The rain finally came

Religious symbols.
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It is well documented that Efe’s is the best preserved and one of the most beautiful classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean.With the clouds hanging heavy occasionally shedding the odd drop of rain it did not deter the crowds or mask the beauty of Efe’s.

The site of course came with its token stray cats but also had security guards at various points wearing bright orange shirts which were impossible to miss.It really dawned on me here how good our guide was as he gave us the perfect amount of information and the perfect amount of free time at various interesting points. I have a concentration span similar to a gold fish which means it doesn’t take me long too get bored and disinterested.

My favourite section at Efes was the toliet block , i find it hard to believe that servents would warm the seats up prior for thier masters

Efes high street.
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Efes is home to the library of Celsus ,along with the library of Pergamum and the Library in Alexandra , Egypt make up the three largest libraries in the world .That Is not anything I’d ever thought I’d here myself say I’d visited .The library of Celsus is really impressive , that details that have gone into the building are beautiful and well preserved.The crowds were slightly frustrating and we were informed that it was a quiet day when we visited.It makes you realize how lucky we were the day prior at Pergamum.My favorite section at Efes was the toilet block , i find it hard to believe that servants would warm the seats up prior for their masters .I was  shocked to be told that at Efes the toilets were only  for men , talk about sexism,i don't think i would have made a good wife during that period.

The token cat on a colum with the pharmacy symbol.
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Leaving the site we passed some great signs at the bazaar area, including charging for a toilet and genuine fake watches .Of course the traders would pass you and say it’s free too look etc.They have almost a captive market and you know that their prices will totally reflect that point.

We made a stop at a Turkish Delight factory shop which sold some great gifts at marked up prices,the wine we bought the night prior up at the village was here 5 lira more. The Japanese tourists were going crazy buying basket loads i having a particulary sweet tooth managed to eat more than my fair share of the sample turkish delights in various flavours. I splashed out on a can of Turkish Coffee merely for the tin it will be great to store coffee in , very quirky .

THe male toliet block.
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Waiting outside with Ceri we tried some cherries that were being sold, they were amazing really sweet and juicy definitely not refrigerated.I couldn't’t say no to buying some , the only problem was that they only sold them in 1kg bag ( shopping bags ).However at the price they were selling them at , it couldn't’t really deter me .Ceri and myself split the bag and shared them with the rest of the bus , after i don't think any one could complain about being constipated.

The final stop of the day was Pamukkale, where the hot springs are believed to have healing powers for numerous problems .The terraces were formed by the running spring water containing calcium bicarbonate, Its when the water loses its carbon dioxide it leaves the lime stone deposits .To swim in the antique spa pool you can pay a steep charge we all turned down this and choose the sport of people watching, there were some great outfits on show .Speedos, flip flops and socks .

Secruity gaurds at Efes.
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The storm clouds over the surrounding hills only highlighted the blue water in the white terraces even more.As part of the conservation project you are now a days not allow to swim in the terrace pools which many of the pictures show , but walking there is allowed.Walking over the terraces was chilly and sometimes sharp on the feet due to the small stones .We walked about 3/4 of the way down some times wading up to our knees in the water taking care with my camera.Some how my photos were not really about to do any justice.

Library of Celus.
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With time to spare we went to explore the rest of the park, there were some ancient ruins although the signs were rather random and we never really established what they really were.I remember hearing alot of birds singing in the surrounding fur trees , i don't think many tourists make it this far at the site.A local friendly dog took it upon himself to escort us to the ruins. Some other tourists frowned when Sarah fed it some of the stale left over cakes from breakfast .These cakes were already dry at breakfast by now they were totally unedible.

The detailed work at the library of Celus.
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There also is an impressive theater seating 12,000 people at Pamukkale . Karina and Lisa were keen to explore however feeling slightly theater out , Ceri and Sarah and myself decided just to rest and have a bit of fun with the security guard who suicidally was sitting right on the edge of the top of the theater. Already late we got lost walking back to the bus to busy talking and not paying attention to where we were going.We missed the direct route back instead going the full way back round , with our crazy driver revving the engine up it was clear to see that he was not keen to be kept waiting .

Great signs at Efes.
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Prior to meeting for dinner there finally had been a heavy down pour and the air was now beautifully fresh.That night we meet up with the other group, and stupidly let them choose the destination for dinner . It has to be the worst meal of the trip, we ordered different dishes however they all looked similar, very dried out meat .I even had the cheek to ask for sauce which I could see in the distance however it never came  i had hoped that it would give some moisture back into the meat.After half the dish and some black bread later I gave up, my hunger had gone.I didn't even contemplate dessert.

Market stalls at Efes.
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After we split from the other group went to this great place with cushions on the floor and water pipes to smoke it was great .We shared four pipes, 2 apples and 2 water melon. Apple was the best although feeling competitive to keep up with a few of the lads I couldn't resisted trying the two flavours at the one time .That turned out to be rather nice the fruit infusion, highly recommended.I loved the ladies toilets at this place which firstly was down a steep flight of stairs which is so not good when you have been drinking, but secondly had a beautiful hole in the wall. Just like some of the dodgy hotels they warn you against in the lonely planet.

Carpet makers.
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Being rather merry I couldn't say no when invited to one of the clubs which we passed earlier on in the day .The name now eludes me , it turned out to be another unforgettable moment like clubbing in fez .Yavuz was shocked when we informed him that we were going clubbing , reminding us about the early start the following morning . We tried to persuade him to come with us, but it was never going to be a yes .After swearing that I was not going to drink I was soon happily drinking red bull and eves beer, what a revolting combination, normally the smell of red bull is enough to make me fill sick ,but i had been paid for so it would be rude not to drink it .

Rugs for sale.
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The d.j s name was Dj Crazy doesn’t that some up the class of the place but he did let us free on the decks to pick some music. The club was full of mirrors which some Turkish girls wearing nothing more then bikinis persisted in dancing in front .The most surprising aspect was the Turkish men did not hassle us, they just kept to themselves. Along with Ceri and Sarah we were the last ones too leave from our group , it was sad as it would be our last night together before we all went our separate ways .I wished they were traveling down to the coast with me .