April 2013 – Page 3 – Creative Meanderings

Turkey Day 5 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis & Aphrodisias

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Apr 042013

After our first-off morning dip and such, we were back on the ‘most uncomfortable bus’ for another long day of fun.

Our first stop was still in Pamukkale at the Hierapolis Antique City and Pamukkale’s limestone pools. The city was very impressive in terms of wide spread space with ruins from days of old. In fact, there was a recent article about archaeologists finding the mythical ‘gate of hell’ in this area. We tried to find it, but considering it brings death, we didn’t try too hard. 😉

Hierapolis Antique City

Hierapolis Antique City03-Apr-2013 09:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Hierapolis Antique City - Temple of Apollo

Hierapolis Antique City - Temple of Apollo03-Apr-2013 09:36, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 34.0mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Hierapolis Antique City - not exactly the Gates of Hell, but it is somewhere on this land...

Hierapolis Antique City - not exactly the Gates of Hell, but it is somewhere on this land...03-Apr-2013 10:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Hierapolis Antique City

Hierapolis Antique City03-Apr-2013 10:07, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100

Hierapolis Antique City

Hierapolis Antique City03-Apr-2013 10:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 100

Pamukkale - sitting on the tombs

Pamukkale - sitting on the tombs03-Apr-2013 10:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100

There are a ton of pics from here as the ruins were nice. Sadly, the weather wasn’t as nice as it has been. I still sort of expected more from the ruins after seeing Jerash in Jordan and the temples in Egypt. Turkey is supposed to be older and more impressive I think, but I haven’t yet had that feeling. Maybe I’m too spoiled from my travels….

Anyway, we also walked a bit on the limestone with pools from the hot springs. They call Pamukkale the cotton castle due to the limestone formations. It is pretty impressive, though rather unsafe to walk around barefoot and no guard rails.

Pamukkale - with pools

Pamukkale - with pools03-Apr-2013 11:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 100

Hierapolis

Hierapolis03-Apr-2013 09:50, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 3.3mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 32

Pamukkale

Pamukkale03-Apr-2013 11:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 100

Hierapolis

Hierapolis03-Apr-2013 09:59, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 40

From there, we drove a good distance before stopping for lunch at a nice place. It was probably the best meal we have had on the entire tour so far. After lunch, we walked around Aphrodisias, which is a city named after Aphrodite. The ruins here were more impressive perhaps because of the architecture or a full and happy stomach. 😉

Aphrodisias Antique City

Aphrodisias Antique City03-Apr-2013 15:29, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

Aphrodisias Antique City - Temple to Aphrodite

Aphrodisias Antique City - Temple to Aphrodite03-Apr-2013 15:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.9, 7.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Aphrodisias Antique City - theatre

Aphrodisias Antique City - theatre03-Apr-2013 15:22, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Aphrodosia

Aphrodosia03-Apr-2013 14:52, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 3.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

Aphrodosia

Aphrodosia03-Apr-2013 14:49, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 32

Aphrodosia

Aphrodosia03-Apr-2013 14:22, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 2.18mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 32

video Lunch here was the best meal of the tour!

video Lunch here was the best meal of the tour!03-Apr-2013 14:25

Lunch here was the best meal of the tour! (my mushroom and cheese grill)

Lunch here was the best meal of the tour! (my mushroom and cheese grill)03-Apr-2013 14:05, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 125

Lunch here was the best meal of the tour! (dessert - yogurt & honey)

Lunch here was the best meal of the tour! (dessert - yogurt & honey)03-Apr-2013 14:25, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 100

Our final highlight of the day was an amateur leather fashion show. It could have been an amazing parody on a SATC episode where the ladies attend Fashion Week shows. It was a mix of comedy and entertainment as a creative sales pitch to get us to buy their leather goods. If I lived in a cooler climate I might have considered, but instead I am saving my money for jewelry purchase. Haha 😀

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show03-Apr-2013 19:37

Kusadasi - leather fashion show

Kusadasi - leather fashion show03-Apr-2013 19:36, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.0, 14.1mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

Kusadasi - leather fashion show

Kusadasi - leather fashion show03-Apr-2013 19:30, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 320

Kusadasi - leather store

Kusadasi - leather store03-Apr-2013 20:05, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show03-Apr-2013 19:31

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show

video Kusadasi - leather fashion show03-Apr-2013 19:31

We ended our day with our arrival at our hotel in Kusadasi (kushadasee) where we will stay for two nights. Phew…

Ephesus - View of Aegean Sea from Efe Boutique Hotel

Ephesus - View of Aegean Sea from Efe Boutique Hotel04-Apr-2013 07:16, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 3.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 32

Kusadasi - view from our hotel room sunrise

Kusadasi - view from our hotel room sunrise04-Apr-2013 08:21, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

-T 😀

Turkey Day 4 – Konya & Pamukkale

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Apr 032013

We had a very long day in the bus on the fourth day of our trip. From Kapidokya to Pamukkale, it takes about 12 very long hours.

