Marmaris, Ephesus and Pamukkale

Thursday Julia, Martina, Saili, Lore, Jana, Fabian and I began our three hour bus journey to the airport to head to MARMARIS!!!! I learned a great skill in those three hours, how to eat sunflower seeds! I've become quite a pro if I do say so myself. After an hour flight with turbulence we finally made it...almost another two hour shuttle bus ride to the hotel. Everywhere you go in Turkey is at least a two or more hour bus ride. We were a little nervous to see our hotel since we only paid one pound each per night but it turned out to be perfect! Our first night we just hung around our hotel saving up our energy for our busy week ahead.

Our rooms 

Friday we spent the day lounging by the pool and beach. Buying a ball was the best idea, volleyball anyone? On our way to the beach we bargained for our first adventure a lazy day boat trip. Friday night we went out to VIP club for 'Lore's birthday' Nothing like celebrating a birthday while on vacation!

Just relaxing in the pool  

Beach time 

We spent all day Saturday laying around on boat, Mr. Boat Trip. Even though it was quite cloudy it was a great day! We were even allowed to jump off the top of the boat and beer was included.When we were almost to the port the sun finally came out to stay! So once we got off the boat we headed to our pool and got ready for our trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale!!

Break on an island 

Our own private part

Jumping from the top of the boat

6am came way to quickly Sunday morning and we were off to Ephesus 4 hours away. Once we got there they took us a Turkish delight shop and then we had a choice to go to either a museum or the House of the Virgin Mary. We decided against the museum considering we have enough of those in Istanbul. The House of the Virgin Mary was on top of Mount Nightingale. The house was only located after a Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich received visions of it's location. This house was built for Mary by Saint John and she resided here until her assumption. This site is venerated by Muslims and Christians. Underneath the house there is a spring that you are allowed to drink from and the water is said to have healing powers. There are three different taps and they're each said to bring something else. The first for wealth, second for health and the final one for fertility. Next to the springs there is a wall where you can make a wish after dipping it in the spring water and placing it in the wall.

The House of the Virgin Mary 

Putting our wishes on the wall 

The springs 

Next we were on our way to the Ancient city of Ephesus. Once the forth largest city in the Eastern Roman Empire during the 2nd century, now it lay only in ruins. The city was known for it's focus on fertility. Near this ancient city is the last remaining pillar from the temple of Artemis (goddess of fertility) which is one of the Seven wonders of the Ancient world. Much of the city is still well preserved. The most well preserved site is Celsus Library built in 117A.D. This library could hold up to 12,000 scrolls which were kept inside the walls. The statues outside symbolize wisdom (Sohpia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete).

The main street of the city

Celsus Library 

Lovin' the colosseum  

It was then on the bus again to head to Pamukkale! Although we had a minor (hour) bus compilation we finally made it there after dark. You would think after 4 months of being abroad and traveling places I would have learned how to pack, but no. I managed to forget my swimsuit top and I only brought enough clothes to wear for 1 day and nothing extra. (packing light I guess) Since the suits in the shop were ugly and expensive I improvised. Inside the hotel we found the thermal pool (essentially a giant hot tub) that we enjoyed relaxing in. Once it got too hot it was off to the outdoor pool for a chilly swim. Then we decided it was time to see Pamukkale at night. We hiked (without shoes because they're forbidden) up the side of the "cotton castle" wading through the warm pools that average about 95 degrees. Calcium carbonate created the white travertines. Inside the water it is a soft jelly (which smells like eggs) but makes your skin extremely soft. Once we got up high enough it started to downpour so we headed back down to our hotel soaking wet.

Pamukkale at night 

Climbing to the top!

My new love 

The aftermath 

Julia, Fabian, Jana and I braved the early morning that came the next day after 3 hours to sleep to see it at sunrise. We hiked back up to the top and found the best place in all of Pamukkale, the very top where the water begins before it flows down. We could have stayed here all day but it was time for breakfast before heading back to see the Cleopatra pool and the other side of Pamukkale. Once we got to the top we went straight for the pool. The water temperature is a steamy 90 degrees and can reach over 115. Inside of the pool there are many fallen columns that fell into the pool after an earthquake in the seventh century. The water is made up of bicarbonate, sulphate, carbon dioxide, partly with iron and radioactive combination. The water in the pool is said to help any disease possible from heart disease to digestive disorders. There is a deep part, 16 feet, which Julia and I managed to touch the bottom, that has little bubbles coming from the bottom. The story is that these bubbles are fairies. Lore said it best when she said she felt like she was in a giant bottle of coke. After we felt like we had spent enough time with Cleopatra we headed back to the travertines for mud fights and mud baths. Can't wait to see what the pictures on the underwater camera! Even though I managed to squeeze as much time as I could on the cotton castle (9 hours) I could definitely have spent the rest of the day there.

