The first postcard from Turkey

Dear You,
​
When I started going on this sudden journey, I had no idea how much my perception of the world would change. I traveled 28 hours by bus to Kuşadasi with many unknown faces who will play a significant role by the end of this story. I can write you a book about my experiences in Turkey, which is not difficult -  every visitor needs only a little peek into its soul to remain enchanted forever. Therefore, I will do my best to convey at least one part of it in a couple of pages. Kuşadasi is a cute little town by the sea. It has its soul, as one coastal town with promenade by the sea should have. Its narrow streets paved with white marble are full of music coming from street musicians, carpet shops, quirky souvenir shops, teahouses full of various herbs, intrigued tourists, and interesting vendors. The smell of tempting Turkish sweets such as baklava and halva can be felt, spreading and creeping into every corner of the city. Of course, I tried my best to experience everything that one tourist can. I entered many souvenir shops attracted by the glittering lamps and candlesticks, which is not uncommon here. Yes, I tried all possible sweets in one of the stores, but I just had to. Okay, I brought some and nobody knows how it survived until home. I also drank tea and ate baklava, don't worry. Well, I also tried the ice cream that they take out of your hand called dondrum made from salep powder and mastic which has a very interestingly strange structure. I also went to the small pirate peninsula of pigeons known as Güvercinada and its ancient fortress. Kuşadasi was named after it (Kuş - bird, ada - island). But what left the biggest impression on me, the place where I left a part of myself, is Pamukkale. I fought a battle within myself about whether to visit them or not because there are rumors that they have dried up and are not what they used to be. I decided to go even if rumors were true - not knowing what to expect, I went on a 4-hour trip alone to see this natural wonder. The cotton castle knocked me off my feet. On the way to Pamukkale, you have to pass the beautiful cotton fields of the town Denizli, and then the remains of the ancient city Hierapolis, which are very rich with history. The Temple of Apollo and Pluto, the Gate of Domitius, and the massive and well-preserved Roman amphitheater are just a small part of those remains. In addition, there is a whole museum full of objects that carry great value from those times. It is even said that Cleopatra enjoyed the riches of this city. After visiting the museum, amphitheater, and Cleopatra's bath, suddenly white calcium travertines appear in front of me. My breath has stopped. There it was. A look that cannot be conveyed with words or a brush stroke. It must be experienced. To feel that white stone under your feet, that healing water the color of the sky, all that scene created by the artist better than all - nature. She never ceases to amaze me with her gift. She makes this world such a beautiful place to be present in. All in all, Pamukkale is a place that you should experience if you have the chance. This time I didn't get to visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, Istanbul, and Cappadocia, which only means that I will be back soon to write more postcards from this wonderful country.

Until the next postcard,
 Teodora