High above the fertile valley below sit two wonders - the world's largest natural travertine formations, formed 14,000 years ago, and the ancient Roman Holy City of Heirapolis, built as a luxury health resort for its healing thermal spas and pools. Pamukkale means Cotton Castle, as its cliffs pour out the deposits of white travertine for bathers to enjoy. Coming out of the earth from 3000 feet below, the water loses its carbon dioxide and heat, and washes warm calcium-rich water down over the cliffs to make a white wonderland (similar to the much smaller Mammoth in Yellowstone). People in ancient times came "on their last leg", hoping for miracles, thus the large cemetery downhill! It didn't always work.
Lunch this afternoon and a stroll through the little town of Buldan, known for its textiles made from Turkish cotton (major export). Our more modest hotel in the rural section of town boasts its own 2 thermal pools which were quite a welcome sight this later after the extensive walking o
the past few days. Tonight's entertainment - a belly dancer.
Pix: Scenes of Pamukkale
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