What a great way to start the day! 

Lake at the bottom 

Getting ready for Cleopatra pool! 

Disinfecting our feet before going in

We could stay here all day

Playing in the travertines 

Once we got back in Marmaris we planned our last adventure, a horse safari. After it was planned we enjoyed some games of flip cup with the staff of our hotel (they definitely missed us while we were away) and then headed to the club were we lasted until four in the morning. I tried to go for being up for 24 hours, but I couldn't do it. Just short an hour!

Last night out 

VIPs 

:)

Since our safari wasn't until four we hung around the pool all day relaxing and enjoying the sunny weather. Of course being the albino that I am I got fried. A shuttle bus took us to the stables were we got our horse. Mine was named Zino and he/she didn't like any other horse (especially not Michael) and didn't want to be on this safari at all. They took us through the wooded area and to a place with a bridge (just like on survivor) where we jumped in. We continued through the trailed and ended up going to water (guess that's what makes it a safari).

I've missed doing this 

After our water fight

Next contestant on Turkish surviver right here! 

Our last day we enjoyed a cheap meal before Julia and I headed back home to Istanbul. We managed to make it home in 2 hours! There are no words to describe how amazing our trip was. With awesome people and beautiful places how could you go wrong! But unfortunately now I have less than two weeks left. In those two weeks I have to take four exams, do one project, pack, last minute gift shopping and go to a Turkish wedding. Where has all the time gone!? Well it's off to go study!

American Adventures

Friday night at 11 o'clock I waited at the airport for my friend Emily to arrive! Since the buses don't run all night I had to go a little early but I passed the time watching criminal minds, watching cops ride around on segways and pacing in the airport. Finally she landed and we headed home. Unfortunately just giving then taxi driver my addresses wasn't enough to get home, he had no idea where I lived. Fortunately Ali woke up and talked to him so we could get home.

Welcome to Turkey Em!

Saturday we walked around the city center and went to try fish bread again..this time not so good; this fish bread came complete with a fin and bones. After ditching our sandwich we headed to the Spice Bazaar. Since we were still hungry we found our way towards the Turkish delights. After trying a few samples our new friend sold us some and we talked him into throwing in some free honey covered nuts. Before leaving he informed us that if we came back with friends he would give us commission or free stuff. Not sure why people always want to offer us jobs but we'll take it.

We didn't like our fish bread..

On our way home after a long day of walking 

Sunday was a lazy day and when dinner rolled around we went to the mall for dinner. At dinner we managed to get free soup and a free waffle covered in Turkish ice cream, fruit and chocolate. Yum! Monday we got up early to get to the city center to have lots of time for touring. It was Children's Day so there were an extra amount of Turkish flags and pictures of Ataturk's face.  Our first stop was the Blue Mosque and then Hagia Sophia. We stopped for a lunch break on a roof top terrace that overlooked the city that had delicious food. 

Celebrating Children's Day 

Infront of the Blue Mosque 

Lunch on a terrace overlooking the city 

After resting and recharging at lunch we headed to the Basilica Cistern underneath the Hagia Sophia. Once you walk down the stairs you feel the rush of cold air and the smell of water. The Cistern stored water for the city so it could have a water supply if it's aqueduct system wasn't working or the city was under attack. Pilers line the cistern illuminated by glowing orange lights and the soft chanting sounds in the background create a peaceful atmosphere. Walking along the path you can find a wishing well and statues of Medusa's head. 

Inside the Cistern 

Making a wish in the well  

MEDUSA!

Then it was time for the Grand Bazaar! We walked around the maze of stores in search of lights, luggage, jewelry and rugs. We successfully bargained our lights and rugs! After a long day of tour and shopping we headed back home on the crowed tramline with no personal space at all. It hasn't felt so nice to finally just sit once we got home. 

Lights

On Em's last day in Istanbul our plan was to lay on a beach. Our first attempt was to the Black Sea..which ended in failure so plan B was Princes' Island. After a two hours of buses and subways we then found our way to the ferry boat that would take us to Princes' Island. We caught up on the hour and a half boat ride to one of the islands. We got off and enjoyed walking about, relaxing by the water and having a bite to eat before heading home. 

Really excited to be on Princes' Island finally!

Watching the sunset on the boat ride home 

Thursday morning we got up early and heading to the airport to drop off Em and Barrie and I headed to Greece for a long weekend!! I was so happy Em got to come and visit for a week :)