Another one of those hot and wearying bus days although only a short bus trip, after such a big day yesterday and more exploring when I got to Selcuk this afternoon I’m tired to say the least. But I’ve landed on the tired old feet with this hotel. I think it’s my favourite to date. In amongst ancient houses (the guy was describing sifting through artefacts when they were building….older than Ephesus), step out of my door and there is the pool. And best of all…my mark of a great hotel, they’ve sold me a very nice bottle of red, best yet. By far. Set me up with my bottle in a gorgeous sitting area, told me to ask for another whenever I wanted, bottle that is!! Contrast this the place in Pamukkale where they sold wine for 3x what you could buy it for two doors down in the little supermarket, then had a big sign saying you weren’t allowed to bring food or wine onto the premises. Well obviously a deviant such as me got around that one but there was not sitting around the pool with your glass of wine!!
So back to the travels. Usually when I go on my bus trips from town to town I’m absolutely the only tourist. Today in Pamukkale the bus filled up totally with tourists. It stopped in Denizli and picked up three Turkish people. This is tourist Central this part of the world. Hotel names like Boomerang, Wallaby, Austn and New Zealand Hotel etc. I think this speaks mainly to the town’s proximity to Gallipoli. You will be relieved to know my hotel is the Ayasoluk.
I’m Still obsessed with the packs of Russians but have heard quite a few Aussie accents around me as well.
As I only have 2 nights here I set off straight away exploring the little town and the ‘roooons’ all around me such as the church of St John….have now seen where he’s buried…this entailed another ‘up to the castle’ walk in the blazing sun…I’m becoming a bit of an expert at this!!! Followed by another ancient mosque…I actually love the old mosques. Then into town but not for too long, needed to rest my weary bones. Now the misens are calling, which always gives me a sense of comfort.
Later I’ll wander off into town to eat something and tomorrow it’s Ephesus….I’m looking forward to that but also looking forward to the next stop which is 3 nights in Izmir…this will dramatically dilute the tourists and get me back to normal. I like a bit but not to be overwhelmed!!
More tomorrow.