of pool where I was taught many a lesson by Graham we turned in for the night. I also had to do some study on Ephesus as I have been nominated to be the guide for tomorrows trip around the ruins (our groups way of saving money on hiring a guide - obviously).
Comments
Wonderful places to visit and hope i could enjoy some Pool Games over there.