Along the way we made a few stops to see a few things. For example, we stopped in Konya for a visit to the Turkish whirling dervish temple. The whirling dervish is a type of Muslim sect where the whirling causes a meditative state. Nowadays no one formally trains but it used to be a formal religious activity like joining a nunnery or something like that.

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish02-Apr-2013 14:47, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish02-Apr-2013 14:58, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

video Konya - Temple for whirling dervish

video Konya - Temple for whirling dervish02-Apr-2013 14:59

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish (no pics allowed)

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish (no pics allowed)02-Apr-2013 15:06, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 320

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish

Konya - Temple for whirling dervish02-Apr-2013 15:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.013 sec, ISO 100

Konya - whirling dervishes

Konya - whirling dervishes02-Apr-2013 15:28, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

After that we stopped every two hours for a leg stretch and lunch at a crazy wedding hall place. I bought potato chips to survive the rest of the day. 😉

Feeding Center 2 - one of the worst stops we made for food...

Feeding Center 2 - one of the worst stops we made for food...02-Apr-2013 13:50, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200

Feeding Center 2

Feeding Center 202-Apr-2013 13:51, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 200

Feeding Center 2

Feeding Center 202-Apr-2013 13:53, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Feeding Center 2

Feeding Center 202-Apr-2013 13:54, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Feeding Center 2

Feeding Center 202-Apr-2013 13:57, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 250

Feeding Center 2

Feeding Center 202-Apr-2013 14:32, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

We finally made it to Pamukkale and our hotel. There was a thermal bath there, which helped to wash away some of the soreness of the bus ride. Unfortunately, all 23 of us from the tour group were in the same hotel and all of the other tour buses arrived at the same time so the bath quickly filled up! Still, it was a nice refresher and made me miss Japan’s onsens!

In the morning, we got up for another quick dip before Day 5 began in full.

-T 😀

Turkey Day 3 – Kapidokya

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Apr 022013

Our third day of our Turkey tour started a little later, which was a nice relief after the long bus ride the day before.

We had our less than delicious breakfast at the hotel with me barely caffeinated with the coffee. There’s no kettle in the room so I had to make do.

Later, we met the rest of our group and went off to see the sights.

We started at the Goreme Open Air Museum, where we could see the church frescoes and dwellings of the Greek Orthodox in the rock caves. It was interesting, but full of people lining up to enter very small spaces. It actually reminded me of the tombs in Egypt.

Cappadoccia

Cappadoccia01-Apr-2013 09:36, Apple iPad mini, 2.4, 3.3mm, ISO 32

From there, we made a few sightseeing stops to see the fairy chimneys or come-shaped rock formations that many people in the area have made homes.

Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum

Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum01-Apr-2013 10:33, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Cappadocia

Cappadocia01-Apr-2013 12:06, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Cappadocia

Cappadocia01-Apr-2013 12:08, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.9, 7.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Cappadocia

Cappadocia01-Apr-2013 14:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Cappadocia

Cappadocia01-Apr-2013 14:34, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 7.2, 9.4mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Cappadocia

Cappadocia01-Apr-2013 14:15, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

We also stopped at a jewelry shop where I ended up buying more items that I don’t need, but liked. 😉 Then, we had another less than appetizing buffet lunch.

Cappadocia - buffet food 1

Cappadocia - buffet food 101-Apr-2013 13:39, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Cappadocia - cute decorations on the buffet table

Cappadocia - cute decorations on the buffet table01-Apr-2013 13:39, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Cappadocia - buffet salad bar

Cappadocia - buffet salad bar01-Apr-2013 13:41, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Cappadocia - jewelers (my impulse purchases...)

