Aug. 20 - Hierapolis is among the cities of the ancient world in which the grid-plan was applied. The Necropolis is the largest ancient cemetery in Anatolia with approximately 1,200 graves. Although in the cemetery there are free-standing sarcophagi and some round tumuli, the main attraction is provided by large tomb-enclosures housing three or more vessels and often flanked outside by sarcophagi, presumably placed there after the interior was full.

Hierapolis gives the impression of a large cemetery which, although the tombs have been visited by robbers, very large numbers of the structures and also the vessels are still in place; only the tomb gates (presumably of bronze or iron) and decorations have disappeared.

Pamukkale which means "cotton castle" in Turkish takes its name from these formations. The terraces were formed by running warm spring water, at a temperature of 35°C / 102°F containing calcium bicarbonate. When the water loses its carbon dioxide it leaves limestone deposits. These are of different colors and shapes in the form of terraces with pools, overhanging surfaces and fascinating stalactite formations. At this point almost everyone went on different directions. Carmelita and I opted to have shots of the cotton castle, Turkey's version of the Ifugao rice terraces.

This area is also known for its carpet/textile industry. We visited a carpet weaving place and they showed the different type of hand made carpet from wool to cotton to silk. If I am going home after this trip, I would have bought a dozen.

We then continued onto Antalya on the "Turquoise Coast" stopping at Salda lake for a break. We headed to the marina after dinner where shops and restaurants abound. It was very humid even at 10pm. The rest of the group went dancing and drinking. Short night for me.

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