Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. As recently as the mid-20th century, hotels were built over the ruins of Hieropolis, causing considerable damage. An approach road was built from the valley over the terraces, and motor bikes were allowed to go up and down the slopes. When the area was declared a World Heritage Site, the hotels were demolished and the road removed and replaced with artificial pools. Wearing shoes in the water is prohibited to protect the deposits.

Our tour guide informed us about the ruins, but really we wanted to breeze through that and get in the hot springs. It was so warm (35•C) and left our skin feeling so smooth. The pool's depths ranged from 1-5m deep and the bottom was covered in small pebbles and some ruins. You had to be careful not to bang your knee in to it. Relaxing there was bliss. The Turkish say it makes you look ten years younger. Best $32 Lira we spent. Sean thought, great I had hair ten years ago. So we'll see if it grows over night.

We both went to the "foot doctor" after that. A natural Turkish fish massage with unique Garra Rufa fish. They're tiny fish and they were eating away at our toes, feet and calves. It was so ticklish under my toes. Sean even spread his toes and they got in there real quick. I couldn't look half the time because the feeling made me squirm. But now our feet are twenty years younger our tour guide said. They let us put our hands in too and my nails look beautiful. So smooth and shiny and my cuticles look like they're pushed back! It was a weird experience but worth it ($35 Lira each.)

We also walked on the travertines carefully because if covered with a lot of water it was very slippery. There was lots of tourists there but the site and views were so beautiful and amazing. The water was very warm in spots and it was a shame we had to rush off to meet out group at the south entrance.

Just before we left four young middle eastern girls asked us to take their picture. Sean's third request since being in Turkey, he palmed the nice Canon over to me this time. Their poses were hilarious and it made me wonder if our standard 'pose' was hilarious to them. Then, "can we have your picture?" Pardon?! "Can we have a picture with you?" Us?! "Yes, you in the picture with us." ......ok. I then got them to take a pic of Sean and I, but I wish now I had a copy with them hahaha.