Pamukkale and Hieropolis

For the two-week semester break at the end of January/beginning of February, Nate flew back to Turkey and we embarked on an epic historical two-week tour.  We met in Izmir, Turkey to go see an UNESCO site, the travertines at Pamukkale.  Nate made it all the way to Izmir from Minneapolis, but unfortunately his luggage did not.  When we left the hotel to go see Pamukkale, we weren't sure if his bags would make it.  But we didn't let that get in the way of having an awesome day at Pamukkale.

The travertines at Pamukkale were formed by carbonate minerals from hot flowing water.  Tourists are allowed to walk along the travertines, but shoes are not allowed.  Pamukkale translates into "cotton castle" in Turkish, and that really is the best way to describe how it looks from a distance.  Nate and I took off our shoes and walked along the slippery travertines, trying to find the hot pools to keep our feet warm on a chilly day.  In warmer summer months, you can actually go swimming in the pools of the travertines.  While we would have liked some warmer weather, it was great to be able to get some photos without hundreds of other people in them.

Panorama of the travertines at Pamukkale

The Cotton Castle

Keeping my feet warm in the hot pools!

Behind the travertines are the ruins of the ancient Roman city, Hierapolis.  Excavations are still taking place to unearth ruins from this ancient city.  It was originally chosen as a site for a city because of the thermal pools that are believed to have healing powers.  

What remains of the main road of Hierapolis

Theater with a reconstructed stage featuring Greek gods

The sun comes out for a little while at Hierapolis...

When we got back to Izmir, we were relieved to discover that Nate's bags had turned up and that we could pick them up at the airport the next day when before we flew to Athens.  We enjoyed an awesome seafood dinner in the Alsancak district of Izmir, and washed it down with some raki and baklava!

Relieved he doesn't have to buy a new Turkish wardrobe!