2006.05.06_Hierapolis

Behind the pools lies a Roman ruins of Hierapolis, which included Roman houses, public buildings, baths, theatre and a large necropolis. In Roman times, people believed that the hot springs in the pools possessed healing power. A town was gradually formed behind the pools as the healing centre in the region. Though judging from the extensiveness of the necropolis (cemetery), the hot springs obviously didn't heal all the patients who came from every corner of the empire. We toured around the Roman ruins for about an hour. HC, AK and I decided to leave the site via a narrow path that winded down the valley. It was a cool short hike. It felt like walking in midair.

We stopped by the garden below Pamukkale, and then killed some time at an Internet cafe, before hopping onto our bus bounded towards Denizli, where we transferred to another bus for Cappadocia.

2006.05.06_Pamukkale

Three hours of bus ride took us to Pamukkale. Like everyone else, we came here for the spectacular travertine pools. As we hopped off the bus, we were immediately led to purchase our bus ticket for our next bus trip. Along the path to the pools, we stopped by a small Asian shop for a bowl of spicy Korean noodles. Hundreds of white travertine pools against the hillside was a spectacular sight, while the barefoot uphill hike was quite a torture to AK and me. Shoes are simply not allowed when stepped into the pools, which makes perfect sense, though it really hurt. We were a little disappointed when we saw most pools were drained. Some said the spring has been diverted to some resort spas in the area. Anyhow, distant views towards the valley down below were quite amazing.