Pamukkale was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and we quickly were taken with its beauty. The geology nerd in me was especially appreciative of the inherent learning opportunities. In the end, we kicked off our shoes (walking on the deposits with shoes is something of a crime, and men in orange jumpsuits resembling prisoners chased people around screaming in turkish), had a wander and lamented dropping one of our cameras into a warm pool of calcium carbonate.
from far away, it could be a mountain covered with snow (minus the fact it was roughly 35c outside, etc)
and closer
the travertines--sedimentary rock deposited by water that flows from the hot springs in the area (also in threat due to what is most likely low water pressure due to tourism in the local area)
up close
incredibly slippery!
i couldn't stop taking pictures, and i don't think i fully grasped what i was seeing/standing on
my hat matches the geologic wonder that is the water!
the pools from another viewpoint
Pamukkale is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is (and i may have my facts wrong) the home to Apollo. The ruins stand just north of the baths, and we wandered that way as well. The temperatures were near scorching so we were allowed to put our shoes back on.
Cleopatra's Swimming Pool (legend has it this is where Cleopatra gained her extensive beauty)
the ruins of Hierapolis (the ancient city built on the site of Pamukkale) and imposing Cökelez Mountains in the background
Jen, on the famous Amphitheatre
our final stop on the way home was at a turkish carpet factory. after getting the brief tour, we were sat down and given coffee/tea while men unfurled carpets in front of us with a sort of camp panache akin to male models. it was brilliant.
coffee with our carpets, thank you
thank you, Turkey!
good trip, sunny trip, trip with hospitable people and ridiculous adventures.
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