Pammukale

Can't get this to use a bigger font so hope it's legible. Haven't written about the day we went to Pammukale. There are huge terraces of  calcium there with "bowls" like clam shells with beautiful green water. Nicknamed the cotton castle as the white formations tumble down the hillside. Marie, you should see it now! Marie and I went decades ago and remember wandering out and sitting on one of these natural steps to watch the sunset, with few other people around. We also swam in a pool called Cleopatras bath, enjoying the sunken ruins or at least columns from antiquity. These days of course it is much busier. I expected that. But the swimming experience! My jaw dropped. It's like a big public baths, entry turnstiles, dressing cubicles, cafes, souvenir stands and zillions of tourists, many of whom were Russian.  Can't get over it. Next, what we have so successfully avoided so far in our travels, finally happened. Taken to an onyx workshop and encouraged to buy onyx products far too heavy to carry on planes, and the likes of which you see all over the world. Boring waste of time. But the hotel we stayed at made our stay memorable. Not only was it quite luxurious but it took full advantage of the thermal waters in the area. We had a genuine Turkish bath, not a tourist's poor version of one even though it was in a hotel. Sauna first, then entry to the actual bath. It was funny as we had requested women do the bathing but instead got two young men. Protested at first but finally, what the hell, off came all the gear. Must say they were very nice and respectful. On the respect thing, by the way, I have been called mumma several times. All this depilation, mud baths etc must not be making me look any younger! Anyway, the bathroom was delightful. A big round marble slab where we stretched out, lovely tiled walls and decorated ceiling. We were scrubbed with loofah mits  and massaged  and covered in bubbly foam. Hot and cold water thrown over us for refreshing rinsing, Oh what heaven, neck massage included. Into the hot pool (caldarium) then cold (frigidarium). Great experience.