Pamakkale, Selcuk, Ephesus

Friday 10th
Left Saklikent Gorge, back through the mountains. At lunchtime we arrived at Pamukkale which is where the rocks have been covered in calcium deposits over many years, and there are natural pools there for a dip. But most of us couldn't be bothered to pay $15 to get in. Instead we sat round the pool at the small hotel. You can't do everything, right? At night i slept outside but got attacked by mozzies. Went up to the truck to sleep but Spots had locked it from the inside so I was condemned to sleeping outside. But i found a diffent part of the lawn and the mozzies didnt get me.

Saturday 11
We left Pamukkale and drove until lunchtime, as far as Selcuk. Camping in the grounds of another small hotel, called Atilla's Getaway, again with a swimming pool. We are spoilt! It was our turn to shop and cook. Because the footy was on TV, Paige and Jess kindly said they didnt mind going into town to buy food while i watched the game. The owner even paid the fee to the TV company so we could watch the game, in return for us buying lunch and beer there. When the girls got back we made chicken wraps and salad. This hotel has a nice atmosphere, the staff are helpful and there lots of cushions. Sat around chatting again. The trip officially ends today, after 10 months, but we have 3 more nights until Istanbul so we stay with the truck but have to buy our own dinners now, which is fine. I am really gonna miss truck life.

Sunday 12
Got the hostel minibus into Selcuk and from there a minibus to the ruins of Ephesus. We had been a bit over ruins but decided to give it a go, and it was pretty good. There is Greek and Roman stuff there. The highlights, which were Roman, were the Grand Theatre (seats 25,000 people), the Facade of the Ceclus Library (from 117AD) and Curetes Street from the 4th Century AD. Also visited the latrines which were holes right next to each other along a smooth rock bench. No privacy. So Sarah took a picture of us sat on adjacent toilets. The others left but Sarah and I backtracked and had another look around. After all, there was nothing else to do for the rest of the day. At lunchtime, got the minibus back into town, a stroll around town and then back here to the hostel.