After an all night bus ride, we disembarked in Pamukkale. Actually, we disembarked in the middle of nowhere and were ushered onto a minibus as our bus whisked away. There was not enough room on the minibus, so we stood, as the driver drove, sang and smoked.
When we got to the bus station (relieved to be in one piece), we were in Pamukkale. A small town in Turkey, with only one major tourist attraction. We were told about elaborate tours, before we decided to eat breakfast before eating anything.
It gets interesting, though, when, as we waited for another harrowing ride to breakfast, we looked up and saw a hot air balloon floating over us.
An idea was sparked. We didn't get to take the balloon ride in Cappadocia, but maybe in Pamukkale. The view would be different, but could be just as amazing. So, without getting our hopes up, we nonchalantly asked about it and were told they go all day!! Oh the possibility!
We decided not to take the next ride, as it was still cloudy, but instead, we would watch the weather and if the sun appeared that afternoon we would go.
So, with the possibility of a balloon ride, we headed out to the Hierapolis (sans a tour as our breakfast research revealed that it really wasn't necessary).
We started outside the ancient city near the tombs. The old rocks with writing and broken statues were pretty spectacular. However, it turned out to be one of those places that just keeps getting better the further you go. After the tombs, we reached the baths, where visitors went before entering the city to help prevent the spread of diseases. Then you arrive at the city gates, impressive and the public latrines.
You make your way along the main road and eventually up the hill to the amphitheater. So amazing to think of those ancient civilizations gathering there. I love thinking about what their lives might have been like. So different, and yet also, just life.
As we ate a picnic lunch perched up on the amphitheater, we saw the clouds begin to thin and could see the mountains in the distance. We decided a balloon ride should happen.
We called to make our reservations and started to head down the hill.
The area is built on natural hot springs. The minerals have been depositing down the hillside for centuries and have left the cliffs covered in white. It just gently falls down the side.
Pools have been created, and we saw some full of turquoise water, but most were empty, perhaps due to the time of year. Some of the water is hot. You have to walk barefoot, and while it looks soft, it's actually rather painful, although that may have been partly due to the cold. It was pretty marvelous to walk down those white cliffs.
When we reached the bottom, we hurried to the office for our balloon ride, where we waited...
Then they told us we had to wait another hour. That's no problem, we went and ate a snack before returning. The sun was out, it seemed so promising.
I remember as we returned noticing the clouds a bit more and a slight breeze.
But, we waited. And waited. They finally announced that the weather had changed and they wouldn't fly again that day.
Oh, the sadness!
Then, we were faced with a problem. Let it go or reserve rides at 5am (not appealing after an all-night bus ride). Our solution, was to ask them to call us later that night if they still had space on the 7am flight.
That night at dinner, there was a phone call. They had room, we could go at 7am! Ok, our last chance, we were going to fly. One minute later, they called back. No room on the 7am, but room on the 5am.
There was a pretty unanimous no, that was too early and it was time to just call it on the hot air balloon ride.
This was the closest we were to get... This time.
That night we enjoyed ice cream and oreos to celebrate Gloria and Gene's anniversary and my birthday. Then we were off to bed before heading to our final destination in Turkey: Ephesus. I was all excited about returning to Goreme someday (and I still am) but I'm moving to Ephesus...
Oh, it was good to sleep in a bed that night. Matt and I only have one more overnight travel booked for the rest of this trip- thank goodness!
