Pitstop in Pamakkale

I promised the photos of the second day in Cappadocia which included a marvelous 6km hike through mountains, crawling through caves and then in the afternoon we explored the underground city. Amazing!

The overnight bus to Pamakkale was not bad at all. Compared to the first ride from Istanbul to Cappadocia where the bus driver took a wrong exit and ON THE FREEWAY, put the giganitc bus in reverse for over 1.5 km. Every vehicle passing honked so I don't think this is common practice...it was weird and scary. I was on the passenger side of the bus so it wasn't as scary as the wide eyed tourist on the drivers side. That ride in so many ways was AWFUL! But this one was great. The smoking driver (in a non-smoking bus) even rolled down the window when I politely asked him. He didn't blare the radio nor did he talk loudly in the middle of the night like the other one. We even got in 2 hours before schedule which aloud me to sleep horizontally for 3 more hours.

The tour was really nice. We explored the an ancient city ... see photos. But what caught my eye was the para sailing taking off the cliff above the ancient city ruins. So...I decided to stay an extra day so I can do that today!! Little scary that they don't have lessons but I brought my helmet! There is a guide apparently so I am going for it. It'll be a bit chilly but I am dressed for the occasion and can't wait. The driver will come anytime to pick me up. So if this blog entry suddenly stops that is why...I'll pick it up later. But anyhow, Pamakkale was only meant to be a day tour and off to Ephesus but I couldn't resist and I wanted to try out the Turkish bath that was billed to be above average. It was fine ... I didn't have enough money to have a scrub-down but it was OK, I didn't like that I'd be topless and know men would be gawking like they were with other women. I think if I do it again, I'll do a woman only day.

So here are some photos...



These are photos of the Melis Hotel where I stayed. This is where I had breakfast. There is a sitting area (L) the meal area with a bar in the back (C) and the eating area.
This is what I have to eat EVERY morning for breakfast. It gets old but at least it is a balanced meal and pretty healthy. This is a larger than average portion.

This home is across the street from my hotel. I loved watching the women work...there wasn't a man to be seen at this home.


Here is Can...the sexy receptionist with whom I couldn't resist having a glass of wine (yes he is breaking the rules by drinking on the job).

This are all from the hike I took. You'll notice though a different day I am wearing virtually the same clothes ... ya wear the clothes until you can smell them... and since it is on the cooler side, I can wear them for days. Saves on laundry where in the past, my clothes have been lost. I wash a lot of my clothes on my own while showering.

This is a photo taken in the underground city tour. The people could stay here for months. I have a lot of video footage of this unbelievable underground city. The ventilation is surprisingly good with shafts and air-holes all over the caves. This photo is a typical room where 3-4 families would live. Thousands of people would live in this city at a time!


These two photos (above / below) are taken on my "liminal" walk. See what I mean ... the juxtaposition of modern day and ancient day is omnipresent.

This I loved! Eternity!


NOW ONTO PAMAKKALE... This is my driver below...he says funny things over and over. "Look at me, (extending his hand to shake) I am Jack Nicholson but skinnier and more good looking." After the 3rd time I had to feign a laugh but whatever...these guys work 7 days a week, 12 hour days and are happy ... give me Jack if that's what makes your day ya know?!

He also often sings happy birthday and his own variation of jingle bells.

"Jingle bell Jingle bell, jingle jingle jingle (and continuing his tune he'll add) ...and that is all I know."

Thought I'd try the natural mud in nature!

OK ... I think my driver has arrived and this is a great place to stop...Next up will be photos from the ancient city and perhaps my flying through the air ...

It's a bit overcast right now but I am going for it!~!!

Wish me luck ... I hope the guide speaks English!!

Here is one more photo to serve as a tease of the ancient city (this is the old amphitheater sitting on the hillside) ... see the paraglider in the upper right hand corner --that's gonna be me in a matter of hours!!