Cappadocia - jewelers (my impulse purchases...)01-Apr-2013 13:49, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 320

After that we went to an interesting pottery and ceramics shop where they demonstrated their methods for creating and painting their pots. I found some ideas for some future projects.

video Avanos - pottery wheel for making plates

video Avanos - pottery wheel for making plates01-Apr-2013 15:01

Avanos - pottery painting of designs

Avanos - pottery painting of designs01-Apr-2013 15:07, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 320

Avanos - pottery painting of designs

Avanos - pottery painting of designs01-Apr-2013 15:09, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Avanos - pottery painted designs

Avanos - pottery painted designs01-Apr-2013 15:09, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.4, 7.9mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 200

Avanos - pottery

Avanos - pottery01-Apr-2013 15:19, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 320

Avanos - pottery cup

Avanos - pottery cup01-Apr-2013 15:31, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Avanos - pottery kick wheel

Avanos - pottery kick wheel01-Apr-2013 15:20, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Avanos - pottery kick wheel made jug

Avanos - pottery kick wheel made jug01-Apr-2013 15:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Avanos - pottery pieces in special store (no pics allowed)

Avanos - pottery pieces in special store (no pics allowed)01-Apr-2013 15:35, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Avanos - pottery pieces

Avanos - pottery pieces01-Apr-2013 15:46, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

Avanos - pottery pieces of kaftan design

Avanos - pottery pieces of kaftan design01-Apr-2013 15:48, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 250

Avanos - pottery pieces

Avanos - pottery pieces01-Apr-2013 15:55, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

Our final stop for the day was at an underground city where people used to live in hiding from their enemies. It was cool to see, but not for the claustrophobics!

01-Apr-2013 16:27, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

Kaymakli Underground City - very short and narrow passageways between rooms

Kaymakli Underground City - very short and narrow passageways between rooms01-Apr-2013 16:56, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 400

Kaymakli Underground City - stone door just like Indiana Jones

Kaymakli Underground City - stone door just like Indiana Jones01-Apr-2013 16:52, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 400

The day was quite a lovely one and I really enjoying seeing some scenery that has colors and shapes.

Kapidokya

Kapidokya

01-Apr-2013 18:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

Devrent Valley or Monks Valley (Pasabagi)

Devrent Valley or Monks Valley (Pasabagi)01-Apr-2013 18:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Tomorrow will not be nearly as pleasant…

-T 😀

Turkey Day 2 – Ankara and Kapidokya Part 1

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Apr 012013

It was a very early start as we headed to the Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport or the domestic airport. We joined a few more people on the same tour.

Once we arrived at the airport we were left to our own devices to figure out how to check in and on the plane. Luckily, we had enough time and experience to sort it out. Still, that is one strike against the company….

Arrived in Ankara

Arrived in Ankara31-Mar-2013 09:41, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

The flight was a short 40 minutes and after arriving in Ankara, our group got bigger. We headed into the city of Ankara. Our first stop was at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum.

Ankara - Anandolu musuem

Ankara - Anandolu musuem31-Mar-2013 11:26, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 250

Ankara - Anandolu musuem (another ivory jeweled carving)

Ankara - Anandolu musuem (another ivory jeweled carving)31-Mar-2013 11:17, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.7, 11.0mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 320

Ankara - Anandolu musuem (amazing amethyst carved with the busts of the emperor and emperoress)

Ankara - Anandolu musuem (amazing amethyst carved with the busts of the emperor and emperoress)31-Mar-2013 11:11, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 37.8mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 400

Then, we headed to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemul Ataturk or Anitkabir. It was such a lovely day to walk around and enjoy the sights.

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:08, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:13, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 7.9, 14.1mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:28, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 200

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:37, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:43, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)

Ankara - Anitkabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk mausoleum)31-Mar-2013 12:44, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 6.6, 6.3mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 100

From there, we headed to lunch on the way to Kapidokya. It was an okay meal – nothing spectacular. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the bus…4 long hours later we arrived in Kapidokya. After dropping everyone off at their various hotels, we finally settled into our room.

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - spicy lentil soup

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - spicy lentil soup31-Mar-2013 13:30, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 160

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - tomato and cucumber salad

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - tomato and cucumber salad31-Mar-2013 13:35, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 160

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - beef with peppers and tomatoes

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia - beef with peppers and tomatoes31-Mar-2013 13:42, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 250

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia

Lunch from Ankara to Cappadocia31-Mar-2013 14:14, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 50

We tried the Turkish bath, which is a huge stone slab in the middle of a room much like a Japanese onsen. The slab is heated. Usually you might get a scrub or something like that, but we didn’t pay for that.

So, it was a good end to Day 2.

-T 😀

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