On our way to Pammukale we stopped off at a carpet factory/tourist shop to see how carpets are made. We saw the silk being spun from silkworm cocoons (interesting but kind of gross when the silkworms are boiled to kill them…), carpets being hand knotted, and saw some of the amazing textiles from the area. There were some gorgeous carpets, but I managed to not “accidentally” buy anything. A few of the girls were very tempted!
Another stop off at a pottery place to see how the amazing plates and bowls are thrown and painted. I bought a few little souvenirs for people back home: some fabulous tiny little bowls in the traditional Turkish blue.
Once we reached Pammukale, the weather finally fined up, so we went up to the Roman ruins of Heiropolis above the town and wandered around them, then bathed in the warm springs (along with what seemed like 50,000 other tourists – ew!)
Then we walked down the Travertines back into town. Really gorgeous – looks like snow from afar but it’s the calcite from water from the spring coming down the hill. Wow!
The place we’re staying at organised a local dancer to come and dance for/with us tonight, outside in the courtyard near their pool. We had a fabulous night – tasty dinner with good friends, dancing with everyone and relaxing.
Two Weeks Away 