TURKEY          

             

When: 2 weeks in april 2001

Where:

                                                        

 

 

 

What I appreciated:

 
  • Turkish people: wherever you are, in downtown or countryside, people are always ready and willing to help you to find your way, a mosquee or a hammam. You don't speak turkish ?  No problem, someone will certainly take you with him to your destination... and without having in mind to sell you carpets or perfum !!!
    
      
 

 

  • Termessos: located at 34 Km from Antalya, this archeological  site of 5th century, is on hillsides  in the middle of vegetation  (see pictures gallery). You will discover there a splendid  theatre (4000 seats !), and a  beautiful sight on  valley. Don't miss the necropolis, where open tombs  are higgledy piggledy along the hill. 
   
 

 

  • Alahan Monastery:  located on Silfike-Konya road, this monastery conserves its grace and its seductiveness despite centuries, , ... and you won't be surprised to encounter a hremite , in middle of old stones... To visit alone early in the morning.

 

 

 

What I didn't appreciate: :-(

  • Pamukkale : "where hot sources of calcareous water descend the mountain and form cascades and basins ...."

Needless to say more about this typical postcard of Turkey, where carefree tourists paddle under the sun,...because it's past now !.  Since several years, hotels have been  pumped majority of water to fill their swimming pools. The mountain lost rapidly its white colour, and nude rockies and herbs replace it, and footprints of tourists don't improve this dark state.

In middle of april 2001, only a small filament of water streamed from mountain, just sufficient to dip your feet ....anyway the guards require of you to remove your shoes before climbing the mountain... Then if you go there in summer, don't  forget your water bottle!!!

 

Tip !!! nearly 2 km far from Pamukkale (new) city, there is necropolis of the old one, where around 1000 tombs are disseminated on nearly 1 km: according to some travelers, it' s nice... 

                                                       

                                                                                                     

Special thanks: 

Patrick: for his driving skill

Anne-Sophie & Fabien: for their logistical help

 

                                                

                   (last update: 22  octobre 2001)