Today I touched a stone dated the 2nd century B.C at the Ephesus - in Izmir. I am in complete awe of the architecture and the stone carvings we saw today - although these were ancient ruins, it isn't hard to imagine the grandeur of the city that once existed. This is by far the oldest civilization ruins i've been to, and had a completely phenomenal day today. As I ran my hands over the icy cold jagged marble I felt a chill go through my body knowing that THOUSANDS of years ago this was a city where people like me lived in surroundings and a lifestyle completely alien to me. I loved the amphitheater and the seating - the library which housed 12,000 scrolls and the columns which depicted gods in their chariots and soldiers. It was almost like a fairy tale.
What i also loved about today was the drive through the Turkish countryside. You really get a feel of the city when you see its different facets and not just the commercial touristy facade. Away from the humdrum of the bustling city of Istanbul, lies a Turkey which is beautiful and serene, a collection of smaller, well developed, cosmopolitan cities. I am in Izmir, where my friend G belongs, in her PALACE of a house. Im not even kidding, we have an atrium and 3 floors - and we're each living in one room on different floors! Today we drove for close to 5 hours from Izmir to Ephesus and then Ephesus to Pamukkale. I loved the rustic countryside - its fantastic how little things change - the attire of the people, the food, the houses.. I was enchanted. Turkey really has fascinated me and I am leaving behind a little bit of my heart here, with G&A, and their wonderful hospitality, and their parents who opened their homes and hearts to us.
Pamukkale was a bit of an anticlimax since I was expecting something to blow my mind. From google pictures I was expecting something completely breathtaking, and although it was beautiful, there wasn't much water in the pools since they closed it due to the winter. The BITING cold dint help either.
I'm doing a terrible job of documenting a trip i wish i could store each minute of, but given the fact that I've slept 4 hours since 2 days AND theres turkish tea waiting for me and a photo go through session (we took 2300 photos on this trip with 2 days to go.), Im going to go :)
What i also loved about today was the drive through the Turkish countryside. You really get a feel of the city when you see its different facets and not just the commercial touristy facade. Away from the humdrum of the bustling city of Istanbul, lies a Turkey which is beautiful and serene, a collection of smaller, well developed, cosmopolitan cities. I am in Izmir, where my friend G belongs, in her PALACE of a house. Im not even kidding, we have an atrium and 3 floors - and we're each living in one room on different floors! Today we drove for close to 5 hours from Izmir to Ephesus and then Ephesus to Pamukkale. I loved the rustic countryside - its fantastic how little things change - the attire of the people, the food, the houses.. I was enchanted. Turkey really has fascinated me and I am leaving behind a little bit of my heart here, with G&A, and their wonderful hospitality, and their parents who opened their homes and hearts to us.
Pamukkale was a bit of an anticlimax since I was expecting something to blow my mind. From google pictures I was expecting something completely breathtaking, and although it was beautiful, there wasn't much water in the pools since they closed it due to the winter. The BITING cold dint help either.
I'm doing a terrible job of documenting a trip i wish i could store each minute of, but given the fact that I've slept 4 hours since 2 days AND theres turkish tea waiting for me and a photo go through session (we took 2300 photos on this trip with 2 days to go.), Im going to go :)
4 comments:
You can document after you get back. I'm sure you'll remember each day of the trip and there are the photos!
If you're thinking about documenting while there, you're not having enough fun. Go on and have a good time :)
I am just envious of you.. :)
superb…
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