Pamukkale to Kusadasi

The next day, we start with a visit to our first antiquity, Hieropolis.  It was founded in about 200 BC, likely because of the therapeutic value of the mineral pools and had passed through Roman, Christian and Ottoman hands through its history.  We pass through time as well walking through the Necropolis (graveyard) holding sarcophagi inscribed with Greek lettering, likely in respect of its occupant. 

Recep offering an orientation

A good view of the site of Hieropolis

Marvellous Arches

From the other side with Thomas and Robin

The marble roadway and ruts from the chariots

  

At the end, we catch sight of the marvellous white travertines holding bright blue spring waters flowing from one terrace to next 100 meters down to the plain below.  

Lots of people at the travertine pools

A good pairing!

A less populated view of the travertines with the edge of the town below.
This is more of what we expected.

After a visit there, the compass is set for Kusadasi.  We pass by a geothermal power generation plant that makes use of the same heated waters that created Pammukale.

Geothermal Plant

 If yesterday’s travel was through the bread basket then today we seem to be in the fruit basket.  Pomegranates, figs, oranges, lemons and strawberries all arranged row upon row, field upon field.  We stop at a roadside stand where we enjoyed yogurt with honey and poppyseed.  Yum!  Later we stop for fresh figs.  If you haven’t experienced fresh fig, I encourage you to give them a try as they are very different from their dried version with a mild tasting succulent flesh. 

Cotton Field

Strawberry Field (forever)

 We are escorted to a high end leather manufacturer where we are entertained with a fashion show … and some of the models were our travelmates Thomas and Linda.  What fun!  The goods were marvellous, but a little too rich for the likes of us. 

Linda and Thomas on the runway

In time we arrive at our hotel, one of the many that line the coast here in Kusadasi as it is a favorite vacation spot for many countries.  Beautiful hotel with a freshwater pool as well as access to the saltwater.  Our room has a fantastic view of the Agean sea and Samos where we of course had spent our time with Kathy.  A quick swim before dinner revives and refreshes us and Bruce indulges in a therapeutic massage.