Flashback Friday ~ Pamukkale, Turkey

Apr 30, 2010 by brandy bell

I know there will be a point in my life where I live mostly in the past- but I am hoping that time does not come until I am well into my 74th year of life, and too tired to care about chasing my dreams anymore… just chasing children off my lawn.

Until then, I still take great delight in reminiscing on the amazing journeys I have already completed in my life. I’d like to select some Fridays for posting. It will consist of a travel story, or place, that I have already experienced. To start this out, I chose Pamukkale, Turkey.

Most of my friends living in America (ahem, Pop!) usually gasp or shudder at the thought of traveling to Turkey.  Well, I’m alive, aren’t I? Beyond the media hype and misconstrued ideas of Turkey, what does the average person know about this country? I hope that by sharing some of the beauty of this place, I will be able to convince just one more person to visit this beautiful country.

So, my first Flashback Friday is dedicated to one of the most unique places on this world, Pamukkale.  Looking at the above photos, like me, you will think this is a gorgeous land of snow that I have stumbled upon. Nope! Travertine, friends. To get your geek on and really find out what comprises this phenomenon, check out this Wiki Artickle.

We arrive into town via the overnight bus from Istanbul at 530am, and everything is pitch black. We locate a pension across the way from the bus station and heave our overpacked bags into the room, take a (much needed) shower and get ready to explore the area. Finally, the sun is up and shining on the site about 3 km away, which, looks like any snow covered hills I have ever seen.

As you reach the base of the travertine there are signs reminding you to take off your shoes and walk barefoot so as not to muddy up

the travertine. There are trails of slimy brown and black muck where the tourists treading before us did not heed the warning, so respectfully, we remove our shoes and start the climb upwards. After a few hundred yards, I realized why the people had kept their shoes on- this stuff REALLY hurts! Fortunately the beauty surrounding you takes your mind off the pain.

Karlie and I, both amazed to be walking barefoot on something that really looks like immaculately preserved snow, turned it into our

own playground. Stopping to rest our (very pained) feet in the ice cold pools of water and running to the other side of the hill, where the water comes down the stream just above bathing temperature. The sun reflects off this stark white ground under our feet, and adds even more to the magic of the area. The best part is when you reach the top of the hill, and are greeted by Hierapolis, the ancient ruins of the old city.

For thousands of years people have been flocking to this area to the mineral springs, which are renowned for their healing powers, to remedy an illness or simply for a vacation. However, at the top of this hill where the crisp, white land meets the lush green fields that are sprinkled with the wild red poppies of the area… it’s enough to boggle your mind.

Enjoy the photos, and of course, you can always view the full album of my Turkey Trip on Facebook. Also, if you’re even slightly considering a trip to Turkey- do it! I cannot say enough great things about the country’s sights, people, cuisine, or the overall feeling of the place. Truly, a country that captured my heart.