"Winter" Wonderland

Yesterday, we did a day trip to Hierapolis/Pamukkale. The trip was 3 hours each way and it was a very long day especially with it being so hot outside. Our tour guide said she was exhausted at the end of the day because of all the talking she did. However, she spoke for a half hour at the very most for the entire day. We started to walk through the Necropolis of Hıerapolis and five minutes later she said lets take the mini domus (small bus) for 2 turkish lira each because it's hot outside. Then the bus whipped us through Hierapolis so we could not get off to take pictures. The Necropolis, which means "city of the dead", has 1200 tombs dating back from the Hellinistic period.

After our very quick tour of Hierapolis we went to Pamukkale, which means "cotton castle" in Turkish, and is located just below Hierapolis. Pamukkale has a number of hot springs and one of them has a high mineral content of chalk and thus gives the white cotton appearance. Most of the pools have dried up and there is speculation that it has dried up because of tourists visiting the area or its due from the town below. Pamukkale's white formation could be seen from a distance and it is something to behold. We walked around some of the travertines and in some of the pools. The water was very warm. It was a beautiful place, but too touristy.

We have decided not to go to Bergama and just veg on the beach instead. We are currently on the island Bozcaada, which means "the island" in Turkish and are staying at the Ergin Pansiyon, which is run by this little old couple named Ergin and Mama. We have a lovely room that looks out onto the Aegean Sea and there is a rooftop terrace. Tomorrow we're off to the beach. Rooms are very expensive here and I negotiated breakfast with our room.

Nina's Travel Tip:

• Don't leave anything behind on the bus. You might not get it back.