Turkey - Pamukkale & Bodrum

On Day 7 - We arrived in Heriapolis - Pamukkale - the legendary spa - Cotton Castle ! As the natural spring water flowed from upwards to downwards - I still recall the repulsion i felt as i saw people trying to soak themselves totally downstream. This was after i saw people soaking their feet and other body parts upstream. >.< Other than this slight hygiene issue, this natural spring was uniquely beautiful and deserving of its UNESCO standing.






It wasn't just Cotton Castle that was impressive - but also the restored Roman Amphitheater




The weather was so hot - we didn't feel like we could walk another step. Then we saw people paragliding over Heriapolis - and thought - why couldn't we? Within an hour - we were outside the tour agency - booking our para gliding session at 1pm.





Tired, exhausted - we were still up for a quick walk at the restored castle monument of St John




Kudos to the driver - we drove something alone the lines of 5-6 hours to Bodrum from here. Arriving to see a beautiful sunset






This would be my favorite dish in Turkey - risotto stuffed in a mussel for just 1 EUR - fantastic !




We ended up watching the World Cup Finals in a tiny pub of Germany versus Argentina with a non so tiny crowd cheering behind us with a television telecast that didn't have any English. It was one of those experiences that you will never forget. :)

On the next day, we settled down in one of the sea side pubs and took a swim under the noon sun light. I explored Bodrum on foot - it was just one of those relaxing afternoons to remember.

Turkey - Sirince & Efes

On Day 5 - we went from the north to the south of Turkey for an entirely different experience. Renting a car, we drove from the airport to Sirince Terrace Houses - where we experienced staying in a old stone house that was hundreds of years ago - just like one of those houses that nobles would stay in Efes.

A small touristy charming town, Sirince was known for its local produce & charming terrace houses.

Day 6 - The next day, we went to Efes. Until now, i will still remember how 'he' called me at the hotel reception - trying to reach me at breakfast, :) 

We parked at the end of Efes and took a horse carriage up to the entrance.

Arriving at Efes which has one of the world's largest collection of Roman ruins

Temple of Celsius - one of the ancient world's great 7 wonders 

Terrace Houses at Ephesus - where we saw archaeologists hard at work - trying to restore the ruins 

On our last stop at Efes, we went to the first Church for Virgin Mary.

Later on, we drove to the house of Virgin Mary where she died



Lastly, the sad looking Temple of Artemis - burnt and rebuilt - to today, when a symbolic lone pillar remains.