Back at base camp after another energetic / exhausting/ exhilarating day. After breakfast the owner of the hotel said he’ d run me up to the top gate which was terrific and I must admit I was hoping he’d do. Then beginneth the 5 or so km walk back to Pamukkale. Most of the day was spent in the ancient Roman/ Greek/ Byzantine city of Hieropolous. Most of that was great as I streets fairly early and there was hardly anyone about. I was loving pottering around, exploring by myself. But as I got closer to the action there were hoards of people. I climbed up to the Roman Theatre which was wonderful, not such a bad climb but by this time it was the midday sun so a bit challenging. The most challenging thing though is coping with insane Russian tourists…they make the Germans pale into insignificance!! I decided I was going to make a field study of them rather than get insanely mad! So I observed…and what did I mainly (and reluctantly) find myself observing….. breasts!!!
What is it with these Russian women? They are in a tour group in bikinis… all over 45 (to be generous) with massive breasts bulging out of skimpy bikini tops…I couldn’t take my eyes off them so had hours of entertainment!!! Then I thought I’d take photos of breasts….. this would be my theme. But it didn’t take me too long to realise there was the possibility of arrest in this idea so I desisted (do have a couple of photos though:) )
All that was good. I’d brought my bathers along for the ride in case I felt enticed by the Ancient Pool but got there, had a look, checkers full of Russian breasts and thought….nah!! Also nice you’ve been in an Icelandic Mineral Spa there’s nowhere to go from there!
Then it was the Travertines… a disappointment for me, mainly because they were crowded to a ridiculous degree, they were treacherous in that I spent the entire time scared I was going to slip and I think I’d seen so many photos there was nothing to excite the senses.
Climbed all the way down… which was exhausting on little tired legs, always tense to ensure no slips. Once again I wished for the steadying hand of my troupes… but just had myself to rely on!!
Staggered back to the hotel 5 hrs later with only enough energy to get the bathers on and fall into the pool.
I’m now showered, have had a glass of wine and am back to being in fine fettle.
Another day for the annuals of time. Off to Selcuk tomorrow for 2 nights. Ephesus is the main sight to conquer.