Pamukkale and Ephesus (Selcuk)

OK, today was the longest day ever!  We drove for 8 hours I think...gah!  At least we were relaxed from the gulet.

Our first stop was Pamukkale.  I was REALLY looking forward to it. The beautiful calcified formations which spill down the slopes on the edge of this small village are a truly unique phenomenon which has attracted people for thousands of years. The ancient Romans believed the water collected by pools formed along the startlingly white terraces was ideal for bathing and would relieve ailments. The impressive city of Hierapolis was therefore constructed nearby expressly for the purpose of utilising the healing qualities of the springs. Pamukkale today is still somewhat of a spa town however swimming is restricted to only a few pools.

Unfortunately, it was INSANELY hot.  So we tried to enjoy it as best as we could.  They actually have an ancient Roman pool that you can go swimming in.  You can actually see all the pillars under the water.  But it cost extra and the water was even hot too.  Forget that.  Still, it was so cool to see the calcified formations.  It looks like people are swimming on glacial water.

We hopped on the bus and off we went to Selcuk next...Selcuk is at the base of the very famous ruins of Ephesus (one of the seven ancient wonders of the world)....some amazing ancient Roman ruins.  This morning, we woke up early to go see the ruins.  It was really hot so I kind of left the group with Andrea and Dave and we went off on our own and then met the group at the base of the ruins.

  Very well preserved.  You actually can imagine what it would be like to live there.  It helps that people walk around in ancient Roman costume.

Not too far off is the house of Mary.  A stimatized nun had a vision of where the virgin mary's home was and described it in great detail to some German monks.  They went in search and found a place here in Ephesus.  The home dates back to the 1st century AD....it is a shrine for Mary.  It is a bit of a drive away though and after having travelled so much the last little while, I just don't feel like going.  So I am off to relax by the pool.  Tomorrow, we are off Assos.  Turkey really has been great so far!  The food and the people are so wonderful!  There isn't as much of an opportunity to use the internet so I am trying to write in a paper journal and then transfer it here.

I can't believe students are going back to school in canada already.  I feel as though the summer just started sometimes.  This is an amazing experience!